If you’re visiting the UK as a tourist, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s because there’s so much to see and do, thanks to the never-ending list of brilliant cities that can be found across the country—perfect if you’re planning a road trip! Fortunately, many of these cities are also extremely welcoming for visitors, which can help you feel at home whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or for a family vacation. We’ve narrowed it down to five UK cities that should be top of every tourist’s bucket list.
Before we get to the most tourist-friendly cities in the UK, it’d be unfair not to begin with some honourable mentions that didn’t quite make our list, but should still be considered if you’re coming to the UK. These include:
• Belfast
• Oxford
• Bath
• York
• Cambridge
Edinburgh
In the north, you’ll find Scotland’s capital: Edinburgh. Although it’s far from being the only Scottish city worth visiting, Edinburgh is generally considered one of the most tourist-friendly. Honourable mentions go to Glasgow and its vibrant nightlife, Aberdeen and its rich culture, and Perth’s stunning scenery.
But if you are looking for an all-rounder, Edinburgh takes the top spot. In terms of attractions, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Mile are all worth a visit, but there’s so much more to Edinburgh than its iconic landmarks.
Its cobbled streets are filled with history and culture, not to mention a fantastic selection of quintessentially Scottish pubs serving up a taste of Scotland, usually in the form of haggis and whisky!
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Brighton
Over an eight-hour drive south from Edinburgh, you’ll find Brighton. Although Brighton offers a very different experience to Edinburgh, it has just as strong a claim to being one of the UK’s most tourist-friendly cities.
Although you can enjoy Brighton all year round, it’s in the summer months when Brighton really comes into its own, thanks to its famous pier and sandy beaches. This is what makes Brighton a strong option if travelling with children. Young children in particular with enjoy Brighton’s lively fairs and entertaining arcades.
Brighton’s iconic LGBTQ+ scene also makes it a welcoming city for travellers within the LGBTQ+ community, and the city is generally regarded as one of the most diverse in the UK.
Manchester
Despite not being a capital city, you wouldn’t think it when exploring Manchester. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, a bustling city centre and leading businesses, it’s the ultimate modern-day city. But it’s not just young professionals that are attracted to Manchester in their droves, it’s also tourists.
From a visitor’s point of view, Manchester’s efficient tram network makes the city easy to navigate. In terms of attractions, educational activities include the Manchester Museum and Manchester Art Gallery. The city also has strong ties to the sporting world, with venues such as Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.
It also possesses one of the most underrated shopping scenes in the UK. You’ll find many leading brands across the city centre as well as one of the UK’s biggest shopping centres in the Trafford Centre.
Liverpool
It would be unfair to mention Manchester without mentioning Liverpool. Located around 35 miles from Manchester, Liverpool is another great option for tourists, even if the city is considerably smaller than the others on this list.
What Liverpool lacks in size, it makes up for in character and personality. As a matter of fact, you could even argue the city’s smaller size makes it even more tourist-friendly; you don’t have to worry about getting around, as most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
As a city, Liverpool loves to celebrate their own. And there are no bigger stars to come out of Liverpool than the Beatles. For music-loving tourists, there are some great Beatles-themed things to do, including The Beatles Story museum, The Cavern Club and a statue of the band by the city’s waterfront.
London
Although the most well-known UK city, we couldn’t leave London off a list of tourist-friendly UK cities. When it comes to diversity and attractions, no UK city comes close to London, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by different cultures.
London’s vast size means there’s something for everyone, from world-famous landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to walking tours and river cruises. For an even more authentic taste of London, try frequenting one of the city’s many markets. Borough Market is a must-see for food lovers, while Columbia Road Flower Market offers something different in London’s East End.
It’s also the easiest city to travel around, which is ideal for first-time visitors. London’s famous Tube system, bus network and the abundance of public car parks in London mean there’s no shortage of affordable options to get across the city.
