After you’ve seen the sights of London, Manchester and Liverpool, why not immerse yourself in the rich history of some of Britain’s other urban centres?

Other cities of interest:

 

Home to one of the world’s most elite universities, Oxford keeps its heritage proudly pinned to its academic gown with beautifully maintained old architecture and a variety of ancient customs. Be sure to check out the glorious Christchurch College, where several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot.

 

Oxford’s rival in academia and oar-sports, Cambridge is an attractive town with gorgeous colleges dotted around a beautiful river packed with punts and rowboats. Don’t miss the spectacular Kings College, which looks more like a grand cathedral than a student residence, or history-steeped Trinity College – the former home of no less than 32 Nobel Prize winners.

 

Birmingham was one of the pioneering towns of the industrial revolution. But England’s second-largest urban centre is quickly repositioning itself as a city of culture, not just car-production. There are enough museums, galleries and old mansions to keep you occupied for several days, as well as some of the UK’s most innovative modern architecture. Sweet-tooths won’t be able to pass up a visit to Cadbury World – the closest thing to Willy Wonka’s factory you’re likely to find in real life.

 

Medieval architecture meets 21st-century Britain in Nottingham. Once frequented by Robin Hood and his merry men, this delightful city boasts galleries, caves and a fascinating industrial museum.

 

Stratford-upon-Avon is a lovely market town, world-renowned as the former home of William Shakespeare. Don’t miss the famous playwright’s birthplace or Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and be sure to take in a performance of one of the Bard’s plays while you’re in the area.

 

A walled city in England’s north-west, Chester attracts travellers with its Roman ruins, historic cathedral, and the charming collection of Tudor buildings known as The Rows.

 

A former centre of textile production, Leeds is one of England’s most cosmopolitan and prosperous cities. Discover the magnificent 12th-century Kirkstall Abbey, the fascinating Royal Armouries and Leeds’ huge selection of designer shops and contemporary restaurants.

 

Surrounded by well-preserved 13th-century walls, York is home to the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. A wander along its narrow streets will lead you to fabulous museums, fine restaurants and wonderful traditional pubs.

 

Set on the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere is the best place to board a historic steamer for an unforgettable Lakes District cruise. Also worth a look is the World of Beatrix Potter – a playful tribute to one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors.

 

A former mining town, modern-day Newcastle is less about coal and more about cool. This animated city enjoys superb nightlife, fantastic restaurants, a lively music scene and some of Northern England’s best new art galleries. Australian visitors might notice something eerily familiar about the city – Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge bears more than a passing resemblance to the one stretching over Sydney Harbour.

 

Set on Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast, vibrant Newquay is one of Great Britain’s best spots for surfing. If hanging ten isn’t your thing, take a walk along the spectacular cliffs or feed a family of ring-tailed lemurs at the Newquay Zoo.

 

Set on a beautiful natural harbor, Plymouth is a wonderful place to experience Britain’s proud seafaring heritage. The historic Mayflower Steps mark the point where a group of pilgrims left English shores to found the first permanent colony in America. Also worth a look is the Plymouth Gin Distillery – the oldest such establishment in the world.

 

Home to Britain’s Royal Navy, Portsmouth boasts an abundance of interesting maritime sights. Don’t miss Lord Nelson’s famous HMS Victory, the fascinating submarine museum or the panoramic views from 170-metre Spinnaker Tower.