Yahoo Finance Why you shouldn't forget cities as the ideal summer staycation
The past year has been especially tough for UK cities. Long months of locking down have deprived our usually bustling metropolises of their lifeblood, with both locals and former swells of visitors favouring more remote destinations and experiences that are naturally more socially distant. But, as summer approaches and cities have excitedly begun to open up, urban centres shouldn’t be neglected and in fact can provide invigorating breaks to stimulate the senses and welcome back the kind of energising exploration that can only be found by discovering (or rediscovering) a city.
I love the ebb and flow of cities and the energy that permeates, whatever the pace. I’ve been lucky enough to call lots of cities home – from growing up in Birmingham, studying in Newcastle and now in London, with time spent living in Paris, Moscow, Johannesburg, New York and LA along the way. I love discovering places, whether a bar or a restaurant, that become almost reliable friends. There is something so satisfying about becoming deeply enmeshed in the fabric of somewhere so vast. I was first taken to Gordon’s Wine Bar in London - a real classic, family-run place - before I lived full-time in the capital and, as it turned out, it wasn’t far from where I first worked in the vibrant city I now call home. This small little drinking spot has been a constant in my life and always a place I find myself for significant points in my life, whether to celebrate a new work milestone or life milestone. It’s lovely in winter and charming and lush in summer – you will find a vibrant host of characters here and there is always interesting conversation and banter. It’s the same with The French House in Soho on Dean Street, another place that I think of fondly and visit frequently. It’s steeped in theatrical history and brimming with interesting people and really captures what makes London such an extraordinary place.
Every city has a very particular soundtrack that makes it distinct and I relish the cacophony of the noises that come from city living – things that on their own might feel quite abrasive – but when pulled together make you feel deeply connected to it. The beep of car horns, buzz of sirens, shouts of cab drivers, hum of buses, opening of shutters on shops, barking of dogs in Central Park – they have their own melodies. This soundtrack envelops you and, to me, means promise. When this is interspersed with moments of silence, it’s pure magic. Recently on a balmy, baking hot sunny day, I went walking with my wife in London and you could feel this buzz - the tenable joy of others out and about, it felt like a vibration. The many noises make silence and more unfettered places even more special when you return. The smells of street food in London or the honeysuckle in Central Park right as spring arrives, it really just doesn’t get better than that.
Cities and the renewal of urban areas fascinates me and, as those across the UK begin to reawaken and reimagine, I’m reminded of the superb cities we have on our home soil, with many often overlooked by visitors. After a historically challenging start to 2021, this summer is the perfect time to experience the vibrancy of our recently reopened cities - and in a very different way, with lower visitor numbers allowing ample space to see some of the standout sights and attractions that are best relished without the pervasive crowds. Exploring cities as they begin to hum again after Covid will also give inimitable insight into the special ability of cities to not only regenerate and reinvent themselves creatively, but also to show off the resilience of unwavering human spirit.
While London understandably attracts unrivalled attention from both UK and international travellers alike, a plethora of other cities from Bristol to Glasgow deserve to be recognised and equally adored. As people crave destinations and experiences that are by design inspiring and enlivening, from industrial cultural powerhouses like Manchester and Birmingham, to the mighty historic, intellectual heavyweight, Oxford, there are myriad reasons to fall in love with UK cities outside of just the capital.
The pandemic has prompted us to remember that there are some incredible places within our own shores, with such rich and deep histories that are absolutely worthy of exploring. We’re seeing that the level of domestic tourism has gone through the roof, but “doing” the UK is not just seeing London and beautiful country retreats, along with typical honeypot destinations like the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall, Edinburgh and the Highlands. It’s this interesting tapestry of challenging and progressive cities and long-time hubs of industry that were reborn and keep evolving and creating and defying expectations, which shouldn’t be forgotten.
So, challenge yourself if you’re a local and if you’re a foreigner reading this article, plan to come to the UK at some point in the future and go beyond the well-trodden locations. Ideally take a walking tour, bike ride, and other “slow” forms of public transport, that allow time to reflect on the surroundings and truly soak up the atmosphere.
UK cities to have on your radar this summer:
MANCHESTER
I’ve often thought Manchester deserves to have a globally iconic skyline, but its world leading arts and culture and imaginative nightlife make up for any aesthetic shortfall. Manchester International Festival (1 – 18 July) is a highlight, packed full of national and international performances and premieres in spectacular venues and public spaces across the city, plus much of the programme is free to attend. As a UNESCO City of Literature, I’m excited to see Manchester Poetry Library soft launch over the summer with some special events, and another one for literary fans is The Library curated by Assouline at The Edwardian Manchester, a fun spot for dinner, cocktails and browsing exclusive collections of fine handcrafted books, paying homage to the art of luxury bookmaking.
BIRMINGHAM
I grew up in Birmingham and have enjoyed witnessing how it’s changed and evolved. It’s been interesting to see the nation’s interest piqued after watching Peaky Blinders, particularly in Digbeth (where the term “Peaky Blinder” was first penned), which is an area I’ve always liked for its amazing graffiti art. Ahead of hosting the Commonwealth Games next year, there are some notable new additions; The Grand Hotel, just opened (18 May) with original Victorian architecture and striking modern features, a new heritage hub at 19th century canal-side venue, The Roundhouse (from 23 July), and the ever-buzzing Jewellery Quarter, home to tonnes of independent businesses from florists and stylists, to chocolate makers and Michelin-starred restaurants.
BRISTOL
Home to some of the very best British street art, Banksy – of course, and booming pop culture, with every street corner adorned with edgy art, independent shops and cute cafes. There's also the chance for some active adventure in Bristol this summer with surfing and glamping at The Wave, which I haven’t managed to get to yet but have many friends who are big fans, and who have also raved about nearby recently renovated Thornbury Castle and the great restaurant there – along with a luxury hotel for those who don’t fancy glamping. Artist Residence, opening this summer, looks like another stellar option to lay one’s head and I’ll be aiming to check out the new Vanguard Bristol Street Art exhibition (26 June - 31 October 2021) celebrating Bristol as the birthplace of modern British street art.
OXFORD
With Oxford not far from Birmingham, I spent a lot of time there growing up and it still feels dazzling to be in the powerful, historic City of Dreaming Spires. There’s something magical about following in the footsteps of so many intellectual greats and being moved by their work, which is why we recently developed a Black Tomato Oxfordshire itinerary inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as part of our new “Take me on a Story” collection, including an exclusive storytelling experience at the new Story Museum. Also new for this summer is the Graduate Oxford Hotel, which I’m looking forward to seeing, given the success of the Graduate Hotels in the States.
GLASGOW
I used to visit Glasgow regularly while studying in Newcastle, especially for the awesome music scene, and always thought what an interesting and contemporary destination it is. Glasgow has way more of an edge than Edinburgh, yet it still gets overshadowed particularly from an international traveller perspective, despite to me being the epitome of an interesting, contemporary and progressive city. Spoilt for choice when it comes to outstanding dining and new art tours and exhibitions – not least, Glasgow International biennial festival of contemporary art (11 – 27 June), my ideal break will include staying at the Kimpton Blythswood Square hotel, where I’m eager to explore the new ‘La Chambre Verte’, an intriguing multi-sensory experience combining the theory of biophilia with CBD rituals, meditation and sound therapy, and a visit to the new I am Nomad, a fabulous interiors store and great place for gifts.
Tom Marchant is co-founder of Black Tomato, a leading luxury travel company providing innovative and inspiring experiences.
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