Introduction to the Best Places to Visit Outside London

The city of London has been the capital of England since time immemorial. Situated at the heart of the United Kingdom, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular cities in the world. Whether you’re planning on visiting London for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ll be able to find plenty to do in the city. However, sometimes it can be nice to get away and explore the UK beyond London. The United Kingdom has many wonderful places to visit, and we’re going to show you some of the best places to visit outside of London.

The UK is full of beautiful cities, towns, villages and countryside, all offering a wonderfully unique experience. Whether you’re looking to explore a historical city or take in some stunning countryside views, there’s something for everyone. In this blog post we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit outside of London, from the bustling cities of Manchester and Edinburgh to the quaint villages of the Cotswolds and Yorkshire Dales. We’ll also talk about some popular activities and tours available in each location. So, let’s get started!

Manchester: A Bustling City Filled with Culture and History

Manchester

One of the most popular places to visit outside London is Manchester. Located just two hours away by train, Manchester is a thriving city full of culture and history. It has a rich industrial heritage and is home to some of the United Kingdom’s most famous landmarks, such as The Beetham Tower, Old Trafford Stadium and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Manchester is also home to some of the UK’s best shopping opportunities, with a variety of shops ranging from high street chains to independent boutiques. If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, then Manchester is definitely the place for you.

Of course, Manchester also has plenty of cultural attractions. The city is home to a number of museums and galleries, including The Lowry, The Whitworth Art Gallery and The Manchester Museum. These museums showcase some of Manchester’s most impressive art collections, as well as offering engaging exhibitions and educational events throughout the year.

The city is also home to a vibrant music scene, with plenty of live music venues offering everything from jazz clubs to indie clubs. It’s also home to some of the UK’s most renowned music festivals, such as Parklife Festival and The Warehouse Project.

Popular Activities in Manchester

If you’re looking for an exciting activity in Manchester, then you can join a guided tour with Viator. On the “Manchester City Sightseeing Tour’ you can explore some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, including Trafford Park, Exchange Square and Albert Square. You’ll be able to take in the city’s rich history and get an insight into its industrial past. The tour lasts around two hours and costs £20 per person.

If you’re looking for something a little more energetic, then you can join a “Manchester Food and Drink Tour’ with Viator. This tour will take you around Manchester’s most iconic pubs, bars and restaurants, where you can sample some of the city’s finest cuisine. The tour lasts around four hours and costs £50 per person.

Edinburgh: Scotland’s Historic Capital

Another popular destination for travellers visiting from London is Edinburgh. Located in Scotland, Edinburgh is a beautiful city steeped in history and culture. Its picturesque cobbled streets are home to a number of attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral and Holyrood Palace. The city also has some of the best views in Europe, with its impressive skyline dominated by Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill.

Edinburgh is also known for its vibrant cultural life, with plenty of theatres and galleries offering engaging exhibitions all year round. The city also hosts one of Europe’s largest arts festivals – the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every summer.

Popular Activities in Edinburgh

If you’re looking for an exciting activity in Edinburgh then you can join a guided tour with Viator. On the “Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour’ you can explore one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, learning about its fascinating history as you go. The tour lasts around two hours and costs £20 per person.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back then you can join a “Whisky Tasting Tour’ with GetYourGuide. This tour will take you around some of Edinburgh’s most iconic whisky distilleries, where you can learn all about Scotland’s national drink and sample some delicious whisky. The tour lasts around three hours and costs £50 per person.

The Cotswolds: England’s Most Charming Villages

If you’re looking for something a bit more tranquil then why not explore the Cotswolds? Located in south-west England, this area of stunning countryside is home to some of England’s most picturesque villages. Take in stunning views of rolling hills and quaint cottages as you explore villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway.

The Cotswolds is also home to some impressive historical landmarks, including Sudeley Castle, Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace. These castles offer fascinating insights into England’s past, as well as providing beautiful photo opportunities perfect for Instagram!

The Cotswolds are also home to some excellent walking trails offering breathtaking views across the countryside. You can explore charming villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water or take a stroll through the famous Cotswold Way National Trail, which stretches 97 miles across the region.

Popular Activities in the Cotswolds

If you’re looking for an activity in the Cotswolds then you can join a guided tour with Viator. On the “Cotswolds Villages Tour from Oxford’ you can explore some of England’s most picturesque villages and take in beautiful views of rolling hills as you go. The tour lasts around four hours and costs £30 per person.

If you’re looking for something a little more active then you can join a “Cotswolds Walking Tour’ with GetYourGuide. This tour will take you on a guided walk along some of the region’s most scenic trails, offering breathtaking views across the Cotswolds along the way. The tour lasts around five hours and costs £40 per person.

Yorkshire Dales: Breathtaking Nature

The Yorkshire Dales are located just two hours away from London by train and are perfect for those looking to explore some stunning countryside scenery without travelling too far from London. This area of Northern England is full of beautiful valleys, rolling hills and stunning waterfalls – perfect for those who love the outdoors!

The Yorkshire Dales are also home to some fascinating historical landmarks, such as Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls. You can also explore charming villages such as Ingleton or take a boat trip along one of the area’s many rivers or lakes.

Popular Activities in Yorkshire Dales

If you’re looking for an activity in Yorkshire Dales then you can join a guided tour with Viator. On the “Yorkshire Dales Guided Day Tour from York’ you can explore some of England’s most stunning countryside scenery, from rolling hills to tranquil lakes. The tour lasts around six hours and costs £50 per person.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous then why not try a “Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk’ with GetYourGuide? This challenging yet rewarding walking tour will take you up three iconic peaks – Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent – all within 24 hours! The tour lasts around eight hours and costs £60 per person.

Conclusion
As you can see there are plenty of wonderful places to visit outside London if you’re looking for an escape from city life. From bustling cities such as Manchester and Edinburgh to tranquil countryside such as the Cotswolds or Yorkshire Dales – whatever type of experience you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone! So why not book your next adventure today?