The UK attracts more than 32 million international visitors a year thanks to its collection of unique attractions. One of the things that makes the UK stand out is that each of its cities has a distinct identity. Whether you live here or abroad, the UK’s cities are definitely worth visiting and here are six of them that you must visit.
This Scottish city is home to the Edinburgh Festival, a series of festivals and events that includes the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Together these make up the world’s largest arts festival, with over 1.8 million event tickets sold annually. It takes place in August and even when the festival isn’t on, the city is abuzz with activity thanks to its lively arts scene. Explore the medieval Old Town and the rich Georgian New Town, and be sure to discover the city’s many cultural attractions and vibrant arts scene.
Liverpool is known as the centre of Beatlemania, but there’s so much more the city has to offer. Visit the Albert Docks area, which played a key role in the city’s maritime history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be sure to discover the city’s lively bars and restaurants. A trip to the Tate Gallery is a must for art lovers and the International Slavery Museum offers a look at the shocking history of slavery.
Manchester is decidedly modern in character, with loads of attractions to discover and a lively arts and music scene. Visit the National Football Museum or go on a tour of Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. Some of the city’s other top attractions include the Museum of Science and Industry and The Lowry, an art gallery that celebrates the works of one of the UK’s best-loved artists.
The nation’s capital is one of the most popular cities in the world and is home to many iconic attractions, such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and The London Eye, to name a few. This city is always abuzz, with countless restaurants, cafes, bars, museums and galleries waiting to be discovered. To get around, hop on the Tube, catch a red London bus, or hire a car in London from DriveNow.
Newcastle is a lively and vibrant northern city that’s very well known for its very active nightlife. As well as bars, clubs, and restaurants, this city has its fair share of historical and cultural attractions, including the Arbeia Roman Fort Museum where you can learn all about the area’s history as a major Roman fort. The city is also a great base for exploring the many scenic areas of the North East.
The UK’s second largest city, Birmingham is a thoroughly modern place to visit. Here you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities, as well as lively arts and music scenes. The city is where George Cadbury started making his chocolates and it’s where the British motor industry started taking off. Explore a state-of-the-art library, scenic parks, picturesque canals, and the iconic Selfridges building.
As you can see, the UK’s cities are very diverse and each of them offers many unique attractions. Visit some of the UK’s top cities and discover more of what puts the ‘Great’ into Great Britain.
IMAGE: Manchester (Via Shutterstock.com)