Many individuals who travel for leisure to top European holiday destinations often select the United Kingdom as their preferred choice.
Whether it is a short or long city break, some of these popular UK cities create the best summer hotspots with a diverse range of activities and top attractions or even the best UK beaches.
As travel restrictions start to ease and the UK plans to fully lift all social distancing measures by summer, it’s expected that a record number of families will plan vacations to the nation’s most beloved towns and cities.
Aside from London, the UK offers a plethora of exciting and equally captivating destinations for vacationers and tourists to explore, all of which are easily accessible via public transportation.
But which cities in the UK are the most recommended to visit? To assist in your summer travel planning, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top 10 cities to visit in the UK.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a vibrant and historic city that is perfect for a summer holiday. The city is home to a host of landmarks, such as Anfield and the Beatles’ childhood homes, as well as a wide range of museums and galleries.
Visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, or catch a show at the Echo Arena. Liverpool is also home to a wide range of festivals throughout the summer, including the Liverpool International Music Festival and the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament.
London
London is the perfect destination for a summer holiday, with plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Big Ben, as well as a host of world-class museums and galleries.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, catch a show in the West End, or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene and a wide range of dining options, making it the perfect destination for a summer break.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the best activities include:
- Taking a stroll along the beach and enjoying the sea views
- Visiting the Bournemouth Pier, where you can play arcade games and try your hand at fishing
- Exploring the Bournemouth Gardens, which offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Going on a boat tour to see the coastline from a different perspective
- Visiting the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, which features a diverse collection of art and artifacts.
Glasgow
Glasgow’s excellent museums and galleries are the most popular tourist destination, followed by outdoor activities and historic sites. Glasgow has great architecture. Although Edinburgh gets a lot of attention for its fascinating history, magnificent castle, and breathtaking scenery, don’t let that detract from your experience in Glasgow.
A great idea is to cycle to Pollok Country Park. The Hunting Museum is across the street and has special exhibits.
Cardiff
Cardiff, the charming capital of Wales, is a great place to start your exploration. A reminder of the city’s rich historical significance, the magnificent Cardiff Castle is one of the best-preserved castles. Other notable Welsh landmarks are easily accessible from Cardiff.
The majestic Brecon Lighthouse is one of the best (and closest) lighthouses, and although Snowdonia National Park is further north, it’s still worth a visit. Also noteworthy are the lovely chapel, the bell tower, and the elegant ballroom, famous for its rich artwork and frescoes.
Bristol
Bristol is a picturesque city that is perfect for a summer holiday. The city is home to a host of landmarks, such as Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Bristol Museum, as well as a wide range of museums and galleries.
Visitors can take a stroll along the harbour, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, or catch a show at the Bristol Old Vic. Bristol is also home to a wide range of festivals throughout the summer, including the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
Birmingham
Its diversity makes Birmingham one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant cities. Numerous historic structures and destinations can be found nearby, including the iconic Birmingham Library, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Family-friendly playgrounds and interactive exploration are also available at the Outdoor Science Park.
Manchester
Manchester served as the Revolution’s centre of gravity as the UK’s top producer of cotton and textiles. The distinction of being the first industrial city in the world belongs to Manchester. The excellent Opera House, which presents a range of musical and theatrical performances, and the thrilling Chill Factor—Britain’s longest and widest indoor ski slope—serve as two examples.
There are many places to shop, including the upscale stores in St. King Street, the Royal Exchange, St. Anne’s Square, and the sizable covered market halls of Bolton Arcade.
Edinburgh
This destination is a great city break for learning about Scottish heritage because it has a lot of historical charm. Edinburgh’s second castle, tiny museums on the Royal Mile, two National Trust sites, hidden gardens, hiking trails, mysterious tunnels, local markets, and even a beach are among these lesser-known attractions that make Edinburgh a desirable city to visit.
Southampton
In addition to being one of the most important ports in the UK, Southampton has a distinctive personality with a rich maritime heritage, a focus on water sports, sailing, and ocean racing, as well as being one of the most distinguishing features.
The SeaCity Museum celebrates Southampton’s residents, their heritage, and their connections to the sea. In addition, many people believe that Southampton’s Tudor House and Garden is its most important historical building.
You can rest assured that at these UK hotspots summer springs into life during the hot season. It is during this time of the year that the major cities in the UK will often be at their best. You’ll always find a distinctively unique atmosphere and plenty to see and do in each city, so make sure to plan your trip at the right time.
