From the reverent silence of a magnificent cathedral to the sheer vibrancy of a modern high street packed with shoppers, the cities of the United Kingdom offer an eclectic mix of delights for tourists

Whether you prefer the tranquility of a quiet stroll along a riverbank or the faster pace of a city centre brimming with bars and restaurants, UK short city breaks have something for everyone. Some of the most popular city destinations within the UK have a long and fascinating History, whilst still managing to project an air of modernity.

London

Of course any visit to the UK has to include London. Much more than just the capital, London is one of the great cosmopolitan cities of the world. A melting pot of different cultures and boasting some of the most famous historical landmarks on the planet, London is a tremendously exciting destination.

Iconic buildings such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament are the very image of Britain across the world, whilst the nightlife in the city is spectacular and constantly buzzing. Truly, London is a city that never sleeps.

With countless attractions and places of interest to enjoy, it’s worth considering a small group tour to get a better understanding of the city.

York

Boasting a fine heritage, the walled city of York has always held an important place in the annals of British history and is home to many of the UK’s most popular historical attractions. The city lives and breathes history and to stay in York is to immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of days gone by.

Within the confines of the medieval wall that surrounds York, stands the imperious York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Nearby, the ancient York Castle keeps a watchful eye over the city.

Whilst history and culture is seemingly all around, York also offers a unique shopping experience with modern designer outlets sitting comfortably next to traditional gift shops and eateries.

Bath

The neat and compact nature of the city makes Bath a perfect destination for short breaks. One of the UK’s smaller cities, Bath is cultured, refined and elegant. Originally settled by the Romans who built a number of baths in the area, today the city is a World Heritage Site and visitors are still able to relax in state-of-the-art spa facilities.

A walk around the streets of Bath, admiring the arresting Georgian architecture, really brings home how pretty the city is, whilst delving into the numerous museums and galleries reveals a rich and varied history. Bath, with its wide variety of hotel options, an overall aura of tranquility and serenity, is hard to beat.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s largest city has, in recent times, become renowned for its many cultural activities, making it a real city of the arts. Couple that with the historic splendour of the Old Town and it is perhaps not surprising that Edinburgh is the UK’s second most popular tourist destination.

There is a certain vibrancy about staying in Edinburgh, a sense of vigour that runs through the narrow streets of the Old Town all the way to the jostling shopping metropolis that is Princes Street. The city has a thriving nightlife scene, with countless bars and clubs partying the night through. Edinburgh’s restaurants uphold the city’s cultural reputation, with many of them being Michelin starred establishments.

Chester

The Roman city of Chester remains proud of its colourful history whilst at the same time managing to be a model for change and modernity.

Modern shopping boutiques mingle cheerfully with more traditional establishments, the black and white faaades of the medieval buildings revealing a city of much historical value. The Rows, a series of shops built on two storeys, with the lower being below ground level, is unique in Britain.

The city itself, surrounded by ancient Roman walls, is fascinating and the nearby Chester Zoo is one of the finest animal parks in the country.

Combining fascinating history, scenic splendour, exciting nightlife and fabulous shopping, the many varied cities of the United Kingdom offer outstanding delights for people looking to take a city break.