Very Best UK Cities to Visit
While the UK is famed more for its rolling green hills and rural countryside, it is also home to several very pretty cities. These cities have all captivated me with their beauty and charm. Whether it’s a majestic cathedral or charming streets, each one has something special that draws me in and makes me want to stay longer.
Ask any North American to name the first city that comes to mind when they think of England, they’ll, of course, say London. The city capital has more than its fair share of iconic landmarks and historical sites, but it steals the spotlight from other English cities and towns that are equally deserving of your time.
Traveling to a slightly more unknown city can be just as exciting as visiting the capital’s bustling metropolis. Here is a list of five cities that you must visit when you hope to experience the attractive side of architecture while in the cities of the United Kingdom.
1. York
Located in Yorkshire, the City of York is a walled city through which the River Ouse flows. It is a medieval city featuring architecture of Roman, Viking, and Norman influence, and this combination makes for a great array of visual delights when exploring.
Popular attractions include: York Minister, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals that is home to great treasures; Clifford’s Tower, a symbol of the might of England’s medieval kings, originally built by William the Conqueror to subdue the north; The Railway Museum, where you can learn about 300 years of rail history for free; Jorvik, an authentic recreation of a Viking village; and the York Dungeon, an exploration into the bloody history of this place of torture.
2. Edinburgh
When it comes to breathtaking views, Edinburgh is at the top of my list. This city has it all, from a hilltop castle to enchanting villages, and each time I visit, I discover a new hidden carriageway or secret alley that makes me fall even more in love with it.
The capital and pride of Scotland, Edinburgh is a truly beautiful city full of twisted, cobbled streets and grand architecture. JK Rowling was living in Edinburgh when she started the Harry Potter series and it is unsurprising to see such grand architecture and how much it must have been an influence upon her writing.
Also home to one of the best universities in the country, Edinburgh has an air of elegance and grandeur about it, unlike most other cities in the world. Attractions in Edinburgh include: Edinburgh Castle, the iconic fortress that dominates the city skyline, perched in prime position; Arthur’s Seat, the main peak in the Holyrood Park collection of hills that allows the best views of the city and surrounding landscape; Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch while in Scotland; The Scottish Whiskey Centre; and The National Museum of Scotland.
3. Cambridge
Famed as the home of one of the best universities in the world, Cambridge is a peaceful city of canals, green parks, cobbled streets, and grand architecture. Cambridge is one of the most beautiful university towns in the world. This city is one of the best in the UK because of its honey-colored stone and meandering river. Not to mention the breathtaking Gothic chapel interiors.
One of the best and most traditional ways to explore the city, is by guided punt tour, allowing you to see the city from the waterways. The punt is propelled using a long stick, pressed against the bottom of the canal.
As one of the most bike friendly cities in the UK, the city can even be explored on bicycle. Attractions in Cambridge include: The Fitzwilliam Museum, the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge with free entry; The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an Anglican church known locally as The Round Church; Anglesey Abbey, a country house, formerly a priory; and Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
4. Durham
Durham, another university city, is worth a visit for its cobblestone streets and magnificent cathedral. Its castle, which is steeped in history, is also a good place to get a peek into Britain’s past.
Despite its small size (population circa 90,000), Durham is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city itself is home to arched bridges, waterways, and elaborate stone constructions, all set atop hills, interspersed with greenery. The city itself has a small feel to it, allowing visitors to explore on foot and easily reach most places around the centre.
Attractions in Durham include: Finchale Priory (sometimes referred to as Finchale Abbey), a 13th-century Benedictine priory that is a Grade I listed building; Durham Castle, a Norman castle which has been occupied since 1840 by University College, Durham; Durham Cathedral, fully named The Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham; Lumley Castle; Lumley Indoor Market; and Riverside Ground, an international cricket stadium.
5. Truro
With less than 20,000 inhabitants, Truro is one of the smallest cities in the UK. It first grew as an important port trade center before being used heavily in trade by the mining industry.
Truro is another city filled with cobbled streets, open spaces, and Georgian architecture. Due to its tiny size, Truro offers a pleasant stroll through Cornish streets and as you are in Cornwall, you mustn’t forget to try both Cornish pasties and cream teas. Attractions in Truro include: Truro Cathedral, Truro Farmers’ Market; and the Hall for Cornwall, the main auditorium which hosts West End musicals, opera, ballet, and musical acts, as well as other entertainers.
These are five of my favorite cities in the UK, although I must admit that I have a soft spot for Truro as I lived there for a little bit. After growing up in the English countryside, cities have never been my favorite places, but for these special few, I make an exception. I hope that you enjoy each of them as much as I have.
What do you think is the most beautiful city in the UK? And why?