The cities of the UK have so much to offer a student, with each one having its own unique culture, landmarks and activities. Therefore, make the most of your free time and explore the best the UK has to offer.
Starting from the north of the UK, and working our way down, we show you ten of our top cities to visit.
Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland, and a city with a rich history. Whether you want to see the sights, go shopping along Princes Street, or explore the thriving pub and nightlife scene, there is something for everyone in Edinburgh. Highlights include the yearly Fringe festival, the world’s largest arts and comedy festival. There’s also the New Years’ favourite, Hogmanay, possibly the biggest New Years’ party in the UK!
Glasgow
The other major Scottish city, Glasgow, is also renowned for its culture. Renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born in the city, and influenced a great deal of what you see in Glasgow today. Whisky Connoisseurs will be pleased to know that the city hosts a great deal of distilleries in and around the city that offer tours. There’s also exclusive whiskies, and the odd wee dram of whisky.
Newcastle
Newcastle is the party city of the UK, with bars, nightclubs and experiences aplenty. But there is so much more to Newcastle, a city full of history and culture. Newcastle is one of the friendliest and most welcoming cities in the country. Football fans will love visiting St James’ Park, to many the heart of the city, and the home of Newcastle United.
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland, the birthplace of the infamous Titanic. Here, there is a proud history of shipbuilding, the city is full of interesting museums and monuments. The showstopping Titanic Museum, opened in 2012 is a must. Belfast is deeply associated with the sea, and has a thriving food scene, with many pubs offering live music. There is plenty to choose from.
York
York is a historic cathedral city, with the beautiful York Minster in the heart of the city. The national railway museum is a fantastic (and free) day out for all and is not to be missed. If history is not your thing, take a shopping trip down the Shambles, a historic series of streets dating back to the 14th century. When you’re done for the day, relax in one of the many riverside bars and pubs, enjoying the picturesque riverside views.
Leeds
The unofficial capital of Yorkshire, Leeds is a vibrant and exciting place to visit, and a good base to explore Yorkshire even further. Shoppers will love Leeds and its treasure trove of shops, from the historic Victoria Quarter, to the breathtaking Cornmarket. Leeds certainly doesn’t kick back when the sun goes down either, with bars, cocktail clubs and venues aplenty.
Manchester
A historic industrial city in the northwest of England, Manchester is buzzing with things to do and see. With a strong industrial past, Manchester became one of the biggest cities in the UK, and this big city feel remains today, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. The city is home to two football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City, choose your side wisely!
Liverpool
The Birthplace and spiritual home of The Beatles, music fans from all over the world are drawn to this musical city. Liverpool also boasts more art galleries, museums and listed buildings than any other city in the UK, except London! Sports fans will once again be well catered for, with two Premier League clubs, Liverpool and Everton, to choose from.
Cardiff
The capital of Wales has been going through something of a renaissance over the past decade or two. A lot of money has been put into transforming the city, and nowhere does this show more than in Cardiff Bay. Fans of Dr Who will be excited to learn that Cardiff is where the hit BBC show is filmed.
London
And finally, we couldn’t have a list of top UK cities without London, the capital of England and undeniably the largest city in the UK. World-famous, you probably already know it well. The Houses of Parliament, red double decker buses, but there is so much more to London. The cultural, political and economic capital of the UK, London has about everything you could ever imagine, and more.
These are 10 of the top travel cities to visit in the UK
There are of course lots more places to visit in the UK than these. Want to know places in these cities for you to visit? Check out our City Guides to find out, available on our blogs and articles page.
Looking for accommodation? Check out what we have to offer near your University.
