Major cities in the UK brim with culture and history and garner respect worldwide. These cities contribute heavily towards tourism, business, education, the economy, travel, and finance. They boast art galleries, museums, stately homes, and historical landmarks like Buckingham palace that hosts international tourists who travel especially to see it.
Additionally, they feature world-class universities hosting students from all over the world, which help to boost student property markets to record levels compared to other countries. As if that is not enough, they also promote cultural diversity, making the UK an international hub. So, whether you want to visit the UK for city breaks or invest in property, here are the top four high-performing UK cities.
Major Cities in the UK
1: London – UK Capital City
London, England’s capital, and largest city, sits on the Thames River, leading into the North Sea. Initially founded by the Romans who called the city Londinium, and with a 9.3 million population count, London is to the United Kingdom what Rome is to Italy, and Paris is to France. Such is the city’s importance; it influences art, culture, food, and business worldwide. Famous landmarks include the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and London Eye wheel, which offers panoramic views across the landscape.
Naturally, this large UK city runs an impressive transport network, and most international tourists fly into one of three airports. Expect five-star hotel accommodation and at night, do as locals do, and take in west end shows. Then, visit Buckingham Palace, home to the United Kingdom’s royal family. London’s British museum houses collections featuring more than 8 million works. Otherwise, London delivers from cricket to rugby to football for sports fans. Famous places to shop include Knightsbridge and Oxford Avenues, Bond Lane, Kings Road, Covent Garden, Camden Market and Portobello Road. Read about London in the UK.
2: Birmingham and the UK Central Hub
This leading European city generates more than 90 billion to the UK economy, has the United Kingdom’s youngest population and is an important and strategic finance centre. As the United Kingdom’s second-largest city, 18th-century history, and its industrial revolution past still shine through today. With a 1.2 million population count, this grows every year as people seek to get out of the significant UK capital. City businesses thrive thanks to mass investment and companies moving their headquarters there. Connected to London and North England via the motorway, international tourists arrive en-mass via the state-of-the-art airport.
While there, learn about 18th and 19th-century canals used extensively to move goods around the city and other UK places. Pubs and canal-side cafes line both sides, making them popular during summer. As expected, top-notch shopping and nightlife attract crowds, and several indoor markets offer great bargains and unique items to purchase. Check out Cadbury World and Drayton Manor, covering 280 acres, including a wildlife park and rides for great family days out. Otherwise, from Birmingham, head to Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle and Royal Leamington spa town for ideal road trips out. Find out about Birmingham in the UK.
3: Manchester City
Sitting in Northwest England, Manchester, the third largest and most visited UK city, earns fame countrywide through the excellence of universities and prominent business hubs. In addition, the city delivers to tourists with various attractions and things to do. Like other UK cities, Manchester shined in the industrial revolution, hence the old warehouses and factories. However, the city gains inspirational musical fame since Simply Red, Smiths and Oasis all come from the region.
Furthermore, young, working professionals say Manchester is an affordable place to live. Combine this with an exceptional transport network, alongside the ultra-modern airport and perfect urban landscapes. When looking at places to go, music reigns thanks to concert halls, the Palace Theatre and Opera Hall. Otherwise, get active through numerous sporting venues and activities like McIntyre ice skating rink, nearby race, and golf courses. Also enjoy shopping venues like Arndale Centre and Trafford Centre on the outskirts. More about Manchester in the UK.
4: Charming Leeds
Belonging to England’s Yorkshire region, Leeds steps up as the United Kingdom’s fourth populated city. While its reputation does not match Manchester or London, many Brits think the UK city features marvellous urban landscapes. As home to four universities, many students stay and work here after graduating. Visit the 18th century Harwood country house, built for a wealthy West Indian plantation owner, Baron Harewood.
Roundhay Park encompasses over 700 acres of parkland, lakes, woods, and gardens, attracting almost 1 million people every year. The 12th century Kirkstall Abbey, a ruined Cistercian monastery, sits on the River Aire’s north side. Every bank holiday, the West Indian Carnival entertains crowds with fun and style. Famous sports centres include the Ashes, Elland Road, Headingley Stadium, and Headingley Cricket Ground. (More about Leeds in the UK.)
The UK in Winter: Aside from major cities in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, winter is exciting, if you know the best places to visit. Many towns, cities, and villages attract tourists, thanks to magical landscapes, festive spirits, and winter wonderland ambiences, whether you want indoor or outdoor attractions.
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