The United Kingdom (UK), which is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has long been one of the most well-liked travel destinations in Europe.
The country’s diversified landscape and rich cultural attractions play a significant role in its allure. The best cities to visit in UK range from its many top-notch art galleries and museums to its exquisitely preserved country estates and castles.
But visiting the UK is one of the finest things since it’s so easy to see this amazing and diverse country. You may base yourself in cities like London or Liverpool and simply use the train, bus, or boat to explore other areas thanks to the UK’s size, which could easily fit into the state of Texas.
A 90-minute rail journey will get you to the picturesque city of Salisbury, from where you can take a short bus ride or tour to one of the nation’s most well-known sights, Stonehenge. A one-hour rail ride will take you right into the middle of either of the Scottish cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh if you choose to travel between them.
20 Best Cities to Visit in UK
With the help of our list of the 20 best cities to visit in UK, you can organize your sightseeing excursions.
1. Belfast: One of the Best Cities to Visit in UK
Although Belfast is the largest city and the Northern Irish Capital, it is still a modest metropolis in comparison to other cities. But there is still a lot to see and do here.
It is simple to view Belfast’s top attractions in a short amount of time due to their close proximity to one another.
Belfast, the city where the Titanic was constructed, is home to a number of top-notch museums that explore its rich history as a shipbuilding centre. Additionally, there are museums that highlight their association with the linen sector.
As an alternative, visit the bustling Cathedral neighborhood with its charming Victorian buildings and cobbled streets. It’s a well-known location with a thriving restaurant and pub culture. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
Standing tall on the broad banks of the River Lagon, Belfast boasts lush parks, a variety of cafes and eateries, and a beautiful blend of Georgian and modernist structures, with Belfast City Hall standing out as a must-see landmark.
2. Bristol
Bristol is a stunning British city that has evolved into one of the most distinctive and intriguing locations in the nation. It serves as the main transportation hub for South West England.
Bristol, formerly a bustling port, has charm and wonder. Awe at the vistas Clifton Suspension Bridge of the Avon Gorge. Embark on the river in a canal boat.
And take advantage of the city’s many quaint pubs, oddball music venues, and enjoyable festivals. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
Bristol has so much street art, beautiful architecture, and history that strolling around is one of the finest ways to explore it. A hot air balloon journey with champagne can be a wonderfully unforgettable morning or evening because the city also has a particularly special relationship with hot air balloons. If time and money permit.
3. Cambridge: A Prestigious University City
Most people know Cambridge best for its university. It has produced more Nobel laureates than any other university in the UK. The Imperial War Museum has a wealth of information on Britain during the war.
In addition to being a lovely historic university town, Cambridge has a great deal of well preserved historic buildings, most of which are concentrated around its 31 colleges.
There are also some well-known alumni from Cambridge. The world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking and 14 British Prime Ministers among others who have had a significant influence on the world studied here.
A punt cruise along Cambridge’s lovely River Cam is a must-do activity. Punting is a common activity here and a traditional flat-bottomed boat. The city’s historic architecture is beautifully viewed from the river that runs through the center of the city. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
This medieval city still has a very modern vibe despite being a student town. There is therefore a robust performing arts scene, a lot of music, and festivals.
There are several art galleries where you may see anything from traditional to modern works. And there are some charming, quirky shops where you can find mementos.
5. London: One of the Best Cities to Visit in UK
London, the capital city, is worth visiting for a variety of reasons. London, which is situated on the banks of the River Thames, serves as the financial hub of the nation, the seat of the British government, and the residence of the Royal Family.
The fantastic food scene in London is a direct reflection of the population’s variety. London offers a wide variety of food, including ethnic street food in its many markets, the best cuisine at renowned restaurants, and classic British fare in neighbourhood pubs.
London also boasts some extremely lovely and peaceful open spots if you want to get away from the busy streets, museums, and galleries. Visit the less well-known Kew Gardens, which has an amazing variety of tropical plants and animals, if you have more time. London really does have something to offer everyone.
You can also visit Buckingham Palace, Natural History Museum, British Museum and St Paul’s Cathedral there. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
6. York
The lovely, medieval city walls of York in the UK have the most attractions per square mile of any city. The main draw of York is its rich past, even though it boasts all the modern stores and conveniences you’d expect from a large UK city.
You can see traces of its Roman origins as well as influences from the Vikings when you stroll the mediaeval alleyways with their cobblestones and some of them have magnificently preserved structures from the 14th and 15th centuries.
York offers 30 museums, the best racetrack in the UK, and festivals nearly every month among its many attractions. The National Railway Museum is the most well-known of York’s many notable museums. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
One of the biggest cathedrals in all of Europe is York Minster, the city’s cathedral. From the summit of York Minster, you may take in some breathtaking views of the city. Take a boat tour along the River Ouse or the Foss River to see the city from the water.
7. Manchester: One of the Best Cities to Visit in UK
Manchester has a lot more to offer than only its Premier League football teams, though! The beautiful city, which is in the northwest of England, had a long industrial heritage, but it is today a thriving community where the past and present coexist.
The industrial city of Manchester is vibrant, has a welcoming environment, and offers a wide range of things to see and do. T
here are a number of top-notch museums, stunning buildings, excellent dining and shopping options, and a tonne of entertaining things to do for both kids and adults.
Don’t forget to stroll through the city’s historic district and stop by some of its historic landmarks! Manchester art gallery, Manchester Cathedral, and John Rylands Library are unquestionably must-sees. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
Visits to Manchester would be impossible without taking in at least one of the city’s two major football stadiums, Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United FC, and Etihad Stadium, the venue for Manchester City FC. The National Football Museum, the biggest football museum in the world, is also located in the lovely city.
8. Brighton
Brighton is a large, charismatic beach city. Brighton has a distinct personality and bravely asserts itself as a destination unto itself while being only a short distance south of London.
Many young families and couples commute from London to Brighton, as well as teens, travel with friends from nearby cities.
The city is home to the largest LGBT community in Britain as well as some of the best independent shops and boutiques, which are mostly centered on the famous Lanes.
Brighton, which is on the south coast of England and looks out over the English Channel, is surrounded by beaches. There is a mixture of tacky coastal attractions, a convoluted network of shopping lanes from the 1500s known as The Lanes, and an oddly positioned Royal Pavilion, a palace designed in Asian style.
Brighton rejects a category, which undoubtedly increases the city’s attraction to tourists. Brighton is an excellent option if you’re looking for a memorable beach city in England. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
9. Bath
Bath, which is in the southwest region of England, is well-known for its Roman ruins. The city is safeguarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around its ancient Roman baths (famous roman baths), Bath expanded.
The city has plenty of stunning architecture to admire in addition to museums and galleries. Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, from the unique honey-colored Georgian houses to the neo-Classical architecture of many of its public buildings!
Thanks to TV and movies, Bath’s famous landmarks, including the Circus and the Royal Crescent, have gained international recognition.
The five years Jane Austen spent here served as inspiration for several of her writings on city life. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
10. Glasgow
Glasgow may have a fascinating past and many historic buildings to admire, but it’s also trendy and cool. The city of cool in Scotland is occasionally used to describe it. ’.
Glasgow is a creative metropolis with a vibrant art scene. From the city center to its cobblestone streets, you may buy distinctive and unusual goods almost anywhere.
Additionally, the vibrant city is covered in stunning murals that feature a variety of individuals who have contributed significantly to Glasgow’s culture.
You can visit a full-size sailing ship, a number of outstanding museums, and a magnificent Cathedral with breathtaking architecture. A visit to Glasgow is significantly cheaper than one too many other UK cities because many of its attractions are free to access.
Glasgow also has some lovely green spaces where you can relax and take in the energetic atmosphere. You’ll find that residents are more than willing to share anecdotes with you of their cherished homes. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
11. Liverpool: One of the Best Cities to Visit in UK
The Beatles’ birthplace is Liverpool’s greatest source of renown. If you’re a fan, the city where the band got their start and found their inspiration is a terrific spot to explore. But this city offers so much more than anyone would love living there!
On the Mersey River is where Liverpool is situated. Walking around the docks, which are brimming with hip stores, amazing restaurants, and bustling pubs, is one of the finest things to do. Shoppers and street performers abound in the streets of the modern city center.
Liverpool comes to life in the evenings! Therefore, be sure to spend the night. End the evening with live music at the renowned Cavern Club after dining at one of the many excellent eateries in the area.
The Beatles performed here nearly 300 times during their career. You can also explore World Museum here. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
12. Cardiff
Wales’ capital and largest city are Cardiff. Cardiff is the most well-known and one of the top tourist destinations in Wales.
Cardiff, a riverbank city close to the Brecon Beacons National Park, is well-known for its nightlife, museums, sports, and television production. Cardiff is unfortunately frequently ignored as a city break because so many people in Wales hurry to the seaside or National Parks.
There is green space where you may sunbathe in the summer, beaches close by if you wish to brave the water, and indoor activities if the weather turns bad.
Even if you choose to travel further into the Welsh countryside, we advise scheduling a stopover in Cardiff. There is a White Water Rafting Center where you may test yourself against rapids, as well as Cardiff Castle and the Museum of Cardiff. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
13. Norwich
In the center of rural East Anglia stands the medieval city of Norwich. It was the biggest walled town in medieval England. Norwich was largely omitted from the Industrial Revolution due to its remote location. As a result, the town still possesses several of its Tudor and medieval churches.
Norwich, the only city in England to be situated in a national park, is a UNESCO City of Literature. It has a stunning natural reserve, a river that flows through the city, and a striking Romanesque cathedral with lovely, serene surroundings.
A few of the historic sites that give the city its distinctive and old-world feel include thatched buildings and colorful merchant homes. Additionally, there are quaint pubs strewn about providing the best ales and craft beverages. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
14. Nottingham
When visiting the UK, Nottingham is another lovely city that is worth your time. This city is known as the “Queen of the Midlands” because of its imposing, wide streets and picturesque parks. However, Nottingham will always be associated with the fabled outlaw Robin Hood for the majority of us.
Nottingham is a city with something for everyone, boasting its own castle, a stunning cathedral, a system of underground tunnels, and the dynamic Lace Market, alive with independent cafes, restaurants, and bars.
However, the tranquilly and beauty of its green places are accessible at a short distance from the city’s heart. You can go a little further and enter the sizable Sherwood Forest, which is where Robin Hood and his Merry Men live.
Beautiful to see Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, and National Justice Museum. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
15. St. Davids
The UK’s smallest city, St. David’s, is nestled among the rolling hills of West Wales and was only given that distinction because of the presence of its imposing cathedral.
The stone walls and buildings, bustling marketplaces, and opulent flora that make up this modest, charming, and lovely place are its distinguishing features.
the majestic church inspires awe. Enjoy afternoon tea in the pubs’ lush gardens. And from the tops of the hills, gaze out across Wales’ mesmerizing scenery. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
16. Leeds
Leeds is not far behind Manchester as one of the best cities in Northern England. Like Manchester, Leeds was greatly impacted by the Industrial Revolution, and many of the adjacent neighborhoods still feature structures that were formerly factories and mills.
Leeds, the third-largest city in England, is renowned for its friendliness, intimate downtown, and close proximity to the Yorkshire Dales.
Leeds is a favourite with college students, so you can expect a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of inexpensive restaurants. Small and accessible on foot, the centre is ideal for a weekend of shopping, drinking, and dining. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
17. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a true tale of two cities. It boasts a historic Old Town on one side and a New Town on the other, both of which are crammed with fashionable stores and restaurants.
One of the oldest fortified locations in Europe, the majestic Edinburgh Castle commands a view of the entire city.
Rolling, green hills surround it, which are frequently compared to Rome. In fact, the capital of Italy was rumored to have been constructed on seven hills, just like Edinburgh.
Edinburgh is home to a number of top-notch museums and galleries as well as amazing views and lush natural spaces. However, it also has a fascinatingly dark past that can be learned more about by visiting its eerie churchyards and an intriguing underground street that provides a glimpse into city life in the past.
The capital of Scotland is renowned for its numerous events, including the renowned Hogmanay at New Year’s. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
18. Birmingham: One of the Best Cities to Visit in UK
The second-largest city in England, Birmingham is home to a sizable population of more than a million people. The convenience of visiting such a significant English city means that tourists can find restaurants, attractions, and accommodations at every turn.
You can decide to go to well-known attractions like Sea Life, Legoland, and Cadbury World. Alternately, check out some of Birmingham’s distinctive sights, such as The Coffin Works, which offers tours that describe the coffin-making process and relate tales of famous people’s funerals.
People who have visited other English cities and want to experience a supercity are best suited to visit Birmingham.
Birmingham is a destination for tourists who are well-versed in UK tourism and who know exactly what they want. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
19. Oxford
Oxford, which also has prestigious universities, is Cambridge’s opponent. The world-renowned Oxford University, which was founded in the 12th century, is located in Oxford.
Oxford is a city where you can feel southern Englishness, similar to Cambridge. Gothic construction is prevalent in the city center, and the buildings are frequently constructed of light cream clipsham stone. It is simple to picture yourself traveling back in time 100 years in Oxford because the city has a distinct aesthetic.
Oxford is well-known for its arts and has a stunning cathedral. The Bodleian Library, the second-largest library in the UK with over 11 million books, is a must-see for bookworms. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
20. Inverness
Heaven is in Inverness. Inverness serves as a metropolitan base in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, a region of the UK that is naturally popular and breathtaking to explore.
While Glasgow and Edinburgh receive the majority of visitors, those who travel further north are richly rewarded. Inverness, which is known as the entrance to the Highlands, is a small area of urban activity in a stunning natural setting.
The final battleground of the Jacobite Rising, Culloden Battlefield, is nearby the city, where you can pay your respects. St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the Inverness Museum, and a stroll around the Ness Islands are all worthwhile city excursions.
A lesser-known yet excellent Scottish city is Inverness. There will be a tonne of fun and inspiring things to do. It is one of the best cities to visit in UK.
Final Remark
In conclusion, the UK is a great place to visit. It has a rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful scenery.
The best cities to visit in UK are London, Edinburgh, and Belfast. There are distinct charms and attractions in every city.
Suggested reading: Things to do in Sorrento Italy.
