The United Kingdom has long been one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, what’s appealing about this country has much to do with its diverse scenery and rich cultural heritage. Some of the best cities in the united kingdom include everything from beautifully preserved country estates and castles, to world-class art galleries and museums. Whether you are a local or international tourist, the cities here indeed have plenty to offer. If you need some inspiration on how to start your journey let’s have a look at the most popular cities to visit in the United Kingdom.
List Of The Most Popular Cities In The United Kingdom
London
Home to British icons like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London is a world center of theatre, art, music, literature, and culture. The nation’s sprawling capital is also a city of colorful markets, great shopping, green open spaces, and cosmopolitan culture. If you are a traveler interested in learning more about the UK’s rich history the Tower of London is a must-visit, a former palace, and prison home to 1,000-year-old White Tower, with its fascinating displays of armor and weaponry, and the Jewel House, home to the Crown Jewels. Other must-visit spots include Buckingham palace London’s Royal home since Queen Victoria’s reign, The city’s Whitehall Road where you’ll find Big Ben, the Parliament Buildings, as well as Westminster Abbey scene of many a royal wedding.
Edinburgh
The capital city of Edinburgh is also one of the UK’s most visited destinations, Popular for its many well-preserved historic buildings, Scotland’s capital is best known as the home of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is a unique blend of the modern sensibilities of a great city with a historic and dramatic setting. this 13th-century royal fortress, Perched high above the old city on a rocky promontory, has highlights such as the famous One O’Clock Salute, as well as the Scottish Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace. It’s easy to explore the other most important historic sites like the Old Town’s Royal Mile from the castle. Here you will be in awe of its fine architecture and privy to exploring boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and art galleries
Roman Era Bath
Bath is one of the United Kingdom’s smaller cities, but what the city lacks in size it makes more than up through its variety of enthralling sites. Named after its famous Roman Baths, the beauty of this city has been attracting travelers for 2000 years. Engulfed in lovely Georgian architecture the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Though the city offers its visitors a plethora of historic architecture this small pleasant city has more than enough diversions for demanding modern weekenders. The city is a showcase of England’s 18th-century architecture, with stunning terraces of pristine, white houses that have formed the backdrops of countless films culminated with modern-day amenities like great restaurants, top shopping, quirky museums, a lively cultural scene, and, of course, a post-millennial, multi-million pound, thermal spa.
Manchester
United Kingdom’s first modern city Manchester was the cotton-making capital of the world and one of the birthplaces of the industrial revolution. The city was endowed with museums, galleries, theatres, and libraries including civic architecture by its many industrial tycoons. A devastating IRA bomb in 1996 created a need for the city to be regenerated into its 21st-century landscape. Today some of the finest architecture in Britain can be found in Manchester. Among the places to visit are Bridgewater Hall, home of Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra; Urbis, a glass curtain-walled exhibition center, and the Imperial War Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind. a hotbed of the indie and pop music scenes Manchester is the birthplace of artists like Elkie Brooks, Take That The Stone Roses, Morrissey and dozens more. With so many things to do in this glorious city, travelers can enjoy a vacation that would be a culmination of outdoor activities and urban nightlife.
Birmingham
Birmingham is known to be the manufacturing engine of Britain through the 19th century and most of the 20th and the place where James Watt first commercially manufactured his steam engine making it the heartland of British motor history. An aspect of Birmingham’s tasty claim to fame is that George Cadbury, made his choccies here and his Bourneville Estate was an early planned community. A vibrant, multi-ethnic destination with lively arts and music scene Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city with a population of more than a million. Heavy metal is very popular here. Both Judas Priest and Black Sabbath were local bands. And Ozzie Osborne is a native son. The city kick-started the careers of Duran Duran, ELO, and UB40.
Cambridge & Oxford
With two of its most famous university towns also ranking highly as tourist destinations the UK has long been a center of learning. Cambridge and Oxford have for centuries been rivals for the title as the country’s top academic establishment and are just 128 kilometers apart. Each location offers plenty of attractions to make them worthwhile additions to your UK travel itinerary. Highlights of a visit to Cambridge include the chance to wander the UK’s largest collection of preserved historic buildings, many of them located within an easy walk of Cambridge University’s 31 colleges, the oldest of which was founded in 1284.
Cardiff
Wales is much smaller in comparison to both Scotland and England but is home to some of the top attractions in the United Kingdom. From exploring the breathtaking scenery and enjoying outdoor adventures in its national parks to visiting its historic castles, Wales is one of the best places to visit. One of the best places to sample a little of everything that Wales has to offer is the country’s capital, Cardiff. Most travelers begin their visit at Cardiff Castle which is located in the middle of the city and built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fort. Highlights include the State Apartments, the Clock Tower, the Chapel, and a spectacular Banqueting Hall with its fine murals. The city has many old Victorian shopping arcades, which you cannot miss the best one is located at Hayes.
Another spot worth checking out is Cardiff Bay.
Also Read: 44 Of The Most Beautiful Places In The UK
A Mix Of The Old With New
If you are looking for a spot where you can explore age-old castles with stunning architecture, and enjoy the spoils of the 21st century, the cities in the United Kingdom are perfect. Our list of these spoils ends here, but if we have missed a city that is close to your heart, let us know in the comments below.
