The UK has been the inspiration for many artists, poets, painters, and filmmakers. You get a city vibe from cities like London, the get a country feel from cities like York. We have listed the top 10 cities you ought to visit in England. But before we continue, let’s get to know London a little bit more.
About the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is made up of all of Great Britain, including England, Wales, and Scotland, as well as the northern half of the island of Ireland. The capital is London, with additional significant cities in England including Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, Northern Ireland’s Belfast and Londonderry, and Scotland’s Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Beginning around 30,000 years ago, anatomically modern humans began to settle what would become the United Kingdom in waves. The inhabitants of the region towards the end of the prehistoric period is assumed to have belonged mostly to the Insular Celtic culture, which includes Brittonic Britain and Gaelic Ireland.
United Kingdom Provinces
The two kingdoms of England and Scotland, as well as the principality of Wales, are collectively known as Great Britain (or Britain).
The United Kingdom is made up of two parts: Great Britain, which is made up of England, Scotland, and Wales, and Northern Ireland, which is made up of England, Scotland, and Wales.
London, which is also the capital of England, is the United Kingdom’s capital, seat of government, and largest metropolis.
-The capital of England is London.
-Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland.
-Cardiff is the capital of Wales.
-Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland.
(London is the UK’s capital.)
The state/province for the United Kingdom are listed in the table below.
| Valid Field Value | Province Name |
| DRS | Derry and Strabane |
| FMO | Fermanagh and Omagh |
| ABE | Aberdeen City |
| ABD | Aberdeenshire |
| ANS | Angus |
| ANN | Antrim and Newtownabbey |
| AND | Ards and North Down |
| AGB | Argyll and Bute |
| ARM | Armagh |
| ABC | Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon |
| BDG | Barking and Dagenham |
| BNE | Barnet |
| BNS | Barnsley |
| BAS | Bath and North East Somerset |
| BDF | Bedford |
| BFS | Belfast |
| BEX | Bexley |
| BIR | Birmingham |
| BBD | Blackburn with Darwen |
| BPL | Blackpool |
| BGW | Blaenau Gwent |
| BOL | Bolton |
| BMH | Bournemouth |
| BRC | Bracknell Forest |
| BRD | Bradford |
| BEN | Brent |
| BGE | Bridgend [Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr GB-POG] |
| BNH | Brighton and Hove |
| BST | Bristol, City of |
| BST | Bristol, City of |
| BRY | Bromley |
| BKM | Buckinghamshire |
| BUR | Bury |
| CAY | Caerphilly [Caerffili GB-CAF] |
| CLD | Calderdale |
| CAM | Cambridgeshire |
| CMD | Camden |
| CRF | Cardiff [Caerdydd GB-CRD] |
| CMN | Carmarthenshire [Sir Gaerfyrddin GB-GFY] |
| CCG | Causeway Coast and Glens |
| CBF | Central Bedfordshire |
| CGN | Ceredigion [Sir Ceredigion] |
| CHE | Cheshire East |
| CHW | Cheshire West and Chester |
| CLK | Clackmannanshire |
| CWY | Conwy |
| CON | Cornwall |
| COV | Coventry |
| CRY | Croydon |
| CMA | Cumbria |
| DAL | Darlington |
| DEN | Denbighshire [Sir Ddinbych GB-DDB] |
| DER | Derby |
| DBY | Derbyshire |
| DEV | Devon |
| DNC | Doncaster |
| DOR | Dorset |
| DUD | Dudley |
| DGY | Dumfries and Galloway |
| DND | Dundee City |
| DUR | Durham |
| EAL | Ealing |
| EAY | East Ayrshire |
| EDU | East Dunbartonshire |
| ELN | East Lothian |
| ERW | East Renfrewshire |
| ERY | East Riding of Yorkshire |
| ESX | East Sussex |
| EDH | Edinburgh, City of |
| ELS | Eilean Siar |
| ENF | Enfield |
| ESS | Essex |
| FAL | Falkirk |
| FIF | Fife |
| FLN | Flintshire [Sir y Fflint GB-FFL] |
| GAT | Gateshead |
| GLG | Glasgow City |
| GLS | Gloucestershire |
| GRE | Greenwich |
| GWN | Gwynedd |
| HCK | Hackney |
| HAL | Halton |
| HMF | Hammersmith and Fulham |
| HAM | Hampshire |
| HRY | Haringey |
| HRW | Harrow |
| HPL | Hartlepool |
| HAV | Havering |
| HEF | Herefordshire |
| HRT | Hertfordshire |
| HLD | Highland |
| HIL | Hillingdon |
| HNS | Hounslow |
| IVC | Inverclyde |
| AGY | Isle of Anglesey [Sir Ynys Môn GB-YNM] |
| IOW | Isle of Wight |
| IOS | Isles of Scilly |
| ISL | Islington |
| KEC | Kensington and Chelsea |
| KEN | Kent |
| KHL | Kingston upon Hull |
| KTT | Kingston upon Thames |
| KIR | Kirklees |
| KWL | Knowsley |
| LBH | Lambeth |
| LAN | Lancashire |
| LDS | Leeds |
| LCE | Leicester |
| LEC | Leicestershire |
| LEW | Lewisham |
| LIN | Lincolnshire |
| LBC | Lisburn and Castlereagh |
| LIV | Liverpool |
| LND | London, City of |
| LUT | Luton |
| MAN | Manchester |
| MDW | Medway |
| MTY | Merthyr Tydfil [Merthyr Tudful GB-MTU] |
| MRT | Merton |
| MEA | Mid and East Antrim |
| MUL | Mid Ulster |
| MDB | Middlesbrough |
| MLN | Midlothian |
| MIK | Milton Keynes |
| MON | Monmouthshire [Sir Fynwy GB-FYN] |
| MRY | Moray |
| NTL | Neath Port Talbot [Castell-nedd Port Talbot GB-CTL] |
| NET | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| NWM | Newham |
| NWP | Newport [Casnewydd GB-CNW] |
| NMD | Newry, Mourne and Down |
| NFK | Norfolk |
| NAY | North Ayrshire |
| NEL | North East Lincolnshire |
| NLK | North Lanarkshire |
| NLN | North Lincolnshire |
| NSM | North Somerset |
| NTY | North Tyneside |
| NYK | North Yorkshire |
| NTH | Northamptonshire |
| NBL | Northumberland |
| NGM | Nottingham |
| NTT | Nottinghamshire |
| OLD | Oldham |
| ORK | Orkney Islands |
| OXF | Oxfordshire |
| PEM | Pembrokeshire [Sir Benfro GB-BNF] |
| PKN | Perth and Kinross |
| PTE | Peterborough |
| PLY | Plymouth |
| POL | Poole |
| POR | Portsmouth |
| POW | Powys |
| RDG | Reading |
| RDB | Redbridge |
| RCC | Redcar and Cleveland |
| RFW | Renfrewshire |
| RCT | Rhondda, Cynon, Taff [Rhondda, Cynon,Taf] |
| RIC | Richmond upon Thames |
| RCH | Rochdale |
| ROT | Rotherham |
| RUT | Rutland |
| SLF | Salford |
| SAW | Sandwell |
| SCB | Scottish Borders, The |
| SFT | Sefton |
| SHF | Sheffield |
| ZET | Shetland Islands |
| SHR | Shropshire |
| SLG | Slough |
| SOL | Solihull |
| SOM | Somerset |
| SAY | South Ayrshire |
| SGC | South Gloucestershire |
| SLK | South Lanarkshire |
| STY | South Tyneside |
| STH | Southampton |
| SOS | Southend-on-Sea |
| SWK | Southwark |
| SHN | St. Helens |
| STS | Staffordshire |
| STG | Stirling |
| SKP | Stockport |
| STT | Stockton-on-Tees |
| STE | Stoke-on-Trent |
| SFK | Suffolk |
| SND | Sunderland |
| SRY | Surrey |
| STN | Sutton |
| SWA | Swansea [Abertawe GB-ATA] |
| SWD | Swindon |
| TAM | Tameside |
| TFW | Telford and Wrekin |
| THR | Thurrock |
| TOB | Torbay |
| TOF | Torfaen [Tor-faen] |
| TWH | Tower Hamlets |
| TRF | Trafford |
| VGL | Vale of Glamorgan, The [Bro Morgannwg GB-BMG] |
| WKF | Wakefield |
| WLL | Walsall |
| WFT | Waltham Forest |
| WND | Wandsworth |
| WRT | Warrington |
| WAR | Warwickshire |
| WBK | West Berkshire |
| WDU | West Dunbartonshire |
| WLN | West Lothian |
| WSX | West Sussex |
| WSM | Westminster |
| WGN | Wigan |
| WIL | Wiltshire |
| WNM | Windsor and Maidenhead |
| WRL | Wirral |
| WOK | Wokingham |
| WLV | Wolverhampton |
| WOR | Worcestershire |
| WRX | Wrexham [Wrecsam GB-WRC] |
| YOR | York |
Things to do in the United Kingdom
There’s little doubt that seeing London is a must on your bucket list.
This magnificent city has it all: incredible historical buildings, top museums, great galleries, delectable restaurants, lovely walks, super stores, and attractions. Whatever your interests are, London has something for you!
1. Marvel at Stonehenge
2. Hike Hadrian’s Wall
3. Road Trip Scotland
4. Camp in the Gower
5. Take a Tour of Belfast
6. Sing at the White Cliffs of Dover
7. Snap Durdle Door in Dorset
8. Stroll Historic Bath
9. Stride out in the Yorkshire Dales
10. Hire a Barge in Norfolk
UK honeymoon destinations
Honeymoon in the Cotswolds, the Lake District, or along Devon and Cornwall’s gorgeous shoreline. In terms of romantic honeymoon destinations, the United Kingdom has enough to offer all year.
Indulge in a sumptuous break on the lovely coast of Devon and Cornwall, or cozy up in a rural hideaway or countryside house in the Cotswolds or the Lake District. Here is our list below.
- Cornwall – A great place to go barefoot on golden sands.
- Edinburgh – For the city’s brilliant lights
- The Cotswolds – If you’re looking for a really British adventure, head to the Cotswolds.
- Snowdonia – A terrific place for lovers to visit if you enjoy being outside.
- Lake District – For scenery that have inspired poetry.
- Devon – For exciting days in the surf.
- York – For newlyweds who are history buffs.
- Highlands of Scotland – If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, this is the place to.
- Northumberland – For smooth dunes and sunset embraces.
- Isle of Wight – Ideal for couples that enjoy getting out and about.
Now that you’ve got a little bit more comfortable about what the UK is all about and what it has in store for you, it should be easier to start planning for your UK destination with the next 10 top picks that we have compiled for you.
- London
The Capital of England is perhaps the most popular city in the country. Travellers and expats from all over the world to visit, work or live this buzzing city. It is full of diversity and you can easily blend in anywhere with all this city has to offer. The city offers classic landmarks like The London Eye, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, O2 Arena, Big Ben to name but a few. You can explore the nightlife by visiting the many trendy restaurants and bars. You can also enjoy the theatre buzz, sports like cricket and rugby, food pop-ups and music festivals all in this city.
If you want a more tranquil setting then be sure to check out Hampstead Heath. It is one of the largest parks in London and covers over 790 acres. Hampstead Heath sits atop of one of the highest points in London, offering excellent views of the city from Parliament Hill.
If you are a film lover then check out the British Film Institute (BFI). It showcases films every day from blockbusters to classics, there are movies for everyone. There is also a library and shop for those who like to take their cinema seriously and if you are hungry you can also find a bar and restaurant.
If you love fashion or simply want to go shopping, then take a stroll through Oxford Street. This street is Europe’s busiest shopping street with over 300 shops and receives over 500, 000 visitors daily.
- York
York is one of the most beautiful cities in England and a must-see if you are traveling to the UK. You can take a walk along the city walls and get a great sense of the city. The city walls are 3.4 kilometers long and are the longest medieval town walls in England. It takes about 2 hours It takes around two hours to cover the whole circuit, or you can just choose to walk along a section at a time, joining at one of the many gates along the way.
If you love chocolate, then check out the York Chocolate factory. You can go on an informative and entertaining tour of the factory where you get to learn about famous families who built their wealth on chocolate and the secrets that go behind chocolate making. There is also a factory where you can buy as much chocolate as you want.
The city of York also is also hone to York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe and contains one of the largest concentrations of medieval stained glass in England. Inside you can learn more about the area’s Christian history, from Roman times to the present, in the underground chambers. Alternatively, if you have the energy, you walk the 275 steps up the central tower to York’s highest viewpoint.
- Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of the most enchanting cities. It boasts of castles, villages and historic buildings.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the first landmarks you can explore in this city. The Castle sits atop a tall rock, making it visible from many parts of the city. Many famous people have either visited or lived through its walls including Mary Queen of Scots, James VI of Scotland and James 1 of England. The castle offers audio tours in eight languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Mandarin
Edinburgh is also home to the Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival. For three weeks every August, the city hosts thousands of plays, stand-up, live music and literary events cropping up all over town.
You cannot miss the historic Princes Street which when visiting Edinburgh. This main thoroughfare has been the heart of the city since 1770 and is now one of Edinburgh’s most popular retail hubs. Walking along the street you will find all the big high street stores along this road. You will also find a number of landmarks nearby such as views of the Edinburg Castle, galleries and the Scott Monument.
- Oxford
When you think of Oxford, you think of the famous University ,but there is so much more to this town. This city was used as a film location for the Harry Potter movies. You can go on a tour of locations used in the shooting of the Harry Potter films. Here you get to explore parts of the University and even take a quiz where you can win prizes.
Also, check out Radcliffe Camera (Not named after Harry Porter Star Daniel Radcliffe). It was originally used to house the Radcliffe Science Library in 1749; today, it is part of the world-famous Bodleian Library. Unfortunately, access to the public is only available through private (and particularly expensive) tours.
For a more fascinating view, you can visit Central Headington House, an Oxford home with a shark stuck in its roof. Located at Number 2, New High Street has been home to the headless shark sculpture for 28 years, after it swam to fame in the early hours of 9 August 1986.
For some modern art, you can visit Modern Art Oxford. Established in 1965 this art gallery features cutting-edge exhibitions and some of the best contemporary art.
- Bistol
Bristol is a vibrant city full of culture with plenty of entertainment and there is something for everyone.
If you visit in summer, you can explore the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Held over 4 days, it Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting more than 130 hot air balloons from across the world.
For those who are into the arts, Bristol a host of playhouses and auditoriums putting on shows most nights of the week. One of these is the Cube Cinema. Set up in 1998, It focuses on independent and cult cinema, performance, music, discussions, cabaret, comedy and children’s activities. The Cube is independent with all its staff being volunteers and receiving no external funding, asylum seekers can come in for free.
The world-famous Clifton suspension bridge sits on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge and draws thousands of visitors every year. It was built by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom and after 33 years, it was finally opened in 1864. Situated next to Clifton Suspension Bridge in Clifton Village with a variety of shops, cafes, restuarants, stunning architecture, gardens, walks, and secret hideaways.
- Cambridge
Cambridge is home to one of the most stunning Universities in the world, Cambridge University. This University, which dates all the way back to the 13th century and previous graduates at this University include Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Sir Isaac Newton and much more.
The University offers tours where you get to get see its architecture and also find out information about former students, as well as details of historic events, quirky customs, and myths.
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a must-see if you are a gardening enthusiasts. Established in 1831, the garden showcases an impressive collection of more than 8,000 species of plants from around the world. You can take a stroll through the garden’s many glasshouses and trails.
Almost half of the species are kept in a series of glasshouses, with environments mimicking the Oceanic Islands, mountains, tropical rainforests, arid landscapes and the period before flowers evolved on the planet. You can also grab a snack at the Garden Café and Botanic Garden Shop.
- Canterbury
Another cathedral city to check out is Canterbury. Known as the mother church for the Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of worship for more than 1500 years. The church is one of the oldest, and most significant, cathedrals in England. Besides its religious history, Canterbury has a barrage of streets that has shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.
You can also explore the Canterbury Tales where you take a walk along the pilgrims where you’ll find yourself in the midst of their storytelling contest as they make their way from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket
Romantics can stroll through the historic Dane John Gardens at the heart of Canterbury. The gardens, more famously known as a former Roman cemetery, were turned into a civic park sometime between 1790 and 1803. In the spring, the park overflows with tulips and white terrace houses surround the many rainbow-colored flowerbeds.
- Nottingham
Nottingham is best known for everyone’s famous outlaw, Robin Hood, but there’s far more to this city. From being the home to one of the oldest pubs in England, a castle, great shopping streets, and historic architecture, Nottingham is worth discovering.
One Nottinghams most popular attractions is a pub called Ye Olde Jerusalem. This pub is believed to have been founded in 1189 and is one of the oldest pubs in England. The pub’s unusual name comes from the notion that Richard the Lionheart (1157-1199) and his men stopped here on their way to the Third Crusade.
Another popular tourist destination in the Nottingham castle. The castle was founded by William the Conqueror. The original castle was held by a succession of English kings before falling in the English Civil War.
Another attraction worth seeing in Nottingham is the National Justice Museum. This Newly refurbished and rebranded, the National Justice Museum is set in a former courthouse dating back to the 14th century. There are costumed characters representing historical figures, and activities, exhibitions and re-enacted courtroom performances regularly take place.
- Birmingham
This city is known for its world-class art museum, stunning contemporary library, and colorful cafes. One of the first places worth exploring is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. It was first opened in 1885 and has an impressive range of as many as 40 permanent galleries that showcase applied arts, social history, archaeology and ethnography. Though donations are welcomed, entry to this popular museum in the center of the city is completely free.
Music lovers will to enjoy Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. There are regular free music performances and workshops in their café bar. This venue is known to have classical jazz music and if youre lucky, you might even enjoy a free jazz event at the classical music auditorium.
Birmingham University will amaze you with its architecture. The building offers an amphitheater spiraling interior, viewing decks and a glass elevator to the 7th-floor ‘secret garden’ with panoramic views over the city. You will also find archives and rare collections including Britain’s most important Shakespeare collection.
If you are into motorcycles, then you will love the National Motorcycle Museum. Featuring more than 1000 motorcycles, this museum attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year. The earliest machine within the 30-year-old museum dates back from 1898, and stands out among the machines of the museum.
- The Lake District
Offering some of the most picturesque landscape and finest scenery in Northwest England, Lake district is worth the visit.
You can take a cruise through Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. This popular tourist attraction stretches for over 10 miles between Ambleside and Newby Bridge, and is the heart of the Lake District. You can also go on one of the lake cruises, gliding past its 18 islets, and enjoy the scenery.
Another must-see is the lake District National Park. It includes some of the country’s largest lakes, and at its tallest peak, amazing scenery. This scenery has inspired many artists, writers, and poets. You can explore the area by car, bus, bike, or on foot
United Kingdom Travel FAQs
Is the UK safe?
Although overall crime in the United Kingdom is low, small crimes like pickpocketing, car thefts, and street robberies do occur. You should be safe as long as you exercise common sense and avoid taking risks. Although the United Kingdom is a relatively safe country, you should still exercise caution.
Have the Covid-19 travel restrictions expired?
Yes. On 18 March 2022, the regulations which set out England’s travel restrictions were revoked by a statutory instrument, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability) (Revocation) (England) Regulations 2022. The removal of all remaining Covid-travel restrictions was confirmed by a Government press release on 14 March 2022.
How often is the UK visited?
In England’s economic life, tourism plays a significant role. England is home to 17 of the United Kingdom’s 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2018, the United Kingdom was the world’s tenth most visited tourist destination.
What is UK famous for?
David Beckham, Fish and Chips, Big Ben, Red Buses, black cabs, Oasis, Blur, the Beatles, London and tea. England is famous for its Royal Family – Windsor Castle is the oldest royal residence still in use.
Does the UK provide free healthcare?
The NHS, or National Healthcare System, which initially opened its doors on July 5, 1948, is one of the characteristics that distinguishes the United Kingdom, for better or ill. The organization, which employs roughly 1.7 million people, provides free healthcare to all people, regardless of their socioeconomic condition or money.
What are the dangerous parts of UK to avoid?
Cleveland, in North East England, has the highest crime rate of all the police force areas in England and Wales in 2020/21, with 109.7 per 1,000 people. Other parts of northern England, such as West Yorkshire, have high crime rates, with a crime rate of 107.2.
What to do to stay safe in UK?
-Protect your phone
-Protect yourself from ATM theft
-Protect your belongings from criminals on bikes and mopeds
What is most attractive about UK?
The arts and culture of the United Kingdom, as well as its cities and educational system, all contribute to the country’s appeal. It also emphasized the possibilities for a broader and deeper international participation, particularly among young people.
Which UK country is most beautiful?
Scotland was voted the most beautiful country on the planet. The other British Isles countries fared well as well, with England coming in seventh, Wales tenth, and Ireland eighteenth.
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