Whether you’re looking to save money or minimise your carbon footprint, a staycation can be the answer to your holiday for 2023. And sometimes, the best holiday location is just around the corner! (Well, not quite around the corner, but in the same country at least) because yep, UK city breaks can in fact be the best.
Each part of the country has its own unique quirks, cuisines, and micro-cultures, so why not stick around and get to know them a little better? Luckily, the UK is full of gorgeous landscapes, buzzing cities and beaches made for relaxing on, so driving a few hours up the road truly can feel like getting away from it all.
From relaxing countryside breaks to stunning beaches that could pass for somewhere far more exotic, these are the best city breaks to visit in the UK (plus some towns and villages for good measure!)
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Best places to visit in the UK - Brighton, England
Forever cool, the city of Brighton & Hove has pretty much everything needed for a successful break: sea, beach, loads of bars, clubs and restaurants and excellent shopping opportunities in The Lanes’ quirky boutiques. Sightseeing to tick off includes the famous Royal Pavilion and pier. Don’t miss a ride on the British Airways i360, a giant ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city and south coast.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Bath, England
The biggest city in Somerset gets its name thanks to Roman-built baths, which are absolutely stunning. While you're there, also enjoy the Royal Crescent and Thermae Bath Spa, as well as lanes of independent shops and Bath abbey.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Cambridge, England
Cambridge certainly lives up to its name as one of the most picturesque university towns. Built around the river cam, explore the incredible university building (King's College Chapel is a must), hire a punt for the day or grab an afternoon tea at one of the central cafes.
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Best places to visit in the UK - London, England
What's a list of places in the UK without London? The capital city is certainly the most-visited part of the isles, but with good reason - history, architecture, dining and theatre all reign supreme here. Pack your comfy shoes; there's plenty to see!
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Best places to visit in the UK - Newcastle, England
Whether you're up for a night on the Toon or a trip to see the iconic Angel of the North, Newcastle is a hive of activity and excitement. From the hip cultural quarter to the metropolitan Gateshead and endless pubs, you'll never be bored here.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Brecon Beacons, Wales
The Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is considered one of THE most stunning British landscapes. Undulating hills, soaring mountains and fields of sheep beneath vast skies, create a sense of space that’s immensely welcome after a being locked down in a town or city. Particularly picturesque is a southern pocket of the national park known as Waterfall Country, where you’ll find the Four Falls Trail which, as the name suggests, takes in four amazing waterfalls during a five-mile hike.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Wiltshire, England
Historical buildings and architecture are abound in Wiltshire, particularly down Salisbury way. Check out Stonehenge, pop into a tour of Salisbury's impressive cathedral, or take a drive through the long winding roads that run up and down Salisbury plains. Be careful though, you might spot some aliens, since this part of the country is known for it's E.T activity.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow has been voted the world's friendliest city, and is also the biggest in Scotland. Lonely Planet calls it 'one of Britain's most intriguing metropolises', probably thanks to the excellent museums, endless independent business and, of course, cosy pubs. The accent is something of a draw, too.
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Best places to visit in the UK - The Cotswolds, England
There’s a reason so many celebrities buy a second home in the Cotswolds, it’s GORGEOUS. Spread over Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, this little pocket of quintessential England has everything when it comes to weekend breaks; honey-coloured houses, lively market towns, castles, country houses, surprisingly excellent restaurants and hotels and the rolling hills of the Wolds to wander.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Isles Of Scilly, archipelago of England
It’s easy to forget Britain is surrounded by incredible islands, including the beautiful Isles of Scilly archipelago off the coast of Cornwall. Thanks to a unique micro climate it boasts white sand beaches and palm trees (yes, really) and the top place to stay is Hell Bay, a glorious New England-style hotel on the tiny island of Bryher.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Peak District, England
The oldest national park in the UK is epic and makes an ideal escape if you’re craving adventure in the great outdoors. There are underground caves, cycle trails, lush valleys and mountains to discover, including Mam Tor - one of the most iconic peaks in the park which is steeped in history, including remains of Bronze and Iron Age settlements.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Jurassic Coast, England
The Jurassic coast stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, and is arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world. Visit Durdle Door (pictured) for Game Of Thrones style photos, or head to the tranquil seaside town of Sidmouth. Or how about the historic Lyme Regis?
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Best places to visit in the UK - Padstow, England
A famous foodie hangout, Padstow is situated on the north coast of Cornwall, and has all the sandy beaches you could need. Be sure to check out The Camel Trail while you're there, as well as the fishing port and one of Rick Stein's restaurants.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Isle of Skye, Scotland
If stunning scenery is your bag, the Isle of Skye should absolutely be on your travel checklist. Home to some of Scotland's most incredible landscapes, it's like driving through a film set. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights during your trip.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Snowdonia, Wales
Nope, you're not looking at Lake Tahoe: it's Snowdonia. Situated in North Wales, this is an absolute haven for those looking to be immersed in nature. Snowdonia boasts the highest mountain in England and Wales, and the largest natural lake in Wales (plus there's a railway up to the top if you get tired.)
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Best places to visit in the UK - Cheltenham, England
Situated in the Cotswold, this spa town has so much to offer. If you're not into horses at Cheltenham race course, head to Pittville Park (pictured) to see the pump room, the lido for a swim or the promenade for independent restaurants and bars.
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Best places to visit in the UK - York, England
Picture-perfect from practically every angle, York is what you'd envisage when you think of a postcard English city. Surrounded by medieval walls, but with modern touches from shops and restaurants, York is the perfect mixture of history and contemporary sights - plus the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are nearby. No wonder the Sunday Times voted it as the best place to live in the UK.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Bristol, England
Certain UK towns are always referred to as ‘up-and-coming’, but Bristol really is the new cool city. The Office for National Statistics found that over 13,000 people left London to move to the city between 2015 and 2017, making it more popular than even Brighton. For those just visiting, it’s worth seeing the museum & art gallery, and Bristol Zoo Gardens.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Falmouth, England
Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the most stunning places in the UK. Known for its local surfers, artists and nature, the area is a must-visit. We recommend Falmouth, where you can visit the National Maritime Museum and Pendennis Castle, a well-preserved 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII.
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Best places to visit in the UK - Edinburgh, Scotland
From the zoo to the whiskey and, of course, the annual Fringe Festival, Edinburgh is a constant hive of activity and fun. Locals are friendly and only too happy to offer a recommendation - pick their brains to find the best side streets to explore and restaurants you shouldn't miss.
