Visiting the UK isn’t just about having your photo taken outside Buckingham Palace or riding a red double decker bus. Venture out of the capital and you’ll find plenty to see and do particularly after dark. Here’s our guide to the British cities with the best nightlife, not to be missed while you’re touring the UK.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital’s reputation for its buzzing nightlife is well-known throughout the UK and is due in part to Cardiff’s compact size. St Mary’s Street located just a stone’s throw from the imposing Millennium Stadium comes alive at night and particularly on match days. This student city means there is a party vibe most days of the week with theme nights and fancy dress regular features of the pubs and clubs. For a more sedate affair, the upmarket cocktail bars on the outskirts of the city centre are perfect for a quiet drink or two in gorgeous surroundings.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is home to a number of sights which you’ll definitely want to see during you’ll time in the capital of Scotland. From Arthur’s Step with its impressive views over the city, to the Royal Mile and the Scottish Parliament, you’ll certainly be occupied during the daylight hours. Edinburgh is also famous for hosting the world’s largest (and most popular) arts festival and if you travel to Edinburgh during the summer, you can also look forward to numerous comedy acts at clubs and pubs around the city. From clubs to bars and a relaxing drink on the Royal Yacht Britannia, this city certainly caters for all budgets and tastes.
Liverpool
You can guarantee that the city which gave the world the Fab Four is going to offer a seriously cool nightlife experience. Drinking in the atmosphere of decades past at the Cavern Club is a must for music fans with cover artists appearing each weekend.
Day or night head to Albert Dock, a World Heritage waterfront site featuring the best of Liverpool’s restaurants and bars. This is undoubtedly the place to begin your evening before heading to cool St Peter’s Square, a trendy area ideal for after dinner drinks and fantastic atmosphere.
Bristol
The south west city of Bristol is well known for its beautiful architecture, impressive Suspension Bridge and green spaces making it a great place to explore by day. After dark there are numerous cool bars to the west of the city towards the popular suburb of Clifton. Check out the riverside bars and cafes especially on a warm summer evening. The local music scene is also well worth checking out with a number of intimate venues including a nightclub on a boat. If you’re planning to enjoy the nightlife at any of these British cities, self-catering accommodation where there is no set time for breakfast is a good bet. Visit Sykes cottages before you travel to find great value accommodation.
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