London: Despite its reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities, London has lots of free treats on offer. With free museums, street markets and some of the prettiest parks in Europe, the Big Smoke offers plenty of attractions that won’t break the bank. However, if you’re looking to splurge, you’ll also be spoilt for choice, with some of the chicest boutiques and fine-dining options in the UK.
Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital city blends the cobbled, rambling historic old town with the gleaming shops, bars and restaurants of the new town, meaning the city has something for everyone. If you can find a place to stay, visit during the Edinburgh Festival in August when live music, theatre and comedy ooze out of every performance space in the city. York: Visiting this historic northern city is like stepping back in time to cobbled streets, quaint tea rooms and underground cellar drinking dens. The Minster is the big must-see, an architectural delight in the centre of town. Follow it up with a visit to the family-favourite Yorvik Viking Centre – it’s so entertaining you’ll forget about the authentically pungent Viking scents.
Manchester: Widely considered the capital of The North, Manchester is one of the UK’s biggest cities, as well as one of the liveliest. Spend the day exploring cultural attractions including the Cornerhouse, the Lowry Centre and the Manchester Art Gallery, or pay a visit to Old Trafford. The perfect way to unwind is with a cocktail amid the Wags in one of the many chic bars in the trendy Northern Quarter.
Bristol: This laid-back bohemian city attracts a young crowd with its bulging student population and vibrant music scene. By day, take a boat trip, explore the independent shops or lounge on the Downs, then in the evening head to Whiteladies Road for some of the most buzzing bars in town. For great eateries and brilliant brunch spots, pop over to the upmarket Clifton Village.
Cardiff: The Welsh capital spreads around the historic castle, perched in the centre of town. If you’re looking for a vibrant city break, visit during a sporting event at the Millennium Stadium and follow it up with an evening at one of the many lively bars or restaurants in town. If you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, the Brecon Beacons and the seaside are an hour away.
Oxford: This historic university town annually attracts over 9 million visitors keen to take a trip around the University halls, buy some dusty bargains in the bookshops, explore the historic covered market or have a punt on the river. With exemplary architecture and the oldest university in the English-speaking world, history buffs will be in heaven.
Brighton: This southern city is home to one of the UK’s most popular (if pebbly) beaches. Enjoy the laid-back vibe and sea air, and take a trip down the pier for some traditional sea-side pursuits. Polish the day off with some fish and chips and dancing in one of the lively stag- and hen-friendly bars along the sea front.
Liverpool: A tourist paradise, this recent Capital of Culture has plenty of hotspots to keep you occupied for a long weekend. Sample contemporary art at Tate Liverpool and classical music at the Philharmonic Hall, or co-ordinate your trip with the summer Creamfields dance music festival. For Beatles memorabilia, don’t miss the Cavern Club, followed up with a stay at the Hard Days Night Hotel.
Glasgow: Edinburgh’s grittier big sister may have grown up as an industrial hub, but these days Glasgow has plenty of touristy treats. The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is ranked the 57th most liveable city in the world, second only to London within the UK. The city centre offers plethora of great shops, bars and restaurants, plus a wealth of cultural venues including six theatres and the must-see Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA).
And for the top 10 must see sights in London :
1.The London eye
Ride the most popular, not free, attraction in London, the London Eye. The world’s tallest observation wheel (there really can’t be that many) reaches about 443 feet and provides views of up to about 25 miles. Book your tickets online to avoid lines and pray for a clear day.
2.Buckingham palace
The official residence of the Queen and the location of the obligatory changing of the guard “show” Buckingham palace is at least a necessary walk-by site. If you’re looking to watch the changing of the guard, get there early. The crowds in summer fill the square in front of the gates and the police will do their best to ensure no one climbs on the memorial statue to Queen Victoria for a better view.
3.Hyde Park
One of the largest parks in London and famous for its speakers corner, Hyde Park is not only a pleasant place for a stroll but a people watchers paradise. The 350 acres hold several memorials that seem to spring up from nowhere, pedal or row boat rentals, tourists who marvel at the site of squirrels and shady trees to sleep away the time until your hostel bed is ready.
4.British Museum
Open every day and free is a hard deal to find in Europe but you’ll be in luck if you head over to the British Museum. Housing one of the largest collections of art and artifacts from human history and culture, the museum has been around since 1759. If nothing else peaks your curiosity, visiting the Rosetta Stone which allowed man to decipher ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs is something to brag about.
5.Tate Modern Art Museum
If relatively modern and free is your thing then stop on in to the Tate Modern Art Museum. Established in 2000 in a converted power station and located right along the Thames, this museum houses international and modern art from the 1900’s on. The exhibits change frequently so stop on by every time you’re in town.
6.Tower of London
What is historically Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress is more commonly known as the Tower of London. The white tower for which the common name derives from is actually just a part of the entire complex which is best known as a prison. This however was not the site’s primary role as the structure was built as a royal residence. Today the Tower of London is one of the most popular tourist attractions for those who wish to see the crown jewels or the ghost of the beheaded Queen Anne Boleyn.
7.Fish & Chips
Now this may not be a “sight” per-se but when in London you must try the fish and chips. It’s hard to say who serves the best in the city, so I won’t, but I will say disregard your guide book and ask a local; preferably one with a bit of a belly and not wearing a suit.
8.The London Bridge
The London Bridge connects the city of London to Southwark in the middle of London and for those in the know can be a huge let down. The London Bridge of today was built in 1973 and is, in a nutshell, boring. But, stopping here and quizzing your travel buddies on the name of next bridge downstream can be a hoot if not overtly arrogant. Most “newbies” to London will think that the Tower Bridge downstream is actually the London Bridge…common mistake but its fun to think you’re smarter than your friends for an afternoon.
9.Big Ben
With its first tick in 1859 the clock laid into the north end tower of the Palace at Westminster, Big Ben began its career as a national landmark. Although the name Big Ben actually just refers to the Clock and not the tower, the nomenclature has become so common place most locals won’t laugh in your face if you ask where “Big Ben” is today.
10.Trafalgar square
In the south east corner of Trafalgar square, if you look hard enough, you’ll see a small phone booth sized pillar with a black door. This is what many know as the world’s smallest police station. Large enough to house only one officer, the “station” was built here as a look-out post during the protests that typically took place in the area. In reality the world’s smallest police station is in Carrabelle, Florida but this one is so much fancier.
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