Lesser-known UK city break destinations | Our favourites

Over the last few years, I have been on a mission to explore lesser known UK city break destinations like Burford. As a frequent traveller, I spend most of my time jetting from one country to the next but of late I have come to appreciate the tranquillity of local destinations. Within the UK we have an abundance of beautiful locations that make for a staycation, but I am after the lesser known UK city break destinations, a place one can seek solace.

City breaks continue to be the nation’s favourite type of holiday, with almost 48% of the population taking one in the last 12 months. The destinations of choice tend to have historical houses, sweeping landscapes, and plenty of cafes to seek solace in when the heavens inevitably decide to open (think Bristol, Bath, and Brighton), but there are several lesser-known cities that you need to explore. 

Our favourite lesser-known UK city break destinations

Whenever I am planning city breaks, I often choose popular locations that I know I will not be disappointed in but where is the fun in that. I think its life you have to take a chance and go out of your comfort zone and this is exactly what I hope from visiting the lesser-known UK city break destinations will achieve. Here are some of our favourite lesser-known cities waiting to be discovered

UK City Break: Wells

Within an hour’s drive of Bristol is England’s smallest city – Wells. With medieval architecture and quaint streets, it’s easy to spend a weekend wandering here. 

No trip to Wells would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Cathedral. Work began on the present cathedral in 1175, but there has been a place of worship on the site since Roman times. This history adds an air of mythology to the impressive Gothic work of art that dominates the skyline of the city. 

Similarly, the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, and the stunning medieval palace is open for all. For Insta-worthy architecture head to Vicar’s Close, Britain’s only complete medieval street. Thanks to its old-world charm, there are plenty of boutique hotels and B&B’s to choose from. 

UK City Break: St Albans

Known to the Romans as Verulamium, St Albans is bursting with history and with frequent trains from London, travelling to St Albans for a weekend getaway is easy. 

Having a university campus means St Albans has a thriving high street with plenty of independent boutiques and cafes, and because of its commuter links to London it has plenty of activities for families including Verulamium Park – providing visitors with 100 acres of beautiful parkland to play in and explore. 

Compared with the rest of the city’s Roman roots, Hatfield House– a stunning Jacobean mansion where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood – is thoroughly modern. Visitors can explore the historic house and grounds and can even stay in one of the residential properties within the Hatfield Park Estate.

Favourite UK Destination: Ripon

A hidden gem of the north, Ripon is often overlooked in favour of its neighbouring city of York, but don’t be fooled by its diminutive size, Ripon has plenty to offer as a weekend getaway. 

At the heart of the city is the Cathedral, with the oldest cathedral crypt in the country. It also provided the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Explore the ruins of Fountains Abbey or seek some thrills at Lightwater Valley theme park. Visitors can also stay in the nearby town of Harrogate for some old-world glamour. 

These lesser known cities are perfect for those who prefer to explore without the crowds and want to discover more of Great Britain’s hidden history. 

*Collaborative Post*