Are you planning to experience the best of the United Kingdom? Look no further!
The UK has some beautiful cities and places that are just waiting to be explored. The country is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, history, great shopping areas, sightseeing spots and experiences that it offers. From bustling city life to rural retreats – each city brings a unique experience when discovering this great nation.
Regardless of whether you are visiting as part of a city break or day trip, there’s an adventure or two awaiting you when exploring one of the most captivating countries in Europe. For those looking to plan their next excursion, here is a list of 20 best cities to visit in the UK.
1. London
Staying in the city centre will give you an excellent base for a day of sightseeing. There’s a great choice of accommodation too. Choose from budget or boutique hotels or why not treat yourself to a 5 star place to stay for the perfect luxury accommodation?
Shopping in London is a must-do for any visitor. From the iconic Harrods and well known Oxford Street to the trendy boutiques of Covent Garden, there’s something for everyone.
London has many green spaces giving you lots of options for a break from the busy city centre. So, why not take a stroll in one of the London’s many parks. Hyde Park is one of the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. With its children’s playground, beautiful gardens and cafes it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning views and some fresh air. The Diana Memorial Fountain can also be found at Hyde Park.
We recommend
A traditional afternoon tea at a luxury hotel. The Ritz and Claridges are just some of the many luxury hotel offering visitors decadent afternoon teas. A trip on the London Eye and take in the river views from a nearby Thames cruise.
Don’t miss a visit to one of London’s amazing museums. The London Science Museum and The Natural History Museum are a good place to start. Then, finish off with a West End stage show. With top productions like The Lion King and Matilda The Musical, there’s fun for all the family.
Central London
London SW1A 2DR
2. Edinburgh
If a bit of retail therapy and dining out are on your agenda you’ll find plenty of choice in Edinburgh. The city has many quirky shops and independent retailers to choose from and delicious award winning restaurants. Plus, with its cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and picturesque views, Edinburgh is a great place to explore.
We recommend:
A show at the Edinburgh Playhouse, the UK’s largest all seated theatre, shopping and wandering along the Royal Mile, an area of cultural and historical importance for the city. Then, make sure you book a table at top restaurants The Ivy and Hawksmoor. For British cooking Time Out magazine said: “Hawksmoor was top of the pile.”
Edinburgh City Centre
3. Bath
Bath is a popular destination for people wanting to visit the famous Roman Baths and for period drama fans because of Bath’s connection Jane Austen. The famous author lived in Bath for a number of years and you can retrace Jane’s steps with a visit to The Jane Austen Centre .
Find out more about the history of this picturesque city and why it’s a Unesco World Heritage Site with a visit to The Museum of Bath Architecture, Royal Crescent Museum and the majestic Bath Cathedral. Looking for some pampering? Discover Britain’s only thermal hot springs at the Thermae Bath Spa and spoil yourself with one of their luxurious treatments.
We recommend
Taking a swim in the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa for fantastic views of the city and a unique experience swimming high above Bath.
City Centre
Bath
4. Manchester
A well known mecca for shoppers Manchester has both independent shops and high street names-you’ll get lost in the huge Trafford Shopping Centre! A popular city for families with many family friendly attractions. Manchester SEALIFE and Lego Discovery Centre are both located conveniently next to each other and kids will be fascinated at discovering all about this Northern city’s industrial heritage at the Museum of Science and Industry. Little football fans will also love the award- winning Manchester United museum and stadium tour.
This cathedral city also has a vibrant nightlife scene with the Canal Street area and Chinatown offering many restaurants and bars to enjoy in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Also, if you are a Coronation Street fan, head to Granada Studios for a pic outside the famous Rovers Return pub.
We recommend
Taking a trip on the Manchester Hop on Hop off Bus which is a great way to explore the Manchester’s main neighbourhoods and landmarks. There’s live commentary too to give you extra insight into the city.
Manchester City Centre
Manchester
5. Liverpool
A walkable city with plenty to explore this is a perfect weekend destination and there’s plenty of choice of accommodation in a central location. You can enjoy river views by taking a cruise across the Mersey and don’t miss a trip to the well known Albert Dock. Here you can see collections of art at the Tate Liverpool art gallery and also find out about Liverpool’s maritime past at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Why not pick up a nautical themed gift to remember your trip?
Liverpudlians are known for liking to look good and follow trends. So, shoppers in the city will be in for a treat with a combination of boutique arcades, large shopping centres and bohemian streets. Don’t miss a visit to Liverpool ONE for the ultimate shopping experience!
We recommend
A visit to the Waterfront area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a real taste of this popular British city. It has beautiful views, history, culture, music, shopping and dining all in one place!
Liverpool City Centre
Liverpool L1 1JW
6. Birmingham
The National SEALIFE Centre is a must-see, located in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Here you can explore the underwater world with over 60 displays of sea creatures from around the world. Also, the National Trust Birmingham Back to Backs houses give you a fascinating glimpse into life in British cities during the 19th century. Kids will love exploring this carefully restored historic centre in Birmingham.
Of course, in more recent years Birmingham has been made famous by the popular TV show Peaky Blinders. The Peaky Blinders Tour is a must do for any fan taking you on a journey to see some key filming locations around the city.
We recommend
Don’t miss a trip to Cadbury World. A chocolate lovers heaven and one of the UK’s most popular family attractions!
Birmingham City Centre
7. York
Visit the iconic York Minster, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Also, take a stroll around The Shambles, one of the oldest streets in England with its overhanging timber-framed buildings and a popular Instagram spot in the city. Get your camera ready!
Visiting with a Harry Potter fan? York is also known for its connection to the Harry Potter films. Take a tour of the city and visit some of the locations thought to inspire scenes in the famous JK Rowling movies. Plus, for spellbinding family fun do the Wizard Walk of York, the most magical ticket in town!
Then there’s art galleries, quirky shops, museums and a castle tower!
We recommend
A visit to the famous Betty’s Cafe and Tea Rooms. This iconic York location is often booked up months in advance with beautiful interiors, plus gorgeous tea and cakes.
York
England
8. Cardiff
Take a boat trip around Cardiff Bay and explore the waterfront area with its stunning views. Then visit Cardiff Castle , an iconic landmark in the city with over 2000 years of history.
For some outdoor fun, head to Cardiff’s green spaces Roath Park or Bute Park. Then, don’t forget time for shopping. Browse the beautifully designed Victorian Cardiff arcades and Cardiff Market. For well known high street names you’ll love St. David’s Dewi Sant Cardiff’s biggest shopping centre.
Fancy a show or concert? Then, head to Wales Millennium Centre. The Cardiff landmark building hosts a programme of entertainment full of well known productions.
We recommend
Taking advantage of the excellent free museums in and around Cardiff. St Fagan’s National Museum of Welsh History has won awards and is a wonderful place for families to explore with a farm, cottages, gardens and castle. In addition, the National Museum Cardiff in the city centre takes you on a journey through Wales from pre historic times. Kids will love to see the giant woolly mammoth exhibit.
Cardiff
9. Bristol
Explore Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a luxury ocean liner that is now a museum. Board a Concorde jet at Aerospace Bristol and then go deep beneath the see at Bristol Aquarium.
For some outdoor fun, take a stroll across Clifton Suspension Bridge or see the many animals at The Wild Place Project Zoo.
We recommend
Visiting the Harbourside area and Millennium Square home to many waterside restaurants, tourist attractions and water sports.
Bristol City Centre
10. Durham
Durham City has luxury hotels and cosy B&Bs with many shops, cafes and restaurants. The nearby Durham Dales a landscape of moors, valleys and hills provides an ideal location for scenic walks and views.
For little ones, the fun at Diggerland Durham theme park will make the perfect family day out!
We recommend
Take a trip to Beamish-The Living Museum of the North set in 350 acres of Durham countryside. Visitors to this open air museum discover a fascinating glimpse into what life was like for people in the North East from the 1900s to 1950s.
Durham
11. Brighton
Best things to do in Brighton when you have put down your camera include visiting the iconic Royal Pavilion and Garden, a former royal residence built in the 18th century and taking a stroll along the famous Brighton Pier. The pier has many fairground rides to enjoy and traditional British seaside deckchairs to enjoy the coastal view. Also, see beyond Brighton beach with a trip beneath the waves at the world’s oldest aquarium SEALIFE Brighton.
Then head to The Lanes for some unique shopping experiences. This quirky area of connecting alleyways and courtyards are a great to wander around, dine and shop.
We recommend
Make sure you take a trip on British Airways Brighton i360 viewing tower offering the best views from 138 metres above!
Brighton
12. Newcastle
For a taste of Newcastle’s history, visit Newcastle Castle and walk up the Castle Keep for some amazing views over the city.
For family fun, head to the Life Science Centre where you can explore science and technology through interactive exhibits. Plus, footie fans of all ages will enjoy a trip to St James’ Park for a tour of the Newcastle United’s home football ground.
We recommend
Taking a trip underneath Newcastle with a Victoria Tunnel tour. Discover a hidden world and stories of the past.
13. Canterbury
Take a tour of the cathedral and explore its stunning architecture and ancient walls, then visit the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey.
For some fresh air, take a walk along the River Stour or explore Westgate Gardens. Need some refreshment? In Canterbury you’ll find that there’s many cosy pubs and restaurant options to choose from.
We recommend
If you are visiting between March and October then book a Canterbury Historic River Tour and the 12th century city architecture from the water.
14. Portsmouth
Take a tour of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and explore its many attractions, then visit Southsea Castle for some stunning views over the Solent.
For family fun, head to Clarence Pier for some classic British seaside fun with amusements, rides and indoor adventure playground.
We recommend
For shopping bargains head to Gunwharf Quays with more than 90 outlet shops all on the water’s edge. Some with up to 60% off normal prices!
Portsmouth
15. Cambridge
See world class works of art in the free to enter Fitzwilliam Museum and look out for alfresco theatre performances during the summer in the parks and green spaces in Cambridge.
For outdoor activities to suit all the family head to Jesus Green. There’s a lido open for swimming throughout the summer and certain times in the winter months. Furthermore, kids can enjoy a skate park and adventure play area.
We recommend
Getting on a bike and for a fun way to do sightseeing, by following the excellent network of cycle paths in and around the city.
Cambridge
16. Leeds
For a rainforest right in the middle of a city visit Tropical World, part of the Roundhay Park Estate in Leeds. There’s a butterfly house, meerkats and crocodiles!
The Royal Armouries Museum is a fun place to explore the history of arms and armour including one from King Henry VIII. Then, there’s the Leeds City Museum, where you can learn about the city’s past and present. Also, you can step back in time and walk down a 19th Century street at the Abbey House Museum.
Ready for some retail therapy? Shopping in Leeds is a must, with the city’s famous Victorian arcades and independent boutiques. Big brands meet local traders with something for everyone.
We recommend
Enjoy a family movie in a fun way at the Leeds Everyman cinema. Think cosy sofas and delicious sweet treats to enjoy while you watch.
Leeds City Centre
Leeds
17. Belfast
Take a tour of the Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum dedicated to the famous ship. Then, visit the Ulster Museum for some fascinating displays about the history and culture of Northern Ireland.
For a unique shopping experience. Head to St George’s Market on a Saturday morning for some local produce, live music and street food. It’s one of the oldest markets in Belfast and has been running since 1890!
We recommend
Taking a walk along the River Lagan or explore Cave Hill Country Park. Plus, visit Belfast Zoo for a day of animal spotting!
18. Nottingham
Take a tour of Nottingham Castle, which dates back to 1068 and has been home to many royals over the centuries. Then, explore the city’s underground caves and tunnels at City of Caves or take a walk around the historic Lace Market area.
We recommend
Taking a stroll along one of the many walking trails in Sherwood Forest. See the hiding place of Robin Hood and the majestic collection of old oak trees.
Nottingham City Centre
19. Oxford
You can book a tour to explore the University of Oxford, which is one of the oldest universities in the world. Then, explore some of the city’s famous landmarks including Christ Church, Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean Museum.
We recommend
A trip to Bicester Shopping Village just outside Oxford. Choose from over 150 stores featuring luxury brands at discounted prices.
Oxford
20. Glasgow
With cosy pubs and cafe’s dining out is a treat and flagship stores combined with local creators and traders make Glasgow an ideal shopping city.
Make sure you take a tour of the city’s iconic buildings, including the Glasgow Cathedral and the Riverside Museum. Then explore the many galleries and museums, such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or The Burrell Collection.
Family attractions include Glasgow Science Centre or take a trip to the Glasgow Zoo.
We recommend
Glasgow is well known for amazing street art. So, don’t miss the city centre mural trail. Huge murals can be found on the side of city buildings and each location forms part of the trail.
Glasgow
We hope you have found our guide to the best cities in the UK to visit helpful. Have you decided where to visit?
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