Music
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Few countries in the world offer as many opportunities for a music-fuelled city break as England. Music is an integral part of the cultural landscape. Our popular music is renowned the world over, but our cities also offer a wide diversity of musical traditions. London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Bournemouth each have their own world-class orchestras, while our pubs and clubs host a constant turnover of jazz, folk and rock concerts.
Haunting notes and jazz riffs
Church choral music is a tradition that goes back many centuries. It's impossible to remain unmoved by the sound of 32 voices combining to perform the haunting notes of Tallis's Spem in Alium. King's College Choir have performed sublime choral music of this sort in Cambridge since 1441, when the choir was founded by Henry VI. Attend any service at King's College Chapel to see what we mean.
For a completely different experience, head for Manchester's M.E.N. Arena for the pop concert of your choice. It's worth it for the atmosphere alone – the M.E.N. Arena is the largest indoor venue in Europe, receiving a staggering 1.2 million customers each year. Or pick a trail between the many bars and cafés that play host to the Birmingham International Jazz Festival. It's a great way to discover new corners of the city, as well as listen to intimate live performances by some of the world's best jazz musicians.
Folk workouts and fan trails
If you play a musical instrument yourself, however badly, then why not give your skills a professional makeover at the Sage Gateshead, which lays on a wide range of participatory events? Sign up for the folk workout for absolute beginners (no previous experience permitted!) or else try you hand at improvising under the tutelage of a jazz professional. The Sage describes itself as "a home for music and musical discovery" and there's something for everyone.
Many of our cities have deep-rooted associations with the icons of pop culture. Take a "magical mystery tour" of (you guessed it) Liverpool and pay homage to all those places associated with the Fab Four and their youth. Beatlesmania is still alive and kicking in Liverpool, and the various 'pilgrimage' sights remain a great way to structure a break in the city.
Other cities known worldwide for their rock and pop associations include Manchester (the Bee Gees, the Smiths, Brit Pop), Sheffield (Pulp, the New Romantics, the Arctic Monkeys), and of course London for just about every pop movement since Mod and Glam Rock. The legendary rock 'n' roll landmark Abbey Road is worth a passing glance: it's not open to visitors, but the Abbey Road Shop is great for exclusive memorabilia (retro badge sets, clothing, black-and-white prints of the greats recording their music).