Chances are, 98% of tourists who come to England come to visit London; they arrive en masse at Heathrow, blinkered and bleary-eyed, and won’t set foot outside the capital all the time they’re here. But for the intrepid explorers among you, we’ve compiled a guide to the best cities in the UK that aren’t London, so you can venture beyond and discover what the rest of the country has to offer.
Newcastle
As property prices continue to skyrocket in London – in spite of the recession – rumour has it that hordes of young professionals are migrating north to Newcastle. And with a burgeoning arts scene, vibrant nightlife, and competitive housing, who can blame them?
Bristol
The official home of notorious street artist Banksy and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, what’s not to love about Bristol? Nothing: that’s what.
Bath
Since you’re on your way down to Bristol, you might as well stop off at Bath. This famous Georgian spa town was once the home of Jane Austen, and boasts a beautiful Abbey, Roman Baths, and the only natural hot springs in Britain.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh never fails to impress, does it? Traditional bagpipes sound out like a foghorn across the historic Old Town, resounding through the dark and twisted streets that tremble in the shadow of the castle. You can also visit the famous Elephant House café, where novelist J.K. Rowling wrote much of the early Harry Potter books.
Oxford
Otherwise known as the city of dreaming spires, Oxford is home to the oldest university in the country (yes, that’s right – older than Cambridge) and one of the leading academic institutes in the world. Try your hand at punting along the river Cherwell, or simply stroll through Christ Church Meadows in the footsteps of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Liverpool
Famously the home of the Beatles, Liverpool F.C., and the port of registry for the fated RMS Titanic, we’ll bet you anything the city of Liverpool has some stories to tell.
Glasgow
Glasgow, poor Glasgow; too long it has been snubbed as the impoverished distant cousin that Edinburgh won’t acknowledge. But with multi-million pound investment in the cultural sector promised for 2014, the joke’s on them: Glasgow is on the rise.
Brighton and Hove
The vibrant and eclectic seaside resorts of Brighton and Hove can only be seen to be believed. Entirely charismatic and painted with a wealth of quirks and eccentricities, the landscape incorporates the famously tacky Brighton Pier, alongside the eccentric Royal Pavilion, which is notable for its exotic oriental design both inside an out.
Feature image © Ingram Publishing/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
