The UK is full of gorgeous towns and cities, but there are some underrated places that seem to get no attention If you are looking for a weekend break or day trip only a few hours from London then here are 3 cities that you may look to visit. There are a lot of popular cities but these cities to explore in the UK from London are the most accessible.

Cities to explore in the UK from London

Doncaster

Grabbing train tickets from London to Doncaster is a quick and easy affair and you will find yourself in one of Yorkshire’s hidden gems in less than two hours. Doncaster has over 2000 years of history with the Romans first building a fort in the area in around 70 AD. The city also has a multitude of award-winning attractions making it a perfect destination all year round.

In the centre of the city, you will find markets, churches and museums with one of the most iconic sights being the Doncaster Minster. The Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery will give you a glimpse into the area’s industrial origins and Roman past so they are not to be missed if you find yourself curious about this relatively unknown city.

For families or animal lovers, head to Yorkshire Wildlife Park where you will find over 400 animals and 70 different species. This is a perfect day out if you are travelling with kids as there are plenty of indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds with many special events happening during holidays such as the Summer Safari and Easter Adventure.

Chester

You can reach Chester by train from London in just over two hours, but few people tend to mention the city when it comes to recommendations for days out. Chester boasts one of the most beautiful town centres in England and is home to ancient archaeological sites, centuries-old buildings and monuments. 

You will find plenty of stunning walks around the city in parks and gardens such as the Countess of Chester Country Park, or try the two-mile-long walk across the Chester City Walls. Once you reach the top of the walls you will be greeted by incredible views over the historic city and its waterways, making it a perfect way to spend a summer’s day.

Norwich

Norwich is a beautiful medieval city, only a couple of hours away from London by train. Here you will find cobbled streets and colourful buildings as well as a thriving arts scene and a whole range of independent shops. If you manage to organise your trip during one of the many quirky events that the city hosts, be sure to go and watch – whether it be the World Snail Racing Championships or the Greasy Pole Competition!

While you are in Norwich, you should visit the food market which is home to almost 200 stalls, over 90 independent businesses and 900 years of history. Most stalls are open Tuesday to Saturday but there are also stalls that are open on Sundays and Mondays, so no matter what day of the week you are visiting you are sure to be able to find something that tickles your fancy.