England is one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom. It is a land with an important history dating back thousands of years and it is no surprise that it is full of interesting places to visit. If you're planning a trip to England and can't decide which destinations to include in your itinerary, we can help you out by suggesting the 10 most beautiful cities in England.
1 - Manchester
Located in the north-west of England, it is the second most populous city in the whole of the UK. Vibrant and ever-changing in character, it became the capital of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
Today it is rich in culture and art, with interesting museums such as the Art and Costume Gallery, the Manchester Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the National Football Museum and many other exhibitions. Among the 10 Things to See is The National Football Museum, the city has a strong football tradition, making it a metropolis that is also suitable for younger tourists.
Best time: Summer, from June to September, when the weather is mild and rainfall not too frequent - find out more
Main attractions: Manchester Museum, Manchester Cathedral, National Football Museum
Cheap flights: from €88.00 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €63.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: River cruise Ticket to National Football Museum Guided food tour
2 - Liverpool
A vibrant city with many things to do and see, suitable not only for culture lovers but also for those seeking relaxation and entertainment. After London, Liverpool is the city with the most museums in the UK. There are also two splendid cathedrals in the city: the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, with its distinctive circular shape. Of course, the Beatles cannot go unmentioned: fans can discover their history by stopping off at Beatles venues including the Cavern Club on Mathew Street and the museum dedicated to them.
Best time: May to September, for clear weather and pleasant temperatures, despite some brief, light rain - find out more
Main attractions: Cathedral Church of Christ and Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, National Museums Liverpool network, Beatles Story museum
Cheap flights: from €137.00 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €80.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Ticket for The Beatles Story River cruise Mersey Walking tour
3 - Nottingham
Nottingham is to Robin Hood as Liverpool is to The Beatles! The legend of the archer dominates the city's tourist scene, which offers real'Robin Hood Town Tours' where you can admire the outlaw's statue and explore the famous Sherwood Forest. One of the many events dedicated to the champion of the poor, the famous Robin Hood Festival, also takes place in August.
The city, however, also offers much more and is suitable for a wide range of tourists: at the Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery, history buffs can discover its origins, while adventure lovers can descend into the depths of the City of Caves. Take a detour to theYe Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub, it is one of the oldest pubs in England.
Best time: summer, from mid-May to mid-September, when temperatures are mild, although you should always carry an umbrella and a sweatshirt or jumper for evenings and cool days. the Robin Hood Festival takes place in August
Main attractions: Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub, Sherwood Forest
Cheap flights: from €53.00 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €73.00 per room - see deals
4 - Newcastle
Inhabited by just over 300,000 people, the city is situated on the banks of the River Tyne about 15 km from the North Sea. Once famous for its shipyards and coal exports, today it is a fascinating city whose historic centre harmoniously combines the present and the past (modern bridges and medieval castles), culture and entertainment (museums and nightlife districts).
The inhabitants, known as'geordies', are very proud of their city, fans of the local football team and the local beer.
Best time of year: Summer, specifically June to August, is the mildest time of year, although there is never a shortage of rain and the evenings are cool.
Main attractions: Great North Museum Hancock, Roman forts at Arbeia and Segedunum (with related museums), the remains of the Roman village of Corbridge
Cheap flights: from €60.00 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b's from €55.00 per room - see deals
5 - Brighton
A seaside town of around 230,000 inhabitants, Brighton is located on the East Sussex coast in south-east England. A famous tourist destination in Britain and the world, it has been a holiday resort since the 18th century, thanks in part to the work of King George IV. An elegant and trendy city, it attracts tourists not only because of its shops and modern clubs, but also because of its interesting cultural activities, although entertainment, relaxation and beach life are undoubtedly its main attractions.
A visit to the Royal Pavilion, the palace in the style of'A Thousand and One Nights', and the Brighton Pier, which is the city's landmark pier with a lively promenade that reaches down to the English Channel waters and is teeming with rides, bars and kiosks, is a must.
Best time: summer, June to August, the hottest time of the year, although the sea is cold even in the height of summer
Main attractions: Brighton Pier, Royal Pavilion building, 'The Lanes' shopping street
Cheap flights: from Rome to London (79 km) from €25.00 - look at the offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €73.00 per room - see offers
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Brighton: 1½ hour city bike tour Brighton: walking food tour
6 - Bristol
It is a large city of almost 500,000 inhabitants located in south-west England along the banks of the River Avon. Those who visit Bristol do so mainly to walk the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a fantastic suspension bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel overlooking the River Avon and the scenic Avon Gorge.
There is no shortage of cultural activities in the city: the At-Bristol Science Centre is home to the UK's first 3D planetarium. In August there is a big hot air balloon festival called the Bristol International B alloon Fiesta and in JuneUpfest, Europe's biggest street artist festival (Bristol is also the birthplace of Bansky).
Best time: summer, mid-May to mid-September: temperatures are generally good, in June there's the Upfest and in August the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Main attractions: At-Bristol Science Centre, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, SS Great Britain, Cathedral
Cheap flights: from €41.00 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €67.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: Craft Beer Tour Scenic Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise for 2 days
7 - London
With almost 9 million inhabitants, London is the largest city and capital of the United Kingdom and one of the most beautiful and visited metropolises in Europe. It is a marvellous city with a unique identity, rich in history, evidenced by iconic monuments and sites, internationally renowned museums and worldly events that attract visitors all year round.
Needless to say, every kind of tourist will find something to suit them! No less than four London sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list: Westminster Palace and Abbey (with St Margaret's Church), Maritime Greenwich, Tower Bridge and Kew Gardens. But the things to do and see are endless: the British Museum, the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace...
Best time: mid-May to mid-September, although you should always have an umbrella with you. June sees the famous Glastonbury Festival - find out more
Main attractions: Trafalgar Square and National Gallery, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Palace of Westminster - more
Cheap flights: from €25.00 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €78.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and recommended tours: 1 day in Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath panoramic bus Tower of London ticket
8 - Cambridge
This is a small but very busy city of around 124,000 inhabitants, invaded every year by large numbers of students. TheUniversity of Cambridge, in fact, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Great Britain and in the world. It is divided into 31 different colleges whose premises boast magnificent architecture (in particular Trinity College and King's College, with its fantastic chapel). The rest of the city is structured in a labyrinth of cobbled streets enriched with small shops, typical restaurants and, above all, old pubs, a meeting place for students and professors after class hours. But Cambridge is not just about past and traditions; the brilliant minds who studied here have helped transform it into a cutting-edge creative centre, dubbed'Britain's Silicon Valley'.
Best time: mid-May to mid-September for generally good temperatures
Main attractions: Market Square, St. Mary the Great Church, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens - find out more
Cheap flights: from €25.00 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €51.00 per room - see deals
Card, tickets and suggested tours: University of Cambridge hop-on hop-off
9 - Norwich
Hometown of actor Rupert Everett, Norwich is a university town with a brilliant nightlife and plenty of opportunities for shopping and entertainment. Its medieval city centre is one of the best preserved in England: its cathedral, after Durham Cathedral, is the largest and most spectacular Norman church in England. The other most visited building is the castle, also dating from Norman times, which stands on high ground.
Best time: mid-May to mid-September, temperatures are mild but there is always rain. May sees the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, one of the oldest arts festivals in England (held since 1824).
Main attractions: Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Cheap flights: from €25.00 - see offers
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €70.00 per room - see deals
10 - Bath
It is located in the county of Somerset, in south-west England, along the banks of the River Avon. An important spa (its hot springs have been known since Roman times), it has developed architecturally, historically and culturally to the point of being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A destination for tourists seeking wellness and tranquillity, in Bath you can visit a beautiful archaeological museum, splendid Georgian buildings and quarters and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy. There are also attractions for the young at heart, such as the modern Bath Spa with its spectacular outdoor rooftop pool.
This city is also the home of the'buskers', the street musicians who are an integral part of the tourist experience. The city is also linked to the life of Jane Austen.
Best time: June to September, when the weather is best. The Jane Austen Festival takes place every year in September
Main attractions: Roman Baths, Bath Spa, Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Cheap flights: to Bristol from €41.00 - see deals
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €67.00 per room - see deals
Card, ticket and tour recommendations: Bath: 1.5 hour walking tour with blue badge tour guide Bath: boat trip and city walking tour
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