London is usually at the top of people’s list when visiting the UK, as it should be. After all, there’s so much to see and do in the capital, including the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the British Museum, to name just a few. However, if you’re going to be in the UK for more than a few days, it’s well worth exploring places beyond the country’s capital city. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of great destinations to visit outside of London.
York
If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss this medieval walled city in northern England. Walking down the streets of this town with Roman roots and a Viking past is like traveling back in time. Its historic buildings and medieval streets are some of the best preserved in all of Europe.
One of the highlights of any trip to the city is visiting the stunning York Minster, an impressive Gothic structure that houses one of the world’s biggest collections of medieval stained glass.
You can also visit Clifford’s Tower, built by William the Conqueror, for a breathtaking view of the city. If you have time, you’ll also want to spend a few hours at the National Railway Museum to learn all about how the royal family once traveled by rail.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is a city with beautifully preserved buildings and a fascinating history. For those wanting to visit somewhere rich in culture, this is a must-see destination. While it’s a big city, many say it still has an intimate, small-town feel.
Edinburgh Castle sits atop Castle Rock and can be viewed from most parts of the surrounding area. The Old Town’s narrow cobblestone streets are lined with pubs and shops, giving visitors a lot to explore. And if you’re visiting in August, you won’t want to miss the city’s Fringe Festival, which is the world’s largest independent theater festival.
Oxford
When you think of Oxford, the world-renowned university probably comes to mind. The city is home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, plus so much more. As a university city, it’s known for its history, art, and science.
Oxford is at the top of the bucket lists of many Harry Potter fans because so many scenes were filmed across its colleges. Must-visit locations include the Christ Church Staircase, Christ Church Cloisters, and the Christ Church Dining Hall.
It’s also home to many notable museums, including the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of the History of Science, and the Museum of Modern Art. The city dates back to the 12th century, and one of the UK’s oldest pubs is located there. If you’re lucky enough to go, it’s like stepping back in time.
Bath
This city’s claim to fame is its Roman Baths, and that’s also how it got its name. While the UK is full of stunning places to visit, Bath is arguably one of the most beautiful. It holds the distinction of being the only city in the country to have its entirety declared a UNESCO Heritage Site.
The Roman baths here were founded over 2000 years ago, and people from all over the world travel to experience their thermal properties. Bath is also famous for its historical architecture, including golden stone buildings and the Royal Crescent. Finally, you’ll want to be sure to visit the 7th-century Bath Abbey while you’re there.
Liverpool
The Beatles made Liverpool famous around the world, and the city attracts millions of tourists each year. If you’re a fan of the Fab Four, you won’t be disappointed by this place. The city is brimming with enough Beatle-themed activities to keep almost any fan happy.
However, there’s so much more to this city located in northern England. It’s home to the largest museum collection outside of London and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008. If you love the water, you can enjoy a stroll along the Royal Albert Dock and go on a boat tour. If you’re hungry, you’ll want to check out Liverpool’s Chinatown, the oldest in Europe.