River Thames, London

Top 5 places to visit in England in 2020

Published 8 January 2020

It’s a new year and a new decade and whilst we’re all desperately trying to keep to our resolutions, why not make one your top priority in 2020. Creating new adventures.

With tonnes of amazing destinations across England, we’ve put together a list of top places to visit in 2020 where you can do exactly that. From beachside towns to fantastic city breaks there’s something for all the family, so scroll down to find your next potential adventure.

Bristol

1. Bristol

We couldn’t make a list of the best places to visit in 2020 without adding Bristol. This cool, vibrant city is one of the many jewels in the crown of the South West and is full to the brim of amazing experiences. Work your way around the harbourside and discover delicious eateries, cool bars and maybe even a ship or two! Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of Bristol’s main attractions, step on board and explore the iconic ship to learn stories of its crew and you can even step into the shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the mainmast of the ship! (Free for under 18’s, chargeable for 18 and over)   

If you’re a shopaholic then you won’t be disappointed as Bristol is home to one of the best shopping Quarters in the UK. The highlight of this shopping quarter has to be the Cabot Circus Shopping centre. With over 80 shops including Zara, Next, Apple, Footasylum, Kurt Geiger and more you can shop till you drop.

A trip to Bristol wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed and built in the 1800s this bridge has become a huge part of the history of Bristol and makes for a pretty good picture with its beautiful views.

2. Birmingham

Our second city is a definite must-visit in 2020. Filled with culture, fun and hundreds of terrific activities for all the family, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway and more. As soon as you step off the coach you’ll find yourself in Birmingham’s coolest area, Digbeth. Home to so many weird and wonderful attractions from Ghetto mini-golf to ping pong bars and even an indoor baseball batting cage you won’t get bored any time soon.

If you are looking for a quieter, relaxing trip then a stroll down one of Birmingham’s many canals is a perfect idea, did you know that Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice! There’s plenty of cosy pubs along the way and you can take an alternative tour of the city walking through Brindley Place and even the Mailbox.

Of course, we couldn’t miss out the Bullring from a trip to Birmingham. The historic shopping centre has been a Midlands staple since 1960 and has even dated back to as far back as 1154! Work your way around its hundreds of shops and make sure to visit the iconic Selfridges building. A bull selfie isn’t mandatory but is encouraged…

Plymouth

3. Plymouth

Maybe a surprise entry to our list of top 5 places to visit in 2020 but Plymouth is a fantastic destination perfect for any type of trip. Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth boasts a beautiful waterfront with great entertainment and nightlife. With tonnes of incredible pubs, bars and music venues everyone can enjoy a good night out. One of our favourites is the unique Cellar Bar at Custom House.

It’s not all about the nightlife though, in the day time, the beaches are the main event. As Plymouth is surrounded by golden beaches you can find the perfect spot for you if you want to relax and tan, splash about or even get involved in some water sports. If you don’t fancy the beach, there’s plenty to do on dry land.

If you are looking for a bit of fun and adventure then The Climbing Hangar is a perfect choice. With over 13,000 square feet of climbing, there are walls for all ages and abilities so everyone can get in on the action. Tinside Lido is a must-see as well, voted as one of the top 10 best outdoor pools in Europe it’s definitely not to be missed.

 

London

4. London

The capital has got to be on our list of the top 5 places to visit in 2020. Whether you fancy hitting the tourist hotspots such as Leicester Square, London Eye and more or maybe the cool sights of Soho and Camden are your thing, London has it all. One of our must-see recommendations in London is the London Dungeon. Head down under into the bowels of the city to learn about its most gruesome history in this immersive experience.

You can’t go to London without a spot of shopping and Covent Garden is a great place to start. Buzzing with the excitement of the surrounding theatres and operas Covent Garden is a shopper’s wonderland, personified by the market building filled with amazing shops such as Mulberry, Paul Smith, Tom Ford and more. If all that shopping has worked up an appetite then don’t wander too far as Covent Garden is full to the brim with delicious eateries. If you’re a fan of BBQ then Big Easy is a great option.

A trip to London is always made better with a trip down the Thames, jump on a boat for a relaxing tour of the city on the water to add the cherry on top of your weekend.

Exeter

5. Exeter

It may not be the biggest city but Exeter has more than earned its place on our list of the top 5 places to visit in 2020. Packed with history yet bursting with a vibrant modern twist, Exeter dates back to before the Romans in AD 50!

This is represented in Exeter's fascinating attractions and one of the most popular is the Underground Passages. Book yourself on a tour around the historic passages which were built to house the pipes that flowed clean drinking water around medieval Exeter. If you seeking more of a thrill then Crealy Theme Park is the answer, with over 60 rides and attractions it's a great way for all ages to spend a day.

There's plenty of nightlife and entertainment in Exeter, whether you fancy a relaxing night by the river or enjoy rocking out to some live music, a night out in Exeter is whatever you want it to be.

So there you have it, that’s our top 5 places to visit this year, but don’t worry if any of these don't take your fancy as we travel to over 300 destinations across the UK. If you want to know more about any of our other destinations click below.

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