Top 5 UK City Breaks For The Easter Bank Holiday

There are many beautiful cities in the UK. Sometimes we just simply don’t have the time (or the cash) to embark on a round the world trip! Often, a trip around the UK can be just as awe-inspiring, with gorgeous countryside, stunning beaches, and delicious food. We’ve rounded up top cities destinations in the UK, from bustling cities to off-the-beaten-track villages. Whether you’re visiting from abroad or trying to plan your next ‘staycation,’ keep reading to discover the top 5 places to visit in the UK.

1. Bath

Originally a Roman settlement and later a popular Georgian town, Bath is famous for its history and no fewer than 13 museums can be found in the compact city centre. One of the highlights is Thermae Bath Spa, which is the only local spa to use the natural thermal spring water that first put this town on the map. And of course, you can’t miss the Roman Baths to learn all about the history of my favourite spa town. Bath has a great selection for foodies from Tapas and small plates, street food, supper clubs, vegan menus, and cooking classes are gathering momentum, from the hole-in-the-wall Chai Walla to the Vietnamese-flavoured Noya’s Kitchen, whose supper club gets booked six months in advance. It is home to an array of wonderful historic and contemporary attractions and a number of important cultural festivals and it is defiantly one to visit.

2. Edinburgh

The medieval tenements, and Wynds of the Old Town to the elegance and grace of the Georgian New Town, Edinburgh thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. It is easy to navigate around and Edinburgh readily gives up its secrets but has more to offer than just history written in stone. It’s a cosmopolitan city too, with Michelin-starred restaurants, a thriving café culture, vibrant and varied nightlife, great shopping and a strong contemporary art scene. Of course, you can’t think of Edinburgh without thinking of the International Festival and Fringe, but it’s not just a summer city. As the days shorten it lights up for Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, but with festivals—from film to jazz to food and beyond— happening every month of the year, there’s no off season in Edinburgh.

3. Cambridge

In 2020 it will be such a good year for visitors to Cambridge. Kettle’s Yard will be showcasing an exceptional collection of 20th-century British and European art, is one of the most intimate, idiosyncratic and moving exhibition spaces in the UK – quite as marvellous, in its one-of-a-kind way, as Cambridge itself. Cambridge is filled with museums, atmospheric pubs and boasting a beautiful botanical garden, Cambridge is sure to keep you happy during your romantic city break.  Its vibrant street food scene has a range of delights on offer, so if food is the way to your heart, you’ll love this university city. For a truly memorable experience, book a guided tour around the colleges by punt. A shared tour is a cheaper option but if you want to push the boat out, an intimate, chauffeur guided tour for two maybe just what you’re looking for. And what better way to end the day than with a glass of bubbly (or two) at a romantic rental in the city?

4. Oxford

Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is one of the most inspiring UK destinations to explore, and also an incredibly romantic city break. Known as ‘the city of dreaming spires’, the skyline of this beautiful city is breathtaking. You could browse in Blackwell’s bookshop before being blown away by the Bodleian Library. Explore the exhibits at the Ashmolean Museum and the curiosities at the Pitt Rivers. In the evening, there’s a plethora of live music venues, theatres, and restaurants, so you’ll be able to enjoy this mesmerizing city into the small hours.

4. London

It might be touristy, but there is a lot to see and do in the capital. One of the best ways to see London is by the river with a hop-on-hop-off river cruise.  These usually cost around the £10 mark and (as the name suggests!) you can get on and off as many times as you like. Starting at Westminster Pier, the cruise goes all the way down to Greenwich, where adrenaline junkies can climb the O2 Arena and you can ride the Emirates cable car to get an awesome view of the city from the sky. People from all over the world come to live in London – and they bring their cuisine along too. From Ethiopian to Egyptian, whatever you’re craving can be found in London. For street eats head back East to Ely’s Yard, where hipsters can choose between several award-winning food trucks. If you’re interested in shopping, you could head over to Oxford Street which is shopper’s ultimate shopping paradise. Shop the very best high-street brands and the UK’s iconic department stores, including Selfridges, John Lewis & Partners, Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.