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 There is a definite tourist trail in the UK. For foreign tourists there is so much to see that it is obvious why people choose to go to the most famous spots. So, London, the Cotswolds, the Lake District, Oxford and Cambridge and Stratford are all full in the summer. Other popular places are Cornwall, the Peak District and the city of Edinburgh. And that's not including world famous sites and events like Stonehenge or Glastonbury Festival. There is loads to see and do on a visit to the UK.
For those who live here or have visited many times, they may have the urge to look for new places to visit and there is no shortage of those either in the UK. A great way to discover hidden gems is to head for the cities, other than the ones already mentioned. The great thing about British cities is that they not only have attractions all of their own, but they are also within easy reach of beautiful countryside and tourist attractions.
Cities in England which are well worth visiting are Liverpool and Manchester in the North West. Liverpool is, of course, the birthplace of the Beatles and offers some extremely interesting places associated with the Fab Four as well as other renowned museums, such as The Tate. Nearby Manchester has some great museums too as well as a lively cultural scene and both offer proximity to some stunning countryside. Leeds and Sheffield across the Pennines again are close to some lovely scenery as well as vibrant culture both in terms of artistic attractions as well as great nightlife. The place for nightlife, however, in the UK is said to be the North Eastern city of Newcastle; a unique city, rich in culture and close to both the border area and the beautiful north eastern coastline.
Cities outside of England are also hidden gems. Edinburgh in Scotland may be a tourist mecca but the city of Glasgow is also coming into its own. Full of family friendly museums, beautiful outdoor spaces and within easy reach of some of Scotland's beautiful scenery. Loch Lomond, for example, is a half an hour drive away.
Belfast is another hidden gem. It is experiencing a renaissance and attracting more and more visitors. This is primarily thanks to its beautiful architecture encompassing its Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian legacy. The castle and the Grand Opera House are both great examples of these. This is also the city where the Titanic was built and the dock can still be seen. That's just a taste of what to see and does not include the beautiful Irish countryside that surrounds it.
Finally, Wales has the city of Cardiff, another great city for museums and family attractions. Cardiff also boasts Cardiff Bay, which allows visitors to have a go at a number of different watersports. Sailing, white water rafting and kayaking are all available. For those who don't like the water, the nearby Brecon Beacons offer beautiful scenery for walking, hiking or just enjoying the view. Accommodation is plentiful too, whether you are looking for pampering in a hotel or would prefer the chance to stay in Cardiff holiday homes, the choice is yours.
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