England is More Than Just London
London is the most popular city in all of Britain; in all the biggest British movies, shown all over social media and it’s where most international tourist visit.
Though, to say London defines an entire country is not only inaccurate, but also incredibly narrow minded.
The Travelers Tips have compiled the Top 5 Cities not named London. These cities are starting to make their own waves internationally for their unique views on food, nightlife, education and social views.
Top 5 English Cities Not Named London
1- Brighton – This great little town is perfect for a weekend trip, it’s also holds an very unlikely claim… As of 2019 it rank as the top hipster destination not only in Britain, but the entire world. Recently it beat out Portland as the most hipster locale on the planet. Hipster towns are great for loads of local shops, edgy boutiques, cafes and craft breweries. Not only that, the beach city has narrow and charming European streets which help create an intimate atmosphere as you walk thru the city to the beach.
Best Time to Go : Aside from the summer for the beach, the Brighton Festival runs in May so shoot for then if you want some local fun.
2- Liverpool – is typically followed in most sentences by FC, as in Liverpool FC the world famous futbol team. Though Liverpool is the home of Strawberry Field AND Penny Land both made extremely famous by the one and only The Beatles. Continue your historical journey in Liverpool with the Williamson Tunnels burrowed under the city streets.
Best Time to Go : Fall, when the streets are only crowded with autumn leaves and not sweaty tourists.
3- Manchester – Another city unfortunately known just for their football team, and not enough for their rich LGBTQ + community, their underground cocktail scene, experimental theatre . Visit the Victoria baths, John Rylands Library and then sip cocktails at 17 Below an 80s themed cocktail bar.
Best Time to Go – between June and August, this is when the cities calendar is jammed pack with the LGBTQ+ Pride, Jazz and Theatre Festivals
4- Oxford – while most will come for one of the world most beautiful and prestigious colleges which was featured in the internationally famous series Harry Potter most should continue their studies at the world’s biggest single room bookstore – Norrington Room. Other highlights include: Tower of University Church of Steve Mary the Virgin, FREUD Oxford Cocktail Bar and the Alison and Wonderland Trail.
Best Time to Go: Summer, check out the university city without the University Crowds.
5- Bristol – is one of the least well known cities in all of England and in some ways that what makes it the best. It truly a city that is shaped by its current residents as much as its history. It is often considered the Berlin of England for its rich underground techno music scene and Banksy street art. Tour some of Banksy’s best works while sipping on some of the strongest coffee in all of the UK. As night falls, switch to some craft beer and dance the night away at some of the coolest underground clubs in all of Europe.
Best Time to Go: Late spring and early summer months; take advantage of the warm weather and outdoor festivals. Bonus Bristol is also very eco friendly – enjoy all this on a bike.
