Whether you're interested in history, art, culture, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, there's something for everyone in the UK's cities. From the picturesque cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the cutting-edge architecture of Manchester, the UK's cities are a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.
Where better to start than with a classic seaside town. Forget you're sandy beaches, it's pebbles here - but there's plenty of fun to be had all year round in Brighton.
Wander through the lanes to explore individual boutique shops, soak up the atmosphere at Brighton Music Hall, or head down the pier for classic fish and chips (and definitely get some doughnuts after too) before you spend a few pennies in the arcades.
There's always new bands to be seen at Concorde 2 or Volks, and if you're over during the Great Escape Festival in May, you'll see all sorts of up-and-coming artists. Another of our favourite things to do is to hire one of the bicycles and cycle along from the centre of town to Brighton Marina, where you'll find shops, restaurants and waterfront bars to enjoy in the glorious sunshine.
How to get there
If you're arriving into London, then Brighton is only an hour on the train, so it's great for a day trip, or a few nights in a seaside B&B!
Fun fact
Brighton is home to Britain's oldest cinema, the Duke of York's. Here they have cosy sofas and you can even enjoy a glass of wine whilst watching a film - it's a must visit!
Why Aye Man! If you're a little confused, that's a standard way to say 'Yes' in Newcastle! The home of the Geordies, Newcastle is a buzzing city that's great for nightlifez, so pack your evening outfits if you're visiting! The iconic Angel of the North sculpture will welcome you to this city on the River Tyne, and there's more fantastic architecture to see once you're there too - the Tyne Bridge being another iconic one.
Newcastle is actually surprisingly small, so you can wander around easily without the need for a car. Whilst you're there, be sure to visit the Bigg Market for a few beers, and we definitely recommend trying to watch a match at St James Park if you're there during the football season - it's a fantastic atmosphere! You could always extend your trip onto Scotland whilst you're up North too - the trains to Edinburgh don't take long at all!
How to get there
If you're located in London, then it's quite a hefty drive up north to Newcastle, but there's some great places to stop along the way. Or hop on the train from London Kings Cross and enjoy the scenery, you'll be there in 3 hours! Alternatively, you can fly to Manchester or Edinburgh direct with Virgin Atlantic, which are both a lot closer by road and rail.
Fun fact
Car windscreen wipers were invented in Newcastle! Random ey!
Probably best known for it's famous university, Oxford is set in a beautiful part of England, just between the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills, and only a short journey from the capital city. With plenty of history and culture, a cute river, quaint pubs and cobbled lanes - you're sure to love this city.
Firstly we'd definitely recommend a cruise down the river in a punt - it's a classic Oxford activity. And then onto the buildings, the University and Oxford castle are must visit - and there's plenty of illustrious college buildings to see, each with their own character. If you've got a car, it's definitely worth a trip out to the local Bicester Village where you'll find designer outlets and hopefully plenty of bargains! Back in the city centre, wander through the streets and enjoy Blackwells book shop, the largest specialist book shop in the UK.
How to get there
Whilst it's not essential, a car would be great for a trip to Oxford so you can then visit Bicester and the Cotswolds as well, and it's just a short trip up the M40 from London. However, you can also explore by boat, train and bus within the area, and if you're getting the train from London, it's only about an hours journey.
Fun fact
Oxford has more published authors per square mile than anywhere else in the world!
Whilst you're heading west to visit popular British cities such a Bath, and the iconic stature that is Stonehenge, it's definietly worth weaving a day trip to Bristol into your plans. When it comes to iconic architechture, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is up there, and you'll discover some amazing views if you take a tour across it. You'll also no doubt have enjoyed watching the most famous of all British festivals, Glastonbury, and it's not far from here at all! So why not take a trip down to explore the farm in it's downtime.
The West Country is also famous for it's cider production, so book yourself onto a Bristol Cider tasting tour, and discover the magic of this southern favourite beverage, you'll want to take a few pints home with you! Home of the infamous grafitti, you'll also want to to explore the street art as you wander through the city - across walls and bridges, it breathes colour into the area (and to your instagram pictures!).
How to get there
We recommend combining various South west attractions and locations into a little mini break, so hiring a car is a great option and heading along the M4 from London - this way you can be flexible with your plans and head out to local farms and villages in the surroundings to get a real feel for the area. However, if you're using public transport, there are plenty of coaches from London to Bristol, as well as trains from London Paddington - sit back and enjoy the countryside views and you'll be there in no term.
Fun fact
Part of Bristol from World War 2 now lives in New York! Americans leaving England during World War II needed items to weigh down their ships, so they gathered massive amounts of rubble and destruction from Bristol, which has now been placed along the East River!
Whilst Dover is a nice place to take a stroll along the white clifftops and take in the beautiful views of the channel, the real attraction here is the convenience of a day (of a few days!) trip to France. And why wouldn't you want to pop over to the home of cheese, champagne, and crepes for a visit whilst you're in England ey?!
If you've hired a car you can drive aboard the ferries, but you can also go on foot too (we recommend going by car so you can bring back plenty of goodies, and explore whichever area of France you wish to!). The most popular ferry route is Dover to Calais, but you can also visit Dunkirk too which is awash with history from WWII and it's also just a short drive from Belgium!
How to get there
Dover is a simple drive from London, via the M2, and will only take approximately 2 hours. There are plenty of coach options too, or the train from London St Pancras or London Victoria.
Fun fact
The white cliffs of Dover are formed of sea shells and tiny fragments of sea creatures during the Cretaceous period.
Last but not least on our favourite cities to visit, we have yet another beautiful and historic one in the north of England. With ancient walls, winding streets and beautiful shops, we're sure you will fall in love with York straight away - we all did!
If you're travelling with younger ones, the National Railway Museum is a must. With VR experiences, actual train rides, model railways and a play area, it's a great family day out that will have everyone learning and entertained at the same time. Now for the grown-up stuff! You don't really need to have too much planned in York, you can spend hours wandering through the shops, enjoying quaint cafes and pubs, and admiring the architecture - the most impressive being York Minster, one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals.
Oh and one other thing we suggest you see is Jorvik, the trading hub of the Viking World. You won't experience anything else like it elsewhere!
How to get there
If you're flying into one of our hubs in the North, you'll be able to get to York in no time at all by train or by car. But if you're basing yourselves in London, then a train is also easy and direct, just over 2 hours from London Kings Cross, and you'll come out in the heart of this beautiful city. With a car, just drive up the M1 and it will take slightly longer (3.5 hours approximately), but there's plenty of great places to stop off along the way!
Fun Fact
WIth York being such a historic city, you wouldn't be surprised that it's found itself in the Guinnness Book of World Records, but you might be surprised what for. It holds the record for the 'Ghosts of Greatest Longevity' - spooky!