Beyond London: 7 Top English Cities You Won't Want to Skip

Hailed as the London of the north, Manchester is a cultural hub that thrums to a rhythm all its own. Wander the canals, admire the grand buildings in its historic center, shop til you drop, watch a soccer (that’s “football” on this side of the pond) match at Old Trafford or Etihad stadium, and be sure to catch a concert—the Warehouse City boasts one of England’s best music scenes.

Home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Oxford is a picture-perfect destination characterized by golden-colored colleges and riverside splendor. You’re likely to recognize plenty of places in the City of Dreaming Spires from the Harry Potter movies as you float along a more serene stretch of the River Thames. The city also serves as the gateway to the Cotswolds, home to thatched cottages, quaint market towns, and emerald-green landscapes.

Most famous for Banksy and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol has a unique, bohemian energy suffusing every corner of the city. You can while away days browsing vintage shops, admiring street art, sampling creamy cheddar cheese and the famous scrumpy cider, and soaking up panoramic vistas from the city’s many hills. Bristol is also the gateway to the wider West Country, characterized by lush green landscapes and white-sand beaches.

Nationally acknowledged as the UK’s most haunted city, York is rich with ancient history, imbuing it with a mysterious charm. Home to the spectacular York Minster, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and vestiges of the Romans in The Shambles, York also boasts a burgeoning food scene—hearty dishes such as Yorkshire pudding and lamb hot pot all come from this northern region.

Birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool is a mecca for music lovers, while also drawing fans of art and sports, being home to one of only two Tate museums outside London, and a famed site of year-round football fever. The dockside city is also known for its maritime heritage—cruise the Mersey River for the best views of riverside sights and delve into the history of the Royal Albert Dock as you wander its cobbled streets and pop inside the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

Coastal and cultural, Brighton boasts smooth pebble beaches, a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, and grand architecture that oozes Regency-period glamor. Spend the weekend paddling in the sea, feasting on quintessential fish and chips, catching a drag show, or browsing independent boutiques. It’s also the gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of Sussex, such as the Seven Sisters Cliffs and South Downs.

The walled city of Canterbury dates back more than 1,000 years, and provides a quick, convenient escape from the bustle of London—it’s less than an hour away from King’s Cross. The 11th-century cathedral and Chaucer associations are the main draw, but the collection of cute cafés and serene churchyard gardens, as well as the UNESCO-listed St. Augustine’s Abbey, enhance the allure of this gem. It’s also within easy reach of the Cliffs of Dover and Leeds Castle, which make for a culture-rich day trip.