There is no doubt that London is a top destination for global travelers, in fact, it is consistently ranked in the top 5 of most visited cities each year. However, you would be doing yourself a huge disservice if you ignored the United Kingdom’s other great cities. In this article we will focus on five such cities that offer their own version of the UK experience.
Edinburgh
Why It’s Great
Scotland’s capital city is filled with a ton of history, culture, and some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe. Although not as large as its English counterpart, there is still plenty to do and see here, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the extraordinary Scottish National Gallery, and the captivating Royal Mile.
Notable Attractions
Edinburgh Castle: Located on the tip of an ancient volcano (don’t worry its extinct), this historic fortress and royal residence offers visitors panoramic views of Edinburgh. Inside are a few museums as well, such as the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum.
Royal Mile: A historic thoroughfare that runs through the city’s Old Town. The Royal Mile is dotted with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and landmarks, and is a great way to immerse yourself in everything that Edinburgh has to offer.
Arthur’s Seat: The peak of an ancient volcano, located within the 640 acre Holyrood Park. This is a great way to see not only the beauty of Edinburgh, but of Scotland as well.
Manchester
Why It’s Great
Manchester is well known as one of the UK’s great music cities. If you enjoy live music, theater, or dance clubs, then this is absolutely the place to be.
Notable Attractions
Mackie Mayor Food Market: A huge food market with endless places to eat and drink to your heart’s delight.
Old Trafford: The UK’s largest football stadium and the home of Manchester United F.C.
The John Rylands Library: A gorgeous Neo-Gothic library with an incredible collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Liverpool
Why It’s Great
Situated along England’s northwestern coast along the Irish Sea, Liverpool is known for its lovely architecture, numerous parks, and for its contribution to popular music history. The city is also one of the most diverse cities in the UK, and this is reflected heavily in the city’s overall culture.
Notable Attractions
The Beatles Story: A museum dedicated to the lives and music of The Beatles.
Museum of Liverpool: First opened in 2011, this museum showcases the history of Liverpool and its contributions to the UK and the world.
Bold Street Shopping: A popular shopping street filled with vintage shops, fashion boutiques, bars, eateries, and more.
Cardiff
Why It’s Great
The Welsh capital city of Cardiff is one of the most visited cities in the UK and for good reason. The city blends the ancient history of the UK with modern urban amenities to create an experience that is both informative and entertaining.
Notable Attractions
Cardiff Castle: A large medieval castle built in the 11th Century AD.
BBC Studio Tours: Take a behind the scenes studio tour of the state-of-the-art broadcasting studio BBC Cymru Wales.
Cardiff Bay: A revitalized waterfront area with dozens of restaurants, shops, and dynamic attractions.
Bath
Why It’s Great
Bath takes its name from the Roman-built baths located in the center of the city. that are powered by geothermal energy. Although the baths are no longer used by the public, they still provide visitors with an elegant addition to an already opulent city.
Notable Attractions
The Roman Baths: Located on a site that has been used since ancient times, the baths were built by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago.
Wookey Hole Caves: A large cave system that has been used by humans for more than 45,000 years. A great place to explore the UK’s ancient history in a truly unique atmosphere.
Pulteney Bridge: A picturesque Georgian style bridge that crosses the Avon River in the northeastern part of the city’s center. The bridge is lined with charming shops and makes for a romantic way to spend your day.
While London continues to be a fantastic destination, these five other UK cities offer their own unique experiences and attractions that make them worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in history, music, sports, or just want to try something new, each of these places are sure to offer something to fit whatever entertains you.
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