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2 Weeks in the UK – My Perfect UK Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 16, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 219 Comments

If you are looking for a two week UK itinerary which includes Ireland, you have come to the right place. This UK road trip itinerary has you starting in London, and using a rental car as the transportation method. It covers some of our highlights in the UK, including cities, castles, and stunning natural scenery.

I have spent a great deal of time living in and exploring the UK. I’ve drawn on my experiences travelling here to put together my perfect two week UK trip to help you plan your own trip.

This UK itinerary (which also includes Ireland) covers England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It’s a self-drive road-trip, although could also be modified to support travel by public transport if you prefer.

If you haven’t driven in the UK before, do check out my guide to driving in the UK for helpful tips. We also have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK if you need budget planning help.

Without further ado, allow me to present my two-week UK itinerary.

A 2 week UK Trip itinerary

This itinerary is very busy and fits a lot in, including time in Ireland. It is doable, but just be aware that it will be fast paced with quite a lot of driving. Naturally, you are welcome to take the itinerary and adjust it to meet your own interests and pace.

For example, many folks prefer to focus on the UK with their two weeks, and skip the island of Ireland, returning instead via the Lake District and Wales. However, if you want to see as much as possible, this itinerary is how to do it.

Days 1 & 2: London

The UK’s capital is one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s been hanging around for over 2000 years on the banks of the Thames, and there is just an incredible wealth of things to see, from historical sights, to amazing museums, to crazy street markets.

It’s a wonderfully walk-able capital, and you can easily take in the major central sights in a day or so, leaving you the second day to explore museums, art galleries, or go a little further afield and take in some of the other sights, from crumbling cemeteries to massive parks. And if all else fails, you will never be short on an incredible pub to while away some time before heading on.

For inspiration for your visit, take a look at our 2 day London itinerary , which covers the major highlights of the city, and also links to lots of other information about visiting, including tips on finding Harry Potter locations in London through to Winston Churchill locations in London – something for everyone!

My advice for London is to invest in an Oyster card to save money on your transport (don’t hire a car until you leave the capital) and if you think you’re going to use it, look into buying a London Pass to save money on London’s top attractions.

Available in 1, 3 and 6 day versions, as well as a version with an included Oyster card, the savings can really be quite impressive if you plan on visiting a few locations. You can read a full break down on when the London Pass is worth buying here , and buy one yourself here .

Finally, London is probably going to be the most expensive city in the UK for your accommodation. We recommend booking well in advance to get a good deal.

Some of our recommended accommodation options in London are:

The Walrus Bar and Hostel , The Z hotel in Shoreditch , Point A Hotel , Lime Tree Hotel and the  Resident Victoria Hotel . You can see more London hotel listings here on booking.com . We also love the curated apartments available on Plum Guide .

Once you have finished up exploring London, we suggest collecting your car hire and heading out of town. For car hire we recommend Discover Cars , they search all the major providers so you can compare and find the best deal for your trip.

Days 3 & 4: Oxford & the Cotswolds

One of the stipulations of the original question was the wish to avoid feeling too much like a tourist. Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible in Oxford , as nearly everyone there is either a tourist or a student. I lived in and around Oxford for a number of years, and generally felt like a tourist most of that time too.

Part of the reason for that is that this tiny city is absolutely jam packed with incredible buildings, largely in the form of the Oxford Colleges. These are seriously wealthy establishments, who clearly had no problem flaunting that wealth in an architectural fashion back in the day.

This means that yes, it is full of people wandering around, mouths agape, at quite how pretty the whole thing is. Yes, it’s jam packed with tourists. But for good reason!

So strap that camera on and snap away. Then go for a punt on the river, and enjoy some Pimms or a cream tea. Seek out the Harry Potter filming locations . Take a walking tour of the Universities . There’s no shortage of way to fill your time!

Read more tips for spending a day in Oxford, here .

From Oxford you are also well located to take in the incredibly picturesque Cotswolds area – all quaint villages and rolling countryside. The England that everyone imagines England to be like, with country pubs, village greens and cricket ovals. Lovely stuff. Check out hotel prices for  Oxford here .

Days 5 & 6: Peak District and Manchester

From Oxford I’m going to suggest heading “up north”, towards the Peak District national park. Think rolling hills, quaint villages, and beautiful walks.

There are also some fabulous stately homes to visit , not to mention that on the way from Oxford you can stop off at Warwick Castle – one of the UK’s best-preserved castles.

If you’re interested in the industrial revolution in the UK I can highly recommend a visit to the city of Manchester.

Of course, if the industrial revolution isn’t your thing there are plenty of other reasons to visit Manchester, including excellent retail therapy, an awesome food scene, and a variety of architectural highlights. Not to mention the music scene!

You can see my guide to things to do in Manchester for lots more ideas, and you can see hotel prices for Manchester here .

One other thing you might consider as you pass through the Peak District and Manchester is a visit to Alton Towers . This is arguably the UK’s best known theme park, and would make for a great thrilling day out for those of you who like that sort of thing.

Day 7: York

Not that far from Manchester (England is so quaintly explorable!), the city of York is another of my favourite UK cities.

From the incredible Gothic York Minster (a climb to the top is highly recommended) to the winding, tumbled down alleyways of the shambles, to the Viking history – this is a city that just cries out for exploration.

It’s also an awesome place if you’re into ghost stories. There are a whole number of ghost walks that take in the spooky past of York, so if you want an evening of entertainment and intrigue, likely accompanied with a number of fine drinking establishments, an evening ghost walk is a great bit of fun.

I’m not a great believer in this sort of thing usually, but I took a tour and thoroughly enjoyed it!

If you do plan on seeing a few things in York, you might save money with a York City Pass , which includes most of the attractions in the city as well as access to the York Sightseeing bus or York City Cruises. You can buy that in advance here .

For more York ideas, see our guide to spending two days in York , which has a comprehensive itinerary as well as tips on where to stay and how to get around.

For accommodation, you can check out and book the best York hotels here .

Days 8 & 9: Edinburgh via Northumberland

From York we’re going to wave farewell to England, and head up to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. On the way though, you’ll be passing through some of England’s least travelled, yet stunningly beautiful, landscapes.

I am of course talking about Northumbria. From miles of deserted beach, to crumbling castles, to the Roman equivalent of the great wall of China, Northumbria really has a lot to offer someone looking for a slightly off the beaten track England experience. The rolling landscapes are breath-taking and you’ll find yourself alone much of the time. Worth taking a bit of time to explore, in my opinion.

Then of course, it’s up to Edinburgh , where you’ll not be short of amazing things to look at. From Edinburgh castle, to Arthurs Seat, from fine whiskys, to Princes Street, there really is enough here for a number of days of entertainment. And if you visit during the Fringe festival… well… plan on being entertained for a good many weeks!

See more ideas on spending some time in Edinburgh in this detailed two day Edinburgh itinerary that I put together, as well as our guide to things to do in Edinburgh , our tips on visiting Edinburgh in winter , and our guide to finding Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

Then  check and book your Edinburgh hotels here.

Days 10 – 12: Ireland

Because the UK is an easily explorable place with decent roads and relatively short distances to drive, it is totally possible to include another country – Ireland! – in a trip like this if you’re up for it.

Do be aware that if you are renting a car, some car rental companies have restrictions on taking cars on ferries, or into other countries – so make sure you check before you go as there may be an additional fee to pay.

Of course, you could also fly to Ireland (Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin for example), and use different rentals for different parts of your adventure!

If all that sounds like too much hard work, you could extend your time in Scotland, or alternatively, you could take in the west coast of the UK, including Glasgow , the Lake District, and Liverpool, as well as popping into Wales for the stunning Snowdonia national park, and rejoin this itinerary in South Wales or Bristol . The choice is yours!

If it is Ireland you want though, it’s a short ferry ride from Scotland (Cairnryan to be precise, which is 2-3 hour drive from Edinburgh) across to Belfast in Northern Ireland, from where you can spend a few days exploring the Emerald Isle.

We have travelled from Cairnryan with both Stena Line and P&O Ferries, both of which have been a fast, comfortable and efficient service. We normally use Direct Ferries for ferry booking as they compare prices across all the providers and support payment in multple currencies. You can book your ferry tickets here .

This part of the world has a lot to offer, and three days is quite a short amount of time. We can recommend spending some time in Belfast and driving north along the causeway coastal route to see such highlights as the Giant’s Causeway, ruined castles and spectacular coastline. Then, head south into Ireland, and see fabulous Dublin.

I’ve explored Dublin and her surroundings, taken a trip down to the Dingle Peninsula , kissed the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, gazed at the Cliffs of Moher ,  and visited the Dark Hedges of Game of Thrones fame – to name but a few of our wonderful experience on the Irish Isle.

In Dublin there’s the Guinness Factory, of course, as a popular highlight, but also oodles of Gaelic history and culture to get excited about.

There are also of course the Irish people, well known for their love of a good time! Personally, I’d head on down the coast from Belfast, through Dublin and down to the port of Rosslare, where after three exciting days in Ireland another ferry service will whisk you across to the last of the four countries to make up the UK: Wales!

Day 13: South Wales and Cardiff

In Wales you will arrive either at Fishguard or Pembroke – both excellent places to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast national park . Here you will find beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and fabulous opportunities for walking.

You’re also not too far a drive from Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Four capitals in a fortnight – not bad going! Here you’ll find castles, sporting venues and more Welsh based culture than you can shake a stick at. Plus, arrive at the right time of year and you’ll find the Great British Cheese festival in full swing. What’s not to be excited about? For more about travelling in Wales and highlights along this route, see our detailed Wales road trip itinerary .

Find and book your Cardiff hotels here .

Day 14: Bristol & Bath

From Cardiff you’ll cross the enormous Severn estuary over the impress Severn road bridge and be back in the UK, or Bristol to be precise. Here you’ll find all sorts of interesting items of historical interest, largely running on a nautical theme, as well as some of the best street art in Britain .

For over a thousand years Bristol has been an important English port. From early explorers and traders, to the dark years of the African slave vessels, to filling Australia with immigrants, it is hard to understate the role that Bristol has played in Britain’s sea faring history. There is, after all, a reason for the expression “ship-shape and Bristol fashion” having a place in the English language.

I can highly recommend taking a trip round the SS Great Britain when you’re in Bristol. Built in 1843, and designed by the engineering genius who was Isambard Kingdom Brunel – the man who almost single-handedly revolutionised both engineering and public transport in the UK.

The SS Great Britain is notable as being the first steamer to cross the Atlantic – setting a record pace for the time of 14 days. An amazing bit of history. Note that tickets are slightly cheaper if you book them online, which you can do online here .

For more ideas in Bristol, check out our guide to things to do in Bristol , which should give you plenty of ideas to fill your time. Find the best prices on Bristol hotels and book here .

From Bristol it’s on to the Roman spa city of Bath, a world heritage site. Like Oxford , this is a difficult place to be anything other than a tourist, but it is so worth it all the same!

Day 15: Back to London, via Stonehenge!

Our last day of our just over two week UK itinerary takes us back to London. No trip to the UK though would really be complete without taking in perhaps our most famous monument – the circle of rocks known as Stonehenge.

There is just something about the place that makes you wonder. A circle of rocks, built by a people who had nothing but their hands and some bits of wood to help them out, in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside, hundreds of miles from an actual quarry, is just mind blowing.

Add in the pagan ritualism, the relationship between the rocks and the sun, and the sheer mystery of the place, and you have somewhere that is capable of really capturing the imagination. Worth your time to visit (see more thoughts from a trip to Stonehenge here ).

Plus, while you’re there you can pop into Salisbury and enjoy the cathedral, which boasts the highest cathedral spire of any church in the UK.

And then… back to London, where this tour finishes!

2 Weeks in the UK: Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of the route , for your reference.

2 Week UK Itinerary Summary

• Days 1 & 2 : London
• Days 3 & 4 : Oxford & the Cotswolds
• Days 5 & 6 : Peak District and Manchester
• Day 7 : York
• Days 8 & 9 : Edinburgh via Northumberland
• Days 10 – 12 : Ireland
• Day 13 : South Wales and Cardiff
• Day 14 : Bristol & Bath
• Day 15 : Back to London, via Stonehenge!

Can you do this 2 Week UK itinerary by public transport?

A popular question from readers is whether or not this itinerary can be done by public transport. I appreciate that of course not everyone wants to drive in the UK, and the answer, for the most part, is yes.

Certainly, between the major cities on the itinerary there are good rail and/or bus links, with the train usually being a little faster. The main challenge is the rural sections of the route – for example, exploring the Cotswolds, Northumbria or the Peak District. This is possible using local buses of course, but it can definitely slow you down a fair bit, and so you would need to adjust the itinerary a little to fit the schedule.

Another option is to add in some days in London or Edinburgh, and doing some specific day trips from these cities to take in the out of town attractions.

For example, there is this  day trip from London that takes in highlights such as Bath and Stonehenge. Then, for Northumbria and the Scottish Borders, including beautiful Alnwick Castle, consider this tour from Edinburgh .

If you are interested in doing this itinerary by public transport, check out my guide to taking a 10 day UK trip by public transport, which as well as a route, has lots of ideas for how to book different forms of transport in the most effective and cost-efficient way.

What About Touring the UK With A Tour Company?

Another popular question is whether or not this sort of trip can be done with a tour company, and if we have any companies we would recommend for this.

So you have a few options for doing this which I have outlined below.

The first option is to take a group tour of the UK. There are a number of companies offering small group tours – we’d recommend finding a service which operates tours of 15 people or less. We usually use and recommend Rabbie’s Trail Burners , who operate trips around the UK and Ireland, and have a number of tour options to choose from.

We haven’t found a tour that exactly matches our UK wide itinerary, but we still have a solution for those of you wanting the do a similar trip as part of a guided tour.

First, we recommend you spend two or three days in London, following our suggested London itinerary .

Next, we recommend you take something similar to this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh.

In Edinburgh, you can spend a couple of days following our Edinburgh itinerary , after which you can easily fly to either Belfast or Dublin direct from Edinburgh.

Here you can either explore these lovely cities, or take a tour to explore more of the country, we’d recommend either this three day tour of Northern Ireland  or this three day tour of the southern and western coast .

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to skip Ireland, you could take something like this five day tour of the Scottish Highlands and Skye .

Finally, you can either return to London, or have your flights home depart from Dublin or Edinburgh, depending on your tour choice.

The other option is a bespoke tour company and/or a private tour guide, who will be able to put a tour together for you, including guiding, transport and accommodation.

Of all the options, this will generally be the most expensive way to travel, but it will also give you total flexibility in terms of your trip and schedule, plus you’ll have a guide with you every step of the way, taking all the hassle out of your trip.

For this sort of tour, we recommend the services of Robina Brown, who is a blue-badge guide offering tours across the UK. See her website here .

When to Visit the UK

You can visit the UK at any time of year, although for the best weather and longer daylight hours, we’d definitely suggest visiting in the warmer months – from May to September. May is probably our favourite time of year, the weather is usually quite reasonable but the tourist crowds are not too intense.

Christmas, and the period leading up to Christmas, can also be a wonderful time to visit, when the streets and shops are all brightly lit and decorated for the festive season. For a good example of this, check out our guide to visiting Edinburgh at Christmas .

Where to Stay in the UK:

For accommodation , there are a great many options to choose from, ranging from cosy B&B’s through to upmarket hotels, and everything in between. Finding the best deal on your accommodation is an important part of trip planning – helping you to get the most from your budget, as well as find the property that is right for you.

• We’ve tried a lot of booking sites, and nearly always find ourselves using Booking.com. They have an extensive selection of properties, many with no-fee cancellation policies, and often run discounts and special offers. Click on each city title to see their listings:  London , Oxford ,  Manchester , York , Edinburgh , Dublin , Cardiff and Bristol .
• If you prefer an apartment or more of a hosted stay, then we recommend Plum Guide . We’ve tried all the others, and in our experience Plum Guide consistently has the highest quality options for the locations they are available.
• If you can’t find what you want on Plum Guide, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB , as well as a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK , which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

How to Get Around the UK

For this kind of trip I also obviously recommend that you look into renting a car. We have used and can recommend Enterprise Car Rental , they usually have great rates, especially for one way rentals. We also recommend comparing car prices using a service like Discover Cars , which compares prices across a range of providers to help you find the best deal.

A hire car will give you a lot more flexibility than public transport, and prices are generally fairly reasonable. However, if you would prefer to do a trip like this by public transport instead of driving yourself, check out our UK itinerary by public transport for ideas.

Another option for travelling in the UK is to hire a motorhome. Whilst this might not be practical for a city focused trip, you might prefer it if you are planning on visiting more rural locations.

For campervan rental we suggest checking out Motorhome Republic . They offer a campervans from a range of companies at different price points, so you can find the right one for you. You can see their UK listings here .

Further reading for your UK Trip

We’ve got lots of resources to help you plan your trip to the UK, from posts we’ve written ourselves to third party content we’re happy to recommend. Here it is:

• If you want a shorter trip, taking in some more off the beaten path destinations, check out this one week itinerary of the UK that I put together. If you’d prefer not to drive yourself, we also have a 10 day UK itinerary by public transport .
• To prepare for your trip to the UK, we’ve put together a detailed UK packing list which covers both London and the wider UK at any time of year
• This is a self-drive trip, so you should definitely check out our guide to driving in the UK for helpful tips.
• We also have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK  which will help you cost out a trip like this.
• A guide to driving Scotland’s epic North Coast 500 , as well as accommodation options on the North Coast 500
• When you’re near Glasgow, you should check out the beautiful Devil’s Pulpit in Finnich Glen
• A two day Edinburgh itinerary & 21 Highlights in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh: Getting off the beaten path
• A Two Day Glasgow and Loch Lomond itinerary
• A guide to 10 of the best Stately Homes in England , to give you some ideas as you plan your itinerary
• For London, we have some detailed itineraries to help you plan your visit. These include a 1 Day London Itinerary , a Two Day London itinerary and a Six Day London itinerary
• The top Harry Potter sites in London
• The Best Photography Locations in London
• Tips on Buying and Using the London Pass
• Eight Things to Do in Kensington
• The Highlights of Oxford
• Our guide to things to do in Cambridge
• Visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds
• 20 Things To Do in Dublin , a 2 day Dublin itinerary and a 3 day Dublin itinerary
• A Guide to Touring the Scottish Borders
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• If you’re interested in getting better photos when you travel, take a look at my online photography course , where I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting better photos – whatever camera you have!
• If you want a physical (or digital!) book to accompany your travels, then Amazon do a good line in UK Travel Guides , and there is naturally a Lonely Planet and a Rough Guide to the UK available.

If you’re planning on visiting a number of historical properties, there are a couple of options you have for saving money as a visitor to the UK. Two main organisations exist to preserve these properties, the National Trust, and English Heritage.

Both of these organisations offer specific passes for visitors to the UK, which represent great value for money for visitors.

For the National Trust you can pick up a National Trust touring pass . This is valid for 7 or 14 days, and gives you access to every National Trust property in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For English Heritage , you can get an English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass . This is valid for 9 or 16 days, and gives you access to every English Heritage property in the UK.

Alternatively, you can also buy a full membership to these organisations, which will last a full year. You can buy an English Heritage Membership here and a National Trust membership here .

So those were my thoughts for taking in a slightly longer than two week trip in the UK. I’ve obviously missed out a great number of places, as no two week trip can possibly hope to see everything, but I’d like to think I covered a great many highlights of this truly fascinating country.

As always, if you’ve got any thoughts on this post, do hit up the comments below!

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25th February 2024 at 6:30 pm

Hello, we are planning a trip this summer. On my list is scotch tasting in Islay. How many days should we add? Do you have any recommendations?

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2024 at 9:28 pm

Sure thing. Islay is beautiful and very much worth a visit. I’d suggest spending a couple of day at least if you can spare it as it takes a bit of time to get to and from the island and there is plenty to see and do there. I have a guide to things to do on Islay which might help. In terms of whisky distilleries, if you have a favourite whisky that I’d obviously recommend going to that distillery. My favourite whisky is Laphroaig, so I enjoyed visiting that distillery particularly. However my guide to Islay lists all the currently active ones so you can make a choice as to which one you prefer.

Have a great trip!

Marcelo Gurgel says

18th January 2024 at 11:52 pm

Hello ! Your post is very good ! I would like to do a similar tour, but on a motorcycle. Including Isle of Man where the TT Isle of Man race will take place. Please for I leave the bike on the London side and take the Ferry by foot and the best option? Cheaper in this case? How much do ferries generally cost? Where do I search for tickets and itineraries? Thanks a lot for the help !

19th January 2024 at 12:02 am

Hi Marcelo,

Thank you! So the only company which operates ferries to the Isle of Man is the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, and the best way to book a ferry is directly on their website here . They operate services from Heysham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin.

If you plan on visiting during the TT race then you should book as soon as you can as this is a very popular event.

The price will vary depennding on when you go but it is definitely less expensive to go as a foot passenger. Looking at a route, it’s around £40 – £50 one way for a foot passenger, and £120 – £140 for a passenger with a bike. However, remember that you will need to pay to park your bike somewhere secure, and you will also need to have transport on the Isle of Man. Also, at more popular times, such as during the TT races, prices can be higher.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions! Safe travels!

PAUL BASILE says

10th December 2023 at 10:20 pm

stumbled across your blog and was pleasantly surprised! my wife and I will arrive in London on 6/19/24 in advance of Wimbledon where we’ll be staying from 7/5 though 7/10. we want to sorta do your route in reverse, heading out of London straight away renting a car, and heading out. we have around 2 weeks and want to start heading to Ireleand, then Scotland, then visiting cousins in Durham in northern GB, returning car in London before wimbeldon.

would love to get some advice on that reverse route, forgoing the London stuff until later, but wanting your insights on anything else! thanks in advance!

13th December 2023 at 12:19 am

It’s great to hear from you. So you can do the route either way without any issue. The main thing if you do decide to include Ireland is to be sure to check if the car rental company you choose allows you to take the car on a ferry to Ireland. Some will and some won’t, you’ll just want to confirm before booking. Otherwise I think you have the structure of a good itinerary. You can follow my route and just adjust it to suit your interests and available time. I’d definitely recommend booking in advance for places to stay and the ferries as you are coming at a popular time for travel so things will start to book up. Otherwise, just have a great time and let me know if you have any questions!

13th December 2023 at 2:38 am

Lawrence….thanks so much…great info on the ferry and booking places….do you have a fav booking site for places to stay?

13th December 2023 at 3:37 am

It’s my pleasure! We primarily use Booking.com when we travel because we like the filters. We usually filter by rating (8+) and then depending on the trip things like having free parking (handy for a road trip). Then things like WiFi, laundry, free breakfast, free cancellation, depending on what we are doing. Also like that you can apply the filters to the map view (again, handy for road trips). You can also book apartments. We also use various other sites depending on where we are going, some places have more AirBnB options. In the UK we also book holiday cottages but for a trip like yours which will likely have more shorter stops I’d say hotels or B&Bs are likely to be an easier option as apartments often have the extra overhead of needing to arrange check in and check out times.

Let me know if I can help any further 🙂

Linda Haddock says

2nd December 2023 at 7:38 am

Hello, thank you for this helpful blog! Do you have any recommendations on when, where and what to include for sites for a JRR Tolkien fan?

2nd December 2023 at 8:46 pm

It’s my pleasure. So Oxford would be my main recommendation as it was here that Tolkien studied and worked. Fun side story, a dear friend of mine was Tolkien’s Doctor and knew him well, although he has now passed. Anyway, Tolkien studied at Exeter Collge in Oxford and was also a fellow at Pembroke College and Merton College, so many of the sights in Oxford like the Radcliffe Camera and Ashmolean museum would be of interest. The Bodeleian Library in Oxford (the Radcliffe Camera is part of this) does have the originals of many of his works but these are not usually on display unfortunately.

I hope this helps a bit! Have a lovely time in the UK and do let me know if you need any more input 🙂

Ingrid Ermanovics says

24th May 2022 at 3:45 pm

Hi, Love your blog. I hear that the traffic in July can be daunting and cause very long delays. As such, would you still recommend a private car hire (car rental)? Or have other suggestions to avoid the issue? Thanks!!

24th May 2022 at 4:33 pm

Thanks very much! So in my experience, the main factors that contribute to traffic in the UK are road works, which can happen at any time, and travelling at specific times. For example, when there is a public holiday on a Monday or Friday, this tends to lead to a lot of holiday traffic. So avoiding those dates makes a lot of sense. July is not particularly worse in my experience, it can be a bit heavier, but it’s not normally awful unless you are unlucky and encounter an accident, or there are road works. I would advise against trips on Friday or Sunday afternoons, as this is when the traffic can be quite bad at any time of year as people go away for or come back from the weekends.

I’d also advise using an app like Google maps with real time traffic, and trying to plan your travel times so they don’t align with the busier times of day. In general though, i would still recommend using a car rental even in July 🙂

I hope this helps!

Debbie Hebert says

16th May 2022 at 12:16 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, this trip looks super fun and we are looking to visit July-Aug of this year starting in Dublin (as the airfare is best to there from our home in New Orleans). Just a few questions. Would you suggest going North or South from Dublin? How many miles is the entire itinerary? Is there is a stretch where we could ditch the rental car and take the train and then pick up another car? And/or if we drop off the car before and after London and train in which cities would be best to do that? Thank you so much!

16th May 2022 at 3:11 pm

Thanks Debbie!

So I’d probably recommend dropping the rental car in Belfast or Dublin and then flying across to Cardiff or Edinburgh, depending which way you go. Many car rental firms don’t allow for rentals to be taken on the ferry, plus you have to pay more to transport a car, so this would likely save you money.

Direction wise in Ireland, it really depends what you want to see. In the Republic of Ireland you have lovely landscapes and places like the Dingle peninsula and Ring of Kerry. If you head north to Belfast (also a lovely city), then you can visit places like the Giant’s Causeway and the Coastal Causeway route.

Putting a mileage total on the entire itinerary is tricky as there are likely to be many detours but I’d say a ballpark of 1500 – 2000 miles seems about right. In terms of areas where you can drop the car and take public transport, a lot of this will depend on what you want to see. If you are happy with primarily cities, then you can easily get around between cities with a train instead of a car. So for example, Edinburgh to York, York to Manchester, Manchester to Bath and Bath to Oxford would all work. Then if there were specific day trips you wanted to do there’s the option to either rent a car for that day, or take a day tour. But if you are thinking of spending more time in the countryside and smaller towns, then a car would be a lot less useful. I’d definitely recommend against taking a car into London, and dropping it off somewhere like Oxford or Reading before taking the train into London.

Farooq Ghouri says

6th May 2022 at 2:56 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica We are visiting UK this summer for two weeks. Your two weeks itinerary is great resource for us. I wonder how we can squeeze Wales in it . Any suggestions will be much appreciated We will be using rental car Sincerely Farooq Ghouri from Chicago USA

6th May 2022 at 9:44 am

Thanks very much! So the southern part of Wales is included in this trip on the return from Ireland. However, if you wanted to add Wales your main option would be to do it as you drive north, or to consider skipping Ireland and to drive back down through Wales to Bath. The second option might be easier as it cuts down having to think about a ferry / flight across to Ireland, but it’s up to you. This itinerary is already very busy, so adding more to it as it exists would be a bit of a challenge in my opinion.

Let me know if I can offer any further advice, and have a great time in the UK!

6th May 2022 at 5:06 pm

Thank you much Laurence I will keep your suggestion in mind when finalizing the itinerary

Heather says

28th April 2022 at 2:35 am

I noticed your recommended the The Resident Victoria and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions. I will be travelling with 3 people, one of which is a full time wheelchair user. Do you think the room size is adequate for a 5 day visit? Did you happen to notice if the showers were roll in or a wet room with chair? I realize most hotels only have accessible showers and whatnot in certain rooms so will understand if you don’t know. I found your travel blog a month ago and love it. Thanks from Canada

28th April 2022 at 12:01 pm

Hi Heather,

Sure thing. So, the first thing to be aware of is that rooms in central London tend to be quite small, especially if you are used to the size of hotel rooms in North America. Another thing to be aware of is that baths are quite common, and having a shower over the bath rather than a separate stall is also fairly common. So if looking for an accessible room it’s really important to specify that, and it’s always worth checking with the hotel what that actually means.

I would say that none of the rooms in the Resident Victoria would really be suitable for three adults to share for a longer stay, if that was what you were thinking. The superior rooms do have the option for three single beds, but these are not accessible rooms. In general, the rooms are fairly compact and I think a wheelchair user in particular would struggle in their standard rooms.

If you were thinking of separate rooms, some of their King Rooms are accessible so that would be an option. I called the hotel this morning and they confirmed that it is their King rooms which are accessible and the showers in these rooms are fully roll in. The toilets and sinks are also accessible. They can also provide a chair in the shower if you want. However these are definitely rooms for two people.

I hope this answers your question! The property is very well located for sure. Let me know if I can offer any further advice. I also have a full guide to where to stay in London which has a lot more options 🙂

13th April 2022 at 11:47 pm

Hi Laurence,

Was very interesting to read this trip. But it’s more suitable for adults without kids to travell to Ireland within two weeks. Can you please look for following trip plan: We are 2 adults + 2 kids (12 and 10) for 14 days. My daughter likes Harry Potter, so preference on these kind of attractions. So i wanted to divided for following parts: 1. London 5 days –>>> museums, parks and so on. 2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London 1 day 3. Oxford or Cambridge .. yet not decided… for one day + Windsor Castle 4. Rent a car(or by train) and drive to the north >> York 1 day Manchester + Alton Towers – 1 day 5. Drive to south Birmingham (Cadbury world + other attractions) – 1 day Costwolds area – 1 day Bath + Stonehenge – 1 day Total 12 + 2 days (driving + bufffer for other changes during the trip)

Do you think is it good? What to add or remove? Or continue to Edinburgh and cancel some places in current trip? Thanks in advance Sam

14th April 2022 at 11:23 am

Great to hear from you. I agree, trying to include Ireland on the trip would be challenging with family. I think your itinerary sounds good, spending more time focusing on a smaller number of areas is a good choice. For your options, I think I might suggest Oxford over Cambridge if your daughter likes Harry Potter as there are quite a few filming locations in Oxford (see the Oxford section of our Harry Potter guide here ). I would also probably allocate a whole day to Oxford and maybe do Windsor Castle on one of your days in London. Oxford is very easy to reach by train from London so makes an easy day trip, but the day might feel rushed if you include Windsor as well.

I think otherwise your itinerary sounds good. A car will make things easier for sure, especially for things like exploring the Cotswolds and getting to Alton Towers. These are doable by public transport but it will take up valuable time. I also think focusing on England is a good idea. Depending on how much of a Harry Potter fan your daughter is you might consider stopping at Gloucester as well to see Gloucester Cathedral, which was used for various Hogwarts scenes .It’s a spectacular cathedral and lovely city in its own right as well, easy to see in 2-3 hours between Birmingham and Bath before dipping into the Cotswolds.

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any questions!

Vincent Choo says

12th April 2022 at 11:04 am

Laurence, My family and I ( 4 of us intend to tour Great Britain for 2 weeks before joining our friends in Belfast to continue another 10 days covering the island of Ireland. We intend to travel with a combination of car, train , ferry and air and hope to have your recommendation on which sectors should I use the above modes of transport. The intineary is roughly the same as your 2 weeks ( loop from London and ends there ) Thank You

12th April 2022 at 2:43 pm

Hi Vincent!

This is a great question, and the answer will come down to both budget and your interests.

If you are primarily interested in cities and larger towns, then travelling by rail might be easier for the majority of your trip. You can get between most cities and towns quite easily by train, and if you book well in advance you can also get cheap fares. You can also use a Friends & Family railcard to save even more. Travelling by train has the advantage that you don’t have to worry about car rental costs, fuel costs and finding car parking, the latter of which can be a challenge in many cities. I’d definitely advise against a car in London at the very least.

If you prefer a mix of city sightseeing and countryside, then a car is going to be more useful as most countryside sights and places like the Lake District are going to be a lot easier to get to and around with your own vehicle. I’d just suggest leaving the car out of the London part of the trip, and remembering to think about parking and fuel prices as part of your budget. I think a car might end up being slightly more expensive than public transport, but honestly the car rental market is so turbulent these days it’s hard to know without doing the math.

My recommendation would be to fly to Ireland – low cost flights with budget airlines will likely be the best option, and most car rental companies actually don’t allow for their vehicles to go on a ferry. Then you could pick up a hire car in Ireland on arrival.

It sounds like you have a great trip planned – let me know if I can offer any more input!

Sanchay says

7th April 2022 at 8:05 pm

Hello, Im planning a 2 week trip which shall include England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland during the month of October 2022. Is it feasible to cover all the places in 2 weeks considering that we are a group of 6 adults and 2 children ( 11 and 12 yrs) or shall we skip any of the destinations. We shall use Public transport in London and prefer Self drive cars / Trains / Ferries elsewhere. I also want to know if you could share some ranch stays where in we can stay and enjoy the country side instead of hotels. Awaiting your kind suggestion

Thanks and Regards 🙂

8th April 2022 at 11:04 am

Hi Sanchay,

Thanks for your comment. So I would probably recommend that you focus on maybe a couple of countries so you can enjoy yourself a bit more. I would probably recommend perhaps the mainland UK, as the extra effort required to get across to Ireland will eat into your time with two weeks. So perhaps a trip which includes London and Edinburgh, and then areas like the Lake District and / or Wales. One thing to be aware of is that the weather in October can be a bit variable, so spending more time in the cities might be more appealing rather than the country side where the weather might not be suitable for a lot of outdoor activities. Of course, you might be lucky and get good weather, but this is not guaranteed.

For ranch stays, probably the closest in the UK would be countryside B&Bs. Some farms do have accommodation option, and there are some lovely self catering options in the country as well.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any further questions!

Derek Bowen says

2nd June 2021 at 5:16 pm

A really good trip, but I would skip Manchester and head right up through Rawtenstall, up through Burnley and Nelson. This would be a really good look at the cotton industry as well a real feel of northern England, as well as the best fish and chips. Then carry on up through Skipton, trying to time market day, and over to York, which is a must.

3rd June 2021 at 12:53 pm

Thank you Derek! For sure, there are so many ways to change this route depending on interests, and your suggestion is a good one 😀

Patrick Russell says

22nd March 2021 at 5:18 pm

This is absolutely amazing itinerary. What would a rough cost be for a trip like this? Minus airfare, and passports.

Thank you, Patrick

22nd March 2021 at 5:23 pm

Thanks Patrick! So it will vary quite a bit depending on your travel style. The main costs on a trip like this are transport, accommodation, food and attraction entry. Accommodation will obviously depend on how comfortable you like to travel, and food will also vary a lot depending on if you prefer fine dining or simpler fare.

To help cost a trip like this I put a guide to the costs of travelling in the UK in a post, which should give you some guidance 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

Hope this helps!

Matthew says

8th December 2020 at 2:51 pm

Interesting itinerary. As a British person, rather than a traveller, my comment would be it doesn’t have much of the coast in, though I understand the time constraints. But a trip to the UK with no seaside towns! At least add Brighton, easy to reach from London. Dorset isn’t too far either, and has a fantastic coast. Also, Chester is beautiful and well worth inclusion.

8th December 2020 at 2:52 pm

Hey Matthew,

Great feedback. When I wrote this guide initially it was in response to a specific request, but of course there is so much of the UK that it doesn’t cover for various reasons (including time restraints!). I always encourage folks to use it as a rough guide, but to modify it for their own interests 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

Tammy Howard says

25th February 2020 at 11:07 pm

Dear Laurence,

Thank you so much for this itinerary. It is fabulous!! We would like to sleep in a castle while on our trip. Are there any that you know of that allow this along this route?

26th February 2020 at 11:20 am

Dear Tammy,

My pleasure! So yes, there are quite a few options along the route, depending on your budget. Some options to consider:

Thornbury Castle – just north of Bristol

Glenapp Castle – just south of the Scotland – Ireland ferry crossing. We’ve stayed here and it’s wonderful

Kilkea Castle Hotel – south of Dublin. We’ve also stayed here.

Cringletie Castle Hotel – about a 40 minute drive south of Edinburgh. Another of our favourites.

Of course, this is just a small selection – there are many more across the UK to choose from, at a range of budgets. One tip when staying in a castle hotel – some of them have built more rooms outside the castle itself. So make sure when booking that you get a room that inside the castle (I think otherwise it sort of defeats the point!).

Have a great trip, let me know if you have any more questions!

Abdiaziz says

29th February 2020 at 8:27 am

How much will I pay if I want to travel next month

29th February 2020 at 10:14 am

Hi Abdiaziz,

March is not too busy a month for travel in the UK, so prices should be reasonable. To figure out your costs for this trip, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK 🙂

Dhaval says

3rd February 2020 at 9:17 am

Hi Laurence, Thanks a lot for this amazing itinerary. We are a group of 4 adults + 4 kids (1Y,3Y,5Y,7Y) and are planning a 15 days trip to the UK. This will be our first time. Can you please assist us with the below queries:-

1. Considering we have small kids, what is the best mode of transport to travel from London to Edinburgh to Dublin? Should we keep one separate day for travelling in our itinerary? We will also have Kids Strollers everywhere we travel. 2. We want to do Day tours from London to Oxford, Cotswold, Stonehenge, Bath etc keeping our base in London. But few of my friends suggested that the Local operators don’t include kids below 5Years and we will be forced to take a rent a car. Any suggestions? 3. Also if we follow your above itinerary, can you guide us the exact cities in which we need to book our apartments/hotels to avoid hassle-free travelling.

Thanks a lot in Advance. Cheers 🙂

3rd February 2020 at 2:45 pm

My pleasure 🙂 I will do my best to help of course. To answer your questions:

1 – From London to Edinburgh I would recommend the train. This takes around 4.5 hours and will be a lot quicker than driving / taking a bus, plus you will have more space for your stroller / bags etc. You could fly too, but as it will take time to check everything in, go through security etc, I think the train will be easier. Just be sure to book your train well in advance to get a good price, and be aware that if you book a ticket in advance, you must take the booked train, the ticket will not work on a different train, even on the same day.

For Edinburgh to Dublin, your only option is realistically to fly.

2 – This is correct, for safety reasons most group tours do not accept children under a certain age, which is often 5. However, you can instead book a private tour. For a group of eight of you this should not work out much more expensive than a normal tour, plus you will be able to customise the itinerary. So I would advise reaching out to private tour operators who should be able to assist.

3 – All the cities are in the itinerary, you would need to stay in whichever ones you want to visit that don’t fall within the day tours you wish to take from London.

I hope this helps – have a great trip and let me know if I can help any further,

Serafina Macdonald says

11th January 2020 at 9:09 pm

Hi there, we are planning a trip to England, Scotland, and Ireland at the beginning of July. We are thinking about 16-18 days. I looked at your itinerary and love your suggestions! My husband does want to spend a half-day in Liverpool and I think we can tweak your itinerary to fit it in and try to do Isle of Skye as well. Since we do have the few extra days at the end of the trip, do you think it would be worthwhile to travel over to the other coast of Ireland to explore that side? (Galway, Aran Islands). Would love some suggestions.

11th January 2020 at 9:18 pm

Hi Serafina!

So Liverpool would definitely be an easy addition to the itinerary. The Isle of Skye is a bit more of a trek, as it’s a five hour drive each way from Edinburgh, so I’d suggest allocating at least 3 days for that, one day each for the drive and one day to actually explore. So do keep that in mind.

For Ireland, absolutely. The west coast is stunning, and if you can find time to head over there I would definitely suggest doing so. There’s a lot to see over there, so the hardest part will be choosing, but certainly the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry are some good candidates for your shortlist 🙂

Have a great time, and let me know if you have any more questions!

12th January 2020 at 2:15 pm

Thanks so much! Looking forward to this trip!

3rd December 2019 at 9:40 am

Dear Laurence, This is the first time I visit UK so could you help give a good advice to have plan visit UK during time 24th Dec- 08th Jan

Thanks Duong

3rd December 2019 at 6:11 pm

Thanks for your message. The majority of the information you need should be available on the site, both in this post and in the posts I link to. I am happy to try and help answer any specific questions you might have – is there anything in particular you are worried about?

The main things I would suggest, depending on where you are travelling from, are to plan what you want to see, to plan your accommodation and transport, and to pack properly for winter. Obviously you are visiting over Christmas and New Year, which is a busy time of year, so if you have not booked your accommodation yet you will definitely want to look into that, especially over New Year as that can be a busy time for both travel and accommodation.

Let me know if I can offer any more specific help for your trip,

Hang Tran says

26th November 2019 at 3:59 pm

Hi Laurence, Thank you for your advice and emails. I was able to put together our 2-week itinerary in England. I changed our lodging to London instead of Heathrow and booked different places when we travel around with our Britrail passes. I can’t say thank you enough. It’s very helpful for us. We will stay in London (3 days), Edinburgh (3 days:Edinburgh and York), Bristol for 5 days, Bath for 2 days and travel to other nearby cities (Stonehenge, Oxford, Cardiff) by train to make one-day trip. Is it right time to visit Cardiff in winter? If not, do you have any other places to spend a day? We’re thinking about Liverpool but it takes about 3-hours ride. If so, what should we can see in such a short time in Liverpool? We never ride a train before so we don’t mind riding the train everyday and enjoy the view together.

26th November 2019 at 5:20 pm

I am so pleased to have been able to help you and to hopefully make your trip a memorable one. It sounds like you have a wonderful itinerary planned now.

I would say that Cardiff is fine to visit in winter. Like many cities in the UK, lots of the attractions are indoors, so you can visit at any time of year and have a good time. Obviously you’ll want to dress warmly, but this will be the same all around the UK. Cardiff will definitely be one of the easier places to visit given its proximity. Another option would be Birmingham. I think I would probably not do Liverpool from Bristol – the 3 hour trip each way would be 6 hours on a train, so I don’t think you’d really have enough time to enjoy the city.

Let me know if I can be of any further help! We actually live in Bath too, so maybe we’ll see you 😉

28th November 2019 at 5:30 am

Hi Laurence, Thank you for the suggestion. We will look into Birmingham instead of Liverpool. We might be able to meet you for breakfast or lunch in Bath on Dec 22 or 23. I was able to find a place to stay that we can walk up or down the street to get to Bath Spa. Everything is in walking distance. Thanks to you again.

Sincerely, Hang

28th November 2019 at 7:22 pm

My pleasure – have a lovely trip. Do pop a comment here or send me an e-mail if you have some free time!

Laurel says

9th October 2019 at 7:23 am

Hi, love your itinerary of the UK. It includes much of what we want to see. Howev r, we are a senior couple of nomads from Australia and we are trying to organise a four week trip of the UK and Ireland including the islands off Scotland but we are steam train buffs and have the 10 best day trips on steam trains to try to include. Do you help with itinerary planning to include as many of these as we can but in some sort of order? If not can you head us in the right direction? We don’t need London as we have a couple of days there prior to a cruise of Norway. Is it feasible to do this trip in September and will he days still be long and fairly warm? Thanks in anticipation for your advice.

9th October 2019 at 6:16 pm

Thanks very much! So we don’t offer custom itinerary planning as it’s quite a time intensive process. We’re happy to answer specific questions and help where we can of course. Steam trains aren’t really an area of expertise though!

I can definitely answer your questions about September – I’d say September is a great month to travel. If you are lucky it might still be reasonably warm (recent years have been lovely in September), but you skip the crowds of the summer months and the schools will have gone back as well. September and May are our favourite months to travel. Of course, this is the UK, so rain and cooler weather is certainly possible (although you can get this in July and August as well!), so it’s always best to be prepared with layers of clothing, but you should be fine generally. The days will still be long, light until around 8pm depending on which part of the month you visit 🙂

Have a great trip, and let me know if I can answer any more specifics!

Kevin Ortyl says

19th September 2019 at 6:51 pm

Love the website and your two-week itinerary. Very easy to follow.. So glad we found your site. Need advice please… (Coming from Boston, USA) Thinking of a two-week vacation late August 2020 (family of 4… 2 college age kids) flying into London and out of Dublin. So similar trip you outlined but not returning to Heathrow once in Ireland. Planning on rental car and driving everywhere. Can the one way car rental work in this scenario (London, Scotland, ferry to the Emerald Isle, drop rental at Dublin)? Second Q… if we were to eliminate the Wales back to London segment how would you fill in that itinerary staying in Ireland?

19th September 2019 at 7:20 pm

Thanks very much. So dropping off the car in a different country might be a challenge. Most car rental companies will let you drop the car off in a different part of the same country, but as the Republic of Ireland is separate from the UK, that would likely be a challenge. So your best option is probably to rent the car in the UK, then drop it off at Edinburgh airport and fly to Dublin, then pick up a new rental there.

For your time in Ireland, you have a lot of options! If you are looking for a road trip the Causeway Coastal Route in northern Ireland is a favourite of ours, and the Wild Atlantic Way is also a great drive. Of course there is so much to see in Ireland and Northern Ireland depending on what you are interested in, with both Dublin and Belfast being worth a visit. It would just depend if you wanted to do more city or more country 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help – we have quite a few posts on Ireland as well on the site with some ideas!

19th September 2019 at 9:58 pm

Thank you for the reply, and the good information regarding rental cars.

To follow up, once in Ireland probably interested in seeing some of the quaint cities/towns, visit the pubs, little urban culture, castles, etc and those types of places in lieu of say hiking and biking. Hoping of course between destinations to see beautiful countryside and such!

20th September 2019 at 9:02 am

My pleasure 🙂 So I would suggest that driving the Causeway Coastal Route ( https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/causeway-coastal-route-northern-ireland/ ) Might be a good option 🙂

4th September 2019 at 2:13 am

Hi Laurence, I really like the two week trip itenerary. We’ll will be driving and are experienced with that. We’d like to see some worthy gardens along the suggested route. Any ideas?

4th September 2019 at 7:02 pm

Certainly. The gardens at Alnwick Castle are wonderful, as are the gardens at many of the stately homes in the UK (you can see our list of good stately homes in England here ). Not all of them have gardens of course, but that’s a good starting point. Many cities also have botanic gardens, including Edinburgh and Kew Gardens in London, which are well worth the visit.

I hope this helps a little 🙂

Rachel Sales says

16th August 2019 at 5:15 am

Hi! This post gave me lots of ideas. However, can you help me out in modifying this itinerary which will make Edinburgh as the last stop? My flight booking is DXB-LHR, EDI-DXB. I thought it will be nice it it’s an onward journey and not have to go back to my starting point. Thank you in advance!

16th August 2019 at 12:12 pm

Glad to be able to help! So as this itinerary is a loop, it’s a bit challenging to modify it that easily. My suggestion would perhaps be to drop Ireland from your trip, and instead to spend more time in Scotland. So you could follow the itinerary up to Edinburgh, and then add in time exploring more of Scotland before returning to Edinburgh. Let me know your thoughts,

Robin Major says

13th August 2019 at 12:53 am

Hello Lawrence,

I just found and love this site!! I’m trying to plan a 25th wedding anniversary trip for next September (2020) to surprise my hubby.

He’s never been to Europe. I was fortunate enough to get two and half lovely days in London a couple years back courtesy of my employer.

I’m not sure if what I want to do is totally doable though… No driving.. we would do transit and rail… I’m thinking a week in Britian and a week in Scotland. Maybe fly into London, spend two full days exploring the sites.. then I’m sort of lost. We are interested in Castles, love the supernatural aspect of York so that will be a must, definitely want to see Stonehenge.. and as odd as it sounds, my parents did Sherwood Forest and Nottingham on their 25th Wedding Anniversary many years ago so wondering if that would be a recommendation? Just not sure of the logistics for a week in Britian.. where to stay etc.

For Scotland, again, Castles and we are both big Outlander fans so we’ve have to see Loch Ness, Inverness and any and all sites made famous by Outlander. I am thinking a week up there and we fly home from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Do you have any suggestions/recommendations on an itinerary for us? I would greatly appreciate any knowledge you wish to share with me.

Thank you so much! Robin

13th August 2019 at 10:19 am

Thanks very much! It certainly would be possible 🙂 I’ve actually written a 10 day UK itinerary by public transport. Whilst the route isn’t exactly what you want, the post does have some useful information to help you plan your trip, especially around booking the trains etc. If you’ve not seen that post yet, it’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/

Regarding your specific itinerary, I would suggest you start in London as you suggest. You could then take a day tour from London out to Stonehenge. This is doable by public transport, but is way easier as a day tour, plus they usually have some extra stops like Bath. You can read our guide to doing that here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/Stonehenge-bath-cotswolds-day-trip-from-london/

So Nottingham is nice (I went to university there), but with limited time I wouldn’t say it was a must do. My suggestion would be to take the train from London to Oxford, and then up to York. A day in each location would work. You are now up to five days in England. Castles are a bit tricky by public transport as many of them are out of cities. I would perhaps suggest extending your time in London and taking the extra day to visit either Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace. From York you could head up to Durham which is a beautiful cathedral city.

From Durham the train to Edinburgh is not too far. I’d suggest basing yourself in Edinburgh for at least three days. Two days to explore the city, and then one day to take an Outlander tour. We have specifically done 1 day tour with Rabbies , and thought it was great. We have more suggested day tours from Edinburgh here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/day-trips-from-edinburgh-scotland/

From Edinburgh our recommendation would then be to take the train up to Inverness, from where you can explore more castles, Loch Ness and the Highlands. Again, plenty to do in this area, and there are lots of great day trips to plan. You can see our guide to some of the best here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/day-trips-from-inverness-scotland/

I think that should give you plenty to work with – let me know if you have any more questions!

8th August 2019 at 9:35 pm

I just found this page and so glad I did especially your “Best Stately Homes in England” We will be visiting England and Scotland for 2weeks October 16-29, 2019 and I am excited about your itinerary. We have been to Northern Ireland (once)and Republic of Ireland (4 times) so we can leave those out, so are there any other places you might suggest? My husband has driven every time we have visited Ireland so he can handle a manual transmission. We land at Gatwick Airport and I thought we could head to Edinburgh via a easterly route and return to London via a westerly route. We do not have to travel only motorways but don’t wait too many small country lanes (did plenty of those in Ireland). Any suggestions you could make would be greatly appreciated. Love Manor Houses, Castles, rolling landscape, waterfalls, quaint English market towns or villages, etc. THANKS

9th August 2019 at 8:54 am

Sounds like you have a great trip planned, and I will certainly do my best to help. It sounds like your route is pretty good already, coming down the west side of the UK gives you the chance to pop into the Lake District, explore towns like Chester, and even larger cities like Birmingham. In terms of stately homes, well, I would obviously recommend the majority of those in my post on stately homes. I’d also add Edinburgh Castle of course if you like castles, as well as the more ruined Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Alnwick Castle on the way up through Northumberland is stunning, as are many of the other castles in Northumberland, like Bamburgh and dunstanburgh. For rolling hills and greenery, the Lake District is lovely, but I can also recommend the Hadrian’s Wall area of Northumberland, particularly the area near Housesteads.

For quaint English towns, of course the Cotswolds would be by number one pick. The counties of Kent and Dorset are also good options.

I think that should get you started, let me know if you need some more ideas!

Christine Greentaner says

5th August 2019 at 12:26 pm

Hello!! I stumbled on your site asking google if I could do the this kind of trip and wow, here you are! Unsure of the driving though since we zero experience. However, this two week itinerary gives us something to start thinking about. Thank you so much!! Christine

7th August 2019 at 2:52 pm

Hi Christine!

Driving in the UK is definitely a bit different, especially if you are coming from a country where they drive on the right hand side. Also, if you’re coming from the USA, be aware that most cars in the UK have manual transmissions, so when you rent a car if you are not used to driving a manual you should specify an auto. I have a guide to driving in the Uk which you might also find useful 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-driving-in-the-uk/

Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great trip!

Danie marais says

11th July 2019 at 8:54 pm

What will it cost for 2 adults

12th July 2019 at 4:17 am

Hi Danie – this really depends on your travel style – you can see a guide to how much travel in the UK costs here for some estimates: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

Margaret says

9th July 2019 at 6:29 am

HI , Just wanted to ask. I am getting a little a little worried,as our trip is getting closer and closer. Your site has helped so much. Does this sound ok to do. Day 1 arrive late afternoon explore Paddinton. Day 2 & 3 follow your 2 day guide of london sites. Day 4 train to oxford, free 2 hour tour. free time to explore oxford Day 5 train back to oxford ,pick up car. Drive to Cotswold explore.. Drive on up to peak district stay over night . 1 night Day 6 explore peak district , drive to Manchester and york .explore. Now I am unsure to travel to the Lake district Or follow onto Alnwick. as some people say not to miss out on the lake district. We dont have enought time to cut back over to Alnwick unsure . We arrive in paddington on the 20th want to leave Edinburgh 31st. So take into account at least 2 night in Edinburgh and head onto Belfast. We will then explore Belfast and Dublin for 2 weeks as we have friends there. follow onto wales Bath but we do want to stay in Southampton for two days once again friends. Can you get to Heathrow airport from Southampton We have 5.5 weeks for this trip but I do want to spend time with friends in Belfast and Dublin. I am so over whelmed .

10th July 2019 at 5:43 am

Hi Margaret!

First, I’m delighted we’ve been able to help 🙂

Your comment covers a few points so I will try to help where I can. For your itinerary, the first six days look good, the only feedback I would offer is that trying to do the Peak District, Manchester and York in one day is likely going to be too much. Even Manchester and York in one day is quite a bit. York would need at least four hours to fully enjoy it, so I might suggest skipping Manchester unless you are particularly invested in it.

For your Lake District dilemma, I can’t really answer this for you. Everyone has a different idea as to what is “unmissable”, so it really depends on your priorities and interests. The Lake District is certainly very pretty, but so is much of the UK 😉

From Southampton you can definitely get to Heathrow airport. It takes around 2 hours by train. It’s not a direct train though, so you do have to change, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. If you would prefer a direct route, I believe National Express operates a coach service between the two locations.

I think for the rest of your trip you might want to reach out to your friends and ask for their advice in terms of what to see and do. I would try to relax and enjoy yourself instead of trying to see everything and becoming overwhelmed if you can. Travel is definitely a bit of work, but ultimately it is supposed to be fun. I always find that the less planned adventures are the more fun ones. So certainly come up with a framework, but don’t spend too much time worrying about it to the tiniest detail, as it will likely detract from the enjoyment.

22nd July 2019 at 4:35 am

Thank you Laurence, Your advice is so helpful. I have added days, so we can get the most out of our trip 2 days in the Peak District, Manchester and 1 day for York. Now I am on the end part of our trip and once again would like some advice. : After spending 18 days exploring Ireland. We will be catching the ferry to Wales. 20th Fishguard pick up car, early afternoon explore the country driving towards Cardiff, Bristol Question : Unsure as to time length of time needed

I was thinking, see Cardiff, then drive towards Bristol arrive around tea time. sleep overnight and have full day to explore Bristol. 21st after exploring Bristol drive towards Bath. arrive around tea time, find somewhere to sleep for 2 nights (21st and 22nd) 22nd full day to explore Bath. 23 th drive toward Stonehenge, Amesbury, drive onto southamption return Car

24th southamption .explore Southamption see family member. we need to be at Hearthrow airport on the 26th at 9:20 flight take off , My next question is , Should I return to paddington for the 25th so I can get the express train to airport , Is my flight to early to return from southamption. Once again . please guide me. Margaret

22nd July 2019 at 6:03 pm

Hi Margaret,

My pleasure! I will try to help again. Your timings for Bristol / Bath etc seem reasonable. They are very close together, my only advice is to avoid travelling at rush hour (4pm – 6pm), as it will make your journey much longer due to the traffic.

For your second question, in theory you could get from Southampton to Heathrow in time, but it’s around a 2 – 2.5 hour journey. You’d want to check train times for the day you are going, but the earliest trains are around 5am based on my research, so you would get to Heathrow around 7.30am. So yes, it’s possible, but it depends how happy you are with an early start and also the risk of any train delays. Up to you, but personally I avoid early mornings at all costs, so would personally probably just find a hotel near Heathrow 😉

Diana Cottrell says

1st July 2019 at 1:57 am

Loved seeing your site. Very helpful since I’m trying to plan a driving vacation for my husband and myself and really didn’t know were to start. I have some questions but will start with only one. We were in London last year but I could go again. Loved it. Hubby sick and had a different feeling. Would it be hard for someone from the US to land at Heathrow and rent a car…then drive to Windsor right after landing? Is it far enough out of London to get comfortable with driving on a different side of the road?

1st July 2019 at 10:18 pm

So, funny story, after passing my UK driving test the first thing I did was rent a car and drive out of Heathrow! I’m not sure I’d exactly recommend it, you’d be driving onto one of the busiest motorways in the UK (our equivalent of a freeway) which might be quite stressful. It’s possible of course, and I’m sure many people do it, but I would advise caution. Also, make sure you specify you want an automatic as most cars in the UK are manual 🙂

3rd July 2019 at 12:01 am

Thanks for the information. Think we’ll skip Heathrow. How would landing in Edinburgh, then heading up through Scotland and back down England (maybe to Bath). Then going up through York and returning back to Edinburgh to return car.

3rd July 2019 at 2:57 pm

That would likely work quite well. My only advice, if you plan on spending time in Edinburgh, is not to pick up the hire car until you leave, as you won’t need it in the city and you’ll just be paying for car rental and parking for no good reason – the city is very walkable.

6th July 2019 at 11:11 pm

Thanks so much. Will start planning.

Amanda says

23rd June 2019 at 5:59 pm

This is such a great detailed itinerary! We are planning to get a rental car in Cambridge and then driving to Scotland from there, so some of these places we will definitely have to visit! I do have one question, about renting a car. Is there a boarder crossing fee or any other type of fee the rental company could charge to go from England to Scotland? We are planning to do a one-way trip so I know there is a fee for that, but in terms of crossing between the two countries is there a fee? When I read about the boarding crossing fee it was unclear to me if that is only if we leave the UK?

Thank so much!

23rd June 2019 at 6:02 pm

Thanks very much! There’s no fee or anything like that for crossing into Scotland, it’s not really a border like that. It’s all part of the UK, so it’s one country.

Opal joiner says

18th June 2019 at 1:37 pm

Hi Do I need to purchase a London pass and a heritage pass? Or just one pass?

18th June 2019 at 7:05 pm

It depends what you want to see and where you are travelling, but for London the London Pass will cover the majority of the attractions 🙂 I definitely recommend checking what they cover before purchasing though 🙂

Chris Ryan says

17th June 2019 at 8:44 am

From an English persons point of view this is an excellent itinerary. It would be good to include the Lake District and Snowdonia but to cover all this in two weeks would be a nightmare and far too much time on the road. The average Brit would allow at least a month for the whole trip. If only two weeks available I would suggest you save Ireland for another time, it’s sacrilage not to explore more of that country, and maybe see more of the west of Scotland instead.

17th June 2019 at 11:06 am

Thanks very much 🙂 I agree, I was actually born in Snowdonia and that part of the world is wonderful. Have spent many happy weekends camping in the Lakes as well. The itinerary was in response to a specific request – we normally encourage folks to slow down where possible and spend more time seeing and less time travelling, but unfortunately many people don’t have much leave to play with and want to try and see as much as possible 🙂

Lillie says

15th June 2019 at 2:56 pm

Hi! So glad to have stumbled upon your site, as I am planning this trip to the UK in October, and I didn’t even know where to begin. I like the idea of doing all the traveling by road ourselves since we’ll be traveling with our baby who will be 9 month old at the time. I was thinking 10 days, including Ireland, but would you consider that possible? We are really interested in doing the whiskey distillery tours in Scotland and anything and everything related to Harry Potter. We’re also interested in visiting landmarks like the cliffs and stonehenge. We’re usually good at squeezing in a lot in our vacations, but this will be the first time we travel with our son, so I don’t want to set ourselves up for failure either. Any advice on what to cut out or if we need to lengthen the trip?

15th June 2019 at 8:38 pm

So, first off, I have to say that we’re not really experts on travelling with children as we don’t have any of our own. So any advice I offer you is based on what friends and other readers have shared with us about the logistics of travelling with a young person. Of course, everyone’s experience will also be different.

Generally, most folks say that you definitely need to slow down when travelling with young children, as you have to factor in things like feeding, changes and so on. This will definitely vary though depending on age and individual personalities 😉

That said, you are trying to do a great deal in 10 days. Scotland and England are around a 6 – 7 hour drive apart, and if you want to get up into the Highlands you’re looking at another few hours. To then add Ireland would make it more of a challenge for sure. It’s not impossible of course, but it would definitely be rushed. It might be that you would be best off focusing on Ireland and Scotland on this trip, perhaps five days in each, rather than trying to see everything and just having a stressful time. Alternatively, add 3 or 4 days and include some time in England 🙂

I hope this helps a bit!

Ashok Agarwal says

15th June 2019 at 6:01 am

Wow. I looked up the WWW for a 2 week itinerary for the UK and am glad I clicked on your site, from the numerous options that sprang up. The information contained here is so so exhaustive. Not only did I get a fantastic plan but ab amazing read, too. We are planning our first visit to the UK in October and are going to follow your tips to the T. You guys are fantastic. Thanks.

15th June 2019 at 11:04 am

Thanks very much Ashok! Much appreciated 🙂

9th June 2019 at 9:56 am

Dear Laurence!

Thank you SOOOOO much for your inspirational itinerary and all other articles you provide here. They’re great help!

We are going to spend 15 days in UK in August and this is cause we’ve planned to take our son to Warner Bros HP Studio as we are all massive HP fans :). We’ll start and finish in London, though initially we want to hire a car at the airport and start a trip and spend couple of days in London in the end.

Could you kindly give us some advice / decide whether it is possible, to plan a trip considering these simple priorities: 1) we’d love to see Scotland with its green hills, waterfalls etc. 2) we would really like to visit Snowdonia 3) I guess Stonehenge is sth 8-year-old traveler to England must see 4) I personally have dreamt all my life too see PUFFINS (I mean – free puffins) 5) we can skip Irelnad, no problem 😉

I must admit – reading about UK – I am getting a bit lost in huge amount if options and sites one must visit, so I’d be grateful for some advice.

10th June 2019 at 10:57 am

My pleasure 🙂

So my first tip, if you haven’t already booked the Harry Potter Studio Tour is to do it as soon as possible as it books out well in advance 🙂 I also have a guide to visiting which you might have already seen, but just in case you haven’t, it’s here:

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/taking-a-harry-potter-studio-tour-everything-you-need-to-know/

Then, on to the question of your itinerary. Assuming two days in London, that gives you around 12 – 13 days to play with. I would suggest you spend them as follows. Given that you are Harry Potter fans I’m also including some HP filming locations you might enjoy 😉

Day 1 – head to Oxford, overnight here. Lots of awesome history, plus lots of Harry Potter filming locations to explore. Day 2 – head to Bath via Stonehenge Day 3 – head up to Snowdonia. Will be a bit of a drive, but worth it. I’d advise a couple of days in Snowdonia to do some hiking and exploring the towns, castles etc. The roads are slower here so it will take longer go get around

Day 5 – Head across to York Day 6 – Drive up to Alnwick Castle, another HP filming location. Then continue on to Edinburgh. Day 7 & 8, Edinburgh. Lots to see, lovely castle. Where Rowling wrote many of the HP books. Note the Edinburgh festival will be on so the city will be very busy. If you decide to stay in Edinburgh, you need to book now. Also, if you want to see puffins, the Isle of May just near Edinburgh is one of the best places to get up close to them. You need to book a trip, which you can do here: https://seabird-centre.seafari-edinburgh.co.uk/forth-ferry-and-isle-of-may

Day 9 – head across to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Overnight here or in Oban Day 10 – head up to Fort William / Glencoe. You can ride the HP train from here, or go see the viaduct at least Day 11 – head down to Glasgow, overnight Day 12 – drive down to Liverpool, overnight Day 13 – return to London.

I would say that would be a good way to do it! We have lots more info on Harry Potter sites if you are interested: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/london-harry-potter-locations/ https://independenttravelcats.com/guide-top-harry-potter-sites-in-edinburgh-scotland-jk-rowling/ https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/harry-potter-filming-locations-uk/ https://independenttravelcats.com/harry-potter-filming-locations-in-scotland/

10th June 2019 at 8:52 pm

Thank you a lot for your advice! The plan sounds great and we are definitely going to follow it step by step :)))

with best regards!

7th June 2019 at 9:00 am

Hi, what a great article! However, do you have any tips for hire car? Are there any fees/ extra charge or need to notice the supplier that the road trip route is involve Wales, Ireland and Scotland?

7th June 2019 at 8:37 pm

Thanks very much!

For driving in Wales and Scotland it won’t matter because they are part of the united Kingdom, so it’s still the same country.

The republic of Ireland however is a separate country, plus you have to take a ferry to get there. So that would be something you would need to check with the rental agency.

S. Steinback says

26th May 2019 at 9:16 am

Hi, my daughter and I are leaving mid August to the UK for 2 weeks. We are planning to start our trip in London. Then wanted to see Brighton, Cornwall, Wales and Scotland. We also want to see Bath and Oxford too. Is this doable using the train? We are unsure of how we should book our traveling using train, car or bus. Can you provide and manageable itinerary and recommendations on how we should travel from each place on a 2 week trip?

26th May 2019 at 11:04 am

Hi Sabrina,

So you should be able to see most of what you want to see by train. As an example, I’d suggest:

2 days in London 1 day in Brighton (train to Brighton takes about an hour, so can be done as a day trip from London or overnight) 1 day in Oxford (1 hour train from London to Oxford, overnight in Oxford) 1 day in Bath (1 hr 40 minute train from Oxford to Bath, overnight in Bath) 2 days in Cornwall (around 3 hours by train from Bath to Cornwall. You might want to take a tour in Cornwall as there is less public transport to get around) 3 days in Wales (train from Cornwall to Cardiff is around 3 – 4hours, but then you will have to plan how to get around Wales. Again a tour might be easiest) 3 days in Scotland (you can either fly from Cardiff to Glasgow / Edinburgh, or take the train, but the train will take around 8 hours)

I’d also suggest looking into Rabbie’s Trail Burners . They do a number of tours from London which might suit what you want to do and save you the hassle of planning. These cover the majority of the destinations you want to visit.

I hope this helps a bit with your planning!

Ed Hyland says

17th April 2019 at 12:01 am

Thankyou for your guide it was really helpful I am living in Argentina and j am planning on bringing Argentinian tourists to Wales and central England on a tour of castles and important historical sites .I plan on bringing groups of around 10 people and using a rented mini bus to move around. Do you have any helpful tips as this will be our first tour ,we are planning on visiting early September All the best .Ed,x

17th April 2019 at 10:56 am

My pleasure. So I don’t have any experience of running this kind of trip, so it’s tricky to give very specific advice. I am sure you have considered things like insurance and liability and so on, as well as any other legal requirements involved with running a tour.

THe only tips I have would be around admission to sights – there are usually group discounts available for attractions that you might be able to take advantage of, although you might need to call in advance to arrange these. I’d also advise to definitely book your accommodation in advance as you have a larger group.

Otherwise, I hope you have a great trip!

12th April 2019 at 12:04 am

I was planning this itinerary since I saw and had 15 days in the region. After more research I am now wondering what it takes to get a rental car from London to Ireland and back? Do you use the same car the entire trip, or would you switch cars at the water crossings in order to not have to pay to ferry the car across? Also I’ve heard rental agencies in England don’t really allow their rentals (or at least coverage) in Ireland? And yet another concern is time, I keep hearing that driving over there is quite a bit slower going than say the US, or by train, would this itinerary still give enough time to enjoy the locations or would it be quick stops and rushed in order to get to the next place? Sorry a lot of questions, just trying to decide if I need to break the trip up to just one or two countries. Thanks. And love you blogs and all the information and amazing photography.

12th April 2019 at 11:46 am

So it is certainly possible to take a hire car on the ferry, it just depends on the hire car company, and some of them charge a fee for doing so. Here’s an example of the Enterprise UK policy: https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/help/faqs/driving-across-borders.html

Obviously you also then have to pay the ferry fee for the hire car as well. So an easier option to be honest is just to fly, for example to take a flight from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin. You would drop off the hire car in Edinburgh and pick up a new one in Belfast.

I appreciate this might be a bit of hassle, so certainly adjusting the itinerary so you skip Ireland is another option. In this case, I’d suggest either spending more time in Scotland, or coming down the west coast of the UK, visiting the Lakes and Wales.

The roads in the UK are definitely a bit busier and can also be slower than roads in the USA. This itinerary is definitely doable, but I’m always a fan of slowing down and seeing more, so that is a good option too 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions!

David Cameron says

11th April 2019 at 1:56 pm

“You’ve packed up every possible solution in this one blog. I’m over the moon! I really am! How much would this trip cost, approximately? And if I’m going on this trip, Ireland will definitely be included coz from the moment I saw P.S I love you and Leap Year movie, I’ve been dreaming of visiting those places. Thank you. Thank you so much, Laurence !”

11th April 2019 at 2:04 pm

Thanks very much! So it’s hard to give an exact price as it will depend on your travel style. The best option is to cross reference this post with our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK, which will let you come up with a budget based on your travel style 🙂

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

Usha Gupta says

10th April 2019 at 6:02 pm

Hi, we are travelling to London for a holiday from India. My 2 sons (29 & 27) and I are planning on spending 2 weeks in London and Wales. 13th-18th in London 19th-21st in Wales 22nd-26th in London Please advice how best to spend our holidays? We do not want to visit any of the normal places as we have seen n visited them all. What are the best places in wales to see and visit? We have not been to wales. Is it safe to take a road rrip from London to wales? Are 3 days in wales enough to get around? Pl advice

10th April 2019 at 6:52 pm

Well, there’s a huge amount to do and see in London beyond all the normal tourist things that you have likely already done. I can advise visiting Greenwich for example if you have not been out there already, and perhaps some of the palaces out of the city, like Kensington or Hampton Course. Sometimes we like to pick up the London Pass and visit some of the many attractions we’ve not been to before!

Wales is lovely but it is quite big so you will want to consider visiting a region. My favourite part of Wales is the northern part, including the Snowdonia national park and towns like Caernarfon, but there are many nice regions and places to visit. If you want to see more you will likely want a few more days in Wales.

It is certainly safe to take a road trip from London to Wales, of course, I can’t guarantee your safety, but it is no less safe than travel anywhere else in the UK 🙂

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

Usha gupta says

14th April 2019 at 3:24 am

Ty for you advise. We decided to spend all our time in London and do day trips, theatre etc.

14th April 2019 at 11:46 am

My pleasure. Enjoy!

Darlene Williams says

24th March 2019 at 6:10 pm

Lovely ideas here! My Granddaughter and I did a trip last summer to the Cotswolds, London and Paris. I’m thinking of a trip with my Granddaughter (18) in 2020 and would like to base myself in the Lakes District or Wales and take in Ireland and Scotland in a 2 week trip. Since I’ve been there I’ve decided I could probably drive it myself or possibly rent cars when needed and travel via train/bus/tours between Ireland & Scotland. I’m guessing the Highlands is probably out of reach for a 2 week trip? I would welcome your knowledge and suggestions. Thank you, Darlene

25th March 2019 at 3:44 pm

Thanks very much Darlene!

I would definitely recommend hiring a car for the Lakes – it’s a more remote part of the UK, and there are fewer public transport options, both for getting there, and for getting around. I would say that it would make for a good base, but just to be aware that the roads are not very fast in either the Lake District or Wales, so it can take a bit of time to get from place to place.

The Highlands would be achievable, but it would involve a great deal of driving, and if you wanted to head up there i would suggest that as a standalone trip, perhaps flying to Inverness (or overnight train from London), and then renting a car from there 🙂

Do let me know if I can provide any more specific information to help you plan!

Deep Shah says

22nd March 2019 at 5:43 am

Hello Laurence and Jessica,

It has been a pleasure reading about all your experiences in and around UK. I am planning to visit UK between April 22 and May 1. I am planning to start my trip from Edinburg cover a bit of scotland and than move on and end my trip in London.

Here is my itinerary Inverness (23 April) –> Isle of Skye (24 April) –> Fort William (25 April) –> Edinburgh (26 April) –> Jedburgh (27 April) –> York (28 April) –> Cambridge (29 April) –> Cotsworld (30 April) –> London (1 May)

Do you think this is doable? Or any particular section is too aggressive? Your help will really help me plan this better.

22nd March 2019 at 10:00 am

This is in theory do-able, but you will be spending a lot of time driving. From Inverness to the Isle of Skye is a 2.5 hour drive for example, and then there’s a lot to see and do on the island which will also require driving. If you are ok with lots of time driving then yes, this is doable, I just wanted to be sure you knew 🙂

24th March 2019 at 12:35 pm

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I am aware that we will have a lot of driving. But thats ok with me. Thanks again for your time. I have made the reservations to follow this itinerary. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for sharing all the information on your website.

24th March 2019 at 12:38 pm

My pleasure – have a great time and do let us know how it goes! You can drop in here or in our facebook group 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelloversandphotography/

Omker Mahalanobish says

21st March 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thanks for your detailed itinerary. Looks exciting. By the way, could you please let me know, what should be the expected cost for the said trip? Further : I dont want to drive. Me and my wife would be travelling, and we would rather prefer a chauffer driven cab.

Thanks, Omker

21st March 2019 at 5:27 pm

I have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/cost-travel-uk/

However, if you want to travel with a private guide, this will generally cost in the region of £500 – £800 per day for the car / driver guide, and then you would need to add accommodation expenses and so on on top of that. We recommend Robina Brown for this sort of trip: http://driverguidetours.com/

Heather Reid says

20th March 2019 at 5:20 am

This site is the most perfect one for my needs. I am a solo traveler female aged 74 and I wish my 75th Birthday be spent on the next trip. If there be another solo person I would be happy to meet up before departure….male or female.

20th March 2019 at 12:49 pm

Thanks Heather – have a great trip, and we hope you find someone to travel with!

Phillip Armanas says

5th March 2019 at 12:20 am

Stumbled over your website while looking for ideas for a two week trip to the UK, glad I did. You’ve got a fantastic itinerary which includes a number of destinations my wife and I had in mind already. We are a retired couple, living in Australia six months of the year, and Atlanta, Georgia the other six months. This gives us great flexibility in travel terms, both in SE Asia and from the USA to many places including UK/Europe. A question I have is whether you have done any family history work on any of your travels? My ancestry is Scottish in the mid-1800s when my great-great-grandfather arrived into Port Adelaide, Australia. As yet we have been unable to track him accurately back into Scotland, but his surname is from a very ancient clan that can be traced back to the 13th century in Fife county. Have you any tips on places I might visit to pursue my elusive ghosts? Phill & Patti

5th March 2019 at 1:35 pm

Hi Phill & Patti!

We’re delighted you have found our content useful : ) So this isn’t something we have personally done, however I have some resources that might be helpful:

http://www.scottishgenealogyresearch.com/ https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/research-your-ancestry/steps/ https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/family-history https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/local-family-history-centres

It helps if you know the person’s name you are researching and where they lived before leaving Scotland. If you know this, you can look for a local research center or records office or clan center. The Visit Scotland link above is a good place to start. The Scottish Genealogy Research is a professional service that will do research for you for a fee.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

Ronald Rieder says

15th February 2019 at 1:22 am

My wife and I would like to take your “ideal itinerary” beginning Sept. 30, 2019. Is there anyone or any group that we could join?

17th February 2019 at 3:56 pm

So this itinerary is a self guided tour for those wanting to drive themselves. However, we appreciate not everyone wants to do that, and we’ve put some suggested tours that will allow you to do a similar trip but in a group tour format. My suggestion for that would be to focus on England and Scotland, and to take this small group tour followed by this five day tour of the Scottish Highlands and Skye .

I hope this helps – let me know if I can offer any more advice!

Cass Baron says

11th February 2019 at 2:19 am

Laurence and Jessica, We are from Utah, United States and have never traveled abroad (except a short trip to Canada and a Western Caribbean cruise). It has been our dream to come to England and retrace our family history roots. We were looking for trip ideas that covered the areas for both a historical trip as well as a family roots trip. We found your site and loved everything that you have written about. We like the 2 week itinerary but don’t want to do the Ireland and Wales portion. We would like to include Nottingham and Hastings areas, do you have any suggestions to add these in for the same amount of time. We are planning on this May. Thanks!

11th February 2019 at 7:40 am

Certainly. I’d recommend Hastings first, then heading from there along to Stonehenge and Bath, then the Cotswolds and Oxford. From there, start heading north, with Nottingham your next stop, before continuing with the itinerary. You could even drop the car off in Edinburgh and fly out from there if you didn’t want to drive back down to London 🙂

I hope this helps – let me know if you have any more questions!

Lashaun says

5th February 2019 at 11:42 pm

Hello. If we skip the Ireland portion where should we extend our time or add another destination for the 2 week adventure? Also we’d like to see a football game, suggestions for city (Manchester, Liverpool?), tickets etc? thank you!

6th February 2019 at 10:36 am

I’d say you could extend by visiting the Lake District and northern Wales, or by heading further north into Scotland, where there’s lots to see. You definitely won’t have trouble finding places to see!

For football, if you don’t have a particular affiliate with a team, then Manchester will likely be a good option as they have the largest stadium. Tickets can be bought online in advance for any of the teams from their official websites, just be aware that they can sell out so you’ll want to book well in advance to be sure of getting a spot.

I hope this helps! have a great trip 🙂

Steve Geller says

2nd February 2019 at 3:10 am

Hi there, Curious if this itinerary, or part of it, could be done in a motorhome (midsize RV) for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. I’ve never been to most of these places, outside of some brief time in London and Dublin. For itineraries like these where there is a lot of moving around, I like the idea of a motorhome vs going from hotel to hotel (or apt to apt). Thanks!

3rd February 2019 at 11:45 am

So yes, it would be possible to do this is a motorhome. However, I’d probably advise modifying the itinerary fairly substantially, especially the city parts. Most UK cities don’t have centrally located motorhome camping locations, and the streets tend to be fairly narrow, which can make driving and parking a motorhome very challenging. I would instead suggest, if you wanted to do a motorhome holiday in the UK, to look at a driving route like the NC500 (see our camping itinerary for the NC500 here ), or adjusting this route so it visits more of the countryside parts, like the Cotswolds, Peak District, Lake District and Northumberland.

Let me know if we can answer any more questions!

Iskandar Zulkifly Bin Ali says

29th January 2019 at 10:05 pm

Hello there ! finding this website was such a blessing for me! i am a student who wishes to travel around UK for 2 weeks before i go outside UK ( around Europe for a month ). my only problem is, i am studying in london therefore i’m gonna skip london from this amazing itinerary, and am also skipping Scotland cuz i went there last Dec already. which will give me extra days to fill in to make it 2 weeks. would you please help me to suggest places to fill in between the itinerary ? ps; i really really want to see Jurassic coast and cambridge and watergate bay. where should i put these places in terms of best route wise?

thank you in advance for your time !! you got a follower on your ig !

30th January 2019 at 7:33 pm

Hi Iskandar!

Thanks for your lovely comment and following on IG! We’ve actually just recently visited Cambridge and written a detailed guide to the city, which will be live on the blog in the next few weeks 🙂

To answer your question, first I have to assume you are driving. If not, this might have to change a bit to accommodate public transport. But I would say I would go from London to Cambridge, then up to the Peak District, Manchester and York. You could then go across to the Lake District if you wanted, then across to Holyhead and to Ireland (if you wanted to visit Ireland). Then south wales, Oxford and the Jurassic coast.

I hope that works for you 🙂 Have a great trip!

HANNAH JOHNSON says

29th January 2019 at 3:07 pm

This has been an amazing help! If possible, I did want to ask about more recommendations as far as castles/history goes. This is a very close itinerary for what I think we want to do, but I was wondering if you had any more info on what I could add/take away from this list in order to do more of that. Also, we will be departing from the atlanta, GA airport, and returning back to (or starting from) england isnt entirely necessarily. I definitely agree and would take your advice of ending in dublin and returning from there or wales, but im basically trying to avoid flying/ferrying more than need be. What would be your recommendation for doing everything in the UK in one vehicle and then only crossing into ireland once? if that makes sense

30th January 2019 at 7:38 pm

So there are a lot of great castles in the UK, and it’s hard to travel anywhere without finding history! Some of my favourite castles are in Scotland and the Northumberland area, and you’ve also got Hadrian’s wall up there. But York has all the Viking history too, and then cities like Oxford or Cambridge have more from the middles ages, Bath has the Roman empire.. So there’s really no shortage of history to find.

If it was me though, I’d spend a bit more time exploring some of the castles in Northumberland like Alnwick, Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh, as well as some in Scotland.

If you want to do everything in the UK that would be possible, just continue from Oxford to Bath and Cardiff, and then head north from there to York. You might want to bypass Manchester in order to get more of the history you are interested in as it’s more of a town that had it’s heyday with the industrial revolution, which might be a bit too recent history for your interests. You could instead add Warwick, which has a popular castle and a lovely town centre.

Have a great trip and let me know if I can be of any more help!

Hannah says

30th January 2019 at 8:25 pm

For sure! Thank you so much.

Maribel says

17th January 2019 at 4:13 am

Hi, I am planning a 2-week trip to Great Britain flying from Mexico City to London. Your post is very helpful. My trip HAS to include the Isle of Man but I do want to go to Edinburgh and Ireland. What do you think would be the best route? Thanks for your amazing post!

17th January 2019 at 6:37 pm

Hi Maribel!

Great question, and the first time anyone has asked me about the Isle of Man, which I have to admit, I haven’t been to!

There are direct ferry connections to the Isle of Man from Belfast, Dublin, Lancaster and Liverpool.

So assuming you want to do a fairly similar route, mug suggestion would be to follow the general outline of this trip, but take the ferry from Dublin to the Isle of Man, and then on to Liverpool, instead of from the southern end of Ireland to Fishguard. I think that’s the most logical option.

There are other option too – you could go London -> Oxford -> Liverpool -> Isle of Man -> Dublin -> Belfast -> Cairyan -> Edinburgh -> London.

So up to you really! Have a great trip, and let us know if you have any more questions!

Maribel Felix says

17th January 2019 at 6:40 pm

Muchas Gracias! I appreciate you advice very much. I will send you an update of my trip on my way back to Mexico.

17th January 2019 at 9:50 pm

Please do Maribel – we love to hear back from people on how their trips go, and incorporate feedback into our content to help everyone!

16th December 2018 at 12:15 am

Hello! I am planning a 28 day trip in in May 2019. What would you recommend to fill in the extra days? Thank you so much! And thank you for sharing such a lovely itinerary!

16th December 2018 at 11:49 am

Hi Sara! It’s hard to give a precise answer without knowing your interests, but if it was me I would extend my trip up into the northern half of Scotland, perhaps spending 7-10 days driving the North Coast 500, visiting the Isle of Skye and seeing the highlands. You could also head out to the some of the other islands, like Lewis. May is a great time to head up into that part of Scotland.

Other options include Wales or Cornwall, or extending your time in Ireland. There’s so much to see and do, even 28 days will be filled easily!

Nathaniel says

14th December 2018 at 7:57 pm

Could I use this itinerary for a school project. You will be credited and cited, obviously. Thank you if yes and thanks anyway if no. This was fun to read, regardless of your reply Thank you again, Nathaniel

14th December 2018 at 11:43 pm

Hi Nathaniel,

Thanks for asking! Could you e-mail me about this so I get more of an idea of the use? It’s [email protected] 🙂

9th December 2018 at 8:26 am

We are planning a 3 week trip to UK (2 weeks) and Amsterdam (1 week).. We will fly to Amsterdam from London. We were looking at your 2 week itinerary and wanted to ask what would you suggest instead of Ireland, We only want to visit London, Wales and Scotland start at London and return to London. Family with kids who like a bit of adventure, culture so interested in castles, nature etc. Also would like to visit Whisky distilleries preferably Glenfiddich and Aberlour. Also we will be hiring a car in London and return there. Would really appreciate your suggestions.

9th December 2018 at 10:37 am

So my suggestion would be to do a loop from London, similar to that I’ve described here, but instead of going across to Ireland, to head down the west coast of the UK, and then visit the Lake District and Wales on your way down.

In terms of distilleries, certainly, Aberlour and Glenfiddich are achievable from Edinburgh, but you are looking at a three hour drive each way. So you might prefer to visit a closer distillery like Deanston, which is also right next to Doune Castle, which I’m sure your kids will also enjoy 🙂

Hope this helps a bit!

Navtej says

22nd October 2018 at 11:18 am

Hi, a very helpful article. As I plan my next year travel to Europe after a gap of 15 years…it’s a god send. I propose to spend a few days in Amsterdam-Bruges and then fly to London. Here I catch up with another couple and there 12 year old daughter and plan to drive to Scotland and Ireland. We have a total of 10 / 11 days for this.

Am thinking will cut Wales from my itinerary and which other place would u recommend I skip ?

Many thanks

Navtej from New Delhi, India

PS another slighlty unrelates question : If I fly into London should I take a flight into Amsterdam and the train back from Bruges or is this complicated and expensive?

22nd October 2018 at 8:22 pm

It’s hard to give specific recommendations as to what to skip as I’m not sure as to your personal interests. If you are more interested in culture / museums etc, then you will want to include more of the cities, and less of the countryside. Conversely, if you are less interested in the outdoors, perhaps leaving out some of the countryside attractions would be a good idea 🙂

Generally my advice would be just to stick to flights as it’s likely going to be easier and probably less expensive. The train though can be a good option if you book far enough in advance, it will just take a little bit longer.

Hope this helps – have a great trip!

Leslie says

21st July 2018 at 11:12 pm

Four women from Texas will be traveling to the UK in September and wanted to drive (one of us is brave enough to drive on the wrong side of the road). We spend 8 days in London last September with side trips to Bath and a tour to Oxford and Cotswolds and Warwick Castle. We have relatives in Glasgow, so plan to see that area of Scotland. Your information is a Godsend and thank you so much for all your planning. We will let you know how it goes!

22nd July 2018 at 9:36 pm

Thanks Leslie – please do! We always love to hear feedback as to how our posts help people (or if they need changing, we love to hear about that too!)

Have an awesome trip!

Ruth Deane says

11th July 2018 at 6:24 am

A good travel guide to the UK. I know it is difficult to provided a balanced approach due to limited wordage but the emphasis should be on the UK. N. Ireland and its capital Belfast have been sadly neglected in this article and the focus was Dublin which is not part of the UK. Surely something coulf have been added about Belfast and N. Ireland in general. It is a beautiful place. The author did make a reference to the Dark Hedges but associates them with Dublin. Last time I checked they are quite definitely in N. IRELAND. Hope this criticism is constructive. N. Ireland continues to get a bad press but it is a beautiful place and the majority of the people are that bad either.

11th July 2018 at 9:44 am

Constructive feedback is always welcome! We’re actually visiting Northern Ireland next week for a week to fully explore Belfast and the Coastal Causeway, and will be updating our content (and creating new content!) to have more information on this part of the UK 🙂 Stay tuned!

Craig Grimston says

26th June 2018 at 2:47 am

Thank you!!

September is a perfect month to come to Texas – the weather is perfect then! I’d be happy to answer any questions you have to the best of my ability (I’m not a native Texan – originally from Australia), but there is a lot of great things to do here. Austin and San Antonio are great too.

Thank you for offering to answer any questions! We are going in a group, so I’m sure a lot of questions will come up! I’ll try not to bombard you with them, but I may just hit you with a few! We are planning for somewhere in June to August next year (I plan ahead big time!) and couldn’t be more excited to see your beautiful country!

But please, definitely hit me up with any questions you have about Dallas or Texas. If I can’t answer them, I can track someone down who can!

Thanks!! Craig

22nd June 2018 at 8:02 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this itinerary. I really wanted to plan a road trip in the UK and after googling about it all I got was a bunch of blogs pointing out all of the negative things and basically saying “don’t bother”!

As I was about to give up and go the typical tourist route, I came across your website. It was exactly what I was looking for! It is inspirational, and put the joy and adventure back into my travel plans.

I’m pretty much going to stick to your itinerary with the exception of Ireland (I wanted to check out the Lake District and Liverpool), so Ireland may have to be a separate road trip!

I have a million questions, but I’m going to spare you of that! LOL. I really just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

Kindest Regards, Craig – Dallas Texas

25th June 2018 at 9:28 pm

Thank you so much, it always means a lot to hear that people are finding our content useful. I think you are making a sensible choice – there is a lot to see on the mainland of the UK, and it’s also less hassle to worry about rental cars and ferries if you leave Ireland for another trip 🙂

We’re happy to answer any questions you have. We’re actually planning a trip to Texas for late September, and will be swinging by Dallas, so may have some questions for you in return!

Vanessa says

14th May 2018 at 9:38 pm

I’ve googled “hire car” and it says “rental car.” But on your site here it seems that a rental care and a hire car are different things. What exactly is the difference? Thank you! And also thank you for this post – it’s amazing and I think I will definitely base my trip -whenever that may be… – around it. Bookmarking this page!!

15th May 2018 at 5:57 pm

Thanks Vanessa! I think in the UK we use the term hire car, wheras in the USA it’s more likely to be called a rental car. But yes, they are the same thing in my mind, you can use the terms interchangeably as far as I know 🙂 Have a great trip, and don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions at all 😀

Saurabh says

7th May 2018 at 7:55 am

Hi Lawrence, This is a great post! I think I can use some help. We are planning a 2 week trip to UK in August with a 1 year old toddler. What from above or otherwise will be a good itinerary for us. How realistic is it for me to cover what you have listed here? Appreciate any help. Thanks!

7th May 2018 at 10:03 pm

Thanks Saurabh! First, I should say that not having kids ourselves this isn’t an area of expertise for us 🙂 However, based on experiences of friends who travel with family, my suggestion would be to probably cut the itinerary in half, and focus on some of the major cities. As it is, it’s quite a busy itinerary, and I think you will have a better time doing a bit less and having the time to really explore some of the cities on the itinerary. So for example, maybe just do England and Scotland, and skip Ireland and Wales. This will reduce your travel, and let you spend a bit longer in each city. I’d also advise finding accommodation close to the city centres and attractions, so at least one of you can go out sight-seeing if one of you needs to stay behind for naps etc. I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip!

3rd May 2018 at 12:38 am

My husband and I are following this itinerary this summer, flying round trip into Gatwick from Canada. I was looking at the cost of the ferry from Scotland to Ireland and than Ireland to Wales and was shocked at the cost. Do you know of any Ferry discounts?

3rd May 2018 at 7:12 pm

Hi Sarah – you can try the various ferry search companies like directferries or a1ferries I think they are called. Unfortunately that time of year is school holidays, and there aren’t many companies operating the routes, so the prices go up. You might consider instead flying from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin instead, and hiring a car in Ireland rather than taking the ferry, if that is a cheaper option!

Badariah says

21st March 2018 at 8:24 am

Awesome I am planning for a 2 week get away to UK. Your article helpsss a lot. Planning to go in mid sept till end of sept

21st March 2018 at 11:25 am

Thanks very much – have a wonderful trip!

11th March 2018 at 9:06 am

hi lawrence me n my wife middle aged planning to do england and scotland in 15 days in july which would be ideal places to cover by public transport. i am open to hire a car for 2 to 3 days if required. please suggest us best possible train route for this trip we are flying in n out of london thanks waiting for ur reply

11th March 2018 at 10:02 am

My advice would be to follow my 10 day UK itinerary, which is designed for public transport: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/10-day-uk-itinerary-public-transport-train-bus/

You could spend a little extra time in each location, or you could add a couple of stops. My advice would be to add 1 day in Bath near Bristol, stop in Manchester between Liverpool and York, and think about stopping in Newcastle on the way to Edinburgh. If you wanted to see the Cotswolds, you could do that with a hire car from Bath, or on a tour from London.

I hope this helps! That post also has lots of information on using public transport in the UK. Have a great trip!

Christine says

19th February 2018 at 4:57 am

Hello and Thank You!! I was just wondering, I’m not the best with timelines haha, but exactly how many hotel stays are there in total in each location? I’m just trying to determine if you actually spent the night in each location for both nights or if you spent the day touring then drove to the next location and got a room, especially for the 1 day places… if that makes sense? My husband and are are arriving March 10th and fly back out the 24th so just trying to sort out the timelines… Also it was suggested to me to go to Cornwall or Leeds, what are your thoughts? Thanks!

19th February 2018 at 6:11 pm

Hi! And my pleasure 😀

So you’d be looking at:

2 nights in London 1 night in Oxford 1 night in the Cotswolds 1 night in the Peak District 1 night in Manchester (could do Leeds here instead) 1 night in York 2 nights in Edinburgh (could do one night in Northumberland on the way up) 3 nights in Ireland / Northern Ireland 1 night in Cardiff 1 night in Bristol or Bath

You could of course spend more or less time in each destination, and leave say London after two full days but only one night, and overnight in Oxford. So really it’s up to you 🙂

Leeds you could easily fit into this itinerary. Cornwall would be a bit harder as it’s a bit further away. If you wanted to do Cornwall, you might need to leave Ireland out for example to give yourself enough time. Hope this helps!

15th February 2018 at 10:57 pm

Awesome Itinerary, I would add Canterbury to this list 🙂

17th February 2018 at 8:35 pm

I’ve only briefly visited Canterbury, must return!

22nd January 2018 at 4:52 pm

This came a blessing in disguise after searching for a week almost and making all shit loads of itineraries. I am thinking of blindly following this as it looks great to me. Need your help on a few points here if it doe snot bother you much, it would serve a great deal of planning for me in addition to what it already has, 1. Was this too hectic considering the number of places you covered? 2. Was driving time included in the time spent at each place you mentioned? 3. Is driving safe in and around England? 4. Is driving a cheaper option than using rail/bus transport? 5. How much did this two week trip cost you? 6. How much does the drive part of the trip cost?

22nd January 2018 at 5:44 pm

HI Saurabh!

Pleased to hear you found the itinerary 🙂 I’m happy to answer your questions of course.

1. This is definitely a busy itinerary, although as you can see from the other comments, many people have enjoyed it. So it really depends on your own personal style of travel and your preferences, as well as who you are travelling with. If you want a less hectic schedule, I’d suggest perhaps leaving the Irish part of the trip out, and maybe focusing on England and Scotland, and perhaps extending your time in cities like London and Edinburgh.

2. Yes, driving time is included. Driving time is not too great in the UK as distances are not large and the motorways are good, however, be aware that traffic can be bad around rush hour in the morning and evenings.

3. Yes, driving is very safe. Of course, accidents happen like anywhere in the world, but for the most part you shouldn’t have any trouble.

4. It depends on a few factors – mostly how many of you there are. For one person, it might be more cost-effective to take public transport. Also, if you book public transport well in advance, especially trains, this can be much cheaper than buying tickets on the day. Car hire also depends on the size of the car, but you can get pretty good value car hire. Fuel is quite expensive, but most modern hire cars are very fuel efficient. I am shortly going to publish a post with a similar itinerary that focuses on travelling in the UK by public transport, so stay tuned for that 🙂

5. Cost is really up to you, as it depends so much on what you want to see! I’d say you can hire a car for around £180 – £250 a week, fuel costs will be in the region of £50-£70 a week, and accommodation is likely to be in the range of £80 – £150 a night for two people sharing. You can of course get cheaper and more expensive accommodation options, it really depends on your style of travel.

6. The main costs for the car are the car hire, fuel, and any insurance you buy. I’d say between £200 and £300 a week, plus any parking fees. I’d definitely advise always booking a hotel that includes free parking.

I hope this helps with your planning – have a wonderful trip, and don’t miss my one week itinerary post for more ideas 🙂

https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/UK-Itinerary-One-Week-Road-Trip/

Steve and Cheryl Bales says

26th February 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thank you for the wealth of information! We are planning to take a trip to visit our daughter who is in the Air Force in the UK this May. I’ve read your itinerary and the questions and answers that followed. There were a couple of questions that popped up for me and I was hoping you could answer them. You mentioned taking a car over on the ferry to Ireland. We will be driving our daughter’s car, but I was wondering if we needed special insurance on the car to have it ferried. My husband are both disabled to a degree; neither of us are capable of walking long distances or sitting for any duration. Is there a need for concern over these issues? And, what is the cost of a London Pass and how many people does it cover, there will be four in our group? Any information would be much appreciated, thank you in advance. Steve and Cheryl

26th February 2018 at 9:19 pm

Hi Steve and Cheryl,

Thanks for reaching out, and I’m happy to hear you have found the content useful. You don’t normally need special insurance on a car to have it ferried, but you will likely need to check with your daughter’s insurer to make sure it is covered in Ireland. As far as I am aware it should be covered in Northern Ireland with the full coverage, and most UK insurers do provide at least some level cover for the EU, which Ireland is a part of, but worth checking.

For the itinerary I’ve put together, it’s really up to you how much you do. All the major cities have good public transport if you choose not to drive, as well as sight-seeing buses and things like that.

The London Pass prices vary – you have to buy one price per person, so that would be four passes total. Again, the value is up to you and how much you can get out of them. My only concern would be to get real value out of them you do need to try and pack quite a lot in – if you aren’t sure if that’s going to be possible you might end up being better off not getting them and just paying the ticket prices. Also, I’m not sure of your ages, but many attractions have senior concessions, which might also save you money rather than getting a pass. Worth checking the individual websites for the different attractions you want to visit to see what those might be.

You can see the London Pass prices here; https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011lbTW/pubref:FTU2WeekQuestion/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.londonpass.com%2Flondon-pass-prices.php

Derian Quek says

4th September 2017 at 1:10 pm

This trip seems a bit rushed when driving over to Ireland..I am also planning a 2 weeks this December to January. Any tips on this? Am planning London/Manchester/Lake district/Edinburgh/Cotswolds/bath/Stonehenge/Paris

Laurence says

4th September 2017 at 4:05 pm

Hey Darian,

This trip is definitely quite fast – unfortunately folks don’t have too much time sometimes, and are keen to see as much as possible, which is what I try to achieve on this itinerary.

Regarding your itinerary – at that time of year do be aware that the weather obviously won’t be great and it will be getting dark around 4pm – just something to bear in mind. Certainly your plan is possible but will also be quite packed. Perhaps focusing on a few less locations and seeing more. From your list I’d suggest London, with a day trip to bath, the Cotswolds and Stonehenge, then Edinburgh and Paris. You could add in Manchester as well of course. It would also depend on if you have visited any of the locations before and how you plan to travel. I’d suggest train from London to Edinburgh, and a cheap flight from Edinburgh to Paris.

4th September 2017 at 4:15 pm

Hi Laurence. It would actually be my first time to the UK. I’m visiting Manchester because I would wanna catch a game at old Trafford and that’s probably the only reason why. Flight from Edinburgh to Paris sounds like a good option though I would most likely be self driving from London up north. I’m thinking 3 days in London, 1 day in manchester, 2 days in lake district, 3 days in Edinburgh, 1 day to cotswolds and then 3 days in Paris via eurostar before heading back to London for my return flight

Mital Khona says

9th August 2017 at 2:43 pm

Hi Lawrence, Thanks a bunch for this wonderful itinerary… 1. We are travelling this September with 2 Kids ( 2 years old and 8 years old) and2 parents ( senior citizens).. Is this still doable.. I was thinking of picking up train for journey from London to Edinburgh 2. We would like to spend 3 days on the alternative route to Ireland suggested by you above. Can you help on the route/ time we should allot to Snowdonia, etc(west coast of the UK, including Glasgow, the Lake District, and Liverpool, as well as popping into Wales for the stunning Snowdonia national park)

7th January 2018 at 1:26 pm

Hi Mital! It really depends on your kids and grandparents and their stamina. I think this trip might be a bit much for some, and you might find it easier to go a bit slower and take things in a bit more. So perhaps a trip focusing on Edinburgh / London, with a hire car for the return journey down the west coast of the UK. I’d say three – four days in London, two to three days in Edinburgh, and then the rest of the time on the drive down the west coast would work!

Sussex Bloggers says

30th May 2017 at 12:56 pm

Can’t believe you’ve completely skipped Cornwall and the rest of the south coast. Such beautiful scenery all along the southern coastline and some wonderful towns and villages. Here’s a little teaser!

ipsita bhattacharya says

3rd May 2017 at 12:19 am

Hi guys, We are planning a trip to the UK in August/September 2017 and this 2-week itinerary is proving to be of great help! But if we plan to take public transport instead of driving, how much of this is doable? We are also looking at two weeks and while I understand taking trains/buses will eat into our travelling time, we are not sure we want to drive. Please advise. And thanks for this wonderful travel plan!

8th August 2017 at 8:56 am

Our pleasure. Much of this is doable, certainly between the major cities by train at least. We’d advice flying from the UK, likely Edinburgh to Dublin, and then back from Dublin to Cardiff or London. It’s definitely achievable in part though 🙂

Jessica says

2nd April 2017 at 1:15 am

I am so glad that I found your itinerary as we will be visiting the UK for a little over two weeks this coming summer. I do have question for a part of the trip when you have to ferry from Scotland to Ireland, is it easy to find ferries that will take your car across? Also do you recommend a car for the entire trip or to break it up with trains? Such as from London to Edinburgh? Thank you and I hope to hear back from you soon.

7th January 2018 at 1:24 pm

Hi Jessica! Sorry for the slow response. Most of the ferries take cars, but the question is as to whether or not your rental car company will let you take the car on the ferry. So you would need to check with them. If not, you might find it easier to say fly from Edinburgh to Belfast or Dublin to continue to journey, and perhaps pick up a hire car in Ireland instead.

Nishant says

19th March 2017 at 10:59 am

My family of 4 is planning in Aug’17 for 2 week and i like your write up here. we would be staying with our friend’s family (4 member) in LONDON and then accompany them to this tour plan. we wish to know approx budget in INR apart from AIR Ticket required for this kind of tour. Consider AIR BnB stay, Home cooking where ever possible, car drive and budgeted expense suitable for family.

แอโรคอม บริษัทจำกัด says

13th March 2017 at 8:24 am

Your 2 weeks itinerary seems very good. I am concerned with parking space in tourist attractions especially in big cities. Is it not so difficult to find parking area in all these recommended places (except London)? How much is a typical parking fee?

Thanks in advance! Pairoj S.

13th March 2017 at 2:24 pm

Thanks very much! Parking fees really vary depending on where you want to park. On road meter parking is usually the most expensive, around £3 an hour. I’d suggest finding a larger car park, like a multistorey operated by a company like NCP. These are more reasonable, and you would pay on a sliding scale where it is better value for staying for longer. I wouldn’t worry though, there is usually plenty of parking available, and sometimes if you don’t mind walking a little bit, if you don’t park centrally you can park for free. Have a great trip!

Mittal Shah says

10th March 2017 at 11:44 am

Hi Lawrence and Norah. I have been trying to plan a road trip in UK around July end for approximately 12days and have found a lot of helpful information.There are certain things i would like to know from you: For road trip should i consider hiring a caravan or a car( 4 of us travelling)? Is it better to book a hotel or bnb? Please help. Awaiting your reply

12th March 2017 at 9:47 pm

Thanks for your comment. A car would definitely be the best option, for four of you it would likely be the most cost effective option. I’d also suggest bed and breakfasts are a nice option, although there are lots of great hotels as well, it really depends on your budget,

Enjoy your trip!

rajul parikh says

19th February 2017 at 11:46 am

Hi Lawrence and Norah just been browsing through your site and taking in the information about the 2 week holiday in the UK. We find your information relevant and useful. We live in India and are considering a trip sometime mid June 2017. This would be our first trip to the UK. Lots of questions: would the weather be ok around that time? To cover your suggested itinerary (including ireland) how much driving would one end up doing everyday? Would your stops which are marked alphabetically on the map suggest overnight stay? Since we would like to spend at least 5 days in London we would need to extend our trip to about 21 days. Look forward to hearing from you.

19th February 2017 at 11:49 am

Happy that you found it useful! Yes, the main stopping points suggest an overnight stay. The weather is likely to be good in June, however, the weather in the UK can be very unpredictable. Coming from India, you’ll probably find it fairly cool 😉 I’d say between 15 and 25C would be the norm, and you should plan for rain whenever you visit the UK.

In terms of driving, the UK is quite small so not too much, probably not more than 2 – 3 hours a day.

Myn Wong says

14th February 2017 at 1:18 am

Hi. May I know the estimated cost of this trip?

George Monaghan says

30th January 2017 at 8:51 pm

Finding this site most interesting !

30th January 2017 at 8:52 pm

Thanks George, appreciated!

Dave_Toni says

18th January 2017 at 2:17 am

Hi guys, I’m staying in London for a short time (4 days) and I’m now thinking I should have booked a longer stay, but I’m on route to another destination. What would you recommend for a four day tour to get the best out of “must see” locations in in short amount of time? Really enjoying the site, keep up the great information. Thanks Dave.

18th January 2017 at 6:52 pm

Four days is a good time to see lots of London 🙂 My advice, if you’ve not been before, would be to focus on the highlights, plus allocate some time just to wander a bit. I have a two day Itinerary here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2016/06/two-day-london-itinerary-essential-sight-seeing.html That should help a bit, and then an itinerary that focuses on the region of Kensington: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2015/07/top-8-things-to-do-in-kensington.html I also have a guide for getting around London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2016/08/guide-public-transport-london.html Some tips for the best photo spots in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/2015/12/best-photography-locations-london.html And finally, we always recommend the London Pass to save money if you’re planning on visiting a lot of attractions. Here’s a great breakdown to find out if that’s worth it for you or not: independenttravelcats.com/2016/05/21/tips-using-buying-london-pass-worth/ Enjoy!

13th January 2017 at 10:19 am

So so perfect! Planning a 2 week UK holiday in June. This was God-sent!

13th January 2017 at 10:21 am

Wonderful, pleased you found it useful

Ashton says

5th November 2016 at 5:24 am

This is perfect! Exactly what I was looking for to start planning my honeymoon!! Thank you for taking the time to put this together

13th November 2016 at 7:58 pm

My pleasure – let us know how it goes and if there’s anything missing we can add to the post!

shiva bhavini says

16th July 2016 at 2:34 pm

Hi Laurence & Jessica, My husband and I are planning to have a 10 days UK trip , reaching London on September 16 and have return flight from london on september 26 , can you please suggest should we take some travel agent to take us around in UK ? Thanks much in advance

Ellana McNulty says

3rd July 2016 at 1:39 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, My husband and I are planning on following your itinerary when we go over in August. When we first looked at your blog, there was a map at the end that you could zoom in on, but cannot find it now? Is the link still available.

3rd July 2016 at 11:24 am

Hi Ellana! Sorry about that, the map was causing issues for mobile users so I removed it. See comment below with a better answer!

Paul McNulty says

7th July 2016 at 12:09 am

Thanks for this Laurence!

Is it possible to have the whole route on the map like you had it before?

4th November 2016 at 11:13 pm

Hi Paul, I’ve been battling with google maps over this and gave up as it wouldn’t let me have enough waypoints. So I’ve switched to Bing Maps with the embedded image, and there’s a link to the route here: https://binged.it/2fDQGD2

Sorry for the delay!

5th November 2016 at 12:02 am

Thanks Laurence… we toured the UK in the last half of August using your itinerary. We modified it a bit to suit our personal tastes, but the basis of our trip was thanks to you. And it was even better than we expected!! Cheers.

5th November 2016 at 9:49 am

Brilliant! Delighted you had a good trip 😀

Alicia says

7th June 2017 at 3:22 am

The above link does not have a driving route in it. Is it no longer working (or I am doing it wrong)?

Unfortunately Google wouldn’t let me put together a driving route with this many stops, so this was the best I could do!

Seyne Tee says

27th June 2016 at 4:03 am

Hi Laurence & Jessica, I plan to visit UK for 2 weeks and rent a car to travel around places outside UK. Your perfect itinerary is exactly what I’m looking for, thanks! I have a problem here, I can only travel with my husband and son in the middle of November, will the weather be friendly enough to carry out activities as per your recommendation?

27th June 2016 at 9:23 am

Well, the weather in the UK can be quite varied, with sun even in November! However it will more likely be cold and grey, temperatures in the range of 3 – 10 degrees C. It will also be dark fairly early. However, that shouldn’t put you off, a lot of this itinerary is focused on the cities, and indoors activities, so you should be fine, although you might want to edit the itinerary a bit to focus more on indoor activities than outdoor ones 🙂

Stephen Mason says

9th May 2016 at 3:58 am

This trip is incredible! Can you give a price of what the final trip costed?

28th June 2016 at 11:55 am

Hi Stephen – it really depends on many factors, including your budget for accommodation / food. You can find places for £50 / night in most of the locations I’ve mentioned, food per person you could get away with £15 a day, then there’s fuel and car hire, not to mention attraction entry. I’d probably look to budgeting around £700 – £1500 per person, as a guideline, but a lot of variables to take into account 🙂

SharronJ says

8th March 2016 at 6:33 pm

This is just what I was looking for. I am planning on visiting your wonderful country for a month next year and just started doing research. Your article is just what I was looking for Thanks so much!

8th March 2016 at 6:35 pm

My pleasure! Have a wonderful trip 🙂

Edward says

17th January 2016 at 11:32 pm

Thank you for this. I will be going in UK late Spetember to October (one month) and this is a nice itnerary and I can do it in a slower pace. Would you say September and October is a good time to do this? How is the weather usually in those months?

2nd February 2016 at 2:47 am

It’s the Autum time so you might fair pretty well, considering. It starts to cool down in September and the trees start changing. There will be rain, especially in the West of England and Wales but there always is.

The best time to visit England is May – August, but if you don’t mind getting caught in the rain now and then, you shouldn’t have a problem

Joanne says

12th October 2015 at 2:18 pm

Is it possible to do this itinerary relying only on public transportation since I don’t drive? Thank you in advance.

12th October 2015 at 2:21 pm

Good parts of it are certainly possible, as the major cities are linked by public transport, and the trains in particular are an excellent and fast way to get around. One tip – book well in advance on specific trains to get the best prices in the UK, the fares you pay on the day are much higher. I’d also suggest flying from Edinburgh to Dublin if you wanted to include the Irish part of the trip.

You might have a bit more difficulty visiting places like the Cotswolds or other “country” parts on your own, however there are plenty of tour operators who can give you a day trip out from London to say the Cotswolds and Stonehenge.

On the whole though, yes, the majority of this itinerary would be more than do-able by public transport!

Nina Tchernova says

7th October 2015 at 2:43 pm

Hi Laurence, thank you so much for sharing this! We are planning to go in April, and this is exactly what we were hoping to do. And here it all is, so wonderfully explored and illustrated! One question though – what would you recommend about car rentals -one, or three? when we cross on a ferry to Ireland, do we bring the car, or is it better to rent another one there, and then another when we get back?

10th October 2015 at 1:14 pm

My pleasure 🙂 The answer to your question isn’t as simple as it sounds. One way rentals, as you’d need if you were to change cars, are generally more expensive than returning the car to the same place. On the other hand, a ferry ticket without a car is cheaper! So you might want to just check the math and see, depending on your budget. Personally, I’d not bother with the hassle of changing cars and just stick with the same one, you just need to check that it’s ok to drive the car in Ireland as well 🙂

10th October 2015 at 1:28 pm

Thank you very much, we will have to make a few enquiries.

Darryl Chan says

24th August 2015 at 6:03 pm

Hey! Love your itinerary! Is there anyway I can contact you to get more personalised advices from you? Looking forward to your reply!

27th August 2015 at 5:28 pm

Sure, you can just drop me an e-mail via the contact page on the site, or just fire away in the comments and I’ll see what I can do,

17th August 2015 at 4:58 am

Where’s the castle in your first picture?

25th September 2015 at 8:51 pm

The castle in the first picture (with the daffodils) is Alnwick castle in Northumberland. Home to Harry Potter or at least the was some filming taken place there and also some of Downtown Abbey. Alnwick is also home to Barter Books where the original ‘keep calm and carry on’ poster was discovered. Northumberland has one of the largest number of castles in the uk. Some of the most impressive I think are Bamburgh Castle, Lindisfarne Castle (on holy island – which needs a visit itself) and Chillingham Castle (known for being pretty spooky). Contact Wooler Tourist Infomation Office on +44 1668 282123 to learn about accommodation as Wooler is a fantastic base for the best of Northumberland.

25th September 2015 at 9:02 pm

Can I also say there is an awesome place for Brits and tourists alike; Beamish, the living museum. It is an outdoor village fashioned perfectly on olden days northern England complete with coal mine, dentis, working sweet shop and more

Monica says

11th August 2015 at 8:16 pm

I loved you itinerary and pictures. I’m definitely using your steps to trace some of my own. Thanks for sharing. I’m excited to read through more of your posts.

15th August 2015 at 8:32 pm

Thanks Monica, have a great trip!

3rd August 2015 at 9:50 pm

Great review of a nice trip through GB. My wife and I are trying to plan one for May, and we were thinking of spending more time in Scottland. Do you have any suggestions for moving from Endinburgh and into the northern part of Scotland and skipping Ireland. I thinking about Aberdeen and stopping by Ben Nevis, but it’s our first time traveling abroad and I’d love more information. Thanks!

3rd August 2015 at 11:49 pm

Hi Andy! To be honest I’ve not spent a lot of time in Scotland recently, but I can very much recommend taking the time to visit Glencoe. It’s a couple of hours from Edinburgh, and is an absolutely stunning valley in the highlands. I’ve also heard nothing but good things about the isle of Skye! Sorry I can’t be of much more help right now 🙁

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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

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Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

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19 Best Places to Visit in the UK

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jun 8, 2023

Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom (UK) has long been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. For most travelers, like me, the country's appeal has as much to do with its diverse scenery as it does its rich cultural heritage. In fact, the best places to visit in the UK include everything from beautifully preserved country estates and picturesque castles to its many big city art galleries and museums.

You'll find one of the greatest pleasures of a UK vacation, however, is just how easy it is for you to explore this fascinating, diverse, and relatively small country. The UK could easily fit into the state of Texas with room to spare, so you can base yourself in a couple of cities and simply take a train, bus, or ferry to explore other areas.

One of my favorite day trips from London , for example, is to take the 90-minute train ride to beautiful Salisbury . Once there, you're only a short bus ride or tour away from one of the country's most recognizable attractions, Stonehenge. Want to hop between the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow ? A one-hour train ride will deposit you in the heart of either city.

Sure, the UK can seem like a very busy travel destination. But plan your sightseeing adventures carefully with my list of the best places to visit in the UK and you'll have no problem making the most of your time.

1. London: The UK's All-in-One Destination

2. edinburgh: scotland's capital, 3. roman-era bath, 4. ancient stonehenge and medieval salisbury, 5. royal windsor, 6. idyllic england: the cotswolds, 7. the magical lake district, 8. medieval york and its minster, 9. the university towns of cambridge & oxford, 10. england's pilgrimage city: canterbury, 11. loch ness and inverness, 12. northern ireland's giant's causeway, 13. liverpool: home of the beatles, 14. manchester: england's football mad city, 15. cardiff: the capital of wales, 16. the channel islands, 17. glasgow & loch lomond, 18. snowdonia: wales' biggest mountains, 19. belfast.

While it's possible to plan a trip to the UK without actually visiting London, it's certainly not a recommendation I'd make. I typically begin my UK visits by spending a few days in the nation's sprawling capital while getting over my jet lag before venturing out to my planned final destination (or destinations).

There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Want to learn more about the UK's rich history? You're literally spoiled for choice here as London boasts more than 200 world-class museums and art galleries to explore.

In the City of London, the heart of the old Roman city, you'll find evidence of pretty much every period in history ever since. Some of the top attractions in London are located here, including the Tower of London .

Located beside the spectacular Tower Bridge on the banks of the River Thames , this former palace and prison includes highlights such as the iconic 1,000-year-old White Tower, with its fascinating displays of armor and weaponry, and the Jewel House, home to the Crown Jewels. I always make a return visit at sunrise or sunset to grab an iconic photo of the Tower of London framed by Tower Bridge.

If you're a fan of Britain's Royal Family, you'll want to head to Buckingham Palace , London's Royal home since Queen Victoria's reign. Here, you can enjoy the colorful pomp of the Changing of the Guard or even take a tour of the Palace's State Rooms. Spaces are limited, so be sure to book in advance as they're only open for a few weeks each year.

From here you can wander along the Thames to the city's Whitehall Road area. Here you'll find Big Ben and the Parliament Buildings , as well as Westminster Abbey, the scene of many a royal wedding.

Another area to visit in London is South Kensington, home to the city's best museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum , as well as the famous Harrods department store. Also check out Trafalgar Square , home to the iconic Nelson's Column and the National Portrait Gallery.

And be sure to make the most of London's excellent transport system. Whether you go by bus or by underground, the system's now so good that you can simply use a debit or credit card to tap in and out as you go. It really is very easy, and once you've mastered that famous map of the city's "Tube" network you'll be traveling like a Londoner.

One of the UK's most attractive cities, the capital city of Edinburgh is also one of the UK's most visited destinations. Popular for its many well-preserved historic buildings, Edinburgh is perhaps best known as the home of the majestic Edinburgh Castle .

Perched high above the old city on a rocky promontory, this 13th-century royal fortress includes highlights such as the famous One O'Clock Salute, held daily at Half Moon Battery, as well as the Scottish Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace . Also worth seeing are the Scottish National War Memorial and the famous Stone of Destiny , the Stone of Scone, which only returned to Scotland after being held for 700 years in London.

From the castle, I always find it easy to explore the other most important historic sites in the city. Follow your nose downhill from the castle to the Old Town via the famous Royal Mile , a delightful medieval cobbled street that's immensely fun to walk. Sure, there are plenty of the usual tacky tourist and souvenir shops, but skip these and look out for the area's fine old architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as trendy art galleries and studios.

Edinburgh Old Town is also where you'll find the splendid old Palace of Holyroodhouse . From here, I usually make my way to Princes Street and New Town before looping back around to the castle. This broad, more modern avenue was planned in the late 18th century and is extremely popular for its shopping and dining opportunities. It's also where you'll find attractions such as the Royal Botanical Garden and the National Gallery of Scotland.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Edinburgh

Although one of the UK's smaller cities, Bath more than makes up for its diminutive size with a multitude of things to see and do . Named after its famous Roman Baths, this beautiful city has been luring visitors like you and me to its healing waters for more than 2,000 years.

Gushing from three hot springs, the water-known to consist of 43 different minerals, hence its curative properties-travels upwards some 3,048 meters at a rate of 275,000 gallons per day, before spilling out at a consistent 46.5 degrees Celsius. It's a truly awesome sight, and also a little eerie to think that you're standing just feet away from the very hot springs that Romans and early Britons enjoyed some 2,000 years before you got here.

While it's not possible to bathe in the original Roman Baths (try it and you'll be arrested!), a number of nearby spas, most notably the modern Thermae Bath Spa , offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the city's famous waters. This must-do experience features a stunning rooftop pool using the same waters as the Roman Baths, and all with incredible views of city landmarks such as Bath Abbey .

In addition to its ancient history, Bath is also famous for its lovely Georgian architecture. The best examples can be seen along the magnificent, curved Royal Crescent, with its palatial townhomes. One of them, No.1 Royal Crescent , is now a museum that offers a fascinating peek into life during Georgian times.

While Bath is served by the same London rail service as the neighboring port city of Bristol , it's one of those increasingly forward-thinking cities that makes it easy for car drivers, too. My most recent visit in the summer of 2022 was via car, and I avoided traffic and hassle by parking at the extremely affordable Landsdowne Park and Ride facility on the outskirts of the city. Not only is it inexpensive with plenty of availability, but regular bus services will also whisk you away to the heart of the city in just 10 minutes.

Read More: From London to Bath: Best Ways to Get There

One of the planet's oldest World Heritage Sites , Stonehenge has been a place of pilgrimage for more than 4,500 years. It was believed to have been erected as a place of worship, but these days, the crowds consist of tourists drawn by the sheer scale of this magnificent monument to mankind's ingenuity.

It's a sprawling site, covering an area of more than 20 square kilometers and boasting a state-of-the-art visitor center. Here, you can catch a fascinating glimpse not only into the construction of Stonehenge but also its history since then.

But it does get busy, so be sure to plan well ahead and purchase a timed ticket for the day of your visit. Better still, splurge a little on one of the attraction's new VIP admission packages . This unforgettable experience guarantees your spot on a fun "Stone Circle Experience" that includes free time to wander the site on your own. The verdict? It's a must-do.

Be sure to also spend time exploring the nearby medieval city of Salisbury , located just 16 kilometers south of Stonehenge. You'll be rewarded with a chance to visit one of the country's most famous cathedrals, dating back to 1220 and home to an original Magna Carta .

Afterward, spend time wandering the old city center with its many fine churches and historic medieval architecture. Not only are there a number of first-rate places to stay here (I'm partial to the Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel for its central location and 4-star quality and cleanliness), but great little intimate eateries like the Cosy Club on Crane Street. The food here is home-cooked, locally sourced, tasty... and served in an extremely patriotic British setting.

Read More: From London to Stonehenge: Best Ways to Get There

The historic town of Windsor, conveniently located a short train ride west of Central London, offers plenty of fun attractions for tourists . In addition to its lovely Thames-side setting and the many medieval half-timbered buildings along its quaint old cobblestone laneways, it's also home to spectacular Windsor Castle , the most famous of the UK's royal castles.

This grand old castle has served as the summer residence of British royalty for more than a millennium. It was started by William the Conqueror in 1078 and is the world's largest inhabited castle. Highlights include the splendid State Apartments containing the Queen's Gallery and dining hall, each with magnificently painted ceilings and woodcarvings, and St. George's Chapel, famous as the home of the Knights and Ladies of the ancient Order of the Garter.

When you've had your fill of these historic buildings, be sure to also spend time exploring the castle's large and beautiful grounds, almost 10 kilometers long. You'll enjoy some truly memorable panoramic views over Windsor and its castle, and a number of picnic areas, some with barbecue grills, are available if you want to stop awhile.

Traveling with kids? Another area attraction worth visiting is Legoland Windsor . This fun family resort, set on 150 acres of parkland and just a short bus ride from Windsor town center, even boats a modern Lego-themed hotel if you're looking to make a weekend of it.

Also worth seeing is Royal Ascot , the UK's most famous horse-racing venue. While you might want to try to time your trip to coincide with the Royal Meeting held each June, you'll find yourself fighting often huge crowds, all dressed to the nines, here for what is after all one of the most important events on the country's social calendar.

Read More: From London to Windsor: Best Ways to Get There

Covering almost 1,287 square kilometers of charming countryside, the beautiful Cotswolds is undoubtedly one of the most photographed corners of England. Its unrivaled pastoral scenery has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful places in the UK, ranking highly on many a traveler's bucket list.

Easy to get to from London and close to the popular tourist attractions of Bath and Bristol , the Cotswolds includes some of the best parts of the counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

Why visit? Well, if you're anything like me, you're here to experience a true taste of rural English life and explore its many quaint villages . You'll want to include the idyllic village of Bourton-on-the-Water on your Cotswolds itinerary. Nicknamed the "Venice of the Cotswolds," this popular vacation spot boasts a charming river setting and countless well-preserved cottages, some dating back to the 15th century, and all just begging to be photographed.

One of the most popular ways to do this is via the area's extensive trail network, including the excellent 164-kilometer-long Cotswold Way. Other fun things to do include horseback riding and biking, or simply soaking up the history of popular market towns such as Castle Combe or Tetbury.

Located in the northeast of England not far from the border with Scotland , the spectacular Lake District in Cumbria covers an area of 1,448 square kilometers. Not only is it considered one of the most magical places to visit in the UK for its beautiful scenery, its reputation as a place of romance and great culture will forever be associated with its most famous former resident, Beatrix Potter.

It was Potter who in fact led the way with the conservation efforts that have preserved so much of the Lake District when she bequeathed her estate to the National Trust. Her one-time home near Sawrey, Hill Top , can and should be visited for its exhibits and artifacts.

Her legacy also set the stage for the establishment of Lake District National Park . Encompassing 12 of the country's largest lakes including Windermere and Ullswater, the two biggest and best known, this beautiful region is another famous place in the UK that's great to explore on foot. All told the park boasts more than 3,218 kilometers of hiking and walking trails, so be sure to pack your hiking boots.

Other things to do in the Lake District include visiting Scafell Pike , at 978 meters the highest mountain in England. And, of course, there is no end of picturesque towns and villages to explore, including Grasmere .

Read More: From London to the Lake District: Best Ways to Get There

One of northern England's most popular tourist destinations, the medieval city of York, long the ecclesiastical capital of the Church of England, boasts one of the country's most magnificent cathedrals. The country's largest medieval church, York Minster can trace its roots back to the spread of Christianity in the 3rd century, although the splendid present Gothic structure was built almost 1,000 years later.

One of the best ways to get to see this historic landmark is via an official guided tour . I recommend you book in advance, and spend a little time reviewing the available choices to find one best suited to your interests. I opted for the fascinating "Tower Trip" option, a little more expensive but well worth the cost for the magnificent city views.

Other highlights of a visit to York Minster include seeing its spectacular 14th-century stained glass windows, plus the richly decorated interiors of the choir and north transept. You'll also want to visit the crypt, which contains parts of the original 11th-century church the cathedral now stands on.

Another York landmark worth exploring is the historic City Walls . I make a point of strolling this nearly five-kilometer-long structure each and every time I visit the city. Not only is it good exercise, but it's also a fun way to circle around the old medieval city center without the crowds.

Along the way, you'll enjoy excellent views over The Shambles , a narrow 14th-century roadway that's famous for its fine old timber-framed buildings, many of which hang over the street below. It's also an area known for its many restaurants and tearooms, as well as its many boutique shops and galleries.

York also boasts a number of major museums, the most popular being the National Railway Museum . Highlights of this museum's vast collection include many fine old steam engines dating as far back as 1820, plus a unique collection of Royal Trains. The museum also offers an excellent afternoon tea experience in the historic Countess of York railway carriage, bookable in advance.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in York, England
• From London to York: Best Ways to Get There

The UK has long been a center of learning, with two of its most famous university towns also ranking highly as tourist destinations. An easy commute north of London and just 128 kilometers apart, Cambridge and Oxford have for centuries been rivals for the title of the country's top academic establishment, a rivalry celebrated during the famous rowing event, The Boat Race , which takes place each spring on the River Thames .

Despite this generally good-spirited rivalry, each location offers plenty of attractions to make them worthwhile additions to your UK travel itinerary. Highlights of a visit to Cambridge include the chance to wander the UK's largest collection of preserved historic buildings, many of them located within an easy walk of Cambridge University ' s 31 colleges, the oldest of which was founded in 1284.

In addition to touring the stunning college grounds (only a handful of the university's buildings offer tours), you should also take a punt along the River Cam. This must-do activity is something of a Cambridge ritual, and chances are you'll even be "punted" along by a university student willing to share a little of their college experiences.

As with most popular tourist destinations, however, a little advance planning will ensure you find a reputable company for your punting tour. Licensed operators to consider include Cambridge Punt Company , which also offers a private romantic evening tour; and Scholars Punting , which features a fun picnic hamper package worth considering. In both cases, you can keep the cost down by joining a shared tour.

Oxford University's 38 colleges are equally fun to explore. These historic old places of learning are each set around a quadrangle and several inner courtyards along with chapels, dining halls, libraries, and student residences, some of which offer unique tourist accommodation packages, too. Like most UK tourist sites, they do get extremely busy in summer so be sure to book your visit in advance if you can to avoid disappointment.

Other Oxford highlights include the Carfax Tower, with its fine views over the city center, and the many fine old buildings of the town's High Street .

Pay a visit to historic Canterbury in Kent, and you'll soon discover why this beautiful city continues to be such a draw for visitors to the UK.

An easy hour's train ride from central London, Canterbury has been a draw for visitors for centuries. The first visitors were religious pilgrims who have in fact been visiting for more than 1,500 years, ever since St. Augustine first started converting pagan Anglo-Saxons to Christianity here in AD 597.

The city's most famous attraction is Canterbury Cathedral , the home church of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning cathedral offers plenty to see, from the intricately carved masonry of its exterior to its magnificent interior, a highlight of which is the beautiful choir with its statues of six English kings. Also of note are the exquisite Miracle Windows, dating from the 12th century and depicting scenes from the life of murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket .

Afterward, be sure to spend time wandering the pedestrianized area of Old City Canterbury with its many preserved, historic timber-framed buildings, particularly along Mercery Lane. Be sure to include the excellent Canterbury Roman Museum on your itinerary. It was built around the remains of an original Roman townhouse and its unique mosaic.

Read More: From London to Canterbury: Best Ways to Get There

Despite the fact that the legends of mythical monsters have largely been debunked (just don't tell the locals), spectacular Loch Ness remains an extremely popular tourist attraction for travelers heading to Scotland. While it's unlikely you'll encounter any monsters, you will, however, be rewarded with seeing some of the UK's most beautiful scenery.

Highlights of Loch Ness include the ruins of Urquhart Castle . Set overlooking the loch, it's one of Scotland's largest fortifications, with the current structure dating from the 14th century. For those wanting to learn more about the area's many legends, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition recounts its history, along with that of its monster, including details of ongoing searches for the elusive creature.

A little farther north is Inverness. This lovely city boasts numerous excellent attractions, including Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the late 19th-century St. Andrew's Cathedral.

History buffs should also check out the Culloden Battlefield and Visitors Centre . It was in Culloden in 1746 that the English and Scots fought their last battle and where the fate of Scotland as a British dominion was determined. Also of interest are the gravestones of warriors from the Scottish clans, as well as the six-meter-high Memorial Cairn erected in 1881 to commemorate the battle.

• From Glasgow to Loch Ness: Best Way to Get There
• From Edinburgh to Loch Ness: Best Ways to Get There

It's sometimes a little too easy to forget that the UK includes a tiny little piece of Ireland . Northern Ireland, consisting of the northeast corner of the "Emerald Isle," can easily be included on a trip to either country and is well worth taking the time to explore.

My favorite among the many Northern Ireland attractions worth visiting is the magnificent Giant's Causeway, a stunningly beautiful natural feature that looks anything but natural. Just a short drive from the capital of Belfast , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of unusual columns of layered basalt that jut upwards out of the sea and shoreline like some giant's staircase, hence their name.

All told, there are some 4,000 of these polygonal-shaped steps to see and clamber over. Formed over 60 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity, it's a truly impressive sight, and easy to see how local legends of giants could so easily have sprung up as a result.

A modern visitor center has been opened here and provides fascinating details about the reality and the myths behind this bucket-list attraction. Guided tours can be arranged, and be sure to make use of the audio guides that are provided with admission. Tickets can be booked online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Address: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim, Northern Ireland

Read More: From Dublin to Giant's Causeway: Best Ways to Get There

Liverpool , under three hours away from London by rail, offers plenty of cultural excitement for the curious traveler. It's also well-known for its role in giving rise to the English music legacy, not least because of its association with the Beatles .

Music fans are drawn here first and foremost for "Fab Four"-related attractions, such as The Beatles Story located in the renovated Albert Docks area. Also worth seeing are the famous Cavern Club, where the band made its debut in 1961, as well as the former homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Numerous walking tours and bus tours of Beatles sites are also readily available.

Other great reasons to visit Liverpool include its many historic buildings, lovely gardens, and parks, as well as great museums such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum , the Museum of Liverpool , and world-class art galleries like the Walker Art Gallery and the Tate Gallery . These are all located in the city's revitalized Royal Albert Dock area, an historic area enjoyed exploring on foot.

Thanks to its international airport, Manchester is often the first stop for many visitors from North America planning to explore northern England, Scotland, or Wales. It's especially popular for fans of the sport of football (that's soccer to those from the US, including Ted Lasso!).

Manchester is, in fact, home to two top football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City. Both are well represented in the must-visit National Football Museum , as are other popular teams from around the UK. Along with displays of memorabilia, trophies, and clothing, fun short movies explain the history of the sport and capture many of its defining moments.

Be sure to also visit at least one Manchester club's stadium, too. The best known is Manchester United's Old Trafford grounds, though Manchester City's Etihad Stadium is also worth seeing. Both offer fascinating tours and behind-the-scenes access. Better still, try to visit when there's a game on!

Other notable places to visit in Manchester include Castlefield , popular for its well-preserved Victorian houses, canals, and Roman ruins. It's also popular to explore on foot for its many old warehouses now serving as trendy shops, hotels, and restaurants.

If you've got time left in your Manchester itinerary, be sure to include Manchester Cathedral and the historic Town Hall. There's also a rich cultural scene that includes museums (Museum of Science and Industry), galleries (Manchester Art Gallery), and entertainment (Chinatown).

Despite being much smaller than both Scotland and England, Wales is home to some of the UK's top attractions. Interesting things to do here range from exploring the breathtaking scenery and enjoying outdoor adventures in its national parks to visiting its historic castles.

One of the best places to sample a little of everything that Wales has to offer is the country's capital, Cardiff , with most travelers beginning their visit at Cardiff Castle . Located in the middle of the city and built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fort, parts of the current structure date as far back as 1090, with much of it restored in the 1800s. Highlights include the State Apartments, the Clock Tower, the Chapel, and a spectacular Banqueting Hall with its fine murals.

Afterward, be sure to spend time wandering the city's many old Victorian shopping arcades, the best of which can be found around The Hayes. You'll find everything from second-hand record stores to boutique clothing shops and custom jewelers to browse.

Also worth checking out is Cardiff Bay. One of the UK's largest redevelopment projects, this vast area is now home to numerous fine restaurants, theaters, galleries, and shopping opportunities, many of them housed in former warehouses on lovely Mermaid Quay.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

Although just 14 miles away from mainland France , the Channel Islands have been a British territory since 1066. One of the most picture-perfect destinations in the country, these attractive small islands not only boast a milder climate but offer great places to visit that don't get the large crowds like other parts of the country.

The Channel Islands comprise Jersey (the largest island), Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm (the smallest), along with numerous even tinier islands. The intrepid traveler will also be rewarded with everything from quaint seaside towns and villages to explore, historic castles and ruins (sometimes one and the same), as well as outdoor adventures and wildlife spotting.

As for getting here, the Channel Islands are well served by ferries from mainland England, as well as short flights from most major British airports.

Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Channel Islands

The Scottish city of Glasgow is a great place to visit for those who enjoy a mix of cultural attractions and the great outdoors. Once you've had your fix of historic sites such as Glasgow Cathedral and the museums of the University of Glasgow, among others, head out to explore nearby Loch Lomond .

Loch Lomond was dubbed "The Queen of Scottish Lakes" by famed writer Walter Scott, and it's here you'll see Ben Lomond and the beautiful Trossachs countryside. Trossachs National Park now includes Loch Lomond itself and covers some 720 square miles of prime hiking and biking country.

It's also popular for its fishing and boating, including sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. For true outdoor enthusiasts, Loch Lomond is the perfect spot for a "wild camping" adventure. Not only is it safe, you're never too far away from people if you need them. And, of course, you'll agree that the scenery here is even more beautiful when you have it all to yourself.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Glasgow

Not only does the Snowdonia region of Wales boast some of the country's most remarkable scenery — and that's saying something, as it really is a beautiful country — it's also home to the UK's second largest national park: Snowdonia National Park. Spread across nearly 830 square miles, the park is as big a draw for adventurers as it is for those seeking a pleasant and not-too-exhausting day trip.

If you're a hiker you can choose from a variety of trails that wind their way up (and down) Mount Snowdon itself, spending a full day tackling as difficult a route to the top as you desire. And those like me who want to see the spectacular views from the top without all the hard work can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway .

Considered one of the world's top scenic railways, the journey starts in Llanberis before tackling steep inclines up to the "Eryri" visitor center at the top of Snowdon.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Snowdonia

Once omitted from the itineraries of most travelers to the UK, Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, has in recent years become something of a must-see destination. Not only are there numerous historic attractions and cultural experiences to enjoy, but the city's people have the same welcoming attitude that the European nation of Ireland to the south is known for.

One of the city's top claims to fame was its role in the building of the ill-fated ocean liner, RMS Titanic . This connection is celebrated and memorialized in the city's Titanic Quarter , home to the impressive Titanic Belfast attraction. Here, you can explore interactive exhibits that deal not only with the vessel, but the thousands of people involved in its construction and, ultimately, its sinking.

More on England

30 amazing ideas for your UK bucket list

As the country I’ve lived in my whole life, I may be biased, but for a relatively small country I think the UK has an awful lot to offer. We may not have the best weather and we may be famed for our grey cloudy skies; but there are plenty of incredible activities to add to your UK bucket list. 

Whether you’re after epic scenery, a culture hit, or an outdoorsy activity – believe me when I say that the UK has it all.

I’ve spent my whole life exploring the UK, including the world-famous tourist attractions and the hidden corners known only to locals.

From civilised afternoons through to adrenaline pumping activities, here are 30 amazing UK bucket list ideas that I know you’re going to love.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

1. Enjoy afternoon tea in London

Location: London, England

Best for: A civilised afternoon

I don’t think there’s a better place to start than with a classic British tradition: afternoon tea. 

You can enjoy afternoon tea just about anywhere in the UK. But for a real bucket list addition, afternoon tea at one of the famous London locations is a must.

Don your gladrags and head to one of the glamorous London high tea spots. There is plenty of choice but my personal favourites are as follows:

• The Savoy – for a world-famous afternoon tea experience
• The Ritz – for elegance and class with a resident pianist and harpist
• Fortnum & Mason – for over 300 years of afternoon tea expertise
• Claridge’s – for a truly traditional afternoon tea
• Sketch  – for a modern twist on high tea and bold interior design 

Or for a fun activity, check out the below tours. I’d recommend booking in advance as these activities often sell out:

• Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea
• Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco
• Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames
• Three Palaces Guided Walking Tour and High Tea
• Harry Potter Walking Tour with Magical Afternoon Tea

More things to do in London

There is so much to see and do in London that I know it can feel overwhelming. Start with my guide to the 20 top tourist attractions in London .

Where to stay in London

If you’re planning to stay over in England’s capital city and need inspiration on where to stay, discover my London hotel guides:

• 20 best luxury hotels in London
• 15 best spa hotels in London for a relaxing spa break
• 14 best London hotels for solo travellers

2. Go punting in Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England

Best for: A warm, rain-free day

Another activity that is unique to the UK is punting. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat that is moved along by pushing off the river bed with a long pole.

One of the original and most popular punting locations is in Cambridge , along the River Cam. I love Cambridge and think it makes such a wonderful UK city break.

Have a laugh with a self-guide punt along the river, or I’d recommend enjoying a more relaxing experience with a chauffeured punt .

A perfect activity for the warmer summer months, I don’t think there’s a better way to spend a sunny afternoon than floating down the river in a city as beautiful as Cambridge.

Book a guided punting tour or discover more of my favourite UK cities to visit .

More things to do in Cambridge

Cambridge is an utter delight to visit, with its historic architecture, quaint streets and world-renowned universities.

From cosy cafés and afternoon tea to relaxing spas and outdoor activities, discover my Cambridge guides:

• 18 best cafés in Cambridge
• 20 amazing things to do in Cambridge
• 15 delicious breakfast and brunch spots in Cambridge
• 10 incredible spas in Cambridge for a relaxing spa break
• 15 lovely afternoon tea spots in Cambridge

Where to stay in Cambridge

My personal favourite place to stay in Cambridge is the grand University Arms Hotel . The rooms are spacious, the decor is delightful and the opulent freestanding bathtubs are a real highlight. 

For more inspiration, have a read of my guide to the best hotels in Cambridge . 

3. Walk the Seven Sisters Cliffs

Location: East Sussex, England

Best for: Epic scenery

An iconic site, the Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs situated in the South Downs National Park. To take in the beautiful landscapes and sea views, I’d recommend hiking one of the many available trails.

There are a number of stunning view points, with the most popular being Beachy Head in Eastbourne. Seven Sisters is the epitome of rural England with its idyllic countryside and charming villages.

Hiking aside, I’d also suggest going paddleboarding in the Seven Sisters Country Park, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Best tours and activities 

To make the most of the area, I recommend booking a guided tour or activity. Here are my favourites:

• From London: Seven Sisters and South Downs Full-Day Tour
• From London: Brighton & Seven Sisters Small-Group Tour
• From Brighton: Seven Sisters Boat Tour
• Explore Seven Sisters Country Park on E-Bike

Where to stay nearby

To make the most of your visit, stay in nearby Eastbourne – discover my guide to the best hotels in Eastbourne .

My personal favourite place to stay is the stunning Port Hotel . The interiors are impeccable and its location right on the seafront is utterly dreamy.

Good to know: It’s imperative that you don’t get too close to the cliff edge. It can be tempting to peer over to see the view, but the cliffs are vulnerable to erosion so it’s really not worth the risk.

4. Pay a visit to Windsor Castle

Location: Windsor, England

Best for: A royal day out

As one of the top attractions outside of London, I have no doubt that Windsor Castle should be on your UK bucket list.

Bursting with over 900 years of royal history, Windsor Castle is both the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Open to visitors for most of the year, you can tour open areas of the castle. These include St George’s Chapel, the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, and The Middle Ward and Round Tower.

It was until recently home to the late Queen Elizabeth II, so I know it has a special place in everyone’s hearts.

Best tours and activities in Windsor

Windsor is a charming English town that’s steeped in royal heritage. I think it’s well worth exploring for a day or two – here are some of the top tours to book:

• Windsor 40-Minute Return Boat Trip
• Windsor Castle Admission Ticket
• From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

Where to stay in Windsor

If you fancy staying in Windsor for a night or two – and I really recommend that you do – here is my pick of the best hotels:

• Fairmont Windsor Park – for five star luxury
• Royal Adelaide Hotel – for a highly-rated boutique hotel
• Castle Hotel Windsor – for a historic hotel in a grand Georgian building

5. Explore the Cotswolds

Location: The Cotswolds, England

Best for: Experiencing rural England

For open landscapes that will take your breath away, look no further than the rolling countryside and honey-coloured cottages of the Cotswolds . It’s no secret that I absolutely adore the Cotswolds

Its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) tells you all you need to know.  The Cotswolds is a top UK bucket list item because it is exceptionally pretty and there is so much to do.

I really don’t think there is anywhere quite like it. Towns and villages of the Cotswolds ooze with fairytale charm and enchanting tranquillity.

Whether you’re after a relaxing escape in the heart of rural England, or fun outdoorsy activities, there are plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds .

I’d recommend adding the following Cotswolds spots to your UK bucket list:

• Castle Combe – for a village stood still in time.
• Bibury – to see the postcard-perfect Arlington Row.
• Bourton-on-the-Water – affectionately known as “The Venice of the Cotswolds”.
• Burford  – hide away in cosy pubs and charming tea rooms.
• Stow-on-the-Wold – for a quintessential English town.
• Upper Slaughter – a secluded, tranquil village. 
• Lower Slaughter – visit Britain’s most romantic street. 
• Cirencester – an excellent base for exploring The Cotswolds.

Where to eat in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds has a strong reputation for its culinary offering, so I think it’s perfect for avid foodies. Discover my guides to the culinary scene of the Cotswolds:

• 15 best brunch spots in The Cotswolds
• 15 amazing spots for afternoon tea in The Cotswolds
• 21 incredible restaurants in The Cotswolds

Where to stay in the Cotswolds

Hotels in the Cotswolds are some of my favourites in the whole of the UK. Think charming country houses, indulgent spas in the heart of the countryside and restaurants serving local, homegrown produce. 

Have a read of my guide to the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds or discover my pick of the top Cotswolds spa breaks . 

Get access to my Cotswolds travel guide

I have curated all of my Cotswolds knowledge and recommendations into one comprehensive guide, complete with an interactive map, filtering options and itineraries. 

It’s available to buy through Rexby and you can preview parts of it for free. Get in touch if you have any questions about my Cotswolds guide!

6. Visit the Natural History Museum

Best for: A free London attraction

A world-renowned museum, I’d say that London’s Natural History Museum cannot be missed from your UK bucket list.

Fun for kids and adults alike, you’ll find unique collections, incredible specimens, and interactive activities. All housed within a spectacular and iconic building.

The museum is free to visit so there’s really no excuse not to go. Before you visit, I’d recommend checking out any workshops or talks being held, as these are always fascinating and informative. 

Book a guided tour of the Natural History Museum .

Good to know: On the last Friday of every month, the museum holds Lates where you can buy a drink of your choice to take around with you. What’s better than exploring the Natural History Museum? Exploring with a glass of wine in hand!

7. See the ponies of the New Forest

Location: New Forest, England

Best for: Getting back to nature

The New Forest is a national park comprising ancient woodland, open moors, and plenty of wildlife – it’s another of my favourite regions in the UK.

It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to visit, so it’s no wonder that it’s an incredibly popular holiday destination.

Home to some fantastic hotels and spas , as well as plenty of outdoor activities, the New Forest is a must-visit.

Foodies will love the cuisine on offer at the best restaurants in the New Forest , with many focused on fresh, locally sourced produce.

Some of my favourite towns and villages in the New Forest are as follows:

• Brockenhurst – be sure to stop by The Pig for an outstanding lunch.
• Lyndhurst – for easy access to and from London.
• Beaulieu – petrol heads will love the National Motor Museum.
• Lymington –soak up the charming coastal vibes.
• Burley – for spotting the iconic New Forest ponies.

Famous for its ponies, a visit to the New Forest wouldn’t be complete without seeing these hardy animals.

The New Forest pony is a recognised breed of its own, and they are valued for their strength and vigour.

Discover other things to do in the New Forest and the best luxury hotels in the New Forest in my guides.

8. Spend a weekend hiking the Lake District

Location: Lake District, England

Best for: Outdoor activities

For spectacular scenery and an abundance of outdoor activities, I know you’re going to love the Lake District.

From towering peaks and beautiful valleys to rolling hills and enticing bodies of water, the Lake District offers truly jaw-dropping natural beauty.

There is plenty to do in the Lake District, whether it’s walking, cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, tree swinging, or swimming. Believe me when I say that it’s an absolute haven for outdoor lovers!

Add to that some truly exceptional places to eat and stay, as well as the opportunity to spot all manner of wildlife – and it’s easy to see why the Lake District is such a popular UK travel bucket list destination.

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful part of the UK, have a read of some of my area guides:

• 20 pretty villages and towns in the Lake District
• 15 breathtaking waterfalls in the Lake District
• 21 amazing afternoon tea spots in the Lake District
• Hotel reviews: Gilpin Lake House , Storrs Hall and Brimstone Hotel

Best tours and activities

Discover my pick of the best Lake District tours:

• Lake District: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour
• Lake District: Beatrix Potter Half-Day Tour
• Lake District: Afternoon Tour from Windermere
• From London: Lake District Tour with Cream Tea & Cruise

9. Tour the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland

Location: Northern Ireland

Best for: Game of Thrones fans

Northern Ireland is a fantastic UK bucket list destination for Game of Thrones fans. The majority of the popular television series was filmed in Northern Ireland and visitors can enjoy tours of the filming locations.

Even if you aren’t a Game of Thrones fan, I think many of the filming locations are worth a visit in their own right.

From historic castles to rugged coastlines, you’ll find some seriously impressive scenery in Northern Ireland. Whether it’s the Dark Hedges or Cushendun Caves, there are plenty of amazing sights to see.

Discover my pick of the best Game of Thrones tours in Northern Ireland:

• Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission Ticket
• From Dublin: Game of Thrones Studio Tour with Transfer
• From Dublin: Full-Day Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour

Good to know: It’s also possible to do a self-guided tour of the key Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. You will need a car for this though. 

10. Experience the fastest zipline in the world (if you dare)

Location: Penrhyn Quarry, Wales

Best for: Adrenaline junkies

This is an absolute UK bucket list must for the adrenaline junkies like me. Wales is home to the world’s fastest zipline, Velocity 2 , shooting you through the air at up to 100mph.

It’s about as close as you’ll get to flying and you can also take in spectacular views over the mountains of Wales.

Perhaps not one for the faint-hearted, but you surely can’t beat the exhilarating thrill of whizzing over the land. An unmissable bucket list activity for the adventurer.

11. Learn how the Harry Potter films were made

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire

Best for: Harry Potter fans

A magical day out at the Warner Bros Studio Tour, take a step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and learn how the popular films were made.

Explore the iconic sets and find out how they made the magic come to life. Open the doors to The Great Hall, explore the Forbidden Forest, and wander down Diagon Alley.

See the incredible costumes and discover the extensive collection of expertly crafted props – from the Sorting Hat to the broomsticks.

Find out how the special and visual effects teams made the characters fly, and how the art department created the jaw-dropping sets.

As a Harry Potter fan myself, I absolutely loved my visit to the Warner Bros Studio and I’d love to go back at some point!

Best Warner Bros Studio tours

As a very popular attraction near London, I highly recommend that you book tickets in advance.

You can either just book an admission ticket, or combine it with transfer options and other day trips:

• From London: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
• Harry Potter Studios & Private Transfer from Central London
• London: Harry Potter Studio Tour and Oxford Day Trip
• London: Fully-Guided Making of Harry Potter Tour

Good to know: Potter fans will also love my guide to the best Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh .

12. Witness the Changing of the Guard

Location: Buckingham Palace, London

Best for: British pomp and ceremony

Changing of the Guard is a formal ceremony at Buckingham Palace where The King’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting the palaces to the New Guard.

It’s an event of traditional British pomp and military ceremony and I think it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re in the area.

The Changing of the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10:45AM. It lasts for around 45 minutes.

If it’s wet weather then note that it can be cancelled right at the last minute. 

It’s free to watch and no tickets are required, but you can book various guided tours and tickets for Buckingham Palace:

• Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
• Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Ticket
• Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour

Good to know: Make sure you don’t get in the way of the Guards as they march, as they won’t stop! The ceremony also takes place at Windsor Castle, if you’re ever in the area.

13. Explore Snowdonia National Park

Location: Wales

Snowdonia National Park is 823 square miles of beautiful scenery and I think it’s well worth exploring.

As the adventure capital of North Wales, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether it’s walking the extensive hiking trails or cycling and golf.

For more adrenaline-fuelled adventures, try white water rafting, paragliding, or rock climbing.

A hotspot of breathtaking natural beauty, Snowdonia has over 50 lakes and 15 peaks over 3000ft in height.

You’ll also find an array of beaches, sand dunes, castles, and railways, as well as a rich cultural heritage with various Roman ruins.

Best tours and activities in Snowdonia

There are plenty of tours and activities available to book in Snowdonia – from castles and kayaking to gardens and hiking, these are my favourites:

• Portmeirion, Snowdonia & Castle Tour
• Snowdonia: Llyn Padarn Guided Family Kayaking Adventure
• From Llandudno: Snowdonia & the Three Castles Tour
• Snowdonia National Park: Snowdon Sunrise Guided Hiking Tour
• Snowdonia, Bodnant Gardens & Castles Private Tour

Where to stay in Snowdonia

Here is my pick of the best hotels in and around Snowdonia:

• Palé Hall, Bala
• The Tilman, Barmouth
• Lansdowne House, Llandudno

Good to know: You can of course climb Mount Snowdon. I’d recommend researching the best routes before you climb, especially if you’re a beginner. And pack accordingly so that you’re prepared!

14. Visit the magical Fairy Pools in Isle of Skye

Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Best for: A natural waterfall phenomenon

Located at Glenbrittle on Isle of Skye in Scotland, the Fairy Pools are famous for their crystal clear spring water.

The magical turquoise blue of the waters – fed from a series of waterfalls – are an unusual sight in the UK.

For those feeling brave, you can swim in the enchanting natural rock pools. But I’d only recommend this for the most adventurous of swimmers, as the water is icy cold. A wetsuit is definitely advisable!

Browse hotels in Isle of Skye .

Best Isle of Skye Fairy Pools tours to book:

• From Inverness: Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Day Trip
• From Inverness: Isle of Skye Scenery Tour with Fairy Pools
• Isle Of Skye And The Fairy Pools: 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Good to know: The Fairy Pools are accessible on foot from a nearby carpark.

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15. See the bluebells at Micheldever Wood

Location : Micheldever Wood, Hampshire

Best for: Photographers

Micheldever Wood is an ancient woodland located five miles from Winchester in Hampshire. It’s home to a diverse range of birds and insects, including an impressive butterfly population.

You’ll also find an abundance of wildflowers, along with roe and fallow deer roaming the woods.

It’s perhaps most well-known for its beautiful bluebells in the spring and I’d argue that it’s one of the best places to see them in the UK.

Walk one of the many paths through wood and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.

Good to know: If you’re a keen photographer then I’d recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset to capture the dappled golden light that enhances the colour of the bluebells.

16. Go surfing at Newquay

Location: Newquay, Cornwall

Best for: Surfing newbies and pros alike

The UK’s surf capital, Newquay has gained a world-renowned reputation for its excellent surfing provisions.

Home to beautiful beaches, Newquay is a popular surfing destination for both beginners and seasoned pros.

Some of the best surfing spots I’d recommend include:

• Fistral Beach
• Watergate Bay
• Constantine
• Great Western
• The Cribbar (only for the pros!)

Due to its windy climate, Newquay benefits from continuous big waves from the Atlantic Ocean. There are a number of surf schools for those looking to learn or improve their skills.

Best tours and activities in Newquay

I love that Newquay is a haven for outdoor adventures. Here are some of my favourite activities to book:

• Introduction to Surfing Lesson
• Coasteering Adventure
• Surf, Yoga & Woodland Wild Camp

Where to stay in Newquay

Here are some of my favourite hotels to stay in Newquay:

• The Headland Hotel and Spa
• The Lewinnick Lodge
• Watergate Bay Hotel

For more inspiration, read my guide to the best luxury hotels in Cornwall , as well as the best spa breaks in Cornwall .

Good to know: If you’re planning a trip to this gorgeous part of the UK, discover my Cornwall guides: 

• 10 best towns in Cornwall to visit
• 15 best seafood restaurants in Cornwall
• 16 best beaches in Cornwall
• 14 best places to go paddleboarding in Cornwall
• 21 things to do in Cornwall in the rain
• 16 best spots for afternoon tea in Cornwall
• 9 beautiful waterfalls in Cornwall

17. Soak in the thermal waters at Bath

Location: Bath, Somerset

Best for: A relaxing city break

The beautiful Georgian city of Bath is famous for its natural thermal springs. Rich in minerals, particularly sulphate, calcium and chloride, the waters are known for their healing qualities.

It’s for this reason that the thermal springs are seen as a centre for wellbeing and relaxation.

Visit the Roman Baths for a more historical experience of the thermal springs. Or for a more modern twist, I’d recommend paying a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa , which includes a rooftop pool with beautiful views over the city.

Where to stay in Bath

The discerning traveller is spoilt for choice with luxury hotels in Bath. Here are some of my favourites:

• No 15 by GuestHouse
• Homewood Hotel & Spa
• Lucknam Park Hotel

Good to know: Bath is right on the edge of the Cotswolds , so I think it’s a great base for exploring the southern parts of the Cotswolds. 

18. Take in the scale of Giant’s Causeway

Best for: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway is located on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.

Flanked by the North Atlantic Ocean, it’s a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and rugged coast. 

Giant’s Causeway comprises around 40,000 black Basalt columns which were formed following a Volcanic eruption nearly 60 million years ago.

There are a variety of walks available (including guided tours if you’d prefer), all promising jaw-dropping scenery. I’d recommend booking a fully guided day tour to really make the most of your visit.

Good to know: In the Visitor Centre you can learn more about the legend surrounding Giant’s Causeway. Hint: it involves an Irish giant!

19. Visit the Isles of Scilly

Location: Isles of Scilly, near Cornwall

Best for: The UK’s equivalent of the Caribbean

An archipelago off the coast of Cornwall, I think the Isles of Scilly are a truly magical place to visit. There are five inhabited islands with a small population, meaning it is largely uncrowded and untouched.

It’s this isolated characteristic that offers such wonderful appeal. There are extensive coastal paths and natural trails which make for beautiful walks.

The Isles of Scilly could almost be considered the UK’s equivalent of the Caribbean with its white sandy beaches and bright blue ocean. In my opinion, it’s natural beauty at its best.

Where to stay on the Isles of Scilly

Being such a small place, there aren’t a huge number of hotels to choose from. I’d recommend booking into Star Castle Hotel for beautiful views. 

Good to know: You can day trip the Isles of Scilly from Cornwall. Travel by sea via a passenger ferry from Penzance or take to the skies by the Skybus or take a helicopter from Penzance.

20. Explore the Jurassic Coast

Location: From Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset

Best for: Fossil hunting 

England’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles between Exmouth in East Devon and Old Harry Rocks in Dorset.

It’s famous for its rocks, fossils and landforms, boasting millions of years of geological history. I think the best way to experience it is by taking in the stunning scenery on a long walk.

Explore the dramatic coastline with imposing white cliffs and dilapidated castles. Go fossil hunting, visit a museum, or explore one of the many iconic seaside towns along the route.

Best tours and activities on the Jurassic Coast: 

Depending on where you are basing yourself, there are plenty of wonderful tours and activities along the Jurassic Coast.

Here are my top recommendations:

• From Poole: Round-trip Jurassic Coastal Cruise to Swanage
• From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
• Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

Good to know: If you’re planning a visit to the Jurassic Coast, find a beautiful self-catering cottage in Dorset to stay in.

21. Attend Glastonbury Festival

Location: Glastonbury, Somerset

Best for: Festival goers

A world-famous music festival in Somerset, Glastonbury is a five-day festival attended by around 200,000 people. It celebrates the very best in music, arts and culture.

Headlined by the world’s best pop and rock artists, it is a major music event in British culture. There’s a wide range of music at the festival – from pop and rock to jazz and grime.

You’ll also find a whole array of performing arts, including cabaret, circus, comedy, dance, and theatre. Just be sure to take your Wellies because mud and rain is almost guaranteed – it is England afterall!

Good to know: Tickets for Glastonbury are notoriously hard to come by – I’ve tried several times and never been successful! Make sure you are registered ahead of the event and be ready with as many devices as possible when the ticket sales begin.

Find somewhere to stay in Glastonbury .

22. Visit Hadrian’s Wall

Location: Cumbria & Northumberland

Best for: Fans of Roman history

Built as a defensive barrier to guard the northwestern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast.

It took over six years to build and is set amongst the stunning scenery of the Cumbrian and Northumbrian landscapes.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore the remains of the wall, including the forts, towers and turrets.

I’d recommend visiting the museums to discover the ancient Roman artefacts and learn more about its history.

Best tours of Hadrian’s Wall

To get the most out of your visit, I’d advise booking a guided tour so that you can learn all about the fascinating history:

• Hadrian’s Wall: 2-Hour Guided Tour
• Hadrian’s Wall: 4-Hour Guided Tour
• Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh
• Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Small Group Day Tour

Good to know: George R.R. Martin used Hadrian’s Wall as an inspiration for the Wall in the Game of Thrones series.

23. Enjoy a romantic weekend in York

Location: York

Best for: A romantic getaway

Cobbled streets and quintessentially British: I consider York to be one of the most romantic cities in the UK .

With its Roman roots and Gothic buildings, all surrounded by ancient walls, York boasts a rich history. Yet there is a vibrant range of independent shops and fantastic eateries to explore too.

York is home to The Shambles, one of the most famous mediaeval streets in the world. With a strong cultural identity and an impressive number of museums, there is plenty to do in this fascinating city.

I think it’s perfect for every type of traveller, but its romantic charm makes it the perfect place for a couple’s getaway.

Where to stay in York

As one of the most popular cities to visit in the UK, there are plenty of amazing hotels to choose from. Here are some of my favourites:

• Jorvik House
• Judge’s Lodging

Best tours and activities in York

You’ll be spoilt for choice for activities in York, but some of the best include:

• Guided Cycling Tour of York
• City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour
• Private Bespoke History Walking Tour
• York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour

Good to know: If you plan on visiting lots of attractions, then I’d recommend getting the York City Pass . It provides entry to over 20 attractions across the city.

24. Visit the Eden Project

Location: Cornwall

Best for: The UK’s best leisure attraction

Located in a crater the size of 30 football pitches in Cornwall, the Eden Project is an educational charity with the aim of working towards a better, greener future.

It is home to huge tropical biomes which house beautiful gardens and I think it’s a must-visit attraction in Cornwall.

Discover the tropical plants and waterfalls of the Rainforest Biome or explore the lemon trees and olive groves of the Mediterranean Biome.

Consistently recognised as the Best UK Leisure Attraction by the British Travel Awards, a visit to the Eden Project is great for a family day out.

It’s also one of the best things to do in Cornwall when it rains , plus it’s home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cornwall . 

Good to know: Various events are run throughout the year, including workshops, concerts, and activity days – so I’d recommend checking the website before you visit.

25. Wild camp in the Scottish Highlands

Location: Scottish Highlands

Best for: Adventurers

For something a little more adventurous, wild camping in the Scottish Highlands is a must for your UK bucket list.

I think it’s the best way to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland. It’s an opportunity to get off the beaten track and get away from the crowds.

Explore all the scenery on offer, from rugged coast and towering mountains to stunning lakes and peaceful woods.

The hardest part is choosing where to camp, as you are spoilt for choice!

You may have to sacrifice some modern conveniences and put up with a bit of unpredictable weather – but I have no doubt that the rewards will be worth it!

Good to know: Before wild camping, have a read of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code .

26. Explore Highclere Castle

Location: Newbury, between Berkshire & Hampshire

Best for: Downton Abbey fans

Highclere Castle is widely recognised as the film location for the popular television series Downton Abbey – and I think it’s definitely worth visiting in real-life.

A grand country house in Jacobethan style that is located in Hampshire, five miles south of Newbury in Berkshire.

It was designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect who also designed the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

Visitors to Highclere Castle can explore the stately home, along with its expansive grounds and gardens.

Best tours of Highclere Castle

There are a number of tours available which transport you from London or Oxford to Downton Abbey:

• From London: Day Trip to Downton Abbey, Oxford and Bampton
• Downton Abbey and Village Small Group Tour from London
• London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour
• London: Downton Abbey Countryside Black Taxi VIP Tour
• From Oxford: Downton Abbey and the Cotswolds Full-Day Tour

Good to know: You can even stay on the estate in one of the two converted lodges, which I think would make for a perfect country escape.

27. See the beach huts at Whitstable

Location: Whitstable, Kent

Best for: A cute seaside getaway

Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town in Kent, renowned for its fresh seafood and annual oyster festival.

With pastel-coloured shop fronts and a thriving arts scene, I consider it to be a postcard-perfect English town. The ideal place to soak up some invigorating sea air. 

Famous for its colourful beach huts which adorn the coast, they are a must-see feature. They may be small but these wooden shacks come with an excruciatingly high price point – which hints at how sought-after they are!

Discover more things to do in Kent or read my guide to the best coastal towns in Kent .

Good to know: I’d recommend visiting Whitstable as the perfect day trip from London and a great way to escape to the city. Direct trains are available from both London St Pancras and London Victoria, and take around one hour and 15 minutes.

28. Visit Longleat Safari Park

Location: Longleat, Warminster

Best for: Animal lovers

Longleat is a grand stately home that sits on 900 acres of landscaped grounds. It’s home to the UK’s number one safari park and I’d recommend it as a great family day out.

There are various attractions to keep everyone entertained, including the Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure.

I love that a visit to Longleat Safari Park gives you a chance to get up close and personal with a variety of different animals.

Watch the giraffes and majestic lions amble past, find yourself face-to-face with the cheeky monkeys, and look out for rhino, camel and tigers.

Good to know: Aside from the safari park and animals, you can also explore Longleat House and Grounds. Embark on a guided tour through the stately rooms and marvel at the artwork and intricate tapestries.

29. Wander the Christmas markets

Location: Various

Best for: Getting into the festive spirit

What better way to enter the festive spirit than with a beautiful Christmas market.

The UK has plenty of charming Christmas markets on offer and a visit is a must for your UK bucket list. Some of my favourite Christmas markets in the UK are as follows:

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and soak up the sounds and smells as you wind your way through the stalls.

Many Christmas markets also have ice rinks and fairground rides, which are great for keeping kids (and adults!) entertained.

Discover more of the best Christmas markets in Europe in my guide.

30. Visit Canterbury Cathedral

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Best for: History and architecture

With stunning architecture and a rich history, Canterbury Cathedral is a world-famous religious site.

One of the oldest Christian churches in England, it is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Take in the grandeur of the cathedral, with its breathtaking size and scale. Go inside where you can visit the Romanesque crypt and see the mediaeval stained glass windows.

There is plenty of history to soak up at this beautiful cathedral. Don’t miss the Great Cloister – I think that walking through it feels like walking through the corridors of Hogwarts!

Good to know: Book your entry ticket with audio guide in advance to skip the queues.

This list could go on but I couldn’t possibly squeeze in every single bucket list worthy activity in the UK. Let me know any of your favourites or recommendations in the comments below!

For more UK travel inspiration, you may also like:

• 10 amazing UK cities to visit
• 10 best digital detox retreats in the UK
• 12 fun foodie breaks in the UK
• Guide to glamping in the UK
• Best UK hotels to spend Christmas in
• 10 charming medieval towns in the UK

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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Guide to the United Kingdom: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to the United Kingdom: The Complete Guide

There’s a lot more to the United Kingdom than the usual list of top 10 London sights. For a start, there are four separate countries—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland   —each offering city and country pleasures, wilderness adventures, scenic villages, landmarks, free museums, and miles of challenging coastal paths. The food is a lot better than you may have heard as well. Use this guide to fill your trip with the best choices for you.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit :  Late spring and early fall are the best times to visit when the days are long, and there’s a good chance of mild, dry weather. Prices are lowest in January and February, but it’s also cold and wet. A lot of attractions are closed, but if you enjoy theater, museums and indoor activities, this is a way to visit on the cheap.

Language:  English. A lot of popular attractions offer tours or audio tours in European languages and Chinese.

Currency:  The pound sterling (£)

Getting Around:  Train service in the U.K. is very well developed and is the best way to get between cities and regions. Though bad weather and industrial action may interrupt services from time to time, the number and frequency of both long-distance, regional and local trains will amaze many North American travelers. Most fares are cheaper for off-peak travel and when bought in advance. The website National Rail Enquiries is a comprehensive online guide to times, prices, and service status across the country.

Long-distance buses (called coaches in the U.K.) are the cheapest way to get around. Since they use the country’s motorway system, they are also the most boring. One company, National Express , runs most of the intercity coaches, and four other large regional companies run networks of local services. Local buses provide short, practical everyday journeys, so the routes are not well coordinated between regions. But if you are interested in taking day trips from specific urban or tourism hubs, you may find buses—such as the Greenline buses between London and Windsor Castle —that serve the purpose. Traveline , a partnership between transport companies, local authorities, and passenger groups, has a website that can help you plan a trip using local resources.

Travel Tip:  Round trip tickets (called return fares) are often a more expensive way to buy bus and rail tickets than pairs of one-way tickets (called singles). Check before you buy.

Things to Do

The United Kingdom packs several thousand years of history and culture onto an island slightly smaller than Michigan. As you might imagine, there’s quite a lot to see and much of it is within easy day trips of major cities or transportation hubs. But a surprising amount is covered by vast wilderness areas. It’s easy to try to pack too much into a visit. Instead, try to focus your trip around a few themes:

• Day Trips from major cities. London in the Southeast and Edinburgh in central Scotland are both hubs of culture, centers for free museums, shopping, theatre, music, and dining out. They are also surrounded by areas rich in historical attractions and natural beauty, so they make excellent bases for day trips and short breaks.
• Spend time in a National Park. National parks protect landscapes, coasts, moors, and mountains. But they also contain working farms, quaint villages, castles and hundreds of ancient monuments. Try hiking the Lakeland Fells ( fells is a Scandinavian word for hills) in England's Lake District or marveling at the mountain views and clear mountain lakes in Snowdonia National Park in Wales (which is also full of castles). Walk through the South Downs’ grass-covered chalk hills. There’s skiing in Cairngorm National Park and pleasant walking and cycling trails in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs . Each national park offers something different.
• Shop in traditional markets. Some, like the permanent outdoor market in Norwich , or the covered markets in Oxford, Birmingham, and Leeds, haven’t changed much in hundreds of years. London has its share of wonderful markets too—from Borough Market for adventurous foodies, to Portobello Road, a vast, heaving antique market that’s a must.
• Catch up with Shakespeare in his hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon . The Royal Shakespeare Company stages Bard’s works with surprising irreverence and imagination that’s hard to resist. There’s plenty to see and do, including visits to the Shakespeare family homes and Anne Hathaway’s cottage .
• Visit royal and traditional sites. There’s a good reason why Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle , Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are so popular with visitors. Try to visit these traditional sights outside of school vacation seasons, though.

What to Eat and Drink

Forget the clichés about awful British food . That’s ancient history. These days you’ll find nearly as many Michelin stars in London as in New York and lots more scattered all over the U.K . Whether you are talking about fine dining or neighborhood bistros, it’s easy to find modern European cuisine with vegetarian and even vegan options in most British cities and tourist destinations.

Outside of the main population centers in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the picture is a bit more hit and miss. But there are some traditional British specialties you really should try.

• Sample a full British breakfast at least once. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland add regional touches to the classic eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and tomatoes breakfast. If you are on a tight budget, this breakfast will set you up for the whole day.
• Indulge in afternoon tea with all the trimmings—scones with jam and cream, crumpets, sandwiches, fresh cream cakes, and endless pots of tea.
• Try different regional ales on tap . They won’t be ice cold, but cellar temperature is still pretty cool.
• Fish and chips can be great —crispy and hot—or dire (greasy and lukewarm). Ask a local where to find the best.
• Eat seafood and shellfish in Scotland; it comes from cold North Atlantic and North Sea waters and is terrific. And if you are in Whitstable, have some oysters.
• It’s easy, and often cheaper, to find good quality ethnic food anywhere in Britain. Indian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese cuisines are widely available.

Where to Stay

Accommodations range from five-star luxury and glamping to international budget chains and vacation rentals, called self-catering in Britain. Some kinds of accommodations are particularly British and worth considering.

Consider a bed and breakfast, which range from fully-serviced guest houses to small inns. In rural areas, you may find rooms to rent in private homes. Or try a caravan; this is what Europeans call camper vans, and some caravan parks rent them like cottages. Bigger trailers in caravan parks are known as "statics." Country house hotels , which range from large comfortable houses to very grand country estates converted to luxury accommodations, are another option. Also, more and more pubs are offering boutique-style hotel rooms as an alternative style of accommodation.

Getting There

Visitors usually fly into the U.K. from North America through London’s main airports—Heathrow and Gatwick, or by charter flights to London Stansted and London City. There are public transportation options from Heathrow and Gatwick to central London.  

But the U.K. has quite a few more airports receiving international passengers with either direct or connecting flights from North American airports. Depending upon your ultimate destination, you could save money on ground transportation by flying into Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, East Midlands or Bristol Airport. Find out more about alternative U.K. destination airports.

Travelers from continental Europe can cross the English Channel by ferry, drive through the Channel Tunnel, or travel by Eurostar passenger train. There are also good connections—by air or boat, from Dublin or Belfast.

Money-Saving Tips

• Don't rent cars in cities. Wait until you've left London or other big cities. You'll save on parking fees and congestion charges (it costs 11.50 pounds a day to take a car into central London). Public transportation—buses, trolleys, and subways—are available in most major cities as are city bicycles, parked everywhere and easy to use with a credit card.
• Consider self-catering. That's what Europeans call vacation rentals. There's plenty of choices, ranging from short let apartments in cities, cottages, and village houses to rent. If you can't find what you want online, the local tourist authorities will have plenty of information.
• Take advantage of what's free. Almost all of Britain's essential museums are free to visit.   Historical attractions have reduced admissions for senior citizens and students.

The Commonwealth. " United Kingdom ."

Museums Association. " Frequently Asked Questions ."

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

Your Trip to Birmingham, England: The Complete Guide

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

The Pembrokeshire Coast: A Complete Guide

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to London: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to England: The Complete Guide

The Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom

12 "Must-See" Places in England, Scotland and Wales

A Guide to Airports in England

Use an Alternative UK International Airport to Save a Bundle

How to Travel from London to Windsor Castle by Bus, Train, or Car

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

Useful Maps of Europe for Planning a Trip

100+ Incredible UK Bucket List Ideas & Destinations

Hello and welcome to our mammoth UK bucket list! Let’s call it “The Great British Bucket List” badum bum tish … sorry, we really couldn’t resist that one!

From beautiful castles and palaces to interesting museums, escapes into nature and more, there are so many amazing activities, destinations and ideas to add to your UK bucket list.

We hope this list will help you to decide what to see and do either during your next trip to the UK or as part of an epic day trip from home . Advance warning: it’s a LONG one seeing as we’ve lived in the UK for over 30 years now!

UK Bucket List Ideas & Destinations

Below is a simple bulleted list of all the destinations and ideas we’ve included in our UK bucket list.

And make sure you keep reading this blog post to get all the details of how to make them happen!

• Visit London (England’s capital)
• Visit Bristol (home to Brunel, Banksy , balloons and the Clifton Suspension Bridge)
• Visit Bath (home to original Roman baths and Jane Austen locations)
• Visit Salisbury (to see a Magna Carta and 700-year-old pubs and restaurants)
• Visit Exeter (where incredible stories and hidden gems abound)
• Visit Oxford (original inspiration for various authors)
• Visit Chester (to step back in time to the Middle Ages)
• Visit Cheltenham (the UK’s most complete Regency town )
• Enjoy a ride on the London Eye
• See the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
• Speed along the Thames on a RIB boat
• Hear the dulcet tones of Big Ben
• Appreciate a few zen moments at the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
• Stroll through the pretty mews streets in London
• Watch an incredible theatre show in London’s West End
• Shop for vintage finds at Camden Market or Portobello Road Market 
• Admire fossils and bones at the Natural History Museum
• Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea
• Snap a photo of the UK’s smallest police station in Trafalgar Square
• Admire the views from the Sky Garden
• Window shop along Oxford Street and Regent Street
• Wander around Hyde Park and Kew Gardens
• Climb to the top of the O2 
• Snap that iconic Beatles photo on Abbey Road
• Head to the top of The Shard
• Visit Tintagel Castle (birthplace of the legendary King Arthur)
• See the incredible Christmas lights and displays of Blenheim Palace
• Admire Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey
• See Katherine Parr’s tomb at Sudeley Castle
• Take in the views from the 1000-year-old Corfe Castle
• Tour the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
• See Henry VIII’s home at Hampton Court Palace
• Admire Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest castle in the UK
• Hever Castle in Kent
• Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire
• Arundel Castle in Chichester
• Warwick Castle in Warwickshire
• Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham
• Château Rhianfa in Anglesey
• Glamis Castle in Scotland
• Wilton House
• Chatsworth House
• Burghley House
• Visit Whitby Abbey (the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula)
• See the ancient stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury
• Follow Hadrian’s Wall
• Go camping and hiking in the Lake District
• Visit multiple Beatrix Potter-inspired locations in the Lake District
• Search for Giant Redwood trees and the Rufus Stone in the New Forest
• Cycle around the New Forest
• Visit Burley Village in the New Forest to walk in the paths of witches, pirates and dragons
• Watch the free-roaming ponies throughout the New Forest
• Take in the views from up high at Heddon Valley in Exmoor
• Walk beside waterfalls and bubbling “Devils’ Cauldrons” at Lydford Gorge in Dartmoor 
• Head to the top of Hay Tor in Dartmoor to see famous rocks shaped like a giant’s foot
• Find even more waterfalls in Dartmoor within the ancient woodland of Becky Falls
• Get lost in Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean
• Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Visit the dome-shaped biomes of the Eden Project
• Watch a show at the Minack Theatre (an open-top theatre carved into the side of a cliff)
• Find the secret-gardenesque gate at Burrow Farm Gardens
• Spot the wildlife at WWT London Wetland Centre and WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre
• Head out on a day trip to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour near London
• Enjoy a magical Harry Potter weekend in London
• Roam around England looking for all the most popular Harry Potter filming locations
• Head to Devon to find towns and places that inspired J.K. Rowling
• Discover all the Pride & Prejudice filming locations
• Discover London’s Love Actually filming locations
• Walk along the Jurassic Coast from East Devon to Dorset
• Cross the tides to St Michael’s Mount
• Relax on Porthcurno Beach
• Head to Land’s End in Cornwall
• Go thrift store shopping and relax on beaches in St Ives
• Sunbathe on the beaches of Bournemouth
• Take a day trip to Brownsea Island from Poole to see red squirrels and peacocks
• Stroll along the pier at Brighton
• Take in the pretty views at Lyme Regis
• Take your dog on holiday to Bude in Cornwall
• Stroll around the pretty seaside town of Ilfracombe in North Devon
• Go bodyboarding or surfing in Croyde Bay or Woolacombe
• Explore the coastal attractions of Lulworth Cove, Swanage and Durdle Door
• Go below ground at Cheddar Gorge, Clearwell Caves, Wookey Hole Caves or Bristol’s Giant’s Cave
• Go to Glastonbury Festival
• Watch 150 hot air balloons take to the skies in Bristol
• Laugh at Gloucester’s Cheese Rolling Festival

Road trip around the Cotswolds

• Go on a Banksy walking tour in Bristol
• Catch all the festive feels at Britain’s most magical Christmas fairs and events
• Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
• Go back in time in Canterbury
• Go on a weekend getaway to a British island
• Enjoy a city break to York
• Walk in the path of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
• Watch a game of tennis at Wimbledon
• Walk in the path of giants at Giant’s Causeway
• Cross the rickety Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (just for fun!)

Visit Belfast and the Titanic Museum

• Go on a Game of Thrones-inspired trip to Northern Ireland
• Take a day trip to another country, such as France or the Republic of Ireland
• Discover the secrets of Edinburgh Castle
• Hike to the top of Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

Road trip around the Isle of Skye

• Try to find the Loch Ness monster (aka “Nessie”)
• Canoe or kayak across Loch Lomond
• Wild camp or glamp in the Scottish Highlands
• Go hiking in Glen Coe
• Watch the Harry Potter train go over Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Enjoy walks and hikes in the Brecon Beacons
• Go stargazing in the Brecon Beacons (Wales’ first International Dark Sky Reserve)
• Go cave trampolining in Snowdonia National Park
• Take in the natural beauty of the Gower Peninsula
• Visit Penrhyn Castle, a 19th-century fantasy castle 
• Discover the secrets of the 12th-century Oystermouth Castle
•  Take in the views from the 12th-century ruins of Pennard Castle
• Admire “the leaning tower” at Caerphilly Castle
• Photograph the fairytale princess turrets and spires of Castell Coch
• Discover the impressive medieval fortress of Conwy Castle
• Stroll around the unfinished medieval stronghold of Beaumaris Castle
• Take in the incredible ocean views from Harlech Castle
• Wander around the city castle of Cardiff
• Discover the secrets of the 12th-century medieval Powis Castle
• See the original seat of the Earldom of Pembroke at Pembroke Castle

Try (and fail!) to pronounce the longest place name in the UK: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantsysiliogogogoch

• Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast
• Get to the top of Snowdon
• Go Champing (aka glamping inside a church!)

Printable UK Bucket List (+ Blank Bucket List Template)

Enter your email address here and we’ll send you our UK bucket list as a printable PDF! We’ll also include a blank template for you to create your own bucket list.

And to say thanks, we’ll also send you our full range of printables and resources including ebooks, itineraries, packing lists and more!

GET THEM HERE! >>

The Great British Bucket List (By Country)

If you’re after detailed info on how you can make each of these UK bucket list activities happen, then keep reading!

England Bucket List Ideas

Make the most of a charming city break.

There are so many charming cities to explore in England where cute cafés, historic buildings, interesting museums and more await.

The English cities that we think are absolute must-sees are:

• London : England’s capital, which rightly deserves its very own bucket list (see below)
• Bristol : Home to Brunel, Banksy, balloons and the Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Bath : Home to original Roman baths, Jane Austen locations and a UNESCO city
• Salisbury : Where you can see a Magna Carta and 700-year-old pubs, bars and restaurants
• Oxford: Made famous by its prestigious university but is also linked to famous authors including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll
• Chester : A stroll through the highstreet will feel like you’ve stepped into the Middle Ages
• Cheltenham : Where majestic Regency buildings , pump rooms and pretty parks await
• Exeter: Where incredible stories and hidden gems abound

Explore England’s capital: London

Like most other cities around the world, London has two sides: the tourist hustle and bustle and the local charm . 

When creating your own London bucket list, be sure to include hidden gems and lesser known places as well as the usual suspects.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Hear the dulcet tones of the Big Ben
• Stroll through the pretty mews streets like Kynance Mews, Holland Park Mews, St Lukes Mews and Warren Mews

• Shop for vintage finds at Camden Market or Portobello Road Market
• Indulge in tea and cake during afternoon tea

• Admire the view from the Sky Garden
• Window shop along Oxford Street and Regent Street (two of London’s most famous streets !)

Visit beautiful castles and palaces

Given that England has been unified since the 10th century and has had an established monarchy with ruling kings, queens and dukedoms ever since, it should come as no surprise that your UK bucket list should include trips to incredible castles and palaces. 

Here are some of our favourites (both well known and hidden gems):

Tintagel Castle in Cornwall: Now looked after by the English Heritage, the incredible clifftop castle of Tintagel is said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. Read more here >>

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire: Once home to Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is simply magical at Christmastime thanks to extraordinary themed decorations and an illuminated trail through the gardens. See what we mean >>

Highclere Castle in Berkshire: Although still a family home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle is open on certain days throughout the year and is most famous for being the principal Downton Abbey filming location . What few know is that there is an Egyptian exhibition in the basement related to the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the treasures found by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter in 1922. Learn more here >>

Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire: Once home to Katherine Parr (Henry VIII’s sixth wife), as well as her final resting place. Sudeley is especially exciting to visit at Halloween thanks to ghost tours and other spooky festivities. Find out more >>

• Corfe Castle in Dorset: The 1000 year old Corfe Castle has been a Saxon stronghold, Norman fortress, royal palace and family home. It’s now in ruins but still offers incredible views across the Dorset countryside.
• Buckingham Palace in London: Recognised around the world as the Queen’s home, Buckingham Palace is easily the most famous palace in England. And The State Rooms are open to the public for a couple of months each year.
• Tower of London: Known for holding the dazzling Crown Jewels, not many people know that the Tower of London is also a castle and royal palace. Be sure to join a free guided tour when you visit as you’ll hear some interesting tales of torture, murder and treason.
• Hampton Court Palace in Surrey: Once home to none other than King Henry VIII himself, Hampton Court Palace is majestic, grand and befitting of a Tudor royal. It’s just one hour from the centre of London so can easily be included in your London itinerary.
• Windsor Castle in Berkshire: Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and is usually open to visitors on various dates throughout the year. Today, it’s owned by the Queen who spends most of her private weekends at the castle.

RELATED: 13 National Trust Castles Straight Out Of A Fairytale

Get inspired by all the best National Trust and English Heritage places

To save this blog post from being too long, we’ve created bucket lists dedicated to stunning National Trust places and the best English Heritage sites you should visit.

If you like history, castles, grand estates and more, then definitely have a read of those.

If you live in the UK or are visiting for an extended period, then it’s well worth joining the National Trust , English Heritage or both, so you can visit amazing mansions and manor houses, ancient castles and stone circles for free. You can even park for free near some beaches and countryside escapes too!

Take a look at National Trust membership prices here >> And English Heritage membership prices here >>

RELATED:  National Trust Membership Review: How To Get Your Money’s Worth

Enjoy the great outdoors

One of our favourite things about living in England are all of the beautiful and tranquil parks, forests, mountains and other outdoor spaces that are ripe for exploring. 

Alongside the incredible gardens owned by the National Trust we’ve mentioned in this post , here are some of our other favourite places to escape into nature…

National Parks

Despite the UK being a small country, there are as many as fifteen National Parks here! 

Although we have yet to discover them all, we have been to the Lake District, New Forest, Dartmoor and Exmoor… and only have wonderful things to say about our trips there.

When it comes to these particular areas, here’s what your UK bucket list simply has to include:

• Visit multiple Beatrix Potter-inspired locations in the Lake District as part of a literary escape
• Try to find the Rufus Stone in the New Forest
• See the giant Sequoia trees of the New Forest

Devon & Cornwall Gems

Devon and Cornwall are our favourite English counties of all time. They offer a joyful mix of bustling market towns, coastal retreats and a neverending expanse of countryside to explore.

Here’s a quick namedrop for a few of our favourite places within these counties…

The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project are just ten miles apart so can easily be included in any Cornwall itinerary – and are must sees for nature lovers . 

The Lost Gardens originally date back to 1766, but became neglected and completely overgrown during WWI. It wasn’t until 1990 when they were discovered again and renovated throughout the following decade.

While the Eden Project consists of several dome-shaped biomes with thousands upon thousands of different plants, flowers and foliage to discover inside.

Another favourite of ours in Cornwall is the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, which offers a very different type of escape into nature as it’s an open-top theatre carved into the side of a cliff and overlooking the ocean. 

And it makes for one hell of a magical backdrop for any performance you watch here!

READ MORE: BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN CORNWALL | CORNWALL BEAUTY SPOTS

We’ve also recently discovered Burrow Farm Gardens during a dog friendly weekend getaway to Devon . It was such a pretty place to walk around and full of secret-gardenesque gates, wild flower meadows and every type of plant, tree and flower imaginable.

Wetland Centres

Who doesn’t love feeding ducks and hearing birds tweeting on a warm summer’s day? 

We’ve been to both the WWT London Wetland Centre and WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre and had such a relaxing time strolling around the lakes, ponds and gardens watching the various wildlife.

We highly recommend it for a very special afternoon!

Go on a magical Harry Potter-inspired trip

Harry Potter is easily one of the UK’s biggest draws so any UK bucket list should include some day trips and weekend getaways inspired by Harry Potter.

Here are some ideas of what to do and where to go:

• Head to Devon to find towns and places that inspired J.K. Rowling, like Ottery St Mary, Budleigh Salterton and Exeter’s Gandy Street and Cathedral Close

Visit other popular filming locations

It’s not just Harry Potter that has movie fans flocking to the UK by the bucketload! 

There are so many famous movies and period dramas that were filmed in England such as:

• Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle in Berkshire
• Love Actually in London
• Pride & Prejudice (and other Jane Austen locations) throughout various places in England
• Poldark in Cornwall and beyond

Rejuvenate with a relaxing coastal retreat

England might not scream “relaxing coastal retreat” to everyone, but you’d probably be surprised at how many beautiful places there are beside the sea here. Especially in Cornwall!

And while you might not be able to guarantee perfect beach weather every single time, there is so much more to a coastal escape than just beaches.

From the incredible views found along coastal paths to clifftop castles and even quintessential Victorian piers, here are some places along the English coast you simply cannot miss out on seeing:

• The Jurassic Coast from East Devon to Dorset
• St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall
• Porthcurno Beach and the Minack Theatre in Cornwall
• Land’s End in Cornwall
• St Ives in Cornwall
• Bournemouth in Dorset
• Brownsea Island near Poole in Dorset
• Brighton in East Sussex
• Lyme Regis in Dorset
• Bude in Cornwall
• Ilfracombe in North Devon
• Croyde Bay in North Devon
• Woolacombe in North Devon
• Lynton & Lynmouth in North Devon
• Lulworth Cove in Dorset
• Swanage in Dorset
• Durdle Door in Dorset

Go below ground in fascinating caves

Whether you enjoy adventurous caving expeditions or gentle strolls underground, there are a number of incredible caves in England to explore (many with interesting stories to tell).

Here are a few of our firm favourites:

• Cheddar Gorge & Caves in Somerset: Ever wonder where Cheddar cheese comes from? Well none other than Cheddar in Somerset of course! During a visit to the caves, you’ll not only see the huge caves that are slowly being excavated but also where the cheese is made!
• Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset: While the Wookey Hole Caves cater well to children (they’re said to be the home of a witch!), they’re fun to explore for all ages. Your ticket will also include a round of mini golf, entry to the arcade and more.
• Clearwell Caves in Gloucestershire: Clearwell Caves in Gloucestershire aren’t usually included in roundups of caves in England. In fact, they’re still something of a hidden gem! But visit them at Christmas and you’ll be transported into a magical winter wonderland below ground complete with fairy lights, extensive displays and even a Christmas market!
• Giant’s Cave in Bristol: Did you know that Bristol is said to have once been the home of two giants, Goram and Ghyston, and this is how Avon Gorge was formed? Whether you believe in magical legends or not, a trip to Giant’s Cave in Bristol also promises unique views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge ! You’ll have to climb over 200 steep (and very narrow!) steps to the bottom and back up again though.

Have fun at a festival

Throughout the year, towns and cities across England are known for their incredible events and festivals – from the musically inclined to the downright weird and wonderful.

Although you could easily fill up an entire year with festivals, here are a few we seriously recommend adding to your bucket list:

• Somerset’s legendary Glastonbury Festival
• Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta
• Gloucester’s Cheese Rolling Festival
• London’s British Summer Time Hyde Park

Thatched roofs, rolling green hills, colourful bunting and pretty little cottages are the perfect concoction of a quintessential English village – and it’s probably the Cotswolds you’re thinking of right now!

You can easily road trip around some of the Cotswolds to see multiple villages in one day (or across several days). 

Be sure to add Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-World, Bibury, Chipping Campden, Lacock and Castle Combe to your list when you do.

Choose between traditional and themed afternoon teas

While England is known for its majestic palaces, bunting-filled villages and rambling countryside, it’s also known for its afternoon tea . 

Beginning in the year 1840, afternoon tea was introduced to the heights of English society by the 7th Duchess of Bedford.

And it’s a delightful spread of finger sandwiches, cream scones and delicious cakes (often served on a tiered cake stand) with tea served in dainty tea cups.

We are of course describing what a traditional afternoon tea offered by the likes of The Ritz , Fortnum & Mason and The Shard looks like. 

But it’s also possible to enjoy a unique afternoon tea too:

• Cutter & Squidge: The basement of this colourful bakery in Covent Garden has been home to a Hello Kitty afternoon tea experience, a Genie’s Cave like something you’d find in Aladdin and a Potions Classroom inspired by Harry Potter . No expense is spared to bring the experience to life and the food is divine! Whatever will they think of next?
• The Ampersand Hotel: From colourful Easter afternoon teas to cakes shaped like musical instruments and now a science themed afternoon tea , the geniuses over at The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington are never short of unique afternoon tea ideas.
• Storybook and Fairytale Teas: From a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea at One Aldwych Hotel to an Alice in Wonderland inspired tea at Taj 51 Hotel , there is no shortage of unique afternoon teas that have come straight from the pages of your favourite childhood story book or fairytale.

And then of course you can hop on Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour around London too!

Visit Bristol: Banksy’s place of birth

While everyone and their dog has heard of Banksy, not many people know that he was born and grew up in our hometown of Bristol.

Here, you’ll find a huge number of his earliest works as well as some more recent pieces, so you can create your very own self-guided street art walking tour !

Catch festive feels from all the incredible Christmas activities

Alongside the sparkle and wonder of the likes of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Hyde Park and Kew Gardens in London at this time of year, there are plenty more Christmas-themed events and places to add to your bucket list like…

Christmas at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire

Every year, Blenheim Palace holds an extraordinary Christmas event and it’s like seeing all the festive sparkle and magic you know and love… on steroids. 

There’s fairytale-inspired glitz and glamour inside, thousands of twinkling fairy lights and fun projector shows outside and even row upon row of Christmas market chalets in the courtyard with the palace’s grand facade as their backdrop.

We visited last year when an Alice in Wonderland theme took over the palace – and it was all sorts of magical!

Christmas at Tyntesfield in Somerset

Tyntesfield is another majestic house that pulls out all the stops at Christmas. Their ‘A Very Victorian Christmas’ event really is like stepping back in time…

From traditional trees and decorations to yuletide songs and games and even a full cast of actors portraying various Victorian characters, a trip here at Christmas is a lot of fun and is sure to get you in the festive spirit!

Festival of Light at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire

Each year, Longleat Safari Park hosts the “Festival of Light”, which is home to giant light displays throughout the park. 

So not only will you spot interesting animals here, but incredible lights too! 

A few years ago, the theme was ‘Chinese New Year’, which was INCREDIBLE (but the theme changes each year so you’ll never get bored!)

Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

Whenever we read newspaper articles or blogs about the best Christmas displays in the UK, Westonbirt Arboretum is always included. 

And it’s easy to see why!

Each year, the staff place lights, music and other attractions among the trees to turn the arboretum into a magical Christmas wonderland. It’s beautiful and really does make for a magical evening… especially for children and couples!

Not only is there the illuminated trail through the trees to enjoy, but there is also an entire Christmas village complete with food and mulled wine stations, fairground rides, market stalls and an indoor picnic area.

Read More:  Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas Review: Magical Christmas Light Trail

Mousehole Light Displays

The small seaside town of Mousehole in Cornwall is a wonder at Christmas-time as the harbour  comes to life with floating Christmas scenes and light displays. It’s magical!

Bath Christmas Markets

Every year, Bath hosts one of the largest Christmas markets found in the UK. There are hundreds of stalls spread all around Bath Abbey. 

Whether you’re after some locally sourced cheese (Cheddar anyone?), delicious wine or handmade gifts, this is a great Christmas market to come to year after year. 

On our last visit, we found the most incredible stall selling handmade fudge. We tried Chocolate Orange with real milk chocolate and Raspberry White Chocolate with great big chunks of creamy white chocolate… yes please!

Runton Road in Poole – The UK’s Most Festive Street

Ever wondered where the most festive street in the UK is? 

Look no further than Runton Road in Poole, which has been dubbed this accolade every year for the past 25 years! 

A word of caution though – if you don’t appreciate houses that are COVERED in lights, this one may not be for you. But we’d recommend seeing this street come to life at least once!

Northern Ireland Bucket List Ideas

Walk in the path of giants at giant’s causeway.

Giant’s Causeway is easily one of the most famous landmarks in Northern Ireland and the UK – and rightly deserves its place on your bucket list.

This famous landmark gets its name from a fascinating legend involving two giants: Finn McCool and Benandonner. We urge you to grab a cup of tea and have a read of it before your visit!

Despite its name written in legend, the 40,000 large basalt columns found here were actually created by molten lava cooling as it reached the sea.

But regardless of whether you believe in legends  or not, Giant’s Causeway is a fascinating place to discover.

Read our detailed blog here to find out how you can make the most of your visit.

Traipse across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

Found just twenty minutes east of Giant’s Causeway is the National Trust-owned Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge .

This unique attraction is where you can follow coastal paths to a rickety old rope bridge, which connects two parts of the Northern Irish coast.

Not too many people know about it (yet!) as it’s often overshadowed by its legendary neighbour, but it’s great fun to see the bridge and walk across it. 

Note that you’re not allowed to walk across the bridge on particularly stormy or windy days. Yep, it’s that rickety!

Belfast is a small city but is the capital of Northern Ireland and so must have a space on your Northern Ireland bucket list.

In particular, the Titanic Museum here is well worth a visit as you can learn more about how the ship was built, how and why it sank and you can even see Titanic’s sister ship SS Nomadic as well, which ended up being the last ship that White Star Line ever built.

Go on a trip inspired by Game of Thrones

There are so many places throughout Northern Ireland that were used as filming locations in the hit TV show Game of Thrones, that a GoT-inspired trip is now a very popular idea to add to your bucket list.

Here are some must-see Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland:

• The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney: Found along Bregagh Road in County Antrim, The Dark Hedges are twisted and gnarled trees that have grown into an arch shape across the road. They featured in the Game of Thrones as the King’s Road when Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing disguised as a boy.

• Ballintoy Harbour in Ballycastle: Ballintoy is a small fishing village on the coast in between Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. It was used in Game of Thrones during Theon Greyjoy’s return to Lordsport Harbour.
• Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry: This beautiful sandy beach was used as the coast of Dorne when Jamie Lannister was tasked with bringing back Cersei’s daughter Myrcella to King’s Landing.
• Binevenagh in County Londonderry: This impressive mountain dominating Northern Ireland in the north appeared in Game of Thrones as the Dothraki Grasslands where Daenerys Targaryen can be seen being rescued by her dragon, Drogon.
• Downhill Beach in County Londonderry: This 7-mile long sandy beach is where Stannis Baratheon rejects the Seven Gods of Westeros, allowing Melisandre to make an offering to the Lord of Light. 
• Castle Ward in County Down: This impressive 18th century mansion and estate is owned by the National Trust and famously stood in for Winterfell throughout the Game of Thrones series.
• Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle: Tollymore was the first state forest park in Northern Ireland and stood in for The Haunted Forest in Game of Thrones.
• Cushendun Caves in Ballymena: Remember when Melisandre gave birth to that weird shadow creature? She was inside Cushendun Caves on the north eastern coast of Northern Ireland when it happened.
• Murlough Bay in Country Antrim: The incredible nature reserve of Murlough Bay (near Tollymore) features in Game of Thrones several times. Once when Davos Seaworth was shipwrecked and later rescued and again when Jorah came ashore on Slavers’ Bay and was accosted by slavers.

Take a day trip to another country (aka the Republic of Ireland)

Another popular activity for your Northern Ireland bucket list is to take advantage of the current lack of border control between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Whether you drive, take a train or join a coach tour , it’s really easy to travel to a whole other country (complete with a different currency) – and there’s a lot to see.

Check out this post all about Ireland day trips for some ideas of where to go and what to do.

Scotland Bucket List Ideas

Walk in the path of kings in edinburgh.

As the capital of Scotland, no Scotland bucket list would be complete without mentioning Edinburgh . 

Your Edinburgh bucket list simply must include its infamous castle with views across the city. 

When you visit, be sure to join one of the free tours of the castle as you’ll learn so much about its history, including the fact that the Scottish Crown Jewels were lost in the castle for over 100 years before being found by Sir Walter Scott and his friends in 1818.

Another must-do in Edinburgh is to hike to the top of Holyrood Park to see Arthur’s Seat (a 251-metre high extinct volcano). The hike is strenuous but boasts great views across the city and surrounding countryside.

The Isle of Skye is one of the islands found on the west coast of Scotland – and is probably the most famous one.

Seeing it during our Scottish road trip was easily the highlight. Just one day here will allow you to see lots of incredible coastal views, ancient ruins and mystical waterfalls. 

But if you’re going to do it properly, then definitely spend a few days on the Isle of Skye – you won’t regret it!

Be amazed by the thousands of mysterious lochs

Scotland is infamous for its sprawling and cavernous lochs but did you know that there are as many as 31,460 freshwater lochs in Scotland?!

That’s crazy! But it also means you can easily add one or two of them to your Scotland bucket list. 

The two largest ones are Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands (home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster) and Loch Lomond in Trossachs National Park (which you can hike around and even canoe or kayak on!)

Wild camp (or glamp!) in Scotland

Wild camping is legal in Scotland, which means you can easily wake up to incredible loch-side views or the beautiful Highlands countryside every morning.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before you do, but one of the most important laws to abide by is the ‘leave no trace’ policy.

If wild camping isn’t for you, then there are also lots of proper campsites and glamping pods in Scotland. 

Either way, camping and glamping are a lot of fun and are a great way to experience the Scottish countryside right on your doorstep!

Hike Glen Coe

Of all the hikes in Scotland you can enjoy, the impressive nature reserve of Glen Coe is not to be missed!

From mountains and tors to lochs and rivers, you’ve got a lot of choice about where to hike in Glen Coe. 

This roundup from Scottish travel blogger Watch Me See is full of ideas.

Watch the Harry Potter train go over the Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you’re a Harry Potter fan (like us!) then you simply must add Glenfinnan Viaduct to your Scotland bucket list. 

It’s a famous Harry Potter filming location and is where you can watch the Jacobite Steam Train ( aka Harry Potter Train ) go past.

Check out our guide here to read all about it!

Wales Bucket List Ideas

Get outside in brecon beacons national park.

Brecon Beacons National Park is not to be missed when you’re in South Wales.

Although it’s a mountain range, there are lots of different walks and hikes you can enjoy.

Here are a few of our favourites:

• Pen y Fan & Corn Du mountain hike
• Four Waterfalls Walk in the Vale of Neath (aka “Waterfall Country”)
• Pontsticill & Talybont Reservoir walk

Alongside walks and hikes, the Brecon Beacons was also the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Wales and is full of incredible stargazing opportunities.

Go cave trampolining

Out of all the Wales bucket list items on this list, this has to be one of the most unique things to do in Wales (and our favourite!)

Head to Conwy in Snowdonia National Park to bounce on trampolines inside underground caves with Zip World Bounce Below . 

There are six trampolines in total and the highest one is at the height of two double decker buses… so much fun!

Explore the Gower Peninsula

Covering 70 square miles, the Gower Peninsula in South Wales was the UK’s first declared Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

From stunning beaches and clifftop views to wild moors, salt marshes and ancient oak woodlands, there’s a lot to see on the Gower.

Some absolute must-sees are Rhossili Bay, Worm’s Head and Three Cliffs Bay. 

But you could easily spend a long weekend discovering all the hidden gems here. Check out our South Wales itinerary for some ideas!

Visit historic castles and palaces

Just like England and Scotland, Wales also has incredible castles to discover including:

• Penrhyn Castle in Bangor: Stunning 19th century fantasy castle owned by the National Trust in North Wales.
• Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles: 12th century castle overlooking the delightful seaside town of Mumbles and Swansea Bay. Since being built, it has been burned by an invading Welsh King, witnessed upteen sieges and passed from Lord to Lord until as late as 1927.
• Pennard Castle in Pennard: 12th century ruins on the Gower Peninsula overlooking the valley of Pennard Hill and Three Cliffs Bay.
• Caerphilly Castle in Caerphilly: Medieval 13th century moated fortress and the biggest castle in Wales. It even has its very own “leaning tower”!
• Castell Coch in Cardiff: Pretty 19th century Gothic Revival castle complete with fairytale princess turrets and spires. 
• Conwy Castle in Conwy: Impressive medieval fortress in North Wales built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289.
• Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey: Medieval stronghold dating back to 1295, but one that was never finished!
• Harlech Castle in Gwynedd: Majestic Grade I-listed medieval fortification overlooking Bae Ceredigion and built by Edward I between 1282 and 1289.
• Cardiff Castle in Cardiff: Beautiful medieval castle and Gothic Revival mansion in the heart of Cardiff. The original motte and bailey castle were built in the 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a Roman fort from the 3rd century.
• Powis Castle in Welshpool: 12th century medieval castle, fortress and grand country mansion owned by the National Trust.
• Pembroke Castle in Pembroke: Stunning medieval castle overlooking the town of Pembroke and was the original seat of the Earldom of Pembroke.

Another quirky thing to do in Wales and definitely one for your bucket list is to snap a photo of the village or railway signs of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantsysiliogogogoch – officially the place with the longest name in all of the UK.

It’s a village on the island of Anglesey, and in English, roughly translates as “St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave”.

Wondering why such a long name? It was brought in as a PR gimmick in the 1860s… looks like it worked!

Even More Ideas From Our Own UK Bucket List

Even though we’ve done a lot and seen a lot in the UK ourselves,  there are still plenty of places left on our own UK bucket list. 

Here they are in case they give you even more inspiration:

• Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon (we’ve since ticked this one off, woohoo! Check out our weekend itinerary here! )
• Isle of Wight
• Isles of Scilly
• Isle of Man
• Lundy Island
• Channel Islands

And there you have it… a mammoth list of 100+ UK bucket list destinations and ideas! What’s at the top of your list? And have we missed anything awesome out? Let us know in the comments below…

Did you like this? Share the UK travel inspiration around now!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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12 comments

Wow this is a great post and so informative.one stop solution for all UK destinations

That’s one amazing bucket list article! I love England and I’m soooo saving it up for later! 😀

Omg WOW! this is so so epic thank you for sharing! (even if i am now craving cream tea XD) I am happy to say that I’ve actually already done a few but there is soooo much more of the UK that I need to explore!

This is a great bucket list! 🙂 I live in the UK, but there are so many places I still need to visit.

Wow, what a list! As a Brit I couldn’t resist counting up my checklist…58! I’m OK with that, and happy that there’s still loads to explore of my home country.

This is such a great guide! I want to do Blenheim castle and Christmas and the bounce below in Wales.

This list is massive! I did a few of those ideas, especially in London, but there are definitely plenty of ideas for my next trip to the UK!

Such an amazing list. Some I’ve been to, others I need to visit. I love the history that the UK has to offer. I spent my childhood being dragged from castle to castle to stately home by my parents and even though I always enjoyed our domestic holidays I thought I was missing out by not going to Spain like all my friends. But I know now I was the lucky one. My parents did good.

Cambridge, Canterbury, Durham, York, maybe Liverpool (WHS site) are generally ranked above some of your bucket list english cities (Chestelham, Salisbury, Exeter).

May I ask your review about those cities?

We haven’t had the pleasure of visiting those cities ourselves yet so we didn’t feel right to include them until we’ve experienced them ourselves. That said, Canterbury is on our own bucket list so we included a mention of that one within the list. As for the others, we do hope to visit them one day (especially York), so once we do, we can hopefully include them and write a bit about them 🙂

Thanks for sharing this amazing list! I live in Manchester and have done a few of these, but I’m often drawn to overseas destinations. This is such a great reminder that there is so much to see and do right here on my doorstep.

Thank you Ksenia! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post… and definitely! There’s so much to see out there both near and far 😀

All Destinations , Europe , United Kingdom

The great uk bucket list: 100 things to do in the uk.

Despite being British, and living in the country in-between trips abroad for my entire life, I have to admit that it’s taken me a while to fully appreciate the United Kingdom.

I lived in a suburb of London until I was 18 years old, and then moved to the West of England; this and subsequently meeting people from all over the country and exploring new regions of the UK made me realise how there’s loads of unique things to do in the UK and what a beautiful island I live on.

As I travelled abroad and started to meet people from all over the world, I learned that many yearn to explore the Yorkshire dales , the southern Cornish islands and the beautiful ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

I realised that, for a country of such a tiny size, there’s a huge amount of culture, history and landscape packed in.

I’ve still explored painfully little of the UK, and I know that there’s so much more to check off my Great British Bucket List!

But here are the 100 things that I have either been to and loved, wish to go to one day or great things to see and do that other bloggers have recommended.

Here are the 100 best things to do in the UK.

Click on the map to view the best things to do in a certain area, or scroll down to read the entire UK bucket list!

What would be on your UK Bucket List?

Where better to start this UK bucket List than the capital of the country?

One of the most famous cities in the world, London is the centre of British society, with a compelling history, ever-changing arts culture and a vibrant atmosphere.

Read on for the popular, touristy attractions and more off the beaten path things to do in London!

Note: You can get around London itself by public transport, but if you decide to visit some of the attractions outside of the city centre, it’s advisable to hire a car with a company like SIXT.

1. Explore inside Westminster Abbey

One of the most famous churches in the country, the gothic style Westminster Abbey has been the traditional place of the coronation and burial of British monarchs.

It’s actually not technically an Abbey, but a ‘Royal Peculiar’, which is a church responsible to the sovereign.

Take a visit to Westminster Abbey and marvel at the majestic detailed interior carvings and tapestries; it is very easy to imagine somebody becoming a King or Queen here!

2. Go up on the London Eye

It’s ever so touristy, but if you only do one mainstream thing in London, make it the London Eye.

It takes half an hour for your pod to travel the full length of the wheel, and the views of the capital sprawling out beneath you are absolutely unmatchable.

3. Admire Big Ben and go inside the Houses of Parliament

One of London’s most iconic structures; Elizabeth Tower which contains Big Ben, proudly stands on Southbank with the Houses of Parliament next door. On Saturdays and during parliamentary recesses, you can take an audio or guided tour of the houses.

You will be taken through a thousand years of history and educated in the fascinating and complex tale of how British politics came to be today!

Read More – Ten Facts About Big Ben

4. Take an unseen tour in Camden

By Laura from Grassroots Nomad

One of the more off the beaten path things to do in London is a tour led by the formerly homeless with Unseen Tours. One of the highlights of the trip was the climb up Primrose Hill to look out over London city.

I have been to this part of London and have admired this view before, but for my guide Mike it isn’t just a beautiful view. It is a reminder of his old life and the bankers that caused the financial crisis and recession that changed his life forever.

5. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral

This Anglican Cathedral is placed on Ludgate Hill in the City of London, and is dedicated to Paul the Apostle; founded in AD 604. It is one of London’s most notable sights. Take a guided tour of the cathedral and enjoy the fascinating history that the marvellous building revels in; and if you’re visiting on a Saturday, you can even climb the dome of the cathedral!

6. Look out over the capital at Greenwich Observatory

Known as the place where ‘East meets West’, the observatory is where GMT has been calculated for centuries.

Here, you can stand with one foot in the Western Hemisphere and one in the Eastern, learn about the makings of the first telescope and educate yourself with how time was standardised in the UK the world!

You’ll be sure to be graced with some outstanding views of London as well.

7. Walk over Tower Bridge

The famous Victorian bridge is open to walk over and explore, where you can enjoy the exhibition and monument, and learn all about its history.

To look at the city from another perspective, you can walk over the glass floor of the exhibition, peering down 42 metres to see the city and River Thames sprawling below.

8. See the Guard Change at Buckingham Palace

At 11:30am every day in the summer and on alternate days throughout Autumn and Winter, a patriotic ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace, where the guards pass over duties as they change shifts.

You’ll undoubtedly recognise the guards that stand outside the palace – with their red uniforms and tall black hats – as a symbol of Britain.

9. Shop at Camden Market

At this bustling North London marketplace, you can purchase all sorts of quirky clothing, jewellery and trinkets and enjoy food from all over the globe.

The markets have a reputation of being somewhere a bit alternative, and you can find all sorts of non-conformist goods here! When you’re done shopping, you can take a seat by the canals and have a drink at one of the famous pubs…

10. Take a nighttime ceremony of the keys tour in Tower of London

A visit to the Tower of London, the UK’s most famous castle and jail (which has seen various regal prisoners!) is a must when you’re in the capital. If you want something behind the scene, you could go on an exclusive night time ceremony of the keys tour!

The clunk of the locks as the guards turn the keys and your small group is locked in the Tower of London. Then you’re reminded of the poor souls who were tortured and lost their lives here. Could those souls still be hanging around? – Tracey Neilson

Here’s some more information about visiting the awesome Tower of London !

11. Buy antiques at Portobello Road Market

Here is the world’s largest antiques market which boasts over 1000 stalls and shops that sell unique collectables and antiques. If you’re looking for something special to commemorate your time in Great Britain, here’s the place! There’s also a huge amount of retro and vintage clothes on sale, some at amazingly cheap prices.

12. Absorb the alternative vibe of Brick Lane

Written by Sally from  Passport and Plates

You may know  BrickLane  as one of the best places in London to “go for a curry,” due to its large collection of South Asian shops and restaurants. But besides the good eats,  BrickLane  is home to the ultra-hipster Cereal Killer Cafe, the bustling  BrickLane  Sunday Market, and incredibly cool street art.

Quite the change from its old reputation as the scene of the crime of the Jack the Ripper murders, it is now truly a must-see neighbourhood in East London.

13.Enjoy real London life at Trafalgar Square

Some call it the heart of London; Trafalgar Square accommodates Nelson’s Column, stone lions and the Fourth Plinth. It has been an important square in the city since the 13 th century and its name derives from The Battle of Trafalgar – a major London naval victory in 1805. It is the perfect place to sit and pass a few hours absorbing London life (as long as you avoid the pigeons!)

14.Visit the Natural History Museum

The museum houses 80 million items from botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology departments. It is a fascinating tour through our ancient history and how this has enabled Britain and the world to evolve into the place it is today. There are lots of great interactive activities and the museum is geared toward all ages!

If you want a bigger fix of the capital, check out these ten unusual things to do in London , or how about these thirty free things to do in London .

Much of the South East is in very close proximity to the capital of the UK, however, the area basks in gorgeous countryside and enjoys stunning beaches.

The closest point to the continent, the area revels in a rich history (although, hasn’t enjoyed the invasions too much!) which makes for some fascinating things to do in South East England, many of which are UK bucket list worthy.

Check out these fascinating counties for a fusion of rural and urban societies and cultures. 

15. Brighton Pier

The whole of Brighton was built up around the Victorian age, and the world-famous pier still retains a somewhat Victorian air.

There’s a nationally famous fish and chip restaurant and various bars, arcade games and funfair rides to enjoy; this is proper British seaside fun!

16. Canterbury Cathedral

One of the oldest Christian structures of England, the cathedral at Canterbury has always had national significance. It was founded in 597 but rebuilt in the 1000’s; of which a great deal still stands.

The cathedral displays a range of stained glass, some which has survived from the Medieval era and more from through the ages, including some contemporary pieces from the 20th century.

This and lots of other historical information at the cathedral means that here, you can learn about centuries of fascinating British history which has moulded the country into how it is today.

17. Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn – Henry VIII’s second wife and Queen Elizabeth I’s mother, and one of British history’s most colourful female characters – Hever Castle still stands majestically in the middle of a moat, open for visitors nearly every day of the year.

You can really engage with Tudor history throughout this castle, which has preserved some of the ancient rooms fantastically.

18. White Cliffs of Dover

The iconic white cliffs are located at the UK’s closest point to France; and have been an symbol of liberty and prosperity for centuries.

The unique cliffs can be enjoyed with a coastal walk – where you can see all the way to France on a clear day! It’s easy to do a white cliffs of Dover day trip from London , or you could stay in the area and enjoy some of the South East’s other attractions!

19. Windsor Castle

One of the queen’s residences, and the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle is a must for every history enthusiast.

Here, you can enjoy a changing of the guard ceremony and explore some of the inhabited rooms. Take a look for the flag flying; if it is, it means that Her Royal Highness is around!

20. Beach huts at Whitstable

There are few things as charmingly British as colourful beach huts, and these excel in the pretty Kentish seaside town of Whitstable.

While these are all privately owned, the exterior of each individual hut can be properly enjoyed by a walk along the beach!

21. North Laine, Brighton

Full of independent shops and alternative traders, North Laine represents the unique identity of this coastal town. North Laine grew in the 1830s, when the Brighton Pavilion was constructed; and has prospered ever since.

It now enjoys a reputation as Brighton’s cultural epicentre and is the perfect place to pick up any quirky items of shopping!

22. Brighton Pavilion

No, it’s not the Taj Mahal! With influences from India and China, this majestic palace is a former royal residence; it was the holiday home of George, the Prince of Wales in 1811!

It was adapted again in 1815. It’s one of the best examples of Regency exoticism in the country and the interior is open to visitors.

23. Leeds Castle

Proudly protruding from the middle a moat, Leeds Castle has been called ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’. Built in

Norman times, it was subsequently was the home of British Royalty for centuries (it was once Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon’s palace!) and now exists as one of Britain’s favourite tourist attractions – and the site of the world’s largest dog collar collection!

24. Sissinghurst Gardens

The Grade I listed Sissinghurst Gardens are what really give the county of Kent its nickname ‘The Garden of England’. With 460 acres of Wealden countryside and manicured gardens, there are plenty of gorgeous views and outstanding flowers to take in at Sissinghurst.

The counties that comprise South West England have a unique culture and heritage.

From acres of farmland, iconic beaches, historic cities to vibrant cultural hubs, the West Country is a glorious pocket of the country that maintains a distinct identity.

The South West definitely contains some of the more beautiful things to do in England. I’ve spent five years exploring this diverse region, and I know that I’ll be back for more one day!

Read More – Eight things that the West Country does best

25. Clifton Suspension Bridge

An icon of Bristol (my favourite city, in case I haven’t mentioned it), the Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864; it was constructed at the narrowest point of the Avon Gorge to connect Clifton and North Somerset, and was built high enough for warships to get into the city.

Nowadays, it’s still a popular way to get out of the city and into rural Somerset, and is known as one of the most beautiful bridges in the country, which makes it a popular UK bucket list photography spot. Read More – Bristol, I Love You

26. Roman Baths, Bath

The Romans discovered the hot springs of Bath and subsequently created their hot baths here, as a place for the local community to socialise and pamper.

The baths have been fantastically preserved and nowadays you can take a guided tour around the attraction, during which you can vividly imagine being a part of Roman society some 2000 years ago.

27. Bath Abbey

The site of the first King of England’s coronation in 973, Bath Abbey has since had an intriguing and complex history and has always been one of the best things to do in Bath .

An abbey has stood on the site since Norman times, but it fell into disrepair until 1499, when Bishop Oliver King had a dream that instructed him to redesign the monument. This grew to a halt during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, but started again under Elizabeth I and developed into the astounding cathedral that it is now.

Read More – The Five Best Things To See In Bath

28. Stonehenge

A prehistoric stone circle in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is internationally recognised and is known nowadays as a symbol of Britain.

The circle is over 4500 years old, and how the stones were transported to this location with no technology remains an enigma, which adds to its appeal as a tourist attraction! The site remains one of great spiritual significance.

29. Stokes Croft Street Art

If there was a place for a revolution, it could only be Stokes Croft in Bristol.

The UK’s best outdoor art gallery, talented graffitists are constantly adorning the walls of this hippy street with slogans, bright pictures and catchphrases about a variety of topics including, politics, pacifism, independence and jokes.

It’s a wonderful place to see a thriving new culture emerging.

Read More – The Five Best Things To See In Bristol

30. Get Lost in Cotswold Villages

There’s nowhere quite as quintessentially British as the Cotswolds; which means that visiting them should be an essential on your UK bucket list.

With charming old houses, beautifully tranquil streets and surrounding rolling hills; during a walk in these villages, you could easily feel like you’ve gone back 300 years. I really recommend visiting Stow-on-the-Wold, Winchcombe, Tetbury and Bibury.

31. Go Surfing in Newquay

One of the best spots in the UK to catch a wave, the chilled seaside town of Newquay has fully engaged with the sport to offer a delightful surfing culture – one that you might even expect to experience somewhere in Australia or California!

Read More – How to feel like you’re not in the UK when you’re in Cornwall

32.Visit Wells Cathedral

One of Britain’s most famous and beautiful cathedrals, Wells Cathedral is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The exterior is intricately carved with fascinating designs, and the interior boasts different prayer sections, an impressive navel and sometimes a live choir.

Read more – How to visit Wells and Glastonbury for just a pound!

33.Stroll Around Vicar’s Close

Just round the corner from Wells Cathedral is the oldest residential street in the UK!

All of the houses on this road date back from the 14 th century and still act as houses to this day. In fact, the only reminder that you are still in the 21 st century is the occasional parked car.

34. Lay on a tropical beach at the Isles of Scilly

Just a short ferry from Penzance lay these stunning tropical-looking islands.

You’re always only 10 minute’s walk from the beach; where the crystal blue waters and golden sands look more Caribbean coast than the British seaside.

35. Walk on Dartmoor

Thanks to SoloSophie for this amazing image – follow her on instagram for more! These mystical moors have a lot of fables and stories surrounding them, and they are a fantastic place for an afternoon hike. With rolling hills, friendly wild ponies and stunning waterfalls, including featured Venford Falls, this is the British countryside at its best!

36. Stand Right at the Edge of the Country at Lands End

The most southernly point in mainland UK, Lands End sounds like a bit of an apocalyptic name but it is actually where many begin a South – North exploration of the country.

Looking out on the Atlantic Ocean, you can feel almost as if you’re at the end of the world – but don’t worry, once you turn eastwards you’ll be back in the gorgeous Cornish landscape!

37.Experience the tropical Eden Project

In the heart of Cornwall is The Eden Project, two biomes which contain plants from diverse environments. The project is a source of environmental education; it encourages visitors to learn about the importance of the plants that it showcases and how they are fundamental to modern society, as well as enjoying the atmosphere of a rainforest or Mediterranean climate in the UK. It’s an interesting and unique day out for adults and children alike!

38. The Jurrasic Coast

This gorgeous rugged coastline spans Dorset and East Devon and, with rocks that are aged up to 185 million years, is one of the most geologically fascinating areas of the country.

If you’re up to the challenge, all 95 miles of the coastline can be walked (as well as the rest of the South West in the South West coast path).

It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Devon and Dorset.

Check out the Jurassic Coast  website , Facebook or Twitter for more information.

39. Museum of Witchcraft

If you’re lover of the mystical and marvellous, get down to the Museum of Witchcraft in Cornwall, the world’s largest display of anything supernatural.

Witches have a fascinating history here in the UK, with many so called ‘witches’ exisiting in communities in Medieval times, and here you can learn all about them!

40. Cheddar Gorge

Made up of two caves, Cheddar Gorge offers a compelling amount of prehistoric history and the site is where ‘Cheddar Man’ – the skeleton Britain’s oldest man (!) was found.

The stunning caves provide an insight into ancient British history and geology.

41. Bedruthan Steps

Want to feel like you’re abroad in Cornwall? Then check out these gorgeous, Mediterranean-esque steps. Dramatically jutting out to sea in crystal blue waters, they certainly don’t look like the Great British Seaside!

42. Take a walk down Glastonbury High Street

Fancy something weird and wonderful?

Take a stroll down Britain’s hippiest high street, where most shops boast tarot cards and magic herbal supplements! Many people walking around Glastonbury will be wearing the most fantastic brightly coloured outfits – it’s a town where anything goes!

43. Hike up Glastonbury Tor

And while you’re in town, take a stroll up Glastonbury Tor! Known as the UK’s most spiritual hill, there’s plenty to marvel at at the top; a compass points you to different South-Western towns and the views of the surrounding countryside are unbeatable. It’s said that the cleansing air of the hill means that everybody comes down a changed person, too…

44. St Micheals Mount

Written by Sophie from  Solo Sophie

Somewhat of a hidden treasure of an island lies a little off the coast of Cornwall.

The smaller, lesser-known sibling of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy shares the same tidal characteristics as its French counterpart and has been occupied since at least 4000 BCE.

The fortified castle sitting atop of the island has been destination for royals such as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II and is now managed by the National Trust.

45. Lulworth Cove

By Dominic from  Flashpacking Duo

Situated on the world heritage Jurassic coastline in Dorset, the stunning, secluded Lulworth cove is a must visit for anyone venturing down to South-West England.

Not only will you be greeted with some amazing views of natural beauty across the cove but also within easy walking distance you will find the famous limestone arch of Durdle Door.

You can also rent kayaks, go coasteering and explore a nearby fossil forest!

46. Dive off the West coast  with seals and basking sharks

Written by Florine from World Adventure Divers

Encompassing beautiful field and moorland, the metropolis of Birmingham and countless smaller cities and towns, the West Midlands is an often underrated area of the country. There’s so many things to do in the West Midlands, whether they be old cities or country walks, read on to find out the pick of the best!

47.Visit Worcester Cathedral and Friar Street

Written by Helen from  Bristolian Backpacker

A wonderful cobbled street, full of shops, restaurants and a few bars and pubs to sit outside of. One of the oldest buildings ‘Grey Friars,’ dates back to the 15th century and is now a National Trust building.

Taking a stroll along the river and checking out Worcester Cathedral is a must too.

48.Hike in the Malvern Hills

Not frequented very often by tourists, these rolling hills are ideal for quintessentially British walks and picnics.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known not just for its gorgeous green fields but also its spring water, which derives from some of the many holy wells in the area.

49. Oxford University

Established in 1096, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second oldest in the world – closely beaten to the title by the University of Bologna in Italy.

Visitors are welcome to explore the public areas of the university. Here, you can admire the majestic buildings of the colleges, tour the museums and libraries and even enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping!

Check out this city guide to Oxford for some great tips for the city!

50. Visit Shakespeare’s place of birth

Quite possibly the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare was born and grew up in the historic town of Stratford on Avon.

On a visit here, you can look around his childhood house and learn all about the playwright who has inspired generations for centuries.

51. Cadbury World

(Spoiler: it’s not actually a town made out of chocolate. When I visited Cadbury World, aged 4 years old, I was very disappointed about this. But it’s still pretty amazing)

The international chocolate brand Cadbury was founded in Birmingham in 1824 and it has dominated the chocolate market, both in Britain and abroad, ever since.

Cadbury World is a self-guided tour where you can learn all about the history of and making of chocolate, as well as the unique Cadbury story. Learning all about Britain’s chocolate brand should be on everyone’s UK bucket list!

From the rolling hills of the Peak District, to the exciting cities of Lincoln, Nottingham and Sheffield, the East Midlands is a diverse region, ideal for those who are seeking both adventure and culture. Read on for the top things to do in the East Midlands!

52. Chatsworth House

Written by Rachel from The Taylor Made Travels

The United Kingdom has many impressive great houses but there is something about Chatsworth that causes people to fall instantly in love with it, and continue revisiting.

Sitting in the middle of the stunning Peak District and famous for being Mr Darcy’s House in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice,  you can easily spend a day here exploring the house, gardens ( with its famous water fountain) and for younger explorers the adventure playground.

Enjoy a Bakewell Tart created in the local village while you sit back and admire the stunning scenery.

53. Explore the Magna Carta at Lincoln Cathedral

Written by Michaela from This FP Planet 

The Cathedral City of Lincoln is petite, and has a totally walk-able compact city center, but this charming city takes the motto ‘good things come in small packages’ seriously, and has bags to offer any tourist.

After defeating our historic ‘Steep Hill’ (as the name would suggest, it’s a fair hike!) you’ll be warmly greeted with traditional old style English pubs, cute cobbled paths, quirky boutique shops and cafes as well as the Castle grounds and Cathedral.

Any weekend tripper should include a visit the Castle to discover of of only four surviving sections of Magna Carta!

54. University of Cambridge and punting on the river

The University of Cambridge is the second oldest in the English-speaking world (second to Oxford), and was founded in 1209.

The university now boasts extraordinary architecture and fascinating educational museums which reminisce notable alumni and groundbreaking discoveries at the university.

While you’re exploring Cambridge, I highly recommend going punting too!

The  Traditional Punting Company  offers the best  punting in Cambridge   where you’ll see the world-famous College Backs in the heart of the city.

During the tour you’ll soak up the atmosphere of the exclusive riverside Colleges, admire sublime bridges, and pass prestigious private gardens.

Expert guides will guide you along the River Cam, regaling you with Cambridge’s inspiring history and secrets of the city.

Join their VisitEngland Rose Marque tour to travel back across 800 years of Cambridge history.

55. The Peak District

A national park in rural Derbyshire, the Peak District offers breathtaking views, charming country walks and meadows boasting some of the country’s best flora and fauna.

The unspoiled countryside is interrupted only by scenic historical villages. Where better to enjoy a countryside walk?

56. Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is a series of lakes and rivers, all merging into one another to create a fantastic navigable wetland area. The Broads span over 303 kilometers and are perfect for boating and lakeside activities.

The area has been coined ‘Britain’s Magical Wetland’ and makes for a perfect rural day out.

Revelling in some of the best British seaside, and enjoying lakes, mountains and moorland, the North West is a fascinating area of the country. Despite being diverse and containing some of the most remote things to do in England, it is easily driveable, and can be explored by train or car. 

57. Boat Cruise of Lake Windermere

Written by Rachel from  Taylor Made Travels

Taking a cruise of the largest natural lake in England will provide views of some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, which provided inspiration for Beatrix Potter’s stories.

You can choose whether to take a quick boat ride around some of the lakes islands or spend the day stopping off at the various villages surrounding the lakes to sample the local delicacies and meander the winding streets.

58. Hike the Yorkshire Dales

Written by Maria from  Global Brunch

The Yorkshire Dales offer countless scenic hiking routes for various fitness levels. Walk along the lush green hills and enjoy the views of Yorkshire’s most stunning National Park.

Have a picnic along the way and enjoy some wild strawberries or stop at a traditional pub for a refreshing pint; a very quintessentially British item on your UK bucket list!

59. The Beatles Tour

The best-selling music group ‘The Beatles’ were born in Liverpool, and here you can explore more of their history through The Beatles experience, visit some of their childhood homes and grab some food in the Cavern Club.

After The Beatles Tour, there’s still a lot more to explore in Liverpool: learn more about the huge impact the city had on British music, industry and immigration at the Museum of Liverpool or the impact the Titanic had on the city at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, while not forgetting to leave some time for the excellent shopping at the Liverpool One.

Want to discover more of the Beatles’ home city? Here’s the best things to do in Liverpool by Naomi from Probe Around the Globe!

60. Bolton Abbey

Written by Steph from  Big World Small Pockets

Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire is the site of some incredible 12th Century Monastery ruins set among beautiful gardens.

We often used to go here on Sundays when I was studying in Leeds and I loved the feeling of being out in the wild countryside that this place offered.

There are some great walking trails to enjoy here and throughout the grounds, a sense of magic and mystery pervades.

61. See the Blackpool Illuminations

By Rachel from  Taylor Made Travels

For a few weeks every Autumn, Blackpool becomes ‘The Vegas of the North’, with over 1 million bulbs lighting up the promenade of this Northern beach resort.

The best way to see this free light show it to take one of the trams along the promenade and then walk back while enjoying a dinner of fish and chips or a pie barm (bread with a meat and potato pie in the middle) and for pudding some traditional Blackpool Rock.

Come during the day and brave the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Theme Park or head up the Blackpool Tower to get great views over the surrounding area.

62. Castle Howard

Written by  Rachel Nicole

Castle Howard is a beautiful stately home on the outskirts of York.

The house is open daily to the public and makes for a lovely day out for all the family. From the stunning interior of the house to the 1,000 acres of woodland, there’s something for everyone to discover here.

The estate plays host to many events all year round; such as local markets and proms in the park, and the Christmas decorations are a must-see!

Check out the ancient city of York, or the renowned nightlife of Newcastle for a proper North Eastern experience! This area of the country enjoys unique museums and plenty of traditional things to do and see. Read on for the best things to do in North East England!

63. Walk the historic city walls in York

Written by Vivian from  Miss Happy Feet

Passing through medieval walls and the city gates, you will get a fantastic view over the city along the way.

The historic walk is free but a guided tour is highly recommended if you would like to know more about the significance of the walls in the early days.

Stop at the Gatehouse Coffee at Walmgate if you need a break!

64. Afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Room

Afternoon Tea is the very essence of British elegance and tea culture and there is no better place to enjoy this tradition than the famous Bettys Tea Rooms in York, a little piece of heaven for anybody with a sweet tooth.

65. A day by the seaside in Whitby

Whitby is not only famous for being the inspiration of Bram Stokers great novel Dracula but also for it’s fresh and delicious Fish & Chips. What better place to dig in to the famous English dish then at the seaside?

66. Wensleydale Cheese Museum

You can’t come to Britiain without finding out how British cheese is made, can you?

There’s a visitor centre, creamery and museum right in the heart of the town with the same name.

You’ll discover how the cheese was made throughout the centuries and get to observe old cheese making equipment! And yes, there’s lots of cheese up for grabs….

67. Experience the Newcastle Nightlife

Love it or hate it, it’s fair to say that nowhere does nightlife quite like Newcastle, Britain’s most northern main city. Here, the drinks are cheap and everyone is super cheerful – until the next morning, that is!

68. Hadrian’s Wall

Originally sprawling coast to coast, this defensive wall was built in AD 122 by 15,000 men and work was completed in just 6 years.

At its time of use, it marked the end of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, much of the wall still remains and it is possible to follow the trail on foot by taking the Hadrian’s Wall Path .

69. Get an Ice Cream at Scarborough’s Harbour Bar

Written by Jen from  She Gets Around A visit to a true British seaside town isn’t complete with some fish and chips or an ice cream. Scarborough has the best of both, with Harry Ramsden’s Fish and Chips and the best ice cream sundae in the country at The Harbour Bar .

This family-run ice cream cafe has been open since 1945 and has barely changed in over 70 years. Whether it is a towering Knickerbocker Glory or Banana Sundae they have everything your ice cream heart desires. An absolute must for tradition, fun and 1940s glamour.

With absolutely stunning views and landscapes, is easy to believe that Scotland could very well be enchanted.

With an array of charming islands, bustling cities and beautiful glens and lakes, there is ample to keep you occupied in the most Northern part of the UK; here’s some unique things to do in Scotland that you should add to your UK bucket list right away!

70. Shetland Islands

By Sonja from Migrating Miss

Closer to Bergen in Norway than London, this group of over 100 islands has been home of various groups of people since pre-histroic times.

Amongst the barren but beautiful landscape, you can see amazing historical sites there like Jarlshof, which show the remains of houses dating back to the Bronze Age.

Visit Shetland during the summer to experience all day sun, or visit in January to experience the Up Helly Aa fire festival and a chance at seeing the Northern Lights.

71. Glen Coe

Written by Sonja from Migrating Miss

There are generally two ways to head north in Scotland, and I recommend the route that takes you through Glen Coe.

The remains of a super volcano have left behind some of the most breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the Three Sisters, three rugged mountain ridges next to each other.

If you have the time, take a walk through arguably the most famous and beautiful Glen in Scotland.

72. The Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge

By Sonja from  Migrating Miss

This monument just north of Fort William honours the elite Commando Soldiers, many of whom lost their lives in WWII and whose ashes are buried here, along with those of contemporary Commandos who have fought in more recent times.

The Commando Memorial depicts soldiers overlooking their old training ground and on to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.

73. West Highland Way

Written by Gemma from  Two Scots Abroad

One of the best ways to see Scotland is on foot!

The West Highland Way is a 96 mile trek which starts just outside of Glasgow and ends in Fort William (with lots of stops along the way!) Hikers trek over mountains, through farms, and alongside lochs – the true beauty of Scotland!

74. The North Coast 500

Written by Toccara from  Forget Someday

This is a 500-mile circular drive starting and ending in Inverness, Scotland.

This drive takes you along stunning coastlines and countless lochs.

You’ll navigate through winding mountain passes and awe-inspiring landscapes. Step back in time as you visit castles, historic ruins, and heritage centers. Tantalize your tastebuds as you sip award-winning whiskies, taste deliciously organic beer, and sample some of the Highland’s local delicacies.

With numerous trails to hike, beaches to explore, and history to discover, there is certainly no shortage of things to do and see along this award-winning route around Scotland’s northern Highlands.

75. Ben Nevis

The highest mountain in the British Isles, the summit of Ben Nevis offers a compelling ascent to experienced climbers.

Even if you’re not as apt at climbing, many walks can be enjoyed at the often snow-covered mountain. Gorgeous vistas of the Scottish highlands are enjoyed on the mountain, with access to the now ruined observatory, which was used to keep a watch over the area. Climbing Ben Nevis is an essential part of every Scotland road trip itinerary !

76.Loch Lubnaig

By Florine from World Adventure Divers

In the heart of the Trossachs National Park, near Callander, Loch Lubnaig is one of the prettiest lochs in Scotland. Kayak lovers and Fishing addicts will usually be found enjoying its peaceful waters surrounded by the hills of Ben Ledi and Ben Vorlich.

77. Diving the historical wrecks of WWI of Scapa Flow, Orkney

By Florine from  World Adventure Divers

Did you know Britain has the most famous wreck diving site in Europe?

At the end of WWI, fearing to surrender their fleet to the British Army, the German decided to scuttle their 74 ships located in Orkney.

Thanks to the cold water, adventurous scuba divers come from all over the world to explore these exceptionally well-preserved shipwrecks.

78. Puck’s Glen

By Toccara from Forget Someday

Puck’s Glen opened to visitors as Britain’s first forest park in 1935. It is named after Puck, a mischievous spirit who haunts many legends and appears in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Puck’s Glen Gorge Trail is a strenuous path that cuts through the dramatically rocky gorge.  This 1.75 mile (2.8 km) trail takes visitors past several waterfalls and beneath towering Douglas firs. It’s like walking through a fairytale!

Less than an hour of driving away from Glasgow, Luss is the best stopover to explore Loch Lomond National Park.  Walking through the adorable village of Luss will offer stunning views of the largest Loch in Britain.

From the pontoon, you can embark on a boat trip around the numerous islands on the loch.

80. Dunnottar Castle

Written by Lauren from Craving Sunshine Dunnottar Castle is a stunning ruined clifftop medieval fortress, 18.5 miles south of Aberdeen and 2.6 miles south of the seaside village of Stonehaven.

This breathtaking castle has been the backdrop for films such as Shakespeare’s  Hamlet starring Mel Gibson and more recently Victor Frankenstein starring Daniel Radcliffe & James Mcavoy.

Rumour has it that Dunnottar also inspired Merida’s home in Disney’s Brave . Dunnottar is definitely one of the best castles in Scotland and is well worth a visit.

81. John O Groats

876 miles from Lansend in Cornwall, John O Groats is the furthest North inhabited point in the UK, and is popular with travellers in England as either the start or finish of a British journey.

But it’s not just the title of ‘The Far North’ that makes this place worth visiting; come here to catch a glimpse of Atlantic puffins, grey seals and killer whales, take amazing boat trips and marvel at the gorgeous, unspoilt scenery.

John O Groats is not actually the furthest North point in the UK – nearby, less famous, Dunnet Head is higher up. There’s not much to see here, but if you really want to go to the end of the world, it’s worth visiting Dunnet Head too!

82. Faerie Glen, Isle of Skye

A gorgeous landscape, which many deem to be ‘supernatural’, the Faerie Glen comprises natural pools, gently sloping hills and miniature waterfalls.

Many people note the magical feeling they are graced with from a visit to the glen, and each visit engrosses an element of surprise and mystery.

83. Loch Ness

Written by Kimmie from  Adventures & Sunsets

Loch Ness is a the lake in the Scottish highlands which is rumoured to be where ‘The Loch Ness monster” (Nessie) lives. There are many boat tours to ‘look’ for the monster and also a very historic castle along its waters called Urquhart.

84. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands on the skyline of the Scottish capital on Castle Rock, where an edifice has stood since the 12 th century.

It has played a pivotal role in Scottish development throughout the centuries, and is now is home to the crown jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg, a 15th-century gun.

You can take guided tours of the castle or enjoy an audio tour. Edinburgh’s a fantastic city with loads to explore and there are lots of day trips from Edinburgh that aren’t to be missed.

There are loads of other things to do in Scotland that aren’t featured on this list. Check out these fifty useful travel tips for Glasgow  or the best things to do in Stirling !

Just to the west of England lays this often-forgotten about area of the UK. There are so many things to do in Wales; the south of the country boasts exotic beaches and charming rolling hills while the north of the country enjoys colourful towns and a fascinating language!

Visit Wales to experience a culture like no other and add some of these experiences to your UK bucket list!

85. South Stack Lighthouse

Written by Kimmie from Adventures & Sunsets

On the Anglesey coastline is this stunning lighthouse. Placed on top of a patch of grass on a rocky hill, the bright white lighthouse beacons from afar and revels in a postcard-perfect view.

86. Portmeirion

Written by Anne-Sophie from City Cookie

Portmeirion is a little town in North Wales that looks like it belongs in Italy. It’s an explosion of colours and architectural styles, with bright turquoise shutters, pretty pink hydrangeas and exotic palm trees. Stay at the hotel to swim in the most amazing swimming pool by the river (it starred in a Ted Baker ad !).

87. St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh life

Written by Kacie from The Rare Welsh Bit

One of Europe’s best open-air museums and Wales’ most popular heritage attraction; if you grew up in Wales then you can guarantee you went to St Fagans Museum on a school trip at least once!

Established in 1947, St Fagans Museum is home to a Welsh village created using over 40 original buildings from various historical periods in Wales, transported from their original locations and re-erected on the 100-acre parkland. 

The full list of buildings at St Fagans includes a bakery, tollhouse, tailor’s workshop, school-house, a post office and traditional farm houses as well as livestock. The buildings have been chosen because of their relevance to ordinary people from different social backgrounds and from different eras.

88. Snowdon (Snowdonia National Park)

By Carly from Girl Out of Bounds

It’s the tallest mountain in both Wales and England and part of the popular Three Peaks Challenge.

If you’re not up for hiking to the top but you still want to see the pretty panoramic view, you can hitch a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway!

89. Beddgelert

By Carly from Girl Out Of Bounds This is a picturesque town build completely on lore. It is said to be the resting place of Gelert, the loyal hound of the medieval Prince Llewelyn.

I won’t spoil the story, but it’s worth a visit. You can read the lore at Gelert’s grave, a short walk from the town centre.

90.The Smallest House in Great Britain

Located in Conwy, Wales, the smallest house in Great Britain is known as the Quay House and has a floor area of 3.05 by 1.8 metres and a height of 3.1 metres. It was a residence until 1900 – when the tenant was evicted because the council declared the house unfit for human habitation!

The house is owned by the last tenant’s descendants and is now open for visitors, with information and history about the house inside.

91. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantsysiliogogogoch Train Station

It’s the village with Europe’s longest name (which is unsurprising), and visitors flock from far just to get a snap of the crazy station sign! The village is located on the island of Anglesea, across the strait from Bangor.

The name translates to “Saint Mary’s Church in a hollow of white hazel near the swirling whirlpool of the church of Saint Tysilio with a red cave”. Easy to remember, right?

92. Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula was the UK’s first AONB in 1956 and it stil remains just as stunning today. It boasts moors, limestone cliffs and stunning golden beaches.

A place for surfing or hiking the Wales Coast Path, it’s a fantastic spot to enjoy some of the best scenery Britain has to offer.

93. Brecon Beacons

A South Wales mountain range, Brecon Beacons offer a range of hiking, rock climbing and abseiling opportunities. Enjoy an active day amongst the regions highest peaks, and a relaxing night stargazing in this rural area of the country.

94. Barry Island

Barry Island is a seaside resort town in the Vale of Glamorgan, home to a nationally famous pleasure park ,which has operated as such since the Victorian times. Come here to enjoy some timeless rides in a fantastic British seaside atmosphere.

95. Ogmore Beach

Written by Elaine from  Runaway Brit

Ogmore-by-Sea is a small sea-facing village that can be found on the South Wales coast between Cardiff and Swansea. The beach is a sweeping arc of rocky pre-jurassic carboniferous limestone, in which the sand is only exposed at low-tide. Nearby, you can visit Dunraven Bay, or Southerndown beach, where a great deal of Doctor Who is filmed.  

The sand dunes are the scene of a daring WW2 prisoner escape story – 86 German Prisoners of War escaped through a 70 feet tunnel from Island Farm POW camp (set amongst the sand dunes) in 1945. Apparently, parts of Laurence of Arabia were filmed in these sand dunes.

Don’t forget about the land across the sea! Northern Ireland is a distinctly unique part of the UK, and contains some of the nations’ best beaches and most picturesque scenery, along with the busy city of Belfast, among others! Here’s some of the best things to do in Northern Ireland…

96. Giant’s Causeway

A UNESCO world heritage site, Giant’s Causeway is located off the coast of County Antrim and is formed of 40,000 basalt columns, which are told to be the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. It is known as the fourth greatest natural wonder of the UK. Legend has it that the columns are a causeway built by a giant; constructed so two Irish and Scottish giants could meet and fight. Even if this isn’t true, there’s certainly a strong sense of mythology here!

97. Game of Thrones filming location

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you can enjoy filming locations all over Northern Ireland; and even if you’re not, there’s some absolutely jaw-dropping places in this region that tell a thousand stories!

The best to check out are the eerie dark hedges, a row of trees that were planted by the Stuart Family in the eighteenth century.

They were built to look compelling and intriguing and still remain fascinating to this day.

98. Drive the causeway coastal route

This coastal road traverses the 120 mile distance between Belfast and Londonderry and is widely known as one of the most beautiful drives in Europe. The drive explores coastal roads and mountains; coming together to offer a breath-taking and compelling journey.

99. Ulster Museum

Located in the Northern Irish capital city, the Ulster Museum is the largest museum in the region and features a huge amount of exhibitions and artefacts from Ireland and beyond, over the centuries.

Here is the perfect place to educate yourself in the history and culture of this nation!

100. Belfast Black Taxi Tour

This Belfast-based cab company can really show you around Northern Ireland’s capital! The guides have over 28 years of driving experience and have picked up random facts that you won’t get anywhere else. Take a Belfast black taxi tour for a real insight into this fascinating city!

And remember to explore downtown Belfast, which includes the Titanic Experience , when you’re done!

Once you’ve finished exploring these, check out this awesome list of unique things to do in Ireland , which includes both attractions in Northern Ireland and in the neighbouring Republic of Ireland!

Your Great British Packing List

Your Great British packing list will be quite similar to that of any Europe trip. We have mild summers and cool winters, but don’t often get snow!

There you have it, the very best things to do in Great Britain! Would you add anything else to this Great British Bucket List? Which of these have you visited and loved? Which one is top of your ‘to go to’ list? Let me know in the comments below!

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87 thoughts on “ The Great UK Bucket List: 100 things to do in the UK ”

Hell of a list. So many things, so little time. I just crossed off some things from my bucket list in London. The incredible National Gallery and British Museum. You can just spend days in these warehouses of art. And the best part is: they are Free. So you walk in, walk out and savour art like a good glass of Bordeaux: with little sips. Keep rocking. Rik

This is a very big complete list of the things to see in GB. You did a very good job, thank you for this. I really want to see the white cliff and the beach houses look so cute!

great list! I’m saving this post!:)I I’ve done a few of these places:)

Wicked list! I have spent some time in England, studying in London, with a trip to Wales and Ireland. But I haven’t made a dent in this list, so I think I’ll have to go back for a more comprehensive visit!!

Wow – Fantastic list! Clearly, we need to clear more time on our calendars to see everything!! 🙂

Wow what a comprehensive list! Great post it’s true we are so lucky to have so many wonderful places to visit in the UK. We love jumping in our camper van and heading somewhere new so this has given us a few new ideas. Thanks very much!

I’m bookmarking this for later, great list! Hopefully I can make it to the U.K. sometime soon 🙂

I was born in the UK and I would encourage anyone planning a visit to head ‘up north’ rather than staying around London. The hebrides in Scotland are fantastic – head up to Oban then hop across on the ferry to Mull. York and Harrogate are also fantastic, as well as the Peak District including Castleton, Eyam, and Buxton.

I have seen so much less of the North than I should have! I’m going to save all of these for future reference. Thanks very much for your comment! 🙂

Wao such a long list. England is such a nice place to visit with some wonderful attractions and nice places to visit in England. One of my personal favorite is Buckingham Palace. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. The lavishly decorated State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the summer months, and you can visit all year round to see the famous Changing the Guard.

Wow what a wounder full list! Great post and i am so lucky to have so many wonderful places to visit in the UK. because soon i am going to UK for the sake of studies i will visit all these places..Thank you so much sharing

You missed out Chester. Chester was founded as a “castrum” or Roman fort with the name Deva Victrix in the reign of the Emperor Vespasian in 79 AD. One of the main army camps in Roman Britain, Deva later became a major civilian settlement. … Chester is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. Chester is one of the most beautiful historic cities in England, famous for its galleried rows, Roman remains, shops & boutiques, the town crier, ghost walks and complete city walls. Chester’s Rows are covered walkways at the first floor in each of the city’s four main streets, are unique not only in Britain but everywhere is the world. They have allowed double level shopping in the town at least since the 13th Century. It has a Cathedral, the original church was built in the Romanesque or Norman style, parts of which can still be seen today. This church was subsequently rebuilt from around 1250 onward in the Gothic style, a process which took about 275 years an resulted in the incredible structure seen today.

With the most complete set of monastic buildings in the country, a Georgian square and series of streets, the remains of Roman barracks on the Dean’s field and the largest open green spaces within the walls, visitors can eperience everything the cathedral has to offer.

Nothing for East Anglia as far as I can tell but, as I’m now discovering via a photographic ‘project’ (website will very soon be updated for this), it has its own unique wonders, albeit a little different from elsewhere. Just as examples, Brancaster & Holcombe Beaches on the north norfolk coast (catch those huge skies and, when the tide is out, vast expanses of wildness) and the sea wall walk from Tollesbury to Heybridge along the River Blackwater in essex taking in Osea Island (lots of history about that) – the salt marshes, the oyster beds. Wild and, in a way, quite ‘strange’ with a kind of spooky feeling in certain weather.

Sounds lovely! I’ll have to check out that part of the country one day. Not too far from where I live. I remember reading about Osea Island in one of my old jobs!

WOW wonder ful article. 7th, 34th, 37th were my favorite.

Wow, your comprehensive article helps me a lot. There are some places never I thought before. Thanks and keep posting Claire, you’re a wonder woman hha

Hello Claire. I thoroughly enjoyed your article however, having lived in many parts of the UK I hope you won’t take it amiss if I mention some of the places you have not included (or I didn’t notice). Let’s start in my home town of Kingston-Upon-Hull which was a very large fishing port, and very badly bombed, city when I lived there in the 40’s and early 50’s. It is now one of the cultural hubs of the north of England crammed with museums, architectural and maritime attractions. Well worth a visit. Next is Portsmouth where I lived through my teens. The view over The Solent from the top of Portsdown Hill is spectacular wherever on that hilltop one views from. Also on the hilltop is Fort Nelson, one of four ‘Follies’ built to protect Portsmouth Harbour and it’s surroundings, which can be visited. Other ‘follies’ are the Solent forts of which I believe there are four but I know only of three the foremost being Spitbank Fort, now a hotel. An easy walk over the hill from Portsmouth is the village of Southwick and Southwick House (used to be HMS Dryad – named after an 18th century frigate). It was here that General Eisenhower and his team planned D-Day. I understand the Revival Tours around the site are to begin again in 2021 but it should be noted that tickets sell out very, very fast. Last but not least is Portchester Castle, a Roman fort where I played as a child but which is now National Trust and where many go to picnic. Next is Cruden Bay, North Aberdeenshire where I brought up my family. It would take a book to mention all the interesting places, sights, and golf courses in the area so I’ll stay close to Cruden Bay itself which is about 9 miles south of Peterhead. The bay has a 2½ mile almost flat, wide, golden-sand beach from where the first flight to Norway took off. Cruden Bay golf course used to be one of the top 100. I don’t know what it is now but to play there recently people travelled to Peterhead on cruise ships. On the outskirts of Cruden Bay is Slains Castle. It is said Bram Stoker used this as the basis for Dracula which he wrote mainly while staying in the Kilmarnock Hotel in the village. It should be noted that Whitby, where Bram stoker also stayed and wrote, makes the same claim. Near Cruden Bay is the Bullers of Buchan, a hamlet of about 12 houses around a sea-pot with spectacular explosive views when the sea is running in the right direction. I now live near Ayr, South Ayrshire, the home of Robert Burns (his home is actually in very nearby Alloway). Though it may appear a bit ‘out in the sticks’ Ayr is very well served by inexpensive road and rail connections from Glasgow and as well as Burns has much more to offer. It’s 1½ mile very well kept beach is like Cruden Bay – flat, golden sand from where can be seen the Isle of Arran, Argyl & Bute, and Ailsa Craig – one of only two places where the granite for curling stones is found but only Ailsa Craig granite is used for olympic curling stones.. Nearby are Culzean Castle which welcomes visitors, has some excellent forest walks, and was lent to Eisenhower as his lifetime Scottish ‘home-from-home’. And Dumfries House (owned by the Prince of Wales). Its large grounds are open 365 days a year and one can stay in the house with open access to the sitting rooms, dining room and garden area. Ayr is also the home of an annual Whisky festival – usually the second Saturday in June, and South Ayrshire has many scenic walks to walk of the whisky, and scenic drives for those who did not imbibe! Ayr is also a good place to stay for those who prefer to stay out of cities but near enough to make visiting easy. Glasgow is 45-60 minutes by frequent train service, and Edinburgh is about 2½ hours.

Thanks for the long comment! Of course, feel free to include these too 🙂 I wrote this post about 5 years ago so it probably needs updating! Hopefully others will read your comment and add some of these places to their list too!

Comments are closed.

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England Road Trip: 50 Unmissable ideas (for every UK itinerary)

Planning an England road trip? Here are some of the best itinerary ideas for all schedules, including London to Cornwall, the Cotswolds and Kent in southern England, National Parks like the Lake District or Peak District, Northern England and all the way up to the Scottish border.

Whatever your cup of tea, there’s a UK road trip idea here for you. We’ve also provided a helpful map so you can visualise your route.

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UK Road Trips- How to Plan

Planning a UK road trip to England or elsewhere can be tough. 

There are SO MANY places, ideas, options and reviews- how on earth are you supposed to choose the best way or most scenic drives?

Then, you have to factor in how long you have for your UK road trip (remembering that much of rural UK has smaller, slower roads, so it takes a lot longer to get there than you might expect. 

So, if you’re planning a road trip around England (and the UK) and feeling overwhelmed, here are some of our favourite road trips and itinerary ideas to help you. We’ll discuss the best bits of each area, why and when you should visit, how far it is from London and where you should allow extra time to explore.

England Road Trip Ideas- Where to Start

The first thing to decide is where you want to visit on your road trip. Also, remember that England is only one section of the UK- there are several other countries to explore (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom).

So, if you want to do a full UK road trip, you’ll need more time than if you were just doing an England road trip.

Our biggest tip is not to overface yourself. Whether you only have a long weekend for a quick trip from London or a week to get out on the open road and tour, make sure you leave time to actually get out of your vehicle and explore the places you’re visiting- you’ll find plenty of historic sites, sandy beaches and incredible routes to enjoy. 

Roughly speaking, you can split England in half- the South of England and the North  (the line roughly goes through Birmingham) or even further into quarters if you only have time for a one-week road trip. 

Again, how far you can travel will depend on how much time you have, as well as how you are travelling (rental car, motorhome or public transport), but to do each half ‘properly’ we would recommend at least 2-3 weeks- especially if it’s your first time in England.

Having said that, you can see some of the best sights in less time than that- here’s our one week in England road trip itinerary .

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Where to stay during your England road trip

If you’re planning a motorhome or campervan trip , you’ll be able to travel and stop along the way, often without booking in advance, using schemes like Brit Stops or wild camping in your motorhome .

If you’re in a car or motorbike, there are PLENTY of hotels and BnBs to use en route. If you’re travelling in summer we recommend booking at least the first stop in advance- if you use Booking.com for all your accommodation you’ll find you can get a great deal and save a lot of money.

England Road Trip Map

I know how hard it can be to visualise places if you don’t know the country well, so here’s a map of England with several of the road trip destinations shown on it.

Out of interest, if you did this route, it’s about 1056 miles (1700km) long. You could technically do it in a week, but you’d barely have time to get out of the car!

Common England Road Trip Questions

How long does it take to drive the whole of england .

Many people wonder “ How long does it take to drive the whole of England ?” That’s a tough question, as there are so many places to go and depends a lot on your starting point.

Most people allow 2-3 weeks to drive through as much of England as they can, but that will involve a LOT of driving. Of course, you can take a look at the road trip itinerary ideas below and see which scenic route or quaint villages most appeal to you- and then plan your trip around that.

One common UK road trip idea is to drive from Land’s End in Cornwall all the way up to John o’Groats in Scotland, which is about 838miles (1350km). Obviously, this is a road trip which involves England AND Scotland, and that brings me to another important point.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Can we go to England by road?

This is a common question for anyone who doesn’t live in the UK- and the short answer is yes, you can drive to England from mainland Europe.

Whether you’re enjoying a European road trip (here are some ideas for you ), or want to combine a trip to England with another country, you can drive to England from Europe via either the Eurotunnel or taking one of several car ferries (they also take motorhomes/ campervans on most of the ferry routes.)

If you’re planning a road trip from France to England, which route you take will depend on which part of France and England you want to visit- find out more in our Eurotunnel vs Ferry post.

And if you’re going the other way and will be driving in Europe, make sure you are aware of the new rules for driving in Europe after BREXIT .

If you’re like more help planning your trip, this post about how to plan an epic UK road trip will help.

Is England the UK or Great Britain?

Neither. And part of both 🙂

It’s common for people to confuse an England road trip with a UK road trip. England is just one country within the UK, along with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to extend your trip and see more of those countries, you might enjoy our post on the best UK road trips and scenic drive ideas.

The UK is short for ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’.

Great Britain is the LANDMASS of the largest island in the British Isles (the one which makes up England, Wales and Scotland). Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not included in this.

And, to make things even more odd, the British Isles includes ALL the islands, including the whole of Ireland, which isn’t part of the UK at all.

Thoroughly confused? Ok, let’s just stick to England road trip ideas! 🙂

South England Road Trip Ideas

If you’re visiting London and want to explore part of the country for a few days, southern England is a good place to start. Of course, there are a HUGE number of places to explore in ‘South England’ (which is roughly classed as anywhere below Birmingham), so I’m just going to pick a few highlights to inspire you.

Cornwall- South West England

Cornwall is one of my favourite places to road trip in England. I spent 2 years living there whilst I was in the Navy, and have been back many times since. There are plenty of things to do in Cornwall , but there are some important tips you need to know before you arrive!

Why is Cornwall one of the best England road trips?

If you want cute villages, incredible beaches and more history than you can shake a stick at, Cornwall is perfect. Also, they have some of the best ice cream IN THE WORLD (no kidding) and it’s perfectly acceptable to eat a scone with jam and clotted cream EVERY day and no one will judge you.

IMPORTANT NOTE : There is intense rivalry between Devon and Cornwall over whether jam or cream should go first on a scone. In Cornwall, they do jam and THEN cream, which is apparently the way the Queen preferred her scones .

(Don’t worry, they’re used to tourists and won’t stone you if you get it wrong. But be warned if you want to live there…!) 

In Devon, they do it the other way. I’ve tried both, and I’m a jam first girl (because you can then put more cream on!)

When should you visit Cornwall?

Cornwall is best anytime between Easter and mid-October.

TOP TIP : Avoid July and August if you possibly can. The schools are on holiday and it feels like EVERYONE in England has travelled to the same small Cornish village as you.

Beaches are overcrowded, parking becomes a struggle and there’s a very real chance of shops running out of ice cream. Don’t do that to yourself. You deserve that ice cream.

Also, many businesses and attractions close after mid-October for the winter, so you might find you can’t do everything you want to outside the season.

Having said that, we find Cornwall one of the best places to enjoy Autumn in Europe – the weather is still warm, but everywhere is quieter and easier to get to.

How long should you spend roadtripping Cornwall?

How long is a piece of string!! But, as you can see on our Cornish road trip itinerary , we recommend 7-10 days minimum to see all the best places.

Where are the best places to visit in Cornwall on a road trip?

Did I mention that I used to live here? I have SO many recommendations for places to visit we could be here all week!!! Some of my absolute favourites (and this is like choosing my favourite child… or chocolate bar) include:

• Tintagel Castle (the home of Arthur and the round table)
• Minack Theatre (built onto the side of a cliff)
• St Michael’s Mount
• Boscastle (where one of the best witchcraft museums in the world is!)
• Newquay beach (and bars!)

READ MORE: Discover our complete Cornwall road trip itinerary (45 places you HAVE to see!)

Recommended by Ben at Driftwood Journals

Famed for its endless rolling hills, craggy coastlines and clotted cream delights, Devon is unsurprisingly one of the most popular destinations in the UK – and a dream for rural road-trippers! With wild moors galore, cutesy towns and villages, and bountiful beaches, you don’t have to drive far in Devon to stumble upon scenes of unparalleled beauty.

Highlights and best places to visit in Devon

• Dartmouth- one of the best towns in the county (and home of the Royal Naval Officer training. I spent a year here…running up those bl***y hills!) Hire a boat and explore the river.
• Paignton- the beach with the red sand and is also known as the English Riviera.
• Dartmoor National Park
• Exmoor National Park
• Exmouth with its beautiful painted houses
• Salcombe Harbour – a holiday hotspot for all generations.
• Dulverton- head to the Copper Kettle tearoom; you won’t regret it!

Devon road trip ideas

Pack up your motorhome/ camper (or car with tent) and find a site with views across the Devonshire cow-grazed hillsides of the Lyn Valley, or out over Dartmoor. You can wild camp in Devon, but not on the moors. Find out more about motorhome wild camping in the UK.

For a coastal trip, explore sea towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth (where you can take a boat up to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s summer home) and round to Exmouth, before heading north to Woolacombe, Dawlish and the fishing boat bobbing harbour of Ilfracombe. Enjoy the bustle and culture in the capital of Exeter or discover the notorious prison of Dartmoor.

Alternatively, head to North Devon and enjoy the wilder seas and views of the north coast. This is a great area for surfing and watersports.

If you have more time (and fuel) to burn, take to the A386 between Appledore and Plymouth, traversing through forested valleys to picture-perfect towns like Great Torrington and Tavistock, where you can tour the tearooms and plan the rest of your trip in the park while dangling your toes in the River Tavy.

But the true beauty of road tripping in Devon is that you don’t really need to plan too extensively. You’ll never be far from a cream tea pitstop, and the verdant country roads will offer up some of the most perfect picnic spots you’ll ever see. All you need is is a full tank, and a little patience when stuck behind tractor after tractor!

When is the best time to visit Devon on a road trip?

As with Cornwall, the best time to visit Devon is Spring to Autumn, but avoid the high summer months if you can, especially if you’re on a UK motorhome holiday .

Can you visit Devon on a day trip from London?

You can, but it’s quite a long drive. I’d say you’d need at least 2 or 3 days to really be able to explore anything.

Dorset- One of England’s Best Road Trips

Recommended by Paul | Anywhere We Roam

The Jurassic Coast stretches 95 miles across Dorset in southern England. With an iconic coastline of towering white cliffs, it’s an excellent destination for a classic road trip. Stunning scenery, historical sites and local breweries make the Jurassic Coast one of the best places to experience the beautiful English countryside.

Dorset road trip- best places to visit?

The main highlight of a road trip to Dorset in the area has to be Old Harry Rocks – a collection of white stone monoliths that have been carved out along the coast. It’s one of the most impressive stretches of scenery in the UK with dazzling chalk stacks assembled like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed. If you get time, be sure to enjoy one of the many fabulous Dorset walks- you won’t regret it.

A thirty-minute drive away, Corfe Castle stands as a reminder of England’s 11th-Century past. It was one of the earliest Norman castles built and today it glows in its dilapidated glory overlooking the Dorset hills. It’s a stunning, photogenic inclusion on a UK road trip.

For another natural phenomenon, Durdle Door is possibly one of the most recognisable symbols of the Jurassic Coast. Over time, crashing waves have eroded limestone stacks in the sea leaving a glorious natural arch.

It’s a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for a long summer stroll. It’s also next to the famous Lulworth Cove, which is a wonderful place to enjoy an ice cream!

Editors note: (I (Kat) actually jumped off the top of Durdle Door on my hen party!)

After soaking up the stunning scenery, head west to Lyme Regis, a quaint town with a vibrant independent retail scene. The historic Cobb Harbour set against moody cliffs is well-preserved and houses some of the best coffee in the area.

When is the best time to visit Dorset on an England road trip?

The best time to visit the Jurassic Coast on a road trip is from May to early July when the surrounding countryside will be verdant green and covered in wildflowers, but there’s not too much traffic!

Hampshire road trip

Hampshire is another county in England we know well, having lived here for 14+ years. There’s plenty to enjoy on a road trip to Hampshire, from beautiful cities to picturesque country houses.

Highlights of a Hampshire road trip

Some of our favourite places to visit in Hampshire include:

• Winchester- be sure to visit the Cathedral where Jane Austen is buried and you can see one of the oldest Bibles in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in December, don’t miss the famous Winchester Christmas Market , held in the Cathedral grounds each December.
• Highclere Castle (or Downton Abbey, as you might know it!)
• Lymington – for the oldest open sea water baths in the UK – and the New Forest (check out the Wildlife park there and make sure to take some memorable photos).
• Hinton Ampner- 18th century famous manor house known for its gardens.
• Portsmouth (you MUST go to the Mary Rose museum and HMS Victory)
• Isle of Wight (see below)

Isle of Wight road trip

Recommended by Darek | DarekandGosia

The  Isle of Wight , famous for its beautiful views, is an island on the south coast of England, just below Southampton. Technically, it’s part of Hampshire, but feels like a different world.

With a motorhome or car, you can reach the island by ferry from either Southampton or Portsmouth – book in advance during summer. There are also a couple of foot passenger ferries and a hovercraft from Southsea.

Why is it one of England’s best road trips?

The Isle of Wight is like going back in time. It’s worth a road trip here for even a weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of normal life, ride bikes and take a walk on the cliffs.

Also, there are some wonderful places to stay. If you’re on a road trip, check out these amazing Isle of Wight campsites – some with stunning sea views!

What is there to do?

You can start exploring the island in Shanklin – one of the coastal villages famous for its beautiful beaches. On the promenade along the sea you will find many restaurants and hotels – most of the Island is typically tourist-oriented.

From Shanklin drive to the western part of the island. The most characteristic point is The Needles – three chalk rocks emerging from the sea with a small lighthouse built at the end of one of the columns. You can get to Needles by car and then follow the path on foot to the cliff slope. It’s a fabulous place for a picnic.

Next to Needles is Old Battery, a military fortification dating from the nineteenth century. There you can find World War II memorabilia or visit one of the various exhibitions are also taking place.

While driving around the island make sure you get to Carisbrooke Castle near Newport. Its construction began in the 12th century. It is worth taking a moment to walk around the castle, relax in the Edwardian-style garden.

One of my favourite places on the Island is Osborne House- Queen Victoria’s summer home. You can walk around the gardens and the house and even enjoy an ice cream on her private beach. Osborne House is run by English Heritage.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight is a must-see for anyone who wants to admire the British climate and above all fantastic views. It is worth going here all year round – it’s actually one of the best places to visit in Europe in October , when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the views & roads!

Norfolk Broads

Recommended by Mandi | Big Family, Little Adventures

Sometimes you want nothing more than to escape the hustle and the bustle of everyday life, the noise, the bright lights, the never-ending pace of life. If you want to get away, the Norfolk Broads is pure escapism; big skies, plenty of peace and quiet and an abundance of wildlife.

Best places to visit in Norfolk on a road trip

• The Old Roman Fort at Burgh Castle with an elevated position and commanding views over the marshes – perfect for a walk in both winter morning frost or a hot and hazy mid-summer evening
• If you prefer a bit of activity, Wroxham is a bustling Broads village- home to Roy’s of Wroxham, possibly the largest village shop you have ever seen
• Plenty of riverside pubs and restaurants in Wroxham and all around the Broads- the perfect places to stop for a bite to eat
• St Benet’s Abbey – an 11th century monastery defying time, standing in a stunning green valley.
• If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy a visit to Wroxham Barns to feed the lambs or spot the grey seals on the Norfolk beaches

Norfolk Road Trip- when is the best time to visit?

You can explore Norfolk all year. In summer, if you would like to explore the best Norfolk beaches or Broads up close, why not hire a dayboat; these can be hired at various boatyards throughout the Broads. Waveney River Centre is another stunning place to stop and admire the view, either by boat or car.

The challenge is (as always in England!) the weather. In dry conditions, most paths are excellent, but it can get a bit more challenging in wet weather.

However, over the years, an increasing number of boardwalks have been developed, increasing safe access to the Broads whatever the weather. Also, seeing the windmills and rivers on a crisp winter morning is unforgettable.

Time does not stop in Norfolk, but it really does feel like it slows down.  To be able to watch the sunset across the broads any time of year is a magical experience and the perfect place to enjoy a chilled road trip.

Sussex, Kent and Surrey

Ahhh, the picturesque south-east corner of England, which includes the Garden of England (that’s the other name for Kent). This area is lush, green and has some many historic buildings and castles you’ll find it impossible to avoid them.

It’s also home to plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches, white cliffs (such as Dover and Beachy Head) and some truly wonderful parks to walk in.

Even better, it’s all easily reached from London by car and train, so it’s easy to get away from the city for a few days if you’d like a countryside break or a trip to the beach.

Best Places to visit in Sussex include:

Sussex is actually split into East and West Sussex, but to make things easy on your road trip I’ve made one list for you. They’re not that far apart from each other!

• Brighton : A vibrant seaside city famous for its pebble beach, iconic pier, and the Royal Pavilion with its distinctive architecture. Explore the Lanes for unique shops and enjoy the city’s lively arts and music scene. See below for more ideas
• Arundel : Home to Arundel Castle, a medieval and Victorian castle that overlooks the River Arun. The town itself is picturesque with cobbled streets and antique shops.
• Chichester : A historic cathedral city with Roman origins, Chichester offers a mix of history, culture, and shopping. The Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery are notable attractions.
• Lewes : Known for its medieval architecture, Lewes Castle, and historic streets. The Lewes Bonfire Night is a famous annual event.
• Eastbourne : A traditional seaside town with a Victorian pier, beautiful seafront, and the iconic Beachy Head cliffs nearby.
• Rye : A charming medieval town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and views of the surrounding marshland.
• Battle : Famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, this town is home to Battle Abbey and the Battlefield. Explore the historic sites and learn about this pivotal event in English history.
• Petworth House and Park : A stately mansion with an impressive art collection set in a vast deer park. The gardens are also worth exploring.
• Seven Sisters Country Park : A stunning coastal area with dramatic chalk cliffs and rolling hills, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
• Bodiam Castle : A 14th-century moated castle surrounded by water and picturesque landscapes.
• Sheffield Park and Garden : A National Trust property known for its stunning gardens, lakes, and vibrant displays of plants.
• Birling Gap and Beachy Head : More stunning chalk cliffs and coastal views, with the added beauty of the natural arch at Birling Gap.
• Glyndebourne Opera House : Known for its world-class opera productions, the opera house is set in beautiful countryside and offers a unique cultural experience.

Best places to visit in Kent include:

• Canterbury – home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral
• Dover : Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this coastal town is home to Dover Castle, which boasts a complex history and offers panoramic views of the English Channel.
• Rochester : A charming town with a medieval castle and cathedral. It’s also the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and you can visit the Dickens World theme park.
• Whitstable : This coastal town is famous for its oysters and seafood. Enjoy the quaint streets, beach huts, and seafood restaurants along the coast.
• Margate : A seaside town with a revived artistic scene, featuring the Turner Contemporary art gallery and the scenic Margate Sands.
• Leeds Castle : Often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is set on an island in a lake and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Hever Castle : The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, with historic architecture, gardens, and a maze.
• Chatham Historic Dockyard : A maritime museum where you can explore historic warships, submarines, and learn about Britain’s naval history.
• Biddenden Vineyards : If you’re a wine enthusiast, Kent has several vineyards. Biddenden is one of the oldest and most well-known.
• Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction : An interactive museum where you can step back in time to experience Chaucer’s famous tales.
• St. Augustine’s Abbey : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this abbey in Canterbury dates back to the 6th century and is a significant historical site.
• Chartwell House : The former home of Winston Churchill, now a museum showcasing his life and legacy.

These are just a few highlights of what Kent has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, you’re likely to find something appealing in this diverse and beautiful county.

Best Places to Visit in Surrey

• Box Hill : A National Trust site known for its stunning views and walking trails. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
• Polesden Lacey : A grand Edwardian estate with beautiful gardens, Polesden Lacey is a National Trust property that offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in the early 20th century.
• Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village : Located in Compton, this unique attraction is dedicated to the works of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts. The village includes a gallery, chapel, and artist studios.
• Hampton Court Palace : While part of the palace is in Greater London, the stunning Hampton Court Palace is right on the border of Surrey. It’s famous for its Tudor history, grand architecture, and beautiful gardens.
• RHS Garden Wisley : A flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley offers a wide variety of plants, landscapes, and garden designs to explore.
• Brooklands Museum : A museum dedicated to motorsport and aviation history, located on the site of the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
• Loseley Park : A grand Elizabethan manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, open to the public during certain times of the year.
• Denbies Wine Estate : England’s largest vineyard, Denbies offers tours, wine tasting, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
• Newlands Corner : Another viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
• Epsom Downs : Known for Epsom Downs Racecourse and the famous Epsom Derby, this area offers open spaces and walking trails.
• Virginia Water : Part of Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water features a lake, ornamental cascades, and woodland walks.

Surrey’s mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it a delightful destination for a variety of interests. Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying scenic landscapes, Surrey has something to offer.

Brighton – East Sussex

I’ve given Brighton it’s own section because it’s one of my favourite cities in England and you should try to add it to your England road trip itinerary, especially if you’re heading toward East Sussex.

Brighton is a city renowned for its diverse communities and innovation, the quirky shopping areas, its music and art scene, and its large LGBT population. Read more about Brighton in Autum .

Why is Brighton one of the best England road trips?

Brighton is less than an hour away from London (76 km) and on a direct train line. It offers plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy (more than just fish and chips at a pier!)

Brighton has been famous as a cultural centre for over a century. It’s home to the world’s oldest operating aquarium (which opened in 1872- now called ‘’Brighton Sea Life’’), and you can even ride the world’s oldest operating electric railway, the Volks Railway, built in 1883.

Other Brighton Highlights include:

• See the Palace Pier
• Catch the latest release in the Duke of York Picturehouse, Britain’s oldest cinema.
• Have a stroll down the North Lane- home to over 400 independent shops
• Discover the Victorian innovations still in operation in the city.

How long should you spend in Brighton?

You will want to spend at least two days in Brighton to truly take in the city, but you can easily make a week of your itinerary if you want to explore more places in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.  

What is the best month to visit Brighton?

The sunniest (and therefore warmest!) time of the year in Brighton is from May to September. July and August are peak tourist season, with hotel prices skyrocketing, so be aware of that and plan your stay accordingly.

Cambridgeshire & Cambridge

Cambridgeshire is a county in the East of England with plenty to do. The jewel of the county is Cambridge, with a historical, 800-year-old centre you should definitely not skip.

Why should you include Cambridge on your England road trip?

Only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from London via M11, Cambridge offers so much: a rich history of English heritage, a buzzing local community, and a picturesque setting. You’ll even find a gift Henry VIII gave to Anne Boleyn!

Cambridge Highlights

• See the King’s College Chapel 
• Enjoy breakfast at Fitzbillies
• Go punting in the River Cam
• Have a picnic by the river.
• Enjoy walking the historic streets

Cambridge Trip Itinerary idea

Leaving London, head up to Cambridge via the M11.

Start the day with drinks and a meal in one of the many deli and brunch places in Market Square before setting off to explore the city. I highly recommend the famous Fitzbillies- the food is delicious.

From there, you can choose from a variety of activities: visiting King’s Chapel, punting in the River Cam (pass under the Bridge of Sighs), hiking on the Cam Towpath (lots of hidden gems if you know how to look for trails!), or taking in the city views from St. Mary’s Tower.

If you’re staying overnight, end the day by attending the Evensong at the King’s College Chapel (select days only)

When is the best (and worst) time to visit Cambridge ?

Cambridge is beautiful all year round. However, the worst time to visit would be spring – the university students sit their finals between April and June, which means many of the college sites are closed to visitors. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Cambridge?

The King’s College Chapel in the University of Cambridge is the third-oldest university in operation and the most iconic and instantly-recognisable building in the county.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to drink at the Eagle, a historic pub in the heart of Cambridge’s city centre famously linked to Watson and Crick’s discovery of DNA.

If you are feeling adventurous and are ready to brave the British winter, visit Cambridge in December. It’s off-peak season and features one of the best UK Christmas markets you should visit. Read all about the Cambridge Christmas market here.

How long should you spend in Cambridge?

One day in Cambridge is usually enough time to visit the majority of the main sights, especially if you are visiting during the summer. You’ll need tickets for most of the chapels and university buildings, so go first to buy those.

Wiltshire & Cotswolds Road Trip – 3 day trip from London

Recommended by Ann | The road is life

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. If you look at a map of England, find Bristol (west coast, just below the indent of southern Wales) and the Cotswolds is the area north-east of Bristol.

There is so much beauty and fascinating history to discover around the Cotswolds region and luckily you don’t have to travel far from London to get there! You can reach Bath or Bristol easily in a day from London, but we recommend at least 3 days to really explore the area by car/ motorhome, plus explore Stonehenge and Salisbury on the way back to London. If you’re travelling with children, don’t worry- there’s plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds with kids.

Highlights & Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds and Surrounding Area

• Explore the charming stone villages of the Cotswolds
• visit the historic city of Bath
• marvel at the mysterious ancient stones of Stonehenge
• Indulge in some shopping at Daylesford farm
• stop at the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.

When is the best time for a Cotswolds road trip?

Although the Cotswolds can be visited all year, this road trip is best completed in the spring or summer months to ensure warmer and sunnier sightseeing weather.

The days are also longer- allowing you to see more each day. However, unlike Cornwall and Devon, most places to NOT shut during winter, so feel free to explore whenever suits you!

Wiltshire & Cotswolds road trip itinerary from London

• Departing London, drive out to the Cotswolds. This is where you should spend 3-4 days exploring as many lovely little towns and villages as you wish to.
• A few of the prettiest Cotswolds villages include Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and so many more! The beauty of the Cotswolds region is that the villages are all located in close proximity with minimal driving time in between them.
• Once you have seen your share of lovely English villages , carry on to Bath which is only a 30-minute drive from the village of Castle Combe- well worth a visit.
• Spend a full day and night in Bath visiting the Roman baths.
• From there continue to Stonehenge. A visit to this incredible ancient site can easily take half a day. We camped overnight at Stonehenge and saw the most INCREDIBLE sunrise we’ve EVER seen. (Seriously, watch the video. It’s breathtaking)
• From Stonehenge, it’s only a short 20-minute drive to the medieval town of Salisbury which brings you to the final stop of this road trip.
• The highlight of Salisbury is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest spire in all of Britain! Spend one night in Salisbury before making the final 2-hour road trip back to London.
• Another option is to return to London via the historic city of Oxford. Don’t miss a meal in Sticks and Sushi- one of the best restaurants in Oxford and with incredible views over the city.

North England Road Trips- Why You Should Visit

It’s easy when planning an England road trip to get sucked into famous places like Cornwall, Devon or the Cotswolds- and those are all AMAZING places to visit.

However, I strongly encourage you to visit the north of England as well if you have time. You’ll find villages just as pretty, delicious food (chips, pie and gravy is the best thing in the world) and incredible history.

Again, we were lucky to live up here for 4 years- here are some of our absolute favourite places to road trip, although there are of course many more we have yet to discover! I hope they give you some ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Don’t forget to Grab your ULTIMATE road trip planner here – it has everything you need to help you pack for your road trip.

Peak District National Park

The Peak District is a huge and stunning area in Derbyshire, just to the east of Manchester. It’s a perfect place for a road trip because there are so many things to see!

A car or motorhome makes it easy to travel between the sites and there are plenty of campsites or hotels to use as you explore.

There are a multitude of hikes, walks and tors to climb and the area is famous for its caves, which people still lived in as recently as 1910!

The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and is also considered the real ale capital of the world! If you’re exploring the Peak District with kids , there are steam trains, tramways, cycle paths and even a cable car taking you up to see some stunning views! There’s also Alton Towers theme park – one of the best in the UK.

Best places to explore in the Peak District

Some of the highlights include:

• Chatsworth House
• Ladybower reservoir
• Alton Towers theme park
• Heights of Abraham cable car

Lake District road trip

Recommended by Fiona/ Passport & Piano

The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO heritage site that makes for the perfect road trip.  Walking around the lakes and fells to see the magnificent scenery is one of the many pleasures of the area.

Quintessential villages are plentiful as are traditional English pubs with real ale and hearty food. Don’t just rush by on your way from England to Scotland; take a few days and enjoy all that the lakes have to offer.

Best places to visit on a Lake District Road Trip

Most people arrive from the south via Windermere, but to explore the areas hidden gems its worth spending at least three days here. The Lake District has some of the worlds best scenic drives and a trip along the Honister Pass and Kirkstone Pass are a must.

In the South Lakes, I’d highly recommend a  visit to Grasmere . Here you can visit several homes of the famous poet William Wordsworth and enjoy Sarah Nelson’s delightful gingerbread.

If you love Beatrix Potter, you can follow in her footsteps at Beatrix Potter World in Bowness- on- Windermere.  Her home near Hawkshead is open to visitors, and Wray Castle is a beautiful spot where she enjoyed her family holidays.

In the North Lakes, the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth have plenty to explore. The Castlerigg stone circle, with its stunning views across the fells, is worth stopping at, and the “Surprise View” across Derwent Water is spectacular.

If you’re not exploring in a motorhome or campervan, accommodation throughout the area is plentiful. There are boat rides and water-based activities to enjoy on most of the lakes and a plethora of outdoor pursuit centres for the more adventurous.

When is the best time for a Lake District road trip?

In the summer months, the National Park can be rather busy particularly on the main A66 road which runs through the centre. Hence if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the spring or autumn.

While you’re not guaranteed sunshine at any time of the year, the weather is probably at its best between April and September.

England Road Trip- Yorkshire & The Dales

Recommended by Sinead | Map Made Memories

England’s largest county, Yorkshire, is a perfect destination for a road trip. There are so many diverse attractions to see within a relatively short drive of each other.

Highlights and some best places in Yorkshire to visit

• Hardraw Force–England’s highest single-drop waterfall
• White Scar–The longest show cave in England
• Visit the ‘Best Street in Britain’
• Visit the cobbled Shambles, named ‘the Best Street in Britain’.
• Marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct, the 24 arches that span the Yorkshire Dales, a true masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
• Castles and ruins all over the place
• Stand on Hogsmeade station (or at least the station which played it in Harry Potter!)

Yorkshire Road Trip Itinerary

Start your road trip in the rolling hills and river valleys of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Visit the 11th century Skipton Castle or descend underground to marvel at the formations in White Scar Caves, the longest show cave in England.

Clamber over Brimham Rocks or hike the stunning landscape around Malham Cove. Browse the independent shops in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

Places to visit on the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales are packed with attractive waterfalls. Choose between the plunging falls around Ingleton, popular Aysgarth Falls or, my favourite waterfall, Hardraw Force which is England’s highest single drop waterfall. Before leaving the Dales, visit the impressive monastic ruins and landscaped gardens of Fountains Abbey.

Continue your road trip by exploring the historic city of York . This compact city is easily navigated on foot and is an ideal location for history buffs. You can visit Viking, Roman, Georgian and Victorian sites all in one day!

See the iconic York Minster, walk the city’s medieval city walls and stroll along the cobbled Shambles, which has been voted the ‘ Best Street in Britain’ and was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series!

Road trip over the Yorkshire Moors

End your Yorkshire road trip with a drive across the wild Yorkshire Moors. Take a scenic trip on a steam train across the Moors to visit charming Goathland train station which doubled as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter movies. Alternatively, your legs with a hike at the Hole of Horcum, a huge ancient natural amphitheatre.

How long should you spend exploring Yorkshire on a road trip?

You could ‘cover’ Yorkshire in a couple of days but to truly appreciate all it has to offer I would recommend at least one full week.

When is the best time to road trip to Yorkshire?

Yorkshire can be explored all year around- and expect rain at any time! But Spring is incredible on the moors- with the wildflowers blooming and the days getting longer, it’s a perfect time to visit. Autumn also offers spectacular views with the leaves turning colour, providing an incredible backdrop.

England Road Trip Idea – North East Coast

Northern England’s east coast is full of charming towns and villages, and is the perfect destination for a road trip.

Best places to visit on a North East coast England road trip

• Saltburn-by-the-Sea (to search for fossils)
• Lemon top ice-cream – Its legacy goes back over 100 years!)
• Staithes- picturesque fishing village
• Whitby Abbey – the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula
• Robin Hood’s Bay (where smuggling was commonplace
• Scarborough Castle

North East England road trip itinerary

Start in Saltburn-by-the-sea. Be sure to search for fossils throughout your visit. I actually found one in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, but you can get lucky in any of the places on this list! Saltburn-by-the-Sea is home to the historic Saltburn Cliff Tramway and affords beautiful views from the bluffs above town.

You can walk along The Cleveland Way, a historic trail that runs through each of the 5 locations mentioned. I’d also recommend trying Lemon Top Ice Cream, or vanilla ice cream with a dollop of lemon sorbet on top.

Staithes is a quaint fishing village laden with narrow pathways and quirky cottages.

The Whitby Abbey towers above the town, giving it an eerie feeling – it’s even credited as the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula!

Robin Hood’s Bay has a long history with smugglers, and its red rooftops and crowded buildings conceal hidden routes. In Scarborough, you can enjoy rides at the Luna Park amusement park or visit the historic Scarborough Castle!

When is the best time to road trip England’s north-east coast?

Although you can visit this area all year round, I’d suggest visiting in the summer or fall. It rains much of the year in this region of England, but there’s a higher likelihood of sunshine from July through October.

How long to spend on this England Road trip?

You can complete this road trip in less than 2 hours, but I’d suggest spending at least a few days exploring the region. Each Yorkshire coastal town has its own charm and activities to offer, so you certainly don’t want to rush!

How far is it from the North east coast to London?

Scarborough to London takes about 5 hours by car. Avoid travelling Friday afternoons or Monday morning- those are the peak road traffic times.

Don’t miss Durham

We spent a lovely couple of days exploring the city of Durham. There are so many wonderful places to explore, but one of the highlights for us was Durham Cathedral. This incredible building was built in the 11th Century and is the largest surviving stone vaulted ceiling of its size.

However, if I’m honest, I was more excited by the fact that several scenes in Harry Potter were filmed here, including in the cloisters and many of the covered walkways.

It was also in Durham Cathedral that Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter ‘Fluffy’- the forbidden corridor was also part of the cathedral.

Other fantastic things to see in or near Durham include:

• Durham Castle
• High Force Waterfall (one of the best waterfalls in Europe )
• Finchale Priory

Northumberland Coast

Recommended by Tracy | Travels in Time

The Northumberland Coastal route stretches for over 35 miles from Alnmouth in the south to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north.

The drive takes you through an area of outstanding natural beauty with many beautiful villages and places of interest to visit along the way.

How long to spend on a Northumberland coast road trip

This itinerary covers a day trip but you could spend a few days exploring the area or even walk the Northumberland Coastal Path along the same route if you are feeling up to it!

Northumberland road trip itinerary

The first village to visit is Craster – famous for its kippers and overlooked by Dunstanburgh Castle. If you’re looking for impressive castles in England , Northumberland is the place to go- there are more castles here than any other county in England!

After exploring Craster and the castle, head to Seahouses. A popular seaside town for families with lots of arcades and fish and chip shops this is the place to stop for a bite to eat.

If the weather is good why not hop on a boat over to the Farme Islands? With large colonies of seals and puffins the islands are popular with nature lovers.

Bamburgh Castle dominates the horizon and is worth exploring. It was once the home to the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria and also has a ghost or two!

After Bamburgh head to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Make sure you check the tides before you go- the island is tidal and is only accessible during certain times.

Once on the island take a stroll up to the castle. Don’t miss exploring the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. This is the place famous as the home of Christianity in England until Viking raids eventually led to the abandonment of the priory.

When is the best time for a Northumberland road trip?

The best time to visit Northumberland and places in North East England is in the summer – the days are long and the sun will hopefully be shining! Be aware that on occasions during the summer a sea fret (mist) can hang over the coast and cool temperatures and decrease visibility. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you travel.

Wow- anyone else want to jump in their motorhome/ camper/ car/ bike and head off to start exploring? What a fantastic list of England road trip destinations!

As you can see, it really doesn’t matter where you go or how long you have to explore England- you’ll have plenty of places to enjoy. And who knows- next time we set off for Norfolk, we might even make it there without swinging by Cornwall first!! 🙂

Planning an England road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to plan an epic UK road trip
• How to create a road trip itinerary with Google Maps
• 100 best road trip driving songs
• How to plan a motorhome trip to UK or Europe

See all our UK travel ideas and tips

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Cornwall is such a beautiful part of the UK to visit in a motorhome, although it can be a little tight around those country roads.

So true- some of those roads are tiny, but worth it for the incredible views and places to visit.

Have you been on the welsh coast much

Our very first motorhome trip EVER was to the Welsh coast. We’ve put together some of our favourite Welsh road trips here if you want some ideas: https://wandering-bird.com/wales-road-trip/

Although all road trips are lovely, I particularly enjoy traveling in a campervan through Devon in the UK. I appreciate you sharing this list of road trip suggestions.

Fantastic article for anyone travelling England on a road trip

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The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024

From charming seaside spots to bustling cities, we’ve got all the staycation inspo you need right here

For all the bucket list places around the world, it can be easy to forget that we actually have some pretty amazing places to explore right here on our doorstep. Sure, the British weather can have a mind of its own and train travel can leave a lot to be desired, but if you’re willing to put up with all of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what there is to discover. 

From quaint coastal towns with trailblazing restaurants and bustling cities with an edge of their own, to gorgeous islands that feel nothing like the UK , these are the parts of the country that should hands-down be on your staycation wishlist for next year. These places have thriving food, drink and arts scenes, they’re home to exciting new openings and they have plenty of big events for you to scribble into your calendar, pronto. 

Thinking of planning a holiday a little closer to home next year? By sifting through all of the hottest launches for next year and using our expert knowledge of cultural scenes around the country,  Time Out’s UK team has curated the very best British destinations for you to plan a trip to in 2024. And the best part? Y ou can visit most of them easily, cheaply and without having to catch a flight. Time to get booking!

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best  things to do in the UK 🏖️ The best  seaside towns in the UK 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in the UK

An email you’ll actually love

Where to visit in the UK in 2024

1.  Bristol

Should we really be surprised that (apparently) everyone is moving to Bristol ? Its cultural scene is just as exciting as London ’s, but it’s still only a short coach journey away; it has picture-perfect streets and bustling, diverse nightlife. And i n 2024, its arts offering is only getting better. A musical adaptation of the 2006 film ‘ Starter for Ten ’ is coming to the renowned Old Vic theatre from February 29 to March 30, while   DIASPORA! , a brand new festival showcasing BIPOC global ethnic majority artists – across theatre, dance, music, visual and digital arts, as well as poetry and spoken word – is launching in May.   Undershed , a new immersive gallery, is on track to launch in Spring, and   Boxhall   – a street food, beer and events space by the same people who behind London’s   Boxpark   – will also open its doors.   

The perfect day Start with grabbing a coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters  before pottering around Gloucester Road and perusing the many shops (it’s the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe). Then, hop on a Bristol Ferry water bus tour  to see the city from the water . Finally, feast on a dinner of Spanish small plates at Bravas (or check out one of the city’s other excellent restaurants ), before heading out to rave the night away at one of the many DIY-style clubs . 

Plan your trip The 2024 edition of Bristol’s newest music festival, Forwards , takes place on August 31 and September 1. 2023 headliners included Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu and Raye .

📍 The best things to do in Bristol 🍴 The   best  restaurants in Bristol

2.  Hull

Hull became a surprising capital for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community in 2023. From  Monroe’s   to Unit 49 and Cherry’s – named after the late ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ star Cherry Valentine – an influx of new gay bars and clubs means Hull’s new Freedom Quarter is slowly growing its ecosystem of queer-friendly spaces. As well as its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, in 2017 the East Yorkshire city was also named the city of culture. It’s got The Deep , an enormous aquarium with 3000 species, a picturesque old town which survived the city’s relentless WWII bombings, and lots of up and coming indie art galleries like Ground and Artlink . Don’t sleep on Hull.

The perfect day  Get your caffeine fix at Still. by Two Gingers Coffee before having a wonder around Hull’s charming old town or pottering in the shops at Hepworth’s Arcade . After that, head to indie events space Ground to check out whatever arty happenings they have on. Finally, stop for a pint at Ye Olde White Hart before heading to one of the infamous 13-hour parties (yes, really) at Gate No. 5 .

Plan your visit Pride in Hull will take place on July 29, 2024. 

📍 The best things to do in Hull

3.  Isles of Scilly

A lot of people say that the Isles of Scilly are the British version of the Caribbean – and you know what? We’d totally agree. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is largely unspoilt, with white stretches of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities to go island hopping and dolphin spotting. But there’s more, too: head to the local museum to immerse yourself in the islanders’ deep sense of culture and tradition, sink yourself silly on local ales at seaside pubs or indulge your sense of adventure by snorkelling over the many under-the-sea shipwrecks. Bliss. 

The perfect day Travel to the islands by Skybus from Land’s End – it only takes 20 minutes, and there’s a gorgeous view. Once you arrive, make your way over to St Mary’s Riding Centre to take in the stunning scenery on horse-back. If that’s not your thing, hire bikes and explore the coastal trails of St. Mary’s islands before taking a transfer boat to St. Agnes to visit the Turks Head for a hearty pub lunch made using local ingredients. Once your food goes down? It has to be time for a swim.

Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours.

📍 The best places to visit in Cornwall

4.  London

Ah, good old London . No matter how many times you’ve visited or how long you’ve lived there, you’ll always find new things to discover in the capital. There are a tonne of new restaurants to feast at, all sorts of gorgeous hotel openings and plenty of fresh cultural things to do. Most notably, in 2024, you can dance at Drumsheds , the mammoth warehouse club housed in a former IKEA, catch a blockbuster exhibition – like Yoko Ono at the Tate Modern or The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum – and see epic new West End performances ( Mean Girls , anyone?).

The perfect day  For lunch, grab a delicious loaded sandwich at Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road for (or treat yourself to a boujee meal out at Morito ), before perusing the cute independent shops on Columbia Road and gawking over the even cuter animals at Hackney City Farm . Head over to Soho for a late-afternoon pint at the iconic French House , then round off your day with a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the newly opened Forza Wine at the National Theatre , before catching a play. 

Plan your trip Book tickets to see the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘ Spirited Away ’, taking place at the London Coliseum from April 30 until August 24.

📍 The best things to do in London 🍴 The best restaurants in London

5.  Belfast

The Norn Iron capital is criminally underrated. If you’re yet to discover its welcoming warmth and cultural vibrance, 2024 is the year to change that. Over the next twelve months Belfast has mega ambitions to deliver its biggest ever cultural celebration via a project dubbed ‘ Belfast 2024 ’. Set around the theme of ‘People, Place and Planet’, the whopping programme of 24 large-scale commissions and over 200 events, workshops and activities includes a collaboration with the Eden Project, a guerilla gardening scheme aimed at rewilding the peace walls in the west of the city and an immersive music showcase celebrating Belfast’s contemporary Black culture.

The perfect day Begin with a wholesome morning stroll through the Botanic Gardens , followed by a hefty brunch at Output . Then wander through the parliament buildings at Stormont and the monumental Titanic Belfast museum. In the evening, find your way to The Muddlers Club hidden within the historic back streets of the Cathedral Quarter, or if you’d rather eat in, order from cult favourite Mexican place Boojums . Round off the evening by grabbing a pint accompanied by some banging live music at the Dirty Onion .

Plan your trip  The cultural celebrations kick off from March and will run through to November. Make sure to be in the city on March 17 for an ‘enhanced’ edition of St Patrick’s Day shindigs.

📍 The best things to do in Belfast

6.  St Andrews

Forgive us for including two Scottish seaside towns in this list (see: number 14), but it’s a good excuse to plan a road trip, right? A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else. But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s also close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum . St Andrews has also been tipped to be a hit set-jetting destination for 2024 with the town featuring heavily in the final season of ‘ The Crown ’, thanks to it to being where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university. Fans, come this way.

The perfect day Line your stomach with a delicious fry up from Northpoint (which claims, like many places in town, to be where ‘Will met Kate’). Then, you’ll probably want to go for a lofty beach walk on West Sands, where ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, before returning to town for some fresh fish and chips from Cromar’s (if the weather allows, eat them on another nearby beach: Castle Sands). In the evening, catch a local show at The Byre Theatre  or sink some pints at one of the town’s many pubs: Aikman’s and Brew Co. are very good choices.

Plan your trip  V isit in July: most of the students will have left for the summer and you might actually get to enjoy the beach with some sun.

📍 The essential guide to Scotland

7.  Lewes

‘Like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England’: so said William Morris about Lewes in the 1800s. The sloping Sussex town has been a favoured haunt of artsy progressives, not least Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and the rest of the bohemian Bloomsbury set. In 2023, it gained a brand new cultural space in the form of Charleston in Lewes (head here in the new year to catch the ‘Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion’ exhibition, closing March 3). There’s more, too: as you wonder Lewes’ charming wonky streets you’ll stumble past the former home of Anne of Cleves, Lewes Castle , a hodgepodge of artisan stores and delicious foodie spots – as well as the most bonkers pub in the UK, the Lewes Arms.

The perfect day  Take the brand new Sussex Art Shuttle and travel a short distance outside of town to see Charleston Farmhouse , before heading back for a veggie burger at Bun and Bean and a pastry dessert from Flint Owl Bakery . Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the castle and Lewes Priory , then browse the independent shops in The Needlemakers . Finish with a meal and a movie at Depot .

Plan your trip  The stunning Glyndebourne Opera House is hosting a festival of world class opera from May 16 to August 25, while the incredible extravaganza that is Lewes Bonfire Night is taking place around November 5.

📍 The best things to do in Lewes

8.  Newcastle

There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn  and new brunch spot Cafeteria :  a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now. Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens. 

The perfect day  Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage , before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge. Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city. Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn . If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon. 

Plan your trip  The Newcastle Fringe 2024 will run from July 18 to  29. Catch shows at the very cool Northern Stage as well as a number of pubs. 

📍 The best things to do in Newcastle

9.  Falmouth

Falmouth has always been Cornwall’s cooler town. Home to Exeter and Falmouth university campuses, student life here has brought a bit of vibrancy and edge to the quiet cobbled streets – but there’s always been a glaring gap when it came to the question of nightlife. Recently, though – thanks to new music venue  The Cornish Bank  –  its late night credentials have shot up. From Klub Nos Lowen, a cult folk music night, to up and coming indie bands, this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.

The perfect day  Start with a paddle at Gyllyngvase Beach, then warm yourself up with a coffee at Gylly beach cafe . Then check out the independent boutiques and galleries on the high street. (Shout out to Mirri Damer jewellery and Wild Pony vintage.) After grabbing some grub from Harbour Lights fish and chips, head to Chain Locker for a harbourside pint before moseying on to a gig at The Cornish Bank. If you have time, pop in to Beerwolf too, a charming pub/bookshop.

Plan your visit  T he annual worm charming championship  (you read that right)  takes place in late May every year. The Sea Shanty Festival  takes place on June  14 to 16  2024, and Falmouth Week , an extravaganza of music, sailing and local culture, takes place on August  9 to 18 .

📍 The best things to do in Falmouth

10.  Manchester

Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet. After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug , and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum , 2024 is set to be another big one. The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live  which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform. And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof , in the Noma district in spring.

The perfect day  Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre). Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In , for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES .

Plan your trip  Head up some time between October 23 and 27 to catch the Worldwide Music Expo , which is set to attract over 2,600 big guns from the global music industry.

📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍴 The best  restaurants in Manchester

11.  Ramsgate

Last year it was all about Margate , but now, another neighbour has joined Kent’s roster of cosy, culture-filled seaside towns that everyone’s getting obsessed with. Enter: Ramsgate , a walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character. Check out one of its locally-run galleries and studios (including Level 11 , specialising in dog pics), and don’t miss filling up at one of its new food offerings: this year, bar/restaurant Seabird  arrived on the scene , as well as new monthly pop-up Catch at the Camden Arms , serving up a delightful seafood set menu. Oh, and the world’s biggest Wetherspoons is here. You heard us. 

The perfect day  Pull up at Ramsgate Station and stroll towards the seafront, stopping at The Modern Boulangerie on Harbour Street for brunch and a ridiculously good cinnamon roll. Take a coffee to go and spend time checking out Ramsgate’s indie shops, from the records at Vinyl Head to the pottery, books and glass at Island Vintage . Head to the harbour and head out on a seal-spotting boat trip , before grabbing a sunset pint at the Royal Harbour Brasserie . Finally, warm up with pub grub at The Bedford Inn  (top tip: you can rent a room at their brand-new hotel too). 

Plan your trip  Go when it’s sunny and try to catch the town’s  International Film Festival in June or the Festival of Sound in August. 

📍 The best things to do in Ramsgate

12.  Norwich

Hugged by the marshes and woodlands of Broads National Park, Norwich brings the ancient to the contemporary — from its cobbled alleyways and two dazzling cathedrals to the modern exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre and its Michelin-star prowess. In summer 2024,  Norwich Castle (which was apparently one of Europe’s most important mediaeval fortresses) is set to reveal the results of a mighty £15m revamp, due to include redecorated rooms and the restoration of its 12th century Norman keep. As the self-proclaimed ‘City of Stories’ and England’s first UNESCO City of LIterature, you’ll be enchanted by Norwich’s tale.

The perfect day  Order your morning drink of choice at Strangers Coffee then stop by the city’s 900-year old market on Gentleman’s Walk to check out the organic produce and food stalls. Save room for dessert so that you can enjoy elevenses at Figbar then take in the magnificent architecture of Norwich Cathedral and check out the curiosities hiding within the antique shops on Elm Hill. Round it all off with dinner from Grosvenor Fish Bar .

Plan your trip A c elebration of queer art and ideas, Queerfest Norwich is happening February 8 to 24.

📍 The best things to do in Norwich

13.  Alnmouth

For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet. Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet. Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.

The perfect day Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s. Then stop by the Ferry Hut , a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear. Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House .

Plan your trip Alnmouth Arts Festival  is happening on June 15 and 16, with more than 50 designers and craftspeople exhibiting their work in venues throughout the village.

14.  Ullapool

A tiny village and port around 45 miles from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides. But there’s more to this place than just hiking boots and anoraks. Ullapool also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland’s most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant  The Dipping Lugger  attracting foodies from far and near. The town was recently chosen as one of Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in Europe, so get down soon.

The perfect day Wrap up warm and drive over to the foot of Stac Pollaidh mountain, with its spectacular peak of Torridonian sandstone. Reward yourself with a packed lunch on the top after a two-hour climb, before heading home and warming up in The Ferry Boat Inn  where you can enjoy a slap-up dinner with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat.

Plan your trip The next Baile/Baile club nights take place on February 3 and March 2, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting DJ talent.

15.  Wrexham

Who’d have thought a small Welsh city would have been taken over by Hollywood celebs and become the subject of an extremely popular Disney+ documentary? Wrexham, home to the formerly flailing football club Wrexham AFC, became one of the UK’s hottest tourist destinations after A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. The city is also home to St Giles’s, one of the most stunning churches in Wales. Then there’s the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a huge 18-arched stone and cast iron structure carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee – and two National Trust properties, Erddig Parkland and Chirk Castle . In 2024, the national Football Museum for Wales is also expected to open, with exhibitions on Welsh language communities, fan culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The perfect day Start the day at Aussi brunch spot Lot 11 . After fueling yourself, you’re obviously going to want to check out The Racecourse, the stadium that’s home to Wrexham AFC. Then you’ll need to grab a pint at The Turf , the football team’s pub of choice. For the afternoon, hop in the car for a 20 minute drive to check out the gorgeous views from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and surrounding World Heritage Site.

Plan your trip Wrexham Feast , an annual food and drink festival, takes place in late September.

📍 The best things to do in Wrexham

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Home » Travel » Destinations » 50 UK Bucket List Ideas For Travel Lovers

50 UK Bucket List Ideas For Travel Lovers

From ancient castles to raucous festivals, there’s no shortage of UK bucket list ideas for travel enthusiasts. It seems like every time I check off an item from my own list, I learn about some other incredible thing to see, do, or eat!

After we moved to London from the US , I started keeping track of my top things to do in the UK. As a lover of both travel and spreadsheets, I held onto my original list–and now I’m publishing it here to help inspire your own exploration.

Obviously, there are way too many things here to squeeze into a single trip. You need at least 4 days to see London , let alone the rest of the UK. Instead, think of this as a menu of options to plan your dream itinerary or staycation.

For easier viewing, I’ve organized these UK bucket list ideas by country. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the amazing things to do in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, it does cover the major highlights of each region, from destinations to cultural experiences.

I know it’s trendy to have bucket lists with 100+ ideas, but I personally find those overwhelming! Instead, I’ve curated this list down to my top 50 recommendations that will truly knock your socks off.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, click here .

UK bucket list ideas by country

England bucket list ideas Scotland bucket list ideas Wales bucket list ideas Northern Ireland bucket list ideas

England bucket list ideas

#1. westminster abbey: the final resting place of notable royals and residents.

Whether you’re an architecture lover, history buff, or literature fan, Westminster Abbey is a must see place in the UK. This Gothic masterpiece has been hosting England’s coronations and royal weddings for nearly 1,000 years. And it’s also the final resting place of the country’s most famous figures, including Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill, and Charles Dickens.

I’ve visited my fair share of historical sites around the world, but nothing quite compares to Westminster Abbey. Being surrounded by ancient tombs of monarchs and cultural icons you studied in school is a heavy and surreal feeling. For an extra dose of history, be sure to grab the free handheld audio tour as you enter the main hall.

Because queue times can be long, I highly suggest buying advance tickets online . However, if you’re starting this London itinerary on a Wednesday, you can score a “Wednesday Lates” admission for £11 from 4:30-6pm in person.

RELATED: 31 Best Gifts from London Recommended by a Local

#2. St. Paul’s Cathedral: a stunning symbol of endurance

If you ask me what my favorite place in London is, I will answer “St. Paul’s” without hesitation. Designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren in the late 1600s, the cathedral miraculously survived the WWII Blitz bombings. Since that day, it has stood as a symbol of hope and resilience.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is gorgeous inside and out, with ceiling frescoes, golden accents, and ornate doors. It’s also the final resting place of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Wren himself.

One of my top London sightseeing tips is to climb the dome for stunning views over London. It’s over 500 steps to the top, but there are a few stopping points along the way, including a Whispering Gallery.

I suggest buying advance tickets online and saving £3 off the £20 door price. Online tickets also give you fast track entry, and you can enter any time during the day.

#3. Stonehenge: an enduring mystery

Visiting Stonehenge is another one of those surreal UK bucket list experiences. It may be different for Brits, but as an American expat in England , I felt positively giddy when we crested the final hill and the stone ring from my history books came into view.

While there are people who say Stonehenge is a tourist trap, I believe it captures the imagination. Its purpose and construction still hold mysteries after 5,000 years, with new secrets coming to light every now and then.

To get the best experience, I recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket , which includes free admission to the museum (and a parking spot).

But if you’re up for a long hike through the countryside, you can also see Stonehenge for free .

#4. The Cotswolds: chocolate box cottages and dreamy villages

England’s Cotswolds region is frequently cited as the most beautiful area in the country. In fact, it’s designated as an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

And once you’ve stepped into Chipping Campden’s cozy village center and strolled along the country roads of Painswick, you’ll understand why.

Honey-colored stone cottages, fragrant rose gardens, and impossibly charming villages draw thousands of visitors a year from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in the grand Gloucester Cathedral (home to a famous Harry Potter filming site) or idyllic walks along the river in Castle Combe, the Cotswolds deserve a spot on your UK travel bucket list.

Check out my Cotswolds itinerary to plan your visit!

#5. Blenheim Palace: home to the “finest view in England”

What do Churchill, Downton Abbey, and the finest view in England all have in common? The answer is Blenheim Palace.

Nestled between Oxford and the eastern Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s grandest country houses. Built in the early 1700s, the palace holds several claims to fame, including being the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the inspiration for Downton Abbey’s early plot.

The extensive grounds surrounding the residence are truly magnificent, and the panorama of the lake and palace is regarded as the “finest view in England”. Blenheim Palace is a joy to visit any time of year, though it’s especially beautiful when the autumn leaves are in full glory.

#6. York: an ancient town of twisting alleys and grand architecture

An ancient walled city built by Romans and dominated by a Gothic Cathedral. Tangled webs of crooked alleys preserved from medieval times. York is a city dripping with history.

And with journeys from King’s Cross taking around two hours, York earns a place on the list of best day trips from London by train .

Here are some of city’s highlights:

• The Shambles: a stretch of medieval houses and historic shop fronts that inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
• York Minster: this 1,300-year-old Gothic cathedral is one of Northern Europe’s largest
• City Walls: walk the 3km perimeter of the old city boundaries
• National Railway Museum: transit buffs will love this collection of old and modern trains from around the world

#7. The Lake District: a relaxing waterside retreat

With beautiful villages, stunning vistas, and 16 lovely lakes, there are endless things to do in England’s Lake District.

Whether you want a laid back picnic at Buttermere or a relaxing canal ride on Derwent Water, the Lake District is chock full of UK bucket list ideas. And If you’re planning a couples getaway in England , there’s no better region than Cumbria.

Here are some of the region’s highlights:

• Windermere: home to Wray Castle, Holehird Gardens, and the World of Beatrix Potter
• Cartmel: Where you can explore the 12th century Priory, stroll along the stream, and sample the village’s famous sticky toffee pudding
• Ravenglass: A picturesque coastal hamlet that’s also home to Muncaster Castle
• Ambleside : Known for its stone cottages and highly photographed Bridge House, which straddles a stream
• Keswick: a lakeside village home to the Latrigg Walk , one of the region’s best hikes

#8. The Peak District: home to England’s best hikes

If your ideal UK bucket list includes scenic hikes across rolling hills, farmland, and streams, you’ll love the Peak District.

Officially known as Peak District National Park, this natural paradise between Manchester and Sheffield is criss-crossed with walking and hiking trails for people of all abilities. Cozy villages with pub lodgings are scattered throughout the valleys, making excellent home bases for day hikes (or rest stops for thru hikers).

Here are some of the top Peak District attractions:

• Edale: home to the starting point of the 435km Pennine Way and England’s first National Trail
• Jacob’s Ladder: a scenic hiking trail near Kinder Scout with excellent views at the top
• Mam Tor: the ridge walk between this hill and Losehill is popular for a reason
• Chatsworth House: one of England’s most majestic and stately homes

#9. Bodleian Library: Oxford’s jaw-dropping mecca for literature lovers

Bodleian Library is one of Europe’s oldest, and the second largest library in Britain.

Established in 1602, it’s been a longtime favorite of book lovers and architecture fans. But thanks to the Harry Potter franchise, the Bodleian became one of the must see places in the UK. The library’s Gothic-ceilinged Divinity Room and mysterious-looking Duke Humfrey’s Library were both used as filming locations.

Just be sure to book a guided tour of the facilities if you actually want to see inside!

#10. Jurassic Coast: chalky white cliffs and stunning coastal views

There’s more to England’s Jurassic Coast than the Insta-famous Durdle Door. Stretching for 95 miles across the country’s southern shores, this collection of white cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Jurassic Coast begins at Orcombe Point in Exmouth, Devon, and continues to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset. It gets its name from the large amount of fossils present from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

The area is brimming with unique towns and landscapes, from the pretty seaside Lyme Regis with its abundance of fossils, to the towering TV-famous cliffs of Broadchurch. The area is best explored by car, though buses do travel along the main routes.

Other amazing things to do in England

• Walk in the footsteps of Chaucer’s pilgrims in Canterbury
• Check out the 1,800-year-old remains of Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria
• Hike the lush pathways leading to Aira Force waterfall in Ullswater
• Go punting along the river in Cambridge
• Catch a raucous football match in one of England’s many stadiums (or a pub if you can’t come by tickets)
• Enjoy a classic Shakespeare play at The Globe Theatre
• Attend a day (or all five) of Glastonbury, the world’s largest greenfield music and performing arts festival
• Eat a traditional Cornish pasty in Cornwall (preferably while relaxing at one of the county’s stunning beaches)

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Scotland bucket list ideas

#19. edinburgh castle: the most besieged place in britain.

Your first glimpse of Edinburgh Castle will be unforgettable. The entire city has a magical quality to it–in no small part due to the 900-year-old walled fortress overlooking it all.

Built atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is the UK’s second-most visited paid attraction. It’s also the most besieged place in the country.

Even if you aren’t a history buff, the views from the walls alone are enough to put this marvelous castle on your UK bucket list. Inside, you’ll find various exhibits that tell the history of Scotland and Edinburgh. The animated sections about the Wars of Independence and the Great Hall are must sees.

Check out my 2 day Edinburgh itinerary and my Edinburgh in October guide to plan your perfect trip.

#20. Eilean Donan Castle: a favorite of photographers and film buffs

Located along the Scottish coast on the way to the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most important Scottish attractions.

The history of the castle can be traced back to the 6th century, although the first fortified castle is believed to have been built in the 13th century. This was built to protect against the Vikings, who had already conquered most of Northern Scotland. But the Eilean Donan Castle managed to hold its own until the Jacobite uprising of 1719, when it was partially destroyed.

The castle hs since been restored and is now one of the most beautiful must see places in the UK. It’s also been featured in numerous films, including Highlander and James Bond: The World is Not Enough.

#21. Isle of Skye’s Fairy Pools: where magic and reality blur

Not far from Eilean Donan Castle, you’ll find the bridge to the breathtaking Isle of Skye. Although the Isle of Skype in general is a must see, the island’s Fairy Pools are an ultimate UK travel bucket list item.

The Fairy Pools are a series of beautiful crystal clear blue pools fed by waterfalls from the Cuillins Mountains, and they feel like a slice of paradise in Scotland. Located along the River Brittle, the pools are free to visit, but require a 2.4 km (1.5 miles) walk through the Black Cuillins along a gravel path. 

#22. Loch Ness: the legend lives on

You’ve likely heard of the Loch Ness Monster, but did you know that Loch Ness is a real place? In Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Scots, loch is the word for lake, and you will find lots throughout Scotland.

Loch Ness is 240 meters (788 feet) deep, and approximately 36 km (23 miles) in length, making it the largest volume of freshwater in Great Britain. And it’s famously home to the folkloric Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie for short.

Nessie is an aquatic monster said to have one or two humps and a long neck, and is likely based off of the kelpie myth. Although many have claimed to see Nessie, sadly any documented sightings have been proven to be hoaxes. But you can try your luck anyway while visiting!

#23. Drink Scotch whisky: it’s best straight from the source

The Scots pride themselves on their whisky. In fact, Scotland is home to over 130 whisky distilleries, which is the largest concentration of whisky distilleries in the world. Not surprisingly, many of those are some of the biggest brand names in the industry.

While in Scotland, make sure to visit at least one of the distilleries for a tour and a free dram or two! If you have a favorite, go there, but if you’re new to Scottish whisky, some of the top brands to try are: Lagavulin, The Glenlivet, Talisker, and Laphroaig.

And remember: in Scotland it’s always whisky, never whiskey!

#24. Edinburgh Fringe: the world’s largest arts festival

First established in 1947, today the Edinburgh Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world! Some of the biggest names in the arts (especially music and comedy) have performed here over the years. Some people even get their careers started at the Fringe. For example, the hit musical Six , about the six wives of Henry the VIII was first performed here.

With over 250,000 attendees and 55,000 performers, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most amazing things to do in the UK–if you can get tickets. The festival is usually held in August, although dates vary slightly every year, so make sure to check ahead of time.

#25. Hogmanay: a rocking Scottish NYE

If you can handle the cold, Scotland is magical in the winter. And one of the best UK bucket list activities for this time of year is Hogmanay, which is the Scots word for the last day of the old year.

Pretty much everyone in Scotland will have some kind of Hogmanay celebration, especially the larger cities. But if you want to go all out, Edinburgh is the place to be as the city’s festivities are some of the largest in the world, and includes fireworks, music, street parties, and more!

Other amazing things to do in Scotland

• Pay a visit to the Highlands cows (they have fabulous hair)
• Make the journey to John o’Groats, Scotland’s northernmost village
• Sample some haggis, the national dish of Scotland
• Watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan aqueduct (a must for Harry Potter fans)
• Go hiking on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK

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Wales bucket list ideas

#31. mount snowdon: hike the tallest mountain in wales.

For my fellow adventurers, Mount Snowdon is one of the most amazing things to do in the UK. It is the highest mountain in Wales with an elevation of 1,085 metres (​3,560 ft) above sea level. That might not sound like much to some, but it can still be a grueling trek for less experienced hikers.

There are six routes you can take to the summit, and all of them have stunning views looking out over the Welsh countryside. The easiest route is the Llanberis path, although it also happens to be the longest. Alternative, Pyg Track is often considered the most difficult.

For striking scenery without the crowds, take the Rhyd Ddu Path to the summit.

#32. Tenby: the colorful seaside town you won’t want to leave

The picturesque Tenby is a walled, seaside town along the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales. Tenby is as beautiful as it is unique, as it feels like a slice of mainland Europe in the UK. It’s easy to feel like you’re strolling through Dubrovnik, or sunbathing on the Greek islands instead of traveling in Old Blighty.

Tenby is the perfect weekend getaway in the UK. You can spend an afternoon walking through the old town eating ice cream, or visit Dylan Thomas’ writing cabin. And definitely don’t miss the extremely photogenic Tenby Harbour.

#33. Pembrokeshire National Park: miles of peaceful, untamed coastline

Tenby isn’t all there is to see in Pembrokeshire. This entire region in Wales is one of the prettiest in the whole country, so it’s no wonder that Pembrokeshire National Park is a UK travel bucket list for many. And a worthy one at that!

First opened in 1952, it is one of three national parks in Wales, and one of the oldest national parks in the whole of the UK. Pembrokeshire is the only national park in the United Kingdom to consist entirely of wild and maritime landscape, making it a must for nature lovers.

#34. Brecon Beacons: dramatic vistas for the hiking enthusiast

This mountain range is one of the most beautiful in Wales, and spans 1,344 km² (519 miles²). It is one of the most popular multi-day hikes in the UK, with the 159km (99 mile) hike through Brecon Beacons Way taking an average of 8 days.

In addition to hiking, Brecon Beacons is full of fun activities for the whole family. There are caves, castles, museums, and more. You can even go horseback riding or stop by a local market village.

Brecon Beacons, along with three other mountains and hills in South Wales, also make up the Brecon Beacons National Park, one of three in Wales.

#35. Conwy Castle: an oceanside beauty that’s stood the test of time

History buffs, families, and the casual holidaymaker alike will treasure their visit to Conwy Castle. The castle was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986, with the board calling it “one of the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe.”

Built by Edward I over 700 years ago during the conquest of Wales, the Conwy Castle is one of the country’s best bucket list activities. The castle looms over the market town of Conwy, but inside it’s full of mementos of the past and gorgeous views over the Welsh countryside.

Other amazing things to do in Wales:

• Explore 2,000 year’s worth of history at Cardiff Castle
• Discover why Bodnant Garden is known as one of Britain’s greatest gardens (hint: the Laburnum Arch is a must see in late spring)
• Snap a postcard-worthy photo at South Stack Lighthouse
• Celebrate the rich culture of Wales at the National Eisteddfod
• Pretend you’re in a Studio Ghibli film at the whimsical town of Portmeirion

Northern Ireland bucket list ideas

#41. the giant’s causeway: a gorgeous coast to rival iceland.

Visiting this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site might have you thinking you’ve accidentally ended up in Iceland.

The Giant’s Causeway, which spans 70 hectares across the Northern Irish coast, is made up of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. The result is a unique landscape of volcanic rock and crashing waves that will leave you speechless.

There are a few legends surrounding the Giant’s Causeway. One says that a giant named Finn McCool caused it when he fought a Scottish giant Benandonner, while another suggests the mythical Irish hunter-warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill had it built as a pathway to Scotland in order to avoid getting his feet wet

Although it doesn’t involve giants and mythical heroes, the reality is still pretty cool: the Giant’s Causeway was formed during an ancient underwater volcanic fissure eruption.

#42. The Dark Hedges: get lost in a fantasy of tangled trees

Not far from the Giant’s Causeway is a strip of trees that will transport you to a fantasy land. Although the Dark Hedges have always been one of the must see places in the UK, an appearance in the HBO show Game of Thrones has caused their popularity to soar. Today they are one of the most photographed sites in the UK.

The Dark Hedges were planted in the 18th century, and lined the entryway to the estate of the Stuart family, who lived there at the time. The estate is now Gracehill House and used largely as a golf course.

It is best to get to the hedges as early as possible to beat the rush. However, you can also visit at night – just be aware it might be haunted!

#43. Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail: Northern Ireland’s “Stairway to Heaven”

Northern Ireland is a dream for nature enthusiasts, and Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is among the region’s best highlights. This boardwalk hike is nicknamed the The Stairway to Heaven, and it’s easy to see why. The trail meanders through the blanket bog of Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, which provides the backdrop for some of the most captivating landscape in the country.

The hike is 7.5km (4.6 miles) one way, and reaches 665 metres (2,188 feet) above sea level. It is not a strenuous hike, but it is almost entirely without covering, so make sure to bring some sunscreen!

#44. Belfast pub crawl: enjoy local brews amongst the locals

I think it’s safe to say that no UK travel bucket list is complete without at least one pub crawl. And what better place to do it than in Belfast.

You have the option to join an official pub crawl tour, or pick some of the best pubs in Belfast and go it alone. If you’re a solo traveler, I recommend taking a tour, as you’ll meet lots of fun people and get some kind of deal on drinks (such as a free whiskey or baileys). Most of the pubs have some live music playing to really get you in the Irish spirit (no pun intended), and your guide will happily recommend a must have drink to full cultural immersion.

If you choose to go it alone, a few bars you absolutely have to visit are: McHughs (the oldest pub in Belfast), Lavery’s, and Maddens. There are some fun bars along the famous Umbrella Street as well.

#45. Causeway Coastal Route: NI’s answer to the PCH

Also known as the Antrim coast road, the Causeway Coastal Route gives America’s Pacific Coast Highway a run for its money. This drive is one of the most beautiful in the world, and is totally worth renting a car so you can experience it firsthand. If you can, I recommend taking at least a week to drive along the coast and stop as often as you like along the way!

The route stretches along the northern coast from Belfast to Londonderry, and will take you past many of Northern Ireland’s bucket list activities.

Other amazing things to do in Northern Ireland:

• Visit the imposing waterfront Carrickfergus Castle
• Pretend you’re in a fairytale during a long walk through the Glens of Antrim
• Dive into the history (and delicious food) of Northern Ireland in Derry
• Go for a challenging but totally worthwhile hike up Slieve Binnian for unforgettable views
• Experience a St. Patrick’s Day filled with traditional singing, dancing, and dining

I’m always looking for more UK bucket list ideas! If you have recommendations, please leave them in a comment below.

1 thought on “50 UK Bucket List Ideas For Travel Lovers”

Hi. Have loved your recommendations and to my shame as a Brit (half Welsh/English), have yet to visit many of these beautiful places. I just wanted to point out that whilst there is a memorial stone to Winstone Churchill in Westminster Abbey, he was actually buried with his parents in Bladon churchyard, near to Blenheim Palace. So those wishing to visit his grave , need to visit the Cotswolds and perhaps combine with a visit to Blenheim Palace.

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32 UK staycations for 2024

From a peaceful spa retreat in the New Forest to a luxurious break at an Edinburgh icon, these are the UK staycations to book this year

With summer bringing gorgeous, sunny days, now is the ideal time to browse ideas for a cosy staycation in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Choosing a staycation in the UK over a holiday abroad has many advantages. Not only can you leave your passport at home and avoid the airport hassle, you can usually drive or travel by train , making your flight-free journey a more relaxing part of your getaway.

A UK staycation is much more than a practical convenience, too. Our cluster of islands are home to 12,500 miles of rugged coastline, 15 national parks that abound with natural, unkempt beauty and flourishing wildlife, and endless opportunity to indulge in mouthwatering seasonal produce, homegrown wine and local delicacies.

In fact, there are seemingly endless acres of breathtaking countryside and a myriad market towns, honey-hued villages and seaside destinations to explore.

From the lavender-lined path of the world-renowned Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, to the regal Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh - where foodies can tuck in at a Michelin-starred restaurant and the prettiest tea salon in the city - there's a UK staycation to suit everyone.

So, whether you’re escaping as a family, an intimate couples' getaway or a fabulous solo escape, here are the best UK staycations to book in 2023. Turns out there really is no place like home…

Careys Manor & SenSpa, New Forest

Arriving at the idyllic Careys Manor & SenSpa , you'll feel like you're stepping into a New Forest dream before you've even entered the hotel. A gorgeous sanctuary in a serene location in Brockenhurst, it's just how we like our unassuming country retreats.

The superb setting means you're a lovely walk away from Brockenhurst's bustling village centre, where you can stop for cream tea and watch the world go by at the cafes where many cyclists gather - you're likely to spot New Forest ponies and possibly donkeys on your walk from the hotel, too. Of course, there are also some wonderful walks in the forests nearby, such as the route along gravel paths via Balmers Lawn Road (don't forget your walking shoes).

Days out exploring nature's beauty and cute villages are a must but when it comes to relaxation, Careys Manor has it all - including an impressive Thai-inspired spa. This is one wellness space you'll want to make time for, however long you're staying in the New Forest. The SenSpa's hydrotherapy facilities are some of the best you'll find at a four-star hotel in Britain.

The massaging jets in the hydrotherapy pool are perfect for easing any tension in your back and legs, and appreciated after those long walks. There are also thermal rooms for you to unwind in various steam rooms, saunas and under ice showers. If it's simply leisurely laps you have planned, there's a 14-metre swimming pool overlooking the Zen Garden to transport you to Asia.

The spa treatments here shouldn't be missed either and you can relax with a Thai massage or facial in this very British location. Careys Manor also offers a fantastic SenSleep spa package , which includes a stay, dinner, spa access, Ayurveda Head Massage and a gift box filled with sleep treats including the spa's own blend of herbal tea - perfect for those checking in for some proper R&R.

When it comes to the sleep part of your stay, you'l be ready to retreat to your room with cosy country decor, while the three restaurants ensure you're covered when for British, Thai or French dining.

St James Hotel & Club Mayfair, London

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac just a stone’s throw from Green Park and the finest addresses of Mayfair, you’d be forgiven for assuming that a city break at London’s luxury St James Hotel & Club would be all about the high life. While the hotel’s Superior suite certainly is opulent - and the potent cocktails served in the venue’s fashionable 1857 Bar could lead you astray if you were so inclined - the hotel is bringing the art of self-care to its guests this year. Its St James’ Self-Care Stay wellness package enables you to truly switch off for a night or two and focus on some well-deserved me-time.

If you’re feeling burnt out post-pandemic and craving some head space but escaping out of the country isn't possible right now, this five-star setting invites you to relax and unwind for a mini-break in the city. The stay starts with a powerful one-to-one virtual life coaching session with Harsha Perera. Be it complex business matters or emotional family concerns, the thought-provoking coach who honed his skills growing up in Sri Lanka gently but persuasively talks you through your personal and professional obstacles, and helps you find clarity and balance with his bold yet intimate bedside approach.

Unwinding in one of the hotel's luxury suites is another antidote and helps you find peace of mind, as the blush rose and soft grey seating area creates a calming sanctuary from the busy streets of the capital.

Once you’ve had a chance to reflect and gather your thoughts, you can tuck into a zesty cocktail prepared by one of the hotel’s expert mixologists – we opted for the classic French 75 and felt giddy with joy. The 1857 Bar has been deftly decorated with a mixture of contemporary and classic art that manages to balance old-world elegance with the buzz of cosmopolitan city life, creating a laissez-faire vibe that ties in seamlessly with the wellness package.

Focusing on wellness need not neglect your palate, and the delectable French cuisine crafted by Executive Head Chef William Drabble in the adjoining Michelin-starred Seven Park Place restaurant will nourish your soul and appetite, too. From the attentive staff to the perfect location and timeless décor, me-time in London has never felt so opulent.

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The Mitre, Surrey

Whether you're based in London or somewhere else, the Mitre is the perfect place if you're thinking of escaping to a wonderfully rural location that isn't far from the capital. Set opposite Hampton Court Palace and in an excellent location if you're visiting the Flower Festival , this relaxed and stylish hotel with River Thames views is a dream staycation spot.

From its sun-kissed terrace for summer cocktails to marvellous cafe and wine bar Coppernose, with its whimsical vibe, the boutique hotel is a beautiful place to get away from it all for a couple of days.

It's an interior lover's paradise, brought to you by designer Nicola Harding, who created a space that makes you feel at home while in a luxury environment, using statement wallpaper, wicker seating and upcycled orginal furnishings to blend the old with the new.

The rooms are an utter sanctuary, especially if you've spent the day walking the extensive grounds of Hampton Court Palace our browsing the antique shops in the area. They feature plush bathrooms and sumptuous beds, some with four poster beds, and in-room bath tubs to bring relaxation to your stay.

The Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast

Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa , a prestigious five-star hotel in Northern Ireland.

Originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, the Culloden stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland.

Palatial surroundings, exquisite decor, fine antiques and exceptional service combine to give the Culloden Estate and Spa a unique air of elegance.

With all its tranquil opulence you could be forgiven for thinking the Culloden is a rural retreat, however, this beautiful property has the added advantage of being just 10 minutes from Belfast's city centre and is conveniently located to many of Northern Ireland’s major visitor attractions.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire

This spa hotel in the Cotswolds has it all: a sweeping drive, extensive grounds, stables, an open-air hydrotherapy pool and a Michelin-starred restaurant worth the trip to the country.

Lucknam Park 's bedrooms are split between the main house and courtyard, but they all have a country feel, with floral patterns, mahogany details and marble bathrooms. There are some seriously romantic mini-moon-worthy suites featuring four-poster beds and a fireplace you can light yourself or ask the hotel to light for you.

Dining in Restaurant Hywel Jones is one of the most amazing foodie experiences in the UK. You'll want to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the drawing room (the Lucknam French Martini with vodka, Chambord, raspberry infused syrup, lime juice and pineapple juice is divine) and a digestif in the library, while leafing through books.

Citrus cured Loch Duart salmon topped with blood orange, braised day boat turbot with buttered iceberg, Cornish crab and hand-rolled macaroni; and Wiltshire venison with Brussel sprouts, Bromham parsnip and Medjool date are some of the incredible dishes that will delight you.

Or, if you’re looking for something more low-key, The Brasserie offers relaxed, modern British cuisine.

Spa time is a must, whether you're visiting during warmer seasons or the chilliest time of year. The steaming outdoor hydrotherapy pool is where you can easily while away a few hours. Inside, the stunning pool is backed by a fire, creating a sleek yet cosy atmosphere to bliss out in your robe.

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The Mermaid Inn, East Sussex

Smugglers' tunnels, hidden passageways and secret priest holes, it's no surprise that the 15th-century Mermaid Inn in Rye offers one of the most unique staycations in the UK. Once the headquarters of the notorious Hawkhurst gang of smugglers, it now attracts legions of ghost hunters and history buffs.

A night here is even more tempting thanks to its two-AA star Linen Fold restaurant, cosy Giant’s Fireplace bar and four-poster beds.

Located on one of the town's ancient cobbled lanes, the inn is on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a short drive from some of the south coast’s top beaches.

You'll find antique furniture and exposed beams in the rooms, giving a real sense of history, with the Elizabethan Bedchamber allegedly the most haunted room. A secret passageway behind the bookcase leads down to the bar.

The restaurant focuses on local produce, with the roasted halibut one of the favourite dishes to try.

Richmond Hill Hotel, London

This refurbished 18th-century Georgian townhouse is in a terrific location and has sweeping vistas over Petersham Meadows, while just a short distance from Richmond Park.

Inside Richmond Hill Hotel , you’ll find an excellent restaurant and the SKIN Lounge, which offers a range of treatments.

Choose from the Georgian Collection bedrooms, which have characteristics of original townhouses, hand-stitched Heal’s beds and underfloor heating, or the Hill Collection – bright, compact rooms with smart TVs and extra sound-proofing.

You’ll be close to London's liveliest corners, but far enough to feel like a world away.

Hire a bike to explore the park, walk along the Thames, head into Richmond to sample its upscale restaurants, visit Kew Gardens, or opt for a sundowner on the terrace.

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The Idle Rocks, Cornwall

On the quayside in the traditional fishing village of St Mawes in Cornwall, The Idle Rocks boasts excellent sea views and fresh seafood.

On this UK staycation, the food is sourced locally and the head chef Dorian Janmaat is ex Le Manoir, with a new menu focusing on seasonal produce and Cornish fish.

You can enjoy a cocktail in the bar, or on the terrace which offers lovely sea views.

The village is home to St Mawes Castle, coastal and inland walks and watersports. Falmouth is a mile away by ferry, which operates year-round and Trelissick Gardens, St Austell and Truro town centres are 30-minutes drive away.

Want to amp up the glamour? You can arrive to The Idle Rocks by boat, on the Falmouth Foot Ferry.

AIRE Ancient Baths, London

For a spa-cation in London that makes you feel a world away from the city, AIRE Ancient Baths is an experience like nothing else in the capital. Tucked away behind the busy Strand, you'll feel your stresses melt away as you step inside this oasis hidden in the centre of town. The subterranean spa is inspired by the Roman bath, a complex of spaces to relax, indulge and socialise.

Perfect for celebrating an occasion with a partner or a friend, this luxurious haven has thermal pools for soaking, floating and soothing your muscles. This is a place where the concept of time is left at the door. The spa encourages you to work your way around the various baths at your own pace. There's a hot bath, warm bath, cold baths, salt bath, the Bath of Thousand Jets and and the aromatherapy steam room to discover before the bell rings for your massage. If you're feeling super-indulgent, the Wine Bath Experience is something the Romans would approve of.

The nearby Sofitel St James is the perfect place to check into after a decadent few hours at the spa. You can end your day with fine dining at Wild Honey St James, where Chef Anthony Demetre delights with French-inspired dishes, before sipping on cocktails at the St James Bar.

Wivenhoe House, Essex

A gorgeous base for exploring Colchester, Wivenhoe and Beth Chatto’s famous gardens, Wivenhoe House has the feel of a country househotel with a modern twist.

The luxurious rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, large balconies and extravagant bathrooms. They're split between the 18th-century main house and a new contemporary wing.

You’ll enjoy fresh modern European cuisine in the restaurant, a classic British menu in the bar, stonebaked pizzas, 24-hour room service and cream teas, not to mention generous breakfasts.

The lovely gardens and terrace are a must for drinks and dining on balmy summer nights. It's ideal for an affordable escape from London.

The Grand Brighton, East Sussex

This Brighton landmark affords sweeping views across the English Channel for a seaside staycation in one of Britain's best-loved cities. Built in 1864, The Grand Brighton is stylishly modern inside.

Bowler-hatted doormen will welcome you, while a grand staircase spirals through seven floors of plush rooms and suites. Restaurant Cyan serves small plates and sharing platters.

The sea-view rooms are decorated in breezy blues and creams, and have knockout views along the coast.

Don't miss a drink in the Victoria Bar, which boasts a striking interior and a Grand twist on classic cocktails. You also can’t beat afternoon tea in the glass-covered Victoria Terrace

Paddock View, North Yorkshire

Escape to North Yorkshire for a luxurious family break at this stunning cottage in the small village of Osmotherley. Paddock View is a self-catering property from luxury cottage rental site Holiday at Home, which affords all the comforts of home, such as log burners, board games and a perfectly preened garden, alongside the unexpected touches you'd normally find in a hotel.

Here, you can enjoy spa-style robes, miniature toiletries and a rain shower in one of the bathrooms, as well as an AGA to entertain the family with delicious feasts. When the weather permits, you'll want to head out to the garden and fire up the pizza oven and BBQ. With enough room for eight, it's perfect for a multi-generational holiday. The grandparents will love relaxing in the pretty garden, while the teens won't get bored thanks to the table football and Xbox in the games room.

With Farrow & Ball paint, sumptuous beds and high-quality decor throughout (we love the kitchen island with bar stools and elegant dining room), this cottage was designed to impress the whole family, including furry members with four legs.

Nearby, there's an abundance of walking trails and beauty spots, like Cod Beck Reservoir. For days out, Whitby, York and Harrogate are worth considering when you're not soaking up the village atmosphere in Osmotherley.

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Thyme, Cotswolds

A romantic country bolthole, Thyme is Britain's answer to a rural Tuscan hotel set across a dreamy village. In this case, the village is honey-stone Southrop, sat prettily beside the River Leach in the Cotswolds. With a spa and acclaimed restaurant, it's a sublime retreat for adults, and attracts sybaritic foodies and city escapees, as well as locals looking for a luxurious staycation.

The food in the beautiful Ox Barn restaurant is phenomenal (think venison, wild garlic, pumpkin and other local ingredients magnificently transformed into world-class dishes). You'll love the vibe too - we think of Thyme as an alternative to the celebrity-loved Soho Farmhouse. The design, interiors, discretion and traditional country luxe-feel create an unforgettable retreat.

A few hours in the spa is a must. The serene Meadow Spa specialises in treatments based on botanical products (Thyme has its own Bertioli collection) that promote mindfulness. From the calming body and scalp massage to the hands and feet ritual, the Bertioli experiences use bathing, breathing and nurturing techniques for some seriously luxurious R&R.

After your treatment, you'll want to head downstairs to the gorgeous relaxation space, one of the most stylish ones we've seen, for some tea and to fully unwind in the peaceful surroundings. And if you like interior ideas from your hotel, this delightful cottage-inspired room will leave you wanting to redecorate when you get home!

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire

It looks so classically English, with a lavender-lined path leading to a honey-stone Oxfordshire manor. But with both boules and croquet on the lawn, there's a hint of the marriage of French and British culture inside Le Manoir - a fantastical world created by two Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc.

You know the food is going to be good, but there is another wow factor: the chef has let his creative passion in the kitchen spill out into the bedrooms, which are inspired by his travels and his past.

Service isn't snooty, but it still manages to be impeccable - Blanc ensures that everything is as perfect as a hotel can be. For a place that feels truly special from the moment you arrive to your departure, look no further than Le Manoir.

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Hever Castle, Kent

Surrounded by glorious Kent countryside, Hever Castle ’s B&B offers 28 luxury bedrooms in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing, both Edwardian Wings, designed in Tudor style.

If you're looking for a regal staycation with quirky yet luxurious character, this is one place worth checking out.

The Astor Wing offers a beautifully panelled lounge with deep sofas and a selection of books and magazines for guests to relax with during their stay. There’s also a rather splendid Billiards Room to be discovered.

The Anne Boleyn Wing enjoys its own beautiful Breakfast Room which is flooded with natural daylight and offers window seats looking out across the orchard to the Castle.

Newbridge on Usk Boutique Hotel, Monmouthshire

Housed in a characterful, 200-year old country inn in the Monmouthshire countryside, the Newbridge on Usk boasts an a la carte restaurant, stunning river views and a relaxed feel. Furnished in oak and teak, each room boasts a roll-top bath and the kitchen garden and outside terrace are good spots in warmer weather.

You can also use all the facilities of the five-star sister property The Celtic Manor (eight miles away), including six restaurants, three 18-hole championship golf courses and two spas, with complimentary transfers available.

Barnsley House, Cotswolds

A honey-stone manor house in a picture-pretty Cotswold village, Barnsley House has stylish interiors, good food, a neat little cinema and a charming spa that backs onto a meadow. But that all plays second fiddle to its famous grounds, devised by gardening legend Rosemary Verey, who lived here from 1951 until her death in 2001.

Now beloved as one of the top hotels in the Cotswolds, Barnsley House is an adults-only retreat - every inch a dreamy destination for romantic getaways , garden aficionados and those seeking a rural escape. Make sure to check out the chickens, who run free behind the stone wall of the manicured gardens.

Rock House, Edinburgh

Home and studio of early photography pioneers Robert Adamson and David Octavius Hill, this fascinating house (said to be one of the oldest in the city) with separate annexe and belvedere studio is set in a commanding yet secluded city-centre position near the foot of Calton Hill.

Imaginatively restored and skilfully styled, Rock House is an attractive take on high-Victorian meets uncluttered contemporary. The flexible space makes it perfect for friends or extended families, with sufficient privacy, whether in a group or separately renting the apartment or studio.

There's a garden, courtyard and terrace, but the unique location means parking away from the house with access involving steps, so it's not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Amberley Castle, West Sussex

Amberley Castle is the charming English castle of children's drawings. Some parts of the hotel even date back to the 12th century and inside you'll find suits of armour, large fireplaces and bedrooms with original features.

The gorgeous 12-acre grounds are neatly edged with hedges and contain the ruins of a Great Hall, destroyed in the English Civil War. Yet the restaurant takes a modern, creative turn, offering tasting menus or three-course à la carte.

Salcombe Harbour Hotel, Devon

There's no forgetting that you're beside the water at the Salcombe Harbour Hotel in South Deon. The hotel's estuary-side seat delivers on views over the quaint harbour - with its sailing boats (not a cruise ship in sight, don't worry) - from all rooms and particularly if you can nab yourself a prime spot on the terrace.

Rooms have a chic seaside aesthetic, decked out in blue and white, with driftwood and wicker furnishings, and coastal-kitsch knick-knacks dotted around throughout.

And when you're not out exploring, treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea, pilled high with scones and cream, or take some time out with one of the holistic ESPA treatments available.

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London Travel Guide

Ah, London — home to world-class restaurants, an unparalleled music scene, fantastic hotels, and some seriously rich history. Plus, tea. Who could forget the tea? London is a beautiful city to visit, and with England's fantastic public transportation, it's a breeze to get from point A to point B. You could easily spend a week or more exploring all that each London neighborhood has to offer and still have things left over for your next visit.

With sites and cultural hubs like the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Kensington Gardens, and all manner of food, drink, shopping, history, and culture, it's no wonder why the 'Big Smoke' is a top travel destination.

Greenwich Mean Time during the winter, British Summer Time during the rest of the year (starting at Daylight Saving Time).

Best Time to Go

England experiences relatively mild and somewhat rainy weather year-round, and when you should go depends on what you'd most like to experience. Spring, summer, and fall allow for taking in the parks and getting the most out of how walkable London is, while winter is beautiful and festive for those looking to get their fill of Christmas markets and traditional cheer.

Things to Know

London is filled with neighborhoods brimming with great things to do, and England's exceptional public transportation makes it simple and stress-free to travel between them.

Londoners, and English people in general, have a much different manner of interacting with one another than Americans do. While an American might think nothing of smiling at a stranger they pass on the sidewalk or asking about work in the first few minutes of a conversation, etiquette in London errs on the more private, respectful, and more distant. Don't mistake this for aloofness or consider those you meet unfriendly; it's just a difference in cultural norms. Instead, talk about things like movies, TV shows, books, your travels, and the like, instead of work or family.

A fun and somewhat reassuring fact is that London has much better takeaway sandwiches than the U.S. If your day is too packed to have a sit-down lunch, a sandwich from a chain will be legitimately delicious. Most importantly, almost all British museums are free , meaning anyone can wander to their heart's content, no matter their budget.

How to Get Around

Getting around London is unbelievably easy thanks to the well-maintained and extensive Underground (also known as the Tube). Tickets for riding the Underground, unlike American transportation systems, which often pay per ride or per trip length, are paid in zones. Fare also varies based on the time of day and the method you use to pay. It's worth getting an Oyster card — the Underground's MetroCard or SmarTrip Card — to simplify your vacation.

There are 11 Underground lines servicing all nine zones. Maps of these zones are in every Tube station. Most of the popular sites in London are in Zone 1, which covers central London. The Tube runs daily from 5 am to midnight and with reduced hours on Sunday. Some late-night services are available on the weekend, but generally, you'll want to be prepared to take one of the easily-found London taxis or use a rideshare app if you're out and about after midnight.

Best Hotels

Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom Phone:+44 20 7836 4343 Book Now

The only luxury hotel on the River Thames, The Savoy is a five-star experience known worldwide for its luxurious and beautiful accommodations. As the first hotel built for the purpose of being a luxe hotel in all of London, it has a rich and storied history; seeing its beautiful architecture and dramatic decor is worth doing even if you don't end up staying here.

The Connaught

Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7499 7070 Book Now

The Connaught has known a few names and owners over the course of its more than 200-year history, but its main throughline has always been luxury. Chef Hélène Darroze runs a restaurant with the distinction of two Michelin stars, and the bar was awarded Europe's Best in 2019. For a spectacular experience in the heart of London, The Connaught can't be beat.

Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3828 2000 Book Now

Once an abandoned bank building, The Ned found new life in 2012 as a five-star luxury hotel. Outfitted in a style reminiscent of the 1920s and with ten restaurants under its roof, The Ned is an experience unto itself — much less a great retreat from your London adventure. In addition, The Ned features a spa with treatments from massages to vitamin IV drips. Trendier than other 5-star hotels but certainly with style, The Ned is a great choice for a young couple or friends traveling in style.

Chiltern Firehouse

Address: 1 Chiltern Street London W1U 7PA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7073 7676 Website

Originally a fire station, the Chiltern Firehouse is small and cozy. Each of the 26 rooms features at least one working fireplace and range from standard rooms to lofts and suites. The Chiltern Firehouse restaurant is a Michelin-starred eatery with seasonal offerings. A unique and domestic experience, the Chiltern Firehouse truly does feel like a home away from home.

Address: 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7396 9000 Book Now

The Goring is a century-old, family-owned luxury hotel with 69 uniquely decorated rooms. Along the same road as Buckingham Palace, The Goring is the last word in having a truly royal stay. The Goring offers an excellent restaurant and bar and several packages that let you tailor your trip to exactly what makes you happiest.

11 Cadogan Gardens

Address: 11 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7730 7000 Book Now

Built in the late 19th century as four separate townhouses, 11 Cadogan Gardens has a resulting unique and eclectic interior of winding corridors and staircases. Located in upscale Chelsea, the hotel is within walking distance from Harrods, the Saatchi Gallery, Hyde Park, and many other can't-miss tourist spots.

Address: 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN Phone: +44 20 7781 8888 Book Now

Near the British Museum and Covent Garden, the Rosewood is a centrally located luxury hotel boasting lush, classic decor. The five-star hotel has carefully renovated its Edwardian architecture, melding the historic and modern seamlessly. Enjoy contemporary afternoon tea modeled after the art of British sculptor Antony Gormley in the intimate Mirror Room, then step out into the bustling heart of London. During busy times there is a minimum stay required to book, so be sure to check early and often if you have your heart set on staying at the Rosewood.

The Lanesborough

Address: 2 Lanesborough Place SW 1, London, SW1X 7TA Phone: +44 20 7259 5599 Book Now

Once an elegant country house, The Lanesborough is now a five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, private spa and fitness club, cognac lounge, and award-winning afternoon tea service. With elegant and warm decor, The Lanesborough is an iconic and world-class option for travelers looking to stay somewhere in style.

Best Restaurants

Address: 593 High Road Leytonstone, Leytonstone, London E11 4PA Phone: +44 020 8281 4801 Website

Singburi is a gem of a Thai restaurant, beloved for its rotating menu of delicious and authentic curries, noodles, and seafood. Try something new here — don't stick to your usual takeout Pad Thai order (as delicious as Pad Thai is). A crispy omelette, like their delectable Kai Jeow (a crispy omelette with oysters), should do the trick.

Westerns Laundry

Address: 34 Drayton Park, Highbury East, London N5 1PB Phone: +44 020 7700 3700 Website

This beloved, sustainably-focused restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and small plates — and bread. So, so much bread, some of the best you'll ever eat. Stop in for a pastry or a sandwich, enjoy their small plates, or order a loaf of bread ahead of time to set yourself up with delicious breakfast for a week.

The Palomar

Address: 34 Rupert Street, Soho, London W1D 6DN, United Kingdom Phone: +44 020 7439 8777 Website

The Palomar is walking distance from Trafalgar Square and some of the most enjoyable museum-going in London, so chances are you'll have the opportunity to enjoy their modern-day Jerusalem menu in a beautiful, mosaic-scattered space. Try the octopus glazed with harissa oil or the Bayt al Maqdis Chicken just for the artichoke crisps.

Address: 51 Lamb's Conduit Street, Holborn, London WC1N 3NB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7242 8963 Website

A seasonal wine bar with a classic British menu, this flashy restaurant puts the "British food is boring" rumor to rest. There's a wine for every dish, and more — their list is outstanding, and the bold and unique twists on classic British dishes make this a must-taste spot even for folks for which (gasp) wine isn't that exciting.

Address: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch, High Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3011 5911 Website

Lunch is a la carte at Lyle's, meaning you have the opportunity to order and share a few dishes between yourself and your friends and get the best of all worlds. The dinner menu is set, offering a prix fixe three-course meal with a few options for your appetizer, entree, and dessert. The space is beautiful and minimalist — a calm, understated place to focus entirely on your incredible food.

Address: 39 Endell Street, West End, London WC2H 9BA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3422 0221 Website

A small, sustainable seafood restaurant in Covent Garden, Parsons has an unpretentious, always-fresh menu. Parsons has mastered the art of updating classic British flavors, like smoked eel, for the modern palette. Their fish pie is heavenly, and you'd be remiss not to enjoy a sticky toffee pudding if you've got room for it.

Black Axe Mangal

Address: 156 Canonbury Road, Highbury, London N1 2UP, United Kingdom Phone: No phone number, email only: [email protected] Website

What this Turkish restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in personality — up to and including their occult buns (which are hot cross buns, but with pentacles on them). It's loud, but most importantly, it's fun: nothing about Black Axe Mangal takes itself too seriously, from the hard rock soundtrack to the delicious food. Edible glitter, tongue-in-cheek dish names, and an excellent beer list all make Black Axe a top spot for a good time.

Address: 40 Doric Way, Somers Town, London NW1 1LH, United Kingdom Phone: +44 020 4580 1282 Website

Roti King is in a basement — this is just something to know because otherwise, it might be a touch difficult to find. "Hidden gem" isn't a metaphor here: you're going to have some of the best Malaysian food you've had in some time, possibly ever. If you're having trouble finding the entrance, just look for the line; there's almost always at least a short one of people waiting for their chicken murtabak and char kuey teow.

Dishoom Shoreditch

Address: 7 Boundary Street, London, E2 7JE Phone: +44 020 7420 9324 Website

London restaurant recommendations wouldn't be complete without at least one Indian food recommendation, and to be fair, most places are going to be incredible. Dishoom is something special, though — its airy, Bombay-style decor, beautiful views from the veranda, and house recipes have earned it a dedicated following. As a reminder, chicken tikka masala is sweet in England, so if you want something savory, try a new dish — like gunpowder potatoes or the marsala prawns.

Things to Do

Tower of london & tower bridge.

Address: St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7403 3761 Website

The bridge most associated with London isn't actually the London Bridge, it's Tower Bridge — this is the bridge you almost certainly have in your mind's eye when imagining London. The Tower of London has an infamous reputation, but its history is even more interesting than most know. Tudor buffs will love tracing the steps of Queen Elizabeth I, and there are free tours given throughout the day.

St. Dunstan in the East

Address: St Dunstan's Hill, Billingsgate, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7374 4127 Website

Built in 1698, St. Dunstan in the East was once a church. It was firebombed during World War II, and the ruins were converted into a public park — certainly one of the most unique and beautiful. Though small, stepping into the park feels like stepping into another world. Bring a camera; you won't want to miss snapping shots of the ivy-covered ruins.

National Gallery

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7747 2885 Website

The National Gallery has one of the most incredible collections in the world, including pieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and many, many more. Their 2,300-piece collection is frequently rotated, so be sure to see what sometimes-stored pieces are on display when you go.

St. James' Park

Address: London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 300 061 2350 Website

Not to be confused with the football (aka soccer) stadium in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, St. James' Park in London is one of its most famous, right alongside Buckingham Palace and perfect for a rest during a busy day of sightseeing. It is known for its waterfowl — ducks, specifically, but also a small flock of pelicans.

Address: Hyde Park has several entrances, convenient to the neighborhoods surrounding it. Phone: +44 300 061 2000 Website

Hyde Park is a massive 350 acres, nestled smack dab in the middle of London, and worth a day's focus all on its own. With events, historical monuments, walking tours, and gardens, it is a truly stunning and fun place to be. It's famous for its Speakers Corner, which has been a stage for free speech and debate since 1872.

Shakespeare's Globe Theater

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7902 1400 Website

Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote his plays, and his entire body of work is rotationally performed. The Globe's performances are heavily influenced by what is known historically as the experience of seeing them in Shakespeare's day, for an immersive experience impossible to find elsewhere.

Highgate Cemetery

Address: Swain's Ln, Highgate, London N6 6PJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 8340 1834 Website

Ghost-chasers and history buffs alike will love to walk around Highgate Cemetery, where 170,000 people are buried. It is also a nature reserve, and the entire grounds are lush, beautiful, and feel a bit out-of-time. Notable graves to pay your respects at include Douglas Adams, George Eliot, Karl Marx, Leslie Hutchinson, and many more.

Buckingham Palace

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 303 123 7300 Website

In the heart of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is a beautiful and awesome (in the traditional sense of the word) piece of architecture and history. You can actually go inside the famed Buckingham Palace — tours of certain rooms in the palace are available.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, South Bank, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7967 8021 Website

Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is the best view of London — it was literally built to be exactly that, and its construction is known as an observation wheel, not a Ferris wheel. It's a touch expensive, but visited by millions of tourists for a reason: the view from the top is absolutely stunning.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7246 8350 Website

One of the most recognizable sites in London, St. Paul's Cathedral dates from 1690 and still has most of its original stained glass. It's known for its extensive and stunning mosaics, soaring Gothic architecture, and large, beautiful Cathedral library.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7219 4272 Website

Everyone's must-stop for a classic London Insta snap, the iconic clock is nearby to other points of interest and featured in most driving and walking tours. Tours of the tower itself are limited to UK residents.

British Museum

Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7323 8299 Website

The British Museum differs from the National Gallery in that it is as much an anthropological museum as an art museum. Collections are organized by era and country of origin, and frequent exhibitions are curated around themes to explore human experiences across ages. Their total collection is estimated to be around 8 million pieces, with many taken out only for specific reasons, so it's worth seeing what special exhibitions are on display.

Westminster Abbey

Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7222 5152 Website

Even people for whom history is not necessarily a thrill, gothic Westminster Abbey is an overwhelming, stunning experience. Every coronation of an English monarch since 1066 has happened here, and the Abbey is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth of York, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Unknown Warrior, and dozens of others. Westminster Abbey also pays homage to great poets, artists, and writers with a series of beautiful memorials.

Best Shopping

Covent garden.

Address: 14 James Street, London WC2E 8BU, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7420 5856 Website

Covent Garden is both a neighborhood and a famed market, first established in 1694. The center is the beautiful Piazza, where walking is made easier and more pleasant by the lack of cars. In addition to an array of unique shops, Covent Garden is home to the London Transport Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and several high-end restaurants.

Borough Market

Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7407 1002 Website

The motto of London markets is: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Borough Market is large and primarily focused on food, and is one of the longest-running in the city. Officially established in the 19th century, there is one area that dates back to at least the 12th — so definitely buy yourself a sandwich and think how pleased your ancestors would be at your bounty.

Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, Soho, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7437 5660 Website

There are a few equally-convenient locations for the famed, enormous bookstore Foyles, but the flagship — and most impressive — store is in Soho, at Charing Cross. Even folks who wouldn't describe themselves as readers travel to visit Foyles for the sheer scale of it, including the gorgeous architecture and the vast collection of books.

Camden Market

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3763 9900 Website

Camden Market was established in 1791 and has been charming London and travelers ever since. Near enough to Regent's Park and the London Zoo to walk, Camden Market is full of shops, cafes, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford Street

Address: From Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch Website

Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe, greeting about half a million visitors every day across its 300-plus shops. Whatever you're looking for, Oxford Street probably has it. Notable shops include Topshop, Dr. Martens, Flying Tiger, Muji, and Selfridges.

Regent Street

Address: From Piccadilly Circus to Park Crescent Website

Intersecting with Oxford Street is the equally impressive Regent Street, home to the flagship stores for Burberry, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and more. Regent Street was built to be London's dedicated shopping street, a place for Londoners to get anything and everything they might need. There might be a few more now, but Regent Street is the original — and some might say the best.

Carnaby Street

Address: From Beak Street to Great Marlborough Street Website

The third in the shopping street trifecta is Carnaby Street. A few streets over from Regent Street, Carnaby is much shorter and largely fashion-focused, especially vintage shops specializing in threads from the '60s. Shorter doesn't mean less diverse, though — Carnaby Street is home to over 100 shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Seven Dials

Address: Center of St. Giles District Website

Seven Dials, sometimes considered part of Covent Garden, is truly unique: a circular road junction that has a slower, calmer pace than the rest of London. Seven Dials is named for the seven sundials at its center and is surrounded by about 90 shops and restaurants.

Neighborhoods to Know

Shoreditch : A trendy neighborhood chock full of vintage shops, cafes, art galleries, and clubs. The neighborhood skews young and boasts everything from artisan coffee shops and fine dining to chain restaurants. Wander around here for some of the best shopping in London.

Notting Hill : Yes, that Notting Hill. It's as charming as you imagine it to be. Famed for Portobello Road Market and the antiques and vintage stores that line it, Notting Hill is also home to high-end restaurants, the Ladbroke Square Garden, and some of the most charming and beautiful residential streets in London.

Covent Garden : Synonymous with the Covent Garden Market, this much-loved neighborhood is filled with odd little gems like tiny toy stores, bookstores, clothing boutiques, and more — plus an array of restaurants and eateries. Covent Garden is not a mall; it is, truly, a garden, and a lively and beautiful place to sit, have a coffee, and people-watch.

Camden : Also known as Camden Town, though no one really calls it that anymore. Home to Camden Market and the famed venue Electric Ballroom, it abuts The Regent with easy walking access to the London Zoo and a bit of a longer walk to Queen Mary's Rose Gardens.

Kings Cross : Not only a rail station but a neighborhood, too! Historic Kings Cross Station is a big draw, though, with a photo area for Platform 9 ¾ and a "Harry Potter" gift shop right nearby. Kings Cross was once heavily industrial but has been made over with gardens and small green sitting areas.

Soho : Lively, theater-dotted Soho in the West End is the place to go for nightlife of all stripes. Take in a show, go dancing, enjoy a late-night movie or dinner, or a few of the above. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in London, being an easy walk from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

The West End : The West End is London's Broadway. But don't be fooled — it's not just international stagings of Broadway shows. The West End is a thriving theater scene with original work going up regularly.

On one hand, the weather in London does not tend to fluctuate between highs and lows, no matter the season. On the other, it rains in London — a lot. About nine to 10 days a month , on average. No matter when you go, pack some waterproof layers; odds are you'll be glad you brought them.

Spring: Spring in London, and England as a whole, is beautiful. London is a very green city, and spring brings the parks and gardens to blooming, fragrant life. Early spring can be a little chilly, but it might be worth going then to beat the tourist boom from late spring through summer.

Summer: Summer in England is mild and lovely, and London is no exception. Temperatures rarely climb above 75°F. For this reason, it is by far the most popular season for travel, and hotel and flight prices tend to reflect that — however, it's also inherently a bit more lively, with a lot going on.

Fall: Again, fall is temperate, with a little more rain than summer. If you want to beat the summer rush but still want warmer weather, you might want to wait until fall for your trip.

Winter: Winter can get cold, but not bitterly so; average temperatures rarely fall below 30°F. England is big on Christmas, and holiday markets and cheer abound. If you love the winter holidays, London might be a perfect choice for you — it's hard not to feel festive in the land of A Christmas Carol.

Apps to Download

London Tube Live : Up-to-date info on delays, updates, departure information, and routes. iOS | Android

The Pub Finder : Crowdsourced app for pubs and bars, including reviews and tips. iOS | Android

London Pass : Free interactive London guidebook. iOS | Android

Short breaks in England

Find short break ideas and plan ahead for your winter and spring 2024 holidays. Enjoy long country walks through autumn meadows and shady woods, and stay in classic English pubs to sample real ales and tasty regional grub. Find ideas for a half-term adventure with the kids or whisk your loved one away on a romantic city break. Discover a different side to an English seaside resort or eat your way around a foodie city; we have hundreds of ideas for 2024 short breaks in England.

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Passing Thru Travel

British Wonders: 10 Must-Experience Destinations Across the UK

Posted: February 27, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

The United Kingdom, a land steeped in history and natural beauty, offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. From the bustling streets of London to the serene Scottish Highlands, each corner of the UK has its unique charm. This guide takes you on a tour of Britain’s finest, showcasing the must-visit destinations and hidden gems that make up the rich fabric of the UK.

London, a city where history and modernity coexist seamlessly, is a treasure trove of experiences. The city offers a diverse range of attractions from the historic Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to the modern London Eye. Explore world-class museums like the British Museum and the Tate Modern, most of which offer free entry.

The city’s green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, provide a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. London’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering everything from traditional British fare to dishes from around the globe. London’s vibrant energy is captivating whether you’re watching the Changing of the Guard, enjoying a show in the West End, or shopping at Camden Market.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character – from the trendy streets of Shoreditch to the charming alleys of Notting Hill.

When To Travel: Spring (March to May) offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: London is a major international hub, accessible by air, rail, and road.

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, a city of striking contrasts, blends medieval charm with contemporary vibrancy. The imposing Edinburgh Castle dominates the city, which offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent history. Stroll down the Royal Mile to experience the historic heart of Edinburgh, leading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The city is also famous for its festivals, with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe being the largest arts festival in the world. Explore the quaint cobbled streets, relax in beautiful gardens, and discover the city’s rich literary heritage. Edinburgh’s dining scene includes cozy pubs serving traditional Scottish fare and innovative restaurants pushing culinary boundaries.

Insider’s Tip: Climb Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking city views and the surrounding countryside.

When To Travel: August for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, though the city is charming year-round.

How To Get There: Edinburgh is well-connected by air and rail, with direct trains from London.

3. The Lake District

The Lake District National Park, a landscape of breathtaking beauty, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and quaint villages offer endless hiking, cycling, and boating opportunities. Windermere, the largest lake, is surrounded by picturesque towns and offers boat cruises and water sports.

The region’s literary connections, including Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, add to its charm. The Lake District’s beauty changes with the seasons, from vibrant spring blooms to the rich colors of autumn, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.

Insider’s Tip: Take a cruise on Lake Windermere for a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic beauty.

When To Travel: Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather for outdoor activities.

How To Get There: The Lake District is about a 3-hour drive from Manchester or accessible by train to Windermere station.

Bath, a city steeped in history and elegance, is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture and ancient Roman Baths. The well-preserved Roman Baths complex offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. The nearby Thermae Bath Spa allows visitors to bathe in naturally heated spring waters. Stroll through the city’s streets to admire the uniform Georgian townhouses, particularly at the Royal Crescent and The Circus.

Bath is not just about historical sites; it’s a lively city with a vibrant arts scene, excellent shopping, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes. The city also serves as a gateway to the beautiful countryside of Somerset, including the charming villages and rolling hills surrounding it.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Bath Abbey and climb the tower for a stunning city view.

When To Travel: Spring and early summer are ideal for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

How To Get There: Bath is about a 1.5-hour train ride from London Paddington station.

5. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, an area of quintessential English charm, is characterized by its rolling hills and historic, honey-colored stone villages. Towns like Chipping Campden and Bourton-on-the-Water epitomize the rural English beauty with their quaint streets, traditional pubs, and artisan shops.

The area is perfect for leisurely walks, exploring the countryside, and enjoying the slower pace of life. The Cotswolds is also home to several historic houses and gardens, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. The natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.

Insider’s Tip: Visit a local farm shop or market to sample regional produce and artisanal products.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather and lively local festivals.

How To Get There: The Cotswolds are easily accessible by car from London and other major cities in the UK.

6. Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Snowdonia National Park in North Wales is a region of rugged beauty and outdoor adventure. The park’s centerpiece is Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, offering challenging hikes and stunning views from the summit.

Beyond mountain climbing, Snowdonia has a wealth of activities, including mountain biking, zip-lining, and exploring historic castles. The park’s landscape is diverse, ranging from glacial valleys and waterfalls to sandy beaches along the coast. Snowdonia is not just an outdoor playground; it’s a region rich in Welsh culture and history.

Insider’s Tip: Take the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a scenic journey to the summit of Snowdon.

When To Travel: Late spring to early autumn for the best hiking conditions.

How To Get There: Snowdonia is about a 2-hour drive from Liverpool or Manchester, with train options available to nearby towns.

7. The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a land of dramatic landscapes and ancient legends. This vast region offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, with its towering mountains, deep lochs, and rugged coastline. The Highlands are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching activities.

The region is also steeped in history, with numerous castles, battlefields, and the famous Loch Ness. The Highlands’ remote beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the UK.

Insider’s Tip: Embark on a scenic train journey on the West Highland Line, considered one of the world’s most scenic train routes.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather, though the autumn colors are spectacular.

How To Get There: Inverness serves as a gateway to the Highlands, with good air and rail connections.

8. Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a town that celebrates its literary heritage. This charming market town is not just about Shakespeare; it’s a vibrant community with beautiful riverside settings, bustling markets, and a rich cultural scene.

Visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for world-class performances, explore the historic houses associated with Shakespeare, and enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the River Avon. The town’s blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty makes it a delightful destination.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Warwick Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England.

When To Travel: Spring and early summer offer pleasant weather and a full schedule of theatre performances.

How To Get There: Stratford-upon-Avon is about a 2-hour drive from London, with regular train services available.

9. The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a geological wonder stretching 95 miles along the southern English coastline. This stunning area is known for its rock formations, fossil-rich cliffs, and beautiful beaches. Key sites include the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and the layered cliffs at Lulworth Cove.

The coast offers excellent opportunities for fossil hunting, hiking, and enjoying the seaside towns. The Jurassic Coast’s natural beauty and scientific significance make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and geologists alike.

Insider’s Tip: Go fossil hunting on Charmouth Beach, one of the best places in the UK to find ancient fossils.

When To Travel: Summer for the best coastal walks and beach weather.

How To Get There: The Jurassic Coast is easily accessible by car from major cities in the South of England, with train and bus options to various towns along the coast.

10. Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Belfast, a city rich in history and culture, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Explore the Titanic Belfast museum, stroll through the vibrant St. George’s Market, and discover the city’s political history through its famous murals.

A short drive from Belfast is the Giant’s Causeway, an awe-inspiring natural wonder of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. The causeway, steeped in myth and legend, offers a unique landscape that is both a geological marvel and a photographer’s dream.

Insider’s Tip: Take a guided tour of the Giant’s Causeway to learn about the geological formation and local myths.

When To Travel: May to September for the best weather.

How To Get There: Belfast is well-connected by air and sea. The Giant’s Causeway is about an hour’s drive from the city.

The Bottom Line

The United Kingdom offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the historical streets of its cities to the breathtaking beauty of its countryside and coastlines. Each destination on this tour around the UK brings its unique charm and a piece of the country’s diverse heritage. As you explore these treasures, immerse yourself in the history, culture, and natural beauty that make the UK a truly unforgettable destination.

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The post British Wonders: 10 Must-Experience Destinations Across the UK republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / S.Borisov.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Where to go on holiday this year: 23 great travel ideas for 2023

From Croatia’s dramatic sinkhole lakes to rewilded glens in Scotland, our travel writers pick fun and sustainable adventures for the coming year

Fuseta, Portugal Holiday peace in eastern Algarve

If you’re longing for a desert island, head to Fuseta, an almost empty spit of white sand in a turquoise sea that could be in the Indian Ocean (just a little more bracing). This is a relatively unspoilt fishing town about 12 miles east of Faro. It’s small and in summer has wonderful open-air restaurants grilling fish by the harbour. A locals’ favourite is Casa Corvo , where it’s hard to spend more than €18 for straight-from-the-sea dourada (sea bream) on the charcoal grill. Get to the mercado municipal early enough and you may see fishermen unloading their boats.

Fuseta has access to some of the best beaches in the Algarve, along the islands and inlets of the Ria Formosa. A small, inexpensive ferry runs to Fuseta Island, but a couple more euros buys a water taxi ride to deserted beaches such as Praia da Barra Velha or Praia do Homem Nu (“naked man beach”). Praia da Fuseta-Ria, near town, has warmer inlet waters, and sometimes boats selling doughnuts. A 10-minute drive away, Vila Monte (doubles from £150 B&B) is a boutique farmhouse with lovely pool, amazing breakfasts and a view to orange groves and the Moncarapacho hills. Paulo Anunciação

Night trains, Liguria, Italy To the Cinque Terre – while you sleep

The revamping of Europe’s night-train network is gathering pace. Many new sleepers started running last month, among them Basel to Dresden and Stuttgart to Venice. The new overnight train from Munich to Liguria is 15 hours of railway heaven and the perfect way to the Cinque Terre coast.

Travel by day from London via Paris or Brussels to Munich to join the 20.09 to La Spezia Centrale. Cruise south while you sleep, then enjoy breakfast in your compartment as the train slips by the dramatic monastery at Certosa di Pavia. A few minutes later, you’ll cross the River Po before taking to the hills, then dropping steeply down the coast at Genoa. The best is yet to come as the railway skirts the Ligurian coast with fine views of Cinque Terre villages such as Riomaggiore before arriving in La Spezia at 11.10. A shared sleeper compartment for two from Munich starts at €199.80. Book online at nightjet.com or raileurope.com . Nicky Gardner

Kranj, Slovenia Sustainable city break – with a canyon

Slovenia prides itself on its green credentials, which were boosted further when Kranj, its third-largest city, was given 2023’s European Destination of Excellence award for its sustainable tourism. It’s in the Slovenian Alps, halfway between Ljubljana and Lake Bled, and the 30 metre-deep Kokra river canyon runs through the heart of the city. The Kokra flows into the Sava to the south, where shaded riverside paths are a peaceful place to walk.

Beyond the church spires and terracotta rooftops of Kranj’s Renaissance townhouses rise the soaring peaks of Triglav, Grintovec and Stol mountains. A hike up to Šmarjetna Gora to the west brings even better views. In the handsome old town, cafe terraces fill mainly pedestrianised streets of pastel-coloured townhouses, one of which is home to Actum Hotel . Its pleasingly ornate rooms start at €83 B&B, but there’s a superior suite with hot tub from €143. Mary Novakovich

North of England culture Museums and galleries from Liverpool to Northumberland

The north continues to fizz and pop, with exciting regeneration projects reaching completion and lots of hot tickets for cultural events as well as new hotel openings. Manchester Museum reopens in February, after a £15m redevelopment, with a sizeable extension including a new exhibition hall and visitor facilities clad in green-glazed tiles in homage to the Victorian and Edwardian buildings across the city.

In June, Manchester’s Factory International , set to be a flagship cultural centre, launches with a bang, showcasing the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, with plans for an immersive experience including giant dolls and eye-popping polka-dot spheres.

From spring, the Treehouse Hotel in the formerly dilapidated 15-storey Renaissance hotel in Deansgate will open its doors, with a new rooftop bar as well as the promise of excellent cuisine at two restaurants.

Liverpool will host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of 2022 winner Ukraine, with nine live shows (from 9 May). And the 12th Liverpool Biennial , the UK’s largest contemporary art festival, takes place across the city’s public spaces, galleries and museums from 10 June to 17 September.

In Northumberland, to mark the 125th anniversary of the death of Lewis Carroll, all 15 rooms at the new Tempus hotel in the grounds of Charlton Hall have been inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Over in County Durham the Faith Museum opening in autumn at Auckland Castle, claims to be the first museum in England to explore the story of religion in Britain. Nazia Parveen

Spetses, Greece Glass Onion’s stylish island

It’s easy to see why there’s a buzz about Spetses. For two years in a row the Argo-Saronic isle has featured in Hollywood hits. First came The Lost Daughter, the drama based on the Elena Ferrante novella; then Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery , a new whodunit romp featuring Daniel Craig. The picturesque island is bracing for an even bigger bounce in 2023.

“We’re all feeling blessed to live here,” says Yannis Manitaras, 74, who was born and bred on Spetses.

The trailer for Glass Onion opens with the Poseidonion Grand , an elegant hotel overlooking the waterfront. The brainchild of the Spetsiot tobacco magnate Sotirios Anargyros, the luxury hotel put the pine-clad isle on the tourist map in the 1920s, attracting a mix of Athenian high society and European aristocracy.

But the island’s old-world feel, neo-classical architecture, horse-drawn buggies and absence of cars have long made it a favourite for Athenians. And there are still bargain places to stay (the boutique Oltremare Inn has doubles from £110 B&B). It’s just over two hours by ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port. Helena Smith

Imotski lakes, Croatia Explore the Dalmatian lake district

A half-hour’s drive east from the Adriatic resort of Baška Voda is one of Croatia’s loveliest inland regions. Eleven lakes dot the karst landscape surrounding the town of Imotski , with the most dramatic, Blue Lake, bordering the town. Scrub-covered limestone cliffs rise from an enormous sinkhole filled with vivid blue water. This lake is swimmable by those who follow a serpentine path to the valley bottom. Along with Biokovo nature park , Imotski’s lakes are a contender for gaining Unesco status in 2023.

There’s plenty to do here: kayaking the Vrljika River, hiking the hills, taking in views from Imotski’s medieval Topana Fortress and touring vineyards. The stylish Boutique Rooms 76 has doubles from £56 room-only. MN

Margate, England Food and film on the north Kent coast

Margate will make news again this month with the release of Sam Mendes’s 1980s-themed flick Empire of Light . A new downloadable map (available on the Visit Thanet website from January) will allow visitors to navigate film locations, starting with free-to-enter Dreamland. Its kitsch-kicks roller disco (featured in the film) reopens in April, as does the theme park proper – with a new rollercoaster.

Olivia Colman, who stars in the film, liked Margate’s “three amazing restaurants”. We can think of six worthy of such praise, including the one within in the box-fresh Fort Road Hotel , headed by River Café alumna Daisy Cecil; locals’ favourite Dive for tacos; and the newbie Staple Stores for “cruffins” (a cross between a croissant and a muffin).

Margate’s art HQ, Turner Contemporary , will be the first UK venue to host Sonia Boyce’s award-winning multimedia installation Feeling Her Way (4 Feb-8 May). An ever-growing number of satellite galleries will fill a weekend of wandering, but be sure to include the eccentric new Crab Museum . Damien Gabét

Ridgeway trail, England Favourite hiking route turns 50

Of the 16 national trails in England and Wales, the Ridgeway Trail , which partly follows a prehistoric path, is a cracker, and is 50 years old this year. It runs for 87 miles from Avebury in Wiltshire through the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. It’s probably one of the oldest routes in Britain.

Sections run through ancient beechwood holloways in the Chilterns, and a path links Wayland’s Smithy (a stone age tomb more than 5,500 years old, which can be entered and explored for free) and the mystical Uffington White Horse. Other stretches run across chalk downs to Avebury, home to the largest stone circle in Europe, all following the old ways of ancestors who shaped this landscape.

The Ridgeway is also a haven for wildlife, from rare moths to birds of prey and skylarks. This year’s special events include guided trail runs, family science days, arts competitions and history talks. Every Sunday night, a new #Ridgeway50 story will be shared online, with secret histories, spotting challenges and inspiration to discover something new. Mary-Ann Ochota , archaeologist, broadcaster, walker and patron of the Ridgeway Trail’s 50th anniversary

Ancient cultures, Turkey New life and old civilisations

Off-limits until recently on account of its proximity to war-torn Syria, Turkey’s Kurdish and Arabic south-east has exploded in popularity, with visitors flocking particularly to the cities of Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa (usually called Urfa).

The Upper Euphrates Basin – the fabled Fertile Crescent – is rich in Roman, Arab, Crusader and Turkish culture. But its trump card is its neolithic remains, especially at the Unesco site of Göbekli Tepe ( Taş Tepeler ) near Urfa, where excavations have uncovered exquisite carved stone circles more than twice as old as Stonehenge.

There’s much more to the region, not least Gaziantep and Urfa’s atmospheric bazaars. Both cities boast outstanding archaeological museums (Urfa is home to the world’s oldest statue, dating from about 10,000BC). The supposed birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, Urfa is a pilgrimage site, but it’s also known for its sira gecesi (raucous alfresco evenings of live music and dancing) and as Turkey’s foodie mecca, full of baklava shops and renowned restaurants. The visitor influx has led to the reopening of mothballed hotels such as Anadolu Evleri , a period townhouse in Gaziantep’s old quarter. Jeremy Seal

Donatello’s genius, Italy A Tuscan sculpture crawl

The V&A’s upcoming exhibition Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance may inspire many to visit the birthplace of the “greatest sculptor of all time”. From the Uffizi Gallery to Brunelleschi’s cathedral, there are myriad Donatello sights in Florence, but the artist worked all over Tuscany during his long life, and cheap public transport allows a sculpture crawl of several Renaissance glories.

Among the wonders in Prato, 23 minutes away by train, is an unusual exterior pulpit on the cathedral’s south-east corner, decorated in white marble by Donatello. One of the main sights in Lucca, about one hour west, is the Guinigi Tower, with a group of large oak trees growing on its top. That family’s summer residence, Villa Guinigi, is now a museum, home to a tender pair of terracotta madonna and child sculptures made when the artist was barely out of his teens.

In Pisa, crowds flock to the cathedral and leaning tower, but in the city centre proper, a 15-minute walk away, San Matteo museum’s stunning collection includes a gilded bust of San Rossore by Donatello, said to contain the saint’s actual skull.

Donatello moved to Siena for three years in the mid-1400s and made several dramatic bronzes for the San Giovanni baptistry , plus sombre “virtue” statues Hope and Faith, and cheery putti (cherubs). Last stop Arezzo is slightly off the tourist trail but has a splendid medieval square, and a cathedral housing a luminous Mary Magdalene fresco by Piero della Francesca as well as Donatello’s marble relief of the baptism of Christ.

There are EM Forster views from Fiesole, up the hill from Florence, where Pensione Bencistà (doubles from £130 room only), a converted medieval convent, has been welcoming guests since 1927. It reopens in April after a winter refurb. Liz Boulter

Foodie fun, Hauts-de-France Fine cuisine just over the Channel

The northern region of Hauts-de-France has been named European Region of Gastronomy 2023 for its enticing food experiences. Among the many initiatives are a route de la bière between the many craft breweries, cheese tastings, markets, food festivals, tours and workshops.

Lille is a good first stop: along with its craft beer and waffles, it has star chef Florent Ladeyn giving a modern, eco-friendly spin on Flemish cuisine. He sources all ingredients for canteen-style bistros Bloempot and Bierbuik-Bloemeke and the Michelin-starred Auberge du Vert Mont , at Boeschepe, from within a 50km radius.

Montreuil-sur-Mer has long been a gourmet hotspot. The Saturday market offers cheese, wine, chocolate and coffee, and restaurants include several from star chef Alexandre Gauthier. His newest venture, Sur Mer, will open in Merlimont in spring. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy a trip to Ch â teau de Chantilly for a taste of the true, decadent whipped crème de Chantilly, and can even learn to make it at fun workshops in the Atelier de la Chantilly ice-cream parlour. Carolyn Boyd

Affric Highlands, Scotland Rewilding in action

Scotland is leading the way when it comes to “rewilding” initiatives, with myriad efforts to rebuild ecosystems. The most ambitious is Affric Highlands, a 30-year initiative on 500,000 acres of land between Loch Ness and Kintail. Launched by charity Trees for Life , Rewilding Europe and a coalition of communities and landowners, it’s the biggest project in the UK and aims to take nature recovery to a new level, restoring forests and habitats and benefiting wildlife from golden eagle and osprey to otters and mountain hare.

Within this area lies Trees for Life ’s 10,000 acre Dundreggan Rewilding Estate, where the world’s first rewilding centre will open in spring. The aim is to encourage people to experience the forests, and learn about their history. Dundreggan is a base for conservation volunteers, but there will be new accommodation at the centre as well as workshops and talks. Jane Dunford

Copenhagen, Denmark Architecture, art and food

Fans of sustainability, livability and design should make a beeline for Copenhagen in 2023, when it will be Unesco capital of architecture. Events, showcases and talks will take place all year; the best place to start is the Danish Architecture Center , which hosts a new exhibition on Danish architecture from 24 March. On the harbour, public pavilions will showcase the work of architects specialising in sustainability. Also by the water will be Opera Park , an urban green space designed for climate resilience.

Two events to look out for are Open House Copenhagen in March, which offers a peek into stunning buildings normally closed to the public, and the Architecture Run in February, July and September, a 5km route through museums and architectural gems.

Other reasons to visit include an upcoming digital art exhibition Refik Anadol – Nature Dreams in the south of the city, and a growing Asian food scene. In Christianshavn, new apart-hotel Kanalhuset (doubles from £75 room-only) is a pocket-friendly place to stay. Laura Hall

Leipzig, Germany Classical music and modern art

Leipzig may feel low-key in comparison with Dresden, but it has plenty to offer the curious traveller, from historic sites such as the Monument to the Battle of the Nations to buzzy nightlife. Wagner was born here, Bach, Mahler and two Schumanns lived and worked in the city, Goethe wrote some of Faust in the Auerbachs Kellar restaurant, and Schiller wrote Ode to Joy in the city too. These legacies can be enjoyed at museums as well as festivals including the Mahler Festival (11-29 May) and Bachfest (8-18 June). Leipzig’s ambitious “Whole city as a stage” campaign, will increase its cultural offerings throughout 2023.

Leipzig has become a contemporary art hub thanks to the Spinnerei , a 19th-century cotton mill turned into 13 galleries and hundreds of artists’ studios. The complex also has an indie cinema, a restaurant, a beer garden and tours. Don’t miss the Palm Gardens , with 19th-century bridges, pavilions and a theatre in an old petrol station. Eisenbahnstrasse in Volkmarsdorf offers multicultural food options, and Karl-Liebknecht-strasse (KarLi for short) is the street for bar-hopping. Paul Sullivan

Málaga, Spain Picasso sites, sea and sardines

To mark the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso’s death, on 8 April, galleries across Spain are planning special exhibitions: eight in Madrid, three each in Barcelona and Málaga, and one each in A Coruña and Bilbão. Málaga, the artist’s birthplace, is particularly proud of its famous son. The Picasso Museum Málaga – also celebrating its 20th anniversary – has Picasso: Matter and Body (8 Aug-10 Sept) and Echo of Picasso (2 Oct-24 March 2024), and the Picasso Birthplace Museum is showing The Ages of Pablo (21 Jun-1 Jan 2024). Fans can also visit the church where he was baptised, the site of his school and the Malagueta bullring, where he watched bullfights with his father.

Málaga has more to offer art lovers than Picasso, though. Its 40 museums and galleries include the Pompidou Centre of Málaga , opened in 2015 in a striking cube by the waterfront; the Carmen Thyssen Museum of 19th-century Spanish painting; and the free Contemporary Art Centre of Málaga . The latter is in Soho, the city’s vibrant street-art district, which also has independent restaurants and shops, and a monthly makers’ market.

Art aside, the capital of the Costa del Sol has 16 beaches; historic sights such as the “one-armed” cathedral, Gibralfaro castle and the 11th-century Alcazaba; and local favourite espetos de sardinas (sardines on a skewer). Rachel Dixon

Canfranc, Huesca, Spain Railway ‘cathedral’ becomes a hotel

What was once an unlikely location for Europe’s second-largest railway station will become a destination hotel 910 metres up in the Spanish Pyrenees when it opens on 1 March. Canfranc Station Royal Hideaway hotel occupies the pharaonic station, whose various misfortunes earned it the epithet “the Titanic of the mountains”. When it was conceived in 1853, Spain wanted to show it was capable of a building on the scale of Europe’s great railway cathedrals, but by the time it was completed in 1928 it was outmoded.

During the second world war it served as a discreet place for the Nazis to hand over gold in exchange for Spanish tungsten, vital in tank production, and was also a crossing point for Jewish refugees fleeing Vichy France. The spectacular station, with its 365 windows and 200-metre-long platform, ceased to operate in 1970, but much of the original detail has been conserved in the 104-bedroom hotel (doubles from €230 room-only) with two restaurants and spa, all amid snow-capped mountains. The area is great for rock climbing, the Camino de Santiago runs through the village, and there are several ski stations nearby. It’s worth taking the scenic 16 mile train ride to the medieval town of Jaca. Canfranc can be reached by rail from Zaragoza (trains run twice daily). Stephen Burgen

Rugby World Cup, France Touch down in nine great cities

In September and October the Rugby World Cup will take over nine host cities, including Lille, Nantes, Nice and Lyon. England and Scotland fans heading to Marseille for their teams’ first matches on 9 and 10 September will catch the late summer sun in this city known for beaches, and diverse culture. Wales and Ireland fans in Bordeaux that weekend can enjoy the city’s wine bars , its atmospheric Chartrons district, Cité du Vin wine museum and the relatively new Bassin des Lumières art-based light show set in a former second world war German submarine base.

There will be a lively atmosphere in all the stadiums, but the crowds in Bordeaux and Toulouse will be particularly impassioned. Toulouse is known as the Ville Rose for its old town’s pink bricks, and its student population adds to its vibrant nightlife.

Fans without tickets to its Stade de Toulouse can watch matches at Chez Tonton on Place Saint-Pierre, on the banks of the Garonne. By day, they can take a Taste of Toulouse food tour; have their minds boggled at the space centre Cité de l’espace ; and admire the giant robotic creations at the Halles de la Machine . The giant robots’ creators hail from fellow host city Nantes , whose own collection includes a giant robotic elephant and three-storey, ocean-themed carousel. CB

Stranraer to Eyemouth cycle route, Scotland Southern stunner for two wheels

The rolling hills and ancient abbeys of the south of Scotland are often overlooked by visitors making a beeline for the Highlands, but a new 250-mile coast-to-coast cycle route, from Stranraer to Eyemouth, will remind people of the beauty at the bottom of the country. The route, which weaves from west to east on quiet roads, will take riders to Newton Stewart and the Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park. From there, a maze of leafy minor roads, with views over the Southern Uplands, lead to the 18th-century market town of Castle Douglas, Dumfries, where Robert Burns spent his final years, and the old mill towns and ruined abbeys of the Scottish Borders, following the River Tweed past Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford and a plethora of Mary Queen of Scots history. The trail finishes in the harbour town of Eyemouth, and is set to open in time for the UCI Cycling World Championships, running in Glasgow and around Scotland in August.

“The south of Scotland has a lot to offer, from Abbotsford and the abbeys to cultural events like book festivals,” says Markus Stitz, of Bikepacking Scotland . “The enthusiasm of the local people and their hospitality make it a wonderful area to explore.”

The south is already well known among mountain bikers for the 7stanes trail centres dotted around the region. It’s hoped that the new route will show that road cycling is just as remarkable. Stuart Kenny

Alpine climbing, Austria Mountaineering village escapes

The beauty of the Alps has long been exploited for the mass tourism market. Grand hotels, second homes, tacky ski resorts and a dense network of lifts are some of its many unaesthetic consequences. But not everybody longs for a sixth schnapps at a slope-side watering hole to the latest après-ski hit. For those who wish to enjoy the natural scenery in peace, away from consumerism and concrete, the Mountaineering Villages are the ideal choice.

This association of holiday destinations, managed by the Austrian Alpine Club , promises a “pure” mountain experience. The 36 villages in Austria (as well as in neighbouring Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia) are so small and sparsely populated that even locals would need a map to locate some of them. Nevertheless, the inhabitants strive to maintain their culture and traditions. Here, visitors stay in accommodation provided by the inhabitants and small businesses, instead of purpose-built chalet villages.

The mountains have to be climbed with one’s own legs, at one’s own pace – cable cars are a rarity. This is the perfect escape for frazzled city dwellers. I ask Bernhard, a visitor from Vienna, what there is to do in the Styrian municipality of Krakau. “Well, hiking”, he says. And when it rains? “Hiking in the forest.” The lodgings are simple, the population a bit reserved (lacking the professional friendliness of large tourist hubs), the mountain huts are excellent and the scenery formidable.

The association’s website gives detailed descriptions of mountain tours, a list of partner companies and an outline of the history of the area. “It is wonderful: there is nothing going on,” is how Aline, a Viennese woman in her mid-30s, sums up Krakau. She made a stopover in the mountains on her way from Vienna to Italy. Walking is the only thing on the agenda. And if it rains? “Pack a book”. Christopher Brennan

Dún Laoghaire harbour baths, Dublin Chilly dips plus fish and chips

For many intrepid Dubliners as well as visitors to the city, the idea of a sea swim at the Forty Foot promontory in Dún Laoghaire incites near-religious zeal. From late last year, another location has inspired a cult-like following among cold-water lovers in the Irish capital: the Dún Laoghaire Baths, reopened after a 25-year hiatus. A perfectly sited bronze sculpture of 1916 revolutionary Roger Casement towers skywards from the tip of a new 35-metre jetty. He casts his wide gaze over a new design for the area that includes gazebo, cafe, artists’ studios, changing area and beach garden.

After a bracing dip, cross the road to join the queue at Teddy’s for Dublin’s most popular 99 ice-cream cone. Newly opened bike lanes follow much of Dublin’s coastal trail, leading to the Martello Tower in Seapoint, another bathing spot that draws a loyal crowd at high tide. Nobel-prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney lived in Sandymount – that beach is the setting for his three-line poem The Strand. The coastal trail continues to Ringsend and the candy-striped Poolbeg Towers, the city’s unofficial symbol. Stretching three miles out to sea, the Great South Wall was the world’s longest sea wall when it was built in 1731.

Over the Liffey, the trail continues north to windswept Dollymount Strand, where kite surfers perform aerial acrobatics, and on to the cliff walk at Howth Head, finishing at Howth village, for some of Dublin’s best fish and chips. Skerries, in the far north of the county, completes the trail, where waterside pub Stoop Your Head serves Dublin Bay prawns and excellent Guinness. Fergal McCarthy

Versailles, France Marie-Antoinette for a day

With the BBC’s thrilling new drama about Marie Antoinette – starring Emilia Schüle as the 14-year-old future French royal – airing on BBC Two on Thursday nights in January and February, the Sun King’s dazzling abode is the p(a)lace to visit this year.

Apart from the lure of discovering sites linked to the controversial Austrian queen, perhaps the best reason to visit Versailles in 2023 is a thrilling immersive experience that gives visitors the chance to play Marie-Antoinette for the day. Staying at the new Le Grand Contrôle hotel , they can learn the queen’s beauty secrets at a fragrance workshop, then wander in the landscaped gardens of the Petit Trianon, where she once sought refuge from courtly etiquette, before dressing up in one of the elaborate pannier gowns and towering flour-powdered wigs seen in the BBC series (which premiered on 29 December). Heidi Fuller-Love

Appian Way, Italy The first Roman road

It was known as the queen of roads – regina viarum . Completed in 190BC, the Appian Way runs for 350 miles from Rome to Brindisi, and the whole route is up for Unesco recognition this year. Named for magistrate Appius Claudius Caecus, it was ancient Rome’s first highway, and a marvel for its time, with expertly laid flagstones making a truly all-weather surface. But over the centuries most of this disappeared under farmland and villages – or evolved into the SS7 main road.

In 2015, photographer Riccardo Carnovalini and writer Paolo Rumiz used old documents and satellite images to walk the entire Appian Way (GPX of the route is available here ). It is not an easy route to follow, though, which is why the Ministry of Culture has set aside €20m to develop the Appian Way into, it hopes, a pilgrimage route to match the Camino de Santiago, with refreshment and lodging stops.

While its beginnings at Rome’s Forum are long lost, an arrow-straight walkable section can easily be reached by bus (no 118). Near the tomb of Cecilia Metella, at the three-mile mark, the first of the original flagstones are visible, often with cartwheel grooves.

This year the road is being restored near Benevento in Campania, and Mesagne in Puglia. Follow progress on camminodellappia.it , and plan a walk to save the past for the future. LB

Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland Wild wilderness comfort

Wildlife, dramatic scenery, lace-like coast … there are lots of reasons to visit the Isle of Skye, but 2023 ups the accommodation ante with the opening of the Bracken Hide , a cool wilderness hotel. Forty-five en suite cabins dot the 52-acre site, and guests can gather at the Hub (home to Frasers restaurant , a whisky bar, a lounge and screening and games rooms).

It’s very eco-friendly, with cabins clad in sustainable timber and hand-dived scallops and local venison on the menu. There are Nordic saunas, plunge pools, a wild swimming pond and views across Loch Portree and the Sound of Raasay.

Run by the duo behind Skye’s Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse, the Bracken Hide marries hotel comfort with cabin wildness. Skye Adventure is a partner, offering activities from kayaking to climbing, and Portree is within walking distance. It opens in March (booking now), from £150 B&B for two. JD

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Bordeaux travel guide: how to have the perfect weekend in the wine capital

Where to eat, what to see and the places to stay in the laidback but elegant old port city renowned for its world-class vintages

Sipping a crisp glass of local cremant (essentially champagne, but made outside the Champagne region) from the top-floor Belvedere of the Cité du Vin – a spot from which you can also drink in views of Bordeaux’s gritty former wet docks ( bassin s à flot ), the Garonne river and the monuments of the nearby city centre – I rue the fact that so few contemporary buildings have been as well thought out as this one.

Opened in 2016, Bordeaux’s ‘City of Wine’ makes a very bold statement indeed, but most importantly it’s eco-friendly, built from sustainable materials, and though hyper-modern, it’s also perfectly in tune with its place, with a gorgeously curvaceous shape that evokes both vines and the flow of the river alongside it. Even its mellow golden brown colour was chosen to harmonise with the limestone buildings of the rest of this graceful old river port with its rather genteel feel.

But what’s inside this wine museum is equally impressive - a truly state-of-the-art, sensory journey through the history and science of wine around the world in the form of a brilliantly conceived permanent exhibition, plus the option of signing up for tasting workshops and other events.

And then after all that, there’s its wine shop, Latitude20 – and what a wine shop, also gorgeously designed, with a choice of 800 labels from more than 70 countries and a team of specialist sommeliers to guide you through them. With prices from a ridiculously reasonable €5, it seemed rude not to leave without a few decent bottles to take home with me, but I did insist on them being from the Bordeaux region rather than Turkmenistan or Tahiti.

A much less visible but just as striking modern architectural masterpiece can be found at Château Les Carmes Haut Brion , a vineyard that in 2016 commissioned a new metal-clad wine cellar from designer Philippe Starck. Resting on the bed of the River Peugue and blending into the landscape thanks to the reflections flitting across its surface, it resembles a ship’s bow, in a nod to Bordeaux’s seafaring history. You can visit by private guided tour – bookable directly or via the wonderful concierge at the delicious new Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes hotel, which was also designed by Philippe Starck.

The Château is the only vineyard within the city limits, which makes it easy to visit (it’s just a few tram stops from the centre).

Bordeaux is a foodie's dream, with a special focus on fresh Atlantic seafood including oysters from nearby Arcachon. One of the best places to try more or less everything on offer here is the Halles de Bacalan , right beside the Cité du Vin. Here, you can sit within the renovated old market building or out on the dockside and munch on anything from ceviche to Reunion Island specialities and the city’s best canel é s – gooey Bordeaux specialities with soft centres and caramelised crusts, scented by rum and vanilla and shaped like corks.

From Les Halles and the Cité du Vin you can stroll all the way along the river to the city centre. The first part is a Promenade Verte (Green Promenade) planted with trees and other greenery as a refuge for biodiversity. From here, there’s a long, wide swathe of riverbank path lined with tempting restaurants and cafes with terraces facing the water, perfect for watching the cyclists, rollerbladers, skateboarders, e-scooterers and strollers go by. Bordeaux originally turned its back on its once-dirty river (the houses lining it had their front doors on the other side), so it’s lovely to see how it has become the focal point of a modern-day outdoorsy lifestyle.

The shopping

From chic pharmacies full of French beauty products you can’t get back home to the classic department store Galeries Lafayette, and of course wine shops galore, Bordeaux is a fantastic place to shop - so if you fly here, make sure to book hold luggage.

The best spot is Chartrons, which calls to mind the hip Marais district of Paris in its mix of bourgeois and bohemian shops. An ancient (14th-century) neighbourhood built around Chartreux abbey and lining part of the river, it’s especially good for antiques, vintage and bric-à-brac boutiques and concept stores, plus inviting wine cellars, many clustered on Rue Notre-Dame street (this was once Bordeaux’s wine merchants’ district).

A weekend must while in Bordeaux is an amble around Chartrons market out on the quays each Sunday – the perfect excuse for a riverside picnic. And Chartrons is another great place to eat in Bordeaux, packed with tea salons, tapas bars, dim sum restaurants, oyster stalls and patisseries – especially around the Place du Marché de Chartrons.

The culture

Bordeaux’s thrilling blend of the classic and the contemporary continues in its array of inspiring cultural venues. In Chartrons, M.U.R (Modulable, Urban, Reactive) showcases modern urban art, while the CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain is a lovely space for ogling works by present-day artists, and MECA (Museum of Decorative Arts and Design) has both contemporary and ancient works, and everything in-between.

Back by the Bassin à Flots, the Bassins des Lumières has repurposed a former Nazi submarine base into the world’s largest digital art centre. Lastly, the Bordeaux Musée des Beaux-Arts focuses on the centuries and movements culminating in 20th-century Modernism.

Meanwhile, there’s more for oenophiles in the Museum of Wine and Trade, and history galore in Bordeaux’s Maritime History Museum, the Musée Mer Marine, and the Museum of Aquitaine. In short, much much more than a weekend’s worth – but with Bordeaux being so easy to get to from the UK, including by Eurostar , that’s all good reason to keep coming back for more.

The new hotels

Opened in November 2023, Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes oozes cosy chic in the north of the Chartrons district, in a former winery with a splendid neo-Gothic stone façade. Inside, it’s all soft earthy hues and poetic France-meets-Far East decor by Philippe Starck, who was picked for the architectural design and artistic direction after designing the iconic wine cellar at the Château les Carmes Haut Brion.

You can taste that vineyard ’s best vintages, and many other regional and global wines, in the hotel’s fabulous destination restaurant, Morimoto Bordeaux – the fêted Japanese chef’s only outpost in Europe to date. But make sure you don’t miss out on the superb signature cocktails either - a standout is the Zoo Kimoni with Sakurao gin, pickle juice, Szechuan pepper syru and lemon – or the wonderful choice of sakes. For eats, the French-inflected Japanese fare includes maki, sushi, sashimi, signature dishes such as lacquered duck, and Arcachon oysters, and if you like you can sit up at the sushi bar and get an eyeful of the chefs in action.

The perfect urban retreat, Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes also has the prettiest of courtyard gardens, fireplaces to snuggle up by in the colder months, and a cosseting gem of a holistic, vegan Codage Paris spa, with a sauna, hamman and lounger-lined swimming pool.

For local style on a slightly lower budget, Hotel Indigo Bordeaux is another new opening in the Chartrons district – this time more centrally, down by the CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain.

BOOK A STAY

Its rooftop bar and restaurant has a lovely wraparound terrace popular for sundowners, while the rooms and suites have been decorated to evoke the nearby seaside resort of Arcachon: some are in nautical and marine blues, some have the peachy glow of Atlantic sunsets, and some are in the dusky yellow of the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune.

Or another new addition to the Bordeaux hotel scene, the eco-friendly Renaissance Bordeaux has an interesting location overlooking the Halles de Bacalan, and from its top-floor pool you can ogle the Cité du Vin building as you swim.

Rooms and suites have vast windows and the feel of spacious ships’ cabins, especially if you plump for one with views down over the old docks, and the rooftop space (which includes a bar and a very good Italian restaurant with an expansive terrace) also hosts community events such as vintage and crafts fairs.

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