The UK is a treasure trove for music lovers, offering a vibrant and diverse live music scene that has birthed some of the world’s biggest bands and musicians.
‘Gig-tripping’ - the act of planning a short trip or holiday around a gig - is an exciting way to experience your favourite artist’s music, whilst also exploring a city with your friends or family. But, when singers often schedule a tour with gigs across many different locations, how do you choose where is best to go?
Luckily for you, we’ve created an index to uncover Britain’s best gig-tripping destinations by scoring fifty of the UK’s biggest towns and cities on their accessibility, enjoyability, popularity and affordability. Let’s dive into the results!
Whether it’s a small, intimate gig for an up-and-coming indie band or to see your favourite artist at their sell-out stadium tour, Leeds comes out on top as the go-to destination for your next gig trip. Also making for an equally good choice is Manchester, in second place. If you’re looking for somewhere slightly further North, Glasgow is the third-best city to consider.
These cities take the top three spots thanks to their high number of venues (both big and small), number of planned events, positive Google reviews and mentions on social - as well as their value for money when it comes to things like a hotel room, taxi journey and even a pint.
Want to find out where the rest of the UK’s cities and towns place? The full top 50 can be found below.
Home of the Kaiser Chiefs, Mel B and alt-J, this Northern city knows how to put on a good show, which is why Leeds takes the top spot as the best place to visit for a gig. It boasts a vibrant live music scene with 53 venues catering to all tastes. From the iconic O2 Academy and the intimate Brudenell Social Club to the massive First Direct Arena, there’s always a great event to catch (over 500!).
Beyond the music, Leeds offers a lively atmosphere with bustling highstreets, diverse dining options and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring the trendy bars along Briggate or taking a stroll through the picturesque Roundhay Park, Leeds provides the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation for a memorable weekend escape.
Leeds station serves as the primary train hub for the city, offering easy access from nearby cities like Manchester and York. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay, a meal before the gig, or a drink afterwards, we’ve got some great recommendations to help you plan your trip to Leeds.
Manchester is another fantastic choice for a weekend gig getaway, especially if you’re passionate about live music. This Northern powerhouse comes second in the list and is renowned for its rich musical legacy, having given rise to legendary bands such as Oasis, The Smiths and Joy Division. With over 80 venues - like the O2 Apollo, Albert Hall and Band on the Wall - you’ll find a diverse array of performances to enjoy, from indie rock to electronic beats.
Manchester’s vibrant atmosphere, trendy Northern Quarter filled with eclectic bars and cafes, and cultural attractions like the Manchester Art Gallery make it a dynamic city to explore. Whether you’re soaking in the northern charm or diving into the nightlife, Manchester offers the perfect mix of music, culture and excitement for your next gig.
When it comes to planning a trip to Manchester around your gig, Manchester Piccadilly station is your gateway to the city, with trains running from all over the UK and to nearby cities like Liverpool or Leeds. If you’re not sure where to start when looking for a place to stay, a tasty meal before the gig, or the ideal spot for a post-gig drink, we’ve got you covered with some recommendations to help plan your trip to Manchester.
While in third position, Glasgow is still a fantastic destination for live music enthusiasts if the first two cities are not tickling your fancy. Known for its energetic music scene, the Scottish city has a variety of iconic venues, from the legendary Barrowland Ballroom to the modern SSE Hydro.
The city’s compact layout makes it easy to hop between venues and its lively atmosphere ensures there’s never a dull moment. Glasgow’s friendly locals and bustling nightlife add to the overall experience, making it a memorable place to catch a live performance. Whether you’re into indie, rock, electronic or classical music, Glasgow offers an unforgettable gig experience.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Glasgow Central station is a major hub easily accessible by train from various parts of the UK, including Edinburgh and Manchester. If you’re seeking a cozy place to stay, a tasty pre-gig meal, or the perfect spot for a post-gig drink, we have some fantastic recommendations to help you plan your next gig-trip to Glasgow.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has revolutionised gig-tripping, making it the ultimate way to experience an artist live. With many high-profile gigs scheduled for the rest of 2024 and into 2025, you might be wondering which artists will be next drive a flurry of travel to see them. Well, by analysing the Google searches over the last 12 months, along with artist mentions on TikTok and Instagram, we can (unsurprisingly!) predict that Oasis are set to lead the gig-tripping phenomenon over the next year. This is down to the impressive 1.6m searches for tickets since their recent reunion tour announcement! That’s a lot of people who are keen to see the Gallager brothers perform together again. As it might be the last chance to see them live, we can understand why.
We know that sometimes it can be hard to secure gig tickets for a venue in your city and you might end up seeing your favourite artist somewhere unexpected. To help plan your gigtrip regardless of where it is, we’ve put together some handy tips:
Book early: Once you’ve secured your concert tickets, it’s best to book your accommodation and travel as soon as possible to get the best deals and ensure availability. Find out more about Advance train tickets here, or check out our cheap tickets guide to find out how to save money if you’re travelling by rail.
Research the venue: Familiarise yourself with the concert venue, including its location and public transport options if needed, so you won’t be late for the gig. It’s also always a good idea to wait inside the venue once the gig has finished to let the crowds disperse. This way, it’s easier travel to your next destination, whether that be your hotel or a local bar to keep the good times going!
Plan your itinerary: Besides the concert, plan other activities to make the most of your trip. Look for other events happening around the same dates as the gig. You might find festivals, markets or other shows that can add to your experience.
Stay flexible: Be prepared for changes or delays in your plans. A flexible itinerary allows you to adapt and enjoy your trip without the stress of rushing to get from A to B.
Gig-tripping offers an exhilarating way to combine the thrill of live music with the adventure of travel, and here at TransPennine Express, we pride ourselves in connecting the North and Scotland. So, pack your bags, grab your train tickets, and get ready to create lasting memories at some of the best gig-tripping destinations in the UK.
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