According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, the UK received 37.6 million visits by overseas residents in 2016. These figures suggest a 4% growth over the 2015 figures and reflected a record number of visits to the UK. Most of the people visiting the region did so to take a vacation; they wanted to take in the sights and experience the Great British culture for themselves.

The UK has a lot to offer people in that regards, with certain UK cities being especially popular with tourists. So, if you’re planning your next vacation, consider these five locations.

London

A landscape image of the House of Parliament via Pexels

London is the capital city of England and it is also home to the Royal Family so, if you love the monarchy, this is the place you have to see while you’re in the UK. The Buckingham Palace tour will let you explore the State Rooms during summer months, while the showstopping Changing of the Guard parade can also be seen all year round.

According to Time Out, more incredibly popular tourist attractions in London are the London Eye, Hampton Court Palace and the Houses of Parliament, which offer one thousand years of history of British politics.

Birmingham

Often considered to be the UK’s ‘second city’ after the huge tourist hub that is London, Birmingham offers some grand experiences, including the Bull Ring shopping center, where you can buy over 2,000 brands from more than 200 stores. For a hefty dose of Brummy culture, you can also visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or catch a show at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

While you’re in Brum, it’s also worth interacting with the incredibly friendly locals. The Spice activity club is the largest UK social and leisure club and has over 3,000 members in the Birmingham area. Apps like Backpackr are also ideal for finding travel buddies who are visiting the same UK cities as you. For romance, Badoo’s online dating platform will also help you meet people in Birmingham and even find yourself a date to enjoy the sights with. Perhaps they can show you around the city, taking a romantic stroll through the famous Cannon Hill Park or watching a romantic movie at the Electric City, which is the oldest working cinema in the UK.

Glasgow

A man in a kilt plays bagpipes via Pexels

If you want to experience a taste of English culture, then Birmingham and London are fabulous destinations but, if you’ve been to England and want something further afield, why not visit Glasgow on your next vacation?

A hugely popular city in Scotland, Glasgow has a variety of attractions including breathtaking sights. A port city, Glasgow is known in particular for its stunning Victorian era and nouveau architecture including locations such as the Glasgow City Chambers and the Glasgow Necropolis. The Gallery of Modern Art and the Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum are also must-see places for culture vultures visiting the country.

The United Kingdom is a vast place that is made up of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island. Each of these countries is worthy of a visit and offers plenty of cities with their own, rich histories and legacies as well as thrillseeking attractions and beautiful exhibitions to see. The three cities listed above are just the start – and are just the tip of the iceberg as to why the UK draws millions of tourists every year.