10 Best Cities to Visit in the UK

The UK’s capital, London is a thriving metropolitan city marked by elegant architecture, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant cultural scene. If it’s your first time visiting London, you may want to go on a bus tour on one of London’s iconic double-decker buses. This will help you get your bearings and see sights such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben.

Standing on the River Thames in southeast England, London is also home to the West End theatre district, offering some of the best musicals and plays. Make sure you leave time to visit some of London’s world-class museums where several of the permanent collections are free.

A UNESCO world heritage site and a well-being destination since Roman times, the Bath waters continue to attract visitors. You can sample the waters at the ancient Roman baths or the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, boasting the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in.

Just under a 1.5-hour train ride from London, you’ll feel like you’re a world away as you immerse yourself in Bath’s beautiful golden architecture. You’ll be able to see where Jane Austen took her inspiration from and find out more about this former famous resident at the Jane Austen Centre. Make sure you sample a traditional Bath bun pastry during your stay.

It’s not hard to see why Edinburgh was the inspiration for Harry Potter when you see the cobbled alleys and majestic castle. In the Old Town, you’ll discover a wealth of history from the battle over the crown jewels to grave robbers and maybe even a ghost or two. In contrast, the New Town offers a more modern vibe with independent boutiques and cool cafes.

Around a 6-hour train journey from London, Edinburgh is also home to a number of art galleries, a zoo with the UK’s only giant pandas and the National Museum of Scotland, there are plenty of activities for both kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the world-class Edinburgh Festival Fringe if you’re visiting in August.

Home to one of the oldest universities in the UK, Cambridge has a long history in academia and innovation. Its stunning architecture spans several different centuries with highlights including Kings College Chapel, Fitzwilliam Museum and Quayside. To see the city from a different angle, take to the water and punt along the scenic River Cam.

Just over an hour from London, Cambridge is also incredibly easy to navigate by foot and features a brilliant Sunday market where you can pick up second-hand books and vinyl, fresh local produce, or handmade jewellery. Make sure you pick up an iconic Chelsea Bun from Fitzbillies which has been a Cambridge staple since 1921.

York boasts more attractions per square mile than any other city in the UK, so the question won’t be what to do, but what to do first. We recommend starting at York Minster, a masterpiece in stained glass and a sacred space which has been at the heart of Christianity in northern England since the 7th century. Climbing the Central Tower will also give you incredible views of the whole city.

Just 4 hours away from both London and Edinburgh, York also has a rich Viking heritage which you can find out more about at the JORVIK Viking Centre. Don’t forget to visit Shambles, one of the oldest streets in the world and jam-packed with quirky shops to explore.

It’s said that the people make Glasgow, but the city itself is pretty special too. Just over an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh, Glasgow is often seen as cooler and edgier. A UNESCO City of Music, with iconic venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut to independent venues, live music is at the heart of Glasgow’s nightlife scene.

Glasgow is also well known for its art scene with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the House for an Art Lover and plenty of Charles Rennie Mackintosh designs. Make sure you see the legendary Duke of Wellington statue outside of the Gallery of Modern Art which is always sporting a traffic cone after this started as a prank in the 1980s.

An 800-year-old market town, many buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon would still be familiar to Shakespeare. The town where the famous playwright lived and worked still bears witness to him as you can visit his birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was christened and buried. Take the opportunity to see one of Shakespeare’s works at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or the more intimate Swan Theatre.

Around 2.5 hours from London, there is more to Stratford-upon-Avon than Shakespeare. Explore the point where science and art meet at the Mechanical Art and Design Museum, the only museum of this type of art in England. Need an energy boost? Honey Blue cafe is one of the town’s best-kept secrets.

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has a long history of shipbuilding, including building the Titanic. Voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016, the Titanic Belfast allows you to trace the famous ship from its conception to its tragic ending. To discover yet more of Belfast’s history, take the Black Cab Tour where a seasoned guide will explain some of the city’s turbulent past as you see some of the city’s politically-charged murals, the Peace Walls and Shankill Road.

If you’re looking to get out into nature, Cave Hill Country Park offers incredible views of the city, ideal for a romantic sunset stroll. The majestic Giant’s Causeway is also just 15 minutes from the city.

With a similar ambience and history to Glasgow, Liverpool is home to one of the world’s most famous bands: The Beatles. You can get your fix by exploring some of the places which inspired The Beatles such as Strawberry Fields and The Cavern Club or discover the band’s history at The Beatles Story, the world’s largest permanent collection.

Around a 3-hour train journey from London, make sure you visit the Royal Albert Dock which was once a bustling port and is now a vibrant district. Packed with museums, galleries, bars, and restaurants and lined with the UK’s largest collection of listed buildings, including the Three Graces, there’s always something to see here.

A charming seaside town, Brighton will help you embrace your inner child as you stroll along the famous Palace Pier, lined with arcade games and attractions. You can then head to the beach for a quick dip or to surf or bodyboard.

A 1.5-hour train ride from London, Brighton has a bohemian feel which welcomes free spirits. In the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital inclusion is part of the city’s identity and Brighton Pride in August is always a joyful event, attracting several big musical acts. Brighton is also packed full of beautiful independent shops and a vibrant food scene. Check out Isaac A, which is dedicated to sourcing local food, or the Michelin-starred Pike and Pine.