England

Looking for a UK city break that isn’t York, Bath or Edinburgh? We have 10 stunning destinations for your next memorable getaway, all packed with history, culture, great food and far fewer crowds. Whether you want a culture-filled weekend, a relaxed wander through cobbled streets, a coastal escape or a base for exploring the countryside, these brilliant underrated UK city breaks deliver culture, character and plenty of surprises.

Just a short tram ride from Manchester city centre, Salford Quays has transformed from an industrial dockland into a vibrant cultural waterfront. Whether you’re a football fan heading to Old Trafford, a soap opera enthusiast visiting the Coronation Street cobbles, or a history buff exploring Tudor Ordsall Hall, there is something for everyone. Here is our guide to the 10 best things to do in Salford Quays, plus tips on where to eat, shop, and how to get there.

Wrapped in a loop of the River Severn, medieval Shrewsbury boasts the UK’s best high street, favourite market, and the highest concentration of timber-framed buildings in the country. Whether you are following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, exploring the haunting Victorian prison or standing over the grave of Ebenezer Scrooge, discover 20 amazing reasons why this Shropshire star is officially one of the happiest places to live and the perfect choice for your next English

If you're planning a trip to Carlisle, Cumbria, this is the guide for you! With a fascinating 2000-year history, beginning as a mighty Roman garrison at the western end of Hadrian's Wall and later evolving into an epic Medieval Castle town, Carlisle is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the beautiful Lake District, visit the outstanding Roman frontier forts of Birdoswald and Vindolanda, or simply break a journey up to Scotland.

Unique interactive play zones and parks, specialised museums, immersive art spaces, farms, and mini-zoos. All designed specifically with tiny travellers in mind!

With its outstanding museums and galleries, magnificent Victorian shopping arcades and a diverse food scene that caters to every taste, Leeds is the perfect destination for a British city break.

Planning a family day out in London with your toddler? While the big-name zoos get all the attention, for a truly special experience with little ones, you can't beat Battersea Park Children's Zoo. This charming and intimate zoo is the perfect size for toddlers and young children, offering a relaxed and engaging day of discovery without the long walks and overwhelming crowds of larger parks. It's a perfect first zoo experience! Here's why this hidden gem is a must visit for yo

After a decade of ambitious plans and tireless work, Norwich Castle has been magnificently reborn. Travel back 900 years into a sumptuous and unbelievably colourful 12th century royal palace. Explore England's most accessible castle from Battlements to basement entirely step free and don't miss the outstanding new Gallery of Medieval LIfe, in partnership with the British museum.

Full of amazing Victorian architecture, an home to an award winning children's museum and one of the most amazing buildings we've ever seen, here’s how to make the most of one day in this fascinating northern market town, Halifax!

Manchester is a brilliant base for day trips, whether you’re after history, greenery, culture or curry. With fast and frequent train connections, you can explore Tudor manor houses, Georgian spa towns, vibrant art scenes and bohemian valleys, all without needing a car. From Salford’s cutting-edge media scene to Bradford’s rich cultural fusion, these day trips offer something for every kind of traveller. They're all under 90 minutes away and packed with personality.

Planning a trip to Hull? Discover 9 tothings to do in this historic Yorkshire city, from the Old Town and free museums to Hull Minster, The Deep aquarium and buzzing Humber Street. Perfect for a characterful city break or a stopover before sailing to Rotterdam.

As the official UK City of Culture 2025, this vibrant Yorkshire city is finally getting the recognition it deserves — and for good reason. With a rich industrial heritage, a thriving arts scene, and stunning Victorian architecture, Bradford is a city full of surprises. If you’ve only got a day to explore, here’s how to make the most of your time in Bradford:

With its iconic cathedral, riverside charm, fascinating history and relaxed pace, Ely makes for a perfect day trip from Cambridge, London or beyond.

Spend a relaxing Suffolk day trip in one of the county's loveliest villages, Long Melford, home to not one but two magnificent Tudor mansions, one of the country’s finest medieval wool churches, a high street full of charming tea rooms and independent shops, fab pubs and an independent brewery!

Rich with Georgian and Victorian architecture, adorable tea rooms and one of the finest limestone caves in England, you'll love this one day Buxton itinerary.

Spring has well and truly sprung at Long Melford’s Kentwell Hall! Newborn lambs, daffodils galore, garden croquet and delicious cakes await at this spectacular Tudor home in the Suffolk countryside.

Huge open skies, Blue Flag beaches, quaint seaside towns and an abundance of wildlife in the tidal marshes and pine woods.

The famous Crooked House, a couple of Harry Potter filming locations, a charming wool church, gorgeous country walks and a fascinating bar

Beyond Manchester's buzz, find hidden gems: museums, canals, & vibrant culture. Dive into our guide for the perfect 1 day Salford adventure!

From the remains of a Norman castle to an intriguing medieval Wool Church, Victorian railway buildings and endless countryside walks...

A Suffolk mini break with Outdoor Inns, a new UK start-up specialising in eco cabin holidays next to historic and charming British pubs.

We teamed up with Bury St Edmunds' tourism board to bring you the very best of this lovely town - here's how to get the most out of one day.

Everything you need to know about visiting the very first post box bearing King Charles III's cypher in Great Cambourne, Cambridgeshire

Unsinkable history: Follow the journey of the Titanic from the UK to Canada through 6 museums at key locations around the world.

Founded by the Romans, Colchester is a treasure trove of historic sites, from a Norman Castle to Britain's only Roman chariot racing track.

Unveil Southampton's Titanic story yourself! Discover memorials & key historic sites on this self-guided walking tour itinerary.

Like many destinations in the south of England, Oxford isn't cheap, but that doesn't mean that you can't visit Oxford on a budget!

Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, is an architectural wonderland and one of England's top cities to visit.

Have you ever wondered what 11 million bricks looks like? See for yourself by visiting the stunning Ouse Valley Viaduct, West Sussex.

It's lavender season! Now that the UK is finally enjoying some summer weather, it's the perfect time to indulge in some purple aromatherapy.

While London is our favourite city in the world, England has so many other wonderful destinations that are a must visit...

Nearly 2000 years ago, Londinium was the capital of Roman Britain. We've written a complete guide to 2 amazing sites you can visit for free!

Perching next to Kings Landing's tiller, hot cup of tea in hand, Kingfishers flash past and Herons observe us sternly from the bank.

477 years ago today, on 19th July 1545, Henry VIII's beloved flagship, the Mary Rose, left Portsmouth Harbour. Suddenly, disaster struck...

Beautiful riverside colleges, historic bridges and easy portage points - a complete guide to paddle boarding through central Cambridge!

Just 15 miles from Cambridge, chock full of beautiful Medieval and Tudor timbered homes, Saffron Walden makes for a lovely day out in Essex!

A weekend in Whitby with side trips to picturesque Robin Hood's Bay with winding streets and fossils and Bempton Cliffs for incredible birds

On Friday we were invited down to Bath by Carters Steam Fair to visit their beautiful vintage funfair, featured in Rocketman.

Up up and away! Duxford is our absolute favourite of Imperial War Museum's 5 sites. It's just up the road from us, and like HMS Belfast,...

From April 12th, apparently we'll be able to sleep away from home, which means we can finally take Osprey for a spin.

In honour of John Lennon, on the 40th anniversary of his death, we have put together a list of 10 Beatles locations you can visit in the UK.

The hotel is gorgeous, Beatles themed throughout, from the beautiful mural in the lobby to the bedrooms.

Explore Liverpool's highlights in a long weekend! From top pubs to the city's two cathedrals and all of the Beatles' former homes.

All of these easy day trips out of London can be done in a day by car or train.