Bristol

Bristol is around 3 hours from London by a coach from Victoria.

They say Bristol is like London without the tourists - it's quieter, it's hilly, a landscape made up less like a wild tapestry than London, but more in little bits of collective memory. 

The Bristol Cathedral stays in my mind like an engraving. In many ways it is almost like one - its arches curl high along the ceiling, etched into the skyline. It's hard yet elegant, confident, and riddled with secrets. 

The streets are full of interesting shops and everyone walks everywhere. I suppose in London we take our streets for granted because the tube is always there - but there is a charm about walking. Of course. 

Out of Manor hall the road slants downwards and delivers you to the city centre. 

I believe this is the science museum... We took a walk to the harbour and walked past these modern, open spaces... Seemed a bit empty. I picked up a series of Sherlock Holmes novels which have been delighting me since. 

Is that a steam engine?

Bristol has good food, and good nightlife... and you enjoy it without thinking of the tourists around you, and worrying if you're sticking out. You still might, but it's laid back so who cares?