New research shows Manchester is the best UK city for a summer break

Research has revealed that Manchester is the best city for a summer break in the United Kingdom.

International travel restrictions are likely to remain in place by the time summer comes around, and whilst a holiday in Blighty is usually spent by the coast or in the countryside, it’s also an amazing time to visit a new city to enjoy the sunshine (or the rain).

Staybridge Suites has ranked 15 cities across the United Kingdom based on their summer amenities, including rooftop bars, percentage of green spaces, riverside activities and lidos, outdoor pools, open water swimming areas.

They then gave each city a score out of 10.

Manchester ranked number one for a summer break with a score of 7.5.

As well as being home to the most rooftop bars outside of London, the northern hotspot has a vast collection of both bars and restaurants lining the river Irwell and the Bridgewater canal.

The city also offers an array of water activities with the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre in Salford hosting canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.

There are plenty of opportunities for open water swimming in and around the city centre as well.

Newcastle and Bristol tied for second both with a score of 7, followed by Liverpool, Nottingham and Belfast.

Leicester and Edinburgh came joint sixth, followed by Southampton, Birmingham, Sheffield and Dundee.

London and Leeds were at bottom of the summer city rankings, each with a respective score of 3.

Whilst the capital has lots of outdoor space, lidos and rooftop bars, the size of the city means it isn’t the best place to enjoy the heat.  

“Once restrictions are lifted, it is likely that holidays will be restricted to the UK this summer,” said Lisa Crocker from Staybridge Suites.

“Whilst the coast and countryside are the usual option in the British summer, our research shows that there are lots of amazing activities to enjoy in the UK.

“Cities like Newcastle have perfect summer settings and breathtaking countryside a short drive away, offering the best of both.

“Post lockdown, we are anticipating a big increase in people choosing self-catering accommodation options and the flexibility to feel safe in a home away from home.”