While London, Bath, Brighton and Liverpool will be perennial favourite city break destinations, there are new and emerging cultural hubs, artist enclaves and foodie quarters popping up to put other towns and cities more firmly on the tourist map. From Hull to Southampton, with the help of VisitEngland, we give a proud shout-out to the new urban hotspots to go on the bucket list.
Halifax
Heralding the most dynamic new era for Halifax for generations, Yorkshire’s humble minster town, famed for being the original home of (Rowntree) Mackintosh’s chocolate and toffee products, will soon see the reopening of one of the most extraordinary buildings in Britain, Piece Hall. Following a £19 million restoration, the unique, Grade 1 Listed building, which dates from 1779 and was originally built to support the trading of “pieces” of cloth, will become home to a variety of independent and artisan shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a heritage centre and hub for creative businesses. The striking structure, including one of Europe’s great public squares, will also host an array of special events including a spectacular year round outdoor events programme. Beyond its legacy for inspiring production of Rolo and Quality Street, Halifax is set to become a firm fixture on the city “hotlist” map owing to this significant heritage project, due for completion in 2017. www.thepiecehall.co.uk
Southampton
With development of its burgeoning Cultural Quarter well underway and plans for the waterfront city’s first five-star hotel to open next year, Southampton is set to enhance its cultural break credentials and become a whole lot more popular among those looking to enjoy a rich arts experience and luxurious coastal getaway. At the epicentre of its arts offerings is “Studio 144”, a stunning cultural complex designed to be a magnet for visitors near and far. Opening in 2017, Studio 144, which spans two adjacent landmarked buildings framing Guildhall Square, will be home to Nuffield Theatre due to open in September 2017, as well as an art gallery, café bistro and bar. With the new complex estimated to attract 350,000 visitors annually, Southampton’s first luxury five-star hotel, Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa, will be another welcome new addition. Due to open in June 2017 at Ocean Village, hotel highlights will include 85 luxury bedrooms, a jetty restaurant featuring a rooftop champagne bar, and the decadent harbour Spa featuring a gym and swimming pool. In the meantime, you can enjoy a great break at stylish Pig in the Wall, a restaurant with rooms set within the city’s medieval walls.
Website: www.discoversouthampton.co.uk
Leeds
Already regarded in Yorkshire as a retail paradise, the bustling city of Leeds recently added another attraction to its existing appeal with the full refurbishment of Grade I-listed Kirkgate Market, famous for being the birthplace of Marks & Spencer. As one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, visitors can find everything from a diverse range of fresh food and drink to fashion, jewellery, flowers, hardware and haberdashery. Having undergone a major multi-million pound revamp, the building can host changing events and seasonal markets set within the stunning architecture and traditional market layout of the Victorian and Edwardian halls. Opened in October 2016, Victoria Gate is another exciting addition to the city’s vibrant shopping scene. Designed as a modern take on the Victorian arcades for which Leeds is renowned, the new retail and leisure space will house the largest John Lewis department store outside London.
Website: www.visitleeds.co.uk
Derby
Having benefitted from roughly £2.2 billion worth of regeneration to date, it’s no secret among locals that Derby is more than deserving of a weekend break. Beyond the brilliant beer and its reputation as one of Britain’s Real Ale Capitals, the lively Cathedral city also has a diverse selection of excellent eateries that are propelling the city’s food scene past the famous Derby pyclets. Future plans focus on promoting the region’s excellent cycling, which can already be sampled at the Derby Arena, a gigantic new sports arena and velodrome, which opened last year.
Website: www.visitderby.co.uk
Hull
Hull is set to seize its title as UK City of Culture 2017, following a multi-million pound city centre transformation that includes: a £4.5 million refurbishment of the Ferens Art Gallery, which will reopen in January and will host next year’s Turner Prize, one of the biggest events in British Art; a major refurbishment of the award-winning aquarium, “The Deep”, which will host changing marine themed art exhibitions and artists in residence throughout the year; plus a huge revitalisation of the waterfront and public spaces and art installations galore! There’s already plenty for visitors to see and enjoy, including a vibrant cafe culture and top notch eateries around the Marina and music venues, galleries and boutique markets in the inviting arts and cultural quarter, otherwise known as the re-energised Humber Street and Fruit Market area. So go on, be an early adopter and get yourself up to Hull.
Website: www.visithullandeastyorkshire.