Did you know that the UK has over 75 cities? Forget London, there are lots of amazing places that often fall under the radar but have so many things to see and do. For those who are looking for somewhere a bit more unexpected, but somewhere equally exciting, we’ve collated our top picks to provide you with a source of inspiration.
But why trust us? Because we’re a coach company that has been transporting people to great places across the UK for almost 100 years, so you can imagine how many cities we’ve been to!
Nottingham, East Midlands
In three words: Historic / Lively / Diverse
A gem of the East Midlands, Nottingham is best known for its castle and connections to Robin Hood, but it also has a sandstone system of over 800 underground caves. The City of Caves once served as a medieval tannery – and you can explore the lives of the people who lived and worked in this extraordinary environment underneath the city.
Wanderers of nature should also head to Sherwood Forest to admire the famous oak woodland. It’s thriving with animals, plants, and the lovingly named Major Oak tree that’s around 1,000 years old!
When it comes to social activities, Nottingham has a wide selection of bars and pubs to choose from. There’s Rock City, a great independent spot to see up-and-coming bands and experience ‘the best gigs and the biggest club nights’. We’d also suggest a visit to England’s oldest inn, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, which was once a pit stop for crusader knights!
This summer, see Nottingham by boat or book your private coach if you prefer the freedom to explore.
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
In three words: Cultural / Shopping / Nature
Sheffield blends natural beauty with cultural vibrancy in a way that appeals to a wide range of visitors. Plant lovers will be right at home in Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens and Winter Gardens, which offer tranquil and unique escapes from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are also several museums and galleries to explore, such as the Kelham Island Museum, Weston Park Museum and Millennium Gallery. Visit these for the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s industrial heritage, learn about its people, and engage with a number of interactive exhibits.
Talking about the city’s people, one of their favourite things to do is to watch the Sheffield Steelers battle it out on the ice. Ice hockey is certainly fast-paced and exciting, and for fans of sport, it’s definitely one to watch!
Finally, a stone’s throw from the city is Meadowhall Shopping Centre – a brilliant destination for both a brand and a bargain. Amongst the high street names, there are lots of activities to keep the kids entertained, including an interactive inflatable park, playground and mini golf centre, to name a few.
Leeds, Yorkshire
In three words: Shopping / Leisure / Vibrant
Located close to the beautiful city of York, Leeds is a city that’s often overlooked, but it has a lot of charm and character.
If you’re after designer goods and wonderful architecture, the Victoria Quarter should be on your list. If streetwear and athleisure brands are more your style, make sure to visit shops like the HIP store on Vicar Lane. Leeds’ Kirkgate Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe – full of food, fashion, flowers and haberdashery, it’s a place with bundles of character.
Just 10 minutes outside the city centre you’ll also find Kirkstall Abbey, an 800-year-old monastery and one of the best preserved in the country. In the (unlikely) event that you have time to spare, venture a little further out into the countryside to see the sights of Harewood House, an 18th-century house with beautiful art collections and huge gardens to explore.
We’d be here for hours if we told you everything we love about Leeds, so those are just a few of our favourites. Take your family or friends on a trip to explore this vibrant city and book your private coach hire with Bullocks!
Hereford, Herefordshire
In three words: Scenic / Social / Culture
Are you partial to a cider or a riverside walk? Then take a trip to Hereford. Its market town allure, scenic surroundings and, of course, roots in cider production, make it a compelling destination for that countryside vibe.
History buffs can explore landmarks including Hereford Cathedral and the Black and White House Museum. Visitors can also tour the orchards, sample the region’s ciders and even see how these are made. With the ambience of a traditional English town, Hereford’s local markets provide the opportunity to get your hands on unique treasures and regional artisanal products that you might struggle to find anywhere else.
And if you get the chance, you should certainly head to the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take a leisurely stroll in the beautiful countryside, breathe in the fresh air and witness, what you might call, some ‘outstanding natural beauty’!
Wells, Somerset
In three words: Historic / Charming / Independent
Wells is one of England’s smallest cities and is often overlooked in favour of its Bath and Bristol neighbours. But utterly picturesque and steeped in history, this city is ‘Wells’ worth a visit. (Sorry… it just had to be done!). Wells’ most iconic landmarks are the cathedral and adjacent Vicars’ Close. The latter claims to be the oldest intact purely residential street in Europe and its medieval architecture is a real sight to be seen.
After you’ve discovered the cobbled streets and browsed the independent shops and cafes, we’d recommend making your way to Bishop's Palace, which is just a 6-minute walk from the centre of Wells. It features a tranquil moat, gardens, and medieval architecture and is a popular destination for those in the know. Adding to Wells’ charm, the city's square is a regular hotspot for markets, providing opportunities to discover and sample local produce and crafts. Fancy a weekend in Wells? Take a look at this!
So there you have it, our top 5 underrated city breaks in the UK. If you’ve had the pleasure of experiencing any of them before, we’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? We can accommodate a variety of needs with our fantastic private coach hire service. Don’t settle for less, trust Bullocks for your next trip and start your adventure with us.
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