Best City to Travel in England – Top Picks!

DigitalrezaidCITY GUIDES, DESTINATIONS, TRAVEL TIPS5 days ago4.1K Views

I’ll never forget the day I first stepped off the train in England, overwhelmed with too much luggage and a crumpled map in hand. I landed in London, of course—that’s where most journeys begin—but it wasn’t until I ventured beyond the capital that I truly discovered the charm of this country. From historic streets to lively local spots, each stop revealed a new favorite city to travel in England. This isn’t a guidebook list—just the story of someone who wandered, tasted, and fell in love with England, one city at a time.

City to Travel in England

London – The Charm of a Historic City

London is one of the most famous and historic cities in Europe. It is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and modern lifestyle. Iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the British Museum attract millions of visitors each year. The River Thames adds to the beauty of the city.

London’s public transport system, especially the Underground Tube, is world-renowned. With its rich heritage and vibrant energy, London remains a fascinating and unforgettable place for tourists and locals alike.
For more interesting places starting with “L” in the UK, you can explore places in the UK beginning with L, which highlights the diversity and charm of locations around the country.

Manchester – The Soulful City of Industry and Culture

Manchester is a city that blends its gritty industrial past with vibrant soul. Once a key center of the Industrial Revolution, it’s now full of museums, galleries, and creative spaces. Staying near the Northern Quarter, with its indie shops and street art, I felt the city’s unique energy and charm.

One night, while wandering with my camera, I discovered a loud, chaotic basement show that perfectly captured Manchester’s spirit. Known for its famous football teams and diverse culture, Manchester is a lively and welcoming city to travel in England where history and culture come alive.

Nearby cathedral cities south of Leeds, like Wakefield, also offer rich heritage and stunning architecture that complement a trip to the north. For more information, see cathedral city south of Leeds.

York – A Walk Through the Past

I honestly didn’t expect to like York as much as I did. It was just one of those places that popped up on my route. However, the moment I passed through the ancient stone walls and walked the Shambles, I felt like I had walked into a medieval dream.

The streets were narrow and uneven. The crooked little shops leaned into each other seemingly like old friends. There was a moment-I was drinking a cup of hot chocolate at a cafe near Clifford’s Tower, and the old man next to me just started talking. He had lived there all his life. He told me stories of ghosts that inhabit the city! Whether they were real or imagined, I will leave that for you to decide, but it certainly added to the overall experience and memory of York!

York’s unique blend of Roman, Viking, and medieval heritage makes it a city where history feels alive at every corner. For more on this fascinating city, you can read about the ancient city of York and its timeless appeal.

Brighton – England's Sunny, Cheeky Seaside

Oh, Brighton. What a place. From the second I walked out of the train station, I could feel this buzzing, slightly-defiant energy in the air. It’s bright (no pun intended), it’s vivid, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The beach isn’t a typical sandy paradise—it’s all pebbles—but the fact that it isn’t sandy somehow offers a different type of fun.

I spent hours on the pier, lost a few quid in the arcade, and bought the weirdest vintage jacket I’ve ever owned from a street market. People here are just… happy. I danced to a busker’s guitar near the ocean, and I ate chips that were on fire in my mouth because I couldn’t wait for them to cool down. That’s the kind of place it is.

Bath – A Warm Hug of a City

If York is about stepping back in time, Bath feels like floating in a dream. The buildings all shine this soft honey color, and everything smells faintly of flowers and baked bread. I wasn’t planning on falling in love with a city like Bath, but it sneaks up on you with its peace.

The Roman Baths were, obviously, on my list. I went early to avoid the crowd, and I’m glad I did. The steam rising from the water in the morning light—it felt sacred somehow. Later that day, I sat in a park with a sandwich and just listened to a street musician play the violin. Bath doesn’t shout. It whispers.

Liverpool – Music and Heart

I’ll be honest with you – I was uncertain of Liverpool. I added it because I had a huge day dead and a cheap ticket. And wow! I’m really glad I did. Liverpool lives and breathes music. It’s bursting with it. Lots of Beatles references? Very much so! But it’s not just Beatles – it’s jazz and indie and punk. It’s teeming with creative energy.But it was more than just the music; it was the people.

Liverpudlians have a breadth of warmth to them. I mean real warmth. I was at a pub and the girl nearby saw I was on my own and struck up a conversation. We talked for hours and she gave me a list of places to visit. One was this little museum down by the dock – no cost, quiet, and it had stories from people who survived WWII. It was powerful. I found Liverpool so genuine, so raw, and surprisingly emotional.

Oxford – Another World

People always compare Oxford and Cambridge. I think they are both absolutely brilliant, but Oxford felt heavier. More mysterious. Maybe it was the fog that morning, or perhaps the ominous nature of the old college buildings seemed to loom in a deeper and more fragile way.

It was beautiful, of course, but in a larger, more dramatic way. I did a self-guided Harry Potter tour (yes, I’m that person) and stumbled into a historic hall that looked like it hadn’t changed in hundreds of years. I had a pint at The Eagle and Child, where Tolkien and Lewis used to meet, and I could feel their voices bouncing off the walls. I think Oxford has a kind of magic to it – dark and deep.

Durham – Small But Mighty

Durham may have been one of my greatest happy accidents. I was heading north and had to stop somewhere on the way, and a staff member at the train station suggested Durham, so I went. It is very small, but there is peace about Durham. I walked along the river and saw the cathedral looking over everything. I was able to take a deep breath.

Conclusion

When someone asks me about the best city to travel in England, I always hesitate—because the answer isn’t simple. The best city isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest sights or the most famous landmarks. It’s the place where something just clicks. Maybe you laugh unexpectedly, meet someone kind, or sit by a café window watching the rain and feel grateful to be there. Every city in England has its own vibe—some feel like old friends, others push you out of your comfort zone. But if you explore with an open heart and a little curiosity, each one becomes a story worth telling.