Are you planning a holiday to the UK? While London is often the first city that comes to mind when people think of the UK, plenty of other underrated towns are well worth your time.
London is a bustling metropolis with many famous attractions and things to do. Still, its status as the capital also means it can be expensive, crowded, and sometimes difficult to get to. Why not check out one or more of the other beautiful cities in the UK? Here are six underrated UK cities that aren't London.
1.) Edinburgh
London is the capital of England, and Edinburgh is the pearl of Scotland. This beautiful old Scottish city is worth a visit, with its wonderful old town offering some well-preserved historic buildings, great food, and fascinating culture.
Edinburgh is also one of the most visited cities in the UK after London - and for good reason. This beautiful capital city is just as exciting, fun, and bustling as London but without the high price tag of the British capital.
2.) Oxford
Oxford is home to one of the world's oldest and most famous universities, but there's a lot more to see in this ancient city than visiting Britain's academic heart. Oxford has beautiful historic buildings, some of the best museums in the country, and plenty of fun things to do to keep your holiday busy.
Oxford is also only an hour away by train from London. So if you're still interested in the capital after enjoying the university town to its fullest, you can still explore London without paying extra for accommodation.
3.) Brighton
Britons know Brighton as the gay capital of the UK, and it's no surprise: this fun seaside resort has a history of LGBT communities dating back to the 1800s.
Brighton is also ideal for tourists who want to sunbathe by the sea. With its popular beaches and famous pier, Brighton, known for its range of rides and attractions, is the best place to be when you want to have fun.
4.) Manchester
What do Marvel's Benedict Wong, Sir Ian McKellen, Mr. and Mrs. Smith's Morrissey, and The Crown's Claire Foy have in common? They both grew up in the bustling city of Manchester, the unofficial capital of northern England.
Manchester is renowned for its rich culture, producing some of the UK's most famous bands. With a vibrant nightlife and some of the country's best restaurants, Manchester is an excellent choice for any visitor to the UK - but music or football fans, in particular, will enjoy the unique cultural history of this exciting city.
5.) Belfast
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is often overlooked by visitors to the UK. But whether you're flying into the city directly or traveling from the UK mainland, you should take advantage of Belfast.
Belfast is a colorful port city that has shed its troubled past and is now one of the UK's most vibrant and interesting cities. Visit an authentic Irish pub, explore Belfast Castle, and see Titanic Belfast, which tells the story of the Titanic from her conception in Belfast itself.
6.) York
Before New York, there was York - this historic city is still a sight. Nestled in beautiful Yorkshire, York is picturesque and will satisfy your craving for a traditional English town.
See York Minster, York's most famous landmark, and The Butcher Street, one of the best preserved medieval streets in the UK. If you fancy seeing York from the air, you can also walk along the old city walls that surround the city center. Filled with history and fairytale attractions, York is worth a visit.
Diploma
Why you should miss some of the UK's lesser-known cities From old and medieval architecture to lively bars, nightlife, and seaside fun, the UK is full of colorful towns just waiting to be explored.
