With over 50 million inhabitants, England manages to squeeze a huge variety of cultural and historic traditions into a relatively small area. The best place to discover modern English life in all its variety is in its cities. From Roman settlements to bustling ports, discover ten cities in England worth adding to any UK travel itinerary. Great Britain is above all, a compact island – half the locations on this list are less than a two-hour train from London.
The 10 Best Cities to Visit in England
1. Brighton
To visitors from warmer climes, the idea of an English seaside resort may seem unusual. Nevertheless, Brighton has a long history as one of the most sought-after holiday spots for Britons, and enjoys weeks of sunshine and warm waters every year. This is reflected in the historic Brighton Pier, an ornate jetty that just out into the English Channel. Just north of the jetty, the Orientalist 18th-century Brighton Pavilion, built for King George IV, is one of the most eccentric Royal buildings in the country.
In recent years, Brighton has become a hub for alternative culture, with a thriving nightlife and music scene that punches well above its weight for a city with less than 300,000 residents.
What to eat in Brighton: As a seaside town, Brighton has some of the best fish and chips in the world. Order it to take away and eat it directly on the beach for the full experience.
2. London
London receives two-thirds of all annual tourism to the entire UK – it's the largest city in the country, containing many of Britain’s most iconic historic, cultural and sporting attractions. The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Wembley Stadium, Hyde Park and the National Gallery are all found in central London. A true world city, London has grown from a Roman settlement to a metropolis of over nine million residents from countless national, cultural and religious backgrounds.
While this can seem overwhelming at first, London is a surprisingly easy city to navigate. The majority of the most-visited sights are concentrated in the Westminster and City areas, easily reached by bus, underground train or bicycle. Using a navigation app like Citymapper or Google Maps in combination with a local Britain eSIM is a low-cost and stress-free way to get around town.
What to eat in London: It's a popular paradox that the best thing about eating in London is that you're not resigned to British cooking. As one of the world's most international cities, London offers almost every imaginable world cuisine. For visitors who are nevertheless hell-bent on trying “traditional” English food, a Sunday roast at a pub, usually enjoyed as a group, is a quintessential British experience.
3. Oxford
As the second-oldest functioning university in the world, after Bologna, the 1000-year-old University of Oxford is a byword for academic achievement. The institution is inextricably bound to the architecture and culture of the current city. The 43 historic college buildings that make up the University are dotted around the old town centre. They lend Oxford its nickname, ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’, and offer a tour through centuries of British architecture and design. Another must-see highlight is the Oxford Covered Market, a Georgian shopping arcade filled with independent traders. More recently, Oxford’s role as a backdrop for the Harry Potter films ensures it has something for children too.
What to eat in Oxford: Step outside the crowds of the city centre and discover the Oxfordshire countryside. The Thames River flows through Oxford – walk along the old canal towpath and stop for lunch at a classic English riverside pub, like the Isis in Iffley village.
4. Manchester
The UK’s second-largest city, Manchester is a fascinating alternative holiday destination to London or Edinburgh. Despite its size, this northern city is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and excellent food.
The first association most people have of Manchester is football: Manchester United are one of the most successful and best-supported football teams of all time, while their crosstown rivals, Manchester City, have also enjoyed a recent spate of success. The Manchester United men’s team stadium, Old Trafford, is one of the most-visited sites in the UK. Visit during the regular football season between August and May to catch the Red Devils in action. The stadium is also open year-round for guided tours, allowing visitors a chance to see the pitch, stands and dressing rooms up close. For even more football-themed activities, head to Manchester's Football Museum.
What to eat in Manchester: As one of the major centres of South Asian immigration to the UK in the 20th Century, Manchester is one of the best places in the country for dining. The largest concentration of Asian restaurants in the UK can be found in Manchester’s famous curry mile, a neon-lit avenue of over 70 restaurants and cafes catering to every taste and budget.
5. Bath
With fewer than 100,000 residents, Bath is not a large city. However, it contains some of the country's most notable architecture and historical artifacts. In fact, the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bath's status as a prestigious spa town in the 18th century led to the development of the ornate Georgian city centre, now a regular feature in period dramas including Netflix's Bridgerton. Climb the step of Bath Abbey Bell Tower for a birds-eye view of the town.
Roman Britain can be experienced firsthand at the Roman Baths of Aquae Sulis. These beautifully preserved bathouses are Bath’s star attraction, world-renowned for the quality and scale of the site.
What to eat in Bath: Centuries of catering to the tourist trade has allowed Bath to perfect the art of the English Afternoon tea. One teahouse, Sally Lunn’s Buns, has been in continuous operation since 1483.
6. Newcastle
Despite its location in the North-East corner of England, Newcastle is only three hours by train from central London. This makes it ideal for a weekend break, or a stopping point en route between Scotland and London.
Step out of Newcastle’s buzzing city centre and discover the wilderness of England’s North Sea coastline. Some of the most pristine sandy beaches in the country can be found lining this stretch of shoreline. Whether the windswept castles of King Edward's Bay or the archetypal English seaside town of Whitley, The North-East is too often overlooked as a beach holiday destination.
What to eat in Newcastle: A full English Breakfast is one of the best ways in the world to refuel for a new day, or recharge from the night before. Eating one in a Newcastle cafe, ideally with a cup of tea and a newspaper, is an essential English experience.
7. Bristol
Consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the UK, Bristol combines historic architecture and a long history as a thriving port town with youthful energy and one of the best music scenes in the country. As a cultural force, Bristol has long been at the cutting edge of British arts and music – most notably, the city was instrumental in the development of jungle, trip hop and grime in the 90s and 2000s. This legacy is still felt in Bristol’s wide range of live music venues and clubs.
Major attractions include the Brunel-designed Clifton Suspension Bridge, in the Georgian district of Clifton. The Bristol harbourside still features many Tudor and Victorian waterfront buildings, including the historic Hatchet Inn Pub and the 1930s Bristol Lido. While it may lack the historic grandeur of neighboring Bath, the pace of life in Bristol make it well worth a detour.
What to eat in Bristol: Just North of Cornwall, Bristol is a great place to try a Cornish pasty. These calorific meat pastries were traditionally eaten by tin miners across Southwest England.
8. Birmingham
'More canals than Venice, and more parks than Paris’ - this cheery local motto sums up Birmingham's status as a hidden gem for travellers to England. Despite being the third-largest city in the UK, Birmingham receives relatively few tourists. Those who do go, though, discover one of the best cities to visit in England, that marries a rich heritage of Roman, Tudor and Victorian history with excellent nightlife and easy access to nearby national parks.
For families visiting England, visiting Brimingham's Cadbury World is a must. This Chocolate factory and theme park manages to pull of the rare feat of being both educational and fun. For older visitors, the town of Stratford-on-Avon is a short bus ride away from Birmingham city centre. This small West Midlands town is famous worldwide as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Much of the Tudor-era architecture from Shakespeare’s time is still standing, and plays are still regularly performed at the town’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
What to eat in Birmingham: Even if you don’t make it to Cadbury World, make sure to try some of Cadbury’s famous chocolate during your visit to Birmingham.
9. York
Where Bath is the best place to discover Roman Britain, York preserves another ancient culture: the Vikings. For decades, the city and surroundings were part of the Scandinavian kingdom of Jórvík. This legacy can still be witnessed first-hand in the Viking-era St. Olaves Church. Learn more about York’s Viking past at the Jorvik Viking Center, where a combination of archeological artifacts and lifelike reconstructions allows visitors to step back in time to Norse York, making it one of the best places to visit in England with kids. York also has plenty of classic medieval structures – the old city walls and the gothic York Minster Cathedral are contrasting examples of the functionality and grandeur of medieval British architecture.
What to eat in York: Traditionally a side dish, York is the home of the beloved Yorkshire puddings. A centuries-old dish made from a savoury egg batter, these are best consumed as part of a classic English roast dinner, covered in another Yorkshire staple, gravy.
10. Liverpool
While a household name for fans of football and the Beatles, Liverpool is not a typical stop for international visitors to England. However, tourist numbers in the city are growing as people begin to recognize Liverpool as one of the best places to visit in England. Liverpool has a long history as a port city and cultural melting pot, while the period of Irish immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries continues to shape the city’s culture and context within the rest of the UK to this day. Liverpool’s industrial heritage is commemorated at the historic Albert Dock –a free-to-visit working port and waterfront that also houses public museums, galleries and cafes. Highlights include the Merseyside Maritime Museum and a branch of the Tate Contemporary Art Gallery.
For more recent history, visit the Beatles Museum to see how the city gave rise to one of the most influential bands of all time. Liverpool is famous for its nightlife, and the Fab Four’s legacy is kept alive in the countless excellent music venues around town.
What to eat in Liverpool: The traditional Liverpudlian stew, Scouse, is so tied to the city’s identity that the word ‘Scouse’ is now used to describe anything from Liverpool. For a greater variety of dining options, head to the Duke Street Market near Albert Docks to sample a range of independent restaurants in a renovated Victorian warehouse.
UK travel eSIM plans
Travel Tips for England
Getting Around
British Rail is usually the most convenient and scenic way to travel the entirety of England. Some train rides, such as Newcastle-Berwick, or Carlisle-Manchester, are practically holiday activities in their own right, such is the quality of the scenery. Where possible, book train tickets as early as possible – prices climb sharply later. If you’re on a budget, bus services like National Express and Megabus offer reliable and comfortable travel between most English cities and major towns, usually at a fraction of the cost of a train ticket. A navigation app like Citymapper makes it easy to receive real-time travel directions across the England- using it together with a England eSIM is a cost-effective and stress-free way to plan your travels.
Cash or Card?
In general, Britain is very card-friendly. Even the smallest independent business will usually take card. In fact, you’re more likely to encounter card-only places than you are cash-only, especially in larger cities. When given the option, it's better to choose to pay in local currency.
When to Visit England
England has a mild, temperate climate, and many of the attractions that make the country so interesting are indoors. As a result, visiting England during the winter tourist off-season can be a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the major sites without the crowds. Some of the nation’s largest events and most weather-reliant events, like Glastonbury Festival or the Notting Hill Carnival occur at the height of summer.
Data Roaming in England
As of January 2020, the UK is no longer in the EU and therefore no longer a member of the EU’s ‘roam like at home’ coverage. This policy allows residents of the European Union to use mobile data in other EU member states without paying international roaming fees. As a result, EU residents may find themselves paying costly roaming charges when they try to use their phones in England. For more information, see our guide to data roaming in the EU.
Get Online in England with an eSIM
An England eSIM is the easiest way to use mobile data in England without paying roaming charges. Our travel eSIM allows you to get connected to our high-speed international network at a cheap local rate, the minute you arrive. Best of all, these plans work across the whole of the rest of the UK as well. No more queuing up for a local SIM – just one simple mobile plan that can be downloaded in minutes, and ready to get online across the United Kingdom whenever you are. And for families with children, a Britain iPad mobile data plan is the perfect way to keep kids entertained while travelling.
Apple Watch Plans for England
A BetterRoaming Apple Watch plan brings the same high-speed connectivity and secure coverage as our eSIM travel plans to the Apple Watch. With an England smartwatch eSIM plan, users can leave their phones at home and stay connected with unlimited calls, mobile data and SMS through their cellular Apple Watch.
Choose from monthly or yearly packages at our Apple Watch cellular plans page.
Using a Europe Travel eSIM
Looking to continue your travels beyond the UK? Whatever your journey, it’s easy to stay connected to low-cost mobile internet in Europe with a BetterRoaming eSIM. If you’re planning on visiting more than one European country, a Europe eSIM is often the simplest and most cost-effective way to access the internet while travelling. Valid in 47 European countries, a BetterRoaming Europe eSIM allows for smooth travel across the continent on a single prepaid eSIM data plan, with no need to switch SIM cards or providers every time you cross a border.
