CELEBRATE the Jubilee with a visit to one of the seven UK towns granted city status in honour of the Queen’s landmark 70-year reign.
Ellie Ross picks four of the new Jubilee cities to explore, with the best things to do and places to stay, plus where to eat and drink in each one.
DUNFERMLINE
ONCE the capital of Scotland, Dunfermline has centuries of royal history to explore.
Robert the Bruce and 11 other Scottish kings and queens were buried in its 12th Century abbey – and you can step inside its impressive medieval interior.
An hour’s drive east lies St Andrew’s with beaches and its world-famous golf course.
Kids will love Deep Sea World, just south of the city centre.
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EAT & DRINK: At the Fife leisure park, family-friendly Italian restaurant Tony Macaroni has a relaxed atmosphere.
STAY: The Holiday Inn Express Dunfermline has free parking. From £108 per night, including breakfast. See ihg.com/holidayinnexpress.
MILTON KEYNES
JUST 50 miles north of London, Milton Keynes was created in 1967 to relieve capital housing shortages. But it has shaken off its concrete, new town image.
Extreme sports fans can go skiing at Snozone. For adventures on the water, Willen Lake has an outdoor splash park for kids and windsurfing. There’s also culture with codebreaking secrets at Bletchley Park.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK: For a cosy pub with a roaring fire, try The Barge Inn, Woolstone. The Black Horse in Great Linford has a waterside setting and serves a Sunday roast.
WHERE TO STAY: The Holiday Inn Milton Keynes. From £70 per night, including breakfast. Kids 17 and under stay free, and under-12s eat for free. See ihg.com/holidayinn.
COLCHESTER
COLCHESTER has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years – it is Britain’s first recorded settlement and first capital.
There’s heritage around every corner – try the Norman castle with its archaeological collections or check out contemporary art at Firstsite gallery.
Colchester Zoo is great for a family day out, while scenic Dedham Vale inspired landscape artists Gainsborough and Constable. Clacton-on-Sea and West Mersea beaches are great for a sea dip.
EAT & DRINK: For a classic pub with great food and beer, try The Victoria Inn or Bricklayers Arms.
STAY: The Holiday Inn Colchester is from £87 per night, including breakfast. Kids stay and eat for free.
DONCASTER
ORIGINALLY a Roman settlement, Doncaster also has a railway heritage – both the Flying Scotsman and Mallard trains were built here.
The world’s oldest classic horse race, the St Leger Stakes, first ran at the historic Doncaster Racecourse in 1776. And Cusworth Hall has an interesting museum and pretty parkland to explore.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK: There’s a huge choice of cuisine, from curries at Aagrah to seafood at The Clam & Cork. Doncaster Brewery serves traditional ciders and beers.
WHERE TO STAY: A mile from the city centre, modern Doncaster Lakeside Travelodge is from £39.99 per night, room only. See travelodge.co.uk.
WREXHAM
THE city hit the headlines when Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham football club.
Besides football, you can discover its history at the Wrexham County Borough Museum and admire the majesty of the 16th Century gothic church of St Giles, whose bell tower dominates the skyline.
Within walking distance of the city are 1,200 acres of National Trust land where you can wander the grand chambers and walled gardens of Erddig.
EAT & DRINK: Enjoy the finest Welsh produce at The Fat Boar, brunch at the Lot 11 Cafe + Hideout and espresso martinis at UnDegUn, the city’s community art space.
STAY: Wrexham Travelodge is from £39.99 per night, room only. See travelodge.co.uk.
BANGOR
WITH its picturesque promenade leading from the town centre to the coastal path past the swish Marina, Bangor is the perfect seaside escape for the family this summer. Nearby, the Pickie Family Fun Park is a seaside paradise for kids with adventure playgrounds and miniature railway.
Explore the city’s history at the North Down Museum in Bangor Castle’s stable block.
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EAT & DRINK: Check out Underground Dining for the finest locally-sourced seafood. Try the KooK Bangor, serving cafe faves with a local twist.
STAY: The Salty Dog Hotel overlooks the marina and the Irish sea, with views to Scotland on a clear day. From £110 per night for a double room. See saltydogbangor.com.
