Fancy spending your holidays somewhere closer to home this year? Luckily, the UK has a wealth of interesting cities for you to explore during your time off. And since there are so many options to choose from, you can tailor your experience depending on the sort of trip you’re looking for – whether you want to soak up some culture or have a foodie weekend. So to help spark some ideas, we’ve listed ten of the best city breaks in the UK. Check out some of our favourites below.
1. Brighton
For the perfect combination of quirky shops and fish and chips by the sea, head to Brighton. Ideal for those looking for a weekend filled with fun, food and shopping, there are a wealth of cool spots to visit in this city. Pop into Small Batch Coffee for a quick caffeine stop while wandering through the Lanes and browsing the independent shops. Or, if you’d like to add something a little more active to your itinerary, try hiking around Devil’s Dyke for a burst of outdoor adventure. And after you’ve spent the day exploring the Brighton and Hove area, one of the best places for you to hit the hay is the Artist Residence boutique hotel.
2. Edinburgh
From the southern coast of England all the way up to Scotland! If you’re wondering where to go on a city break, Edinburgh is a popular choice. Regarded as one of the most beautiful historic cities to visit, tourists travel hours from each edge of the globe to explore the streets of Edinburgh – so why not make the most of it? From exploring the gothic castle that looms over the city to having fun in Camera Obscura, there are a variety of fun activities to do here. Wondering where to go for a bite to eat? For the combination of hearty grub and gourmet dining, get yourself booked in at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar. And to shield from the sometimes chilly Scottish weather, the Fraser Suites just off the Royal Mile are ideal for a little slice of luxury.
3. London
We can’t discuss the ten best UK city breaks without mentioning the capital. Absolutely full to the brim with exciting activities, different cultures and areas to explore, you could spend a whole week in London without getting bored. But for fun things to do there, why not test your skills with the Crystal Maze LIVE experience? Once you’re done, tantalise your tastebuds by treating yourself to a Japanese feast at the budget-friendly Shack Fuyu. And whilst you’re in the area, staying right in the heart of central London is the key to a smooth experience – so we’d recommend getting yourself booked in at The Soho Hotel.
4. Liverpool
Whether you’re drawn in by the scouse wit or you’re a huge fan of The Beatles, Liverpool is a top UK city break choice for a mix of culture and fun. If you fancy spending the trip doing some shopping and enjoying some tasty grub, head to Bold Street and spend the day exploring the quirky shops and cafés along the way. We’d recommend Bundobust for a modern Indian dining experience with plenty of veggie options. Or to experience some culture, there are a number of museums you can visit if you want to learn about the history of the city – from the Merseyside Maritime Museum to the World Museum by St. George’s Hall. Then, after a day of shopping, learning and eating, head to The Shankly Hotel for one of the country’s most exciting accommodations.
5. Bath
From the bustling streets of Liverpool to somewhere a little quieter, Bath is one of the best UK city breaks for couples who are looking for a laidback experience. This historic city is a treat for the eyes, with golden Georgian buildings dotted around the streets. But for a combination of both history and relaxation, where better to go than the Thermae Bath Spa? From here you can enjoy a soak while being surrounded by panoramic views of the city. And for a bite to eat afterwards, book a table at Sotto Sotto for an Italian treat in candlelit vaulted cellars. If you’ve opted for an evening of fine dining, why not treat yourself to a stay in a Georgian Mansion and the Lansdown Park Hotel?
6. Newcastle
Fancy a fun weekend away where you can blow off some steam? Newcastle is one of the best UK city breaks for just that. With an abundance of chic bars, modern restaurants, like Peace & Loaf, and shops to explore, you can really treat yourself in this city. That being said, if a boozy weekend away isn’t your thing, there are plenty of cultural activities here too. The BALTIC Centre of Contemporary Art is the perfect spot for a slice of history on your stay. Or if you’re an art lover, head to the Laing – the first art museum ever built in the city. And for a cosy night’s sleep after a day of fun, get some rest at the Jesmond Dene House, located on the outskirts of Newcastle.
7. Bristol
This vibrant and artistic city has to make our top 10 UK city breaks list. Perfect for those needing a boost of creativity, spot the legendary street art dotted around Bristol – and don’t forget to take your camera. Fancy a speed tour of the city? Why not view it all on two wheels? Described as the UK’s first ‘cycling city’, if you like to stay active on your city breaks, rent a bike to whizz around and explore the local areas in a flash. After all that exercise you’ll need to re-fuel, so stop by DonDon for some of the finest Japanese cuisine you’ll find in the area. And then to reset for another day of exploring, check yourself in at the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa.
8. York
Compact, easy to travel around and full to the brim with cosy cafés and shops, York is a great choice for a UK city break. If you’re a bit of a history geek, you can spend the weekend walking the York City Walls (built around 71 AD!) and climbing the tower of York Minster cathedral. All of this exploring is thirsty work, so we’d recommend treating yourself to an afternoon tea at none other than Betty’s café. Fancy staying in a premier location, right next to the cathedral? Get booked in at Gray’s Court – with direct access to the City Walls!
9. Cambridge
If old, cobbled streets, punts on the river and historic libraries are your thing, pack your bags and head to Cambridge. To relive your student days, you can wander around the 31 different colleges – but especially Trinity, King’s and St John’s. And as we mentioned, it wouldn’t be a trip to Cambridge without getting on the water in a punt. Use the oldest hire service, Scudamore’s, to get yourself out on the river. And for some tempting treats, book a table at the Old Bicycle Shop for a unique dining experience. And then for a place to lay your head, try the University Arms for some old school luxury.
10. Swansea
And finally, last up in our UK city break ideas is Swansea. A coastal city gem, not enough people know about the great qualities of this city. Whether you feel like stepping back in time at Oystermouth Castle or soaking in some art at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, there are a variety of activities to add to your itinerary here. But if you feel like stretching your legs, dust off your walking boots and embark on the beautiful coastal path. And where better to boost your energy levels again than enjoying some fancy French grub at Pant-y-Gwdyr? Then when you need to hit the hay, the Towers Hotel & Spa is just a ten minute drive from the city centre – perffaith!
And that concludes our top 10 UK city breaks. Found somewhere that tickles your fancy? Get booking so you can enjoy a weekend of exploring some of the best cities in Britain. Or if you still need some inspiration, check out our guide to the Top 10 Best Staycations In The UK.