Are you a Nigerian planning your first trip to the UK, or are you a returning visitor or resident looking for exciting places to explore? The United Kingdom comprises four distinct nations, each offering a unique blend of rich cultures, traditions, history, and captivating tourist attractions. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next holiday or getaway, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 destinations you won’t want to miss according to the ONS 2021 data.
In 2019, London welcomed 21 million visitors, faced a dip to 4.6 million in 2020 due to COVID, but rebounded to 7.8 million in 2021, contributing £756 million to the city’s economy.”
ONS
LONDON
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London, the magnificent capital of England, is the most visited city in the United Kingdom. It’s a must-visit destination known for its captivating beauty and rich history. Explore Buckingham Palace, parks, museums, the Harry Potter Studio Tour, and the iconic London Eye. London’s diverse culinary scene and unforgettable nightlife are additional highlights. In 2019, London welcomed 21 million visitors, faced a dip to 4.6 million in 2020 due to COVID, but rebounded to 7.8 million in 2021, contributing £756 million to the city’s economy. It’s an essential stop for UK travelers.
Edinburgh’s tourism is booming, with over 4 million visitors contributing £1.2 billion annually.”
EDINBURGH
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Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and second-largest city, is a treasure trove of literature, history, and architecture. It’s famous for whisky experiences, and festivals, and as the birthplace of the Harry Potter series. The city thrives on art, culture, and music, hosting the world’s largest arts festival, The Fringe, every August. Edinburgh’s tourism is booming, with over 4 million visitors contributing £1.2 billion annually. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an impressive 75% of listed buildings, making it a must-visit destination in the UK.
MANCHESTER
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Manchester, a dynamic city in the UK, is celebrated for its impressive architecture, rich culture, music legacy, media influence, scientific achievements, sports clubs, and transportation links. It’s the third most visited city in the UK according to the ONS 2021 report. Attractions include “Old Trafford,” home to Manchester United, Trafford Center shopping mall, parks like Heaton Park, cultural gems like Chinatown, and the Science and Industry Museum, plus the world’s oldest inter-city railway station. Manchester annually welcomes 1.15 million visitors, contributing £7.5 billion to its tourism, making it a must-visit in the UK.
BIRMINGHAM
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Birmingham, a vibrant city, offers an array of attractions not to be missed. It boasts Europe’s largest urban park, spanning 8,000 acres of green space and 35 miles of canals with historical significance. With a youthful population, its nightlife is renowned. The city features 571 parks, including the massive Sutton Park, Europe’s largest urban nature reserve. The Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest public library, houses over one million books. And if you’re a fan of fine jewelry, Birmingham is the place to be, producing a whopping 40% of the UK’s jewelry. So, be sure to plan your shopping excursion accordingly and enjoy the city’s unique offerings.
GLASGOW
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Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and the UK’s third-largest, is celebrated for its stunning architecture and rich history. It holds the distinction of being the second city of the British Empire and the first national city in the UK. Glasgow is also known for its oldest football team, lively nightlife, and beautiful parks. In 2019, it hosted 2.5 million visitors, contributing £774 million to its economy, marking an 8% increase in visits and a 17% rise in spending compared to the previous year.
LIVERPOOL
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Liverpool, celebrated for its music, football excellence, maritime heritage, and The Beatles’ legacy, is an extraordinary city. It offers enlightening museums, captivating architecture, and delicious cuisine. Designated as UNESCO’s City of Music and known for its pop culture influence, Liverpool is home to Anfield Stadium, Liverpool Football Club’s iconic venue.
Liverpool rivals London with its numerous museums and galleries and boasts two grand cathedrals. Its historic architecture blends seamlessly with lush parks, all near sandy shores, making it an ideal family vacation spot. In 2022, Liverpool’s BID area welcomed a remarkable 71.7 million visitors, marking a 40% increase from the challenging year of 2021. Consider a visit to Liverpool for a cultural and vibrant experience.
BRISTOL
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If you haven’t heard of the Balloon Festival, you’re in for a treat! But whether you’re familiar with it or not, a visit to Bristol is a must. Located just 120 miles west of London, this vibrant city in the southwest of England offers a plethora of exciting attractions.Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge stands as one of its most renowned landmarks. Bristol, a city with a rich maritime history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and notable inventions like Ribena and Fry’s chocolate, offers diverse attractions. It’s also renowned for the famous Balloon Festival. Bristol is not only the birthplace of Ribena but also the origin of Fry’s Chocolate, known for creating the world’s first chocolate bar and modern chocolate Easter eggs. In 2019, Bristol welcomed 1.9 million domestic overnight visitors, 13.6 million day-trippers, and over 636,000 international tourists, making it the eighth most visited city or town in the UK.
OXFORD
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Oxford, known as the “City of Spires,” is home to the oldest university in England and offers a rich blend of history, stunning architecture, world-class museums, and unique traditions. It’s also where Blackwell’s Bookstore originated and is famous for punting on the river. Oxford attracts around 7 million visitors annually, contributing £780 million to the local economy, making it the ninth most visited city for extended stays among overseas visitors in 2021. Consider adding Oxford to your travel plans!
CAMBRIDGE
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Cambridge, known for its prestigious university, is an illustrious English city that beckons those seeking a top-tier education. With 31 colleges, including the renowned Cambridge University, and a vibrant student population, it offers a year-round cultural scene encompassing the arts and more. The city center features theaters, museums, galleries, and the scenic River Cam, enhancing its charm. Cambridge’s tourism sector has seen substantial growth, with 8.1 million annual visitors contributing about £835 million to the local economy and accounting for roughly 22% of local employment. Exploring Cambridge is a must when in the UK
CARDIFF
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Known as the “City of Castles,” Cardiff, the capital of Wales, boasts the highest number of castles globally. However, Cardiff offers more than just historic fortifications; it features charming arcades, picturesque parks, and even the world’s oldest record store, Spillers Records, among other attractions. Remarkably, National Geographic reports that over 18 million tourists flock to Cardiff annually. In 2021, the iconic Cardiff Castle ranked as the most visited attraction, welcoming nearly 373,000 visitors. Whether for its castles or its diverse attractions, a visit to Cardiff is a must.
