Every winter, before the new season, we start looking for new destinations in the most beautiful places in the world. For years, one of the most attractive European destinations has been the UK. Picturesque scenery, delicious food, and places of history are everything you will need for a perfect vacation. The United Kingdom is so rich in content that, at some point, you will be in doubt about where to go next and overwhelmed with what to see next. You will have the feeling that there are too many things to see and not enough time to visit them. But worry not; we’ve got you. In the following text, you will be able to find some of the most valued of the UK’s cultural treasures.
- Manchester, England
Fun fact! Manchester is the world’s first industrial city and has always been red brick in its urbanity and vocal street culture. However, in 2022, it became much greener. The majority of vital greenery has arrived in the city center known as the Castlefield Viaduct, which became the modern answer to New York’s High Line by seeding ferns, cotton grass, fennel, and broom along 330 meters of previous Victorian rail track. Right next to Piccadilly Station, you will find Mayfield Park, which is, at the same time, the first new park in a century. This park was opened on a degraded brownfield site with trees, meadows, and play areas along the River Medlock. For you to feel that Manchester is indeed a cultural treasure of England, you will be able to visit numerous galleries and museums, including those devoted to the Asian diaspora, including the South Asia Gallery.
- Oxford
This world is honored to be the home of one of the most prestigious Universities in the world and also one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in England. When you arrive in England, visiting Oxford is a must. For example, at oxford.tours, you will find out that Oxford University is 922 years old, which makes it the second oldest University in the world. A story that is connected to Oxford is that it has more published authors per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Do names such as JRR Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, and Mark Haddon sound familiar? Well, all of them had a chance to study at this prestigious University.
- Edinburgh
The best city to head to if you are interested in some top-rated cultural attractions wthin the UK’s cultural treasures. This is not so surprising as the city is full of a variety of cultural attractions, from breathtaking art galleries and museums to fabulous performances by the local theater actors and comedy clubs. Logically, Edinburgh is the hometown of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is at the same time the world’s largest arts festival and takes place in August every year. Performers flock from all over the world so that they can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime performance. Finally, it would not be fair if we did not mention that Edinburgh is the first-appointed UNESCO City of Literature.
- Newcastle
With this city right here, you just know you will never be disappointed when it comes to art and iconic history. You will need a lot of time to fully experience everything that this town offers. Therefore, The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is positioned on the banks of the River Tyne at Gateshead and also offers free admission for the wonderful exhibitions usually hosted here. This center is located at the repurposed flour mill and makes an impressive spot to visit regardless of the reason. Once you are in, you can also go up to the viewing platform, which is an amazing spot for a panoramic view of Newcastle and Gateshead. When visiting Newcastle, do not miss visiting Anthony Gormley’s incredible Angle of the North statue.
- Portsmouth
Informally, Portsmouth is known as the City of Museums, because of its huge array of art galleries and museums. Portsmouth secures its place as the second best-rated cultural site in the United Kingdom. If you are into artwork and designs, you should head to The Hotwalls Studio, which is a collection of 13 creative studios that are located in the 15th-century military barracks. If you are a literature lover, you can pay a visit to one of the literature museums, with the Charles Dickens Museum topping the list.
- London
Last but not least, the ranking of the UK’s cultural treasures twill not be complete without London on the list. Given the fact that London is the capital of the UK, it is not surprising that it offers 350 attractions, many of which are world-class. It is also unsurprising that London also has some of the best-rated attractions. Lovers of cultural events will enjoy visiting famous London theaters on the West End stages. In addition, it is home to productions such as Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre.
You will probably never encounter so many UNESCO sites as you will have a chance to see them in the UK. However, never underestimate the potential of some other sites you will get to see in this mesmerizing country. It would be a major waste if you just visited city centers without visiting the countryside as well. There, you will have a chance to experience some of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever witness in your life.