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7 minutes readContent
- London, England
- Bath, England
- York, England
- Manchester, England
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Cardiff, Wales
- Liverpool, England
- Cambridge, England
- Oxford, England
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
1. London, England
Best for: Multi-generational family trips, solo adventures, and couples.
Where to stay: Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Let’s start with the capital city! London is worthy of the hype it gets. You’ll find theatre tickets for a fraction of Broadway prices, and you can get around most of the city by bus or tube. Travelers can curate itineraries that align with their interests, whether it’s exploring the Natural History Museum or indulging in a luxury purchase at Harrods.
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There’s no shortage of historic locations and fun experiences to explore. You can try to spot a royal at Buckingham Palace or visit the world-famous Borough Market to taste the viral chocolate-covered strawberries.
2. Bath, England
Best for: Couples looking for a romantic getaway and a vibrant food scene.
Where to stay: The Bath Priory Hotel and Spa
Bath is having a renaissance thanks to shows like Netflix’s Bridgerton, but the city has always been popular due to its Roman baths. What we love about this city is that it has a small town feel, but with dozens of top attractions and unique experiences, from visiting the Jane Austen Centre to taking a guided ghost tour.
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Located on the River Avon, Bath is just 11 miles from Bristol and less than 100 miles from London, making it perfect for a day trip. It’s the only city in the UK designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. York, England
Best for: Outdoor adventures, history expeditions, and those searching for a taste of old-town English culture.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo York by IHG
York is a place you might not have heard of. Located in the northern region of England, this walled city is known for its Viking heritage and Roman roots. York Minster, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, sits at the heart of this North Yorkshire destination. With over 2000 years of history, there’s something for every visitor in this city.
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If you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions, consider getting a Visit York Pass, which includes access to attractions like Castle Howard, the York Dungeon, and the JORVIK Viking Centre. There’s lots to explore with something for travelers of all ages, from family-friendly museums to historic walking tours and organized pub crawls.
4. Manchester, England
Best for: Visitors looking to catch a music performance or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Where to stay: The Lowry Hotel Manchester
Manchester is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, famous for being home to multiple football clubs and concert venues. This is a city that never sleeps with an unforgettable nightlife, from pubs serving local craft beer to LGBT+ bars and nightclubs. Considered one of the friendliest cities in England, Manchester has a rich music history and offers major venues alongside more independent settings, whether you want to hear the latest up-and-coming band or an international talent.
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5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Best for: Couples and groups seeking a diverse itinerary of everything from whisky tastings to visiting a royal castle.
Where to stay: Novotel Edinburgh Centre
If you can only have time for one city, head to Edinburgh. The Scottish capital has something to offer all visitors, whether you’re going to Edinburgh to feel as if you’re living in the world of Harry Potter or if you’re planning to hike to Arthur’s Seat.
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6. Cardiff, Wales
Best for: Rugby fans and foodies who want to try traditional and modern dishes.
Where to stay: The Parkgate Hotel
Our guide to the UK’s best cities wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Just a 30-minute train from Bristol, it’s easy to get over the border and into the home of rugby, Welsh cakes, and laverbread. The main attractions are the Principality Stadium, along with Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Bute Park. If you’re interested in history, plan a visit to St Fagans National Museum of History, Llandaff Cathedral, and the Castle Coach.
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7. Liverpool, England
Best for: Visitors who want to tour a football stadium or see a professional game.
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Spa Liverpool
If you’re a football fan, you need to visit Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club. Liverpool is a great alternative to London and is easy to reach from almost anywhere in Great Britain by train. Spend a day in the Albert Dock area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of independent shops, restaurants, and maritime-inspired museums. Liverpool is also a must-visit city if you’re a fan of the Beatles.
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8. Cambridge, England
Best for: Architecture fans and bookworms who want to visit a college town.
Where to stay: University Arms, Autograph Collection
Cambridge is one of the most famous university towns in the UK, attracting visitors for its picturesque rowing experiences and blend of Gothic Revival and Renaissance architecture. Make sure to take a picture in front of King’s College Chapel and stop by the Fitzwilliam Museum to explore the collection of antiquities and artifacts for free. It’s the perfect choice for a day trip and is just a 50-minute train ride from London.
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9. Oxford, England
Best for: History enthusiasts in search of quirky hidden gems and cultural experiences.
Where to stay: Vanbrugh House Hotel
If you’re a fan of dark academia or watched movies like The Golden Compass growing up, you’ll be familiar with Oxford. Another university town, it is seen as the major rival to Cambridge. If you love learning new things, you’ll feel right at home in Oxford with the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and the Natural History Museum. You can explore most of Oxford on foot, and don’t forget to stop by one of the many bookshops across the town to bring home a souvenir.
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10. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Best for: Game of Thrones fans and groups searching for nightlife.
Where to stay: Malmaison Belfast
Belfast is quickly becoming popular with visitors to the UK, seen as a more affordable alternative to other cities, with the added benefit of being just two hours by train from Dublin. Famous for building the Titanic, Belfast is a city quickly gaining popularity for its music scene and independent food spots.
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If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, make sure to plan a day trip to the Game of Thrones Studio Tours, one of the region’s top experiences. They offer a bus service direct from Belfast City Centre, and you can easily spend hours on the tour with an on-site restaurant and café.
Explore the best cities to visit in the UK with ZenHotels
The UK is one of the easiest countries to explore with an extensive public transport network and budget-friendly flights between cities and towns. Whether you’re planning a road trip or want to visit all four corners of the UK, ZenHotels covers all your bases with accommodation options to suit every budget in each city.
At ZenHotels, our expert-curated travel tips will help you make the most out of your visit to the best cities in the UK. Start planning your travel itinerary by searching for accommodation in the UK.
