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Shitty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities
Adios Paris. Hello Wolverhampton.
Not everything that glitters is gold – which is why Ben Aitken gave London the cold shoulder and went to Preston instead.
Hailing from Portsmouth, Ben knew from experience that unfashionable places could be quietly brilliant. So, over the course of a year, the author of A Chip Shop in Poznan and The Gran Tour visited twelve of the least popular spots in the UK and Ireland for a city break. The motivation wasn't to take the mickey or stick the boot in, but to seek out the good stuff, to uncover the gems, to have a nice time. By doing so, he hoped to demonstrate that anywhere – like anyone – can be interesting and nourishing and enjoyable if approached in the right fashion.
Ben went skiing in Sunderland, to the football in Wrexham, and fell in love with Dunfermline. He kissed an alpaca in Bradford, suffered jellied eels in Chelmsford, and had more craic in Limerick than was wise. The upshot is a celebration of the underdog; a hymn to the wrong direction; and evidence that there's no such thing as a shitty break. What's more, by spreading its affection beyond the usual suspects (which are often overdone and overpriced), Shitty Breaks promotes a less expensive and more sustainable brand of travel.
By ghosting Bath and giving Lisbon the boot, the book champions the unsung in an algorithmic, over-signposted world dominated by celebs and hotspots. Cheeky weekend in Milton Keynes anyone?
Not everything that glitters is gold – which is why Ben Aitken gave London the cold shoulder and went to Preston instead.
Hailing from Portsmouth, Ben knew from experience that unfashionable places could be quietly brilliant. So, over the course of a year, the author of A Chip Shop in Poznan and The Gran Tour visited twelve of the least popular spots in the UK and Ireland for a city break. The motivation wasn't to take the mickey or stick the boot in, but to seek out the good stuff, to uncover the gems, to have a nice time. By doing so, he hoped to demonstrate that anywhere – like anyone – can be interesting and nourishing and enjoyable if approached in the right fashion.
Ben went skiing in Sunderland, to the football in Wrexham, and fell in love with Dunfermline. He kissed an alpaca in Bradford, suffered jellied eels in Chelmsford, and had more craic in Limerick than was wise. The upshot is a celebration of the underdog; a hymn to the wrong direction; and evidence that there's no such thing as a shitty break. What's more, by spreading its affection beyond the usual suspects (which are often overdone and overpriced), Shitty Breaks promotes a less expensive and more sustainable brand of travel.
By ghosting Bath and giving Lisbon the boot, the book champions the unsung in an algorithmic, over-signposted world dominated by celebs and hotspots. Cheeky weekend in Milton Keynes anyone?
- GenresTravelNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 8, 2025
12 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Ben Aitken
11 books136 followersBen Aitken was born under Thatcher, grew to 6ft then stopped, and is an Aquarius. He is the author of six books: Dear Bill Bryson, A Chip Shop in Poznan (a Times bestseller), The Gran Tour ('Both moving and hilarious', Spectator), The Marmalade Diaries, Here Comes the Fun and Shitty Breaks.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2025
enjoyed this book quirky as the author visits some different cities which on the whole aren't touristy. funny in parts too
November 8, 2025
One point knocked off for the stupid title, one added back on for making me laugh.
Well done, Ben, you’re back on form, after a few duds, in my opinion anyway. You’re definitely giving Bill Bryson a run for his money in this book.
Always interesting to read a book where you’ve visited some of the places too.
Newport: definitely visit and go across, even climb up, the Transporter Bridge.
Bradford: yes, some gorgeous buildings there, and Saltaire is definitely worth a visit. I do want to visit Lister Park next time I’m nearby too. 08/11/25: correction: I had already been to the park but revisited it today along with the Cartwright Hall, where I saw the Turner Prize entries.
Milton Keynes: also visit the National Museum of Computing while there.
Wolverhampton: came across more interesting than I remembered.
Gibraltar: had more to offer than I remembered too.
Sunderland: I would love to visit it now but it’s a long way away.
Well done, Ben, you’re back on form, after a few duds, in my opinion anyway. You’re definitely giving Bill Bryson a run for his money in this book.
Always interesting to read a book where you’ve visited some of the places too.
Newport: definitely visit and go across, even climb up, the Transporter Bridge.
Bradford: yes, some gorgeous buildings there, and Saltaire is definitely worth a visit. I do want to visit Lister Park next time I’m nearby too. 08/11/25: correction: I had already been to the park but revisited it today along with the Cartwright Hall, where I saw the Turner Prize entries.
Milton Keynes: also visit the National Museum of Computing while there.
Wolverhampton: came across more interesting than I remembered.
Gibraltar: had more to offer than I remembered too.
Sunderland: I would love to visit it now but it’s a long way away.
May 4, 2025
I love the title! The idea of this book really intrigued me and I'm glad to read of the hidden gems of the UK. I'm glad Sunderland was there, it's the only place mentioned in this book I've visited but it's nice to hear of Roker and the nearby areas I've visited and what they have to offer.
This book is inspiring but I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to go up to someone for a chat like Ben does but then, unless you're just people watching/eavesdropping, how else can you know the areas from the locals' perspective?
Get stuck in and try!
I like how he tries the local food and the pubs, art galleries and different bits places have to offer. We all like a hidden gem but also, we don't want to make it too touristy to clog up the streets for the locals.
Enjoyable read, would recommend! Also check out Ben's other books!
This book is inspiring but I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to go up to someone for a chat like Ben does but then, unless you're just people watching/eavesdropping, how else can you know the areas from the locals' perspective?
Get stuck in and try!
I like how he tries the local food and the pubs, art galleries and different bits places have to offer. We all like a hidden gem but also, we don't want to make it too touristy to clog up the streets for the locals.
Enjoyable read, would recommend! Also check out Ben's other books!
August 10, 2025
Firstly, disregard the crass title of this book for a second, which makes it sound like the kind of let’s-all-sneer-at-the-chavs books (think “Crap Towns” et al) that proliferated during the first decade of the 2000s. The title is unfortunate, and does this book a grave disservice, because “Shitty Breaks” isn’t like that at all.
Instead, Ben Aitken’s travelogue is a celebration of “unsung cities”, selected based on what Lonely Planet had claimed to be 12 of the least-visited locations in the U.K. and Ireland, with Aitken avowing that “my goal wasn’t to take the piss or stick the boot in, but rather to seek out their assets and virtues”.
Ben Aitken’s book is, in many ways, a companion piece to Nige Tassell’s recently published “Final Destinations”, in that both titles are attempting to defend the honour of towns and cities all too frequently disparaged by clueless self-styled cosmopolitans. Where Aitken has the edge over Tassell is that the criteria by which he chooses which outposts to visit are more flexible (allowing him to escape the U.K. to tour Limerick, Gibraltar and – yes – Newry in South Armagh). But he’s also consistently funnier, even more adept at extracting surprising revelations from conversations with strangers, and more profound in the conclusions he arrives at.
What elevates “Shitty Breaks” above so many other travel titles is Ben Aitken’s admirable philosophy that “travelling is as much about listening as seeing”. It is Aitken’s openness and curiosity – and his conviction that anywhere can be a compelling visit if you approach it with the correct mindset – that makes this book such an uplifting read.
And after 300 pages in his company, you too will come away with the “distinct and deep impression that the country you’ve been travelling in is overwhelmingly warm and kind and tolerant”. Although his description of eating some monstrosity called ‘Pea Wet’ in a Sunderland greasy spoon will haunt me until the end of my days (maybe there’s such a thing as being too open-minded).
Instead, Ben Aitken’s travelogue is a celebration of “unsung cities”, selected based on what Lonely Planet had claimed to be 12 of the least-visited locations in the U.K. and Ireland, with Aitken avowing that “my goal wasn’t to take the piss or stick the boot in, but rather to seek out their assets and virtues”.
Ben Aitken’s book is, in many ways, a companion piece to Nige Tassell’s recently published “Final Destinations”, in that both titles are attempting to defend the honour of towns and cities all too frequently disparaged by clueless self-styled cosmopolitans. Where Aitken has the edge over Tassell is that the criteria by which he chooses which outposts to visit are more flexible (allowing him to escape the U.K. to tour Limerick, Gibraltar and – yes – Newry in South Armagh). But he’s also consistently funnier, even more adept at extracting surprising revelations from conversations with strangers, and more profound in the conclusions he arrives at.
What elevates “Shitty Breaks” above so many other travel titles is Ben Aitken’s admirable philosophy that “travelling is as much about listening as seeing”. It is Aitken’s openness and curiosity – and his conviction that anywhere can be a compelling visit if you approach it with the correct mindset – that makes this book such an uplifting read.
And after 300 pages in his company, you too will come away with the “distinct and deep impression that the country you’ve been travelling in is overwhelmingly warm and kind and tolerant”. Although his description of eating some monstrosity called ‘Pea Wet’ in a Sunderland greasy spoon will haunt me until the end of my days (maybe there’s such a thing as being too open-minded).
May 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of the audiobook
This was my first foray into Ben Aitken's writing and it certainly won't be my last. Personally, when I travel, I'm very much a get lost and stumble over hidden treasures kinda guy, so this book intrigued me straight away. The writing of his joy, enthusiasm and willingness to find beauty, interest, history, or just something different and worth learning about in what we're lead to believe are the most mundane of cities made me not only want to visit places such as Sunderland, Bradford, Gibraltar and Chelmsford (I'm from down the road from here in Romford originally so this part of Essex really got my hackles up) but to explore any place and speak to it's locals and find out hidden gems (or dusty old rocks).
In truth, I'm already on board with this travel ethic, but the writing is very good indeed (far better than mine), and the evident sense of humour and love of the underdog are, quite simply brilliant.
An outstanding book.
PS I listened to the audiobook which the author narrated himself. I listen to A LOT of audiobooks and although his narration isn't what I'd deem to be top notch, he does bring his writing to life in, literally, his own voice, which really lends weight to his opinions and sense of humour. Thank you, Ben!
This was my first foray into Ben Aitken's writing and it certainly won't be my last. Personally, when I travel, I'm very much a get lost and stumble over hidden treasures kinda guy, so this book intrigued me straight away. The writing of his joy, enthusiasm and willingness to find beauty, interest, history, or just something different and worth learning about in what we're lead to believe are the most mundane of cities made me not only want to visit places such as Sunderland, Bradford, Gibraltar and Chelmsford (I'm from down the road from here in Romford originally so this part of Essex really got my hackles up) but to explore any place and speak to it's locals and find out hidden gems (or dusty old rocks).
In truth, I'm already on board with this travel ethic, but the writing is very good indeed (far better than mine), and the evident sense of humour and love of the underdog are, quite simply brilliant.
An outstanding book.
PS I listened to the audiobook which the author narrated himself. I listen to A LOT of audiobooks and although his narration isn't what I'd deem to be top notch, he does bring his writing to life in, literally, his own voice, which really lends weight to his opinions and sense of humour. Thank you, Ben!
September 1, 2025
I giggled such a lot whilst reading this book in which Ben Aitken has a trendy city break but in a series of seriously untrendy places such as Preston and Chelmsford (perhaps stretching the point a bit with some but he did have a metric). There were moments where I suspected the writing was probably doing multiple duties and likely to appear elsewhere too. Sometimes he focuses on activities which could (sort of) be anywhere - although he does explain why alpaca walking in Bradford specifically. Fundamentally Ben Aitken's and my own interests have a good deal of overlap (he's perhaps a lot keener on pubs and only partly for the craic - he gets a good few paragraphs out of how very not interesting it is to read about how much an author has had to drink. Clever lad.)
His specs are not rose tinted but his nose sniffs out the golden nuggets in unlikely places, some that are faded, some probably never shone that bright in the first place but all deserving a visit. Bit of a national treasure is Ben.
His specs are not rose tinted but his nose sniffs out the golden nuggets in unlikely places, some that are faded, some probably never shone that bright in the first place but all deserving a visit. Bit of a national treasure is Ben.
May 28, 2025
Touring the unsung towns & attractions that miss out of the visiting hoards is definitely a project that is Ben Aitken revels in. It’s a mission that weaves around dry slope skiing, statue spotting, an attempt at cycling in a velodrome and sampling as many recommended munchies that he can find. His travels convince the reader that more attention needs to be placed on our doorstop. Everywhere has value, and we should be giving them all a place to shine. You sometimes don’t see that about your home town or neighbouring cities, and the various people that Aitken encountered clearly help him find some gems on his travels.
I’m a big fan of the author's work and having the audiobook version always adds more depth of feeling when he has something positive to say, especially about the people that brought something new to his world. I'm looking forward to buying a copy to add to my Aitken collection.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I’m a big fan of the author's work and having the audiobook version always adds more depth of feeling when he has something positive to say, especially about the people that brought something new to his world. I'm looking forward to buying a copy to add to my Aitken collection.
I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
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July 10, 2025I’d read a few alternative travel books before and was really pleased that Icon got in touch about this one. We all go to the same places that everyone recommends so why not go somewhere out of the ordinary, like Limerick or Milton Keynes?
There was some good information about all the cities included, such as background about the idea behind MK and some of its eateries and the many sports and recreational activities you can do. And the concrete cows too ( I knew about these but didn’t know the originals were in the museum!) I did find myself Googling quite a bit throughout (such as Preston bus station and the cows), so think this would have benefitted from some photos of the places and buildings included.
Overall, a great “travel” guide to places you never knew you wanted to visit.
There was some good information about all the cities included, such as background about the idea behind MK and some of its eateries and the many sports and recreational activities you can do. And the concrete cows too ( I knew about these but didn’t know the originals were in the museum!) I did find myself Googling quite a bit throughout (such as Preston bus station and the cows), so think this would have benefitted from some photos of the places and buildings included.
Overall, a great “travel” guide to places you never knew you wanted to visit.
May 11, 2025
Excellent read. Aitken loses points for claiming that the Wetherspoons called 'The Whispering Moon' is in Croydon. It is in Wallington, which is a different town and London Borough. The remaining central Croydon branch is 'The George,' but Wallington isn't even nearly Croydon and to suggest it is would be to pretty much undermine the premise of the book.
Other than this hyper obsessive criticism, this is a positive, uplifting book. I always really enjoy Aitken's style and his gentle enthusiasm for everything interesting and curious.
Other than this hyper obsessive criticism, this is a positive, uplifting book. I always really enjoy Aitken's style and his gentle enthusiasm for everything interesting and curious.
December 5, 2025
Well, since you ask, I thought it was really rather good. I’m envious m, truth be told, because I’m pursuing my own project to visit lots of places, many of which are unsung. And Ben is more charming and more willing to engage. Fair play. And, while I think about it, he asserts that he’s not read that much, and is an ordinary sort of bloke. If so, he must have hoovered up a lot of stuff from somewhere, and does rather a lot of reflective thinking. This is a deeper boon than it appears. Better than the alternative.
May 31, 2025
Charming and witty. Every place featured is treated well and given a chance to impress,although I did think Chelmsford perhaps didn't sell itself so well. I'm obviously biased because where I live features and I even know one of the people mentioned! Gibraltar sounds very interesting. I did briefly visit Dunfermline a while ago and and found it full of generous, practical people. Easy to read and very enjoyable.
April 30, 2025
This was a very unique and unexpected story. I loved the idea that the author visited places people don’t normally visit. Every chapter gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling for, often forgotten, places. I enjoyed the history lessons and local knowledge from each place.
The tale did make me laugh out loud. The book is well written and aims to encourage people to enter new places
The tale did make me laugh out loud. The book is well written and aims to encourage people to enter new places
November 2, 2025
The author obviously would like to be a modern British version of Jack Kerouac, chatting up vagabonds and slumming it in the "rough" part of town. The authenticity is charming but at the same time he avoids actual shitholes (of which we do not have a shortage of), instead going to dilapidated but formerly great towns. Good-natured and inoffensive.
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September 24, 2025(no star rating for non-fiction)
I like the idea of this but he clearly found the places more charming than he was able to get across through his writing. I wonder if the would have been better as a series on youtube?
I like the idea of this but he clearly found the places more charming than he was able to get across through his writing. I wonder if the would have been better as a series on youtube?
December 1, 2025
Really, really enjoyed reading this one (even if it did take me 7 months). Obviously Preston was my favourite chapter, strange reading about ‘my’ city from the perspective of a tourist but gave me an appreciation for some of the things I maybe don’t give much thought to normally.
August 28, 2025
Profound, quirky and charming. Poetic.
October 22, 2025
What a great read. Gave the same joy as when you play tourist in your own town and just truly appreciate what’s there.
December 5, 2025
I've loved all of Ben's books and this is no exception. It is quietly warm and optimistic and makes me want to head to Newport or Bradford or Milton Keynes with speed!
April 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this! As someone who works for a tourist board that faces the “why would you visit there” question I really enjoyed hearing how it was answered.
I was delighted to hear that I knew a bit about a lot of the places and was excited to share the Dunfermline chapter with a friend from the area.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review.
I was delighted to hear that I knew a bit about a lot of the places and was excited to share the Dunfermline chapter with a friend from the area.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review.
August 9, 2025
I picked up Shitty Breaks on a whim—primarily on account of the title’s clever wordplay. As a sucker for a pun, I was intrigued to explore what I assumed would be an irreverent take on the city break, a cheeky travelogue full of jabs at so-called “lesser” cities. What I found instead was one of the most charming, funny, and oddly uplifting books I’ve read in a while.
Over the course of a year, Ben Aitken visits twelve destinations around the UK and Ireland that most of us wouldn’t dream of for a city break—Wolverhampton, Preston, Limerick, Sunderland—and treats them with warmth and curiosity. I loved the mix of humour and genuine affection: one moment he’s skiing in Sunderland, the next he’s falling in love with Dunfermline’s unexpected beauty.
Aitken doesn’t just poke fun at the places he visits; he chats with the locals, listens, observes and celebrates, showing a genuine interest and unfiltered enthusiasm for what he discovers.
I really enjoyed discovering the histories, little-known facts and hidden gems of places that I’d normally give a wide berth. But what really struck me was how the book made me rethink my own travel habits. Why do we chase the same glossy destinations when joy can be found in a market in Bradford or a pub in Wrexham? Aitken shows that travel is less about ticking off postcard sights and more about connecting with people and places—no matter their reputation.
By the end, I was grinning, inspired, and itching to book a “wrong-direction” weekend away. Shitty Breaks is proof that every city has a story worth hearing—you just need the right eyes, and the right heart, to see it.
Over the course of a year, Ben Aitken visits twelve destinations around the UK and Ireland that most of us wouldn’t dream of for a city break—Wolverhampton, Preston, Limerick, Sunderland—and treats them with warmth and curiosity. I loved the mix of humour and genuine affection: one moment he’s skiing in Sunderland, the next he’s falling in love with Dunfermline’s unexpected beauty.
Aitken doesn’t just poke fun at the places he visits; he chats with the locals, listens, observes and celebrates, showing a genuine interest and unfiltered enthusiasm for what he discovers.
I really enjoyed discovering the histories, little-known facts and hidden gems of places that I’d normally give a wide berth. But what really struck me was how the book made me rethink my own travel habits. Why do we chase the same glossy destinations when joy can be found in a market in Bradford or a pub in Wrexham? Aitken shows that travel is less about ticking off postcard sights and more about connecting with people and places—no matter their reputation.
By the end, I was grinning, inspired, and itching to book a “wrong-direction” weekend away. Shitty Breaks is proof that every city has a story worth hearing—you just need the right eyes, and the right heart, to see it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews