Cities you never thought to visit in the UK

Whether you live in the UK and are planning on a holiday close to home, or you’re a visitor looking for an unconventional holiday destination, here are a few suggestions that might not have crossed your mind.

A city that’s currently enjoying a rise in popularity is the capital of Wales, Cardiff. Visitor numbers over the past decade or so have increased by more than 50% and it’s easy to see why, with a host of fantastic tourist hotspots. The Millennium Centre is a great venue for arts and theatre, offering a great bill of shows for all the family, from well-loved musicals to stand-up comedy. The nearby Cardiff Castle started life as a Roman garrison, and was later transformed into a luxurious Victorian home in the 19th century, making it a must-see attraction for history lovers.

Photo Credit  goes to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brighton

If you do like to be beside the seaside, then Brighton is a fantastic choice for a short break. The tide never fully comes in on the sprawling pebble beach, allowing for a great range of pubs, clubs, coffee shops and art galleries to sit tucked under the sea wall. Inland, there are the winding streets and alleys of the North Laines, where you’ll find intriguing boutiques, bespoke jewelers and unique flea markets to wander about. And of course, there’s always the famous Brighton Pier for fairground rides and attractions.

The entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which gives you some indication of its historical value. Home to some of the country’s finest 18th century architecture and wonderfully preserved ancient baths and a pump room, Bath is a city where you can take a look backwards through time. It’s a small place, but you’ll find more than enough restaurants and sights of interest for any length of stay.

The historic maritime port of Bristol is just a quick meander from the natural splendour of the Cotswolds, which are also worth a visit – but with so much to do in town you might need to tear yourself away. Tour the fresh food stalls in the medieval city, go shopping at Cabot circus or see over 450 species of wildlife at the zoo gardens.

Wherever you go in the UK this year, an American Express credit card makes the ideal travel companion. With exclusive membership rewards and great features like cash back and Refund Protection, a credit card from American Express can help to make your money go further.

Disclaimer:  This is a guest post, opinions expressed are not mine.