This summer, more people than ever before are looking at visiting London as a vacation destination.
More and more airlines are offering direct flights between the United States and the United Kingdom, making this the perfect time to take a trip over the Atlantic and see the rich culture and history of the United Kingdom.
Female tourist in Bath, United Kingdom, using her smartphone to snap a photo while she is on the go
Even while there are many of reasons to visit London, the influx of tourists this year could lead to increased hotel prices (even more than regular London pricing, if that’s even possible) and huge lineups at the most popular attractions.
Natural hues of Bristol’s cityscape
Why not shake things up a bit this year and visit some of the other fantastic cities that the United Kingdom has to offer?
Big 7 Travel has compiled an extensive list of the 50 most stunning locations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This list includes islands, small towns, cities, and regions.
Famous York, England’s Shambles Street is right in the middle of the action.
If you’re looking for somewhere to visit outside of London this summer, consider these seven:
Bath
Somerset (yep, like the cider) is a county in Southwest England, and its delightful city of Bath is located there. It’s easy to see why Bath is widely regarded as Britain’s prettiest city.
The Romans settled in the area around the Avon River because of its abundance of thermal springs. The city was used as a spa as early as the 1st century AD, and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From London, you can reach the city in around 90 minutes by rail, making it an ideal day trip destination. In addition to its well-known spas and baths, the compact city of Bath is also renowned as a fantastic shopping destination.
Bath, England’s Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon in the distance.
York
The Shambles in York, a tiny, winding street lined with mediaeval buildings that bend and sag in every direction, is one of the most recognisable sights in all of England.
Although many people (and the local economy) mistakenly believe that this extraordinary street served as the model for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, this is not the case.
The Shambles are a popular tourist destination in York, so visitors should allow extra time to explore the area or arrive early to avoid the crowds. The Shambles aside, York is home to more pubs than you could ever visit in a lifetime (believe me, I tried)!
York Minster, one of the world’s largest churches, is a stunning architectural marvel. If you arrange a guided tour in advance, you can even go up on the roof.
Cambridge, the city of York, and the York Minster at dusk
The city of learning, Cambridge, is only an hour and a half away by rail from London. This gorgeous town revolves around its world-famous university, and properly so.
Relaxing in a boat as punters show you around the river Cam is another popular activity. Take in the sights and learn about the area’s history in one of the many riverside bars, where the bartenders will gladly bring their beverages directly to you.
The best way to see Cambridge is in a chauffeured boat, sipping traditional Pimms and looking out over the river.
A picturesque scene of students and punters on the River Cam in Cambridge, England.
Oxford
Oxford, the other academic city in England, is just an hour by train from London, making it convenient for a day trip if you don’t want to spend the night in order to visit some of the Harry Potter movie locations and attractions.
Enjoy the city’s pubs and restaurants scene after a day of sightseeing and taking in the sights.
Combining a trip to Oxford with a tour of the picturesque villages in the Cotswold, where you can see the lavish mansions of Britain’s super-rich and famous, is an excellent idea.
Oxford skyline. Europe, England
Brighton
Brighton, a popular coastal destination, is in the county of East Sussex in the southeast corner of the United Kingdom. It’s only about an hour away from London through England’s very efficient train network, or approximately half an hour away from London’s Gatwick Airport via plane.
Brighton’s reputation as the U.K.’s LGBTQ+ capital is only one reason why many people flock to this beachy, chill metropolis.
Shopping, spas, and a lively nightlife can all be found in Brighton. Visit the Royal Pavilion to observe the impact of the East on Western architecture and spare some time for a ride on the Volk’s Electric train, the oldest electric train in the world.
Pavilion in Brighton, Edinburgh, on a Summer Day
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has a lot going for it, from the colourful Royal Mile to the breathtaking vistas from the top of Arthur’s Seat.
In the summer, the city hosts the world-famous Fringe Festival, during which time the streets are filled with music and comedy shows. While enjoyable, this does drive up the cost of lodging.
Instead of taking the 5-hour train ride from London, you can fly directly to the United States from Edinburgh.
Historic District and Castle of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
This thriving Northern Irish capital is now more accessible than ever thanks to direct flights from the United States. If you’re visiting London and want to extend your stay, you may take advantage of the frequent and low-cost flights between the two cities thanks to low-cost carriers.
What was once a gritty industrial city is blossoming into a cultural hotspot in Belfast, and it’s having a moment. There are many bars and interesting street art to explore in the revitalised Titanic Quarter.
The famous Giant’s Causeway can be reached without much trouble from Belfast, and a journey to Dublin by rail is a pleasant addition that could save money on airfare from the United States.
