20 Amazing Places to Visit in the UK

Written By: The Planet D

From the sea cliffs of Northern Ireland to the adventure playground of Wales, it’s difficult deciding where to go first. Travelers in the UK are spoiled for choice with attractions within the buzzing urban streets of London England to the isolated coast of the North Coast 500’s Scottish Highlands. To help you plan your travels, we thought we’d highlight some of the best places to visit in the UK to help you decide where to start.

Best Places to Visit in the UK

Since the UK 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

1. London

London England at Sunset

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

Greenwich Median Line England

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

Cambridge city in England UK

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.

4. Oxford

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

Medievil York in England UK

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.

6. Bath

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.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge in England

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

Liverpool skyline in England

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

Lake district in England

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

Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland UK

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

Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland UK

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

Belfast Northern Ireland UK

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

Londonderry Northern Ireland

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

City of Edinburgh Scotland UK

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.

15. Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Scotland

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

Scottish Highlands UK

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

Loch Ness outside of Inverness Scotland

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

Hiking in Snowdonia Wales UK

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 in Wales UK

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

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire Wales UK

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?

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

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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  1. I am planning to come to the UK and my work has become easier with your information, now I know where I want to travel. Thank you for this amazing blog.

    Reply