The UK cities we can’t wait to visit once lockdown lifts

With lockdowns currently stricter than ever before, in both the UK and abroad, and the UK’s borders currently closed to international travellers, hopes of jetting away for an international holiday don’t look like they’ll be on our agenda for the foreseeable future.
 
While I love exploring different countries, over the past year I’ve come to appreciate all of the fabulous places on the UK’s own shores, and I have discovered that there are plenty of gems right on our doorstep.
 
We are hopeful that in the coming months, restrictions will begin to ease (when it’s safe to do so) and we can once again start planning our next escapes. To help beat the lockdown blues, we’ve partnered with Hotels.com to share our top picks of the cities and places we want to visit as soon as the lockdown lifts

MANCHESTER
I have been to Manchester on many occasions for work meetings, but I’ve never had the luxury of exploring the city and taking in all it has to offer, so I look forward to enjoying the city as a tourist.

Things to see and do in Manchester

Victoria Baths
Splash around at this retro-chic swimming pool, which heralds from the 1930s.
 
Take in some art in the Northern Quarter
Here you’ll find a wealth of fabulous art galleries that are certain to impress the most discerning art lovers.
 
Tuck into some amazing cuisine at Ancoats
Manchester is becoming a foodie haven, with many impressive restaurants to choose from. From quaint cafes to impressive restaurants, bars and bakeries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Where to stay in Manchester
While I love staying at luxury hotels (who doesn’t), but now that I have two toddlers, I find apartment stays much better suit our needs as a young family. Here are top three picks: 

SACO, Manchester Piccadilly

Whitworth Locke

Mercure Haydock Hotel

LIVERPOOL
Renowned for the Beatles and its friendly residents’ with their famous Scouse accents, there is something quite endearing about Liverpool. 

Things to see and do in Liverpool
 
Albert Dock
Albert Dock is a vibrant area that boasts some of the most gorgeous buildings in the UK.  With loads of bars, restaurants and museums, it’s a hive of activity that’s certain to keep you entertained.
 
Get your culture vulture on at the Lady Lever Art Gallery
Heralded as one of the finest art galleries in Europe, this gorgeous museum is located in Port Sunlight in Wirral. The collection includes Lever’s personal art collection as well as a large collection of Wedgwood jasperware.
 
Visit the Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, which boasts 6,000 objects, highlighting the city’s heritage.
 
Go for a stroll along Crosby Beach
Enjoy a leisurely beach walk and take in the views across the sea to Wirral and the North Wales Hills.
 
Chester Zoo
As a parent with two animal loving tots, zoos always rate highly on our list of things to do when we visit a city. Rated as the number one zoo in the UK, it has more than 27,000 animals within the 125-acre setting.

Where to stay in Liverpool 

Hy Hotel, BW Premier Collection

Heywood House Hotel

Novotel, Liverpool Centre

LEEDS
Leeds is a buzzing city that has lots of fabulous places to see and things to do. Here are our top picks...
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Harewood House and Gardens
This stunning Georgian property is breathtakingly beautiful. The expansive picture-perfect grounds beckon visitors to slow down and while away the hours relaxing in the gardens.
 
Kirkstall Abbey
Located along the banks of the River Aire, this medieval Cistercian abbey will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in history. Pop by the visitor centre to learn about the fascinating lives of 12th century monks or explore the family trails if you have energy to burn.
 
We hope that our city guide has inspired you to plan your next city escape in the hopefully not too distant future.

Where to stay in Leeds

Dakota Leeds

Oulton Hall

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa

 
*This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com, however, all views are my own. Before embarking on any travel, please regularly check the Government’s guidelines to ensure that you are aware of any restrictions that are in place, while ensuring that you take any necessary measures to keep yourself and locals safe and healthy.

All hotel images courtesy of Hotels.om.
 
Ashley Miln