The four countries that make up the United Kingdom are closely connected by train, so it’s easy to travel between major cities and even catch a bus to tour some local towns and villages nearby. You can spend just one week in the UK and see almost a dozen different places, so long as you plan ahead. The easiest way to travel in the UK is still by train, which has been a staple in the region since the first modern railway was built between Liverpool and Manchester. Now, there are nearly 10,000 miles of connected rails throughout the UK, giving passengers greater access and connectivity than ever. If you’re ready to start your next adventure, these are five cities you can reach in a few hours from the UK’s most central cities.
Glasgow
Often mistaken as Scotland’s capital city, Glasgow is actually about an hour away from Edinburgh. While it might not technically be the capital, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland as well as one of the most visited places in the entire United Kingdom. While you’re there, here are a few top attractions to check out:
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
- The Clydeside Distillery
Manchester
A hop and a skip from London, you’ll find Manchester to be slightly less crowded but no less full of interesting sights. The city is rife with museums, many of which charge no admission. Must-sees include the Bury Art and Sculpture Museum, the Museum of Science and History and the official Manchester Museum, which spans across four sprawling floors of fossils, ancient artifacts and even a few mummies.
London
While you’re in Manchester, you can easily access transportation, and in a matter of hours, be in Great Britain’s most famous city. A travel search platform can help you easily get the best deal on Manchester to London coach tickets online. Traveling by coach is fast, easy, and affordable, and it’ll put you in the heart of London in no time. The sky’s the limit here, so don’t pressure yourself to see everything. If you’re only in London for a day, take a ride on a quintessential double-decker bus, go see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Peruse the streets, shop around and relax a bit in one of the many scenic parks before you move on in your travels.
Bath
Bath is lesser known among tourists, but it is an absolute delight of a town that you can easily access from London. Bath, pronounced with a long a, is actually named after the Roman baths that still stand to this day. While visiting those should be at the top of your itinerary, make sure you also take time to meander the medieval-inspired streets and visit the acclaimed Gothic Bath Abbey.
Belfast
Ireland is full of vibrant places to visit, and the capital city of Belfast is no exception. It’s important to note that this is Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Southern Ireland is an independent nation. While you’re in the city, make sure to check out the Titanic Museum. The doomed vessel was actually built in Belfast, so this attraction features a poignant and fascinating homage to all the voyagers who tragically lost their lives at sea. On a brighter note, you can also explore the Belfast City Hall and Donegall Square, which has plenty of shops and small restaurants to enjoy. From street markets to botanical gardens, you’ll enjoy a peaceful afternoon wandering through the city and letting your curiosity guide you.
