Most overseas visitors to Britain will automatically think of London when planning their trip.
As wonderful as the capital city is, there is so much more on offer elsewhere in the country, particularly up north, where you will find, beautiful countryside scenery, examples of stunning architecture, interesting museums, vibrant nightlife and much.
Quite often the north is overlooked in favor of the south, but here we are going to share three fantastic northern cities that must be considered when making a trip to Great Britain:
York
York offers more attractions per square mile than any other destination in the UK, and visitors can explore everything from ancient Roman walls to the Viking remains of Yorvik, or spring forward in time to take in the stunning Georgian architecture throughout the city.
Visiting The Shambles, a beautiful ancient street full of timber-framed buildings, quirky shops, cozy cafes and bustling bars is certainly a must when taking a trip to York.
The stunning York Minster
Built in the 7th century, York Minster is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the country. Tourists enjoy taking in the grandeur of the stained glass windows as well as the panoramic views from the top of the tower.
When you are finished visiting all the popular tourist attractions, step inside one of the many traditional pubs to be found within the city. York has some of the finest traditional English pubs in the country, with great “pub grub” and plenty of local ales to sample.
From the ancient streets of the city center to the stunning countryside, York is a truly beautiful city that definitely should be on anyone’s itinerary when visiting Britain.
Newcastle
Newcastle is bursting with art galleries, museums, historical landmarks, fantastic nightlife, beautiful architecture and is well known for its friendly and welcoming locals.
This beautiful city located on the banks of the river Tyne has several iconic landmarks and famous bridges such as The Tyne Bridge and the Millennium Bridge
The Tyne Bridge (foreground) and Millennium Bridge (background)
Visitors can take in the art on display at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, check out artisanal eateries on the Quayside and experience the city’s world famous nightlife at the many popular pubs, bars and clubs spread out across the city. Newcastle’s reputation for a great night out has made it become a popular choice for stag and hen groups from within the UK and even overseas. If this is the purpose of your visit to the city then this excellent stag party guide to Newcastle by Last Night of Freedom is all you will need to ensure a memorable day and night is had by the groom-to-be and all those who join him on the trip.
It’s not just the vibrant city life that draws visitors to the North East either. The county of Northumberland has some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer. Grab your walking boots and set out to explore the Tyne Valley, the North Pennines, the ancient historical landmark of Hadrian’s Wall and the picture perfect villages of Amble, Alnmouth and Bamburgh.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a truly beautiful Scottish city, packed full of rustic buildings, historical architecture, royal palaces and a vibrant social scene. A compact city that is easy to explore on foot, Edinburgh should most definitely be on your list of places to visit if you are heading over to Britain.
The beautiful Edinburgh Castle
Take in the rich history of the capital of Scotland with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and enjoy a fantastic view of the city while you are there. Edinburgh is also home to Holyrood Palace and its 640-acre park where you can find the ancient hilltop interestingly known as Arthurs Seat. From here you can take in some of the very best views of the city.
Nestled away below the castle, is one of Edinburgh’s most popular areas for tourists; The Royal Mile. Here you will find lovely independent shops, traditional Scottish pubs, theatres, museums and great places to eat. Edinburgh is also famous for it’s cultural diversity, and throughout the year there are plenty of world famous exhibitions, festivals and events to attend.
Look North
Some visitors to Britain completely miss out on all that the north has to offer. From the vibrant city of Newcastle, to the historical splendor of York, the north is a melting pot of culture, traditional English charm and iconic architecture. Head further north still, and cross the border into Edinburgh for a taste of some of the best of what Scotland has to offer.