15 Best UK City Breaks & Tours | 2024 (with Photos)

If you're planning to go on one of the best UK city breaks, you should know already that Great Britain and Northern Ireland are full of gems to visit.

Due to its rich history, incredible architecture, natural wonders, and varied cuisine, the UK city has a distinct vibe and a unique story to tell.

Whether you're an art gallery lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there is a UK city for you.

This extensive list of the best UK city breaks is designed to make your holiday planning a bit easier. Use this guide to narrow down which incredible UK cities you'd love to visit.

Table of Contents

1. EDINBURGH - BEST FOR HISTORY

2. LIVERPOOL - PERFECT FOR MUSIC FANS

3. LONDON - FOR THEATER GOERS AND FOODIES ALIKE

4. BATH - HOME OF REAL ROMAN BATHS

5. BRISTOL - VISIT HISTORIC HARBOURS

View More

1. EDINBURGH - BEST FOR HISTORY

Scotland's ancient capital city is where JK Rowling wrote "Harry Potter", it's home to the world's largest arts festival and has it all; from gorgeous historic buildings to a beach, an extinct volcano, and Edinburgh Castle.

The gorgeous buildings in Edinburgh's over-1000-year-old centre are a short walking distance from Calton Hill.

Furthermore, its walkability makes Edinburgh one of the great UK city breaks. Splash out and stay at the Witchery boutique hotel.

The Best Tours in Edinburgh

Harry Potter Magical Guided Tour

This walking tour of Edinburgh's centre is £12 per person and takes you to sites that inspired JK Rowling's _Harry Potter_series.

Visit Victoria Street, which looks like Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Its cobblestones, quirky shops and colorful buildings make a spectacular picture.

Ghostly underground vaults tour

This spooky underground tour of Edinburgh's city centre vaults tells a story of crime and horror that once plagued the city. Your guide will explain that the ancient vaults were once the site of Edinburgh's Red Light District. The tour is £20 per person.

Guided Gin tasting at 56 North Distillery

This gin tasting tour is for the over 18s who can't wait to taste some of Edinburgh's famous gin. You will learn about gin production and sample 1 gin and tonic, 3 gin samples, and 1 gin cocktail, all for just £24.95 per person.

Where to eat in Edinburgh

Scotland's famous dishes include Cullen skink, a creamy fish soup, haggis, meat, spice, and oatmeal blend, and cranachan, a dessert made of oats, raspberries, cream, and whisky.

You can sample traditional Scottish food on a guided tour, or at Howie's, a great city centre-based restaurant.

Visit Amarone for delicious Italian cuisine, any central chip shop for British fish and chips (and a deep-fried mars bar!), and Luca's for great ice cream.

Best Bars in Edinburgh

You'll know that Scotland is famous for its whisky, but Edinburgh is also home to Edinburgh Gin and Innis and Gunn beer. Sample the local beverages at Brewhemia, a great cocktail bar near the main train station.

Or, visit Tiger Lily on George street, for some high-end drinks and fancy vibes.

For a more casual pint, visit the Cold Town House in the Grassmarket, which has a rooftop restaurant and bar, from which you get a great view of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.

2. LIVERPOOL - PERFECT FOR MUSIC FANS

Liverpool is not only the birthplace of the legendary Beatles but also Cilla Black and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, among other musical icons.

It is one of the best UK city breaks for music lovers as you can visit the Cavern Club, where the Beatles started their career, visit the Beatles museums and even see the real Eleanor Rigby's grave.

Best Tours in Liverpool

Private 3-hour Beatles tour by taxi

This private taxi tour takes you to each of the four Beatles' childhood homes and fascinating attractions like Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.

Visit the birthplace of John Lennon and sites of local art inspired by the Beatles. For music fans, this is one of the ultimate UK city breaks.

City Centre Highlights Exploration Game

This unique tour idea involves following clues on your phone and solving puzzles as you walk around Liverpool, the harbor, Lime Street station, and more, learning about its history in a fun and quirky manner.

At just £4.22 per person, this is an affordable way to discover the city.

Sightseeing river cruise on the Mersey river

Finally, a great way to tour Liverpool is to cruise down the Mersey river and discover the city's musical and maritime past with live commentary.

You can see sights like the Royal Albert Dock and the 3 Graces. This tour is £11.50 per person.

Where to eat in Liverpool

Visit the Cowshed for a great steak or Casa Italia for a simple and traditional Italian meal in the city centre.

Also, check out Baltic Triangle, where you'll find a warehouse-style market that serves drinks and global street food, accompanied by live entertainment.

The Best Bars in Liverpool

The Blue Angel Club, known as "the Raz", is a great spot for dancing and drinking. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan all played there in the 1960s.

For old-school glamour, go to Abditory, which has the essence of a private member’s club and celebrates the fine art of hospitality.

Finally, Ex-Directory is a secret, quirky cocktail bar in Liverpool that you enter via a classic red phone box.

3. LONDON - FOR THEATER GOERS AND FOODIES ALIKE

England's capital city is sprawling, busy, and full of hidden gems, as well as iconic hot spots. It is one of the best UK city breaks for couples and families.

For a night of theatre go to London's West End, for history, check out the Royal Armouries Museum in the Tower of London, and for afternoon tea visit the city center hotel The Ritz.

Best Tours in London

Landmarks and Secret Gems Bike Tour

One of the most popular ways to get around London is by bike. You can join the trend and hop on this bike tour of some of the city's main attractions for £39 per person.

Discover Covent Garden Market, wartime bunkers, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and more.

Little Venice: Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden

This one-way guided boat trip on the Regent's Canal between Little Venice and Camden Town is a tranquil experience for only £14.

You'll pass sights like the Maida Hill Tunnel and London Zoo.

Afternoon Tea Bus with a Panoramic View of London

This classic British food experience is hosted on a double-decker bus, which guides you around the city while you dine.

This tour costs £45 and is worth every penny.

You might have seen Prince Harry and James Corden enjoy this experience on Corden's US show.

Where to eat in London

For sumptuous food and pre-theatre drinks, reserve a table at The Ivy.

Interior designer Martin Brudnizki is responsible for the world-famous sleek and stylish design of this old establishment.

A more casual dining experience is Borough Market, where the food is high-quality and the vibe is immaculate.

For more local eats, book a 3-hour British food tour for £84.53 per person. You can try fish and chips, baked beans, Cumberland sausages, and more.

The Best Bars in London

Visit the Nightjar in Shoreditch for live jazz and blues and rare spirits, the Gibson for avant-garde cocktails in an Edwardian bar, or the Sabine Rooftop Bar to experience an oasis in the middle of London with views of St Paul's.

Or, if you want to see more of London while you drink, book a Picadilly and Soho beer bike tour for £27.

4. BATH - HOME OF REAL ROMAN BATHS

Possibly one of the most beautiful UK city breaks, Bath offers a range of man-made and natural wonders.

Bath is home to the famous Royal Crescent, arguably one of the UK's finest examples of Georgian architecture.

What's more, Bath is the only place in the UK where you can find natural hot springs.

The city became a spa in 60 AD when the Romans built Roman baths, giving the place its name.

To this day, Bath is a sophisticated spa town, so if you are due a luxurious spa treatment, this is the city break for you.

Best Tours in Bath

City Tour with Optional Roman Baths Entry

This walking tour and Roman baths visit is the perfect way to view Bath's highlights and relax at the same time.

For £20 per person, you can see the gothic Bath Abbey, Walk on Pulteney Bridge, which was featured in Les Miserables, and walk through Royal Crescent to see its grand Georgian architecture.

Ghost Hunters Silent Disco Tour

Yes, you read that right. This unusual and super-fun walking tour costs just £15 per person and is a truly unique experience.

Discover the dark and hidden side of the city, listen to spooky music, and enjoy stories of ghost hunters and mysterious deaths in Bath.

Costwolds Private Day Tour with Pick-up

If you want to take an unforgettable day trip, check out this private tour that leaves Bath and goes to the Cotswolds, an area of central England known for its rolling hills.

Wander through the villages of Castle Combe, and Bourton-on-the-Water, famous for their beauty and traditional stone houses respectively.

The tour costs £450 for one person and an extra £10 for each additional person up to a group of 6.

What to eat in Bath

Try the local delicacies the Bath Bun, a sweet bun, Bath Oliver biscuits, the perfect accompaniment to cheese, and Bath soft cheese.

For exceptional British dining, visit the Cloisters Restaurant at Bailbrook House boutique Hotel or No. 15, which also serves afternoon tea.

And finally, check out the Chequers gastropub for high-quality classic pub grub.

What to drink in Bath

The Raven is a pub loved by locals, composed of two Georgian townhouses and family-run.

For a more fancy feel, visit the Opium Bar, a boutique watering hole in Bath, or the Hideout, a stone-walled nook offering creative cocktails.

5. BRISTOL - VISIT HISTORIC HARBOURS

Bristol is included in this list of the best UK city breaks because of its lovely harbor, fascinating history of pirate activity, and expeditions to North America.

And, of course, it is home to one of the most historic ships in the world, Brunel's SS Great Britain.

Enjoy free weekly walking tours in Bristol, where you can pay what you thought the tour was worth when it finishes.

Best Tours in Bristol

Bristol's Darkest Secrets

This spooky nighttime tour of Bristol tells tales of pirates, pubs, gruesome murders, paranormal activity, and urban legends.

It costs £13 per person and allows you to see the city from a whole new perspective.

Tootbus Bristol Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Tour

The Bristol hop-on-hop-off bus tour costs £15 and takes you to sites such as Brunel's SS Great Britain, the harbor, museums, and theatres, and shows you some of the city's street art, with interesting commentary.

Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Experiences

This tour costs £15 per person and offers two options to tourists.

You can choose from the 'Hard Hat' guided tours or the family-friendly 'Vaults Visit'.

Explore inside the vaulted chambers that were discovered 20 years ago at Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Where to eat in Bristol

Vitis Bristol's Floating Harbour, which is a 70-acre construction on the River Avon that is home to many food and drink delicacies.

Get afternoon tea at No.4 Clifton Village or stop in at Undershed, a cute outdoor bar that serves tasty vegetarian and vegan bar snacks as well as hot and cold drinks, beers, and wines.

The Best Bars in Bristol

Old Market is where the locals drink, and you can even book the Old Market self-guided craft beer tour for £24 per person.

You'll sample 7 delicious locally brewed craft beers and real ales at 4 different awesome Bristol venues.

If your visit coincides with Bristol's craft beer festival, you can enjoy some of the world's finest beers, local eats, and a live DJ.

6. GLASGOW - PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW

One of the most overlooked but best UK city breaks, Scotland's biggest city is a hub for culture and nightlife.

The city's slogan is "people make Glasgow" and it can be spotted on the sides of buildings around the city centre.

The city boasts Kelvingrove Park and a Botanic Garden, both gorgeous outside spaces. On a sunny day, it's a perfect UK city break.

Best Tours in Glasgow

Street Art Guided Tour

Glasgow is a city with many murals and they all have their own interesting stories behind them.

On this walking tour, you can get an overview of what modern life in this vibrant city is like at present, as well as a look into the history of Glasgow for £12.50 per person.

Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

This whisky-themed tour celebrates Scotland's famous spirits, teaches visitors about the history of the old Glasgow Pumphouse, and offers views down the River Clyde.

The tour costs £15 per person.

Loch Ness, Glen Coe, and Highlands Tour

This trip from Glasgow takes you to some of Scotland's most famous and breathtaking locations.

You'll drive along the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, hear the dark history of the massacre at Glen Coe, and you can even try to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster!

Where to eat in Glasgow

Paesano in Glasgow's West End offers a cheap but truly delicious pizza menu that is loved by the local students.

Singl-End in the Merchant City area of Glasgow's center is a great brunch spot, and for a cozy, shabby-chic experience, check out the Butterfly and Pig.

For a football-themed dining experience, book the Celtic Park stadium tour that comes with a 3-course dinner for £40.

Drinking in Glasgow

Join the Glasgow students' tradition of doing a "sub-crawl"; a pub crawl where you get off at each of the 15 Subway stops (the city's underground train) and drink at a local pub.

You can visit the Brechin Bar for a low-cost Glasgow drinking experience, The Ubiquitous Chip, on the picturesque Ashton Lane, and The Three Judges, an ale specialist bar.

Or check out a tour with beer tasting if you prefer to have a guide.

7. BELFAST - LEARN FASCINATING RECENT HISTORY

Northern Ireland's capital is one of the UK's major cities and provides one of the best UK city breaks.

It's not only the birthplace of the RMS Titanic but is the home of the peace wall.

This mural-covered structure tells the story of the Irish Troubles and the struggle for peace in the 20th century and today.

One of the most interesting and best city breaks in the UK, Belfast is also home to some iconic buildings, such as Obel Tower and Belfast City Hall.

Best Tours in Belfast

TheTitanic Experience with SS Nomadic Visit

On this tour, you will journey through 9 galleries at the site of the ship's construction.

For £21.50, you will learn the fateful story of the RMS Titanic's maiden voyage and visit the SS Nomadic, the only White Star Line ship left in the world.

Giant's Causeway Fully-Guided Day Trip

This day trip to the Giant's Causeway costs £30 per person and makes several stops, including Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Dark Hedges.

Political Taxi Tour

Belfast is the perfect place to learn about the Troubles and this taxi tour gives a great insight into the suffering faced by the city and Ireland in the second half of the last century.

It costs £65 for a group of 2 people.

Where to eat in Belfast

Irish food generally relies on a lot of potatoes, meat, bread, and fish.

It is hearty and goes great with a pint! Try some local Irish cuisine at Darcy's Belfast, or try some French and Irish fusion at AMPM.

Visit St George’s Market, constructed in 1890, for its fresh, local produce and great atmosphere.

The Best Bars in Belfast

Visit Belfast's rooftop Babel Bar, the funky Harp Bar, and the relaxed Thirsty Goat Belfast for a good time and a pint of Guinness.

On a cobbled street in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, you can find Hill Street Hatch.

This is a pop-up space that offers a creative partnership for startup hospitality businesses in Belfast, that are looking to test and launch new food and drinks.

8. CAMBRIDGE - A TRUE BEAUTY SPOT

Cambridge is a beautiful and historic city just an hour by train from London.

This small city sits on the River Cam and is famous for its prestigious University, as well as King's College Chapel, and punting and rowing on the river.

Cambridge is one of the best UK city breaks as its location and surroundings are ideal for an English road trip.

It is a lovely, peaceful city break for those of you who like a relaxing atmosphere.

Best Tours in Cambridge

University Tour and Punting Cruise

Discover the beauty and history of Cambridge on a walking tour and punting cruise along the River Cam.

Your guide will be a graduate of the historic University and the tour costs £45.99.

City and University Tour including King's College

Visit the most famous College at Cambridge University, explore the highlights of the city, and get a look at student life and traditions on this 2-hour tour, costing £24.99.

Places and People Walking Tour

On this private walking tour, you will learn more about the history and academic achievements attributed to Cambridge.

You'll visit the Old Cavendish Laboratory where scientists discovered the electron, proton, neutron, and structure of DNA.

The tour is £130 per person.

Where to eat in Cambridge

While you're in Cambridge, stop at the Burwash Manor for a sausage roll, or at Warm & Toastie for a gourmet cheese toastie.

And, of course, while in one of England's most famous towns, you have to grab a traditional fish and chip supper from The Sea Tree.

The Best Bars in Cambridge

If you love craft beer, you can't beat the Cambridge Brew House with its warm and stylish ambiance.

For spirit lovers, the Cambridge Gin Laboratory is the place to be.

Or, you can head to the Town and Gown for a night of drinks and entertainment including theatre, DJs, and pianists.

9. OXFORD - THE HOME OF ACADEMIA

One of the most famous and best city breaks in the UK is Oxford, home to Oxford University, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

This UK city has architecture in every English style since late Anglo-Saxon and has been nicknamed the City of Dreaming Spires.

Best Tours in Oxford

University and City Tour with Alumni Guide

This walking tour of Oxford is a great way to kick start your city break, as it will teach you about life at the prestigious university and show you the oldest colleges at Oxford University and the world-famous Bodleian Library.

See these sites and more for £24.99.

Sightseeing River cruise

Learn the history of the river and the highlights of the city from the comfort of an elegant and eco-friendly electric Edwardian Riverboat for just £16 per person.

Show your ticket to enjoy 10% off food at The Folly, an acclaimed riverside restaurant in Oxford.

Christ Church Harry Potter Film Locations Tour

This is another magical tour in an ancient UK city, where you can enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the surrounding colleges and a 1-hour timed entry to Christ Church with an audio guide.

Christ Church was used in Harry Potter filming, as is also the home of "Alice in Wonderland".

Book this experience now for £75 each.

Where to eat in Oxford

Oxford is known for its sausages, marmalade, and hot pot.

But if you want to try some cuisines other than English on your UK city breaks, Oxford has a wide range of options.

Why not visit Mowgli Street Food for small plates of tasty Indian street food? They even serve veggie options.

Or, try out Benito's for classic Mexican burritos, tacos, and salads. Oxford's Polish Kitchen offers home-cooked Polish dishes, plus vodka, wine, and beer.

Hop on a river cruise to sample a 3-course dinner for £69.

The Best Bars in Oxford

When you're in Oxford, you can have a fun night exploring the historic pubs with a student guide on an organized pub crawl.

For £16.99 you can visit The Bear Inn, which is known for its large collection of cut-off ties, as well as many other bars.

You'll also discover local drinking traditions and sample local drinks.

11. YORK - FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS

Another of the magical and best UK city breaks is York.

The walled city in northeast England was founded by the ancient Romans. It is home to a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and york castle museum and is the UK's home of chocolate.

The City Walls form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse and you can walk along large portions of them.

Best Tours in York

Private Bespoke History Tour

This walking tour is £110 for a group of up to 30 people, so if you are traveling in large numbers, or your family like a tour with a personal, private touch, this is a great option for you.

Discover how the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, the Tudors, and the Stuarts all made York a home.

Chocolate Story: Guided Tour

This is one for the chocolate lovers! On the chocolate story guided tour you will learn York's chocolate history, and learn how to taste chocolate expertly for £15.95.

Witches and historic Old Town Tour

This spooky-themed walking tour is just £10 per person and is a super fun experience for you and your friends or family.

Discover the secrets of the Shambles, the dimly-lit alleys of Yorks's medieval old town, and scary stories from a professional guide.

Where to eat in York

While in York, you simply must try a roast dinner with a Yorkshire pudding, as well as some Wensleydale cheese and parkin, a cake of butter, honey, flour, oats, treacle, and ginger.

The Rattle Owl serves arguably the best Sunday lunch in York.

The Star Inn The City also offers splendid cuisine and has an unparalleled location by the river.

Finally, the Whippet Inn is a hidden gem off the beaten trail and offers sumptuous Yorkshire treats.

The Best Bars in York

The Eagle and Child pub serves British fare and is very positively reviewed by locals and tourists alike, and the Stone Roses bar is a fun quirky Britpop-themed pub with indie bands and sports on TV.

Last but not least, the Evil Eye is a relaxed bar with an extensive menu of inventive cocktails.

12. MANCHESTER - FOR THE FOOTBALL FANS

Manchester has it all; a vibrant sports scene, brilliant shopping opportunities; and of course lots of art and culture to explore.

In the heart of Manchester's shopping district is the city's thriving Jewellery Quarter and at Manchester Art Gallery, you can view modern art, sculptures, and costume displays.

Manchester is one of the most fun, vibrant and best city breaks in the UK.

Best Tours in Manchester

Tour an Iconic Football Stadium

If you are a Manchester United fan, you can tour Old Trafford Stadium and Museum for £27 per person.

Meanwhile, Manchester City fans can tour the Etihad Stadium and Museum for £25 per person.

Northern Quarter Street Art Walking Tour

This 2-hour walking tour explores the famous murals of Manchester's bohemian Northern Quarter and delves into issues faced by the city.

At just £10 per person, this tour is an affordable way to get to know part of the city and start to learn about the history and culture.

From manchester: Lake District, Windermere, and Lancaster

This beautiful day trip takes you from Manchester to the Lake District, England's largest national park.

One of the stops is Grasmere, a place poet William Wordsworth described as "the loveliest spot that man hath found."

The day trip lasts 11 hours and costs £49 per person.

Where to eat in Manchester

Manchester has a diverse food scene. You can check out District for a unique Thai dining experience, Albert's Schloss for a Bavarian feast, and Sugo Pasta for a classic southern Italian taste sensation.

If you really want to splash out, why not book a private food tour with a local guide for £127?

You'll discover Manchester’s breweries, pubs, food trucks, and markets with a passionate local host and sample a selection of craft beers, cocktails, street eats, and pub meals.

The Best Bars in Manchester

There are some great bars in Manchester that you should visit, such as the Washhouse, for great cocktails, Alcotraz: Cellblock Three-Four, for a prison-themed drinking experience, and the Garratt for a quintessentially British pub visit.

Manchester is known for its great gin distilleries and tasty local beers, such as Marble.

13. BRIGHTON

Brighton is one of the best UK city breaks for travelers who love to visit open-minded communities!

The city is known for its large LGBTQ+ population, bohemian atmosphere, and eco-friendly spirit.

It is easily one of the best city breaks in the UK for LGBTQ+ tourists and one of the best weekend breaks for anyone who loves the sea.

Best Tours in Brighton

Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

This tour is a great way to start your city break in Brighton.

For £19 each, you and your group can jump on and off the bus at various stops including The Royal Pavilion, Brighton Marina, the clock tower, and St Ann's Well Garden.

Grand Brighton Bike Tour

What could be more fun than taking a bike tour around this picturesque town?

For £29.99 you can cycle through the city’s colorful streets, from the bohemian North Laine to the opulent Oriental architecture of the Royal Pavilion, and visit hidden gems along the way.

Stonehenge and Bath Full-Day Trip

Do you want to visit one of the world's most mysterious and famous natural sites?

The best UK city breaks almost always involve a day trip, and Stonehenge is the ultimate destination.

This tour is £75 per person and stops at Bath as well.

Where to eat in Brighton

Take the Brighton walking food tour for £85 per person to visit independent shops, bars, and restaurants and sample different local foods and drinks.

Check out Thewitchez Restaurant for an unusual but delicious dining experience.

Visit Chamuyo for great Argentinian dishes or The Salt Room, a modern British restaurant serving seafood and grilled meat with sea views and a terrace.

The Best Bars in Brighton

Visit five classic drinks venues on the Brighton bar crawl for £20 per person.

Enjoy free shots at each venue and great drink deals.

Go to the Grand Central pub for a classic British vibe, Brighton Rocks for a seaside cocktail, or The Rooftop Bar for great views and sea air.

14. CANTERBURY - A DREAM FOR ANCIENT HISTORY BUFFS

This ancient cathedral town in southeast England was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages and its cathedral is over 1400 years old.

This is one of the most historic and best city breaks in the UK and the city's development has not erased its ancient beginnings.

The medieval center is surrounded by ancient walls, originally built by the Romans.

The streets are cobbled and there are many independent shops and characteristic timber-framed houses.

Best Tours in Canterbury

Guided Walking Tour

This walking tour is £15 per person and tells tales of murders, ghosts, royals, and art as you pass Canterbury Cathedral grounds and the ruins of the old monastery, among other sites. Your great city break just got interesting!

Canterbury, Dover, and Kent Villages Day Trip

Countryside and city breaks go hand-in-hand! If you're starting from London, it's just a short distance to beautiful Canterbury.

You can take a tour to Canterbury, Dover, and Kent for £109 per person.

Visit Canterbury Cathedral, medieval Dover Castle, and see Kent's countryside. You are in a prime location to see much of southern England - make the most of your weekend break.

Where to eat in Canterbury

Try some traditional Italian grub at Pinnochio's near Castle Street, or wander over to Café des Amis, which is supposedly one of ex-Canterbury resident Orlando Bloom’s favorite restaurants.

Finally, Oscar and Bentley's offer delightful gluten-free British dishes.

The Best Bars in Canterbury

Try Bramley's bar, which serves cocktails in a warm, vintage-chic setting with open-mike nights.

Or, visit the Shakespeare, a charming tavern offering international dishes and outdoor seating. For comfort food and a log fire, go to the Canterbury Tales.

15. DERRY/LONDONDERRY - ANCIENT CITY WALLS AND MODERN TROUBLES

Like York, Derry is one of only a few walled cities in the UK.

This small city was at the heart of the Irish troubles and, like Belfast, is ripe with recent history, as well as more ancient history to discover.

It is easily one of the best UK city breaks as the city centre itself is so fascinating.

You can drive from Derry to the northernmost point of Ireland, Malin Head, and visit beautiful nearby beaches.

Best Tours in Derry

Bloody Sunday and murals Bogside tour

In this incredibly impactful tour, you'll explore the famous Bogside Murals that are central to the neighborhood's identity.

Your local guide will show you the site of the Bloody Sunday Massacre, the moment when British Soldiers killed protestors in 1972, and tell you the history of the Troubles for £25 per person.

Walled City Private Tour

Derry is the only fully-walled city in the UK and Ireland.

You can walk the full circuit of the city walls on this tour, and learn the history of the city in-depth for £20 per person.

Derry Girls Tour

This fun-filled walking tour takes you to ten sites where Derry Girls was filmed.

Your guide will also tell you about the Derry Girls comedy and its impact on the city of Derry over the past few years. The tour is £15 per person.

Where to eat in Derry

After your Free Derry museum trip, you can take a short walk to the Spaghetti junction in the Bogside for tasty and authentic Italian food.

Or, for a quirky dining experience, head to Pyke 'n' Pommes on the riverside, where you can get a burger served to you from a converted shipping container.

Finally, get some Irish pub grub at The Dungloe Bar.

The Best Bars in Derry

Waterloo Street is the perfect place to grab a pint of Guinness or a crisp, cold Orchard Thieves at The Dungloe Bar or Peadar O'Donnell's.

And you can head to Sandino's live music bar for a lively atmosphere and authentic Irish music.

Summing Up...The Best UK City Breaks

From Edinburgh Castle to the hot springs in Bath and Manchester's jewelry quarter, this guide has something for everyone.

Whether you prefer a historic building, a memorable weekend break at a spa, or a contemporary art gallery, the UK has you covered.

These fantastic cities offer unforgettable weekend breaks and are some of our favorite cities in the UK.

Hopefully, this list of the best UK city breaks has inspired you to start planning your own city breaks in the UK.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BZZySqtHaU

[rating stars="4.5"]