City break on the home front...

But the truth is, as a nation, we have an insatiable curiosity for having a good nosey in someone else's backyard - particularly when it can be reached by a relatively short car, train or bus journey.

Now VisitBritain, the high-powered team responsible for marketing English tourism, has come up with a selection of ideas for breaks guaranteed to encourage even the most seasoned traveller to take a fresh look at a holiday on the home front.

And, to help you make your choice, the team has produced a free 80-page brochure outlining the delights of 30 of England's finest cities with a stack of intriguing information to tempt a visit.

Take Bath, for example, which first became a favourite recreational spot for the Romans. They wallowed in its natural hot springs and turned them into a series of regal baths offering health cures. Now a World Heritage site, the famous spa (right) is being restored and will open as the country's only state-of-the-art mineral rich Thermae Bath Spa later this year.

A stunning new contemporary building will house the Sacred Cross Bath and an open-air, roof-top pool will boast the best views of this lovely city.

Alternatively, you may find a visit to much-maligned Birmingham an unusual treat.

Gone is its drab, unwashed feel with the famous 1960s Bullring now glittering centre stage in a stunning £500 million makeover underpinning its status as Europe's biggest retail outlet.

There are more than 100 shops, cafes, restaurants and, of course, a remarkable new avant-garde Selfridge's store.

But for a different slant on Brummie life, a trip on one of the canals - they have more than Venice brings a whole new perspective into play.

There is a fascinating mix of architecture from the Italianate Council House with its gold-tipped copula and lions as a centrepiece, to the fine Georgian terraces of St Paul's Square.

Against an impressive backdrop of art and picture galleries, the Jewellery Quarter, which has bustled along since the 14th century, is the best place to find classic or modern designer pieces.

Take a break in Brighton which has been the haven of hedonism since the mid 18th century.

Fashionable society in bygone days used to pour into this elegant South Coast resort to take the seawater cure.' Now the resort is hip and happening again though it's reckoned to have a heart of pink rock. In fact, the beachfront claims to be hot even when its not. It's a heady mix of cool cafes and cockles, windsurfers and artists, beach volleyball and bookstalls, fresh fish and funky T-shirts.

Dip into The Lanes, the famous 17th century fishermen's cottages, now converted into smart shops selling antiques, jewellery and designer clothes.

As a counterpoint, head north for a stay at Leeds, voted the UK's favourite city by a top international magazine. The Victoria Quarter, in the car free centre, features stylish lanes of sculptured ironwork and glass arcades offering sophisticated shopping and chic.

Look out for bargains in Kirkgate's Market Hall, the largest covered market in Europe. It was here that Michael Marks, of Marks & Spencer fame, set up the Penny Bazaar market stall in 1884.

For me, though, the Royal Armouries Museum is an absolute must. Besides its breath-taking displays of ancient weapons, there are thrilling lively jousts by knights' on horseback and Wild West gunfights too!

Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, is rocketing up the popular city break destination charts too.

There is, of course, the obligatory Beatles tour, the city's greatest musical asset, but don't miss a trip on the Yellow Duckmarine - a Second World War amphibious craft that roars around historical sights before making a spectacular splashdown in Albert Dock.

With a stunning line up of reasonably-priced hotels, it's an ideal place to twist and shout.

Alternatively, you could go mad for cows and music in nearby Manchester. This summer, the Cow Parade promises a new art spectacle with 100 life-sized fibreglass cows decorated by local artists, designers and architects and put out to pasture' in local streets and parks.

Home of the internationally famous Halle Orchestra, who perform to packed houses at the Bridgewater Hall, you could see new bands like Badly Drawn Boy and top theatre productions at the Palace Theatre and Opera House.

And a break in Newcastle (above) will show visitors there is genuinely a lot more than just fog on the Tyne.

The area has suddenly exploded into life placing it at the cutting edge of jaw-dropping architecture headed up by the iconic Angel of the North and innovative BALTIC, a centre for contemporary arts in Quayside.

Packed with cool, trendy eateries and bars, the quays at Newcastle and Gateshead offer a happy alternative to the area's all-action, full-on clubs.

Of course, London is still a huge magnet for short breakers. Try something really different and explore the Natural History Museum where a life-like dinosaur lies in wait for the unwary.

There are also festivals offering great and unique celebrations throughout the year. In June, enjoy music, education events, walks and talks at the Spitalfields Festival in the East End. Or dance the day and night away at the Notting Hill Carnival in August.

Information

For further information on these and other cultural English cities, call 0845-4580072.

If you are planning a holiday in England and need some ideas, obtain a free Holiday Planner 2004 on: 0845-4563456 or click on: www.visitbritain.com

Or try these dedicated city websites for further information:

Bath: www.visitbath.co.uk or www.southwest.co.uk;

Birmingham: www.shortbreaks.org.uk or www.visitheartofengland.com;

Brighton: www.gosouth.co.uk;

Leeds: www.leeds.gov.uk or www.yorkshirevisitor.com;

Liverpool: www.visitliverpool.com or www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com;

Manchester: www.visitshortbreaks.destinationmanchester.com;

Newcastle: www.visitnewcastlegateshead.com or www.visitnorthumbria.com;

London: www.visitlondon.com