While London garners the lion’s share of attention from international visitors to the United Kingdom, this small island nation is brimming with an array of breathtaking cities worthy of any traveler’s wanderlust. From the historic cobblestones of ancient capitals to cosmopolitan cultural hubs, the UK offers an embarrassment of riches for urban explorers venturing off the beaten path beyond the English capital. Pack your finest attire and most comfortable walking shoes as we uncover the hidden gems that make up Britain’s beautiful bounty of cities.
Bath
Nestled in the rolling countryside of Somerset, Bath has been luring visitors to its therapeutic thermal springs and exquisite Georgian architecture for over 2,000 years. The city’s pièce de résistance is the impeccably preserved Roman Baths complex, where ancient heated spas and a Sacred Spring still flow with mineral-rich waters. Visitors can tour the baths and even sample a glass of curative aqua calidae at the renownedPump Room. Beyond the springs, Bath’s majesty lies in its sweeping crescents lined with elegant stone townhouses that radiate splendid Regency style. The creamy gold buildings, designed by architectural luminaries like John Wood the Elder, exude timeless grandeur along the city’s winding streets.
For a dose of culture, seek out the Theatre Royal, one of the most illustrious playhouses in Britain. Literary fans can retrace the footsteps of beloved authors like Jane Austen, who briefly resided in Bath and immortalized the city’s charms in her novel Persuasion. Be sure to indulge in a classic English afternoon tea served in one of Bath’s refined tea houses before departing this extraordinarily preserved heritage city.
Edinburgh
Perched atop an extinct volcanic rock, Scotland’s stately capital seamlessly blends Old Town grit with New Town glamor. The medieval maze of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with its narrow wynds (alleyways) and secret courtyards, lures visitors with a cozy village atmosphere amid ancient pubs and looming castles. Wandering along the Royal Mile is like stepping into the pages of a Harry Potter book, with whimsical architecture and lively street performers at every turn.
At the opposite end of the spectrum lies New Town, an elegant Georgian masterpiece of grand terraces and neoclassical monuments that represent the inspiring pinnacle of Enlightenment-era design. Gracious gardens juxtapose the symmetrical ashlar-clad buildings along spacious boulevards and manicured squares. Take in the dazzling panoramic views across the cityscape from Calton Hill before savoring innovative Scottish cuisine at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. Read more about the city’s attractions on the website.
Cambridge
Affectionately known as the “compact cosmopolis”, Cambridge seamlessly intertwines its heritage as an esteemed academic mecca with a lively, youthful ambiance. Exploring this ancient university town is a pedestrian’s delight, with the intricately carved colleges, chapels and bridges of Cambridge University creating one picturesque scene after another. Must-sees include the gilded King’s College Chapel, with its stunning fan-vaulted interior, as well as the scenic Backs, where manicured greens are sandwiched between the River Cam and the regal college halls.
Hire a traditional punt for a serene glide along the waterways, then continue on foot to meander through the university’s botanical gardens or browse the collection of antiquarian book shops lining cramped alleys like Bene’t Street. Afterward, refuel at one of the cozy pubs like The Eagle, where hungry RAF pilots celebrate the end of World War II, and their successful DamBusters mission, by inscribing graffiti on the ceilings.
York
With origins dating back to 71 AD, York marries its monumental Roman, Viking and medieval heritage with a vibrant, modern mindset. Few cities in the UK can compete with York’s astonishingly intact network of ancient walls, footpaths and gates surrounding its tidy core city center. The true jewel is the breathtaking York Minster, an imposing Gothic cathedral that reigns over the city skyline. After marveling at its heavenly stained glass and ornate stone bellowers and gargoyles, scale the 275 steps of the spiraling staircase to take in a panoramic vista from the highest point.
For a fascinating glimpse into York’s Roman legacy, venture underground to the Jorvik Viking Center. Here, an excavated Viking village along the River Foss offers a time capsule through life in the 10th century. Cap off your visit with a stroll along the iconic Shambles, York’s fabulously preserved medieval street whose overhanging timber-framed buildings were once home to butcher shops.
Glasgow
While underrated compared to Edinburgh, the gritty grandeur of Glasgow has a way of captivating visitors with its dynamic energy, medieval roots and world-class cultural scene. Exploring this city is a delight for architecture buffs, with a wealth of distinct styles to admire, from Victorian buildings adorned with baroque and Gothic touches to imposing Italianate stiles. Don’t miss landmarks like the iconic bell tower of the University of Glasgow, with its whimsical stone accents and fairy-tale quadrangles.
Once an industrial shipbuilding powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself into a lively artistic hub, home to a wealth of museums, theaters and galleries. Spend an afternoon exploring the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, with its French renaissance interior featuring a dazzling array of exhibits, including Salvador Dali’s iconic Christ of St John of the Cross. Music fans can pay homage to Glasgow’s musical legacy, from the indie rock scene to artistic pioneers like the Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.