The beautiful little city constantly named UK’s best – full list of top 17 | Travel News | Travel
In the UK, there are a total of 76 “official” cities – meaning each one has been given that status by Royal Charter. And with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is the best when choosing where to visit for a long weekend or even a relocation.
Using data from a YouGov poll that analyses the most popular cities in 2024, we have come up with a list of the top 17 – and first place may come as no surprise.
13 of the cities are located in England, while two are in Scotland. One is in Northern Ireland and the other in Wales.
But despite their rankings, all the cities have something different to offer – from historical backgrounds to excellent employment opportunities.
Take a look at the full list below.
Belfast in Northern Ireland is praised for its friendliness and community spirit, putting it in 17th place.
According to a study by OnePoll for Babybel, Belfast was the second kindest city in the UK in 2022.
Famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic, the dockyards are still open to visit.
Tourists can explore the striking Titanic Belfast museum, its aluminum-clad structure reminiscent of a ship’s hull.
There are also plenty of attractions in this thriving city, with a number of museums, restaurants and bars.
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Plymouth, nestled in Devon in southwest England, is a vibrant port city steeped in maritime history.
Its famed Barbican district boasts charming narrow, cobbled streets, while the Sutton Harbour serves as a focal point, housing the esteemed National Marine Aquarium.
Alongside the aquarium, several marinas and the bustling Plymouth Fisheries fish market contribute to the harbour’s lively atmosphere.
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Cardiff is the capital of Wales and known for its unique student culture. The city has plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture, with a range of entertainment options.
From touring a gothic castle to zipping around a rafting course at Cardiff International White Water, there is plenty to do in this city.
There are also a range of accommodation options available, from more budget-friendly B&Bs to five-star hotels.
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Located in Scotland, Glasgow stands proudly as a port city along the banks of the River Clyde.
Renowned for its Victorian and art nouveau architectural marvels, the city’s skyline reflects a prosperous history spanning from the 18th to the 20th century, driven by thriving trade and shipbuilding industries.
Glasgow currently holds status as a vibrant national cultural epicenter, boasting esteemed institutions such as the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland.
The city’s slogan of ‘People make Glasgow’ is one indicator that its a friendly place to visit, with travel writer and Glasgow native Steve King writing that the city is a place where “complete strangers will talk to you as if you’d been at school together”.
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Newcastle comes in at thirteenth on the list, with the city seeping in history from its ship building and coal mining heritage.
It has transformed itself into a leading cultural destination, renowned for being the business and social hub of the North East with good career opportunities.
The council have also just committed to a city centre transformation aimed at making the space cleaner, greener and more welcoming.
(Image: Getty)
