City breaks in spring

Spring always seems to bring a breath of fresh air to English cities. As the first daffs poke their heads up in public parks, so the city sheds its winter skin in favour of a fresher look. And with so many vibrant cities to visit in England, where do you start? Do you stalk Canterbury’s cobbled streets in search of its secrets or swap The Canterbury Tales for Manchester’s Coronation Street Tour? If it’s the slick urban life you’re after then a city break in Nottingham’s hip creative quarter might do you good, with Michelin-starred dining and bijou boutique hotels.