The UK has some of the greatest cities in the world. From the scale, pace, and glamour of London to the leafy laid-back Brighton or the charm of Edinburgh’s old town, the UK is punctuated with bucket-list towns and cities.
However, their pull and popularity often mean queues, crowded streets, rammed public transport, and high prices. And while that’s to be expected when in some of the world’s greatest metropolises, sometimes it’s nice to have a low-key trip.
That’s why we recommend going a little off-piste from time to time, by taking a trip to some of the UK’s less-travelled towns and cities.
So, whether you’d like a slower pace, a niche insight into history, or just something a little different, here are eight of the UK’s most underrated towns and cities that make for a wonderful weekend away. And if you’re inspired to visit any of these destinations, you can browse hundreds of staycation holiday deals on our website.
1. Belfast
Chances are, Belfast will truly surprise you. There was a time when mention of the city would conjure images of unrest, rioting, and a sunken Titanic. But that was a long time ago, and since its troubled days, Belfast has undergone an incredible metamorphosis. Northern Ireland’s capital has transformed into a cosmopolitan, creative, welcoming, and fun city.
What were once its drawbacks are now not only in the distant past, but are commemorated in superb museums and tours that give visitors a fascinating – and at times sobering – look into Belfast’s history. Walking and taxi tours will give a great overview of The Troubles, and don’t miss Crumlin Road Gaol for a look at how the jail and its inmates are written into Belfast’s story.
The Titanic Museum is the unmissable Belfast experience, the Ulster Museum is wonderful, and City Hall is worth exploring. Outside of museums and tours, you also won’t want to miss the fabulous St.George’s Market, C.S Lewis Square, or the plethora of superb bars, cafes, and restaurants that make Belfast one of the UK’s liveliest and loveliest, if most underrated cities!
2. Chester
Renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls and, of course, the iconic Eastgate Clock, Chester feels like a step back in time.
With Liverpool and Manchester so close by, it can be a little neglected as a city break destination. But, for those who know, it’s a real jewel. The city has a rich Roman heritage with the amphitheatre and Roman Gardens offering a peek into the past and the city’s foundation as a Roman fort.
The distinctive black-and-white timbered buildings that line the Rows (a series of covered walkways) feel almost Disney-like. They’re filled with lovely shops and cafes for a sheltered and marvellously medieval shopping experience. While you’re there, try to find some of the remaining undercrofts (cellars or storage rooms), which have stood since the 13th century.
If you’re visiting Chester on a sunny day, you can also take in the serene beauty of the River Dee, where you can take a boat trip to see the city from a whole new perspective.
3. Norwich
Dubbed the ‘City of Stories’, Norwich is a charming, thriving, and incredibly underrated city with lots to offer those with a few days to spend. A blend of medieval and modern, heritage and hip, it’s a vibrant, romantic, and interesting place.
Norwich is the most intact medieval city in the UK, home to a magnificent Norman castle founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It also boasts a beautiful, golden 900-year-old cathedral and a wealth of other medieval architecture and features – including the imposing guildhall and lots of wonderfully preserved cobbled streets.
Within those cobbled streets lives a contemporary, energetic culture of independent entrepreneurs and small local businesses that make Norwich such a pleasure to visit. It’s a culture that perfectly encapsulates the city’s ‘underrated’ status – a plucky underdog independence that makes it feel truly different from the ‘copy and paste’ high streets of some of the UK’s most visited cities.
You’ll find fabulous dining and lots of wonderful bars and cafes to refresh and relax in when you’re not exploring everything Norwich has to offer, from the history to the high street.
4. Canterbury
Lovely bustling streets lined with higgledy-piggledy timber-framed architecture and a relaxed, happy atmosphere make Canterbury a real gem of a city, and a wonderful place to spend a few days.
At its heart is the famous cathedral, a gargantuan gothic structure that’s made Canterbury a major pilgrimage site for over a millennium. Perhaps that’s one reason it can be underrated as a city-break destination; its status as a pilgrimage destination somewhat overshadows its other attractions.
The truth is, Canterbury has far more aces up its sleeve than the cathedral, and though it’s certainly not to be missed, it’s one of a wealth of wonderful attractions and sites you’ll enjoy here. If religious heritage is your thing, you’ll want to visit St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church, both interesting remnants of early Christian history.
For those after a more contemporary Canterbury, there’s a thriving cultural scene, lively markets, and charming cafes, bars, and boutique shops that bring a fresh ambience to its ancient heritage. For cruisers, a trip along the river is just heavenly. For foodies, some exceptional restaurants showcase the very best of British produce. And if you want to use the city as a base, from which to discover the surrounding Kent countryside, you’ll be even more spoilt for choice.
5. Birmingham
Birmingham gets a bad rap that seems to be a rather unfair hangover from the 70s and 80s when the manufacturing industry collapsed and the ‘Workshop of the World’, like many industrial cities, fell into disrepair. No longer a ramshackle cityscape; today, Birmingham is thriving. The canals that were once busier than Venice’s – before being abandoned in the 1960s – have been revitalised, and are now lined with stylish cafes, bars, galleries, restaurants, and shops.
For history buffs, it’s a superb city to visit. The city’s story from the industrial age through to its decline, and the more recent rebirth of Birmingham is fascinating. You can immerse yourself in its history by visiting the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, the Coffin Works, Soho House, and the Museum of the Jewelry Quarter.
Much of the city’s brutalist architecture has been demolished, which is bad news for those who like the gritty industrial aesthetic. But there are some great examples of older industrial architecture in the Digbeth area (the Custard Factory is a stand-out) that have been beautifully refurbished into colourful, creative spaces.
6. Royal Leamington Spa
Just 30 minutes south of Birmingham by train, Royal Leamington Spa can be overshadowed by some of its bigger neighbours. It’s no mean feat, after all, to compete with Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespearian roots. But Leamington is a fabulous little town that easily enchants its visitors with elegant Regency architecture, peaceful parks, and provincial charm.
Don’t miss the Royal Pump Room Museum, a museum and gallery housed in a historic spa building that gives an interesting insight into the town’s rich spa heritage. On a fine day, you’ll love exploring the perfectly manicured Jephson Gardens, and we recommend a stroll (or you can rent a little boat and row if you like) along the River Leam to get a lovely sense of the town’s peaceful pace.
If it’s not such a fine day, why not treat yourself to lots of lovely cake on a cafe crawl and discover Leamington’s famously good cafe culture? Leamington is the type of town where you can have your cake and eat it too!
7. Glasgow
Edinburgh isn’t just the most visited city in Scotland but also one of the most visited in the UK and, beyond that, in Europe. Its popularity can position Scotland’s other major city Glasgow as something of an underdog, but those who choose Glasgow are in for a treat.
Like Birmingham, Glasgow has a reputational hangover from its slightly grubbier, economically downtrodden days. But, its revival has been strong, proud, and, today, it makes for a superb city break.
From the Burrell Collection and Botanical Gardens to the world-famous live music scene, Glasgow has an unbeatable and eclectic mix of things to see and do. Its biggest draw for many, however, seems to be its relentless energy.
The vibe, creativity, and friendliness of the city and its people are palpable; it’s written on walls in beautiful urban artwork and can be heard spilling out of pubs, clubs, and venues throughout the city. For many of Glasgow’s visitors, it’s the good time that sees them returning time and again.
8. Wells
Wells, in Somerset, might be England’s smallest city – yet its history and charm are anything but diminutive. Nestled on the southern slopes of the beautiful Mendip hills, Wells packs a much bigger punch than many would expect. There’s a good reason it’s been used as a filming location in movies and TV shows from Hot Fuzz through to Doctor Who and Poldark!
The beautiful Gothic cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens are real showstoppers, and well worth exploring, as is the very photogenic Vicar’s Close – said to be Europe’s oldest purely residential street. But it’s the marketplace where the city really comes to life. You’ll find a treasure trove of local crafts and artisanal produce here, as well as seeing the city’s spirit in action.
For those who love the outdoors, there are some fantastic walks to enjoy in the Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Final thoughts…
While the UK’s tourist hotspots are popular for good reasons, there’s a lot to be said for taking a different approach and visiting a city or town that doesn’t top the tourism charts.
Visiting one of the more underrated cities in the UK can mean easier navigation, a more laid-back look at British culture and history, and a taste of something a little different.
The UK is full of unsung heroes. So if you’re looking for a short break that won’t thrust you among throngs of tourists, all clamouring to see the sights and get their selfies, why not try one of these not-so-hidden gems?
For further reading, check out our article: 13 hidden gems to explore in the UK.
What’s your favourite underrated UK town or city? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.