british places to visit

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
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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.

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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.

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Windsor Castle

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Houses of Parliament

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Borough Market

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Hampstead Heath

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Salisbury Cathedral

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Tower Bridge

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Glastonbury Tor

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Corfe Castle

The massive, shattered ruins of Corfe Castle loom so dramatically from the landscape it's like blundering into a film set. The defensive fragments tower…

The Chartwell Estate was home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until his death in 1965. It offers a breathtakingly intimate insight into the life of…

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is one of London’s loveliest expanses of green, with a rose garden, impressive playground, a 6th-century Anglo-Saxon burial ground and…

Turner Contemporary

Turner Contemporary is a blockbuster art gallery, bolted together on the site of the seafront guesthouse where master painter JMW Turner used to stay…

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is the poster child of Dorset's Jurassic Coast. This immense, sea-fringed, 150-million-year-old Portland stone arch was created by a…

Down House, on the edge of the quaint Kent village of Downe, was Charles Darwin's home from 1842 until his death in 1882. It was here that he developed…

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Now is the perfect time to discover another side of Britain. Tuck into food as diverse as our people, or discover our cities by paddleboard or street art tour. Dance ‘til dusk at any one of our intimate underground venues and huge concerts, or bring the past to life in our castles and historic buildings. Whether you’d like to celebrate 75 years of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, get lost in our quirky museums and art galleries, or tuck into an afternoon tea with a difference, let your journey of discovering Britain start right here.

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Experience the North York Moors sustainably

Thanks to The North York Moors National Park's status as a protected area, valuable land has been preserved. Experience the beauty of nature, sustainably.

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Road trip along the coast of the North York Moors (Route 1)

From great sandy beaches to old fishing villages, plus an abundance of nature and history, the North York Moors coast offer everything you could want from a holiday.

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Britain's festive Christmas experiences

Get well and truly stuck into the festive season with these Christmas experiences in Britain that are set to up the jolly antics.

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Follow twinkling lights and dive into a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer at Britain’s Christmas Markets.

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The 13 Best Places to Go in the U.K. in 2023

By Condé Nast Traveller

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2023 —find more ideas on where to travel in the year ahead in India , Spain , the U.S. , and beyond.

Every winter, we look ahead to the upcoming year and consider which destinations—of the many, many beautiful places across the world —we'll see travelers flocking to. As part of our Best Places To Go series , we shine a spotlight on the destinations in the world, as well as the United States , India, Spain, and the United Kingdom that are set to have a real moment in 2023, thanks to splashy hotel openings, foodie awakenings, or cultural moments that the whole world will be watching. 

This list—curated by our expert contributors—is an edit of cities, regions, and counties across the U.K. that should be on your radar right now. From Manchester's new museums to Glasgow's slew of slated hotel openings via conservation initiatives in Inverness and the sparkly arrival of Eurovision in Liverpool, these are the 13 best places to go in the U.K. in 2023, in no particular order. Happy travels. 

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.  

Manchester, England

As the world’s first industrial city, Manchester has always been about redbrick urbanity and vocal street culture, but in 2022 something changed: it got greener. While the 154 acres of RHS Garden Bridgewater bedded in nicely outside the Salford village of Worsley, with its walled-garden microclimate, more vital greenery arrived in the city center as Castlefield Viaduct became Manchester’s answer to the New York High Line , seeding cotton grass, ferns, fennel, and broom along over a thousand feet of former Victorian rail track. And right next to Piccadilly Station, Mayfield Park —the city’s first new park in a century—opened on a derelict brownfield site with meadows, trees, and play areas alongside the River Medlock. So it seems apt that its latest hotel, Treehouse Hotel Manchester , is a celebration of biophilic design, with bee hives in the roof gardens and living walls. The sustainability-minded Treehouse , which opens in spring near Selfridges, will also have a zero-waste restaurant, hopscotch carpets, and a rooftop bar from local DJs-turned-restaurateurs the Unabombers. When it comes to diversity, Manchester Museum is reopening after a major revamp with galleries devoted to the city’s Asian disapora—including a South Asia gallery curated by 31 people from the continent, telling stories such as the day Gandhi visited the mills of Darwen in Lancashire. Other openings include the Fashion Gallery at Manchester Art Gallery , and the Co-op Live music venue in the NOMA area, along with a TBA debut by Soho House ; but the most anticipated is Factory International in June, its name inspired by the city’s genre-breaking record label. Set on the site of Granada Studios, this primetime cultural space will help host the Manchester International Festival and carve out its own identity with Free Your Mind , a kinetic multi-media performance based on the Matrix films, and the largest ever immersive installation from Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, entitled You, Me, and the Balloons . You can toast the polka-dotting artist with one of the tasting menus at MUSU , a theatrical new Japanese restaurant on Bridge Street from chef patron Michael Shaw, where dining booths transform at night into cocktail-club tables for floor shows.

A Welsh foodie renaissance has, admittedly, taken a while to arrive. But a new generation of chefs are digging into their terroir and emerging with handfuls of truffles, scallops, and cheeses, from James Sommerin’s Home restaurant in Penarth, to SY23 in seaside Aberystwyth, headed by Great British Menu finalist Nathan Davies. There’s also been the rise of hard-to-reach destination restaurants determinedly doing their own thing, such as Annwn in deepest Pembrokeshire, where Matt Powell forages most of his ingredients from the shoreline, and Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley , which was just awarded a second Michelin star. Ward’s empire will grow in 2023 with the opening of eight-seat Gwen—named after his mother—with sourdough pizzas on the menu. Paternoster Farm , meanwhile, set in a former Pembroke cowshed, is doing wondrous things with Porthilly oysters, Welsh Mountain lamb, and sea beet—with its Five Mile Feasts, a special menu, gathering up all sorts of local treasures. 

In Cardigan, the Albion Aberteifi —certainly the coolest hotel to arrive in Wales in years—is set to open a Scandi-Japanese restaurant on the river bank in 2023, along with a woodland onsen and spa. Wales seems to be turning into a hub for the UK’s thriving outdoor sauna scene: Snowdonia-based Heartwood Saunas is launching a new forest project this December, where groups of up to 10 can use a wood-fired sauna before jumping in the pools of the River Dulas (or head to the yoga deck), all while surrounded by old oak trees and natural pools. In Carmarthenshire, the seven-mile stretch of Pendine Sands is enjoying a revival. Caban hotel is opening in the spring alongside the Museum of Speed , which celebrates the many land-speed records made on the beach—including one by actor Idris Elba in a Bentley Continental GT. Reducing the speed a notch, a new slow-travel route of roads and walking paths, The Wild Drovers’ Way , unfurls over 180 miles from the foothills of the Cambrians into the Brecon Beacons—a lovely way to appreciate some of Wales’ rural highlights.

If you need somewhere to toast all this, you could head to Swansea, where Penderyn will open its new whisky-distillery experience in March; or to Ynyshir, where Gareth Ward opened The Legless Thatch next to his restaurant last summer. The fun continues in Cardiff, where the St Fagans Museum of National History has been rebuilding the iconic Vulcan pub (beloved of Manic Street Preachers) on its grounds, set to open in 2024. Lechyd da!

Bath, England

“Who can ever be tired of Bath ?” wrote Jane Austen in Northanger Abbey , and over two centuries on, this phrase still rings true. The grand Regency façades, the gurgling River Avon, and the intricate web of streets that lead toward the grandeur of the famed Royal Crescent, looking down over the honey-hued architecture, makes for an enchanting visit year-in, year-out. For 2023 though, Somerset’s biggest city—and the home of many Bridgerton filming locations—has filled its calling cards with new openings of particular note. Cleveland Pools , the U.K.’s only surviving Georgian lido and its oldest outdoor pool, will re-open for the first time in four decades after a major refurb, flanked by meadows on one side and the original changing rooms on the other. 8 Holland Street , a gallery space and studio—which gets its name from its original sibling by the same name perched between London's Notting Hill and High Street Kensington neighborhoods—is taking its dedication to living among good design one step further in 2023 and launching a new three-bedroom luxury townhouse above its public space for staycationers who want to really immerse themselves in Bath’s culture scene. Elsewhere, various new restaurant openings, including The Beckford Canteen , headed up by former Fischer’s and Cora Pearl chef George Barson, will join a smorgasbord of much-loved eateries. Finally, offering visitors new opportunities to soak up the city’s heritage of wellness, a new festival of wellbeing will launch in the spa city too. ReBalance Bath (February 7 – 26, 2023) will bring together venues, hotels, spa therapists, and restaurants for three weeks of feel-good activities in, from mindfulness and yoga to sound baths and foraging sessions.

Glasgow, Scotland

Music in all its forms flows through and defines Glasgow as surely as the River Clyde itself. The Celtic Connections festival has grown to become an integral part not only of the city’s music scene but of the world’s music scene. In January 2023, the festival celebrates its 30th birthday. Look out, too, for talks, tie-ins, and spin-off events at the same time, not least those at the splendid Kelvingrove Museum (such as  Love of Print , which runs until March 12 and celebrates 50 years of Glasgow Print Studio ). Later in the year, the UCI Cycling World Championships will take place. The largest cycling event in history, they say. Impressive as that may be, the fixture is a Johnny-come-lately compared to the Scotland v England football match in September at Hampden Park to mark the 150th anniversary of the world’s oldest international dispute over an inflated pigskin bladder. The Burrell Collection— one of the world’s greatest single-collector collections—reopened in 2022 after a very long, very expensive and, as it turned out, very successful refurbishment. The first temporary exhibition since the museum’s reopening, The Burrells’ Legacy: A Great Gift to Glasgow , will remain on show until April 16. There’s been a lot of talk in recent times about Glasgow’s supercharged food-and-drink scene—Michelin stars seem to be shooting all over the place and AA rosettes popping up like, well, roses. The 2023 guide contains no fewer than 15 entries under a Glasgow heading, ranging from the immaculate (Cail Bruich, Unalome) to the merely irresistible (Rickshaw & Co, GaGa Kitchen). Where to stay? The Kimpton Blythswood Square is a perennial favorite, and its Scandi-inspired pop-up spa, Thaw, may very well see the hotel booked solid through the winter months. With any luck, the long-anticipated Virgin Hotel will open in early 2023 (if its sister property in Edinburgh is anything to go by, it should be great fun); as will the House of Gods which promises, by Zeus, to deliver a divine thunderbolt of louche, sleepless, neon-lit, velvet-upholstered decadence.

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Eastbourne, England

In the last few years, Eastbourne has brushed off its erstwhile sleepy image to emerge as the latest up-coming coastal hotspot to watch. And nothing signals the of-the-moment creative buzz here more than Towner Eastbourne, a major player on the local gallery scene. It will celebrate its centenary with Towner 100—a year of exhibitions that includes a summer show dedicated to Barbara Hepworth and, from September, the Turner Prize (it’s the first time the contemporary art award has been held in Sussex). In January, Scandi-style Port —which turned the idea of a classic seaside stay on its head when it opened in 2021—is tapping into the trend for pop-up beach saunas by collaborating with Samphire Sauna , a wood-fired wellness experience in a converted horse stable. For the full heat and cold-water therapy circuit, alternate sweating with quick dips in the sea, which can be followed up with brunch in the hotel restaurant. And, while regular visitors might be familiar with long-established events such as the annual Rothesay International Eastbourne tennis tournament (known as a warm-up for Wimbledon) and Airborne , a spectacular air show where the likes of the Red Arrows soar high above the seafront in a two-mile display, there are also newer, sillier additions to the calendar too—as witnessed in the increasingly popular Soapbox Race . The third iteration will see competitors once again create their own homemade soapbox racing karts and take on a downhill course navigating tight corners, ramps, and hay bales around the town.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Known for being home to the biggest arts festival in the world, Edinburgh is naturally a performer’s paradise. But outside of the Fringe, the Scottish capital consistently lures in visitors for its famously picturesque streets, world-renowned historical hotspots, and ever-expanding food and drink scene. Lavish dining is easy to come by in the city, with three restaurants— Condita ,  The Kitchin , and  Martin Wishart —awarded Michelin stars in 2022. But newer openings like the laid-back  Palmerston , delightful restaurant/wine bar  Eleanore , or wonderfully cavernous  Newbarns Brewery Taproom  all highlight the variety and quality on offer in all neighborhoods. Elsewhere,  Bonnie & Wild's Scottish Marketplace  in the recently opened  St James Quarter  celebrates both Scottish produce and independent businesses, with everything from mouth-watering burgers courtesy of El Perro Negro to artisan gelato via Joelato. London’s iconic  Duck & Waffle  is also set to open its first Scottish restaurant in the building, while the 12-story  W Edinburgh  hotel, with its striking façade crafted from a winding steel ‘ribbon’, is due imminently on the same premises. 

In the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, you can get a taste of Perthshire’s celebrated Gleneagles Hotel thanks to the new  Gleneagles Townhouse . The hotel and members' club provides elegance and grandeur, with pastel-toned furnishings and modern touches offering added levels of comfort. In 2023, the Red Carnation group are also due to open their first Scottish hotel,  100 Princes Street , with respectful renovations of the original building enhanced by Alexander McQueen-inspired interiors. In the world of art, meanwhile, 2023 looks to be a significant year in the city as the revamp of the  Scottish National Gallery  will officially be complete, following years of construction work. The new suite of galleries are set to include large windows and views across Princes Street Gardens, with displays made up of art from the National Galleries of Scotland’s collections as well as loans from other leading arts institutions.

Kent, England

Kent has long been a holiday hot spot with its plump oysters, artistic communities, and blazing sunsets. But the buzz around its seaside towns has now grown impressively loud, with a slew of brand new exciting openings catering for the increasing influx of curious visitors and new creative residents. As usual, Margate, a town on England’s southeast coast, is leading the charge. Well worth a visit is atmospheric Parisian-style wine bar  Sète  run by the team behind Barletta, the lovely Turner Contemporary gallery restaurant—their garden is opening in spring 2023 and will be the go-to place come summer. But where to rest your head after one too many glasses of Beaujolais Nouveau? Until recently there’s been a distinct lack of smart places to stay if you want to turn a day trip into a weekender or longer. Luckily, there’s a new wave of food-focused hotels opening across the county. First came Fort Road Hotel , an elegant revival of a seafront institution with mid-mod rooms, a playful bistro headed up by an ex-River Cafe chef Daisy Cecil, and a rooftop bar with views over the harbor arm. Following on, Guesthouse has snapped up another seafront stunner right on the main sands and will be opening No 42 in spring 2023 with a restaurant, spa, and roof terrace. Alongside Margate, the town of Deal has also secured must-visit status thanks to Nuno Mendes crafting the much-lauded menu at The Rose and the recent opening of Updown , an impeccably restored 17th-century farmhouse with rooms and a hyper-local farm restaurant just 15 minutes drive from the sea. For a more rural break, Boys Hall will open in a restored Jacobean manor house near Ashford. Perfect as a base to explore Kent or just to eat your way around the county at their restaurant celebrating seasonal Kentish produce.

Inverness, Scotland

Think of the Scottish Highlands and the imagination grasps for craggy-faced mountains, empty moorlands, and roller-coasting glens, a landscape tailor-made for slow travel . But thoughtful progress here is moving at a fast pace and Inverness—and its surrounding matrix of lochs and wild lands—is gaining worldwide recognition for a number of thrilling reasons. There’s excitement around the spring opening of the world’s first rewilding center west of Loch Ness in Glenmoriston, now home to more than 4,000 native animal and plant species on eco-charity  Trees for Life ’s reconquered Dundreggan Estate. That buzz is also translated farther north in Dornoch, where new thermal imaging safaris from  Connell Outdoor Pursuits  provide remarkable insights into the late-night lives of deer, badgers, and, most joyously of all, rarely-seen pine martens. In Inverness itself, along the river, at pink-sandstone  Inverness Castle , an era-defining regeneration project that began in 2020 is transforming the fortress—until it reopens, the views from the ramparts unspool across the city to where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. Perhaps, the greatest praise should be reserved for family-run  Newhall Mains  on the Black Isle peninsula—the 18th-century farm estate is now fully up to speed, with razzmatazz apartments, spoiling cottages, and its own private airfield half an hour from Inverness. Come mid-summer, expect a similar sort of resurrection in seaside Dornoch, where  Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts  is to revive Dornoch Station hotel, an altar for golfers on the doorstep of the long ascendant  Royal Dornoch  championship course and wildly popular  North Coast 500 .

Liverpool, England

Liverpool’s reputation for putting on a good show is about to be put to the test in 2023, with the Grand Final of the 67th  Eurovision Song Contest  taking place at the Liverpool Arena next to the River Mersey on Saturday, May 13. The city’s music scene was catapulted into the global spotlight when The Beatles reached international stardom in the 1960s, with music venues such as  The Cavern Club  playing host to acts including Gerry & the Pacemakers, Cilla Black, and Queen. Today, live music remains at the center of the city’s cultural heart, and brand new venues including  BOXPARK —housed in the old Cains Brewery—and Johnny Cash-inspired dive bar  Mean-Eyed Cat  promise to add to Liverpool’s packed events calendar in 2023. Meanwhile, planning is well underway for  Baltic Weekender 2023 , a multi-genre, multi-venue festival in the  Baltic Triangle , one of the city’s most artistic and up-and-coming neighborhoods. Complementing Liverpool’s status as a cultural hub is the city’s huge array of leading food and drink venues, from the religiously-seasonal  Manifest Restaurant  to Gary Usher’s  Wreckfish Bistro  and the nearby  Art School Restaurant —all of which have been named in the prestigious AA Restaurant Guide 2023. All eyes will be on Dale Street in the coming months as a  new hotel  nears completion following a two-year, $40-million plus heritage refurbishment of the historic Municipal Buildings. First built in 1868, the restored facade of the stunning grade II-listed Victorian building was recently unveiled after more than 12 months under wraps—a welcome (re)addition to the city’s thriving hospitality scene.

Yorkshire, England

Immortalized by E​​mily Brontë's fantasized vision of the Yorkshire Moors in  Wuthering Heights , Yorkshire ’s heritage is one of equi-rough and smooth. Rugged landscapes and a history of industry and tough materials mix with literature and an ever-evolving art scene that has churned out countless greats—from David Hockney and Barbara Hepworth to renowned sculptor Henry Moore—to create a heady, boundary-pushing mix of man-made and natural beauty. And the region has a food scene to match. In fact, the AA Restaurant Guide 2023 has marked North Yorkshire as only second to London in terms of its quantity of high-quality restaurants, meaning that memorable dining is only ever a few streets away here. From The Black Swan at Oldstead , a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms on the edge of the North York Moors belonging to celebrity chef Tommy Banks (who also owns Roots in York, also Michelin-starred, offering a seasonal farm-to-table tasting menu in an 1800s building) to The Hare Inn , a 12th-century property on the North York Moors which won Restaurant with Rooms of the Year. Outside of the vibrant culinary scene, Yorkshire’s chocolate-box towns, magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park (a rich tapestry of thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, and undulating peaks), and vibrant cultural scene weaves together enough of a draw on its own. Leeds, for example, has been named the City of Culture for 2023, and as such will host a year-long celebration, with 12 signature events and a multitude of creative experiences peppered throughout the year for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

Mayfair, England

Including London in a list like this feels almost like cheating—in any given year, there are of course a handful of exciting new openings scattered across the U.K.'s capital. Now is no different: there are smart hotels cropping up from a shiny new Six Senses to the long-awaited opening of Raffles London at the OWO . But it's splashy, sexy neighborhood Mayfair that seems to have taken the crown for London's most exciting corner in 2023. The opening of Mandarin Oriental Hanover Square , a diminutive sister space to stalwart Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park , will breathe new life into the area come spring. Michelin-tipped chef Akira Back will helm the restaurant here, and a slick spa will round out the property's wellness offering. Elsewhere, the U.K.'s first-ever St. Regis hotel will open around the corner on Berkeley Square (home of the famed members' club Annabel's). Taking over what was once The Westbury, the St. Regis team are currently overseeing an over $100 million makeover, which includes adding a jazz bar, a spa, and, curiously, an eighth floor. Mayfair has always been a hub for discerning food lovers, and 2023 will also see the opening of a handful of attention-grabbing restaurants. As well as flagship spots in both the Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis, Claude Bosi (of Bibendum fame) will open Socca with Samyukta Nair, the woman behind Jamavar and Bombay Bustle, while Tom Sellers, chef-patron of Michelin-starred Restaurant Story , will open a second spot in Mayfair's 1 Hotel. And those hungry for culture will be delighted by the Center for British Photography , which will open in January in 8,000 square feet of space over three floors just off Piccadilly.

Peak District, England

It may have been the first area of the U.K. to be decreed a national park way back in 1951, but the Peak District has long played second fiddle to the Lakes and the Cotswolds when it comes to superior hotels amid the greatest natural splendor that this island can offer. No longer. The opening of Wildhive Callow Hall is an effortlessly cool re-think of what a traditional country house can be in 2023. Treehouses in the Derbyshire estate’s bucolic woodland and a shepherds hut peeking coquettishly over the hillside provide a genuine sense of luxurious isolation (complete with kitchens, a walk-in shower, and a wet room) but if you prefer being only a staircase away from the action then the main house delivers with its colossal beds, and flashes of contemporary art all curated by in-demand interior designer Isabella Worsley. A sustainably and locally sourced menu created by chef David Bucowicki hits all the right notes in dishes like stalkers pie filled with venison and peas pudding and carver duck with pressed celeriac. You’ll need to traverse the hills for a fair bit to walk all the calories off and perhaps Chatsworth House is a little far on foot at a solid 20 miles or so. But close to the most famed country house in Britain comes, in spring 2023, the second offering from the Bike and Boot concept, which shook up Scarborough’s staid hotel scene on opening last year with a funky color scheme and pared-back style. The second location is around a 20-minute drive from Chatsworth and looks set to follow the Scarborough model in being a major draw to hikers and bikers who don’t want to rough it; with dog grooming facilities, bike storage, and cleaning spaces and rooms bedecked in most un-hiker like hues and textures of orange, velvet, and purple.

Holywood, Northern Ireland

Pronounced the same as its Angeleno namesake, the Northern Ireland Holywood, has always been the place to live for Belfast ’s well-heeled denizens with its Victorian mansions and views of the Lough. Despite being just five miles from the center of the city, it feels like its own place and has recently been attracting a growing wave of returnees eager to avail of its small-town, seaside living. Holywood’s new energy can be found along the pleasing jumble of a High Street; browse at Chapters Bookstore , sip a glass of natural wine, and order small plates involving ingredients like purple sprouting broccoli and fermented spelt at Frae , or brunch at the plant-based Lynchpin , run by ex-Angelsea Arms chef, Joe McGowan, in a bar once run by his grandmother. Don’t let the friendly, neighborhood feel deceive you—people travel for a table at Noble . The food is parochial in the best possible way using Northern Ireland’s finest ingredients—the rare breed, Moiled Irish beef and duck fat chips are, as the locals would say, pure class. Then there are cobweb-blowing-out walks along the 16-mile North Down Coastal Path that threads its way past sea, sand, and big skies through Crawfordsburn Country Park ending at St. Helen’s Bay. Here, hardy swimmers can join the locals, who sometimes include Holywood-born actor, Jamie Dornan, braving the bone-chilling waters—on a clear day you can see Scotland .

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.

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• Travel Guides

50 Of The Most Beautiful Places In The UK To Visit

Check out some of the most spectacular sites in the UK with our handy guide.

The UK is so full of beautiful and magical places that you’ll be spoilt for choice. From picture postcard scenery to stunning Italian architecture, from cozy villages to serene beaches, there are many beautiful places in the UK. One of the greatest pleasures of a UK vacation is that there is something for everyone here. There is much more beauty to behold in this diverse country, so here we are to help you find them. Make sure to head out of the cities and check out some of these incredible places during your visit.

Table of Contents

Here Are The Most Beautiful Places In The UK That Will Leave You Speechless

1. the dark hedges, northern ireland.

Bregagh Road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is popularly known as the Dark Hedges thanks to its tunnel of beech trees. This passageway of beech trees looks quite spooky and dramatic, making it one of the most photographed scenic spots in the UK. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones may also recognize it as the show’s “Kings Road”.

2. Portmeirion, Wales

Modelled after an Italian setting, its naturally beautiful location is one of the most scenic places to visit in UK. This small yet vibrant Mediterranean-style village was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. It is Located near the River Dwyryd and has hotels, spa, restaurant, tea-room, beach, and numerous shops. Don’t miss out on this one as it is one of the most beautiful places in the UK to visit during spring or summertime.

3. Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

This cave is a sea cave on the island of Staffa which is full of unique angular basalt columns. They create an area with breathtaking natural acoustics, especially with the waves that crash inside. What makes this cave so special is its size and the fact that there is a natural walkway through which visitors can get right inside at low tide. It is similar to the nearby Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

4. The Old Man Of Storr, The Isle Of Skye

The dramatic and unusual rock towers that form the Old Man of Storr are located on the Trotternish Peninsula. It is also set atop an ancient landslide. The iconic and breath-taking 3.8km walk on the Isle of Skye will take you through some of the most beautiful places of UK.

5. Lake Windermere, Cumbria

Located in the idyllic Lake District National Park in northwest England, Lake Windermere is one of the most famous places of UK. It is surrounded by mountain peaks and villages, including Bowness-on-Windermere. It also holds the place for being the largest natural lake in England. Definitely a great place to explore with family and friends!

6. Stonehenge, Wiltshire

One of the most prehistoric structures in all of Europe, Stonehenge dates back to c. 3000 BC. The ring of stones has puzzled scientists and archaeologists, and no one still knows what it was used for. It is believed to have been erected as a place of worship, but today it is one of the best places in UK as it attracts a major chunk of tourists to this place. 

Also Read: History and Excitement in Wales

7. Durdle Door, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset is home to the incredible Durdle Door. Its limestone arch is over 400 feet tall and is privately owned, though it’s still open to visitors. This natural wonder of the UK is breathtakingly beautiful, hence comes under the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Durdle Door, an iconic landmark of Dorset is one of the most photographed and top places to visit in UK.

8. Tresco Abbey Gardens, The Isle Of Scilly, Cornwall

The Isle of Scilly is located about 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall and has an almost tropical air. It is home to the privately owned Tresco Island and the Tresco Abbey Gardens, an oasis of palm trees and exotic plants. It has over 20,000 plants from 80 countries around the world.

9. Whiteless Pike, Lake District

The Lake District is a popular activity holiday destination, especially during the winter months, for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. Whiteless Pike is a hilly range (or fell) located in the Lake District. It sits over Lake Buttermere, and the small peaked summit also provides beautiful views of the lakes Crummock and Loweswater.

Also Read: Oldest Buildings On The Planet

10. The White Cliffs Of Dover

The iconic and striking white cliffs of Dover are located on the English coastline, facing the Strait of Dover and France. The chalky cliff face reaches heights of 350 feet. These beautiful places in the UK will leave you speechless.

11. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

On the north-eastern coast of Ireland are the massive hexagonal shaped black basalt columns known as the Giant’s Causeway. It was formed 50 to 60 million years ago by volcanic activity in the region. This stunningly beautiful natural feature is also listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Located near Bath and the village of Cheddar is the magnificent natural setting of Cheddar Gorge. These limestone cliffs were created by Ice Age melt waters, and are the perfect spot for a long walk. You can also explore its fascinating prehistoric findings from the Stone Age occupation.

Also Read: Unforgettable Experiences In Cornwall

13. Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, Wales

Though the roof has long disappeared from Tintern Abbey, this 12th-century church remains hauntingly beautiful. Located in the dramatic Wye Valleys, the Gothic ruins inspired the famous poem by William Wordsworth. Great poets and painters such as Wordsworth and Turner have visited this place two hundred years ago.

14. Micheldever Forest, Hampshire

From late April to early May, a multitude of dainty bluebells covers the floor of the Micheldever Forest in a “purple carpet.” It is just one of the numerous places across the country where these flowers bloom each spring. You can also find bluebells at the Blickling Estate in Norfolk, Buckland, Devon and Dunham Massey, Cheshire among other places.

Also Read: Places To See Flowers In Spring

15. Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor

Said to be a legendary Druids’ grove, Wistman’s Wood is one of only three high-altitude oakwoods on Dartmoor in Devon. Its well-established ecosystem has oaks that are estimated to be around 200 to 400 years old. This unusual and atmospheric forest and the many boulders scattered around it are covered in moss, lichen and ferns. In Wistman’s Wood one can expect rapid weather changes, hence ensure that you have adequate footwear and clothing.

16. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Located on the northeast coast of England, Bamburgh Castle was once a Celtic fort. Built around 430 AD, it was later destroyed by the Vikings and rebuilt by the Normans and restored during Victorian times. With such a rich history and breathtaking views of the sea, it is one of the best places in the UK to visit. It’s one of the largest inhabited castles in the country and has stood guard over Northumberland for more than 1,400 years.

17. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands

One of the most well-known lochs (or lakes) of the Scottish Highlands is Loch Ness. Located near the town of Inverness, the deep, freshwater loch is most famous for the mythical (and fictional) Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie,” who is said to live in it. You can also visit the remains of Urquhart Castle that lies on the shores. It is one of the best and most beautiful places in the UK to visit in December for the many activities that are provided like hiking, trekking and biking.

Also Read: Georgian Splendour At Bath

18. Gold Hill, Shaftesbury

Gold Hill is a steep cobbled street with picturesque houses in the town of Shaftesbury in Dorset. The view of down Gold Hill is said to be “one of the most romantic sights in the UK.” Gold Hill is also referred to as ‘Hovis Hill’ as it was the location for the Hovis TV advert which is the most iconic advert of all time in England.

19. The Needles, The Isle Of Wight

The spectacular Needles is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK. What was once a tall and thin rock cliff that gave the group its name, collapsed in the late 1700s. Now, the row of three distinctive stacks of chalk rises to a height of 30 meters from the sea off the western coast of the Isle of Wight.

20. Llanberis Pass, Snowdonia

This rugged slate strewn mountain pass runs over 8 kilometers from Llanberis to Pen-y-Pass. It’s fine mountain scenery is home to numerous walks, including ones that will take you to Snowdon and the picturesque towns of Betws-y-Coed.

21. Norfolk Lavender, Norfolk

The village of Heacham in Norfolk is home to some of England’s loveliest lavender fields. You can also find similarly stunning fields at the Cotswolds, Kent, York, Hertfordshire, and Somerset.

22. The Royal Pavillion, Brighton

The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is an exotic palace in the center of Brighton . It was built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV in 1811 when he was still Prince Regent. It is a unique mix of Regency grandeur with stylistic elements from India and China.

23. Glen Nevis, Scottish Highlands

Glen Nevis is one of the most picturesque glens (or valleys) in Scotland. It is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest (and one of the most popular) mountains in the UK. To the other end of the glen is the town of Fort William.

24. Rye, East Sussex

This town near the coast in East Sussex is known for its cobbled lanes that are lined with medieval , half-timbered houses. You can visit the 14th-century Ypres Tower (now the Rye Castle Museum) and the Norman St. Mary’s Church to get stunning views of the town.

25. Llanthony Priory, Monmouthshire, Wales

Situated in the picturesque Vale of Ewyas, near the Black Mountains, is this ruined former Augustinian Priory. The Llanthony Priory dates back to the 1100s and fell to ruin (like Tintern Abbey) after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries .

26. Kynance Cove, Cornwall

The white sand and blue seas of Kynance Cove look like something in the Mediterranean. The stunning beach, with its secret caves and islands, is one of the most photographed and painted located in Cornwall. It was featured on BBC’s hit series Poldark.

Also Read: Cornish Food You Have To Try 

27. Lavender Fields, Banstead

Located just a few kilometers from central London, the lavender fields at Banstead cover over 25 acres. Located in Banstead, Surrey, the Mayfield Lavender Farm is the perfect picnic spot for a day out.

28. Pen-y-Fan, Brecon Beacons, Wales

Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales. Located 886 meters above sea level, the impressive views from the peak and the neighboring Corn Du are truly magnificent.

Also Read: Delicious Welsh Food From Wales

29. Fairy Pools, The Isle of Skye

Situated in a hidden valley in the Isle of Skye is a series of crystal clear pools and waterfalls. They are surrounded by cone-shaped hills and bubbling streams. Located near Uig, they’re the perfect size for a quick (if freezing) dip.

30. Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

The ruin of the 15th-century Dunnottar Castle is located atop a natural peninsula. The rocky outcrop of land juts into the North Sea just off the northeast coast of Scotland.

Also Read: Traditional Scottish Food You Must Eat

31. Minack Theatre, Cornwall

This clifftop amphitheater is carved into a rocky granite outcrop overlooking the town of Porthcurno and the bright blue Atlantic. Built into the 1930s by Rowena Cade, it is now a popular open-air performance space.

32. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

The stately Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is one of the most stunning country houses in England. Situated on the east bank of the River Derwent, it is set amongst expansive woods and landscaped parkland. It is the home of the Dukes of Devonshire and has been passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. Chatsworth House has also been featured in numerous films, most famously as Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s home in Pride and Prejudice.

Also Read: 6 London Palaces You Have To See

33. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Located near the village of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle Bay was once owned by the Cawdor family. Nestled between cliffs, and known for its sand dunes and pine trees, this scenic and secluded beach is said to be among the top beaches in the world.

34. Hadrian’s Wall, Cumbria

Also known as the Roman Wall, this defensive fortification was built by the Romans, beginning in 122 AD, in the reign of the emperor Hadrian. It was meant to separate the Roman province of Britannia from the lands of the northern Ancient Britons, including the Picts. However, it doesn’t mark the modern boundary between England and Scotland.

35. Buachaille Etive Mor, Scottish Highlands

Also known simply as “The Buachaille,” this is perhaps the most recognizable mountain in Scotland. It is located at the head of Glen Etive in the Highlands and is encircled by the River Etive. Some of the most stunning and iconic views of the mountain are from Glen Coe.

36. Llyn Dinas, Snowdonia, Wales

This lake near Gwynedd in north Wales lies in a valley north of Beddgelert. Though the lake itself is quite shallow (with a maximum depth of only 10 meters) it covers a massive area of over 60 acres. The mountain lake offers some excellent walks with panoramic views. These are some of the most beautiful places in the UK, you shouldn’t miss.

37. High Force, Durham

The fast-flowing waterfalls and lush forest of High Force in County Durham make it one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in the UK. With a drop of 21 meters, the twin falls are surrounded by a diverse range of flora and fauna.

38. Smoo Cave, Scottish Highlands

The large Smoo Cave is a combined sea cave and an inner freshwater cave located in Durness. This mystical cave is riddled with caves and tunnels. However, the most stunning sight is the waterfall where the Smoo burn drops over 24 meters into a cavern below. These beautiful places in the UK are truly worth a visit.

39. Langmull Beach, The Isle Of Mull

Often called one of the best-kept secrets on the Isle of Mull, Langamull Beach looks like something out of the Caribbean. Though it is located 3 kilometers away from the nearest roads, this secluded beach offers spectacular views over to the Small Isles and Skye.

40. Dun Briste, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

Located near the town of Knockaun lies the colossal 50-meter-tall sea-stack called Dun Briste. Meaning “the Broken Fort,” the stack was separated by the mainland by corrosive waves in the late 1300s.

41. Sgwd Yr Eira, Brecon Beacons, Wales

Sgwd Yr Eira is one of several spectacular waterfalls found in Mellte Valley of the Brecon Beacons. Literally meaning “fall of snow,” you can still walk behind the falling sheet of water, on a pather carved by generations of sheep farmers. These beautiful places in the UK are so mesmerizing that you wouldn’t want to leave.

42. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands

This spectacular railway is perhaps the most instantly recognizable location in Scotland. Featured in four of the Harry Potter films on the journey the Hogwarts Express makes from King’s Cross Station to the school, it has become known as the Harry Potter Bridge.

43. Mealt Falls, The Isle Of Skye

Located near the magnificent Kilt Rock (which is said to look like a pleated kilt) is the stunning Mealt waterfall. Fed by the nearby Mealt Loch, this waterfall is so high that on windy days the water doesn’t even touch the ground.

44. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

St Michaels Mount, located to the east of Penzance in Cornwall is one of the most photographed locations in the UK. This abbey is located on a small tidal island and was built by Benedictine monks (the same religious order that also constructed a sister abbey at Mont St-Michel in France) during the 12th century.

45. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey

Big Ben, a tower clock designed by Augustus Pugin is one of the most significant places to visit in the UK. This is so popular that artists all over the world use Big Ben to represent the country. The name refers to the largest of the six bells (13-ton bell) in Westminster Palace. Big Ben is known for its accuracy and for the massive sound of the hour bell. This place is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

46. London Eye, Lambeth

Located on the river Thames, London’s number one attraction is a giant wheel that stands at almost 140 meters tall. There are 32 capsules that will take you to the top to experience 360-degree views of the capital. The ride is quite exhilarating when you come face to face with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you rise up. A trip to London is incomplete without a visit to Europe’s tallest observation wheel.

47. Tower Bridge, River Thames

Another iconic landmark of London is the Tower Bridge which is a suspension bridge. It was built somewhere between 1886 and 1894 by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry. It has two towers, in Victorian Gothic style, which hold machines that lift the bridge to allow passing of river traffic beneath it. One can get incredible views of London from the two high-level walkways which are 42 meters above the River Thames. This bridge is open to the general public 363 days a year.

48. Hyde Park, London

Hyde is the largest of the four Royal Parks in Westminster. In 1600’s it used to be a hunting ground but today it plays a significant role in the cultural scene of the city. Free speech, demonstrations and music concerts are held here. Hyde Park’s 350 acres of lush green English foliage is also home to some of London’s most important landmarks. It’s the best place to take a break from the hectic cityscape and enjoy the serene surroundings of Hyde Park. 

49. Windsor Castle, Berkshire

This 11th century castle built in the Gothic style is the place where the British royal family resides. Except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Windsor Castle is open to the public on all other days. As Windsor Castle is a working palace, opening arrangements may change at very short notice. Hence it’s advisable to check before planning a visit to avoid disappointments.

50. Old Town, Edinburgh

Old Town is so full of history and culture which will make you feel that you have stepped back in time. This place is dotted with buildings, forts, cathedrals and alleyways which dates back to hundreds of years. Apart from this various visitor attractions, walking tours, shops, galleries, cafes and pubs will keep you busy throughout the day. Old Town in Edinburgh is spellbindingly beautiful and one of the most perfect places to visit in UK.

Also Read: These 20 Destinations Are Straight Out Of A Fairytale

10 Handy Tips For A Stress Free Travel To The United Kingdom

The UK being one of the world’s biggest tourist destinations, it’s always important to plan ahead when visiting this wonderful country. With so many amazing places in the UK lined up for you, this checklist is sure to help you on your way.

1. Check for peak months and avoid travelling during these months to have the best experience at the UK beautiful places.

2. All four seasons can hit in one day, hence be prepared for all weather conditions.

3. Depending on your country of residence, do check all passport and visa requirements for hassle free travel.

4. Put together your travel itinerary well in advance and based on this prepare your packing checklist.

5. Book tickets in advance, not just the flight tickets but also your admission tickets to all of the UK’s top attractions. You will save a lot of time!

6. Public transports are easy and the best way to get around, hence make sure you have complete knowledge about it, so that you’re all sorted for your trip.

7. There are many attractions that one can see for free like, changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the many museums and parks. 

8. If you are doing the trip on your own, it’s highly recommended that you get an Oyster card for the Tube and the double-decker bus ticket which are much cheaper than the single-ride tickets.

9. The electrical sockets in the UK are different, so pack a universal travel adaptor to charge all your electronic gadgets. 

10. The UK has a diverse range of accents, hence it’s always good to know the different accents. If not all, at least a few of them will help understanding things a little easier.

These beautiful places in the UK are sure to leave an indelible mark on you. Finding the holiday rentals for your holiday in the UK is also not tough because of Cozycozy now. Click to know more. The beauty of the landscape is something everyone must experience at least once in their lives! If we have missed out your favorite, please comment below. 

Eight new places that were awarded city status in May 2022 by the Cabinet Office are, Bangor (Northern Ireland), Wrexham (Wales), Colchester, Doncaster, Douglas (Isle of Man) and Dunfermline, Milton Keynes, Stanley (Falkland Islands).

The largest Indian community in the UK lives within the Ealing Southall constituency in western London. With all the major facilities, great neighborhood, safety and cooperation from the police, London is truly a blessing to live in.

London, Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds are some of the main cities in the UK.

The UK has something to offer to every kind of traveler. Some of the most beautiful parts include The Old Man of Storr, the Isle of Skye, Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland and Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, Wales.

Some of the prettiest places in the UK include Portmeirion, Wales, Stonehenge, Wiltshire, Durdle Door, Dorset and Lake Windermere, Cumbria.

Cornwall, Yorkshire and Cumbria are some of the most breathtakingly beautiful counties in England that are sure to leave you spellbound.

The Tower Of London is the most visited place in the UK. It is a historic castle that stands on the north bank of the River Thames. This rare surviving royal building from the 11th to 16th century is also a symbol of royalty.

Newtown Linford is named the poshest village in the UK. An average price of a house in this area is around £692,157.

13 COMMENTS

Thank you for such a lovely article. Reading your article made me encourage to travel england once again. Hope to see more of the related articles about UK.

You seem to have missed Yorkshire out. There are some stunning places to visit …Yorkshire dales…north Yorkshire Moors….!

very useful information and I hope one day I visit these places.

Amazing blog, really interesting I loved reading it please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

Thank you so much for these information. We will spend our vacation in UK next month but there are some places that we are not familiar. Good thing I found this article.

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15 most beautiful places in England for your next staycation

From meandering rivers and canals with motionless herons and barely moving barges to cathedral cities with ancient colleges and professors on bicycles, england is a country that delights at every turn.

T he quintessential English landscape comes in many different forms. Inland, it’s a confection of church spires and misty meadows, of crenellated manor houses with gorgeous gardens, and handsome Georgian villages trellised with roses. This is a landscape threaded by bucolic rivers lined with oak and willow, where rollercoaster dales are stitched with drystone walls. Along the coast, it’s lined by a mix of snaggle-toothed headlands and golden beaches, with creeks and estuaries that harbour old-fashioned resorts and fishing villages. And sitting offshore is a selection of islands, each of them distinctively different. Yet all of this is England — a place that has something for everyone. So here is our selection of the country’s most beautiful places to visit.

Main photo: Romney Marsh (Alamy)

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This ancient Roman city, encircled by its original walls, has a history that stretches back nearly 2,000 years. Its magnificent cathedral (aka “Minster”) has a fascinating story of restoration from a huge fire way back in 1984. Downtown, the city’s almost traffic-free centre is a lacework of cobbled medieval alleyways — the Shambles — where overhanging ancient mansions seem to whisper sweet nothings to each other. Wonky beams and sloping floors characterise most interiors, with tea and cake around every corner, particularly at the much-loved Bettys Café Tea Rooms. York is the home of Rowntree’s, the chocolate manufacturer, so there’s a chocolate museum and independent chocolatiers all over town.

• Best hotels in York • Best boutique hotels in York • Bets things to do in York

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2. holy island, northumberland.

The Northumberland coastline is a string of blemish-free sandy beaches interrupted by dramatic castles and old fishing villages. Sitting just offshore is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a mystical place reachable by a causeway that is only driveable (or walkable) at certain stages of the tide. On the island there’s a ruined priory, a 16th-century castle on a rock, and a real sense of peace among birdsong and woodsmoke. The island’s name dates back to the time when this was an early outpost of Christianity, and whether you’re a believer or not, it remains a place of serenity and contemplation, which puts daily life into perspective.

3. South Downs and the Seven Sisters

The grass-topped wave of hills of the Sussex Weald form the backbone of the South Downs, Britain’s newest national park. Up here are rollercoaster, sheep-grazed grasslands mixed with oak coppice and wildlife-rich heathland. These are chalk hills, although they only really show their colours where the downlands meet the sea, at the searingly white Seven Sisters cliffs. Striding along the cliff edge here, from Eastbourne to Seaford via Beachy Head and the beach at Cuckmere Haven, is one of England’s favourite coastal walks.

• The White Horse, Graffam, hotel review • The Pig in the South Downs hotel review

4. The North York Moors, Yorkshire

This national park with a coastline comes with all the credentials: Yorkshire ’s wild and wonderful rolling hills, infiltrated by pastoral valleys such as that at Rosedale, complete with old mine workings on the valley sides. A heritage steam railway clambers over the hills from Pickering to Grosmont, wheezing and blowing as it goes. Whitby is a lively coastal resort, renowned for its fish and chips, Dracula connections and ruined abbey. And then there’s the coastal path that struggles from sheltered bays to wild headlands, with spectacular views.

• Best hotels in Yorkshire

5. Grasmere and Ambleside, Cumbria

These two towns encapsulate so much that is great about the Lake District . Grasmere, with its bijou spangle of water, is all genteel sumptuousness, with boutique shopping, elegant eating and literary visits to Wordsworth’s cottage. More businesslike Ambleside, with its adventure outfitters, sits at the north end of boat-rich Windermere, the busiest and biggest of the English lakes. A short, steep climb up from here through rocky knolls to Loughrigg Fell grants an eyeful of everything, with stunning views of the serpentine length of Windermere and the Langdale Pikes.

• Best spa hotels in the Lake District • Best dog-friendly hotels in the Lake District • Best things to do in the Lake District • Best hotels in the Lake District

6. Chatsworth and Haddon, Derbyshire

England’s aristocratic country houses range across a kaleidoscope of styles and periods. The Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth House, for example, dominating its own river valley within the Peak District , is a sumptuous, family-owned property making the most of its mainly 18th-century assets with tours, trails and events. Meanwhile, a couple of valleys away, you can step back a few centuries into 13th-century Haddon Hall, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval properties in the UK, with its banqueting hall, Tudor painted ceilings and Elizabethan walled gardens.

• Best hotels in the Peak District

7. Bath, Somerset

A place of Roman baths and Georgian crescents, Bath sits cupped in hills in its own little world, one redolent of ball gowns and gossiping aristocracy, as observed by Jane Austen. The creamy-gold Bath stone and honeycomb of Palladian-influenced terracing, rising in curving ripples up the hillsides, are what makes the city so visually appealing. Somehow a river and a canal thread through, and at the heart of the city is the original thermal bath built by the Romans around AD75, with steam still rising from the hot spring.

• Best things to do in Bath • Best hotels in Bath

8. Cotswold villages, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire

Manor houses, babbling brooks and hamlets of honey-coloured stone. Tea-rooms galore, artisan delicatessens, ancient churches and Bibury, the village that the artist William Morris described as “the most beautiful in England”. This is the Cotswolds . Mind you, Bourton-on-the-Water must be a challenger for the “most beautiful” title, too. Here the River Windrush flows across a generous green, spanned by footbridges and surrounded by handsome inns. Weeping willows trail their tresses in the water, ducks wait for chips and there’s a toasted teacake around every corner.

• Best hotels in the Cotswolds • Best spa hotels in the Cotswolds • Best dog-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds

9. Jurassic Coast, Dorset and Devon

This Unesco-recognised stretch of southern coastline starts at the eastern end, at the quirky resort of Swanage in Dorset , where the pillars of Old Harry Rocks overlook Poole Harbour. From here it reaches westwards, rounding wild St Aldhelms Head, stomping through fossil-rich Kimmeridge, to the almost perfect circle that is Lulworth Cove and the arch of Durdle Door. Then, from Weymouth , the Chesil shingle scythes westwards towards the cliffs of Charmouth and West Bay, so famous for their crumbliness and their fossil dinosaurs. The Regency resort of Lyme Regis, beyond, is where The French Lieutenant’s Woman was filmed.

• Best hotels in Dorset • Best beach hotels in the UK • Best hotels in Devon

10. Helford and Roseland, Cornwall

You don’t travel to Cornwall for the towns — unless they’re wedged up a creek or spilling into a bay. It’s the coast that counts, either the north for the wild and dramatic, or the south for the creeks and headlands. Both sides have beaches to be proud of, but for shelter and history seek out the south’s Helford River, the setting for Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek . East of Helford, the Roseland Peninsula begins at the posh fishing village of St Mawes. In this part of Cornwall, the spring gardens of Trelissick and Caerhays are ablaze with magnolias and camellias well before the rest of the country.

• Best beaches in Cornwall • Cornwall versus Devon: which is better? • Best hotels in Cornwall

11. Norfolk coast, Norfolk

North Norfolk is like a watercolour painting, where land, sea and sky seem to merge seamlessly into one another. Migrating wildfowl add their stitch to the skies overhead and seal colonies loll around on sandbanks like rolls of discarded carpet. Towns such as Burnham Market, with its art galleries and fine dining, are surprisingly posh — but then maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise, given that Holkham Hall, the residence of the Earl of Leicester, and Sandringham, the royal country retreat, are just inland.

• Best dog-friendly hotels in Norfolk • The Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn, Norfolk, review

12. Wye Valley, Herefordshire

Some say British tourism started back in 1745 on the languid, calm river at Ross-on-Wye, when the local rector took paying guests out for boat trips. Today a lot of the waterborne activity has dropped southwards to Symonds Yat, a mecca for kayakers and for walking its steep forested banks. Meanwhile in Ross, the venerable half-timbered frontages of the town stand back slightly uphill of the river, and it is mostly cyclists who follow the water, particularly its loveliest stretch up past Hole-in-the-Wall, burrowing through back roads towards Hereford.

• Best luxury places to stay in Herefordshire • Best Airbnbs in the UK

13. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The flat fens of Cambridgeshire seem an unlikely setting for a seat of learning, but the colleges and chapels of Cambridge inhabit their own mystical world, clustered along the banks of the somnolent River Cam. Unlike Oxford, which can be brash and busy, Cambridge is a place of robed figures emerging from ancient doorways and bumping away over cobbles on bicycles. To hire a punt and to float gently down the so-called Backs (the backs of many colleges) is to get a glimpse into a refined, timeless world.

• Best hotels in Cambridge • Best things to do in Cambridge

14. Rye and Romney Marshes, Kent and East Sussex

The medieval town of Rye was once one of the Cinque Ports — five defensive ports in Kent , Sussex and Essex mentioned in Magna Carta — and it seems to have barely changed, although the sea has since retreated. The town is a lacework of galleries, patisseries, wisteria and leaded windows. It stands proud above Romney’s former marshlands, now drained and striped with wheatfields. Beyond are the glorious beaches of Camber Sands and the surreal shingle shore of Dungeness, with its unique fishing fleet.

• Best spa hotels in Sussex • Best hotels in Sussex • Best luxury hotels in Sussex

15. Test Valley, Hampshire

A maze of intersecting country lanes and the gurgling gin-clear waters of some of the most expensive fishing river in England makes this an intoxicating slice of English countryside. Stretching roughly from the village of Hurstbourne Priors down to Romsey, this is a place to spot lazy trout and idyllic waterside mansions. A place to fossick out iconic pubs like the Mayfly or the Peat Spade, and historical buildings such as the National Trust’s Mottisfont Abbey, with its celebrated rose garden. Even Waitrose is here with its Leckford Estate, with 4,000 acres of farming, fishing and water gardens.

• Best hotels in Hampshire • Best UK destinations to visit • Best beaches in England • Places in the UK that look just like France

Take me there

Inspired to visit England but yet to book your trip? Here are the best places to stay from Cottages.com and Mr and Mrs Smith .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

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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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The best cities in the UK: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

What's your favourite city in the UK? In 2023, we asked our readers just that – and your responses rank the top 10 of the UK's 51 cities in some surprising ways. There are cities from all four devolved nations represented in this list, with a new city in the top spot and two new additions of Brighton and Dundee.

Our annual Reader's Choice Awards are the biggest and most influential in the business, shining a light on the best places around the world. In collaboration with our sister title in the USA, we can now reveal the urban destinations that scored the highest marks when it comes to nightlife, restaurants and friendliness. For more inspiration, see our pick of the best places to visit in the UK .

These are the best cities in the UK, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

10. Brighton. Score 80.22

This bohemian beach city has it all: a wealth of enticing restaurants , one of the UK's best LGBTQ+ scenes and – most importantly for any seaside destination – truly excellent fish and chips .

Where to stay: Bed down in elegant Regency Square in rooms filled with beautiful artworks at Artist Residence . Or opt for this sweet Airbnb in the historic Lanes . See more hotels in Brighton .

9. Dundee. Score 81.11

With its large-scale waterfront regeneration, including the architecturally impressive V&A Museum, Dundee is a thriving cultural hotspot.

Where to stay: Set in a former textile mill, Hotel Indigo has industrial interiors, a buzzy bar and is well located for exploring.

8. Belfast. Score 83.07

The Northern Irish capital is famous for being birthplace to the RMS Titanic – but also for its vibrant culture and art scene and welcoming locals, set against a backdrop of handsome cobbled streets and dapper Edwardian buildings. Check out our local's guide to Belfast to find out more.

Where to stay: At The Harrison , set in Victorian merchants' residences, given a colourful, light-hearted makeover. The hotel is close to some of the city's best cultural highlights, too. For more ideas, read our guide to the best hotels in Belfast .

7. Glasgow. Score 83.27

This buzzy Scottish city has made the list for the sixth year in a row. Read our feature on the best things to do in Glasgow to find out why, or tap into the Glaswegian food scene .

Where to stay: See our round-up of the best Airbnbs in Glasgow from which to base yourself – including this handsome studio in a classic townhouse that sleeps two.

6. Liverpool. Score 83.29

Liverpool comes in sixth place on our list this year, up a spot from last year. The once-gritty city is now a capital of cool, where vintage shops, art galleries and art venues inject a creative atmosphere into the streets – see our guide to things to do in Liverpool for ideas on how to spend a visit here.

Where to stay:

Book a room at Titanic Hotel Liverpool , converted from a soaring, cavernous former warehouse.

5. Cambridge. Score 84.16

History is woven into the medieval lanes and cloistered colleges of this free-wheeling university town. But now a perky batch of new arrivals are adding cocktail and coffee culture to the equation. Before your visit, see our pick of the best things to do in Cambridge .

Where to stay: The smartest choice in town is The University Arms , a coaching inn that’s been artfully reimagined.

4. Manchester. Score 85.36

Vibrant Manchester is packed with excellent chefs, music and culture. Grand libraries, street art, record shops and galleries are among the best things to do in the city , while excellent restaurants in Manchester range from Korean cooking to donut shops via Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese and Indian cuisine. There's a thriving LGBTQ+ scene in Manchester , too.

Where to stay: Whitworth Locke comprises apartments painted in dreamy pastels in an old cotton mill. See more of the best hotels in Manchester .

3. Edinburgh. Score 86.38

Edinburgh, famed for its festival and varied architecture, has come third in our list of the best cities in the UK. For first-time visitors, see our Edinburgh travel guide and the best things to do in the Scottish capital . In the last few years the city has developed into a foodie hotspot – these are the best restaurants in Edinburgh .

Where to stay: Gleneagles Townhouse is the most exciting newcomer on the scene. For a private stay, this loft Airbnb overlooks the city's most famous street. For more options, see our pick of the best Edinburgh hotels and the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh .

Sarah James

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli

2. London. Score 86.44

London is not just a major city but a thriving hub of 32 boroughs, each with their own, distinct character, from hip Dalston to colourful Notting Hill and buzzing Soho . Stay up to date with the latest happenings via our weekly roundup of the best  things to do in London this weekend , as well as our list of the best restaurants in London  (even better, sign up to our weekly newsletter on London's hottest restaurants right now too).

Where to stay: For something smart and classic, you can't get much better than Claridge's , in splashy Mayfair . For a cooler, more casual stay, look further East to One Hundred Shoreditch , which boasts a gorgeous rooftop bar. For more, see our edit of the best London hotels .

1. Cardiff. Score 86.84

The playful Welsh capital takes the top spot for 2023 with its exciting independent restaurants, buzzy bars and up-and-coming neighbourhoods. Take a bite into the cool food scene and discover the unmissable places to visit with our guide to the best things to do in Cardiff .

Where to stay: Take over an Airbnb in the city to live like a local and explore the Welsh capital at your own pace.

26 Best Places To Visit In UK In Summer (2024)

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Nicole

The United Kingdom offers something for everyone. There is beautiful scenery, lovely charming villages and exciting cities. On a summer vacation in the UK, you can also choose from dozens and dozens of spectacular beaches on which to walk, relax and feel the warmth of the sun. If you love to hike and discover hidden lakes, mountains and untouched islands, then Great Britain also offers several national parks, country paths, and dozens of small islands a short way from shore. In fact, summer is one of the best times to visit England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Here are 26 of the best places to visit in the UK in summer.

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Other Options

Looking for other travel inspiration?

If you are keen to learn about fantastic places to visit in the United Kingdom during specific summer months, please see:

• 28 Best Places To Visit In The UK in June ;
• 23 Best Places To Visit In The UK In July ;
• 22 Best Places To Visit In The UK In August ; and
• 20 Best Places To Visit In The UK In September .

Alternatively, for those searching for other European destinations without extreme heat and humidity in summer, please see  24 Best Places To Visit In Europe For Mild Summer Weather .

Best Summer Holiday Destinations In Great Britain

Here are 26 of the best summer getaways in the United Kingdom. They include spots in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland . Each section highlights how best to reach the destination, the best things to do, expected weather, where to stay, and any special events or festivals that may be held.

Fowey, England

Fowey is a beautiful historic port town on the south coast of Cornwall. It is nestled between Looe and Mevagissey and is pronounced “foy” to rhyme with joy. It is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a natural harbour which welcomes up to 7,000 yachts each season.

There are lots of  things to do in Fowey and one of the best places to visit in the UK in summertime. Take a wander around the quaint cobbled streets and pop into one of the boutiques. Be sure to stop at one of the award-winning tearooms for a Cornwall cream tea – a scone with jam and clotted cream, and a cup of tea.

If the weather is good, venture down to Ready Money Cove, a gorgeous sandy beach sheltered by the surrounding cliffs. During summer, there’s a swimming platform and the waters are also great for snorkelling.

Head to the Fowey Museum to learn more about the area’s maritime history. The museum is in one of the oldest buildings in the town and is just a single room packed full of exhibits and artefacts.

There are many annual events in Fowey throughout the year. One that can’t be missed is the Fowey Royal Regatta and Carnival Week which takes place over seven days in August each year.

Celebrating Fowey’s position on the estuary and close to the sea, the festival includes watersports, live music, gig racing and fireworks displays.

As with anywhere in the UK, the weather in Fowey can be mixed. However, in the summer you can usually expect long sunny days with highs of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can expect around 2 inches of rain over 8 days for each summer month.

Best Way To Reach Destination

Cornwall Airport in Newquay is the closest international airport to Fowey. However, this is a small airport with limited flights each day. Bristol Airport is larger with more options for flights.

From Cornwall Airport, it’s around 22 miles to Fowey and takes around 46 minutes to drive.

Best Place To Stay

Samantha from Coco Travels says, “For a stay with some beautiful views, try the Harbour Hotel Fowey . This Victorian building has been vibrantly restored to provide a boutique hotel with views over the estuary and just a short walk from the beach.

Skomer Island, Wales

Less than a mile off the shoreline of Pembrokeshire, Skomer Island is a haven for nature lovers in the south-west of Wales. The island comes to life in spring and summer as blooms colour the island’s centre and seabirds flock to nest. It is one of the best summer vacation destinations in the UK.

Open from April to September, wildlife lovers can make the most of the remote landscape offered by Skomer Island, which is best known as one of the  UK’s best viewing places for Atlantic puffins .

Thousands of puffins return from sea to raise their pufflings on Skomer Island. Only a limited number of visitors can make the day trip over to the island to watch the families of these comical birds. Other wildlife also call Skomer Island and the surrounding waters’ home, including dolphins, seals, and razorbills.

One of the best things to do other than spot the abundance of wildlife is to enjoy nature walks across one of the island’s trails. At less than 3km squared, the 5-hour island day trip gives you plenty of time to navigate the outer island ring trail or take one of the shorter routes through the centre.

In May and June, the centre of the island is transformed into landscapes draped in pink and violet as carpets of bluebells and red campion flower.

Temperatures throughout summer on Skomer Island range from lows of 50F to average highs of 65F. Like much of the UK, Wales experiences cooler, wetter summers which means rain can be expected on average up to 8 days per month, though precipitation levels are generally lower than at other times of the year. 

The closest airport to Skomer Island is Cardiff airport, which connects Wales to a number of European destinations. For additional international flights, London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports are the most suitable.

Skomer Island is a remote destination which is best reached by car. The drive from Cardiff to Martin’s Haven takes approximately two and a half hours. Then, you need to connect to the boat service and cross to Skomer Island, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Bronwyn from Bronwyn Townsend says, “There is only one place to stay on Skomer Island, the Old Farm, which is equipped with a communal kitchen, lounge, and log burner.

Alternatively, more accommodation options can be found in Haverfordwest on the Pembrokeshire coast. The County Hotel offers cosy accommodation with contemporary comfort right near the heart of Haverfordwest, making it a great choice for a convenient stay.”

Suffolk, England

Suffolk is a coastal County in East Anglia which is situated around 100 miles to the East of London. The main towns in Suffolk are Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

During your visit to Suffolk, there is much to do from visiting historical sites to relaxing in one of the seaside beach towns. Summer is one of the best times to visit this beautiful part of the uk.

Head to Framlingham Castle for a glimpse into the history of Suffolk. With various activities on offer including castle building, interactive shows and nearby nature trails there is something for everyone. Walk the 12th century castle walls and become immersed in the history through the knowledgeable guides and on-site museum. 

For a slower pace, visit one of the stunning beaches dotting the Suffolk coastline, including Southwold or Lowestoft, and experience a traditional British seaside town.

If trinket shops and flashing arcades aren’t your thing, then take a walk along Dunwich Heath Beach for a more secluded and relaxed beach trip. If you prefer an active lifestyle then head to Alton Water where you can try your hand at several water sports including windsurfing, sailing and paddle boarding. 

The weather in Suffolk hugely varies throughout the year. The average temperatures in summer ranges from 55°F to 71°F throughout the year. Although it might rain around 7 days each month, there is only a total of 1.5 inches.

There’s no guarantee of the weather in the UK so it’s best to check the forecast a few days before you visit and plan accordingly.

The best option for travelling to Suffolk is to fly into London Stansted and hire a car. Depending on where you’re staying in Suffolk, it will take anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours to drive from the airport. Suffolk is vast with many areas of quiet countryside so a car is recommended to easily get around.

If it’s not possible for you to drive then getting around Suffolk on public transport is doable, it just takes some extra planning. You can get the train to Ipswich from the London Liverpool Street train station and once in Ipswich you can get buses or trains throughout the County. 

Louise from Travel With The Whitrows says, “There are plenty of hotels or B&B options in Suffolk to suit any taste or budget.

For something central check in to Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich. You’ll be close to plenty of bars and shops in the town but have incredible views over the harbour.

If you prefer a more peaceful setting then stay at The Black Lion in Long Melford . This 15th century inn is a slice of luxury in a picturesque part of Suffolk.”

Arisaig, Scotland

Arisaig sits on the west coast of Scotland with beautiful views of Loch Nan Ceall, the Small Isles and Skye, and a backdrop of green, purple or orange hills, depending on when you visit. It is one of the best destinations for summer holidays in Great Britain.

Arisaig  has several stunning white beaches, including Camusdarach, featured in films and a popular wedding location. They’re the perfect spots to venture out in a kayak or stand up paddle board. 

Take a boat trip to the Small Isles or remote village of Knoydart and enjoy some of their excellent fare, rent an e-bike to explore or go on a scenic hike. 

If you love walking, you’re spoiled for choice in Arisaig, with gentle strolls along white beaches or through woodlands dotted with exotic plants. If you want something a bit more strenuous, then hike along Loch Morar and across to Loch Nevis. 

Visit at the end of August to catch the Arisaig Highland Games. The day’s events include Highland Dance competitions, bagpipers, food trucks, home-baking, local craft stalls, and history and genealogy tents.

The most exciting part of the day is the Highland sports’ events, including tossing the caber (an enormous tree trunk), shot putt and hammer throw. Spectators are also allowed to participate in some of these and there are open races for adults and children. The barrel-pushing race is lots of fun! 

Scotland is known for its unpredictable weather. You may have gorgeous blue skies and temperatures in the low to mid-60s F (20s C) or rainy days, often both in one day. You can expect around 3 inches of rain over 12 days for each summer month.

But even if it’s raining, there’s plenty to keep you happy, including heritage centres, live music at the Arisaig Hotel and seafood delights. 

The occasional blend of sun and rain produces the most vibrant double rainbows. Arisaig is also known for its stunning sunsets . 

Inverness is the nearest airport but Glasgow is handier for most. From Glasgow, it’s about a three-hour drive but very scenic, so add time for photo stops and a walk. 

A direct train runs daily from Glasgow to Arisaig. If you plan early, you can book the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig – a big hit with Harry Potter fans. Alternatively, take an intercity coach to Fort William and change for the local bus. 

Alison from Everything Arisaig says, “Arisaig has plenty of places to stay, but it’s a popular holiday spot, so booking ahead is recommended. Choose from the small hotel in the village , a luxury house, a cottage or caravan, a glamping pod or a good old traditional campsite. You’ll have stunning views and a holiday to remember, whichever you choose.”

London, England

For those keen on a summer vacation in the UK, a must-visit location is London. The summer months are when London has the fewest rainy days per month, and visitors can still expect a good amount of sunshine. It is one of the best city breaks in summertime in Great Britain.

Another reason to visit London is that there’s no shortage of wonderful things to do. For example, every visitor to London should make an effort to visit some of the iconic landmarks across the city, such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. You can even witness the changing of the guard which begins at 10:45am outside the Palace. 

But, if you find yourself needing a little quiet reprieve, make your way over to Hyde Park. The massive Park is located in the Westminster borough and is filled with lots of winding trails that are perfect for a stroll, run, or bike ride.

For those visiting London in early July, you can check out the annual Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament. Here,  fans of all ages can line up for cheap tickets  to watch some of the world’s best tennis players compete.

During the summer, the capital city of England experiences an average high temperature of 73° F and an average low temperature of 58° F, with about 1.5 inches of rain over 7 days per month.

For those interested in London, you can fly directly into one of the city’s six international airports. The two most frequented ones are London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport, both of which are accessible to the London city center by way of the Tube (subway).

Kristin from Global Travel Escapades says, “ Consider DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London . It is located near the River Thames and provides an ideal home base for exploring London!”

Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland

As Northern Ireland’s northernmost point, Rathlin is also it’s only inhabited island, with a population of 141 people (as of 2021). The island is a unique experience in what Northern Ireland has to offer. You can choose to pop over just for a day trip or stay on the island for a longer visit. It is a fantastic place in Great Britain for summer getaways.

Particularly well-known for its seasonal puffin colony, Rathlin entices many visitors to make the journey across just to get a glimpse of these beautiful birds. Arriving in late March/early April, the puffins stay and raise their little pufflings until August, making summer the perfect time to visit.

Head to RSPB’s Seabird Centre (April – September) for more information on the puffins and other seabirds you may spot. There is also a viewing platform, with both telescopes and binoculars available to use. There are private bus options that take you directly to the RSPB Centre.  

If you prefer to amble through the rugged landscape instead, there are 7 walking trails all starting from the harbour. They range in both length (2km – 6.4km) and difficulty (gentle walk – rough terrain and rock faces).

Causeway Coast and Glens has further information to help you pick the trail that’s right for you, but the lush scenery will reward you with incredible views no matter which route you choose. However, do ensure you return to the harbour in time for the last ferry back to Ballycastle – you don’t want to unexpectedly be cut off from the mainland!  

Alternatively, you can attend the annual Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival between the end of May and start of June. This ten day festival celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the island. If you are spending a longer time in Northern Ireland, you can even blend Rathlin Sound with the multiple summer festivals and events held each year throughout the North Coast.  

Mid July is generally the warmest time of the year on Rathlin, with high temperatures of 62.9°F and staying around 52.4°F at lower temperatures. As with any part of Northern Ireland, Rathlin’s weather tends to be quite varied.

You can expect around 2.3 inches of rain over 10 days per summer month.

Located just off the north coast, Rathlin is accessible by ferry from Ballycastle, which is only an hour’s drive from Belfast . There are also bus services from Belfast that run four times per day.

You can then board either the Spirit of Rathlin (passenger and car; 40 mins) or the Kintra II (passenger-only; 30 mins). If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot dolphins on your way over.

Lois from Travels From A Solo Passport says, “Accommodation is limited on the island but includes self-catering, B&B’s and a set of eco-friendly glamping pods . Some of these have seasonal closures and minimum booking requirements so it’s best to do your research – the Rathlin Community website has some information to get you started.”

Ambleside, England

Ambleside is in England’s largest National Park, the Lake District, and offers a tranquil summer escape surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It is an amazing destination for a summer trip in Great Britain.

One of Ambleside’s best attractions is its accessibility to some of the best walks in the UK. In fact, three of the top ten walks are easily reachable from Ambleside, making it a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. 

Even if you’re not up for these top-rated treks, there are many Ambleside walks that are shorter, and less difficult but still showcase the region’s natural wonders. It’s no wonder that renowned writers like Wordsworth and Potter, along with countless painters, found inspiration in these idyllic surroundings.

But Ambleside isn’t just for hikers. The town boasts an array of outdoor shops, parks, cosy pubs, boat rides on Lake Windermere, Ambleside Bridge House and has an excellent restaurant scene. 

While Ambleside’s charm extends year-round, it truly comes alive during its annual events and festivals. The town hosts various cultural and outdoor celebrations, including the Ambleside Sports Day in the summer, where you can watch the locals and visitors take part in track, hound and wrestling to name a few.

Ambleside is known for its variable weather. Expect highs ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s during the summer, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain showers even in the summer months. In total, Ambleside experiences around 2.6 inches of rain over 12 days per summer month, so packing waterproof gear is advisable no matter when you visit.

To reach Ambleside, you’ll typically fly into Manchester International Airport, one of the major international airports in the region. From Manchester, it’s approximately a 1 hour 40 minute hour drive to Ambleside, covering around 90 miles.

Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Windermere, which is just a short taxi or bus ride away from Ambleside.

Rachel and Nico from Average Lives say, “For a comfortable stay, Ambleside offers a range of options. There are charming hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, and holiday cottages. One highly recommended option is the Ambleside Inn , known for its warm hospitality and convenient location.”

Outer Hebrides, Scotland

The Outer Hebrides is a group of islands northwest of mainland Scotland. The reason to visit is the amazing beaches, beautiful scenery and hikes. It is the perfect destination for anyone who likes the outdoors and a spectacular summer vacation destination in the United Kingdom.

It is possible to stay on one island or do a road trip through the islands. Furthest north is Isle of Lewis. It is the largest island and has the most to see and do. One of the best known sights is the Callanish Stones. The stones somewhat resemble Stonehenge but are in fact older. Early in the morning, you might have the stones to yourself and you can walk up to and amongst them.

An hour’s drive south is the Isle of Harris. It is famous for its beaches along the west coast. To get to the next few islands, often referred to as the Uists, you have to take a ferry. These islands are less visited than Harris and Lewis but also have great scenery, hikes and beaches. The two southernmost islands on a road trip are Barra and Vatersay. Again, you have to take a ferry to get to these islands.

On Barra, view Kisimul Castle and the unique airport – it is the only tidal beach in the world which doubles as a runway. Every day planes from Glasgow land on the sand.

The best time to visit is between April and October. You can expect around 2.6 inches of rain over 11 days per summer month. Be prepared for four seasons of weather in a single day.

May and June have the highest chance of sunshine but July and August are the warmest. Temperature highs in the summer are around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The lows are 50-60 degrees.

Flying is one way of getting to the Outer Hebrides with Barra, Benbecula and Lewis all having airports. Only domestic flights fly to these airports but you can get connecting flights through Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness from nearly anywhere in the world.

Flying might be the quickest but the most popular way to get to the Outer Hebrides is by ferry.

Kristin from Scotland less Explored says, “Many people stay in self catering rental cottages but it is also possible to stay in guest houses, bed and breakfasts or hotels. On Lewis stay at Uig Sands Rooms . One of the  best places to stay on South Uist  is Grianaig Guest House .”

Whitstable, England

Whitstable  is a seaside town located in the Kent region 50 miles (80km) from London and the perfect place to spend the day on a summer holiday in the United Kingdom.

The coastline at Whitstable is spaced out so that you can enjoy the seaside without the crowds even on the busiest of days. If you are looking to get fish and chips, make sure to try Ossies fish bar and The Offy located next door for local beers and ciders. 

Besides spending the day at the sea, Whitstable is famous for its oyster production. When in Whitstable you must try some freshly shucked oysters from either The Oyster Shed at Harbour Market or The Forge.

Every year, Whitstable hosts the Whitstable Oyster Festival at East Quay Venue near Whitstable Harbour. This festival showcases the town’s fresh produce along with the local traders that make up the Whitstable community. 

While in Whitstable make sure to spend some time wandering along Harbour Street, the town’s high street lined with many independent stores. There is everything you need from local clothing labels, homewares, sweet shops and more.

If you’re after an ice cream, Whitstable has two outstanding ice cream shops – Bear Ice Cream and Gelateria Whitstable – to make the perfect end to your time in Whitstable. 

During the summertime, the capital city of England experiences an average high temperature of 73° F and an average low temperature of 58° F, with about 1.3 inches of rain over 6 days per month.

To reach Whitstable you can fly into any of London’s airports and then use public transport to reach either London Kings Cross or London Victoria train station. From there, the train to Whitstable is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Aimee from Our Salt Souls says, “If you are looking to stay in Whitstable for longer than a day, then stay at Whitstable Fisherman’s Huts . These converted fishing huts with sea views house up to 4 people in their family sized rooms.

Cardiff, Wales

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales which can be found on the western side of mainland Britain.

Summer is the best time to visit Cardiff. You can see the beautiful flowers while strolling in the Arboretum at Bute Park or wander amongst the champion trees in the Park.

You should also take a river cruise along the River Taff to Cardiff Bay and enjoy the restaurants and shopping around the Bay.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could also take part in the Aqua Park which pops up during the summer. With inflatable obstacles in the water, it is fun for all ages and the perfect way to cool off.

Another thing not to miss in Cardiff in summertime is Cardiff Castle. The castle is worth visiting on any trip to Cardiff but in the summer, you are more likely to get the kind of weather that makes you want to walk the castle walls. Cardiff Castle also hosts summer concerts and events on the grounds.

For a typical Welsh treat head to Bakestones in Cardiff market for the best handmade Welsh cakes in the city. Welsh cakes are a kind of flattened scone but they come in all different flavours and are delicious and cheap .

The weather in Cardiff is pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 55-72F and around 2 inches of rain over 8 days per month during the summer months June-August. This means you are unlikely to need a heavy coat, but a jacket is advisable especially at night when the temperature drops cooler.

There is an international airport in Cardiff, but the city is also easy to reach from London airports in around 3 hours by car or train. You can also easily visit on a  day trip to Cardiff from London.

The Radisson Blu Hotel is located centrally and is walking distance to attractions such as Cardiff Castle, Bute Park and the many Arcades and Markets around the city.

South Shields, England

South Shields is an easy detour on any UK summer itinerary and one of the best places to visit in summer in the United Kingdom.

The town truly comes to life in the summer primarily due to its coastal location. For families, the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is the top draw in the area, filled with a large number of fairground rides, arcade games, and kid-friendly activities such as laser tag.

However, there is far more to see in South Shields than first meets the eye, and there are some genuinely stunning natural attractions if you venture just slightly further away from this tourist hotspot. 

If you’re looking for the  best things to do in South Shields , the coastal walk (or a section of it) is a must-do. You’ll pass the picturesque Souter Lighthouse, stunning sandy coves, and the Marsden Grotto – a historic pub that was once built straight into a cliff front – you can even stay overnight if you’re looking for some truly unique UK accommodation! 

Various peculiar Magnesium limestone rock formations jut out into the ocean, creating some truly memorable coastal views. Grabbing fish and chips from Colmans is the perfect addition to the picturesque scenery. 

If you’re more of a history buff, the Arbeia Roman Fort is a short walk from the ocean. The Beamish Living History Museum, Saltwell Park, and Tynemouth Priory are also well worth adding to your hit list.

Since South Shields isn’t a very famous location. That means many of its beaches are much quieter than some of their more famous counterparts on England’s South Coast.

The Northeast isn’t known for its heat, but it’s worth the warm but mild temperatures if you prefer to escape the crowds. Expect average highs around 65°F and average lows of 53°F. In addition, there is 1.8 inches of rain over 7.5 days each summer month.

Just South of the bustling Northeast England hub of Newcastle-upon-Tyne – and only a 30-minute train from Central Station in the city centre – you’ll find the underrated seaside suburb of South Shields. Since Newcastle is well-connected by train or plane,

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

One of the best summer getaways in the UK is Giant’s Causeway. This amazing natural landmark is located in Bushmills and one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland . It is also a place that can be visited as part of a day trip from Belfast or even from Dublin .

Once there, enjoy the 40,000+ basalt columns that protrude from the water along the perimeter of the Antrim plateau. In fact, the sight of this place is so amazing that it inspired locals to create incredible stories about Giants using this spot to walk across the ocean to Scotland. 

During your visit, walk along a well-paved trail that is less than a mile long and take gorgeous photos among these unique columns by the sea. You could also see the iconic “wishing chair” which is a natural rock throne formation that is now smooth since so many people have sat there. 

Afterward, drive less then 30 minutes to the Dark Hedges. It is a site that was made famous by an episode of Game of Thrones and features a series of interlaced trees that form an enchanting tunnel above the road. 

Be sure to bring a light packable rain jacket since daily highs are 65 F (18 C) and daily lows are 53 F (12C) during the summer, with around 2.3 inches of rain over 10 days per month.

Fly into Belfast International Airport (BFS) and drive around an hour to Giant’s Causeway. The drive is beautiful, but on small country roads which can be quite narrow and curvy.

Alternatively, you could take a direct bus from Belfast Europa Bus Station to Giant’s Causeway.

Victoria from Follow Me Away says, “You can spend the night at Aunt Rachel’s Holidays since they are known for their great location and unique wigwam and caravan-inspired accommodations.

Peak District National Park, England

Located in North West England, the Peak District is the oldest national park in the UK and an excellent summer trip destination in the UK for outdoor lovers.

There are many walks in the Peak District for beginners and experienced hikers.. The most famous one is Mam Tor. It’s located in Edale and boasts amazing views of the valley. You can also make it longer by taking the Great Ridge walk which will take you all the way to Castleton via Back Tor.

The Peak District is also known for its cute villages such as Castleton, Bakewell (where the bakewell tart was invented), Hathersage or Bamford.

There are also a lot of lakes in the Peak District where you can go for walks, fishing and in certain cases canoeing and paddle boarding. Ladybower Reservoir near Bamford is one of the most spectacular.

Finally, make sure to check out one of the numerous caves in the area such as Speedwell or Peak Cave. They are both great options on a nice and sunny day and always a hit with kids.

In terms of events, there are also a lot of things organised in summer in the Peaks.

The most notorious event is Buxton International Festival which takes place in the small town of Buxton and lasts 3 weeks in July. It’s all about opera, music and books.

Bakewell Country Festival also takes place in July and is a great day out for families. Food, dog show, horse competition… it has it all.

In July and August, average temperatures are between 52 and 65F. It’s important to remember that the Peak District is a mountainous area which means that it’s always a bit more fresh. However, when it’s sunny, it can get very hot and it’s important to put on sunscreen.

Chances of rain are under 30% in summer (2 inches of rain over 8 days per summer month) which is very good for Northern England.

You can easily get there by car or train from Manchester or Leeds. Both have international airports with public transport connections to the city centre and the Peaks.

Pauline from Manchester Pocket Guide says, “The best place to stay is the Bulls Head . This is a pub and hotel in Castleton. It’s very well located and the food is delicious.”

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, the charming capital of Scotland, is a must-visit destination for a city escape in Great Britain all year round, but the city comes alive in the summer thanks to gorgeous weather that’s perfect for wandering its streets, exploring the architecture, and attending world-renowned seasonal events.

There are countless things to do in Edinburgh, from viewing iconic landmarks, strolling inviting streets, and experiencing a vibrant culture.

You must explore the Royal Mile to view Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and St. Giles Cathedral to experience medieval architecture, wander through narrow alleyways, and visit museums like the Museum of Edinburgh or the Writers’ Museum. 

To see a view of the city, head to Calton Hill and climb to the National Monument. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens and gives a spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the clock tower at the Balmoral Hotel. 

Lovers of whisky will definitely want to try some of Scotland’s national drink while in Edinburgh. The Amber Whisky Bar at the Scotch Whisky Experience has over 500 whiskies, great Scottish cuisine, and is the perfect atmosphere to taste whisky to your heart’s content.

Summer in Edinburgh is filled with many festivals and events that cater to various tastes. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival, takes place throughout August and showcases over 3,000 performances like comedy shows, theater productions, dance performances, and music concerts across genres. 

Also in August is The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Held at the iconic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, this alluring event features hundreds of performers and combines military precision with a breathtaking display of music and dance from around the world. 

As the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, thanks to its vast literary history , the Edinburgh Book Festival is a must-visit event that takes place every August. The festival celebrates the written word, literature, and ideas. You can sit in on readings by favorite authors, join discussions about literature and craft, or meet other literary-minded friends. 

During summer, Edinburgh experiences moderate temperatures with an average range of 51°F – 68°F. You can expect around 2.2 inches of rain over 9 days each month. This makes it extremely comfortable to explore the city’s historical landmarks, picturesque parks, and exciting festivals without feeling overwhelmed by the scorching heat.

If you’re traveling to Edinburgh from abroad or distant parts of the UK, Edinburgh Airport is the most convenient option. Located just 8 miles west of the city center, this international airport offers direct flights from major cities worldwide. From there, you can easily reach central Edinburgh via various transport options. The cheapest option is the Airlink 100 Express Bus.

Another convenient way to get to Edinburgh is by train via Waverley Station in central Edinburgh.

Mackenzie from A Wandering Scribbler says, “Most people will want to stay in the Grassmarket or Old Town area for its views of Edinburgh Castle and the lively winding streets. New Town and the West End Village are also great options.

The Balmoral Hotel is truly an iconic place to stay, directly outside the Waverley Train Station, down the street from the Scott Monument, and within walking distance from Edinburgh Castle. This luxury hotel is designed in the Victorian style and is where J.K. Rowling lived for six months while she finished the last Harry Potter book.

For a more budget option, try the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge-Royal Mile . You’ll find comfortable rooms within walking distance of all must-see sights.

By far the cheapest option is Kick Ass Greyfriars hostel . Located just outside the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard, Kick Ass Greyfriars offers plenty of communal space to meet other travelers without breaking the bank.

Brighton, England

Brighton is a seaside resort found in the county of East Sussex, England. With it’s quirky shopping areas, vibrant nightlife and pebbled beach, Brighton is the perfect place to visit in summertime in Great Britain if you’re after a day or two by the sea.

Built in the 1820s as a seaside getaway for King George IV, the Royal Pavilion is one of Brighton’s most mesmerising attractions. Admire its eastern-influenced architecture from the surrounding grounds or take a tour of it’s exquisite interior and museum.

After a fantastic view across Brighton? Located along the seafront is the British Airways i360 observation tower. This glass pod takes you 450 feet (138 meters) up into the sky, offering views across the city and South Downs National Park. If you’re lucky with the weather you may even get the chance to see the Isle of Wight!

Known as the LQBTQ+ capital of the UK, Brighton hosts the UK’s biggest Pride Festival every August. Each year Brighton draws hundreds of thousands of people to partake in the festivities, enjoying live music, engaging in workshops and more.

And of course, don’t forget to go shopping in the lanes or enjoy some fish and chips on the pier when you visit!

In Brighton, summertime is warm but it is windy and partly cloudy year round. Expect average highs of 67 degrees Fahrenheit with only 1.3 inches of rain over 6 days per month.

Brighton City Airport is a 50 minute bus ride from Brighton’s city centre via the 700 Coastliner. However, Brighton City Airport offers very few flights everyday.

Most international travellers will arrive via London which is only an hour long train ride from London Victoria or London Bridge Station. Being so close, Brighton it the perfect add-on to a London trip, even if you can not commit to an overnight stay.

Emma from The Travelling Teacher says, “If you are looking to stay in Brighton, I recommend  Hotel Pelirocco  , featuring nineteen pop-culture inspired rooms, each with a different theme, including nods to Dolly Parton, David Bowie, and Bettie Page.”

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

If you’re not from the UK, there’s a high chance you haven’t heard of Snowdonia (also known as Eryri National Park). However, it’s one of the most underrated places to go on a summer vacation in Great Britain.

Snowdonia is located in North Wales with a beautiful mountain range and several beaches surrounding the area. Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is the highest peak in Wales and also one of the highest mountains in the UK. When planning your visit, there are many towns and villages to stay in, such as Betws-y-Coed and Llanberis.

Climbing Snowdon is the biggest reason locals flock to Snowdonia. Pen-y-Pass is the most popular trailhead along with the Llanberis Trail which is usually the busiest.

If you’re interested in  climbing Snowdon from Pen-y-Pass , it’s best to take the Pyg Track up and the Miners Track down. This is one of the most beautiful routes to take offering you views of the incredible lakes nestled between the mountains.

Summer and Spring are the best times to visit Snowdonia when there’s a lower chance of rainfall and a foggy summit. The temperature is usually around 60°F – 70°F during the months of July and August, although not guaranteed. There will also be around 2.5 inches of rain over 10 days for each month.

The weather in the UK is very unpredictable and it’s essential to always be prepared for any type of weather, even during the summertime.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport are the best airports if you’re planning a visit to Snowdonia, however, London is also an option. There are direct trains from London to Bangor and then, a few connections to get to Betws-y-Coed. 

Amy and Dan from The Sunrise Dreamers say, “Betws-y-Coed is a lovely village to base yourself in if you’re spending more than a day in the National Park. Glamping at Cwmlanerch Campsite and Cottages or staying at Church Hill House are great options for an overnight stay.

A little river runs through the cosy village with a handful of small local shops and delicious restaurants. It’s also one of the best places from which to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).”

Bath, England

One of the loveliest cities you can visit in summer in Great Britain is Bath . This gorgeous, historic city is among the oldest cities in England and its history and architecture will surely sweep you off your feet.

Bath has several interesting landmarks. The Roman Baths are Bath’s most popular tourist destination. They were built around natural hot springs in the city and are one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient baths in the world.

Pulteney bridge is one of the prettiest bridges in the world. Similar to some Italian bridges, Pulteney has two rows of shops that line both sides of the bridge. The bridge can be found in the center of the old town, crossing the river Avon. The bridge is pretty magical with its’ Georgian architecture and the bridge’s unique design.

The Bath Abbey is a must-visit in Bath. The history of this church goes back all the way to 7 th  century, but the most interesting part is the interior, which you can explore in a tour. During this tour you’ll climb many, many steps, visit the clock tower, and see the massive bells of the church. In the end, you’ll get the best view of Bath from its top.

The weather in summer is quite nice. You can expect average highs of 69F and average lows of 55F. There is only 1.5 inches of rain over 7 days per month.

Bath is only an hour and a half train ride from London, and you can combine it with Bristol into a weekend getaway.

Karla from KarlaTypes.com says, “We’ve stayed in Bristol at the incredible Clayton Hotel , and took a 10-minute train ride to Bath.”

Isle of Skye, Scotland

If you’re looking for the rugged beauty that Scotland is known for, there’s perhaps no place better to explore than the Isle of Skye. Found along the northwestern coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye offers some of the United Kingdom’s most dramatic scenery, with rolling green mountains, rushing waterfalls, and wild coastline. It is one of the best summer holiday destinations in Great Britain.

The best way to enjoy the landscape of the island is to get out on some of its stellar hiking trails. For example, the  Quiraing Walk  is a moderately challenging hike that leads you past countless fluffy sheep and along a ridge, overlooking the ocean and otherworldly looking basalt formations. It looks like something straight out of Game of Thrones! 

For something a bit less active, consider taking a wildlife boat tour from Skye’s biggest city, Portree. Its waters are teeming with marine life, from seals and dolphins to even whales, and its coastline is an excellent spot to birds, like puffins or eagles.

The Isle of Skye Highland Games has happened annually, usually in August, since 1877. At the Games, you can watch competitors duke it out at bag piping, Highland dancing, and track and field events, like putting the stone (similar to shot put).

With its location on the coast, Skye generally is pretty cool, even in the summertime. You can expect highs in the low 60s and lows in the upper 40s—so bring some warm and cozy layers.

It’s also helpful to have a rain jacket—while summer is one of the island’s driest seasons, it still rains around 3 inches over 19 days of every month!

To reach the Isle of Skye, you can fly into either Glasgow, which is a four hour and 20 minute drive from Skye, or alternatively, Edinburgh, which is a four hour and 45 minute drive.  You’ll need to rent a car for this one—there’s not an easy way to get from either city to the island via public transport. 

Jessica from The Uprooted Traveler says, “Use the Cuillins Hills Hotel in Portree as your homebase. Not only are the rooms incredibly comfy, with ocean views, but the onsite lounge is world-class, offering a whopping 130 malt whiskies!”

St. Ives, England

Located in Cornwall in the country’s southwest, St. Ives is a popular  British seaside town  known for fishing, the art scene, and having the “first and last house in England.” It offers fantastic summer getaways in the UK.

British residents flock to St. Ives in summer to enjoy its beautiful beaches, tranquil lifestyle, and famous Cornish Pasties. While the pasties originated from Cornwall, the savory treats are available elsewhere. However, they don’t taste quite as good as the freshly made ones in St. Ives.

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St. Ives make a lovely outing if you’re into the arts. The Tate St. Ives showcases the artworks of British and local artists in a white contemporary building on Porthmeor Beach. If you’re familiar with local artist Barbara Hepworth, you should browse her museum too.

During your visit, take some time to explore the quaint shops. You’ll find a mix of beachfront cafes, galleries, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. There are no large chains or brand names here.

Stop for a mouth-watering Cornish Pasty or a Walls ice cream with chocolate flake when you need a break. However, beware of the cheeky seagulls who attempt to steal your treat.

St. Ives has grown in popularity, but its town has retained its village feel, with narrow streets and, in some areas, no sidewalks. When visiting, parking up on the hill and taking a shuttle down is recommended.

Alternatively, you can use the St. Erth Park and Ride. The St. Erth railway costs a few pounds and offers a scenic ride along the waterfront.

Lastly, if you want to stand on England’s most westerly point, the “first and last house” is a must-visit. It can often get blustery here on the cliffs of Land’s End. This historic white abode sells small gifts, souvenirs, and Cornish Ice Cream.

In summer, you can expect highs of 66F and lows of 55F, with scattered showers of around 1.8 inches over 7 days a month.

If you’re flying, Bristol serves as the nearest large airport, and it’s a 3-hour drive from there or much longer by train.

Karen from Forever Karen says, “The Beachside Holiday Park in Hayle, offers chalets that can accommodate families of two to six. Complete with kitchens and living areas, they are more affordable than a hotel or cottage stay.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. The city has a rich history and is well-known for many things including shipbuilding, being the birthplace of many famous writers and poets and its political history. It is one of the best cities to visit in the summer in the UK.

Belfast rose to stardom with the construction of the Titanic. While we all know the end of the story for the cruiseliner, there is a saying in Belfast that goes, “She was fine when she left here!”

Titanic and the shipbuilding industry are centrepieces for the tourism industry in the city and you can’t visit Belfast without taking a trip to the Titanic Museum, located in the shipyard where the famous ship was constructed. 

Belfast is the homeplace of some of the UK’s most famous writers and poets and literature is a focal point of many attractions in the city. C.S. Lewis Square is a great place to visit if you have read ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’. There are seven bronze statues on display of the characters and the square is just a short distance from the city centre.

You won’t get far in Belfast without stumbling upon a mural or flag representative of Belfast’s troubled past. ‘The Troubles’ was a civil war that affected the entirety of Northern Ireland and indeed other parts of the UK for over 30 years.

Rather than forgetting that it happened, Belfast has moved into a period of remembrance and acceptance, but many locals remain wary. Taking a tour around the city with a local guide, who can give you insight into what life was like during a time of civil war is a really great experience in Belfast.

Most airlines will land at Belfast International Airport – a 30-minute drive from the city centre but if you’re lucky enough to catch a flight to Belfast City Airport then you’re just 10 minutes away.

Charlotte from The Geo Room says, “One of the best and most in-demand places to stay in Belfast is the Titanic Hotel . The hotel is actually located in the converted Harland & Wolff shipbuilding offices that were used in the design process of the Titanic.”

Yorkshire Dales, England

Spectacular North Yorkshire in Northern England is the UK’s largest county by area and the only one to have two national parks within its borders. It is a spectacular spot in the United Kingdom for a summer break.

While the famous Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors draw visitors year-round, they are especially popular in the summertime, with visitors keen to walk, hike, cycle or relax with a spot of good old Yorkshire hospitality. Many also visit the Yorkshire Dales to see the countryside made famous by James Herriott in his recently televised “All Creatures Great and Small” stories.

Other visitors are drawn to historic York, the county’s only city, which oozes Roman and Viking history and boasts the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Visitors also flock to the stunning, rugged North Yorkshire coast to enjoy everything from the bustling resorts of Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington to quaint little fishing villages, including Staithes, Robin Hood’s Bay and Ravenscar. And many visitors are keen to explore North Yorkshire’s historic castles and ruined abbeys, like Fountains Abbey and Whitby Abbey.

One of the oddest and most fun events in North Yorkshire in the summer is the exceptionally popular Knaresborough Bed Race in the  scenic market town of Knaresborough .

However, the most significant event in the county’s summer schedule is the magnificent 4-day Yorkshire Show in the elegant spa town of Harrogate.

Yorkshire’s weather is famously unpredictable, with highs of 68°F (19°C) and lows of 53°F (11°C). You can expect around 1.8 inches of rain over 7 days. Visitors should always pack layers and be prepared for rain!

North Yorkshire’s main towns and the city of York are well connected by public transport, with a journey time of just over 2 hours from London to York by train. Alternatively, driving will take at least 4 hours, but it can take much longer! The nearest international airports are Manchester and Edinburgh, which are also on good train lines to York.

Coralie from Grey Globe Trotters says, “Many visitors choose York as their base when exploring North Yorkshire, with the centrally located Grand Hotel a popular choice, as it faces the city’s medieval city walls.”

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Summer in the U.K is all about being outdoors and one of the best summer getaways in the United Kingdom to enjoy the great outdoors is the Pembrokeshire Coast in southwest Wales. Most of the coastline is incorporated into the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro), the only National Park in the U.K made up of mostly coastal landscapes. 

You can expect everything in this National Park including sandy beaches, sea caves, sea stacks, moorlands and rugged cliffs. It is an outdoor lover’s paradise.  

Hikers can attempt all, or sections of, The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a 185 miles (299 km) long cliff-top path. The scenic, undulating route starts at Amroth and ends at  Poppit Sands  and St. Dogmaels. If you don’t have a head for heights and prefer flatter paths, go for a moorland walk in the Preseli Hills. 

Visitors can join a coasteering trip around St. David’s, learn to surf at Broad Haven, build sandcastles at Poppit Sands, or go paddleboarding and kayaking at Saundersfoot.

Slightly inland you can visit historic sites such as Pembroke Castle, Manorbier Castle or the impressive Carew Castle. Visit St. David’s Cathedral or explore the charming Victorian seaside town of Tenby. 

Alternatively, join a dolphin spotting boat trip or take a trip to Ramsey Island, a protected bird sanctuary. 

If you love seafood, visit during the lively Pembrokeshire Fish Week in June where you can join guided coastal walks, foraging and cooking workshops as well as indulging in tasting sessions. 

Summer in Pembrokeshire can bring mixed, changeable weather but you should expect warm sunny days with an average temperature of 19 C or 66 F. Be prepared for some rain as July and August receive around 2.4 inches of rain over 8 days each month. 

To reach the Pembrokeshire Coast you will need to fly into Cardiff Airport. It is a two-hour drive or a four-hour train journey to reach the coast. 

Sinead from Map Made Memories says, “Wherever you stay in Pembrokeshire, try to stay on or as close as possible to the beaches and coastline that this area is famous for.

For some of the best coastal views, stay at the clifftop Gwbert Hotel near Cardigan which overlooks Poppit Sands and Pembrokeshire National Park.”

Saddleworth, England

Saddleworth is a hidden gem in the north of England, not far from Manchester and on the northern edge of the Peak District National Park. The area’s quaint stone villages are full of pretty cottages nestled into the hillsides. In the countryside, in between the villages, there’s a wealth of beautiful spots to enjoy on scenic walks. It makes for a lovely summer holiday in Great Britain.

The most popular village in Saddleworth to visit is Uppermill. In Uppermill you’ll find lots of cafés, restaurants and pubs. There’s a village museum celebrating Saddleworth’s rich history, stepping stones which are always popular with families and a lovely walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Further up the canal you’ll find the village of Diggle and the western end of Standedge Tunnel, Britain’s longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel, which runs through the Pennines to Marsden in West Yorkshire.

One of the best reasons to  visit Saddleworth  in summer is the wonderful events. The highlight of the year is the Whit Friday Brass Band contests, which have been described as the “greatest free show on Earth”. Each Saddleworth village hosts its own contest, which sees brass bands from all over the UK (and across the world) compete in front of a judge who scores them without knowing who they are.

The Whit Friday band contests take place in May or June, and they’re followed in late August by Rushcart weekend, when the local Morris men pull a tall, beautifully decorated rushcart around the villages, staging dance-offs in each one. The rushcart’s final destination is Saddleworth’s parish church, where the weekend ends with gurning, wrestling and bad singing competitions – and plenty of locally-brewed beer. 

The weather in Saddleworth can be unpredictable, but summer tends to see temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and mostly sunny skies. June, July and August are some of the driest months, with an average of 70mm (2.5 inches) of rain over 8 days each month. 

To get to Uppermill, fly into Manchester Airport and either drive 30 minutes or take a train to Greenfield, which is just a mile from Uppermill village centre.

Helen from Helen On Her Holidays says, “One of the prettiest places to stay in Saddleworth is Dovestone Holiday Park , where you can relax surrounded by some of Saddleworth’s most beautiful landscapes and within easy reach of village pubs in both Greenfield and Uppermill.”

Orkney, Scotland

Nestled in the far north of Scotland, the Orkney Islands are perfect for a summer visit. Situated just off the north-eastern coast, this archipelago boasts a rich tapestry of history, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural sites.

Orkney has a UNESCO World Heritage Site  known as Heart of Neolithic Orkney and includes the world-famous Skara Brae. This prehistoric village, preserved beneath sand dunes for centuries, offers a glimpse into the lives of Neolithic settlers. The village includes a few round houses with fireplaces, beds, and dressers still in place. The Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, ancient stone circles are nearby. The sites are all a thousand years older than Stonehenge.

Tucked away on Lamb Holm, the Italian Chapel was created during World War II. Crafted by Italian prisoners of war, this small chapel is adorned with intricate paintings transforming a Nissen hut into a place of worship making it a poignant and unique place to visit.

Orkney’s coastline has several large windswept beaches. From the golden sands of Scapa Beach to the rugged beauty of Yesnaby’s cliffs with its sea stacks, there is a beach whatever the weather. In the north, Birsay Beach has a causeway that takes you to a small tidal island with a tiny lighthouse and chance to see puffins.

Orkney’s summer weather is relatively mild, with highs averaging around 60-65°F (15-18°C). However, rain showers are frequent, with a chance of rain on approximately 11 days per month. Even in the summer months, storms can blow in so planning around the weather is essential.

The nearest international airport to Orkney is Edinburgh. From Edinburgh, you can take a domestic flight to Kirkwall Airport on Orkney Mainland. Flight times are approximately 1 hour. Flights are also available from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness.   

Alternatively, you can drive from Edinburgh to Scrabster (about 5 hours), followed by a ferry to Stromness, which takes approximately 90 minutes. It is possible to do the journey by bus or train, but journey times are even longer.

Suzanne from Meandering Wild says, “Orkney has many options for accommodation. However, if you want to stay in the centre of the neolithic sites, then the Standing Stones Hotel at Stenness is the perfect base. This small hotel is on the edge of the loch with views towards the Ring of Brodgar.”

Exmouth, England

Situated along the (relatively!) sunny South Coast of England in the county of Devon is Exmouth , a real hidden gem.

It’s a medium-sized town, quite residential compared to others in Devon, but it has a two mile long beach that’s sandwiched between the Jurassic Coast (England’s only natural UNESCO site) and the vibrant Exe Estuary. 

It’s unsurprising that Exmouth’s beach is one of the best things to do in the area and one of the best beach holiday destinations in Great Britain. Think golden sand, plenty of amenities and calm waters that are ideal for a range of different watersports (it’s particularly famous for windsurfing). 

But there are also plenty of hikes, including the walk from Exmouth to the next town, Budleigh Salterton, along the South West Coast Path and the Exe Estuary Trail which is a hiking and cycling path. 

If you can pull yourself away from the beach, learn a little about the town’s history on a walking tour or by visiting the town’s museum. It may be a beautiful beach town, but there’s plenty of history involving smuggling, piracy and how it became Devon’s first resort town! 

Festivals take place frequently throughout the summer, generally held in Manor Gardens which is close to the beach. These are typically run by local restaurant owners or the town council and have a line up of local bands. They’re nearly always free to enter, too!

Being by the sea, Exmouth doesn’t usually have the same oppressive heatwaves that London can have. It generally stays a constant 68°F – 77°F throughout the summer. You can expect around 1.8 inches of rain over 7 days per month. It usually passes quickly. 

Exmouth’s only a half hour drive from the city of Exeter (also well worth visiting!) and there is a small international airport here, along with a train station that connects to London, Bristol and other UK cities. However, Bristol’s the closest airport with decent connections. 

Claire from Go South West England says, “Exmouth’s home to one of the biggest Haven parks in the country, Devon Cliffs, but in town you’ll find The Beacon Hotel , a glorious period-decorated hotel with wonderful views out to the sea.”

Rye, England

One of the best beach vacations in the UK during the summer is in Rye, East Sussex . It is a charming town where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a child’s fairy tale.

This medieval village dates back to the 12th century and is full of history, quaint shops, adorable tearooms, cozy places to stay, and awe-inspiring architecture. Wonky half timbered homes and cobblestones line a labyrinth of alleyways throughout this ancient town.

Some of the  best things to do in Rye include climbing up to the top of St Mary’s Cathedral for beautiful 360 degree views of Rye and beyond, all the way over the Winchelsea and the English Channel. 

For those wanting to learn more about Rye’s history, a visit to Ypres Castle is a must. Once a fortress, Ypres also served as a prison, private dwelling, and court hall – and is now a museum. Touring the walls of the castle will give you an indication of how life was back in the 1200s!

Rye’s rich history can also be told by visiting the Rye Model – a scale model of the town with a historic light and sound presentation spanning 700 years of history in 15 minutes. Check out the vintage penny arcade upstairs afterwards.

Summer is one of the best times to visit Rye since its most famous festival occurs in August. Spanning four days, the Rye Bay Jazz & Blues Festival attracts thousands of people across the UK and Europe featuring World-Class headline concerts and an array of international music talent. 

Temperatures during the summer reach a comfortable high of 69°F/low of 58°F (21°C/low of 15°C) with an average 1.4 inches of rain over 6-7 days per month. It’s quite warm when the sun comes out, but it’s advisable to pack an umbrella and light sweater for cloudy days and the evening.

The best airport to fly into to reach Rye is London Gatwick. From here, Rye is a 1.5 hour drive south east. Alternatively, if you want to do some exploring in central London first, Rye is reachable by train in just over an hour.

Sarah from In Search of Sarah says, “No visit to Rye would be complete without visiting or staying at the Mermaid Inn . This pub and hotel was  rebuilt  in 1420! Cozy up for a drink next to the Giant’s Fireplace, or head to the restaurant for a fantastic farm-to-table meal. Numerous celebrities have frequented the Mermaid Inn, but be forewarned, it’s reported to be haunted!”

The United Kingdom offers many wonderful summer destination. You get the best of both worlds. Whether you want to visit charming small villages, hike along country paths or in mountains, feel the sand between your toes, discover ancient castles and cathedrals, or find exciting museums, shopping and a great night life, you will not be disappointed with the fantastic summer vacation destinations in Great Britain.

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Insider Secrets | 18 January 2022

Secret britain: 30 little-known british places you must visit.

Explore Britain with a fresh set of eyes, aided by the experts from Bradt Travel Guides, who’ve personally curated these 30 lesser-known delights...

1. Ross Back Sands, Northumberland

Ross Back Sands Beach, looking towards Bamburgh Castle (Shutterstock)

This gloriously deserted sandy spit extends for 5km from Budle Bay to Lindisfarne. Access is via a 1.5km-long footpath through Ross Farm and across the dunes, which puts off the few travellers who venture here.

Your reward, however, is an unbeatable panorama: all sky, sea and white sands with Lindisfarne Castle at one end and, at the other, Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. A pair of binoculars will come in handy, not only to check out the seals lazing on Lindisfarne’s bay (best viewed from Guile Point) but also to scan the sea for divers, grebes and scoters in winter, and terns in summer.

- Gemma Hall, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Northumberland

2. walberswick, suffolk.

Walberswick (Shutterstock)

Walberswick was formerly a small trading port before its harbour silted up. Long adopted as a bohemian retreat by artists like Philip Wilson Steer and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the former fishing village has long-since morphed into a enclave for media-types.

These days it is popular with walkers and birdwatchers, and young families who come here to relax and go crabbing in the creek. The most atmospheric way to reach Walberswick, though, is by way of the rowing-boat ferry across the River Blyth from Southwold, an enterprise that’s been in the same family for five generations.

- Laurence Mitchell, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Norfolk & Suffolk

3. carn euny, cornwall.

Carn Euny, Cornwall (Shutterstock)

Although this ancient hut settlement is managed by English Heritage, the sense of private discovery is overwhelming. To get here, it’s an easy walk from Chapel Carn Brea car park north-east over Tredinney Common past a very natural, gurgling holy well that marks the site of St Euny’s Chapel.

The low stone walls of the roundhouses are clearly visible, beneath a soft blanket of turf and wildflowers and the entrance to a mysterious fogou (underground structure) is also apparent. This remote and beautiful acre lies on a south-facing slope; it’s a place to linger, maybe with a picnic and a jug of local cider. 

- Kirsty Fergusson, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly

4. hunstanton, norfolk.

The red and ginger cliffs of Hunstanton, Norfolk (Shutterstock)

Standing a short walk along the beach from the Victorian resort of Hunstanton (‘Sunny Hunny’) are the magnificent banded cliffs of Old Hunstanton. The cliffs, which are comprised of layers of rusty ginger sandstone (‘carrstone’), red limestone (‘red chalk’) topped with chalk, are framed by a foreground of chalky sand and green, seaweed-covered rocks.

Unusually – actually, uniquely – for East Anglia, they face west. With the setting sun lighting up the cliffs as it lowers across The Wash, and a painterly combination of red, white, green and blue, this is the sort of place that holds great appeal for romantics and landscape photographers alike. 

- Laurence Mitchell, author of Bradt's   Slow Travel:  Norfolk   &   Suffolk

5. sunbiggin tarn, cumbria.

Sunbiggin Tarn, Cumbria (Shutterstock)

Lakes of any size are very thin on the ground in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Sunbiggin Tarn’s rarity makes it popular with wildlife and visiting humans alike.

Interesting birds can be seen here all year around but this place’s greatest claim to fame is probably its starling murmurations. One of the country’s largest and most spectacular, it involves tens of thousands of birds and occurs here at dusk on most autumn and winter evenings.

- Mike Bagshaw, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Yorkshire Dales

6. yoesden nature reserve, high wycombe.

Spot a rare chalkhill blue butterfly at Yoesden Nature Reserve (Shutterstock)

Six miles north of High Wycombe, Yoesden has changed little since medieval times. Descending from ‘beech hanger’ woods, its sun-soaked chalk grassland provides a haven for less common flora and fauna.

In late June, it’s a pink and purple picture with chalk fragrant, pyramidal and common spotted orchids. By August, blue is the colour with devil’s bit scabious, nettle-leaved bellflower and lots of Chiltern gentian attracting butterflies – keep an eye out for the azure Adonis blues and the powdery chalk hill blues as well as the common blue and small blue varieties. Open daily, and free to visit.

- Neil Matthews, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Chilterns & The Thames Valley

7. the grey mare’s tail nature reserve, dumfries & galloway.

Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve, Dumfries & Galloway (Shutterstock)

The wild and rugged landscape of this National Trust for Scotland reserve in Dumfries & Galloway is a taste of the highlands in the lowlands. The 60m Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall is the UK’s fifth highest; a walk up alongside it will eventually bring you to isolated Loch Skeen and Britain’s rarest native freshwater fish, the vendace.

Continue climbing to the top of White Coomb (821m), Dumfriesshire’s highest peak for inspirational views to the Scottish Borders and even beyond if the weather goes in your favour. Look out for peregrine falcons, osprey and, if you’re lucky, golden eagle, which have been reintroduced in recent years.

- Donald Grieg, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Dumfries & Galloway  

8. solar heritage boat tours, west sussex.

On the waters in West Sussex (Shutterstock)

The catamaran was powered by nothing else but the sun, gliding across through the marshy waterscape of Chichester Harbour in West Sussex’s south-west corner.

"She’s quiet, doesn’t scare wildlife, uses no oil or lubricants and doesn’t cause wake," explained our guide, as binoculars were passed around to my fellow passengers to spot the abundant birdlife and wait for a glimpse of its couple of dozen resident seals.

The craft is one of only three, built to ferry people to an exhibition of alternative energy sources held in Switzerland and now-recycled here to spectacular effect. Surely the ultimate form of Slow Travel? Costs £10 per adult. 

- Tim Locke, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Sussex

9. birkenhead park, wirral.

Birkenhead, the UK's Central Park? (Shutterstock)

The port of Birkenhead on Wirral was a town of firsts in the 19th century, including being home to the world’s first publicly funded park.

But Birkenhead Park, a naturalistic 100 acres of meadows, fields, gardens, woodland, lakes and structures, has another boast. It inspired the American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in his design of New York’s Central Park.

Birkenhead Park isn’t the only Victorian joy of this peninsula. Wirral’s other secrets include the industrial garden village of Port Sunlight, Ness Botanic Gardens (which introduced the rhododendron to Britain’s borders) and pretty Parkgate village, with its now landlocked seafront promenade.

- Kate Simon, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Cheshire

10. the strawberry line, somerset .

The awe-inspiring village of Cheddar in Somerset (Shutterstock)

Wending its way through a scenic stretch of Somerset countryside, the Strawberry Line takes its name from the railway that, until 1963, transported produce grown on the slopes of the nearby Mendips.

Walking or cycling the old, mostly traffic-free, trackbed – which extends for 16km between Yatton and Cheddar – you’ll pass rural villages, apple-rich orchards (this is cider country after all), wooded valleys and wetlands teeming with wildlife, including otters, owls, bats and butterflies.

There are plenty of pitstops along the way too, not least the brilliant, not-for-profit Strawberry Line Café, which now occupies the old Victorian-era waiting room at Yatton station; handily, they also offer bike hire.

- Norm Longley, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Somerset

11. amberley museum, west sussex.

Displays at West Sussex's Amberley Museum (Shutterstock)

Close to the South Downs Way and right next to Amberley rail station, this serendipitous museum is, variously, a huge industrial relic; a nature reserve within a chalk pit patrolled by peregrine falcons; a community of craftspeople; and a collection of all sorts representing industry in the south-east over the centuries.

Each visit will sidetrack you with something new: nosing round the printworks and the transplanted Southdown Bus Garage, or chatting to the woodturner. Finish the day with an amble around Amberley, with its astonishing show of thatched roofs, and a medieval castle (now a hotel) looking out onto the water meadows known as Amberley Wildbrooks. Open  Wednesday to Sunday, £13.60 per ticket. 

- Tim Locke, author of Bradt's  Slow Travel: Sussex

12. hartland abbey, devon .

Hartland Abbey, Devon (Shutterstock)

Far superior to many other great houses, which sometimes struggle to justify their entrance fee, Hartland Abbey (open Sunday to Thursday until 4 October) is still owned by the family that inherited it in the 16th century.

It has a lived-in feeling (you are likely to find a family member working in the walled garden) and the quality of the contents is one of the advantages of a house that has never been sold, but passed down through the centuries by inheritance. Scattered around the house are laminated newspaper cuttings that add snippets of intrigue...

- Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Travel Guides and author of  Slow Travel: Exmoor, North Devon and South Devon

13. cotswold line cycle route.

Glorious views from Dover's Hill (Shutterstock)

For quiet, tiny lanes that are perfect for gentle moseying on a bicycle, the Cotswolds is in abundance. And 120km of these lanes make up the Cotswold Line Cycle Route (NCN Route 442), which follows the Cotswold Line railway between Oxford and Worcester, so you can cycle as far as you like, then catch the train back (or vice versa).

There’s plenty to view along the route, as it winds its way through peaceful stone villages with rose-hugging frontages and reputable gastro-watering holes (many currently offering a takeaway service). Take Kingham or Charlbury, for example, in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, or the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, all with a train station to boot.

Further north, head towards Chipping Campden, with tearooms-aplenty and the glory of Dover’s Hill for a picnic with views, to catch the return train in nearby Honeybourne.

- Caroline Mills, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: The Cotswolds

14. lundy island, devon.

Lundy Island, Devon (Shutterstock)

Marooned in the middle of the Bristol Channel and often cut off for days through bad weather, this island feels like a lump of the Hebrides mysteriously dumped in the south-west. It is a wild, beautiful and almost treeless place, with a tiny resident population, no cars, a lot of sheep, cattle and ponies, and kilometres of footpaths.

The chief attraction is the cliffside breeding puffins (best see April to July), but the chance to get away from it all ensures that few visitors only come here once. All the accommodation is self-catering in historic properties, including a castle and a lighthouse, now owned by the Landmark Trust.

15. Hawkstone Park Follies, Shropshire

A glimpse of the mysterious Hawkstone Park Follies (Shutterstock)

If you’ve never before visited Hawkstone Park Follies , we envy you your first glimpses of this mysterious place. The restored 200-year-old pleasure garden is an exhilarating mix of sandstone cliffs and crags, dotted with dozens of follies originally created by the Hill family of Hawkstone.

Ascend the 150 steps of the 30m-high monument, raised in 1795, and you’ll have views over 12 or 13 counties. Its dramatic scenery made Hawkstone Park a location for the BBC’s 1988 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia , and it remains highly recommended for children (and grown ups) who enjoy exploring – although wear sturdy shoes. Open only on weekends, £19 (for one household, up to three in a car). 

- Marie Kreft, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Shropshire

16. natural history museum, tring, hertfordshire .

Natural History Museum, Tring, Hertfordshire (Shutterstock)

This outpost of London’s Natural History Museum has been a visitors’ delight for over a century. Six floors showcase 4,000 specimens on public display in taxonomic order, classified into related groups: stuffed birds and animals, menacing sharks hanging from the ceiling, insects in pull-out cases and plenty more.

You can wonder at the skeletons of long-dead creatures, such as the giant ground sloth from the Pleistocene era, or examine a set of fully dressed fleas (clothes made in Mexico in 1905). It's free to visit, and open daily.

- Neil Matthews, author of Bradt's   Slow Travel: Chilterns & The Thames Valley

17. south west coastal 300, dumfries & galloway (mostly) .

A bay on the Mull of Galloway (Shutterstock)

Scotland’s ‘forgotten south-west corner’ has its own version of the hugely successful North Coast 500 road trip. The South West Coastal 300 includes the hill country of the Southern Uplands and craggy coast of the Solway Firth.

A combination of Burns, the national bard, and a dram or two in various distilleries along the way makes for a heady mix. Visit Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway, and pan for gold in its highest village, Wanlockhead, also home to the country’s highest micro-brewery, with the cracking strapline of ‘Beer with Altitude!’

- Donald Grieg, author of Bradt's  Slow Travel: Dumfries & Galloway

18. chinnor & princes risborough railway, oxfordshire.

Teams of devoted volunteers have restored this  attractive heritage railway line , which runs on a combination of diesel and steam some of the locomotives date back to the 1930s.

Sit back and enjoy a pot of tea as your 50-minute round journey passes Whiteleaf Cross, a white cross of mysterious origins etched into the hillside. Special events include a ‘titfer day’ (half price for anyone wearing a hat) and Sherlock Holmes murder mystery evenings with supper on board. Open Sundays and bank holidays.

19. Skipton Castle, North Yorkshire

Skipton Castle in Yorkshire (Shutterstock)

Many visitors to Skipton are not even aware there’s a 900-year-old castle here as it’s so well hidden, but there is and it’s a cracker. What makes it so special is its completeness; it is a fully roofed and remarkably well-preserved medieval building, a fact for which we have one woman to thank – Lady Anne Clifford.

After the castle’s destruction by Cromwell’s bully boys during the English Civil War, she had it completely rebuilt, and the yew tree she planted in 1659 to commemorate the event still graces the central courtyard.  Open daily, £8.70 per ticket.

- Mike Bagshaw, author of Bradt's   Slow Travel: North York Moors & Yorkshire Wolds

20. clare, suffolk.

The church in Clare, Suffolk (Shutterstock)

A fine medieval wool town in the Stour Valley, Clare is often overlooked.

Daniel Defoe, writing in the early 18th century, described it as ‘a poor town and dirty’ – these days it is anything but. Particularly striking is the 15th-century Ancient House, which has luxuriant white pargeting (decorative plastering) like the sugar icing on a fancy cake.

Directly opposite is St Peter and St Paul’s Church, a handsome perpendicular building in which Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon have bespoke pews with their crests. The sundial outside, inscribed ‘Go about your business’, seems to tell the time with uncanny accuracy.

21. Blackgang Beach, Isle of Wight 

The remote Blackgang Beach (Shutterstock)

Quite simply, Blackgang Beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful – and rarely visited – of all the island’s beaches.

The reason for its low profile is clear enough: it is inaccessible to all but the most determined and reached by a steep, sometimes awkward (but never dangerous) path – which may also explain why it’s also the island’s unofficial nudist beach.

The walk from car park to beach takes around 15 minutes but can feel much longer. The reward is a glorious beach of ochre coloured, fine-gained pebbles (your feet sink ever so slightly as you cross the beach) that lies under a magnificent sandstone escarpment that looks like a vast slab of honeycomb. 

- Mark Rowe, author of Bradt's   The Outer Hebrides   and  Orkney

22. st martin’s vineyard, isles of scilly.

Tresco Gardens on the Isles of Scilly (Shutterstock)

Established in 1996 by Val and Graham Thomas, this little-known vineyard   is one of the island of St Martin’s best-kept secrets. Their wines have become a local triumph and, until only very recently, were only available on the Isles of Scilly themselves, either direct from their cellar or served in one of the many fantastic local pubs and restaurants.

The first vines trialled on this hectare of south-facing slopes were white varieties – Reichensteiner and Madeleine Angevine – but today five varieties are produced: three white, one rose and one red. Enjoy a tour and tasting session before stocking up on bottles to take home with you.  Go for a self-guided tour, costing just £7.

- Kirsty Fergusson, author of Bradt's   Slow Travel: Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly

23. borth, ceredigion.

Beaches and birdwatching await in Borth (Shutterstock)

You get two wildlife spectacles for the price of one along this stretch of Welsh coastline in August.

On the beach at Borth, thousands upon thousands of Manx shearwaters – Britain’s answer to the albatross – gather here to feast upon shoals of whitebait, clupeid and sandeel. Some Manxies come stupidly close, occasionally even over the beach, so there are plenty of opportunities for photoshoots.

Just down the road at Cors Dyfi Reserve, admire another piscivore: Wales’ most famous ospreys. Assuming they have bred successfully, the pair’s youngsters should have fledged and be fattening up for their first southwards migration. Wish them – and the similarly migratory shearwaters – luck.

- James Lowen, author of Bradt's 52 Wildlife Weekends

24. flamborough head, yorkshire.

Flamborough Head's white cliffs (Shutterstock)

If asked to name the site of England’s oldest standing lighthouse, most northerly coastal chalk cliffs and largest seabird colony, very few people would plump for East Yorkshire, but Flamborough Head holds all three titles.

This promontory, sticking boldly out into the North Sea, has a rich Viking history which is easy to imagine whilst on an exciting boat trip through the tidal races below the cliffs. Being on the water allows a grandstand view of fishing gannets and puffins but those that would prefer to stay on dry land can occasionally spot whales from the clifftop viewpoints.

- Mike Bagshaw, author of Bradt's   Slow Travel: Yorkshire Dales

25. mynydd carningli, pembrokeshire.

Towering some 340m above the seaside town of Newport, this now-extinct volcano has a scrambly summit that just begs to be climbed. At the top you’ll find Iron and Bronze age remains, but that’s not the only selling point – for ‘Mynydd Carningli’ translates as ‘mountain of angels’.

Legend has it that Celtic saint St Brynach climbed to the top to commune with the angels. Although you don’t have to believe in seraphims to worship this saintly summit, go to the top and look towards the beautifully rugged Pembrokeshire coast to witness views that are truly angelic.

- Phoebe Smith, author of Bradt's Britain’s Best Small Hills

26.  chee dale, derbyshire.

Stepping stones at Chee Dale in Derbyshire (Shutterstock)

This must be a contender for loveliest riverside walk in the Peak District. And although it is every bit as dramatic as Dovedale, it receives a fraction of its visitors. Following the River Wye from Miller’s Dale car park, you wind your way west and south to Blackwell Mill (returning along the Monsal Trail).

The walk is one of pure delight: limestone cliffs drop straight to the water, great viaducts tower high overhead and boardwalks wind their way through wetlands of wildflowers, where dippers perch on branches and stones, bobbing in the water as they search for food.

- Helen Moat, author of Bradt's Slow Travel: Peak District

27. orkney’s stone age sites, rousay island.

Stone Age sites on Rousay Island (Shutterstock)

While the crowds flock to Skara Brae, the island of Rousay lies just to the north, waiting for the world to notice that it boasts more than 100 archaeological sites, including 15 chambered tombs, as concentrated a compendium of ancient monuments as anywhere in northern Europe.

Centre stage is the Westness coastline, considered the most important archaeological mile in Scotland, and its Midhowe chambered cairn, a huge communal burial chamber dating back thousands of years, and known as the Great Ship of Death. Close by, above wave-pounded ledges, is Midhowe Broch, one of Scotland’s best-preserved examples of these enigmatic Iron Age structures.

If you’re not tombed out, make for the Knowe of Yarso Cairn. The highest of Orkney’s tombs, the site offers views across Eynhallow Sound and the Orkney Mainland.

- Mark Rowe, author of Bradt's   The Outer Hebrides and  Orkney

28. cotswold canals.

Stroudwater Navigation in the Cotswolds (Shutterstock)

Canals are not greatly associated with the Cotswolds, but there are actually two, and they’re well worth exploring: the Thames and Severn Canal and the Stroudwater Navigation. The 56km pair, which, merging in Stroud, became known as the Cotswold Canals, were built in the 18th century to help transport goods up and down the Thames and Severn, before their closure in the 1920s.

The Cotswold Canals Trust restoration project to reopen the derelict canals has seen volunteers clearing towpaths, rebuilding walls and restoring locks. Visitors can help with the work – or by taking one the four gentle boat trips along the canal, with all funds going towards the canals’ restoration.

- Caroline Mills, author of Bradt's   Slow Travel: The Cotswolds

29. culbone church, somerset.

Culborne Church, Somerset (Shutterstock)

To reach the smallest parish church in England, you first have to walk for over 2.5km. through the woods of west Somerset Quite suddenly there’s Culbone Church below you, squatting in a clearing with its spire, set slightly askew, reaching hopefully towards the treetops.

It seats 33 worshippers at a pinch (the average congregation is about seven) and there’s no room for anything except the pews, a tiny wax-spattered harmonium squeezed into a corner, and that Norman font, so roughly carved that the marks of the stonemason’s chisel are still visible.

- Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt Travel Guides

30. the bays, harris, outer hebrides.

Breathtaking Bays on the Isle of Harris (Shutterstock)

The Bays is the name given to the rugged, elemental east coast of Harris. Visit on a clear evening as dusk approaches and the ice-moulded rocks seem to change colour with every heartbeat while the small water pools catch fleeting slivers of light, appearing as giant glow-worms among the heather.

Several walks are signposted off The Bays coastal road that allow you to explore this violent beauty. You can park the car or hop off the bus, walk a circular route, following waymarkers over open land for up to 6km. A picturesque stretch of 2.5km links the township of Plocrapol with Scadabhagh.

- Mark Rowe, author of Bradt's   The Outer Hebrides and Orkney

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Secret Britain: Your tips

The isles of scilly: an underrated travel gem, wanderlust's guide to the inner hebrides, explore the best of pembrokeshire's coast, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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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

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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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13 Places To Visit In Britain If You Love The Royal Family

G reat Britain is known for its historic landmarks, beautiful gardens, and passionate sporting culture, yet no other icon is more closely associated with the country than the royal family. For centuries, the world has been fascinated by the lifestyles of kings and queens, from where they live to what they like to eat, but the British royal family remains one of the most recognizable monarchies in the world.

Along with the world's interest, the monarchy's appeal within the United Kingdom is also apparent. Throughout the U.K., there are museums, castles, landmarks, and gardens dedicated to the monarchy, which celebrate the royal family's history and legacy. 

While it may seem like royal residences and gilded carriages would be off-limits to the average tourist, it's perfectly possible to get a taste of royal life during your next visit to Britain. Whether you're looking for a history lesson or a spot of the Queen's favorite tea, there are plenty of places to visit if you love the royal family.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace and the King's official residence. Built in 1825, Buckingham Palace was commissioned by King George IV who asked architect John Nash to design a grand palace fit for a king within the city of London.

The "palace fit for a king" has a total of 775 rooms, many of them filled with paintings by Old Masters and rare antiques. While the private living quarters are off-limits to visitors, a tour does include the 19 staterooms where the royal family entertains. The White Drawing Room is the grandest of all staterooms, with gilded ceilings and white pilasters; it is frequently the setting for pre-dinner gatherings. The largest is the Ball Room, completed in 1855 during Queen Victoria's reign. It is the setting for concerts and state banquets. The Throne Room holds the two coronation chairs originally commissioned for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, but they were most recently used for the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Buckingham Palace is only open for 10 weeks a year from late July through September while the King is at Balmoral in Scotland on summer holiday. Still, the palace often holds special events for ticket holders throughout the year.

Westminster Abbey

As one of the country's greatest landmarks, Westminster Abbey is a cathedral with 1,000 years of history, much of it tied to the royal family. Originally built as a Benedictine monastery, Westminster Abbey was rebuilt in 1065 by Edward the Confessor, and later rebuilt by King Henry III between 1220 and 1272. Designed in the Gothic style, the cathedral is recognized worldwide as an architectural masterpiece.

Westminster Abbey has been the site of every coronation since 1066, as well as the setting for numerous royal occasions. The Abbey held state funerals for both Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Princess Diana, and was the site of the 2011 wedding of Prince William of Wales and Princess Catherine. Westminster Abbey is also the burial site of more than 3,000 prominent Great Britons, including many royals. Queen Anne, Edward the Confessor, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth I are all buried here.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Designed by famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's Cathedral in London is a city icon that has been hosting cultural and religious events since 1665. The Baroque-style cathedral sits on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the city of London. At 365 feet, its dome is one of the highest in the world, and the cathedral was the tallest building in London until 1963. The prominent dome and surrounding church spires are some of the most recognized landmarks in London.

St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral and serves as the seat of the Bishop of London. The cathedral has hosted many prominent religious services, including the state funerals of Margaret Thatcher and Sir Winston Churchill. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II celebrated their Jubilee Services at the cathedral. The wedding of King Charles and Princess Diana was also celebrated at the cathedral in July 1981, which was one of the most-watched television events in history.

As a working cathedral, St. Paul's hosts daily Anglican services, but visitors can purchase tickets for private and self-guided tours. Highlights include The Grand Organ, which has operated since 1695, the throne of the Bishop in the Quire, and The American Memorial Chapel, dedicated to the 28,000 Americans who lost their lives in Britain during World War II.

Hampton Court Palace

Famous for its extensive gardens and maze, Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor masterpiece that has hosted royals since the early 16th century. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey, Hampton Court caught the attention of King Henry VIII, who eventually made it his home, bringing all six of his wives here.

Henry VIII used the palace as a place to entertain, and its grand design was considered both modern and ostentatious at the time. The centerpiece of the palace is The Great Hall, a towering space designed by Henry VIII that was meant to convey his power. Boasting a magnificent hammerbeam roof, the Great Hall contains artifacts like Anne Boleyn's coat of arms. Many historic events occurred at the palace, including the divorce of Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves. He also married his wife Catherine Howard at the palace. 

The palace also served as a working royal residence until the 19th century, when Queen Victoria decided to open it to the public in 1838. Today, visitors can tour the palace, its grounds, and its ornate chapel. One of the most popular sites of Hampton Court is the garden hedge maze. Originally commissioned in the early 1700s, it is the oldest surviving hedge maze in Great Britain.

Tower Of London

While Hampton Court Palace was the location of everyday life for Tudor-era royals, the Tower of London is where some Tudor royals met their end. Built in 1070 by William the Conquerer, the Tower of London was built as a fortress-like structure designed to defend London against its enemies. A mighty stone tower sits as its centerpiece and the structure took 20 years to build with stone imported from France. For the next two centuries, the Tower was expanded to include a defensive wall, an armory, and a national mint. The Tower of London was frequently used to house royals and their precious possessions during times of distress.

The Tower of London has been the site of many tragedies involving the royal family. It is where both Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey spent their final days before execution; it is also where two princes, the children of Edward IV, would perish during the War of the Roses.

Throughout history, the Tower of London has served as a fortress, palace, and prison. Today, it remains one of London's most popular attractions. Visitors can tour the Tower and view its collection of armor or meet one of the 37 Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who guard the Tower. The most secure and highly protected wing of the Tower is the Jewel House, which contains more than 23,000 gemstones, including precious tiaras, necklaces, and other gems that make up the official Crown Jewels.

National Portrait Gallery

Established in 1856 by Lord Ellesmere, the National Portrait Gallery is located in the heart of London near Trafalgar Square. One of London's best museums for art-lovers, the gallery has more than 22,000 works and houses the most extensive portrait collection in the world. Recently reopened after a three-year refurbishment, it has thousands of portraits of prominent Britons, from historical leaders like Winston Churchill to contemporary figures like Elton John and David Bowie.

The National Portrait Gallery holds official portraits of every prominent member of the royal family and has extensive collections from the Tudor, Elizabethan, Edwardian, and Victorian reigns. The gallery also contains the official portraits of every modern royal, including King Charles, Kate Middleton, and Prince William. A popular site for tourists, visitors can take guided tours or view rotating exhibitions of British arts and culture. Most recently, the gallery hosted a collection of photography and a Beatles retrospective by Sir Paul McCartney.

London's most famous park was originally founded by the monks of Westminster Abbey until Henry VIII purchased it to use as his hunting grounds. It remained a private park until Charles I permitted the public to access it in 1637. Throughout the park, you can find monuments and statues dedicated to the royal family. The Diana Memorial Fountain, unveiled by Queen Elizabeth in 2004, is built of Cornish granite and is designed to reflect the ebb and flow of Princess Diana's life. The Queen Elizabeth Gates in Hyde Park was designed to honor Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. They were unveiled in 1993 and feature a whimsical design of a lion and a unicorn, representing England and Scotland.

The park's winding paths, lake, and gardens are a popular outing in central London any time of year. At Speakers Corner, visitors can see where radicals used to "get on their soapbox" and preach about everything from politics to religion. The centerpiece of the park is The Serpentine Lake, where visitors can rent paddle boats or dine at the boat house. In the winter, Hyde Park turns into a winter wonderland, with an ice rink, food stands, and a Santaland with carnival rides. Visiting the park is a must-do in London at Christmas . 

The Royal Mews

Ever dreamed of seeing a real gilded carriage fit for royalty? At The Royal Mews, a working stable and museum adjacent to Buckingham Palace, you can. The Royal Mews is responsible for all road travel for the King and the Royal Family, from horse and carriage ceremonies to official car processions. The organization has been around since the 14th century, and its headquarters was built in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in 1825.

A visit to the Mews might include seeing one of the stable's Cleveland Bay or Windsor Grey horses, or trying out a replica open carriage like the one Queen Victoria used. Visitors can also see the livery worn by the King's coachmen or learn how to tack a horse on a wooden pony. The real draw, however, is the fleet of carriages used to carry the royal family throughout history, including the 260-year-old Gold State Coach. The coach features gilded woodwork, intricately carved sculpture, and painted panels of Roman gods and goddesses. Weighing over four tons, the carriage has been used to transport the monarchy in every coronation since that of William IV. As a note, The Royal Mews is closed until March 1, 2024. 

Madame Tussaud's

It is possible to get close to members of the royal family -- wax versions, that is. The world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum in London is home to 150 lifelike figures, including members of Britain's royal family. The museum's Royal Palace exhibit includes a throne room with wax figure renderings of every major royal, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen Elizabeth, King Charles, and Queen Camilla.

Open since 1884 on Baker Street in London, Madame Tussauds is a London institution that not only offers a lighthearted look at the world's most famous faces, but the museum has the direct support of the monarchy. The museum's Queen Elizabeth figure is the 23rd incarnation the museum has created throughout her historic 70-year reign. During its creation, Madame Tussauds' sculptors collaborated with Buckingham Palace by providing images of the clay sculptures as they were in progress to create the most authentic and lifelike incarnation of "Her Majesty."

Fortnum And Mason

London's most famous tea shop, Fortnum and Mason , has had a long and storied relationship with the royal family since it was first established in 1707. Founder William Fortnum was originally a footman for Queen Anne. He later established his tea shop with Hugh Mason, and the two would go on to create a culinary empire that still provides tea to the royal family today. The flagship store in Picadilly sells everything from the Royal Blend tea to Sandringham coffee blend and has held a Royal Warrant (products approved by the monarchy) since 1910.

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was known to do her Christmas shopping annually in person at the store, and every modern royal has visited the shop in recent years. Queen Elizabeth, Queen Camilla, and Princess Catherine all visited together in 2012 for the opening of the store's Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Today, thousands of tourists and shoppers visit the store to purchase tea, coffee, and gourmet food as well as the shop's famous Christmas hampers. One can also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in London  in the tea salon where treats like cucumber sandwiches, scones, and pastries are served on the store's iconic blue plates.

Windsor Castle

The oldest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs. Built by William the Conquerer in the 11th century, Windsor Castle was built high on the River Thames at the edge of hunting grounds. It was designed to serve as a military fortification to guard the western approach to London. King Edward II began converting it into a royal residence in the 14th century.

Windsor Castle remained a preferred residence of royals for centuries and was the favored respite of Queen Victoria, who spent much of her reign here. Today, visitors can see the castle's state apartments or view attractions like Queen Mary's doll house. The Grand Reception Room contains real gold chandeliers and gilded ceilings; as the most luxurious room in the castle, it was Queen Elizabeth II's favorite room to entertain guests.

Another highlight of Windsor Castle is St. George's Chapel, located within the castle grounds. St. George's Chapel is the burial place of 11 monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles II, and most recently, Queen Elizabeth II. The chapel has also been the site of several royal weddings, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as The Earl and Countess of Wessex. A worthwhile day trip destination from London , Windsor Castle is located about an hour from the city. 

Kensington Palace

Originally built as a modest home known as Nottingham House, Kensington Palace started out as the country retreat of King William in 1687 and was gradually expanded over the years to become the palace that stands today. It was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, who spent most of her childhood here until she moved to Buckingham Palace. Kensington Palace has been home to many royals over the years, including Princess Margaret and Princess Diana. It currently serves as the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Wales and their three children.

Visitors to Kensington Palace can see the King's and Queen's State Rooms, as well as a permanent exhibition on the life of Queen Victoria. The exhibit offers a glimpse of her reimagined childhood rooms, as well as her collection of jewelry gifted to her by her beloved husband Albert. Kensington Palace is surrounded by expansive gardens, including the Sunken Garden, an all-white garden dedicated to the memory of Princess Diana. The garden features a statue of the late Princess with her sons, William and Harry. The statue was unveiled in 2017 on what would have been the Princess of Wales' 60th birthday.

The palace museum is open year-round and also hosts seasonal exhibits highlighting the fashion, decor, and history of the royal family. The Orangery at Kensington Palace serves traditional afternoon tea daily, and the palace shop sells an extensive collection of royal-inspired merchandise.

St. James Park

Similar to Hyde Park, Henry VIII originally acquired St. James Park in 1532 to serve as royal hunting grounds. St. James Park is London's oldest Royal Park and one of its most beautiful. The park is bordered on all sides by The Mall, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall. It is also adjacent to Birdcage Walk, the site of the Churchill War Rooms. Listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, the park is laid out in a series of gardens surrounding a small lake. The lake is home to various waterbirds, including the park's famous pelicans, which were introduced as a gift from a Russian ambassador to King Charles II in 1664. 

St. James Park's location near The Mall offers an ideal viewing site for royal processions and historical celebrations that occur along the route to Buckingham Palace. It also provides views of The Changing of the Guard from its northern entrance, and from the Blue Bridge, which spans the lake at the center of the park, you can enjoy picture-perfect views of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace.

Read the original article on Explore .

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Top Things to Do in Moscow, Russia

Places to visit in moscow, explore popular experiences, top attractions in moscow.

Other Top Attractions around Moscow

What travellers are saying

• Saint Basil's Cathedral
• State Tretyakov Gallery
• Moscow Metro
• Moscow Kremlin
• Neskuchny sad
• Aleksandrovskiy Sad
• Kuskovo Estate
• Sokolniki Park
• Put-in Tours
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48 hours in . . . Moscow, an insider guide to Russia's mighty metropolis

Luxury Living

As the first international five-star hotel in post-Soviet Russia, the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow has kept up with the competition via constantly renovated luxurious interiors, top-notch amenities and pristine service. The prime location across the river from Red Square and the Kremlin doesn’t hurt either. Breakfast includes traditional Russian pancakes with red caviar and sour cream. 

Double rooms from RUB 15,000 (£175). Ulitsa Baltschug 1; 00 7 495 287 2000.

Designer Digs

The retro-futuristic StandArt  –  the first Russian Design Hotels member– is unarguably the chicest hotel in the city. As well as offering the most stylish rooms in town, it has a restaurant helmed by a double Michelin-starred chef, an attractive spa and gym, and a conveniently central location.

Double rooms from RUB 12,000 (£282). Strastnoy boulevard, 2; 00 7 4 95 587 7730

Budget Bolthole

The Boutique Hotel Chenonceau has a castle-like construction with elements of modern Russian architecture in the exterior and an interior designed in classic 18th century English style, complete with stone lions in the garden and crystal chandeliers and salon paintings in the public areas. It might be slightly too much for some, but for others it will feel like the epitome of Russian-style romance. 

Double rooms from 3600 Russian Rubles (£45). Trekhprudny Per. 15; 00 7 495 699 214.

•  A complete guide to the best hotels in Moscow

For Fedoskino lacquer boxes, head 20 miles outside of Moscow where you can visit the Fedoskino factory , which employs nearly 300 artists and scores of highly skilled craftsmen who produce lacquer miniatures. If you don’t want to visit the factory, find them at the Izmailovsky Market  (Alleya Bol'shogo Kruga, 7; 00 7 499 166 6119; daily 9am-6pm).

Traditional Orenburg shawls are hand-knitted and known for being warm depsite being elegantly thin. You can find them at Indefxflat (41 Starokonyushenny Pereulok) or Tagansky Passage (Taganskaya Ulitsa, 3; 00 7 916 836 7110). Elsewhere, be wary of fakes.

Winter is a mixed blessing, with snow often falling right through to March, covering its distinctive Soviet towers, sprawling parks and onion-domed churches with romantic layers. The bitterly cold temperatures won’t be for everyone, but the hotel rates are cheap—excluding New Year—and the city’s cafés, restaurants and bars are even more welcoming than usual.

Spring and summer are inevitably more popular—and expensive; the former is a particularly good time to visit for fewer tourists, reasonable temperatures and events like Russian Fashion Week (April) and the Spring Festival (May 1-2), while in summer the temperatures, prices and number of outdoor events all soar in tandem. Autumn can be pleasant, with some good deals and favourable weather, but it’s audaciously short so you’ll need to time it well.

Essential information

British Embassy  (00 7 495 956 7200; ukinrussia.fco.gov.uk), Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya 10

Emergency services:  Dial 01 (fire), 02 (police), 03 (ambulance) – though English is not generally spoken    

Currency:  Rouble

Telephone code:  Moscow has two telephone codes – 495 and 499 (prefixed by 00 7 if dialling from abroad). Codes must be used and prefixed by an 8 - so 8-4 495 1234567, for example, then the number

Time difference:  +3 hours (GMT)

Flight time:  London to Moscow is four hours

Local laws and etiquette

St Petersburg is a very laid back and generally safe city, but the usual precautions should be taken against pickpocketing and phone/bag snatching, especially in busy tourist areas such as the underground and Nevsky Prospect.

It’s worth carrying your passport or ID around as police checks do take place, though they’re usually not the corrupt shakedowns of yesteryear.

There are a few general rules of etiquette, mostly general Russian superstitions rather than distinct to St Petersburg: don’t shake hands across a doorway; always bring a gift if visiting someone’s home; don’t place your elbows on a table when eating; don’t place finished bottles on the table – the floor is the preferred place for them. 

Attitudes around LGBT+ culture in Moscow and St Petersburg are changing, if slowly. There are communities and clubs in both cities, but they tend to remain mostly hidden from public view. Exercise caution in public. For more information, read the  FCO advice .

Paul Sullivan is a regular visitor to the Russian capital. He enjoys visiting the city’s fantastic galleries and the challenge of keeping up with its fast-changing culinary scene.

Telegraph Travel's best hotels, tours, cruises and holidays in Moscow, tried, tested and recommended by our Moscow experts.

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Barbados leader halts £3m payout to UK MP for Drax Hall plantation

Government U-turn as PM Mia Mottley acknowledges anger from reparations movement over plan to buy Barbados land from Dorset MP Richard Drax

The prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley , has halted plans for a multi-million-pound payout to the British Conservative MP Richard Drax for the purchase of 53 acres of the Drax Hall plantation, which he owns.

As revealed in the Observer last Sunday , the payout plan had angered those involved in the Caribbean reparations movement, who said Drax, the MP for South Dorset, should hand over all or part of the 617-acre plantation to the people of Barbados.

In a seven-minute broadcast to the nation released on YouTube on Tuesday, Mottley explained the government U-turn and said she had decided to pause the purchase to allow further discussion.

She added: “I understand the concern of many Barbadians who may feel they have been robbed of the opportunity of having an appropriate settlement for reparations that ought to be made as a result of the blood, sweat and tears of Barbadians over centuries. This is not a matter we take lightly.”

Trevor Prescod, the MP for St Michael East in Barbados and the lead for reparations on the island, believes his country “should not pay a cent for Drax Hall”. He welcomed Mottley’s announcement but he expressed concern over the word “pause”, saying: “I hope I don’t see a renewal of this commercial relationship with Richard Drax.

“I’ve been getting calls from around the world, and I would like to thank the Observer for bringing this to the attention of people in Barbados, the African diaspora and our friends in England who support reparations. People see the relevance of the damage inflicted on African people. We are the people who were described as chattel slaves. Why should we pay those whose family has enslaved us? The taxpayers of Barbados have risen up to defend their money. The Draxes have had enough from us.”

Drax, who is worth more than £150m, was left the plantation in his late father’s will in 2017. Their ancestors built the sugar plantation in the mid-17th century and worked it with enslaved people for 200 years. After the abolition of slavery in 1834, the family received more than £4,200 in compensation, a huge sum at the time.

The 53-acre site has been selected for the development of 500 lower- and middle-priced houses. Mottley has pledged to build 10,000 homes to meet demand on the island, where there are 20,000 outstanding applications for housing.

A senior valuation surveyor said the market value for agricultural land with an alternative use for housing would be about Bds$150,000 (£60,000) per acre. At this price, the 21 hectares could net Drax £3.2m.

In October 2022 Drax went to Barbados to meet Mottley. It is understood he was asked to hand over all or a substantial part of Drax Hall plantation as reparations.

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In her broadcast, Mottley made it clear she was not happy with the pace at which discussions were proceeding. She said the government was examining its legal options “not only against the owners of Drax plantation, but also all others who have contributed to the conditions of this country being, regrettably, one of the worst examples of modern racism in the Americas”.

Sir Hilary Beckles, who is from Barbados and chairs the Caricom Reparations Commission , a Caribbean-wide body, has described Drax Hall as “a crime scene”, a place where, he estimates, 30,000 Africans died in slavery.

Drax declined to comment. In the past he has said the role his ancestors played in the slave trade was “deeply, deeply, regrettable, but no one can be held responsible today for what happened many hundreds of years ago”.

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Translations

News release, media contacts, jimmy smith, ministry of public safety and solicitor general, ministry of health, ministry of mental health and addictions, meet the team.

• Cabinet Ministers
• Deputy Ministers
• Cabinet Committees

B.C. is taking action to make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks.

It’s part of several new measures introduced by the Province, focused on providing police with more tools to address public safety while offering support and access to treatment for people living with addictions.

“Keeping people safe is our highest priority. While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” said Premier David Eby. “We’re taking action to make sure police have the tools they need to ensure safe and comfortable communities for everyone as we expand treatment options so people can stay alive and get better.”

The Province is working with the federal government to make changes to the legality of possessing drugs in B.C. This will provide police with the power to enforce against drug use in all public places, including hospitals, restaurants, transit, parks and beaches. Guidance will be given to police to only arrest for simple possession of illicit drugs in exceptional circumstances.

When police are called to a scene where illegal and dangerous drug use is taking place, they will have the ability to compel the person to leave the area, seize the drugs when necessary or arrest the person, if required.

This change would not recriminalize drug possession in a private residence or place where someone is legally sheltering, or at overdose prevention sites and drug checking locations.

“Our communities are facing big challenges. People are dying from deadly street drugs and we see the issues with public use and disorder on our streets,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “As we continue to go after the gangs and organized criminals who are making and trafficking toxic drugs, we’re taking action now to make it illegal to use drugs in public spaces, and to expand access to treatment to help people who need it most.”  

The government will also improve safety and security for patients, visitors and health-care workers in hospitals. This includes a single policy prohibiting street-drug possession or use and additional measures to increase enforcement, support patients with addictions, and encourage them toward treatment and recovery.

Going forward, when patients are admitted to hospital, they will be asked if they experience any substance-use challenges. Patients will receive active support and medical oversight for addiction care to ensure people with addictions receive personalized care while their medical issues are being treated in hospital.

“Today, we are taking immediate action to make hospitals safer and ensuring policies are consistent and strictly enforced through additional security, public communication and staff supports,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The action plan launching today will improve how patients with addictions are supported while they need hospital care, while preventing others from being exposed to the second-hand effects of illicit drug use.”

The Province is also expanding access to treatment for people struggling with addiction, including those who are most at risk of overdose by:

• increasing the availability and accessibility of opioid-agonist treatment (OAT), a medication-assisted treatment for people who have an opioid-use disorder, by implementing a provincewide virtual system;
• integrating addictions services with health care, housing and related services; and
• working with experts to develop methods to track prescribed alternatives with the aim of identifying and preventing diversion.

“People across the country are dying from poisoned drugs and B.C. is no exception,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.  “Addiction is a health-care issue, not a criminal one, and we’re going to keep doing everything we can to save lives and connect people to treatment.”

Government is also investing $25 million to support and expand the Hope to Health Research and Innovation Centre located in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, to provide intensive primary care and other services to more people with highly complex medical and psychosocial needs. The innovative Hope to Health model of care is led by Dr. Julio Montaner, a world-recognized physician and researcher in HIV, and in the provision of comprehensive care to vulnerable and marginalized populations. This initiative will lay the foundation for potential expansion to other communities in B.C.

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s three-year exemption under section 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize people who use drugs was first requested on Nov. 1, 2021, and enacted on Jan. 31, 2023.
• Since 2017, the Province has opened 600 publicly funded substance-use treatment beds throughout B.C.
• Since 2019, the Province has invested $35 million to support 49 community counselling agencies provincewide, and more than 250,000 free or low-cost counselling sessions have been delivered to individuals, couples and families.
• There are currently 50 overdose prevention sites around the province to provide people who use drugs with the tools and supports they need to use safely and connect to care. 
• Almost half (24) of these sites provide inhalation services.

Three backgrounders follow.

Backgrounders

Stopping illegal drug use in all public places.

The B.C. government is currently working with Health Canada to urgently change the decriminalization policy to stop drug use in public and has requested an amendment to its s.56 exemption to exclude all public places. That includes a place to which the public has access as a right or by invitation, express or implied, whether or not a fee is charged for entry, and on public transit.

Importantly, the Province is working to ensure the exemption continues to apply to private residences, healthcare clinics that provide outpatient addictions services such as Rapid Access Addictions Clinics, sanctioned overdose prevention sites, including those operated by housing providers, as well as drug checking sites and to people lawfully sheltering overnight.  

The Province is also working with police on guidance to ensure that people who merely possess drugs but are not threatening public safety, their own safety or causing a disturbance, will not be subject to arrest or charge.  

In November 2023, the B.C. government passed the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act (RPCISA). The intention of the act was to provide law enforcement with more tools to address instances of inappropriate drug use in a variety of public places, such as parks, beaches, sports fields and community recreation areas, as well as near business and residential building entrances and bus stops. This legislation is currently being challenged in court.

Opioid agonist treatment

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is a medication-assisted treatment for people who have an opioid-use disorder. OAT uses medications, such as Suboxone and methadone, to treat opioid addiction, reduce drug-related harms and support long-term recovery.

The treatment helps people who live with opioid addiction stabilize their lives, manage withdrawal symptoms and work toward recovery. It can lower the risk of drug-related harms, including hepatitis C and HIV transmission as well as fatal overdose. It can also help people stay in treatment and engage in their care.

Since 2017, the Province has been taking action to reduce barriers and expand access to OAT:

• There are approximately 2,000 clinicians prescribing OAT in the province, an increase from 773 in June 2017.
• In 2021, BC allowed registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses to be trained to prescribe this treatment – a first in Canada. More than 280 nurses have enrolled in this training and to date, more than 170 have completed their training and are qualified to be OAT prescribers.
• In 2023, the Province made OAT free for B.C. residents with MSP coverage by adding OAT medications to Plan Z, the Province’s universal coverage plan.

As of December 2023, 24,232 people were receiving OAT – this is just over 30% of the people with a diagnosed opioid use disorder in B.C. Barriers continue to exist for some people to access OAT, including a lack of prescribers in many rural communities.

Creating a provincewide system to provide virtual access to OAT will reduce barriers for people no matter where in B.C. they live.

Taking action to make hospitals safer, better manage addictions for patients

The Ministry of Health is developing a consistent approach to prevent illicit drug use in B.C. hospitals through universal policies, practice requirements, and appropriate enforcement approaches. Working in partnership and consultation with First Nation and Indigenous partners, health-care providers, professional associations, health-care unions, patients and communities, the actions below outline elements of a policy framework that will be implemented across all hospitals: Action 1. Take consistent action across B.C. to prohibit drug possession, use, and purchasing of illicit drugs in hospitals or hospital sites:   

• This will be made explicit to all patients and visitors in outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and during admission to inpatient care through a single policy prohibiting street drug possession or use, along with a no tolerance policy for drug trafficking in hospitals.  
• Non-compliance will be addressed by hospital security and through an escalation process that could include discharge (with support) from the hospital and/or police involvement.  

Action 2. Improve how patients with substance or opioid-use illnesses are supported toward treatment and recovery services:

• Hospitals will expand and develop active medical oversight and addictions support to better manage patient addictions while the patient is in hospital, and improve discharge planning for post-discharge treatment in the community.
• Patients will be provided with post-discharge care and ongoing support and treatment. Hospitals will establish expedited referral pathways to community-based addictions care and treatment.

Action 3. Add in-person addiction specialists to large hospitals and virtual clinical consultation in smaller regional and rural hospitals.

• Addiction and mental-health support teams will be added in major hospital sites for immediate response and engagement with patients with severe addictions or mental-health issues. 
• These teams will also provide inpatient care management services related to managing addiction and/or mental-health illnesses while in care and be responsible for post-discharge care co-ordination related to severe addiction and or mental-health issues.

Action 4. Remain focused on a culturally safe approach to implementing change.

• Transitioning to a universal policy will be undertaken in partnership and consultation with local and regional First Nations and Métis leadership to ensure clear plans, processes and pathways are established to prevent Indigenous people from further harm and marginalization, while ensuring critical supports for Indigenous patients accessing and receiving quality and culturally safe care throughout their recovery journey.
• Treatment services rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are critical, alongside harm reduction and mental-health services that support individuals where they are at. The integration of cultural safety and humility and Indigenous-specific anti-racism into hospitals or hospital sites will be essential to ensure Indigenous patients receive the care and wraparound supports needed and is reflective of the region and work underway with Indigenous partners and local/regional communities since the In Plain Sight report was released. 

Action 5. Actively address unacceptable behaviour such as aggression, noncompliance with the policy, and drug dealing in hospitals through additional security.

• The safety of staff and patients is of the utmost importance. Security capacity reviews will be completed at all hospital sites to ensure adequate security capacity is available for rapid response and ensuring the safety of patients and health workers.
• Where it is deemed necessary, additional security will be added to quickly respond to any incidents involving possession or use of drugs, aggressive or violent behavior.  

Action 6. Introduce improved education and awareness efforts to better equip and support staff facing unsafe situations.

• While the intention of the work above is to eliminate exposure to illicit substances, health-care workers will have improved training and access to the necessary protective equipment in the event of suspected exposure to the secondhand effect of drug use.
• Increased staff education will include: enhanced understanding of addictions and addiction treatment, trauma-informed care, cultural safety supports for Indigenous patients, training to manage difficult conversations, and de-escalation strategies when confronted with aggressive behaviour.

Action 7. Ensure existing overdose prevention (OPS) sites are working for people

• Existing overdose prevention sites will continue to operate.
• Use of an OPS by an inpatient will be restricted to only when expressly stated that it is permissible to do so as part of an addiction’s treatment care plan.
• The Province is currently taking action to establish minimum service standards for overdose prevention sites, as recommended recently by the auditor general to support consistent, quality care for people and a safe environment for workers. These standards will establish baseline operational and facility requirements for all provincially funded, fixed and mobile, overdose prevention services in B.C.
• PublicDrugUse._Korean.pdf
• PublicDrugUse_Chinese(simplified).pdf
• PublicDrugUse_Chinese(traditional).pdf
• PublicDrugUse_French.pdf
• PublicDrugUse_Punjabi.pdf
• PublicDrugUse_Vietnamese.pdf

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