Besides breathtaking landscapes, impressive buildings and an incomparable culture, Great Britain also offers a variety of cities that are wonderfully suitable for a city trip. Each of them has its own unique charm.
If you have never been to the metropolis of London, you should definitely put it on your bucket list. Historical sights as well as trendy districts, lively markets and modern art galleries await you in this cosmopolitan city. Would you rather follow in the footsteps of the Beatles? Then Liverpool is the destination of your choice.
On a trip through Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow must not be missing on your route, because here you can immerse yourself in a moving and interesting history, enjoy wonderful views and taste good Scotch whisky. Not to forget the Welsh port city of Cardiff with its castles worth seeing and a small harbor that invites you to take a walk.
Let us inspire you with our list of the 27 best cities to visit in Great Britain.
27. London
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is not only the cultural and economic center of the British Isles, but also one of the largest cities in Europe. This supremacy on the old continent is to be interpreted in several respects; on the one hand, of course, in the sheer number of inhabitants, but on the other hand also in the enormous number of tourists who annually marvel at Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace and the like. The transfer is provided by the London Metro system, also called Tube, whose announcements are now as well known as the subway itself.
London has an incomparable density of classic sights. But where there is growth, there is always progress. The contrast between modernity and history is apparent from the very first meters of a stroll through London. World-famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London stand in contrast to the London Eye, which was the world’s largest Ferris wheel until early 2004. Ultimately, however, it is the royals and their monumental testimonies that unite tourists from all over the world and locals in spirit; from the changing of the guard in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace to the Albert Memorial in Kensington Park, London is enlivened by the presence of the royal family at any time of day.
26. Bath
In the county of Somerset, in the southwest of England, lies the charming UNESCO city of Bath. This is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the country and already the Romans knew how to appreciate the mild climate and the hot springs on the banks of the Avon almost 2,000 years ago. The thermal baths built around the springs, the legacy of the Roman occupation, still exist today.
In the 18th century, Bath developed into a meeting place for fine society and experienced a heyday as a spa town. The many magnificent Georgian buildings in the heart of the city bear witness to this heyday. And also the interior of Bath Abbey impresses its visitors again and again.
Immerse yourself in this breathtaking city full of museums, galleries and restaurants. Enjoy festivals, theater and music throughout the year. The many cozy alleys are also a true paradise for shopaholics.
25. Brighton
Located in the county of Sussex, Brighton has a long tradition as a seaside resort. After centuries in which the city’s fortunes were not particularly good, things took a turn for the better in the 18th century, when the Crown Prince and later King George IV began to stay here regularly. He made a lasting impression on the city, especially when he eventually commissioned the construction of the Royal Pavilion. Inspired by the architecture of the Far East and Asia, the building’s exterior, with its striking domes, minarets and scrollwork, is reminiscent of the palaces of India. The interior was designed primarily in the Chinese style, and the pieces of furniture and artwork reveal the fascination at the time with the colonies of the British Empire.
Thus, through George IV, the annual summer stay in Brighton became fashionable not only among the British upper class, but soon became popular among the wealthy class of the bourgeoisie, changing and promoting the city. The cityscape today is characterized by 19th century architecture and town planning with impressive villas, town houses and squares. Some of these houses can be visited today, such as the two houses located in Hove Regency Town House and the Preston Manor or Stanmer House with its park, located only 10 minutes from the center of Brighton.
In addition to modern shopping streets, the old fishing district The Lanes with its small winding streets invites visitors to stroll and there are street cafes, bars, restaurants and many small stores waiting for visitors. In addition, Brighton has a distinctive arts and culture scene. Every year, numerous festivals take place, of which the Brighton Festival is even the largest cultural festival in England.
24. Canterbury
Canterbury is the cradle of English Christianity and has been the spiritual center of the kingdom since the Middle Ages. Canterbury Cathedral, the oldest church in the country, is located here. The cathedral is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also the mother church of over 70 million Anglicans worldwide. Since Henry VIII broke with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been the head of the Anglican Church. He alone has the right to crown monarchs and thus legitimize their claim to rule.
The cathedral, which along with Westminster Abbey in London is considered the most beautiful sacred building in Britain, has been part of many historical events. It has witnessed the murder of an archbishop, has been the penitential site of a monarch, and is the burial place of saints and monarchs. In 1986, Margaret Thatcher and François Mitterrand signed the contract to build the Eurotunnel here. Despite its turbulent history and medieval center, Canterbury is also a modern city with young and cosmopolitan residents, including many students. Approximately 2.5 million visitors flock to Canterbury each year.
23. Bristol
Bristol is the largest city in the south of England after London – a trendy metropolis with a great cultural offer and a booming economy. Although the city is little known internationally, a city break to Bristol is worthwhile. The city is very popular among the English and offers a high standard of living.
In the past, the port was the pulse of the city. From here the merchant ships set out for Spain, France, North America, Africa or Asia. John Cabot also set sail from Bristol in 1497, heading for North America. Bristol was part of the infamous “Atlantic Triangle Trade.” Ships set sail from Bristol with cheap fripperies. This was sold in Africa, where captured natives also boarded, later sold as slaves in North America and the Caribbean. The ships eventually returned to Bristol with sugar, rum and other precious goods, increasing the wealth of the merchants.
At the beginning of the 18th century, Bristol was the most important port city in Great Britain, next to London. Even after the slave trade was banned, the city maintained its position as a center of commerce – first with shipbuilding and heavy industry, and today with microelectronics, Rolls-Roys engines and services. Bristol has an excellent university and is considered a high-tech location.
The neo-Gothic Old Station building was inaugurated in 1840 and is the oldest major railway station in the world. Its builder was Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Britain’s most distinguished engineer. A section of the station houses the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum.
Bristol’s biggest attraction is the 4km long Floating Harbour, which has been lavishly restored into an attractive promenade in recent years.
22. Birmingham
England’s second largest city has long struggled with its reputation as a gray industrial city, but in recent years it has made great efforts to get rid of it. Serious planning errors and building sins of the post-war period were eliminated by large-scale demolitions and have made Birmingham interesting for city trips.
The city center has been almost completely renewed and now attracts visitors with chic shopping areas, a redeveloped canal bank and many sights. A particular highlight is the Selfridges department store with its bold architecture. Birmingham has not only undergone a major architectural transformation. It now also offers many cultural opportunities, such as concerts by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Today, 1 million metropolis distinguishes itself with culture, nightlife, shopping and a gastronomy with Asian and Indian influences. As a result, Birmingham now attracts the most foreign visitors after London.
21. Edinburgh
The City of Seven Hills, as Scotland’s historic capital is also known, attracts nearly half a million visitors to the Edinburgh Festival every year. For four weeks from the beginning of August, Edinburgh offers a series of events such as International Festival, Military Tattoo and Burns Night. The fire festival for the Beltane celebrations takes place on the night of April 30 city and has its roots in the pagan Druid culture. The Old Town and New Town districts have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Edinburgh is an ancient city whose roots date back to the Bronze Age. Today, Edinburgh attracts one million visitors every year, ranking second only to London on the list of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations.
Edinburgh’s most prominent landmark is Edinburgh Castle, which rises high above the city. The Scottish Parliament, reopened in 1999, features unusual architecture. Directly opposite is the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the official residence of the British royal family in Scotland, the counterpart to Buckingham Palace. The shopping mile Princes Street forms the border to the New Town. Between it and Edinburgh Castle are the Princes Street Gardens, a public park of more than fifteen hectares in size.
20. Belfast
Belfast, steeped in history, is the capital of Northern Ireland and, despite earlier political unrest, is once again a thriving metropolis. The Northern Irish city at the mouth of the River Lagan can look back on a long history and has many sights to offer. In addition, it has been an important industrial location since the end of the 17th century. Not least, shipbuilding made Belfast world famous. In 1912, the legendary Titanic was launched in Belfast harbor.
Queen’s University, founded in 1845, attracts many visitors with its architecture, some of which dates back to the Tudor period. Queen’s University is one of the best universities in Europe and has room for around 25,000 students. Today, the university forms the center of the Queen’s Quarter and the center of the campus is located near the city center. Other highlights in Belfast include St. Anne’s Cathedral. This cathedral was built between 1899 and 1932 and was destroyed by the Belfast Blitz just nine years later. However, the building was completely rebuilt in the following years.
The Obel Tower is also literally one of the biggest sights in the city of Belfast. The 80.5 meter high structure can be seen from a great distance in front of the Belfast skyline. Last but not least, Belfast Castle on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park is extremely worth seeing. Belfast Castle is not only an exceptionally beautiful vantage point, but also a historically significant site. As early as the late 12th century, a castle was built in Belfast by the Normans.
19. Cardiff
The Welsh city of Cardiff in Great Britain is the largest in Wales, thanks to its population of almost 319,000. The city is located on the river Severn, the longest in the whole of Great Britain, and was founded by the Normans in 1003.
Cardiff only really grew during industrialization, when coal was mined here. It is to this mining that Cardiff owes Tiger Bay, the notorious city harbor, through which the coal was transported at that time.
The harbor district Tiger Bay was thoroughly redeveloped a few years ago and was also given a new name, Cardiff Bay, during the reconstruction phase. Today, Cardiff Bay is one of the outstanding sights of Cardiff.
On the long stretched area, which covers a size of 1100 hectares of land, are now among other things the Mermaid Quay with dozens of excellent restaurants, stores and cafes, the government building Senedd, the opera, an open amphitheater, which was named after Roald Dahl, just near the Norwegian Church.
Cardiff Castle, now owned by the city of Cardiff is a popular tourist destination, here are concerts, but also sporting events. But also the interior is worth seeing, be it the magnificently designed fireplaces, the magnificent ceiling paintings or the regimental museum. The earliest foundation walls of Cardiff Castle date back to the time of the Roman occupation. The castle was built in the early Middle Ages, and over the years has been transformed by changing owners into a Victorian mansion.
18. Dundee
The Scottish city of Dundee has about 148,000 inhabitants and is the fourth largest city in the country on the Firth of Tay.
Dundee has a size of 67 km² and can rightly be called an ancient city. Already in the Iron Age there was a so-called Pictish settlement here, which was inhabited by the people of the Picts. Since the Picts lived in the Roman times, the Scottish philosopher Hector Boece writes that the name of the Pictish settlement was Alec-tum, which is translated as “pretty place”.
In 1303 the place was already called Dundee – a name from Gaelic – and was destroyed by the English. Fishing has always been the main occupation of the Scots in Dundee, so in 1756 the place had one of the largest whaling fleets. Later the place was industrialized and lived on the jute industry. Jute from India was prepared with whale oil and processed into solid fabrics. From it, among other things, bags or carpets were made.
Today Dundee no longer lives from whaling or fishing. The place has a university, has large shopping and entertainment centers and from the jam from Dundee. A lot of fruit is grown around the city, so there is a notable canning industry here.
Sights include the volcanic cone Dundee Law, St. Mary’s Tower or the former church tower Old Steeple. A beautiful city center, a golf museum, an art gallery or the museum ship RRS Discovery provide entertainment for visitors to the city.
17. Iverness
In the Scottish Highlands, the city of Inverness is a popular vacation destination. Inverness confidently calls itself the capital of the Highlands and is one of the British cities that is growing fastest in terms of immigration of young people. Tourism plays an important role in the city. The metropolis in Scotland is steeped in history. In Inverness Castle, one of the tourist attractions, Macbeth reigned as Scottish king in the 11th century. Today’s 19th century castle was designed as a representative building.
Due to its strategic location, the place and the region became famous for numerous historical battles of the Scottish clans. Today the biggest attraction of the vacation region around Inverness is the freshwater lake Loch Ness in the Great Clan. To this day, tourists are forgiven for looking for the Loch Ness sea monster. The so-called Nessi tourism is at home in the town of Drumnadrochit on the west coast of Loch Ness, from which the nearby Inverness also benefits touristically. Inverness itself offers some historic monuments like the Inverness St. Andrew’s Cathredral. The traditional city center lies along streets such as Academy Street with its indoor market. For shopping in the center, there is the Victorian Market with some stores in the center.
16. Exeter
Exeter is one of the oldest cities in Great Britain. More than 2000 years ago, the Romans built a settlement here and surrounded it with a wide rampart. A good three quarters of it are still preserved. Within the old city wall lies today the lively center of Exeter, with commercial and business districts as well as shopping streets.
A special sight is the old cathedral in the heart of the city. With two Norman towers, a 14th century west front and Gothic vaulting, it is an impressive monument to Exeter’s eventful history. The 15th century Guildhall is considered the oldest town hall in England. Also worth seeing are the old customs house and the weavers’ guild house, as well as Mol’s Coffee House, which was already popular with Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh.
To the west of Exeter lies Dartmoor, a wild marshland with forests and mountains. In the surrounding area and on the Devon coast, which is only 15 kilometers away, many charming places invite you to visit. A highlight of the year is the Exeter Festival in July, when international artists present a colorful potpourri of cultures.
15. Sheffield
The city of Sheffield with its about 563.000 inhabitants is one of the largest cities in England and is located in the English county of South Yorkshire. The city became known worldwide for its famous steel industry, which also gave it the name Steel City. Many of the old industrial sites have been converted into interesting exhibitions and impressive museums in modern times. The industrial past and the Peak District National Park make Sheffield an interesting destination for nature and history enthusiasts.
In the past, the city was considered the most important metropolis of the steel industry. Those interested in industrial culture can admire interesting exhibitions in numerous museums and former workshops. The Kelham Island Museum offers historical insights with its various exhibits and tool collections. The River Don Engine is one of the most important exhibits and is the most powerful steam engine in Europe. The Little Mesters workshops provide an opportunity to observe the craft tradition and the Millennium Gallery also offers a glimpse of Sheffield’s craftsmanship with over 13000 exhibits.
Major religious sites include Attercliffe Chapel, Sheffield Cathedral and Beauchief Abbey. The old town hall and the ruins of Sheffield Castle are also worth a visit. The oldest building in Sheffield is the Bishops’ House, which is a half-timbered house from the 15th century and is currently used as a museum with numerous exhibits.
14. Newcastle
Newcastle Upon Tyne is a modern city. Nevertheless, it has a lot of history and culture to offer. The most beautiful sights of the city should not be missed on a trip to Newcastle Upon Tyne.
The Port of Newcastle, also known as the Port of Tyne, is the only cruise port on the east side of England. It is located between Harwich and Leih on the River Tyne. Although Newcastle is a rather modern city, its history dates back to Roman times. However, buildings from the time of the Industrial Revolution dominate the cityscape. At that time, the city was a center of the mining industry. It exported coal from the surrounding countryside. To this day, Newcastle is still an important urban center in northeast England.
Most of the important buildings in the city were built with money from the Industrial Revolution period. However, it did not stop at mining. In the 19th century, heavy industry increasingly settled in the city. Ships were built and by 1900 Newcastle had its own tramway. It was also around this time that the city’s first art gallery was founded. The Laing Art Gallery. And until today the fine arts are well represented in Newcastle. As a tourist, you can visit world-class galleries and museums here. Among the most important sights are the Shipley Art Gallery, Castle Keep and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
13. Dover
Dover is a coastal town located in the southeast of England on the English Channel. Only about 34 kilometers separates Dover from Calais in France. You can get to Dover by ferry across the English Channel. You will be greeted by a breathtaking view of unique chalk cliffs. Besides a beautiful nature and the typical English weather, there are also some exciting sights to discover in Dover.
Due to the short distance to the European mainland, Dover can look back on a long history. An important strategic building was the “Dover Castle”, which still inspires small and big explorers. Here you get an insight into the exciting history of several centuries. For technology enthusiasts, the Dover Transport Museum is just right. Here you will find a large exhibition of old English means of transport. Dover is a town very rich in history. Especially worth seeing for adults and young people who want to learn more about the 2nd World War is the Fan Bay Deep Shelter. You can get through the tunnel with a tour guide who will give you interesting historical background. More great historical aspects await you at the free and very authentic St. Margaret’s Museum.
The chalk cliffs, the landmark of Dover are definitely worth a trip. Here you can take beautiful walks and unwind. Dover is also famous for its gardening. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to visit some of the fascinating parks, where there are many exciting vegetations to discover due to influences from all over the world.
12. Cambridge
If you travel to England on vacation, then many holidaymakers are also drawn to Cambridge. The famous University City has its name because it was built in the east of England on the river Cam. Historical traces of the city of Cambridge can be traced back to the year 1000 BC, because already in the late Bronze Age there are said to have been the first settlements here. An important historical era is the 13th century, when the first universities were established in this city. Today Cambridge has about 100000 inhabitants and more than 20000 students.
The University City in the east of England is considered as a place of excellent education for many upcoming leaders and is always in great competition with the other famous English university city of Oxford, but even Nobel Prize winners have produced this city with its many famous educational institutions. Thus, the 31 colleges of the city can be found on the east bank of the Cam and those who want to give their children a good education in England know the names Trinity, Kings College or St. Johns. But in a city like this, the vacationer feels almost transported back to the Middle Ages, because even if Cambridge is a modern city today, the architectural witnesses can be seen everywhere.
Of course, vacationers would like to visit the colleges, because today they are still located in these wonderful old buildings, which every architecture fan would like to look at inside. This city offers so many enchanting motifs through the many impressive buildings that you should take plenty of time for a walk through the city.
11. Chester
With its cobbled streets, high city walls and double-stacked stores, Chester offers a unique atmosphere: stroll through the streets where Roman legionaries marched. Visit breathtaking ancient sites such as Chester Castle or the Old Dee Bridge and experience traditional English Tea Time in one of the countless small cafes on the High Street.
But beware: according to legends, Chester is one of England’s Most Haunted Cities!
Chester has an exciting history. In the Roman Empire, the outpost defended the empire against the Celts, who lived in what is now Wales. After the Romans came the Anglo-Saxons, who further expanded the defenses, which was later – in the 11th century – continued by the Normans.
If you take a short walk through Chester’s streets, you will quickly find plenty of traces of the ancient Romans: The city wall is one of the most completely preserved in Britain and surrounded the Roman fort. At the top of the city wall you can admire the 1,000-year-old Chester Castle, built by the Normans in the 11th century.
The amphitheater and the Roman gardens, which are located southeast of the city wall, also emphasize the Roman flair that makes the city so charming.
10. Aberdeen
Aberdeen, Scotland’s third-largest city after Glasgow and Edinburgh with a population of about 210,000, is located at the mouths of the rivers Dee and Don in the North Sea. The tradition-rich commercial and University City is the economic, cultural and administrative center of northern Scotland. In connection with the extraction of the rich oil deposits discovered off the east coast of Scotland and the processing of the oil, Aberdeen has developed into the “oil capital of Europe” and a British boomtown in recent decades.
The new prosperity of the city is also reflected in the cityscape. In addition to buildings constructed of granite, the traditional building material of the area, which has earned Aberdeen the nickname “Silver City” because of its gray-silver color, numerous ultra-modern office and residential buildings stand out, but they have not fundamentally changed the urban character of the city. The city center around the main shopping streets of Union Street, King Street and George Street is still characterized by the 19th century concept of Victorian representative architecture. However, Aberdeen is also home to numerous architectural landmarks from earlier periods of the city’s history.
Among the city’s most prominent buildings is the second largest granite building in the world after Spain’s Escorial: Marischal College on Union Street.
Aberdeen’s most important religious building is St. Machar’s Cathedral, located north of the city center.
Aberdeen’s cultural scene is defined not only by the prestigious local theater and music venues, but also by the lively pub and cabaret scene in the student district of Old Aberdeen.
9. Leeds
Leeds is a major city in the north of England. Most visitors are in transit from or to Scotland. However, Leeds offers more than just a transit stop, especially the location with a temperate climate and less rainfall than in the south of England makes Leeds quite a travel alternative. Leeds is a city with history, especially in early modern times it was an important industrial city and this has been reflected in the cityscape.
Leeds has a long history. It is located in the county of West Yorkshire, just under 280 kilometers north of London and has 450,000 inhabitants. In 730 the city was mentioned for the first time and has undergone a great structural change, especially during the Industrial Revolution. The city became prosperous due to the industry that settled there. Leeds is located in the north of England, not far from the border with Scotland. The climate is temperate and the landscape is already characterized by the typical grasslands of its northern neighbor. Forests are nevertheless present in the surrounding area. Although an industrial city, the town has a lot of greenery.
Leeds is especially known for its interesting architecture, which dates back to the Industrial Revolution. The Leeds City Hall is an example of this style. Only the ruins of an old monastery, Kirkstall Abbey (12th century), and a 16th century stately home in Tudor style, Temple Hawsam, survive from the older period of Leeds. A special attraction is the city park, which is one of the largest inner-city parks in Europe.
8. Manchester
Manchester is located in the northwest of England and is often referred to as the capital of the north. Like Bradford and Leeds, Manchester was a stronghold of the textile industry in the 19th century, becoming one of the richest cities in Britain. Since the 1990s, Manchester, with a population of about half a million, has focused on service sectors, especially cultural tourism.
The metropolis is world-famous for its two soccer clubs, United and City, and has developed into an attractive and bustling cultural and trendy city. Many urban development measures with modern buildings and squares have definitely changed the cityscape of Manchester in a positive way. The European Union awarded Manchester as a major city that has managed the structural change best. In the soccer stronghold you can find many museums and galleries. Manchester has many restaurants, bars and pubs to offer and is known for its nightlife. Like Birmingham, the metropolis has also positioned itself as a shopping stronghold. East of the center is Chinatown, one of the largest Asian neighborhoods in the United Kingdom. There is also an Indian quarter.
Manchester is an interesting metropolis between industrial tradition and modernity. One can find a mix of Victorian splendor and modern buildings in the city center. Among the sights are the City Hall or Manchester Cathedral in Gothic styles. The metropolis has a lot of culture to offer, such as numerous museums and galleries. The most famous gallery is the Manchester Art Gallery, which exhibits European paintings.
7. Nottingham
A typical English city with its own national hero that is Nottingham. He stands life-size in the market square, equipped with bow and arrow and made of bronze. Nottingham is very British and has been named the Capital of Culture several times. Because of its many stores, it is popularly known as the “shopping capital.” If you want to get to know a classic city in England, this is the right place.
The Vikings founded the settlement as early as the 9th century, which was simply called Snottingham after its chief Snot and later changed its name to Nottingham, to the delight of all the inhabitants. They built an underground cave system, that is, a city under the city, which is still partially preserved and can be visited with a guide. The first king in Britain built a castle on a 40m high rock in 1068, and the city of Nottingham grew around it.
In the Middle Ages, the legend of Robin Hood was born, who is still today a synonym of justice and became the visiting card of the city. Every year a festival is held in his honor, which lasts a whole week, with many theatrical performances and beautiful costumes. In the streets, supporters celebrate with national dishes and drinks.
The oldest pub in England is a must-see for visitors to Nottingham. It is the “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem”, which was already known to the Crusaders in the 12th century. They stopped here on their way to Jerusalem. Also worth seeing is the Costume Museum with its Renaissance lace, precious lace trimmings and embroidered wall hangings from several centuries.
6. Oxford
The famous university city of Oxford fascinates with impressive architecture and the intellectual flair of its elite university, Oxford University. Numerous notable celebrities lived and studied in Oxford over the past centuries, which adds to the character of the city. The sights of the city include the architectural development of several centuries. The Anglo-Saxon and Norman buildings are fascinating, as is the Gothic bell tower of Magdalen College. Neoclassical, Baroque and Neo-Gothic buildings make the harmonious mix of styles perfect and the cityscape a particularly attractive setting.
Many celebrities such as Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199), who was King of England from 1189 to 1199, and astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (1942-2018) were born in Oxford. Among the most famous residents are the writer J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) and the actress Emma Watson.
Today, Oxford is the capital of the county of Oxfordshire, with a population of about 160,000. Within the county it forms an independent district. Like London, which is only 90 km away, it lies on the Thames. It is famous for being the seat of the elite Oxford University, which is rich in tradition. Oxford Brookes University is also located here.
The city is full of parks and botanical gardens, some of which belong to the universities and support and cultivate a great wealth of plant and animal species. Overall, Oxford is located in the county of Oxfordshire in a green and natural region. It is not too far to the southern English coast and the lochs of Scotland, which makes the city of Oxford located in a beautiful area and invites you to hikes and extensive walks.
5. Bradford
The English metropolis of Bradford is located in the county of West Yorkshire and brought it from the mid-19th century through the wool processing and the growing textile industry to prosperity. Today, about half a million people live in the metropolitan region. Bradford is a multicultural city with a high proportion of Asians and Muslims. The metropolis has the highest proportion of Pakistanis in the UK and is known as the curry capital of England.
Bradford is known in the UK for its numerous industrial monuments from the heyday of the textile industry. The suburb of Saltaire, with its typical workers’ housing estate, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the center you can find many magnificent buildings from the Victorian era. A special building is the cathedral with Gothic architecture from the 15th century when Bradford first became known as an up-and-coming trading city. Both Bradford and nearby Leeds were strongholds of industry in the heart of England. By the mid-19th century, Bradford was home to some 120 factories that processed worsted wool, among other products.
The city center of Bradford is still characterized by Victorian splendor buildings, because the city was not damaged in World War II. Among the special buildings from the Victorian era is the city hall in neo-Gothic style. There are three important museums, such as the Industrial Museum or the Cartwright Art Gallery.
4. Liverpool
For Beatles fans, Liverpool is not just a destination, but a place of pilgrimage, because it was here that the “Fab Four” formed in 1960 and performed their first shows at the legendary Cavern Club. Even today, Liverpool has a colorful and creative music scene. The fact that Liverpool, which was once heavily industrialized, was able to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008 is also due to the city’s important museums and the renowned Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Liverpool is located in the west of England. The River Mersey, which flows into the Irish Sea here, also gave its name to the Mersey Beat of the 1960s.
Liverpool Cathedral was built from 1904 to 1978 in neo-Gothic style and is one of the largest Anglican churches in the world. The 100 meter high crossing tower can also be visited. Liverpool’s waterfront is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a first-rate tourist attraction.
In the Pier Head stands the architecturally significant ensemble of the Three Graces, consisting of the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, all three of which were completed at the beginning of the 20th century and are among the city’s landmarks. Another feature of the port facilities worth seeing is the Albert Dock. Here the old warehouses of the former industrial dock have been converted into apartments, boutiques, restaurants and pubs, without losing their original character.
3. York
For a long time York was the second most important city in England in the Middle Ages. Although this is no longer the case, York has still not lost any of its charm and presents its treasures in an enticing way. The city was founded by the Vikings, at that time still as “Jorvik”. Even today, many traces of the founding bear witness, most of which are exhibited in the “Jorvik Viking Centre”. Even after the departure of the Vikings, York played an important role in the Middle Ages and was, for example, one of the most important trading centers on the island. Many sights bear witness to this period: For example, the 130-meter-long and 66-meter-wide York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in England.
Even today, the church is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second highest after his “colleague” from Canterbury. But York has much more to offer, like Clifford’s Tower from the 14th century, including its 5 kilometer long city wall. Like the Mickelgate Bar, it is a remnant of the once mighty York Castle. York’s attractiveness is complemented by numerous buildings and churches.
2. Glasgow
If you are on vacation in Scotland, you can’t miss a visit to Glasgow. In the largest city of the country, there are numerous architectural monuments as well as numerous sights. In addition, Glasgow, which is characterized by a colorful mix of historic and modern architecture, has countless pubs, restaurants and pubs ready. But also cultural diversity is very important in Glasgow with many theaters and cinemas.
Glasgow is located in the southwest of Scotland. The third largest city in Great Britain has almost 600,000 inhabitants. Glasgow is located on both banks of the River Clyde, which is the most important river that meanders through the entire city. The southern and northern parts of Glasgow are connected by a total of seven bridges. The regions outside Glasgow are characterized by fascinating natural landscapes.
Those arriving in Glasgow usually land on George Square, the city’s large central square. This is lined with numerous historic buildings, including the city hall. Glasgow holds a variety of sights and attractions. The oldest and also largest of numerous churches throughout the city is St. Mungo’s Cathedral in the middle of the city. If you want to learn more about the very special architecture of the city, the Lighthouse in a side alley is the right place. Here you can see, among other things, various exhibitions on the different architectural eras of the city. The world-famous Science Centre directly on the River Clyde and the Gallery of Modern Art are also not to be missed.
1. Windsor
About 30 km west of the British capital, in the gently rolling countryside of the historic county of Royal Berkshire, lies the small town of Windsor, population 25,000. Here, on the upper reaches of the Thames, rises one of Britain’s most historic buildings: Windsor Castle. The castle is the official main residence of the British monarch. As exclusive as Windsor Castle is due to this function, it can fortunately also be experienced by guests.
With a day ticket, you too can secure your entrance to Windsor Castle. Many of the state rooms furnished with precious furniture, the park and the castle chapel can be visited and marveled at. And the city of Windsor itself and other destinations in its vicinity offer numerous opportunities for inspiring encounters with culture and nature.
Visitors can feel a bit like royals coming home on a stroll along the world-famous parkway that runs dead straight toward Windsor Castle, the four-kilometer Long Walk. It’s also worth taking a detour into the charming atmosphere of the small town of Windsor, which looks like a blueprint for a stylish southern English community.
From here, cross a footbridge to the opposite bank of the Thames to England’s most famous school town: Eton. Eton College, which has been active here since the 15th century, not far from the royal residence Windsor Castle, today educates about 1300 elite students wearing distinctive school uniforms to follow in the footsteps of prominent ex-Etonians.
