Best Cities in the UK to Visit This Year

Spend even a day in any United Kingdom city and you’ll find a wealth of history waiting for you to uncover. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England each have their own cultural hallmarks, dramatic arts and music scenes, and traditional cuisine that simultaneously defines British lifestyle yet creates experiences that are unique to their region. From major metros like London and Belfast to smaller cities like Aberystwyth, these are the best cities to visit in the UK this year. 

Complete a full circuit of Great Britain roaming from London to Stirling then down through Cardiff and Plymouth on our exciting 11-day Best of Britain journey.

1. Best cities to visit in England this year:

World-class museums, the most iconic UK landmarks, and a burgeoning culinary scene make these English cities worth visiting every year. 

London

London is one of the best cities in the UK that you can visit time and time again without ever seeing it all. First-timers should tour the hallmark sites: Hyde Park, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Elizabeth Tower aka Big Ben. Returning visitors should check out new sites like the V&A East Storehouse, Battersea Power Station, and the John Lewis x Jamie Oliver Cooking School.

The restored Battersea Power Station is one of London’s newest attractions

Liverpool

The Beatles formed 65 years ago and forever changed music. Experience the origin of Beatlemania in their hometown at The Beatles Story Museum. Located on Royal Albert Dock, this museum’s main exhibition details the history of the band through memorabilia, free audio guides, and interactive experiences. 

Bath 

Visiting the Roman Baths in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath is one of the easiest day trips from London, though there’s much more to this city than Roman ruins. Fans anticipating the next season of Netflix’s Bridgerton can seek out filming locations at Bath’s Royal Crescent. Such jet setting pairs well with a literary-inspired visit to The Jane Austen Centre. 

Manchester

In 2024, Manchester United FC won its fourth-straight season of the Premier League; plan a visit to Old Trafford during a regular season match. In the off season, the Science and Industry Museum showcases Manchester’s other achievements, with exhibits dedicated to the city’s innovations in the textile and automotive industries. The Manchester Art Gallery is worth a stroll as well; this 200-year old collection includes William Blake’s Heads of the Poets, Pre-Raphaelites, and a wealth of Edwardian and Victorian art. For a post-match or post-museum bite, Wilmslow Road’s “Curry Mile” where you’ll find the largest concentration of Asian restaurants in the United Kingdom. 

Oxford

The University of Oxford’s architecture is astounding and many visitors tour the campus to see where scenes from the Harry Potter film series were shot. The city itself, however, has many more educational and engaging sites. Tour the former home of writer CS Lewis, see the birthplace of Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace, learn about the city’s medieval history at Oxford Castle, and explore the historic indoor Covered Market. 

Oxford is one of England’s most historic cities

Cambridge

Like Oxford, architecture lovers will appreciate the beauty of the all 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. The university’s Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard each have stunning art collections. The quintessential activity all visitors to Cambridge must partake in is punting on the River Cam: a relaxed gondola-like ride down the river. 

York

York is both one of the best and most underrated city break destinations in England. Walk down the Shambles, a street of well-preserved medieval architecture dating back to the 13th century, and find a row of shops, taverns, restaurants, and markets. The 2,000 year old stone city walls are another feature deserving of visitors’ footsteps while sites like the JORVIK Viking Centre, Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial, and National Railway Museum round out an immense itinerary through York’s history. 

Enjoy a relaxed morning start in York while attending our 15-day Britain & Ireland Explorer tour.

Brighton

With a pebbly beach, light-hearted Palace Pier amusement park, and tranquil Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton is a longtime favorite seaside destination for Londoners — but that’s not the only reason to visit this UK city in the summer. Brighton Pride is the largest Pride festival in the United Kingdom. Street parties, parades, concerts, and dog shows fill the friendly weekend’s schedule.   

Brighton Pier is an iconic landmark on England’s south coast

Bristol

Potentially the home of the still-anonymous street artist Banksy, Bristol is one UK city best spent outdoors. It features more than 400 gardens and parks, including the expansive Leigh Woods and Clifton Down, separated by the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This rainy city does see its fair share of clouds throughout the year, so when the gray skies are out, stay dry in family-friendly spaces like the We The Curious science museum. 

Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit for every fan of the Bard. It’s here you’ll find Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. For those who don’t desire a schedule full of sonnets and stage shows, attractions like the MAD Museum, the Stratford Butterfly Farm, and Bancroft Gardens offer just as much entertainment. 

Read next: Why Guy Fawkes Night is the UK’s Most Explosive Festival

2. Best Cities to Visit in Scotland this year

One of the best things to do in the UK is to take a train ride from England into the Highlands of Scotland, stopping on your journey in popular cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. These three cities showcase Scottish folklore, history, and cuisine in brilliant ways. 

Explore the best of Scotland and England, including a private tour of Ardgowan Estate and a Blenheim Palace visit on our Elegance of Great Britain experience.

Edinburgh

Among the many Scottish cities worth visiting, Edinburgh tops the list. Attending the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the best things to do in the UK, though the Royal Mile and Old Town are far less crowded in the shoulder seasons. No matter the time of year, gazing at the city from Arthur’s Seat and viewing Edinburgh Castle illuminated at night will leave a mark on your soul.

Inverness

Known as a gateway to Loch Ness and other outdoor adventures, Inverness is the only city in the Scottish Highlands and the most northern British city. 4,000 years of Scottish history is rooted in this region, including the critical last battle of the Jacobite Rising that took place nearby at Culloden Battlefield in the 18th century. Surrounded by distilleries and castles, a visit to Inverness offers remarkable ways to drink in Scottish scenery and scotch.  

Inverness is known as the ‘gateway to the Highlands’

Glasgow

Glasgow, the one-time Second City of the British Empire, is one of the best cities to visit in the UK as a perfect contrast to Edinburgh. The Victorian Necropolis cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful rival to Arthur’s Seat while museums like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art have exceptional contemporary and classical collections. Instead of Princess Street, Glasgow’s Buchanan Street is the main drag for shopping. To spend more time amongst local Glaswegians, spend a night rocking to concerts at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. 

Go inside Edinburgh Castle, take a driving tour of Glasgow, and keep your eyes peeled for what may lurk in Loch Ness on our 9-day Country Roads of Scotland tour.

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3. Best Cities to Visit in Northern Ireland this year

Northern Ireland may not be part of Great Britain, but it is an essential part of any UK tour. This country sharing the Emerald Isle with the Republic of Ireland has nearly 2 million residents and 5 million annual visitors. The Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway highlight the landscape, but don’t forget that Northern Ireland’s cities have plenty of activities to do and history to see. 

Belfast

The capital of Northern Ireland is such an effortless trip from Dublin that it’s one of the best cities in the UK to visit when spending the majority of your vacation in Ireland. From Black Cab taxi tours to exploring the galleries of the Titanic Belfast, there’s more than enough to see and do in a weekend. Families will especially enjoy the northern end of the city where Cave Hill Country Park, the Belfast Zoo, and Belfast Castle create a fun day outdoors. 

Belfast’s City Hall is a landmark example of Victorian architecture

Londonderry

Londonderry, or simply Derry, is Northern Ireland’s second largest city. This walled city sits where the Causeway Coastal Route meets the Wild Atlantic Way, making it a perfect base for hikers and cyclists. Spend time on both sides of the River Foyle at the Museum of Free Derry, St. Columb’s Park, and learning about Bloody Sunday on a walking tour. 

Take a tour of Belfast and Londonderry on our Country Roads of Ireland tour. 

Enniskillen

There’s more to Northern Ireland beyond Belfast and Londonderry, and Enniskillen proves it. Resting on an island in the River Erne, Enniskillen is a designated Purple Flag city thanks to its lively nightlife. Though many visitors come to spend time on Lough Erne, people watch in Buttermarket, tour the Enniskillen Castle, and visit the Inniskillings Museum by day, you should spend at least one overnight in Ireland’s only island city. Relaxed pubs like Charlie’s Bar and Blakes of the Hollow complimented by hotspots like the quirky Granny Annies bar and Crowe’s Nest dance club.   

4. Best cities to visit in Wales this year

When it comes to the best places to visit in the UK, Wales is always a favorite. This country of only 3 million people, seven cities, and three national parks covering more than 20 percent of its landscape pleases hikers, culture lovers, and those looking for a quieter side of southern Britain.

Cardiff

The Welsh capital is always one of the best cities in the UK to visit, especially for those venturing into Cymru for the first time. Mainstays like Cardiff Castle, the Wales Millennium Centre, and the National Museum Cardiff check off the usual to-dos while unique experiences like the Cardiff International White Water facility in the International Sports Village provide on-demand adventures that make perfect additions to a Welsh travel bucket list.

See Cardiff Castle on our Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall tour. 

Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth is one of the best cities in the UK you’ve yet to discover. It’s home to one of the oldest universities in Wales, as well as the National Library of Wales and the ruins of a 13th century castle. Most people come to this seaside resort — known by the locals as simply Aber — for the beaches, mountain views, and immaculate sunsets. 

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