Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland is considered one of the most romantic cities in Britain. The ancient architecture will seduce even the most seasoned traveler, and the local attractions will make you stay in the city longer than planned.
Where to go:
Visit the National Museum of Scotland, which features more than eight thousand exhibits. Take a stroll by the Balmoral Hotel with its big clock on the tower: It’s considered one of the capital’s main attractions. And, of course, don’t forget to check out Princes Street, the city’s main street with many boutiques and the National Gallery of Scotland.
Brighton
Brighton is one of the best resorts in the UK, but deserves to be visited not only in summer, but in any other season. The south coast of England is buzzing with life all year round, and long walks along the pier are never off, even in winter. Local restaurants and clubs are not inferior even to London establishments, because in Brighton, it seems, the holiday season never ends.
Where to go:
The Royal Seaside Residence cannot be overlooked by any traveler, for its design is unequivocally impressive. The building is built in Indo-Saracenic style, and the inside is a combination of Indian and Moorish motifs. Don’t forget to also climb the world’s thinnest tower, which recently opened in Brighton.
Cambridge
One of Europe’s oldest university centers, Cambridge is famous for its ancient colleges, centuries-old architecture and scenic surroundings. Unlike its historic rival, Oxford, Cambridge has a more relaxed rhythm of life. Students relax on the lawns between classes and unwind in historic pubs in the evenings. Everything in the city is imbued with the spirit of learning, because here is the University of Cambridge, which gave the world about 100 Nobel laureates.
Where to go:
Stroll by King’s College Chapel, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, and check out Trinity College Library, where you can find more than 55,000 books, including manuscripts by Shakespeare and Newton. Don’t forget to include the Fitzwilliam Museum, which was one of the first public art galleries in Britain. There you can see works by Rubens, Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso. Lastly, take a ride along the Cam River in the Backs District, as you’ll be able to see the natural beauty and architecture of the city, including the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge, built in 1749.
York
You won’t find a more medieval city than York in all of Northern England. It’s a place of extraordinary historical and cultural richness. Here you want to wander for hours through the old narrow streets, woven into a web, at the center of which is the Gothic York Cathedral. Along with the ancient architecture, there is also a place for the modern establishments that every traveler needs: restaurants, cafes and pubs.
Where to go:
York Cathedral is number one on the list of attractions you should see in York. It is considered the largest medieval temple in all of Northern Europe and one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in the entire world. Go to the Yorkshire Museum, which houses more than a million exhibits – some more than 500,000 years old. Among the most iconic are a 6th-century bust of Emperor Constantine, maps and models of Roman York, and skeletons of ancient animals. And, of course, don’t forget to stroll through The Shambles, a lane of authentic houses and buildings, many of which date back to the 14th century.
Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, has developed over the last few decades to become a modern metropolis with ancient cultural monuments. Glasgow is also rightly considered the center of arts in Scotland, because it hosts numerous music festivals and other events that attract visitors from all over the world.
Where to go:
Connoisseurs of modern architecture can’t ignore the Transport Museum, which displays the history of Glasgow’s transportation development. And even if the museum exhibits are not particularly interesting to you, it is worth at least seeing the design of the building itself, designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, which looks very futuristic. See the paintings of Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh and Dali in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is the most visited in Scotland. And to finish your cultural program, head to Glasgow’s Royal Theatre to see a classic English drama.
Nottingham
Located in the heart of Great Britain, Nottingham is the largest city in the county of Nottinghampshire. It is surrounded by Sherwood Forest, famous for the legends of Robin Hood, and the city itself has a monument to the hero. Like many other British cities, Nottingham boasts a mix of styles and eras, as you can find modern buildings alongside authentic centuries-old buildings.
Where to go:
Perhaps the most popular attraction in the city is Nottingham Castle, whose foundations date back to William the Conqueror. It’s where many of the acts of the Robin Hood legends took place. Don’t forget to visit Wallaton Hall, as it’s one of England’s few surviving Renaissance palaces. Also, be sure to grab a pint at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, a pub in contention for the right to be England’s oldest. The pub claims it was built in 1189.
Chester
One of the most visited cities by travelers for its small size has managed to preserve ancient sights that reflect its two-thousand-year history. Located in the western part of the county of Cheshire, famous for the fairy tale character Cheshire Cat, so you can’t leave without a souvenir of a smiling cat. But the main gift Chester gives you is, of course, its unique architecture.
Where to go:
Connoisseurs of ancient architecture will love Chester Cathedral, built centuries ago. Check out the local zoo, even if animals aren’t the main thing you were planning to see in the city, as Chester Zoo is considered one of the best in the world. Also, don’t forget to stroll down Chester Rows, a street of half-timbered houses with projecting balconies that are considered one of Chester’s symbols.
Oxford
This English city, despite its ancient appearance, is completely saturated with youthful spirit, as every year the best students from all over the world come here to get an education at Oxford University. If you want to get closer to English traditions, Oxford is the best place to do so. It has ancient architecture, picturesque nature, and a rich history. Oxford definitely represents much more than just a college town.
Where to go:
Take a stroll around Oxford University’s campus to see its college buildings. Christ Church, Merton College, and Magdalene College boast beautiful buildings that date back centuries. Also worth a visit is the Bodleian Library, whose Radcliffe Rotunda is considered one of the city’s calling cards. Art lovers should definitely check out the Ashmolean Museum with works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Da Vinci. Finally, go to The Eagle and Child, one of Oxford’s oldest pubs and a meeting place for the Inklings, the literary club of which Tolkien and Lewis were members.