Travelling to UK? Here are its top destinations and where to book a place to stay in them
If there's one place in the world where you can feel like royalty, it's in the United Kingdom, which makes it a perfect place to travel to in the summer.
Here, you'll be immersed in its vibrant culture of art that highlights ancient castles, fascinating sceneries, and intricate architectural miracles. But with so many cities and destinations to choose from, you might be wondering what to pick first.
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the six most searched destinations in the United Kingdom for travel this May, with the iconic and royalty-packed city of London once again taking the crown as UK’s most popular destination for inbound travel. It is followed by Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, and the cities of Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Birmingham respectively.
But now two important questions remain: What are the best tourist destinations to visit in each area and where can you book a place to stay during your sightseeing extravaganza? Read below to find out.
London
From its history and culture to its magnificent buildings and monuments, the city of London is a tourist destination that will fulfill your royal fantasies.
Here, you can have the opportunity to witness the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, or if you're a fan of theater, then you may want to head to the Royal Opera House to enjoy some performance arts. You can also explore the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, or dine at The Shard where you can have a grand view of the London skyline.
If London is your pick, you can choose to stay at the Mimi’s Hotel Soho ($303 or P16,900 per night), The Royal Horseguards Hotel ($534 P29,900 per night), or at the Mama Shelter London ($200 or P11,200 per night).
Edinburgh
If your bucket list includes marveling at grand castles and historic buildings, then the capital of Scotland is where you can achieve that dream.
Edinburgh is where you can take a tour of the famous Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified places in Europe whose walls are filled to the brim with history and relics.
Aside from this, you can also enjoy the sights of the Royal Mile, a street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, which serves as the official residence of the monarch in Scotland.
If Edinburgh is the one that tugs at your wanderlust, you can choose to stay at The Scotsman Hotel ($288 or P16,000 per night) in Old Town and Tigerlily Hotel ($275 or P15,400 per night) in New Town.
Manchester
Manchester takes pride in being one of England's largest cities that plays a significant part in attracting tourists with its rich attractions, such as the Manchester Town Hall where you can admire the intricate Victorian Gothic architecture of Chetham's Library—the world's oldest bibliotheca.
Another tourist spot that you should not miss is the Royal Exchange Theatre, which offers a unique experience as the performance art is housed in a stunning glass-walled building. Manchester is also a haven for football fans as it is the home of league legends Manchester United.
Is Manchester the one for you? Then you can book a stay at the Hotel Gotham, The Edwardian Manchester, or Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, all under $200 or P11,200 per night.
Liverpool
Are you a certified fan of the English rock band The Beatles? Then Liverpool will surely satisfy the music lover in you as it is where the band hails from and would eventually take the world by storm with their influential music.
Liverpool is also where you can find the largest pipe organ in the country at the majestic Liverpool Cathedral, and where you can have a relaxing walk along the Albert Dock, which boasts a complex of dock buildings and warehouses. If you're up for a drink, then make your way toward The Royal Institution, a grand building that has been transformed into a swanky cocktail bar.
Is sighseeing at Liverpool music to your ears? If so, you can stay at Pullman Liverpool Hotel (under $200 or P11,200 per night) and Hope Street Hotel (under $300 or P16,800 per night).
Glasgow
Glasgow has the distinction of being Scotland's biggest city, with a specialty in stunning architecture and rich history. One of the most famous attractions here is the Glasgow City Chambers, a prestigious building with ornate stained-glass windows and marble columns that will leave you in awe.
The city's creativity and artistry meanwhile take center stage at The Hidden Lane, a community of over 100 studios where artists, designers, craftspeople, musicians, jewellers, tattooists, and many more work. Another spot you can go is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which contains works by art icons like Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt.
If Glasgow is a go for you, you can book a room at Native Glasgow and Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel for under $200 (P11,200) to $250 (P14,00) per night.
Birmingham
Last but not the least is Birmingham, a charming city that is home to a wealth of gorgeous canals that sprawl across the city and allow you to enjoy the city's great views and dreamy atmosphere.
A must-visit tourist destination is the 300-year-old Birmingham Cathedral, a fine example of English Baroque architecture. It's recommended that you head towards the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery right after as this is where you can delight in an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Other attractions that will give you an unforgettable travel experience are the Birmingham Royal Ballet, one of the top five ballet companies in the UK, and Villa Park, where you can watch Prince William’s favorite football team Aston Villa play.
If your eyes are set on Birmingham, you can stay at Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, Aloft Birmingham Eastside, or AC Hotel by Marriott Birmingham under $150 (8,400) per night.