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Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

The Office of National Statistics, which keeps track of such things, has named the UK cities most visited by international visitors. As you might expect, London comes in at number. Edinburgh coming in at number two isn't much of a shock either. But some of the other destinations in the UK Top 20 list, may surprise you. Check out their profiles to find out what makes each of them so popular.

Home of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, The British Museum and more British Icons, London is a world center of theatre, art, music, literature, and culture. It's also a city of colorful markets, great shopping, green open spaces, and a cosmopolitan culture.

London is home to 7.5 million people, or 12.5 per cent of the UK's population. Not counting visitors, more than 1.5 million Londoners come from abroad. They speak 300 different languages. On top of its cosmopolitan locals, London welcomes more than 25 million visitors a year through its five airports, national rail stations, and Eurostar terminal, the gateway to the continent.

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Scotland's capital and the seat of its Parliament, Edinburgh combines the young and modern sensibilities of a great university city and national capital with a historic and dramatic setting. Here you'll find the world's biggest performing arts festival, a 1,000-year-old castle and a mountain - Arthur's Seat - right in the middle of town. And, Edinburgh's annual New Year's celebration - Hogmanay - is a four-day street party to end all street parties.

Edinburgh has about half a million people, including more than 62,000 university students. At least 13 million people visit every year. During the main festival month of August, the population of Edinburgh swells by more than one million, making it, temporarily, the UK's second-largest city.

Festival Edinburgh - From the end of June through to early September, Edinburgh reels through one festival after another. Film, books, art, music, television and jazz, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Festival are just some of the summer festivals. But the big event is the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe , a free-for-all of drama, music, comedy and street theater that veers wildly from brilliant to dire and that takes over the whole city for most of August.

Come winter and Edinburgh folks are ready to party again, staging the world's biggest New Year's celebration, Hogmanay. The torchlight parades, fire festival events, concerts, funfairs, and winter swims go on for four days.

Manchester is often called the first modern city. In the 18th century this Northwestern city, 30 miles from Liverpool, was the cotton making capital of the world and one of the breeding grounds of the industrial revolution. Its entrepreneurs and industrial tycoons endowed it with museums, galleries, theatres and libraries as well as outstanding civic architecture. A devastating IRA bomb in 1996 created the need for city center regeneration resulting in a new, dramatic 21st century cityscape.

Today, some of the most exciting architecture in Britain can be found in Manchester and the nearby Salford Quays area. Among the highlights are Bridgewater Hall, home of Manchester's Hallé Orchestra; Urbis, a glass curtain-walled exhibition center, and the Imperial War Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind.

Manchester has long been a hotbed of the indie and pop music scenes. Among the bands and artists who got their start, Manchester can claim Elkie Brooks, Take That, Freddie and the Dreamers, Hermans Hermits, The Hollies, Oasis, Simply Red, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Morrissey and dozens more.

Today a large student population keeps Manchester's club scene as lively as ever. And, as one of the gateways to England's Lake District , Manchester makes a good anchor for a two base vacation, combining outdoor activities with urban nightlife.

A combination of entrepreneurial daring and engineering know-how made Birmingham the manufacturing engine of Britain through the 19th century and most of the 20th. James Watt first commercially manufactured his steam engine here; the transatlantic cable and the Orient Express were Birmingham built, and this was the heartland of the British motor industry.

Birmingham also has several tasty claims to fame. George Cadbury made his choccies here and his Bourneville Estate was an early planned community. In more recent times, Birmingham has become the heartland of that Anglo-Punjabi specialty, Balti cuisine.

With a population of more than a million, Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city. It's a vibrant, multi-ethnic destination with a lively arts and music scene and some of England's best shopping. Its Selfridges - the company's first store outside of London, is an ultra-modern building that looks like it just landed from outer space.

Music With a Brummie Accent

Heavy Metal is a Birmingham sound. Both Judas Priest and Black Sabbath were local bands. And Ozzie Osborne is a native son. Other styles of music thrive in Birmingham too. The city kick-started the careers of Duran Duran, ELO and UB40.

With its great shopping and the huge NEC conference center as draws, Birmingham has loads of visitors. Sadly it doesn't have nearly enough hotels to meet the demand. So if you are planning on heading there for a special event, plan on booking early.

Scotland's largest city and the third-largest city in the UK, Glasgow's had long taken a back seat to Edinburgh with tourists and visitors. Its reputation as a rough, crime-ridden, dirty and hard-drinking city put people off. But, since the mid-1980s, Glaswegians have worked hard to turn that image around.

And they've succeeded.

In 1995, Glasgow was the European Capital of Culture. The award wasn't for the heritage culture that enlivens Edinburgh but for an entirely more contemporary vibe. And it keeps getting better. In 2008, Lonely Planet named Glasgow one of the top 10 cities for tourists. In the same year, the Mercer report, a quality of life survey, put Glasgow among the top 50 safest cities of the world. Nervous tourists note: that was more than 30 places higher than London.

Today, Billy Connolly's hometown is a hip destination for contemporary art, jazz, clubs, comedy, design and fashion (of both the chic and the gutsy street kind). It's also the gateway to the Western Highlands. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is about half an hour away.

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

When visitors think of Liverpool, the Beatles may come to mind. And, of course, there's plenty to do that's Beatles related - not least of which is is visit to the famous Cavern Club.

In 2008, the mantle of European Capital of Culture landed on Liverpool, revitalizing this city in England's northwest, as the award often does. Liverpool's Albert Docks area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its role in Britain's maritime history. Visitors to the area can learn about Liverpool's role in the history of the slave trade (commemorated in the world's only International Slavery Museum), emigration to the Americas and Australia, and the spread of trade and culture across the British Empire. The spotlight on the dock's history has also brought trendy clubs, hotels, shopping, dining and a Liverpool branch of the famous Tate Gallery to the immediate surrounding area.

Over the years, Liverpool has had its ups and downs, but the recent revival of interest in this historic city means there are quite a few new and trendy hotels.

TripSavvy / Gautier Houba 

Bristol, on the borders of Somerset and Gloucestershire, is a small, attractive city with a history of creativity and innovation. It makes a great base for touring with Stratford-upon-Avon , Warwick Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge and Longleat all within easy reach.

Once one of England's most important ports, like Liverpool, it was a center for the triangular trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, shipping manufactured goods to Africa in exchange for enslaved people who were then forcibly transported to the Americas. Abolitionist Thomas Clarkson lived undercover at The Seven Stars Pub on Thomas Lane in the 18th century. He gathered the information about the slave trade that his friend William Wilberforce used to support the Act for the Abolition of Slavery. You can still raise a pint of real ale in the pub, open every day since 1760, whose history goes back to the 1600s.

Born in Bristol

From the pioneering Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel to the leaders of today's cutting-edge animations, Bristol has been a hotbed of talented innovators. Brunel, who designed Britain's first long-distance railway, the Great Western between London and Bristol, also designed the first ocean-going, propeller-driven transatlantic steamship, the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge (completed after Brunel's death). The bridge, over the Avon Gorge, is the symbol of Bristol.

The Bristol Old Vic, an offshoot of London's Old Vic Theatre, and its associated drama school has populated international stages and screens with graduates. Cary Grant was born in Bristol; Patrick Stewart, Jeremy Irons, Greta Scacchi, Miranda Richardson, Helen Baxendale, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gene Wilder all learned their craft there.

Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep are also Bristol natives, having been created at the city's Aardman Animation. And the mysterious graffiti artist, Banksy, another Bristol native, has left his mark there.

Oxford University is England's oldest university, dating back to the 11th century. It's the reason that many people make their way to this small city, 60 miles northwest of London, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

The city has England's oldest public museum, The Ashmolean, recently refurbished with its exhibition space doubled. Visitors can also enjoy shopping in a lively covered market, find an almost hidden pub that was popular when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were still hiding their affair from their respective spouses, and explore a haunted castle.

And then, of course, there are the colleges. Visitors are welcome to stroll the fascinating, historic grounds and chapels of most of the colleges. Some are only open during fixed times of day or as part of official guided tours. Official Guided Walking Tours, run by the Oxford Tourist Information Centre, allow you to take in the sights at college, including several well-known landmarks and movie locations. You can even see some of the locations used in the Harry Potter films.

Oxford makes a great London Day Trip , with or without a car. It's also a useful base for exploring the Cotswolds, visiting Blenheim Palace in Woodstock (a ten-minute bus trip away), or shopping till you drop at Bicester Village, one of the UK's best designer discount centers.

• The Turf Tavern , Oxford's secret pub
• Brown's Cafe - Cheap Eats in Oxford

Cambridge, like its traditional rival Oxford, grew out of an association of scholars who settled in one place and founded the colleges. According to tradition, Cambridge, Britain's second-oldest university, was founded in 1209 when a group of scholars fled Oxford after a disagreement with local townspeople.

Smaller and less urban than Oxford, Cambridge is, nevertheless, a lively place full of fascinating museums and galleries, theatres, restaurants, and pubs.

The colleges themselves, which together have produced more Nobel Prize winners than any university in the world, are masterpieces of Medieval, Tudor and Jacobean architecture. Among the standouts open to visitors, Kings College Chapel, with its soaring thistle vaulted ceiling, is a must-see.

From April to September, Cambridge can be packed with tourists who arrive on buses, stay a few hours, and then skedaddle. But train services from London are frequent, and journey times relatively short, so it's a shame not to linger a bit longer to explore some of the lovely gardens along the Backs (where Cambridge colleges back up onto the River Cam). Because of the crowds, many of the colleges now charge an entry fee to visit their grounds and limit opening hours.

Taking a Punt at a Punt

Punts are the traditional flatboats that are propelled with poles along the Cam and Granchester rivers. The punter stands and pushes the pole into the mud. It's not as easy as it looks! More than one beginner has either lost a pole or been left clinging to one as the punt floats on. Nowadays, visitors can hire a chauffeured punt (the chauffeur will probably be a student) for a guided cruise along the Backs. It's low-key but quite fun.

One of Cambridge's shortcomings is a dearth of really nice hotels near the center. One of the most interesting, however, is The Moller Centre, part of Churchill College. It's a conference center at heart but anyone can stay in business class luxury at budget prices in this architecturally unusual place. 

Cardiff , the capital of Wales and its largest city, has experienced a virtual renaissance. In a little over a decade its visitor numbers have increased by more than 50 percent. When the Millenniium Stadium, home of the Welsh national rugby union team and the Welsh national football team, opened in 1999, the city welcomed about 9 million foreign visitors. In 2009, that figure had risen to more than 14.6 million foreign visitors, with French and Irish rugby fans leading the way.

The rebirth of Cardiff includes redevelopment of the waterfront along Cardiff Bay. The Senedd, home of the Welsh National Assembly and designed by British architect Richard Rogers, opened there in 2006.

Nearby, the Wales Millennium Centre, opened in 2004, is a performance venue for theatre, musicals, opera, ballet, contemporary dance, hip hop, comedy, art, and art workshops. It has two theaters and seven resident companies including the Welsh National Opera. Free performances take place in the center's foyer every day and visitors to the bars and restaurants can enjoy views of Cardiff Bay. The building is a striking landmark on its own, clad in Welsh slate, bronze-colored steel, wood, and glass. It is a reflection of the Welsh landscape.

The most famous features of the building, designed by Jonathan Adam, are the lines of poetry, made up of windows, that cross its facade. Written for the center by Welsh writer Gwyneth Lewis, the Welsh and English words are not translations of each other but are, in fact, two different short poems that complement each other. The words of the Welsh poem, "Creu Gwir Fel Gwydr O Ffwrnais Awen" (Creating truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration), are arranged beside the words of the English poem, "In these stones, horizons sing." At night, light from inside the center shines through the windows.

Not everything about Cardiff is brand new. Cardiff Castle began its life as a Roman garrison, about 2000 years ago. It has been a Norman castle keep and home to a variety of noble families. In the 19th century, the Marquess of Bute had the living quarters transformed into a Victorian fantasy castle with fabulous and opulent interiors. Today it belongs to the city of Cardiff and the castle, along with its surrounding parkland, is the scene of festivals and events throughout the year.

Cardiff's post-millennial revival and its position as the seat of the newly devolved Welsh government means the hotel and accommodation selection is very good.

Brighton is hip, colorful, and unusually urban for a seaside resort. "London's beach", 60 miles from the capital, is a year-round day trip or short break destination with lots more to offer than its seafront.

Shopping, dining, a hoot of a fantasy palace, a brilliant aquarium, great nightlife and theater, block after block of Regency houses - not to mention the most scenic pier in Britain - combine with a tolerant and breezy ambiance to make Brighton a very cool place to visit and an even cooler place to stay awhile.

If you like cities, there's a good chance you will love Brighton. Millions of people do. At least 8 million people visit Brighton annually - about 6.5 million for day trips. Brighton Pier alone gets 4.5 million visitors a year. The city regularly ranks among the top 20 for overseas visitors and is among Britain's top 10 visitor destinations overall. It is also one of Britain's most popular LGBTQ destinations with a large resident gay population.

It may be London's beach, but don't expect to pop into the sea. The water is usually pretty cold and the shingle beach is not to everyone's taste. But all kinds of watersports fans, surfers, paddle and windsurfers do love it. And strolling along the seaside or lazing on the beach is just part of Brighton's appeal.

Come for amazing shopping in the Lanes and the North Laine, goggle at the Royal Pavilion, eat lots of great fish and chips, and enjoy the festival and club scene. It's a quick day trip by train from London and one you don't want to miss.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Gateshead

Newcastle-upon-Tyne began its history as a major Roman fort defending the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall. The evidence is still there at the Arbeia Roman Fort & Museum, including a reconstruction of the fort that guarded the mouth of the Tyne and exhibits with archeological finds from the site.

In the early Middle Ages, after the departure of the Romans, the Venerable Bede, an Anglo Saxon monk, lived and wrote his histories of early Britain at Jarrow, just downriver from Newcastle on the south bank of the Tyne. Jarrow Hall (formerly Bedes World), in Jarrow, is a new museum and World Heritage Site candidate near the ruins of Bede's Anglo Saxon monastery.

Fast Forward

Newcastle is a good base for exploring the northeast of England, but don't be surprised if the locals could care less about all that impressive history. They have their eyes firmly fixed on today and tomorrow.

Newcastle nightlife is legendary, spawning bands, performance artists, and good times in quantity. Back in the 1960s, Jimi Hendrix lived and busked in Newcastle. He was discovered and managed by Chas Chandler, a musician with Newcastle band, The Animals. Dire Straits was a Newcastle band and Sting is a Geordie boy. ("Geordies" are natives of Newcastle). One of England's big university cities, students keep the Newcastle music scene alive and kicking.

Since the Millennium, the Newcastle/Gateshead Quays have been transformed into a futuristic and arty landscape. The Newcastle/Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a unique pedestrian "drawbridge". Instead of splitting and opening to allow tall boat traffic through, the bottom pedestrian deck of the bridge tips up to meet the support arch, like an eyelid, opening and closing.

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art on the quayside is a huge contemporary art space and the biggest exhibition space of its kind in the world. Before its transformation into a cutting-edge visual arts exhibition center, it was an enormous and abandoned flour and animal feed mill. Not far away, the Sage Gateshead is an ultra-modern music performance and learning center. Rock, pop, classical, acoustic, indie, country, folk, electronic, dance, and world music are all performed inside Sage's gleaming bubbles of stainless steel and glass. The Northern Sinfonia has its home at the Sage.

Geordies The native dialect of Newcastle, Geordie, is distinctive and one of the oldest in England. If you've ever seen actor Jimmy Nail or Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, you've heard this inimitable accent.

People sometimes dub Leeds The Knightsbridge of the North because this city, built on a tradition of wool, textile, and clothing manufacture, is one of the UK's major retail and fashion hubs. Glamorous shops are housed in some of the most splendid Victorian arcades in Europe. Famous Harvey Nichols established its first store outside of London here. And one of Britain's most famous businesses, Marks & Spencer, began its life as a humble market stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market.

21st Century Leeds

Leeds is a thoroughly wired up place. Leeds IT companies host more than a third of all UK Internet traffic and there are more ISDN lines per head of population than any other major city in the world. A new Internet Quarter, full of call centers and server farms, is in the works.

Currently the UK's third largest city, Leeds is also the fastest growing city in Britain. Its population of three quarters of a million includes more than 100,000 university and college students who support a lively music scene. There are about 1,500 bands currently active in Leeds. Among the city's recent success stories, the Kaiser Chiefs and Corinne Bailey Rae hail from this Yorkshire city.

And speaking of Yorkshire

Leeds is well placed for some nightlife and retail therapy as part of a tour of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It's also less than half an hour, by train or car, from the Medieval, walled city of York.

The small northern English city of York has been an important population center for at least 2,000 years. As a Roman, Viking, and Medieval Anglo Saxon city, its relics, monuments and architectural treasures are woven into the fabric of everyday modern life.

It's a lovely city for walking, with hundreds of half-timbered buildings and other marvels to look at and explore at every turn. Its markets, located in the same squares and stalls they have occupied for hundreds of years, sell everything from fruit and vegetables and snazzy hats to designer kitchen utensils and DVDs. Boutique shops that line York's winding lanes provide plenty of prey for the avid fashion hunter. Some of the best shopping streets are mentioned in the Domesday Book and have been commercial centers for more than 900 years.

York Minster, one of Europe's greatest gothic cathedrals, dominates the city, visible from any vantage point within the walls. It has a stained glass window bigger than a tennis court and a crypt where you can explore the Minster's Roman foundations.

On it's own, it might be hard to understand why Inverness, on the River Ness near the head of the Moray Firth, is among Britain's top 20 cities for visitors. But Inverness is more than a quiet provincial city. It is the unofficial capital of the Highlands and the gateway to all that is Scottish about Scotland.

Just outside of Inverness, the Culloden battlefield bears witness to one of the great lost causes in Scottish history. In 1746, the clans who supported a restoration of the Stuarts to the throne rallied behind Prince Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, in what was known as the Jacobite cause. The climax, at Culloden, was an hour-long battle in which at least 1,000 died. It led to the brutal "pacification" of the Highlands, the banning of clan chiefs and tartans and the attempted destruction of Highland culture. The story is explained at an outstanding visitors center, run by the National Trust of Scotland, on the iconic Culloden Battlefield site. Read a description of the eve of battle and the battle itself, in Sir Walter Scott's novel, "Waverley".

A few miles southwest of Inverness, Loch Ness marks the last great body of water at the northern end of the Great Glen, the deep channel of interconnected lochs and waterways that cuts across southwest to northeast across Scotland, from the North Atlantic to the North Sea. Coach and Caledonian Canal tours can be arranged to visit the loch to have a look for the legendary Loch Ness monster, Nessie. Even if you don't spot it, Loch Ness is a beautiful place to visit and home to Rock Ness, a rock festival with its own sea monster. Urquhart Castle is known to be a particularly good place for Nessie watching.

The Whiskey Trail and Beyond

East of Inverness, the area surrounding the River Spey, is prime territory for Scotch whisky tourism. Speyside distilleries make some of the most famous and most treasured whiskies in the world. Many are open to the public. The area is also popular for salmon fishing and shooting holidays.

Inverness is also within easy striking distance of the Cairngorms and Cairngorm National Park, a popular skiing destination and home to Balmoral , the Queen's Scottish vacation home. And, if you are heading for Orkney , flying from Inverness is the fastest way to get there.

But one word of advice: Inverness on weekend nights can be an incredibly noisy place. If you are planning an early start for a cruise or a tour, find yourself a quiet hotel, away from the center.

From its 2,000-year-old Roman Baths to its Georgian terraces and Pump Room, the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jane Austen enjoyed the health-giving waters of Bath and its accompanying social scene, as did many of her characters. Besides offering visitors a feast of historic architecture, this small pleasant city has more than enough diversions for demanding modern weekenders. This includes great restaurants, top shopping , quirky museums, a lively cultural scene and, of course, a post-millennial, multi-million pound, thermal spa.

Bath is a bit too far from London for a day trip that does justice to its many pleasures, but it makes a fine overnight getaway with lots of charming places to stay and dine. Among the sights, Bath Abbey, occupying a site that has been a place of Christian worship for 1,200 years; The Jane Austen Center; The Roman Baths and Pump Room, where 18th and 19th-century high society socialized and where you can still taste the waters of the ancient spring or stop for tea.

Bath is also a showcase of England's finest 18th-century architecture, with stunning terraces of pristine, white houses that have formed the backdrops of countless films. No. 1 Royal Crescent. the first house built on Bath's iconic, 18th century Royal Crescent is now open as a museum. Restored and authentically furnished, it offers a glimpse into fashionable 18th-century life.

And shop hounds will also enjoy Bath. Its shopping areas are crammed with independent boutiques - fashion, antiques , jewelry and more.

Visitors to Nottingham will search in vain for the origins of the Robin Hood stories in Nottingham Castle, once a base for wicked usurper King John and his henchman, the Sheriff of legend. It's now a 17th-century ducal mansion. But Castle Rock and the cave system beneath it, a scheduled ancient monument, hint at a medieval (and earlier past).

North of the city, the remains of Sherwood Forest, 450 acres of Britain's most ancient oak trees, can still be visited.

Perhaps it was stories of the legendary Robin of Sherwood that turned Nottingham into the nursery for so many literary lights. Lord Byron's title came from the Nottinghamshire estate he inherited when he was ten years old. He is also buried in a Nottinghamshire churchyard. D.H. Lawrence, son of a Nottinghamshire miner, grew up in the area. And both J.M. Barrie, creator of "Peter Pan," and novelist Graham Greene cut their creative teeth on the Nottingham Daily Journal.

The Mayflower Trail

Visitors looking for the history of the Pilgrim Fathers will find much of interest in the Nottingham area, the heart of Pilgrim Country. William Brewster, the postmaster of Scrooby in Nottinghamshire, was instrumental in leading a group of Separatists to Holland in 1607. The group eventually fetched up on the shores of Massachusetts, founding the Plymouth Colony in 1620. The Mayflower Trail is a circular tour through the quiet villages of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire that gave rise to the Separatist movement.

Student Travelers

It's not all about history and literature, though. With two universities and 370 schools, Nottingham has the third-largest student population in the UK and has a lively nightlight to go with it. There are at least 300 bars, clubs, and restaurants in Nottingham, and several large music and dance venues to keep night owls entertained.

I have to confess I found it hard, at first, to understand why Reading made it to the top 20 list of popular UK cities. Though an important town in the Middle Ages, today Reading is largely a commercial center that's important in the IT and insurance industries.

True, it is within a very short distance of some of England's iconic sites like Windsor Castle, Eton, as well as a raft of stately homes, scattered across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire that are worth visiting. It's not far from the scene of the Henley Regatta and it does have a large university population.

But, what probably drives Reading into a top UK destination are two hugely popular festivals.

The Reading Comedy Festival, which traditionally takes place in the autumn, is three weeks of stand-up comedy acts. It attracts British and Irish comedians and their fans, along with dozens of brave hopefuls for open mic events.

The Reading Festival is one of the UK's biggest music festivals. It takes place on the August Bank Holiday weekend and has an unusual twist. The festival is paired with the Leeds Festival, which takes place on the same weekend with the same lineup. Artists appear at one of the festivals then rush across the country to the other to appear again.

When it comes to staying in Reading, you might consider finding accommodations outside of its hotel options. If you are going to one of the many festivals, you are more likely to camp. If you are looking for real charm, the countryside all around has a bit more to offer you in terms of unique scenery. But Reading is also an important business center and the business traveler is well served.

Aberdeen , 130 miles northeast of Edinburgh on the North Sea coast, is something of a boomtown. Before the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s, Scotland's third-largest city was a fishing port - it's still one of Britain's largest fishing harbors with a huge annual haul from its North Sea trawlers - and a university town. Aberdeen University's charter dates from the late 15th century.

The oil industry has brought oil tycoon prices. Shops, hotels and restaurants in Aberdeen have prices comparable to London. And for a city of less than 300,000, Aberdeen has remarkably good designer and boutique shopping.

The city is almost entirely built of local granite. In good weather, mica in the stone sparkles in the sun. But, to be honest, blue skies in this part of Scotland are pretty rare and in overcast weather, the characteristic greyness can be pretty grim.

Still, if industrial powerhouses are what you are after, Aberdeen may be a good stopover on your way to salmon fishing on the Dee. Aberdeen, which has Europe's biggest and busiest heliport, is sometimes known as the energy capital of Europe.

The first time I saw Chester, I thought its street after street of beautifully kept half-timbered buildings could not be real. Surely I had stepped into a modern theme park.

As it happens, I was partly right. Chester's famous "Rows" are partly Victorian reproductions of earlier buildings. But some of the best are really Medieval. The rows are continuous rows of galleries, reached by steps from street level and forming a second level of shops. No one is quite sure why they were built in this way but some of them, including the Three Arches on Bridge Street, have been galleried shops since the 1200s, having survived the Black Death of the 13th century and the English Civil War of the 17th.

Roman Chester

Chester, and the four ancient streets that make up its High Cross district - Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate and Bridge - are more than a thousand years older than its Medieval Rows. The walled city was actually founded as a Roman fort in 79 A.D., during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. It's one of the best-preserved walled cities in England with some sections of the ramparts dating back 2000 years to the Roman originals. The city was a major center in the Roman province of Britannia. Recent excavations, the biggest archaeological dig in Britain, have uncovered a Roman amphitheater where fighting techniques were demonstrated.

Even if you're not a keen fan of history, Chester, in the heart of affluent Cheshire, is fun to visit. It's full of independent boutiques, has several good museums and art galleries, and is known for top restaurants, luxury hotels and spas.

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80+ UK Tourism Statistics [2024 update]

Reviving inbound tourism: the uk's journey to recovery.

• The latest inbound tourism forecast for 2023 anticipates 37.5 million visits, an impressive 92% recovery compared to the pre-pandemic level in 2019.
• In 2023, inbound visitors are projected to spend £30.9 billion, surpassing the 2019 level by 109% in nominal terms.
• Travel and tourism’s total contribution to the UK’s GDP in 2017 was 5.3%. By 2028, travel and tourism’s contribution to the UK’s GDP is expected to decrease significantly to only 2%.
• Overseas residents made 31.2 million visits to the UK in 2022.
• By 2024 and 2025, both domestic and international tourism in the UK is projected to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.
• Ranked the sixth largest in the world, the UK tourism industry generates £155.4 billion in revenue for the UK economy annually.
• In 2022, London remained the most visited city by international visitors with just over 16 million international visits. However, this figure was approximately 26% lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
• Edinburgh and Manchester welcomed a considerable number of tourists in 2022 — 1.8 million and 1.2 million respectively — making them the second and third most popular destinations.
• In 2022, the United States topped the list as the leading inbound travel market for the UK based on the number of visits, with approximately 4.6 million inbound trips from American travelers.
• Following closely were tourist arrivals from France, the Republic of Ireland, and Germany.
• In 2019, Americans spent a record £4.18bn while visiting the UK.
• In 2022, overseas visitors to the UK enjoyed an average stay of 8.4 nights, compared to just over 7 nights in 2019.
• The National History Museum, Brighton Pier, and the British Museum topped the list of the most popular free attractions in England in 2022.
• The Tower of London, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the RHS Garden Wisley topped the list of the most popular paid attractions in England in 2022.
• The Windsor Great Park was the most visited tourist attraction throughout the UK in 2022, attracting 5.6 million visitors.

A surge in travel staycations: UK domestic tourism statistics

• Between April and December 2021, Brits enjoyed nearly 45 million overnight stays within the UK.
• In 2021, domestic travelers in the UK spent £98.7 billion on trips around the UK.
• In 2019, British tourists embarked on almost 123 million domestic holidays.
• The number of outbound international travel trips in 2019 amounted to 93 million.
• Brits took an average of 2.3 domestic vacations between September 2021 and August 2022.
• 20% of Brits say that the South West of the UK is their top destination for overnight domestic trips during summer.
• With staycations on the rise, Brits spent an average of almost £770 on UK getaways in 2021.
• Throughout 2022, British residents made 1.1 billion day trips to places within the UK, spending £45 billion on these trips alone.

Adventure tourism statistics: Visitors to the UK have caught the adventure bug

• The UNWTO reports that the UK boasts Europe’s largest adventure tourism market, accounting for 19% of the world's adventure travel tourists.
• By 2024, the adventure tourism industry revenue is projected to reach £3.8 billion.
• From 2011 to 2019, spending on adventure and water sports in the UK increased from £1.5 billion to £1.8 billion.
• The number of people taking part in adventure and water sports activities in the UK has also increased from 57 million in 2011 to 100 million in 2019.
• In 2021, UK spending on camping trips rose to £2.7 billion.
• In 2019, outdoor-related activities in urban settings accounted for over 60% of all nature-based spending.
• 59% of European millennials have had at least one kind of adventure experience.

Healthcare tourism statistics beyond borders: Medical tourism in the UK is on the rise

• The UK medical tourism market is expected to reach a valuation of over £17 billion by 2032.
• The global medical tourism market is projected to be worth $35.9 billion by 2032.
• In 2020, the UK ranked fifth in the global destination environment ranking for medical tourism.
• In 2021, a total of 34,000 inbound visits to the UK were for medical treatment.
• Of the 34,000 medical tourists in 2021, 62% were from countries in the EU-15, and less than 3% were from North America.
• Tourist spending on medical treatment in the UK is between £178 million to £325 million annually.
• Inbound medical travelers and their companions contribute approximately £219 million to the UK economy through additional tourism expenditures every year.
• Dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and cancer treatment top the list of popular procedures for medical tourism trips.

Sports tourism statistic scoring big: Football rules UK sports tourism

• In 2022, 76.2 million people attended professional sporting events throughout the UK.
• According to the latest figures, inbound tourism expenditure on sport and recreation reached an impressive £231 million in the UK.
• In 2019, around 1.5 million inbound visitors attended a live football match, accounting for approximately 1 in every 27 visitors.
• Football is the number one sporting attraction for international tourists visiting the UK, with over 800,000 visitors annually attending a football match.
• Cricket is the second biggest sporting draw with 225,000 annual visitors.
• Since 2010, the value of sport to the UK economy has increased by 40%.
• In 2019, inbound football tourists spent an average of £909 per visit, 31% higher than the average visitor spend of £696 by other inbound tourists.
• In 2019, the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester and the Anfield Stadium in Liverpool had the highest attendance at 440,000 tourist visits.
• The amount spent on golfing activities in the UK grew by 40% between 2011 and 2019, from £800 million to £1.1 billion

Business tourism statistics: Meetings, incentive trips, and exhibitions fuel the business tourism boom in the UK

• In 2022, there were 5.1 million visits to the UK for business reasons.
• Business contributed £5.8 billion in spend in 2019, representing an incredible 20% of all inbound spend.
• Business travelers tend to make flying visits to the UK. In 2019, almost two-thirds of all business visits to the UK lasted between 1 and 3 nights.
• Unlike typical tourism flows, business visits to the UK don't show much seasonality, which means there's a steady number of visitors year-round.
• In 2019, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) made up nearly one-third of all UK business trip expenses, with visitors spending a hefty £1.7 billion.
• In 2019, conferences, conventions, and congresses took the lead among the MICE sub-categories, accounting for 742,000 visits and a whopping total spend of £716 million.
• Large meetings consisting of over 21 people in 2019 accounted for approximately 7% of all business visits (646,000 visits in total), and these travelers spent £573 million.
• In 2019, incentive and team-building trips made 67,000 visits and spent £69 million, making them one of the top-spending business groups with an expenditure of £1,039 per visit.
• In 2019, attendees of exhibitions, events, and trade shows spent a total of £319 million during 319,000 visits.
• In 2021, UK residents made an estimated total of 8.3 million business trips.
• Two-thirds of UK businesses plan to boost business travel spend by 50% or more in 2023.
• The Travel and Tourism Development Index ranked the UK as the fifth-best country for non-leisure travel worldwide in 2021, and the first-best country in Europe.
• Business travelers flocked to London in 2019, with a remarkable 3.98 million visits from abroad, solidifying its position as the top business travel destination in the UK.
• The average cost of a business trip to London has risen by 15% since 2022.
• As of 2023, London is the third most expensive business travel location in Europe.
• Ranked as the eighth most expensive city in the world for business travel, a trip to London costs around £497 per day visit.
• The average spend per domestic business trip in 2019 was £280.
• Over half of business trips to the UK turn into bleisure trips.

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Rural tourism statistics: the charm of rural tourism and sustainable travel is on the rise.

• A testament to its beauty, UK nature contributed a remarkable £12 billion to tourism and outdoor leisure in 2019.
• In 2021, the Gross Value Added (GVA) from tourism in Predominantly Rural areas was worth an impressive £11.5 billion.
• During 2019/20, rural areas boasted 66,800 registered tourist-related businesses, making up 11% of the total registered businesses in those regions.
• Tourism-related industries play a more substantial role in rural employment, representing 15% of the total workforce, compared to 11% in urban areas.
• The majority of UK travelers (71%) and US travelers (69%) say that sustainable travel practices are important to them and strive to make more eco-conscious journeys.
• 23% of UK travelers chose to travel to a destination closer to home in order to reduce their carbon footprint .
• In a bid to enhance rural tourism, Scotland allocated £3 million in 2022 to support 10 infrastructure projects, focusing on visitor facilities, access improvements, and promoting eco-friendly transport options.
• An estimated 34% of holidays in Wales involve camping or caravanning, compared to 20% in England and 21% in Scotland.

Music tourism is hitting high notes in the UK

• In 2022, the global music tourism market value was valued at $5.5 billion and is on track to rock 'n' roll all the way up to an incredible $11.3 billion by 2032.
• The thriving music tourism sector sustained a total of 56,000 jobs across the UK in 2022, massively contributing to overall tourism employment statistics in the country.
• In 2022, the UK’s music scene drew in an impressive 1.1 million foreign music tourists and 13.3 million domestic music tourists.
• 2022 marked a crescendo in music tourism spending in the UK, peaking at an impressive £6.6 billion — surpassing the pre-pandemic total in 2019 of £4.7 billion.
• Attracting a staggering 4.9 million music tourists, London is a major magnet for music lovers.
• Thanks to the draw of legendary groups The Beatles, The Stone Roses, and Oasis, the North West region is close behind with 1.9 million music tourists.
• 10% of British people would travel eight hours by plane to see their favorite artists.
• 63% of Brits have been on trips that combined travel with a gig or festival.
• New York and Barcelona are the top dream travel destinations for British music lovers.

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England visitor attractions: latest.

Released on:  11 July 2024

Next release:  TBC 2025

For further information, 

please contact  [email protected] .

Report highlights

• Attractions in England reported an 11% increase in the volume of total visits from 2022 to 2023, however this is still 28% below 2019 levels .
• Museums / Art Galleries and Places of Worship received the highest increase in visits year on year (20%) and (19%) respectively.
• In 2023, the sector grew due to an increase in overseas visits to attractions (+80% on 2022) and an increase in school trips in 2023. Overall, sites reported a 2% decline in domestic visits.   
• The British Museum was the most visited free attraction in 2023, attracting 5.8m visitors, up 42% on 2022.
• The Tower of London was the most visited paid for attraction in 2023, attracting 2.8m visitors, up 38% on 2021.

View the latest report including data tables

Annual attractions survey 2023 full trends report.

England Visitor Attractions Annual Report 2023 Published: 11th July 2024

Annual Attractions Full Listings 2023

England Visitor Attractions Admissions 2023 Published: 11th July 2024

Most Visited Top 20 Free and Paid Attractions 2023

England's Most Visited Attractions by England and Regions Published: 11th July 2024

About the survey

The annual trends report provides an overview of the visitor attraction sector using results from a mix of online and postal surveys. This approach means we’re unable to verify results provided by individual attractions beyond a basic ‘sense check’. Read more about our methodology (PDF, 1.38 MB) .

The lists of English attractions included in the report only feature those that choose to participate and agree to make their results public.

The Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions is designated as official statistics and follows the Code of Practice for Official Statistics (2022) set by the Office for Statistics Regulation.

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64+ uk travel & tourism statistics (2023).

London is one of the top five most popular cities for tourism worldwide. It’s truly an icon of the United Kingdom and the country’s leading tourist destination.

Well, have you ever wondered what the most visited attractions are in the UK?

Or how much money tourism brings in to the UK’s economy?

Below, we’ve compiled data from numerous reliable sources to present some of the latest statistics about travel and tourism in the UK.

Whether you want to learn more about UK tourism or are simply preparing for your next visit, you’ve come to the right place! 

Let’s get started…

Sources : You’ll find the source of each statistics directly under it, or head over to the end of the post for a full list of all articles and sources used.

Travellerspoint

How many tourists visit the UK each year?

In 2019, there were 40.86 million tourist arrivals registered in the United Kingdom.

What percentage of the UK economy is tourism?

The total contribution of travel and tourism to the UK’s GDP increased by 40% from 2020 to 2021, after plummeting dramatically from the £234.5 billion contribution in 2019.

Where does the UK rank in tourism?

With 39.4 million visitor arrivals in 2019, the UK ranks tenth in the top visited countries in the world.

How many tourists visit wales each year?

More than 1 million tourists visit Wales each year, spending a total of £3 billion annually.

UK Travel & Tourism Key Statistics

• The number of international tourist arrivals in the UK fell significantly to 11.1 million in 2020, which is a 73% decrease.
• Holiday is the main reason overseas tourists visited the UK, with 1.3 million visits being made for this reason, or 44% of all overseas visits. 
• With 4.2 million visits, Spain was the most visited country by UK residents in 2021.
• In 2021, 30% of all travel and tourism spending in the UK was for business travel, while 70% was leisure spending.
• London is the most popular city in the UK for international travelers, reaching the top 5 most popular cities worldwide in 2019 with 19.56 million tourists.
• There were 18,530 accommodation businesses in the UK in 2020.
• Hotels and similar accommodations are the most common accommodation type in the UK, with 9,837 establishments recorded in 2020.
• After London, the second most visited city in Britain is Edinburgh with 2.2 million visitors in 2019.
• The British Museum is the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom according to 2019 figures.

UK inbound tourism statistics

How many tourists visit Britain each year?

1. There were 3 million overseas visits to the UK in June 2022, a 7% increase from the 2.8 million visits in May 2022.

[ons.gov.uk]

2. However, this figure is still 19% lower than the pre-pandemic levels, which was 3.7 million in June 2019.

In the UK and elsewhere in the world, pre-pandemic figures in travel and tourism are still significantly better.

3. In 2019, there were 40.86 million tourist arrivals registered in the United Kingdom.

[WorldData]

The number of tourist arrivals include anyone who spends at least one night in the UK but doesn’t reside there for more than 12 months. However, the survey excludes business and non-tourism arrivals.

4. The number of international tourist arrivals in the UK fell significantly to 11.1 million in 2020, which is a 73% decrease from 2019.

5. Holiday is the main reason overseas tourists visited the UK, with 1.3 million visits being made for this reason, or 44% of all overseas visits. 

6. another popular reason for visiting the uk from abroad was to visit friends or relatives (1 million visits or 34% of the total)., outbound tourism in the uk.

How many outbound visits are made from the UK each year?

7. In June 2022, UK residents made 7.8 million overseas visits, or 23% more, compared to May 2022.

8. likewise, this is also still lower than the 9.1 million recorded overseas visits made by uk residents in june 2019., 9. out of these overseas visits made by uk residents, 6.6 million or 85% were to european countries..

UK residents make up a significant portion of the international tourism in Europe .

10. With 4.2 million visits, Spain was the most visited country by UK residents in 2021.

This is still a significant decrease from the 18 million visits to Spain made by UK residents in 2019.

11. The top outbound travel destination for UK residents in 2021 was followed by France, Portugal, and Greece.

The UK is actually the top inbound travel market for France, with 13 million visits recorded in 2018 .

12. Great Britain is an important market for the Republic of Ireland, making up 42% of all overseas visits to the country.

[TourismIreland]

42% of all international visits to Ireland are made by residents from Great Britain.

13. 72% of those who travel abroad from the UK do so as a holiday.

14. meanwhile, 23% of uk residents travel overseas to visit friends or family., uk tourism spending.

How big is the UK tourism industry?

15. In June 2022, overseas residents spent £2.7 billion in the UK.

16. in contrast, uk residents spent £6.2 billion while overseas the same month., 17. the total contribution of travel and tourism to the uk’s gdp increased by 40% from 2020 to 2021, after plummeting dramatically from the £234.5 billion contribution in 2019..

This shows that in 2021, travel and tourism in the UK are beginning to look up again following the various restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

18. In 2021, 30% of all travel and tourism spending in the UK was for business travel, while 70% was leisure spending.

30% of tourism spending in the UK was for corporate travel.

19. In the United Kingdom, domestic visitors contributed 96% of total travel and tourism spending in 2021, compared to 81% in 2019.

The increasing segment of domestic tourist spending in comparison to international shows that international tourism has yet to recover in the UK.

20. Total travel and tourism revenue in the United Kingdom reached $18 billion in 2021, with the leading industry being hotels, generating $6.5 billion in 2021.

21. according to the statista mobility market outlook, revenue across all travel and tourism industries in the uk will grow and surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2023., 22. the uk travel and tourism industry generated a total of 4.11 million jobs in 2021. it has not yet reached the pre-pandemic levels of 4.28 million jobs in 2019..

Meanwhile, the number dropped slightly to 4.09 million in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was at its peak.

23. The median full-time salary of employees in the UK hotel industry is £20,300.

24. meanwhile, full-time workers in the passenger rail transport and interurban industry has a median salary of almost £40,300..

The rail transport and interurban industry remains one of the highest-paying one within all tourism and hospitality industries in the UK.

25. Solo travellers from the UK spend an average of €340 on flight and hotel, the most out of other European solo travellers.

British citizens who travel solo are recorded to spend €340 on average for their flight and hotel alone.

Domestic tourism in the UK

How big is domestic tourism in the UK?

26. The number of overnight trips in Great Britain almost reached 119 million between April and December 2021, which is nearly caught up with the pre-pandemic number of 2019.

27. in terms of trip purpose, residents of great britain took 45 million overnight vacations and 43 million overnight trips to visit friends and relatives in domestic destinations., 28. in 2019, british tourists took 1.65 billion domestic day trips within great britain..

Day trips here are used to refer to visits that last at least three hours, to destinations where they do not reside in.

29. Britons spend an average of £770 on staycations in 2021, a 12% decrease from the £874 average in 2019.

30. british tourists tend to prefer cities than countryside when taking day trips within great britain., 31. in 2019, seaside destinations were most popular with day trippers in wales (19%), compared to 10% of respondents in england and scotland each..

Residents of Wales show a higher tendency and preference to seaside destinations compared to day trippers from Scotland and England.

London tourism statistics

How much does tourism contribute to London?

32. London is the most popular city in the UK for international travelers, reaching the top 5 most popular cities worldwide in 2019 with 19.56 million tourists.

33. despite being one of the most popular cities for tourism, london is actually only the 27th biggest city in terms of population (8.96 million)., 34. london tourism has grown steadily from 2011, reaching its peak in 2019 with a total of 21.71 million international visits that year., 35. however, in 2021, overseas arrivals in london plummeted to just 2.72 million, which is an 87.5% decrease..

36. Visitors in London spent a total of £2,104 million in 2019, but fell to £409 million due the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

37. the 1.3 million overnight stays in london in 2019 also decreased to 300 thousand in 2020., 38. likewise, day visits dropped from 19.7 million in 2019 to 4.3 million the year after., 39. finally, the number of visits to attractions in london decreased by almost 80% from 2019 to 2020 (7.44 million to 1.56 million)., uk travel accommodation.

How many hotels are there in the UK?

40. There were 18,530 accommodation businesses in the UK in 2020.

41. Hotels and similar accommodations are the most common accommodation type in the UK, with 9,837 establishments recorded in 2020.

There are 9,837 hotels businesses in the UK in 2020, making it the most common type of vacation rental in the country.

42. This is compared to the 5,135 holiday and other short stay accommodations, and 2,270 campgrounds, RV parks, and trailer parks. 

RV ownership in the UK reached a record high of £1.15 billion in 2021 , which might mean that the number of campgrounds, RV parks, and trailer parks will increase even more.

43. Premier Inn is the most popular hotel brand in the UK. 74% of respondents in a 2022 survey stated that they liked the brand.

44. the second most popular hotel brand in the uk is travelodge with 56% stating a positive opinion on it..

45. The number of hotel guests in the UK is predicted to continuously rise by 23.92% within the next few years, reaching 48.21 million in 2026.

46. in 2020, there were 254 thousand airbnb listings in the uk, making it the top 6 country with the highest number of active airbnb listings in the world..

[AllTheRooms]

The UK has 254 thousand active Airbnb listings , the sixth highest number from all countries worldwide.

UK top travel destinations

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in the UK?

47. After London, the second most visited city in Britain is Edinburgh with 2.2 million visitors in 2019.

[VisitBritain]

48. It is followed by Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Brighton/Hove, Bristol, and finally, Oxford and Cambridget at the 9th and 10th spots.

49. 41.8 million tourists visited birmingham in 2017, 6.9% more than 2016, and generated £7.1 billion in revenue. , 50. more than 1 million tourists visit wales each year, spending £3 billion annually..

[Geography in the News]

51. Most tourists to Wales come from the Republic of Ireland, USA and Germany.

Wales is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, and American tourists make up a huge proportion of visitors in Wales.

52. 40% of all visits to Lancashire in 2021 were to Blackpool, with a total of 18.81 million visits that year.

Blackpool is a famous seaside resort best known for Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its charming old-school amusement park. Its number of visitors has more than doubled since 2020.

53. The British Museum is the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom according to 2019 figures.

54. this is followed by tate modern, the national gallery, the natural history museum, and southbank centre..

It is clear that art galleries and museums are some of the most popular types of tourist attractions in the UK.

55. In 2021, Windsor Great Park is the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom

Windsor Great Park is the most visited attraction in the UK in 2021. However, the 2019 is more representative of the usual UK tourism as it’s not affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions.

56. The most popular destination in the UK for a winter staycation is the North West, with 17% of respondents stating that they intend to visit the region.

A staycation refers to a holiday spent in one’s own country or hometown as opposed to abroad or out of town.

57. 15% said that they intended to visit Scotland during their winter holiday, while only 4% were planning to visit Northern Ireland.

Travel bookings and behaviours in the uk.

How do tourists in the UK book their travels?

58. A 2022 survey in the UK reveals that hotels are the most popular travel products to be booked online, with 38% claiming they have booked hotels online in the past 12 months.

38% of respondents have booked hotels in the UK online in the past 12 months, which includes website and app bookings.

59. Another survey conducted among different age groups in the UK showed that people aged 25 to 54 years old prefer to use online travel agencies to book their overseas holiday.

In fact, the UK is the 7th most popular destination for Gen Z and millennial travellers .

60. Meanwhile, agencies and tour operators were the favorite choice for individuals aged under 24 years plus 65 years and older.

61. 48% of travelers in the uk tend to use their smartphone as a guide while traveling., 62. in june 2022, 46% of women in the uk claimed that they had not taken a holiday in the last month, compared to 44% of men..

The percentage of men and women who had not taken a holiday doesn’t differ by much, but in general, women tend to travel less in the UK.

63. At the height of the pandemic in April 2020, 73% of adults in the UK had taken no holiday in the last month. This percentage fell to just 45% in June 2022.

Overall, 13.8% of British baby boomers travels overseas.

64. After the pandemic, the number of people who searched for “glamping holidays uk” and “uk staycation” on Google grew by 400%.

400% more people searched for “glamping holidays uk” and “uk staycation” on Google in the UK, which revealed the growing interest in both domestic travel and glamping holidays.

65. British travellers comprise 6.61% of Booking.com's web traffic.

The UK is the second largest online audience for Booking.com (6.61%) .

From fish and chips to Big Ben, the Royal Family to the Beatles, the UK is one of the biggest countries in terms of travel and tourism—both as a destination in itself and because British residents are known to travel a lot!

We’ve tried to be as thorough as possible, but we might have missed one or two interesting statistics about the UK.

Feel free to comment with your thoughts!

Meanwhile, you might love some of these other stats:

• Digital Nomad Statistics
• Family Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Paris Travel & Tourism Statistics
• Pet Travel Statistics
• TourismIreland
• WorldData 1
• WorldData 2
• AllTheRooms
• VisitBritain
• Geography in the News

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

• 10 Most Visited Cities In Britain

Tourism is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as the movement of people to countries outside of their usual environment. A visitor is somebody who visits for daytime duration only, and a tourist is somebody who visits with an overnight stay. Inbound tourism is about people visiting from another country. In 2014, tourists from abroad spent about £19.1 billion visiting English cities. These trips amounted to 29.8 million trips to England only.

England boasts of a long historical culture that has also allowed its cities to become a natural attraction for visitors and tourists alike from the United Kingdom itself and from abroad. It has many cities and other destinations that offer all that a tourist could want to see and experience. London is undoubtedly the most visited city in Britain, with overseas visitors far outnumbering those of other cities. In 2015, there were about 1.3 billion day trips to English cities and attractions alone.

London had the most number of tourists amounting to 16,784,000 in 2013. Tourists usually come from the US, France , Germany , Italy , Spain , Australia , and other EU countries. Among the most visited attractions in London were also landmarks such as the London Eye, London Aquarium, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Shard, Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.

Edinburgh came in second with 1,303,000 tourists in 2013. Tourists come for the famous festivals in Edinburgh as well as for its monuments and museums. Some are attracted to archaeological digs in and around the city. Others enjoy its nightlife and restaurants. The city also boasts of historical castles and as a UNESCO City of Literature. Important names include Robert Louis Stevenson, J.K. Rowling, and Walter Scott.

Manchester was the third most visited city at 988,000 tourists in 2013. The most visited attraction in the city is Albert Square for its gothic architecture. The city's Christmas markets are also popular during the winter months. Manchester United rules the city as the famous football club in England. The Village is an area famous for its all gender tolerance in England. Tourists from all over the world also come to enjoy its restaurants and nightlife.

Birmingham came in fourth with 941,000 tourists in 2013. The city is known for JRR Tolkien, Rip Van Winkle, Conan Doyle, and Cadbury Chocolate. Shopping and the countryside also make this city a popular destination. The city is known as an industrial city with museums and art galleries that compete with its old world charm. Attractions include Cadbury World, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Soho House, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses.

Liverpool is fifth with 562,000 tourist visits in 2013. Historical parts of the city have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also known as City of Culture famous for the origin of the musical band, the Beatles. Tourists from all over the world come for its art and culture. Local attractions and destinations include The Albert Dock and Maritime Museum, The Cavern Club, The Bluecoat, and its two football clubs, Liverpool FC and Everton FC.

Other Popular Cities Of Britain

Tourists also visited other famous cities in Britain in 2013 that included: Glasgow with 515,000 tourist visits and famous for its cathedral, oldest house, and largest cinema in the world; Oxford with 456,000 tourist visits and famous for its University, Bodleian Library, The Bridge of Sighs, and Blackwell’s Bookshop; Bristol with 428,000 tourist visits and famous for its maritime history, Cabot Circus, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery; Brighton and Hove with 409,000 tourist visits and famous for its seaside resorts, Asian architecture, gay community, and The Palace Pier; and Cambridge with 404,000 tourist visits and famous for its university, old town, medieval streets, and Mathematical bridge.

Which Are The 10 Most Visited Cities Of Britain?

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UK Tourism Statistics 2023

We’ve put together some of the latest UK tourism statistics using recent data and reports including market size, the number of tourists visiting the UK, and the most popular tourist attractions to visit.

Key Statistics

Uk tourism market size, how many tourists visit the uk each year, overseas visitors spending in the uk, number of nights spent in the uk, most-visited towns and cities in the uk, most-visited uk tourist attractions, outbound tourism from the uk, uk domestic tourism statistics, where do british people stay on holiday, london tourism statistics.

• 31.2 million people visited the UK from overseas in 2022, a 388.7% increase from 2021 as a result of travel restrictions being lifted after COVID-19.
• The UK’s travel and tourism industry is worth an estimated £31.38 billion ($39.14 billion USD) and is expected to reach £33.41 billion ($41.67 billion USD) by 2027 .
• Overseas visitors spent £26.5 billion in the UK in 2022, climbing back up to pre-pandemic levels after dropping significantly in 2020 and 2021.
• London is the most-visited city in the UK with 16.1 million overseas visitors in 2022 , followed by Edinburgh with 1.8 million visitors .
• The most-visited attraction in the UK is the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park with 5.6 million visitors in 2022.
• Visitors from China spend the most on average in the UK with £8,779 per visit , which is approximately 10 times the average amount spent by all visitors from around the world.
• Visitors to the UK from Poland spend the least on average at £321 per visit .
• Spain is the most-visited country by UK residents, with 15.6 million visits of at least one night, followed by France with 7.4 million visits .
• 46% of British travellers say their budget is £200 or less for a trip in the UK, with 76% saying they will prioritise value for money when booking a holiday.

Revenue in the UK’s travel and tourism industry is estimated at £31.38 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach £33.41 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 1.58% between 2023 and 2027. [ 1 ]

How many people work in tourism in the UK?

The latest figures show that 3.3 million people work in the tourism industry in the UK, and this is expected to grow to 3.8 million by 2025. [ 2 ]

In 2022, 31.2 million people visited the UK from overseas, a 388.7% increase from 2021 but visitor numbers had not yet fully recovered to 2019 levels.

The number of overseas visitors to the UK remained fairly consistent in the years prior to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic led to travel restrictions. There were 40.8 million international visitors in 2019, and this dropped by 279.2% to 11.1 million in 2020.

Sources [ 3 ] [ 4 ]

Visitor spending in the UK also remained consistent in the years between 2017 and 2019, with overseas visitors spending £28.4 billion in the UK in 2019. This figure dropped to £6.2 billion in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and dropped further to £5.6 billion in 2021.

The latest figures show visitor spending has roughly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with overseas visitors spending £26.5 billion in 2022.

Sources [ 4 ][ 5 ]

Average spend per visit by country

The average amount someone spends on a trip to the UK varies depending on which country the visitor travels from. The average amount spent on a trip to the UK across visitors from all countries is £875. Visitors from China spent the most on average with £8,779 per visit (roughly 10 times the amount spent on average by all visitors). This was followed by visitors from the Middle East (not including UAE) with an average of £3,754 per visit.

Visitors who spent the least on average when visiting the UK were from Poland (£321) and Hungary (£364).

Data from 2020 was not available due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Source [ 6 ]

The number of nights spent in the UK by overseas visitors decreased slightly from 312.6 million in 2017 to 298.6 million in 2019, a 7.3% decrease in this period.

Unsurprisingly, like the number of visitors and the average spend, the number of nights spent in the UK by international visitors was also affected by COVID-19. Figures for 2021 show that overseas visitors spent 93.5 million nights in the UK, a 70% decrease compared to 2019.

Sources [ 3 ]  

London is consistently the most-visited city in the UK, with 16.1 million overnight visitors from overseas in 2022. The second most visited city is Edinburgh with 1.8 million visitors, then Manchester with 1.2 million, followed by Birmingham with 803,000.

Source [ 4 ]

You’ll find a number of popular tourist attractions across the UK, from museums and art galleries to parks and beaches; let’s take a look at the most-visited attractions in the UK.

The most popular attraction in the UK in 2022 was the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park which attracted 5.6 million visitors. Coming second on the list was the National History Museum with 4.6 million visitors, followed by the British Museum with 4 million visitors.

Source [ 7 ]

Outbound tourism statistics from the ONS show that UK residents mostly visit countries in Europe, with 51.9 million visits to European countries in 2022. This means that visits to Europe make up 79.5% of outbound travel by people living in the UK. [ 8 ]

Most-visited countries by UK residents

The most popular country for UK residents to visit in 2022 was Spain, with 15.6 million visits of at least one night. This was followed by France with 7.4 million visits, and Italy with 3.9 million visits.

Holidaying in the UK has become a popular pastime for British people, with staycations offering a number of benefits compared to travelling abroad. Let’s take a look at some of the latest domestic tourism statistics for the UK.

• In 2021, there were 118.9 million overnight trips taken in Great Britain by British residents. Of these trips, England was the most popular destination with an 84% share of the trips (100 million trips). Scotland was the second most popular destination with an 11% share of the trips (13 million trips). Wales was the third most popular destination with a 5% share of the trips (6 million trips).

• The average length of stay for a domestic overnight trip in Great Britain was 3.5 nights.
• The total expenditure on domestic tourism in Great Britain in 2021 was £27.2 billion.
• Of this expenditure, £22.2 billion was spent in England, £2.8 billion was spent in Scotland, and £2.2 billion was spent in Wales.

Sources [ 9 ] [ 10 ]

Why do people choose a staycation in the UK?

• The desire for budget-friendly holidays is on the rise, with 46% of people saying their budget for a staycation is £200 per person or less, and 75% say they will prioritise value for money when looking to book a holiday.
• Holidaymakers want to explore the outdoors – 44% of people said they would like to see more national parks in the UK on their next holiday.
• People want to take a trip with their pets, with 40% of UK travellers saying they will look for pet-friendly accommodation for a UK staycation.
• Scotland is becoming a popular destination for British travellers with 40% of respondents saying Scotland is top of their list for a UK holiday. [ 11 ]

We looked at the types of accommodation British people choose to stay in when they go on holiday, either abroad or in the UK.

The most popular accommodation was a hotel, with 62% of people saying they had stayed at a hotel while on holiday in the past three years. This was followed by staying with family or friends (26%), and staying at a bed and breakfast (23%). 

Source [ 12 ]

According to the Greater London Authority, there were 11.2 million international visits to London in 2022. This is an increase of 260% from 2021 when there were 3.5 million international visits to London. The increase in tourism is due to a number of factors, including the easing of travel restrictions after COVID-19, the strong pound, and London continuing to be a popular destination for tourists. [ 13 ]

Total visits to London

In 2021, there were 7.8 million visits to London from national and international tourists, with a total spend of £7.56 million. This was a 64% decrease in spending compared to the pre-pandemic figure of £2.1 billion in 2019.

Most popular visitor attractions in London

The two most-visited attractions in London also fall in the top three most visited tourist sites in the UK, the Natural History Museum and the British Museum. Third on the list is the Tate Modern Gallery with 3.8 million visitors, and next is the Southbank Centre which received 2.9 million visitors in 2022.

More London tourism facts

• One in seven jobs in London is related to the travel and tourism industry, and this sector makes up 12% of London’s GDP.
• Visiting London is the third biggest reason people say they come to the UK, and the city accounted for 53% of international visits to the UK in 2019.
• 15% of people who visit London from overseas come as part of a longer trip, including other areas in the UK. [ 15 ]

[1] https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/travel-tourism/united-kingdom  

[2] https://www.visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/Documents-Library/documents/foresight_165_regional_activities.pdf  

[3] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/timeseries/gmat/ott  

[4] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/articles/traveltrends/2022

[5] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/datasets/overseasresidentsvisitstotheuk  

[6] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/articles/traveltrends/2021  

[7]  https://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423

[8] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/datasets/ukresidentsvisitsabroad  

[9] https://www.visitbritain.org/gb-domestic-overnight-tourism-latest-results

[10] https://www.gov.wales/domestic-gb-tourism-statistics-overnight-trips-2021-html

[11] https://www.traveldailymedia.com/top-five-reasons-for-expected-staycation-boom-in-2023/  

[12] https://yougov.co.uk/topics/travel/trackers/what-type-of-accommodation-do-brits-stay-in-when-on-holiday  

[13] https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/tourism-london-6  

[14] https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/tourism-trends-and-strategies/tourism-statistics

[15] https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/tourism-may-not-recover-until-middle-of-decade    

Giacomo Piva

Giacomo Piva, CMO and Co-founder at Radical Storage Giacomo Piva has worked in the travel industry since 2008 across multiple niches including tourist transportation, luxury travel, and ecotourism. He now focuses on growing the global luggage network, Radical Storage , which is currently available in over 500 cities, in the likes of London, Paris, New York, and Rio de Janeiro. Giacomo has a bachelor's degree in Communication Science and an in-depth experience across travel marketing, especially in improving a brand’s digital presence within the industry.

15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

The United Kingdom’s rich and vibrant culture make its cities among the most fascinating to visit in the world. Whether you’re looking for stunning architecture, world-class museums, or the cool vibe of contemporary art and music, you’ll find it all in the best UK cities.

However, with so many great cities throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (the four countries of the UK) it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit in a limited amount of time.

So in this guide, we list the very best cities to visit in the UK that are worth your time the most . For each city, we include the main attractions that you simply must see. We also listed a few extras that are well worth visiting if you have enough time. For each town, we also indicate how much time you need for a visit.

Good to know: The great thing about visiting the UK is its small size and good transport links. This makes it quite easy to travel from one part of the country to another. Furthermore, quite a few of these cities can also be visited with organized tours from London (or other nearby towns). So if you plan well, you can visit several of these UK towns in one trip.

To help you plan your trip and see several of the nicest cities and towns in Great Britain, we asked our writer Christine, a UK local, to share the best places and tips for your visit. We also created a map indicating each town. That way, you have a better idea of where everything is and can plan your trip accordingly. Take a look!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

These are the most beautiful cities in the UK that are worth a visit the most:

London really has to be number one on any list of the best places in the UK! And there are so many reasons to visit the nation’s capital. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London is the country’s financial center, the seat of the Government of the United Kingdom, and home to the Royal Family.

All of this is reflected in its magnificent and historic architecture and a huge variety of things to see and do.

The diversity of London’s population is evident in its wonderful food scene. From traditional British food in local pubs, the finest cuisine in world-famous restaurants, to the ethnic street food in its many markets, London has it all. London also offers some of the very best shopping in the world. You’ll find designer stores, vintage boutiques, eclectic craft fairs, and quirky markets all over the city.

If you want to escape the bustling streets, museums, and galleries, London has some very beautiful and tranquil green spaces too. Don’t miss the scenic Hyde Park! If you have more time, visit the lesser-known Kew Gardens, with its stunning collection of tropical flora and fauna. London is truly a city that offers something for everyone.

Must see: The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ), Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament), Tower Bridge, the London Eye , the British Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square (home to Nelson’s Column), and Piccadilly Circus. Thames Cruise is also a must.

Nice to see: Greenwich , Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Kew Gardens, Borough Market, Camden Town & Camden Lock Market , National Gallery, Harrods, and Oxford Street. If you are visiting London with kids , don’t miss Madame Tussauds , the Natural History Museum, Leicester Square stores, and the Royal Mews. Also, don’t miss at least some of the best views in London !

How much time do you need. You can quickly see the major sites with just one day in London . However, if you want to be able to visit a few places inside and get a good feeling of the city you really need two days in London . To fully appreciate all of London’s major sights, visit a few of them inside, and check out a few different neighborhoods, you will need at least 3 to 4 days.

If you want to experience the diversity of attractions across the city, discover some of London’s hidden gems , or take a day tour to Windsor Castle or a day trip to other popular places near London , you can easily spend a week or even more.

Where to stay: Best areas to stay in London for first time .

Travel tips: Please see London travel tips for more information for planning your trip.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in London (Must-See!)

2. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is truly a tale of two cities! It has a New Town – packed with modern shops and trendy eateries – on one side, and a historic Old Town on the other.

The imposing Edinburgh Castle – one of Europe’s oldest fortified places – overlooks the entire city. Surrounding it are rolling green hills which often draw a comparison with Rome. Indeed Italy’s capital, like Edinburgh, was said to have been built on seven hills. Its neoclassical architecture, along with its reputation for philosophy and learning, have earned Edinburgh the nickname of the ‘Athens of the North’.

Edinburgh has a rich history, awesome views, incredible green spaces, and several world-class museums and galleries. In contrast, it also has an intriguingly dark past that you can learn more about by exploring its creepy kirkyards (churchyards) and a fascinating underground street that shows you just what life used to be like in the city.

Scotland’s capital is also known for its many festivals, including the world-famous Hogmanay at New Year.

Must see: Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat (for the views), the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, National Museum of Scotland, and Royal Yacht Britannia.

Nice to see: Royal Botanic Gardens, St Giles’ Cathedral, Princes Street Gardens, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions (nice views of the city), Scottish National Gallery, The Real Mary King’s Close.

How much time do you need. Given the city’s relatively small size, it’s possible to see the main sights of Edinburgh in 1 day , but it would be quite a rush. We recommend 2-3 days to take in and fully appreciate everything the city has to offer.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

3. Cambridge

Cambridge is probably best known for its University (the world’s 4th oldest surviving university). Which is home to more winners of the Nobel prize than any other university in the UK.

Cambridge is also a beautiful town, with lots of well-preserved historic buildings that are mostly centered around its 31 (!) colleges. Cambridge has some world-famous Alumni too. 14 British Prime Ministers studied here, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking, and many others who have made a real impact on the world.

A must-do in Cambridge is taking a punt tour along the beautiful River Cam. Punt is a traditional flat bottomed boat and a very typical thing to do here. The river runs through the heart of the city offering great views of the ancient architecture of the city.

Being a student town, this medieval city still has a very modern vibe too. So there’s plenty of music, festivals, and a strong performing arts scene. There are several art galleries exhibiting everything from the classics to contemporary works. And you’ll find some lovely, quirky shops to buy souvenirs.

Must see: King’s College Chapel, Queen’s College and the Mathematical Bridge (built without nails), Trinity College (and other collages if you have more time), Fitzwilliam Museum, Great St Mary’s Church (climb to the top of the tower for incredible city views), the River Cam and punting tours .

Nice to see: The Botanic Garden, Angelsey Abbey, Wren Library (the Trinity College Library where you can see Newton’s “Principia Mathematica”; it’s only open between noon and 2 pm on weekdays, and Saturday morning), the Round Church, the Bridge of Sighs, The Backs (behind the colleges).

How much time do you need. You can see much of Cambridge within one full day, and it’s also possible to visit with a tour from the capital . But to give yourself time to browse the main museum and to go punting along the River Cam, it’s worth planning two days for your visit.

Of all the cities in the UK, the wonderful, walled city of York boasts the most attractions per square mile. Although it has all the modern shops and amenities you’d expect from a major UK city, the main appeal of York is in fascinating history.

As you wander the cobbled, medieval streets – some with beautifully preserved buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries – you can also see hints of its Roman roots and signs of Viking influence.

Among its many attractions, York has 30 museums, the UK’s best racecourse, and festivals on an almost monthly basis.

The city’s Cathedral – York Minster – is one of the largest in Europe. You can enjoy some incredible views of the city from the top. You can also view the city from the water by taking a boat trip along River Ouse or on Foss River. Another fun thing to do is learn about the history of chocolate-making at the place where the famous UK confectioners Terry’s and Rowntree were founded.

Must see: York Minster (formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York), the 14th century City Walls (you can walk along the top), National Railway Museum, the Shambles (one of the world’s best-preserved medieval streets), views along the River Ouse and river cruises .

Nice to see: York Maze, York Castle Museum, Castle Howard, York’s Chocolate Story, Clifford’s Tower (great views), York Racecourse.

How much time do you need. You can see the highlights of York in a day, but we recommend 2 full days to see things at a more leisurely pace. If you want to also explore the Yorkshire region, plan a few days extra. See the best suggestions for places to see via the link below.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from York

Whilst it may have an interesting history and plenty of period architecture to admire, Glasgow is hip and happening. So much so that it is sometimes referred to as ‘Scotland’s city of cool!’.

A mecca for creativity, Glasgow has a strong art scene. You’ll find unique and original products sold everywhere from the city center to its cobbled lanes. You’ll also see impressive murals on walls throughout the city, depicting various figures who have played a large part in Glasgow’s culture.

There are several excellent museums, an architecturally stunning Cathedral, and a full-size sailing ship to explore. Many of Glasgow’s attractions are free to visit, making a visit here much more affordable than in many other UK cities.

There are also some beautiful green spaces throughout Glasgow to sit and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find that locals are more than happy to share stories with you of their beloved home. In fact, Time Out magazine once named Glasgow as ‘first for friendliness’. The warmth it extends to its visitors is the reason that Glasgow remains one of the UK’s most popular destinations.

Must see: Glasgow Cathedral and the adjacent Necropolis, Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Riverside Museum, and The Tall Ship.

Nice to see: George Square, Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland Street School Museum, Botanic Gardens, Celtic Park Stadium , the Science Museum, University of Glasgow, Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum.

How much time do you need. Glasgow is relatively compact and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. So you can see the very best of Glasgow in a day (see below for more information). But because there is so much to see and do in the city, we recommend planning 2-3 days here. If you have a day to spare, you can also make some really nice day trips to Loch Ness and see some of the Scottish Highlands.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Glasgow in One Day

Located in the county of Somerset in south-west England, Bath is famous for its Roman ruins. The city is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bath grew around its ancient Roman baths. Nowadays, you can still experience bathing in Britain’s only natural thermal hot springs at the modern Thermae Bath Spa.

In addition to museums and galleries, there is a great deal of beautiful architecture to enjoy in the city. From the individual honey-colored Georgian buildings to the neo-Classical style of many of its public buildings, Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK!

Bath’s iconic sights, such as the Circus and the Royal Cresent, have become world-famous thanks to TV and film. Some of Jane Austen’s works discussing city life were based on the five years she spent here. Much of the architecture is still just as she described it. A visit to Bath truly feels like taking a step back into history.

Must see: The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey (take the Tower Tour and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city), Royal Crescent park, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge.

Nice to see: River cruises , Thermae Bath Spa, the Jane Austen Centre , No. 1 Royal Crescent (museum), Fashion Museum, Royal Victoria Park, The Museum of Bath Architecture.

How much time do you need . It is possible to see all the main sights of Bath in half a day to a day. This makes Bath one of the most popular day trips from London , often in combination with Stonehenge and Windsor Castle . However, a lot of the city’s charm is to be found in the evening. So if you have the time, stay a little longer and include an overnight stay in your visit.

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital and largest city, but it is still relatively small compared to the other capitals. Nevertheless, there is a lot to see and do here. The close proximity of all its attractions makes it easy to see Belfast’s main sights in a short amount of time.

The city where the Titanic was built, Belfast has several excellent museums that look back over its shipbuilding past. You’ll also find museums celebrating its connection to the linen industry. And – more recently – Belfast’s time of political upheaval (known as The Troubles).

Alternatively, you can head to the lively Cathedral quarter with its lovely Victorian architecture and cobbled streets. It’s a popular place with an ever-developing pub and restaurant scene.

Belfast’s historic market gives you the opportunity to buy some authentic arts, crafts, and souvenirs whilst enjoying some stirring live music. Throughout the city, you can see some incredible street art, with hundreds of murals depicting all sorts of key moments in Belfast’s past.

Must see: Titanic Belfast , St George’s Market (every Friday/Saturday/Sunday), Belfast City Hall, Crumlin Road Gaol, Ulster Museum.

Nice to see: Stormont (the home of Northern Ireland’s Parliament), Queens University, Botanic Gardens, C.S Lewis Square, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Cave Hill Country Park (for the excellent views).

How much time do you need. We recommend planning 2 days in order to see all of Belfast’s main attractions. In addition, you can take a day tour to Giant’s Causeway , which is not to be missed when visiting here!

8. Liverpool

Liverpool’s main claim to fame is as the birthplace of the Beatles. If you’re a fan, it’s a great place to visit the city where the band started and drew their inspiration. But there’s so much more to this city that makes it a fantastic place for anyone!

Liverpool is located on the River Mersey. One of the nicest things to do is walk around the docks, which are teeming with cool boutiques, fantastic eateries, and lively bars. The streets of the modern city center are filled with shoppers and street entertainers. But there is lots of history and culture to explore too, with more museums and galleries than you’ll find anywhere else outside London.

Liverpool really comes alive at night! So make sure to stay the night. Dine at one of the many fine restaurants, ending the evening with live music at the iconic Cavern Club. This is the venue at which the Beatles performed nearly 300 times.

READ ALSO: The Beatles in Liverpool (Best Places to See)

Must see: The Cavern Club, the Beatles Story , the Royal Albert Dock, World Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, Mersey River Cruises .

Nice to see: Tate Liverpool, Anfield Stadium , Sefton Park, Western Approaches WWII Museum , Liverpool Library, British Music Experience , Museum of Liverpool, Strawberry Field , and the views from Royal Liver Building 360 .

How much time do you need. You will need 1-2 days to see Liverpool’s main sights. If you are a Beatles fan and want to be sure to see all the Beatles-related exhibitions and tours, then you may even need 3 days in the city.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & How to visit Liverpool from London (travel info & 1-day itinerary)

Oxford is best known for its university which was established in the 12th century. It’s one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, and so many of the city’s attractions are related to it.

There are 38 separate college buildings and their architecture is incredible! You should definitely see the Christ Church with its impressive Hall (Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize it!) and Cathedral. The gardens of this cathedral are said to have inspired Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

This beautiful English city was also used as a filming location for some scenes in the Harry Potter movies. While you can probably spot a few of them on your own, fans should really consider a walking tour of the filming locations .

Oxford also has a few interesting museums, a nice riverside ( sightseeing cruises are available), and even its own ‘Bridge of Sighs’, Hertford Bridge. It connects two parts of Hertford College allowing students and professors to quicker travel between different parts of the university.

Must see: Oxford University with the Bodleian Library and some of the oldest colleges (Christ Church College, All Souls College, Magdalen College, Keble College), Radcliffe Camera, Ashmolean Museum, and Hertford Bridge.

Nice to see: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, University Church, Sheldonian Theater, Oxford Castle and Prison, The Pett Rivers Museum. Boat trips are also nice to do, especially in the warmest months.

How much time do you need. You can see many of the main landmarks in Oxford in half a day to a day. With two days, you should be able to cover most of the best attractions in Oxford.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tips for Traveling to Europe

10. Cardiff

The Welsh capital, Cardiff is quite small in size. It only takes about 15 minutes to cycle from one side to the other. But it has a lot to offer its visitors! With a 2000-year-old castle and more green space per capita than any other UK city, it offers lots of opportunities for scenic strolls. Make sure to explore the banks of the River Taff which runs through its beautiful Bute Park.

Just outside the city center is Cardiff Bay. Here, you can visit the seat of the Welsh Government or enjoy everything from cultural attractions to boat trips. Cardiff is a quirky, vibrant, and creative city with numerous music and arts venues and an up and coming culinary scene.

Cardiff is also known to sports fans for its world-famous stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and the venue for Britain’s Speedway Grand Prix. You can enjoy a meal and a drink at a sports bar and restaurant Elevens Bar And Grill, which is owned by professional footballer Gareth Bale.

Must see: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, St Fagans National Museum of History, National Museum, Wales Millenium Centre.

Nice to see: Bute Park, Roath Park, Castell Coch, Cardiff International White Water Centre, the Senedd (the main building for the National Assembly of Wales), Spillers Records (the oldest record shop in the world). Doctor Who tours (popular TV series filming locations) are also very popular.

How much time do you need. Because of Cardiff’s compact size, you can see the best of its attractions in 1-2 days. But there is much worth exploring on its outskirts. So you might want to give yourself an extra day to venture outside the city center.

11. Nottingham

Nottingham is another really nice city that’s worth your time when touring the UK! This city’s imposing, wide streets and scenic parks have earned it the nickname of the ‘Queen of the Midlands’. However, to most of us, Nottingham will always be the home of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood!

Boasting its own castle, a magnificent cathedral, a network of underground caves, and the vibrant Lace Market – teeming with independent cafes, restaurants, and bars – Nottingham is a city with something for everyone.

Yet just minutes away from its center you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of its green spaces. You can also venture a little further into the enormous Sherwood Forest, home to Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Must see: Nottingham Castle , Wollaton Hall and Park, City of Caves, Old Market Square (Slab Square), Robin Hood Way & the Sherwood Forest.

Nice to see: National Justice Museum, the Arboretum, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (believed to be England’s oldest pub), Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, Highfields Park, D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

How much time do you need. You can see most of Nottingham’s main sights in one full day. For a more relaxed experience (especially if you plan to include a trip out to Sherwood Forest), plan two days for your visit.

12. Manchester

Probably best known for its Premier League football teams, Manchester has a lot more going on than football! Located in the northwest of England, the city has a rich industrial past, but nowadays, you’ll find a vibrant place where history and modern-day life go hand in hand.

Manchester is a lively city with a warm atmosphere and plenty to see and do to suit all interests. You’ll find some world-class museums, beautiful architecture, great dining and shopping, and lots of fun activities for young and old. 

Be sure to explore the city center and visit some of its historic landmarks! Manchester Cathedral is an absolute must-see, just as John Rylands Library. For contemporary architecture, head to the Quays, where you’ll find the impressive Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry cultural center. River cruises are a great way to explore this part of town as well!

It would be unthinkable to visit Manchester and not check out at least one of its major football stadiums – Old Trafford, home to Manchester United F.C. or Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City F.C. In addition, the city is also home to the National Football Museum, the largest football museum in the world.

Must see:  City center, Manchester Cathedral, one of the football stadiums , John Rylands Library, and Science and Industry Museum.

Nice to see:  National Football Museum , Imperial War Museum North, Salford Quays, river cruises , People’s History Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and Castlefield conservation area.

How much time do you need.  It’s possible to see the main sights of Manchester in a day , but you won’t be able to explore much deeper. If you want to visit a few museums and do some shopping as well, you could easily spend 2-3 days here.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Manchester

13. Norwich

Norwich is a historic city in the heart of rural East Anglia. It was medieval England’s largest walled town. Because of its isolated location, Norwich was virtually bypassed by the Industrial Revolution. So the town has retained many of its medieval Churches and Tudor architecture. All this makes it a truly fascinating place to visit!

A UNESCO City of Literature, Norwich is also the only city in England to be located in a national park (the Norfolk Broads). It boasts a beautiful nature reserve with a river running through the city and an impressive Romanesque cathedral with scenic, peaceful grounds.

Thatched buildings and brightly colored merchant’s houses are just some of the historic sights that give the city its unique and ancient character. You’ll also find cozy pubs dotted everywhere, serving the finest craft beers and ales.

Must see: Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, Norwich Market. Norwich Quayside. Outside the city – Blickling Estate.

Nice to see: The Forum, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Plantation Garden, Strangers Hall, City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Norwich Guildhall.

How much time do you need. You can see the main sights of Norwich in one day.

14. Bristol

Bristol in the southwest of England is one of the country’s coolest cities. The home town of famed UK street artist Banksy has a strong reputation for creativity. Ultra-modern museums and trendy restaurants make it a fun and lively place to visit, particularly around the port and harbor area which is full of bars and cafes.

But the city has an interesting history, too, with stunning ancient churches, a cathedral, and galleries. Perhaps most fascinating of all is Bristol’s seafaring links. It was the birthplace of the notorious pirate Blackbeard and inspired parts of the famous maritime novels Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe.

There are some lovely green spaces to explore in the city. Or you can choose to get away from the crowds by taking a boat trip along the River Avon. from the water, you can admire the unusually brightly colored buildings and houses that overlook it.

Must see: Bristol Cathedral, Waterfront, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Clifton Suspension Bridge (looks great at night too), SS Great Britain, Brandon Hill Park & Cabot Tower (great views from the top).

Nice to see: St Mary Redcliffe church, Bristol Zoo Gardens (the 5th oldest zoo in the world), At-Bristol Science Centre, Queen Square. Also, Avon Valley Railway and Blaise Castle Estate (outside the city).

How much time do you need. Bristol is a relatively small city but has lots to see and do. You can cover the highlights in a day, but you need at least 2 days to enjoy it properly.

15. Brighton

The coastal city of Brighton is one of the UK’s most diverse places to visit. It offers everything from vintage seaside attractions to Bohemian markets and Victorian architecture. The city has Britain’s biggest gay scene and some of the best independent shops and boutiques, largely concentrated around the iconic Lanes.

Its pier – packed with rides and entertainment – is one of the biggest attractions in the southeast of England. Brighton even has an exotic palace, Royal Pavilion, that would look more at home in India or China than on the UK’s south coast!

Brighton is also a great UK city for foodies. You’ll find everything from traditional British fish & chips to the finest cuisine at gourmet restaurants. There are lots of bars and eateries lining the pebbled beach, which immediately gives you a vacation feel.

You are never far away from the raw beauty of nature either. Brighton is perfectly positioned to enjoy stunning walks along the England Coast Path. Be sure to visit the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs nearby!

Must see: Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Royal Pavilion and Gardens, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, The Lanes, North Laine.

Nice to see: Regency Square, Brighton Marina, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, Brighton Beach and Promenade, Old Steine Gardens, Brighton Festival (3 weeks every May).

How much time do you need. You will definitely need at least 3 days in Brighton. There is so much to do in Brighton that you could easily spend 5 days in the city, especially in summer.

So, this is our guide to the best, most beautiful cities in the UK.

As you can see, there’s so much more to the UK than just its cities! But even if you visit just a few of these, you’ll get to know a very different country than just by visiting London!

TIP: If you are looking for a more ‘local’ city/ beach holiday in the UK, check out Blackpool . It’s one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK! Here you can learn all about what there is to see and do in Blackpool . Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

• Must-see in London:  Top London Attractions
• Different London :  Hidden Gems of London  &  Best Views in London
• Good to know:  London Travel Tips & Best Areas to Stay in London
• With kids:  London with Kids  &  Family Afternoon Tea in London
• Greenwich:  Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Yorkshire:  Yorkshire Day Trips
• Blackpool: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Tips for Visiting Blackpool & Best Day Trips from Blackpool
• Scotland:   Isle of Skye  &  Scotland Whisky Tour
• Edinburgh:  Top Edinburgh Attractions  &  One Day in Edinburgh
• Glasgow:  One Day in Glasgow

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

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Photos: Personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: Featured image: TTstudio/Shutterstock.com// Cardiff Bay – photo by phil_bird/Depositphotos.com// Belfast Titanic – photo by zhuzhu/Depositphotos.com// Beatles – gianliguori/Depositphotos.com// Cambridge Bridge of Sighs – chrisdorney/Depositphotos.com// Cambridge University – Umdash9/Depositphotos.com// Manchester Castlefield – cowardlion /Depositphotos.com//.

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Thursday 21st of September 2023

Go to Southampton if you want to see nice cruiseships and the New Forest is very close too.

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Thank you for sharing useful information ...

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Glad to help. Have a great trip!

Saturday 11th of February 2023

I can't believe Birmingham is not on the list, it's the most underrated city in the UK, perhaps it's because once the heart of the Indudtrial Revolution the slums of back to back houses were there until the 1970's, and its maze of run down underground canals. Most canals have now been restored with many nice bars and restaurants on the side of the canals, in and outside the City. It's a compact City Centre that is easy to walk around. The Art Gallery is one of the best I have ever been in, and each time I'm in the City I can't resist going in there, and it is free to go around, unlike in Venice where you have to pay and is nowhere near as interesting as Brums Art Gallery. For those who like to shop it is a City Centre renown for its Bull Ring Shopping Centre. Eating and enjoying Asian food, there is no-where better in Europe. But go and see the City for yourself. The only thing is traveling into the City by train looks awful, but don't judge the book by its cover. Brum has everything, and is a multi cultural City. I live in Spain these days but my heart is in Birmingham, and it's surroundings Remember Stratford upon Avon is only 20 miles away. 👍👍

Sunday 12th of February 2023

Thanks for your suggestions and tips. I'm sure it can be helpful for some of our readers who are looking for even more cities to explore in the UK. Happy travels!

Jessica Fletcher

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

London does not belong on any list of good cities, end of story. Miserable people, ugly buildings, expensive, nothing worthwhile to see except contrived tourist fodder and obscene wealth. One of the worst cities I've ever been to and I've been to most of the major towns and cities in the UK. Otherwise a great list! Glasgow is one that surprised me a lot, considering its bad reputation but it was surprisingly beautiful and the people were very friendly and down to Earth.

@Jessica Fletcher, Jessica you need to use the underground and look around different parts of the City. London is steeped in history and has something for all tastes..Dont be put off by being expensive. There are a lot of reasonably priced places just be adventurous and seek them out. Including places to stay.

Friday 10th of February 2023

@Jurga, now you know second person 😅 as I just hate London, anytime I have to go there it is a nightmare for me.

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Wow, that's a strong opinion about London, Jessica. You are literally the first person I ever 'met' who doesn't like London. I guess that just proves that everyone is different and likes different things. And that's ok. We all have our experiences and our opinions. For us, London is one of the most interesting cities in the world. No matter how many times we go back, there's always something new and exciting to discover, and so many amazing places everywhere you look. Perhaps you should give London a second chance and look beyond the main tourist attractions... We have a 'hidden gems' guide with some suggestions ;). Happy travels!

Friday 13th of January 2023

cardiff and Oxford do not deserve to be in that list, no where near as good as the others!

Sunday 15th of January 2023

Ha ha, we literally just added Oxford to this list because quite a few people thought it deserved a mention. :) And many of our American readers absolutely love it as a day trip from London too. I guess everybody has their own opinion and I'm sure our readers can make their own decisions on which places look the most interesting to them. Happy travels!

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• Number of tourist arrivals per inhabitant in selected European cities 2023

In 2023, Lloret de Mar in Spain recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals per inhabitant among the selected European cities. The destination, a coastal town located south of Girona and northeast of Barcelona, had roughly 31 tourist arrivals per inhabitant in 2023. That year, Dubrovnik in Croatia and Venice in Italy followed on the list, with around 30 and 23 tourist arrivals per inhabitant, respectively.

Number of tourist arrivals per inhabitant in selected cities in Europe in 2023

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September 2024

Data were calculated by Statista by dividing the number of tourist arrivals (including inbound and domestic arrivals) by the population in the selected cities. 

Figures on tourist arrivals refer to the number of "arrivals in all forms of paid accommodation in city area only" for the market "total foreign and domestic" in 2023, as provided by  TourMIS . Data for Venice refers to the figures provided by Sistema Statistico Regionale - Regione Veneto . Population data refers to the latest available figures on the number of inhabitants in the city area, as reported by City Population .

Other statistics on the topic Overtourism in European cities

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• Share of travel and tourism jobs in selected European cities 2019-2022
• Share of inbound vs. domestic overnight stays in selected European cities 2023
• CAGR of domestic overnight stays in selected European cities 2015-2023

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Statistics on " Overtourism in European cities "

• Share of travel and tourism GDP in selected European cities 2019-2022
• Share of inbound vs. domestic tourist arrivals in selected European cities 2023
• CAGR of inbound tourist arrivals in selected European cities 2015-2023
• CAGR of inbound overnight stays in selected European cities 2015-2023
• CAGR of domestic tourist arrivals in selected European cities 2015-2023
• Forecast change in tourist visits per km² in global destinations 2023-2030
• Risk level from concentrated tourism in selected European destinations 2023
• Number of overnight stays per inhabitant in selected European cities 2023
• Number of Airbnb listings per 1,000 inhabitants in selected European cities 2024
• Opinions of Europeans on the amount of inbound tourists in their local area 2024
• Share of Europeans who expressed sympathy for overtourism protestors worldwide 2024
• Opinions of Europeans on tourist tax fees to reduce overtourism worldwide 2024
• Opinions of Europeans on limiting the amount of tourists in popular destinations 2024
• Opinions of Europeans on advance booking for tourists to visit popular sites 2024
• Criteria for choosing a European destination among long-haul travelers worldwide 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Overtourism in European cities

Importance of tourism

• Premium Statistic Share of travel and tourism GDP in selected European cities 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of travel and tourism jobs in selected European cities 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of inbound vs. domestic tourist arrivals in selected European cities 2023
• Premium Statistic Share of inbound vs. domestic overnight stays in selected European cities 2023

Tourism growth

• Premium Statistic CAGR of inbound tourist arrivals in selected European cities 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic CAGR of inbound overnight stays in selected European cities 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic CAGR of domestic tourist arrivals in selected European cities 2015-2023
• Premium Statistic CAGR of domestic overnight stays in selected European cities 2015-2023

Tourism density and intensity

• Premium Statistic Forecast change in tourist visits per km² in global destinations 2023-2030
• Premium Statistic Risk level from concentrated tourism in selected European destinations 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of tourist arrivals per inhabitant in selected European cities 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays per inhabitant in selected European cities 2023
• Premium Statistic Number of Airbnb listings per 1,000 inhabitants in selected European cities 2024

Opinions on overtourism

• Premium Statistic Opinions of Europeans on the amount of inbound tourists in their local area 2024
• Premium Statistic Share of Europeans who expressed sympathy for overtourism protestors worldwide 2024
• Premium Statistic Opinions of Europeans on tourist tax fees to reduce overtourism worldwide 2024
• Premium Statistic Opinions of Europeans on limiting the amount of tourists in popular destinations 2024
• Premium Statistic Opinions of Europeans on advance booking for tourists to visit popular sites 2024
• Premium Statistic Europeans' main concerns about trips within Europe 2024
• Premium Statistic Criteria for choosing a European destination among long-haul travelers worldwide 2023

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