*Contributed Post
The United Kingdom is a country of contrasts. From the rolling hills of the Derbyshire Dales to the inner city metropolises of the capital and Northern powerhouses, and from the remote Scottish isles to the bustling south coast, there is something for everyone on our tiny island nation. When it comes to summer, we are often left scratching our heads when we think about what to do with our free weekends. Instead of spending your daylight hours sunning it up in your back garden, why not take a trip to some of this country’s finest cities. There’s always loads going on whether you are a culture vulture or a millennial hipster. Take a look at these three awesome UK cities to hit this summer.
London
It goes without saying that London is this nation’s hotpot of culture, the arts, food and music. Summer is when the Big Smoke comes alive. On a balmy July day, you could be wandering the lanes of Carnaby street to partake in a spot of retail therapy, hitting one of the many London music festivals occurring this summer or simply hopping onto the London Eye. You could make a weekend of it, take in a show in the West End, enjoy a jaunt to the aquarium when it gets too hot and enjoy a relaxed river cruise down the Thames. For those who love culture, there are more free museums and galleries than you can shake a stick at. If you’re more into your urban treats, the achingly cool Shoreditch will have everything you need to enhance your hipster credentials.
Lichfield
If you’ve never heard of this small city around half an hour away from Birmingham, you’re not the only one. Nestled away in the Staffordshire countryside, this city is a beacon of culture in the summer months. Music, comedy and food festivals make Lichfield a must-see destination. You may choose to explore the old cathedral where Oliver Cromwell defaced statues with his Roundhead crew in the English Civil War, or you might fancy a trip to the Garrick to watch a bit of local comedy. Lichfield is small enough to feel intimate yet bustling enough to have a cool vibe; perfect for whiling away a weekend in the summer.
Swansea
The only Welsh city on the list is worthy of a few days of exploration. With the hustle and bustle of an emerging city with a cool cafe culture alongside the beauty of an outstanding coastline, Swansea has a lot to offer. The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is a must for those who enjoy supporting emerging British artists, and the wonderful food market is ideal to sample some traditional Welsh grub such as laverbread and vinegary cockles. For a more scenic adventure, the Mumbles is an area full of old Welsh charm in a more rural environment. Walking and rambling are the order of the day intermingled with the obligatory pub stops for some Welsh ale and fine food.
The UK is full of fantastic destinations to visit during the summer months. Festivals, events and markets abound in these cities, making them great places to visit if you find yourself with a pair of itchy feet encouraging some UK bound wanderlust adventures.