cities to visit in england other than london

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14 Cities Outside of London To Visit In The UK

There’s so much more to the UK than London. Yes, London is an amazing city and all that but the UK has so many different beautiful and exciting cities that most people miss out on thanks to buzzing bright lights of London.

I have lived all across the UK and experienced life in different parts of the country and even though I currently call London home, it seems right and quite apt to put together a list of some of the UK’s amazing cities (asides London) that you definitely need to visit.

1.) Edinburgh

This is the second most visited city outside of London already and is a city that is truly defined by its beautifully preserved historic buildings, strong and rich culture, food and people.

Edinburgh has been home to me for many years in the past and is the perfect city in that there is so much to see and do here and yet it still manages to be intimate enough (definitely more so than London) that you can actually get to know your neighbours and truly call this amazing city home.

You’ll love the city.

Visiting Edinburgh? See the best bars , best things to do and secret spots

2.) Glasgow

This might sound slightly controversial to some but Glasgow is perhaps best defined as Edinburgh’s grittier, savvier and perhaps edgier sister.

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland by population and is a truly vibrant city.

It arguably has better shopping and nightlife than Edinburgh although Edinburgh might boast historical architectural treasures.

Glasgow is louder, wilder and fiercer than it’s sister city while still packing in lots of sights guaranteed to keep you entertained and is definitely worth visiting when you’re in the UK.

Oh, I almost forgot, they also have a whole heap of Scottish foods and meals you have to try.

Visiting Glasgow? Here are the top places you have to explore

3.) Newcastle

Newcastle is one of those cities that always surprises people.

Everyone comes back from the city impressed when they realise it’s so much more than what MTV and tabloid magazines would like to portray it as.

The people are so down to earth and the city is actually quite charming.

The nightlife here is pretty fantastic too and seeing as it’s partway between London and Edinburgh, a trip to Edinburgh definitely requires a stopover in Newcastle. Keep your eyes peeled for the Angel of the North, too.

Read more: Best things to do in Newcastle

4.) Cardiff

The Welsh capital city is one of those cities you would expect to be quiet and a bit more laid-back but it is actually one of the busiest cities to visit (especially on a Saturday night out).

Cardiff is a good starting point for anyone who’s never experienced Welsh life and Welsh hospitality and is easily one of my favourite cities in the UK (I kid you not, I planned on moving here at one point).

It may not have as many sights to see as say London (but let’s face it, no other city has as many sights to see as London really) but what will keep you in Cardiff long after you’ve arrived is the sheer openness, fun attitude and warmth of its people!

Read more: Best things to do in Cardiff

Famed for it’s Roman Baths (hence the name) Bath is one city everyone needs to visit in the UK at least once.

The city has such an amazing history – along with some of the UK’s more exclusive postcodes outside of London.

Visitors all over the world flock to Bath each year and it’s one of the most popular cities to visit so if you’ve never considered it before, you probably should now.

Make sure to grab a freshly-baked bun at Sally Lunn’s. They’re delicious.

Read more: Best things to do in Bath

The ancient seat of academic learning (i.e. Oxford University) pretty much defines this city but that’s not a bad thing.

On the contrary, it lends itself to some amazing architecture, a ridiculously detailed and documented history and a good balance of activities to get involved with even outside of sightseeing.

Oxford is also ridiculously close to London (just over 1 hour on the train from London Paddington station) so you have no excuse for not visiting if you ever find yourself in London.

Read more: Best things to do in Oxford

7.) Cambridge

Cambridge is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest places to visit in the UK.

Like Oxford, the University defines quite a lot of the look and feel of the town but unlike Oxford, it’s spread out over a smaller space. Making it so much easier to see all the sights in Cambridge on foot or via bicycle.

Also, and maybe this is just the Cambridge man in me speaking but the buildings have so much more character than Oxford as Cambridge.

This is mainly due to the fact that the city didn’t have any local stone during the early days of the University. This meant the stones used to make the buildings were all different.

Hence, why you’ll find the different colleges and buildings all have different colours. Make sure to go into King’s College Chapel, too.

Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge

8.) Liverpool

Another city that people are constantly surprised by is Liverpool .

Again, everyone I know who’s visited has been surprised by the startling amount of sights to see in the city, the activities to get up to and the nightlife on offer.

It’s a truly vibrant city also characterised by the down-to-earth honesty that one can expect from a Northern city.

Read more: Best things to do in Liverpool

9.) Inverness

The appeal of this city is not so much the city itself (there’s that too) but instead, its proximity to amazing natural sights!

Inverness is one of those cities that’s fantastic to visit and ‘set your base’ while exploring more of the beautiful spots in the Highlands .

It is by no means as large (or as busy) as some of Scotland’s larger cities but that in itself has its charm that you’ll love.

Read more: Best things to do in Inverness

10.) Bristol

Bristol is a charming city not too far west of London and is another one of the UK’s more vibrant cities.

It’s famed for the artist Banksy (you can still see his murals on the walls of the city) and with Bath really close to Bristol, a trip to one should really go hand in hand with a trip to the city.

Read more: Best things to do in Bristol

11.) Belfast

The Northern Irish city of Belfast is the UK’s pocket full of Irish charm, wit and culture!

It’s one of the trickier cities to visit as it’s not on the UK mainland but it’s a fairly easy city to get to.

It’s definitely worth spending some time in Belfast to get to see another side of the UK you would otherwise miss on the mainland.

Read more: Best things to do in Belfast

12.) Brighton

The UK’s famed beach town. You know a place is worth visiting when even people from the UK recommend going there.

Brighton is known for being a fun place to visit and a quick respite from crazy city life in London.

It’s also quite easy to get to from London, so if you fancy sometimes by the seaside, head over to Brighton for a day or two (or maybe even more).

Make sure to grab a fish and chips on the beach, too.

Read more: Best things to do in Brighton

13.) Manchester

This is another one of my favourite cities and I’d long been plotting ways to move to Manchester .

It’s a city with a surprisingly different mix of the old and new with new buildings merging and weaving into old ones and the city is truly filled with its own unique character and sense of fun.

This probably explains why Manchester is (and has been for a while) the 3rd most visited city in the UK.

Read more: Best things to do in Manchester

York is probably best described as one of the UK’s most charming cities.

It’s not the biggest, or the loudest or even the one with the most sights outside of London but what it does have are charming old British buildings, and oodles of homely Yorkshire hospitality.

You’ll gorge on some amazing local food famed across the UK (along with other amazing food) and some of the funniest people you’ll ever meet (and I mean this in a very good way).

Make sure you head to the smaller market town of Malton that’s just outside the city. It’s a food lover’s dream.

Read more: Best things to do in York

16 Best Things To Do In York

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15 fabulous places to visit in England (that are not London!)

London tends to dominate the search results when you’re looking for things to do in England , but of course there are so many wonderful sites, cities and natural wonders to explore in the country away from the capital.

Getting out of the huge London metropolis can bring you to beautiful villages, cities with stunning architecture or even turquoise blue sea and beaches. Places to visit in England are as varied as the many accents you can find in the country too!

All of the sites recommended on this page come after personal experience from the past 20+ years of exploring what England has to offer. Some places I would gladly visit over and over again I love them so much!

I hope that if you’re looking for some inspiration for an upcoming vacation to England that this list of places to see will give you a great starting point. Read on for my favourite sites what you can see there and tips on how to get there from London! Let’s escape the big city!

Tours are great to see a bit more of England without the hassle of public transport of hiring a car.

Short on time? – See England in a day with this tour which incorporates a lot of my ideas on this page!

A note from the writer: Hey! I’m Kirsty and I’m a UK travel expert. Although I live here I still travel around England as a tourist every year – there’s so much to see! Shout (or comment below) if you have any questions about your trip and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

This article probably contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Table of Contents

Top places to visit in england (excluding london).

If you’re not familiar with England other than where London is then take a look at this map which includes the places listed on this page. Some are quite close to London and are easily reached, others might require a car or an organized tour (I’ve linked to recommended ones where appropriate). Some might surprise you by how easy they are to get to by train!

Known for : It’s world renowned university, rowing and rivalry with Cambridge (see below)

Top sites : Radcliffe Camera (domed building), Oxford Castle, ALL the old colleges!

Oxford is known the world over for its famous university, or to be more precise famous colleges that make up Oxford University. It produces some of the top scholars and politicians and it’s rare to have a Prime Minister who wasn’t educated here!

For tourists there’s a lot to see and many of the colleges allow you to have a tour. The buildings are old and have a lot of history!

It’s a fantastic place for literary fans as well – Harry Potter fans will love Oxford for some of the locations of the films are here. JRR Tolkien studied and taught in Oxford and there’s a bench dedicated to him among many other sites (also Tolkien fans might like our post about the Tolkien Trail in Birmingham ). His Dark Materials is set in Oxford as well.

How to get there from London :

Oxford is quite easy to get to by train or coach from London although train is the quickest. It only takes around 1 – 1.5 hours to get there. It’s also fairly walkable once there so an easy place to explore.

You can also find plenty of organized tours to Oxford from London if you want to hand over the planning to someone else.

• From London – Oxford and Cotswold Villages day trip

Known for : Beautiful Georgian Architecture and thermal spas

Top sites : Roman Bath, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent

Bath is a beautiful city full of rich history. It’s name comes from the fact that there’s thermal springs in the city and it’s been a place for enjoying them since Roman times (and likely well before that too!)

Whether you’re interested in the Jane Austen sites and Georgian architecture, want to spot locations from period dramas or you want to explore the Roman baths you’ll have a wonderful time here.

It’s a small city and easy to get around. It makes a great day trip from the city of London too.

Train is best to get to Bath from London. It takes around 1.5 hours.

Many tours include Bath, especially those exploring the Cotswolds and Stonehenge so if you want to tick off some other sites these might be worth looking at.

• Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath trip from London

Known for : Beautiful abbey, medieval streets and chocolate!

Top sites : York Minster, The Shambles, Jorvik (I recommend the York Pass to save money!)

Having lived in the North of England for many years, York has been somewhere I’ve visited a lot and loved. It has a wonderful vibe, it’s small enough to explore in a day , and you can see a vast range of history on show!

From the romans to the vikings through to medieval history it’s all there on show. I love exploring The Shambles which is a small shopping street that looks really crooked – not a straight line in sight! It’s a medieval street and full of lovely independent shops – perfect for souvenirs.

York is really easy to get to from London even though it feels so far away in the North of England. There’s a good and fast train on the east side of the country (which takes you all the way to Scotland if you wanted) and passes through York. It’s only around 2 hours by train and so quite easily done as a day trip.

Known for : Seaside town, quirky vibes and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene

Top sites : Pavillion, Brighton Pier

Brighton is one of the top places to go to escape the London city sprawl and get some fresh sea air. It has many traditional seaside town features such as a pier, amusement arcades and plenty of fish and chip shops – what makes Brighton different is its personality.

It’s got a real alternative feeling to the place – great for vegans, eco friendly and sustainable travelers and also for LGBTQ+ travelers. It’s friendly, easy to get around and has a beach too – what more could you want!

Brighton is easily reached by train in around an hour from London and there are frequent services. Be aware that they can be busy though!

Glastonbury

Known for : the festival, hippy vibes and Glastonbury Tor

Top sites : Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, Glastonbury Abbey

Home of the Glastonbury festival (which takes place in a field nearby) the town sharing the same name is one of my favourite places in England. I do love a bit of an alternative town with interesting businesses and shops and Glastonbury has this in bucket loads!

You’ll find spiritual shops, places to buy trinkets and all sorts in town. You’ll not go short on organic food either!

For amazing views I recommend climbing up to the tower on Glastonbury Tor – it can get windy up there though!

Glastonbury is can be reached by bus and train from London.

Easiest way is definitely by car though – it’s around a 3 hour car journey.

The Cotswolds

Known for : sleepy, traditional villages. Just how you expect English villages to be!

Top sites : Lacock , Bourton-on-the-water, Castle Combe

If you picture an English village, perhaps from a period film you’ve watched, it will almost certainly be just like some of the villages in the Cotswolds area.

It’s a spread out area of beautiful countryside with farms, forests and rivers. Dotted amongst them are the these quaint villages with thatch roofs, crooked walls and heaps of character!

The main interest is exploring the beauty, sitting down for an English cream tea and pretending you’re in a Jane Austen drama. Or perhaps exploring the countryside and pretending you’re in Middle Earth – there are many sites in the Cotswolds that inspired JRR Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings .

The nature of the area of the Cotswolds mean that car is by far the best way to get to the pretty villages – they can be quite spread out.

Tours are good if you don’t know where to go and just want to explore the prettiest ones!

• Cotswolds Small Group Tour – from London

Known for : the ancient stone circle!

Top sites : Stonehenge stone circle . Many other ancient sites are scattered in the nearby areas as well such as Avebury

If you have to get out of London to just see one place in England then what can be more iconic than seeing Stonehenge?

The stone circle is a draw for so many people so one downside of visiting is that it can be very busy there. I’ve visited at different times of the year and always felt that it was very much worth the trip, despite the crowds.

If you have your own transport you might even want to look at my tips for visiting Stonehenge for free .

Most people wonder how to get to Stonehenge from London and the easiest way is with an organized tour. You can get them that simply visit the site and some where they’ll take you to other places nearby as well.

If you like to do things yourself then you can also get there via Salisbury, the nearest city. Salisbury can be reached by train or bus? and then there’s a shuttle bus from the city to the stones.

• Half day Stonehenge trip from London

Known for : England’s other university town, punting on the river and rivalry with Oxford

Top sites : The colleges of the University, Bridge of Sighs

Much like Oxford, Cambridge draws in visitors to their historic colleges that form the University of Cambridge. There’s quite the rivalry between the two places!

I love the more rural feel Cambridge and it definitely has a different vibe to it. The river flowing through the centre is often full of students and visitors having a ‘punt’ on it.

There’s a lot to see and do there from museums to exploring the colleges.

The best way to get to Cambridge from London is by train – it takes around 1 – 1.5 hours.

• From London – Oxford and Cambridge Universities Tour

Sherwood Forest

Known for : Robin Hood legend

Top sites : Major Oak Tree, Edwinstowe Church

Everyone knows of Robin Hood right? Whether you’re a fan of the Disney fox version, Kevin Costner or you love the medieval tale you might be interested to know that the legend has some truth to it. Or at least the locations are real!

Sherwood Forest is in central England and if you visit you can see one of the oldest trees in the country – the Major Oak. They think it’s around 1000 years old and some tales say it’s where Robin Hood hid out!

The nearby town is also said to have been the place where he married Maid Marian! Whether you believe it or not, the area is lovely to explore and fairly off the beaten track of many visitors to England.

Car is best to get to Sherwood Forest from London. The nearest city to explore from would be Nottingham (which has its own Robin Hood connection). Nottingham is reachable by train (1.5 – 2 hours) and then the forest can then be reached by bus from there.

Known for : Beautiful beaches, bright blue sea, art

Top sites : Harbour, Tate Gallery

St Ives in Cornwall (not to be confused with St Ives near Cambridge) is a sight to behold especially after being in the busy cities. It’s a small fishing village in the very South West of England surrounded by crystal clear waters and stunning beaches.

It’s become quite a trendy place to go in recent years and this shows in some of the attractions there. For example you’ll find the Tate museum (yup – like the one in London) here!

Boat trips can take you to explore the coastline from a different perspective and you might be lucky to find dolphins off the coast too!

It can be very busy in high season – probably one to avoid in August – but if you have patience with crowds go for it!

Cornwall can be reached via a Sleeper train (the Night Riviera), an incredibly romantic overnight train trip , although you’ll need to change at St Erth to get to St Ives.

Day trains take around 5-6 hours but you have the beauty of the coast to watch from the window!

You can also fly to Newquay in Cornwall and rent a car or get a transfer from there.

The Lake district

Known for : stunning hills, lakes and pretty villages

Top sites : Windermere, Ullswater

The Lake District is one of the most spectacular locations in the UK for countryside, mountains and lakes.

It’s perfect for those wanting a more active vacation with hiking, waterspouts and cycling being extremely popular here.

You’ll find some small towns and plenty of villages – it’s a popular destination for Brits to travel to so always expect crowds.

Car is best to get to the Lake District if you want to be free to explore the countryside and walk yourself.

You might be able to find some tours that will take you to some of the most popular spots.

• Lake District Tour with Cream Tea (from London)

Known for : industrial history, football

Top sites : Manchester Utd & City grounds, Museums

Manchester is part of the Industrial north and it’s history is rooted in this with old mills still being around, although many transformed into offices and apartments!

It’s well known for football and you can visit the famous football ground of Old Trafford if you’re interested in sports.

There are a lot of museums as well which make it a real cultural centre with the science museum being a particular favourite of mine!

Manchester is well connected to London by public transport. Trains and buses will get your there in a few hours or if you have less time you could consider a flight – good if you’re exploring more of the north of England.

Known for : Maritime history, Titanic ship building, The Beatles, football

Top sites : Royal Albert Docks, The Cavern club

Liverpool is always synonymous with football for me having grown up with my dad watching it every weekend. I hardly knew of its other attractions till I was much older!

Of course many people know Liverpool from the connection with the Beatles – this is where they are from and you can even visit the club where they first played.

Lovers of history won’t be disappointed with the Royal Albert Docks and a host of museums about the interesting (and often sad) history of the area.

How to get there from London

You can get a train from London straight to Liverpool and it takes around 2.5 hours.

Alternatively you might find some budget airlines fly to the Liverpool airport too.

Stratford Upon Avon

Known for : being the birthplace of Shakespeare

Top sites : Shakespeare’s birthplace and school, Anne Hathaway’s cottage

The world’s most famous writer has to be Shakespeare and if you want to know more about him then coming to where he was born is probably a good idea.

Stratford Upon Avon is where he was born and where he went to school – many people joke that it was easier for him – he didn’t have to study Shakespeare! You can visit his birthplace – a wonderful example of a 16th century Tudor building.

You can get a train from London to Stratford Upon Avon – you’ll need to change as its not a direct line.

Tours sometimes take you to see the home of Shakespeare – it seems he’s loved the world over!

• Oxford, Warwick and Stratford Full day tour from London

Bury St Edmunds

Known for : an abbey that’s over 1000 years old

Top sites : Bury St Edmunds Abbey, Theatre Royal

Bury St Edmunds is a town with quite a lot of history – the ruins of an abbey that is more than 1000 years old dominate the place!

It’s a small town but lots to explore within it, especially if you’re interested in English history and the early kings.

Car is best but you can also get a train via Ely or Cambridge

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Kirsty Bartholomew

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• England , United Kingdom

If you’re planning a trip to England in the upcoming year or need some inspiration on what places and destinations to visit, I’ve got just the thing for you! This list of 10 outstanding places to visit in England (outside of London) will blow your mind and help you create the ultimate trip to this wondrous little country. Keep reading and make sure to add these England destinations to your UK Bucket List!

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

Did you know the United Kingdom is ranked as the 10th most visited country in the world and the 6th most visited country in Europe? Or that 17 of the UK’s 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites fall within England?

How crazy is that?

With so many historic sites, as well as the plethora of tourists flocking here every year, you can bet that England has a whole lotta awesome sites, attractions, and destinations for travelers to add to their bucket list!

To help you get a just a teensy taste of what this country has to offer in terms of travel, take a look at these 10 cool places to visit in England outside of London that will surely blow you away.

Table of Contents

10 OUTSTANDING PLACES TO VISIT IN ENGLAND

White cliffs of dover.

The magnificent and gorgeous White Cliffs of Dover were one of the first England tourist attractions I visited when exploring the UK for the first time! And holy smokes, they are absolutely stunning.

One of the most iconic places to visit in England, the White Cliffs of Dover certainly live up to the name.

They are most definitely towering cliffs that will make your heart skip a beat and they are most definitely white — like sparkling, pristine white that’ll hurt your eyes in the bright sunlight!

Not to mention, the views from the White Cliffs of Dover are breathtaking. Endless views of the turquoise blue sea, gentle (or often turbulent) waves crashing on the beautiful rocky shores, and wonderful walks that hug the cliffside and offer a plethora of wildlife.

Sounds amazing, right? I sure think so!

Without a doubt, the White Cliffs of Dover are one of the most fun things to do in England and should be a must on any trip here! Plus, if you’re already in London, this England destination is an easy day trip.

Dartmoor National Park

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in England for nature-lovers, then make sure to add Dartmoor National Park to your UK must-visit list!

It’s stunning landscape features rolling moors, adorable ponies roaming the green grass, historic ruins of long-abandoned villages, rocky tors dotting the hills, and bubbling creeks weaving their way between the moors.

Without a doubt it my mind, Dartmoor National Park, which is located in the picturesque county of Devon, is one of my favorite England destinations to go to when in need of an relaxing, nature-filled getaway !

Not only is the hiking here phenomenal, especially for beginner hikers who aren’t in the best shape, Dartmoor National Park is also great for history-hunters, as Dartmoor houses the largest concentration of Bronze Age ruins in England. How freakin’ cool is that?!

The Historic City of Chester

Who else is fascinated by Roman history and how vast the Roman Empire was? Because if you find the romans as interesting as I do, then you will no doubt love Chester just as much as me!

Located in Northwest England, Chester is hands down one of the most interesting British cities because of its captivating history and unique attractions. (Not to mention, delicious vegan food !)

According to historians, Chester was founded by the Romans around 79 AD , which is why you’ll find the city has the most complete set of Roman walls and the largest Roman Amphitheater ever found in Britain! Okay, but seriously… how wild is that?

And let’s not forget the iconic Chester Rows! Which are medieval two-tier buildings with an open, yet covered walkway that have rows of shops and stores housing many local Chester businesses.

Sounds strange, right?

Well, in fact, the Rows are unique to Chester and you won’t find this type of building anywhere else in the world! To this day, historians aren’t sure why they were built this way.

The Rows, as well as the vast Roman Walls and Roman history, are why Chester is one of the most magical places to visit in England!

For more info on the best things to do in Chester (and why it should be on your England Bucket List!), check out this post .

Coastal Towns of Cornwall

Located in the South West of England, Cornwall is a small county that features everything from gorgeous views of the sparkling blue sea and beautiful beaches just begging to be sunbathed on to quaint seaside villages perfect for exploring and endless outdoor activities, such as surfing and hiking.

As one of the most beautiful places to visit in England, it’s no surprise that Cornwall is a favorite seaside destination for pretty much the whole of Britain.

Every summer, locals flock to this part of the country to take advantage of its sublime beaches, warm weather, and all-around fun summertime activities.

However, Cornwall is amazing to visit anytime of the year! I visited in March and while it was a bit chilly (not to mention many local shops were closed due to it being offseason), it was still fantastic.

I personally loved the picturesque coastal towns and breathtaking seaside views! Most memorable was the adorable little seaside village of Polperro , which you absolutely must check out when in Cornwall.

Loving this post so far on outstanding places to visit in England? Don’t forget to check out my other post on the 10 best places to visit in Wales, UK !

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Jaw-dropping views of lush green hills? Check . Never-ending hikes and walks? Check . Countless waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs? Check . Nights filled with crystal clear skies and stupendous stargazing? Check . And an abundance of totes adorable villages dotted throughout the national park? Double check!

The Yorkshire Dales is one of my favorite places to escape the hustle and bustle of English cities and blissfully reconnect with nature and the great outdoors!

In fact, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, as well as the North York Moors National Park, was recently named an international dark sky reserves! Combined these two national parks create the largest dark sky area in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe. How amazing is that?

So if you’re someone who absolutely adores counting shooting stars and laying under a luminous milky way, the Yorkshire Dales should absolutely be on your list of places to visit in England!

The Cotswolds

If picture-perfect villages with quaint cottages, friendly locals, cobblestone roads, delicious food, and even the occasional bubbling brook running through the village center isn’t enough to get you to visit the Cotswolds, then I don’t know what is!

Google any “best places to visit in England” list and you will no doubt find the Cotswolds hanging around somewhere near the top… and with good reason!

The Cotswolds is the largest AONB (Area of Outstanding Beauty) in the country and is quintessentially England with its unique beauty, idyllic natural landscapes, thatched homes, and breathtaking scenes.

One of the best tourist destinations in England, The Cotswolds is the perfect place for a slow-paced getaway surrounded by the rolling green hills of the UK!

Not to mention, the Cotswolds is an easy peasy day trip from London if you’re looking to get away from the city and experience a tranquil, relaxing environment!

Lake District National Park

If you’re an outdoor lover, nature enthusiast, or hiking fanatic, then the Lake District National Park should absolutely be on your list of places to go in England — especially during the summer when the sun is blazing or in the fall when the landscape lights up with autumn colors!

(Psst, if you try to avoid the crowds, the Lake District is also gorgeous in the winter! It’s looks pristine with a fresh blanket of snow and the mountains brilliantly reflecting the sunlight.)

This incredible England destination is packed with stunning views of endless mountains , phenomenal hikes that’ll make your heart skip a beat (like hiking Blencathra via sharp edge !), an abundance of glistening lakes, cozy hotels and B&Bs, and so much more.

Whether you want to paddleboard across Lake Windermere, climb up to the top of Scafell Pike (the tallest mountain in England!), discover the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle , or explore one of the many towns in this national park, the Lake District has what you’re looking for!

Roman City of Bath

“Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”  asks  a young Catherine Morland the Jane Austen novel, Northanger Abbey , which was written in 1803 and mainly took place in the English city of Bath.

No doubt, I don’t think any visitor could tire of Bath.

This city is something else… with its stunning Georgian architecture, beautiful buildings made out of light golden stone, historic Roman Baths and hot springs that have been exceptionally preserved, wondrous Bath Abbey and its unique stories, cobblestoned roads that inspired Jane Austen, and Bath’s glorious homes that ooze lavishness and riches!

While I only had a few hours to see and explore the best of Bath , this city effortlessly stole my heart and demanded me to fall madly in love with it! To which, of course, I did not deny.

If you’re interested in both Roman and English history, gorgeous architecture, and some of the best things to do in England, I highly recommend stopping in Bath — even if only for a short day or two!

Interested in expanding your trip in England by jumping the border into Scotland? Take look at this post on the 15 crazy awesome places to visit in Scotland !

The Hills of Northumberland

Northumberland is a county in the very far north of the country and is no doubt one of the most underrated, lesser-known places to visit in England.

While tourists don’t necessary flock here every year like they do to Cornwall or London, Northumberland has so much to offer.

From ancient ruins and beautiful beaches to jaw-dropping castles (Alnwick Castle is a Harry Potter filming site in England!) and a coast dotted with islands, this area of England has a rich and captivating heritage that is well worth your time.

Personally, I loved visiting the beaches near Bamburgh Castle, which is a seriously impressing fortress perched up above the Northumberland Coast overlooking the North Sea and Farne Islands.

However, if you aren’t into castles or beaches, there is a plethora of other outdoor activities to do, as well as quaint seaside villages to visit!

If you’re itching to get away from the crowds (especially if you’re trip includes a stop to London) and experience one of the most relaxing places to visit in England, I suggest renting a car ( click here for my fav car rental site ) and getting yourself to Northumberland for a magical, crowd-free getaway!

Lively City of Liverpool

Liverpool is hands down one of the best cities in England to visit and explore! Heck, I’d go as far to say it’s one of the best cities in the UK. That’s right — I went there. Suck it, Manchester and London !

(Psst, cheeky side note — Edinburgh is one of the best cities and places to visit in Scotland !)

Not too far away from the ancient Roman city of Chester, Liverpool is known for its historic docks, rockin’ pubs and clubs where The Beatles used to play, dark past with slavery, loads of fantastic museums, charming mix of many different cultures, and endless food scenes!

Without a doubt, Liverpool is one of my absolute favorite cities for a day out in England! It’s not too big, which means you can see a lot of it in one day, but it’s not too small that it feels underwhelming or boring.

On the contrary, there is so many amazing things to do in Liverpool! Like exploring The Albert Dock, visiting the Liverpool Cathedral (aka the largest cathedral in Britain !), having a nice pint at Penny Lane in a Beatles-themed pub, visiting its bombed out church, and learning about Liverpool’s captivating history at one of its museums, such as the International Slavery Museum.

With these 10 outstanding places to visit in England (other than London, of course!), you surely won’t be bored on your future trip to the UK!

In my very biased opinion, I would highly recommend shuffling the glorious city of Chester to the top of your must-visit England list if you’re wanting to visit beautiful UK cities.

And for nature-lovers or those who want to experience the great outdoors?

Definitely check out either the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales National Parks! They’re not too far away from each other so if you rent a car (which I would recommend if possible) you can easily visit both if you only have a few days.

So tell me, which one of these best places to visit in England do you dream of checking out first?! Or have you visited any of these England points of interest before? Let me know in the comments below!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

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• 10 best places to visit in Wales, UK (#7 is a must!)
• 3 fantastic, lesser-known alternatives for popular UK destinations
• Magical must-see Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh (don’t miss #3!)
• Road tripping through southern England and the often forgotten country of Wales

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The 10 best places to visit in the UK outside of London

There’s no denying that London is an amazing city to visit and it’s often the first things on the agenda for any visit to the UK. However, many people leave London with a jaded view of what the UK has to offer, having missed out many of the key historic cities and beautiful countryside. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the UK or you live here, take time to escape the capital and explore the amazing sites, scenery and experiences of one of the most cultural places on earth.

Read on for the best places to visit in the UK outside of London. You won’t have time to visit everywhere, so we’ve hand selected our top 10!

Bath is one of Britain’s most appealing cities. It’s retained its age-old heritage of Roman and Georgian architecture, and you can walk the whole city on foot within a few hours. The main attraction to Bath is its beautiful buildings, cultural museums and quaint tearooms. It’s a pretty place to visit with your partner and it has a distinct lack of big city buzz – which we love!

The top thing to do here is a visit to the ancient Roman baths. This collection of heated baths will relax you and have you feeling like Roman royalty in astoundingly impressive surroundings. On an evening, take a trip to the theatre or dine in one of the top-class restaurants. Nightlife here is relaxed but fun!

Top tip: Hotels in Bath can be pretty expensive as it’s a small but popular city. Stay in an Airbnb just outside of Bath to enjoy the countryside views and save money.

Top things to see or do:

• Roman Baths
• Prior Park and Royal Victoria Park
• Royal Crescent & The Circus architecture

If you’re heading north (and you definitely should), the legendary city of York should be one of your first ports of call. This compact city centre has the remains of the iconic York castle, which was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. Wandering around York, you’ll find cobbled streets and alleyways, lively corner pubs and a weekend market full of craft and food stalls.

Spend your days visiting museums and learning about the history of the city, which has a strong Viking heritage. There’s also plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to check out, each bearing a rustic atmosphere that will feel like you’re drinking a pint of beer in the middle ages. We particularly like the gift shops in York so be sure to buy a few souvenirs for the family back home. An ‘old fashioned’ sweet shop is also a must-visit!

Top tip: Have breakfast or lunch at Betty’s Tea Rooms. This exquisite Yorkshire café is famous in the area and well worth experiencing. Arrive early to beat the queues.

• The Shambles streets, market, pubs and shops
• York Castle Museum
• National Railway Museum

Deciding whether to visit Glasgow or Edinburgh can be a tough choice as both cities are great and have their own unique attraction. We picked Edinburgh as it has the most attractions and historic sites to visit and it’s more of a tourist city than neighbouring Glasgow. Noted as one of the best cities in Europe, Edinburgh is a must-see for anyone. The welcoming and down-to-earth warmth of the Scottish people can be felt throughout the city and there’s lots to see and do.

Uncover top sites such as the castle, multiple world-class museums and bustling centre full of markets, festivals, bars and restaurants. Head to Arthur’s Seat viewpoint for sunset and experience amazing views of the city to end your stay here. The best time to visit Edinburgh is during the month of August, where the Fringe festival brings the city alive with comedy, film and celebration!

Top tip: Join a free city centre walking tour to discover the background stories behind the main sites and city areas.

• Edinburgh Castle and gardens
• Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat viewing point
• Royal Yacht Britannia

The Lake District

The UK may be known for its historic cities, but it also has rich green countryside and stunning rural landscapes. The Lake District to the north-west of England boasts some of the best scenery on offer! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the UK’s largest national park, it attracts over 15 million visitors a year and we can definitely see why. The Lakes are a welcome escape from city life, making it one of the best places to visit in the UK outside of London for countryside and scenery.

A visit to the Lake District entails exactly what you wish for. Go for long hikes among the luscious valleys, have a picnic by the lake, or explore the local pubs, cafes and shops on foot, in one of many quaint villages. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you have a number of adventure parks that have activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, kayaking and more! Couples’ bonding or family adventures is what the Lakes does best! For more ideas on adventurous things to do in the UK, check out The Travel Bunny’s guide here .

Top tip: Pack a small bag of essentials before heading out to explore. This can include a rain jacket, torch, map, compass, water, food and camera. And wear good quality footwear for walking!

• Lake Windemere
• Hiking the hills of Catbells Lakeland
• Visit an adventure park

Dorset Coast

If you think the UK isn’t the place to go for nice beaches and stunning coastlines, you haven’t been to the Dorset coast. Arguably the best beaches in the country can be found here, shadowed by tall, crumbling cliffs, impressive land formations and beautiful bays. Go for a tour of the coastline and stop off at the different viewpoints to capture excellent pictures of the scenery, or retire to a golden-sand beach in the warm summer months.

An excursion to Dorset usually involves staying in a cute cottage inland and exploring the area by car. Tucked back from the coast you have grand country mansions, villages and luscious countryside, whereas the beaches are the place to go for adventure. You may wish to stay in the lively city of Bournemouth, which has an active student population and buzzing nightlife. Dorset is our top pick for the best places to visit in the UK outside of London, for it’s magnificent coastal scenery.

Top tip: Rent a car and go on a road trip to see as much of the south coast as you can. The Jurassic Coast has some amazing view points and scenery to take pictures of and you’ll need a car to see them all. Visit the Jurassic Coast Heritage Site to plan a trip to the top sites.

• Explore the amazing scenery of the Jurassic Coast
• Hengistbury Head Beach
• Explore Brownsea Island

Out of all of the UK cities we could have picked, Newcastle had to be on our list. This cheery northern city has the friendliest people in the UK, a vibrant nightlife and a culture that mixes modern working life with rich cultural heritage. It’s a superb location for a weekend break and prices are a lot cheaper than other UK destinations – perfect if you’re on a budget!

Take a stroll down the iconic Quayside to see the famous bridges, catch a performance at the Sage or Theatre Royal, and generally get lost in a compact city that mixes modern shops, bars and restaurants with cobblestones of the past. The architecture here is enchanting and the whole city oozes a cultural appeal that you’ll love. No-one ever visited Newcastle and didn’t have a good time! Be sure to check out the nightlife – whether you want a relaxing cocktail bar or comedy venue or a long night of clubbing.

Top tip: If you’re staying in Newcastle for at least 3 days, venture out to the wider area and explore what the North East has to offer! Alnwick Castle, Seahouses and Beamish Museum are all excellent.

• Gateshead/Newcastle Quayside, a glorious collection of bridges old and new. There’s also a market and plenty of bars and restaurants with a view
• The Gateshead Angel
• See a football match at the mighty home of Newcastle United, St James’ Park

Cornwall is the south-western most point of the UK; a land once inhabited by the Celtic tribes and an alluring coastline of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s best known to Brits as the place to visit for relaxed holidays in the sun and the ideal retirement retreat. It also attracts a lot of creatives, inspiring the rise of quirky cafes, bars and restaurants, mixed with traditional countryside bistro’s and fish and chip shops.

Once you reach Cornwall, you’ll spend your week surfing the most beastly waves in England, relaxing on the beach and sightseeing a coast of castles, coves and ancient ruins. The entire stretch of land is like a scene out of Game of Thrones!

Top tip: Hotels can be busy in the summer months. Rent an AirBnB holiday home for more space at a cheaper price. Glamping is another quirky and affordable option. Bonus tip #2: Stop off at the highly interesting ‘Eden Project’ on the drive down to Cornwall.

• Relax on Fistral Beach in Newquay
• Go surfing on one of the many beaches
• Watch a performance at Minack Open-Air Theatre

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are the cosy villages and meadows situated to the west of London and Oxford. It’s one of the best places to visit in the UK outside of London for those looking for a romantic and quiet weekend away from the big city. Featured in many British films and famous novels, the Cotswolds is an idyllic gathering of cottages, fields, nature parks and small towns that are postcard-pretty. Life here is simple and reminiscent of the old days, and we’re sure you’ll love it!

Escape to the Cotswolds for a quiet retreat with your partner, going for long walks through the fields, gift shopping in small villages and generally getting lost in some of the best natural environments in Southern England.

Top tip: Rent a car to explore the Cotswolds to the fullest. Drive the narrow winding streets and stop-off wherever you see the perfect picnic spot.

• Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
• Wander through the fairytale-perfect Castle Combe Village and Bourton-on-the-Water
• WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Cambridge is one of the two world-renowned University cities in the UK, the other being Oxford. Tourists come here to see the seemingly ‘unchanged for centuries’ buildings, the intruiguing University and botanical gardens, and a small city centre with narrow streets of boutique cafes, shops and restaurants.

Venturing around the outside of the city, you’ll stumble upon winding rivers and meadows where you can relax with a book or have a picnic. The most popular activity here is ‘Punting’, which involves standing up in a narrow boat and paddling down the river at your leisure. It’s a fun activity with friends or the whole family! When you’re not enjoying nature or roaming the city streets, retreat to one of the many museums and learn about everything from polar adventures to ancient Rome and Egypt.

Top tip: Hire a bike to explore the city with ease and escape into the outer meadows. You’ll conserve energy and see more sights!

• Go punting on the river
• Cambridge University Botanical Garden
• Fitzwilliam Museum

Only rivalled by Newcastle and Bristol for nightlife, Liverpool is one of the most entertaining cities you’ll visit! The local Scouse people will make you welcome and the atmosphere is very unlike what you’ll find in the south. Liverpool is culture rich and there’s plenty to see and do during the day, whilst it’s just as eventful at night.

Check out top museums and learn about the life of the Beatles (you can even visit John Lennon’s old home), take a stroll by the docks and enjoy lunch with a view, or go shopping at the excellent Liverpool One centre. There’s plenty of museums, galleries and sights to see in Liverpool and it’ll keep you entertained for a full weekend. Go to a nice restaurant and cocktail bar on an evening or venture into the depths of Liverpool clubs and pubs.

Top tip: If you’re a football fan, get tickets to a Liverpool FC or Everton match. These rival clubs both have some of the best Premier League atmosphere in England and you’ll meet plenty of funny, down-to-earth locals. Search for Liverpool match tickets here , or Everton match tickets here .

• The Beatles Story
• Royal Crescent & The Circus Architecture

The above is our personal collection of the best places to visit in the UK outside of London, however there’s countless other small towns, large cities and countryside retreats to visit, including Wales, Manchester, Glasgow and Canterbury. Research the destinations to their fullest and explore the places that best suit you! If you live in the UK and haven’t been to any of the locations on our list, what are you waiting for? Sometimes the best things to do are closet to home! Get in touch if you have any questions about the destinations we’ve featured.

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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Great Cities of England (Other Than London)

When we think about exploring England’s cities, the first one to come to mind is London. While London is a beautiful, enormous city that should definitely be on your list, there are plenty of other cities in England to explore that are just as amazing as London.

We’ve assembled a list of England’s largest and most popular cities. Each city is filled with incredible museums, cultural centers, architecture, restaurants, and of course, shops.

These cities are steeped in history and are multilayered. You’ll see both modern skyscrapers and buildings that are hundreds of years old. You can explore the botanical gardens of restored manor houses or visit museums detailing the city’s industrial revolution past.

Quite simply, there is something in each one of these remarkable cities for each and every visitor, and many more things to be seen than can be listed. These six English cities should be written into every English trip plan.

With so many things to do in each city, you’ll want to budget your time to spend more than just one day in each city.

Great Cities of England (excluding London)

Table of Contents

1. Manchester

Manchester is a major city in Northwest England with a rich industrial heritage. Through it runs the Castlefield Conservation Area’s 18th-century canal system that was used in the textile industry.

Places to visit include the interactive Museum of Science & Industry, the revitalized Salford Quays dockyards’ Imperial War Museum, and the Lowry cultural center. Lovers of architecture and culture will also enjoy Manchester Cathedral, the John Rylands Library, Arley Hall and Gardens, and the Barrow Bridge Village.

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2. Liverpool

The historic maritime city of Liverpool is in Northwest England, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. Liverpool was a key trade and migration port throughout the 18th and 20th centuries, and more famously, is the hometown of The Beatles.

Ferries cruise in front of the iconic waterfront’s “Three Graces” shipping and mercantile buildings.

Among the best attractions are Albert Dock, the Liverpool Cathedral, and famous Mersey Ferries cruises.

[NB We now have a post on the best things to see and do in Liverpool >>> Click Here ]

Sitting beside the River Avon in Southwest England, Bristol, like Liverpool, has a prominent maritime history. The former city-center port has found new life as a cultural hub, called the Harbourside, and the M Shed museum explores the local social and industrial heritage.

The harbor’s 19th-century era warehouses are now filled with a variety of local restaurants, shops, and other attractions, like the art gallery The Arnolfini.

Popular attractions include Pero’s Bridge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill, Bristol Aquarium, and The Matthew, a replica of John Cabot’s 1497 ship used to discover Newfoundland.

While strolling along Bristol’s streets, visitors may also stumble upon a variety of original graffiti by Banksy. [divider style=’centered’]

4. Birmingham

This major city is in England’s West Midlands region and features multiple Industrial Revolution-era landmarks, as well as an extensive network of canals that are lined with trendy cafes and bars.

In the city center, the Victorian Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is well-known for its pre-Raphaelite masterpieces.

Other popular attractions include Cadbury World, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, and the Winterbourne House and Gardens.

Leeds is located in Yorkshire and is split in two by the River Aire. On the south bank of the city, the Royal Armouries house the national collection of arms and artillery, including medieval armor and weapons.

On the other side of the river is the industrial area, which is renowned for its bars underneath converted railway arches. The Leeds Kirkgate Market also features hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls for shopping.

Other attractions include the tranquil Roundhay Park and Kirkstall Abbey. [divider style=’centered’]

6. Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne is a major university city in Northeast England that houses the oldest student accommodations in the world. With its twin city, Gateshead, it was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is a bastion of business, arts, and sciences.

The modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, famous for its unique tilting aperture, is a symbol of the two cities. Other notable places to visit within Newcastle are Newcastle Cathedral , The Castle, and the enormous sculpture, The Angel of the North.

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9 Best Small British Cities to Visit: Off-The-Beaten-Path Gems

Nowhere in the world has such quirky little cities as Britain! When you’re looking for places to visit in England other than London, you’ll find plenty of fascinating smaller British cities to visit – each one welcoming and culturally rich – perfect for your UK itinerary.

With so many small cities in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to choose from, you might find it a little overwhelming to decide which city to explore and which places to visit in the UK for a weekend.

This collection includes 9 of the best small British cities to visit – each blessed with gorgeous scenery and fascinating history. Top travel bloggers have shared their very best tips for which small cities in the UK you should visit, including what to see and do, where to eat and where to stay:

Grey Globetrotters Travel Blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my  disclaimer  for more information.

9 Lovely Little British Cities to Visit

This article aims to inspire you to visit small cities in the UK! You’ll discover some well-known names, but there are some real hidden gems sprinkled in here too! While the City of London and the City of Westminster are both small cities, this post focuses on little cities that you can visit beyond London.

1. Wells, Somerset

Wells is the smallest city in England. It is located in Somerset, southwest of the larger cities of Bath and Bristol. 

The stunning 13th-century  Wells Cathedral  sits at the top of the bustling high street. Adjacent to this is the beautiful  Bishop’s Palace , where the freshwater springs that give the city its name are located. 

Look out for the pretty 650-year-old houses at Vicar’s Close , near the cathedral. Originally built to house the Vicar’s Choral, the close is the oldest, still inhabited street in the United Kingdom.

🍽 One of Wells’s smallest but nicest restaurants is The Courtyard, tucked away from the cathedral. 

🏨 Beryl Country House is the perfect place for a country retreat within the city.

2. Ripon, North Yorkshire

Tiny Ripon is the perfect small British city to visit if you love history, glorious North Yorkshire countryside, quirky traditions and unique little museums.

Located in the lush green Yorkshire Dales, while Ripon has no train station, it is within 75 minutes of Leeds (by train to Harrogate and onward by comfortable bus).

Visiting the cathedral is one of the most popular things to do in Ripon . Dating back to the 11th century, Ripon Cathedral also contains the oldest building of any cathedral in England (the intact 7th-century Anglo-Saxon crypt)!

Ripon also has three fascinating Victorian museums and a thriving market. If you’re in the market square at 9 p.m., you can witness the  Ripon Hornblower  “setting the watch”— an ancient tradition dating back 1200 years!

Many visitors to Ripon use the city as a base for a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens.

🏨 The comfortable Royal Oak Hotel  in the Market Square or, for a luxury stay, the fabulous Grantley Hall . Find more places to stay in Ripon here .

3. Stirling, Scotland

Stirling is a former capital of Scotland and one of the best small cities to visit in the UK. Stirling Castle should be on your bucket list, as many visitors say it’s better than Edinburgh Castle!

Beyond the castle, visit the National Wallace Monument to enjoy views across the valley. You can go inside the monument to see various weapons and get insights into Sir William Wallace and the fight for Scottish independence.

True history buffs should then head to the Battle of Bannockburn Experience , where the continuation of that fight under the leadership of King Robert the Bruce truly comes to life!

After exploring, grab a meal at Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy or the Settle Inn for traditional pub vibes.

In fact, Stirling is a perfect city break for all of central Scotland! It’s an easy day trip from Edinburgh by train, taking about 50 minutes, while from Glasgow Queen Street, it’s only about a 30-minute train journey.

🏨 Hotel Colessio has a fantastic a central location with a splash of opulence.

Read Next: 12 Fairytale Scottish Castles To Love

4. Bath, Somerset

Famous worldwide for magnificent golden-coloured limestone buildings and Roman influence, Bath is a vibrant small British city with over 40 museums, good restaurants, quality shopping and theatres.

Bath became a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 1987— the only city in the UK with this designation. Thanks to its heritage, Bath is widely regarded as one of the best British cities to visit.

Located in the gorgeous English countryside in Southwest England, Bath is 156km west of London and 18km south-east of Bristol, where the nearest airport is located.

There are so many incredible things to do in Bath . You can immerse yourself in history by visiting the Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge and admiring the beautiful Georgian architecture of The Royal Crescent .

Enjoy a drink or afternoon tea in The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa , then explore the Jane Austin Museum . Be sure to also stop by Sally Lunn’s , which is in itself a museum, and try their world-famous walnut cake and milk jam.

🏨 No.15 Great Pulteney and Abbey Hotel Bath are perfect places to stay.

5. Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry is a lovely little city in Northern Ireland that is worth visiting for its history, pretty architecture, and fantastic food scene. Derry Airport has daily flights from London, or you could fly to Belfast and take a bus to Derry for more convenient flight times and airline options.

There are plenty of things to do in Derry ,  and the best way to start is with a tour of Free Derry to understand the city’s recent history. Many commemorative murals remind visitors of the Troubles, and you can see the street art with the artists who created it.

The Peace Bridge connects the two sides of the city where the two different political supporters lived – like a handshake across the water.

Another great tour that you can join in Derry is the historical walk over the city walks . Taking you 400 years back in history, you will learn how the city managed to remain the only intact walled city in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

🏨 City Hotel has great offers and rooms with views over the river. You also must eat at the Walled City Brewery , a restaurant and bar that doesn’t stock any commercial brands and brews everything on the premises. 

6. Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Lincoln is one of the most charming small cities in England. Its pebbled streets, historical buildings, quirky independent shops, and tea rooms make it a great destination.

When visiting Lincoln , you’ll want to visit medieval Lincoln Castle , which has beautiful grounds, an interesting prison, and is the only place in the world with an original 1215 Magna Carta. Another must-see attraction is Lincoln Cathedral, where you can book a rooftop tour for some of the best views in the city.

Other great activities in Lincoln include going to the Lincoln Museum , walking on the pier , or taking a boat tour and window shopping in Steep Hill .

🍽 Bunty’s Tea Room is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious piece of cake or afternoon tea. For dinner, head to Lincoln’s waterfront where you will find plenty of food options. One of the best places to have dinner is Olé Olé Tapas, which offers a great selection of Spanish tapas.

🏨 DoubleTree by Hilton in Brayford Waterfront. It’s not far from the city centre, has comfortable rooms, and has a rooftop bar overlooking the pier.

7. Salisbury, Wiltshire

Salisbury is best known for the nearby stone circle of Stonehenge . Many people arrive in Salisbury on a day trip from London by train and then immediately hop on a bus to make a beeline for Stonehenge. But the city of Salisbury is definitely worth a look around.

The main landmark in Salisbury is its amazing 13th-century Gothic cathedral , which has the country’s tallest spire  and possibly the oldest working clock in the world . It also has the largest cloister in England, while the Chapter House hosts the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta on display!

🏨 Cricket Field House , a modern B&B with an impressive garden.

🍽 If you want to grab a bite, stop by Boston Tea Party , a family-owned café that serves homemade feel-good food in a building dating all the way back to the 1300s.

8. Bangor, North Wales

Picturesque little Bangor in North Wales is one of the oldest small cities in the UK and the oldest in Wales . It’s a far cry from the archetypal vision of a city, as it’s tiny yet has an international airport.

Bangor is also a bilingual city. Its large population of university students (who outnumber the city residents) mostly speaks English, while many of the city’s residents speak Welsh as a first language.

With glorious views of the Menai Straits and across to the Welsh hills, Bangor is beautifully located, and it’s also easy to explore on foot.

Don’t miss a trip to the 19th century Penrhyn Castle – a “fantasy” Welsh castle with incredible views, or down to the historic Bangor Pier, the 2nd oldest pier in Wales. You can also visit the small but stunning 6th-century Bangor Cathedral with its exquisite stained glass windows and regular organ recitals.

🏨 The ultimate place to stay is at Bangor University !

9. Norwich, Norfolk

Norw ich  may no longer be England’s second-largest city as it was during medieval times, but it still has plenty to offer visitors. This little city in England is about a two-hour train from London’s Liverpool Street station, and you can explore the city on foot. 

Take a walk along the River Wensum, which snakes through the city centre , or down the picturesque  Elm Hill ,  one of the prettiest streets in England.  

Next, head to Norwich Market, one of t he country’s oldest and largest outdoor markets.  You must also visit Norwich Cathedral, England’s most complete Norman Cathedral and one of Europe’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. 

Good to know: It is free to enter and see the world’s largest collection of medieval roof bosses.

For a real treat, head to the Assembly House for afternoon tea . Not only is the food amazing but the setting is special too.  It’s a Grade I-listed building that hosted a Grand Ball to celebrate Lord Nelson’s victory at the Cape of Trafalgar.  They also have 15 rooms, so you can stay the night if you book in advance.

🏨 Check all the hotel options here .

Wrap Up – Small British Cities to Visit

As you can see, there are some gorgeous little British cities to visit and, as they usually have far fewer crowds than the UK’s biggest cities, exploring them is a really attractive idea.

Whether you prefer bustling British cities or fancy visiting small cities in England with hidden gems, there is plenty to explore. The hardest thing is picking just one to visit!

You may also like:

• 4 Must-Visit Cities in Yorkshire For Your UK Bucket List
• London : Is It Worth Visiting? Here Are 25 Reasons Why We Think It Is!
• Manchester : One Day Itinerary Top Sights & Local Tips
• York : 19 Fun & Unusual Things To Do (From A Local)

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Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe, Egypt and China, with meticulously crafted travel itineraries and affordable luxury travel guides.

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10 fun cities in england to visit (besides london).

Planning a vacation to the United Kingdom? Perhaps you've been to London and are wondering what are the best cities to visit in England beyond the capital?

In this guide to England's cities (beyond London), I'll provide a snapshot of each destination to provide some inspiration for your England itinerary. 

Look at this post as your launchpad to an amazing city-focused trip to the UK with curated summaries of must-visit English cities including some hidden gems you may not have heard of. 

Each section of the guide links out to more detailed information about that destination to help you dive deeper as you plan your trip. Let's go!

1. York 

York is known for its well-preserved medieval core. Walk along the city walls to see the hustle of the city and York Minster shining in the sun. 

Visit one of York's many historic pubs like The Three Tuns or the Golden Fleece. Deep dive on the history of the "Venerable Crapper" (toilets to you and me) at the York Castle History Museum.

✨ Spend a weekend in York

2. Birmingham

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, and home to a variety of pubs where you can enjoy an English ale. Wander along Birmingham's many canals and explore the paths lined with houseboats. 

Keep an eye out for the city's numerous sculptures. Take a day trip to the Black Country Living Museum to see what life was like in a coal town.

✨ Discover fun things to do in Birmingham

3. Chester 

This city is known for its historic architecture and pubs. Embark on a pub crawl to see Chester's medieval and modern pubs. 

Walk the Chester city walls and enter the city through the impressive Eastgate and Newgate city gates. Browse the Chester Rows, a series of medieval shops along Chester Old Town's main thoroughfare.

✨ Explore Chester for a weekend

4. Liverpool

Located less than two hours from Birmingham by train, Liverpool is famous for its musical history as the birthplace of the Beatles. See the impressive Chinatown Gate and be on the lookout for Liverpool's street art. 

Take a stroll along the Liverpool Waterfront at Albert Dock, a hub of tourist activity. Spend some time in the Merseyside Maritime Museum learning about famous shipwrecks, including the Titanic and the Lusitania. 

Take the ferry cross the Mersey and invoke the famous song by Gerry and the Pacemakers .

✨ Spend one day in Liverpool

5. Manchester

Manchester is home to one of the most famous football teams in the world, Manchester United. Visit Exchange Square and the light-filled glass atrium at the Triangle Shopping Centre. Pay your respects at the red post box that survived the IRA bombing. 

Marvel at the architecture and explore the book-lined reading room at the John Rylands Library. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry for a fascinating look at Manchester's industrial past.

✨ Find out things to do in Manchester in a day

6. Canterbury

Located in Kent, England, this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England. 

Take a stroll through the Westgate Gardens and see its impressive Oriental Plane tree. Explore Solly's Orchard and Mill Park, which still retains vestiges of its past life as a mill. 

Walk along Canterbury's intact medieval town wall. Go punting on the canal. Take a day trip to Dover to explore WWII history.

✨ Take a weekend break in Canterbury

Bath is known for its Roman origins, including its namesake baths and striking architecture. Take a morning walk to see the old Roman architecture and enjoy having the pedestrian streets to yourself. 

Visit the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, established in 1739 to take advantage of the area's healing waters. Go on a day trip to world-famous Stonehenge. This prehistoric stone monument is located about an hour outside of Bath.

✨ Discover fun places to visit in Bath and beyond

8. Faversham

Located about 15 minutes by train from Canterbury, Faversham is a quaint town with a lot of medieval architecture. Enjoy breakfast or a cup of coffee at Jittermugs. See the many examples of half-timbered buildings. Stop in for a pint at the Bear Inn, a cozy English pub.

9. Rochester

Located about 45 minutes to an hour from London by train, Rochester is located on the same train line as Faversham and only a 30-minute train ride away. 

Take a walk along the high street. Visit Rochester Castle. Enjoy a pint at one of Rochester's many pubs.

✨ Find out why Faversham and Rochester are worth visiting

Leeds is a popular Ryanair destination and a great city to combine with York. Check out the historic arcades such as Queens Arcade, Thornton's Arcade, and County Arcade. 

Explore the Leeds City Markets and see the ornate architecture and street art. Visit the Corn Exchange, which features a variety of shops to explore.

✨ Plan a stopover in Leeds

There you have it: my curated list of the great cities to visit in England besides London. Which places will you choose to add to your UK itinerary? 

Of course, London is  a fantastic city to visit as well so make sure to explore neighborhoods like Tower Bridge , Covent Garden , and South Kensington if you are passing through at the beginning or end of your UK trip.

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16 places you should visit in the United Kingdom that aren't London

• London has a lot to offer, but there are lots of other amazing cities in the UK.

Tenby, Wales is a beautiful medieval city on the coast.

• The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland offers up so much to see.

York is a small city in England with a lot of charm.

When you think of the United Kingdom, the first place that comes to mind is probably London. The bustling city is a favorite, popular for being rich in history, culture, style, and, of course, great food. A visit to London always makes for an exciting vacation, but the UK is made up of a lot more than just one city.

There are so many other places you can travel to in the UK aside from London that have just as much history, beauty, and charm (if not more), and you should try to make it to at least a few of them. Here are some of the other beautiful options:

Located right on the coast in Wales, Tenby is a popular tourist destination worth traveling to. There are plenty of beaches for relaxing and fishing, coastal walks like the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for those who want to get more active, and lots of history with museums and historic sites, including Picton Castle.

It's also only a short boat ride away from two islands, Caldey Island and St. Catherine's, which are small, calm spots to get some beautiful views.

Bath is known as one of the most beautiful cities in England.

Bath is located in the countryside in South West England, but it's still a popular tourist destination that delivers so much culture. It's famous for its Roman Baths (which is where the name comes from), hot springs, and beautiful architecture.

While there, you can grab fresh-baked treats at the famous Sally Lunn's bakery, check out the beautiful Abbey, relax at Thermae Bath Spa, go for a walk in one of the many gardens, and just explore the city while strolling at your own pace.

The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland offers up so much to see.

If you're looking for a slightly more adventurous trip, you may want to consider heading to the Giant's Causeway in Ireland . With thousands of interlocking basalt columns, there is so much to explore, and plenty of walking trails and hikes to allow you to do that.

While you're there, be sure to check out natural wonders like the Giant's Boot and the Wishing Chair. A walk along the cliff-top path gives you stunning views.

The Lake District is perfect for travelers looking for adventure.

Located in northwest England, in Cumbria, the Lake District is another spot that is ideal for anyone looking to get out and experience some nature instead of just walking around a city.

This huge national park includes mountains, valleys, coastlines, and lakes to explore, as well as some adorable villages and towns to relax and eat in. You're pretty much guaranteed to get some amazing photos.

If you're searching for a cute city to explore that has lots of old-school charm, then York is the place to go. The city features a Medieval layout that is really fun to explore, and there is tons of history and culture with so many museums and interesting sites to see.

It has both Roman roots and a Viking past, making it totally unique. There's a bustling social scene, but it's also close enough to the country to feel relaxing. Walk the narrow streets to see new sites, eat, and shop.

The Isle of Skye in Scotland is an incredibly picturesque spot.

Located in the Highlands of Scotland, the Isle of Skye offers some seriously gorgeous landscapes. It's 50 miles long and is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, and there are many villages along the way, like the capital, Portree.

There is so much history to be found in this spot (like dinosaur fossils), and tons of wildlife sightings to be had. Get ready to walk and hike, because you'll want to see it all.

Cambridge is a famous university town in England full of beauty and charm.

You've almost definitely heard of Cambridge , but just because it's a popular destination doesn't mean it isn't worth a visit.

Aside from getting a good look at Cambridge University, you can explore medieval buildings, courtyards, gardens, tons of restaurants and bars, and beautiful spots along the river.  

The Jurassic Coast makes for a perfect English road trip.

Located on the English Channel coast in southern England, the Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site that goes on for about 96 miles and offers so much to see. There are so many cliffs, beaches, and towns to explore along the way, and you'll want to take in as much as you can.

You can explore by walking, cycling, or taking a boat ride. There are also plenty of charming seaside towns to stop in for dinner and resting, like Sidmouth, Beer, and Seaton, just to name a few.

Cardiff in Wales is a lovely city to explore.

The capital city of Wales, Cardiff isn't too far from London, so if you are planning a trip there, it's not hard to squeeze both in. Cardiff is a fantastic walking city that also sits on the bay, so you kind of get the best of both worlds.

You can shop, eat great food in one of the beautiful shopping arcades, walk through the parks or near the water, get some culture at the National Museum or the Cardiff Castle, and even check out a Dr. Who experience if you're into that.

Brighton is an interesting seaside city to check out in England.

Located only about an hour south of London by train, this seaside town in England makes for a great vacation for even just a day trip.

There's plenty to do there during both day and night: you can walk the Brighton Palace Pier, go on rides and get classic fish and chips, hang out by the beach and relax, or do some sightseeing. Famous landmarks include the Royal Pavilion , and there's also plenty of shopping.

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and has lots to see.

Head to Northern Ireland and check out the popular capital, Belfast, for lots of history and fun. Belfast is actually the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, and you can learn a lot more about it at the museum Titanic Belfast.

There's also St. George's Market for fantastic food, the Ulster Museum for lots of history, the Botanic Gardens if you want to see more of nature, and Cave Hill Country Park to take in some beautiful views, including the ancient Belfast Castle.

Oxford is another popular English city worth a visit.

Oxford is another university city in England with a big reputation — and it lives up to it. It's one of the most famous places in the UK, making it a definite bucket list favorite. There's beautiful architecture to look at, great shopping, and the most charming streets to walk around and take pictures.

You can also get in a ton of history and culture by checking out Oxford University, Blenheim Palace, Oxford Castle and Prison, and Cogges Manor Farm. If you're more into shopping, head to Bicester Village for luxury goods.

You'll fall in love with Cornwall.

You can enjoy a lot of history and nature in Cornwall , located in the southwestern corner of England. Cornwall is the home of King Arthur and offers so much natural beauty with beaches and coves to explore.

Some other attractions worth checking out include St. Michael's Mount, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Minack Theatre, Tintagel Castle, and the Edgen Project. If you go to Land's End or Bodmin Moor, you'll get a spectacular dose of natural beauty.

The city of Inverness in Scotland has so much to see.

Take a trip to Scotland's northeast coast and go to Inverness , the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Of course, you're definitely going to want to get a look at Loch Ness to try to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, but there's plenty more to see as well. In the Old Town, you can check out the 19th-century Inverness Cathedral and the 18th-century Old High Church.

There are so many parks, castles, museums, and sites to explore that it can actually be a bit overwhelming.

The Cotswold are great to go for some natural beauty.

The Cotswolds are located in south-central England and are known for beautiful hillsides and charming villages that will make you feel like you're in another time.

You can check out Burford in the county of Gloucestershire for shopping and food, walk the Cotswold Way National Trail to take in all of the nature surrounding you or spend a day in Cheltenham for a dose of culture.

Edinburgh is a must-visit city in Scotland.

Edinburgh is probably the most popular city to visit in the UK aside from London, but it's obviously still worth mentioning here. The capital city of Scotland, it features an old Celtic feel with castles and villages to explore for days.

Walk up Arthur's Seat to get some great views, and get a good look at the Edinburgh Castle. There's Old Town for history and New Town for nightlife, restaurants, and shopping.

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7 Places To Visit in the UK That Are Not London

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While I live in Canada now, I was born and raised in the UK. I love visiting my family and friends here, and try to get back as often as I can. The United Kingdom and Great Britain has some some wonderful places to spend some quality time, but a lot of people seem to visit London and then leave . Sure it’s the capital city and it has a lot going on, but there’s so many more places to visit in the UK than London .

York is a beautiful old city with a rich Roman and Viking past, but the quaint little streets are what really sets it apart as one of the best places to visit in the UK if you manage to get out of London.

• Distance from London : 215 miles by car
• Nearest airports : Leeds (30 miles) and Manchester (83 miles)
• Easiest way to get there from London : The train from Kings Cross station takes around 1 h 45 m to 2 h 30 m
• Where to stay : Try a local bed & breakfast like The Farthings Guesthouse just outside the city walls. Rooms have either shared bathrooms or en-suite and owners are really friendly. Bonus: start your day with a full English breakfast.
• Famous for: Walking around the old but intact Roman city walls makes for a good afternoon activity. York is also the birthplace of Guy Fawkes from the famed Gunpowder Plot of the 17th Century. A plaque on Stonegate shows where he was born.

Top things to do in York

York is a historic town with so much to do you’ll have no trouble filling your time there. The town is incredibly photogenic so don’t forget you pack your camera. Here are some of my top pics for things to do.

• York Minster – The large cathedral in the center of York. It’s a beauty, and although a ticket isn’t that cheap, you get plenty of bang for your buck because this place is HUGE! Walk the narrow stone staircase to the roof for amazing panoramic views of York.
• The Shambles – An old and very unique shopping street. Rows of haphazardly leaning buildings with overhanging levels and timber frames date back to the 14th Century. Now some of the nicest cafes, restaurants and gift shops are found in this area where you’ll feel like you’re walking around medieval Britain. Take a walking tour that will lead you through the Shambles and to York Minster, and more .
• Learn about some Viking history – Jorvik Viking Centre is a really cool experience. Learn about vikings and their history in York, as was uncovered during an archaeological dig in the 1970s. See real Roman and Viking artifacts and remains.
• Take a ghost walk – With one of the most haunted pubs in England, there are numerous ghostly sightings in the city. So it’s no surprise that there would also be ghost walks like this one . The tours occur almost every evening weaving interesting stories with the history of York on your walk around the city.

History, lovely local shops, and fabulous sights make this Northern England city one of my top places to visit in the UK. In fact my aunt and uncle have lived here for a long time, and my best friend went to university here so I always enjoyed visiting.

• Distance from London : 270 miles by car
• Nearest airport : Newcastle upon Tyne (24 miles) and Durham-Tees Valley (25 miles)
• Easiest way to get there from London : The train from Kings Cross station takes between 3 h and 3 h 30 m direct. Or fly direct to Newcastle from London (1 hour) and then take the metro and train to Durham (approx. 1 hour).
• Where to stay : I suggest either a Bed & Breakfast or for a unique stay how about a night at Durham Castle?
• Famous for : Durham was the filming location for the first three Harry Potter movies. Durham Cathedral doubled as Hogwarts throughout part of the movies. The cloisters around the interior of the cathedral may look familiar to any Harry Potter fans out there.

Things to do in Durham

Durham is predominantly a university town now. There are a lot of students who live in Durham and attend one of the most prestigious universities in the country. But the historic center of Durham has some great things to offer anyone visiting.

• Durham Cathedral – Aside for being home to Harry Potter, Durham Cathedral is also a beautiful building. It has beautifully ornate stained glass windows and fine stonework. If you do one thing in Durham, make sure it’s visit the cathedral.
• Durham Castle – The castle dates back to the 11th Century and is located right next to Durham Cathedral. But since the castle forms part of the University College you can’t just go wandering in. You can however visit if you book a guided tour in advance.
• Elvet Bridge – This 900 year old bridge crosses the River Wear. Take a walk along it for great views of Durham and the river, and don’t forget to look out for the castle and cathedral. Better still walk across it and take a photo of the bridge with the other buildings in the background.
• Beamish museum – As a child of Northern England, Beamish was the setting for many a school trip for me. The “living” museum has staff dressed in period costumes and you can wander through various time periods from the 1820s to the 1950s. Bonus: you can shop at a traditional bakery or a Victorian sweet shop.

The beautiful county of Cornwall is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK for many Brits. Cornwall (and neighboring county Devon) were always where we headed to for our summer holidays when I was a kid. The main reasons: they are far enough from home that you feel like you’re going on holiday, and the weather is better in the South of England. My parents still visit Cornwall every year (sometimes twice), so I’ve also been a number of times.

• Distance from London : 275 miles by car
• Nearest airport : Newquay and Exeter (both rather small airports)
• Easiest way to get there from London : There are trains to some of the popular places in Cornwall like St. Ives and Truro . They take about 5-6 hours. But when visiting Cornwall the best option is to have a car. It gives you the freedom to explore this charming county of seaside towns and rugged landscapes. Another option is a coach tour.
• Where to stay : Book a hotel if only staying in one of the bigger towns in Cornwall for a couple of days, or a Bed & Breakfast. But if you are staying longer like most people who venture to Cornwall, then your best bet is a holiday home. Self catering cottages and apartments can be found most places with weekly rates.
• Famous for : Cornwall is most famous for Lands End, the Southernmost point of the United Kingdom. Also a number of popular British foods: Cornish pasties (like a meat and vegetable pastry pocket), Cornish ice cream and clotted cream.

Things to do in Cornwall

Cornwall is not full of big cities. Cornwall is all about getting outdoors, seeing gardens and historic properties, beaches and walking countryside trails. There are some old abandoned tin mines which make for some good photo opportunities too.

Go surfing – That’s right, England has surfing. Newquay in the North of Cornwall is popular with younger people and has a really good surfing community. There are lovely beaches around Newquay . Book a surfing lesson in Newquay through Viator .

The Eden Project – A large environmental attraction where you can visit a rain-forest and the Mediterranean in one day. The park has two large indoor biomes which have tropical plants like pineapples, cacao or coffee, and Mediterranean plants like grapes, olives and chili peppers. There are also outdoor gardens, sculptures and zip lines.

Visit a beautiful garden (or five) – There are a number of beautiful botanical gardens in Cornwall. Try visiting Trebah or the Lost Gardens of Heligan . Spend hours walking around some of the most gorgeous gardens in the UK. Insider tip : Tickets to Trebah are valid for 7 days, go as much as you want during that time.

Fish and chips in a seaside town – Did you even visit England if you didn’t have fish & chips? But they’re even more English when you’re eating them out of the paper sat on a bench or a sea wall in a British seaside town like St. Ives or Porthleven . This used to be the highlight of a UK holiday for me, even more fun when it was raining and we had to eat them in the car with the rain bouncing on the roof.

Remember to take a reusable water bottle with you on your travels, like this one from FastTech

The Lake District

My home in the UK, this is the area I’m from (more specifically the city of Carlisle ). And it is beautiful. The Lake District is more of a region, a National Park within the Northern county of Cumbria. As the name suggests, this national park is filled with bodies of water and has some of the most amazing scenery you can imagine. I’m so lucky to have grown up here and love going back to visit.

• Nearest airport : Carlisle -Lake District airport and Manchester
• Easiest way to get there from London : You can take a train to Oxenholme Lake District and it’s about 2 h 45 m to 3 h 30 m. Pick a base and take buses around or walk where you want to go. But like Cornwall, you might find having a car is the best way to get around.
• Where to stay : Stay at a lakeside hotel like the The Waterhead Hotel in Ambleside , or a stately manor like Storrs Hall . But there are also lots of Bed & Breakfasts around and Ambleside even has a good Hostel to keep things a little more budget.
• Famous for : English poet William Wordsworth, author of Daffodils lived in the Lake District. Beatrix Potter, author of Peter Rabbit also lived there and her former house Hill Top is a tourist attraction also. Visit The World of Beatrix Potter for a fun day out with the kids. Oh yeah, and there’s a couple of lakes that are pretty!

Things to do in the Lake District

Bring your hiking boots for this one, you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors. And don’t forget your camera either (or your watercolors if you’re an artist). The Lake District is best visited if you have a car to get you around, or you have time to use the bus system which will get you to a lot of major towns in the Lake District.

• See a lake (or two) – Unsurprisingly the Lake District has plenty of water. It rains a fair amount, but then that’s just England for you anyway. But all that rain means that there are lots of beautiful lakes and green fields. Take a boat ride on lake Windermere, experience the incredible views around Buttermere.
• Walk the fells – Get your hiking boots on and take to some of the paths up to the high ridges of the Lake District that will leave you with unparalleled views of everything the National Park has to offer. There aren’t too many places to visit in the UK that will have you outdoors as much as the Lake District. You’ll probably meet plenty of sheep along the way too.
• Castlerigg Stone Circle – Just outside of Keswick , this is like a miniature Stonehenge. This one is in the middle of a field so you can walk right up to it. Parking is limited on the road, but I’ve never had an issue as most people only stay a few minutes. Sunset at the stone circle is a magical time, but arrive ahead of time as it’s popular with photographers.
• Whinlatter forestry park – Whinlatter has walking and biking trails (including bike hire), play areas, Segway trails and so much more. It is popular with kids as well as adults. The park is free to explore, although some additional costs may apply for rentals, activities and parking.

The capital city of Scotland and one of the major cities in the UK, Edinburgh is constantly talked about as one of the most beautiful cities in Great Britain. But even though it’s a capital city, it is nowhere near as busy and crazy as London is. That doesn’t mean there’s any less to see and do, and it’s a gateway to many incredible places in Scotland.

• Distance from London : 403 miles by car
• Nearest airport : Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Easiest way to get there from London : You can take the train from London Kings Cross station which will get you there direct in 4 h 30 to 5 h 30. Or try a short 1 hour flight from London directly into Edinburgh.
• Where to stay : Edinburgh does have some nice Bed & Breakfasts but being a major city also has a lot of hotels, both national and international chains. Being around the Royal Mile where Edinburgh Castle is is a more expensive area to stay.
• Famous for : We’re not done with Harry Potter yet, since Edinburgh is where J.K. Rowling first wrote the Harry Potter books. The city also has a pivotal history in the United Kingdom as the home to Scottish Kings and Queens.

Things to do in Edinburgh

There’s too much to do if you’re only spending a couple of nights. Take my advice, however long you planned to stay in Edinburgh, at least add one more day. Be prepared for some walking, a few hills and a whole lot of culture. And if you pass a local pub, go in for a cold pint and to listen to some folk bands that often play live music.

• Edinburgh Castle – You can’t miss the castle atop the hill at the end of the street known as the Royal Mile. With buildings dating back to the early 12th Century it has great views of the city, a bloody past, and really cool cannons. What’s not to like? It’s not cheap with adult tickets around 20 GBP but I would suggest you buy in advance for a reduced price .
• Do a Harry Potter walking tour – There are a number of tours in Edinburgh focusing on The Chosen One himself, including at least one that’s free. But all of them will take you around some of the city’s most famous sites including those which inspired J.K. Rowling.
• Try some Scotch Whisky – A wee dram o’ whisky’ll warm you up night or day. You’re on vacation, no-one’s judging. There’s no shortage of bars and old pubs in Edinburgh to sample all the Scotch you can. In fact, head to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile, take a tour and learn more about the time honored drink with a few tastings.
• Visit the Scottish Highlands – Not content with everything Edinburgh has to offer? Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, one of the most unique places to visit in the UK. We did an amazing day tour to Loch Ness . We had stops along the way, time to explore Urquhart Castle and a boat ride over Loch Ness (no monster sightings though).

The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast is maybe not as simple to get to, but it’s worth the trip. The city has a varied history and an industrial past, but over recent years it’s really become a popular weekend getaway, and one of the best places to visit in the UK. Just because its not connected to the rest of the island doesn’t mean it should be forgotten.

• Distance from London : 470 miles (as the crow flies)
• Nearest airport : Belfast and Dublin
• Easiest way to get there from London : The only way to get there from London…fly. Flights from London to Belfast take approximately an hour to 1 h 30 m. Belfast is a small place, so it doesn’t take long to get to the city from the airport.
• Where to stay : As with most cities there are a number of hotels of varying prices. The Ramada by Wyndham Belfast is very nice, and budget friendly. Likewise there are a number of Bed & Breakfast options.
• Famous for : The Troubles. You’ve likely heard about the fighting, conflict and the riots of Belfast that took up most of the latter part of the 20th Century. Belfast is also famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic where it was built.

Things to do in Belfast

The city is not very large and is quite walkable. Most of the sites you will want to see are close together, although to get to Belfast Castle and the Botanic Gardens you might need a taxi.

Titanic Belfast – The amazingly informative and exceptionally laid out museum about the infamous ship is a great place to spend a few hours. The museum’s architecture is an homage to the ship itself. Learn about the city that built Titanic, the story of the ship building (and sinking) and see artifacts from the doomed vessel. It’s a sad but brilliant museum. Remember to book in advance as it can get busy.

Game of Thrones sites – That’s right. GoT was partly filmed in Northern Ireland. A number of tours will take you to some of the sights. If you’re a huge fan this is the place for you. Book your Game of Thrones tour here . If you’re not a fan (guilty) then you’re partner’s going to owe you big time if you go on this tour so figure out if you want a fancy dinner or a trip to the Titanic museum!

Botanic Gardens – The gardens are lovely. Well worth a visit, but you’ll end up spending half a day at least between travel time and exploring so make sure to plan your time. There are outdoor and indoor gardens including greenhouses to enjoy. If it does rain, head to the Ulster Museum at the entrance to the Gardens.

Troubles tour – Want to know more about the conflicts that shaped a nation? Take a tour of Belfast with a local guide who will tell you all about The Troubles. There are walking tours and there are black taxi tours , each visiting places central to the riots that Belfast had to deal with less than 30 years ago.

Another one of my favorite places to visit in the UK is the city of Lincoln. Its cobbled streets and picturesque views are only part of its charm. The city has a lot of history, and is surprisingly busy around December. Make sure to stop by one of their amazing cafes for delicious baked goods and a cup of tea.

• Distance from London : 143 miles by car
• Nearest airport : Leeds and Manchester
• Easiest way to get there from London : Take a train for 2-3 hours from London, but there are no direct trains so you will need to change along the way.
• Where to stay : The city has a number of little Bed & Breakfasts as well as some smaller hotels in the city. When I’ve been there in the past I’ve stayed a little further away in Blythe, just off the A1 road. That way I usually travel into Lincoln and can also visit other nearby places.
• Famous for : Lincoln is home to a Magna Carta within their Castle. The city and the area is famous for its sausages. And they have probably the biggest Christmas market in England during December.

Things to do in Lincoln

Lincoln is another lovely historic town with a lovely cathedral . Beware there are a few hills, especially to the castle at the peak of the city. Time your visit with a trip to the Christmas market for the ultimate weekend. Read more about my latest trip to Lincoln here .

• See the Magna Carta – This historic 800 year old document is on display in Lincoln Castle, and is one of only four surviving originals. You can’t take pictures but you can see it up close (behind glass) in a subsection of the castle. A piece of history you won’t find anywhere else.
• Shop for antiques – Lincoln is home to some good antique shops. Find old coins, jewelry or trinkets in these small, dimly lit stores that are overflowing with interesting goods. I’ve managed to find a number of vintage glass bottles now used as lamps and old cameras here.
• Eat lots of cheese and sausages – You can’t go to Lincoln and not have one or the other. My favorite cheese place was The Mouse House. Try the mature cheddar with cranberries. You won’t regret it. Despite being all about meat and cheese there are a number of great vegetarian and vegan friendly places in Lincoln now too.

Top Places to Visit in the UK

Everyone who goes to the UK will likely go to London . It’s a beautiful, amazing city, don’t get me wrong. I love London, and can spend so much time there. Read this post on 50 fun things to do in the city (including 25 that are FREE ). But London isn’t the only place in the UK. There are lots that deserve just as much attention as London .

Hopefully this post has shown you what else the United Kingdom has to offer, and inspired you to hop on a train (the most British way to travel) and try somewhere new . The UK might be small but it packs a lot of punch and has some fantastic places to visit. There are big cities, small towns, countryside retreats and beautiful views. Enjoy your visit, wherever you go.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Where are your favorite places to visit in the UK? Tell me some you’ve been to.

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19 thoughts on “7 Places To Visit in the UK That Are Not London”

Great post! Fingers crossed my trip to the UK isn’t rescheduled again, but should be there in August. Headed straight to Oxford and then York!

I love London, but I agree so many people come to the UK and that is the only place they visit. There are so many other great parts of the UK. I visited the Lake District last year and absolutely loved it. I have never heard of Lincoln, but would love to visit. It sounds so charming and the delicious baked goods would appeal to me for sure!

Love this! I have been to London 2x and want to explore more of the UK in my next visit, thank you for this!

What a great list of beautiful places to visit in the UK! I’ve been to a few of these but looks like I have a lot more exploring to do!

Wow these are some of the great places to visit . I would love to explore UK as soon as things go back to normal.thanks for sharing

There are so many beautiful places in the UK that aren’t in huge cities (or London as you mentioned). I travelled to Bath a month or so ago and I fell in love! Sometimes it’s best to go to the smaller towns and cities 🙂

It’s been 10 years since I moved to London. Even though I have been to most of the cities mentioned, I have yet to go to Cornwall and the Lake District- I have been wanting to go for years. Lincoln sounds nice too!

Such great Post, never knew there are so many amazing Places to visit in UK other than London. Cornwell looks such amazing beach destination.

I agree with them all! Cornwall is one of my favourite counties and then there’s Devon too – so much beautiful countryside to explore! 😀

I’ve been to London but I definitely plan to go back to the UK (hopefully soon!) and I would love to explore some more of these places. Great post, thanks for the ideas! 😁

This is such a great guide! I’m dying to go back to Edinburgh, and you did a great job of covering everything in a concise manner and giving tips. I would love to go this hall!

Ah, Cornwall! Edinburgh and Cornwall are tied for my favorite places in the UK. I actually enjoyed them much more than London! This is a great list, I’ll have to explore some of the other areas when I return for a visit!

I’m always so happy when I see posts like this! there’s so much more to the uk than London! I went to school near Lincoln and it’s a beautiful city to explore.

Great guide! I have only been to London twice, but next time I should visit these places in the UK. Looks so beautiful!

I only made it to Edinburg from your list.. was SO close to York when I visited Leeds but got stuck in the party circuit and didn’t make it further haha

Some great options here. I know York and Durham very well and find it nice to go back now and again.

I also reccomend Whitby. It’s an interesting town to explore and you can see some pretty good views of the town if you decide to walk up the 199 steps. The ties with Dracula can make it extra enticing if you like horror fiction/movies. It’s an interesting place to visit. Whitby’s also famous for its yearly Goth Weekend. It should have been this month. Needless to say, it’s cancelled this year.

I’ve always wanted to go to Whitby. Dracula is one of my favorite books. I’ll have to get working on my list of other places to visit ASAP. Thanks for the recommendation

Some great choices here, definitely picked the best of the UK I think. I only visited Durham for the first time this year, I didn’t realise HP was partly filmed there though, that’s cool.

Awesome post, and a lot of places I wouldn’t have considered! I’ve never been to Lincoln and had no idea that the Magna Carta was there, that’s really cool. Also never been to Durham! And I REALLY need to get to Cornwall, I think that’s my biggest oversight in the UK!

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10 amazing places to visit in England that aren't London: celebrating English Tourism Week 2023

It's English Tourism week! What better way to celebrate English tourist destinations than by sharing 10 beautiful places to visit in our home country: England. While we love travelling far flung places, we also really enjoy bigging all up the fabulous destinations right here in this "green and pleasant land."

We're putting it out there: London is our favourite city in the world. Vibrant, multicultural and stuffed to the brim with history, music, art and food, it has absolutely everything! Having lived there for many years I suppose we might be slightly biased, so we must admit that as well as a fabulous capital city, England has many other wonderful towns and cities that are a must if you're spending more time in the country. If you'd like to tick off some of the best places to visit in England , here are 10 of our favourites:

Two words: The Beatles. This lively northern city is famous worldwide for being the birthplace of the Merseybeat sound - as well as the Fab Four, 60s exports included Cilla Black and Gerry and the Pacemakers (their hit You'll Never Walk Alone is belted from the stands at Anfield Stadium every week as the anthem of Liverpool FC, one of the city's two top tier football teams), and later hitmakers include Echo and the Bunnymen, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Elvis Costello, Dead or Alive, the Zutons and Atomic Kitten.

The city still has a thriving music and nightlife scene and there is so much to explore, including two cathedrals, the Albert Docks, the Beatles Museum and a fun brewery quarter. Don't miss the Merseyside Maritime Museum- it has exhibits about the Lusitania and the Titanic, while the third floor is home to the incredibly moving International Slavery Museum.

Planning a trip to Liverpool? Read our blog about what to do in three days here!

A Long Weekend in Liverpool (includes all the Beatles houses)

York can be summed up in one word: History. Founded by the Romans, you can walk their city walls, travel through 9th century York at the Jorvik Viking Centre, wander through tiny Medieval lanes in the Shambles, climb up to Clifford's Tower, a Norman keep, and marvel at the soaring 13th century York Minster.

As well as its tremendous history, York has some amazing museums: indulge your sweet tooth at York's Chocolate Story and learn about the city's Terry's and Rowntree's factories. Trainspotters, kids and the young at heart will love the National Railway Museum: built around a historic engine shed turntable, the museum has a tremendous collection of trains including a 1960s Japanese bullet train, Mallard (the world's fastest steam train) and possibly the most famous steam locomotive, Stephenson's Rocket. You can even head down into a Cold War bunker, built in 1961 to monitor nuclear explosions and fallout in Yorkshire, in the event of nuclear war. Now run by English Heritage, you'll see blast proof doors and the decontamination room - the bunker was still operational until the 1990s!

A blend of Roman ingenuity and stunning Georgian architecture, Bath is home to some of the most beautiful streets in England and has been a spa town destination for around 1800 years! You can visit the historic Roman Baths, now a UNESCO Heritage Site, but if you want to get into the mineral-rich warm waters you'll need to head to Thermae Bath Spa - such a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon. They have two different aromatherapy steam rooms, an ice room, heated pools and whirlpool baths, and an unbelievable roof top pool.

Another historic building well worth visiting is magnificent Bath Abbey - once part of a Medieval monastery, Bath Abbey was rebuilt in the 12th and 16th centuries and had a major restoration by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1860s. The outside is creamy yellow Bath stone, and inside you can't miss the stunning fan ceiling.

Live your best Jane Austen life wandering the Grade I listed townhouses on Royal Crescent and Circus, and check out some Regency fashion at Bath's Fashion Museum. Jane Austen fans can get a snapshot of the life and times of the famous author's books and her years living in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre, and if you're a SUPER fan, you can even attend a summer ball or a 10 day Jane Austen festival !

While you're in Bath, tag on a side trip to Stonehenge - it's only 35 miles away and an easy drive, or you can join a bus tour.

Controversial opinion time: the UK has two famous University towns, Oxford and Cambridge, both known for their beautiful historic colleges. Both are stunning, both a lovely day out, but whisper it... in our opinion Cambridge is the better choice. While Cambridge certainly has a modern high street, train station and shopping centre, if you want to wander through the old lanes and see the magnificent colleges then everything is close together in one lovely historic area and very walkable. In Oxford the colleges are scattered throughout a normal modern city, and while the Bodleian library and Bridge of Sighs are pretty, Oxford also has a lot of less attractive 1960s buildings and modern architecture. In short, Cambridge is prettier than Oxford (sorry not sorry)!

Head to Kings Parade and take your time strolling the narrow streets between the colleges. Red brick St John's looks like Hampton Court (it was founded by Margaret Beaufort, Henry VIII's gran, and he founded Trinity College next door!) and medieval Kings Chapel soars into the sky. Wind your way through to River Cam and have a picnic on the Backs, a huge meadow often home to grazing cows. You could take a tour on a traditional punt, hire your own (don't fall in!), or if you have a kayak or paddleboard you can even paddle through the centre of historic Cambridge yourself! This is a lovely way to see the old bridges and colleges .

Cambridge has a gorgeous botanical garden and some really great museums - we love the eclectic Fitzwilliam Museum (like a mini British Museum), the Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, home to meteorites and dinosaur skeletons.

If you're planning a longer trip to Cambridge, you could also pop over the Essex border to Saffron Walden, one of the prettiest towns in England. Choc full of Tudor timbered homes, it's only 15 miles away from Cambridge! We've written a complete guide to top things to do in Saffron Walden, Essex .

Head to Yorkshire for a spooky city break. As you wander around ruined Whitby Abbey high on the cliffs and shrouded in sea mist, you can see why this city inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula ! Climb the famous 199 steps down into Whitby's old town, full of narrow lanes, old coaching inns and tiny shops. Keep and eye out for jewellers specialising in jet - this shiny black precious stone, found locally, became very popular in the 19th century (and helped to reinforce Whitby's Gothic reputation) after Queen Victoria took to wearing it after her husband Prince Albert died.

Head down to the historic harbour and walk out onto the long pier. You can take a short boat ride along the coast on the Bark Endeavour, a 40% scale replica of Captain Cook’s ship, and be sure to buy your lunch from Magpie Cafe, famous for its fish and chips - legend has it that this is the best chippie in England!

Related content: Fun ideas for a long weekend in Whitby and the surrounding areas .

Head to the south coast for one of England's most popular seaside destinations, Brighton! Nicknamed London on sea, we'd argue that it's more like the capital's cooler, younger sibling. Inclusive and vibrant, Brighton has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, is chock full of fab shops (head to the Lanes and North Laine for gorgeous vintage clothes, jewellery and antiques) and has some magnificent Regency crescents and squares to explore.

While Brighton's beach may be pebbly, it's still a great place to haul out and sunbathe, or you can hire a deckchair and people watch. Take a stroll down the Grade II listed Brighton Palace Pier and try your luck at the arcade games, and wander along the seafront. Brighton's promenade reminds us of California's Santa Monica - roller skaters, street performers, impromptu dance sessions and basketball games, there's always loads going on!

History buffs will enjoy visiting the Royal Pavillion, a Grade I listed former royal residence built in 1787 as a seaside holiday home for George IV when he was still the Prince of Wales. It was also used by William IV and Queen Victoria, before she sold it to the city, preferring to use Osborne House on the Isle of Wight as her seaside retreat. The Pavilion looks outrageous, like a mini Taj Mahal with domes and towers, and the nearby concert venue, the Brighton Dome, was originally home to the royal stables. Today you buy a ticket to explore the lavish interiors and even get married inside!

Finish your visit (or start your night out - Brighton is spoilt for choice with pubs and clubs !) with a drink with a view at British Airways i360. Created by Marks Barfield Architects, the team behind the London Eye, an oval shaped glass viewing pod slowly travels 450ft up a mast, giving 360 degree views of the sea, the city and the South Downs.

You might also enjoy our blog: 18 top, easy day trips from London .

The Jurassic Coast:

This magical stretch of the south coast is a World Heritage Site and home to 185 million years of history, with rocks dating from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras. Stretching 95 miles across the Devon and Dorset coastline, the Jurassic Coast is famous for the huge number of fossils found here - you might have heard of palaeontologist Mary Anning, who lived in Lyme Regis in the 19th century and made several incredibly important discoveries including the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton (found when she was only twelve!) the first two nearly complete plesiosaur skeletons; the first pterosaur skeleton located outside Germany along with numerous fish fossils.

You can do your own Jurassic Coast fossil hunting, but be very careful around the bases of the beaches' dramatic cliffs - the area is notorious for its severe erosion and landslips are frequent and can come from nowhere. We'd recommend the pebbly beaches at Charmouth and Lyme Regis to start looking, and limit your search to the loose rocks on the beach. Digging into the cliffs is forbidden and extremely dangerous! No need to try and split rocks, there is plenty to find just with your eyes on the beach. Oh and check the tide times before you start looking! During busy months, you might see the Jurassic Coast Trust's Fossil Warden out and about, be sure to show them your finds and they can help you identify them!

Beautiful Lyme Regis is a wonderful seaside town to base yourself in for your Jurassic Coast trip. Take a stroll along the beach front, complete with Ammonite street lights, and walk down the 700 year old Cobb harbour wall. Don't miss the spectacular Ammonite Pavement , an incredible set of huge fossils the size of dustbin lids set within the flat rocks a t the western end of Monmouth Beach. As well as fossil hunting, you could relax on sandy Front beach, visit the town's museum, explore the narrow streets of little shops selling fossils and antiquities and do some hiking around Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast.

Another beautiful beach you can visit is Lulworth Cove with its blue curved bay and fascinating geology - follow the footpath up and over to visit Durdle Door, and impressive natural Limestone sea arch.

While you're down in Dorset, pay a visit to Beer Quarry Caves, an enormous man made complex of caves dug to quarry the famous Beer stone and used from the Roman times until the 1920s. This beautiful white stone has been used in 24 cathedrals including St Paul's, as well as the Tower of London, Windsor Castle and parts of Westminster Abbey.

The Cotswolds:

Another stunning area in England (in fact it's a designated Area Of Natural Beauty), the Cotswolds are full of chocolate box cute villages, thatched rooves, tea rooms and beautiful country walks.

First stop, head to Bibury, named "the most beautiful village in England" by artist William Morris. It's most famous landmark is Arlington Row, an exquisite terrace of stone cottages built in the 13th century and converted into weavers' homes in the 17th century. If your UK passport was issued between 2010 and 2015, you'll find a picture of Arlington Row printed inside!

Other stunning Cotswolds locations include the villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter (much prettier than their names suggest!), the elegant Bourton-on-the-Water, where 5 stone footbridges s pan the wide river running beside the main street, Georgian time capsule Burford, whose high street is chock full of 17th and 18th century houses made of golden Cotswold stone and bustling market town Stow-on-the-Water. Cotswolds capital Cirencester is well worth a visit - this historic market town dates back to the Romans! Pop into the award winning Corinium Museum or drive 20 minutes to Chedworth Roman Villa.

Stratford upon Avon:

Famous for being the birth place of England's most celebrated playwright, William Shakespeare, Stratford Upon Avon is a beautiful day out. Fans of the Bard will enjoy visiting Shakespeare's Birthplace (where William was born, grew up and spent the first five years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway) and New Place (the site of his family home for 19 years and where he died - unfathomably knocked down in 1759 and now a beautiful garden). Nearby, you can also have a Latin lesson and try your hand at using a quill and ink Shakespeare's Schoolroom - the very room where a young William sat in the 1570s!

The River Avon flows through the town and is a lovely place to take a stroll with an ice cream to watch the swans. Alternatively you could hire a rowing boat or enjoy an audio guided narrowboat cruise!

Children (and big kids) with an interest in history should head to Tudor World, a living history museum set within a 16th century building. Learn about Shakespeare and his contemporaries, from Henry VIII to Sir Francis Drake, visit a school and a plague house and take a seat on a throne!

Contrary to popular belief, Shakespeare is not buried in London's Westminster Abbey (although he does have a life sized memorial there), but in Stratford's Holy Trinity Church. He died in 1616 on his 52nd birthday and the playwright's grave is inside the church, close to the altar alongside his wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandson-in-law. His epitaph is a curse, written by Shakespeare himself as a warning to would be grave robbers:

" Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To dig the dust enclosed here.

Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones. "

The bust of Shakespeare nearby on the north wall was erected a few years after his death, while his wife Anne was still alive, and is said to be a reliable likeness of the Bard.

Finish your visit by watching a performance at the Swan Theatre, home to the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company.

Slightly biased here as Emma grew up in Norwich, but it definitely deserves its place on this list. Norwich is the most complete Medieval city in the UK. From its perfectly square Norman castle up on the hill (home to a fantastic museum) to its magnificent cathedral and narrow cobblestoned lanes, this beautiful city is chock full of history. The open air market, famous for its brightly coloured striped covered stalls (open every day except Sundays), has been a Norwich institution for 900 years, and the medieval Norwich Lanes are packed with tiny shops and cafes. Pop into independent department store Jarrolds, a family run Norwich institution since 1823 and head to the Cathedral Quarter to explore cobblestoned Elm Hill, full of Tudor houses and shops. While you're there, don't miss the Bear Shop, home to hundreds of teddies!

On a sunny day, take a stroll and a picnic through Plantation Gardens, a 3 acre Grade II English Heritage registered green space with flowers, woodland, terraces and lawns or head to the River Wensum.

A city break to Norwich also opens up a gateway to world of outstanding natural beauty. In our opinion, the North Norfolk Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of this whole country, full of huge beaches and wide open skies, a massive amount of birdlife and quaint seaside towns: Our favourites are Holkham, home to a gorgeous beach and magnificent Holkham Hall, Wells Next The Sea with its striped beach huts and penny arcades, the blustery wilderness of Brancaster and Thornham beaches and the RSPB reserve at Titchwell, or for old Victorian Charm visit Cromer or Sheringham.

You could also take a boat trip along the Norfolk Broads, a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and fresh water wonderland, home to otters and bittern.

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The Best Places To Visit In England (Besides London)

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While London might be the seat of royalty and the crown jewel of the United Kingdom, there are plenty of other places to visit that are just as worth your time.

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Here are some places where you can get the best of what England has to offer while avoiding the sky-high hotel rates and throngs of tourists. Brighton, Bath, and these other delightful destinations will show you that England is much more than Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

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From its creamy-complexioned Royal Crescent townhouses to the famed Roman baths from which it takes its name, Bath is a blockbuster of a stop. About 100 miles west of London and easily accessible by coach or train, the entire city is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site . Bath was built to be beautiful by Georgian-era architects and planners in order to attract spa-goers from all over Europe seeking restorative thermal waters. While no longer in use, the baths are a top tourist spot, with Roman ruins and artifacts on display. The nearby Bath Abbey is absolutely stunning and worth a visit, as is the Pulteney Bridge across the River Avon. Our best advice: Grab a scone or a pastry to go, and simply wander this walkable town, enjoying its many wonders.

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Oxford has been England’s center of learning since the University of Oxford was founded in the 12th century. It is a city full of history and beauty, and you’ll find something amazing around every corner. On campus, look out for the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera , the Bridge of Sighs , and the Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum on the River Cherwell. Pack a picnic and rent a punt (a flat-bottomed boat) for a Cherwell cruise. When you’ve wrapped that up, stop into The Eagle and Child — the watering hole where J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis once traded stories — and grab a pint to top off the quintessential Oxford day.

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England’s other famous university town, Cambridge, is a terrific city to add to your England itinerary. Stroll campus and stop into King’s College Chapel , a 16th-century Gothic gem with stunning stained glass windows. Be sure to walk through The Backs , the gardens and parks behind Cambridge’s colleges along the River Cam. A newer addition worth a peek is the hauntingly beautiful Corpus Clock , installed on campus in 2008. Of course, you’ll want to grab a pint, too. Consider a pub stop at the Eagle , the spot where Nobel Prize winners Francis Crick and James Watson discussed their research on DNA.

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Located in North West England, Manchester has a lot of offer. The city is known for its industrial past, its lively music scene, and its rabid football (soccer) fans. Of course, rooting for Man City or Man U — the two big teams in town — is a great way to spend a few hours if you’re into sports.

Manchester is also home to a variety of free museums, including the Imperial War Museum North , which traces the UK’s involvement in conflicts from World War I through the present day; the Science and Industry Museum ; and the Manchester Art Gallery . Bibliophiles must not miss the John Rylands Library on the campus of the University of Manchester — it houses a collection of rare books and papers, and the Gothic structure is simply gorgeous.

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Fans of the HBO series Gentleman Jack might consider visiting Halifax while they are in England. Located about 20 miles from Manchester, Halifax is the town where the show’s real-life heroine, Anne Lister, lived in the early 1800s. You can still see her family’s ancestral home, Shibden Hall , which is located in a public park, and even tour the inside. Admission costs £5 for adults, and the site is easily accessible via public transportation.

The wool trade and clothmaking were once top industries in Halifax; The Piece Hall was constructed in 1779 and served as a place where weavers could sell their goods. Now it plays host to an array of special events, including festivals and concerts. It also features a mix of independent resident shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars.

For the best view of the city and surrounding area, head to the Wainhouse Tower and get ready to climb. It was originally built as a chimney for a dyeworks factory, but it was never actually used for that purpose. During World War II, the 253-foot tower was used as an observation post. Today, you can take the 403 steps all the way to the top for some stunning views!

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Jurassic Coast

Fancy yourself an Indiana Jones type? Channel your inner archeologist and head south to the Jurassic Coast . This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches nearly 100 miles from Dorset to Devon, and thanks to its geology and constant erosion, it has become one of the best places in the world to find fossils of all sorts. It’s a gorgeous, rugged coast, dotted with rock arches and pinnacles.

Museums and visitor centers are located across the coast and provide fascinating and educational ways to break up your drive. Small towns along the Jurassic Coast, including Lyme Regis, Weymouth, and West Lulworth, offer holiday homes, cottages, and inns, all with breathtaking views.

This is a road trip most people haven’t heard of, but it is absolutely worth taking.

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The Cotswolds

If, when you think of England, you picture a charming village with stone cottages, traditional gardens, and a small river running through it all, you’ll love the Cotswolds . The region, a popular weekend getaway located west of London, emcompasses several counties and rolling, gorgeous farmland. The tiny towns there are ideal places to escape the city and enjoy the quiet.

Tourists flock to Bourton on the Water , with the idyllic River Windrush cutting through it. It is well known for its green spaces, cafés, and ancient pubs. The Slaughters (Upper and Lower) are both ancient mill towns and also lovely. Accommodations include bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages; even glamping options abound here.

Spend a day or two — or your entire holiday — in the Cotswolds to really get away from it all.

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The Lake District

Tucked away in the far northwestern corner of England is one of the country’s most scenic and rugged regions. The Lake District refers to both the national park and the UNESCO World Heritage site , where you’ll find England’s tallest peak, the often-hiked Scafell Pike (3,209 feet), and the country’s deepest lake, Wastwater (243 feet). The Lake District National Park consists of more than a dozen lakes and is the perfect place to hike, kayak, and bike. There are plenty of accommodations available inside the park.

Coniston is one of the more popular villages within the district and is a great place to set up camp during your trip. The town was built around Coniston Hall, a 16th-century farmhouse, and today, you can grab a cocktail at the Black Bull Inn , a 400-year-old coaching inn.

The entire area is steeped in history and offers unmatched natural beauty: It’s a win-win!

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This walled city in North East England has ancient roots. The Romans who founded it called it Eboracum; Saxons and Vikings eventually passed through, and all left their distinct imprints behind. The city’s medieval streets and buildings are well preserved and marvelous. First constructed in the 7th century, the York Minster is one of the globe’s most magnificent cathedrals. The current edifice was completed in 1472, and it contains one of the largest collections of medieval stained glass in the world, including a breathtaking rose window. Built by William the Conqueror, Clifford’s Tower provides a spectacular view of the city. And the National Railway Museum gives visitors a chance to see how the royal family once traveled the rails.

If you’ll be staying a few days, consider a York Pass , which allows entrance into nearly 50 of the city’s top sights for a fixed price (starting at £60 for adults).

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For a beachy English excursion, head to the southern coastal city of Brighton . This delightful seaside spot has been a favorite of royals; stop by the Royal Pavilion to get your history in and see why King George IV loved this spot so much. Then head to the Brighton Palace Pier for a bit of boardwalk fun before rolling up your cuffs and heading to the pebbly beaches that surround the city. Be sure to keep your sandals on, and check the temperature before you go. The Channel waters might be too chilly to swim in, but Brighton is the perfect place for an oceanfront stroll.

Planning a trip to London, but want to see what else England has to offer? Take one of these eight amazing day trips from the capital city , and be sure to check out our tips for renting a car in England .

Communication done well has always been Erika’s career focus. She’s served as a publicist and PR expert for several non-profit organizations based in St. Louis. Prior to that, she was an Emmy Award–winning television newscast producer.

When she’s not training for her next race or packing for another trip, you’ll find Erika hanging out with her husband, son, and personal zoo, which includes a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, two cats, and a grumpy pygmy hedgehog.

10 Underrated Cities Besides London To Visit In England

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10 Best Places To Visit In England This Fall (That Aren't London)

10 real-life downton abbey filming locations you can visit, 15 coolest neighborhoods in london that will keep you coming back.

• Canterbury: A medieval city with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cobblestone streets, and charming country life. Must-sees include Canterbury Cathedral and St. Martin's Church.
• Leicester: A vibrant city with cultural attractions, such as The National Space Center, Jewry Wall Museum, and Leicester Cathedral. Don't miss the King Richard III Visitors Center.
• Newbury: A getaway to the English countryside with markets, delicious food, and Highclere Castle. Explore the vibrant nightlife and catch a show at The Watermill Theater or a race at Newbury Racecourse.

England is a spectacular treasure box that's filled with incredible landmarks, iconic food and drinks, and the lush countryside that everyone dreams of renting a little cottage on. The country and its culture are constantly put on display with movies, TV shows, and all across the media, leading many to believe that London is the be-all and end-all of the United Kingdom. While London is certainly a great place to visit, there are so many extraordinary destinations throughout England for visitors to explore that will give them a more intimate window into Britain's history and way of life.

From the southern coast of the English Channel to the castles of Northumberland are breathtaking and bustling cities that often get overlooked. If travelers are planning an excursion around England soon, these 10 beautiful, most underrated cities should definitely be added to the bucket list.

See the best of England this fall by going beyond the capital city to some lesser-known but equally interesting destinations!

10 Canterbury

Just an hour's train ride away and the perfect day trip from London near the coast is the city of Canterbury. This medieval city is brimming with historic sites, picturesque cafés and cobblestone streets, and bustling nightlife. It's the perfect blend of city and charming country life.

Canterbury is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Canterbury Cathedral, St. Martin's Church, and St. Augustine's Abbey, which are absolute must-sees. Travelers can spend the day walking around the city, learning about its incredible Roman history, gazing at the half-timbered style building along the Stour River, and checking out the local restaurants and breweries.

• Best time of year to visit: Autumn
• Things to do: Canterbury Cathedral , Stour River Cruise, St. Martin's Church- the oldest church in England, food tour

9 Leicester

Leicester is a vibrant and diverse city that, sadly, doesn't get enough attention from tourists. It's actually one of the oldest cities in England and has so much history tied to it. The city proudly boasts of its many cultural attractions and museums , such as The National Space Center, Jewry Wall Museum, and Leicester Cathedral.

History buffs can visit the King Richard III Visitors Center to learn about King Richard III's life and death and the fascinating discovery of his remains underneath a parking lot in Leicester in 2012.

While exploring Leicester, travelers will have a wide variety of unique restaurants and local street food vendors to choose from to make their stay even more memorable!

• Best time of year to visit: May-September
• Things to do: Leicester Cathedral, King Richard III Visitors Center, The Curve Theater, Food Park, Abbey Park

Downton Abbey fans will get a thrill from this underrated location in Berkshire, England. Newbury is the ideal getaway into the gorgeous hillsides of England. There are tons of cozy markets to enjoy, delicious food to eat, and leisurely activities to participate in to get the full effect of English countryside living.

Of course, the best and most popular attraction to visit in Newbury is Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey filming location . Visitors can get a full guided tour of the castle and learn about its history and the real Earl and Countess who live there today.

After a day trip to Highclere Castle, visitors can check out the vibrant nightlife of Newbury and catch a show at The Watermill Theater or an exciting race at the Newbury Racecourse.

• Best time of year to visit: May-October
• Things to do: Highclere Castle, Great West Way, Corn Exchange, Farmers Market

Filmed in Great Britain, Downton Abbey used many historic buildings that you can visit as filming locations. Here are 10 of them.

7 Newcastle

Located in Northeast England, Newcastle is a beautiful city on the River Tyne that offers incredible history, unbeatable nightlife, and the fourth-largest football (soccer in America) stadium in England. Newcastle is a great destination to visit during the popular vacation months since travelers don't often visit northern England as much as they do the south.

Newcastle is truly a hub of hidden gems and underrated attractions such as the Tyne Bridge, the Theater Royal Opera House, and the not-so-well-known Gray Street and Gray Monument in honor of the former British Prime Minister and 2nd Earl Gray (which is where Earl Grey tea comes from!).

• Best time of year to visit: April-June
• Things to do: Newcastle Castle , St. James' Park football stadium, Great North Museum

6 Manchester

Another underrated city in England that is jam-packed with nightlife, exhibitions, and artistic experiences is Manchester. Manchester is just two hours north of London and the perfect stopping point between London and Edinburgh to check out some local music, shopping, and galleries!

The arts really take a shine in Manchester. Home to popular bands like The Smiths, Oasis, and The Stone Roses, Manchester proudly showcases its music history and offers incredible live music shows and theatrical performances. There is always some type of festival going on in Manchester all year round, so visitors can plan when to visit.

• Best time of year to visit: May-August
• Things to do: Manchester Cathedral, Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, Food Tour

If travelers are looking to escape modern city life, Chester, England, is a great place to find relaxation and old-city charm. Chester is a walled city that is steeped in ancient Roman history and architecture. Guests can wander through Britain's largest Roman Amphitheater, the 1000-year-old Chester Cathedral , and walk along the cobblestone streets. Travelers will instantly feel as though they've been transported through time to Victorian England.

• Best time of year to visit: June-August
• Things to do: Chester Castle, Chester Cathedral, River Dee, The Rows shopping center, Chester Zoo

4 Nottingham

Those who are familiar with the tales of Robin Hood will instantly recognize the name "Nottingham" because of the Sheriff of Nottingham. It is indeed a real place in England, and it is commonly overlooked! Nottingham is truly a hidden gem and not only has some popular locations to visit, but it's also known to have the largest network of caves in Britain .

If travelers were to choose one activity to do in Nottingham, it's highly recommended to visit Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub , England's oldest inn. Built in 1189, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is an aesthetic and charming pub with premium beer, cocktails, and fresh-cooked meals. It's a can't-miss in this area.

• Best time of year to visit: May-June and September-October
• Things to do: Nottingham Walking Tour, Wollaton Hall and Park, The City of Caves, Nottingham Castle

Charming London is home to clustering villages and boroughs defined by neighborhoods. Discover 15 coolest areas in London that keep you coming back.

Located in southwestern England, the city of Wells often gets overlooked because most tourists go to Bath instead, which is only 40 minutes away. But Wells is filled with incredible historical landmarks , stunning street views, and lush countryside that provides the perfect escape from city life.

Visitors can take a tour through the City Museum to learn about the history of Wells and get an up-close look inside the walls of the incredible Wells Cathedral. Afterward, taking a walk down High Street and Vicars' Close to look at the antique shops and cafés is a must to wrap up one's time in this 700-year-old city.

• Best time of year to visit: May to August
• Things to do: Wells Cathedral, The Bishop's Palace , Vicars' Close, Wells Market Place

Hereford is a fascinating city in England that no one seems to know about. From this city's incredible architecture to its picture-perfect parks and gardens, Hereford has fun activities that every traveler will enjoy.

One of Hereford's standout attractions is the Museum of Cider . Guests get an inside look at how the harvested apples are fermented and transformed into cider. Another fun activity that's encouraged in Hereford is taking a scenic cruise down the Wye River and exploring the local pubs around the city!

• Best time of year to visit: July-September
• Things to do: Hereford Cathedral , The Black and White House Museum, The Weir Garden, Berrington Hall

1 Birmingham

Often referred to as the UK's most underrated city , Birmingham is both an electric concrete jungle and a cultural, nature-filled haven. From music festivals to peaceful gardens, Birmingham has it all!

Travelers can take a stroll down the colorful streets, admiring the cultural blend around every corner, and try the unique flavors of Birmingham's best restaurants. Afterward, travelers can experience the city's biggest park, Cannon Hill Park .

• Best time of year to visit: April-June and September-October
• Things to do: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, Stirchley Beer Mile
• Destinations

• 8 Offbeat Towns to Visit in England

Welcoming about 40 million visitors in 2024, the United Kingdom ( UK) comprises England , Scotland , Wales , and Northern Ireland . While some traits unite the four distinct countries, England is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with its unique history, cultural diversity, and famous landmarks. Away from the world economic hub of London , home to some of the busiest airports anywhere, travelers often search for the road less traveled.

Get a real sense of local lifestyle through offbeat towns offering something a little different, like Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin. The 48-meter silver Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall sliver cascades off a coastal bluff near Heartland. For cheddar and tearooms, head to Cheddar and find one of the country's most spectacular views. Whether you're on a quest to find the oddest town or enjoy the surprises in one, these English gems offer an escape away from the ordinary.

Alston, England’s highest market town at 1,000 feet above sea level, is worth the drive and scenic climbs up its steeply cobbled streets. A beautiful and diverse area with rare alpine flora and moorland birds, you might not believe it was bustling as one of Britain's richest mining areas 250 years ago if it weren't for the reminders. Today, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is defined by the unique and inspiring beauty of open moorlands and dales and a rich mining heritage. The close-knit, self-sufficient communities bonded by the misfortunes and interests, from the earliest settlers, who barely scratched a living by raising animals and growing hardy crops, to those who converted parts of the barren moorland into productive farmland.

Turning hardships into perseverance and inspiration, including mining and religion in the harsh landscape of upland valleys, numerous Methodist, Quaker, and Congregational chapels are dotted all over Alston Moor. From honeycombed mine workings on Alston Moor to the Dowgang Hush on the fellside, explore the valley for signs of grassed-over spoil heaps, sunken pits, rusting machinery, and countless tracks and byways. Many locals found themselves to be quite the craftspeople—their descendants still live and work in this scenic corner of Cumbria. The legacy gleaned from the underground is the historic district and lively tourism. Many love Alston for the hidden courtyards and quaint shops overlooking Alston Moor.

Topping Cheddar Gorge At 500 feet on the edge of the Somerset Levels, Cheddar boasts the country’s highest inland cliffs, one of Great Britain's most impressive views, plus world-famous produce. The magnificent limestone cliffs are visible from the public road through the ravine, with trails to clifftop footpaths and spectacular 360° views of the Mendip Hills. Formed during the last ice age, explore the prehistoric Cheddar Caves, home to Britain’s oldest complete skeleton, the Cheddar Man. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty put Cheddar on the map, but can you get good cheddar cheese? Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company boasts a world-famous, traditional cheesemaking method, matured in Cheddar’s Gough's Cave, for sale at the gift shop. In the summer, the nearby Cheddar Reservoir is fantastic for unwinding or biking the wildlife path.

The Lower Gorge and village offer gentle riverside walks, shops, quaint tearooms, plus a toy museum and a crazy golf course. The ancient village exudes historical charm through architecture, like a Saxon palace, the old market cross, and the Minster Church. Opened in 1869, Strawberry Line, the former railway line, transported famous Cheddar strawberries and passengers to spy on stunning Somerset landscapes and, until 1963, produce. Winding through Somerset countryside, walk or cycle the old, mostly traffic-free trackbed for 16km between Yatton and Cheddar past rural villages, apple-rich orchards, wooded valleys, and wetlands. Teeming with wildlife, like otters, owls, bats, and butterflies, there are plenty of pitstops through the cider country, until the last one, Strawberry Line Café in the old Victorian-era waiting room at Yatton station, which offers bike hire.

This village near North Cornwall and the dramatic Bristol Channel coastline, south of the North Devon National Landscape, is central on the peninsular knob into the sea. Dotted with caves, coves, and inlets, like Eye Cove and Small Cave, the rugged seaside offers adventures and scenic relaxation, including the most intricate seaside cascade. Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall is 48 meters, but a silver sliver in the cliffside from far, with a footpath approach after parking that takes a leisurely 40 minutes amid cows and sheep and maybe a seal by the shore. Bringing alive your favorite childhood fairytale, Hartland offers scenic cliffs and blufftop drives overlooking the ocean, plus the never-crowded Abbey River Beach. What a wistful town to escape the hubbub of South West England’s holiday hotspots in North Devon, making you long for its quirkiness after you leave.

Nearby, Hartland Abbey, a former monastery dating to 1157, turned stately home, offers seasonal tours of the elegant mansion circa 1790s. With decor from the medieval to Victorian eras plus gardens to the sea—incredibly atmospheric—it is still home to the descendants of the family that moved in during Henry VIII's reign and recently starred in the children's TV show Malory Towers. From camping to glamping, cottages, cabins, and cute B&Bs, Stoke Barton Farm and Camp Site is on the doorstep of the beautiful, rustic Parish Church of St. Nectan—a good place to pitch for easy access to the South West Coast Path. Take a stroll seaward along the Abbey River to Hartland Quay, once a small harbor in the Celtic Sea with remains around the base of the buckled and folded cliffs—the powerful ocean butted right up against the breathtaking geology.

Beneath its striped cliffs, Huntstanton is magnificent amid the surrounding acres of sand and clear, shallow water. Replete with family fun under any weather conditions, including parks, gardens, and open spaces, the Bloom Horticultural Trail, created during Hunstanton’s 2010 Britain in Bloom campaign, begins at the Hunstanton Town Hall. For the 1.5-mile trail, with 14 distinct locations, like show gardens and the popular Esplanade Gardens, download the Horticultural Trail leaflet with a map and interesting background information about the lesser-known corners along the way. The setting sun across The Wash paints the cliffs in red, white, green, and blue, appealing to romantics and landscape photographers.

Just a short walk along the beach and Sunny Hunny, a Victorian resort of Hunstanton, the magnificent banded cliffs of Old Hunstanton display layers of rusty ginger sandstone, called cornerstone, red limestone, or red chalk, topped with chalk. Framed by a foreground of chalky sand and green, seaweed-covered rocks, this is unusual to your eyes but also to East Anglia since they face west. The small town is easy to explore on a self-guided stroll from the center to the seafront, hitting up colorful and traditional seaside attractions, like beachfront amusements, a fun fair, a bowling alley, and bandstand concerts. The uniquely designed Sensory Garden allows you to touch, hear, and smell the plants and sculptures regardless of your age or ability.

Most famous for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin , there's no shortage of history in charming Shrewsbury, boasting 660 listed buildings. Having welcomed nuns since the eleventh century, The Abbey is a great place to start, just outside the loop of the Severn—Brother Cadfael—the setting for Ellis Peters’ books about a medieval monk. Stop by Darwin's former school, Shrewsbury Library, with his statue outside, before embarking on a self-guided stroll around the stunning Tudor buildings of the "Original Shrewsbury." Between shopping and sightseeing, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings is a giant 18th-century building, a precursor to the skyscraper due to its iron-frame construction. From two distinctive churches to Shrewsbury Castle and beautiful timber-framed houses, the rural feel extends to the Quarry or Quarry Park, sweeping the riverside.

Ensconced within a perfect loop of the River Severn , Shrewsbury rises up the river with streets like Wyle Cop, Pride Hill, and Dogpole. Outwards, through the heart of Shropshire, Georgian Hall is full of stories and intrigue, while the vast Attingham Park features a deer park and a children’s adventure playground in a field. Scavenge for the captivating ruins of Wroxeter, aka Uriconium—Roman Britain's fourth largest city. A riverside stroll transitions from sublime rurality to hilly terrain, including Nesscliffe, with top views and glimpses of a once well-known highwayman. Open for at least 1,000 years, St. Peter’s Church, the tiny timber-framed place of worship on the river bank at Melverley, is just 22 minutes back to the town's you started sleek bars and cozy pubs. The local company at Giggling Squid boasts its excellent service and quality cuisine.

This world-famous town has everything you need for a holiday or weekend, from St. Ives Head to the five fantastic beaches with stunning views and great surf, steps from a wide range of restaurants, and some of the UK's finest galleries. Nestled in the shelter of two headlands, up against consistent surf, Porthmeor Beach is on the doorstep of Tate St. Ives with sea views plus a cafe. Browse exhibitions by local and international contemporary artists, from the naïve art of Alfred Wallis to the bold Terry Frost, stepping onto the crescent of golden sand and translucent waters. St. Ives, a Cornwall town, waves off its picturesque scenery with an "it's all to do with light." Having certainly inspired many over the years, take a class on the western edge of the town at the Bernard Leach Pottery or a quick drive to the award-winning Carbis Bay to paint the scenery.

The glorious views across St. Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse inspired Virginia Woolf’s famous novel "To the Lighthouse," while in 2022, Porthmeor was awarded the Blue Flag together with Porthminster, a family-friendly beach below the railway station. Fit the postcard of the tropics under swaying palm trees on a sunrise stroll along the east-facing Porthgwidden and reach the tiny Bamaluz by steep steps below the museum. Whether you're in for the summer surf, sunbathing, sandcastles, or world-renowned art, restaurants, and shopping, Town Beach is worth the hype with every facility nearby. From the studio and gardens of the sculptor Barbara Hepworth to the ever-changing exhibitions at the inspirational Penwith Gallery, do an "I'm at St. Ives" runaway walk along a windswept beach stroll and soak in local vibes over a drink at a pub.

There are few others quite so quintessentially British towns as seaside Southwold. Even its famous Water Clock sniggers every half-hour, while the plentiful town greens are reclaimed spaces after a ravaging fire in 1659. George Orwell wrote Animal Farm and 1984 in 1921 while staying here for 20 years, so there is something intriguing to hunt in the local vibes that inspired the dystopian novels while enjoying the picturesque countryside. Home to the Adnams Brewery, the focal point ever since it won The Good Pub Guide 2011’s "Brewery of the Year," find spacious brewing rooms behind the High Street, adjacent to the town’s lighthouse. The white, statuesque grade II-listed building, a working 31-meter Southwold Lighthouse, guides vessels along the country's East Coast.

From year-round brewery tours to a recent distillery and a wine shop, other pubs and restaurants offer Adnams beers. Your whole legal-aged family can have a drink they like and meet friendly locals and Adnams' fans worldwide. Southwold's sandy beach strip next to a hut-lined promenade is perfect for the holidays yet not overcrowded or weekends away when many markets like to show what they got. Stretching 190 meters into the sea with a range of shops and eateries, Southwold Pier takes pride in retro-style amusements like penny pushers and an arcade with a collection of eccentric automata designed by Tim Hunkin. Whether it’s relaxation or exhilaration, this picturesque seaside town is just off the A12 between Aldeburgh and Lowestoft.

Wells, a Somerset countryside town at the bottom of the Mendip Hills, is the smallest city in England. But a city nonetheless, it has boastworthy attractions plus small-town vibes. Visitor numbers are also small, allowing for cherishable moments and unobscured views, like the cathedral at the top of the busy high street. Flaunting a unique vaulted ceiling, a beautiful chapter house, and cloisters, wait for the medieval clock's hourly chime. Adjacent, Vicar’s Close is the longest inhabited street in Europe. Across the cathedral, the fortified Bishop’s Palace is home to the Bishop of Bath and Wells. Just up the street, the Crown at Wells and Anton's Bistrot offers a stay literally steps from all the hottest attractions, plus a restaurant on the side.

The joy of straightforward navigability and low crowds extends into the surrounding countryside, bounded by some stunning landscapes, like a moat and beautiful gardens. Being a cathedral city and civil parish, it is also the source of the eponymous springs, so there's plenty of sightseeing to go around, like the Mosaic Monument next to the palace. Wells Market gives the quiet city a lively edge, while Quarter Jack—JD Wetherspoon serves a wide array of hearty fare in a relaxed, airy pub setting with contemporary digs and an outside area. A short drive away, Cheddar Gorge is the deepest gorge in England. It has a road that runs through the length of the gorge and beyond and wild hills with beautiful walks and landscapes.

From Alston to Wells, these English towns showcase the various sides of a beautiful, diverse country. So quintessentially British, seaside Southwold is home to the Adnams Brewery, where George Orwell wrote Animal Farm and 1984 in 1921. See what the light in St. Ives inspires you to do after a sunrise stroll along the family-friendly Porthgwidden Beach, one of its five windswept beaches.

Somerset’s impressive gorge in Cheddar offers 360 views and caves complete with Britain’s oldest complete skeleton, the Cheddar Man, plus pick up authentic Cheddar cheese. Each with a surprise and full of delights, there's something addicting in the air in these eight that inspires you to dig for more hidden gems through the English countryside.

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10 Amazing Places to Visit in England Outside of London

England has a fascinating culture and history, a varied landscape and a lot of unique places both natural and manmade. While London is one of my favourite places in the world there are places to visit in England outside of London.

There are so many reasons why you should get outside of London, for example:

• Historical interest, in particular, it is all around and easy to see and with a little imagination also experience. 
• Nature is an important part of English heritage and some of these get out of the cities to experience the natural phenomenon of the countryside.

If you’re searching for ideas of where you can go in England other than London? Here are 10 incredible ideas for new adventures and places to visit in England.

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my  Affiliate Disclosure  for more details.

Beatles Trail

Most people will know that the iconic pop group of the ‘60’s The Beatles come from Liverpool and unsurprisingly there is a Beatles Trail:

It is possible to buy a map and plan your own trail around the city, but there are also several guided tours to take you around the Beatles home city and check out the Beatles hotspots.

Start with the museum in the Albert Dock all about the Beatles called The Beatles Story, the museum is the authority on all things Beatles and even has replicas of some of the famous places, such as The Cavern and Matthew Street.  You are whisked back to the 1960’s for a fact filled Beatles experience.

Visit Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, Paul McCartney’s childhood home, which is now also a museum and John Lennon’s childhood home.  See the murals drawn by Cynthia Lennon and the fabulous Beatles statue.

The Lake District National Park

England’s first national park, The Lake District in Cumbria is unique with its rolling hills, rugged areas and sweeping lakes all interspersed with cute villages, Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain is also in the Lake District.  

Whilst Scafell Pike is a must do for serious hill walkers, there are several routes up the mountain to suit different people and stunning far reaching views from the top. 

It is not just the hill walkers who gain from visiting the Lake District though, there is such a lot that is special about the area.  There are lots of other easier trails suitable for the less experienced or pleasure walkers, gentle rambles and family friendly explorations and even guided walks. 

It is also not only walking that the Lake District offers either, there are cycling friendly trails, boat hire and of course the chance to just sit and look out over a lake and watch the world go by. 

Lake Windermere is the largest and probably the best known of the lakes and it is possible to take boats from village to village around the lake. 

Watch the various water vessels or hire a boat, kayak or paddle board and get out on the water that way. 

There is a visitor centre near Windermere which includes children’s play area and treetop nets, fully enclosed nets like trampolines nine metres off the ground. 

One of the smaller lakes Coniston is a great place to stay with plenty of little shops, pubs and B&B’s nearby. 

Visit the pretty village of Hawkshead with its cobbled lanes, Beatrix Potter gallery and Wordsworth connection, there are pubs and cafes to enjoy as well.

An example of a different attraction is the Haverthwaite Steam Railway which is a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Leven valley.

Covering nine hundred square miles there are plenty of choices of where to go and things to find to explore.

Cotswolds Towns and Villages

England has many pretty villages and towns; one of the best places to see several in one day or over a few days is to visit the Cotswolds . 

An area of outstanding natural beauty AONB, the natural beauty is enhanced by the honey-coloured natural stone that many of the houses are built from. 

The Cotswolds is an area which is in parts of five counties in south-west England; Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and North East Somerset including the famous town of Bath.

Many of the listed places will offer B&B and it is possible for the independent traveller to find a hidden gem off the beaten track.  Here though to start with are two stunningly beautiful places to visit:

Castle Combe Wiltshire

The houses are built from the lovely honey hued Cotswold stone topped with rustic ancient tiles and the locals ensure it is kept pretty with lovely hanging baskets and well kept gardens. 

Castle Combe was featured in the film War Horse and if you decide to stay there, be sure to leave the car and go for a stroll to best appreciate the beauty of the little town.

Bourton-on-the-Water Gloucestershire

Picture postcard perfect and the quintessential Cotswold village, there is no wonder it is called the Venice of the Cotswolds. 

The main street has the river Windrush running alongside it, crossed at regular intervals by low Cotswold stone bridges, the backdrop if the tickle of water lends a romantic feel to this beautiful place. 

There is plenty to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, there is a world famous motor museum, a model village that beautifully captures the village in an easy to explore miniature version, a model railway, a nature reserve, a brewery and and  of course some lovely little shops, cafes and pubs.

Other places recommended to visit are Burford, Fairford or Woodstock and if grand houses interest you then visit Blenheim Palace the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill which is in Woodstock. 

Rye in East Sussex, lying serenely between rolling hills and the English Channel just along the coast from Hastings, it is a must visit location teeming with history through the ages and giving a fascinating glimpse into medieval England together with the nearby Harbour, Rye offers a unique experience. 

With its cobbled lanes and crooked half timbered houses, Rye retains much of its medieval character and it is easy to imagine being back in history, was that a smuggler skulking in a doorway or just a shadow? Is that secret passage safe…? 

Mermaid Street is a good place to start with its timber framed houses, many with unusual names giving a taste of the history of the place, these days the town is peaceful and gentle, picturesque and a great place for taking photos. 

The town has far reaching views over the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, but whilst there take a trip down to the Harbour to see the little boats and enjoy a bracing walk along the coast to Camber Sands, a large expanse of sand dunes, gently lapped by the English Channel most of the time, but occasionally stormily moody. 

The great thing is you can enjoy a walk along and get a bus back to Rye. 

Stay at the Hope Anchor Hotel for far reaching views or the eleventh century Mermaid Inn, which is also a great place to stop for a drink and it is definitely a must to go in and explore the inside of this ancient Inn. 

Rye has long been a draw for literary people and a visit to Lamb House where the American author Henry James wrote three of his novels and the house has also been used a few times as a film location. Rye has a railway station, making it ideal for non-driving visitors and has some wonderful little independent shops.

Rye and Rye harbour offer a unique and diverse experience, there are the ancient cobbles and pretty houses of medieval Rye and there is also architecture and preserved history throughout the ages to the present day and it is very easy to spend a lot of time walking along the ancient cobbles before exploring the harbour and other architecture.

The West Country Coast of England has many picturesque towns and villages and pretty harbours nestled into the hillside, none though catch the imagination quite like Clovelly on the North Devon Coast.

Nestled in steep tree lined cliffs, Stunningly pretty Clovelly’s cobbled, steep, main street barely more than a path in places is flanked by pretty mostly terraced cottages, some with little shops and galleries and of course cafes. 

The walk down is steep and tricky, unfortunately, this is not for the faint hearted or less able, but for anyone who can this is a must visit destination, the memory will stay with you for a lifetime. 

Once at the bottom, the last few steps open up to a viewing point over the pretty little harbour and right at the bottom of the town is the Red Lion Hotel.  Clovelly’s charm is increased by the donkeys being pretty much the only mode of transport to carry things up the hill, including tired children. 

The path can be so treacherous that delivery men and locals use sledges to drag things up and down. 

Lindisfarne – Holy Island

St Aiden arrived at Lindesfarne in 635 AD and decided to open a monastery, thus as legend has it changing the island forever. 

Lindisfarne is now often known as Holy Island and is an island attached to the mainland off of the Northumbria coast by a causeway, adding to the mysticism of the place. 

The island is cut off from the mainland twice a day and any visit needs to be preceded by checking the tide times when the causeway will be closed. 

Living on the island is a small community of less than two hundred people and many of these are involved with the tourism of the island.

Lindisfarne Castle built in the 1500’s is what dominates the island from a mainland viewpoint and is now in the care of the National Trust. 

The Priory Ruins where there is also a museum is the other main attraction once on the island. 

Still a location for Pilgrims, who walk an alternative route to the island than the causeway, you don’t need to be religious or a pilgrim though to appreciate and enjoy the unique island. There is also lots of wildlife and history to add interest. 

Lindesfarne has a new car park where all but disabled visitors must leave their cars, or for those without a car who don’t wish to walk, it is possible to access the island from the mainland via a boat trip.

Birmingham Back to Backs

Within easy reach of the city centre are the Birmingham Back to Backs, are a step back in time.  The little houses offer an interesting insight into the lives of the Birmingham working classes between the 1840’s and 1970’s. 

These historically important and fascinating houses are just a few minutes’ walk from the Bullring and the picturesque area of the canal. 

There is a lovely 1930’s sweetshop and interesting displays, a souvenir shop and various craft workshops. It is even possible to stay in a Back to Back Cottage managed by the National Trust, in fact they have two: 52 Inge Street in a Victorian style and 1930’s style 54 Inge Street. 

Jurassic Coast

England’s Jurassic coast is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and of tremendous historical interest and importance due to the access it gives scientists to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. 

There is literally millions of years worth of history available to see there.  If this is of little interest to you, don’t worry, there is more to the area than the fantastic and unique geology, although it is still this unique geology that creates the beauty. 

The Jurassic coastline is a ninety five mile stretch of Dorset and Devon coastline and has created a stunning and varied landscape. Known for fossils, this is the place to do some serious fossil hunting or the casual searcher can also turn up some interesting fossils on a stroll combing the beaches.

Staggeringly beautiful cliff tops, give way to sweeping slopes and hidden valleys, the landscape inland is no less outstanding and plays home to some lovely pretty Dorset and Devon villages that are well worth exploring.

Although, probably the best way to enjoy the coastline is to walk all or part of the Jurassic Coast South West Coast Path, part of a much longer footpath that incorporates these ninety five miles. 

There are plenty of places to join and for a shorter taste of the walk and to enjoy probably the most famous landmark Durdle Door, a simply magnificent natural limestone arch that juts out to sea next to a sheltered beach cove.  Durdle Door was created by the power of waves eroding the rock causing a hole through the rock that looks like a doorway.

There is a handy car park near Durdle Door and access is by going through camp site to access the South Coast Path and the phenomenon is visible from the cliff top, there is an handy path that goes down to the sheltered shingle beach below, where it is possible to get much closer to Durdle Door and also to see some of the layers in the rock of the cliff. 

Nearby is Lulworth Cove, a beautiful curved almost fully enclosed large natural cove, offering beauty, tranquillity and a sheltered place for sea bathing.  

It is possible to walk along the cliff tops to the Cove and that is a fantastic way to view its breathtaking beauty. 

If going by car, follow signs for West Lulworth, the village at Lulworth Cove that has a pub, toilets and take-a-way.

Harry Potter Oxford Tour

Whilst it is possible to tour the Warner Brothers Studios in London to see the sets where a lot of the films were made, another interesting aspect of the films is that a lot of it was also filmed at Oxford or inspired by Oxford. 

Fortunately, it is possible to visit this historical learning city and see where many of the scenes were filmed and the sites that inspired the film makers to bring Hogwarts to life.

Go to Oxford and search on your own or book a tour ; either way let your imagination run away with you as you walk the corridors walked by Harry, Hermione and Ron. 

Duke Humfrey’s Library which is only accessible by a private tour is where the invisibility cloak library scene was filmed and Divinity School’s Bodleian Library was used as Hogwarts Infirmary, both in The Philosopher’s Stone .

The wonderful gothic Christ Church College was used a lot and can be spotted in a lot of scenes, the staircase in the scene where Professor McGonagall met Harry, Hermione and Ron and the scene where Hermione shows Harry the Quidditch trophy was filmed here. 

The New College Cloisters feature in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry saw Malfoy sitting on a giant oak tree and Mad Eye Moody turned him into a ferret.  The real tree used in the film is right there in the cloisters.

A lot of the impressive architecture of Oxford was used to create the sets at the studios drawing inspiration and direct copies from Oxford an example being the Tudor Great Dining Hall of Christ Church College inspired the set of Hogwarts Great Dining Hall and it is easy to see the similarities.

An absolute must for Harry Potter fans.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers a varied and interesting day out and a peak in to England’s maritime history. The attractions include:

Henry VIII’s flagship the Mary Rose, the genuine remains are in Portsmouth an almost perfect half, giving an interesting insight of a 500 year old English ship.  As well as the actual Mary Rose the museum also has a lot of Tudor artefacts on show.

Lord Nelson’s famous HMS Victory is also at Portsmouth and undergoing restoration, the tours of Nelson’s ship are highly informative and interesting. Another attraction is the Dockyards Apprentice, an historical recreation of 200 years of dockyard history exploring the ingenuity behind traditional boatbuilding techniques and imagined through the eyes of the dock workers.

For younger visitors there is also a Horrible Histories section.

The Dockyard is right next to the Royal Navy base and it is possible to see some of the modern fleet. This is just a snapshot of what is available at the Dockyard and a visit is a fascinating day.

The above ten ideas are a snapshot of some of the must visit places in England, some are a little off the usual tourist routes and less busy, being wonderful to do at any time.  The following are best done out of the main summer season to gain the best possible experience:

The Cotswolds can get very busy in the summer and the lovely towns and villages can be enjoyed at any time.  Probably best appreciated when less busy, but Castle Combe is at its best when the hanging baskets are in bloom when it is absolutely stunning. 

Clovelly really is a must visit location, go in the spring, avoiding school holidays if you can when it is less busy, alternatively, arrive early and you’ll be climbing up when the bulk of visitors are going down.

The Jurassic Coastline is stunning at any time, if you are not bothered about sea bathing or paddling the beautiful coastline can be appreciated at any time and is quieter in the winter and autumn months, when a crackling log fire at the pub at Lulworth Cove is incredibly welcoming after a walk along the South West Coat Path from Durdle Door.

The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is always very busy at bank holidays and when special exhibitions are on.  Best visited in the spring or summer or as a winter break outing.

Whilst the other places are also busy, The Lake District’s main tourist traps can be very busy, but avoid them and there are miles and miles of countryside to explore. 

Birmingham is always a busy place, but the Back to Backs give you an hour or so to catch your breath and step back in time. 

The holiday lets there are an ideal base to explore the area or when visiting the theatre. 

Liverpool is also always busy, but go on a Beatles tour and it is as though time does not matter as you walk where the Fab Four walked and see where they played and grew up.

Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

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Places to Visit in England Other Than London

Believe it or not, there is more to the UK than London and Big Ben. Yep, there are places to visit in England other than London! It is a beautiful, green country, full of hidden spots that can surprise and amaze you.

The best places to visit in England other than London

I have chosen only five, but there are many, many more to visit:

1. Cornwall

Located in the far west of the country it is one the favourite summer holidays destinations among the English people. Strong winds and access to Atlantic Ocean makes it a perfect spot for surfers. One of the best known towns on the coast, Newquay, is full of surfing shops and offers courses for total beginners and those more experience. The area is also known for its dramatic landscapes. Read about the best places to visit in Cornwall .

2. New Forest

Do you love horses? If your answer is yes, then this is your paradise! There are hundreds of them wandering the streets of little towns, gardens, meadows and forests. It seems like they don’t have their owners, but I was told that all of them are marked and most of the people living in the area own one or two of these magnificent animals. Most of the horses though are completely wild and will remain that way until the rest of their lives.

This old Roman town has a great, laid back atmosphere. There is a beautiful old town with little shops and cafes, a beautiful abbey, a pump room where you can drink some of the water drawn from hot springs, Jane Austen centre, parks, gardens and a spa where you can bath in the hot springs and admire the town’s landscape. But the most famous place is the world heritage site – the Roman baths. The complex was built around the Britain’s only hot spring, which still flows with hot water. Today, you can walk where Romans once walked and admire the buildings from within.

4. Lake District

Ancient woodlands, clear lakes, dramatic landscape and a lot of opportunities for you to enjoy the great outdoors – do I need to say more? Unlike anywhere else in the UK, there is lack of modern development in the uplands, which allows visitors to enjoy the wilderness even more.

5. Brighton

There are a lot of beautiful places in the UK and why did I choose Brighton and not Scotland ? Well, if you a foreigner and you visit this town during one of not many hot summer days (preferably during a weekend) you will be able to experience the real British life style. The town is vibrant and full of people during the summer. Rent a deck chair and spend some time observing others, drink a cider, eat some fish and chips, go on a roller coaster and wait until the sun set. I guarantee it will be a memorable day.

This list is far from complete! There are so many more places to visit in England other than London. While we love London, it’s always great to explore the rest of the country – especially for the locals!

I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

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7 Places to Visit in England Besides London

Search a multi-stop route.

When I’m backpacking I always meet people who are travelling to London, but there is so much more to England than the nation’s capital. We may be a tiny and rather compact country but often travellers seem to think that England is London.

On several occasions friends of mine from other countries have said “I’m in London, fancy meeting up for a drink?” “Errr no I live in Manchester” is my response. Whilst the weather may not always be up to much, this country has some of the most spectacular countryside on offer- there’s a reason they call it the green and pleasant land. Here is my list of some of the most beautiful parts of England.

Devon & Cornwall

People often don’t realise that England has some spectacular coastline and the south coast of Devon has some of my most favourite beaches in the world. The north coast of Cornwall is home to the best surf in the UK with Polzeath and Newquay offering excellent waves.

The tiny fishing village of Port Isaac and Padstow have some of the finest restaurants in the country and if you want to mingle with the rich and famous and maybe spot a royal or meet your own Prince Harry, take a trip to Rock- Britain’s answer to St Tropez.

>> Book a hostel in Cornwall  

Cambridge itself has stunning medieval buildings, courtyards, gardens and bridges as well as number of shops, bars and restaurants. Situated in the East of England, Cambridge sits on the River Cam.

Take a picnic and some strawberries and go ‘punting’ on the river. ‘Punting’ involves moving a boat along the river with a giant stick, a bit like the English version of a gondola – just don’t fall in!

>> Find hotels in Cambridge

Just 50 minutes outside London, Brighton has famous landmarks including the Royal Pavilion, home of King George IV, and the Victorian promenade, Brighton Pier. The sea front is lined with surf shops, art galleries, fish and chip shops and buskers. This is a city of festivals too – not only is it home to Britain’s biggest arts festival, Brighton Festival, but there’s comedy, music and food festivals all year round.

Brighton happens to be the gay capital of England, so Brighton Summer pride is the biggest pride festival celebrating all things gay and lesbian. In December the Burning of The Clocks takes place to welcome the lengthening of the days, where people carry lanterns through the city, culminating in a huge pyrotechnic and firework display.

>> Find hotels in Brighton

The Cotswolds

It includes the famous spa city of Bath and the town of Cheltenham, home to horse racing. The Cheltenham Gold Cup horse race takes place every year in March and is part of a weeklong event, the Cheltenham Festival.

The Cotswolds is also rather a chic area with celebrity visitors and residents, critically acclaimed restaurants, gastro pubs and farmers’ markets. The area is truly beautiful, with manor houses, national trust properties, museums and gardens to visit.

>> Read more about visiting the Cotswolds

The Yorkshire Dales

They also have beautiful dales (valleys) and heather moors, which are excellent for walking, hiking and mountain biking. If you don’t want to walk you can always take a steam train instead.

The Dales has sweeping valleys, sleepy meadows, high fells, broad-leaved woodland, dramatic rocky crags, caves, historic buildings and bustling market towns. The landscape is scattered with stone barns and houses and an abundance of waterfalls.

Manchester’s other export is the band Oasis, and any karaoke night abroad wouldn’t be complete without a bad rendition of Wonderwall. The MEN arena is a great venue to go and see famous music acts, and Manchester has a lively and original music scene.

England’s second largest is an industrial city with a multicultural community; try a curry on the Curry Mile, visit the famous Lowry Centre and Art Gallery or learn about Manchester’s history at the URBIS museum.

Manchester has a tram system for getting around and a big wheel offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas. Nightlife centres around the Northern Quarter, Deansgate and Castlefield. With some parts rebuilt after the IRA bomb in 1996, Manchester is a perfect blend of old and new.

>> Book a flight to Manchester

The Lake District

Located in the North West of England the stunning scenery includes fells, valleys, peaks, towns and villages and of course lakes! It’s great for walking, climbing and cycling and you can also get on the water and do some sailing, kite surfing and windsurfing on the lakes and coastline.

So if you’re an outdoors-y type it is really worth going to this area of the North West. There are plenty of cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants and pubs for foodies and you can buy all sorts of individual arts and crafts.

Top things to do include taking a cruise on Lake Windermere, exploring the World of Beatrix Potter or visiting Wordsworth’s home, Dove Cottage.

Plan your trip:

• Book flights to London 
• Read our England travel guide 
• Check out day trips from London

Photo credits: Manchester by samdiablo666 on Flickr , Cambridge by Prisoner 5413 on Flickr , Lake District by 1UK3 on Flickr , Yorkshire Dales by bbodien on Flickr , Brighton by jvoronine on Flickr , Cotswolds by James-Hetherington (away in Italy for 2 weeks) on Flickr , Devon and Cornwall by R P Marks on Flickr

12 Very Best Cities in England to visit

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 6, 2024

Do you enjoy culture, history, architecture, art, food and shopping? You will find all this and more on offer in England’s cities. This guide provides an introduction to 12 of the very best cities in England- an essential read when planning a visit.

While England’s pretty market towns and chocolate box villages may dominate bucket lists there are many cities also worth exploring.

If you are unsure which cities to include in your itinerary this article will help by introducing you to 12 of the very best English cities located across the 9 regions of the country. You will find information about some of the top things to see and do in each city as well as a brief overview of what each city is known for.

These English cities are all accessible by train from London so can be easily included in your UK travel plans if you are based in the capital. To help you plan your trip I have included the logistics of how to get to each city from London.

You will find a map showing the various locations of these best of English cities at the bottom of the post.

Which of these best cities in England will you visit next?

Cities to visit in North West England

Think of Liverpool and the Beatles or football will probably spring to mind.

With numerous restaurants, bars, and museums Liverpool is just one of many cities in England that is the perfect destination for a weekend trip. While it is possible to see the highlights of Liverpool in one day (if you plan well) I would recommend at least 2 days to really explore.

Liverpool is a walkable city and there are good public transport links to and from major destinations across the UK.

What to see and do in Liverpool

• Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

The docks and warehouses which were opened in 1846 now form part of the former UNESCO World Heritage-listed ‘Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City’

With numerous bars, restaurants, museums and shops the Albert Dock is one of the best places to visit in Liverpool.

• Tate Liverpool

Also situated at the Royal Albert Dock is the Tate Liverpool which houses a collection of modern art.

The museum is open Monday to Sunday between 10.00 and 17.50. Entry is free except for special exhibitions.

• Love the Beatles? 

It’s been a hard day’s night … head to the Cavern Club arguably (as it states on their website) the most famous club in the world.

The Royal Albert Dock is also home to the Beatles Story an exhibition all about Liverpool’s most famous sons. And while at the waterfront don’t forget to take a selfie of yourself posing with the statues of Ringo, John, Paul and George!

More ideas for your visit can be found in my complete Liverpool Itinerary for fans of the Beatles

Click to buy tickets for the Beatles story

• Another Place

If you are looking for something different to do in Liverpool why not head to nearby Crosby to see Anthony Gormley’s Another Place ? Consisting of 100 cast iron life size figures standing along a 3 km stretch of Crosby beach they are worth the short train journey from Liverpool.

Read more – Complete guide to visiting the city of Liverpool

How to travel to Liverpool from London by train

• Distance from London: 178 miles
• Time taken by train: 2 hours 30 mins
• Leave from: London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street (hourly direct service)

Where to stay in Liverpool

There are accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets in Liverpool. I recommend staying in the centre of the city within walking distance of Albert Docks and the main train station.

BEST – Hard Day’s Night Hotel

This Beatles themed hotel is round the corner from the Cavern Club and is our number one choice of accommodation in Liverpool. Close to all the main sights, this 5* hotel is decorated with Beatles memorabilia and decor.

MID-RANGE – The Liner Hotel

The Liner Hotel is a 3-star ocean liner themed hotel with modern rooms, an on-site brasserie and a cocktail lounge.

BUDGET – The Z Hotel

The Z Hotel in Liverpool is an excellent budget option. The rooms are compact but there is a cafe and free WiFi for guests.

Read more – My Liverpool Travel Guide contains everything you need to know to plan your visit to the city

⭐️ CLICK TO BUY

Manchester in the North West of England is often called the Capital of the North and is the 5th largest city in the UK.

It has an outstanding music legacy (it is the home of bands such as Oasis, the Stone Rose and the Smiths) and is world-famous for its football team.

Manchester offers culture, sporting venues, nightclubs, shopping districts and restaurants which make it the perfect weekend break destination.

What to see and do in Manchester

• Northern Quarter

Explore the Northern Quarter a trendy neighbourhood of Manchester with street art, bars and cafes. Pop into Federal for brunch and then Afflecks for cocktails and drinks.

• Salford Quays 

The Lowry is a theatre and gallery complex situated in the Salford Quays area of Manchester. Take in a show or browse the art.

The second largest Chinatown in the UK with lots of great restaurants and shops. Head there for Chinese New Year celebrations and the best bubble tea anywhere.

How to get to Manchester from London by train

• Distance from London: 163 miles
• Leave from: London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly 

Where to stay in Manchester

These are my recommended accommodation options for Manchester.

BEST – The Edwardian Manchester

MID-RANGE – The Midland

BUDGET – Ibis Styles Manchester Portland Hotel

Chester, like York is a walled Medieval city with its roots in Roman England. It is a pretty city with loads of character and boasts preserved historic buildings including the most complete city walls as well as the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain.

Don’t miss the beautiful half-timbered houses on Watergate Street and Lower Bridge Street during your visit.

What to see and do in Chester

The Rows are galleries that form the second row of shops above those at street level. They have to be reached by steps and are the only shops built like this in the world. They are found along the main city centre streets and contain shops, bars and restaurants.

• Chester’s city walls

Walk the 2-mile circuit around the city and spot many historically significant sites along the way including the four main gates into Chester.

• Chester Cathedral in particular the Cathedral Choir

Don’t miss the beautiful 14th-century stalls in the choir area of the Cathedral.

Read more about Chester in my complete Chester Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

How to travel to Chester from London

• Time taken by train: 2 hours 
• Leave from: London Euston to Chester

Where to stay in Chester

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Chester. These are my top selections:

BEST – The Chester Grosvenor

This 5* luxury hotel is located in the heart of Chester and offers visitors a luxury experience including a Michelin starred restaurant.

MID -RANGE – Mill Hotel and Spa

Enjoy views of the Shropshire Union Canal while you dine in one of the 4 hotel eateries. Alternatively, take a meal and a cruise on the hotel’s Restaurant Cruise or enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities after a day of sightseeing in Chester.

BUDGET – The Saddle Inn

Located in the city centre this hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with free WiFi. Pets are allowed at no extra cost.

Read more – What to do and see in North West England

Cities to visit in North East England

Situated in the ceremonial county of Tyne and Wear (and the historic county of Northumberland ) Newcastle with its industrial heritage, lively nightlife, great shopping, restaurants, bars and museums are the perfect starting point to explore the North East.

If you are not from the UK you may find the distinctive regional accent – Geordie – a little difficult to understand but the warmth and friendliness of the people will easily make up for any difficulties.

Spend a day or two exploring the city then embark on a road trip along the Northumberland Coast . With more castles than any other county and the remains of the Roman Wall stretching from Wallsend in the east to Cumbria in the west, it is easy to spend a week or more exploring the sights of Northumberland .

What to see and do in Newcastle

• Tyne Bridge

The iconic structure and symbol of Newcastle the Tyne Bridge was opened in 1928. It is strikingly similar to the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia although is 3 times shorter and half the height of its Aussie twin! The bridges were designed and built by the same company which goes a long way to explain their similarities.

• The Angel of the North

Although technically in Gateshead (a town located on the southern bank of the River Tyne) the Angel of the North cannot be missed when visiting Newcastle.

Created by the sculptor Anthony Gormley and standing on a hill overlooking the A1 motorway this beautiful landmark welcomes visitors to the region.

At 20 meters high and with a wingspan of 54 meters the Angel of the North is reputed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world. It is accessible by both car and public transport.

• The Quayside

With great restaurants and bars, The Quayside is the place to head for a night out in Newcastle. It is also home to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge (the world’s only tilting bridge and yes another iconic bridge spanning the Tyne river)

If you enjoy modern art the BALTIC art gallery can be found on the opposite bank or if markets are more your thing the Quayside market on a Sunday sells local produce and crafts.

• Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum

If you have an interest in Roman history a visit to Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum in Wallsend shouldn’t be missed. Here you will discover all about Roman Britain and many other places the Romans have left their mark in Northumberland.

How to get to Newcastle from London by train

Distance from London: 247 miles

Time taken by train: 3 hours 

Leave from: London Kings Cross to Newcastle Central Station

Where to stay in Newcastle

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Newcastle. These are my top selections:

BEST – The Vermont Hotel

Set in a fabulous location this hotel and former County Hall offers river views, bars, restaurants and is within walking distance of the Quayside.

MID -RANGE – Cairn Hotel

Enjoy a stay in one of Newcastle’s most hip and stylish establishments. The hotel’s Thai restaurant is not to be missed.

BUDGET – Motel One Newcastle

The centrally located chain hotel offers affordable luxury and a central location.

The university town of Durham with its historic centre, castle and cathedral (which are also jointly a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of England’s most beautiful cities.

An easy day trip from London, especially during the long sunny days of summer, Durham is an excellent destination for those travelling to Edinburgh from London.

Make sure to head up the hill to the cathedral and castle and enjoy beautiful views over the River Wear.

Good to know – If you are driving to Durham do not attempt to park in the city. There are three Park and Ride services on the key routes into Durham. Taking one of these options will avoid the stress of attempting to find a parking spot in the city. You can find out more about Durham’s Park and Ride scheme here.

What to see and do in Durham

• Durham Cathedral

Built in the Norman style with huge stone pillars supporting a stone ceiling construction of the cathedral started in 1093. Home of the Shrine of St Cuthbert the cathedral also contains the remains of two saints – St Cuthbert and St Bede.

Unfortunately, the stained glass which filled the cathedral was destroyed during the Reformation. All is not lost however as the cathedral boasts a stunning 18th century Rose window.

• Durham Castle

Durham Castle is located opposite the cathedral and has, since 1837, belonged to the city’s prestigious university.

The castle was built by the Normans to display the power of William the Conqueror over the rebellious natives who lived in the north of England.

If staying in an English castle is on your bucket list you may be interested to know that you can book a stay at Durham castle . Though not the luxury experience you may dream of the university-style student accommodation is great for the budget-conscious traveller.

• Beamish Museum

If you are spending a few days in Durham or road tripping around the north of England I would highly recommend a visit to Beamish Open Air Museum just outside Durham. The museum gives visitors a taste of life in the North East of England during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Read more about Durham in my complete Durham Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

How to get to Durham from London by train

Distance from London:  234 miles

Time taken by train: 2 hours 50 mins

Leave from: London Kings Cross to Durham

Where to stay in Durham

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Durham. These are my top selections:

BEST – The Kings Lodge Inn

Offering free car parking and located only a short walk from the centre the Kings Lodge Inn offers visitors a comfortable stay with free wi-fi, a cosy bar and a restaurant on site.

MID -RANGE – Radisson Blu Hotel

Centrally located near to the train station the Radisson Blu offers visitors fantastic views of Durham Cathedral.

BUDGET – Durham Castle

Perfect budget accommodation in the heart of the city – spend the night in a castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read more – What to do and see in North East England

Cities to visit in Yorkshire

The beautiful walled city of York located in North Yorkshire is the perfect destination for a city break, weekend getaway or stop off if you are taking the train from London to Edinburgh in Scotland.

With its beautiful Minster, cobbled streets and links to Roman and Viking Britain York has something for all the family. Its medieval city walls offer great views over the city too.

Easily accessible by train it is a compact and walkable city with great restaurants, quirky shops and lots of museums.

What to see and do in York

• York Minster

The Minster which dates back to the 7th century dominates the York skyline. Climb the Central Tower for great views of the city or take a journey through its interactive underground chambers and find out more about the history of York and the Minster.

• National Railway Museum

If you are a fan of trains and train travel a visit to the railway museum in York is highly recommended. Entrance is free and there are some great trains to explore including the Mallard, a Japanese bullet train and Queen Victoria’s favourite saloon. The National Railway Museum in York is perfect to explore on a rainy day!

• The Shambles

Taking a stroll down the cobble-stoned Shambles is like stepping back in time. Dating back to Medieval England the street with its overhanging wooden buildings is filled with quirky and original shops.

• Take afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Rooms! 

You really can’t visit England (or York) without experiencing a traditional afternoon tea. Bettys Tea Rooms are the perfect destination for tea lovers but make sure you book well in advance as they are very popular. Open since 1936 enjoy tea and cakes in the beautiful art deco surroundings.

Read more about Oxford in my complete York Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

How to get to York from London by train

Distance from London: 174 miles

Leave from: London Kings Cross to York

Where to stay in York

There are lots of 11 Best places to stay in York (for all budgets & travel styles) accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets in York. These are my top selections:

BEST – Grays Court

Located between York Minster and the city walls this hotel offers guests the perfect luxury accommodation. Stroll the gardens, enjoy a drink at the bar or a traditional afternoon tea in the hotel’s award-wining restaurant.

MID -RANGE – Hotel Indigo York

Spacious and stylish rooms in the heart of York with excellent amenities including a rainfall shower, mini-fridge and 32-inch flat-screen TV.

BUDGET – The Bar Convent

Offering a historic and quirky stay in York this hotel is ideally located near the station and city centre. An excellent breakfast is included.

Read more – What to do and see in Yorkshire

Cities to visit in the East of England

The university city of Cambridge is located only 55 miles from London which makes it the perfect destination for a day trip.

Dating back to the 13th century the university is recognised as one of the and best in the world. There is a friendly rivalry with the equally famous (and slightly older) Oxford University. Don’t miss the Oxford and Cambridge boat race which has been held along a 4 mile stretch of the River Thames in London since 1829. Both these cities in England are worth a visit if you can fit them into your itinerary.

What to do and see in Cambridge

• Cambridge University

Among the most beautiful of the University’s 31 colleges are King’s College and King’s College Chapel, Queens College and the Mathematical Bridge, Trinity College, Corpus Christi College, St John’s College and Peterhouse College.

I recommend booking a walking tour to find out more about the history of the colleges (and to ensure you don’t miss anything)

• The Fitzwilliam Museum

A must-visit in Cambridge is the famous Fitzwilliam Museum. Containing antiquities from around the globe as well as numerous artworks by Turner, Gainsborough, Rubens, Picasso amongst others admission to the museum is free.

• Take a punt along the River Cam 

The perfect activity for an English summer’s day! A punt is a flat bottomed boat that is propelled by pushing a pole against the river bed. Book a tour and relax and enjoy the sights of Cambridge from the River Cam.

Read more about Oxford in my complete Cambridge Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

How to get to Cambridge from London

Distance from London: 55 miles

Time taken by train: 50 mins to 1 hour 50 depending on the route

Leave from: London St Pancras International to Cambridge is the quickest route

Where to stay in Cambridge

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Cambridge. These are my top selections:

BEST – University Arms

Situated in the heart of Cambridge the University Arms offers guests top-notch hospitality. Excellent food and drink are on offer and free WiFi is available for guests.

MID -RANGE – Gonville Hotel

Overlooking Parker’s Piece (famous as the birthplace of modern football) the Gonville Hotel is a 4* hotel with exceptional service and amenities. Enjoy the complimentary bike hire and take a cycle tour of the city.

BUDGET – Leverton House

Located just outside Cambridge Leverton House offers guests free parking, WiFi and an excellent breakfast.

Cities to visit in South West England

The beautiful city of Bath is one of the most popular tourist destinations and cities to visit in England and is worth visiting at any time of year.

With its stunning architecture, quintessentially English character and Roman legacy (don’t miss the Ancient Roman baths) plan a few days to fully explore this stunning city. It is also an excellent base for exploring one of England’s most beautiful areas – the Cotswolds.

What to see and do in Bath

There are lots of places to visit and things to do and see in Bath. Here are my top choices – for more itinerary suggestions read my guide to places to visit in Bath.

• The Roman Baths

Built over 2000 years ago the Roman Baths attract over 1.2 million visitors a year.

Plan at least 2 hours to explore the Roman Temple, Bath House, Sacred Spring and museum. Head to the Grand Pump Room for a refreshment break or afternoon tea.

• Admire the Royal Crescent

The Royal Crescent is a row of 30 houses laid out in a crescent shape. Built between 1767 and 1774 they are a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.

Take a selfie at the crescent then head over to the park for ice cream and a stroll in the beautiful gardens.

• Pulteney Bridge

Dating back to 1774 the bridge spans the River Avon. The bridge is one of only 4 in the world with shops across both spans. As well as housing many independent shops there are also a variety of restaurants located on the bridge.

How to travel to Bath from London

Distance from London: 94 miles / 152 km

Time taken by train: 2 hours 28

Leave from:  London Paddington

Where to stay in Bath

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Bath . Bath is one of the most popular cities in England for visitors from overseas so make sure to book well in advance especially in the summer. These are my top selections:

BEST – The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Located only 100 meters from Bath Abbey and accessing heated thermal waters in its spa the Gainsborough is a fabulous luxury hotel offering visitors the perfect stay in Bath.

MID -RANGE – The Bird

Boutique hotel offering stylish and quirky accommodation in the centre of Bath.

BUDGET – Z Hotel Bath

Modern centrally located budget hotel with excellent facilities and stylish decor.

Read more about Bath in my complete Bath Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

A cultural hub offering visitors great shopping, live music, wining and dining opportunities Bristol is the largest city in South West England.

Bath is only 12 miles to the east of Bristol and 120 miles west of London. Street artist Banksy is from Bristol and works can be found around the city.

If you have an interest in history the name Isambard Kingdom Brunel may be familiar. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel’s SS Great Britain were both created by the genius Victorian engineer and are monuments to his talent.

What to see and do in Bristol

• Clifton Suspension Bridge

Designed by Brunel this 150-year-old suspension bridge is a toll bridge linking Clifton in Bristol with Leigh Woods in North Somerset.  There are free tours available at 3 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays between Easter and October for those of you with an interest in engineering!

• Bristol Shopping Quarter

For serious shoppers, the Bristol Shopping Quarte r is home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes and attractions.

• Discover Bristol’s street art

Take a self-guided walking tour of Bristol and discover street artist Banksy’s most famous local works.

Read more about Bristol in my complete Bristol Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

How to travel to Bristol from London

Distance from London: 104 miles / 167 km

Time taken by train: 1 h 49

Leave from: London Paddington

Where to stay in Bristol

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Bristol. These are my top selections:

BEST – Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

Located next to Bristol Cathedral and the historic waterfront the Royal Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay in a beautiful Victorian setting.

MID -RANGE – Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City

Perfectly located next to the main shopping area and Bristol Temple Meads train station the Hilton Garden Inn offers guests free WiFi, a cosy lounge bar and restaurant options.

BUDGET – Mercure Bristol Grand Hote l

Good location in the heart of Bristol with ensuite rooms, free WiFi and parking available (for a daily charge)

The compact and walkable city of Oxford is home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

The 38 colleges which comprise Oxford University offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into English traditions and a way of life dating back hundreds of years. Nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires” the city is the perfect day trip destination from London.

What to see and do in Oxford

• Explore Oxford University

Founded in the 13th century Oxford University’s alumni include international heads of state including numerous British Prime Ministers,  Nobel prize winners, famous authors, and many well-known actors.

Wander the colleges and soak in the scholarly atmosphere of this famous seat of learning. Don’t miss the Bodleian Library and Redcliffe Camera at the university.

• The Covered Market 

Opened in 1774 browse the market’s many shops and stalls before enjoying a refreshment break in one of the many eateries.

• Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is located only 20 minutes from the city of Oxford. The present home of the Duke of Marlborough Blenheim is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read more about Oxford in my complete Oxford Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

How to travel to Oxford from London

Distance from London: 52 miles / 83 km

Time taken by train: 1 hour

Leave from: London Paddington/ London Marylebone

Where to stay in Oxford

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Oxford. These are my top selections:

BEST – Old Parsonage Hotel

Dating back to 1660 this boutique hotel in the centre of Oxford offers outstanding accommodation for guests.

MID -RANGE – Head of the River

Great views of the river and an excellent hearty breakfast make this the perfect choice for visitors looking for a more traditional stay in Oxford.

BUDGET – Heather House Bed and Breakfast

With off road parking, the choice of a continental or full English breakfast this cosy and friendly B&B is the perfect budget option.

Read more – What to do and see in South West England

Cities to visit in South East England

Located on the south coast of England is the charming seaside city of Brighton.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was a popular destination for wealthy Londoners (including King George IV during his time as Prince Regent)

Boasting stunning Regency architecture, beautiful parks and a laid-back atmosphere Brighton is the perfect weekend destination or day trip from London.

Read more about Brighton in my complete Brighton Travel Planning Guide which includes all the essential information you need to plan your visit.

What to see and do in Brighton

• The Brighton Pavilion

The opulently decorated Brighton Pavilion is a must-visit. Built by King George IV when he was Prince Regent (at enormous expense to the country) you will discover a home filled to the brim with exquisite furnishings.

• Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton’s famous pier was opened in 1899. It is a Grade II listed structure and an iconic symbol of the city.

Packed with restaurants, tea rooms, pubs and shops these narrow alleyways are a shopper’s paradise.

How to travel to Brighton from London

Distance from London: 47 miles (75 km)

Time taken by train: 1 hour 22

Leave from: London Blackfriars/ London Victoria

Where to stay in Brighton

There are lots of options to suit all tastes and budgets in Brighton. These are my top selections:

BEST – The Grand Brighton

Relax with views overlooking the sea at the sumptuous Renaissance style iconic Grand Hotel in Brighton. With high-quality furnishings, free WiFi and a stylish cocktail bar on offer this is the perfect accommodation for that special stay in Brighton.

MID -RANGE – The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel and Spa

A luxury, grade II boutique hotel offering guests comfortable and elegantly furnished rooms.

BUDGET – Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront

An excellent budget option the Jurys Inn is well located and is near pubs, bars and restaurants and across the road from the beach.

Read more – What to do and see in South East England

No list of the best cities to visit in England would be complete without including the capital!

If London is your first UK destination, you may find that a few days may not be enough to see and do everything you want. I recommend prioritising your must-sees and building your itinerary from there. You will find lots of London itinerary suggestions on the London Travel Planning website .

What to see and do in London

There is far too much to do and see in London to include in this short paragraph but here are a few ideas for your London bucket list:

• Love Botanical Gardens? Head to Kew Gardens
• Love history? Head to the Tower of London
• Love the Royal Family? Head to Buckingham Palace
• Love shopping? Head to Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Harrods
• Love museums? Head to some of the fabulous free museums such as the British Museum or the Natural History Museum
• Love art? Head to the Tate Modern
• Love markets? Head to Borough Market
• Love Harry Potter? Head to Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley) and Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station. There are also lots of Harry Potter themed tours available or take a trip to Harry Potter Studios (an hour from London)

You can find more about planning your visit to London in my London Travel Planning Guide here

If you are planning to visit these cities in England by train don’t miss our comprehensive guid e to train travel or our pick of the top 10 rail journeys to take across the UK.

Other cities to visit which made the shortlist include

• 15 best places to visit in England

Ten Brilliant UK Cities to Visit Besides London

When tourists think of visiting the UK, they usually have one destination in mind: London. However, there are so many other amazing UK cities to visit besides London, so make sure you give yourself time to explore beyond the capital!

The capital city of England seems to dominate the international image of the UK and many other cities are not usually considered in most tourists’ plans. Of course, the city of Big Ben and Beefeaters is certainly worth visiting, as it is a world class capital with many impressive art galleries, historical sites, restaurants, parks and gardens.

If you only visit London you are missing out on many of the other fantastic UK cities which each have their own unique characteristics.

Ten Lovely UK Cities to Visit Besides London

Here are ten great UK cities to visit besides London during your next trip to the UK:

The capital city of Scotland is as layered with history as a medieval oil painting, with its castle perched on the hill and the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town leading you past quaint shops and pubs until you emerge on the bustling thoroughfare of the Royal Mile. The city of Edinburgh really comes to life in August during the Fringe Festival , the largest independent theatre festival in the world when hundreds of improv troupes, comedians and theatre companies flock to the city creating a full-on smorgasbord of culture.

Read:  16 Delightful Free Things to Do in Edinburgh

Back in Roman times, the city of Bath was a popular destination for its natural hot springs. The Roman period baths are still intact and have been surrounded by gorgeous Medieval and Georgian architecture throughout the ages. Steeped in many centuries of history, this great Somerset city is often praised for its restaurants, theatres, museums, nightclubs and walking tours.

This medieval walled city is the second most visited destination in England and is heaven for architecture and history geeks. The city has some of the best preserved historical buildings in all of Europe, including its York Minster Cathedral which is a stunning Gothic masterpiece which will make your neck tired from gazing at its soaring ceilings.

Stratford Upon Avon

This lovely historic town in Warwickshire is of course famous for being the home town of good old Billy the Bard. These days, theatre lovers visit Stratford Upon Avon still to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company perform. Many of the buildings still look the same as they would have during the days when William walked the streets and the Falstaff Experience, the largest museum in the city, has now created Tudor World which is a museum dedicated solely to an authentic recreation of the era.

Liverpool is famous for being the home of the Beatles and there are enough Fab Four themed activities to please the biggest Beatle-maniac. However, there is also so much more to this great Northern English city. Liverpool has a strong cultural heritage and was given the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008. It has the largest national museum collection outside of London and also has the oldest Chinatown in Europe.

Brighton is a funky and laid back seaside town on the south coast of England. It is known as the Gay Capital of Britain and the best nightlife is in the flamboyant Kemp Town District. Take a stroll down the seafront to soak up the atmosphere and try some fantastic fish and chips.

With a cool music scene, a strong industrial history and a huge football culture, Manchester is the “Capital of the North”. The vibe is young, vibrant and cutting edge and there is always something interesting happening. Check out a live gig by a local band or the funky alternative shops and cafes in the Northern Quarter.

The capital of Wales is quickly becoming one of the UK’s top tourist hotspots and is considered to be one of the best shopping destinations in the country. Cardiff also has the highest amount green space per person in the UK, so when you are tired of shopping or looking at the five historical castles, you can cool your heels in lovely Bute Park in the heart of the city.

Birmingham, in the West Midlands, is the second largest city in the UK. It was at the heart of the industrial revolution in the UK during the Victorian era and is now enjoying a new resurgence as a fantastic cultural and shopping city. Check out the Bull Ring Markets, which is an indoor market complex that comprises the original trading centre that Birmingham was built on. You will be able to find everything you could possibly want here, from food to clothing to jewelry.

Bristol is considered the capital of the West Country in England and it is a friendly, laid back city with a great range of attractions. It is famous for its Maritime history and also has a great nightlife and several cool festivals throughout the summer months. The music scene draws many visitors to Bristol, so make sure you catch a gig while you are here.

These brilliant cities will show you another side of UK culture, with plenty of great attractions and history but fewer tourists and cheaper prices. Your trip to the UK is not complete without venturing outside of the city of London, so make sure that you explore some of these other great cities as well.

Honorable Mentions:

Chester, Nottingham, Belfast, Aberdeen, Newcastle

Kelly Dunning

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I loved your blog, it is very interesting, fun to read as well, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as welll.

I loved reading your blog, it is so well written, please keep on writing amazing blogs like this in future as well.

nice article, just wanted to ask, what more can we do in Birmingham?

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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

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Halloween and Bonfire night in Britain

From haunting walks to fireworks festivals, autumn brings a whole host of festive experiences.

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Best spa experiences

Clear the diary, switch off your phone and reset your mind and body in Britain.

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How to see Britain differently in 2025

There are celebrations galore in Britain in 2025 – and you’re invited!

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Iconic British train journeys

With over 150 heritage railways, Britain is steaming ahead with sustainable travel experiences. 

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Providing you with inspirational activities and experiences, from those in the know.

Your guidance and information about travelling to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Helping the travel industry showcase the best of Britain.

Cultural hotspots

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

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A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

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From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

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Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

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Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

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Pushing the boundaries of art and culture, with a heart that beats through its people.

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An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

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Newcastle upon Tyne

Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

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A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

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Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

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Celebrate in Britain

Find out what’s happening across the nations with our round-up of annual events.

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Your trip to england is just around the corner.

Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.

Discover Great Britain’s northern reaches

Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is as warm as the welcome.

Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures

Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.

Your trip to Northern Ireland has never looked more magical

Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.

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Money blog: Landlords setting up limited companies to protect themselves from budget

With less than a week to go until a budget the government has repeatedly warned will be "painful", a rising number of landlords are creating limited companies to hold buy-to-let properties. Read this and the rest of today's money news below - and watch the latest episode of New Money.

Friday 25 October 2024 07:55, UK

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• Millions of Britons can't get supermarket loyalty card - here's why
• Landlords setting up limited companies to protect themselves from budget
• Chancellor to rewrite fiscal rules to give herself more headroom in budget

Essential reads

• 14 top destinations for a winter holiday that won't break the bank
• Britons on certain benefits could get free 50% on savings
• Cheap Eats: Great British Menu veteran shares salad and curry tips
• Which taxes could go up in the budget?
• Analysis:  How chancellor could give herself another £50bn to play with

Tips and advice

• Eurostar launches service with big discounts - but there's a catch
• Five banks offering nearly £200 to customers who join from rivals
• Basically... Railcards

Real Bedford FC play in the lower leagues of English football. A matchday there seems, at first glance, like any other non-league club - a sense of community, a place to have a pie and a pint.

But if you look a bit closer, you notice that the ground is actually sponsored by huge cryptocurrency companies like Gemini and Luxor - and that the club is owned by Bitcoin podcaster Peter McCormack.

Sky News' series New Money takes a look inside new digital industries, speaking to some of the influencers, content creators and business owners across the UK.

In this episode we spend a day at Real Bedford FC to find out Peter's plan to get his team to the Premier League - all backed by Bitcoin.

Millions of people are excluded from loyalty schemes offering lower prices at some of the UK's biggest retailers, according to consumer brand Which?.

Sign-up criteria like minimum age, UK residency, email addresses or app downloads force some shoppers to pay 10%-33% more for affected items on average.

Vulnerable groups like young carers and the homeless are excluded, Which? said.

"This means a 17-year-old single parent living independently would not get a discount on baby food at some supermarkets, while a homeless person would have to pay more for a meal deal at others," the group said.

A Boots spokesperson said: "We are committed to providing great prices and value for money for all customers through a wide range of deals, discounts and promotions."

A Lidl spokesperson said everything they do is designed to give households access to good food at low prices. In-store promotions are available and app age restrictions are in line with legal requirements related to certain offers.

A spokesperson for Sainsbury's loyalty scheme, Nectar, said customers can register without an email address or mobile number by contacting the Nectar Helpline.

A Tesco spokesperson said: "Clubcard unlocks the best value at Tesco, with shoppers able to save £360 a year."

A Waitrose spokesperson said: "Our age and address requirements are in line with some other retailers and reflect our store locations."

A Superdrug spokesperson said: "As an accessible retailer, we aim to offer great value to all our customers."

They said delivery was only available to addresses within the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Health and Beauty Card membership reflects this.

Every Friday we take an overview of the mortgage market, hearing from industry voices and getting a round-up of the best rates courtesy of the independent experts at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk . This week our focus is on the buy-to-let market.

Landlords have been facing uncertainty amid speculation capital gains tax could be hiked in next week's budget.

"They have had to review their portfolios over the years due to changing taxation rules," says Moneyfacts finance expert Rachel Springall.

"Landlords making purchases are making efforts to shelter themselves from a challenging tax environment by setting up a limited company." 

A study out this week by Hamptons revealed more than 5,000 limited companies were created in Great Britain in September to hold buy-to-let property, a 28% increase year-on-year. 

There have been almost 50,000 limited companies established since the start of 2024 - more than in the whole of 2021.

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, said: "While landlord purchase numbers are well down on pre-pandemic levels, there's been no sign of a slowdown in the number of companies being set up to put them in. Most new purchases are now made in a company structure. 

"An increase in personal tax rates will only widen the gap between the tax paid by landlords who own homes in their own name or a company name further."

Moneyfacts has looked at the best rates on offer for those buying to let...

Moneyfacts also rounds up what it calls "best buys", which look beyond the lowest rates and takes in incentives and fees...

Millions of pension pots containing almost £10,000 are estimated to be lying unclaimed or inactive.

£31.1bn spread across 3.29 million pots are now considered lost, containing an average sum of £9,470, according to research charity the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI).

Switching jobs combined with automatic enrolment into workplace pensions is driving the problem, with the total value of lost pensions rising by £12bn in the last six years.

There are options available to track down your lost cash, according to Chris Blackwood, spokesperson for the PPI's Pension Attention campaign.

"If you can do one thing today, visit pensionattention.co.uk and use the pension tracing tools to find any lost pension pots.

"You could also retrace your career steps, check old papers, look for any gaps in your pension history, and contact your provider to update your contact details."

People may find they can track down pensions by speaking to former employers or by logging into pension providers' websites or apps.

The government's Pension Tracing Service is also available to help people find lost pension pots.

The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association website provides an idea of whether savers are on track for the sort of income they expect in retirement.

Ferrari has revealed its first new supercar in more than a decade. 

The new F80 has a 1,200-horsepower V6 hybrid engine and can do zero to 60mph in just 1.9 seconds. 

It has a top speed of about 217 miles per hour. 

If you're interested, it will set you back a cool £3m - one of the brand's most expensive models to date. 

Production will be limited to 799 units and deliveries are scheduled to begin by the end of next year. 

"Supercar" usually describes high-performance sports cars, but Ferrari exclusively uses the term for its rare, limited-edition models. 

The F80 is inspired by aerospace design, with the car's cell made from carbon fibre and the subframes for the front and rear suspension components crafted from aluminium. 

By Greg Milam , chief north of England correspondent

Chris Downes's piercing blue eyes stare out from the mugshot on a Cheshire Police news release.

He "has been causing problems within this town through shoplifting for over two decades", it reads.

It announces a criminal behaviour order banning the 60-year-old from entering any part of his local town centre of Macclesfield and every Co-op store in Cheshire.

"I feel like I've been punished twice," Chris says, once for the original offence and again with the banning order. It causes inconvenience with things like doctor's appointments and shopping for him and his elderly mother.

Chris is one of those people we rarely hear from in all the talk about the explosion in shoplifting in Britain. He is one of that legion of shoplifters and agreed to speak to Sky News.

"Why did I do it? I did it because of a drug problem. I had no option," he says.

"I know it's wrong but it wasn't hurting any individual as I see it. I wasn't taking old ladies' handbags, I'm not saying shoplifting is right but needs must I suppose."

Addiction issues are a familiar feature of shoplifters' stories. We have spoken to a number who, almost word for word, say the same as Chris Downes. They want things to be different, they say, but cannot break the cycle.

Read on here...

Rachel Reeves's plan to change the government's fiscal rules on borrowing could have "frightening long-term consequences", leading financial advisers at Blick Rothenberg have said.

Tweaking how the UK's debt is defined could give the chancellor another £50bn to play with at next week's budget - see our previous posts for details.

"Increased borrowing and increased borrowing costs would have to be paid back by all taxpayers over time and with interest," said Nick Winters, a partner at Blick Rothenberg. 

"At some point, she would need to raise taxes even further or risk widening the fiscal £22bn 'black hole', which given the tax rises already proposed in the budget, is a scary possibility." 

Mr Winters said the change could present her with a "big, temporary win" - but "there are only so many tweaks our economy can take before it crumbles". 

(This is an abridged version of Conway's original analysis from earlier this month - read the full thing here )

I want you to ponder the fiscal rules Rachel Reeves is confronted with at this, her first budget. Most pressingly, ponder the so-called debt rule, which insists that the chancellor must have the national debt - well, technically it's "public sector net debt excluding Bank of England interventions" - falling within five years.

There is, it's worth underlining at this point, nothing fundamental about this rule. Reeves inherited it from the Conservative Party, who only dreamed it up a few years ago, after COVID.

To meet this rule, she needs the national debt to be falling between the fourth and fifth year of the OBR's five-year forecast. And according to the last OBR forecasts, which date back to Jeremy Hunt's last budget, it is. But not by much: only by £8.9bn.

If that number rings a bell, it is because this is the much-vaunted, but not much understood, "headroom" figure a lot of people in Westminster like to drone on about.

And - if you're taking these rules very literally, which everyone in Westminster seems to be doing - then the takeaway is that the chancellor really doesn't have much room left to spend in the coming budget. She only has £8.9bn extra leeway to borrow!

The first thing to say is there's nothing gospel about these rules. There's no tablet of stone that says the national debt needs to be falling in five years' time.

Second, sometimes investments in things can actually generate more money than they cost. But since the debt rule only looks five years into the future, you only ever see the cost and not the eventual breakeven point.

Third, the debt rule used by this government actually focuses on a measure of the national debt which might not necessarily be the right one.

The measure we currently use excludes the Bank of England, which seemed, a few years ago, to be a sensible thing to do. The Bank has been engaged in a policy called quantitative easing which involves buying and selling lots of government debt - which distorts the national debt. Perhaps it's best to exclude it.

Except that recently those Bank of England interventions have actually been serving to drive up losses for the state. I won't go into it in depth here for risk of causing a headache, but the upshot is most economists think focusing on a debt measure which is mostly being affected right now not by government decisions but by the central bank reversing a monetary policy exercise seems pretty perverse.

In other words, there's a very strong argument that instead of focusing on the ex-BoE measure of net debt, the fiscal rules should instead be focusing on the overall measure of net debt. And here's the thing: when you look at that measure of net debt, lo and behold it's falling more between year four and five. In other words, there's considerably more headroom: just under £25bn rather than just under £9bn based on that other Bank-excluding measure of debt.

Might Reeves declare, at the budget or in the run-up, that it makes far more sense to focus on overall PSND from now on? Quite plausibly. And while in one respect it's a fiddle, in her defence it's a fiddle from one silly rule to an ever so slightly less silly rule.

It would also mean she has more room to borrow to invest - if that's what she chooses to do. But it doesn't resolve the deeper issue: that both of these measures fixate on the short-term cost of debt without taking into account the long-term benefits of investment.

If Reeves is determined to stick to the, some would say arbitrary, five-year deadline to get debt falling but wants to incorporate some measure of the benefits of investment, she could always choose one of two other measures for this rule.

She could focus on something called "public sector net financial liabilities" or "public sector net worth". Both of these measures include some of the assets owned by the state as well as its debts - the upshot being that hopefully they reflect a little more of the benefits of investing more money.

The problem with these measures is they are subject to quite a lot of revision when, say, accountants change their opinion about the value of the national road or rail network. So some would argue these measures are prone to more volatility and fiddling than simple net debt.

Even so, these measures would dramatically transform the "headroom" picture. All of a sudden, Reeves would have over £60bn of headroom to play with. More than enough to splurge on loads of investments without breaking her fiscal rule.

There's one other change to the rule that would probably make more sense than any of the above: changing that five-year deadline to a 10 or even 15-year deadline. At that kind of horizon, a pound spent on a decent investment would suddenly look net positive for the economy rather than a drain.

Rachel Reeves will rewrite the government's fiscal rules in next week's budget to allow her to increase borrowing for public investment by around £50bn.

Speaking to Sky News in Washington DC, the chancellor said that the self-imposed rule under which borrowing must be falling by the fifth year of economic forecasts will be redefined from the current measure of public sector net debt.

Ms Reeves would not be drawn on what measure will replace the current rule but there is speculation that she will favour using public sector debt net of financial liabilities (PSNFL).

Under this definition, investments such as the government's student loans book are defined as assets rather than liabilities, which on current measures would allow a further £53bn of borrowing.

The chancellor said the second fiscal rule, under which day-to-day spending must be funded from government revenue rather than borrowing, would be unchanged.

Growing consensus

Ms Reeves cited support for increasing the debt threshold from leading British economists, as well as the International Monetary Fund, which this week said public investment should be protected and was "badly needed" in the UK .

She insisted the change was necessary to end years of declining public investment and deliver on Labour's promise to deliver growth.

"Under the plans that I have inherited from the previous Conservative government, public sector net investment as a share of our economy was due to decline steeply during the course of this parliament," she said.

"I don't want that path for Britain when there are so many opportunities in industries from life sciences to carbon capture, storage and clean energy to AI and technology, as well as the need to repair our crumbling schools and hospitals."

Ms Reeves denied that she was effectively fiddling the rules to get around her manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, VAT or national insurance.

"The rule that really bites is the first rule, the stability rule, to get day-to-day spending funded by tax receipts. That's something that the previous government weren't even trying to achieve and we will show in the budget next week how we will deliver on that promise.

"The second role is about being responsible. By seizing the opportunities, but doing it in a way where we are making sure we're getting value for money for every pound of taxpayers' money spent.

"Of course we'll put guardrails in place to ensure that every pound of taxpayers' money that is spent is spent wisely, and will involve the National Audit Office and the Office of Budget Responsibility in that."

The first test of the change in the debt rule will be the reaction of bond markets, which rose slightly on Thursday following reports of Ms Reeves's plans.

Taken together, the redefined fiscal rules set the terms of a budget that is likely to see tax rises and public spending cuts balanced by more freedom to borrow.

Tax rises not ruled out

Ms Reeves did not rule out a raft of tax rises, including adding national insurance to employers' pension contributions, from which public sector employers may be exempt.

"I was clear in the statement I made to the House of Commons in July that there will be difficult decisions in this budget around spending, welfare and taxation. But the precise details I will set out to the House of Commons next week.

"I will be a responsible chancellor. I will be honest and transparent about the challenges we face, but also how we'll fix them to wipe the slate clean after the mismanagement we've seen in the last few years under the Conservatives."

Gareth Davies, shadow exchequer secretary, said: "Before the election Rachel Reeves promised that she would not 'fiddle' the fiscal rules, and now it seems she is going to do exactly that. Remarkably she is announcing this not to Parliament, but to the IMF in advance of the budget.

"This is already having real world effects, with borrowing costs rising. This uncertainty over additional borrowing risks interest rates staying higher and for longer. It's families up and down the country who would pay the price."

The NHS offers a free jab every year to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

If you're eligible, you may be able to get a flu vaccine from a pharmacy, your GP surgery, your care home, your maternity service or your employer (if you're a frontline health or social care worker).

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Are aged 50 or over in Scotland
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive carer's allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Are a frontline health and social care worker
• Are of school-age (reception to year 11)
• Have certain medical conditions (the NHS has a  full list )

Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October. 

If you don't qualify for a free flu jab on the NHS or at work, you'll have to pay, with prices from around £10-22 if bought from major supermarkets and pharmacies.

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