From Buckingham Palace in London to Manchester's Old Trafford, there's plenty to see in the United Kingdom. The U.K. comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each of these are independent countries but bound to the same crown. Each country within the U.K. has an independent capital city— London (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Cardiff (Wales) and Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Let's look at these capitals and other major cities in United Kingdom.
List of cities in the United Kingdom for travellers
London may be the most famous city in the U.K., but there are many others worth visiting. The country is home to vibrant cities built around historic palaces and bustling port cities. Here's a quick look at the major cities in the U.K., including must-see attractions and their nearby airports.
|
City
|
Must Visits
|
Connecting Airport
|
|
London
|
● The London Eye
● Buckingham Palace
● Tower of London
● Natural History Museum
|
● London City (LCY)
● London Gatwick (LGW)
● London Heathrow (LHR)
● London Luton (LTN)
● London Stansted (STN)
● London Southend (SEN)
|
|
Edinburgh
|
● Edinburgh Castle
● Palace of Holyroodhouse
● Arthur’s Seat
● St Giles’ Cathedral
|
● Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
|
|
Cambridge
|
● Cambridge University
● Cambridge University Botanic Garden
● Fitzwilliam Museum
● Mathematical Bridge
|
● London Stansted Airport (STN)
● London Luton Airport (LTN)
|
|
Bath
|
● Thermae Bath Spa
● Roman Baths
● No. 1 Royal Crescent
● Jane Austen Centre
|
● Bristol International Airport (BRS)
|
|
Liverpool
|
● Royal Albert Dock
● Tate Liverpool
● Anfield, Liverpool
● Cavern Club
|
● Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
|
|
Manchester
|
● Old Trafford
● Manchester Opera House
● Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens
● Castlefield Viaduct
|
● Manchester Airport (MAN)
|
|
Stratford-upon-Avon
|
● Royal Shakespeare Theatre
● Shakespeare's Birthplace
● Warwick Castle
● MAD Museum
|
● Birmingham Airport (BHX)
|
|
York
|
● Jorvik Viking Centre
● York Minster
● National Railway Museum York
● York City Walls
|
● Leeds-Bradford (distance: 51 km)
|
|
Glasgow
|
● Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
● Gallery of Modern Art
● Glasgow Botanic Gardens
● Glasgow Mural Trail
|
● Glasgow Airport (GLA)
|
|
Oxford
|
● Oxford Castle
● University of Oxford
● Pitt Rivers Museum
● Blenheim Palace
|
● London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
|
|
Birmingham
|
● Black Country Living Museum
● Cadbury World
● Symphony Hall
● Edgbaston Reservoir
|
● Birmingham Airport (BHX)
|
|
Nottingham
|
● Wollaton Hall
● Sherwood Forest
● Trent Bridge
● Newark Castle and Gardens
|
● Birmingham Airport (BHX)
|
|
Portsmouth
|
● Spinnaker Tower
● Mary Rose Museum
● Southsea Castle
● Gunwharf Quays
|
● London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
● London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
|
|
Bradford
|
● Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
● Salts Mill
● Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
● Bronte Parsonage Museum
|
● Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
|
|
Chester
|
● Chester Racecourse
● Grosvenor Museum
● Chester Cathedral
● Storyhouse
|
● Manchester Airport (MAN)
|
|
Cardiff
|
● Cardiff Castle
● Wales Millenium Centre
● National Museum
● Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve
|
● Cardiff Airport (CWL)
|
|
Bristol
|
● Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
● Clifton Suspension Bridge
● Wake the Tiger
● Thornbury Castle
|
● Bristol International Airport (BRS)
|
|
Leeds
|
● Leeds Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute
● Royal Armouries Museum
● Victoria Gate
● Harewood House
|
● Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
|
|
Brighton
|
● Royal Pavilion
● Brighton Beach
● Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
● Brighton Dome
|
● London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
|
|
Belfast
|
● Giant’s Causeway
● Titanic Belfast
● Ulster Museum
● Crumlin Road Gaol
|
● Belfast International Airport (BFS)
● George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
|
Interesting facts about the top cities in United Kingdom
Before planning your visit to the United Kingdom, here are some fun facts about these cities.
- The U.K. has 33 UNESCO heritage sites, and Bath itself has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Bristol is the largest city in southwest England.
- Leeds is the 5th most popular destination for conferences in the U.K.
- Nottingham was once voted as Europe's friendliest city.
- London has the oldest subway in the world.
- Fordwich in Kent is the city with the smallest area in the U.K.
- 'Llanfairpwllgwyngyll-gogerychwyrndrobwlllllandysiliogogogoch' in Wales is the city with the longest name in the world.
- The Titanic was constructed in Belfast.
- The first fire brigade in the world was set up in Edinburgh.
- Cardiff is so popular for shopping that it is known as the City of Arcades.
- The Thames River, which flows through London, is crossed by more than 200 bridges, including iconic ones like Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Westminster Bridge.
- Wales is renowned for its large number of castles, with over 600 castles spread across the country.
Conclusion
The U.K. offers diverse cities, each with its unique charm and cultural significance. From the bustling streets of London to the historic elegance of Oxford and Cambridge, London seamlessly blends modernity with historic charm. As you embark on your journey, taking precautions while travelling to a new and unfamiliar territory is essential. Securing international travel insurance is a great way to ensure you're covered in case of any mishaps on the journey. A good policy will financially aid you against travel hiccups like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or sudden medical emergencies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.