Today I want to talk about underrated cities in Britain. But first, a note on cities. One of the things that surprised me when I first moved to London was how much more particular British people are about what counts as a city than I am.
Underrated Cities in Britain
Back in California I used the words “city” and “town” interchangeably, not knowing or caring what the technical status of a place was.
But over the years I’ve learned to watch my language or get berated by a Brit. Whether it’s the presence of a cathedral, a royal grant, or another qualification, I know when to call a place a city (and more importantly, when not to).
I’ve also enjoyed traveling to a number of cities, especially the less visited. If you’re interested in exploring more cities in the UK, today I bring you 9 underrated cities in Britain that are worth visiting.
Underrated UK Cities
Cities like London have achieved international stardom, but a lot of Britain’s cities get overlooked. Some of the most beautiful places I’ve discovered in this country have been the least recommended, and I’ve definitely been laughed when I’ve told people I’m going to visit them.
But I’ve learned over time that I shouldn’t let my own or anyone else’s preconceived notions about a place prevent me from going, and I’ve been rewarded for it. I hope you are, too.
1. Chester
It amazes me that so few people I know have been to Chester, and surprises me even more that so few of them have heard of it.
But this city in England’s Cheshire is not only one of the most beautiful in the UK, but also one of the richest in history. From a Roman wall to half-timbered facades, a soaring cathedral to medieval towers, Chester has wow factor.
Add to that pretty streets with colorful doors and great coffee shops, and this city is worth a special trip.
2. Leicester
People stared in disbelief when I told them I was going to visit Leicester for fun. But it turned out to be another of the underrated cities in Britain that impressed me.
I found so much to do that I had to go back a second time to see everything. Like Chester, it has Roman ruins and a cathedral, and it also has a Richard III museum that follows the miraculous story of the discovery of the king’s remains.
Add in beautiful heritage architecture and New Walk, one of the prettiest pedestrianized streets in the country, and this city is a winner.
3. Wells
Wells finds itself among the underrated cities in Britain more because it’s so small than because there’s a perception it lacks beauty or interest.
This city in Somerset could be mistaken for a town if it wasn’t for the massive cathedral that dominates its center and elevates it to urban status.
The cathedral is certainly worth seeing, but it’s the charming side streets that get my heart fluttering. Vicar’s Close is particularly stunning, and I love the shopping streets in the city center.
4. Birmingham
Birmingham won me over when I first visited for the city’s annual Christmas markets, and has since lured me back for more. This city in the West Midlands is packed with beautiful historic buildings, shopping arcades, and art museums.
Centuries-old pubs and creative districts add to the appeal, and the contemporary library gets my inner architecture (and book) lover excited.
5. Glasgow
Up in Scotland, Glasgow always seems to get overlooked in favor of Edinburgh.
But this city on the west coast has undergone a revival in recent years and is full of life and activity. From vintage markets to funky shops and lively bars and restaurants, Glasgow has a wealth of things to do and see.
And that’s to say nothing of the medieval university and 19th-century buildings that show off the city’s historic merchant wealth and add aesthetic appeal.
6. Leeds
I didn’t know what to expect the first time I traveled to Leeds. But the city showed me everything from stunning shopping arcades like the County Arcade to art galleries and museums like the Henry Moore Institute.
I’ve been back a few times since, and each trip reveals more to see and do. I could spend days exploring the streets, ducking down alleys, and soaking up the cultural treasures here.
7. Newcastle
Newcastle might be known for girls in short skirts and no coats braving sub-zero temperatures to go out at night, but there’s a lot more to the city than that (although it is amazing to see—how do they not freeze?).
From Grey Street, which has been voted the finest street in Britain by BBC Radio 4 listeners, to contemporary art museums like BALTIC, Newcastle offers a great mix of old and new.
The same goes for the bridges, which span both the Tyne and the centuries. And that’s to say nothing of the pubs, some of which have amazing historic interiors and lively atmospheres.
8. Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, but it still manages to fly under the radar for most visitors to the UK.
The city is worth a trip for its castle alone, though. This imposing complex might look like any other fortress from the outside, but the walls hide an extravaganza of interior decor within.
From ornate gold ceilings to mosaic floors, Cardiff Castle is one of the most impressive of its kind in the country.
9. Nottingham
Back in England, Nottingham is one of my favorite under-the-radar cities. From castles to pubs, historic streets to hidden lanes, this place has everything I love in one compact area.
Add to that the Robin Hood legend and one of the oldest pubs in England—you have to see the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem—and it’s hard to find a more exciting spot to explore.
Underrated British Cities
Cities. Towns. Whatever you want to call these places (although I advise you to call them cities if you know what’s good for you), these underrated cities in Britain will surprise and delight you.
Whether you’re looking for history, beauty, culture, or nightlife, it’s worth braving dubious looks, blank stares, and laughter to find it.
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Yes, so many underrated cities especially in England. I would add Norwich to the list. Its a really pretty city but I feel like not that many people visit because it is a little out of the way.
Great recommendation! I went to Norwich ages ago and really liked it.
I love the UK and I love that Leicester is second on your list! British people often laughs at me when I say that I lived in Leicester for ten months and that I loved it! I came back last year after eleven years and it is still great. New Walk, Victoria Park and the city center are places that I love so much.
That’s great! I’m glad you like Leicester too.
I love this post and would love to visit all of these cities. That picture of Wells is particularly stunning to me. What city is that in your cover photo? It looks amazing as well. Thank you!
Yeah, Wells is really beautiful. The cover photo is Chester, which is a gorgeous city.
I’m heading for Wells to visit my aunt in a couple of weeks. It’s lovely but yes, much smaller than the other locations. And Anisa’s suggestion of Norwich is great.
That’s great! I hope you have a good time in Wells.
To be honest half of my reason for wanting to go to Wells is because of Hot Fuzz! But it does look super pretty. Chester and York are probably my favourite UK cities!
Nice! Yeah, Chester and York are both amazing.
I think most people haven’t been to these because they are far away. I’m from down south and really want to visit Chester. Unfortunately, this city is about 3 hours away from my town. I will plan a trip to Cardiff though. Any recommendations there?
I guess it’s all relative. For Americans, 3 hours is a pretty quick trip. There are lots of recommendations on my blog for Cardiff, so please feel free to take a look.
This is such a great post, as there’s so many under appreciated places in the U.K. Well done for drawing attention to them!
Thanks, Natalia! I’m glad you feel that way.
Some very interesting results, a good contrast of location and size.
Perhaps I would add Lincoln into the equation as an off the beaten track destination.
Thanks! Lincoln is a lovely place.
So glad to see that Nottingham made the cut! I’ve visited all of those cities and you’re quite right about them but Nottingham is beautifully compact to walk around (even though we have award-winning public transport).
We also have some great entertainment and cultural venues such as Rock City, the Royal Concert Hall/Theatre Royal, Motorpoint Arena/National Ice Stadium and the Contemporary Art Museum.
Yeah, Nottingham is such a great city. Thanks for sharing your recommendations!
Have you been to Exeter? It has lots of Roman and Norman history, a great museum and the oldest public gardens in England. 🙂
I have been to Exeter. You can read about it on my blog, so please feel free to take a look. It’s a lovely place.
I have spent several days in Leichester, Nottingham,and Glasgow as part of a family genealogy trip to England and Scotland. I loved all of these cities and the part my family played in their growth. Glasgow is a gem, wonderful food, Pollack House( the seat of my Maxwell ancestors.)The Willow Tea Room, the art museum and the University Library. Other places I loved were Durham, Grantham and Bishop Auckland. It was the trip of a lifetime, where we met our Hazelrigg family members and visited their home, Nosely Hall. I am planning another Geneolgy trip to The area around Oxford. People were unfailing kind and generous to my sister and me. Your blog has been wonderful reading, you have given me great ideas for my travels. Thank you
You’re welcome!
Great blog and good to see Newcastle on there! You’ve sold me on a visit to Chester 🙂
I’m glad! Chester is beautiful.
I agree with you on all your picks! I went to University in Leicester and love it. Nottingham is another gem in that area with so much to do. Chester is one of my absolute favorites-so charming.
Thanks! I’m glad you do.
I’m so glad Nottingham is on this list! Proud of my home town xx
That’s great! It’s such an amazing place.
Me too. It was great to visit it four years ago, after four decades away.
That’s great!
Chester is a great city .The cathedral is a beautiful..In fact the whole city is worth a long visit.Shopping is good and the cafe,s are lovely.
Yeah!
Never really considered Birmingham before, as a short break destination. Might do now. I worked in Leeds for three years (my first job) and have fond memories. Keep meaning to go back.
Yeah, it’s a great place for a weekend trip.
Chester is beautiful! My first, and only trip to England so far, was to Chester. The cathedral is awesome!
I’m glad you like it there!
I am thinking you would have to change your name soon: amostwonderfullady inlondon!
It’s incredible what you have done in this post!
Congratulations and Blessings!
Thanks so much!