Top Spots: Best UK Cities for Nightlife
If one thing is for sure, the people of the United Kingdom love a party. Travel to the smallest towns, and you’re sure to find at least one nightclub, while even village life in the UK often centres around the local pub.
It’s no surprise that many of our domestic cities offer some of the best nightlife, proving that you don’t necessarily need to travel overseas to experience a fantastic stag weekend.
To give you an idea of just some of the best nightlife in the UK, we’ve drawn together a drink-fuelled list of party spots where revellers of all tastes will find something to remember (or forget) their weekend.
Continue below for eight of our top nightlife spots in no particular order.
Newcastle | Tyne & Wear, England
It’s rightly regarded as a party city and recognised worldwide for its love of having a good time, so it only feels right to include
Newcastle first up on our list.
Newcastle nightlife offers something for everyone, but it’s ideal for stag parties. The popular northeast destination boasts plenty of swanky bars for those who like to sip on a whiskey or a gin-based cocktail, while there are tons of historical pubs to explore and get stuck into a long list of ales and beers.
There are also many sports bars to get comfy in, or why not catch a game at St James’ Park, situated slap bang in the middle of the city centre. From the bars of Bigg Market to the supercool haunts by the Quayside, accessibility is key as everything is within easy walking distance, so you’re never far from fun.
Manchester | Lancashire, England
The pinup of the hedonistic ‘90s and home to infamous haunts such as The Hacienda,
Manchester is regarded as one of the UK's best nightlife cities and has been for decades. It’s also at the epicentre of ‘Lad-Rock’, so any Oasis fans will be right at home.
These days, it’s not all raves and dayglo (although you don’t have to look too hard to find it still). This sprawling northern city will deliver on the good times no matter your tastes or budget.
From the upmarket area of Spinningfields and its many bars to the more lowkey, trendy areas such as Deansgate and the Northern Quarter, there’s a massive list of places to
keep you entertained and plenty of clubs in Manchester.
Glasgow | Western Lowlands of Scotland
Scotland’s party capital, barhop around this characterful city, and you’re guaranteed one of the best stag weekends going! Brilliant bars and pubs litter
Glasgow, and they’re literal steps away from each other, ideal for travelling around in larger groups.
When it comes to must-visit areas, we recommend West Regent Street, Union Street and Sauchiehall as just some of the fun-filled places to base your festivities around.
Liverpool | Lancashire, England
A list of party cities simply wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of
Liverpool. Home to two prestigious football teams and famously the birthplace of The Beatles, the city is steeped in passion and culture. It was named European Capital of Culture back in 2008, shortly after being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite all this prestige, the scousers certainly know how to throw a party, and Merseyside is full of unique venues to enjoy. Whether it’s Matthew Street and the famous Cavern Club or Albert Docks packed to the brim with classy bars, this buzzing port city is an easy addition to our stag weekend list.
Sheffield | South Yorkshire, England
Sheffield has produced some of the UK’s most iconic bands; Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, and The Human League are just a few of the acts that Steel City has inspired, and it’s also an exciting place for a stag weekend.
The city has undergone much modernisation and regeneration, and you’ll find that it’s home to some brilliant bars, pubs and clubs - plus plenty of live music.
Whether that’s the nightlife around the popular West Street area or the more chilled vibes of Carver Street, you’re immersed in a vibrant scene with friendly people, plus it’s generally a fair distance cheaper than some of the other inclusions on our list.
London | Greater London, England
Speaking of expense, next up on our list is
London. Although arguably the most pricey place in the UK for a stag weekend, it’s also the destination with the most to offer.
London caters for everyone; anything you want or wish to do - you’ll find it here! Search hard enough, and you’ll find some cheaper areas and hidden gems; it depends on what kind of stag experience you want.
If it’s London that you’re visiting, we would recommend planning and pinpointing some destinations that you’ll know your group can get into with ease. Of course, every area in the city offers pubs, bars and clubs in London that’ll appeal to most people. Still, a few of our favourite spots with the best nightlife include the more laidback and quirky Camden, super cool Shoreditch and upmarket Soho.
Edinburgh | Lothian, Scotland
Scotland’s capital,
Edinburgh, is packed full of history and character, making it a top-rated destination for tourists. Thanks to the extraordinary number of bars, pubs, and clubs across Old Town and New Town, it’s also a top city for a stag weekend.
There are tons of activities, attractions and tours to keep your party occupied between the merriment. However, if you happen to celebrate around the festive period, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is among the best you’ll experience.
Cardiff | Glamorgan, Wales
The capital of Wales certainly deserves a place among our top UK cities for nightlife.
Cardiff is compact as cities go, making it super easy to get around and experience all this destination has to offer your stag party.
If you want to go hard before going home, there are plenty of clubs, but you’ll also find many old-school pubs and classy cocktail bars that’ll give you a broad mix of everything.
Anywhere around the vibrant city centre is the place to be, with areas such as Canton Mile, Cowbridge East, and Westgate host to some superb party venues that’ll give you a weekend that will live long in the memory. (Or perhaps not)
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