In the UK, there are many cities to visit which possess considerable individual appeal but, are often overshadowed by the incredible size and depth that the capital city of London has to offer. Due to its incredible popularity and status as a destination in its own right, it is important to take the spotlight away from London and shine it on other, less frequented parts of the UK.
Across all four nations that make up the union of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the following cities are locations that warrant visiting for the unique character and appeal they possess, which make them some of the best destinations in the country.
Edinburgh
At the heart of this historic city is the Royal Mile, which links the imposing fortification of Edinburgh Castle to the ancestral seat of the Monarchy at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, both of which are open to the public. Continuing the royal theme, The Balmoral, sharing a name with the Scottish Royal estate that was favoured by Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, is the Rocco Forte hotel located above Waverley Station and a fantastic place to stay in Edinburgh.
Visitors looking to exert themselves and enjoy stunning views of the city need look no further than a short trek up to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, offering the aforementioned panoramas of the local area. For those planning to visit in August, the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (more popularly known as Fringe) the world’s largest arts festival. Fringe takes over the city for most of the month and is perennially popular amongst locals and tourists alike, with dozens of comedians, artists, poets, and musicians performing across a multitude of stages and venues around the city.
Bath
Nestled among the picturesque hills of the Avon Valley, Bath is a city steeped, in elegant architecture and rich history. From ancient civilisations to early-modern literary greatness, Bath comes with some of the finest exhibits from England’s most significant periods. Famous for its limestone buildings and Regency period architecture, shining examples of which can be found at the Royal Crescent and on Pulteney Bridge, which has helped cement Bath’s reputation as one of the country’s most beautiful cities. As one of the most well-preserved examples left in Europe, The Roman Baths provide a fascinatingly detailed insight into the wonders of ancient engineering and life in Roman Britain.
Nearby at the Thermae Bath Spa, visitors can embrace the city’s natural thermal waters in a modern fashion, with a stunning rooftop terrace and views of Bath’s beautiful cityscape. Lovers of English literature will enjoy the Jane Austen Centre, celebrating one of Bath’s most famous authors for works such as Pride and Prejudice, whilst eagle-eyed fans of the period drama Bridgerton, can spot many filming locations from the popular series as they explore what is arguably, the most beautiful city in England.
York
A charming medieval city with a fascinating heritage, York is the jewel in the crown of North of England, with no shortage of wonderful attractions and landmarks. Of note is York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, as are the quaint cobbled streets of the Shambles, lined with timber-framed buildings and filled with charming novelty stores (and home to fantastic nighttime ghost tours). Perhaps the standout exhibit, is the immersive dive into the city’s Viking past at the Jorvik Viking Centre, an interactive ride that quite literally, takes visitors back in time.
One of York’s most exceptional accommodations, The Grand, housed in a former railway headquarters and the city's only five-star hotel and spa, offers a refined blend of period charm and character (and a fabulous whisky-tasting room with over 100 different labels). A short trip on the train out of York will take visitors to pastures greener, whether that be to the foot of the ruggedly beautiful Yorkshire Moors or, the charming riverside town of Knarsbrough.
Liverpool
As the home of the UK’s most famous rock bands, fans of The Beatles can visit legendary Liverpool landmarks like The Cavern Club and The Beatles Story Museum to learn more about the origins of the city’s prodigal quartet. The city has more parks, green spaces, museums, and historical sights, than any other city in the country outside of London. A notable example is the Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been rejuvenated into a major cultural hub.
Few cities in the UK have football so deeply embedded into their identity as Liverpool. Fans of the beautiful game will be more than familiar with the two Premier League teams based here (Liverpool FC and Everton FC). Both stadiums are well worth visiting. Liverpool’s Anfield stadium is one of the most famous grounds in the world, whilst Everton is on the cusp of embarking on a new era with the highly anticipated Bramley Moore Dock and their ultra-modern, purpose-built ground which shall open in the summer of 2025.
Oxford
Oxford is widely known as the home of one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Visitors can tour the many historic colleges of Oxford University and learn of its hallowed traditions and most esteemed academics. Some colleges are prime filming locations for major productions, such as Christ Church College, known for its ties to the Harry Potter films. The Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums, host fantastic collections of ancient Egyptian mummies and Dinosaur fossils, whilst the Botanical Gardens are an ever-popular attraction during the summer months.
No trip to Oxford would ever be complete without a punting along the River Cherwell. Visitors have the option of being guided by an experienced hand along the river or, manning the pole on one of the four-person gondolas themselves, for a scenic escape on one of the city’s quietest waterways. Oxford is well known for its fantastic accommodation options, in particular, the Old Bank and The Randolph hotels. Both of these fine establishments offer exceptional rooms and service, located right in the heart of the historic city centre and just a short walk from many of the cities most reputable Colleges and attractions.
Cardiff
Wales is known for its charming valleys and stunning coastline but its capital city Cardiff, serves a very different experience. A thriving city that holds more than 2000 years of history, visitors can embrace the past by exploring sites like Cardiff Castle and The National Museum or, opt for modern comforts at the rejuvenated Cardiff Bay waterfront, known as the Millenium Centre. But one of Cardiff’s biggest attractions is found at The Principality Stadium. Rugby is one of Wales’ greatest past times with the Welsh national team ranked among the world's elite for the sport. Whenever there is a big game on in Cardiff, the Welsh stand united by national pride and fierce devotion to their team, singing songs all through the day and long into the night. For those looking to avoid the crowds, the Holm House Hotel in Penarth, which is just outside the city limits, is a place with stunning views over the Severn Estuary and a welcome respite from the raw energy of this captivating city.
Belfast
The capital city of Northern Ireland is sorely underrated as a destination in the UK. Belfast combines a rich industrial heritage, with an emerging new identity that has been fueled by gentrification over the last two decades. The city’s most noteworthy engineering achievement was the construction of the ill-fated R.M.S Titanic, built in Belfast’s mighty shipyards at the beginning of the 20th Century. The Titanic Belfast museum tells the tragic story of the ship's voyage as well as the details of its, at the time, unprecedented construction.
History enthusiasts will enjoy the murals and political tours of the city, which delve into Belfast’s complicated stature within Ireland, which began as far back as the 17th century. The Cathedral Quarter offers a chance to enjoy some of the city’s famous hospitality at the many pubs and restaurants that operate here. Of particular note, is the Merchant Hotel, a wonderful premise with a distinctly old-world character that is perfect for those looking to stay in the heart of the city. Outside the city in County Antrim is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. The Giant’s Causeway is a geological wonder that is well worth the day trip from Belfast for those keen to explore the stunning coastline.
As a truly diverse nation of many peoples and histories, the UK’s multitude of cities hold unique experiences for visitors. Thanks to this incredibly rich heritage, formed over the last several thousand years, it falls well outside of the London bubble and paints a much richer picture, of what living in the UK entails for the majority of residents and how much more the rest of the country has to offer aside from the capital city.
