The beautiful city has “wonderful” Roman architecture and stone houses
Andrea Blazquez Editor of Spare Time
15:42, 08 May 2026Updated 06:17, 09 May 2026
UK’s most walkable town is ‘incredibly beautiful’ — not York or Oxford(Image: Getty)
A new study by Sweepstakes Table examined the UK’s major cities to determine which are the easiest to explore on foot, with the beautiful city of Bath coming out on top. Scoring an impressive 99.04 on the walkability index, Bath was crowned the most pedestrian-friendly destination in the country.
The city’s key attractions are all within 1.3 miles of one another, meaning visitors can stroll between them in just 29 minutes. Highlights include the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent. One Reddit user said: “Bath is a wonderful city to walk in. I’ve lived here for two years without a car, and it’s been a pleasure.
“The University is on a hill, so some students don’t like walking up it much and tend to get the bus. The bus can get busy at peak times. You can get a scooter halfway up the hill at the moment.
“If you’re going up five days a week for 9am, it might get annoying. But overall, no, you don’t need a car, and often you’re better off without one.”
A visitor reviewing the city on Tripadvisor said: “Bath is incredibly beautiful. The atmosphere is romantic and good to spend all day getting to know the city.”
Another traveller added: “Unmissable! And if you are in London, you can make a return trip the same day and still get to know Stonehenge. The town is old, of Roman architecture, beautiful, medieval, with stone houses.”
One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of more popular destinations. “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently,” she said
The travel influencer suggested three lesser-known places to visit (stock image)(Image: Andrew Sharpe/REX/Shutterstock)
The UK is full of incredible places to visit, from historic sites dating back thousands of years, to bustling towns and cities. Whether you want to spend some time in the countryside or on a beach, or if shopping in high-end boutiques and eating in Michelin-star restaurants is more your speed, we’ve got it all.
There are plenty of places in the UK which are famous across the world as destinations for tourists, from the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the historic streets of Edinburgh, to the spectacular countryside of the Cotswolds and the iconic Big Ben. But what if you want something a bit more off the beaten path?
One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of the more popular destinations. Apryl, who has 47,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shares tips for travel in the UK, shared the advice on social media. Writing in the first slide of the post, Apryl said: “Three places everyone plans in England but I wouldn’t… where I’d go instead.”
Writing in the caption, she said: “Everyone goes to the icons, and you probably should too. But if you’ve already done them, or want something a little less crowded, here’s what I’d add to your England itinerary.” She added: “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently.”
Ely instead of Oxford
Firstly, she said people planning to visit Oxford should instead consider the Cambridgeshire city of Ely. She said: “Fewer crowds, cathedral views, medieval streets.”
Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, the city’s most iconic feature is the spectacular Ely Cathedral, with its incredible octagonal tower. Tourism site Visit Ely describes it as “the destination city with something for everyone”.
It said: “From the monastic buildings of the city past, the vibrant food scene and the scenic majesty of the Riverside, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket city. With Ely Cathedral, independent shops around the city centre, places to relax and replenish both body and mind, there has never been a better time to enjoy this quintessentially English jewel in the heart of East Cambridgeshire. “
Hastings Old Town instead of Brighton Pier
Next, Apryl said people planning a visit to Brighton Pier should instead consider travelling 36 miles east to Hastings Old Town in East Sussex. Apryl said: “Fishing huts, antique shops, and a slower seaside.”
Hastings Old Town is famous for its 19th-century Net Shops, tall, black wooden sheds originally built to provide weatherproof storage for fishing gear. Today the huts are Grade II-listed, while one serves as a free museum.
The area itself comprises the part of the town of Hastings which existed before the 19th century. Today it is the easternmost valley of the current town.
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Chester instead of York
Apryl’s final tip was directed at people planning a trip to the historic city of York. She said people should instead visit Chester in Cheshire. She said: “Timbered streets, Roman walls, and fewer crowds.”
Steeped in history, Chester has the most complete city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK, as well as a 10th century cathedral. Chester Zoo is also home to 35,000 animals, and is reportedly the most-visited attraction in the UK outside London.
Visit Cheshire said: “Visit Chester, for its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere which make it one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break. The ancient city is a breath-taking experience with each chapter of Chester’s history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons.”
Concluding, Apryl clarified she wasn’t suggesting people shouldn’t visit Oxford, Brighton, or York, but that they should consider other lesser-known destinations too. “Don’t cancel your trip… just try these too,” she said.
