I really like the premise of visiting places that are on the road less traveled. I’ve had my share of holidays around the UK in places that are overpopulated with tourists. I love the idea of going to some places that might not necessarily make the “Best Of” lists but still have a lot to offer.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

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.

Before reading Sh*tty Breaks, I never imagined I’d want to visit Sunderland, Wolverhampton, or Limerick. But after following Ben Aitken’s travels through these and other overlooked cities, I’ve changed my mind. Witty, often laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly heartwarming, this book is a rallying cry for the underdogs - a reminder to find beauty in the mundane and, above all, to value human connection. It’s one of the most entertaining travel books I’ve read, and I’d recommend it to anyone.

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 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.

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 had recently listened to Gran Tour, one of Ben's previous books, about coach holidays, and loved it. I was therefore delighted to receive an advance audiobook of Sh*try Breaks. Based on the worthy premise that the destinations at the bottom of the league tables deserve to be visited in their own right, Ben set out to have a holiday in places like Preston, Wolverhampton , Chelmsford, Dunfermline and so on. Simultaneously hilarious, informative and thought provoking, I very much enjoyed this book.
With grateful thanks to Ben Aitken, W F Howes Ltd, and NetGalley for my advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.