Latest news with #BenAitken
Scotsman
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
'Dunfermline is no better or worse than its illustrious neighbour Edinburgh but it is utterly deserving of more love and attention'
Award-winning author Ben Atiken loves to ramble. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Not only physically through the miles he covers for his travel books but also literally through his meandering, charming and humorous writing style. And he combines the two superbly in his latest book Sh*tty Breaks. Over the course of the year Ben visited 12 of the least popular spots in the UK and Ireland according to official tourist board visitor numbers (or lack of them). But don't get the title wrong. This isn't an opportunity for Ben to take the mickey or stick the boot in further. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Instead, as the book's strapline shows, this is 'A Celebration of Unsung Cities' and a chance for Ben to prove that anywhere - like anyone - can be interesting and enjoyable if approached in the right fashion. Ben Aitken gets to know alpaca Arnie during his tour of the UK And among the cities visited was Dunfermline - his last stop on his whistle-stop tour. Leaving the station he was immediately struck by two things - the sight of a peacock called Angus outside a bakery on the high street and the number of institutions named after industrialist Andrew Carnegie. There was a hall, library, museum, leisure centre and pole dancing society (the latter of which he found was a wind up by someone washing their car in Comely Park Lane). Ben took time to admire the abbey, Abbots House ('a peach of a building'), the library, art gallery and Pittencrief Park. He bumped into the cousin of author Iain Banks, took a taxi out to Craigluscar Farm to try mini Highland Games and a ride on a hovercraft, which looked like a cross-breed between a bath tub and a hair dryer. Throughout his travels, food and drink figured highly and his visit included Dunfy pie, haggis bonbons at Garvock House Hotel and spicy haggis supper (lashed with brown sauce and vinegar) from Sauro's in Abbeyview. When compared to Edinburgh Ben mused Dunfermline was no better or worse - like all the cities he visited when compared with their more 'illustrious neighbours'. 'But they are different and inescapably unique and utterly deserving of more love and attention than they're currently getting. There's a dividend to be enjoyed by defying the norm and giving the underdog a chance.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Summing up his experiences of the cities at his official book launch Ben said: 'They weren't flawless, they weren't unblemished but where is and who is? I really think anywhere can be interesting, like anyone, if you ask them the right questions and give them enough time.' Ben Aitken's celebration of Dunfermline is included in his book on unsung cities And this is exactly what you get from Sh*tty Breaks as Ben steps out of the train or bus station on arrival, takes you by the hand and leads you through the local attractions and oddities while ensuring there is enough time to grab a pint here and savour a local delicacy there so you never lack for sustenance on his weird and wonderful wanderings. Ben admits to enjoying 'walking in a curious fashion'. And he doesn't mean backwards or without bending his knees but with his eyes peeled and ears to the ground. 'When you walk in such a fashion, things jump out at you, like bits of stimulating shrapnel.' So be prepared to be hit by these flying bits of shrapnel from all angles, whether from skiing and skinny-dipping in Sunderland, falling in love with Dunfermline, kissing an alpaca in Bradford, suffering jellied eels in Chelmsford to having more craic in Limerick than was wise. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What I loved most was not the things Ben unearthed but the random assortment of characters he met along the way. Most of them thought he had lost his marbles when he explained he was writing about their cities and many, when asked the best part of where they lived, suggested it was going somewhere else. But, wherever he went, Ben's easy-going nature ensured he could always find someone to talk to so he could discover what really makes these places tick. This is an affectionate and humorous tour of our nation - an ode to the unfashionable and little loved. Many of us could extol the virtues of cities such as Bath, Oxford, York, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff. But Ben shows through Sh*tty Breaks that there will always be something worth discovering and someone worth talking to no matter where you are. Ben Aitken is the author of six books. His latest, Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities, is published by Ikon Books and is on sale now.
South Wales Argus
25-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Newport included in author's quest to find hidden gems
Ben Aitken, author of 'A Chip Shop in Poznan' and 'The Gran Tour,' embarked on a year-long exploration of "unfashionable places" that he thought could be "quietly brilliant." His book focused on such locations, titled Sh*tty Breaks, was written "not to take the mickey, or to stick the boot in, but to seek out the good stuff, to uncover the gems, to have a nice time." His adventure took him skiing in Sunderland, to the football in Wrexham, and saw him fall in love with Dunfermline. Sh*tty Breaks includes Newport (Image: Supplied) Each expedition aimed to shed light on the "underdog" towns and cities that often fly under the radar of avid explorers. According to Ben, there is "no such thing as a sh*tty break," and he promotes the idea of a less expensive and more sustainable brand of travel which "spreads its affection beyond the usual suspects". He champions the importance of shifting attention from overdone and overpriced travel hotspots to underappreciated destinations. His book has been described as an antidote to the "smug travelogues" of popular places, as Ben makes his way around the less celebrated cities of the British Isles. Author Ben Aitken (Image: Supplied) Kate Wickers, author of Shape of a Boy, said: "New York? "Pah! "After reading this, I'm off to Newport instead to see what's occurring. "With Aitken's trademark gentle humour and astute observation, this is a book about finding treasure in the most underrated places, and I absolutely loved it." While the author does not visit Newport in the book, setting aside only a few sentences to include the Isle of Wight, it is possible that more content could be included in the actual book. To celebrate his book launch, Ben chose to host an event in the city. Readers will get the chance to ask questions, interact, and get their book signed at Waterstones on Commercial Street on Tuesday, May 27, at 6.30pm.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Swap Venice for a holiday in Wolverhampton' says travel expert who visited all UK's least popular cities
And where you can get an eight course lunch for £40 CITY DUPES 'Swap Venice for a holiday in Wolverhampton' says travel expert who visited all UK's least popular cities THINKING of booking a trip to Edinburgh or Lisbon? You should ditch the popular cities for these incredible dupes - like Wolverhampton and Limerick. Ben Aitken, the author of Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities, has spent a year exploring overlooked cities and reveals why he'd rather go there than some of the classic bucket list destinations. Advertisement 6 Ben tried local foods, and even walked an alpaca in one of the 12 cities Credit: Ben Aitken 6 Ben believes you should swap Venice for Wolverhampton Credit: Ben Aitken Over the course of a year, Ben ventured all over the country to 12 cities that were the least visited in terms of weekend breaks. In his adventure across the UK, Ben went to Sunderland, Chelmsford, Preston, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Limerick, Newry, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Newport, Gibraltar and Dunfermline. He spent a few days in each doing various activities, trying the food, discovering new pubs. Talking to Sun Travel, Ben insisted these cities are better than the bigger names you've probably heard of. Advertisement Ben told us: "The worst pizza I've ever had was in Venice, so I'd rather go to Wolverhampton. I'd also swap Edinburgh for Dunfermline - given that they're neighbours. "I'd also say that Newport's better than Cardiff - that's going to get me into trouble. I've said it before that Sunderland for me is the best city in the North East, so I'd swap that with Newcastle. "Limerick is a match for Dublin. I'm not going to say it's better, but it's half the price with half the crowds, and the Guinness is better there. And let's give some love to Preston, I'd rather spend a weekend in Preston than in Lisbon." He added: "I'm not saying that Edinburgh is not fantastic, Venice isn't cool, and Paris isn't sexy. But other places are of value and of note and are interesting as well. Advertisement "We can give these hotspots a breather and add Dunfermline to our Edinburgh city break." Something that Ben noted was a big plus in all of these places was the affordability compared to the bigger city counterparts. Historic UK city undergoing huge multi-million revamp 6 You can give hover crafting a go in Dunfermline 6 Ben went track cycling while visiting Newport Advertisement He continued: "In Wolverhampton, I stayed in a really nice hotel called The Mount, which is the best hotel in the city by all accounts - and it was £100 a night. "Dunfermline is 40 minutes away from Edinburgh, and I stayed at Garvock House for around £180. The couple that run the hotel say that they are getting more people stay with them rather than in Edinburgh where hotels cost around £400 a night. "I'd say to anyone doing that, give Dunfermline at least two hours. I went hover crafting, water skiing and went to the football too." Other activities Ben did during the breaks was walk an alpaca in Bradford see the football in Wrexham, indoor skydiving in Milton Keynes, and skiing in Sunderland. Advertisement 6 Hotel prices in the lesser-known cities were a fraction of the price compared to others Credit: Ben Aitken It wasn't just the stays that were a fraction of the price, that goes for food and drink too. Ben explained: "In Preston, I ate at a restaurant called Aven which had a lunchtime that was eight courses and £40 - which is great value for money." It's also where Ben enjoyed a chip barmcake (essentially a chips in a roll) for £2.80. Advertisement Other delicacies Ben tried were the orange chips in Bradford, as well as a pink slice and a stottie in Sunderland. In each of the cities were also the friendly locals, who were it's safe to say, surprised, by Ben's choice of weekend break. Ben told us: "People are more inclined to chat with you because they're not swamped with tourists, so they're happy to chat and to engage. "I was met with 50 shades of bafflement when I told locals I was on holiday in Sunderland or in Bradford." Advertisement Not only were the locals amazed, but they were also on hand to dish out recommendations they had in the area too. Ben insists that anyone can have a fun and adventurous weekend break in any of these cities. Ben added: "Anywhere can be interesting if you engage with it in the right way and approach them in the right fashion and give it half the chance. "If you engage with these cities on their own terms you can have a nourishing enjoyable weekend and you'll always find somewhere that's doing great food and great beer." Advertisement Ben documented every trip to the 12 underrated cities on social media - @benaitken85. Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities will be released on May 8, 2025.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Swap Venice for a holiday in Wolverhampton' says travel expert who visited all UK's least popular cities
THINKING of booking a trip to Edinburgh or Lisbon? You should ditch the popular cities for these incredible dupes - like Wolverhampton and Limerick. Ben Aitken, the author of 6 Ben tried local foods, and even walked an alpaca in one of the 12 cities Credit: Ben Aitken 6 Ben believes you should swap Venice for Wolverhampton Credit: Ben Aitken Over the course of a year, Ben ventured all over the country to 12 cities that were the least visited in terms of weekend breaks. In his adventure across the UK, Ben went to Sunderland, Chelmsford, Preston, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Limerick, Newry, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Newport, Gibraltar and He spent a few days in each doing various activities, trying the food, discovering new pubs. Talking to Sun Travel, Ben insisted these cities are better than the bigger names you've probably heard of. Read More on City Breaks Ben told us: "The worst pizza I've ever had was in "I'd also say that Newport's better than Cardiff - that's going to get me into trouble. I've said it before that Sunderland for me is the best city in the North East, so I'd swap that with Newcastle. "Limerick is a match for Dublin. I'm not going to say it's better, but it's half the price with half the crowds, and the Guinness is better there. And let's give some love to Preston, I'd rather spend a weekend in Preston than in Lisbon." He added: "I'm not saying that Edinburgh is not fantastic, Venice isn't cool, and Paris isn't sexy. But other places are of value and of note and are interesting as well. Most read in City breaks "We can give these hotspots a breather and add Dunfermline to our Edinburgh city break." Something that Ben noted was a big plus in all of these places was the affordability compared to the bigger city counterparts. Historic UK city undergoing huge multi-million revamp 6 You can give hover crafting a go in Dunfermline 6 Ben went track cycling while visiting Newport He continued: "In Wolverhampton, I stayed in a really nice hotel called The Mount, which is the best hotel in the city by all accounts - and it was £100 a night. "Dunfermline is 40 minutes away from Edinburgh, and I stayed at Garvock House for around £180. The couple that run the hotel say that they are getting more people stay with them rather than in Edinburgh where hotels cost around £400 a night. "I'd say to anyone doing that, give Dunfermline at least two hours. I went hover crafting, water skiing and went to the football too." Other activities Ben did during the breaks was walk an alpaca in Bradford see the football in Wrexham, indoor skydiving in Milton Keynes, and skiing in Sunderland. 6 Hotel prices in the lesser-known cities were a fraction of the price compared to others Credit: Ben Aitken It wasn't just the stays that were a fraction of the price, that goes for food and drink too. Ben explained: "In Preston, I ate at a restaurant called Aven which had a lunchtime that was eight courses and £40 - which is great value for money." It's also where Ben enjoyed a chip barmcake (essentially a chips in a roll) for £2.80. Other delicacies Ben tried were the orange chips in In each of the cities were also the friendly locals, who were it's safe to say, surprised, by Ben's choice of weekend break. Ben told us: "People are more inclined to chat with you because they're not swamped with tourists, so they're happy to chat and to engage. "I was met with 50 shades of bafflement when I told locals I was on holiday in Sunderland or in Bradford." Not only were the locals amazed, but they were also on hand to dish out recommendations they had in the area too. Ben insists that anyone can have a fun and adventurous weekend break in any of these cities. Ben added: "Anywhere can be interesting if you engage with it in the right way and approach them in the right fashion and give it half the chance. "If you engage with these cities on their own terms you can have a nourishing enjoyable weekend and you'll always find somewhere that's doing great food and great beer." Ben documented every trip to the 12 underrated cities on social media - Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities will be released on May 8, 2025. 6 Ben travelled to 12 underrated cities across the UK Credit: Ben Aitken
The Sun
01-05-2025
- The Sun
‘Swap Venice for a holiday in Wolverhampton' says travel expert who visited all UK's least popular cities
THINKING of booking a trip to Edinburgh or Lisbon? You should ditch the popular cities for these incredible dupes - like Wolverhampton and Limerick. Ben Aitken, the author of Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities, has spent a year exploring overlooked cities and reveals why he'd rather go there than some of the classic bucket list destinations. 6 6 Over the course of a year, Ben ventured all over the country to 12 cities that were the least visited in terms of weekend breaks. In his adventure across the UK, Ben went to Sunderland, Chelmsford, Preston, Wolverhampton, Wrexham, Limerick, Newry, Milton Keynes, Bradford, Newport, Gibraltar and Dunfermline. He spent a few days in each doing various activities, trying the food, discovering new pubs. Talking to Sun Travel, Ben insisted these cities are better than the bigger names you've probably heard of. Ben told us: "The worst pizza I've ever had was in Venice, so I'd rather go to Wolverhampton. I'd also swap Edinburgh for Dunfermline - given that they're neighbours. "I'd also say that Newport's better than Cardiff - that's going to get me into trouble. I've said it before that Sunderland for me is the best city in the North East, so I'd swap that with Newcastle. "Limerick is a match for Dublin. I'm not going to say it's better, but it's half the price with half the crowds, and the Guinness is better there. And let's give some love to Preston, I'd rather spend a weekend in Preston than in Lisbon." He added: "I'm not saying that Edinburgh is not fantastic, Venice isn't cool, and Paris isn't sexy. But other places are of value and of note and are interesting as well. "We can give these hotspots a breather and add Dunfermline to our Edinburgh city break." Something that Ben noted was a big plus in all of these places was the affordability compared to the bigger city counterparts. Historic UK city undergoing huge multi-million revamp 6 He continued: "In Wolverhampton, I stayed in a really nice hotel called The Mount, which is the best hotel in the city by all accounts - and it was £100 a night. "Dunfermline is 40 minutes away from Edinburgh, and I stayed at Garvock House for around £180. The couple that run the hotel say that they are getting more people stay with them rather than in Edinburgh where hotels cost around £400 a night. "I'd say to anyone doing that, give Dunfermline at least two hours. I went hover crafting, water skiing and went to the football too." Other activities Ben did during the breaks was walk an alpaca in Bradford see the football in Wrexham, indoor skydiving in Milton Keynes, and skiing in Sunderland. 6 It wasn't just the stays that were a fraction of the price, that goes for food and drink too. Ben explained: "In Preston, I ate at a restaurant called Aven which had a lunchtime that was eight courses and £40 - which is great value for money." It's also where Ben enjoyed a chip barmcake (essentially a chips in a roll) for £2.80. Other delicacies Ben tried were the orange chips in Bradford, as well as a pink slice and a stottie in Sunderland. In each of the cities were also the friendly locals, who were it's safe to say, surprised, by Ben's choice of weekend break. Ben told us: "People are more inclined to chat with you because they're not swamped with tourists, so they're happy to chat and to engage. "I was met with 50 shades of bafflement when I told locals I was on holiday in Sunderland or in Bradford." Not only were the locals amazed, but they were also on hand to dish out recommendations they had in the area too. Ben insists that anyone can have a fun and adventurous weekend break in any of these cities. Ben added: "Anywhere can be interesting if you engage with it in the right way and approach them in the right fashion and give it half the chance. "If you engage with these cities on their own terms you can have a nourishing enjoyable weekend and you'll always find somewhere that's doing great food and great beer." Ben documented every trip to the 12 underrated cities on social media - @benaitken85. Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities will be released on May 8, 2025. 6
