Bristol

Bristol lies in the heart of the south west along the River Avon and is known for its creative and offbeat counter culture fuelled by activists, artists and a large student population. Look between the rows of Victorian brick terraced housing, revamped harbourside warehouses and historic landmarks like the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and you'll likely spot the odd mural from the city's famed street artist Banksy.

It doesn't matter what floats your boat – there's a shedload to do around these parts, like spotting Asiatic lions at Bristol Zoo, climbing aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain or getting hands-on at the interactive We The Curious science centre.