Perfect day
While a day is never enough, Britain's cities can offer up some stunning 24 hours. But deciding where to start with the wealth of shopping, dining and culture on offer can be tough. So here's a perfect day, spent in some of Britain's foremost cities.
Brighton
There's more to Brighton than the seafront, as proven with a gander a King George IV's incredible, meringue-like Pavilion. From one of the country's great follies to one of its classic seaside symbols, the Palace Pier is tacky, but a must-do. The Waterfront can take up a lazy afternoon: soak up some sun amid cafés, bars, galleries and throngs of fellow sunbathers. At night, there are dozens of options of where to bump, grind and wiggle to some of Britain's top DJs.
Cardiff
If it's a match day, aim for the Millennium Stadium to soak up the atmosphere and try to score a ticket. If not, settle for a tour of Wales' pride and joy followed by a picnic anywhere along the Taff Trail. Cardiff Castle's mock-Victorian folly should be invaded before a bus ride out to Cardiff Bay, the city's renovated waterfront. The Norwegian Church serves a mean slice of cake. After a stroll by the bay, grab dinner at one of the Bay's top-notch eateries before checking out up-and-coming Welsh talent play at legendary Clwb Ifor Bach.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is the only place to start, via a leisurely stroll up the Royal Mile. The views and history take some beating, so turn about and aim for something completely different. The Leith waterfront is home to an enormous shopping mall and the Royal Yacht Britannia. It's an insight into what holidays are like when you're the Queen. If the weather's fine, head up Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat. Otherwise, get a taste of underground Edinburgh at either Mary King's Close or the creepy, unmissable South Bridge Vaults. Finish your wandering at the Museum of Scotland before a sampling session at the Malt Whisky Society Rooms.
Glasgow
The Burrell Collection, the finest museum in Scotland, is a must-visit, as is a boat trip down the Clyde, the river that built Glasgow's - and some of the world's - great ships. A leisurely afternoon spent people-watching in Merchant City gives you the chance to explore one of the city's most fascinating and rejuvenated areas. Finish the day with dinner at a funky café in the West End before seeing who's playing at legendary live music venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
London
The perfect London day is a Saturday and starts with a strong coffee and a stroll around Borough Market - ideal for anyone with a nose for good food. Stroll along the South Bank to the London Eye for a sky-high view of the city. A cruise downstream to Greenwich is the most civilised way to spend the afternoon, or head north and stretch your legs on Hampstead Heath. A London evening means a Brick Lane curry, followed by cocktails on a ram-jammed Hoxton bar crawl.
Manchester
Most Manchester mornings start off with a bleary head from the night before, so start gently at either Castlefield's relics of the city's industrial past or a tram trip to Salford Quays. Here you'll find the Libeskind's striking Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry, and if football's your thing Manchester United's Old Trafford ground is a stroll away. The Northern Quarter's boutique shops and bars are the perfect place for an afternoon to roll into an evening or hop over to Chinatown for a bite to eat.