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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 .

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Planning an England trip in 2024? Consider these 16 top places to visit

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Gracious Bath is an excellent place to immerse yourself in England’s history and beauty © gowithstock / Shutterstock

The story of  England  stretches back more than 5000 years (and likely many more). Which means its impossible to escape the past here.

As you wander its historic urban centers, mysterious monoliths, misty landscapes and rugged  coastlines  and national parks , you’ll discover a country filled with unparalleled places to visit that are are the more compelling thanks to all those who have visited them before.

As you plan a trip to England this year, here’s our list of 16 historic, exciting and all-around fabulous highlights to consider.

1. The Seven Sisters 

While  Dover ’s iconic white cliffs grab the most attention, the colossal chalky walls of the Seven Sisters are a more spectacular affair, a four-mile roller-coaster of sheer white rock stretching along the Sussex shore and overlooking the waters of the English Channel. It forms an impressive southern border to the South Downs National Park , and is most dramatic at the towering headland of Beachy Head . Hikes through the grassy clifftop fields provide wide sea views, breathtaking in every sense.

Local tip:  Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap, where the secluded beach is a sun trap popular with locals and walkers.

Oxford  lets visitors feel close to the brilliant minds and august institutions that have made this city famous across the globe. This rarefied world comes to life in the cobbled lanes and ancient quads where cycling students and eccentric academics roam. The beautiful college buildings and stunning architecture have changed little over the centuries, coexisting with a lively, modern, working city. As befits a city of students and professors, Oxford is one of the last bastions of the great British pub, with irresistible old watering holes dotted all over its central lanes and alleyways. 

3. Cambridge

In England’s other great historic university city, Cambridge , you can tour a  college , and spend time marveling at the intricate vaulting of King’s College Chapel . But no trip to Cambridge is complete without an attempt to take a punt (flat-bottomed boat) along the River Cam by the picturesque Backs , the leafy, green lawns behind the city's finest colleges – an experience that offers the best views of the exquisite architecture. Polish off the day with a pint at one of Cambridge’s many rustic pubs. 

In a nation packed with pretty cities, Bath  stands out as the belle of the ball. Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area’s hot springs , Bath hit its stride in the 18th century, when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city’s transformation into a model of Georgian architecture at its most refined . Bath is awash with golden stone townhouses, sweeping green crescents and Palladian mansions, along with appealing pubs and restaurants, and you’ll take great pleasure in plunging in. 

5. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the country's most dramatic Roman ruins, a 2000-year-old procession of abandoned forts, garrisons, towers and milecastles marching across the wild and lonely landscape of northern England. While the Romans built the fortification to defend and control its territory, this edge-of-empire barrier also symbolized the boundary of civilized order in the ancient world: to the north of the Roman settlement lay the unruly land of the marauding Celts. Near Newcastle  you can visit Segedunum , the wall’s last stronghold, for an insight into life during Roman times.

Planning tip:  Hiking the full 84-mile distance coast to coast along the national trail takes around a week. If you have less time and your own car, you may want to select from a few of the wall's  highlights .

With its Roman and Viking heritage, ancient city walls and maze of cobbled streets, York is a living record of English history. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider’s web of “snickelways” (narrow alleys), each one the focus of a ghost story or historical character. At the city’s heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster , the biggest medieval cathedral in all of northern Europe, and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Admire feats of engineering of a more recent vintage at the National Railway Museum , the world’s largest collection of historic locomotives.

York’s long history and rich heritage are woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained showcase of that heritage.

Local tip: You’ll find some of the finest views of York from its old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. 

7. The Peak District

Curiously, you won’t find many peaks in the Peak District . You will find blissful miles of tumbling moorland, plunging valleys, eroded gritstone crags, lush farmland and ancient pocket-sized villages. This beautiful landscape attracts a veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts – cyclists, hikers, cavers and rock climbers – on summer weekends, while those seeking more relaxing enjoyment can admire the rural market and famous puddings of Bakewell, the Victorian pavilions of spa-town Buxton, and the architectural drama of Chatsworth House – the “Palace of the Peak.”

8. Brighton

Barely an hour’s train ride from the capital, the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that’s completely its own. Overlooking the English Channel on England’s pebbly south coast, this is a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. The warren of streets known as the Lanes is a good place to soak up the vibe, with vegan cafes, espresso bars, chaotic pubs, record stores and bric-a-brac shops. (Browsers will be in heaven at local institution Snooper’s Paradise .) You'll also find the UK ’s biggest queer scene here, and the region’s best small clubs. The highlight for the sightseeing visitor is the Royal Pavilion , a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent, who kicked off Brighton’s love of the outlandish.

9. Stonehenge

Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England’s most famous ancient site . Even though people have been drawn to this myth-laden ring of boulders for more than 5000 years, we still don’t know quite why it was built. An ultramodern makeover at the ancient site has brought an impressive visitor center and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland). The result is a strong sense of historical context, with dignity and mystery returned to an archaeological gem.

Most visitors gaze at the approximately 25-ton stones from behind the perimeter fence, yet with enough planning, you can arrange an early-morning or evening tour and gain access to the inner ring itself. In the slanting sunlight, away from the crowds, it’s an ethereal place. This is an experience that stays with you.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon

The pretty town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and later shuffled off this mortal coil. Today, its tight knot of Tudor streets form a living map of Shakespeare’s life. Huge crowds of thespians and theater lovers come to take in a play at the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre . Bard fans will love visiting the five historic houses owned by Shakespeare and his relatives and  the schoolroom where he was educated, before taking a respectful detour to the old stone church where he was laid to rest.

11. Liverpool

It’s hard not to be infected by Liverpudlians’ love for their hometown. The love endured despite decades of decay and all manner of social ills – finding its expression in a renowned gallows humor and an obsession with football. With some of the most passionate crowds in the country, taking in a game at either Liverpool FC or Everton FC is a rite of passage here.

Outside of the stadium, the rejuvenated waterfront is once again the heart of Liverpool . The focal point is Albert Dock, an iconic docklands flanked by protected buildings, including a batch of top museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum ensure the good and bad sides of Liverpool’s history are explored in equal measure, while the Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story museum celebrate popular culture and the city’s most famous musical sons (still).

12. The Cotswolds

A tangle of impossibly quaint villages of rose-clad cottages and honey-colored stone, The Cotswolds  is a region that spreads over six English counties. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its most wonderful quality is that no matter where you go or how lost you get, you’ll still end up in a spot with a charming village green, a pub with sloping floors and fine ales, and a view of the lush green hills. Crisscrossed by long-distance trails including the 102-mile Cotswold Way , these gentle yet dramatic hills are perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

Local tip: It’s easy to leave the crowds behind and find your very own slice of medieval England here – and some of the best boutique hotels in the country.

A little weird, occasionally weather-beaten and all-around wonderful, the classic northern seaside town of Whitby has haunted lanes, fossil-hunting and arguably England’s finest fish-and-chips. The huddle of 18th-century fisher’s cottages along the East Cliff are testament to its longtime role as a busy commercial and fishing port: it was here that 18th-century explorer Captain James Cook earned his sea legs. Atop the West Cliff, a sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers show Whitby’s beach-resort side.

Keeping a watchful eye over the town and the River Esk that divides it is an atmospheric ruined abbey , the inspiration and setting for part of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula . But tales of witchery and ghostly legends have haunted Whitby ever since Anglo-Saxon St Hilda landed here to found a monastic community in 657 CE.

Planning tip: The town embraces its pseudo-sinister reputation, which culminates in two hugely successful Goth Weekends each year.

14. The Lake District

William Wordsworth and his Romantic friends were the first to champion the charms of the Lake District  – and it's not hard to see what stirred them. Already the UK’s most popular national park, the Lake District also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, in recognition of its long history of hill-farming. But for most people it’s the chance to hike the humpbacked fells and drink in the gorgeous scenery that keeps them returning year after year.

The region is filled with outdoor pursuits, from lake cruises to mountain walks – excursions that help reveal why the region has such deep literary connections. In addition to Wordsworth, writers who found inspiration here include Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter.

15. The Eden Project

A cross between a lunar landing station and a James Bond villain’s lair, the gigantic hemispherical greenhouses of the Eden Project  have become a symbol of Cornwall ’s renaissance. Built in an abandoned clay pit near St Austell to mark the start of the new millennium, and now considered one of Britain’s modern architectural wonders, the Eden Project aims to explore issues of environment and conservation, and point the way to a cleaner, greener future for us all.

Exhibits cover everything from global warming to rubber production and chocolate-making. The glass-domed “biomes” recreate major world climate systems in microcosm, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest (complete with treetop walkway winding through the canopy) to the olive trees, citrus groves and colorful flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. It’s incredibly impressive – not to mention educational, and inspiring, too.

Shoulder-deep in history, London ’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity appear at every turn. The city’s architecture pens a beguiling biography, and a multitude of buildings – the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , Big Ben – are internationally recognizable landmarks. It’s also a tireless innovator of art and culture, a city of ideas and imagination. This legacy is enshrined at world-class institutions such as the British Museum , Natural History Museum  and the Science Museum , as well as such world-leading art galleries as the  Tate Modern , Tate Britain , the National Gallery  and the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery , all of which are free to visit. 

Local tip:  However you budget your time and money in London, make sure you take in a show. Big names perform on  the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway), and on the South Bank at the National Theatre  and  the Old Vic . Smaller theaters from the Almeida to the Lyric Hammersmith are places to discover up-an-coming talent.

This article was first published Apr 13, 2021 and updated Feb 26, 2024.

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20 Prettiest And Best Places To Visit In England

You know, one of the things I love about England is the diversity that we have. From the little coves on the Dorset Coast , gorgeous little hamlets and enough history to throw a stick at. All across the country, it’s filled to the brim with some of the best places to visit in England.

Okay but let’s start with the glaringly obvious, I’m biased and pretty proud of the beauty of England. I really do think that England is totally unique and much more than just cities like London .

Yes, these are amazing (and I love London more than any other city in the world) but it’s just one small area of our amazing country and there really is so much to see.

Over the last few years, I’ve made it my priority to explore so much more of England and to see the places that are right on my doorstep (it’s something that I regretted for the longest time… thinking that I needed to leave the UK to feel like I’d travelled. How wrong I was.

Anyway, better late than never, right? Whatever the case, If it’s your first trip around England or you’ll a dab hand at exploring our gorgeous country, I know you’ll find some of the best places to visit in England that you’ll just love.

Take a look at some of the very best places to visit in England. You’re going to have an amazing trip.

1.) Lake District

The Lake District is the UK’s newest UNESCO-protected site; and rightly so, it’s beautiful.

As you can probably tell from the name, the Lake District is filled with tranquil lakes, beautiful mountain ranges and a whole heap of tiny villages to explore.

Best of all, each lake has a slightly different character that’s unique.

The most well-known is Windermere Lake, but if you want to avoid the crowds, pop over to Ullswater Lake and check into Another Place, The Lake (which is the sister hotel of the Watergate Bay I mention in Cornwall).

Whilst here, head out onto the Ullswater steamer, try your hand at paddleboarding and hike to the top of Harter Fell for some of the best views across the Lake District.

It really is one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you can fit in a tour that takes in ten of the lakes.

We loved this tour of the Lake District , especially as it’s a 1-day trip and perfect if you’re only staying for a long weekend.

Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District

2.) Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is one of the oldest settlements I think I’ve visited in England… people have lived here for over 8,000 years.

It’s a total throwback and it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back 1,000 years to an Olde English world. It really does feel like that.

Once here, take a stroll through the castle of Corfe, wander all the little boutiques and grab a yummy Sunday roast at Mortons House Restaurant.

If trains are your thing, you can even take a historic train from Corfe Castle Station to Swanage.

Read more: Our visit to Corfe Castle

3.) The Cotswolds

Yeah, the Cotswolds are a recurring theme for me! About 2 hours or so from London, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty that you’ll love (and easily one of the best places to visit in England).

Once you’re there, make sure to visit Bibury to see the gorgeous Arlington Row , pop into the Upper and Lower Slaughters (they’re far less gruesome than they sound), and head over to other spots like the Chipping Steps in Tetbury and Bourton-on-the-Water , too.

To be honest, I always find it easiest to get around the Cotswolds by car (although some bus routes and trains do run) you’ll have much more freedom to explore the tiny hamlets, towns and rolling hills.

That being said, if you don’t drive, you can book an incredible Cotswolds tour . This is especially good if you don’t drive. Plus it takes all the stress out of planning your destinations in the Cotswolds and it’s all so easy.

For a great place to stay, head to The Royal Oak in Tetbury or the Wood Norton which are both so lovely and quaint.

Read more: Best things to do in the Cotswolds

4.) Cambridge

Okay, Cambridge always holds a soft spot with me. It’s a relatively small city that is perfect to explore over a few days.

Once here, make sure to head up to the Church of St Mary the Great where you can climb the tower and get some incredible vistas over the city (just watch out for the bells ringing, it makes the tower shake).

Also, don’t forget to pop inside Kings College and the incredible chapel that’s just so awe-inspiring to see. Inside the chapel, you can still faintly see the ‘graffiti’ from Oliver Cromwell’s army that still stands to this day.

Oh yeah, keep your eyes peeled for the huge wooden rood screen inside the chapel – it was gifted by Henry VIII (the one that had six wives) to Anne Boylen and is one of the most striking features in the centre of the chapel.

In fact, you can book your very own guided tour of Cambridge on a punt (on the river)! This is such a great way to explore the city and totally unique. You’ll love Cambridge.

Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge

There’s just something about Bath , and you’ll totally know what I mean once you arrive. This ancient Roman Spa settlement still has some of the incredible features from the Roman Times.

Make sure to pop into the Roman Baths themselves and learn more about the incredible history of this place. It really is one of the best places to visit in England.

For a tasty treat, take a stroll over to Sally Lunn’s; she is the most famous and one of the oldest bun makers in the city. They taste so good!

Also, if you want to make things easier to get around Bath, book this hop-on, hop-off bus ticket . This way, it takes all the stress out of trying to find all of Bath’s best spots.

Read more: Best things to do in Bath

6.) Bristol

So Bristol is one of those cities that totally surprised me. My first-ever visit to Bristol was a little disappointing (I have to be honest).

I just think I hadn’t really found my ‘tribe’ of things I’d like on my first visit… all my fault, of course!

Thankfully, I was determined to give Bristol another shot, armed with much more info on the kind of spots I’d love .

This just did it for me – I fell in love with the city straight away and it’s really up there with the best places to visit in England.

Once there, head on a trail to see some of Bristol’s most iconic contemporary artists, including Banksy.

There’s a whole heap across his home city. Afterwards, head over to Whapping Wharf and Spike Island to whisk away the afternoon on the seafront with all the art spaces, restaurants and boutique little shops or pop over to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Read more: Best things to do in Bristol

There’s a lot of friendly rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge as places to visit (and study). Some say Cambridge is the best… others say it’s Oxford. I’m gonna leave the final decision to you.

Now, Oxford itself is easily one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you’re based in London or on a longer road trip.

Whilst here, make sure to visit Christ Church College , head onto the river punting and wet your whistler at the Thirsty Meeples – a really quirky board game cafe in the city.

Finally, book a tour, with an actual alumni guide to take you all around the best spots in Oxford. It’s a great way to explore the city and is so interesting.

Read more: Best things to do in Oxford

8.) Norwich

It took me far too long to make our first trip to Norwich (England’s first-ever medieval city) and I’m ashamed to say that my very first visit was this year. well, better late than never, eh?

Perched about 2 hours north of London by train, it’s one of the best places to visit in England and a spot that I know you’ll love.

Whilst you’re here, make sure to explore the incredible cathedral, see the historic cobbled streets and wander to the central market that’s been held permanently in the town for over 1,000 years (when it was a Saxon market).

For a tasty bite to eat, head outside Norwich to the Fur and Feathers who make one delicious feat from local ingredients.

Oh, and finish your day with the best chippy in all of England at the Grosvenor Fish Bar ; all served with lashings of vinegar, of course.

Read more: Best things to do in Norwich

9.) Stonehenge

Possibly one of the most famous ancient sites in England, Stonehenge is a spot you have to see. Perched west of London (about 80 minutes away by car), it really is one of the best places to visit in England – especially for us history buffs!

It’s been recorded that the stones of Stonehenge actually came from west Wales a huge distance from when it was built.

Still, to this day, there are no conclusive ideas of why this was built or what it represents but there are theories around a place of worship, thanks, ceremony and community.

Just be aware that Stonehenge is a really popular spot, so if you don’t like crowds it’s best to book your Stonehenge tickets for more ‘off-peak’ times.

Either visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon (just before closing), this way you’ll have missed the bus tours and will only have a few eager beavers with you who have the same idea.

Also, if you want to visit and you’re going to be based in London, book this amazing half-day Stonehenge tour that leaves from Central London for a day trip.

Read more: Our visit to Stonehenge

10.) Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast always sounds so mysterious and pre-historic to me. I mean, the clue is in the name really but it always intrigued me right up until I visited this year.

This intrigue quickly turned to excitement when I realised that you can actually go fossil hunting on the UNESCO-protected coastline .

The thing that makes this area so good for fossil hunting is that the eroding cliffs on this stretch of coast have actually been pushed way up out of the seabed to create a piece of land.

Nowadays, as the cliffs slowly erode, they scatter a whole range of fossils that are all along the beach for us all to find.

Keep your eyes peeled and be patient. On our last visit, Yaya and I collected about 10 different fossils! It’s just so crazy to think that you’re the first living being to lay eyes on these fossils for 92 million years.

Oh, also, I nearly forgot – don’t forget to pop across the Jurassic Coast to visit the famous Durdle Door , Old Harry Rock’s and grab a bite to eat (and/or stay) at the Pig on the Beach . It’s so gorgeous.

Read more: How to go fossil hunting in England

11.) Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is one of those places where you arrive and almost instantly fall into that relaxing beach vibe that makes Cornwall so great.

Whilst here, make sure to hike across the gorgeous coast, pop over to nearby Newquay and stay at the idyllic Watergate Bay Hotel.

Best of all, in Cornwall, you can book a fun surfing lesson in one of the best regions in England to surf.

Oh yeah, and if surfing is your thing then I’m positive you’ll love this spot. It really is one of the best places to visit in England… especially for sea lovers.

Read more: Visiting the Watergate Bay

12.) St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s (not to be confused with Mount Saint Michel in France ) is another of Cornwall’s gems that you should see. Perched on a tidal island, it’s possibly one of the prettiest and best places to visit in England.

Legend has it that a giant still inhabits the cave on the island. Folklore or not, it’s enough to put the heeby-jeebies in you when the sun begins to set.

Read more: Top spots to visit in Cornwall

13.) Robin Hood’s Bay

Perched just south of Whitby in Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay is one stunning and totally historic seaside village you have to visit.

Once a key smugglers’ village to bring in contraband items like alcohol, Robin Hood’s Bay still has a network of smuggler tunnels underneath the town itself.

Now, you can’t go in them today but it’s an incredible spot to visit and to learn more about the history of this age-old fisherman town. It really is one of the best places to visit in England.

Whilst in the area, make sure to visit Tea, Toast & Post for some tasty grub (their lunches are so good). Plus, they brew some of the best tea on the Yorkshire coast.

Read our full post on visiting Robin Hood’s Bay

14.) Castle Howard

Just a little shy of York , Castle Howard is truly a stunning castle to explore. You’ll honestly be blown away by how beautiful this place is and really is one of the best places to visit in England.

Once inside, head to some of the incredible rooms and experience a little slice of this stunning home.

During certain times of the year, Castle Howard hosts afternoon teas that are properly tasty and a real treat. Served with some piping hot Yorkshire tea, sweet treats and sandwiches it’s a lovely experience.

Although you might not be able to stay in Castle Howard , you can check into the beautiful Judges Court (In York ) that’s about 12 miles away.

Read more: Visiting Castle Howard

15.) London

I couldn’t forget to shout out London as one of the best places to visit in England, could I? I mean, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world and there’s so much to do that you’ll love.

If it’s your first time in London, make sure to check out some of the amazing neighbourhoods of; Covent Garden , King’s Cross , Notting Hill , Camden Town , Shoreditch , Peckham and Whitechapel .

Each of these neighbourhoods is totally unique and a great way to see the diversity that is London.

If you’re looking for some unique places, make sure to see some of London’s secret spots , its incredible markets , best bars and restaurants with a view . You’ll gorge on everything in sight!

Also, you can book yourself this gorgeous London cruise for a trip up the Thames. It’s a great way to see the city, especially at sunset.

Read more: Best things to do in London

16.) Holy Island

This has to be one of my favourite castles (and islands) in all of England. Perched on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle is properly stunning to see in person.

There’s just something so magical about it (and yes, that’s really cheesy to say, but it does feel like that).

Once here, head for a hike across the incredible shoreline, pop over to Holy Island and explore the castle and finish your day off in Berwick Upon Tweed where you can grab a yummy bite at the Maltings Kitchen .

Read more: Best islands to explore in England

17.) Birmingham

Birmingham often gets missed by lots of people’s travel plans in favour of some of the other big-hitting spots like London (or Edinburgh , across the border in Scotland). With that being said, it’s only about 80 minutes from London by train and there are so many cool spots to see.

Whilst you’re there, make sure to explore the Coffin Works see Winterbourne House and Garden and gorge on all the food at Carters of Moseley – they make an epic Orkney scallops dish, the tastiest mousse pudding made out of Douglas Fir and some yummy cakes.

It really is a contender for the best places to visit in England.

Read more: Best things to do in Birmingham

18.) Cirencester

Cirencester is a historic market town that’s easily reached by car or by train from most places in England. It’s the kind of town you visit and somehow wonder have you’ve spent all day exploring. It’s one of my favourite market towns and possibly one of the best places to visit in England.

Once you’ve arrived, make sure to explore the Parish Church of St John Baptist, visit the Elemental Sculpture Park and pop into The Fleece for some of the tastiest grub.

For a beautiful place to rest your head, check into the historic Royal Oak which is in Tetbury (about 25 minutes away)

Read more: What to see in Cirencester

If you fancy a little galivant away from the hustle and bustle of London, rent a car or take the train to the gorgeous and totally historic town of Rye. In fact, even if you’re travelling around the south-east of England, I’d suggest a trip to Rye.

It’s one of the best places to visit in England if you love quaint towns and a history that dates back centuries. Just be sure to check out Mermaid Street with its gorgeous cobbled road, visit the antique shops all around the town and visit the Rye Castle Museum.

Afterwards, you can easily partner a trip to Rye with the likes of Camber Sands for a beach day; or even Bodian Castle for a little more history. Just be sure to plan your day well, it’ll be filled up in no time!

Read more: Best day trips from London

20.) Manchester

Manchester always feels like that cool cousin you see at family parties and always wanna hang around with. Always hip, trendy and totally cool.

The city has such a cool vibe and really is one of the best places to visit in England if you want to experience a vibrant city (outside of London, of course).

For a tasty bite to eat, pop into Umezushi which makes the best sushi in the north and gorge at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill which really will give you a good taste of Mancunian life.

If it’s football you’re into, book an Old Trafford Stadium tour that’ll take you around one of the world’s most famous clubs.

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The 15 most beautiful places in the UK, according to travel writers who’ve seen them all

From the Forest of Dean’s moss-covered woodland to the cobbled streets of Oxford and the windswept coasts of the Inner Hebrides

For all of the stick we give the UK – the grey skies, the pigeons, the Greggs sausage roll packets littering the pavements – it’s actually a pretty gorgeous country. In London alone, you can be goggling over the Barbican’s brutalist beauty one moment, the next, you might be basking in the tranquility of Hampstead Ponds. Add the turquoise coasts of Cornwall , the rugged mountains of Snowdonia and the fairytale wonder of Scotland’s highlands and islands to the mix, and you’ve got a country which is as good looking as they come. 

When we set about curating this list of the most beautiful places in the UK, we called on our network of expert travel writers. These guys have have personally experienced the pinch-me moment of seeing every place on this list IRL – so we can guarantee you there is no catfishing going on here. Of course, you’ll find the usual suspects – you can’t argue with the magic of the Isle of Skye, after all – but you’ll also find some more surprising beauty spots to add to your travel bucket list. 

Chiara Wilkinson  is Time Out’s UK features editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our   editorial guidelines   and check out our latest   travel guides   written by local experts. RECOMMENDED: 🚂 The UK’s 12 most beautiful train stations 🇬🇧 The 35 best things to do in the UK 🏝 The 30 most beautiful places in the world

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The most picture-perfect places in the UK

1.  Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

A forest so enchanting, it’s supposedly the blueprint for Tolkein’s Middle Earth, Puzzlewood is a dense green labyrinth within the Forest of Dean. The ancient woodland covers 14 acres, offering hidden caves, towering ravines, charming wooden bridges, moss-covered rocks and twisting roots. Its meandering path is the result of eroded underground cave systems which, over a few million years, became exposed to the surface. Now, it’s a regular on the silver screen, featuring in the likes of Harry Potter and Star Wars. Along the short, easy trail you’ll find nooks and crannies fit for fairies and elves around every corner. 

Time Out tip: After wandering Puzzlewood’s spellbinding track, enjoy some culinary magic at Tudor Farmhouse . The produce is locally sourced, dishes are fresh and if you’re feeling particularly bougie, go ahead and spend a night in one of its luxurious rooms. 

2.  Minack Theatre, Cornwall

It’s hard to believe this astonishing cliff-edge theatre is in the UK. The Minack looks looks like something from an ancient Greek epic, with the greco-esque structure jutting out from the craggy cliffs over the shockingly blue sea. One of the most exciting things about watching a play at the open-air theatre is the unpredictability of the weather. Come rain or shine, the show must go on, even if the audience has to get soaked to their underpants. Built in 1930, this amphitheatre usually has a dependable summer programme of musicals, Shakespeare and other classics, Cornish tales, kids’ performances, and gigs. Catching a show here is certainly one for the books.

Time Out tip: Walk the five-minute (slightly hair-raising) cliff path from the Minack to get to Porthcurno, one of the most stunning beaches in the country. And if naturism is your thing, there’s a nudie beach just round the corner called Pedn Vounder. The perfect recipe for a free-spirited day out.

3.  Barbican Estate, London

Look, I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. No matter how much I wax lyrical about its towering concrete curves, the Barbican is always going to have its detractors. There are plenty of people who don’t appreciate its peaceful vistas, towering greyness and general atmosphere of faded glamour. But to me, it’s stark, cool, imposing and utterly magnificent. Walking around its silent streets makes me feel like I’m in a Cold War era spy movie. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s also home to one of London ’s most celebrated arts venues, complete with a stunning verdant conservatory, plush auditoriums, chic martini bar and loads of quiet little nooks for working or gossiping in.

Time Out tip:  To whet your whistle, head round the corner to The Sekforde , a historic philanthropic pub which operates an educational charity – and does a mean Sunday roast. 

4.  Singing Sands, Isle of Eigg

Home to only around 100 people, the tiny community-owned Isle of Eigg on Scotland’s rugged west  coast is a fascinating experiment in off-grid sustainable living and one of the most unique  places in Britain. Trek or cycle northwest across the island to Laig Bay (you can hire  bikes by the ferry pier) and you’ll find a secluded white crescent beach of such unspoiled beauty it’ll  steal your breath away. The Singing Sands is so-called because its quartzite grains make a rasping or ‘ singing’ sound as you walk on them or when they’re brushed by the wind. Gaze out towards the  distant craggy mountains of Rùm, take a bracing Atlantic dip if you’re feeling bold, or simply slip off  your shoes and enjoy nature’s strange song as sand slips between your toes.

Time Out tip: Drop by the Isle of Eigg Brewery en route for a superb pilsner or IPA (also available at Galmisdale Bay Cafe  and Bar and the Isle of Eigg Shop ).

5.  Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire

Ribbons flutter from the branches of ancient trees. Monumental hunks of stone appear to have pushed their way up through the grass. Sheep graze alongside them nonchalantly. I find the tiny village of Avebury captivating, in an otherworldly, magic kind of way. It’s the site of the biggest Neolithic stone circle in the world (as well as burial mounds, pathways and earthworks where you can feel the history beneath your feet). But, unlike Stonehenge, you can wander freely around the stones, and even give them a hug if, like me, you feel drawn to. At some point, somebody decided to build a village right through the middle of the henge, which adds to the area’s surreal feel.  There’s beauty in all of it: the rolling Wiltshire hills, the manmade secrets cut into them, and the fact that you can have a pint in the middle of a massive great big stone circle.  Time Out tip : Stay the night at The Farm at Avebury to have time to explore all the secrets of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The stylish former stables are all set around a pretty courtyard on a muddy working farm, a short walk from the mysterious mound of Silbury Hill.

6.  Medieval Shambles, York

Peering down York’s Shambles in 2024, with the road’s overhanging buildings, rustic wooden crossbeams and characterful row of twee shops, you’d have no idea of the road’s grim past. The name ‘Shambles’ literally refers to an open-air slaughterhouse, which is what this York street was back in the 1300s. These days all that blood and gore (and the street’s famed butchers, which stuck around until the 1800s) is long gone; leaving one of the UK’s best preserved medieval streets. There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles.

Time Out tip : You try walking past  Shambles Kitchen without buying one of the shop’s delicious smoked sandwiches. The wafts coming out of that place are irresistible.

7.  Seven Sisters, Sussex

Yorkshire has the dales and Cumbria has the lakes, but Sussex is home to some of the UK’s most dramatic, most beautiful cliffs. Enter the Seven Sisters, a succession of (you guessed it, seven) glistening peaks which sit between Seaford and Birling Gap. It’s one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shore on the south coast and is part of the South Downs National Park. But the chalky geology of the area (which is why the cliffs are so brilliantly white) doesn’t just make it beautiful, it’s also responsible for a remarkably diverse ecosystem – head here in the summer and keep an eye out for some of the 20 species of butterfly that flutter around.

Time Out tip: After the hilly walk from Seaford to Cuckmere Haven, a reward lies in the form of a brilliant beer garden at the Cuckmere Inn .

8.  Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

There’s something innately surreal about Skye: it’s the sort of place that makes you feel like fairytales could actually come true. The Fairy Pools – g listening  turquoise basins threaded together with a series of waterfalls, all set in the backdrop  of the imposing Cuillin mountains –  might well be a tourist trap, but they’re one of these rare places that actually live up to the hype. Legend has it that the pools attract selkies,  mythological creatures which turn from seals into humans at nightfall. Get to the pools early enough and you might be lucky enough to spot one – or at least beat the crowds. A  quick dip in those icy waters will help you melt away all sins. 

Time Out tip:  Make the most of the idyllic island by booking treat yourself a stay at the  4 AA Rosette-awarded  Edinbane Lodge , where you can fill up on an exquisite menu before resting your head in a renovated 16th century hunting lodge. And for a real Hebridean breakfast, head to the ever-trendy  Café Cùil . Where else are you going to get roast tattie hash with Scottish chorizo and caramelised cabbage?

9.  Whitstable Seafront, Kent

I’ve been going to Whitstable since I was little to visit my auntie, before my mum eventually moved there too. That means I’ve sat on Whitstable Beach probably a million times, and it has never felt any less magical. Its mile of pebbles is separated by wooden groynes, fading into a string of multi-coloured beach huts before eventually leading to Seasalter. But the crowning glory has to be the view of Whitstable’s sunset, which feels as though someone has peeled away the sky to expose it: all deep pinks and oranges reflected on little pools of sea water when the tide is far out. It feels as though the whole world goes still when it sets.

Time Out tip: T he best spot to watch this marvel is from the comfort of the Old Neptune ’s beer garden right on the beach, with a pint of Whitstable Lager in hand (and possibly a dozen oysters).

10.  Rydal Caves, Lake District

While there are plenty of beauty spots throughout the Lake District, none feel as mystical as Rydal Caves. Located between Grasmere and Ambleside, they’re the perfect place to visit if you don’t feel like a lengthy hike, with a car park just a 15-minute walk away.  The caves themselves are dramatic, with an almost mirroring effect from the water. Carefully wander across the stepping stones to the dry areas near the back of the cave to truly appreciate the beauty of the caves. It's little wonder that Netflix's The Witcher chose to film here for their second season.

Time Out tip: Once you arrive back in Ambleside, head to the Ambleside Tap Yard for a wide range of locally brewed pints and delicious pizza.

11.  Loch Lomond, Highland Boundary Fault

Loch Lomond has captured the hearts of even the most stoic Celts for centuries – it’s easy to see why. Set barely an hour away from the bustling metropolis of Glasgow , Scotland's southernmost national park is a complete haven from all evidence of the modern world. With the sort of peaks, waterfalls, and endless lakeland you usually only see in films or Keats’ poetry, a trip to Loch Lomond is restorative for the body and soul. Whoever you arrive as, you’ll leave feeling like a kilt-wearing bagpipe-wielding Scotsman, wind flowing through your locks, freed from any inhibition or worry. There are plenty of campsites spread across the loch, or if that’s a little too close to nature for you, opt for one of the more comfortable lakeview hotels or lodges. 

Time Out tip: Head to nearby village Luss and find the Coach House Coffee Shop for a homemade sandwich and signature hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire with a view to boot.

12.  Central Oxford

It may be an antiquated, elitist academic institution, but you’ve got to hand it to the University of Oxford: it’s responsible for one of the most beautiful bits of urban landscape in Europe. Even for jaded students, the stretch of central Oxford between Broad Street and the High Street is just jawdropping, its medieval lanes and olde-worlde cottages, pubs and bookshops contrasting with the grandiose, honey-coloured stone buildings of high academia. You don’t even have to pay for a single college tour to appreciate the dreaming spires (or should that be ivory towers?) from the outside.

Time Out tip:  Grab a coffee from The Missing Bean and sip it in the sun on the recently-pedestrianised sweep of Broad Street  or stop for a pint at the Grade II-listed Turf Tavern , tucked away between the ancient stone walls.

13.  Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

Got a head for heights? Head to the pretty area of Clifton in Bristol to take in the Georgian architecture before heading to see the icon of the city: Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed by legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864, the bridge spans the breathtaking Avon Gorge and towers a whopping 75 metres above the River Avon, so you can take in views of the city, surrounding countryside – and maybe even a hot air balloon or two if you time it right. The visitor centre is free to visit should you want to learn more.

Time Out tip :  While The White Lion is the best-known places to get a great view of the bridge and gorge, for an equally good view and fewer crowds, head to the terrace at Clifton Observatory for 360-views to enjoy with a cocktail.

14.  Portmeirion, North Wales

Portmeirion is like something out of a dream. That is intentional, as the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis set out to bring the peace and pace of the Mediterranean to the northwest of Wales. Don’t scoff: the two are more alike than you might first assume. Since its completion in 1975,  this unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales. Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion? 

Time Out tip:   For the full ‘Mediterranean in Wales’ experience, pick up a gelato from Caffi’r Angel and set up shop on the piazza for a spot of people-watching.   

15.  Benone Strand, Causeway Coast

The first time I visited world-class Benone Strand, this vast seven-mile stretch of beach was deserted apart from a single horserider galloping through the clear shallows. Yep, just like in the movies. You can walk along the sandy shore towards Downhill Strand, where ‘Game Of Thrones’ was filmed, passing the rush of the Dunne waterfall, one of the tallest in Northern Ireland. And just past this, perched high up on the cliff-edge, is the area's crowning glory: much-photographed Mussenden Temple, once the library of the 18th century Bishop of Derry, who also built nearby Downhill House, now a wonderfully atmospheric ruin.

Time Out tip :  Warm up at Finnish-style Hotbox sauna on Benone Strand before coffee at the wood-panelled artisan café on the dunes, complete with surf hire.

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19 Best Places to Visit in the UK

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Jun 8, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Cardiff

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

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

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

Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of the Channel Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on England

The most beautiful places in England

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• the-most-beautiful-places-in-england

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 16.11.2023

We asked the Rough Guides team to name the most beautiful places in England . After much deliberation, here are the results.

1. The Lake District

2. bath, somerset, 3. the south downs national park, sussex, 4. the peak district - one of the most beautiful places in england for hiking, 5. salcombe, devon, 6. kimmeridge bay, dorset, 7. hampstead heath, london.

• 8. Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire

9. West Cornwall

10. dartmouth, devon, 11. castle combe, the cotswolds, 12. whitby abbey ruins, yorkshire, 13. durdle door, dorset.

• 14. St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

15. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to England , your essential guide for visiting England .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for England, created by local experts

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The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

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Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 7-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!

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Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

This area of natural beauty , and in particular Kirkstone Pass, is one of the most beautiful places in England. The highest mountain pass in the country, Kirkstone is a beautiful drive or cycle.

There are incredible views and great hikes to be had. The Kirkstone Pass Inn, an old coaching house dating back to the fifteenth century, is a great base for exploring the area. Some believe it's haunted by the ghosts of travellers who used to pass through.

Ullswater Lake curves through the mountains of the English Lake District at Glenridding © Joe Dunckley/Shutterstock

Bath with its elegant Georgian architecture and that famous crescent set on a hill overlooking the Royal Victoria Park, has enchanted many visitors. In fact, the city sees over two million tourists per year.

The perfect way to unwind after all that sightseeing? A visit to the Thermae Bath Spa to soak in some of the naturally warm water that bubbles beneath the city.

Bath © ThinAir/Shutterstock

The South Downs National Park has 1600 square kilometres of incredible views. "It's the countryside that says "England" to you the most." There’s perhaps nothing more striking than the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters rising out of the deep blue ocean on England’s South Coast.

Travelling around Sussex you might also be interested in visiting Brighton, one of the most popular seaside destinations in the country. And to find out what you can do there, read our guide to the best things to do in Brighton .

Seven Sisters Cliffs, Sussex, England, UK © Shutterstock

Inspiration by the likes of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, the rugged Peak District has been charming Brits for centuries. Here you're sure to be smitten with its undulating hills, windswept crags and imposing country houses. This is one of the most beautiful places in England, with spectacular views, excellent walking trails (including the Pennine Way) and the regal Chatsworth House among its many draws.

Chatsworth House © Anastasia Iaptov/Shutterstock

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This genteel, pastel-coloured seaside town has proximity to some of Devon ’s unspoiled, quiet sandy coves. The town describes itself as Devon’s sailing capital, and there's no better way to see the colourful seafront than from the open blue waters of the English Channel.

Salcombe in South Devon is one of the most beautiful places in England for its sea viwes © Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

Another stunningly beautiful place in England is Kimmeridge Bay. Perhaps it’s the views over the ocean, or maybe the millions of years of history that lay immortalized as fossils in the cliffs of this stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Whatever it is, if you can bag yourself a stay at the Landmark Trust’s Clavell Tower you’ll have the best view over the bay.

Once in Dorset, don't forget to visit some of the most impressive castles in the area.

Clavell Tower, Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset, England © Shutterstock

Hampstead Heath ends up on the list of the most beautiful places in England, as it's probably the only place in central London where you truly feel like you could be a hundred miles away. Plus The Spaniards Inn pub at the northern edge is one of London's best – dating back to 1585 – and both Keats and Dickens allegedly used to drink here.

The Rough Guides to England and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Try our tailor-made trip to England Historical Highlights : From busy London and its Buckingham Palace over historical Oxford to the mysterious Stonehenge.

Hampstead Heath, London Park © Shutterstock

8. Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire

This historic fishing village staggered down a steep hill to the sea, was once a haven for smugglers. It’s hard to beat eating fish and chips by the (often wind-swept) sea here, overlooking England’s “ dinosaur coast ”.

Aerial view of Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England © Andrei Petrus/Shutterstock

It’s easy to understand why West Cornwall is considered one of the most beautiful places in England. Long before Poldark started brooding on cliff tops, in-the-know travellers were heading to Cornwall's stunning western reaches. The list of its merits is impressive: renowned surf, dramatic cliffs, ancient fishing villages, abandoned tin mines, mystical stone circles, windswept moorland...

This is a hiker's paradise and this tailor-made trip to Northern Cornwall includes the most scenic parts. You will start your journey in London with some unique activities to get to know the city, before setting off on a 5-day walk across Cornwall.

Porthcurno England, Cornwall © Shutterstock

Dartmouth in Devon captivates with its breathtaking coastal walkway, offering sweeping views of the majestic River Dart and the charming sight of an old steam train arriving at Kingswear. The harbour is adorned with an array of vibrantly coloured boats, creating a picturesque scene that evokes memories of childhood vacations. Dartmouth's beauty is timeless and unforgettable.

Kingswear Castle, Dartmouth, Devon, UK © Shutterstock

Tucked in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in northwest Wiltshire, Castle Combe is often called “the prettiest village in England." It's certainly one of the best Cotswolds villages to visit. With no new houses built here since the 1600s, Castle Combe has a decidedly fairy-tale feel. This village is known for it's honey-hued houses, a faceless 13th-century clock, and a picture-perfect bridge over a babbling river.

Castle Combe village in the Cotswolds © Shutterstock

The cliff-top ruins of Whitby Abbey are some of the most evocative in England. Its monastery was founded in 657 by St Hilda of Hartlepool, daughter of King Oswy of Northumberland. By 664 it had become important enough to host the Synod of Whitby, an event of seminal importance in the development of English Christianity.

Whitby Abbey © Shutterstock

A mile west of Lulworth Cove, the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door can be reached via the steep uphill path that starts from Lulworth Cove’s car park. The arch itself sits at the end of a long shingle beach, a lovely place for catching the sun and swimming in fresh, clear water.

There are further steps to a bay just east of Durdle Door, St Oswald’s Bay, with another shingle beach and offshore rocks that you can swim out to.

Durdle Door at the beach on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, UK © Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock

14. St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

Mount St Michael, one of the most beautiful places in England, holds a rich history. It was inspired by the apparition of the archangel Michael, leading to the building of a church in the fifth century. Eventually, a Celtic monastery arose here, and in the eleventh century, Edward the Confessor founded a chapel, taking inspiration from the famous Mont Saint-Michel in Brittany.

The combination of twelfth-century buildings and charming additions such as the turreted chapel and the seventeenth-century Chevy Chase Room exudes undeniable beauty. Also, don't miss the enchanting gardens waiting to be explored.

St Michael's Mount in Cornwall © Valery Egorov/Shutterstock

It’s a dramatic approach to Holy Island – only accessible at low tide – past the barnacle-encrusted marker poles that line the three-mile-long causeway. Topped with a stumpy castle, this tidal island is small, sandy and bare, and in winter it can be bleak. However, come summer, day-trippers clog the car parks as soon as the causeway is open.

Even then, though, Lindisfarne (as the island was once known) has a distinctive and isolated atmosphere. Give the place time and, if you can, stay overnight when you’ll be able to see the historic remains without hundreds of others cluttering the views.

Holy island castle from Lindisfarne Priory © Shutterstock

England has so much to offer not only in terms of beautiful scenery but also in the variety of interesting ways to spend your time. Discover what made our list of the best things to do in England.

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The most beautiful places in the UK and Ireland

By Sophie Knight and Olivia Morelli

Small but mighty, throughout history the UK has been recognised for its sublime beauty. While there are plenty of incredible places worth visiting in the UK , which is the fairest of them all? Here, we've collated the most beautiful pictures of places around the country, from towering Munros in Scotland and vast, sparkling lakes in England to far-flung beauty spots in Ireland and epic mountain ranges in Wales .

The white sands of Kynance Cove, Cornwall .

The sun sets on Beachy Head in East Sussex .

A cherry blossom tree frames pastel-hued houses in Oxford.

A view of the golden-hued buildings of Bath from a hot air balloon.

A pub covered in ivy in the village of Bibury, the Cotswolds .

The majestic Radcliffe Camera in Oxford .

See more pictures of the most beautiful places in England.

Eilean Donan Castle, set on an island where three sea lochs meet in the western Highlands .

Neist Point Lighthouse, on the edge of the Isle of Skye .

Rosalyn Wikeley

Sarah James

Connor Sturges

Lauren Burvill

A picturesque road into Braemar village.

A cloudy day on the southern coast of Skye.

The Water of Leith flows through pretty Dean Village in Edinburgh .

Read more about the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland .

The vast mountain range of Brecon Beacons in Wales.

Seren Mor, Pembrokeshire.

As the highest peak in south Wales, Pen y Fan is one of the most popular Welsh hikes.

Read more about the most beautiful places in Wales .

Dunmoran Strand, one of Ireland's best beaches .

Mullaghmore, a village in County Sligo, Ireland.

Cliff at Lyons in Kildare, one of the best hotels in Ireland .

Read more about the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland here .

Like this? Now read:

The best places to visit in Scotland

The best vineyards in England and Wales

10 of our favourite Airbnbs in the UK

27+ Beautiful Places to Visit in England (must-dos!)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

From the cobblestone streets in Oxford to the gorgeous sweeping views of the English coast in Cornwall to the fascinating things to do in Lincoln , the most beautiful places in England are well worth adding to your bucketlist.

After all, this is a country of undulating countryside, rugged mountains and peaks, rocky beaches, sandy beaches, and sheer cliff edges.

England’s most beautiful destinations are World Heritage landmarks, inner city cobblestone streets and peaceful lakes that let you reflect on your journey so far.

When I first moved to England from America , I was instantly taken in by this beauty.

It’s a beauty you don’t find in the strip malls suburbs of America, and I remember being so in awe that people actually got to live around, work in, and travel through this stunning beauty every day of their lives.

Whether you’re a short-term visitor to England or moving here long term, here are some of the prettiest places in England that you should explore.

And don’t forget to check out the best destinations in the UK for families too!

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1. The Jurassic Coast near Weymouth – The Chesil Beach

The Jurassic Coast stretches for almost 100 miles along the southern coast of England.

It is a designated World Heritage Site due to its unique geological formations.

It is also the site where lots of fossils are found – hence the name.

The part of the coast near Weymouth must be one of the most beautiful sections of the Jurassic Coast.

Blessed with an array of incredible formations such as the Durdle Door and amazing cliffs, it is a must-visit for everyone.

Probably one of the most spectacular, but also very often overlooked, places in the area is the Chesil Beach.

It is made up of millions of pebbles that have been washed out here by the sea for thousands of years.

This unique place gives you a very mixed feeling – a fascinating combination moon landscape, rough seaside and hills.

As you approach the beach from the road you can’t really see the sea.

First you need to climb the pebble hills.

Some of them may reach up to 30 meters in height.

Once at the top you can walk down to the rough sea.

If you are travelling with children, this place is like one massive pebble filled playground.

They can spend hours just throwing stones into the rough, splashing sea.

And don’t worry, there is enough supply to keep them busy till they are 18 years old.

The best view of the beach will get from the nearby Portland Island.

Funny enough, from the top the Chesil Beach does look like a stretch of pristine sand.

So if you are in Weymouth area and looking for things to do in Weymouth , make sure you go and visit this unique place. You will not regret it.

Provided by Jarek at Mini Tribe Travels

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

2. York: one of the most beautiful places in England

If you are looking for a city full of beautiful historical architecture, York is a wonderful place to visit.

Its rich and fascinating history means you can see architecture from different time periods and find plenty to do.

One of the most stunning buildings is York Minster which was built between the 13th and 15th Centuries.

Its gothic architecture is awe-inspiring both from outside and inside.

It’s a huge building.

The size and scale are impressive and its intricate spires are beautiful.

The roof was restored after a serious fire in 1984 and features new decorative bosses that were designed by children.

Below the building, you can see Roman ruins which predate the cathedral and find out about the history of the site in the Undercroft Museum.

Another fascinating place to explore in York is The Shambles, a narrow street where the jumble of Tudor and Stewart buildings appear to almost lean in on each other.

It’s an atmospheric place, but it’s best to go there early in the morning before it becomes packed with tourists!

The historic city has a lot of other beautiful features.

A great way to take in the city is to take a boat cruise along the River Orme.

You can also walk along the old city walls.

Visit Clifford’s Tower, which is part of the remains of York Castle and stands proudly on a small hill.

It’s near to the York Castle Museum – which is a great attraction for families – while the York Art Museum has a beautiful art collection in an extremely beautiful building.

Provided by Angela from Reading Inspiration

3. Off-grid living at Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head lies on the Dorset coast, close to the large resort town of Bournemouth, England.

This unique spot is not only one of Britain’s most beautiful places – it also offers visitors to opportunity to experience a completely different way of life.

Mudeford Sandbank, as it is otherwise known, is very popular with day trippers – but it takes a little effort to get to.

In summer, cars are not permitted to travel along the sandy track, so guests must arrive either on foot, two wheels or via the delightful little “noddy train” that departs from the car park and café.

There is another approach.

Ferries depart from nearby Mudeford Quay at regular intervals throughout the day in high season, and in clement weather, are always packed full of freckle-faced day-trippers, laden with picnics, drinks, bikes, folding chairs, and of course the ubiquitous buckets and spades.

What can you do there?

There’s one café.

There are also broad stretches of golden sand, fringed by calm, shallow waters.

Perhaps surprisingly, children are far from bored; it’s easy to forget they’re even there, in fact, absorbed as they become by clambering on rocks, looking for crabs and dashing in and out of the sea.

If you’re lucky, you may even get to stay overnight.

The beach huts here can accommodate families – and are among some of the most expensive real estate in England (especially when calculated by cost per square foot).

There may be no mains power nor power showers, but that’s where the true beauty of this piece of land lies.

Just kick back, relax and enjoy the day.

Life doesn’t get much simpler than on Hengistbury Head – and some would say it doesn’t get any better, either.

Provided by Tracy at Blogger by the Sea

4. Manchester

I fell in love with Manchester whilst down here for work as it reminds me so much of my home town Glasgow.

The city smashes its industrial, georgic and modern tech driven heritage into a vibrant archaeological mesh of colour and excitement.

You have the busy city centre with skyscrapers, trams, bars and resturaunts in the city centre.

But hop across a few of the canals to venture a bit out of the city centre into Media City and you would be forgiven for thinking you had taking the train to a different city with journalists and media personalities filling the bars, restaurants and offices trying to make it big in the media business.

Whilst in Manchester my favourite thing to do would be to grab a bite to eat at Mackie Mayor and see a local gig.

Mackie Mayor is a large indoor food hall with vendors offering a variety of food.

Music is big in Manchester.

The city has cultivated legend after legend.

The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Oasis, The Chemical Brothers and Simply Red all hail from Manchester.

Stopping in at any one of the city’s small live music venues is sure to give you hours of Spotify ammunition.

Apart from that, my advice to travelers visiting Manchester is simple; walk around, chill out and take it all in.

There is a buzz and atmosphere in this city that is only matched (in my humble opinion) by my home town of Glasgow. It has to be seen to be experienced.

Provided by Graham Grieve of My Voyage Scotlan d

5. North Norfolk Coastline: prettiest places in England

The North Norfolk coastline is a rural, scenic section of the English coastline.

Small, picture perfect villages and fishing ports dot the coastline, notable for the pretty houses with their distinct flint walls.

The North Norfolk coastline boasts expansive nature reserves such as Blakeney Point which has a four mile long sand and shingle spit.

Bird lovers will enjoy the nature reserve at Titchwell Marsh.

Located around these natural sites of interest are large leafy parks at Sheringham and imposing historic houses such as Holkham Hall and Felbrigg.

But for me, the  main attraction of this coastline  is the incredible beaches such as Hunstanton or the tree lined beach at Wells by the Sea which is overlooked by charming and colorful beach huts.

Leave the crowds gathered by the car parks entrances and within minutes you will have an expansive, clean and sandy beach all to yourself.

Our favorite spot is West Runton beach which is perfect for beachcombing, playing cricket or enjoying a stroll into the nearby town of Cromer, famous for its pier.

The sea in North Norfolk is cold but clear with under the sea rocks providing a beautiful turquoise hue to the water. 

Provided by Sinead of Map Made Memories

6. Peak District

Green rolling hills, dry stone walls, quaint country cottages and old pubs serving real ale in front of a roaring fire.

This is the England that I love, a place I have been visiting since I was a young child, and since last year, it’s the place we call home.

The open countryside is breathtaking and the people here always have the time for a chat and are wonderfully friendly.

With the kids dressed in puddle suits and hiking boots, we love nothing better than a long walk in the Peak District with kids .

Our favorites are the Nine Ladies Circle through Stanton Moor Peak or the walk starting next to The Robin Hood pub in Baslow, with spectacular views from Birchen Edge.

Alternatively, hire some bikes and ride the Monsal Trail or Tissington Trail.

Reward your physical activity in one of the many cozy local pubs with a pint of Black Sheep and a hearty roast dinner or chip butty.

Alternatively, head underground to explore one of the many limestone caves in the area (such as Blue Johns Cavern) or visit one of the grand estates, such as Chatsworth House.

If you’re visiting in spring, you won’t want to miss the lambing.

Head to Blaze Farm to see lambs being born in their lambing shed.

You can even hold them just after they’ve been born. 

Provided by Jenny of TraveLynn Family

7. Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales is an area well known for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and rock climbing as well as many more.

As Yorkshire is such a large county it is split into the North, South, West and East.

My childhood was filled with weekends camping next to scenic rivers, hiking up steep hills and sitting having picnics in woodland areas.

The Yorkshire Dales isn’t just a place to find amazing outdoor activities and friendly people, it is a place you will find some of the most stunning views in England.

There is a little of something for everyone, from handmade boutique shops in quaint villages to steep cliff edges to climb up.

There are activities such a rock climbing at Brimham rocks, walks around the woodland areas or you can visit the café for a cup of tea.

Not far away is Malham where you can find walking and hiking routes that lead you to mystical waterfalls and onto the limestone cliff tops.

Once used in a scene from Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.

On top of the amazing cliffs, you can see for miles over the Yorkshire Dales.

Places such as Kettlewell, Grassington and Pateley Bridge are just a few to mention that has much to offer visitors.

From fresh baked bread and scones to butchers carving up local meat and small shops selling homemade and handmade products.

Within smaller villages such as Kettlewell, you can see scenes from the famous film Calendar Girls.

The village is small but quaint with friendly pub owners serving proper British food and will welcome you in from the cold.

No matter where you are driving to and from you will see stunning views and idyllic country scenes.

Provided by Cora from Inside Our Suitcase

8. The New Forest

The New Forest is one of our favorite places in England.  

It is glorious riot of pastures, forest, heathland and wild flowers spread over 219 square miles in the south of England.  

Head for the New Forest and be captivated by the ponies, deer, rare breed cattle, pigs and donkeys all roaming in the wild and putting on a show for visitors!

People flock to the New Forest in the summer months, but the very best times are spring and autumn.  

Go in spring to see the bluebells pushing up through the bright green mossy forest floor and the new-born foals taking their first tentative steps.  

In autumn you will find the mist sitting low in the valleys and the gorse blooming yellow on the ancient heathlands.

Head for Brockenhurst and hire bikes to complete a loop through the forest to spot some local wildlife.  

The well-maintained and signed cycle tracks will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery the forest has to offer, getting you off the main roads and into the tranquility of the deep forest.  

If you prefer something a little less energetic, head for the stylish coastal town of Lymington, wander the boutiques and pretty independent shops, finishing with delicious and fresh fish and chips in the harbor.  

For lots more ideas of things to do in the New Forest and some secret insider tips, head to this post .  

Provided by Izzy & Phil of The Gap Decaders

9. Harrogate

Charles Dickens described Harrogate as the queerest place with the strangest people leading the oddest lives!

Today, this elegant spa town in North Yorkshire is an exciting place for a weekend escape, or a longer stay.

Surrounded by rolling countryside, Harrogate is blessed with handsome historic buildings, acres of green space and stylish boutique shops in the Montpellier Quarter. 

Harrogate expanded rapidly in Georgian and Victorian times, as well-heeled visitors travelled in their thousands to the town to ‘take the spring waters’.

Today, visitors can still taste the (vile!) sulphuric spring waters when visiting the Royal Pump Room.

One of the most interesting things to do in Harrogate is to take the very inexpensive tour of the exquisite Turkish Baths favored by British and Russian royalty.

Running weekdays at 9 am, the 45-minute tour offers real insight into the lives of the super-wealthy in Victorian times.

The baths themselves are also breathtakingly beautiful, offering perfect photo opportunities. 

Nature lovers will enjoy the beautiful Valley Gardens and the extensive RHS Garden at Harlow Carr.

Further afield, a short car journey takes you to Harewood House , one of England’s finest country houses, where the recent  Downton Abbey  movie was filmed. 

If you visit, don’t forget to go ‘below stairs’ to see the incredible kitchens.

Harrogate also boasts some of the best places to eat in the whole of Yorkshire, with all palates and budgets catered for.

No visit to Harrogate would be complete without a trip to Betty’s Tea Rooms.

A Yorkshire institution for 100 years, Betty’s is simply THE place to stop for an indulgent, elegant afternoon tea.

Don’t forget to stock up with a few ‘fat rascals’ too!

Provided by Coralie from Grey Globetrotters

10. The Lake District

Tucked into the north-west corner of England is possibly the most famous and well visited area outside London but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy its overwhelming natural beauty.

From the historic but busy city of Carlisle to England’s best ridge hike of Helvellyn, there is something for everybody and every age group in this national park in Cumbria (including things to do in the Lake District in the rain )

For the adventure junkies among us there’s rock climbing brimming with crags of all shapes and sizes, the high altitude Honister Via Ferrata (don’t forget to order your completion slate sign at the end), caving, canyoning, high-speed mountain biking and England’s best mountain range (in my opinion) offers Skiddaw, Helvellyn with Striding Edge, Catbells & Scafell pike.

The baby mountain of Wansfell Pike gives spectacular views over Windermere & the sea of Morecambe Bay, whereas the Castlerigg stone circle will enthrall history buffs and you mustn’t miss Lowther Castle which used to be entirely derelict and with no roof but is now a glorious gardens with a huge outdoor playpark for kids.

Tarn Hows – the mountain lake – often freezes in winter and Wray Castle on the banks of Windermere is a Victorian neo-gothic castle ready to be explored.

For the more sedate days you can hop aboard either the Keswick Launch or the Ullswater steamer after staying at the Hobbit Holes and enjoy the impressive mountain scenery from the ice-like waters.

Ullswater is aptly nicknamed ‘the world’s most beautiful lake’.

Don’t forget to check out Ashness Bridge , Surprise view, the only new pier in 50 years (Aira Pier) and the magnificent waterfalls of Aira Force as well as glamping sites in the Lake District .

The market towns of Penrith, Keswick and Kendall have their own hidden charms with warrens of cobbled streets and boutique shops.

The Puzzling Launch in Keswick will have you doubting your sanity but Kendal Mint Cake Liquor will polish it off! 

Perhaps the most famous of all is Beatrix Potter’s house and don’t forget to look for Mrs TiggyWinkle whilst you’re there. 

Provided by Emma Pamley-Liddell from Journey of a Nomadic Family

With two beautiful coasts, historic cities, endless beaches, wild unspoiled moors and some ridiculously pretty towns and harbors, there’s a lot more to Devon than the cream teas.

Although the cream teas are also very good!

Almost twice as big as neighboring Cornwall, it’s somewhere I never get tired of visiting: even after dozens of trips, there’s always something new to discover in Devon for families .

You can start with the cities – historic Exeter with its centuries-old cathedral and medieval tunnels hidden beneath the streets or Plymouth with its long seafaring history and huge aquarium.

But for more visitors, it’s the smaller towns and the scenery that’s even more tempting.

The cobbled streets of car-free Clovelly seem to have come straight from a postcard, but the soft golden light hitting the boats in the quiet old port of Topsham or the higgledy pastel houses in Brixham mean both can also compete for the title of prettiest harbour.

If you want beaches, Woolacombe Beach in the north is regularly voted one of Europe’s best plus there are Blue Flag beaches like Dawlish Warren and Blackpool Sands, and rockpools galore.

Some of my favorites are the quirky coves where you enter through smuggler’s tunnels, like Ness Cove at Shaldon.

Or inland there’s not one but two national parks, lovely Exmoor and Dartmoor, as well as a designated Area of Natural Beauty in east Devon, part of the Jurassic coast.

The south west coast path winds around the north and south past nature reserves, or the spectacular Lydford Gorge inland proves not all of Devon’s countryside is gentle too.

Throw in historic houses and castles, the chance to sail from coastal town to town on ancient ferry routes and the palm-fringed English Riviera and there’s nowhere in England quite like it.

Provided by Cathy of Mummy Travels

12. South Downs, East Sussex

The South Downs is an area of natural beauty in South East England.

It spans from Hampshire in the West, all of the way to Eastbourne in East Sussex.

The South Downs National park features a large escarpment that can be walked along, providing beautiful views of the seaside and villages below.

It’s particularly beautiful during sunset, where the golden light makes the hills below glow. 

If you’re exploring by car, a great place to start is the Butts Brow car park in Willingdon, East Sussex.

Within a short walk from the carpark you can enjoy panoramic views of Eastbourne, Lewes and the rolling hills of farms below.

It is simply breathtaking.

If you’d like to get a little closer to the coast, Beachy Head and the surrounding Seven Sisters cliffs also form part of the South Downs.

These chalk cliffs are the tallest in England.

The Belle Tout lighthouse is a significant point of interest and is best viewed from Beachy Head.

Birling Gap beach features sand as well as pebbles, a rarity for this part of England.

The South Downs is a popular place with hikers and as such there are many established trails throughout.

One of our favorite walks spans from Willingdon to Jevington.

It takes around 1 hour on foot and upon your arrival in picturesque Jevington, you’ll be greeted with the welcome sight of the 8 Bells pub that serves delicious home cooked meals and cool refreshing pints!

The South Downs makes the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of London, or even the perfect weekend getaway.

Provided by Laura at Passport Collective

13. Suffolk

Coming from Suffolk I could be accused of being biased when I say that Suffolk is the most beautiful place in England.

Suffolk has been recognized for its beauty by others though with 2 out of a total of 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the whole of England, the Suffolk Heath and Coast and Dedham Vale.

So, Suffolk isn’t doing bad on the natural beauty front, but the true beauty of Suffolk is that it remains relatively undiscovered.

Sure, there are tourists, but they tend to be return visitors who come year after year to appreciate the slow pace of life.

It doesn’t get nearly the number of crowds that the Cotswolds or the Lake District get.

There are so many  fun things to do in Suffolk .

People come for the traditional British seaside towns like Aldeburgh where they can eat the best fish and chips in the country.

There’s also Southwold where they can stroll along the promenade eating an ice cream and view the colourful beach huts and visit the quirky pier.

They can admire the beautiful Constable countryside of Dedham Vale, or they can wander around medieval market towns like Framlingham and quaint villages with colorful cottages like Lavenham.

It’s like being transported back to the England of yesteryear.

Writing this, I almost want to keep the secret of Suffolk to myself so that it retains this hidden gem status. 

Provided by Jacquie of Flashpacking Family

14. Greenwich, London

Greenwich in London is like a breath of fresh air after the busy streets in the centre of the capital. 

For me there is a lot that makes this a really beautiful place and one of my favorite things to do with kids in London to do is to walk up through Greenwich Park. 

Not only is this a beautiful open space, full of dogs getting exercise and kids playing, it also leads you up to get stunning views of the skyline of Canary Wharf – a business district of London nearby. 

While taking in the amazing view you’ll also notice the beautiful buildings nearer to you too.

These are the Queen’s House, the Royal Naval College and also the National Maritime Museum which are mostly free to look around too. 

Look behind you and you’ll notice the other reason hordes of people go to Greenwich – the Royal Observatory. 

Greenwich is known as the place where time is measured from and Greenwich Mean Time is measured from this spot – you can learn all about the science and history of time and distance measuring here.   

Greenwich has a lot going for it with plenty of history and museums as mentioned but also a really nice market that is filled with street food and local artisans. 

You can get to Greenwich really easily by using the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) which connects to the London Underground and you can also get a Thames River cruise boat for a more scenic voyage.

Provided by Kirsty of Lost in Landmarks

15. Arundel

Arundel  is a wonderful town to visit if you are looking for the perfect day trip from London.

Once you step off the train you will realize what makes Arundel so special: its medieval look and the grandiose castle dominating the entire scenery.

Arundel is a small town but there are plenty of things to do here, from visiting the castle to shopping for antiques at the local market and specialized shops.

Arundel Castle is the main attraction from this medieval town, dating all the way from 11 th  century.

Parts of the castle are private because it is still the residence of the Duke of Norfolk, so don’t be surprised if during your visit you will stumble upon a reception.

Visiting the castle can take more than half a day because of its size and the numerous rooms inside.

There is even a private chapel inside which you can peak from above, from a balcony.

In summer, Arundel is a wonderful place to enjoy the British countryside.

Located near a wildfowl reserve, you can walk along the river on one of the numerous paths, or, rent a boat and sail to the nearest pub, for a pint in their summer garden.

In Arundel there are plenty of local independent cafes where you can sip from a cup of coffee whilst watching the people pass by.

Provided by Joanna from The World in my Pocket

16. Whitstable, Kent: beautiful places in England

Whitstable is a quaint beach-front town just an hour away from the centre of bustling London.

Here you’ll find rows of picture perfect British shops, which lead the way down to a long stretch of pebble beach.

The beach is lined with colorful beach huts, which are adorable and very instagrammable.

These are actually holiday homes and a day trip to Whitstable will surely have you googling how you can get one of these small huts for yourself! 

Of course, no trip to the British seaside is complete without fish and chips and you can pick this up from Ossie’s Fish Bar and then find a spot on the beach to enjoy this.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can also opt for oysters.

Whitstable is known for its oyster trade so if you’re going to try them anywhere in England, it should be here!

They’re caught fresh and you can choose to try a dozen or just a single one if you’re a bit nervous about these slimy delicacies.

Trying oysters is one of the top  things to do in Whitstable  and I’d recommend either Wheeler’s Oyster Bar or The Forge. 

It’s a small enough town to do as a day trip and you can fill your day with charity shops, independent bookshops, homemade eateries (homemade sundaes, anyone?) as well as a market next to the beach.

If you’d prefer to admire the sea from afar (and escape the wind!) you can head up to Whitstable castle, where you can enjoy afternoon tea outside in the gardens, with a sea view.

You can then end the day at The Old Neptune, a pub on the beach that features both indoor and outdoor seating. 

Provided by Laura of What’s Hot Blog.

17. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is located 30 minutes south west of London.  

This amazing botanic gardens has over 50,000 living plants.  

It is also the largest and most diverse collection of plants in the world.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew were founded in 1840.  

A lot of work and preservation has gone into the development of the gardens.

Kew Gardens is not something you can see in one day as it encompasses over 300 acres.  

Here are some of my favorite things to see in the Gardens:

• The Grand Boardwalk from the Kew Palace to the Palm House
• Check out the water lily pond
• View the fantastic honeycomb structure that mimics the movement of bees
• Visit the 10 Story Great Pagoda and the Japanese Gardens
• Visit the Giant Redwood Grove .

Kew Gardens is an amazing place to visit outside of London.

You won’t believe there is such an enormous park that close to the city center.

Provided by Nicole from American SW Obsessed

18. Broadstairs

Broadstairs is my favorite British seaside town.

Located in Kent, it has a seven beautiful beaches, each with its own appeal.

Viking Bay, the main beach, is lined with colorful beach huts, with a pier at one end and funfair at the other.

White cliffs form a contrasting backdrop to the huts and golden sand.

Whether admiring from above or below, it’s a beautiful sight.

In the narrow lanes and streets you’ll find antique shops and amusement arcades, as well as quaint stores selling buckets and spades.

Make sure you visit Morelli’s for a delicious gelato – I can recommend the knickerbocker glory!

Enjoy a traditional fish and chips while sitting on the parade overlooking Viking Bay, or cockles from the stall on the pier.

Each August, the town comes alive during Broadstairs Folk Week, a celebration of music featuring local and visiting musicians – the perfect time to visit Broadstairs! 

Provided by Hayley from a Lovely Planet.

19. Wells, Somerset

Nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills in Somerset is Wells, which on first appearances is a quintessential rural English town, complete with cobbled streets, market square and medieval architecture.

However, take the time to explore and you will quickly find there is a rather large and very stunning cathedral in the middle of it all that gives Wells the status of the smallest city in England.

Completed in the 13th century, it was the first entirely Gothic cathedral to be built in England.

Approaching it from the Cathedral green you will see the famed “West Front” covered in around 300 intricately carved medieval statues.

Next to the cathedral is Vicar’s Close, built over 650 years ago and believed to be one of the oldest surviving residential streets in Europe.

You will also struggle to find somewhere more picturesque, it is just beautiful!

Not only does Wells have a cathedral, it also is home to the Bishop’s Palace, complete with moat and drawbridge.

Inside are the natural wells that give the city it’s name and the reason people first settled here, hidden among 14 acres of botanical gardens.

Bishops still live here and you can visit the chapel and see the remains of the Great Hall.

Wells is also home to lots of independent shops along it’s high street and a twice weekly market that is great for browsing through.

If when wandering round you get the feeling you’ve seen it before, you probably have, the beauty of Wells has not gone unnoticed and it has been the set of numerous films and TV series, including the film Hot Fuzz featuring Simon Pegg!

P rovided by Rachael Gunn from luxury travel blog Champagne on Arrival

20. St. Paul’s Cathedral, London

London is a sprawling metropolis and each borough carries its own distinctive charm and beauty.

However, there are certain landmarks that standout as iconic London landmarks and the St Paul’s Cathedral in Central London is definitely one of them. 

For one, it is located in the legal heart of the City.

The ancient Inns are tucked away in the back alleys of cobblestone walkways and historic English pubs, while St Paul’s Cathedral looms tall and proud.

The largest cathedral in English, St Paul’s Cathedral is considered to be Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and possesses a stunning dome that is a homage to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

It is stunning from every angle, and visitors can pay a nominal entrance fee to explore the interior of the cathedral.

This includes its stunning Cathedral floor, crypt and the Stone and Golden Galleries above the Whispering Gallery in the dome.

The views of London from the top of the cathedral is unbeatable. 

The admission includes multimedia guides and guided tours.

The cathedral has a range of tours on offer and also set out their respective timings.

There is also a Triforium Tour that includes a visit to the library, Geometric Staircase, Great Model and view down the nave from above the Great West doors. 

A top tip for all visitors is to visit St Paul’s Cathedral during one of services!

Evensong, a one-hour service that which begins at 5pm, is a good option.

Not only will you get to partake in an ancient and atmospheric service (complete with an acoustic boy choir), but you will also get to do it for free!

Written by Iuliya of Doing Life with Iuliya

21. Northumberland Coast

It should come as no surprise to visitors that the Northumberland coast has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Castles dot the rugged coastline and towering sand dunes lead down to long sandy beaches.

The AONB stretches north for 40 miles from Amble to Berwick-upon-Tweed and makes for a stunning scenic drive.

If you’re up for a challenge though, then how about walking the Northumberland Coast Path?

Also ending at Berwick it starts further south at Cresswell and, if tackling the entire 62 miles seems a bit daunting, it’s been broken down into six stages of between six and thirteen miles so you can pick and choose which to walk.

There’s so much to see here and I’m lucky that my partner is originally from Northumberland so we visit as often as we can.

Here are some of my highlights.

Craster is a small fishing village and home of the famous Craster kippers.

From here, you can walk to the ruins of Dunstanburgh castle.

From Seahouses there are regular boat trips around the Farne islands and I can’t recommend one of these trips enough.

There’s plenty of wildlife to spot including puffins and seals.

At certain times of year you can land on Inner Farne too which is a great way to see the birdlife at close quarters.

Bamburgh is another quaint village and home to probably the most well-known of the coast’s castles which sits proudly above the sand dunes.

A drive across the causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a must but make sure to check the tide times – the tides move quickly and more than one motorist has come a cropper over the years!

Whether you walk, drive or make use of public transport take your time – and make sure to stop for fish and chips by the sea!

Provided by Alison of Alison in Andalucia

22. The Cotswolds

Located in the south-west of the country, the Cotswolds are pure storybook Olde England, with miles of rolling hills dotted with honey-coloured stone villages, country houses, elaborate gardens and traditional country pubs.

It’s one of the most beautiful places in England, but don’t just take my word for it – the region has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the second largest protected landscape in England.

You can’t drive for more than a few miles in the Cotswolds without coming across a picturesque village.

Each of them has it’s own character but they share the same distinctive Cotswold stone style.

Among the most scenic stopoffs are Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe, Bibury and Upper and Lower Slaughter.

Or head back in time at perfectly preserved Lacock – though you might know it better as Downton as it passes as the village from the TV series and film.

Being out in the countryside doesn’t mean there’s a lack of great places to eat, drink and stay.

The Cotswolds is a hub for the smart London set, and is home to a string of celebrity favorite haunts including Soho Farmhouse, Daylesford Organic and Cowley Manor Spa.

It’s also packed with cozy country pubs perfect for whiling away a winter afternoon by the fire.

Explore gorgeous greenery at Hidcote Manor’s Arts and Crafts garden, visit the burial place of a queen at Sudeley Castle and check out the autumn colours at Batsford Arboretum.

Or if you’re feeling energetic the Cotswold Way walking route runs through 102 miles of beautiful rolling hills – along the route you’ll find fantastic views from Crickley Hill Country Park, the neolithic monument at Belas Knap and the hilltop Georgian folly of Broadway Tower.

To tour the Cotswolds, enjoy our list of the best Cotswolds day tours from London here.

Provided by Lucy of On the Luce

23. Bristol: most picturesque places in England

Bristol  is indeed one of the most vibrant cities in England.

Along with offering a lively atmosphere, Bristol is full of natural beauty making it my favourite city in the country.

One of the most spectacular places in Bristol to visit is the Clifton Suspension bridge which offers beautiful views of the city.

The best time to experience this beauty from the Clifton Bridge is during sunsets.

Another place in the city which offers spectacular views around is the Cabot Tower located in Brandon Hill, the oldest green park in the city.

Cabot tower is 105ft tower which rewards the visitors with incredible views of Bristol city.

A little hike from the Brandon Hill takes one to the tower.

Bristol harbor side is a beautiful, vibrant area with lot of activities going on.

It is a perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the city.

The most famous thing in Bristol is the graffiti which the city offers.

Bristol has amazing graffiti all around the city walls and people from other cities visit Bristol to enjoy the graffiti.

Being in the south-west region of the country, Bristol has much better weather than the rest of the UK and can be explored during winter months also.

It doesn’t snow here and rainfall is lesser as compared to other cities.

Provided by Nabiha of Verses by a Voyager

24. Durdle Door Beach

If you are looking for sheer beauty, relax and a fabulous beach in Dorset, then Durdle Door is exactly the place you need to visit.

Declared UNESCO Heritage site in 2001, this place is simply magical! 

Located on the  south coast UK , just looking at the beach from the top of the hill is pure joy for the eyes.

To get there you need to use the steps carved on the rocks on the left of the beach, either choosing to start from Lulworth Cove or from the Car Park, your choice!

Durdle door is without a doubt one of the most iconic, scenic and breathtakingly beautiful landmarks not only in the south part of the Dorset area but of the entire South England Coast. 

A paradise not only for beach lovers but also for photographers (and within reason). 

Durdle Door for Photographers Set aside for the majestic beauty of the place and the possibility to take great pictures from up above the hill, making the images look like a “drone shot”,  Durdle Door is most sought after by photographers for another reason: The sunrise!

Yes, the beach can get quite crowded with photographers at dawn.

Why is that? 

From a very specific spot on the beach, looking at the arch and particularly over the “hole”, you can perfectly frame the sun rising over the horizon, creating an awesome “star effect”.

To understand what I mean,  just Google “Durdle door at sunrise” and you’ll see!

Useful info to visit Durdle Door Beach:  If you don’t live in the south coast of England but want to visit Durdle Door and the Jurassic coast from London, you have 2 choices: 

• By Car:  The fastest route is a road trip of 3 hours. The pro is obviously the possibility of being independent and discover more areas either planning or randomly. If you use the car, make sure to arrive very early in the morning during peak season because the Parking Lot runs out of space pretty quickly.
• By Train:  A direct train (Southwestern Train lines) departs from Waterloo Station and it takes around 4 hours to get to Weymouth Station. From there a short walk to the Prince Regent Hotel to grab the bus and in 30 min you’ll be there!
• It’s quite a long journey so I recommend spending a few days in the area to also discover the other beautiful sights the Jurassic coast has to offer!

Provided by Clelia of Keep Calm and Travel

25. Stonehenge

I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of  Stonehenge .

Between the mystic rituals performed there millennia ago, its romantic (and somber) appearance in the novel the  Tess of the D’Urbervilles , and its appearance as a Windows screen saver option back in the nineties, it’s been stuck in my brain as one of the most beautiful places on Earth for over two decades. 

While in pictures it looks remote, it is actually located near a motorway. Find out more about how to get to Stonehenge from London in my travel guide.

There’s also a car park available since its a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

However, neither of these proved to be too intrusive so as to ruin my experience.

It’s one of the few places that was truly as beautiful in person as it had been in my dreams.

Beyond just the gorgeous green rolling fields set against the beauty of the white stones, there are some charmingly rural views to enjoy here.

I particularly fell in love with the farm sheep living nearby who lined up to moon us.

Make sure to set aside time to visit the gift shop.

Besides the normal collection of historic knickknacks and kitsch, you’ll find locally produced wine and spirits – a great way to relive your experience when you’re back home!

Provided by Stephanie of History Fangirl

26. Cheddar Gorge

Did you know about the Cheddar Gorge? Well, the Cheddar Gorge is one of the best secret and underrated spot in England!

Located at 40min drive from Bristol and 2 hours from the famous Jurassic Coast, the Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular natural landmark made of stalactite.

This gorge is actually well-known for its very huge cliffs but also for the archeological findings from prehistoric past as Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton was discovered in its caves in 1903. 

So whether you are interested in nature or history, the Cheddar Gorge is definitely a must-see! 

Wondering how to visit the gorge? Depending on the time you have, here are different ways to experience the gorge: 

• If you don’t have much time, you can just go through it by car and stop to enjoy the cliffs from the bottom. I guarantee you it is well worth a detour! 
• If you have more time, you can go on a 2-hour hike to enjoy stunning views from the top of the cliffs. 

Visiting the gorge was an amazing experience as it is a completely unexpected landscape in the middle of big open fields. 

Find more photos and tips to discover the Cheddar Gorge!

Provided by Nesrine from KevMRC

27. Cambridge: pretty places in England

Cambridge is a town on located on the River Cam, about 1.5 hours north of London.  

It is also home to some of the world’s oldest universities including University of Cambridge.

Check out our guide to the best Cambridge tours from London for a guided experience.

The city itself is beautiful, with stunning architecture, particularly across many of the university buildings, as well as the riverside and many of the open areas, parks and fields.  

The natural beauty of Cambridge complements the historic architecture in the city.

Kings College Chapel is a must when visiting Cambridge, as it has some of the most amazing architecture. 

It is one of the main tourist attractions in Cambridge and is host to events such as concerts and other college events throughout the year.  

Another one of the oldest and most renowned colleges, St. John’s is not to be missed.  

It has a magnificent exterior and plenty of space surrounding the campus where you can admire the architecture.

Another well-known attraction is the ability to go punting.  

Punting is a great way to see a lot of the beauty of Cambridge and even get a chance to visit the Mathematical Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in southern England.  

Going down the river, you get a different perspective on the city and appreciate the beauty of it from one of its most famed activities.

Cambridge is a beautiful city to visit with plenty to see and do, whether you are going with family, with friends, or solo, it is a gem in Southern England.

Provided by Diana of The Elusive Family

28. Chester

Chester is one of the most beautiful places in England and a lesser-known one at that.

The old capital of Roman England, when it was known as Deva, is close to Liverpool and Manchester which steal the limelight in the North West of England.

It’s only a small city, but there are plenty of things to do.

You can visit the biggest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK, which is right in the heart of the city.

The Eastgate Clock, which is the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben, is also a prominent and striking landmark in the city.

Chester has a mix of Roman architecture, with walls spanning the entire city centre, and Mock Tudor buildings which make for a beautiful contrast.

It can feel like you have gone back in time as you walk around the city!

It’s a very Instagram friendly city and one you will not want to leave!

Provided by Tom of The Travelling Tom

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

2 thoughts on “27+ Beautiful Places to Visit in England (must-dos!)”

I have punted many times with a few famous punting companies. It was recently https://cambridgepuntingtours.com/ came into my notice. At first, I wasn’t ready to take on the challenge of punting with a new company. But later, I decided to give it a try. And that was one of the best decisions that I have made so far. Their hospitality left me speechless. And also the chauffeur was not just an expert punter, but also had great knowledge about the history and culture of Cambridge. If you planning for a punting trip, this is the best offers the best budget friendly premium trips….

Hadian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage site. Running the width of England from west coast to the east coast, 74 miles long, 16 Roman forts, a milecastle every mile and two turrets or watch towers between each mileastle. And running alongside is a National Trail which can be waljed in a we ek. The sites are all easily accessible from either Carlisle or Newcastle using the AD 122 bus or by the railway. Oh and the stunning scenery of Northumberland National Park.

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The 25 most beautiful places in the UK

When the weather plays ball, nowhere is more beautiful than the United Kingdom.

From stunning scenery to stunning Italian architecture and picture postcard towns, there is much more beauty to behold than you could ever imagine.

So you can appreciate compiling a short list of the 25 most picturesque places is quite a feat.

So we have excluded most of the major cities and focused instead on places exuding natural beauty and lesser-known destinations that are worthy of discovery.

So you can now go out and enjoy them!

The most beautiful places in the UK

Porthcurno, cornwall.

The stunning Romanesque Minack Theatre offers the scenic backdrop of the turquoise Atlantic for nightly evening entertainment under the stars, The impressive coastal curved amphitheatre creates a magical atmosphere as excited people gather together for a performance. The beach below offers breathtaking scenery too – you could easily grab a cocktail and pretend you’re abroad if the weather is fine.

Nearby the secluded Pedn Vounder Beach is tailor-made for romantic interludes. Start your weekend break in the UK with reservations at the elegant Tregenna Castle Resort or St. Ives Harbour Hotel before soaking in the ambience.

Best time to visit : Shows are on daily but for the best weather conditions and lower crowds try May or June.

Pro tip : Take your own cushions as the seats are either concrete or grass. Also make sure you prepare for the elements as there is no roof.

Find stays in Cornwall

Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye

In southern Isle of Skye, lying beneath the gigantic splendour of Black Cuillin Ridge in the Glen Brittle valley are the magical Fairy Pools. Its breathtaking blue-and-green waters may be largely hidden from view, but they have transfixed visitors for centuries. Check them out during the spring thaw, and unpack your hiking boots at Broadford Hotel or Hebridean Inn .

Best time to visit : June, for beautiful bright and sunny skies.

Pro tip : Check for any road closures before you travel from the mainland to Skye as it’s a long way to reroute if the bridge is shut. Also wear sensible footwear as the surrounding area can get wet and slippy.

Find stays in Isle of Skye

Fort William, Scottish Highlands

At the southern end of the Great Glen, Fort William nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis. Visitors seeking an active holiday in the UK flock here during the spring-summer months to hike, walk and mountain bike the valleys of Glen Nevis and Glen Coe. Moorings Hotel or Ballachulish Hotel are recommended local accommodation with views offering a taste of what’s in store once you set off.

Best time to go : May-June for the best weather and least crowds.

Pro tip: If you want to see the view from Ben Nevis at sunrise you’ll need to set your alarm for the middle of the night!

Find stays in Scottish Highlands

Portmeirion, Wales

Most likely you’ve never heard of Portmeirion, Wales, which only increases the wow factor once you view the village up close. Modelled after an Italian setting, the vivid pastels and fabulous layout of Portmeirion create one of the most scenic places in the UK. Rooms are available at Royal Sportsman Hotel and Golden Fleece Inn for a spring or summertime visit.

Best time to go : May or June.

Pro tip : If you want to get free entry into the village for a day trip, pre-book Sunday lunch or afternoon tea at the Hotel Portmeirion. Alternatively pre-book your tickets online for the best prices.

Find stays in Wales

Loch Awe, Scotland

If the name itself isn’t enough to grab your attention, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle are the true definition of awesome. A viewing area provides photo opportunities for before/after touring the keep itself. Nearby Loch Lomond is a starting point worth enjoying before warming yourself up at accommodation like Ben Cruachan Inn.

Best time to go : Autumn is the most atmospheric and beautiful time of year when the trees all turn golden.

Pro tip : Pack comfy walking shoes as hiking is the main attraction in Loch Awe.

Find stays in Scotland

St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

Fans of Mont St-Michel in Normandy, France, should instantly recognise this iconic location near Penzance, Cornwall. Take a moment to absorb the beauty of the tidal island, then catch your breath before crossing by foot or boat to explore the ancient castle and the hilltop abbey. Ship Inn and The Commercial are two recommended 4-star accommodation options.

Best time to go : April – September are the driest months with the lowest tide.

Pro tip : Check the tide times if you want to walk the causeway to/from the mount.

Snowdonia, Wales

The entirety of Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s natural wonders, with a plethora of breathtaking mountains, rivers, and lakes waiting to be explored. Llanberis Pass and Llyn Glaslyn Lake spotlight the park’s elemental beauty, where flora (like the Snowdon lily) and fauna (such as ospreys) thrive within its conservation borders.

You’ll find several accommodation options in the area, but The Groes Inn and Victoria House B&B offer 5-star luxury throughout the year.

Best time to visit : For the best weather, visit during the summer months but if you want to go white water-rafting, go for a wetter month like March when the rivers are fuller.

Pro tip : Take waterproofs as the weather is very variable, even in the summer months.

Brighton, Sussex

Brighton has been favoured by royalty and commoners alike as one of the most beautiful places in the UK for nearly two centuries and is one of the premier holiday destinations in the country. Majestic Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, British Airways i360, and great area beaches preview exciting adventures during the summer. Early bookings are a must for seafront properties like The Grand Brighton and Hilton Brighton Metropole .

Best time to visit : The town comes alive with brightly coloured banners, flags, and outfits in August for Gay Pride when there are huge processions through the streets

Pro tip : Book your accommodation well in advance if you want to visit during Pride as it attracts revellers and celebrities from all over the world.

Find stays in Brighton

Shetland Islands

A haven for eco-tourists due to its pristine environment, Shetland Islands appear untouched by time or man. Easily one of the most scenic places in the UK, summer is extremely mild, even with the midnight sun. St Ninian’s Isle offers a unique beach with sea on either side, for bucket-list adventure seekers. Shetland Hotel and The Lerwick Hotel provide affordable accommodation, but a car hire is essential for travel.

Best time to go : The summer is the driest time but if you want a chance to see the Northern Lights then the best time to visit is between October and March when the nights are darkest.

Pro tip : Move away from street lighting if you want the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Find stays in Shetland

Dorset, England

Few would dispute the fact that Durdle Door, Dorset, is amongst the natural wonders of the UK. Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, the breathtaking beauty of the beach and cliffs are as iconic as the landmark itself. It’s a long climb back up from the beach, so reward yourself with a warm bath at The Frampton Arms . They’re open all year long.

Best time to go : June, before the school holiday rush.

Pro tip : Also take time to visit Sandbanks for the best views at sunset. Also check out the row of 13 stunning mansions along the Panorama Road which is the world’s most expensive coastal real estate worth £93 million, reportedly exceeding waterside areas of Monte Carlo and Miami.

Find stays in Dorset

Lake District, England

The Lake District is always a popular choice for an active holiday in the UK during the winter months, when its mountains are ripe for skiing and snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. The adult’s-only Water’s Edge Inn and Claremont House in Ambleside place you at the centre of the action, from where you can explore Haweswater, Whiteless Pike and the wide expanse of Lake Windermere.

Best time to go : May to October offer the best walking conditions but April and March are great for water sports.

Pro tip : Bring a good map and a compass.

Find stays in the Lake District

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Whether you walk across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, down the beech tree-lined Bregagh Road, or over the basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim is assuredly one of the most scenic places in the UK. Weather patterns around Lough Neagh suggest mid-spring to early autumn is best for trips to the area. Curran Court Hotel and Causeway Lodge are examples of prime areas to stay with scenic views.

Best time to go : Weather patterns around Lough Neagh suggest mid-spring to early autumn is best for trips to the area.

Pro tip : The Giants Causeway is free to visit if you walk there, however, the car park is very expensive so you’re best arriving on foot.

Find stays in County Antrim

Bath, Somerset

Beguiling Georgian architecture and its famous Roman baths transform the city of Bath into a fabulous destination for a weekend break in the UK. Take in Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, but be sure to walk Bath Skyline for unparalleled views of one of the greatest cultural cities in the country.

Bathen House Boutique Hotel and Macdonald Bath Spa offer accommodation with Georgian themes.

Best time to go : May- September.

Pro tip : Visit Britain’s only natural thermal spa Thermae Spa to get a taste of what it was like for the Romans 2,000 years ago.

Find stays in Bath

Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight offers an inviting destination for a hiking holiday in the UK, with a comfortable yearlong climate featuring plenty of sunshine. Hike the area of The Needles Headland & Tennyson Park or stop by Carisbrooke Castle on the long walk to Chillerton Down. The Stag provides accommodation in the central town of Newport.

Best time to go : June or September.

Pro tip : Steephill Cove, a traditional unspoilt fishing cove, is the prettiest place to visit on the Isle of Wight. The nearest car park is a five minute walk away so it’s pretty quiet and calm most of the time.

Find stays in Isle of Wight

Bamburgh, Northumberland

Add Bamburgh in historical Northumberland to your list of the most scenic places in the UK. Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest Park take up most of the county’s western region, but there’s also an area of natural beauty on the east coast. Leave your belongings at Market Cross Guest House or The Victoria Hotel and enjoy a summer’s day at medieval Bamburgh Castle and Bamburgh Beach.

Pro tip : Head to Bamburgh Castle beach for stunning views and pictures of the castle above.

Find stays in Bamburgh

Holkham beach, Norfolk

It’s no surprise this stunning unspoiled beach is often featured as a backdrop on TV and in films. There are more than 50 beaches in Norfolk, but this is our favourite. The huge 20 million square foot expanse is a great place for walkers, dogs, kite-fliers, and swimmers. At low tide, you can walk for ages along beautiful sand before you reach the sea while at high-tide a semi-circular basin behind the shoreline turns into a huge lagoon.

As part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, the four mile expanse is one of the most untarnished areas of the country and home to many rare plants and animals.

Best time to go : Springtime.

Pro tip: There are no facilities at Holkham beach make sure you bring a packed lunch and empty your bladder before arriving

Find stays in Wells-on-Sea

Queen’s View, Pitlochry

Just one look, and you’ll realise why this is the Scottish Highlands’ most popular attraction. When Queen Victoria visited in 1866 she thought the amazing view west along Loch Tummel was named after. However it was said to be actually after Robert the Bruce’s first wife Isabella, 500 years earlier. Awkward!

Best time to go : March-June when the trees are in full bloom, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Pro tip : While the coffee shop terrace is tempting, get your drink to go and carry it up a few extra steps for the best views.

Find stays in Pitlochry

Isles of Scilly, Cornwall

Don’t let the distance put you off. This archipelago off the tip of the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly are one of the UK’s crown jewels. The charming group of islands has the mildest climate in the UK, meaning you can make the most of the great outdoors throughout the year with beach days and crisp walks. You’ll find a unique range of flora and fauna here too, with puffins, dolphins and sharks spotted off the coast.

Best time to go : March – June

Pro tip : Be sure to check out the beautiful sub-tropical paradise Abbey gardens on the island of Tresco which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.

Find stays on the Isles of Scilly

Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Kent

The descent from the high cliffs into the horse shoe-shaped sandy bay with bobbing fishing boats below makes for a very picturesque scene.

The town was a frequent destination for author Charles Dickens for much of his writing career and there are many mentions of him and his work around the local area. Bleak House, where he wrote David Copperfield, can be seen from the beach too.

Best time to go : The summer as there are lots of activities going on in addition to the finer weather.

Pro tip : Park your car on the road or car park above the beach and enjoy a gentle walk down to get the best views and photographs.

Find stays in Broadstairs

Tenby, Wales

One of the most photographed sights in Wales, Tenby North beach has a backdrop of colourful houses on top of the cliffs overlooking the harbour.

You’ll also find the eye-catching Goskar rock, sticking out of the middle of the sand, which kids love to admire.

The south-west of Wales is blessed with a vast array of great beaches but Tenby has three of the most beautiful; in addition to the north beach there is the south beach and also Castle Beach, which is popular with families and visitors wanting to canoe and paddle-board.

Best time to go : The summer for a traditional beach experience.

Pro tip : If you’ve got kids, take them to probably the most picturesque playground in the UK, situated high on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Find stays in Tenby

Canterbury, Kent

Thanks to the legendary Canterbury Tales, this medieval city continues to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by the magnificence of Canterbury Cathedral and the city’s Roman ruins and architecture. October highlights the Canterbury Festival, and it’s not too chilly for a city tour via river punt. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge may be the best accommodation, but Broome Park Hotel isn’t far behind.

Best time to go : May/June or September/October.

Pro tip : While the main focus is Canterbury Cathedral, make sure to take time to walk around the prestinct immediately surrounding it. You can see the oldest school in the world, the King’s School Hall, which was founded 600 CE.

Find stays in Canterbury

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

One of the most iconic and oldest standing structures on earth needs little introduction on the list of most beautiful places in the UK. Intimately connected to the summer solstice, Stonehenge is a major seasonal draw for thousands, but travel during the spring and autumn reveals more of its mystery away from the noise and crowds. Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge and The Northey Arms are superb accommodation options, even in the off-season.

When to visit: Midweek, during the school term. Arrive early for the least crowds.

Pro tip: Avoid the summer and winter solstices as Stonehenge is very busy (it’s the only time they let you into the stone circle.)

Find stays in Wiltshire

Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

The Mourne Mountains are definitely off the beaten track, but once you get a taste of its panoramas, you’ll be glad you came to this corner of Northern Ireland. Nearby Silent Valley Mountain Park and Spelga Dam provide ample walking trails, and you’ll find few summer crowds, so take your pick of rooms at The Rostrevor Inn or Canal Court Hotel in Newry.

When to visit : The best time for walking is between April and October.

Pro tip: The weather can change very quickly so if you’re out walking bring a map and compass as it could suddenly get foggy.

Find stays in Northern Island

Inverness, Scotland

Deep in the Scottish Highlands, the city of Inverness is a top choice for adventures and active holidays in the UK. The city centre offers the historical Inverness Castle and Inverness Cathedral for walking tours, or you can savour a boat ride along River Ness, past Ness Islands, down to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. Trace the route of the famous North Coast 500 from Inverness Castle, after you settle in at Jurys Inn Inverness or Kingsmills Hotel .

When to go : Spring or Autumn when it’s less busy with tourists.

Pro tip : Don’t miss Fort George, an 18th century military fortress near Ardersier, in the north-east of Inverness.

Find stays in Inverness

Cannock Chase, Rugeley, Staffordshire

When the sun shines through the towering trees, there is something very magical about Cannock Chase. While it’s the UK’s smallest area of outstanding beauty it’s certainly not one to be missed. There is a lovely sculpture trail, exhilarating biking routes, hiking roots, and a forest Segway experience.

When to go : Spring or summer.

Pro tip : The Commonwealth mountain biking route took place in Cannock Chase so it’s a popular destination. Best to arrive early before it gets too crowded.

Find stays in Staffordshire

Originally published 02 22, updated on 10 22.

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » 20 Beautiful Places in The UK • (2024 Edition)

20 Beautiful Places in The UK • (2024 Edition)

A land steeped in history and diverse landscapes, the United Kingdom is a true treasure trove of natural and manmade beauty. Stretching from Cornish beaches to the Scottish highlands this series of islands is Mother Nature’s masterpiece.

Seriously, there may actually be TOO many beautiful places in the UK. But fear not; I am here to settle your panic with a comprehensive list of exquisite places to visit.

Nature lovers can flock to the Lake District, dotted with lush valleys and lakes. And don’t get me started on the isles of Northern Ireland and the exquisite historic castles in Edinburgh. On top of that, you’ll experience a flurry of culture with a visit to the UK’s major cities.

So, whether you’re after the buzz of one of the world’s most iconic cities or a peaceful countryside retreat, here is my pick of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in the UK.

1. Saint Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

2. hampstead heath, london, 3. dunnottar castle, aberdeenshire, scotland, 4. the white cliffs of dover, 5. stonehenge, wiltshire, 6. windsor castle, berkshire, 7. snowdonia national park, wales, 8. oxford, england, 9. the isles of scilly, cornwall, 10. stratford-upon-avon, 11. fairy pools, isle of skye, scotland, 12. portmeirion, wales, 13. pedn vounder beach, cornwall, england, 14. portree, isle of skye, scotland, 15. glenfinnan viaduct, scotland, 16. barafundle bay, pembrokeshire, wales, 17. micheldever wood, hampshire, 18. kynance cove, cornwall, england, 19. the dark hedges, northern ireland, 20. gold hill, shaftesbury, how to see beautiful places in the uk, faqs about beautiful places in the uk, final thoughts on beautiful places in the uk.

If you’re travelling to the UK , make sure you get yo’ ass to Cornwall. This historic castle is perched on a small island just off the Cornish coastline of Marazion and easily ranks in the top ten places to visit in the UK.

Now a well-loved family estate, the ancient castle has a rich legacy dating back to 1135. Going back even further to 495AD, the island tells tales of mermaids, Jack the Giant Killer, as well as pilgrims and monks. They were lured to the island after four miracles occurred in the 12th century. 

Whether you believe in spiritual energies and miracles or not, this fabled island really is worth learning a bit more about.

Getting to the island is an adventure. With a causeway submerged underwater at high tide, you’ll have to time your visit to walk the fifteen minutes at low tide or travel via boat.

To visit the castle itself, you need to book a ticket online. This will give you full access to the castle, the gun batteries, gardens, museum shops, and cafes. For sure worth the visit, and one of my fav things to see in Cornwall !

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Truth be told, I can’t think of a place that gives me as much inner peace and happiness as Hampstead Heath. Maybe because it is an impossible respite in the midst of one of Europe’s largest and most busy cities. This wooded park is easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK. 

If you’ve got some spare time and are looking for a place to stay in London for the day – head here.

Located in north London in the Hamstead hood, the heath is a wild park made up of woodlands, meadows, and forests. While in the heart of the city in London’s Zone Two, this area was once a rural village on the periphery of the city. As the city population swelled, so did the land, and Hampstead became a part of the metropolis.

In the early 18th century, the city dug wells and built a spa in the park. It was believed that the iron-rich water held medicinal powers. While the spa is no longer, people still flock to the heath to swim in the Hampstead and Highgate Ponds, which are divided into male and female swimming zones.

If Dunnottar Castle takes you straight into an episode of Game of Thrones, it’s because some scenes from the TV series were shot here. And for good reason. The impressive medieval fortress is perched on top of a rocky headland overlooking the northeastern coastline of Scotland. 

Historically speaking, you don’t get many more significant castle complexes than this one. It hosted some of the UK’s most historical figures, including Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace. 

The castle is best known for being the location where the crown jewels of Scotland (the Honours of Scotland) were hidden from an invading army in the 17th century. Stroll through the unassuming medieval ruins, and you’ll learn exactly why they were hidden here. 

The buildings that still stand today are mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries. But the chapel at Dunnotar is said to have been constructed as far back as the 5th century. This is somewhere every history lover should visit!

Once you’ve taken in the castle, head to the coastal path and view the castle from the perspective of enemy armies for a plot twist!

Considered one of the most iconic and unique places to visit in the UK, the White Cliffs of Dover really do deserve this prestigious title.

Over seventy million years ago, this region was completely submerged by a shallow ocean. The sea bottom, which was made of white mud, later became a chalky stone that makes up the white cliffs you see today. Talk about the world’s largest chalkboard!

What makes these chalky cliffs so iconically British? Well, before air travel, the cliffs would be one of the first and last sights of the United Kingdom of seafaring passengers arriving at and departing from the island.

The best way to experience this natural phenomenon is to walk along the coastal path towards the South Foreland Lighthouse. 

But wait, there’s more! If hiking gets you excited, there is a relatively easy 3.6-mile loop that starts near Dover in Kent. It takes 90 minutes to complete and will open your eyes to the local flora and fauna in the area.

At just over 2 hours away, it makes for a nice little day trip from London . Once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’re in a totally different country!

English icons step aside because the leader of the pack has arrived. Stonehenge is inextricably intertwined with English heritage.

These abstractly arranged stone pillars, resting on each other in a way that can make you believe in aliens, are one of Europe’s most prehistoric structures and mysterious places .

Dating back to 3000 BC, the stones have confused archaeologists and scientists for centuries. In fact, we still aren’t exactly sure how these stones ended up here. What we do know is that they are one of the most unique places to visit in the UK.

The most likely theory is that Stonehenge was a historic site of worship. Listen, if you have any insider knowledge, please contact us before you hit up the UK Historical Society!

Booking tickets is essential since this attraction is now a real tourist hub. I recommend visiting at sunrise for spectacular views of the sun shining through the ancient sculptures. My last sunrise visit happened to coincide with the summer solstice and an interesting group of self-proclaimed witches, which really added to the mystical feeling of it all.

The stones are near Salisbury, around two and a half hours from London or an hour and a half from Bristol.  Stonehenge from London is doable in a day.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

As far as castles go, Windsor Castle is the cool kid on the block. Standing for over 900 years, Windsor is the most continually lived-in castle in history. Even though it’s where the British royal family lives and is a working castle, the palace is still open for visitors daily.

The royal residence is located in Berkshire, stretching five acres along the River Thames. It’s just a short 25 miles from the centre of London, making it an absolute must-visit.

One of the best ways to see Windsor Castle is to join a day tour which takes you to Stonehenge AND Bath on the same day, result.

Make sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony. The change happens each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 a.m. (although there can be last-minute changes).

Some of my favourite facts about this iconic property are that the castle has 300 fireplaces and close to 400 clocks (imagine the perilous task of changing the clocks for daylight savings). Back to the fireplaces, all 300 of them are lit and cleaned by one guy. What a job!

Not to mention, its kitchen is the oldest in the UK and is home to an art collection housing the works of Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Impressed yet?

Thrillseekers and adventurers, this one is for you! Covering 823 square miles, nine mountain ranges, and 74 miles worth of coastline, Snowdonia is one of the most impressive national parks in the UK , and the biggest in Wales.

For the hikers, the rugged slate mountain pass at Llanberis Pass runs around five miles from Llanberis to the Pen-y-pass. Pack your hiking shoes and trek the route, passing the idyllic town of Betws-y-Coed for a cold pint along the way.

Another exquisite landscape in the park is the Llyn Glaslyn. Translated to Blue Lake in Welch, this alpine lake is believed to be the location where King Arthur had his sword Excalibur thrown into. 

Snowdonia also boasts a heritage spanning centuries of English history. From remains of the Industrial Revolution mines and quarries to hidden castles and Roman forts, there is plenty to explore in this massive area.

Head to Dolgellau for a bite to eat. The charming village might just be one of the most beautiful places in the UK . Positioned at the foothills of the Cadair Idris along the River Wnion, the brick village offers a taste of what it would be like to live in Snowdonia.

Here at The Broke Backpacker , we love freedom! And there’s no freedom as sweet (and CHEAP) as camping around the world.

We’ve been camping on our adventures for over 10 years, so take it from us: the MSR HUBBA HUBBA is the best damn tent for adventuring…

You heard right; we’re talking about the city home to one of the world’s most famous universities. Naturally, Oxford is the intellectual capital of the UK. Not only is it home to the world’s oldest English-speaking educational institution but also the country’s largest bookshop.

The university was allegedly founded by Alfred the Great in 872 after a long debate with some monks. But it was only in the 12th century that the school became what it is today, attracting some of the world’s most famous scholars and teachers.

Walk in the footsteps of Nobel-prize winners, politicians, and literary stars as you explore the enormous hallways and lecture theatres at the university. One of the most impressive rooms has to be the grand library. If I could study in this hall, I would never allow myself to graduate!

A day tour of Oxford City and University makes for a memorable day, and one I can recommend.

But it’s not all about education here. The architecture in this gothic city is the real standout attraction. Here, you will find some of the best preserved medieval, Baroque, and Gothic buildings intertwined with an eclectic mix of modern structures.

Hold the phone. Are we still in England?

While the Isles of Scilly might look like the Greek islands, they are indeed located just off the coast of Cornwall. What looks like an archipelago in the tropics, the Isles of Scilly include five inhabited islands and plenty of deserted isles and sandbanks waiting to be explored.

Each island has its own unique charm and feel, but they all have a super friendly and relaxed ambience.

The largest of the islands, St. Marys, is the hub of the region, with a big town centre and plenty of shops and restaurants. With hardly any cars and a small elevation, this island is a hot spot for hiking and cycling and is one of UK’s hidden gems .

From the harbour, you could catch a boat to any of the other main islands. Do yourself a favour and pop past Tresco, the archipelago’s most stylish and sophisticated islands. This island is best known for its Abbey Garden, home to over twenty thousand sub-tropical plants. 

Bryher is an island of contrasts, with endless coves and bays to explore by kayak. Oh, and the art studio here perfectly captures the beauty of the islands.

Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the UK’s most important historical and cultural attractions. Why, you ask? Well, this small picturesque town in the countryside is the birthplace of literary icon William Shakespeare, where he wrote several of his classic plays and books.

Its history goes way further back than Shakespeare, beginning when the Saxons founded the town in the 7th century.

The town looks today as it did hundreds of years ago, steeped in history with its old timber Tudor homes, cosy restaurants and pubs, and lush gardens. Stroll around the quintessentially English streets and along the idyllic canal, which is home to plenty of swooning swans. 

It wouldn’t be a classic Stratford upon Avon trip without a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. With regular evening shows hosted throughout the year, this classic tourist activity is totally worth the hype.

Other than the obvious (visiting Shakespeare’s theatre and house, that is), make sure you pay the Bancroft Gardens a visit. If there’s one thing the Brits know how to do well, it’s curate an exquisite English garden.

Pure tranquillity is what awaits you at the Fairy Pools. Nestled in a hidden valley in Scotlands Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools are a series of freshwater pools and waterfalls that will quickly transport you into your favourite fairytale.

At the border of Snowdonia National Park and the Dwyryd Estuary in Northern Wales, Portmeirion is a resort town inspired by the Italian Riviera. With its Riviera-inspired houses, manicured gardens, and central piazza, the hotel-village is a theme park for those who appreciate tasteful architecture.

Grab your towel and sunnies and head for one of Cornwall’s best beaches. Pedn Vounder Beach is set below the Treryn Dinas cliffs and boasts some seriously turquoise water. I’m talking tropical vibes in the middle of the UK! What are you waiting for?

Portree is the most significant town on the Isle of Skye. Head for the quaint cottages along the Portree Harbor to enjoy a meal while watching the fishing boats come and go. This is easily one of the most unique places to visit in the UK.

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you! One look at the Glenfinnan Viaduct , and you’ll be transported into the world of wizardry.

Watch the Jacobite Steam Train toot its way across the viaduct, or hop on board for an even more immersive Potter experience.

Ever imagine one of the world’s best beaches would be in Wales? I sure didn’t.

Perhaps it’s because of its gorgeous cliffside setting surrounded by pine trees or the fact that it is hardly ever busy. For whatever reason, this peaceful bay in Pembrokeshire is well worth the trip.

Wander through the idyllic Micheldever Wood , famous for its ancient woodlands and diverse bird and insect species. I recommend visiting this beautiful place in the UK during spring when a carpet of wildflowers covers the forest floor. This one is a gem for the nature lovers!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

With its white sand and turquoise water, you might mistake Kynance Cove for an island in the Indonesian archipelago. Located around Mount’s Bay in Cornwall, the cove is regularly featured on the list of top beaches in the world – once you visit, you’ll see why!

Ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the footsteps of your favourite fairytale characters? Well, if there ever was a place to do this, it would be the Dark Hedges. Planted in the eighteenth century, these trees are as eerie as they are stunning.

To top things off, there really are few villages as picturesque as Shaftesbury in Dorset. As far as streets go, Gold Hill really is one of the most beautiful places in the UK . The steep cobblestone street is lined with historic thatched homes, overlooking incredible views of the Dorset countryside below.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

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Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

The UK has an extensive public transport system that connects major cities and regions, as well as inner-city transport that makes getting around a breeze! The ‘tube’ better known as the London Underground is one of the least beautiful places in the UK… but pretty cool.

Driving in a big city like London is a no-go, but I highly recommend renting a car to explore regions like the Lake District, Cornwall, the countryside, and the Scottish highlands.

That said, distances are big (especially when travelling from north to south). The train service is super efficient, linking London and Edinburgh in five to six hours, starting at around £40 one-way. 

Budget airlines are also an option, but they are no-bueno for the environment. Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air are the most popular. A direct flight from Bristol to Glasgow will take only one hour and cost around £50.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the UK’s most beautiful places.

What’s the most beautiful city in the UK?

For me, Oxford. London is pretty, Edinburgh is epic, but Oxford is just so damn cute. It’s culturally rich, a bit expensive, but damn beautiful. My favourite spot in the city is obviously the university. It can get pretty touristy though, beware.

What’s the most beautiful country in the UK?

Well, as an Englishman I would say England. But, a Scotsman would tell you Scotland and a Welshman would say Wales. To be honest, none of these answers are wrong. Scotland is truly stunning, but I’m a beach bum so I love Cornwall and Devon.

What’s the most beautiful beach in the UK?

Baradfundle Bay or Pedn Vounder Beach. This is a tough question to answer though as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Cornwall, Devon and West Wales are PACKED with absolute beauties. Take your pick,

What’s the most beautiful place in England?

I’d say it’s Cornwall. There are SO many places that aren’t on this list that could EASILy be number one! England truly has some stunning sights. The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall is one of my personal favourite spots. Devon is equally as stunning, and The Lake District is not to be underestimated either.

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There is no way around it; the UK is like a gold mine of beauty. From the lush valleys, moors, and lakes to the charming countryside and iconic cities, it’s all magnificent. Your biggest issue will be narrowing down where you most want to visit.

For a real town and country experience, I absolutely love strolling the picture-perfect streets of Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. Surrounded by classic countryside views, there really is no place more quintessentially English.

If you’re a nature lover like me though, I would say you MUST visit Cornwall and all its stunning beaches in the summertime. Kynance Cove is my personal favourite Cornish spot.

Hopefully, this extensive guide to the most beautiful places in the UK (historical monuments and natural phenomena alike) will make your itinerary planning a bit less daunting.

• Check out the best cheap hostels in London to kickstart your UK adventure.
• Know where to stay in London BEFORE you land… trust me on this one.
• Explore my favourite city in the UK with our guide to spending a weekend in Manchester .
• Unlock your wild side and discover the most beautiful national parks in Scotland .
• Why not treat yourself to a Welsh weekend in an Airbnb in Cardiff ?
• Let’s get you ready for your next adventure with our backpacking Ireland guide .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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10 most beautiful places you’ll be surprised are in the UK, from waterfalls to secluded beaches

There are some exceptionally scenic destinations right on the doorstep in the uk – if you know where to look. here’s a dive into some of the most incredible, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

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When the weather disappoints or the workload is heavy, we often find ourselves wanderlusting for far-flung places across the globe.

However, you don't have to venture outside of the UK to enjoy azure waters, golden sand and palm trees. In fact, for those who only look to airports, cross-Channel trains and ferries to get their holiday fill, the sheer beauty that can be found across Britain is somewhat surprising. But it's certainly a pleasant surprise, as this guide will show you.

From Bali -esque flowing waterfalls to a slice of Sydney in Devon , and from an almost jungle setting to the the most Italian part of Wales, here are some of the best places in the UK to enjoy exotic scenery.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

A half-hour drive from Swansea, in south Wales , Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marshes and the bay’s signature three limestone cliffs.

A photogenic part of the Gower Coast Path, it’s an ideal spot for picnics, and is popular for caravaning, glamping and cottage retreats.

• Revealed: The 50 best beaches in the world, according to experts
• Best secret UK beaches to visit for peace and quiet
• The best mountains to climb in the UK

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Part of an Art Deco hotel that first opened in 1935, Tinside Lido closed in 1992 but returned after a successful local campaign and attained Grade II-listed status in 1998.

Its poolside views are not dissimilar to Sydney's Bondi Beach, while the salt water swimming pool is a great place to splash and sunbathe in the summer months.

Read more on UK travel :

• Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in London
• The best secret UK beaches to visit for peace and quiet
• The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK for 2023

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

Designed and built in the style of an Italian village by Sir Clough William-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion is one of the most unique villages in Wales.

While it may be located in North Wales, rather than the Mediterranean, Portmeirion still attracts visitors in their droves due to its scenic beauty, boutique hotels and excellent restaurants.

High Force, Durham

Verdant scenery and fast-flowing waterfalls give High Force the air of a Costa Rican jungle, but it can be found in County Durham. One of England ’s most spectacular waterfalls, it has a 21m drop into the beautiful plunge pool below.

A variety of wildlife and fauna can be seen at High Force throughout the seasons from wildflowers, ferns and towering trees to roe deer and rabbits.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Near to the village of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire , Barafundle Bay is nestled between cliffs and is reminiscent of a secluded bay on a Greek island. Once owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, the beach is now open to the public and has previously made the list of the top beaches in the world, while the Good Holiday Guide also named it the best beach in Britain.

With sand dunes and pine trees, the beach is accessible by a half-mile walk from the nearest car park and offers a secluded, scenic retreat.

West Bay, Dorset, England

With towering orange cliffs and beautiful clear waters, West Bay in Dorset is reminiscent of the Algarve.

With its seaside location, it's ideal for family holidays and coastal walks, while the nearby market town of Bridport has long had a stellar reputation for culture and food.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall, England

Cited as one of the most photographed and painted locations in Cornwall , with beautiful white sand and blue sea, Kynance Cove wouldn't look out of place on a Sardinian postcard.

A landscape painter's dream, the contrast between the cove’s white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock is breathtaking.

At low tide there are plenty of sea caves and islands to explore, and its rock-towers were even featured in BBC One's Poldark.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

On the right day, Tenby can feel like you’ve transported to Bali , with its palm trees, golden sands, blue seas and colourful buildings.

A seaside tourist town for over 200 years, Tenby is steeped in history and surrounded by a medieval wall. It's also home to three beaches; North, South and Castle. North is popular for watersports, Castle its spectacular views and South beach for its almost two-mile stretch of golden sand.

Sgwd Yr Eira, Brecon Beacons

Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall may look like a selfie spot in Thailand , but is actually found in the Melte Valley in Wales's Brecon Beacons.

Translated literally as “fall of snow”, visitors can walk behind the curtain of water on a path forged by sheep farmers, which makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Described as one of Mull’s best kept secrets, Langamull Beach is often heralded as the Mull Caribbean thanks to its white sand.

• Best dog-friendly hotels in Cornwall 2022

The 20-minute walk to the beach is secluded, with spectacular views justifying the journey. On a clear day, visitors may be able to see other small islands and Skye.

Read more on the best UK hotels

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20 Amazing Places to Visit in the UK

Written By: The Planet D

United Kingdom

Updated On: February 8, 2024

From the sea cliffs of Northern Ireland to the adventure playground of Wales, it’s difficult deciding where to go first. Travelers in the UK are spoiled for choice with attractions within the buzzing urban streets of London England to the isolated coast of the North Coast 500’s Scottish Highlands . To help you plan your travels, we thought we’d highlight some of the best places to visit in the UK to help you decide where to start.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in the UK

Since the UK is made up of Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, we are going to break up the best places to visit in the UK by nation. So, are you ready to explore the United Kingdom with us? Let’s go.

Places to Visit in England

It’s impossible to mention the best places to visit in the UK without including London, England. It’s truly one of the best cities on earth with unbeatable history, fantastic nightlife and historic sites lining the River Thames. See our full guide to the capital city of 22 of the Top Things to do in London, England

To take in the sights of London from above, book a ride up to the top of the World’s Tallest Observation Deck. This fast track ticket up the The London Eye offers fantastic views of the London Skyline. If you want to combine that with a cruise along the River Thames, check out this London Eye River Cruise to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben ( Palace of Westminster ), Tower of London Tower Bridge and more.

2. Greenwich Meridian Line

We have an entire article dedicated to all the amazing things to do in London, but one of the coolest places to visit in the UK is definitely the Greenwich Meridian Line. The Royal Observatory is home to the Prime Meridian of the world where the Eastern and Western hemispheres meet.

Book your advance entrance ticket that gives access to the home of British astronomy at the Royal Observatory, and Greenwich where you’ll be able to straddle the world-famous Meridian Line. It is also home to one of the best view of the city.

Another place that you must visit in the United Kingdom is Windsor Castle. Read all about it here How to Visit Windsor Castle

3. Cambridge

The legendary university town of Cambridge is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK. The architecture alone is worth visiting as it spans centuries with Kings College Chapel dating back to 1446. The university itself was founded in 1209 and has seen its share of historic figures walk its halls from Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.

A great way to explore Cambridge University is to book a Guided Walking Tour with a Graduate . Enjoy 1.5 hours strolling the campus from King’s College to Trinity Hall College, Trinity College and Corpus Christi College. Let a Cambridge graduate share insider stories at you witness where DNA was discovered at the 17th-century The Eagle pub.

Punting is the quintessential Cambridge activity and this punting tour takes you along the entire length of the River Cam. Punting is similar to the gondola rides of Venice where you sit in comfort as your guide pushes the boat along the river with a long pole.

While we are exploring legendary universities, you must make your way to Oxford. The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge dates back centuries and a that rivalry is celebrated annually during “The Boat Race” a rowing event that takes place each Spring on the River Thames.

Like Cambridge University, the best way to explore the grounds is to take a Walking Tour with an Oxford Alumni Guide . Harry Potter fans will love exploring filming locations of the Goblet of Fire.

5. Medieval York

One of the UKs most popular destinations is the medieval city of York. Located two hours north of London, this historic city boasts 2000 years of history. Take a walking tour through York to explore the top attractions of the walled city including the largest Gothic Cathedral in the United Kingdom. Get lost in the maze of passages known as ‘Snickelways’ that leads to the cobblestone street known as the shambles that was the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Nothing beats a river cruise in the UK and York is no exception. Book this River Ouse River Cruise where you’ll depart from King’s Staith landing and takes you to Clifton Ridge and the Millenial Bridge.

If you are looking for one of the prettiest places to visit in the UK, Bath is a great choice. Known for its thermal baths dating back to Roman times, it has been luring visitors to its healing waters for 2000 years. The city of Bath is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best way to explore Bath is on a City Boat Trip to the Pulteney Bridge . Hop aboard a 1960s cruiser to see the top attractions in Bath from the water or enjoy a Walking Tour of Bath Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. Don’t miss visiting the Jane Austin Centre who resided in Bath and marvel at the architecture spanning the centuries.

One of the most famous attractions in the UK is Stonehenge. These famous standing stone pillars date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age are definitely one of the best places to visit in England for history lovers. The Stonehenge Admission Ticket gives you access to one of the most the prehistoric monuments in the world. Make sure to download the audio app to your smartphone to help you wander this mysterious circle of stones. Hot tip, make sure to visit early in the morning or very late in the afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds.

7. Brighton

Brighton is one of the best places to visit in the UK for beaches and fun in the sun. Located just an hour train ride from the capital, Brighton is one of England’s most popular resort towns. There are plenty of watersports along the beach with the most recognizable landmark being the Palace Pier which has survived for more than a century.

For the best views of the South Coast of Britian, Go up the British Airways i360 standing tall above the city. A modern glass pod takes you up 138 meters for views of the Sussex Coast, the city of Brighton and the beaches. For a splurge, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at the Nyetimber Sky Bar.

8. Liverpool

Ever since watching Carpool Karaoke with Paul McCartney, Liverpool moved to the top of our must visit places in the UK. Naturally, people are drawn to Liverpool to explore the history of the Beatles. The award-winning attraction, the Beatles Story located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Albert Docks area should not be missed.

Get your tickets to the Beatles Story to trace the history of the Fab Four as you journey through replicas of historic Beatles milestones including The Casbah, Mathew Street and The Cavern.

But Liverpool isn’t just about the Beatles, it’s ranked as the fifth most visited place in the UK for a good reason. There are galleries and museums, the historic waterfront the actual Cavern Club where the Beatles debut in 1961 and the historic docks.

Book a River Cruise down the Mersey River. This 50 minute tour takes you along the famous sites of the Mersey River including St. Albert’s Dock and the historic buildings lining the Liverpool Waterfront known as the Three Graces.

9. Lake District

The Lake District is known for its wild craggy fells, and connections to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter and is definitely one of the not to miss places in the UK for the quintessential England. Located in northwest England The Lake District is a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It lives up to its name housing 12 of the largest lakes in England. It is a hikers paradise with 3,218 kilometers of trails including the 16-kilometer-long Cotswold Way and Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.

Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

10. giant’s causeway.

Northern Ireland is one of our favourite places in Europe let alone favourite places to visit in the UK. We have to start with The Giant’s Causeway, an incredible beach of 40 thousand basalt columns creating a natural staircase leading down to the sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Ireland’s Top Attraction. Visit it first thing in the morning to take in its natural beauty free of crowds.

11. Causeway Coast

Taking a drive along the Causeway Coast is a world class coastal driving route that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Its stunning landscape takes you through sea cliffs and beaches, coastal villages and medieval wonders. It is filled with dazzling attractions including picturesque Dark Hedges, the Carrick a Rede Bridge, Mussenden Temple, Dunluce Castle and the rolling Green Hills of the Glens of Antrim.

12. Belfast

When visiting Northern Ireland, the city of Belfast is not to be missed. The star attraction is the Titanic Museum. Book your tickets to the Belfast Titanic Experience where you’ll walk through an interactive display of the world’s largest exhibit dedicated to the Titanic. The virtual reality room is not to be missed and the multimedia displays of the underwater salvaging of the ship and the on going research is fascinating.

Make sure to head outside to see where the Titanic was built and explore the life size outline of the Titanic herself before going inside the SS Nomadic – the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world

13. Walls of London Derry

The city of London Derry is an often overlooked destination in the UK, but this should definitely be added to your list of places to visit. The Walls of London Derry date back to the 17th century and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe. Take a walking tour along walls to learn about the sieges and conflicts that the city of Derry has endured over the centuries including the 1689 siege that lasted for 105 days.

Places to Visit in Scotland

14. edinburgh.

Scotland is one of our favourite places to visit in the UK and Edinburgh is a city we could return to again and again. It’s a city filled with history, beauty, hauntings and magic. There are so many things to do in Edinburgh we have an entire itinerary to help you plan three days in Edinburgh. From exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle to shopping on the Royal Mile, there is something for everyone. From the Chocolatarium Tour, Tasting & Chocolate Making in Edinburgh to touring the Royal ‘Yacht Britannia.

Harry Potter fans will get a kick out of this Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour where you’ll see the sights that inspired J.K. Rowling including the actual tombstone that inspired Grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard. For more spooky fun, take an Underground Vaults tour beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The costumed guide sets the tone as you navigate the underground passage lit by candlelight.

• Things to do in Edinburgh
• 3 Days in Edinburgh – The Complete Edinburgh Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Edinburgh – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods

15. Loch Lomond

Located an hour and 40 minutes from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is something to add to your itinerary when traveling around the United Kingdom. Known as the Queen of Scottish Lochs, it offers beautiful views of the boundary where the Scottish highlands meet the lowlands. This Loch Lomond: 1-Hour Cruise takes you on a scenic journey from Balloch village to where you’ll see Ben Mountain and Inchmurrin Island which is home to the ruins of the 12th century Lennox Castle.

16. Scottish Highlands

A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without explore the Scottish Highlands. We took a drive along the northernmost portion of Scotland on the North Coast 500. From Inverness to the Isle of Skye, the northern portion of the country has some of the best scenery in Scotland.

Drive through the Scottish Highlands in search of castles and cairns twisting and turning among some fo the most rugged coastline in the world. Scotland also houses the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. Sample Scottish Whisky in Dornoch, Admire the Sea Stacks of John O’Groats and explore the sea caves of Ullapool. North Coast 500 – The Ultimate Trip Guide to Scotland’s Epic Drive

17. Inverness

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands and is our favourite city in Scotland.

While Loch Ness may be what first attracted visitors to Inverness, there are so many things to see in Inverness. In town check out the 19th century St. Andrew’s Cathedral and stroll the Ness Islands. Don’t miss visiting the historic Culloden Battlefield, and walk through thousand year old cairns. Explore more at our 8 Things to do in Inverness – The Capital of the Scottish Highlands

It is from Inverness that you can make your way to Loch Ness in search of the Loch Ness Monster. Make sure to visit Urquhart Castle which has been the centre of many a battle for 1000 years as it changed hands between Scotland and Britain.

Places to Visit in Wales

Definitely one of our favourite places to visit in the UK is Wales . Dave and I like to call it The Adventure Capital of Europe with extreme sports, coastal hikes and underground caverns waiting to be explored. Wales is the land of castles, with more castles per square mile within its borders than anywhere else in the world. It is the perfect place to go castle hopping.

18. Snowdonia

If you are a nature lover Snowdonia National Park should be at the top of your list . The Snowdon Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom extraordinary views over rolling mountains from Snowdon Mountain, the highest mountain in Wales. Take the steam train ride up to the summit to enjoy some hiking.

19. Portmeirion

Portmeirion is a fairytale-like tourist village in Gwynedd, Wales. Nobody lives in this town, but it’s a wonderful stop on your visit to Wales that gives a quiet retreat in a very different destination. Modeled after the village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, Portmeiron is a quirky destination that is not to be missed.

20. Pembrokeshire

If you want to add the adventure of a lifetime to your bucket list, try your hand at Coasteering in Pembrokeshire. You will not only marvel at the stunning coastal sea cliffs, you will jump from them into rolling and tumbling waters. What to Expect when Coasteering in Wales

And there you have some of the best places to visit in the UK. There really are so many other places to visit, we barely scratched the surface but this should help you get started. So where are you going next?

Read more about London

• Where To Stay In London – Guide to The Best Neighborhoods
• 3 Days in London – The Ultimate London Itinerary
• How to Get from London Airport to City Centre
• London Landmarks – 18 Famous Places in Photos

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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The Most Beautiful Places in England for Your Bucket List (Besides London)

Last Updated: February 3, 2021

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I think it’s time to admit the truth, guys… I’m beyond obsessed with England.

After all, as a little girl growing up in Canada, my daily routine consisted of practicing Harry Potter spells, jamming out to the Beatles and dreaming of (one day) marrying into the royal family…

And while I’ve grown older and wiser, (with more realistic goals), my fascination with England has never really ceased. From admiring the country in books and film to exploring its beauty for myself, I’m officially more England-obsessed than ever.

Especially when last month, I had the freedom to explore England by train with BritRail , I realized just how many overlooked destinations there are in this amazing country. Most visitors will flock to London, but today we’re going to dig beyond the capital, from dramatically rugged coastlines to Hogwarts- esque architectural magic. So, if you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip, here are some of the most beautiful places in England I’ve visited so far, plus a few that I have eagerly on my list.

PS: I know I’m still missing plenty of amazing destinations! Let me know in the comments what spots in England I should check out on my next trip.

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BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN ENGLAND MAP

Stunningly beautiful places to visit in england (besides london).

England is filled top to bottom with amazing places to explore. Here are a few of my favourites…

1. The Cotswolds

With rolling green hills and charmingly sleepy villages, the Cotswolds are often thought to represent English quaintness at its best. And yes, having road tripped around this area twice now, I can confirm that it is every bit as lovely and wonderful as the photos suggest.

There’s so much the Cotswolds have to offer, whether it’s village hopping, antique shopping or nursing a pint or ten in some mega-cozy pubs, so if it’s loveliness on steroids you’re after, be sure to visit the Cotswolds! For extra inspo, click here for my roundup of the best Cotswold villages and towns to visit.

Ask anyone about the most beautiful cities in England, and odds are, you’ll be hearing Bath again and again. Combining a postcard-perfect appeal with unique attractions like a stunning Abbey and historic Roman Baths, this Somerset gem is bar none one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

And whether it’s indulging in a world-famous Sally Lunn bun, or soaking in a day of pampering at Thermae Bath Spa, one thing’s for sure: Bath is a city you need on your bucket list. Click here for my Bath itinerary for a taste of what this city has to offer!

3. Cornwall

Venture to the Westernmost point of the country and you’ll be questioning whether or not you’re still in England. The turquoise blue waters of this unique peninsula make it an easy doppleganger for paradise destinations like Southern France or Italy.

In Cornwall, you’ll find a bit of everything, from white sand beaches and rugged cliffs to quaint fishing villages and historic ruins. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at surfing (and fail miserably like I did) or as a safer bet, tuck into some of the freshest seafood the UK has to offer.

PS: You have not lived life until you’ve tasted the glory of a fresh Cornish pasty. Packing tip – don’t forget your stretchy pants.

4. The Jurassic Coast

This 95 mile stretch along Southern England (from East Devon to Dorset) is considered one of the most picturesque places in the UK… a fact that’s impossible to argue once you’ve seen it.

With dozens of beautiful towns and villages to explore (including one actually  named ‘Beer’), Jurassic Coast visitors are spoiled silly for choice. Unique rock formations and clear blue waters can be found all along this stunning coastline, but if you’re truly crunched for time, don’t miss the iconic Durdle Door in Dorset, a natural limestone arch that is just begging to be photographed.

5. Liverpool

Contrary to popular belief, there is way more to this maritime marvel than its most famous export – the Beatles.

After visiting last month, Liverpool has quickly become one of my favourite cities in England. Besides plenty of world class museums and a vibrant international food scene, Liverpool is full of cool surprises at every turn, from the quirky Superlambanana mascot (yes, literally a lamb/banana hybrid) to architectural gems like this UFO-esque cathedral that (somehow) is even cooler on the inside!

And for Fab Four fanatics, there are plenty of opportunities to run wild, from rocking out at the Cavern Club (where the Beatles played countless gigs) to retracing history at the Beatles Story Museum and Magical Mystery Tour. My fellow fangirls, this city will complete you.

Now, Oxford is likely a city that needs no introduction. Its reputable university makes it one of the most famous places in England, but besides an array of architecturally stunning colleges and buildings, this city is renowned for epic shopping opportunities (#RIPwallet), stunning green spaces and surprising little spots like Holywell Street, packed with pretty, cotton candy houses.

Don’t miss famous sights like the Radcliffe Camera (FYI, NOT named after Daniel Radcliffe, as a fellow tourist assumed) and of course, take some time to lurk the grounds of famous Oxford colleges like Christ Church, which boasts a Great Hall ripped straight from the pages of Harry Potter. On that note, you can click here for a full list of Harry Potter filming locations around the UK if you’re interested 😉

7. Brighton

Busy, buzzing and vibrant, Brighton is a seaside city packed with fun surprises. A visit to the pier is a touristy must, all the better if you combine it with shameless fair eats and some throwback arcade time.

As for activities, when the temperamental weather allows, you can join the hordes of beachgoers in sunbathing bliss. Otherwise, spend your day hopping around quirky boutiques or the “wow worthy” Royal Pavilion, whose Indian-style architecture is an awesome, photogenic surprise.

Places Still on my England Bucket List

Of course, there’s always more to see and my list is growing longer every second. If the English eye candy above wasn’t sufficient, here are a few of the most beautiful places in England that I still have yet to visit.

I’ve been told repeatedly that this little city is a must see in England, not just for its epic Medieval charm but also its picturesque tangle of narrow streets, packed brick by brick with heritage and history. There’s plenty of things to do in York for a first timer  – it’s where you’ll find the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe (the York Minster), alongside a slew of interesting museums and of course, the picture perfect street known as “The Shambles”, one of the country’s most photographed.

9. Cambridge

Having fallen in love with Oxford, it’s only fair that I set my sights on its not-so-secret rival – Cambridge. Besides gorgeous churches and chapels, lush green spaces and impressive university grounds to lurk through, Cambridge is also home to a variety of cool museums and food.

Of course, while here, I would try my hand at punting… or more realistically, I’d sit elegantly in a boat as someone handsome did the work 😉

10. The Lake District

As a raging fangirl of dramatic landscapes and swoonworthy nature, it’s no wonder that the Lake District is near the top of my England bucket list.

Often described as an epic playground for the adventurous, I would love to spend my days here hiking, kayaking and channeling my inner zen. Not a bad place to do it, wouldn’t you say?

11. Norfolk

Norfolk, found on England’s east coast, is one of those counties that seems to have a bit of everything. From picturesque coastlines and nature reserves to countryside cuteness and bustling city charm, it really is the diversity of this vibrant county that accounts for its magnetic appeal. So whether you’re keen to spy on wildlife, explore historic sites, or enjoy miles of unspoilt beaches, Norfolk is one place that has you covered.

Also, it looks like this… can you blame me for drooling?

12. Manchester

Despite its crucial role in the industrial revolution, Manchester has come far in pivoting its image from industrial and bleak to effortlessly cool and youthful. This vibrant city is now a go-to destination for fun, food and drinks, and a hotspot for cultural events and concerts. Plus, with the oldest public library in the UK, and an entire mile devoted to curry – you best believe this city is filled with cool surprises too.

13. Nottingham

Nottingham is probably best known for everyone’s favourite outlaw, Robin Hood, but there’s far more to this piece of England than green tights and heroic thievery. Besides Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest (key hotspots for fans of Robin Hood), Nottingham has plenty of cool attractions to offer, including the National Video Game Arcade, which sounds like the greatest museum of all time.

PS, Batman fans: It’s also here that you’ll find Wollaton Hall, AKA Wayne Manor in the Dark Knight Rises. Na na na na na na na na aweeeesome.

14. The Peak District

Last but not least, with endless natural beauty, droves of cute villages and surprising attractions like the UK’s largest amusement park… it’s honestly perplexing  that I haven’t yet made my way to the Peak District.

This national park is one of UK’s first, and is often considered to be one of the most beautiful places in England. And in a spot where you can go abseiling, museum hopping and Mr. Darcy hunting all in one day (FYI, Chatsworth House was the location for Darcy’s home in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film!!)… it’s really no wonder why this area is among the most visited destinations in England.

So, tell me: where are some of your favourite spots in England? The more underrated and undiscovered the better. Let me know in the comments!

10 most beautiful places you’ll be surprised are in the UK, from waterfalls to secluded beaches

W hen the weather disappoints or the workload is heavy, we often find ourselves wanderlusting for far-flung places across the globe.

However, you don't have to venture outside of the UK to enjoy azure waters, golden sand and palm trees. In fact, for those who only look to airports, cross-Channel trains and ferries to get their holiday fill, the sheer beauty that can be found across Britain is somewhat surprising. But it's certainly a pleasant surprise, as this guide will show you.

The UK is home to Bali -esque flowing waterfalls, jungle settings that look like something from Central America , a slice of Sydney in  Devon and even an Italianate villages in Wales . What’s more, some of our beaches can compete with the best around the world (for their natural setting, if not their weather).

So when those blues are getting to you but you can’t go abroad, fear not; below are some of the best places in the UK to enjoy some strikingly exotic scenery.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

A half-hour drive from Swansea, in south Wales , Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marshes and the bay’s signature three limestone cliffs.

A photogenic part of the Gower Coast Path, it’s an ideal spot for picnics, and is popular for caravaning, glamping and cottage retreats.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Part of an Art Deco hotel that first opened in 1935, Tinside Lido closed in 1992 but returned after a successful local campaign and attained Grade II-listed status in 1998.

Its poolside views are not dissimilar to Sydney's Bondi Beach, while the salt water swimming pool is a great place to splash and sunbathe in the summer months. It currently opens every summer, from late July to late September.

Read more on UK travel :

• Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in London
• The best secret UK beaches to visit for peace and quiet
• The best dog-friendly hotels in the UK for 2023

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

Designed and built in the style of an Italian village by Sir Clough William-Ellis between 1925 and 1973, Portmeirion is one of the most unique villages in Wales.

While it may be located in North Wales, rather than the Mediterranean, Portmeirion still attracts visitors in their droves due to its scenic beauty, boutique hotels and excellent restaurants . The main village, subtropical gardens and section of beach remain the most popular attractions.

High Force, Durham

Verdant scenery and fast-flowing waterfalls give High Force the air of a Costa Rican jungle, but it can be found in County Durham. One of England ’s most spectacular waterfalls, it has a 21m drop into the beautiful plunge pool below.

A variety of wildlife and fauna can be seen at High Force throughout the seasons from wildflowers, ferns and towering trees to roe deer and rabbits.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Near to the village of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire , Barafundle Bay is nestled between cliffs and is reminiscent of a secluded bay on a Greek island. Once owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, the beach is now open to the public and has previously made the list of the top beaches in the world, while the Good Holiday Guide also named it the best beach in Britain.

With sand dunes and pine trees, the beach is accessible by a half-mile walk from the nearest car park and offers a secluded, scenic retreat.

West Bay, Dorset, England

With towering orange cliffs and beautiful clear waters, West Bay in Dorset is reminiscent of the Algarve.

With its seaside location, it's ideal for family holidays and coastal walks, while the nearby market town of Bridport has long had a stellar reputation for culture and food.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall, England

Kynance Cove is situated in southern Cornwall , not far from Lizard Point, the most southerly point in the UK. it is one of the most photographed and painted locations in the county, with beautiful white sand and blue sea, and certainly wouldn't look out of place on a Sardinian postcard.

A landscape painter's dream, the contrast between the cove’s white sand beach, emerald waters and the dark red and green serpentine rock is breathtaking.

At low tide there are plenty of sea caves and islands to explore, and its rock-towers were even featured in BBC One's Poldark.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

On the right day, Tenby can feel like you’ve transported to Bali , with its palm trees, golden sands, blue seas and colourful buildings.

A seaside tourist town for over 200 years, Tenby is steeped in history and surrounded by a medieval wall. It's also home to four beaches; North, South, Harbour and Castle. North is popular for watersports, Castle its spectacular views and South beach for its almost two-mile stretch of golden sand. Harbour is the smallest of the four, but is ideally located on the harbour itself.

Sgwd Yr Eira, Brecon Beacons

Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall may look like a selfie spot in Thailand , but is actually found in the Melte Valley, in Wales's Brecon Beacons National Park.

Translated literally as “fall of snow”, visitors can walk behind the curtain of water on a path forged by sheep farmers, which makes for the perfect photo opportunity. The waterfall forms part of the national park’s ‘four waterfalls walk’, a six-mile loop that takes around three hours.

Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Described as one of Mull’s best kept secrets, Langamull Beach is often heralded as the Mull Caribbean thanks to its white sand.

The 20-minute walk to the beach is secluded, with spectacular views justifying the journey, and there are several other walking routes along grassy dunes and low-lying cliffs. On a clear day, visitors may be able to see other small islands and Skye.

Read more on the best hotels in Scotland

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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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'Beautiful' UK market town 'is never crowded' and one of the nation's best places

The UK's best town to visit has been named by Which? and it's a beautiful medieval destination that has been used as a filming location for many Hollywood films including Hot Fuzz and the Dungeons and Dragons movie

• 09:42, 23 Apr 2024
• Updated 10:06, 23 Apr 2024

A 'beautiful' market town has been hailed as the UK's 'best' place to visit.

Wells in Somerset is a medieval gem that has been named the UK's best non-seaside town, even though technically, it's not a town at all. The settlement is often referred to as England's smallest city, due to its 12,000 population who live in the shadow of its magnificent, city-status making cathedral.

Although it is eight times bigger than Britain's dinkiest city - St David's in Wales - Wells is a charming, quiet place that has now been crowned the best inland town in Britain by Which? It received top marks for attractiveness and tourist activities after a survey of members.

Film buffs might recognise Wells as the backdrop for the fictional village of Sandford in the hit film Hot Fuzz , featuring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost alongside a host of other British stars, reports the Express . Iconic film locations like the Swan Hotel, the corner shop famed for Cornettos, and the marketplace where the climactic gunfight unfolds are all real spots fans can explore.

But Wells isn't just a one-hit wonder; it's become a hot pick for Hollywood, appearing in TV series Doctor Who , Wolf Hall, and the upcoming Dungeons and Dragons movie. It would be wrong to be deceived by its quaint, movie-backdrop worthy appearance however.

Wells is packed with entertainment options, perfect for holidays, weekend breaks, or a simple day trip. The Wells Cathedral, situated in the city's heart and known as England's first Gothic cathedral, is a must-visit. This grand structure took three centuries to construct and is worth seeing for its architecture alone.

It houses more than 300 sculptures, Britain's oldest working mechanical clock from the 14th century, and offers daily tours to delve into the city's rich history. A stone's throw away from the cathedral is the historic Wells Market Place. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it's a spot to pick up fresh produce, sweet treats, and homemade crafts.

For those with a keen eye for photography, Vicar's Close is a must-see. As Europe's oldest residential street, it boasts beautiful stone brick homes, a cobblestone street, and an incredible view of the cathedral - making it an unforgettable stop on your visit. After sightseeing, make sure to visit the Wells and Mendip Museum. Founded by renowned Victorian geologist Herbert Balch in 1893, it showcases a remarkable collection of artefacts from the nearby Mendip Hills and exhibitions that shed light on the city's history.

For those who fancy a hike, Glastonbury Tor is the place to be. This ruined tower near Wells, mentioned in Celtic mythology and the King Arthur legends, offers a tranquil countryside walk with stunning views. After a jam-packed day of exploring, tourists can pop into the Swan Hotel, which not only starred in Hot Fuzz but also boasts a restaurant serving up classic British dishes and afternoon tea.

The City Arms is another must-visit - this snug pub sits in the city's former jail and is reputedly the city's most haunted watering hole. But don't let that deter you, as it's also renowned for its selection of ale, ciders and mouth-watering pub grub. This charming city has plenty to offer visitors and it has earned rave reviews on Trip Advisor. One satisfied tourist branded it as "well worth the visit."

Their glowing review read: "The cathedral is an amazing and beautiful building. The centre of Wells is also interesting and well worth exploring. As an added bonus, there's a great market in the square each Saturday.-artisan foods and crafts." Another delighted visitor penned: "This is a lovely place to spend the day, especially on market day. There are lots of independent shops including coffee shops and the Crown hotel offers lovely lunches that are reasonably priced."

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