As a travel addict, I am almost always searching for the best travel deals across Europe and beyond. I rarely spend time searching for UK city breaks because they are often more expensive than travelling abroad. That, however, has not deterred me from finding the best UK city breaks which are not only gorgeous but budget friendly as well.
At the beginning of the year, I put together a Travel Buckelist and highlighted various staycations I wanted to undertake in 2019. Back in 2018, we have amazing opportunities {Canolfan Bunk House, Ardencote} that allowed us to explore more of the UK. 2019, is the year that we explore more of the UK starting with my favourite UK city breaks.
My 7 Favourite UK City Breaks
I am a nomad at heart and love nothing from than exploring the towns, city, countries and continents around me. Ever since I was young, I had always loved visiting new places and exploring to my heart’s content. I am excited to share 7 of my favourite UK city breaks that always reminds me of the beauty around me.
All the city getaways mentioned in this post I have been to at least once and would be more than happy to return. The UK has some of the best {not timely, reliable or inexpensive but better} public transport in the world. All the cities mentioned below can be reached via public transport.
Portmeirion, North Wales
Portmeirion is a brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, an Italian inspired village nestled in the bosom of North Wales. Even though it took 50 years to create this colour village its beauty is unfading. Its a place I hope to take my parents to in the near future and hopefully my future children to.
Bath, Southwest England
Bath is a small city designated the UNESCO World Heritage site with the grandest 18th-century Georgian architectural buildings. People come from far and wide to see the Roman Baths, the Abbey, the Royal Cresent and even Jane Austen Centre. I have visited the city on so many occasions but I did fall in love with it every time.
Devon, Southwest England
Devon is a county in the southwest separating Cornwall from the rest of England. It is home to the best sandy beaches, medieval towns and jaw-dropping fossil cliffs. Our visit to the English Riviera was one the made us want to return as soon as our vacation ended. It is absolutely gorgeous sometimes we forgot we were still in England, such a beautiful county.
Oxford, South Central England
I am biased when it comes to Oxford because it is a place I call my home and often venture into the city centre. The city is famous for its prestigious 12th-century universities and the 38th colleges that make up the university. This medieval city attracts millions of tourists yearly and hosts some of the best eateries in the county.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I have not been to the gorgeous city of Edinburgh in many years but I still remember the castle and the old town. The city is the capital of Scotland, its a medieval and hilly city and its one worth every sweat. Even though its been years, I remember it like it was yesterday and excited to be planning a return.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland, it’s a city that will always hold my heart with amazing memories. Though some are foggy, I remember our visit to the Whiskey museum, sipping of baby Guinness and Irish coffee. I am eager to return to this gorgeous city on a more sober journey.
Cambridge, East England
Cambridge is another city that is very close to my heart and is considered home as I grew up there. I often travel back to Cambridge for church and to visit my parents and it’s our family gathering town. The city is located on river cam and its also known for its prestigious university and amazing choir. Every so often I love going back to Cambridge walking around the city or jumping on a boat for a scenic tour of the city.
Each of these cities holds a special place in my heart, these are some of my favourite UK city breaks. Even going home to Cambridge every other week feels like a break from the mundane things of everyday life. Have you ever visited any of these cities before? What are some of your favourite UK city breaks?
Playdays and Runways says
Out of all your cities I’ve only been to Dublin. I must visit more of the UK
Tracey Kifford says
Cambridge is my local city, so I’m glad it made the list!
lewisherelewisthere says
Out of the ones on your list I’ve only been to Edinburgh and Dublin. I would love to visit Wales in the near future as it’s a country I’ve never been to before.
Louise x (@withlovefromlou) says
Devon is one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. I think there’s something magical about it and always enjoy myself when we’re there 🙂
Louise x
Jenni says
Yay, so happy to see you’ve included Edinburgh! I really enjoyed Dublin too. And Bath is on my ‘to visit’ list.
Life With Melly says
I’ve only been to one or two of these places and you forget how beautiful the UK is. I think Bath and Devon are next on our family trip lists 🙂
Rebecca Smith says
This is just the post I needed! We’re trying to go on as many UK breaks as possible this year and I was struggling for ideas of where to go!
Lynne Harper says
This has been a really helpful post for me as we are moving to the UK next year. Dublin is one of my favourite cities so im glad to see that you have featured it as well
Kirsty says
Cambridge is one of my favourite cities in the uk so I’m glad it’s made your list. I’ve always wanted to visit York though as it’s supposed to be beautiful
fashionandstylepolice says
We have been to Dublin and Cambridge but we didn’t really have the time to explore. Would be nice to visit the cities again.
Lisa says
Oxford and Edinburgh and stunning. I’m not far from Bath but have never been. One for the Summer for sure.
Sonia says
I visited Portmeirion for the first time last week and just loved it! Such a beautiful little place x
Jaime Oliver says
We loved Devon when we travelled down there. So very beautiful
Admin says
Edinburgh is on my hit list to visit! it won’t be this year but im crossing fingers for next year
StressedMum (@stressedmum01) says
I love city breaks, these are currently all on our list of places to visit, we have been to these places in the past but never together x
Lucy Howard says
I love Edinburgh. It is one of my favourite cities to visit. I could quite happily live there too. Some great choices here. Hugs Lucy xxxx
Rowena says
Some lovely ideas and great inspiration! I really want to go to Edinburgh and love Devon. Thanks so much for putting this together.
ChelseaMamma says
We drove past Port Merion when in Wales but never found the time to visit – we need to go back!
Kizzy says
Some interesting cities listed here. To be honest I have only visited 2 that you have mentioned. There are so many interesting places to visit here in the UK.
Miranda says
There are so many wonderful places to visit in the UK, the 7 I have mentioned are some of my top favourites.
Anoushka says
I’d say this list is gospel! They are all great cities. I haven’t been to Portmeirion, but I would *love* to. Do you think it’s a good place to take children?
Miranda says
Portmeirion is the perfect place for families, we had the best time and there is so much for the kids to do.
Jenny Kearney says
We’ve visited all of these places, I would love to re-visit any of them!
Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
There are so many wonderful places to visit in the UK, you’ve selected some great examples here
rhianwestbury says
Bath is high on my UK travel bucket list as I’ve been once but it was so busy I didn’t get to explore much. Edinburgh and York are two of my favourites x
Miranda says
I must say I have not been to York yet to heard lovely things and can not wait to visit myself.
Jon | The Money Shed / Totally Blogging / CTMB (@themoneyshed) says
Great post this! I 100% agree about Bath, it’s an amazing place with so much to do if you can get there for a long weekend!
Clare Nicholas says
I’ve been to most of those, bath and Devon are my favourites