England
London
The thriving city of England has established a reputation for itself. London, also known as "the Big Smoke," is the epicenter of English culture, fashion, sports, and, most importantly, finance and politics. You go there with big dreams, that's the kind of place.
In light of this, you can find whatever you're looking for in London. The city is a maze of activity and a favourite England weekend getaway destination for both locals and Europeans.
First-timers might want to start with well-known sites like Big Ben and The London Eye, but when the city is your oyster, anything is possible.
Oxford
One of England's most coveted cities, Oxford, is located on the outskirts of the Cotswolds. Oxford's sandstone architecture encases priceless little pockets of history that you can tap into, like in this 7-day tour of Oxford, Stratford, and Bath. This gives you a slightly more urbanized idea of what the English countryside feels like. Investigate the impressive university and castle as well as the numerous museums that provide context for the magnificent structures you have just walked through. You'll be charmed by Oxford, a city.
The Headington Shark is a rooftop sculpture that can be found at 2 New High Street, Headington, Oxford, England. It features a sizable shark that is head-first embedded in a home's roof. Without planning permission, it was displayed as protest art as a representation of bombs detonating in buildings. The shark first appeared on August 9, 1986, after being commissioned by the home's owner, local radio host Bill Heine. Heine heard American warplanes flying from Upper Heyford, close to Oxford, on their way to bomb Libya in retaliation for its terrorist attacks on American troops, which served as the inspiration for the sculpture, which was erected as a protest against the bombing as well as a statement against nuclear weapons, with the shark serving as a metaphor for falling bombs.
Liverpool and Manchester
You may have different experiences when you visit these two northern cities, but you'll leave with the same impressions: the people there love their cities, think they're superior to other cities, and somehow incorporate music and football into everything they do.
Although industrialization played a role in Liverpool's history, it also served as a hub for international records that came to the UK. Locals won't let you forget that Liverpool was second to London at this time.
The Beatles were born and raised in this city, and the Cavern Club was where it all began. On one of the most well-known English guided walking tours, you'll hardly get a chance to explore the neighborhood before you run into The Beatles - the stone statue of course. What begins with The Beatles will end with Liverpool FC, where the locals will proudly and joyously support their team.
Everything will appear larger if you travel to Manchester. What you see in this, the second-largest city in England, largely depends on your interests. Manchester has impressive Gothic architecture, a long history of industrialisation, and some of the best shopping opportunities outside of London. All of this is true even before mentioning Manchester United, the most renowned football club in the world.
Wales
Cardiff
Cardiff is the vibrant capital city of Wales. Located in the southern part of the country. Start by exploring the historic Cardiff Castle and its beautiful grounds, including the Norman Keep and the Victorian Gothic mansion. Visit the National Museum Cardiff for a glimpse of Wales' rich history and art collection. Take a stroll through the picturesque Bute Park, or go for a boat ride on Cardiff Bay to see the iconic Wales Millennium Centre.
As a tourist in Cardiff, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. For sports enthusiasts, attend a game at the Principality Stadium or watch a cricket match at Sophia Gardens. Don't forget to check out the vibrant nightlife, with a variety of pubs, clubs, and restaurants in the city centre.
Scotland
Edinburgh
Scotland's opulent capital Edinburgh is everything you would expect it to be. You will travel along cobblestone streets and discover more about the significant Scottish figures that enliven Edinburgh's history as you pass monument to monument. The city offers everything a cultural capital should have to offer.
Old Town and New Town are the two parts of Edinburgh's city centre. A guided tour of Edinburgh will take you through the old town, which is divided by Princes Street Gardens. The Royal Mile, the city's oldest street, runs from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. In the New Town, historical landmarks protrude from the plethora of stores that line the city's main thoroughfares.
Northern Ireland
Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a thriving city with a lot to offer. Belfast, a hub for higher education in the north, is well known for its wild nightlife.
Belfast is gradually turning into one of the most fascinating cities in the UK to visit as the city slowly recovers. Your visit to the Titanic Belfast, the site of the illustrious cruise ship's construction, will transport you back in time. You'll also get to see the infamous Crumlin Road Gaol and browse the city's most iconic buildings. Snacking on some local fare at the markets is a must to end your trip on a lighter note!
