A short break in a beautiful city is certainly cheaper than an all-inclusive resort stay. So why not opt for a city break instead?
Treat yourself to an adventure this summer. Overseas travel has been a bit tricky lately due to price rises, and complications from the pandemic. But fear not! There are lots of amazing city break destinations right here in the UK. A UK city break could be just the cheap student holiday you need, and here are our recommendations:
London
One of the most energetic cities in the world, London has a wide range of attractions. And many of the places worth visiting are completely free. One of the best attractions is definitely Sky Garden. It's London's highest public garden where you can enjoy great views of the city alongside some beautiful plants. To see even more of the London skyline, take a ride on the London Eye.
There’s also a colourful bus that sells frozen yoghurt nearby that you should check out. The illuminated seating upstairs is a great place to relax overlooking the River Thames. You can go for a walk via Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the Guard. It's definitely a sight worth seeing.
Liverpool
The next stop on the list is Liverpool, the city of the Beatles and two well-known football clubs. Located on the Mersey River with many parks, Liverpool is a great place to wander around. Royal Albert Dock is a must-see! It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. You can admire the amazing architecture while relaxing in popular restaurants, classic pubs, or swanky bars. Thanks to the wide selection of venues, the choice is entirely up to you.
If you're interested in history and culture, check out some of the museums and galleries, of which Liverpool has the most outside of the capital. One of the most famous museums, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, celebrates the historic nautical past of the great port city. There are loads of free museums worth visiting, like the Tate Liverpool, the Liverpool Museum and the International Slavery Museum.
Brighton
If you're a fan of the sea breeze and pebbled beaches, Brighton could be the one for you. It's a coastal, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex. This colourful city is known for its modern culture and exotic architecture. There are loads of independent shops, cafes, and boutiques to visit. You should definitely check out the Royal Pavilion, as it’s one of the most memorable landmarks in the city. The intricate palace once was a former royal residence and has now been converted into a museum.
Just next to the pavilion, you can pop into Brighton Museum & Art Gallery to check out an amazing collection of art and design exhibitions. There’s always the beach too, and right next to the beach are the Sea Life Centre and the Palace Pier, complete with food stalls and rides. For some unforgettable scenery, try cycling along the Undercliff Path, which follows the shoreline from Brighton Marina to the village of Saltdean.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital has an array of historical landmarks and contemporary cultural touchpoints. There’s Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a slice of Scottish history. Just a short walk from the Royal Mile is Arthur’s Seat, an ancient dormant volcano with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
If you visit in August, you’ll coincide with the Fringe Festival. Make a point of being there then for everything up-and-coming alongside established favourites in the worlds of comedy, theatre, and music. There are other cultural keystones like the National Museum of Scotland to check out too. Make sure you rub Greyfriar Bobby’s nose for good luck.
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