by Sun Meilan

Created on: July 07, 2011

Many people spend their time day-dreaming about travelling overseas and seeing cities and countryside that have something exciting and unusual to offer. However, it is often easy to neglect one’s own city. Maybe you have lived in your home city for years and think you know it well, but there are undoubtedly whole neighbourhoods that you have never visited and that have plenty to offer you. There are so many benefits to wandering in your own city.

Learning about local history

You probably head straight for cathedrals, castles, parks and other historical places of interest when you go on vacation, but have you visited places of interest on your own doorstep? It is easy to presume that you will ‘visit one day’, yet you walk past such places on a regular basis. Take some time to walk in and have a look round. You will discover all sorts of things about your own city that you previously didn’t know. Even if you think you know all the main historical buildings nearby, there are bound to be places of interest slightly further afield of which you weren’t even aware.

Appreciating what is on your doorstep

You may think you know your own city, especially if you have lived there for most of your life. However, you are probably so used to rushing from A to B and back to A again that you rarely take in your surroundings. By wandering round with no particular aim in mind, you will notice things that you have previously not taken in. Try walking up roads you have never been up before and have a look at the architecture and the way people present their gardens. Go and sit in a park with a picnic and feed the birds. By realising what is on your own doorstep, you will develop a stronger sense of belonging.

Keeping fit

If you have a busy work and family life, you probably find yourself rushing around all the time, either by car or public transport. Taking time to go for a walk around your neighbourhood and a little further afield is a great way of keeping fit and saving money at the same time. Ditch the gym or a fitness DVD at home, put on your walking shoes and get moving. For an extra work out, you can find some hills to tackle, or a set of steps. You will go back home feeling invigorated and will have enjoyed your local surroundings too. Find out about local walks for a bit of variety.

Supporting the local economy

By wandering around your home city, you will come across local businesses that you may not otherwise have noticed and can therefore

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