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15 of the best city breaks in the UK to take in 2024
From Oxford to Belfast, check out the ultimate list of best UK city breaks
You know how the saying goes: so many places to visit, so little time... So why not consider a UK city break for your next getaway? It's the perfect option if you're short on time, but still want the excitement of discovering someplace new and immersing yourself in a fresh set of buzzy hotspots. And there's no fussing around with endless logistics, stressful plane journeys, different currencies, or foreign languages, either.
Given the frenetic pace of modern life, it's little wonder that staycations have become such a popular holiday option in recent years. UK city breaks will scratch that adventurous itch without the associated headache of jetting off abroad, and can provide that same sweet escape from your day-to-day surroundings. Not to mention city breaks in the UK are often cheaper and better for the planet, too – particularly if you ditch your car and opt to travel by train, where you can sit back, relax and simply soak up the views.
Luckily, the UK is brimming with exciting cities to explore on your next mini-break, that offer fascinating culture, striking architecture, epic eateries, traditional pubs, unique shops, iconic vistas and some seriously Instagram-worthy hotels to boot.
There are the classic big-hitters like London, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool, where culture vultures can get their fill of the world-class theatre, art and music scenes at any time of year – and a lot more there besides.
Or for those who like their cities a little more immersed in nature, there's Cambridge with its enchanting canals, Brighton that's set right on the beach (and is divine in the summer), or Edinburgh, the hilly capital of Scotland with its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town boasting stunning gardens alongside neoclassical buildings.
History buffs will adore York, Belfast and Bath – that's also great for some ancient spa-style pampering after a long day's exploring – while Winchester is a winning option for those seeking a more traditional countryside feel and plenty of quaint streets to meander around.
Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, treating the whole family to a trip or looking to catch up with old friends somewhere new, we can guarantee that Britain has got the perfect city break for you.
Europe and other foreign destinations can wait for now... These are the best city breaks in the UK that are making us want to stay firmly on home turf. And to help you on your travels, we've also included our top recommendations for hotels, restaurants and things to do in each city too. Happy staycation-ing!
Oxford - Best city breaks in the UK
Sophisticated, cultured and jam-packed with inspiring architecture, Oxford is undoubtedly defined by its ancient university – but there’s plenty to do besides touring its prestigious colleges.
For a start, the city boasts some of the nicest places to eat and drink in the country, from timeless English pubs with riverside gardens and terraces like The Head of the River or The Perch, to fashionable new spots like Wilding, and Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin star restaurant Le Manoir, a short drive out of the city centre.
And if your appetite for learning matches your love of food, then you’ll find lots to keep you happy in Oxford. The Ashmolean houses everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to Roman and Islamic coins; tech enthusiasts should head to the History of Science Museum, while nature-lovers can discover more than 5,000 plant species at the UK’s oldest botanic garden.
Complete your stay with a wander through the beautiful grounds of Magdalen College (with its own deer park!), or a leisurely browse in Oxford’s famous Blackwell’s bookshop.
Where to stay: Inside a handsome Georgian building on Oxford’s central High Street, the Old Bank Hotel has spacious modern rooms, a cool collection of modern art, and a high-class, varied all-day dining menu on offer in the lively Quod restaurant.
Bristol - Best city breaks in the UK
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is undoubtedly the city’s best-known landmark and one of the most beautiful sights around, but that's not all that Bristol has to offer. Though we must add here that, if you are interested in the bridge, you can join free weekly walking tours to learn more about the history, construction and maintenance of this iconic structure.
Elsewhere in Bristol on one of the best city breaks in the UK, you can shop 'til you drop (or simply browse) at one of the many vintage boutiques dotted all over the city. We recommend making a bee line for That Thing, a vintage store that has become something of an institution here.
Bristol Harbour is another must-see spot that you can’t miss. It played a very important role in the city’s development and history, and today boasts a plethora of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars.
Where to stay: On the quayside of the Floating Harbour, The Bristol Hotel is 10 minutes' walk from Brunel's SS Great Britain and boasts stylish rooms, a riverside restaurant and an elegant River-side Lounge serves light snacks, afternoon teas and a fine wine list.
London - Best city breaks in the UK
We couldn't round-up our favourite city breaks in the UK without adding London. The iconic capital is well-known for its architecture, plethora of multi-cultural restaurants and world-famous landmarks and galleries.
However, there is also a quieter side to London - from the boutiques and sprawling greenery of Hampstead, to the winding backstreets of Angel, where hidden treasures reward those willing to head off-piste.
Where to stay: Overlooking the historic Tower of London, the luxury four-star Leonardo Royal London City - Tower Hill boasts a spa with a large swimming pool and gym.
Featuring a brasserie and a cocktail lounge, the hotel is just two minutes' walk from Tower Hill Tube Station and offers a range of on-site bars and restaurants. Lutetia Brasserie provides a traditional French menu with an outdoor dining area, while for excellent drinks you can hole up in the Isis Cocktail Bar and Lounge.
Belfast - Best city breaks in the UK
Northern Ireland’s capital, as many people know, is the birthplace of the Titanic (which famously sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg), but it's a city with much more than this tragic legacy. Although, if you are interested in learning more about the infamous cruise ship, delve into the story at the Titanic Belfast, an aluminium-clad museum reminiscent of a ship’s hull, as well as shipbuilder Harland & Wolff’s Drawing Offices and the Titanic Slipways, which now host open-air concerts.
There are many other enthralling things to do and see here though, from a stroll around the beautiful (and free) Botanic Garden and a visit to the Ulster Museum, to taking in the hilltop views of Belfast Castle, built in 1870.
Where to stay: In a converted shipbuilding office dating from the 1880s, the polished Titanic Hotel Belfast is surrounded by the maritime landmarks of the Titanic Quarter. It’s two kilometres from Titanic Quarter train station and just four from the cultural exhibits at the Ulster Museum.
Cambridge - Best city breaks in the UK
Well known for its waterways and Gothic university (the gorgeous buildings of which can be spotted all over the city), there really is something for everyone when it comes to entertainment in Cambridge.
You can go punting on the River Cam, enjoy a picnic in the park, join a walking tour of the city or rent a bike and traverse the intricate network of cycle paths in and around the city – it's a brilliant way to explore, as long as you've got good balance.
Other musts are the free-to-enter University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses world-class collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilisations, and Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s finest galleries and a major centre for 20th century and contemporary art. But visitors will find a wide range of artworks, sculpture trail walks and galleries to appreciate all across town.
Where to stay: Following a comprehensive redesign by renowned architect John Simpson and interior designer Martin Brudnizki, University Arms has re-established itself as one of Cambridge's most enchanting destinations. The boutique hotel offers easy access to the university, as well as Newmarket Racecourse, IWM Duxford and the attractions of Cambridge city centre.
Brighton - Best city breaks in the UK
With its buzzing nightlife, thriving art scene and alternative atmosphere, Brighton is the ever-on-trend city for a fun UK break. Since there’s more to do than just chill on the beach (although we recommend that too!), there’s no need to limit yourself to only visiting in summer.
There are drinking dens to suit every taste, from hip hangouts offering retro arcade games and vegan fast food like The World’s End, to charming traditional boozers like the Bath Arms, tucked away among the quirky jewellery and antique shops in The Lanes, plus a dizzying array of clubs and cocktail bars.
For live entertainment, check out Brighton Dome’s cracking programme showcasing classical and contemporary music as well as the biggest names in comedy, or head to one of the city’s iconic LGBT+ venues for world-class cabaret and drag shows.
Where to stay: Wake up to stunning sea views with our brilliant offer on a two-night stay at The Grand. As well as an upgraded room, you’ll be treated to Prosecco and chocolate strawberries in your room, plus dinner and an afternoon tea for two.
Bath - Best city breaks in the UK
During the ancient Roman times, Bath became famous for its natural hot springs that bubbled up from the ground, and this charming city still retains its allure thousands of years later.
You can pay a visit to those hot springs that first started it all, as, when the Romans established a settlement here called Aquae Sulis, they constructed a large bath complex and its labyrinth of rooms can still be explored today.
In addition to the Roman Baths (we advise booking in advance to avoid the queues), you can also admire the grand Georgian architecture at the Circus and the Royal Crescent; these imposing buildings are a reminder of Bath's history as a sophisticated spa town in the 18th century and – for a time – home to Jane Austen.
And, of course, no trip to Bath would be complete without taking advantage of a luxurious spa treatment – so, head to the Thermae Bath Spa to find out what all the fuss is about.
Where to stay: Originating from the 1780s, Henrietta House Hotel is a Georgian period townhouse set in the heart of Bath. Rooms are modern and individually styled, each dotted with hand-picked antiques, furnishings and original artwork. The prime location means you can easily explore Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, The Jane Austen Centre and The Holburne Museum of Art.
Edinburgh - Best city breaks in the UK
Edinburgh is Scotland's buzzing capital, with an enchanting medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Casting a shadow over it all is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, once used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.
Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park boasts sweeping views (and offers varying levels of walking difficulty), while Calton Hill is topped with monuments and memorials.
Where to stay: Overlooking Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station, the four-star Scotsman Hotel was originally built in 1905. This majestic, listed building was once The Scotsman newspaper's offices.
Each unique room and suite at the Scotsman Hotel boasts fabulous features, including curved corner window bays with scenic views of the city and marble-tiled en suite bathrooms.
Winchester - Best city breaks in the UK
Did you know that quaint Winchester in the rolling South Downs used to be the capital of England? You almost wouldn’t guess it today. The city is small, but grand, and the astonishing Winchester Cathedral and historic university are subtle giveaways.
It’s also home to the country's largest farmers' market, as well as the brilliant pub and restaurant, The Black Rat, and the resting place of quintessential Hampshire author, Jane Austen.
Winchester is a destination for all seasons: in the deep midwinter, the Christmas market lights up the Cathedral grounds with cosy aromas, jolly ice-skaters and fabulous local arts and crafts stalls, and in the summer, you can take lazy walks along the riverside and venture out into the surrounding South Downs. Autumn walks around the leafy university are only rivalled by the spring bluebells in Micheldever Wood, a 20-minute drive away.
Where to stay: Hotel du Vin in the city centre features large period rooms with sumptuous styling and L'Occitane toiletries, Nespresso machines and soft fluffy robes. Sip an al fresco aperitif before devouring bowls of French onion soup or moules frites in the bistro.
Alternatively, venture 10 minutes out into the countryside to Lainston House, with its 12th-century chapel, sundial and walled Victorian kitchen garden.
Cardiff - Best city breaks in the UK
It's impossible to miss the rich history and culture that make Cardiff a fitting capital for Wales. With a striking medieval castle at its centre, while market stalls selling authentic wares like wooden love spoons and Welsh cakes span out across the streets around it.
We recommend a walk around Bute Park right behind it, or you could hop aboard and take a guided boat tour from the park and travel the short distance down to Cardiff Bay for an array of waterside eateries, and to see the iconic Millennium Centre building.
Where to stay: The Park Plaza is a city-centre hotel within walking distance of Cardiff’s main attractions, decked out with original art, home to an extensive spa offering and a restaurant serving elevated British cuisine – and where the sound distant of church bells offers a charming wake-up call.
Manchester - Best city breaks in the UK
Diverse and brimming with charm, Manchester is well-known for the warm welcome it gives visitors and is perhaps one of the most exciting city breaks in the UK.
More widely known as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history that spans science, politics, music, arts and sport, and it combines this heritage with a future-facing vision of culture and community.
Head for the centre to explore the eclectic range of restaurants, bars, shops, museums and galleries, or span out towards the Greater Manchester boroughs to immerse yourself in local culture in the quaint market towns, traditional pubs and beautiful green spaces and waterways that can be found here.
Where to stay: King Street Townhouse is set in an Italian Renaissance-style building dating from 1872. The upscale hotel overlooks Manchester Town Hall, and is a four-minute walk from the Royal Exchange and four miles from the Lowry cultural centre.
Upgraded rooms have free-standing baths, while some offer Town Hall views, and opulent suites add living areas or separate lounges. There's a chic wood-panelled restaurant, a cosy, art-filled afternoon tea lounge, and a mezzanine lounge with a fireplace, as well as a rooftop infinity pool, a gym and a spa.
Liverpool - Best city breaks in the UK
Famed for the Beatles, The Tate, The Mersey and Albert Docks, Liverpool is the perfect city for a staycation filled with cocktails, music and culture. Did you know that it’s the UK city with the most museums and galleries outside of London? The public’s favourite has to be The Beatles Story, a walk-through museum which paints a picture of Liverpool in the swinging ’60s and tells you everything there is to know about the band.
Albert Dock is a feast of bars, cafes, restaurants and museums, with listed buildings galore, and if you prefer the view from the sea, you can take a ferry tour here. As well as sauntering down Penny Lane, because you have to, and having a bite to eat in Europe’s oldest Chinatown, the leafy Georgian Quarter is another lovely area to explore, with highlights like the Everyman Theatre and the Liverpool Philharmonic.
For something a little greener, head out to the Botanical Gardens at Sefton Park or enjoy a northwestern sunset at Crosby Beach. Liverpool is the port city with something for everyone.
Where to stay: Hope Street Hotel is one of Liverpool’s best boutique boltholes, situated among elegant buildings in the Georgian Quarter between the city's two cathedrals. Nespresso machines, rainfall showers and Egyptian cotton are the norm here – staff really know how to look after their guests.
Newcastle - Best city breaks in the UK
There is a common misconception that Newcastle is all about the nightlife, but there is so much more to see in ‘the Toon’.
Head to the Quayside for culture at the Baltic Art Gallery, with its ever-changing exhibition (with stunning views across the city from its top floor), explore the imposing Norman fortress, steeped in history, a rugged reminder of northern England’s turbulent past or find the 1838 Grey’s Monument, a prominent landmark in the centre of the city.
Where to stay: The Hotel Du Vin is situated in central Newcastle, with breathtaking views over the quayside and the River Tyne, and luxurious accommodation to boot.
York - Best city breaks in the UK
Perched between London and Edinburgh, with the Yorkshire Dales and Moors spanning out from its sides, York has definitely earned itself a place as one of our top city breaks in the UK.
As well as its 13th-century Gothic cathedral and walkway through the old city walls along the river, York is home to terrific museums.
From Monk Bar, which houses an exhibition tracing the life of 15th-century Plantagenet King Richard III, to Jorvik Viking Centre - containing lifelike mannequins depicting Viking life in the city - there's no shortage of things to learn, see and do.
Where to stay: The five-star Grand Hotel & Spa is the place to stay if you're after stylish rooms and a luxury vaulted spa. Set in the iconic Grade II listed former railway headquarters, the Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar offers modern British cuisine, with locally sourced, freshly prepared dishes from the open kitchen and bedrooms with luxury amenities.
Glasgow - Best city breaks in the UK
Edinburgh’s bigger, bolder, brasher cousin might have a livelier reputation than the genteel capital, but it’s got plenty to offer in terms of history and culture too. It’s a city where stately Victorian and Gothic architecture sits next to stylish steel and glass, and its friendly, boisterous atmosphere has birthed some of the UK’s most celebrated actors and comedians.
Get to know the beating heart of the city with a wander down the River Clyde, where you’ll see the mighty cranes that pay homage to Glasgow’s shipbuilding past still standing. Nowadays, this regenerated area is home to an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, shopping and entertainment, as well as the Glasgow Science Centre and BBC Scotland HQ.
Of course, Glasgow has a legendary drinking culture, and as well as any number of traditional haunts, there are newer additions like the Clydeside Distillery – housed inside the old Pumphouse and the city’s first new single malt distillery for more than 100 years – and the craft-focused Drygate micro-brewery.
And if all that excitement’s making your head spin, chill out with a wander through the spectacular botanic garden, or get a dose of culture at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
Where to stay: Glasgow’s trendy West End is famous for its sandstone terraced streets, and you can stay on one at the Hotel du Vin, where you’ll enjoy classic French cuisine in the bistro, and be guaranteed a great night’s sleep with super king size beds, roll-top baths and monsoon showers.
If you're after more great staycation ideas, make sure to browse our full collection of UK holidays.
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