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Top city destinations to visit

All city destinations

A city where land meets the sea, Aberdeen is a wonderful blend of Scottish history and modern culture.

Highland Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Women holding mugs with hot drinks, sitting on a stone wall

A melting pot of heritage and culture, Britain’s most northerly city makes a great base for exploring the Highlands.

Highland Scotland

Photo by: Emad Aljumah/Getty Images

A suspension bridge with people walking across spanning a wide river with houses on the other side

From traditional deckchairs on its sandy beaches to the tallest rollercoaster in Britain, the seaside resort of Blackpool welcomes visitors with open arms.

North West England

Photo by: Visit Blackpool

Location: Blackpool, England

Blackpool seafront and Blackpool Tower.

With a mass of museums to get stuck into, multicultural communities and the Victorian world of Saltaire on its doorstep, Bradford is a vibrant urban hub.

Yorkshire and Humber

Photo by: West Yorkshire LVEP/James Mulkeen

Location: Bradford, England

A woman and a man walk through a town centre

A gateway to the Peak District, Derby is drenched in industrial heritage – yet nature is never far away.

Midlands

Photo by: Visit Derby

A group of people riding in a riverboat

Peppered with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and unique local flavours, Somerset is calling out to be explored.

South West England

Photo by: Glastonbury Festival

Crowd at Glastonbury Festival

Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth offers adventure sports, relaxation and refreshing sea air.

South East England

Photo by: HMS Warrior

Location: Portsmouth, England

A family walking alongside a ship at a dock

From traditional seaside towns to adventure sports and charming cities with heaps of history, the East of England has something for everyone.

East England

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

Known as the City of Stories, create your own narrative as you explore Norwich’s huge array of historic and modern day attractions.

East England

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum

From a medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all.

Midlands

Photo by: Visit Leicester

Location: Leicester, England

An outdoor view of Leicester's historic Guild Hall

Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City with maritime charm, natural beauty and award-winning museums and waterfront attractions. See the best things to do here.

South West England

Photo by: Jay Stone

Location: Plymouth, England

People paddleboarding near a dock in Plymouth

Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials. Discover the top attractions and best things to do and see during your next visit here.

South West England

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A view down a shopping street in Exeter's Castle Quarter

Chester’s charm is captivating and unmissable, from city walls oozing with Roman history to Chester Zoo's magnificent animal kingdom.

North West England

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto/trabantos

Location: Chester, England

View of residential houses alongside river Dee in Chester, England.

A storyteller of history, Lincoln is a city with thousands of tales to tell. Discover the best things to do and attractions in our official guide.

Midlands

Photo by: Getty Images/Julian Elliott Photography

Lincoln Cathedral with Tudor timber framed buildings in foreground

Unlock the secrets of historic Lancaster, from its medieval castle to its quayside.

North West England

Photo by: Visit Lancashire/Gregg Wolstenholme

Location: Lancaster, England

Ashton Memorial, Lancaster from the air looking out across Morecambe Bay

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.

Yorkshire and Humber

Photo by: Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield

A place for roaming Romans, valiant Vikings and wise wizards, Durham is a city bursting with untold stories and magical moments.

North East England

Photo by: Getty Images/E+/SolStock

A male couple sitting in a rowboat, rowing together

A perfect blend of nature and urban living, this Essex city was made to be explored.

East England

Photo by: Indre @Colchesterstreets

Man walking through arch covered in flowers at Lion Walk, Colchester

The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and innovation.

East England

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River

Cool and creative, Bristol is a must-visit for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

South West England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

South East England

Photo by: VisitBritain

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops

A vibrant music scene, quirky creative quarter and chock-loads of medieval history – there’s so much to see in Coventry.

Midlands

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Robot sculpture outside a building with geometric décor

Small and mighty York is the medieval walled city that really packs a punch.

Yorkshire and Humber

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty, as this town is about as regal as it gets.

South East England

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Guards marching, Windsor Castle

Fall in love with this hopelessly romantic 16th-century town, birthplace of the great bard, William Shakespeare.

Midlands

Photo by: ©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Couple walking around the exterior of Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

North West England

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Location: Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.

Yorkshire and Humber

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House

From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a castle on a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Lowland Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture, with a heart that beats through its people.

Lowland Scotland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

South East England

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Man looking up at a historical building with dome

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

Midlands

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Historical building, with a clock tower, beside a fountain

A dynamic port city with a colourful past, Belfast is a vibrant cultural hub on Northern Ireland’s eastern coast.

Northern Ireland

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

South Wales

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Cardiff

A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff, Wales

A wellness retreat for the Romans, with elegant Georgian architecture around every corner.

South West England

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

London

Photo by: VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

Things to do in the city

Over 8,000 species spread across 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the centre of Cambridge.

Visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Photo by: theallotmentgeek

Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden

As well as live concerts and spectacular Baroque architecture, Kelvingrove is home to 8,000 treasured exhibits too.

Plan your visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Location: Glasgow

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

See the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles of anywhere, including the world’s two fastest cars.

Discover the Coventry Transport Museum

Photo by: ©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Two men looking at an exhibit of motorbikes at Coventry Transport Museum.
Coventry Transport Museum

Even 100 years after this mighty ship sank, its story still captures our imagination – brought to life by Titanic Belfast.

Explore Titanic Belfast

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast
Titanic Belfast

Visit this 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace’ in the heart of Brighton to discover its colourful history.

Book your trip to the Royal Pavilion

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion

Location: Brighton

Royal Pavilion at dusk, lit up in a range of vivid colours
Royal Pavilion

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Delve into the National Museum Cardiff

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

People viewing artwork in the National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff

Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

Find out more about Clifton Suspension Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge

Eye-catching designs and transformed spaces fill Glasgow’s streets.

Discover more about Glasgow's Mural Trail

Photo by: Art Pistol & Rogue Oner, Bubbles/Glasgow Mural Trail

Location: Glasgow

Mural on wall of kids blowing bubbles, Glasgow Mural Trail
Glasgow Mural Trail

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Book your Tower of London tickets

Photo by: Visit Britain/George Johnson

Beefeater walking by the, Tower of London on a sunny day
Tower of London

Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of a dormant volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Location: Edinburgh

Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Edinburgh Castle

Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?

Take a tour of Old Trafford

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Football in Manchester

For striking modern art, look no further than this outpost of the Tate galleries. Currently closed for renovations, RIBA North, Mann Island, is its temporary home.

Be inspired by Tate Liverpool

Photo by: Tate Liverpool Photo © Tate Liverpool (Rikard Österlund)

Liverpool Biennial
Tate Liverpool

Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Visit Thermae Bath Spa

Photo by: VisitBritain

Women swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Thermae Bath Spa

Calling all chocoholics! Every inch of this museum and experience is dedicated to our favourite treat.

Book tickets to Cadbury World

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

A boy, with curly hair, squeezing chocolate out of a bottle
Cadbury World

Take a fascinating guided tour of the Divinity School, Old Quadrangle and Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Plan your trip to Bodleian Library

Photo by: ExperienceOxfordshire/Studio8

Two women look up towards an ornate ceiling
Bodleian Library

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts.

Book tickets to Windsor Castle

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, medieval masterpiece York Minster.

Find out more about York Minster

Photo by: VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Location: York Minster

Man twirling a woman outside a historic building
York Minster

Dancing to the beat of its own drum, there’s indie shops, street food, bars and more at this uber-hip neighbourhood that brings pure Sheffield vibes.

Discover the charm of Kelham Island

Photo by: Marketing Sheffield

Crowds of people eating and drinking on a night out in the Peddler Market, Sheffield
Kelham Island

Discover over 1,000 years of history, travel up into the central tower or explore the grounds and spot Harry Potter filming locations.

Explore Durham Cathedral

Location: Durham

Two children dressed as Harry Potter characters at Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral

Delve into the UK’s naval history and explore legendary ships and submarines at this maritime must-visit.

Explore Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Photo by: HMS Victory

Location: Portsmouth, England

Two people looking over the bow of a ship
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Over 8,000 species spread across 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the centre of Cambridge.

Visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Photo by: theallotmentgeek

Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden

As well as live concerts and spectacular Baroque architecture, Kelvingrove is home to 8,000 treasured exhibits too.

Plan your visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Location: Glasgow

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

See the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles of anywhere, including the world’s two fastest cars.

Discover the Coventry Transport Museum

Photo by: ©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Two men looking at an exhibit of motorbikes at Coventry Transport Museum.
Coventry Transport Museum

Even 100 years after this mighty ship sank, its story still captures our imagination – brought to life by Titanic Belfast.

Explore Titanic Belfast

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast
Titanic Belfast

Visit this 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace’ in the heart of Brighton to discover its colourful history.

Book your trip to the Royal Pavilion

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Anderson/Royal Pavilion

Location: Brighton

Royal Pavilion at dusk, lit up in a range of vivid colours
Royal Pavilion

You’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to contemporary art at this fantastic free museum.

Delve into the National Museum Cardiff

Photo by: Visit Wales Image Centre

People viewing artwork in the National Museum Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff

Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, this is one of the world’s most architecturally ambitious bridges – a true work of art.

Find out more about Clifton Suspension Bridge

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge

Eye-catching designs and transformed spaces fill Glasgow’s streets.

Discover more about Glasgow's Mural Trail

Photo by: Art Pistol & Rogue Oner, Bubbles/Glasgow Mural Trail

Location: Glasgow

Mural on wall of kids blowing bubbles, Glasgow Mural Trail
Glasgow Mural Trail

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Book your Tower of London tickets

Photo by: Visit Britain/George Johnson

Beefeater walking by the, Tower of London on a sunny day
Tower of London

Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of a dormant volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Steven Oates

Location: Edinburgh

Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Edinburgh Castle

Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?

Take a tour of Old Trafford

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

A man and boy in stadium tunnel looking out to pitch
Football in Manchester

For striking modern art, look no further than this outpost of the Tate galleries. Currently closed for renovations, RIBA North, Mann Island, is its temporary home.

Be inspired by Tate Liverpool

Photo by: Tate Liverpool Photo © Tate Liverpool (Rikard Österlund)

Liverpool Biennial
Tate Liverpool

Britain’s only natural thermal spa, located in the historic city of Bath, offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Visit Thermae Bath Spa

Photo by: VisitBritain

Women swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Thermae Bath Spa

Calling all chocoholics! Every inch of this museum and experience is dedicated to our favourite treat.

Book tickets to Cadbury World

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

A boy, with curly hair, squeezing chocolate out of a bottle
Cadbury World

Take a fascinating guided tour of the Divinity School, Old Quadrangle and Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Plan your trip to Bodleian Library

Photo by: ExperienceOxfordshire/Studio8

Two women look up towards an ornate ceiling
Bodleian Library

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts.

Book tickets to Windsor Castle

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle

Marvel at one of Britain’s most majestic cathedrals, medieval masterpiece York Minster.

Find out more about York Minster

Photo by: VisitBritain/Felipe Pires

Location: York Minster

Man twirling a woman outside a historic building
York Minster

Dancing to the beat of its own drum, there’s indie shops, street food, bars and more at this uber-hip neighbourhood that brings pure Sheffield vibes.

Discover the charm of Kelham Island

Photo by: Marketing Sheffield

Crowds of people eating and drinking on a night out in the Peddler Market, Sheffield
Kelham Island

Discover over 1,000 years of history, travel up into the central tower or explore the grounds and spot Harry Potter filming locations.

Explore Durham Cathedral

Location: Durham

Two children dressed as Harry Potter characters at Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral

Delve into the UK’s naval history and explore legendary ships and submarines at this maritime must-visit.

Explore Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Photo by: HMS Victory

Location: Portsmouth, England

Two people looking over the bow of a ship
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

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Still not sure where to go?

Want to kayak with dolphins, scuba with seals, or cruise to wildlife-filled islands? Britain’s coastline is yours to explore – and has beautiful beaches of every description.