where to meet? (cont.)

Birmingham Links:

According to www.visitbirmingham.com, ‘no city Europe wide has a younger population ….or puts more energy, passion or creativity into enjoying a night on the town.’ It also claims to have more students in the UK outside London so there is no excuse for not finding a great place to meet up. Visit the website to find restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art and culture or find details of gay and lesbian venues.

Manchester Links:

The diverse cultural mix of Manchester provides around 30 different types of cuisine for you to choose from. This means there are restaurants and cafés to suit every taste and budget. There are also a wide range of pubs and wine bars. The nightclubs in Manchester provide something for everyone however if you want to get away from the city for the day, take off to The Lake District National Park which is only an hour and a half away.

Liverpool Links:

As the capital of culture 2008, Liverpool is a city thriving in their art and culture. The Tate Gallery at Albert Dock is an impressive space with a fabulous café/ bar. There are a wide range of cafe's, restaurants and bars to choose from however, if you enjoy clubbing, this city that was legendary for its club scene in the 60’s has undergone a revamp and is fast attracting the big names like Cream. For a really glamorous day out, Aintree offers the combination of fine dining and exciting races.

Leeds Links:

The only city outside London with its own opera house and Ballet Company offers a rich, creative heritage and is bursting with places to eat and drink. There are also nightclubs to suit all music tastes. For some fresh air and romantic walks, get away from the city to the Yorkshire Dales or the Pennine Moors in Bronte Country. Neighboring York and Harrogate also boast fabulous nightlife and great days out.

Bristol Links:

The websites www.visitbristol.co.uk and www.whatsonbristol.co.uk both provide a wide range of places to eat and drink in Bristol and the surrounding areas of Bath and Weston Super Mare, together with local attractions to visit, activities to amuse the more adventurous and a calendar of events to provide something a little different to do on a date. If your scene is more nightclubs and bars there is a great choice all over the city.

Edinburgh Links:

Divided into the ‘old town’ and ‘new town’ by Princess Street Gardens, the capital of Scotland offers many options to take your date. There are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from that would suit any taste or budget and as many pubs and bars. There are also nightclubs to suit all music tastes. If you enjoy exploring the historical or cultural side of the city, you will not be short of options, the most obvious being a trip to Edinburgh Castle.

Belfast Links:

According to the website www.gotobelfast.com, there are more pubs and restaurants per head of population in Belfast than there are in the whole of Finland so there are no excuses not to find somewhere for you and your date. Not only are the pubs fun but many are historical hostelries including The Crown Liquor Saloon, a gin palace owned by The National Trust. There are also many historical sites to visit including Belfast Castle, which has its own restaurant and a tea menu running all day. There are many galleries where you and your date can spend some time or, for a day out of the city, enjoy a long walk in tranquil surroundings at Belvoir Forest Park.

Coventry Links:

Situated in the heart of the country, Coventry, famous in history as the home of the motor industry and Lady Godiva, has undergone major regeneration in recent years. This means there is no shortage of places to take your date. Restaurants, pubs and bars are scattered all around the city rather than being concentrated in one area. There are pavement cafes on cobbled streets in the cathedral area, medieval pubs on Spon Street, and modern bars in the new urban square, Priory Place. As it is a university town, there are some great student haunts, if money is tight. Wander along the Canal Basin and stop at the Country Crust Tea Room, relax in Memorial Park or, if you are both fans, watch Coventry’s ice hockey team at their home in the Skydome.

Nottingham Links:

Reputedly the home of Robin Hood, Nottingham boasts some of England’s oldest pubs including the Trip to Jerusalem which dates back to 1189. There are also a great many restaurants and bars to while away an evening. For a more spooky date, take a ghost walk and visit the extensive caves underneath Nottingham. If you would prefer a more relaxing time there is plenty to do at Sherwood Forest.

Aberdeen Links:

There are many restaurants and bars to take your date in the 3rd largest Scottish city, but with such beauty surrounding you why not try something a little different. With 2 miles of sandy beach, what could be more romantic than the feel of sand in your toes (or at least a stroll along the esplanade). If it's cold, you could stop off at one of the cafes to warm up. If you and your date are a little more adventurous, Aberdeenshire Balloon Flights could fly you over some of the local castles or you could take an organised dolphin watching trip from Buckie Harbour, Buckie. There are many musicals, plays, ballets and variety shows on at His Majesty's Theatre which would make a fabulous date as would a tour of one of the whisky distilleries. Finally, you could cosy up together on a ghost hunt, if you dare.