Best UK Cities To Visit That Aren’t London (2025 Guide)
I might be a lifelong Londoner, but even I know that the UK has so much more to offer than just its capital city. Whether you are looking for somewhere to visit with an arty vibe or a historic location with origins in the Roman era, there is something for everyone.
So, have a look at this list of the best UK cities to visit outside of London.
Top Picks
Best For History – York
Best For Arts – Edinburgh
Best For Nightlife – Liverpool
York
York is one of the best cities to visit for history fans – it dates back to the Roman era, and also has a lot of Viking history attached to it. It’s a lovely city to spend a few days, with lots of independent shops, some great museums, and the stunning Gothic cathedral – York Minster.
Things To Do In York
- Visit York Minster
- Walk the city walls
- Explore the Shambles shopping street.
For more information about visiting York, have a look at my guide to one day in York, and what makes York worth visiting.
Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland is gorgeous, with the castle sitting high above the city centre, plenty of pubs, beautiful architecture and fantastic museums. It’s also famous for the Royal Mile – a series of streets between the castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
If you visit in August, you’ll be around for the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s a great city for arts and culture, with museums like the National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland. If you have time on your trip to head up to Scotland, Edinburgh is one of the best UK cities to visit.
Things To Do In Edinburgh
- Visit Edinburgh Castle
- Walk the Royal Mile
- Try some Scottish whisky in one of the many pubs.
For more ideas, have a look at my guide to one day in Edinburgh, and a comparison of Edinburgh and London. For more ideas on where to go in Scotland, I also have a list of the best places to go to in Scotland.
Brighton
Brighton is an English seaside city, known for its pebble beach and arty atmosphere. The Brighton Pavilion was once a palace and is now a visitor attraction famous for its unusual range of architectural and decorative styles. Brighton Pier is another popular tourist attraction full of arcade games and rides.
Things To Do In Brighton
- Walk along the seafront and pebble beach
- Explore Brighton Pavilion
- Go shopping at independent shops in The Lanes
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast is often overlooked, separated from the rest of the UK. Northern Ireland has had a difficult history, especially with regards to The Troubles – a conflict from the late 1960s to 1998, ending with the Good Friday Agreement.
Don’t let that history put you off Belfast – it’s a very friendly city that welcomes visitors and a very safe city to visit. It’s also famous for being the city where the ill-fated RMS Titanic was built. If you have time, fly across the Irish Sea to Belfast, one of the best UK cities to visit.
Things To Do In Belfast
- Visit Titanic Belfast, a museum on the site where the famous ship was built.
- Explore the Botanic Gardens
- Join a day trip to the famous Giant’s Causeway
Cardiff
The Welsh capital city showcases Welsh culture and history, with Cardiff Castle being one of the most popular attractions. The city also has many shopping arcades that date back to the Victoria and Edwardian eras.
The National Museum Cardiff has a large collection of artwork to explore. The Millennium Centre hosts a wide range of arts events, and the city also has a great live music scene.
Things To Do In Cardiff
- Explore Cardiff Castle and Bute Park
- See a performance at the Millennium Centre
- Visit National Museum Cardiff
Bath
Jane Austen is one of the most famous English-language writers, and most of her novels have at least some references to Bath. It’s another beautiful city, known for architecture such as the houses along the Royal Crescent.
Things To Do In Bath
- Visit the Roman baths, and discover why Bath has been considered a centre for health for hundreds of years.
- Visit the Jane Austen Centre, then have tea in the Pump Room
- Visit Bath Abbey, with its history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era.
Liverpool
This English city is famous for its music history, especially for being the place where the best-selling music group of all time was formed – The Beatles.
The Royal Albert Docks has been converted and is now an area full of bars and restaurants. The city also has a lot of street art that is worth looking out for.
Things To Do In Liverpool
- Visit The Royal Albert Dock, with its restaurants and museums, including the Tate Liverpool.
- See some live music at the Cavern Club (although I don’t recommend this for anyone with claustrophobia).
- Visit The Beatles Story Museum
Cambridge
This city is home to one of the world’s oldest and best universities. Cambridge University’s college buildings are dotted around the city, and many of the city’s prettiest buildings belong to the university, such as King’s College Chapel and Trinity College.
There are lots of independent cafes to enjoy, as well as museums to visit. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.
Things To Do In Cambridge
- Walk along the River Cam and go punting
- Join a walking tour around the city and colleges.
- Explore the shops in the Grand Arcade and Market Square.
Oxford
Another famous university city, Oxford is also full of lovely buildings, great museums and cool shops. It has many similarities with Cambridge – punting on the river, beautiful university buildings and museums, and walking tours run by university alumni.
They are both lovely to visit but if you are short on time pick whichever is more convenient and then move on to cities with a different atmosphere.
Things To Do In Oxford
- Visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Ashmolean Museum
- Explore the Covered Market
- Visit the Botanic Garden and other green spaces around the city.
Glasgow
Glasgow is another Scottish city, with a busy live music scene and plenty of options for visiting foodies, including two restaurants with a Michelin star.
The Burrell Collection is a fantastic option for art lovers, and the city also has walking tours run by people who have been affected by homelessness – Invisible Cities tours.
Things To Do In Glasgow
- Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery
- Take a day trip to Loch Ness to explore the Scottish Highlands
- Spend the evening at one of the city’s live music venues.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Transportation: The UK has excellent train services, connecting most of these cities. Consider buying a BritRail Pass for convenience.
- Accommodation: Many cities offer a mix of B&Bs, boutique hotels, and budget hostels. Booking early is key, especially for popular destinations.
- Must-Have Apps:
- Trainline (for transportation planning)
- OpenTable (for restaurant reservations)
- Google Maps (for city navigation)
Best UK Cities To Visit – Final Thoughts
Visiting the UK doesn’t have to mean staying in London—you’ll find as much charm and culture by exploring the UK’s lesser-known cities. So, next time you plan a trip to the UK, consider venturing beyond London.
Need help planning your itinerary? Join my free Facebook group for more ideas and assistance!
