Best cities in the UK to visit in 2025, London and beyond

The United Kingdom is a destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the iconic landmarks of London, such as Big Ben and the Tower of London, to the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and the rugged coastlines of Wales and Northern Ireland the UK has something for everyone. Its vibrant cities are steeped in history, offering world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants.

You’ve watched the country for years, enjoying the locations used in filming Bridgerton, The Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey and more. Now you can decide which cities you want to see.

The UK is also a haven for literature and art enthusiasts, with free museums, literary legends such as the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen and even J.K. Rowling. Whether you’re exploring ancient abandoned castles, enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, or experiencing pub culture, the UK promises an unforgettable journey and you may wish you spent more time here or are planning to come back and see more of the country.

With untouched beaches, loads of green countryside and some of the best cities in the world now is the time to experience a visit to the best cities in the UK. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the top city break destinations to enjoy. You might be looking to experience Liverpool, London, Bristol or stunning Edinburgh. Any and all of the following best cities in the UK are some of my personal favourites.

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23 Best cities to visit in England

London a unique and captivating city

Experiencing London should be considered for many reasons. London is a place everyone should visit at least once. Its amazing cultural scene, must-see historic sites, great restaurants and nightlife as well as grand hotels; makes it an adventure playground for visitors.

Some of my favourite locations to take visitors are London’s Chinatown, Abbey Road of the Beatles fame, Nottinghill and the Portobello Market and of course great foodie locations such as Borough Market, Covent Garden Market and Camden Town.

Head to quirky Shoreditch for the graffiti and Leather Lane Market, wander through St. James Park and experience Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Take a ride up the River Thames and have the camera ready.

Visit St. Paul’s famous Cathedral, or a brilliant pub and enjoy a pint. There is so much to do here, a staycation in London ticks all the boxes and more. It offers everything for every different type of visitor. Taking 2 days out in London is the perfect time for a memorable visit.

City of Bath a world Heritage site

The only UK city that’s been designated a UNESCO world heritage site in its entirety, Bath England is well worth a weekend visit while exploring the country. Even if you have as little as two days in Bath you will fall in love with the city and plan to come back for a visit again.

You can explore the Roman Baths, admire the architecture of Bath Abbey and visit the Royal Crescent where shows like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey have been filmed. Look for the Pump Rooms and have the perfect afternoon Tea. Or if you are a Jane Austen fan who was one of Bath’s most famous residents you can tour the Jane Austen Centre.

The Idyllic Beauty of the Cotswolds

Just 2 hours from London, the best Cotswold villages will make you feel like you have taken a step back in time. With so many amazing choices, trying to choose the best villages in the Cotswolds to visit may overwhelm you a little.

Castle Combe has been called the prettiest village in England and it is tucked into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in northwest Wiltshire. Or visit Woodstock which is where you can find great antiques and Blenheim Palace.

Chedworth is a village and civil parish in Gloucestershire, southwest England, in the Cotswolds. It is known as the location of Chedworth Roman Villa. The Chedworth Villa has some of the most incredible virtually intact Roman mosaics in England. The Villa is comprised of bathhouse rooms and hypocaust systems, and a Nymphaeum Water Shrine that is still fed by the same waters.

Visit the famous Bourton on the Water nicknamed the Venice of England and see the model village. Snowshill is beautifully set in the rolling Cotswolds hills which surround it on 3 sides. The views are absolutely outstanding from the top of the Village and it is completely unspoilt. 

Brighton – seaside fun

Looking for a bit of the English seaside? Then Brighton should be your go to choice. With its fabulous Brighton Pier and some brilliant shopping and dining Brighton has all the bright lights of London, gourmet dining, casual café culture and plenty of fabulous activities and of course there’s that beach.

Windsor the Royal’s favourite place

Head to Windsor to visit the King at Windsor Castle but don’t forget there are plenty of other activities in Windsor you can head to Michelin starred restaurants, cruise the river and feed the King’s swans or attempt the Long Walk to the Castle.

Oxford Higher education and Harry Potter

The city of dreaming spires in Oxfordshire and the place where the filmmakers of the Harry Potter movies got tons of inspiration for locations. Beyond Oxford University and its stunning buildings, and Harry Potter vibes it is also a city filled with world-class museums, brilliant pubs, and great sites to explore.

Make sure book a visit to the Bodleian Library is, of course, one of the most famous libraries in the world Did you know that the library keeps a copy of every single book printed in the UK. The Bodleian is home to the Gutenberg bible, J.R.R. Tolkien’s watercolours for The Hobbit, Shakespeare’s First Folio, and four thirteenth-century copies of the Magna Carta.

Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare’s birthplace

If you know your Shakespeare then you know this is where he was born. Stratford upon Avon is a smallish medieval market town in South Warwickshire and known as the gateway to the Cotswolds which is very close to London and the drive is around 2.5 hours. It’s very easily accessible by public transport and by car. Although parking in Stratford upon Avon is pretty tricky.

There are so many things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon you will want to come here over and over again. You have all the Shakespearean sites including the house where he was born, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and more. You can take a boat down the Avon River, attend a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company and even get some fish and chips at Gordon Ramsay’s old place of employment Barnaby’s.

Cambridge a city of timeless elegance

One of England’s oldest cities – and famously home to one of the oldest universities in Europe – pretty Cambridge isn’t just for students. Set in East Anglia, around an hour from London by train, it’s perfect whether you fancy a leisurely boat ride on the river, wandering the historic streets, visiting museums or as a base to explore some of the local area (picturesque Saffron Walden in Essex is nearby, as well as Ely with its famous cathedral). 

Truro’s Gardens, Cathedral and sunshine

Truro is located in the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  That’s right.  A city in an AONB.  England’s most south-westerly city is also the only city in Cornwall and averages 1745 hours of sunshine a year, and that alone should make it a great city to visit in England! 

One of the top things to do in Truro is to visit the stunning cathedral here, one of only three in England with three spires, and Truro’s great location makes it easy to visit some of Cornwall’s magnificent gardens, like Trelissick, which is less than 5 miles away. 

That’s also where you’ll find the closest beach too. Transport links are fabulous here, there’s a train station and a great bus service for national and local transport – which makes it easy to walk parts of the South West Coast path, which passes close by.

Torquay on the English Riviera

The English Riviera is a coastal destination in the county of Devon, consisting of three key resorts, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, and the smaller village of Babbacombe.

These three areas show the beauty of the English seaside – although it’s one of the only places in the country where you’ll find palm trees! As well as a general seaside-y atmosphere and watersports with great surfing beaches, you can enjoy the 800-year-old Torre Abbey, the caves of Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, and plenty more!

Canterbury 1400 years of history

Things to do in Canterbury include visiting the famous cathedral where Thomas Becket was assassinated, which caused the site to become a place of pilgrimage for Christians around Europe. Other UNESCO world heritage attractions are St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s church with their incredible architecture.  The River Stour runs through Canterbury’s heart, and there are plenty of places to grab a coffee, a drink, or dinner in the historic centre.

York – medieval streets & Viking history

Sitting on the banks of the River Ouse York is a Viking history paradise. At the heart of the city lies the Shambles a maze of narrow twisty lanes at the heart of the Shambles is the actual lane called The Shambles and it is the best-preserved medieval street in the world.

York Minster is a stunning cathedral dating back to the seventh century. Step inside and admire medieval stained-glass windows, carved stone and sparkling artifacts. Climb all 275 steps up to enjoy the view from the highest point in York.

If you love Vikings you must head to Jorvik which was the Viking name for York this attraction gives a snapshot of what Viking life would have been like. Or head to the York dungeon where you can explore the grizzly path of York’s history.

Manchester for the love of food and music

The next city on the list of must visits in England is the powerhouse of Manchester!  Enjoying weekends in Manchester is becoming more popular year on year.  It might not be the first place you would think to come but city breaks in Manchester should be on your UK bucket list. It’s a really fun and vibrant city with loads of great museums and galleries as well as being able to experience fantastic restaurants and a brilliant foodie scene.

Manchester was the birth of the Industrial Revolution but since then it’s transformed itself into a modern and multicultural city. Recommendations include visits to Breeham Tower, the Northern Quarter and Spinningfields for great shopping opportunities.  Manchester is a great place to enjoy a few days away even as part of a wider staycation break in the UK. There are loads of hotels to suit every budget so this city is truly for everyone.

Liverpool from the Beatles to the ocean

If you are visiting the North then spending one day in Liverpool is a must do. Liverpool is a maritime city in northwest England and has several well-preserved and historic buildings in the heart of the city centre, many of which had been granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO (but has now been revoked due to changes on the Dock areas). Highlights include the famous Royal Albert Dock Area and the cobbled William Brown Street in the Cultural Quarter. 

If you are looking for a more vibrant and urban neighbourhood then the Baltic Triangle (known as the ‘Creative and Digital Quarter’) is a historic area spread over several city blocks. Here you’ll find cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as vintage markets and colourful street art murals.

Chester – Roman history & Tudour charm

If you want to visit one of the most charming medieval cities in England which is just a short drive from beautiful beaches and waterfalls in Wales, look no further than Chester.

One of the best things to do in Chester is a city cruise which will allow you to admire this incredible city from the water. Sailing under the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge which reminds me of London Bridge is an amazing experience when visiting Chester.

However, you cannot also miss the Roman Amphitheatre or Chester Cathedral which are the top attractions in the city. Then, walk around Chester city walls which are one of the best-preserved in the UK. You will also love all black and white buildings which make Chester stands out among the other cities in the country.

Best cities to visit in Scotland

Edinburgh Scotland’s Capital

As mentioned, Edinburgh is Scotland’s flagship city. Whether you come to Scotland for a few days; you need to visit Edinburgh. It’s a city that has a certain charm and magic to it. Its beauty is the first thing that stands out with its majestic castles (especially Edinburgh Castle which looks over the city).

The incredible views on the climb to Arthur’s Seat, the stunning Holyrood Palace. From its magnificent art galleries and Fringe Festival to the outstanding music scene and its rich history Edinburgh is a must see when visiting the United Kingdom and easy to get to from London via train.

Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit, looking over the city from an extinct Volcano. It has such a fascinating past that should be explored. Visitors need to walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The stretch of cobblestone street takes you from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Castle and on the way explore the many tartan shops, great restaurants, bars and tea rooms.

Visiting St Giles Cathedral that’s situated behind Parliament Hall gives you a hint of what Old Edinburgh was like centuries ago. Edinburgh is a wonderful place that can be explored again and again.

Glasgow – a cultural powerhouse

Glasgow often gets forgotten about when talking about its sister city; Edinburgh. However, Glasgow is a must-visit when looking at staycations here in the UK. The city is the largest in Scotland and has some of the most breathtaking Victorian architecture and stand outbuildings created by renowned architect Charles Rennie Macintosh.

Added to this, Glasgow is the place to come for a real shopping experience outside London. From the swanky wide streets of Buchanan Street to the pop-up vintage stores in the West End, it has it all for keen shoppers.

Glasgow is also a friendly city. The slogan “People Make Glasgow” hits home when you visit. Also, the city is really easy to navigate with awesome hotels and other types of accommodation to stay in.

Inverness Capital of the Highlands

Capital of the Highlands and gateway to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Inverness has so much to offer. A small but vibrant city, there are so many things to do in Inverness. Inverness is the Capital of the Scottish Highlands and is often used as a gateway to stunning destinations like the North Coast 500 which is considered one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.

You can take in the Botanic Gardens, walk in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s footsteps at Culloden, shop at the Victorian Market and in the evening head to Hootananny – the ceilidh bar with live music and dancing.

A must see is Inverness castle looks may be deceiving, but Inverness Castle is an ancient castle and has stood on top of the hill since 11AD. The castle has endured many turbulent times and as with many castles has been rebuilt over the years, once after the first Jacobite rebellion and again 10 years later, which gives us the castle we see today.

The best cities in Wales you have to visit

Tenby: A Coastal Gem

Barbican gatehouse, St Mary’s Church dating back to the 15th century and the National Trust’s Tudor Merchant’s house, a popular tourist spot and the oldest standing building in Tenby. Aside from these, you can also visit the ruins of Tenby Castle and, if the tide is low, you could visit St Catherine’s Island with its 19th-century fortification, although the fort itself is closed to the public.

Cardiff the Nation’s Capital

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and the heart of the city was formed during the medieval period many traces from this time survive today, especially close to Cardiff castle. The castle dates from the 11th century when the Normans conquered Glamorgan. It was begun by William the Conqueror on his return from St David’s in Pembrokeshire, in 1081.

Cardiff Castle was originally built in wood. In the 12th century, Robert Consol, Duke of Gloucester, rebuilt it in stone. At this time, the Castle’s west and south walls were raised, building upon the ruined walls of the Roman fort.

What cities to visit in Northern Ireland

Belfast: Where Titanic History began

Clearly, Belfast has been phenomenally successful at bringing in visitors to the city through the history of the Titanic and of course the Game of Thrones phenomenon. However, there is much more to the city than these Belfast tourist attractions.

One of the top things to do in Belfast is to take a walking tour of the best tourist attractions in Belfast and these can be seen on free walking tours of the City along with Political Tours, Pub Crawl tours, and as they say in their own words “discover the city with local experienced and the best-looking guides in Ireland.” How can you pass up things that are free in Belfast?

Derry – a city of history and resilience

Derry is the second biggest city in Northern Ireland and is located in County Derry which borders Donegal and has close ties to the County. Its name Derry comes from the Irish word Daire which means oak forest. Derry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland. The old city which is walled is on the west bank of the Foyle River and is spanned by two bridges for vehicles and the pedestrian bridge named the Peace Bridge.

There is a lot to see and do in Londonderry Ireland; the city holds a lot of history from the ancient oak forests that were plundered by the British to the Troubles and Civil Rights marches and the best city walls in Ireland.

When visiting the UK, certain cities stand out as must-see destinations. London, the capital, is a global hub of culture and history, home to Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the West End. Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, enchants visitors with its medieval Old Town, the stunning Edinburgh Castle, and the annual Fringe Festival. Bath, in southwest England, is renowned for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, while Oxford and Cambridge offer a glimpse into the country’s prestigious academic heritage with their historic universities.

For a taste of modern vibrancy, Manchester and Liverpool are thriving cultural centers, known for their music scenes and industrial history. Each city offers a unique experience, making the UK a diverse and endlessly fascinating destination. Which cities are  you going to visit this year?