Britain's Best: Cities

Home to no less than 69 cities spanning 86 counties from all corners of the UK, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to experiencing fantastic day and weekend breaks in some of our most beautiful cities. With endless things to see and do, from catching a West End show in London to taking a ferry across the River Mersey in Liverpool, there’s something for everyone in Britain’s Best cities!

London

How can we NOT start this list with England’s fabulous capital city?! London is the focal point of Britain and the most visited city in the country - there are thousands of tourist attractions, landmarks and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Take a stroll across the cobbled streets of Covent Garden’s famous piazza or climb the Shard for incredible panoramic views across the entire city. No visit to Britain is complete without a trip to one of the most famous cities in the world!

Cardiff

The biggest city in Wales is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the UK thanks to its diverse range of tourist attractions and its fantastic sporting venues. The Welsh capital is home to the impressive Millennium Stadium, the historic Cardiff Castle and of course the picturesque Cardiff Bay harbour. Couple these major attractions with tonnes of shopping and eating facilities and you’ll find a multitude of things to do in this trendy city!

Bath

Set in the rolling Wiltshire countryside, the city of Bath is one of the most visited in Britain. Famed for its stunning architecture and its rich history, Bath became a Spa city in AD 60 when the Romans built baths in the valley of the River Avon. The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Nowadays Bath retains its Roman charm but the clever mix of high street and designer shops with fantastic tearooms and restaurants make the city one of the most vibrant in the country!

Liverpool

Named European Capital of Culture in 2008, and home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Liverpool offers a wealth of history and a variety of tourist attractions to suit all ages. Why not visit the famous Cavern Club to see where it all began for pop supergroup The Beatles? Or check out the fantastic Maritime Museum to discover how its history as a busy port boosted its status as one of the most populated cities in the UK. Liverpool is also known for its fantastic nightlife with an eclectic mix of bars and clubs playing all genres of music.

Oxford

Known as the City of Dreaming Spires and famed for its prestigious university, Oxford has cemented itself as one of the most visited cities in the UK. Popular tourist attractions include punting on the River Thames, shopping in the Covered Market and exploring one of the many college buildings that make up part of the world famous university. Oxford is often inundated with day-trippers from London and makes a quirky alternative to the hustle and bustle of the capital city.

Edinburgh

The seventh largest city in Britain, this Scottish capital is famed for its fantastic university, quirky music festivals and historic sites including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The city is split into two main districts, Old Town and New Town, and together they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The world famous Hogmanay celebrations are held in Edinburgh to mark the turn of the new year. The televised concert boasts stunning fireworks and live music from high profile artists making it one of the most popular music events in the British calendar.

Brighton

The quirky seaside resort of Brighton is popular with locals and tourists alike and attracts over 8.5 million visitors annually. Renowned for its diverse communities, cultural scene and its large LGBT population, Brighton is also labelled as the "gay capital of the UK.“ Popular tourist attractions include the Royal Pavilion (Britain’s answer to the Taj Mahal), The Lanes shopping quarter and Brighton beach and pier. Nightlife in this cosmopolitan city is also colourful with numerous bars, pubs and clubs and a whopping 400+ restaurants to choose from!

Dublin

The largest city in Ireland, and of course its capital, Dublin is divided into several districts and home to wonderful landmarks including Dublin Castle, Trinity College and St Patrick’s Cathedral. The city also boasts an astonishing number of parks, with more green spaces per square kilometre than any other European capital city! Dublin is hugely popular with groups of stag and hen parties looking for a cultural weekend away; with shopping, tourist attractions and bars aplenty what’s not to love about Dublin?! Pass the Guinness!

Southampton

Believed to be inhabited since the Stone Age following the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43, Southampton is a beautiful waterfront city with a colourful maritime past. Home to the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England, the city offers a wealth of history and a diverse range of attractions. From a wildlife park to galleries, museums and a theatre, there’s plenty to see and do. Southampton is also known for its fantastic shopping facilities and it’s lively nightlife making it one of the most popular student cities in the country.

York

Brimming with cobbled streets and cute little cafes and shops, the ancient city of York has so much to offer. The beautiful Minster is a sight worth seeing, especially when it’s lit up at night, and York’s famous Viking history can be discovered at the fantastic Jorvik centre. The River Ouse runs through the city and most of the streets are pedestrianized adding to the sense of quirkiness found throughout. Other tourist attractions include York Castle, the National Railway Museum and the iconic Shambles.