Summary:
From the sea cliffs of Northern Ireland to the adventure playground of Wales, it’s difficult deciding where to go first. Travelers in the UK are spoiled for choice with attractions within the buzzing urban streets of London, England to the isolated coast of the North Coast 500’s Scottish Highlands. To help you plan your travels, we thought we’d highlight some of the best places to visit in the UK to help you decide where to start.
Best Places to Visit in the UK
Since the UK comprises Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, we are going to break up the best places to visit in the UK by nation. So, are you ready to explore the United Kingdom with us? Let’s go.
Places to Visit in England
1. London
It’s impossible to mention the best places to visit in the UK without including London, England. It’s truly one of the best cities on earth with unbeatable history, fantastic nightlife, and historic sites lining the River Thames. For in-depth insights, consider exploring our comprehensive guide to the capital city 22 of the Top Things to do in London, England.
To take in the sights of London from above, enjoy a ride up to the top of the World’s Tallest Observation Deck. This fast track ticket to The London Eye offers fantastic views of the London Skyline. If you wish to combine that experience with a cruise along the River Thames, check out this London Eye River Cruise to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (Palace of Westminster), Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and more.
2. Greenwich Meridian Line
We highlight many amazing things to do in London, and one of the coolest places to visit is definitely the Greenwich Meridian Line. The Royal Observatory is home to the Prime Meridian of the world where the Eastern and Western hemispheres meet.
Acquire your advance entrance ticket that gives access to the home of British astronomy at the Royal Observatory and Greenwich where you’ll be able to straddle the world-famous Meridian Line. This location also offers one of the best views of the city.
3. Cambridge
The legendary university town of Cambridge is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK. The architecture is worth visiting as it spans centuries with Kings College Chapel dating back to 1446. The university itself was founded in 1209 and has seen many historic figures walk its halls including Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking.
A great way to explore Cambridge University is to enjoy a Guided Walking Tour with a Graduate. Stroll through the campus from King’s College to Trinity Hall College, Trinity College, and Corpus Christi College while listening to insider stories from a Cambridge graduate. You’ll also witness where DNA was discovered at the 17th-century The Eagle pub.
Punting is a quintessential Cambridge activity. This punting tour takes you along the entire length of the River Cam. It resembles the gondola rides of Venice where you sit in comfort while your guide pushes the boat along the river with a long pole.
4. Oxford
While exploring legendary universities, make sure to visit Oxford. The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge dates back centuries and is celebrated annually during “The Boat Race,” a rowing event that takes place each Spring on the River Thames.
Just like Cambridge University, the best way to explore the grounds in Oxford is to take a Walking Tour with an Oxford Alumni Guide. Harry Potter fans will love exploring the filming locations of the Goblet of Fire.
5. Medieval York
One of the UK’s most popular destinations is the medieval city of York. Located two hours north of London, this historic city boasts over 2000 years of history. Take a walking tour through York to explore the top attractions of the walled city, including the largest Gothic Cathedral in the United Kingdom. Get lost in the maze of passages known as ‘Snickelways,’ which leads to the cobblestone street known as the shambles, an inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
No visit to York is complete without enjoying a river cruise. Consider this River Ouse River Cruise, which departs from King’s Staith landing and takes you to Clifton Ridge and the Millennium Bridge.
6. Bath
If you are seeking one of the prettiest places to visit in the UK, Bath is a fantastic choice. Known for its thermal baths dating back to Roman times, it has been attracting visitors to its healing waters for 2000 years. Bath is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best way to explore it is on a City Boat Trip to the Pulteney Bridge. Hop aboard a 1960s cruiser to see the top attractions in Bath from the water or enjoy a Walking Tour of Bath that includes Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. Don’t miss visiting the Jane Austen Centre, where the author resided, and marvel at the architecture spanning centuries.
Stonehenge
Among the most famous attractions in the UK is Stonehenge. These iconic standing stone pillars date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age and are definitely one of the best places to visit in England for history enthusiasts. The Stonehenge Admission Ticket grants you access to one of the most prehistoric monuments in the world. Make sure to download the audio app to your smartphone to help you wander this mysterious circle of stones. A helpful tip: visit early in the morning or very late in the afternoon to avoid tourist crowds.
7. Brighton
Brighton is an excellent destination for beaches and fun in the sun. Located just an hour’s train ride from the capital, Brighton is one of England’s most popular resort towns. There are numerous watersports available along the beach, with the most recognizable landmark being the Palace Pier, which has stood for over a century.
For breathtaking views of the South Coast of Britain, ascend the British Airways i360, soaring high above the city. A modern glass pod takes you up 138 meters for spectacular views of the Sussex Coast, the city of Brighton, and the beaches. For a special treat, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at the Nyetimber Sky Bar.
8. Liverpool
Ever since watching Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney, Liverpool climbed to the top of our must-visit list in the UK. Naturally, many people visit Liverpool to explore the history of the Beatles. The award-winning attraction, the Beatles Story, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albert Docks area, is a must-see.
Get your tickets to the Beatles Story to trace the history of the Fab Four as you journey through replicas of historic Beatles milestones, including The Casbah, Mathew Street, and The Cavern.
However, Liverpool is not solely about the Beatles; it is ranked as the fifth most visited place in the UK for a good reason. The city is filled with galleries and museums, a historic waterfront, the actual Cavern Club where the Beatles debuted in 1961, and the historic docks.
Additionally, you can embark on a River Cruise down the Mersey River. This 50-minute tour takes you along famous sites of the Mersey River, including St. Albert’s Dock and the historic buildings lining the Liverpool Waterfront known as the Three Graces.
9. Lake District
The Lake District is renowned for its wild, craggy fells and connections to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, making it a quintessential part of a UK itinerary. Located in northwest England, The Lake District is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The region is home to 12 of the largest lakes in England and is a hiker’s paradise, featuring 3,218 kilometers of trails, including the 16-kilometer-long Cotswold Way and Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.
Places to Visit in Northern Ireland
10. Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland is one of our favourite places in Europe, and the Giant’s Causeway is undoubtedly one of the top attractions to visit in the UK. This incredible beach features 40 thousand basalt columns creating a natural staircase leading down to the sea. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents Ireland’s Top Attraction. For the best experience, visit early in the morning to appreciate its natural beauty free of crowds.
11. Causeway Coast
A drive along the Causeway Coast is a world-class coastal driving route that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Its stunning landscape presents sea cliffs, beaches, coastal villages, and medieval wonders. The area is filled with dazzling attractions, including the picturesque Dark Hedges, the Carrick a Rede Bridge, Mussenden Temple, Dunluce Castle, and the rolling Green Hills of the Glens of Antrim.
12. Belfast
When visiting Northern Ireland, the city of Belfast is not to be overlooked. The star attraction here is the Titanic Museum. Explore the Belfast Titanic Experience, where you’ll walk through an interactive display dedicated to the Titanic. The virtual reality room is an unmissable experience, alongside the multimedia displays showcasing the underwater salvaging of the ship.
Be sure to head outside to see where the Titanic was built and explore the life-size outline of the Titanic herself before visiting the SS Nomadic – the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world.
13. Walls of London Derry
The city of London Derry is often an overlooked destination in the UK but should undeniably be on your must-visit list. The Walls of London Derry date back to the 17th century and represent one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe. Take a walking tour along the walls to learn about the sieges and conflicts that the city has endured over centuries, including the 1689 siege lasting 105 days.
Places to Visit in Scotland
14. Edinburgh
Scotland is one of the top locations to visit in the UK, and Edinburgh is a city you’ll want to return to time and again. It’s a city filled with history, beauty, hauntings, and magic. There’s an abundance of activities to engage in while visiting Edinburgh, from exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle to shopping along the Royal Mile.
For Harry Potter enthusiasts, consider joining a Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour to see sights that inspired J.K. Rowling, including the actual tombstone that inspired the Grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard. For a bit of spooky fun, explore the Underground Vaults tour beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
15. Loch Lomond
Located an hour and 40 minutes from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is a fantastic addition to your itinerary while traveling around the United Kingdom. Known as the Queen of Scottish Lochs, it offers breathtaking views where the Scottish Highlands meet the lowlands. This Loch Lomond: 1-Hour Cruise takes you on a scenic journey from Balloch village to see Ben Mountain and Inchmurrin Island, which is home to the ruins of the 12th-century Lennox Castle.
16. Scottish Highlands
No journey through Scotland is complete without exploring the Scottish Highlands. Drive along the northernmost portion of Scotland on the North Coast 500. From Inverness to the Isle of Skye, the northern parts of the country boast some of the best scenery in Scotland.
As you drive through the Scottish Highlands, keep an eye out for castles and cairns twisting and turning amongst some of the world’s most rugged coastlines. Scotland is also home to the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. Take the opportunity to sample Scottish Whisky in Dornoch, admire the Sea Stacks of John O’Groats, and explore the sea caves of Ullapool.
17. Inverness
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is a personal favourite. While Loch Ness may be its primary draw, there are plenty of attractions in Inverness. In town, be sure to check out the 19th-century St. Andrew’s Cathedral and stroll through the Ness Islands. Don’t miss visiting the historic Culloden Battlefield, and explore the ancient cairns in the area.
From Inverness, you can journey to Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster. Be sure to visit Urquhart Castle, which has been the battleground for numerous conflicts over the past 1000 years.
Places to Visit in Wales
A notable highlight of the UK is certainly Wales. Renowned for adventure, Dave and I like to call it the Adventure Capital of Europe with its extreme sports, coastal hikes, and underground caverns waiting to be explored. Wales is often considered the land of castles, with more per square mile than anywhere else in the world, making it the perfect locale for castle hopping.
18. Snowdonia
If you are a nature lover, be sure to prioritize Snowdonia National Park on your list. The Snowdon Mountains provide extraordinary views over rolling hills, with Snowdon Mountain being the highest in Wales. Consider taking a steam train ride up to the summit, which also offers splendid hiking opportunities.
19. Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a whimsical, fairytale-like tourist village in Gwynedd, Wales. While nobody lives here, it is a delightful stop on your journey, providing a unique retreat in a distinctly different setting. Modeled after the village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, Portmeirion is a quirky destination that should not be missed.
20. Pembrokeshire
If you’re looking to add an adventure of a lifetime to your bucket list, try your hand at coasteering in Pembrokeshire. You’ll marvel at the stunning coastal sea cliffs, while jumping into the rolling, tumbling waters.
And there you have it, some of the best places to visit in the UK. There are indeed many more places worth exploring, but this should help you get started. So where are you planning to go next?
