19 Best Cities in England: Beautiful Cities to Visit

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The best cities in England stretch far beyond London. England is home to several beautiful, historic cities as well as towns, villages, and stunning countryside.

Of course, everyone knows of the capital city London, but there are also university cities like Cambridge and Oxford, seaside cities like Brighton and Southampton, and historic cities like York and Bath – England has it all!

There’s a great collection of beautiful architecture and plenty of cultural experiences here. I love exploring England and I’m pretty sure there’s a city for every type of person here.

You could spend time sightseeing, or touring its pretty countryside and picturesque villages, and you’ll find yourself stumbling across an endless array of attractions.

To help you get the most out of your England travel itinerary, these are some of the most beautiful cities in England to visit.

1. Bath

Bath is one of the oldest cities in England, and it’s undeniably beautiful. It features stunning architecture and old-fashioned buildings from the Roman era. This includes the ancient Roman Baths that gave the city its name. 

Whilst these are a must-see while you’re in the city, there are plenty of interesting sites to explore while visiting Bath. Don’t miss Bath Abbey, The Royal Crescent, or the Jane Austen Center.

You can also enjoy some spas, and rooftop pools, or indulge in some delicious chocolate treats at Charlotte Brunswick Chocolates.

People love how lively it is here with live music and festivals happening all year round. They have an annual Christmas Market which could be fun if you’re visiting in the winter months. You’ll never forget your time exploring this English gem and it’s one of the most beautiful English cities.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Bath

2. Oxford

Oxford is another one of the best cities in England, known for being home to some world-famous institutions and historic architecture. The city attracts visitors from all over who want to experience this stunning city’s rich history and culture.

You’ll find plenty of amazing museums here such as the Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum, or The Ashmolean which showcases ancient Greek pottery and artefacts from all over the world.

Oxford is also a great place for Harry Potter fans. It was used as a filming location for many movies. Be sure to visit Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and the Divinity School, which are both recognizable film sets.

Oxford is centrally located and easy to get to from London via train as well. It’ll take around one hour to get there, making it the perfect day trip from London.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Oxford

3. Cambridge

Cambridge is another great English city to visit, and one that’s perfect for a weekend away. While there are plenty of things to do here – from museums to outdoor attractions like punting on the River Cam – you’ll never be bored because the city of Cambridge has a lot going on year round!

For instance, December through February brings lots of festive events such as Christmas markets and winter light displays.

March sees the arts hit their stride in this gorgeous university town during the annual Festival of Ideas where they encourage the public to explore art and get creative.

May brings the infamous Cambridge Beer Festival on Jesus Green. In summer, enjoy live music at the Cambridge Music Festival which celebrates jazz, opera, classical music, and folk songs. Plus, Strawberries and Creem is incredibly popular and features a range of artists. 

But aside from festivals and funky events, Cambridge is a beautiful city with plenty of historical architecture for you to explore. This includes the famous King’s College Chapel which has stunning medieval paintings, Trinity College, St Johns College, and the curious Corpus Clock. 

It only takes about one hour by train from London. So, if you’re looking for an easy day trip or short break it might be a perfect choice.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Cambridge

4. London

You can’t make a list of the best cities in England to visit without mentioning London. It’s the capital city and the most popular tourist destination in the country!

London offers an eclectic mix of attractions as well as several museums, parks, and food markets. You can take a walk through Kensington Gardens or head up Primrose Hill for some stunning views.

If you’re looking for something more active then try your hand at climbing the O2, or kayaking on the Thames. Then, the National Gallery is also worth visiting if you want to explore art from around Europe. 

London will keep you busy with plenty of classic British sights. For example, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, or a double-decker bus tour through the city streets. But it’s not short of hidden gems either!

For children, there are lots of family-friendly activities available such as the London Dungeon and Madame Tussauds, where you can see some of your favourite celebrities up close.

You’ll also find hundreds of other attractions in London, and it’s easily one of the best English cities. It can be a tad expensive though. So these free things to do in London will help keep the costs down.

✅ Find the best places to stay in London

5. Bristol

Located in the southwest of England, Bristol is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you want to take in the scenery from a boat ride or go shopping for souvenirs at Cabot Circus, there’s always something going on here.

Some other great things about this beautiful city are its culture and history. Check out The SS Great Britain, the famous ship and living museum. Plus, the AT-Bristol, the stunning St Mary Redcliffe Church, and Blaise Castle.

The best museums include the M Shed Museum where visitors can find more than 400 years’ worth of industrial heritage exhibits.

Arnolfini Gallery offers cutting-edge visual arts exhibitions alongside independent cinema screenings and lectures. And Bristol Museum and Art Gallery explore local and natural history.

Don’t forget to see the views from the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans a whopping 214m over the Avon Gorge. You can walk across the bridge for wonderful views of the gorge below. Or climb to the top of Observatory Hill for stunning views of the bridge itself.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Bristol

6. Southampton

If you love maritime history, fascinating Tudor house, and the ocean, you’ll absolutely love Southampton. This bustling port city on the south coast of England is steeped in history.

It’s the largest cruise port in the UK and you’ll find lots of cruise liners along its historic docks.

It’s also home to one of the most famous ships of all time – the Titanic – and you can learn a lot about her here, from her history to some behind-the-scenes information about her failed voyage.

The city also has a lot of great architecture, including medieval walls to striking modern structures like the iconic SeaCity Museum (this is where you can find out more about the Titanic).

✅ Find the best places to stay in Southampton

7. Plymouth

The largest city in the south of England, if you’re planning to venture south to places like Devon, or Cornwall, you might want to make a short stop here first. Ideal for a long weekend break, Plymouth is a gorgeous university city in the south.

As one of the country’s oldest seaports, Plymouth holds a significant place in British history. It is primarily known as the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers’ voyage to the New World on the Mayflower in 1620.

The city’s waterfront is a focal point, bustling with activity, from the Royal William Yard’s trendy shops and restaurants to the Barbican’s quaint cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and charming pubs.

Plymouth also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theatres.

As well as this, its surrounding natural beauty, including the stunning landscapes of Dartmoor National Park and the picturesque Devon coastline, offers lots of opportunities to get outdoors.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Plymouth

8. Manchester

Manchester is known for its culture and sport with an incredible football stadium, beautiful art galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants. It’s the third most visited city in the UK after London and Edinburgh, and it’s not hard to see why! 

The Imperial War Museum, which is in a curious, contemporary building, the Manchester Art Gallery (which houses over 25,000 paintings), and the Museum Of Science And Industry where visitors can explore over 400 years’ worth of industrial heritage, are all worth a visit.

There are plenty more attractions too like Old Trafford Football Ground, the largest club stadium in the UK.

For architecture lovers, take a tour of Manchester Cathedral, and explore St. Mary’s Catholic Church. For some culture and delicious food, head to Chinatown.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for family-friendly activities, exploring some UK history, or just want some retail therapy, Manchester is one of the best cities in England.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Manchester

9. York

I love the city of York and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful English cities. It’s a historic gem that’s best known for its medieval architecture and antiquity.

Some things to do here include the York City Walls, one of York’s free attractions which you can walk along. You can also take a boat cruise down the River Ouse where you’ll get an up-close view of Medieval houses, bridges, and churches!

There are also plenty more museums worth visiting. For instance, the Jorvik Viking Centre where visitors explore what life was like when Vikings invaded Britain around 800 AD.

Also, visit the York Castle Museum or the National Railway Museum which reveals five centuries’ worth of railway heritage. Plus, don’t forget the explore the Shambles, York’s famous street with leaning, medieval buildings.

There are plenty more attractions too like the York Minster, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, Clifford’s Tower which offers beautiful views over the moors and the city, and the crumbling ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

It’s also a spectacular place to visit during Christmas as the centre comes alive with markets.

✅ Find the best places to stay in York

10. Durham

We stopped in Durham on our UK road trip on the way back from Edinburgh and I absolutely loved the history here. It surprised me how beautiful it was considering I didn’t know too much about it.

Our first stops were its magnificent cathedral and castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which dominate Durham’s skyline.

The cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, has some stunning architecture and medieval stained glass windows. The historic castle, while we weren’t able to go inside as it’s now part of Durham University, was still pretty impressive.

The winding cobbled streets of the historic city centre are lined with picturesque buildings, bustling markets, and quaint cafes, exuding an atmosphere of timeless elegance. This was a beautiful place to grab a coffee and a sandwich and simply to have a wander around.

Plus, the city’s surroundings are great. You’ll be within easy distance of the breathtaking landscapes of the River Wear and the nearby Durham Dales which offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and scenic walks.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Durham

11. Leeds

Another of our UK road trip stops, we spent a long weekend in Leeds. Located in West Yorkshire, the city has a vibrant energy, a thriving cultural scene, and a diverse population.

In the bustling city centre, you’ll find Victorian-era architecture which blends seamlessly with modern skyscrapers, and an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Leeds is also home to many world-class museums, galleries, and theatres, including the renowned Leeds Art Gallery and the historic Leeds Grand Theatre. For those who like a night on the town, you’ll find lively bars, clubs, and a great music scene too.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales and other beautiful National Parks, Leeds offers a perfect balance of city life and natural beauty.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Leeds

12. Newcastle Upon Tyne

Yet another stop on our trip to Edinburgh, Newcastle was one of my favourites. The northern city has a great combination of history and culture.

Situated on the northern bank of the River Tyne, the cityscape is dominated by the iconic Tyne Bridge, which connects Newcastle with its neighbouring town, Gateshead.

You’ll find little historical sites dotted around the city. This includes Newcastle Castle and the elegant Grainger Town, lined with Georgian architecture.

Newcastle is also renowned for its thriving cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres, including the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Theatre Royal.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne

13. Brighton

Brighton is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway with beautiful beaches, shopping centres, and restaurants. It’s one of the best cities in England for those who want to combine a seaside escape with some classic English history.

It’s also home to one of England’s best-known landmarks – The Royal Pavilion – which was built in 1815. It’s an extravagant seaside retreat that features architectural styles from around the world.  

You can also explore famous attractions like Brighton Pier, explore museums such as Brighton Museum & Art Gallery which showcases over 100 years’ worth of art including pieces from some of the most famous artists in history, or Brighton Toy and Model Museum which is one of the oldest toy collections in England. 

The Brighton Sealife Centre is also worth a visit, and a great place to explore with kids. Don’t forget the British Airways tower for picture-perfect panoramas of the city.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Brighton

14. Birmingham

Birmingham is an excellent destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or shopping. There are plenty of museums to explore such as the National Motorcycle Museum and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. 

Kids will love the National Sea Life Centre. You’ll find over 70 different species from fish to sharks plus marine animals including otters, penguins, dolphins, etc.

You can also visit Cadbury World, which explores the history of chocolate and has interactive attractions, and chocolate tastings.

For those who love history, pay a visit to the Shakespeare Express. This classic steam engine is one of the most well-known functioning trains in England. Aston Hall and St Phillips Cathedral also shouldn’t be missed.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Birmingham

15. Canterbury

Canterbury is a charming city, home to Canterbury Cathedral. Built in the 11th century, this building is one of the most magnificent in the United Kingdom. It offers amazing views from the top. History buffs also shouldn’t miss St Augustine’s Abbey, the Westgate Towers, or St Martin’s Church.

There are plenty of museums too, including the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge where visitors can explore English legends, culture, and ancient artefacts from all over the world. 

There are plenty more attractions too like the Canterbury City Walls, the manicured Westgate Gardens, and the beautiful Christ Church Gate, which towers above Canterbury’s Buttermarket. 

Canterbury is a charming city with lots of history and religious attractions and one of the best cities in England to visit.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Canterbury

16. Salisbury

Salisbury is a gorgeous city in Somerset with the best examples of medieval architecture in England. It’s home to Salisbury Cathedral which was built in the 13th century and houses the Manga Carta.

Check out the Salisbury Museum, and National Trust’s Mompesson House, and tour Arundells. Nearby, you’ll also find Old Sarum, an ancient, Iron Age hill fort.

Salisbury is a gorgeous city with the best examples of medieval architecture in England. Don’t forget to simply explore the old city centre. Plus, if you have some extra time in the city, take a trip to the infamous Stonehenge.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Salisbury

17. Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon is one of the best cities in England thanks to its Shakespearean history.

It’s home to one of England’s best-known landmarks – The Royal Shakespeare Theatre – which first opened in 1932. The theatre can seat over 1000 people and is dedicated to the famous British playwright William Shakespeare.

There are other museums in Stratford too. For example, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, explore Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and visit Hall’s Croft, home to Shakespeare’s daughter.

It’s also worth visiting the Holy Trinity Church, a medieval building constructed in 1210. Shakespeare was buried in this graveyard and you can also view his tomb.

For a less Shakearean attraction, pay a visit to the MAD (Mechanical Art and Design) Museum. This intriguing project showcases different uses of kinetic energy. There’s also the Stratford butterfly farm, or the Stratford Armories, which hold a large collection of historic coats of arms.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

18. Liverpool

Liverpool is another of the best cities in England brimming with history and culture.

You can also take an open-top bus tour around some of the city’s historic buildings. Make sure to see Albert Dock and the Catholic Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

For a peaceful end to the Liverpudlian trip, Birkenhead Park is a gorgeous green space located on the west side of Mersey. It was the first park funded by the public to open in Britain.

It opened in 1847 and, as well as plenty of flora and fauna, it features Gothic, Italianate, and Norman architecture. There are also two lakes and an ornate bridge. Perfect for a relaxing stroll to end your day.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Liverpool

19. Newport

Last but not least, this is one of the more unique cities in England to visit. I mean, you’ll have to get on a ferry to see it! But, I honestly believe it’s one of the best on this list.

Newport is the capital of the Isle of Wight, the largest island in the UK. Just a short ferry ride from Southampton or Portsmouth, this beautiful city is located at the heart of the island.

It’s a wonderful blend of old-world charm, with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and bustling markets. But you’ll also find modern shops, cafes, and wonderful seafood restaurants.

The town’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the island’s natural beauty, from its stunning coastline to its picturesque countryside.

✅ Find the best places to stay in Newport

Final Thoughts on the Best Cities in England to Visit

Overall, England is waaaay more than just London.

I say this all the time, but there’s so much to see here. It’s a stunning country and there are major cities up and down the country where you can see so much history, heritage, and, in some cases, natural beauty.

So, if you’re looking for a UK city break, I hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration outside of the British capital.

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