23 Beautiful Cities In The UK
The UK is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. People come from all over to see the chocolate-box villages, rugged coastlines and peaceful countryside. But it’s the iconic cities that really attract travellers to this small kingdom and I’m going to list the most beautiful cities in the UK in this post for you with a little help from my friends.
While there are many beautiful places in the UK to visit, the cities perfectly blend a mixture of history, culture and beauty. You’ll be in awe of all the iconic beautiful buildings on show, and there are usually a ton of things to do like museums and art galleries. Did I mention there are plenty of traditional pubs to sample too!
With so many beautiful cities in the UK, I’ve had to ask a few of my fellow travel bloggers about their favourite city in the UK so that you guys can check out what this small but proud country has to offer!
FYI | For those who don’t know, the UK (or United Kingdom) consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain consists of England, Scotland and Wales only. You’ll also see it written as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland! Quite a mouthful!
The Most Beautiful Cities In The UK
London
Recommended by Dymphe from Dymabroad.
One of the most beautiful cities in the UK is London. London is the capital of the United Kingdom and it has a lot of fun things to see and do. Also, you can find a lot of beautiful things in the city. For example, if you love architecture, the city is great for that.
There are lots of historic buildings that feature interesting architectural styles. Besides that, there are very modern buildings in London as well. For example, in the City of London, you can find many skyscrapers that are great to see. Also, on the other side of the river, you can see The Shard. And going to the top of this building is a must-do! Also, there are many amazing parks in the city that are beautiful. For example, Hyde Park has a lot of nature. Furthermore, the Sky Garden is a very beautiful place with nature and a view of the city.
Another beautiful aspect of London is Notting Hill. Here, you can find many streets with a lot of colourful houses that are very beautiful to see. Also, many stores in the city have decorations that are very beautiful. For example, Maddox Gallery has a changing storefront that is very pretty. Furthermore, there are many pretty cafes in London. For example, Peggy Porschen has several pretty pink cafes in the city where you can have a drink and eat delicious cake.
York
Recommended by Maja from Away With Maja.
York is a historic gem in northern England, with a storied past. Founded by the Romans in 71AD, the city prospered under the Vikings under the name Jorvik and was a regional centre in the medieval period.
Today, the city mixes the past with modern ideas, as it’s a prime getaway for food and drink, as well as a broad range of cultural activities and independent shopping. The main attraction of the city is its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and narrow Snickelways – pedestrian passages that wind throughout the heart of the city.
A visit to the stunning York Minster, a soaring Gothic cathedral, is a must when visiting. Make sure to walk the City Walls – it’s one of the best free things to do in York! – and a full circuit is about 2 miles. You’ll see plenty of historic structures – some of which date back nearly 2,000 years. Don’t miss a stroll down the Shambles, the oldest shopping street in Europe and supposedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
There’s plenty of choice for foodies visiting the city: try the Blue Barbakan for delicious Polish cuisine, Yak and Yeti for a taste of Nepal, or the Rose and Crown for the best pies in town.
Durham
Recommended by Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road.
Located in North East England, Durham is famous for its magnificent cathedral and castle. Visiting Durham is like travelling back in time. Brimming with centuries of history, Durham is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. There are plenty of historical and cultural things to do in Durham to make you fall in love with this historical city.
Take a wander around the city’s cobbled medieval streets. Built in the late 11th century, Durham Cathedral, alongside the adjacent Durham Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Durham Cathedral is the resting place of St Cuthbert – the patron Saint of North England. The cathedral is filled with more than 1000 years of fascinating history. You could climb the tower of the cathedral for panoramic views over the city. Don’t miss the impressive ancient cloisters of the cathedral. They were featured in the Harry Potter movies. Entry here is completely free.
For the best view of the cathedral, walk along the River Wear, which flows through the heart of Durham. Next, take a tour of the Durham Castle. Built by the Normans, this castle used to be the home of the Bishops of Durham. Take a look inside the historic Durham Market, founded in the 19th century. After that, visit the Cathedral Durham cafe near the castle for some delicious scones and coffee.
Truro
Recommended by Sarah from Cornwall’s Best.
Cornwall’s only city is also England’s most south-westerly, Truro. The entire city, with a population of around 20,000 is located within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Truro became a “coinage” town in 1327 – meaning that all tin from the area had to be brought here to be coined and taxed and the wealth of the area came here too, leading to the grand townhouses that you’ll still see here. Truro became a city in 1877 and the foundation stone for the magnificent Truro Cathedral was laid in 1800.
The Cathedral, one of the top things to see in Truro is one of only three cathedrals in the UK with three spires. The architecture of the city and its location – just 5 miles from the nearest beach, surrounded by sub-tropical Cornish gardens make this a beautiful city to visit. Then, of course, there’s the weather. You’ll be bathed in an average of 1745 hours of sunshine a year here! (London gets just 1481!)
You must visit at least some of the gardens in Truro. Trelissick is one of the closest and is glorious, especially in spring and as you’re so close to the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest and best-loved National Trail, it would be rude not to walk at least part of it. Sam’s in the City, on New Bridge Street, is an amazing place to try local fish and seafood while you’re here.
Edinburgh
Recommended by Pam from The Directionally Challenged Traveler.
Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities, with a mixture of old and new architecture. Home to the Hogmanay celebrations, there’s no shortage of beautiful things to see and experience in the capital city.
An icon of the city is the imposing Edinburgh Castle – one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. From the castle, you can see rolling green hills all around the city. Not only does it have green around the city, but you’ll find a number of small parks within the city.
Discover quaint shops and bustling markets as you stroll down winding streets. Edinburgh makes it simple to see a lot in a short amount of time. There are plenty of things to do on The Royal Mile right in the heart of the city. Marvel at the jaw-dropping sights, like Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse. Keep an eye out for hidden gems like the Heart of Midlothian!
For a truly breathtaking view of the city, hike up Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill. The views from above really show off the beauty of the city.
A great cafe to get your caffeine fix and delicious brunch is the Fortuna Coffee Bar. A family-run and locally sourced ingredients give it an authentic Edinburgh experience. It’s located right on Queen Street, perfect for exploring!
Winchester
Recommended by Annabel from Smudged Postcard.
Once the capital of England, Winchester is one of the most enjoyable and interesting cities to explore in the UK. Located an hour from London and a short drive from the beautiful South Downs National Park in Hampshire, the city is a brilliant base for exploring southern England.
Winchester is best known for its medieval cathedral which features the longest nave in Europe. The cathedral is surrounded by treelined pathways and parkland making it a peaceful and scenic place to while away the hours. Another highlight of the city is the Great Hall home to the mythical King Arthur’s Round Table. There are plenty of medieval era streets to explore in Winchester with independent shops and inviting pubs and cafes. The 18th century Old Vine pub/ brasserie is an excellent dining destination – specialising in locally sourced ingredients – just a short walk from the cathedral.
Winchester is home to what is believed to be the country’s oldest working watermill. The river on which the mill sits, the Itchen, is a glorious place for a walk. There is a route which runs alongside the river from the mill to the cathedral, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
Birmingham
Recommended by Karen from Are We There Yet Kids.
Although Birmingham in the Midlands is England’s second city, it is often overlooked as one of the prettiest. Having undergone a period of regeneration over the past few years it definitely deserves a spot on UK’s most beautiful cities lists. A weekend break in Birmingham is the perfect way to take in the charm of the city.
Birmingham’s architecture effortlessly combines the old and new with recent additions such as the wedding cake facade of Birmingham Library and the picturesque fountains at Centenary Square. The Town Hall, Birmingham Museum and Birmingham Council House all date back to the 1800s, bringing historical architecture to the city.
A short walk from The Town Hall is St Philip’s Cathedral, fondly known to locals as pigeon park. It dates back to 1715 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The Edward Burne-Jones designed stained glass windows are absolutely stunning.
You’ll find plenty of areas of natural beauty around Birmingham with Cannon Hill Park and Sutton Park being must-visits. Or try the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and its colourful floral displays which are just a few minutes drive from the centre.
If you like your restaurants as pretty as your cities then head to Tattu on Barwick Street which serves modern Chinese cuisine under the most beautiful ceiling of cherry blossoms.
Norwich
Recommended by Anisa from Two Traveling Texans.
Norwich was England’s second-largest city behind London during medieval times. When you visit Norwich, you will still see the medieval architecture mixed in with a few modern buildings. It’s also the only city in the UK that is in a national park (The Broads) so it’s also a good place to enjoy nature.
It’s best to explore the city on foot. Walk along the River Wensum which snakes through the city centre. Take a stroll down the picturesque Elm Hill, arguably one of the prettiest streets in England. Then head to Norwich Market which is one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in the country. The streets around the market, called the Norwich Lanes, are full of independent shops too.
You must also go inside Norwich Cathedral, the most complete Norman Cathedral in England and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Admission is free and you can see the largest collection of medieval roof bosses in the world.
For a real treat, head to the Assembly House for afternoon tea. Not only is the food amazing but the setting is special too. It’s a Grade I-listed building that hosted a Grand Ball to celebrate Lord Nelson’s victory at the Cape of Trafalgar.
Belfast
Recommended by Allan from It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor.
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is found on the scenic banks of the River Lagan and is famous for its coastal charm in the inlet of the Irish Sea. The city centre itself centres around Belfast City Hall (1906) a rather magnificent Baroque Revival building which marks the start of main shopping streets as well as the revived linen quarter of historic Belfast.
Some of the more memorable areas of the city include the Cathedral Quarter, a haven for traditional Irish bars and Belfast pubs, with cobbled streets and Saint Anne’s Cathedral right next to it. Otherwise, the newly renovated Titanic Quarter is one of the main tourist attractions in Belfast City Centre, home to the original shipyards where the Titanic was built along with other famous cruise ships. These days it is like an outdoor museum which is free to explore (along with paid attractions) and the coastal stretch is beautiful when lit up at night.
When visiting, a great place for views over the city hall and the main architecture of the city is the rooftop bar/restaurant at the Grand Central Hotel. As the central hub for Northern Ireland, it is also easy for nearby travel and a popular route is the 20-minute train along the coast, known as the Gold Coast due to its sandy scenery, to the tourist town of Bangor.
Canterbury
Recommended by Joanna from The World In My Pocket.
Canterbury is a historical town famous in England for its beautiful Cathedral and as the headquarters of the Church of England. You can easily do a day trip to Canterbury, from London, as there are many trains connecting the two cities in just one hour and a half. The centre of the city is very pretty, with cobbled stones and timber-framed buildings, especially around the Cathedral.
The main attraction in town is the Cathedral, which can be visited for a fee. The Cathedral was founded in 597 AD and has Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. It has many sculptures on its façade and the interior is spectacular, with stained-glass windows, Gothic columns, and smaller chapels. The Cathedral gardens are a must-visit as well. It can easily take two good hours to visit the grounds of the Canterbury Cathedral.
Another great place to visit in Canterbury are the ruins of St Augustine Abbey, which was destroyed after Henry VIII’s dissolution of monasteries act, in 1536. You can walk among the ruins and imagine how big it once used to be.
Canterbury is sat on the river Stour and one fun activity that you can do with your friends or family is trying punting. The tours last around 40 minutes, and the guides tell you the story of the city whilst they take you around on an enjoyable trip on the water.
Cardiff
Recommended by Lowri from Many Other Roads.
If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, you need to add Cardiff to your list. The capital city of Cardiff which you can find on the south coast of Wales is well worth a visit.
The UK is full of beautiful cities so you might be thinking, “What makes Cardiff so beautiful?” From its ancient Castle surrounded by bespoke Cafes and bars to the waterfront views over Cardiff Bay, you won’t want to put your camera down.
Apart from the unique views, you will see all over the city, there is another reason Cardiff is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. The Welsh people are known as some of the most friendly in the UK, so this will make your trip even more enjoyable.
During a trip to Caerdydd (Cardiff in Welsh), there are a few things you will not want to miss. One is a trip to the castle.
You will find the Castle of Cardiff standing tall in the city centre and it is a great day out for all. Unless you are a resident of Cardiff, you will have to pay to visit. It’s about £14 for adults and £10 for children. A visit here will include learning about the castle’s deep history and exploring its stunning grounds. Sometimes there are even events held at the castle which are well worth looking out for.
Make sure you add the capital of Wales to your list to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.
Oxford
Recommended by Lara from The Best Travel Gifts.
One of the most beautiful cities in the UK is Oxford. The city is filled with history, culture, beautiful architecture, and entertaining nightlife. It’s also home to Britain’s oldest university; Oxford University. For a large part, it’s the stunning university buildings that make Oxford such a great place to visit. Though you will also find other historical buildings that are well worth a visit.
This is also why strolling around the city and simply admiring the beauty of the city is one of the best things to do in Oxford. Preferably, you would join a walking tour, so you’ll get firsthand information about the places you are seeing, their historical significance, and what they are currently used for. Some places that should definitely be included on this walk around town are the Hertford Bridge, Radcliffe Camera, and Oxford colleges, such as Magdalen College, Christ Church, All Souls College, and Worcester College.
Another fun thing to do in Oxford is to go to a pub. The Bear Inn is said to be the oldest pub in Oxford, so that’s a good pub to start at. Though Oxford is home to many pubs and all of them claim to be the oldest (or largest, smallest, best, you name it). But honestly, it doesn’t even matter which one you pick, you will find a warm and welcoming environment in each of them.
Cambridge
Recommended by Laura from Travelers Universe.
Cambridge is a world-famous university city and just a short trip from London, but there’s more to do here than get a higher education. In fact, punting down the river is one of the favourite pastimes for both the student population and visitors alike. It’s almost like a rite of passage, and the good news is that you don’t even have to do anything – just sit back and relax and let a gondolier-like guide (usually a student working part-time) navigate the River Cam for you. Other fun activities in Cambridge include taking a university tour to get an introduction to the most interesting nooks and crannies, biking, and vintage shop-hopping.
If you’re visiting during summer (or are a die-hard ice cream fan), make a stop at Jack’s Gelato for some sinfully delicious ice cream that comes in a number of interesting flavours, such as cardamom & rose, coconut & ginger, mince pie, jasmine, and even Earl Grey!
Forbes has named Cambridge one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and for good reason. Between the gorgeous architecture, the Cam river, the patches of greenery, and the young atmosphere, Cambridge is a city like no other.
Brighton
Recommended by Erica from Travels with Erica.
Brighton is a beach town in southern England and is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. It’s less than 90 minutes by train from London, so you can visit Brighton as a day trip or make a weekend out of it.
Brighton is most famous for its seafront and the Brighton Palace Pier. You can spend days exploring the seafront and never run out of things to do. If you only have a day or two, be sure to ride the British Airways i360 to get the best views of not only the seafront but all of Brighton.
While the seafront is what draws people to visit Brighton, the city is so much more than that. The Royal Pavilion and the Lanes are two must-visit attractions. The Royal Pavilion was built by King George IV and eventually became the property of Brighton. You can tour the pavilion and see King George’s eccentric style and the beauty of the building.
The Lanes are located near the pavilion and are a series of small, winding streets packed with shops and restaurants. It’s the best place in Brighton to find a delicious meal. Burnt Orange and Kokedama are two of the most popular restaurants in the Lanes. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to eat at one of them!
Bath
Recommended by Emma from Travel on a Time Budget.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath is a beautiful city in the southwest of the UK and a delightful place to visit. Its beauty stems from its architecture, its main historical sights and its location by the River Avon.
Architecturally, Bath is a wonderful place if you’re a fan of the Georgian period. Most famously there is the stunning Royal Crescent, a sweeping arc of houses overlooking the Royal Victoria Park. You’ll spot more Georgian architecture as you wander around the city centre, as well as buildings from different eras. In one of the oldest ones, there is the Sally Lunn tea room. This is where the Sally Lunn bun, (said to be the first Bath Bun), is a local delicacy.
Nearby is the impressive 7th century Bath Abbey which stands grandly outside the Roman Baths Museum, itself a beautiful place. The museum is housed on the site of the old Roman baths where you can see some of the ancient baths. The largest, the Great Bath, is a perfect place to sit and soak in the majesty of your surroundings. You can try the spa water in the Pump Room restaurant, a lovely place for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea.
If you then want to take a dip in a thermal spa bath, head to the Thermae Bath Spa. This has an open-air rooftop pool: at night you can see Bath Abbey lit up behind in the sky.
To explore another beautiful part of the city, head to Parade Gardens. Covering over two acres, it’s a peaceful spot to spend some time. The park runs alongside the River Avon, not far from its weir and the attractive 18th century Pulteney Bridge.
Bristol
Recommended by Mary from Bucket List Places.
Bristol is a youthful port city, mostly known as the birthplace of the mysterious street artist, Banksy. Situated on the River Avon in South West England, Bristol’s beauty is evident in several areas of the city.
One of Bristol’s unique draws is the proliferation of colourful houses on its hilly surroundings. Find the most cheerfully-painted houses on Clifton Wood Crescent or Ambrose Road. Or, get a full landscape view of colourful houses from the Marina side of the river.
Bristol’s beauty also stems from the grand buildings erected throughout its centuries of history. The Bristol Cathedral dates to the 1100s, and its spacious hall church design is unique in Britain. Cabot Tower, erected in the 1890s in Brandon Park, is another remarkable building that makes you feel like you’re in Rapunzel’s tower. At the top of the tower, drink in gorgeous 360-degree views of the city and countryside beyond.
While in Bristol, don’t miss a visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge over the river. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the Clifton Observatory, where you’ll see impressive views of the Victorian bridge.
The Wapping Wharf area is home to Bristol’s best dining. The most unique choice is Box-E, a tiny, sustainable restaurant built inside repurposed shipping containers. You’ll truly get inside the port spirit of the city!
It’s very easy to reach Bristol via train, coach, or flight. A coach from London to Bristol can cost under £3, and you can also combine a trip to Bristol with a visit to nearby Bath.
Wells
Recommended by Kitti from Kitti Around the World.
In the county of Somerset, to the south of other beautiful cities like Bristol and Bath, is where you’ll find Wells, the smallest city in England. Wells got its name from the springs that were found there. These springs are also the reason why this spot became a settlement. You can still find three wells around the city, all of them dedicated to Saint Andrew.
The city’s importance grew rapidly when a minster church was founded there under the Anglo-Saxons. It was also an important centre of trading and cloth making. Whilst some aspects have declined over the centuries, Wells has managed to keep its market focus.
Despite being the smallest free-standing city in England, there are actually many things to do and see in Wells. Its main attraction is, without a doubt, the Wells Cathedral. The Grade I listed building is also the reason for Wells’ city status. You also can’t leave the city without walking along the oldest residential street in Europe: Vicars’ Close. You can easily spend a day wandering around its picturesque streets, buildings, markets and inviting cafés.
Due to its close proximity to other well-visited places such as the Mendip Hills and the Cotswolds, a day trip to Wells can be easily incorporated into your tour around the South-West of England.
Manchester
Recommended by Rachel from Average Lives.
There are many beautiful places to visit in this great northern city, and it offers so much. It is the home of two of the world’s most famous football clubs, and it is known for its numerous bars, nightlife and shopping options, as well as having some beautiful parks in Manchester.
With its industrial past, it’s hard to imagine Manchester as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. One of the best things to do is stroll through the city and snap photos of the stunning structures.
One of the best places to begin is St Peter’s Square, where you can take in the Central Library and The Midland Hotel and the nearby John Rylands Library, which is famous for its Hogwarts-like resemblance, which you can visit for free.
It is also a good idea to appreciate the beauty of Castlefield. It is known as the city’s historic centre, and it’s worth exploring the canals of this area and the close Roman ruins.
Two fabulous places to eat are Mackie Mayor and 20 Stories. Mackie Mayor dates back to 1857. This once-meat market is the ideal spot for you to get a bite or drink. It is home to independent food stalls with every type of food you could imagine in one location. At the same time, 20 stories offer panoramic views across the city. If it’s a clear day, take a seat outside to appreciate how beautiful Manchester is from above.
Liverpool
Recommended by Shireen from The Happy Days Travels.
Liverpool is a city of champions, from The Beatles to Liverpool FC but what wins for me is the beauty of this popular city in England, and its people.
Being a port city, what makes Liverpool beautiful is the water and what comes with being on the ‘Mersey’ including ferries, sunsets, history, atmosphere and life on the waterfront. In addition, it’s the people that make the city beautiful with their friendly nature, upbeat attitude and unique, lovely accent!
For must-do’s on any Liverpool itinerary, firstly, head to Matthew Street for the entertainment block of the city where you’ll find The Beatles’ club, a statue of legendary Cilla Black, karaoke and live music 24/7. Secondly, go on that beautiful waterfront called Royal Albert Dock to find multiple museums including Merseyside Maritime, Museum of Liverpool, International Slavery Museum, and Tate Liverpool.
For eating, find dozens of cuisines and drinks to choose from at Baltic Market, Liverpool’s indoor street food market. If you’re looking for more of a sit-down, dress-up type of restaurant, Röski is the place to be as it is run by former MasterChef winner, Anton Piotrowski, so you know the food will be exquisite here.
Salisbury
Recommended by Paulina from ukeveryday.
Salisbury is a beautiful city with one of the most impressive cathedrals in the UK. Situated in Wiltshire’s valley by River Avon is a perfect destination to visit. It is also a popular stop for those who are planning to visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site – Stonehenge, which is only 20 minutes drive from Salisbury.
Salisbury Cathedral is a must-see attraction in this charming city. The structure of the building is considered one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in England. The cathedral stands at 123 meters which makes it the highest church spire in the UK. You can book a tower tour which will allow you to admire the interior of the spire. In Salisbury Cathedral you will also see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta and one of the oldest working clocks in the world!
There are many amazing cafes and restaurants in Salisbury which are located in historic buildings. The Old Ale and Coffee House is a great pub to visit which is not far from Salisbury Cathedral. It also allows dogs, which makes the city perfect for pet-friendly holidays in the UK. Moreover, dogs are welcome to the Salisbury Cathedral so don’t miss out on the opportunity to travel to this amazing destination with your four-legged friend!
Lincoln
Recommended by Cristina from My Little World of Travelling.
Lincoln, located in the Midlands, is a beautiful city that is worth visiting in the UK. The pebbled hilly streets, quaint independent shops and historical buildings make Lincoln a perfect weekend getaway.
When visiting Lincoln, you must visit Lincoln Castle, one of the main attractions in the city. On your visit to the castle, you can explore a former prison, walk on its wall and see an original 1215 Magna Carta. It is a place where you can spend a few hours as there is so much to learn and see.
Another must-see place is Lincoln Cathedral, a stunning Grade I listed cathedral with Gothic architecture. The cathedral offers different types of tours – from a rooftop tour to a graffiti tour.
Lincoln is also home to an inland harbour where you can enjoy a tranquil walk, go on a boat tour or visit one of the entertainment venues.
If you are looking for a cafe to have lunch or afternoon tea, Bunty’s Tea Room situated on the famous Steep Hill street is an excellent option. This quirky cafe serves delicious cakes, scones and hot drinks.
For dinner, head to Olé Olé Tapas Bar & Restaurant. This spacious and lively restaurant offers incredible Spanish dishes like paella, prawns and croquettes.”
Leeds
Recommended by Coralie from Grey Globetrotters.
Leeds in West Yorkshire is a gem of a city, just 2 hours by train from London. Perfect for a day trip, Leeds is compact and easy to walk around, with plenty of green space to enjoy. It’s also right on the doorstep of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
While the city of Leeds has ancient origins, it expanded rapidly in Victorian times, thanks to the Industrial Revolution. Many of Leeds’ beautiful buildings date back to this age of elegant design, and they are some of the must-sees in Leeds today.
The stunning Corn Exchange is a cornucopia of quirky independent shops and tasty places to eat beneath a beautiful domed interior, while the ornately decorated and exquisitely tiled shopping arcades of the Victoria Quarter are some of the most Instagrammable places in Leeds. Designer names like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Vivienne Westwood rub shoulders in these arcades under a glorious stained-glass roof.
Culture hunters will love the variety of free museums in Leeds from the 8-storied Royal Armouries with its “Hall of Steel” to Leeds City Museum and the free art galleries including the Tetley andthe Henry Moore Institute. Stop for afternoon tea in the Tiled Hall café within the Leeds Art Gallery to marvel at the ornate ceiling!
For a luxury dining experience, it’s hard to beat the Ivy. Leeds is also famous for its curry houses and Tharavadu near the train station is one of the best.
Chester
Recommended by Dan from Urban Abroad.
When looking to visit the most beautiful cities in the UK, you can not afford to miss out on Chester. Originally settled by the Romans in the first century AD, many people consider the city one of the best places to live in England.
Aside from being known for landmarks such as Chester Zoo and the Chester Races, many see it as a beautiful city because of its stunning city walls. No matter whether you are travelling with family, alone, or on a romantic getaway the charm of Chester will leave you in awe. Its black and white architecture consisting of beautifully crafted medieval two-tiered buildings, galleries, and walkways make the shopping experience one to remember. From the main shopping street (Eastgate) you can walk along the city walls and admire the city’s historic views.
There are also many free things to do in Chester and one must-see while visiting is the Chester Cathedral which took 275 years to build. How about a look at the Roman Amphitheater? The one in Chester is the largest in Great Britain.
The city is also home to some lovely independent shops, bars, and restaurants that cater to all types of visitors. Most of which can be accessed directly from Eastgate. Jaunty Goat Coffee is a popular stop when you’re ready for a small break and deciding where to go for coffee and cake during your visit.
How Many Beautiful Cities In The UK Have You Visited?
Most people who visit the UK only really visit London. And who can blame them? London has it all with its iconic buildings, green spaces, colourful markets and more. But there are so many more beautiful cities in the UK to discover, you’ll regret not leaving the capital. Every city is unique in its own way and each one is steeped in history.
As someone who has lived in the UK most of my life, I can tell you that you’ll be missing out if you don’t try and explore some of the other cities. I’ve been lucky enough to visit most places on this list but I’m always up for exploring somewhere new, or even going back to see new parts of somewhere I’ve visited before!
So the next time you visit, venture out of London and visit one of these amazing beautiful cities in the UK and discover a whole new side to these isles.
I hope you enjoyed reading this short guide on how to the most beautiful cities in the UK. If you have any questions or suggestions then feel free to get in contact. Or just let me know in the comments below.
