Top 3 Cities in Great Britain
The most beautiful cities in the multifaceted United Kingdom
From the majestic Highlands in Scotland to the charming villages of the Cotswolds and the legendary landmarks of London, countless opportunities captivate travelers in the United Kingdom.
Explore historic castles, discover art and culture, and unwind in traditional British pubs. The island offers a wide range of activities, whether it's the rugged beauty of the Cornwall coast, outdoor adventures in Wales, or the royal residences in England.
In this article, we present our TOP 3 of the most popular cities in the United Kingdom with the best sights.
What you should know about Great Britain
- Although it is often used interchangeably in everyday life, there is a difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Great Britain is the name of the island on which Scotland, England and Wales are located. In addition to Great Britain, the United Kingdom also includes Northern Ireland.
- Official Language: English
- In southern England, you'll find one of Europe's most impressive megalithic monuments, Stonehenge. The purpose and builders of Stonehenge remain a mystery.
- At the Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames, you can immerse yourself in the world of the famous poet William Shakespeare. The poet was born in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where his birthplace can still be visited.
- The world-famous film "Notting Hill" with Julia Roberts is set in the eponymous London district.
- The tallest building in Great Britain is the skyscraper known as The Shard, standing at over 300 meters tall.
- For those seeking the picturesque villages and endless green hills from British films, the Cotswolds region is the perfect destination. Scenes for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice were filmed here.
- At the Eden Project botanical garden in Cornwall, you can admire tropical plants in the world's largest greenhouses.
- Experienced hikers will particularly enjoy the South West Coast Path: Great Britain's longest long-distance hiking trail, stretching over 1,000 kilometers.
Top 3 Cities in Great Britain
London
London is the capital city of both England and the entire United Kingdom. It serves as the seat of the English monarchy and the political center of the country. Consequently, numerous significant buildings related to the monarchy and politics can be found in and around London.
These include the Palace of Westminster with the Elizabeth Tower (better known as Big Ben), Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, and, just outside London, Windsor Castle. London is also globally renowned for its religious buildings such as Westminster Abbey, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Flowing through London is the River Thames. To cross the river, you can use one of London's 35 bridges. The most famous among them, which you definitely must see, are the Tower Bridge, the London Bridge, the Westminster Bridge, and the Millennium Bridge. Conveniently, these four bridges are only 4.5 kilometers apart in total.
A tour along these four bridges allows you to combine a visit to some of London's most famous landmarks. Nearby, you'll find attractions such as Borough Market, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and the London Eye, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its capsules.
On rainy days – of which London averages 145 per year – you can explore the city's numerous museums. Art enthusiasts can visit the Tate Modern, while history and culture lovers shouldn't miss the British Museum. For a unique experience, Madame Tussauds wax museum is a must-visit.
In summary: the capital of the United Kingdom is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. With its iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, London attracts millions of tourists every year.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, located in the northern part of Great Britain. Nestled amidst the Scottish landscape at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, a 251-meter-high peak offering panoramic views of the region.
To explore Edinburgh's Old Town, a stroll along the Royal Mile is highly recommended. Starting at the famous Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National Gallery, this historic thoroughfare spans approximately one Scottish mile (1.8 kilometers) before culminating at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known simply as Holyrood Palace, it serves as the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
For those looking to explore the Royal Mile from a different perspective, joining one of the numerous ghost tours at night is an intriguing option. These tours delve into the legends and ghost stories that circulate through the alleys of Edinburgh.
One of Scotland's most famous legends can be explored approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Edinburgh at Loch Ness. The lake has gained worldwide fame as the supposed home of the Loch Ness Monster. Affectionately known as Nessie, this dinosaur-like, 20-meter-long creature's existence is highly disputed. The quest for Nessie attracts thousands of tourists to Loch Ness annually..
In summary: the Scottish capital is renowned for its impressive historical heritage and stunning architecture.
Liverpool
Liverpool is situated in the northwest of England at the mouth of the River Mersey, where it meets the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. Its strategic location grants the Port of Liverpool a significant role in Britain's exports. In fact, Liverpool's port is the second largest export port in the country, following the container port of Felixstowe in southwest England.
Liverpool is globally renowned for two main reasons: football club FC Liverpool and the band The Beatles. The Beatles are considered the most successful band in the history of music and continue to have fans worldwide despite their dissolution over 50 years ago. In Liverpool, you can trace the footsteps of the band at numerous locations, including The Beatles Story and Liverpool Beatles Museum. Additionally, a statue in honor of The Beatles and a replica of the Yellow Submarine can be found in Liverpool.
Sculptures can also be discovered in other artistic locations throughout the city of Liverpool. Among the most peculiar is the Superlambanana, a statue standing over five meters tall, depicting a cross between a lamb and a banana.
For those looking to embark on an excursion into the stunning nature of Northern England, the Lake District National Park can be reached from Liverpool in approximately two hours. Known for its picturesque mountain and lake landscapes, the National Park offers opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.
In summary: Liverpool attracts football fans, music enthusiasts, and art and culture aficionados from around the world. Untouched nature can be found north of the city.
Conclusion: The diverse British Isles
Britain promises an unforgettable vacation filled with history, nature, art, and experiences. Get ready for a journey through this multifaceted country, which captivates its visitors with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Curious and ready for an unforgettable vacation in Great Britain?
► Here you can find further information about toll regulations in Great Britain to ensure you are fully prepared for your journey.