| As the credit crunch continues to bite, sunning | | | | energetic, fun, lively, historic and free-spirited, it's a |
| yourself on a beach with a cocktail in hand can | | | | city like no other. Nestling between the South |
| sometimes seem like a pipe dream. According to | | | | Downs and the sea on the south coast, Brighton |
| the latest research from the Confederation of | | | | offers everything from Regency heritage to |
| Passenger Transport (CPT) twice as many | | | | beachfront cool. |
| Britons are planning to spend their holidays in the | | | | 5. Edinburgh |
| UK this year compared with 2008.The survey of | | | | As host of the world renowned summer festival, |
| 3,000 British adults showed that 60 per cent of | | | | Edinburgh is steeped in history and a thriving |
| those interviewed were unwilling to give up | | | | cultural scene. With Scotland's most famous castle |
| holidays and are set to explore the British Isles. | | | | dominating the city skyline, Edinburgh blends |
| But where are the best, most exciting and | | | | traditional and contemporary style perfectly. A |
| unusual places to go on your doorstep. Check out | | | | labyrinth of mysterious winding streets, elegant |
| our top ten guide below for the UK's hotspots: | | | | terraces and an abundance of shops and |
| 10. Liverpool | | | | restaurants makes Edinburgh an ideal getaway for |
| The European Capital of Culture boasts some | | | | a relaxing and lively break. |
| amazing sights when you venture off the tourist | | | | 4. Isle of Wight |
| track. Keep a special eye out for the towering | | | | The Isle of Wight is situated about five miles off |
| features of the Three Graces on Liverpool's | | | | the south coast of the English mainland and |
| waterfront, the two impressive cathedrals | | | | resembles a diamond in shape. There is over 60 |
| situated on each end of Hope Street and the | | | | miles of coastline, which ranges from award |
| Radio City tower. | | | | winning beaches to spectacular chalk cliffs. A wide |
| 9. Cambridge | | | | range of activities are available on the Isle of |
| The intellectual hotspot of Cambridge is a delight | | | | Wight, covering just about anything. The area is |
| to visit in any season: you can relax in its many | | | | renowned for its extreme sports, with a huge |
| pubs, restaurants and cafés or explore | | | | variety on offer, including surfing, water skiing, |
| the independent shops around the historic market | | | | land yachting, diving, windsurfing, jet skiing, |
| place. There's a brand new shopping area too, | | | | paragliding and kite surfing. |
| with all the high street favourites that you would | | | | 3. Norfolk Broads |
| expect. | | | | The Norfolk Broads is now the UK's largest |
| 8. Bath | | | | nationally protected wetland and an important |
| As a world renowned World Heritage Site, Bath | | | | area for wildlife. A holiday in the Norfolk Broads is |
| boasts some of the most famous architectural | | | | like a whole new world. And it's easy. No |
| masterpieces in Europe such as the Roman Baths | | | | complicated locks to manoeuvre, just 125 miles of |
| and Pump Room, Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey | | | | navigable waterways with plenty of places for |
| and Pulteney Bridge. But that's not all - the city | | | | you to moor up and hop out to explore pretty |
| also has world class museums, theatres, festivals, | | | | villages and market towns, or to stop at a |
| parks, restaurants and any number of quality | | | | welcoming pub to set you up for the rest of the |
| shops. Bath is not only a beautiful spot to relax | | | | day. |
| and reflect, it is also a perfect base for exploring | | | | 2. London |
| the surrounding countryside of North East | | | | The infamous cosmopolitan city that is London. A |
| Somerset and the Cotswolds. | | | | place rich in culture, history and heritage whilst |
| 7. Cardiff | | | | always maintaining its status as an icon of style, |
| As the Capital of Wales, Cardiff is a city with | | | | charisma and excitement. London is home to |
| both heritage and ambition. The city has a | | | | some of the world's most famous attractions and |
| distinctive character, a good quality of life and a | | | | landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly |
| growing national and international reputation. It | | | | Circus, Big Ben and The London Eye. By day, this |
| presently plays host to numerous large and high | | | | city offers everything from world class museums |
| profile events, including Britain's largest free | | | | to the best in shopping on Oxford Street and the |
| summer festival and is home to many national | | | | glamorous Kensington. By night, London really |
| institutions, including the National Museum of Wales | | | | comes alive with its wide array of restaurants, |
| and the much-admired Millennium Stadium. | | | | bars, clubs and theatre shows at the Westend. |
| 6. Brighton | | | | Indeed London is a city to suit every individual. |
| Brighton is viewed as one of the most vibrant, | | | | 1. |
| colourful and creative cities in Europe. Compact, | | | | |