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Staying closer to home and discovering just how beautiful and diverse the UK is can be very rewarding. From the dramatic highlands of Scotland to the white cliffs of the south coast, this country boasts some truly spectacular scenery – and our cities are just as magnificent.
While London gets most of the attention, it’s often the smaller, lesser-known cities that make the best city breaks. There’s something special about discovering a place you know very little about – and the smaller it is, the easier it is to explore on foot.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a gastronomic adventure, or a history-infused holiday, the UK has it all. For inspiration, here are 16 of the best UK city breaks.
If you’re looking to plan your next getaway, check out our holiday itinerary planner or find hundreds of UK staycation deals using the button below.
1. Glasgow
Though often eclipsed by Edinburgh, Scotland’s biggest city has so much to offer. Over the past few decades, Glasgow has evolved into one of the UK’s most unique cities, blending its down-to-earth working-class roots with sophisticated culture and stately Victorian architecture.
This is a city that’s honest and friendly, and when work wraps up, the pubs are filled with locals happy to have a chat over a pint. ‘People Make Glasgow’ is a popular expression here, and it’s absolutely true.
A must-visit attraction is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where you can admire over 8,000 treasures, with 22 galleries to explore. Then, you can stroll through the beautiful Kelvingrove Park.
Stubborn stereotypes suggesting that most Glaswegian cuisine is deep-fried should be put to bed as, these days, the city is filled with artisan bakeries, elegant eateries, and restaurants showcasing the best of world street food. Though if you’re looking to try the infamous deep-fried Mars bar, there are still plenty of places to do so!
2. Manchester
Diverse, energetic, and packed with character, Manchester is one of the liveliest UK cities. It has just as much to offer history and architecture enthusiasts as it does foodies or football fans.
Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is home to Britain’s first modern railway, the Ship Canal, and dozens of grand Victorian buildings. To learn about the city’s history, you can head to the Manchester Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, and the Science and Industry Museum. Sports fans may also wish to visit the National Football Museum.
The city centre is packed with restaurants and bars, and there are always exciting events and festivals happening. For example, Manchester is widely known for its vast Christmas markets!
Fans of Coronation Street might be interested in the soap opera’s official tour, and music lovers shouldn’t leave without attending a concert by the city’s historic symphony orchestra, The Hallé.
3. Belfast
Though once only known for its conflicted past and being the home of the Titanic, Belfast is another city that has recently undergone a remarkable transformation.
Today, Belfast is considered a bit of a party town, though the nightlife here isn’t just for students; the city boasts many excellent wine bars, cocktail clubs, jazz bars, and authentic Irish pubs. The food scene is thriving here, too, and from high-end tasting menus to creative fusion cooking, there’s something for every palate.
History is still an important part of Belfast’s identity, and if you’ve always been fascinated by the Titanic, you’ll love visiting the interactive Titanic Experience and the Titanic Quarter (the shipyards where the ill-fated liner was built in 1909).
Many walking tours will teach you about the Northern Ireland Conflict, and in the Cathedral Quarter, you can admire the vibrant and thought-provoking street art that brightens up the neighbourhood.
4. Norwich
Norwich has a lot going for it. Affluent, laid-back, and with more than 1,000 years of history, it’s the only English city that’s located inside a national park – the Norfolk Broads, where you can enjoy some peace and solitude.
But the city itself shouldn’t be overlooked, and history buffs will enjoy exploring the imposing Norman castle and medieval cathedral before losing themselves among the patchwork of narrow, winding alleyways. Don’t miss the Elm Hill neighbourhood, where there are plenty of magnificent Tudor buildings.
Small and easy-going, Norwich is a joy to explore. Visit the Victorian indoor market, discover independent shops bursting with unique treasures in the Royal Arcade, or head to the famous Norwich Market and browse hundreds of stalls for souvenirs.
Afterwards, you can head to the Plantation Garden and stroll amongst winding wooded paths and Italian-style terraces. The city is also known for its multitude of cosy pubs, so if you’re thirsty and in need of a rest, you won’t have to travel far for refreshment.
5. Edinburgh
Sprawled across a group of hills overlooking the sea, Edinburgh is a remarkable city, and its compact size makes it a perfect destination for a city break. Steeped in history and culture, you can spend days exploring and admiring its breathtaking views.
Walk up to Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, where you can gaze out at the city skyline, or give your legs a stretch and stroll up the steep path to Carlton Hill. For even more exercise, you can hire bikes and cycle along the Union Canal.
In the New Town (which is actually Georgian), you can admire neoclassical houses with pillars and pristine private gardens. Alternatively, in the medieval Old Town, you can wander along the Royal Mile, weaving your way in and out of cobbled streets and higgledy-piggledy buildings, and pick up some souvenirs in the independent shops.
Edinburgh Castle, home to the oldest crown jewels in the country, is also worth a visit to learn about some of the epic sieges and battles that happened here over the years. Try not to miss visiting the National Museum of Scotland, one of the world’s most visited museums and galleries.
6. York
York is another city with a compelling history – albeit a little less genteel and a bit more bloody than most on this list.
Walking through these ancient streets can make you feel as though you’ve returned to medieval England. You can also go back much further in time and learn about York’s Viking history with interactive experiences and tours at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
York Dungeon is another interesting way to uncover the city’s darker past, but if you’re more interested in art, York Art Gallery will keep you occupied for hours.
While there’s certainly much more to York than its past, history and heritage permeate from almost every brick. You can wander through the Shambles, one of the country’s prettiest and best-preserved medieval streets, and potter around in its cheerful cafés and eccentric boutiques.
The awe-inspiring York Minster is one of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in the world, and another must-visit attraction. If you’d prefer to see the city from a different perspective, you might like to sail down the River Ouse on a riverboat.
7. Oxford
Known as The City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford is one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, and another destination that’s an intriguing mix of ancient and modern.
Famous for its university, Oxford University dates back to the 11th century, and you can spend days exploring the university buildings. You can visit Christ Church College (which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films) and wander through the magnificent Bodleian Library. Then, why not brush up on your knowledge at the free Ashmolean Museum?
Wandering through Oxford’s streets, with their honey-hued colleges and eye-catching spires, can make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time – though Oxford is now also modern and cosmopolitan.
You can enjoy a lazy afternoon punting down the river, take a tour of The Oxford Artisan Distillery, or discover its enthralling literary history by browsing some of its many bookshops or doing a literary walking tour.
8. Liverpool
Known for being a heartland of arts, culture, and music, Liverpool is home to some of the country’s best museums and galleries – as well as some of the most beautiful buildings.
You can spend hours walking around the waterfront and Royal Albert Dock, admiring the UK’s biggest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in a single place and embracing the lively atmosphere.
At the Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool, you can appreciate modern art and learn about Liverpool’s pop culture and industrial history. You’ll also discover how this once dilapidated city centre has been transformed into one of the prettiest cities in the North.
And, of course, no visit to Liverpool is complete without a Beatles-related experience. You can visit The Beatles Story (the world’s largest permanent The Beatles exhibition) on the Albert Dock, or hop on the Magical Mystery Tour to discover the sights and sounds of the Beatles’ 1960s Liverpool.
9. Cardiff
Cardiff has only been the Welsh capital since 1955, yet it’s just as impressive as any other capital – and if you have an interest in castles, you’re in the right place.
Wales has more castles per square mile than any other European country, and the medieval Cardiff Castle is one of the very best. You can admire the Victorian Gothic design, intricate wood carvings, epic murals, and vividly coloured stained glass windows that run from wall to ceiling.
Cardiff is also one of the UK’s greenest cities, so if you fancy doing some cycling during your break, you can hire a bike and ride along the 55-mile Taff Trail that runs between Cardiff and Brecon.
The modern waterfront and marina are a pleasure to explore. And if you’d like to pick up some souvenirs, it’s worth heading to Hayes shopping district or wandering the winding corridors of the city’s indoor arcades. Here, you can browse vinyls at Spillers – the world’s oldest record store.
In the evenings, the city positively buzzes as locals and tourists flock to Cardiff’s many pubs, bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
10. Brighton
Arguably the liveliest and coolest seaside city in the UK, Brighton has been a popular staycation destination ever since the Prince Regent went swimming here in the 18th century. Today, Bohemian, hedonistic Brighton has something for everyone: sweeping pebble beaches, quaint independent shops, achingly cool restaurants, and one of the UK’s biggest gay scenes.
One of the city’s top attractions is the Indian-inspired Royal Pavilion, which was first built as a royal seaside retreat, and since then has cemented Brighton’s love for all things dramatic.
If you fancy shopping, you can wander through The Lanes, which was once a fishing port but is now home to quirky shops, restaurants, and galleries. Stroll along Palace Pier to play some arcade games or treat yourself to ice cream or candy floss. If you’re brave enough, you can also go for a swim in the chilly yet invigorating waters.
Foodies will be in their element here, too, as, alongside the obligatory fish and chip shops, Brighton is known for its vegan food scene and Michelin-star restaurants.
11. Swansea
Poet and writer Dylan Thomas once called his hometown of Swansea an “ugly, lovely town”. But just like so many cities on this list, Wales’ second largest city is in the midst of an exciting regeneration – and the dull, postwar centre is slowly emerging into a hothouse for Welsh art and culture.
On the high street, derelict buildings are being reinvented as vibrant hubs for theatre and the arts, and you can wander through excellent exhibitions at The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, before checking out the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Foodies will enjoy strolling through the Swansea Indoor Market (the largest indoor market in Wales). With more than 100 stalls, you can sample some of the tastiest local delicacies, including cockles and laverbread (a dish made from seaweed that was foraged on the North Gower shores).
And, of course, one of the main perks of a Swansea city break is visiting the five-mile beach, where you can swim, surf, or just relax on the golden sand. Plus, just a little further along is the sweeping Rhossili Bay, where you can take in the alluring Llangennith beach.
12. Canterbury
If you’re interested in history, Canterbury is an obvious choice for a city break. This is a city of Romans, royalty, knights, playwrights, pioneering pilgrims, and ancient architecture.
The city is perhaps best known for its World Heritage-listed cathedral. Arguably one of the finest in Europe, it contains more than 1,400 years of English history. You can spend hours exploring this holy building and visiting the site where Thomas Becket met his grisly end in 1170.
A sense of history pervades much of the city, from the narrow medieval alleyways to the imposing city walls. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales is one of this place’s famous exports.
But Canterbury is also modern, and its lively student population flocks to the many buzzing pubs, bars, and restaurants – making it the ideal juxtaposition of new and old.
13. Bristol
From the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol is a city steeped in history. But it’s also known worldwide for its passionate counterculture and creative, independent spirit.
You can admire colourful street art, including murals by one of Bristol’s most famous exports – the elusive Banksy – on one of the city’s many street art walking tours. Then, why not give your feet a rest as you relax in a trendy bar?
For one of the best views of the suspension bridge, climb up to the Clifton Observatory in Clifton Village and take in the breathtaking vista from St Vincent’s Rocks. Afterwards, you can explore this leafy, elegant neighbourhood’s independent shops and enjoy some top-notch food in one of its excellent restaurants and pubs.
Bristol is a city with an unmistakable identity, and one of the best ways to discover its unique character is to sit and people-watch – particularly along Gloucester Road and in the Stokes Croft neighbourhood.
At the M Shed museum, you can learn how Bristol’s past has influenced its present, and explore its historic docks to dine in one of the many restaurants in the hip Wapping Wharf. Bristol also has some of the country’s best small breweries, so if you get thirsty, there are always plenty of local brews to try.
14. Birmingham
Thanks to years of renewal and regeneration, Birmingham, Britain’s second-largest city, is experiencing something of a renaissance, making it a great city to explore.
The industrial centre has been transformed into a dynamic cultural hub, complete with a state-of-the-art library, a modern shopping centre, and perfectly restored Victorian buildings. To explore the city’s history, you can follow the Heritage Trail, which takes you past many of Birmingham’s most fascinating places – including Victoria Square, Bennett’s Hill, and the medieval Bull Ring.
Birmingham’s huge network of canals and waterways is ideal for both walking and cycling, and if you need refreshment, there are many restaurants and pubs along the way.
Visit the Jewellery Quarter to check out the quirky shops, cafés, and soak up the city’s lively street life – then wander through trendy Digbeth to visit the famous Custard Factory. Plus, thanks to its multicultural heritage, Birmingham is also one of the best places in the country for curry.
15. Newcastle
Merging industrial grit with Victorian charm, Newcastle remains rooted in tradition, yet its large and energetic student population keeps this city vibrant and contemporary.
While The Quayside was once filled with steamships and coal workers, it’s now a sophisticated urban area and a hub of arts and culture. Perfect for riverside walks or cycles, The Quayside is also one of the city’s best places to enjoy some food and drinks – or a night out ‘on the toon’, as the locals say.
If you’re looking to discover another great example of Newcastle’s resurgence, head to Ouseburn: an area that was once one of the most neglected parts of the city. The former home of a bleach factory and whaling dock, Ouseburn is now a hip and happening neighbourhood where you can browse bookstores and music shops, then eat your way through the many bars and restaurants.
There are also several fascinating art galleries and a beautiful concert hall where you can enjoy a show. And, to learn about the city’s history, you can visit Newcastle Castle or one of the many museums.
16. Bath
With its Roman ruins, splendid Georgian architecture, historic abbey, and of course, thermal spas, Bath is an obvious choice for a city break – particularly because it’s compact and easy to explore on foot.
But, while it might be known for its history, Bath is evolving, and these days it has much more to offer than you might think.
Last year, Bath was crowned as Condé Nast’s best city in the UK. It’s also recently emerged as one of the UK’s best places for an active city break, as you can explore along riverside cycle paths, or follow this National Trust walk that encircles the city.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Holburne Museum, which houses a growing collection of fine art, and the Victoria Art Gallery, where you can admire a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures.
Bath’s connection to Jane Austen means fans won’t have to go far to discover more about the author. Lovers of great literature may also like to visit the dark and gothic Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein.
A trip to Bath isn’t complete without a soak in Thermae Bath Spa, and after an indulgent pamper session, you can discover just how excellent this city’s modern food scene is. From tapas and street food to supper clubs and veggie menus, there’s something for everyone here.
Final thoughts…
Whatever type of city break you’re after, the UK has something for everyone.
History buffs can admire ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles in cities like Bath, York, and Canterbury. Culture enthusiasts can discover new art and music in artistic hubs like Liverpool, Swansea, and Newcastle. And those who just fancy wandering through vibrant, cool neighbourhoods will be spoilt for choice in cities like Bristol, Glasgow, and Norwich.
While going abroad is exciting, there’s something special about staying closer to home and, maybe for the first time, learning just how much the UK has to offer.
Check out our travel section for further ideas and inspiration. Or, use the button below to see our top UK travel deals.
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