When I visited London for the first time 14 years ago, I quickly came to understand why it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, let alone the world. I fell in love with the city’s inimitable energy, diverse neighborhoods, shops, and eateries.
So when I decided to move from Canada to the UK in 2019, I pictured myself visiting London every weekend. Little did I know, however, I’d become drawn to so many other parts of the country.
From quaint villages to kitschy-but-cute seaside towns, here are the seven destinations I think tourists should visit if they want to truly experience the UK like a local.
Brighton offers big-city vibes on a smaller scale.
If I were to move back to the UK, I’d want to live in Brighton.
This vibrant coastal city, which is a little over an hour’s train ride from London, has all the cool vibes of the capital, but on an admittedly smaller scale, making it feel less hectic and easier to navigate.
Along with stunning views of the sea, Brighton is also filled with cute cafés, buzzing bars, eclectic vintage shops, and elegant Regency-era architecture. Plus, it’s home to a massive pier filled with fun arcade games and plenty of fish-and-chips spots.
Overall, Brighton offers a great blend of culture and nature, which is why it’s become one of my favorite cities in the UK.
Oxford is the perfect destination for academics.
I think any academic-minded visitors coming to the UK should visit Oxford. This charming city is home to the prestigious university of the same name, and its grandiose buildings are spread across the extremely walkable city center.
Even if you’re not into academia, you’ll still be able to appreciate the beauty of the architecture.
Oxford is also a fantastic spot for foodies, with plenty of aesthetically pleasing coffee shops and restaurants nestled between centuries-old buildings. Some of my favorite places to grab a bite include Quod and The Handle Bar.
Visiting the Cotswolds feels like stepping onto a movie set.
The Cotswolds aren’t a specific city or town, but a grouping of the dreamiest villages you could imagine.
It’s where you’ll see those quintessentially English thatched-roof cottages, tea houses, and cozy pubs that have been serving patrons for centuries.
You can even hit up several villages in one day; my personal record was six. If this is something you’re interested in doing, I definitely recommend renting a car, as public transportation between the villages can be infrequent.
For charming cottages, I suggest checking out villages like Castle Combe and Bibury. But if pretty village centers with antique shops, tea rooms, pubs, and breathtaking hikes are what you’re looking for, I recommend Broadway, Chipping Campden, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
I like visiting Bath for glimpses of ancient architecture.
This former Roman settlement is one of England’s most picturesque destinations. It’s named after the city’s Roman baths, which can still be seen today.
Although it’s not advised to take a dip in the ancient baths because of the water quality, there are a number of spas in the city perfect for any swimming needs.
In addition to the actual baths, I love strolling through the city to take in the ancient architecture. The city center also has plenty of interesting specialty shops, cafés, and pubs to stop in along the way.
My favorite beach town in the UK is Weston-super-Mare.
If you’re going to Bath, you might as well venture roughly an hour via train to the coast to experience an authentic English beach town: Weston-super-Mare.
The town is cheesy in a fun way, with a pier full of snack stands and arcade games, and an extra-long coastal strip you can explore.
Visiting Weston-super-Mare is a fun day trip that offers proper cultural immersion and a look at what the locals like to do for a staycation.
In my opinion, no trip to the UK is complete without experiencing northern English culture.
When visiting the UK, I recommend heading north to Liverpool. This port city has impressive architecture, a great food and bar scene, and plenty of quirky vintage and tattoo shops.
Liverpool also houses the Tate Liverpool, a contemporary art museum located right on the water. Although the main gallery is set to reopen in 2027, visitors can still check out two smaller galleries nearby and take part in activities, including creative workshops and tours.
Fans of the Beatles can also check out two museums paying homage to the band, as the group was formed in Liverpool.
I think any literature fan would love Stratford-upon-Avon.
Last but certainly not least, another idyllic historical hotspot worth the trek is Stratford-upon-Avon. This town, which is about a two-hour train ride from London, is famous for being William Shakespeare’s hometown.
In addition to touring the playwright’s old home, you can also stroll past Tudor-era buildings and antique shops that seemingly transport you back to the 16th century.
History aside, it’s also a gorgeous place to spend a sunny afternoon with its riverside parks, pubs, and gardens.
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