Celebrate the release of ‘Sex and the City: The Movie’ and take yourself on a SATC style weekend in one of the UK’s top cities
Everyone’s talking about it and after two long years of waiting it’s finally here. ‘Sex and the City: The Movie’ hits the big screen on 28th May 2008. Grab your closest friends and celebrate in style, with a weekend extravaganza in one of the UK’s top five cities. Get ready to shop, shop, shop and hit the cocktails too, in a tribute to our favourite SATC ladies.
Listed below are the top five UK cities that can offer you the glitzy NYC ‘Sex and the City’ lifestyle right on your door step. With details on how to spend your weekend - shopping, eating, drinking, relaxing and sight-seeing.
Take this quick quiz to find out which Sex and the City character you most resemble: http://quiz.ivillage.co.uk/uk_astrology/tests/sexcity.htm
Travelodge top UK city choices for the girls from Sex and the City are:
Carrie – London
Miranda – Birmingham
Samantha - Liverpool
Charlotte – Newcastle
Carrie Bradshaw’s top city choice is: London
London is the largest city in the UK and is full of excellent bars, theatres, museums, art galleries and parks. It is also the most culturally and ethnically diverse part of the county.
SHOP Oxford Street – a shopper’s paradise, dotted with every high street store you can think of.
Bond Street – the designer diva’s alternative to the high street, offering every desired high-end label.
Camden – a quirky place to shop for those unique outfits, with Camden market (just on the high street) offering an array of colourful garments for all tastes. Top Tip
Drop into Portobello Market Saturday morning for a vintage bargain – it’s the best place to take advantage of those ‘one-offs’ by up and coming designers, not available in the stores. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, then why not head to other many markets in London like Petticoat Lane on Sunday (9am-2pm).
EAT - Head to Covent Garden for lunch or dinner at the infamous celebrity hang out – The Ivy. Reasonably priced and not as pretentious as most celebrity hang-outs. Nearest tube is Leicester square.
Or, why not treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Ritz? Enjoy a selection of tea served in the extravagant Palm Court. Top Tip
Book a table as early as possible for the Ivy or Ritz. Take a look at www.london-eating.co.uk for lists and reviews of London restaurants. You can find special discounted offers from some of the best restaurants in London. It’s updated regularly
VISIT The Tate Modern is a great way to spend the afternoon. It’s free to enter and is open from 10am till 10pm.
Website: http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/
A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a bus tour of the city and a trip to see a musical in the West End. Bus tours are £22 per adult from ’The Original London Sightseeing Tour’ which also includes a free river cruise. There are an array of shows on at the West End from Avenue Q to Dirty Dancing.
Top Tip
Use the Tate Boat to get around. It runs every forty minutes during gallery opening hours between Tate Britain and Tate Modern and also stops at the British Airways London Eye.
To get the best deals on West End tickets, get down early to TKTS (a ticket booth) in Leicester Square, where you can buy discounted tickets for all the best shows
TOP BAR/CLUB Head down to Detroit Bar in WC2.
A stylish subterranean bar with a long spiral staircase taking you to a quirky but intimate bar, filled with bright young things on their way up. Or get your name on the list at the exclusive Milk & Honey bar in Poland Street. With a sister bar in NY, this speakeasy-style reservations-only bar is an intimate and calming alternative to the usual Soho bar scene. 30s swing and jazz provide the background to what may well be the most polite bar in London.
Top Tip
Get there before 9pm on a Saturday and admission is free.
SLEEP - Bag a £29 room at the Travelodge Covent Garden and stay at the heart of the action.
Top Tip
Book 7 days in advance to get the best room rate when you book online at
Alternative retreat to the city, the UK’s answer to the Hamptons:
Padstow, Cornwall
Stay at St. Austell Travelodge and splash out on a dining experience at one of Rick Stein’s many restaurants in the Padstow. Or if you would like to really get into the culinary experience over the weekend, why not take a class at one of Rick’s cooking schools?
Nearest Travelodge: Pentewan Road, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 5BU
Miranda’s top city choice is: Birmingham
Temptation:
Did you know there are more canals in Birmingham than Venice and there are 32 miles of canals to stroll along throughout the city? One of Birmingham’s other notable parts to visit is the unique Jewellery Quarter, responsible for producing over a third of all the jewellery made in the UK.
SHOP - Birmingham’s city centre spoils you for choice when it comes to retail therapy.
Start on Corporation street and carry on to New Street for the best in high street buys.
Birmingham also has four huge department stores: Selfridges & Co, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and Debenhams.
There are also four main markets in the centre, including: Bullring Open Market,
St Martin's Market (formerly the Rag Market), Indoor Market Hall and the Farmers' Market.
Top Tip
A visit to Birmingham wouldn’t be complete without a day at the modern architectural Bullring shopping centre. In the heart of Birmingham’s centre, the Bullring has every high street and designer store you can think of
EAT - Head straight to The Mailbox and choose from 50 of Birmingham’s most exclusive café bars and restaurants.
Try the Oriental bar restaurant for a taste of the exquisite east - with its bold and unique interior, it’ll be a treat on your eyes as well as your mouth!
Top Tip
Have a look at www.sugarvine.com for a great list of the best venues, dining deals and dining articles of venues to eat out in Birmingham.
VISIT The Ikon Galllery – individual in its own right, this art gallery has a selection of Avante Garde art across two floors. A great place for calm reflection mid afternoon.
A unique way to see Birmingham is on the Gondola’s available on the canals around the Mailbox. Why go to Venice when you can experience it here in Birmingham!
Cadbury’s World is a dream to visit for all the chocoholics out there. Take a tour of the factory and enjoy the liquid chocolate tasters on offer.
Top Tip
Whilst at the gallery pop into Ikon’s book shop and pick up the latest art book for that extra bit of creative inspiration.
TOP BAR/CLUB - Start at the SoBar, a modern bar with a late licence – perfect for a pre-club drink.
Factory Club – is the ultimate contemporary bar, the music is often the main attraction to this popular spot. Regular DJ line-ups include legendary 2ManyDJs, Soulwax, Afrika Bambataa and De La Soul, guaranteed to attract the sophisticated and stylish house music fans.
Top Tip
Before heading to the Medicine Bar, take a stroll around the many bars in the Mailbox. You can even take a ride on a gondola on the canals that surrounds the Mailbox shopping and leisure complex. Rides are available from Don Salvo, an Italian restaurant.
Contact: T: 0121 643 4000; donsalvo.co.uk).
SLEEP There are a whopping thirteen Travelodge’s in Birmingham, so choose which one best suits your needs.
Top Tip
Stay at Birmingham Five Ways Travelodge, latest hotel opening in Birmingham. Rooms from £29.
Alternative retreat to the city:
Ludlow, Shropshire
A foodies paradise, Ludlow is a hidden gem littered with quaint old style shops in abundance of local produce. Stay at Ludlow Travelodge and indulge in dinner at one of the seven restaurants from the Michelin Restaurant Guide.
Nearest Travelodge: Ludlow Travelodge, Foldgate Lane, Ludlow SY8 1LS
Samantha’s top city choice is: Liverpool – her birthplace
Temptation: A city with great cultural heritage and a reputation for music, shopping and nightlife, Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture for 2008. The city centre is small enough to discover on foot with notable points such as the largest national museum collection outside of London and Europe’s oldest Chinatown.
SHOP Enjoy a little shopping in the city centre. You will find almost every form of retail therapy in Liverpool. The centre boasts some of the largest, big name High Street stores in the country as well as lots of small, fashionable retailers in places like: Cavern Designer Shopping Centre, St John's Shopping Centre and the Clayton Square. Top Tip
Markets are also abundant in the city centre. Hop along to:
Great Homer Street Market on Saturday morning bargain buys and for one off local designer pieces
On Sunday hop along to The Heritage market for vintage and latest fashion bargains.
EAT There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from to suit all tastes and budgets.
The Albert Dock stocks a wide range of cafes and restaurants with a great waterfront view Top Tip
With one of the longest bars in Europe, check out the Exclusive Newz Bar, on the fashionable Waters Street. Why not have a glass of fizz with lunch, Samantha would!
VISIT Spend the afternoon at the Albert Dock. Explore the 1846 re-developed dock which is now home to the Tate gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, TV studios, and a range of shops.
Ferry across the Mersey as the song goes… is also a must when in Liverpool, where you get to view the fantastic skyline of the city. Top Tip
Take a Duck tour of the city, a Yellow Duck Marine (an authentic WW 11 landing vehicle - similar to an American school bus!) which drives around the hotspots of the city and then changes into a boat for a ride on Liverpool’s Dock.
Visit: www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk
TOP BAR/CLUB Starting at world famous Matthew Street, birthplace of the Beatles, you will find a vast range of restaurants and bars throughout the street. The Cavern Club is a great spot to start the night, known as: “The Most Famous Club in the World" due to its link to The Beatles. Top Tip
Check out Cavern Club’s website for up and coming listings:
Website:
www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk
SLEEP Check into Liverpool Central Travelodge on Old Haymarket, opposite the Walker gallery, in the heart of the city centre. Rooms start online from only £29. Top Tip
Book a family room at www.travelodge.co.uk and you can fit up to 3 adults per room, ideal to a share with a few friends.
Alternative retreat to the city:
Anglesey, North Wales
Discover the natural beauty that North Wales has to offer. With many visitor attractions such as Anglesey, Snowdonia National Park, Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Conwy Castle and Llandudno Great Orme.
Nearest Travelodge: Travelodge Bangor, A5 / A55 Junction, Llys-y-gwynt, Bangor LL57 4BG
Charlotte’s favourite city is: Newcastle
Temptation: Newcastle is a vibrant city and is the largest city in the north-east of England. Full of history, Newcastle city centre has more listed classical buildings than any other UK city.
SHOP Newcastle is home to some of the largest shopping centres in the whole of Europe.
The MetroCentre in Gateshead is officially the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe, with 330 shops in total and open until 7pm on weekends – what more could you ask for!
Eldon Square in Newcastle is also one of the most popular shopping centres in city worth a visit. Top Tip
Newcastle's Armstrong Bridge Market is located in the Jesmond area of Newcastle-upon-Type and is full of market stalls on the bridge itself. Attractions include market stalls selling local Newcastle arts and crafts, ceramics, wooden carvings, paintings, furniture, jewellery and best of all wonderful views. The Armstrong Bridge Market is close to Newcastle's Jesmond train station.
If visiting the Market, don’t forget to get their early and haggle to your best ability!
EAT Head to the Brasserie at The Sage Centre, designed by the world renowned architect, sir Norman Foster. Set in Gateshead Quays The Sage restaurant is a hidden gem, ideal for a light lunch or late dinner.
Alternatively, visit Blackfriars, one of the north east's most high-profile and award wining restaurants. Offering local fresh produce and with a wine list in the UK's top 20. Top Tip
Book a table in advance to avoid disappointment, as The Sage is regularly booked for private functions.
Tel: 0191 443 4654.
Check out: www.sugarvine.com/Newcastle/index.asp for reviews of the main eating venues in Newcastle and special offers.
VISIT BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is a great venue for art lovers.
It is the biggest gallery of its kind in the world – presenting a diverse collection of contemporary visual art.
Or if you would like to see something different, visit Newcastle’s best known landmark and one of Anthony Gormley’s masterpieces - The Angel of the North is the largest sculpture in Britain standing 65 feet high.
Top Tip
When in the city centre, walk across the award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge (at night the bridge is lit and is particularly spectacular on weekend nights with coloured lighting) to Baltic Square to view contemporary art.
Take a champagne picnic to Leazes Park or Exhibition Park. Both are situated in the middle of town. Leazes Park is the oldest city park in Newcastle and the perfect place to recharge your batteries after a busy day in the city.
TOP BAR/CLUB To hear the hottest live music in Newcastle, visit Jumpin Hot Club which displays independent artists from every genre for every musical taste.
Top Tip
Call 0191 230 4474 for latest listings of live performances or visit: http://www.jumpinhot.com.
Or for something more serene try The Clunny Bar. Charlotte is one of the arty crowd and in Newcastle, the art crowd go to The Clunny Bar. With a gallery at the back and new exhibitions every few weeks, this is the place to be.
SLEEP There are five Travelodge’s to choose from in Newcastle. Get a room at Newcastle Central Travelodge, on the Quayside and be in the hub of Newcastle. Top Tip
Whilst staying at Newcastle Central Travelodge – if you are missing your partner and can’t sleep – ask for Cuddillow – UK’s first cuddling pillow which will help you get a good night sleep
If you can’t decide which character you are, try Edinburgh:
Temptation: Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, in the eastern part of the country on the Firth of Forth. The city grew up around a castle built in the 11th century by King Malcolm III, successor to Macbeth, and it became the capital of Scotland in 1437.Today Edinburgh is a modern, cosmopolitan city with strong heritage.
SHOP Indulge in some retail therapy.
Edinburgh is a shopper's paradise and the range of goods on offer in the shops is truly diverse. Start on Princess Street and work your way through Jenners department store up to Harvey Nichols on St Andrews Square
If you’re after those chic boutique buys, head to George Street where you will be spoilt for choice. Top Tip
Be sure to walk down all the small side streets off of Royal Mile to discover the array of small, quaint and local shops to absorb the real Edinburgh and pick up a traditional souvenir.
EAT Abstract offers contemporary French cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh right on Edinburgh’s Castle terrace. The impressive and heavily chic piano bar will lead you to the monochrome styled dining room. Michelin starred chef; Loic Lefevre offers a great selection which must be sampled. Top Tip
Before stepping into Abstract for a bite to eat, take a tour of Edinburgh’s castle and take a moment to look at the splendid views of the city.
VISIT Visit the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre on the Royal Mile and learn all about the history and heritage of Scottish whisky. The grand whisky tour lets you sample five whiskeys and even meet the Blender’s ghost!
Edinburgh Castle is the icon of Edinburgh, sat at the top of Royal Mile on volcanic rock, you can’t miss it. Last entry to the public is 5.15pm.
Art also has a place in Edinburgh, with many places to visit, such as: The National Gallery, Royal Scottish Academy, National Portrait Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (located just outside the centre). Top Tip
Print off the special offer voucher, present it after the tour and receive a free dram of Malt Whisky.
TOP BAR/CLUB Oloroso bar is a fabulous place to start the night. A luxurious lounge bar with a restaurant and an open roof terrace with endless views of the city
The City Café Bar is also a great place to stop for a drink. It’s always buzzing and is one of Edinburgh’s hippest nightspots.
If you’re after style – head to Dragonfly. Even the wallpaper is stunning. Top Tip
Grab a table on the roof terrace at Oloroso, for a great setting in which to drink the meticulously mixed cocktails.
SLEEP Stay at the Edinburgh Haymarket Travelodge. The grade II listed building is perfectly situated for exploring the everything Edinburgh has to offer.
Alternative retreat to the city:
Kendal, Lake District
Get out and about in the fresh air and take in the breathtaking scenery that the lakes and lochs have to offer. Kendal Travelodge opened in 2006 and is a five minute drive to get to the best view of the Lakes and River Kent.
Nearest Travelodge: Kendal Travelodge, A591 Prizet, LA8 8AA.
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