10 cities you should definitely visit in the UK

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When looking for a great city to visit, we are often drawn to more alternative and adventurous cities. By this, we mean places rich in art and culture. The United Kingdom is a vast area with many cities, so choosing which one to visit can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we have compiled a top 10 list of the most fun and alternative cities in the UK. Let us take you through them.

1. Brighton

For an original city break in the United Kingdom, we can recommend the cozy coastal town of Brighton in southern England. This atmospheric city on England's south coast has beautiful beaches and one of those typical English piers. But there is much more to discover. We fell in love with the nice atmosphere in the cozy center full of hip restaurants, stores, and street art.

Brighton is located in the southeast of England and is a well-known seaside resort on the south coast. London is also located in the southeast of the country, making Brighton very easy to reach. From London, you can easily and quickly travel to the English seaside resort by train. The train only takes an hour.

2. Bristol

Bristol, the cool port city in southwest England, is a city of character. The city combines an impressive maritime history and industrial atmosphere with hip student neighborhoods. Creative and innovative, but respectful of its historical value. Take a dip in raw but charming Brizzle, as the proud residents affectionately call their city.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this city is the street art you will encounter everywhere. Not surprising, considering that the mysterious street artist Banksy is from here. Definitely try to spend an afternoon wandering the streets of Bristol in search of the most beautiful artwork.

You can also opt for different tours, which will take you past the most extraordinary works.

3. Manchester

A city break Manchester will really surprise you! It is a very hip city with lots of stores, culture, and trendy restaurants. Each neighborhood has a different character and which we think is well worth discovering.

Although Manchester already has its own style, the Northern Quarter is a unique neighborhood: alternative, free-spirited, and creative. No problem spending hours in the countless bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and retro stores. The Northern Quarter is one of the best places in Manchester for a night out.

4. Leeds

The northern English city of Leeds was the big surprise on our train trip through England. We did not really know what to do in Leeds yet, but what we found was a beautiful city with classic buildings, a local scene with many microbreweries. Also, it was rich in art and culture, fantastic restaurants and hundreds of stores to shop. It is therefore one of the shopping cities of England.

The city used to be a major trading center for the production of wool, this has made Leeds a renowned shopping city today. The recently opened Victoria Quarter is a shopping arcade with boutiques and well-known chain stores. Kirkgate Market is the largest indoor market in Europe and is known for its international street food.

Never fear that you can only go out for shopping, architecture, museums, and food because Leeds also has a very exciting nightlife. Discover Rooftop bars and clubs all over the city where the evenings can be enjoyed with live music and cocktails.

5. Sheffield

You've certainly never been to Sheffield if you think a city break can't be paired with an active vacation. Located in South Yorkshire, this English city is known as The Outdoor City. A city with amazing places to climb and hike and world-class mountain bike trails.

Travelers can expect a vibrant and creative city life with excellent street-food markets, small breweries and plenty of arts and events. After an active day in nature, it's time for a delicious drink and perhaps a dance downtown.

6. Totnes

Totnes is a place where historical richness fuses effortlessly with a vibrant alternative culture and breathtaking natural surroundings. It is much more than your average English town, Totnes pulses with an amazing community spirit that you'll feel around every corner.

Picture by https://maverickguide.co.uk/

The combination of rich history, stunning nature, artistic input, and a sense of community makes it a truly inspiring destination. Read more about Totnes in this article.

7. St Ives, Cornwall

Saint Ives is a beautiful and popular vacation destination in far southwest Cornwall. It is a small seaside town and also an artists' colony. also has some attractions including the local museum, the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. St. Ives is Cornwall's high point culturally. Visit the studio and sculpture garden of sculptor Barbara Hepworth, an oasis of calm in the city streets.

Of course, you can also just enjoy sun, sea and beach here. You can do so at the sheltered Porthminster Beach and at the beautiful Porthmeor Beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Liverpool

Liverpool is obviously the city of The Beatles but the city has more to offer than memories of this world-famous band from the 1960s. Liverpool is also the city of many stores, museums and of course the football club Liverpool FC.

However, once in Liverpool, you cannot ignore the legacy of The Beatles. The Beatles Museum, The Yellow Duckmarine city tour, the Cavern Club and Mathew Street are all must-sees for any Beatles fan. Seen enough Beatles sights? Then take a walk under the city through the Williamson Tunnels. The most popular part of Liverpool is the completely renovated Albert Dock where some interesting museums like Liverpool Tate and The World Museum are located.

9. Edinburgh

A city trip to the Scottish capital means a mix of culture, history and conviviality. When you think of Edinburgh, you think of rain and cold. And we need to be honest: no, Edinburgh is indeed pretty wet. But get over the rain, because Edinburgh is really worth it. In the capital of Scotland you will find a perfect combination of history and culture. More than 4,500 buildings in the city are listed and the city center is recognized as a UNESCO site. Many locations therefore create the illusion that you are in the past.

Edinburgh is also nicknamed The Athens of the North. This is because the city is the breeding ground of great thinkers from the Scottish Enlightenment. Most of the must-sees in the city are within walking distance of each other. Want to travel greater distances? Then be sure to rent a bike. Edinburgh is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Great Britain.

If you're a big art lover, make sure you're in Edinburgh in the summer so you can catch some cool art festivals.

10. Falmouth, Cornwall

The coastal town of Falmouth has inspired sailors, artists, musicians and explorers for decades. Discover for yourself this beautiful town on the Cornish coastline.

Visit Pendennis Castle, the Cornwall Maritime Museum and the Falmouth Art Gallery. Imagine yourself in a green oasis in Falmouth's many parks or find a lovely beach nearby.