The underrated UK cities you must visit in 2025
Bath, Edinburgh, York – there are some cities in the United Kingdom that hog the limelight (and that's before even considering the tourist appeal of London).
But there are 76 cities in total across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all of which are home to burgeoning arts scenes, curious local mythologies and remarkable places to stay.
While they might not attract the crowds in the same way as the big names, our pick of the UK's most underrated cities – like historic Lincoln, or nature-filled Swansea – are perfect for a getaway, perhaps even more so because of how unsung appeal.
Many of the places selected below have festivals or events happening in 2025, too, so this might just be the year to explore the UK's underrated cities.
England
Norwich
There has been a surge of interest in Norwich this year: according to bookings site Expedia, search has increased by 95 per cent for the destination compared to 2024. For those looking to explore East Anglia more generally, it's a great base, allowing access to the flat expanses of the fens or the seal-filled beaches of North Norfolk.
But the city itself is perfect for a getaway. In May, it will play host to a new jazz festival (May 15 to 24), while history fans will delight in visiting Norwich Castle 's keep, open to the public for the first time in its 1,000-year history.
Where to stay
The Assembly House, a Grade-I mansion in the centre of the city, is a popular choice. Rooms start at £244 per night. Discover more using our guide to the best hotels in Norwich.
Lincoln
Lincoln's Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline, and should be the first stop on any visit. The city's cobblestone streets are a charming alternative to busy Oxford – join a free walking tour to find out more about the medieval city's history, before securing a table at Reform, an award-winning restaurant which offers a popular afternoon tea.
If cycling is your thing, visit during the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix and Sportive (May 11 to 12), a weekend-long extravaganza filled with races and competitions. It's one of the biggest events on the domestic cycling calendar (and it's as entertaining to watch as it is to participate).
Where to stay
The Rest is a chic B&B near the cathedral. Rooms start at £161 per night. Discover more using our guide to the best hotels in Lincoln.
Ripon
Quiet Ripon is one of our more forgotten cities, perhaps overshadowed by behemoths of the north east like Durham, Newcastle and York. Swerve further west, and explore its characterful high street.
Its pretty pubs and twice-weekly market are rightfully lauded, while nearby Fountains Abbey is one of the country's most impressive ruins. If you fancy a flutter, visit the city in the summer, when Ripon Racecourse becomes the centre of attention.
Where to stay
For somewhere very grand, stay at Grantley Hall, situated in 30 acres of manicured parkland. Rooms start at £516 per night. For alternative options, read our guide to the best hotels in North Yorkshire.
Hereford
Herefordshire, on the border between England and Wales, pulls its literary punches, and the city of Hereford works as a fantastic base. There's the Hay Festival in May, and Ledbury Poetry Festival, its little sister, the following month.
The area around the city is also fantastic for families: it's known for its dark skies, meaning a night under the stars can be particularly spectacular.
Whether it's glamping in bell tents or perching in the treetops, the city – and its rural setting – offers some of the country's most memorable places to stay. Pack your walking boots, plus plenty of marshmallows for the campfire.
Where to stay
The Castle House Hotel, a Georgian townhouse, has an excellent restaurant and bar. Rooms start at £185 per night. Discover more using our guide to the best hotels in Herefordshire.
Southend-on-Sea
Southend, like many seaside settlements, has long had a reputation for being unlovable. But beneath the surface, it is secretly transforming into a modern coastal destination.
The beachfront has all the charms of your traditional, Victorian resort – think arcades, fish and chips and the world's longest pleasure pier. Head into the city, though, and you'll find a more modern offering, like Sababa, a stylish coffee shop serving unbeatable falafel.
Where to stay
The Seven Hotel offers views across the water to the North Kent coast. Rooms start at £166 per night. Discover more using our guide to the best hotels in Essex.
Scotland
Dundee
Plucky Dundee is, quietly, the place to visit in Scotland this year. Edinburgh and Glasgow might get all the attention, but this lively city is bursting with new activities. Take the V&A, where children can shimmy their way through 'Design, Play, Dance', an interactive exhibition for all ages.
Thrillseekers should explore the River Tay via a high octane boat trip, or bounce along an inflatable assault course at Wild Shore. Those looking for something a little calmer might be pleased to know that Dundee is the UK's only Unesco City of Design – be sure to stop, look around, and admire its remarkable architecture.
Where to stay
Our expert gave a glowing review of Hotel Indigo Dundee, which was lauded as 'proof that chain hotels don't have to be boring'. Rooms start at £58 per night. Or find out more using our guide to the best hotels in Dundee.
Perth
Walter Scott called Perth the 'Fair City', and its picturesque setting makes it easy to see why. It's a place that happily celebrates its past, something especially evident at the Perth Museum.
A £26.5 million upgrade has given prominence to the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scottish royalty. Outside, the city is ideal for bracing walks. Wander through Quarrymill Woodland Park, explore the manicured grounds of Branklyn Garden, or find yourself getting lost in Scone Palace 's 'Tartan Maze.'
Where to stay
Head out into the countryside and spend the night at Ballintaggart Farm, a 'glorious gastronomic hideaway'. Prices start at £125 per night. Discover more using our guide to the best hotels in Perthshire.
Wales
Newport
Swap Cardiff for Newport this year. The city, only around 13 miles from the capital, is home to a plethora of cultural spots, including Wales's National Roman Legion Museum. Younger children will delight in dressing up as foot soldiers, while teenagers will secretly adore planning their imperial enclave.
For something quieter, there's the National Trust property Tredegar House, a 17th-century mansion surrounded by parkland. And Newport's Wetlands Reserve, along the Severn Estuary, is one of the most important places for wildlife in the country.
Where to stay
The Celtic Manor Resort is renowned for its spa and golf course. Rooms start at £159 per night. Discover more using our guide to the best hotels in Newport.
Swansea
Beach holidays in the UK are becoming contentious, especially as locals report unhappiness with overcrowding in popular destinations like Cornwall. Swerve the hotspots, and visit Swansea instead, where 20 beaches dot the coastline.
It's a fantastic place for surfing – learn to catch a wave at Gower Surf School or Progress Surf School. Or take to the water in a kayak at Oxwich Bay, where the water is much less choppy. In the city itself, it's all about food – head to the market for lunch, then the Michelin-starred Beach House for dinner.
Where to stay
The Grand Hotel is an accessible budget option near the railway. Rooms from £86 per night. Or read more in our guide to the best hotels in Wales.
Northern Ireland
Armagh
Armagh is 'the home of St Patrick', and as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, acts as a sort of Vatican City for the island. To find out more, visit during the annual festival (March 9 to 17), which celebrates the connection with the country's patron saint and includes a series of talks, dance performances, and whiskey masterclasses.
Away from its religious history, Armagh is known for its Georgian architecture, which is illuminated with a light show from November 27 to 30. It makes for a fascinating alternative to Bath: be sure to visit Robinson Library, built in 1771 for the Archbishop's collection of tomes.
Where to stay
Leave the city and stay at Killeavy Castle Estate, described as the 'most stylish hotel in Northern Ireland'. Rooms start at £205 per night. Read more in our guide to the best hotels in Northern Ireland.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
Two U.S. stunners are ranked among the world's most beautiful buildings
From the most beautiful places to visit to the most beautiful theaters in the world, Time Out knows the eye-catching spots that you just have to see for yourself. Just dropped is a list of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and two American venues made the list alongside architectural heavyweights like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Pantheon in Rome and Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. While natural wonders often get the spotlight, these man-made structures prove that human creativity can be just as awe-inspiring. The top three are international stunners including the Taj Mahal in India, Hallgrímskirkja in Iceland and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, but at number four is the homegrown Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s, Fallingwater isn't just a house—it's a masterclass in blending architecture with nature. Built as a weekend retreat, the house is famously perched over a waterfall in the Bear Run Nature Reserve. With stone floors, cantilevered terraces jutting into the forest and a fireplace built around boulders from the site, it doesn't just sit in nature—it becomes part of it. The sound of cascading water echoes through every room, making Fallingwater feel alive. The other American-based destination is Museum at Eldridge Street in New York, clocking in at number 16. Originally the Eldridge Street Synagogue, this 1887 architectural gem located in New York City's Lower East Side is a mix of Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque design, with stained glass windows and a striking star-studded ceiling. But the beauty goes deeper than bricks and arches. It was the first synagogue in the U.S. built by Eastern European immigrants, a bold expression of faith and freedom during a wave of immigration. After decades of decline, a major restoration brought it back to life. Today, it stands as both a museum and a symbol of resilience. These two buildings capture different facets of American history and imagination. One blends with nature; the other rises from a cultural legacy. Both are breathtaking in their own right—and now, officially, among the world's finest. Find the full list here.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Beat the crowds this summer with Scotland's top 12 travel 'dupes'
Step forward the concept of 'destination dupes'. The term was first coined by travel firm Expedia in 2023. It gained traction as social media influencers and bloggers sought out quieter and less expensive locations with wow-inducing scenery. This idea of 'dupes' – short for 'duplicate' – refers, in general terms, to a more affordable or accessible alternative to a high-end or popular product, aiming to replicate its look and feel. And it is something that is swiftly catching on within the travel world. There is a growing movement among holidaymakers, particularly the younger generations, who are keen to seek out pastures new away from overcrowded hotspots and well-trodden paths. In Europe, this has seen Albania dubbed 'the new Croatia' and Plovdiv in Bulgaria being widely touted as a city break substitute for major capitals such as Paris and Berlin. As for closer to home? Here, we list some of our favourite 'destination dupes' around Scotland, from secluded beaches and island escapes to epic driving routes. A clutch of gems that are well-worth discovering – or becoming reacquainted with – this summer and beyond. Crail is great - but have you thought about swapping it for the Banffshire coast? (Image: free) Banffshire coast Dupe for: East Neuk of Fife With its string of picturesque fishing villages and historic harbours, including Portsoy, Sandend, Cullen, Portknockie, Findochty and Buckie, the Banffshire coast certainly packs in the charm. Extending some 30 miles (48km) along the Moray Firth from Spey Bay to Cullykhan Bay, it boasts a long list of must-see landmarks, such as Findlater Castle, St Comb's Well, Bow Fiddle Rock and Craigmin Bridge to name but a few. There are cracking beaches, both golden sands and shingle beauties. Wildlife lovers are in for a treat too, with the area known for sightings of dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, basking sharks and orcas. Foodies will delight at the cluster of heavenly ice cream shops – Portsoy Ice Cream, the Ice Cream Shop in Cullen and the Ice Cream Cabin in Buckie – to sample as you explore. Also try: The Rhins of Galloway (see below) The Great Glen (Image: free) Great Glen Way Dupe for: West Highland Way There's no denying the West Highland Way is a bucket list adventure, although, through the summer months, it can feel as busy as Buchanan Street, leading to ongoing concerns about path erosion, particularly in sections around Loch Lomond and Conic Hill. Superb alternatives include tackling the Great Glen Way, which connects the end of the West Highland Way at Fort William with Inverness, covering 75 miles (120km). It traverses the Great Glen fault line, following the Caledonian Canal towpaths, forest tracks and drovers' roads, taking in Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. You can observe Thomas Telford's remarkable feat of canal engineering, Neptune's Staircase, at close quarters and, with a short detour, visit the Clan Cameron Museum in the grounds of Achnacarry Estate, used as the Commando Basic Training Centre during the Second World War. Also try: The slightly more under-the-radar East Highland Way, which runs 82 miles (132km) from Fort William to Aviemore. And not forgetting the Kintyre Way, Southern Upland Way, John Muir Way, Cateran Trail, Rob Roy Way and Ayrshire Coastal Path. Seilebost (Image: free) Horgabost and Seilebost, Harris Dupe for: Luskentyre, Harris We're not saying to skip Luskentyre, but it is worth remembering that, when it comes to pristine white sands and turquoise waters, this corner of South Harris is no slouch in that department. Horgabost and Seilebost are neighbours to Luskentyre – often likened to the Caribbean – with the trio of beaches sharing the same photogenic coastal road. Dotted further along the A859, you will find Nisabost, followed by Traigh Mhor and Scarista. While glorious for a stroll and to enjoy the views, do exercise caution if taking a dip, with reports of visitors getting into trouble in strong currents, particularly around Traigh Mhor. North Harris, meanwhile, has Huisinis, where the milky-hued sands and azure seas are accessed along a 12-mile (19km), twisting single-track road. Its secluded location means that, at times, you'll only have grazing Highland coos for company. Also try: St Ninian's Isle tombolo in Shetland and the Orkney island of Sanday which, as the name suggests, abounds with gorgeous sandy beaches and dunes. Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire (Image: Getty Images) Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire Dupe for: The shortbread tin castles Think Scottish castles and it is likely Edinburgh, quickly followed by Eilean Donan, that springs to mind. If you're an Outlander fan, Doune Castle is probably in the mix too. Not to forget Stirling, Urquhart and Dunnottar. Yet, a bit like our myriad, lesser-known lochs and lochans, Scotland has no dearth of castles – an estimated 1,500, give or take, at the last count. Dundonald Castle in Ayrshire is part of the Historic Environment Scotland portfolio. Locals, though, have been pitching in to raise its profile too, with Friends of Dundonald Castle, hailed by VisitScotland as a pioneer for community-run tourism. The latter organisation has 15 staff and more than 65 passionate volunteers who have helped turn the 14th-century castle into a year-round hub of activity, hosting everything from open-air musicals to ceilidhs. It has an excellent visitor centre with cafe. Also try: Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries and Aberdour Castle in Fife. Wanlockhead is Scotland's highest village (Image: JULIE HOWDEN) Mennock Pass, Dumfriesshire Dupe for: Bealach na Ba, Applecross If you crave a stunningly scenic stretch of road for a dramatic drive – or challenging cycle – then the Mennock Pass is a sure-fire winner. Climbing through the Lowther Hills along the B797, from the junction at Mennock to its highest point near Wanlockhead, it packs a punch, ascending to 1,535 feet (468m) above sea level. Among the highlights is Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead which, in addition to its fascinating background of lead mining and gold panning, can lay claim to the second-oldest subscription library in Europe. Also try: Mam Ratagan Pass from the A87 at Shiel Bridge to Glenelg, an ancient route used by drovers to take cattle to market. Glenfinnan can be busy so try somewhere further south (Image: free) Almond Valley Viaduct, West Lothian Dupe for: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber You might be wondering what madness is this? Sending you to the farthest reaches of Edinburgh where it meets with the outer fringes of Broxburn, yet the Almond Valley Viaduct is an oft-overlooked engineering marvel. If you've ever caught the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh, via Falkirk High, Polmont and Linlithgow, you will have likely passed along the top of it. It might not be frequented by the Hogwarts Express, or 'Harry Potter train' as the Jacobite Steam Train is colloquially known, but the Almond Valley Viaduct is an impressive sight to behold, best appreciated from ground level. Opened in 1842, it comprises 36 arches and stretches 1.5 miles (2.4km), making it one of the longest in Scotland. Glenfinnan has a mere 21 arches by comparison. Also try: The Leaderfoot Viaduct over the River Tweed, near Melrose, in the Scottish Borders and the Culloden Viaduct, east of Inverness. Yesnaby Castle (Image: Getty Images) The Bunnet Stane, near Gateside, Fife Dupe for: The Old Man of Storr, Skye The Trotternish peninsula of Skye is famed for its eye-catching geological wonders, from the Old Man of Storr to the mighty Quiraing and pleated basalt columns of Kilt Rock. It does, though, much to the chagrin of many locals, become a tad congested around these parts at certain times, especially during peak holiday season. If quirky rock formations are your thing, then there are plenty of others to check out around Scotland. Such as The Bunnet Stane near Gateside in Fife which, sitting at the foot of West Lomond, can be reached on a 1.6-mile (2.6km) out-and-back trail. The Bunnet Stane – which arguably looks more like a giant mushroom – is formed from grey sandstone and perches jauntily on an outcrop of calciferous red sandstone. Maiden's Bower, a small, man-made cave at the base, has inspired legends and folklore. Space at the nearby nearby car parks is limited, so do be respectful. If full, leave and return later – or on another day. Don't park on grass verges or at field gates. Also try: Yesnaby Castle, a majestic sea stack off the Orkney mainland, which is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, accompanied by a magical soundtrack of bird calls and the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Greyfriars Bobby has a rival in Montrose (Image: Getty Images) Bamse, Montrose, Angus Dupe for: Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh A jokey comment – reputedly made by a tour guide – that rubbing the nose of the Greyfriars Bobby statue brings good luck, has caught on almost as fast as the Scott Monument being gifted the contemporary, daft nickname of 'the gothic rocket'. While the latter was a tongue-in-cheek remark, widely credited to travel writer Bill Bryson, the former has seen the bronze memorial to the celebrated Skye terrier, at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh, sustain repeated expensive damage. The shaggy dog story of how Greyfriars Bobby sat by his late master's grave is globally renowned. But did you know that Montrose has a statue that commemorates Bamse, a loyal and brave St Bernard who served as the mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces during the Second World War? Paws off his conk, please. Also try: A life-size statue of Noble, Queen Victoria's beloved collie, can be found on the Balmoral Estate, Aberdeenshire. Loch Long, Argyll (Image: Getty Images) Loch Long, Argyll Dupe for: Loch Lomond Yep, I know if the sun is shining and, in particular, you live in and around Glasgow, Loch Lomond is like a homing beacon, calling you to its magnificent shores. Why not make a left at the outskirts of Dumbarton and plump for Loch Long instead? Now, I appreciate that Loch Lomond is a freshwater loch and Loch Long is a sea loch, which is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but if you are going for vibe, rather than salinity, hear me out. Loch Long, in the west of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is a fjord-esque finger of water extending 20 miles (32km), from Arrochar at its head to the Firth of Clyde at the most southern tip. You have the Cowal peninsula on one side and the Rosneath peninsula on the other. The views of the Arrochar Alps, home to Munros and Corbetts alike, are simply sublime. There are ample paths for shoreline and woodland walks. Not to mention decent cafes for pit stops. Loch Long is brilliant for having fun on, or in, too, be it kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, fishing or wild swimming. Also try: Neighbouring Loch Goil where the Cormonachan Community Woodlands, with its ancient Atlantic oak and hazel, is designated part of Scotland's rainforest. Heart 200 Dupe for: North Coast 500 As the moniker alludes to, this 200-mile (322km) circular route showcases the heart of Scotland, taking in the Trossachs and Highland Perthshire, along with cities such as Stirling and Perth. It can be done clockwise or anticlockwise, with Crieff, Dunblane, Callander, Aberfoyle, Loch Katrine, Strathyre, Loch Earn, Killin, Aberfeldy, Tummel Bridge, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, Pitlochry and Dunkeld, part of its meandering route. Another epic road trip based within a similar vicinity is the Crieff Cloverleaf, a four-day tour aimed primarily at motorcyclists, which, all in, covers 878 miles (1,413km). Visualise a clover, with Crieff at the centre and the plant's leaves looping in north, east, south and west directions. It takes in the Cairngorms and the rolling hills of the Borders, as well as roads with picture-postcard coastline, patchwork fields and lochs. Also try: South West Coastal 300, the Kintyre 66, North East 250 and The Coig, a quintet of touring routes around Ayrshire and Arran. Rhins of Galloway Dupe for: Kintyre This isn't an either/or scenario, rather a suggestion that if you love the wild, rugged beauty of Kintyre, then chances are the Rhins of Galloway will tick many of the right boxes The hammerhead-shaped peninsula proffers diverse coastline, beaches and archaeological sites, with the Mull of Galloway – the most southerly point in Scotland – home to a RSPB nature reserve and Robert Stevenson-designed lighthouse. The area's website, run by the Mull of Galloway Trust, variously describes it as 'one of the best kept secrets in the UK' and 'an unspoiled paradise for visitors on the lookout for peace and tranquillity'. I couldn't have put it better myself. Also try: Ardnamurchan peninsula, Lochaber. Tobermory harbour on Mull The Small Isles Dupe for: Skye Lying to the south of Skye, each of the main Small Isles – Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck – has its own distinctive personality. Or as the author Alexander McCall Smith put it when talking to The Herald earlier this year, 'these islands are the Hebrides as imagined by central casting'. There are oodles of fun-packed activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Rum is newly designated as Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary making it a great spot for stargazers, while Eigg and Muck both feature on the recently created Small Isles Snorkel Trail. Canna is an ornithological dream, providing a haven to some 20,000 breeding seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots, who nest on its cliffs and sea stacks. All four islands are owned and managed differently: Eigg operates through a community trust; Rum is overseen jointly by a community trust and NatureScot; Canna belongs to the National Trust for Scotland; and Muck remains privately owned. Also try: Mull with its heart-soaring vistas, mountains, beaches and the colourful Tobermory harbour.
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
These are the 20 best things to do in San Francisco's Chinatown
What is it? A Gothic revival Catholic church built in 1854. Why go? It's the oldest cathedral in the state, and all its bricks were imported from China (can you imagine how low that boat must have sat in the water?). It survived the 1906 earthquake but the associated fire gutted it, leaving just the brick walls and the bell tower (the bells melted in the heat). It was renovated in 1909 and again in 2011. The church is perhaps best known for the distinctive clock on its tower, where these words are printed in gold: 'Son, observe the time and fly from evil.' Lore says that this advice was specifically aimed at men heading towards area brothels in the 1850s. Time Out tip: Just across the street, you'll find St. Mary's Square, which underwent a renovation and expansion in 2017. The public park now includes a 6,000-square-foot rooftop park (it's street level, but also a rooftop: thank the underground garage for that anomaly) with landscaped seating and an open plaza.
