Popular locations in the UK: What to see & do by Holiday Lettings

by Laura Cummins | 24 September 2014

Following the release of Visit Britain’s list of the most popular locations to visit across the UK, Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies of holidaylettings.co.uk gives her take on how to make the most of a trip to one of our many culture-filled hotspots. From embracing your inner shopaholic in London, to getting medieval in Edinburgh or pretending you’re a member of the Corrie cast in Manchester, find the perfect holiday for you…

It’s fantastic to see the tourism industry continuing to flourish so well across the hubs of Britain. Something that strikes me now even more than it has in the past is that whether you are someone travelling from overseas to get your fill of the Blighty culture or coming from the next city over, there is just so much on offer for everyone.

From my own experiences and from those around me - be that my family, extended family or friends and colleagues – it seems everyone enjoys holidaying on their home turf just as much as they do a trip further afield. Financially, it can make a world of sense to take what has come to be dubbed, “a staycation”, but that is only one of the reasons that this kind of holiday has huge appeal to the masses.

No matter what city or town takes your fancy, each and every one is packed with great fun, food and culture for all tastes. The weather may not win us any awards but even with that considered, the tourism industry across the UK continues to flourish.

Here are some of my favourite things to do and see in some of Britain’s most stayed in towns and cities:

London
It is no surprise that London is the number one UK city to visit and the leading destination worldwide. London is a diverse and exciting city harbouring infinite options for visitors. Take a spin on the London Eye, soak up delicious cocktails and beautiful surroundings at Kensington Roof Gardens, look around the various museums and art galleries or taste local and global delights at one of the best food markets, Borough Market - the possibilities are endless.

What to do

LondonEye

National History Museum

The Shard

West End Theatre

Madame Tussauds

Kensington Roof Gardens

Borough Market

Edinburgh
The inspiring capital of Scotland where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. It is a city of stunning scenery, iconic landmarks and world-famous festivals.

What to do

Camera Obscura

Our Dynamic Earth

Edinburgh Castle

Scotch Whisky Experience

Manchester
A great city for the party goer, well-known for its impressive selection of bars, clubs, restaurants and nightlife. There is also a lot on offer for those who simply want a nice family break, a good shopping spree or to explore the various museums.

What to do

Coronation Street Tour

intu Trafford Centre

Play Factore

Cocktail bars

Manchester Science Museum

Liverpool
Famed for being the home of The Beatles, its distinctive dialect and the iconic Royal Liver Building, it has an unrivalled musical heritage, world class sports offerings and famously warm welcomes.

What to do

The Beatles- Magical Mystery Tour

Everton Football Club Tour

Liverpool Cathedrals

Royal Liver Building

Oxford
A visit to Oxford really is the perfect cultural getaway. This beautiful city is renowned for its history and heritage. Its university buildings feature in Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, one of the film’s stars Emma Watson and the literary greats of Tolkein, Wilde, CS Lewis and Lewis Carroll were students as were many of the world’s political heavyweights. It also has museums to rival those of London. Its ‘dreaming spires’ provide an abundance of hidden treasures and fantastic sightseeing opportunities.

What to do

WWI Tour of the Pitt Rivers Museum

Oxford Film Sites Tour

Climb a Viewing Tower

The Story Museum

Alice’s Shop

Famous Oxonians

Brighton/Hove
With its cosmopolitan air, oodles of restaurants, feverish nightlife and abundance of culture, Brighton and Hove is often considered to be the most popular seaside city in Britain. Shift between its Regency architecture, hit the boutiques and cafes on the cobbled streets of ‘The Lanes’, or take a promenade stroll along the seafront.

What to do