Who says every holiday or mini-break needs to take you overseas? The UK is a varied nation filled with beautiful, interesting, and dynamic cities to visit without ever having to set foot on a plane. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a spontaneous weekend away, we've picked out the best city breaks the United Kingdom has to offer.
Cambridge
The city of quintessential English charm, Cambridge is a place of history and character. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world, whose alumni include Stephen Hawking, Stephen Fry and David Attenborough. The university’s historic architecture is a big draw with many visitors spending time admiring the university and its surroundings. The city is also home to many green spaces and parks, as well as museums, art galleries, cafés and bars.
What to do in Cambridge
- Hire a punt and float down the River Cam
- Climb the tower at King's College Chapel for a birds-eye view
- Lose yourself in a maze of lush foliage at the Botanic Gardens
- Let Cambridge students show you around on a University Tour
- Browse the Fitzwilliam Museum for famous art and antiques
Where to eat in Cambridge
- Check out the seasonal menu at The Punter’s Pub
- Head to Smokeworks for some of the best BBQ food in Britain
- Visit Fitzbillies for their famous Chelsea buns
Cambridge is a walkable city with an impressive public transport infrastructure. Once you arrive at Cambridge station, getting where you need to go by bus is a breeze. We run services to Cambridge from all over the UK, including Peterborough, Stansted Airport, and Birmingham New Street.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the most gorgeous cities not only in the UK but in the whole of Europe. Draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea, Scotland’s capital is as beautiful as it is buzzing. With loads of attractions, shops, bars and restaurants to choose from, you might be tempted to spend a little more than you first thought. But fear not, there’s plenty of free stuff to do in Edinburgh too.
What to do in Edinburgh
- Explore the nooks and crannies of the Royal Mile and Grassmarket
- Admire Britain’s oldest crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle
- Take in the city’s skyline by climbing Arthur’s Seat
- Book a whisky tour or take part in a literary-themed pub crawl
- Appreciate the art at the Scottish National Gallery
Where to eat in Edinburgh
- Eat a swanky dinner at Restaurant Martin Wishart
- Grab authentic Thai street food at Ting Thai Caravan
- Enjoy traditional Scottish fare at gastro pub The Scran & Scallie
Edinburgh Waverley is accessible from all over Scotland with CrossCountry, including Glasgow Central. For those travelling from further afield, trains also depart regularly from stations like Manchester Piccadilly, Bristol Temple Meads, and Southampton Central.
York
You will discover history at every turn on the winding cobbled streets of York. At the city’s heart lies the awe-inspiring York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. York’s history is sewn through every brick and beam, yet its modern attractions keep it up-to-date, pleasing visitors all year round.
What to do in York
- Marvel at York Minster’s stunning architecture
- Wander through one of Britain’s most picturesque streets – The Shambles
- Discover the city’s history at York Dungeon
- Tour some of the city’s attractions with a cycle in York
- See a show at the Grand Opera House
Where to eat in York
- Enjoy afternoon tea at The Grand
- Book a table at Ambiente for tasty, authentic tapas
- Browse Shambles Market for spectacular street food
York is in close reach of several CrossCountry stations, making a weekend trip there a great option for families with young children. Just catch a train from Leeds, Doncaster, or Wakefield Westgate and be at your destination in under an hour.
Newcastle
Newcastle might be famed for its thumping nightlife, but this energetic city is so much more than that. Boasting historic monuments, cultural attractions, trendy restaurants and secret bars, it’s easy to see why the city is one of the UK’s best city break destinations.
What to do in Newcastle
- Visit the city’s iconic landmark, the Angel of the North
- Browse the cafés and boutiques in Jesmond, Newcastle’s trendiest suburb
- Take a guided tour through the Victoria Tunnel
- Look around Grainger Market
- Learn something new at the Life Science Centre
Where to eat in Newcastle
- Enjoy bistro-style food at Café 21
- Try the medieval banquet at Blackfriars Restaurant & Banquet Hall
Newcastle station can be accessed by train from various locations across the UK, including Darlington, Durham, and more southerly stations, like Nottingham and Oxford.
Bristol
Combining rich maritime heritage with a modern, hip vibe, Bristol is a great choice for a UK city break. Straddling the River Avon, Bristol is fiercely independent and offers its visitors a wealth of activities. From discovering the Georgian history of the Old City to dining at Michelin starred restaurants and visiting brilliant bars, you won’t get bored in Bristol.
What to do in Bristol
- Walk over the Clifton Suspension Bridge
- All aboard the museum ship, SS Great Britain
- Explore the hipster hub of Stokes Croft
- Climb to the top of the Cabot Tower for views over Bristol and the harbour
- Join a Banksy art tour
Where to eat in Bristol
- Book a table at The Ox for quality steak at bargain prices
- Grab some street food at St Nicholas Market
- For Bristol’s finest seafood dishes, head to Palomar Fishhouse
CrossCountry runs several routes around the west of England and from Wales that will get you to Bristol Temple Meads in no time. Hop on a service from one of several stations around the UK, including Newport, Cardiff Central, and Exeter St Davids.
Manchester
Manchester is a city full of character, known for its music scene with legends like The Smiths and Oasis, and home to spots like the Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Museum. It’s a mix of old and new, from the stunning historical architecture of John Rylands Library to the contemporary skyscrapers of MediaCity. The Northern Quarter is a great place to wander, with its street art, quirky shops, and cosy cafes.
What to do in Manchester
- Wander through the beautiful Heaton Park, one of the largest parks in Europe
- Catch a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre
- Learn about the city's history at the People’s History Museum
- Explore the lively Chinatown, for bustling markets and date night restaurants
- Check out the Manchester Craft and Design Centre for unique handmade items from local artists
Where to eat in Manchester
- For some of the best Indian cuisine in the city, head to Dishoom for some delicious Bombay comfort food
- Try something fancy at Mana, one of Manchester's upscale and delicious Michelin-star restaurants
- Grab some street food at Mackie Mayor, an exciting food hall with a range of vendors
Manchester Piccadilly is a big and busy station with hundreds of connections. CrossCountry runs services from key areas like Birmingham New Street, Coventry, and Stoke-On-Trent.
If you’re planning a city break, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Seb