Which of these cities would you choose to live in?
May 3rd, 2003, 02:44 AM
#1
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Which of these cities would you choose to live in?
Which of these english cities would you choose to LIVE in for a year and why?
Bath
Bristol
Cambridge
Exeter
Leeds
Oxford
York
Look forward to your opinions. My interests are access to; a cultural scene i.e. museums, galleries, theatre, classical music; attractive countryside; pleasant city areas to mooch around, drink coffee, chat with friends; at least one good church;
Tom (cost of living not a factor)
Bath
Bristol
Cambridge
Exeter
Leeds
Oxford
York
Look forward to your opinions. My interests are access to; a cultural scene i.e. museums, galleries, theatre, classical music; attractive countryside; pleasant city areas to mooch around, drink coffee, chat with friends; at least one good church;
Tom (cost of living not a factor)
May 3rd, 2003, 03:12 AM
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Tom you might want to look on the website www.americanexpats.co.uk
I think how old you are may affect people's answers.
I'm not familiar with all your choices so I'll abstain.
I think how old you are may affect people's answers.
I'm not familiar with all your choices so I'll abstain.
May 3rd, 2003, 03:38 AM
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Bath - A small English town, with Roman History, a couple of shopping arcades and thats really it
Bristol - don't go there is my opinion. The only good thing is Ikea and the road coming out of it.
Cambridge - University town; quite nice and quiet
Exeter - Can't comment; never been there
Leeds - Wasn't that fussed on it, seems to be an average size city living in the 70's in terms of decor.
Oxford - again, a university city, although it is renouned for it's culture, there actually isn't that much there!
York - Not bad, only spent a day there, so l can't go into great detail.
However, if your looking for a good place to move to, l'd suggest Cardiff. The city has gone through a huge renovation scheme recently, and now looks better than ever. It is one of Britains 'Areas of Culture' , and is up for the Capital of Culture 2008. There are at least 3 museams, all free, two castles, which have a small charge, reduced for those who live in Cardiff. There is one gallery, inside the museam, although it's not the Tate.
Three theatres - New Theatre, St Davids Hall and The Sherman Theatre, and the Welsh Millennium Centre - dubbed Europes answer to Sydney Opera House will be opening next year. Naturally, with the city being in Wales, it is surrounded by beautiful countryside, usually 5 minutes away from wherever you are in the city. There is the beautiful Bute Park in the centre of the city, not to mention the fantastic Civic Centre.
Along with that, there is loads of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafe's in the city - Mill Lane is the main bar quarter, and cafes are dispersed around the country.
As for churches - there are loads. Llandaff Cathedral is the main one, situated in Llandaff, just outside the city centre. It is surrounded by parks and rivers, so a very nice area in all.
If l can be any more help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Bristol - don't go there is my opinion. The only good thing is Ikea and the road coming out of it.
Cambridge - University town; quite nice and quiet
Exeter - Can't comment; never been there
Leeds - Wasn't that fussed on it, seems to be an average size city living in the 70's in terms of decor.
Oxford - again, a university city, although it is renouned for it's culture, there actually isn't that much there!
York - Not bad, only spent a day there, so l can't go into great detail.
However, if your looking for a good place to move to, l'd suggest Cardiff. The city has gone through a huge renovation scheme recently, and now looks better than ever. It is one of Britains 'Areas of Culture' , and is up for the Capital of Culture 2008. There are at least 3 museams, all free, two castles, which have a small charge, reduced for those who live in Cardiff. There is one gallery, inside the museam, although it's not the Tate.
Three theatres - New Theatre, St Davids Hall and The Sherman Theatre, and the Welsh Millennium Centre - dubbed Europes answer to Sydney Opera House will be opening next year. Naturally, with the city being in Wales, it is surrounded by beautiful countryside, usually 5 minutes away from wherever you are in the city. There is the beautiful Bute Park in the centre of the city, not to mention the fantastic Civic Centre.
Along with that, there is loads of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafe's in the city - Mill Lane is the main bar quarter, and cafes are dispersed around the country.
As for churches - there are loads. Llandaff Cathedral is the main one, situated in Llandaff, just outside the city centre. It is surrounded by parks and rivers, so a very nice area in all.
If l can be any more help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
May 3rd, 2003, 03:53 AM
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You can get a really good idea about cities/neighbourhoods at the UpMyStreet website
http://www.upmystreet.com/
http://www.upmystreet.com/
May 3rd, 2003, 04:14 AM
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York. Of course, living in a tourist honeypot is different from visiting it, but still, York has a lot to offer. It has history, 'at least one church' in the shape of the magnificent York Minster, very good access to the countryside, history, fantastic rail links to Scotland and London and elsewhere and nice places to eat and drink. Living in a suburb rather that in the historic centre is much less expensive, and more realistic.
Bristol is OK, but a bit tatty. I have never lived there, but have visited friends. Bath is too touristy, I feel. Leeds is also good, being in the north of England and therefore a bit cheaper than the south, but it is a large city and is rather sprawling. The city centre, tho, has got tons better recently.
Exeter - dunno, Cambridge and Oxford likewise.
Bristol is OK, but a bit tatty. I have never lived there, but have visited friends. Bath is too touristy, I feel. Leeds is also good, being in the north of England and therefore a bit cheaper than the south, but it is a large city and is rather sprawling. The city centre, tho, has got tons better recently.
Exeter - dunno, Cambridge and Oxford likewise.
May 3rd, 2003, 04:39 AM
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The honest truth is that, whatever city boosters say, the vast weight of England's music, museums, theatre and art galleries are in London: and, I'd suggest living a year in England without tapping into all that - and being able to do so almost on the spur of the moment - is perverse. Oxford has overwhelmingly the most painless London access: but Bath and Cambridge are good too.
All the towns you suggest are close to countryside (though the stuff round Cambridge is an acquired taste!)
Oxford, Cambridge and Leeds are really the only three with any kind of music and gallery scene (ie a reasonable round of concerts, and galleries with new exhibitions): only MOMA at Oxford shows new modern art regularly (though getting to Tate Liverpool from Leeds isn't that tough)
Oxford and Cambridge both suffer from being dominated by one activity (though in fairness, both have spawned a fair amount of knowledge-intensive businesses).
One question I'd suggest matters is about England's friendliness. England's not hostile to visitors. But there isn't the "welcome waggon" mentality in England there is in the US, and if you're coming here not as part of an organisation - say to write a book - finding a social life might be surprisingly difficult. You mention "a good church": I'm not sure churches are quite the social centres here they often are in the US, if that was what you were concerned with. I labour that because the two towns that have the most active "expatriate-welcoming" systems are, by far, Oxford and Cambridge.
All the towns you suggest are close to countryside (though the stuff round Cambridge is an acquired taste!)
Oxford, Cambridge and Leeds are really the only three with any kind of music and gallery scene (ie a reasonable round of concerts, and galleries with new exhibitions): only MOMA at Oxford shows new modern art regularly (though getting to Tate Liverpool from Leeds isn't that tough)
Oxford and Cambridge both suffer from being dominated by one activity (though in fairness, both have spawned a fair amount of knowledge-intensive businesses).
One question I'd suggest matters is about England's friendliness. England's not hostile to visitors. But there isn't the "welcome waggon" mentality in England there is in the US, and if you're coming here not as part of an organisation - say to write a book - finding a social life might be surprisingly difficult. You mention "a good church": I'm not sure churches are quite the social centres here they often are in the US, if that was what you were concerned with. I labour that because the two towns that have the most active "expatriate-welcoming" systems are, by far, Oxford and Cambridge.
May 3rd, 2003, 04:44 AM
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Exeter, Leeds, and Bristol would be the first three OFF my list. I don't find anything particularly attractive about any of them (good comment, Trevor about the best thing in Bristol being the road coming out of it). I'd find York and Bath too touristy, I think -- and York too far from London. That leaves Cambridge and Oxford which both, being college towns, have a lot to offer. I think I'd choose Oxford over Cambridge as it has a little more "city feel" to it, is delightfully close to the Cotswald Villages and is easy access to LONDON!!!
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May 3rd, 2003, 05:07 AM
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Thanks to all for your informative replies so far! Hadn't thought of Cardiff, appreciate your description Trevor. I do want to try and avoid London, great as it is, it is TOO big to live in for my liking - maybe the occassional weekend trip.
In answer to mclaurie's question, I am 35.
Tom
In answer to mclaurie's question, I am 35.
Tom
May 3rd, 2003, 05:23 AM
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Stateside:
My point about Oxford-London transport is that you can get to London, see the exhibition, catch a film, eat a decent meal and get back to Oxford without having to stay in London. At a cost and journey time comparable with the London suburbs. Incidentally, you omitted Brighton, which has a similar advantage, and probably the most vibrant cultural scene of an
My point about Oxford-London transport is that you can get to London, see the exhibition, catch a film, eat a decent meal and get back to Oxford without having to stay in London. At a cost and journey time comparable with the London suburbs. Incidentally, you omitted Brighton, which has a similar advantage, and probably the most vibrant cultural scene of an
May 3rd, 2003, 06:57 AM
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No problem - if you want any more information on Cardiff, try www.cardiff.gov.uk , and l'd imagine likewise for every other city which you mentioned.
The website gives you access to the local council information, so it'll be good if you want to find out some info.
The website gives you access to the local council information, so it'll be good if you want to find out some info.
May 3rd, 2003, 07:40 AM
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Try this website for help with churches.
http://www.ship-of-fools.com/Mystery/index.html
I would lean toward Oxford. Any great university town will have many cultural events during the year. It is convenient and cheap to London by bus or train. It is on the southern edge of the Cotswolds for your countryside visits. And it seemed to have a pretty vibrant High Street.
They have an extensive website:
http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/
which features a forum and a quick looks seems it gets lots of hits.
Though I've been to all the cities on your list I don't have anything but cursory knowledge of any (including Oxford) but I can't imagine any having potentially more to offer.
Hope this helps.
http://www.ship-of-fools.com/Mystery/index.html
I would lean toward Oxford. Any great university town will have many cultural events during the year. It is convenient and cheap to London by bus or train. It is on the southern edge of the Cotswolds for your countryside visits. And it seemed to have a pretty vibrant High Street.
They have an extensive website:
http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/
which features a forum and a quick looks seems it gets lots of hits.
Though I've been to all the cities on your list I don't have anything but cursory knowledge of any (including Oxford) but I can't imagine any having potentially more to offer.
Hope this helps.
May 3rd, 2003, 06:42 PM
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I lived in the UK for 5 years, have been to all the places you mentioned and lived in some.
Of your list my #1 choice would be Oxford with Cambridge a close 2nd. The reasons for Oxford include: It is easy and fast to get to London, it is a beautiful city, has a lively social/arts scene, has good shopping, and it is only a short drive from many Cotswold villages, Woodstock, Stratford, Warwick, has easy access to S. Wales, Bath etc.
Cambridge is also a beautifum city, has easy access to London - but it would be 2nd on my list because the surrounding area is lower on the "scenery, sightseeing" scale.
York is a fab place to visit - but accomodations are difficult. It would be my 3rd choice.
Actually - If I could live anywhere in the UK for a year it would be Edinburgh - but from your list, Oxford would be my choice.
Of your list my #1 choice would be Oxford with Cambridge a close 2nd. The reasons for Oxford include: It is easy and fast to get to London, it is a beautiful city, has a lively social/arts scene, has good shopping, and it is only a short drive from many Cotswold villages, Woodstock, Stratford, Warwick, has easy access to S. Wales, Bath etc.
Cambridge is also a beautifum city, has easy access to London - but it would be 2nd on my list because the surrounding area is lower on the "scenery, sightseeing" scale.
York is a fab place to visit - but accomodations are difficult. It would be my 3rd choice.
Actually - If I could live anywhere in the UK for a year it would be Edinburgh - but from your list, Oxford would be my choice.
May 3rd, 2003, 07:08 PM
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Stateside,
No, I just happen to be a Southern Baptist and when we were in Bath I was very surprised to see a number, at least 4 or 5, Baptist churches. I was expecting Anglican and was really surprised.
I'm sure there are websites that might help with a selection.
US
No, I just happen to be a Southern Baptist and when we were in Bath I was very surprised to see a number, at least 4 or 5, Baptist churches. I was expecting Anglican and was really surprised.
I'm sure there are websites that might help with a selection.
US
May 4th, 2003, 07:40 AM
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If you did a survey of people who live in England regarding the best cities to visit Newcastle and Durham would be at the top of your list (fairly recent national survey). The nearest and most popular place to visit, on your list, is York. If you surveyed people living in England about the best place to live, then Newcastle would be the top, but thats not on your list. I have lived in York, and that was an absolutely fantastic couple of years. I have visited all the other Cities on your list, albeit briefly, and apart from Cambridge. I personally love York to live in and Oxford is a great place to visit. Hope this of some help, perhaps you should consider some of the unusual suspects - Manchester (which is where I nearly live and has exciting nightlife as well as the cultural scene) or Preston or Lancaster (great for access to attractive countryside ie Lakes and Yorksire Dales but lightish on major art galleries/theatre)might be worth considering.
May 4th, 2003, 12:37 PM
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I visited Leeds and York over Easter. I love York. the way they present their viking history is fun. Lots of street performers were there. The Jorvik museum has been completely redone...apparently.. we didn't get to go there! To live in York and visit Bettys for "fat rascals" daily would be enough to get me there. Pretty compact city centre, good to "mooch" around and a good choice of suburbs to live in, "St Michael le Belfrey" church I think is meant to be good.
I almost lived in Oxford..but plumped for Southampton (!!!), but I looked into churches, some good ones in Oxford, St Ebbes is one (evangelical Anglican. Summertown is a lovely suburb in Oxford. Great Blackwells (bookshop), lovely architecture, but much of the beauty is within the college grounds so not always easy to access. In contrast to York, (and Cambridge and Bath) Oxford is also an industrial city (Cowley and car manufacturing plants) and some of the estates are perhaps not so nice.
Angela
I almost lived in Oxford..but plumped for Southampton (!!!), but I looked into churches, some good ones in Oxford, St Ebbes is one (evangelical Anglican. Summertown is a lovely suburb in Oxford. Great Blackwells (bookshop), lovely architecture, but much of the beauty is within the college grounds so not always easy to access. In contrast to York, (and Cambridge and Bath) Oxford is also an industrial city (Cowley and car manufacturing plants) and some of the estates are perhaps not so nice.
Angela
May 4th, 2003, 01:29 PM
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It's always so personal; but the only one I'd avoid like the plague is Oxford. Too much traffic, too many tourists, dirty and noisy (and full of plonkers who think they're God's gift)
Personally, I'd pick Cambridge or Exeter, but I'm not a city person and they're both quite small and near nice country.
Leeds has come hugely upmarket in the last few years, and should get serious consideration.
There is an anuual survey done about the best quality of life places in the UK, and Edinburgh wins consistently. Is that an option for you?
Personally, I'd pick Cambridge or Exeter, but I'm not a city person and they're both quite small and near nice country.
Leeds has come hugely upmarket in the last few years, and should get serious consideration.
There is an anuual survey done about the best quality of life places in the UK, and Edinburgh wins consistently. Is that an option for you?
