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Forget London — these are the 10 best towns to visit in the UK
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20 Sep 2024
The best part about studying abroad in the UK is everything is new and fresh. There are new sights, new smells, and new sounds to experience.
We’re big supporters of international students making the absolute most of their time in this great country.
Which is why once you’ve settled into your halls and figured out where everything in your campus in, you should start thinking about the best towns to visit in the UK.
Travelling in the UK
Local travellers spend more on day trips and overnight stays than overseas tourists, according to reports from The House of Commons and Visit Britain.
Yet, these trips often focus on England’s capital city of London, the South West, and the South East, with large cities and towns receiving 44% of domestic overnight trips in Britain and 45% in England.
Smaller towns are often overlooked, but that doesn’t mean they don’t hold gems of their own.
There’s easy access to the history, stunning natural scenery, and pristine coastlines of the UK’s four nations: Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
But with Europe so close by and plane tickets from the UK to European countries typically between US$90 to US$220 for a two-way trip, some would say it’s better to skip the towns and venture to Paris or Dubrovnik.
How right are they?
Flying off to Europe for a holiday is nice, but what’s better is getting in a car with your friends and driving off to a small town in the UK for a little cosy escape. Source: AFP
Great reasons to travel within the UK
Yes, train tickets between London and smaller towns in the UK can cost the same as plane tickets to European countries.
AirBnBs in smaller UK towns, such as Penzance in Cornwall, can be as affordable as US$54 a night, while prices in Barcelona, Spain, can be as low as US$44.
Despite the higher cost, Airbnb in smaller UK towns often offers fantastic views, gardens, and a private bedroom and bathroom. In contrast, cheap Airbnbs in Europe are often bunk bedrooms or small bedrooms.
International students can also take advantage of travel discounts for accommodations or transportation when travelling locally, such as those offered by Groupon, hotukdeals, UNiDAYS, and student card discounts.
One might ask, “If plane tickets are the same, why not just travel to Europe and see more?”
It’s a reasonable question, but is it worth flying to a country for a day or two over the holidays or long weekends?
Consider St Michael’s Mount, a historic castle and island off the coast of Marazion in Cornwall.
Once a key port for trading Cornish tin with the Greeks and other civilisations, this castle is the English counterpart to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France.
Now, let’s look at the Isle of Skye in Inner Hebrides, Scotland. The cliff, waterfall, and rock formations resemble the Nordic landscapes of Iceland.
The point is that smaller towns in the UK offer what European holiday locations offer — beautiful scenery, local history, culture, and tranquillity — it’s an experience on its own.
Moreover, understanding the culture of the country you’re studying in is crucial, as it forms the foundation of its identity today.
In the UK, you’re never far from the coast or countryside, with so much to see and do.
10 best towns to visit in the UK for a local getaway
St. Ives is famous for beaches like Porthmeor for surfing and family-friendly Porthminster, which sits alongside its famous art scene and stunning coastal walks with scenery. Source: AFP
1. St. Ives, Cornwall
Best known for its museums, galleries, and sandy beaches, St. Ives is a Cornish fishing and mining town located at the southwestern tip of England and is one of the best towns to visit in the UK for a weekend away.
Strolling through the town’s cobbled streets, you’ll catch a whiff of the famous Cornish pasties while enjoying gorgeous sea views through its quaint alleys.
During the summer, you can relax at one of its seven beaches, ideal for picnics and surfing. You can make a trip down to St Michael’s Mount and Land’s End for breathtaking scenery. However, be prepared for cold and harsh winters due to its coastal location.
St. Ives is perfect for those studying at Falmouth University looking for a weekend getaway.
2. Conwy, Wales
Located on the northern coast of Wales, Conwy stands as one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns.
A well-known site in the walled market town is Conwy Castle, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Great Britain’s smallest house is located in the town too — a quaint little place by the quayside, standing just 72 inches wide by 122 inches high.
In the summer, visitors can explore its beaches, trails, piers, and gardens, while winter offers seasonal events, making it a year-round destination and one of the best towns to visit in the UK.
Suppose you’re studying at Bangor University, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, or the University of Liverpool; Conwy provides an ideal escape just a short drive away.
3. Keswick, Lake District
Keswick is one of the best towns to visit in the UK for an adventurous adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, it offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts.
The town’s stunning landscape provides a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to mountain biking. For those seeking a more laid-back holiday, Keswick boasts historical and cultural attractions such as the Ravenglass Roman Bath House and Hadrian’s Wall.
In the summer, Keswick is warm and great for outdoor activities. During winter, it’s the best place to enjoy a hot chocolate by a fireplace or walk through the snowy countryside.
While Keswick is a long drive from big cities in the UK, Keswick is a must-visit destination for those studying at the University of Cumbria, Lancaster University, and the University of Central Lancashire.
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4. Shaftesbury, Dorset
Perched on top of a hill in north Dorset, Shaftesbury is a small market town that offers remarkable views and historical Victorian and Georgian buildings.
The town is good for those looking for panoramic scenery and to browse at independent shops. In the summer, Shaftesbury hosts several festivals, such as the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival and the Shaftesbury Feastival.
During winter, the town turns into a winter wonderland. However, due to its location, it can get harsh and windy.
Shaftesbury is one of the best towns to visit in the UK for students studying at the University of Bath, the University of Bristol, the University of Southampton, or Bournemouth University, as they are close by.
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5. Knaresborough, Yorkshire
Located above the River Nidd, Knaresborough is a spa and market town best known for its Victorian viaduct over the Nidd Gorge, alongside the ruins of Knaresborough Castle.
Visitors can check out its medieval streets that climb up and down the clifftop town, its woodland walk along its waterfront, and the famous Mother Shiptons Cave and the Petrifying Well.
Summers in the town are often sunny and warm, best for those looking to hike up its hills. Winters, however, are long, very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy.
If you’re studying at any of these universities, then you’re in luck, as Knaresborough is just a short drive away from the University of York, York St John University, the University of Leeds, and the University of Bradford.
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6. Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe is one of the best towns to visit in the UK as it is filled with activities for everyone.
You can hike up the National Trust’s Bolt Head, explore the independent boutique shops, relax by its sandy little beaches, discover its historical sites, and enjoy its scenic landscape.
The Devon sublime coastlines are amazing for walks during the summer. Salcombe does not come to a stop during the winter months, you can enjoy its cuisines, crabbing, and coastal walks.
Salcombe is the best town for those studying at the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth, and Plymouth Marjon University, as they are close by.
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7. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
Enjoy a stroll through the cobbled streets and ancient bridges of Castle Combe, one of the most beautiful towns in the UK. Filled with history, well-preserved medieval architecture, and incredible countryside sights, Castle Combe is one of the best towns in the UK to visit.
In the summer, you can bike through the town or hike along its scenic walking trails to reconnect with nature. In winter, the town transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for a magical getaway.
If you’re a student at the University of Bristol or the University of Bath, you’re in luck. Castle Combe is just a short drive away, making it a great destination for a quiet yet enchanting escape.
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8. Portmeirion, Wales
Located right by the Eryri National Park in Wales, Portmeirion is known for its architecture and beautiful coastal views.
During the summer, you can enjoy its gardens, sandy beaches, and outdoor events. The town’s shops, cafes, and scenic walking trails make it ideal for a sunny day out and one of the best towns to visit in the UK in the summer.
Winter in Portmeirion is a classic for a peaceful getaway. The town transforms into a retreat with cosy accommodations, festive lights, and snowy landscapes.
Universities that are close to Portmeirion are Bangor University, Aberystwyth University, and Wrexham University.
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9. Bibury, Gloucestershire
Bibury is often said to be one of England’s most picturesque villages because of its stone cottages and countryside.
In the summer, you can stroll along the River Colm and Arlington Row or enjoy picnics in its countryside meadows. The town’s gardens and cafes provide excellent spots to relax.
During winter, Bibury transforms into a cosy snowy wonderland with festive decorations. You can often find locals walking along the river or visiting local pubs during the colder months.
Bibury is perfect for those studying at the University of Oxford and the University of Gloucestershire, and for those looking for a peaceful weekend holiday.
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10. Petworth, West Sussex
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, Petworth is a market town filled with cobbled streets, antique stores, bookstores, and cafes.
You can explore the town’s extensive deer park and its famous late 17th-century Petworth House that appeared in the show “Bridgerton.”
In the summer, the town is filled with markets and outdoor concerts. During winter, Petworth gets cold, but it does not stop the town from hosting festivals and Christmas events.
Petworth is one of the best towns to visit in the UK as it’s close to many different universities, such as the University of Southampton, the University of Surrey, as well as all the universities located in London.
