After living in the UK for 5 years, there are 7 places I always tell tourists to visit

The Cotswolds are one of my favorite places to visit in the UK.

Maria Polansky I lived in the UK for five years and found there were so many places I preferred over London.

One of my favorite spots is the Cotswolds, home to picturesque cottages and cozy pubs.

I also recommend visitors check out the cafés in Brighton and the architecture in Oxford.

When I visited London for the first time 14 years ago, I quickly came to understand why it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, let alone the world.

I fell in love with the city's inimitable energy, diverse neighborhoods, shops, and eateries.

So when I decided to move from Canada to the UK in for five years, I pictured myself visiting London every weekend.

Little did I know, however, I'd become drawn to so many other parts of the country.

From quaint villages to kitschy-but-cute seaside towns, here are the seven destinations I think tourists should visit if they want to truly experience the UK like a local.

Brighton offers big-city vibes on a smaller scale.

Maria Polansky If I were to move back to the UK, I'd want to live in Brighton.

This vibrant coastal city , which is a little over an hour's train ride from London, has all the cool vibes of the capital, but on an admittedly smaller scale, making it feel less hectic and easier to navigate.

Along with stunning views of the sea, Brighton is also filled with cute cafés, buzzing bars, eclectic vintage shops, and elegant Regency-era architecture.

Plus, it's home to a massive pier filled with fun arcade games and plenty of fish-and-chips spots.