When I visited London for the archetypal period 14 years ago, I quickly came to comprehend why it's among the most famous tourist destinations in the UK, let solitary the world. I cut in affection alongside the city's inimitable energy, varied neighborhoods, shops, and eateries.
So whenever I decided to move from Canada to the UK in for five years, I pictured myself visiting London all weekend. Little did I know, however, I'd rotate into drawn to so many another parts of the country.
From quaint villages to kitschy-but-cute seaside towns, current are the seven destinations I think tourists should sojourn if they desire to really cognition the UK akin a local.
Brighton offers big-city vibes on a smaller scale.
If I were to move rear to the UK, I'd desire to live in Brighton.
This vibrant coastal city, which is a small complete an hour's train journey from London, has all the chill vibes of the capital, but on an admittedly smaller scale, making it awareness small hectic and easier to navigate.
Along alongside stunning views of the sea, Brighton is additionally filled alongside adorable cafés, buzzing bars, eclectic vintage shops, and elegant Regency-era architecture. Plus, it's residence to a enormous pier filled alongside fun arcade games and plentifulness of fish-and-chips spots.
Overall, Brighton offers a awesome blend of civilization and nature, which is why it's rotate into one of my favorite cities in the UK.
Visiting the Cotswolds feels akin strolling onto a movie set.
The Cotswolds aren't a particular city or town, but a grouping of the dreamiest villages you could imagine.
It's anywhere you'll see those quintessentially English thatched-roof cottages, tea houses, and cozy pubs that have been serving patrons for centuries.
You can equal hit up multiple villages in one day; my individual document was six. If this is item you're curious in doing, I certainly propose renting a car, as community transport between the villages can be infrequent.
For charming cottages, I propose checking out villages akin Castle Combe and Bibury. But if beautiful settlement centers alongside ancient shops, tea rooms, pubs, and stunning hikes are what you're looking for, I propose Broadway, Chipping Campden, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Oxford is the ideal destination for academics.
I think any academic-minded visitors coming to the UK should sojourn Oxford. This charming city is residence to the distinguished university of the identical name, and its grandiose buildings are dispersed throughout the extremely walkable city center.
Even if you're not into academia, you'll motionless be capable to value the attractiveness of the architecture.
Oxford is additionally a awesome place for foodies, alongside plentifulness of aesthetically pleasing coffee shops and restaurants nestled between centuries-old buildings. Some of my favorite places to catch a nip contain Quod and The Handle Bar.
My favorite coast town in the UK is Weston-super-Mare.
If you're going to Bath, you power as fine project approximately an hr via train to the shoreline to cognition an authentic English coast town: Weston-super-Mare.
The town is cheesy in a fun way, alongside a pier complete of snack stands and arcade games, and an extra-long coastal band you can explore.
Visiting Weston-super-Mare is a fun day trip that offers appropriate traditional immersion and a appearance at what the locals akin to do for a staycation.
I akin visiting Bath for glimpses of ancient architecture.
This erstwhile Roman colony is one of England's most picturesque destinations. It's named following the city's Roman baths, which can motionless be seen today.
Although it's not advised to obtain a dip in the ancient baths since of the h2o quality, there are a figure of spas in the city ideal for any swimming needs.
In supplement to the genuine baths, I affection strolling through the city to obtain in the ancient architecture. The city center additionally has plentifulness of engaging specialty shops, cafés, and pubs to halt in alongside the way.
I think any writings fan would affection Stratford-upon-Avon.
Last but certainly not least, another idyllic historic hotspot value the trek is Stratford-upon-Avon. This town, which is concerning a two-hour train journey from London, is celebrated for being William Shakespeare's hometown.
In supplement to touring the playwright's old home, you can additionally stroll former Tudor-era buildings and ancient shops that apparently transport you rear to the 16th century.
History aside, it's additionally a gorgeous location to expend a sunny midday alongside its riverside parks, pubs, and gardens.
In my opinion, no trip to the UK is complete without experiencing northern English culture.
When visiting the UK, I propose heading north to Liverpool. This harbor city has notable architecture, a awesome food and bar scene, and plentifulness of quirky vintage and tattoo shops.
Liverpool additionally houses the Tate Liverpool, a contemporary art museum located correct on the water. Although the chief exhibition is set to reopen in 2027, visitors can motionless inspect out two smaller galleries nearby and obtain part in activities, including imaginative workshops and tours.
Fans of the Beatles can additionally inspect out two museums paying homage to the band, as the collection was cast in Liverpool.
This narrative was initially published on May 12, 2026, and most lately updated on October 8, 2026.
