City of the Month: York

York Cathedral

York Cathedral - Photo by Rachel Dalton

December: YORK

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my trip, as I didn’t know much about York, other than it’s a historic city with a cathedral…slap me on the wrist if you must.

Lots of my friends and family had recommended visiting so I took a trip just before Christmas. Luckily the snow had gone but the freezing temperatures hadn’t. This didn’t dampen my merry spirits though; as I walked through the city I was surrounded by a mix of old & new – the feel of the place was warm (despite the weather) and walking around, I felt right at home.

Positives: A good mix of old & new, friendly atmosphere (met some lovely ladies in the sweet shop) and a man playing a piano just outside the cathedral.

Negatives: Don’t get me wrong, the cathedral is beautiful, but having lived in Lincoln for 3 years, nothing quite compares. Oh and the bitterly cold weather.

Verdict: Lovely.

City of the Month: Cambridge

Punting in front of King's College, Cambridge

Punting in front of King's College, Cambridge - Photo by Rachel Dalton

January: CAMBRIDGE

Home to one of the best universities in the world, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.  Having heard so many stories about the historic buildings and famous punting, I couldn’t wait to experience Cambridge for myself. I spent 4 days wandering the streets with my friend and realised why so many people loved the city. The university campuses are unsurprisingly beautiful, making everything around them seem insignificant. The highlight for me was punting though, it’s so much fun and you get to see Cambridge at it’s best! My advice would be to go when it’s warmer though, it will be busier but a much more enjoyable 30 minutes.

Positives: Beautiful city with lots to do – punting, museums, shopping, parks!

Negatives: It’s quite small and public transport is more expensive that London!

Verdict: Majestic

City of the Month: Nottingham

Christmas market in rainy Nottingham

Christmas market in rainy Nottingham - Photo by Rachel Dalton

November: NOTTINGHAM

Home to Robin Hood and his merry men but even more significantly, named as one of the top cities of 2010 by the New York Times I was intrigued to visit Nottingham. Having also been recommended to me by many of my friends I was excited to book the tickets and get on my way. However, pulling into the station I was greeted by scaffolding to my left and derelict buildings on my right, not to mention horrible weather. Making my way out of the station, I asked someone for directions, hoping to find something more than just building works. Luckily, the town centre was huge, with endless rows of shops, restaurants and the Christmas Market. I’m a city girl so this suited me fine!

Positives: The Christmas Market for the mulled wine and endless cheese stalls, a Vivienne Westwood shop (I can dream!), lunch in Bella Italia and the town’s Christmas lights.

Negatives: The weather, the architecture and the poor sign-posting – we couldn’t find where anything was!

Verdict: Not the best, but good enough.

City of the Month: Sheffield

Sheffield city centre

Sheffield city centre - Photo by Amy-Elizabeth Jones

October: SHEFFIELD

The ‘Steel City’, home to Meadowhall, the Winter and Botanical Gardens, oh and not forgetting Sean Bean. I’m a big fan of Sheffield, and have visited quite a few times. Whether you’re a fan of the city or the countryside, it offers the possibility of both as it’s only half an hour from the Peak District and there’s a number of things to do in the city (theatre, museums, shopping), almost like a mini-London. The best time to go is probably summer, when the sun’s out and there’s a wider variety of events going on.

Positives: Close proximity to Chatsworth House, home of Mr. Darcy (well in the film) and Bakewell, home to many a tart (the baked variety) and charming bus drivers – coming from London, it’s a shock when they even say thank you!

Negatives: the layout of Meadowhall shopping centre, the weather (it’s the North remember) and the accent (sorry!)

Verdict: ‘Ace’