The United Kingdom is one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Despite being small in size, the UK packs a mighty punch. This collection of British countries boasts more must-see places than virtually anywhere else on earth. From large cities to quaint country retreats, you can find something to suit your needs in this evergreen corner of the globe.
Getting to Know The UK's Best Cities
LondonAt the heart of the UK is London, Europe's financial hub. Home to over 9 million people, London is by far the most popular city in the United Kingdom. London is home to iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye. It's also home to the world's largest shopping district, Oxford Street. Here, you'll find boutique stores aplenty. You can shop for clothes or just browse around in wonder. But beware, crowds in this part of town are ferocious.
BirminghamJust over 125 miles away from London sits the UK's second city, Birmingham. After undergoing extensive gentrification towards the end of the last decade, Birmingham is almost unrecognisable compared to how it was before the turn of the century. Now it's home to fine restaurants and art museums. But the Brummy accent still remains. It's as hard to understand as it ever was, but it adds unwavering character to this vibrant, multi-cultural city.
GlasgowLeave England altogether and you'll find Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city. While UK cities Cardiff, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, were worth a mention, none of those can compete with Glasgow in size. While crime rates here are fairly high, the city does have its charming parts. The West End is full of universities, bars, clubs, and cultural venues, making it the highlight of the Scottish Capital.
Other Must-See Places in the UK
Venture away from the cities entirely and the UK has something completely different to offer you. Much of its history is located away from London, meaning there's plenty to see when leaving the beaten track. Stone Henge is one of the most famous places in the UK and goes as far back as 3100 BC – yet nobody knows why it was built. Other prominent landmarks include the Angel of the North and the Roman Baths. Of course, if you're not interested in sight-seeing, there are many places in the UK that will still appeal to you. The Cotswold, for example, is an idyllic region of England with picture-worthy views at every turn. Beachy Head, a stretch of cliffs in East Sussex that span for miles, is also a wonderful place to visit.
The Best of Both Worlds
Because the UK is fairly small, at least compared to countries such as Canada, America, and Australia, it's possible to see much of it without stretching yourself. Great motorway and train links mean it's possible to get around without any problems. Whether it's history, culture, or relaxation you want, the UK has something for you. Perhaps, that's why last year 34.4 million people visited the European region, making it the 8th most visited place in the world.