When it comes to the UK’s most popular cities, the list is dominated by London, but other regions also deserve recognition. From Bath to York, Canterbury to Leeds, here are a few ideas to inspire you. No matter where you live or what you’re into, the UK has something for you! These cities will make any traveller’s heart sing!
London
While it is known for its world-class museums, restaurants, and bars, London also boasts an eclectic food scene. From traditional British food at pubs to world-famous cuisine at world-famous restaurants, London has something for everyone. London is also a top destination for shopping, with its high-end designer stores and vintage boutiques, as well as funky markets and craft fairs.
This world-famous city’s magnetism continues to draw millions of visitors each year, with the city recording 19.1 million visitors in 2016 alone, a 2.6% increase over the year before. In 2017, London broke a record for the most visitors in a single year, a rise of 25% from five years ago.
Bath
A city that has been attracting visitors for millennia is Bath. The city was named for its Roman baths, and many still visit to soak in the springs. You can visit museums and galleries to learn more about the history of the city, and admire its gorgeous Georgian architecture. The city also has a beautiful park system, and you can take a bath if you want to relax after a day of sightseeing.
The city center of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are plenty of other places to see and explore. You should visit during the summer months, when you can enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather. You can also visit the Roman Baths and explore the Abbey, a former site of Christian worship for more than a thousand years. You should also check out the Pump Room, where the high society of the 18th and 19th century socialized. You can even taste the waters of Bath Abbey!
York
The romantic beauty of this city is hard to beat. You’ll feel like you’re walking back in time when you walk down its streets. The Minster, which has a 2,000-year history, is a striking sight. While you might be disappointed at the mediocre shopping, it’s worth the trip for the culture and quaintness of this city. You’ll be able to find bargains, shop for a unique gift, or spend a day browsing the shops.
A new study suggests that the creative industries in the UK boost the UK economy by PS40 billion a year. York is the top performing medium-sized city in the UK. The city is also the seventh most creative city in Europe. While London and Glasgow performed well, York has a unique combination of qualities that make it one of the best places to live, work, and play. The cultural and creative cities monitor uses 29 indicators to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of 190 cities across Europe.
Canterbury
One of the world’s most popular cathedrals is in Canterbury, an historic city located in southeast England. The medieval centre of the city is full of independent shops, bars, restaurants, and historic sites. If you want to eat and drink like the locals, the city’s top-class cuisine and beer gardens will not disappoint. To make your visit to Canterbury a memorable one, use GPSMYCITY. You can get GPS-assisted travel directions to featured attractions.
Another attraction of the city is the Canterbury Cathedral, which was once a cinema. But the historic centre of the city features many other ancient buildings, including the Eastbridge Hospital, Canterbury Castle, and St Augustine’s Abbey. The city’s Gothic gatehouse is 14th century and has a chamber where King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria spent the night after their wedding. A nearby Tudor Revival building houses the city’s art gallery and library.
Oxford
As Oxford is well connected on many transport routes, it is easy to find accommodation that fits your needs. However, if you’re planning to live alone, be aware of the stresses of moving and making friends. Oxford’s central location is not without its charms. For example, the city’s CBD is lined with coaching inns. The city has also enacted a Zero Emission Zone that will begin in August 2021. During certain hours, non-zero-emission vehicles will not be allowed on a small group of city centre roads. Oxford will not know when the zone will expand to other areas, but it is currently expected to start with a small section of the city centre.
Aside from its historical significance, the city has many modern attractions. Its low unemployment rate and diversity of neighborhoods make it a wonderful choice for families with children. With a thriving culture, cultural centers, cafes, and shops, Oxford is a great destination for a UK vacation. And if you’re a literature fan, you’ll want to make time to visit the Bodleian Library. It is the second largest library in the UK and holds over 11 million works.
Durham
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the most beautiful city in the United Kingdom, you’ve probably considered visiting Durham. This picturesque city on the Wear River has been dubbed the perfect little city by Bill Bryson. Its dramatic cathedral, winding cobbled streets, and prominent peninsula have all led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And you should definitely plan a visit to Durham, a stunning city with a lot to offer.
Located in northeast England, Durham is home to one of the finest universities in the country and numerous historic landmarks. The Norman Durham Castle and Romanesque Durham Cathedral are among the highlights of the city. It is also the final resting place of two saints. If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay, head to South Street, a rich and historic residential district known for its Tudor Revival architecture.
Salisbury
If you’re traveling to the UK, you’re probably wondering why Salisbury is on the list. The city is located on the River Avon in Wiltshire, and its many historical sites are worth exploring. One of the most important sights is Salisbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of early Gothic style dating back to 1220, when the foundation stone was laid. The cathedral itself features many attractions and is notable for its checkerboard layout, which was later used as a model for medieval town planning.
The town centre has undergone a transition over the years, but it still boasts a high-end shopping scene. You can browse the boutique shops in Cathedral Green, or visit the National Trust’s Mompesson House. Throughout the city, you’ll find Georgian and medieval architecture, as well as a former home of British Prime Minister Ted Heath. Unfortunately, the city is sliced up by a 1970s ring road, so parking isn’t free.
Liverpool
This beautiful city is home to a number of attractions and activities, and has a vibrant and lively nightlife. The city is home to the world-famous Liverpool Symphony Orchestra and the Everyman Theatre. There are also a number of high-quality restaurants and shops to explore. Whether you are looking for cheap accommodation or a stylish place to live, Liverpool has something to suit you. And with property prices on the rise, Liverpool is one of the top places to visit in the UK.
Despite its reputation, staying safe in Liverpool is an ongoing issue for many. There are pockets of high crime in Liverpool, including the areas of Toxteth and Everton. Locals and visitors should be alert and aware of potential dangers in these areas. While Liverpool is relatively safe overall, it is still important to be vigilant to ensure your safety. Despite this, there are several programs and initiatives in place to reduce crime.
Brighton
A south coast seaside town, Brighton is lined with beautiful beaches and is one of England’s most progressive cities. You can find a pier lined with dodgem cars, a haunted house, and stalls selling candy floss. The city is home to one of the largest LBGT communities outside of London. A trip to Brighton is not complete without checking out the Royal Pavilion. There is no shortage of cultural activities for the whole family.
The city is also home to one of the UK’s biggest multi-arts festivals, the Brighton Festival, which runs throughout most of May each year. This festival brings some of the country’s top artists to perform here. Brighton is also home to the world’s longest running motor race, the Veteran Car Run. This race commemorates the historic Emancipation Run, which raised the speed limit from 4 miles to 14 miles per hour and ended the requirement for a man on foot to accompany each car.
Bristol
When it comes to progressive cities, Bristol is among the best in the UK. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic landmark, but you can also find more affordable housing in the city’s thriving Clifton suburb. This vibrant city has much to offer a wide variety of travellers. For the most enjoyable and fulfilling experience, you’ll want to plan a two or three-day trip to this cosmopolitan city.
The modern economy of Bristol is based on arts, creative media, and aerospace industries. The city’s docklands have become cultural centers. Bristol is the largest community currency in the UK, with the Bristol Pound pegged to pound sterling. It’s also home to two universities and a thriving arts and sports scene, including the Memorial Stadium. And while many cities aspire to be like Bristol, it’s hard to pinpoint what makes it special.
