City breaks in England
From medieval to modern
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Explore the most beautiful cities in England
City trips to England have much more to offer than London. From modern Birmingham to cool Bristol and the historic flair of York, you can discover first-class museums, impressive cathedrals, trendy districts and much more on your city trip to England.
Marvin Luczynski
Travel expert for England
Updated on 08/26/2025
| City | Region | Population |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 8888608 |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 1161258 |
| Bristol | South West England | 586781 |
| Liverpool | North West England | 576561 |
| Manchester | North West England | 560392 |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 525142 |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 515947 |
| Brighton | East Sussex | 232503 |
| Norwich | East of England | 200996 |
| Oxford | Oxfordshire | 172264 |
| Cambridge | Cambridgeshire | 167007 |
| York | North Yorkshire | 156135 |
| Bath | Somerset | 101557 |
Where are the most beautiful cities in England?
1. London
England's top destination is, of course, London. The global metropolis is bursting with legendary sights such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Feel the pulse of this city that has shaped the last centuries like no other.
2. Birmingham
Birmingham is a modern city with a wide range of cultural and gastronomic attractions. The Cathedral Church of Saint Philip and Birmingham Town Hall stand for classic architecture, while the large Bullring shopping center is a futuristic eye-catcher. The Botanical Gardens offer an idyllic setting.
3. Bristol
Bristol has a charm all of its own. The port once made the city a trading center, today it is one of the trendiest districts in England. The former passenger ship SS Great Britain provides information about the history of the city.
4. Brighton
Brighton is a beloved seaside destination on England’s southern coast, known for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic Brighton Palace Pier, complete with classic amusement rides. Highlights include the Royal Pavilion, a stunning 19th-century palace with Indian-inspired architecture, and the British Airways i360, a 567-foot-tall observation tower offering sweeping views of the coastline.
5. Liverpool
In Liverpool, the city of the Beatles, the cult band is everywhere - from Penny Lane to the Cavern Club. But of course Liverpool has even more to offer, such as its vibrant harbor district, Anfield Stadium and Liverpool Cathedral.
6. Manchester
Manchester represents the industrial north of England, yet is wonderfully diverse. Visit the huge Manchester Museum, marvel at buildings such as the John Rylands Library or Manchester Cathedral and browse for curiosities in unique vintage stores.
7. Oxford
Oxford is characterized by the oldest university in Great Britain, which stands out not only academically but also architecturally. A typical way to enjoy the city panoramas is to take a trip on the flatboat Punt. You can also visit Oxford Castle and the Botanical Gardens.
8. York
Immerse yourself in history in York, one of England's most historically significant cities. Stroll along the Shambles, a shopping street dating back to the 14th century, visit York Minster and see the old city walls.
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Our insider tips in England
Ely, Cambridgeshire
Ely is an idyllic small town in the county town of Cambridgeshire. It is best known for its medieval cathedral, which is the third largest in England and dominates the cityscape.
During your visit, look out for the Romanesque arches from the early 12th century, the crossing tower built in 1322 and the ceiling painted during the Victorian era. The Ely Museum and Oliver Cromwell House are also worth a visit.
Wells, Somerset
Wells is a small cathedral city whose history dates back to Roman times. The townscape has a medieval character: St. Andrew's Cathedral was built between 1182 and 1260. Architectural features of the cathedral include the three scissor arches and the more than 300 statues on the west façade.
Nearby is Vicar's Close, which was not only the first terraced housing estate in Great Britain, but is also the oldest continuously inhabited street in Europe.
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Salisbury dates back to Old Sarum, one of the oldest settlements in England. The city's most important attraction is the 13th century cathedral with its ornately decorated west façade and the tallest church tower in England. Inside is one of the four copies of the Magna Carta.
There are also many other historic buildings and old half-timbered houses in the city center. During your stay in Salisbury, you should also make a detour to nearby Stonehenge.
England Guide: Travel tips & info
The ideal duration for a city break in England depends on your interests. For a first impression of the capital London, you should plan at least three days. If you would like to explore other cities such as Manchester, Liverpool or Oxford, we recommend a trip of at least one week.
The most efficient way to travel between cities in England is by train. The extensive rail network connects large and small cities quickly and comfortably. Alternatively, long-distance buses are a cheaper but slower option. For maximum flexibility, renting a car is recommended.
For a city trip to England, versatile clothing is recommended: an umbrella and a waterproof jacket for unpredictable rain showers, comfortable shoes for long city walks and layers such as T-shirts, sweaters and a light jacket to cope with changeable weather.
A diverse range of activities awaits you in England's cities. Discover historical sights, enjoy the lively cultural scene and sample the local cuisine. For golf fans, there are numerous first-class golf courses. Nature lovers can explore the green countryside on picturesque hiking trails.
English cities are generally considered safe for travelers. However, as in any large city, you should take care of your personal belongings and be aware of the security situation in certain neighborhoods. Police presence is visible and emergency services are readily available if needed.
In England, London, Oxford and Cambridge are among the most expensive cities. London tops the list with its high cost of living, particularly in terms of rents and property prices. The cost of housing and living expenses are also above average in university cities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
