The UK is more popular than ever, with an estimated 41.7 million tourists visiting in 2018. The vast majority were drawn in by the majesty and variety of London, of course. But the United Kingdom has so much more to offer in places that tourists traditionally neglect when planning their trip. This is starting to change, however, with less fashionable cities such as Birmingham attracting 3.3 million visitors between 2015 and 2017. 

Here are four hidden gems that will give you plenty of reasons to think twice before your next trip within the UK. 

Halifax

This Yorkshire market town on the edge of the Pennines is enjoying a meteoric rise when it comes to tourism. Hollywood movie star Robert De Niro was a recent visitor, for example, and Halifax is becoming used to featuring on the big and small screen with the likes of Last Tango in Halifax, Happy Valley, and Gentleman Jack all being filmed there. The town’s incredible Piece Hall has to be seen to be believed and the National Children’s Museum, Eureka!, is also situated in Halifax. There are some fantastic places to eat too, including Ricci’s Tapas. 

Liverpool

For many years, Liverpool was overlooked by tourists. These days the only people missing out are those who don’t come and visit this wonderful city on the Mersey. The waterfront has been transformed over recent decades and is now a fantastic place with something for everyone. Statues of The Beatles are a stone’s throw from the city’s majestic Liver Building, while the Tate Museum has an outpost in Albert Dock. There are so many fantastic music venues, and the superb tapas restaurant El Gato Negro has recently announced it will be opening in Liverpool, too. Don’t miss out. 

Scarborough 

This regenerated town is the archetypal English seaside resort. Its Grand Hotel was once viewed as the best in Europe when it opened back in 1867, but these days the grandeur is starting to come back to this coastal town. Figures from Visit England show that the coastline, which runs from fantastic Flamborough up to Whitby, was the most visited area outside of London by British holidaymakers, with an average of over 1.3 million trips a year. US pop star Britney Spears visited in 2018 and you should certainly consider following suit on your next trip. 

Cambridge 

This world-famous University town is stunning. The 30-odd colleges that make up the University of Cambridge knit the city together, each offering something different but all worth a visit. If you only have time for one, we would recommend Christ’s College – you can even visit it for free! Punting on the River Cam is a beautiful way to spend a summer afternoon (you can pretend you’re in Venice) and there are plenty of things to do along the Queens Road, which is referred to as ‘The Backs’ by the locals.