London, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton – their landmarks and monuments fill postcards, and their attractions draw millions. But all too often, their iconic beauty spots come with queues, inflated prices and that unmistakable feeling of a well-trodden path.
Yet look beyond the selfie sticks and souvenir shops and the UK is home to a richer, quieter beauty. From Scotland’s castle-topped medieval streets to the rugged coastline of Wales, travellers who are prepared to venture a little further afield will find themselves rewarded with sights more rewarding or surprising than any “must-see” itinerary in typical travel guides.
Revealed below are The Express’ top six most underrated cities in the UK, backed by local champions.
This compact city in central Scotland is rich in history, full of character and quiet compared with Edinburgh and Glasgow. Going there feels like discovering a well-kept secret. “It’s very similar to the Royal Mile in terms of the architecture and historic appeal, although much quieter and off the beaten path,” says Geoff Morrison, founder of Stirling Old Town Jail.
Stirling was once the beating heart of Scotland. Its strategic location made it a key player in everything from the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and 14th centuries to the Jacobite rebellions several centuries later. Today, you can still sense that legacy in its medieval streets and skyline-dominating stone castle. It is one of the country’s grandest fortresses, with a £12million refurbished royal palace, costumed guides and views that stretch from the Highlands to the Lowlands.
Elsewhere, the Old Town Jail offers immersive history tours and escape rooms for crime and punishment enthusiasts, while climbers who ascend the National Wallace Monument can gaze out at the fields where William Wallace led his troops to victory.
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The East Midlands generally flies under the radar, but Leicester deserves a spot on your summer city break list for its rich history spanning two millennia alone. Jewry Wall, built in AD 160 as a settlement for the Corieltauvi settlers, is one of the largest remaining Roman masonry structures in Britain.
“We’ve got a continuous history of 2,000 years and that is evident in the incredible architecture all around,” says Ross Tarbard, from Visit Leicester.
There are also tours and trails dedicated to King Richard III, whose final resting place lies in the heart of the city after being discovered in August 2012. The KRIII Visitor Centre tells the full story of the controversial king, from battlefield to car park, while a brand new Roman Experience opened in July. “It tells the story of The War of the Roses, the Battle of Bosworth, which changed the course of English history,” says Ross.
Leicester is also a sporting heavyweight, home to top rugby, football and basketball teams. The National Space Centre adds an out-of-this-world option for families, while the city’s buzzing food scene is a feast in itself, with restaurants representing 11 Asian countries and beyond.
With more festivals than anywhere else in the UK, from Diwali to comedy and street art, Leicester is bursting with energy. Add in links to David Attenborough, a unique Elephant Trail and the birthplace of veganism, and you’ve got a city that’s anything but ordinary.
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Tucked between the Lake District and the Lancashire coast, Lancaster is packed with culture, atmosphere and plenty of quirkiness.
The star attraction is Lancaster Castle, still owned by the King. Today, guided tours reveal tales of justice, crime and the city’s eerie link to the infamous Pendle Witch Trials. “In fact, it holds the eerie accolade of being the place where more prisoners were sentenced to hangings than anywhere outside of London and once upon a time it was known as ‘the hanging town’,” says Raimy Greenland, from Visit Lancashire. “These days, the city streets offer a safe haven to relax on a weekend and the Castle is the ideal place to spend the day.”
Beyond the castle walls, Williamson Park features 54 acres of fields and woodlands.
“Inside sits the Ashton Memorial – known as the Taj Mahal of the North due to its role as one of the biggest monuments to love in the UK – as well as two fabulous play areas, a Butterfly House and mini zoo; perfect for keeping the kids entertained,” adds Ms Greenland.
Add in Lancashire Police Museum, which helped shape modern forensic science, canal boat tours and nearby Morecambe, the planned sister for Cornwall’s Eden Project, and Lancaster is well worth a visit.
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Not just good for a night out, Newcastle is one of the best places in the UK for a day trip. It’s a city with a serious style and personality that sticks with you long after you leave. Set along the River Tyne, its stunning skyline mixes industrial spirit with striking architecture: think the Tyne Bridge, the modern sweep of the Sage (now The Glasshouse) and the towers of Newcastle Castle, which gave the city its name.
The city centre is compact and walkable, with everything from high-end dining at House of Tides to Grainger Market’s street food. Art lovers can head to the Laing Gallery or the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, while live music fans also have plenty of venues to choose from. The city is also only a stone’s throw from two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Durham Cathedral and Hadrian’s Wall.
The city centre is home to the Great North and Discovery Museums, both of which are free, and Fenwick Department Store, which boasts the biggest beauty hall outside of London.
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