15 of the Best Places to Visit in the UK

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grey stone castle ruins on a hilltop surrounded by green countryside at sunrise wiht golden light

My quick and easy guide to the best places to visit in the UK – based on a lifetime of experience!

Planning a trip to the UK can feel a bit overwhelming! With four very different nations and more incredible places than you could ever fit into one visit, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where I come in: a born-and-bred British local who writes UK travel guidebooks for a living!

This guide is designed to give you a clear overview of the UK, to help you choose the right destinations for your trip. It’s by no means an extensive list, but I have plenty of other guides on this blog which go into more detail. This is a short, curated list of the UK’s absolute must-visit destinations; places that best embody the spirit of the country! I’ve also included some example itineraries at the bottom of the page to give you a little more inspiration.

Whether you’re dreaming of historic cities, dramatic coastlines, or scenic countryside, my guide will help you start planning your perfect trip to the UK…

CONTENTS

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UK at a Glance (with Map)

How the UK is Laid Out

England: The largest of the four nations, home to some of the UK’s most famous historic cities, national parks, and coastal regions. England is often divided into the following regions:

South East & London – Castles, gardens, seaside towns, and the capital city.
South West – Beach towns, fishing villages, surfing, and rugged coastlines.
East England – Essex, Norfolk, the Broads, and seaside towns.
The Midlands – Industrial heritage, historic towns, and the Black Country.
North England – Dramatic coastline, sprawling national parks, and vibrant northern cities.

Scotland: Mountains, lochs, islands, and dramatic wilderness. Edinburgh and Glasgow offer culture and history, while the Highlands and Isles feel remote and wild.

Wales: Compact but full of big landscapes: national parks, rugged coastline, and a strong cultural identity. Great for hiking and outdoor adventures.

Northern Ireland: Small and easy to explore, with Belfast’s culture and the Causeway Coast’s dramatic scenery. Ideal for road trips and short breaks.

A steam train pulling dark red carriages travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, emitting white steam, with lush hills and greenery in the background.

How to Choose Where to Go in the UK

First-timers: London | Bath | Oxford or Cambridge | Edinburgh

Nature lovers: Lake District | Snowdonia | Scottish Highlands

Beaches & Coastlines: Cornwall | Pembrokeshire | Causeway Coast | Dorset

Charming towns & villages: Cotswolds | Rye | St Andrews

Culture: London | Manchester | Liverpool | Edinburgh

Food: Edinburgh | Belfast | Cornwall | Pembrokeshire

Nightlife: London | Manchester | Read More

Hiking & Walking: Peak District | Snowdonia | Scottish Highlands | South West Coast Path

Road-trip vibes: Scotland’s NC500 | Wales’ coastal route | Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast

England

Looking for more detail?
Explore my regional guides:
North England | South England | Midlands

London

Best for: First timers | Culture | History | Iconic landmarks
Why go: England’s world-famous capital is packed with history, museums, theatre, food, and endless variety!
Highlights:

Big-name sights like the Tower of London, Westminster, and the British Museum.
Distinctive neighbourhoods like Camden, Shoreditch, and Notting Hill.
Parks, markets, galleries, and world-class dining.

Good to know: Public transport is excellent. Use the Tube and buses rather than driving, and pay with a contactless card for ease (tap in and out at the barriers).
MORE INFO: Unusual Things to do in London

Bath

Emily wearing a khaki green parka with a fur lined hood with her long blonde hair down leaning against a low stone wall and looking out at Pulteney Bridge in Bath, a covered stone bridge lined with the backs of a terraced row of shops. Weekend in Bath.

Best for: History Lovers | Architecture | Relaxed City Breaks
Why go: A beautiful Georgian city built around ancient Roman baths, perfect for culture, food, and slow-paced exploring.
Highlights:

Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and elegant Georgian crescents.
Independent shops and tearooms.
Thermal spa experiences (read more here).

Good to know: Book spa visits ahead, as weekends fill up quickly.
MORE INFO: Plan the Perfect Weekend Bath

The Cotswolds

stone bridge over a river with a small village of beige stone cottages and grey slate roofs surrounded by green leafy treets

Best for: Charming Villages | Countryside Walks | Cosy Pubs
Why go: A postcard-perfect and quintessentially English region of honey-stone villages, rolling hills, and scenic walking routes.
Highlights:

Iconic villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Gentle countryside walks and scenic viewpoints.
Cosy pubs & farm shops (including Clarkson’s Farm).

Good to know: A car makes exploring far easier, especially between villages.
MORE INFO: Cotswolds 2-Day Itinerary

Lake District

Best for: Hiking | Wild Scenery | Outdoor Adventures
Why go: England’s most dramatic national park, filled with mountains, lakes, and some of the country’s best walking trails.
Highlights:

Classic hikes like Catbells and Helvellyn.
Lakeside villages such as Keswick and Ambleside.
Boating, wild swimming, and panoramic viewpoints.

Good to know: The weather can change fast; pack layers even in summer!

Cornwall

Best for: Beaches | Coastal Walks | Surfing
Why go: England’s most southwesterly point, Cornwall is a rugged peninsula with sandy beaches, turquoise coves, and epic coastal trails.
Highlights:

Surf beaches in Newquay and laid-back St Ives.
Dramatic cliff walks on the South West Coast Path.
Seafood, beach cafés, and arty coastal towns.

Good to know: Cornwall gets VERY busy (and expensive) in summer. Book in advance, or better yet, visit in Spring or Autumn!
MORE INFO: Things to do in St Ives | Things to do in St Agnes

York

Best for: Short Breaks | History | Architecture
Why go: A compact medieval city with cobbled streets, Viking history, and one of Europe’s most impressive cathedrals.
Highlights:

York Minster and the historic Shambles.
City walls, museums, and cosy tearooms.
Easy rail connections from London and Edinburgh.

Good to know: Weekends get busy – midweek visits feel calmer.
MORE INFO: Best Things To Do In York

Scotland

Edinburgh

Best for: Culture | History | First-timers
Why go: A beautiful, atmospheric city where medieval Old Town meets elegant Georgian New Town, packed with museums, views, and great food.
Highlights:

Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill viewpoints.
Festivals, galleries, and cosy pubs.

Good to know: August is festival season (read more), which sends prices soaring. Book accommodation as early as possible.
MORE INFO: Unusual Things to do in Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands

emily wearing a white t-shirt and grey trousers leaning on a rock with a calm lake and mountains behind

Best for: Wild Scenery | Road Trips | Hiking
Why go: A vast, dramatic region of mountains, lochs, and remote glens. Perfect for anyone craving big landscapes and quiet, open space.
Highlights:

Glencoe’s rugged peaks and moody valleys.
Loch Ness, Fort William, and scenic drives.
Wildlife, waterfalls, and endless hiking trails.
Glenfinnan Viaduct and the “Hogwarts Express” (read more here)

Good to know: Distances are often longer than they look thanks to winding country roads. Allow for slow and scenic travel days.
MORE INFO: Escape to the Scottish Highlands

Isle of Skye

Aerial view of a winding road on a grassy hilltop at sunrise with lakes in the distance

Best for: Photography | Dramatic Scenery | Outdoor Adventures
Why go: One of the UK’s most photogenic islands, known for dramatic rock formations, coastal cliffs, and atmospheric landscapes.
Highlights:

The Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.
Fairy Pools and rugged coastal walks.
Portree’s colourful harbour.

Good to know: Parking at popular spots fills early.

Glasgow

Best for: Culture | Nightlife | Architecture
Why go: A creative, energetic city with excellent museums, striking Victorian architecture, and one of the UK’s best live music scenes.
Highlights:

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Riverside Museum.
West End cafés, bars, and leafy parks.
Street art, markets, and vibrant nightlife.

Good to know: Many of Glasgow’s museums are free to visit.
MORE INFO: Things to do in Glasgow

Wales

Explore my Regional Guides:
Places to Visit in South Wales
Places to Visit in North Wales

Snowdonia (Eryri National Park)

landscape in snowdonia national park with a stream in the foreground running towards a still lake at the foot of a mountain near sunset with pink clouds overhead in wales

Best for: Hiking | Mountain Scenery | Outdoor Adventures
Why go: A dramatic national park of rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and some of the UK’s most rewarding walking trails.
Highlights:

Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) and panoramic ridge walks.
Lakes, waterfalls, and peaceful mountain villages.
Adventure activities like zip-lining and climbing.

Good to know: Inexperienced hikers should book a guide or join a group tour for climbing Snowdon; the trails can be tough, and conditions change quickly.
MORE INFO: Best Things To Do in Llanberis

Pembrokeshire Coast

Grassy cliff edge with a view of a rocky cove with turquoise water

Best for: Beaches | Coastal Walks | Wildlife
Why go: A stunning stretch of coastline with sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and one of the UK’s most beautiful long-distance walking paths.
Highlights:

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path’s sweeping sea views.
Colourful harbour towns like Tenby and Solva.
Wildlife boat trips to Skomer Island.

Good to know: Spring and early summer are ideal for wildlife, especially puffins.

Cardiff

Best for: Culture | Food | Easy City Breaks
Why go: Wales’ capital blends historic landmarks with a lively waterfront, great museums, and a growing food scene.
Highlights:

Cardiff Castle and the Victorian arcades.
Cardiff Bay’s restaurants, walks, and cultural venues.
Museums, markets, and year-round events.

Good to know: Cardiff is a very compact city. Most sights are walkable or a short bus ride away.
READ MORE: Things to do in Cardiff

Northern Ireland

Explore my regional guide:
Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

Belfast

Best for: Culture | History | Food
Why go: A lively, creative city with fascinating history, excellent museums, and a fast-growing food and drink scene.
Highlights:

Titanic Belfast and the historic shipyard.
Street art, markets, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Whisky distilleries and an emerging foodie scene.

Good to know: The city centre is compact and best explored on foot!

Causeway Coast

The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, with hexagonal basalt columns at sunset, reflecting warm hues of orange and pink.

Best for: Scenic Drives | Coastal Walks | Photography
Why go: A dramatic stretch of coastline with basalt cliffs, sweeping beaches, and some of the most striking landscapes in the UK.
Highlights:

The Giant’s Causeway, with its unique basalt columns.
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and rugged cliff paths.
Beaches, viewpoints, and the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.

Good to know: The Causeway is busiest midday. Early mornings feel far more peaceful.
MORE INFO: Legends and Landscapes on the Causeway Coast

Quick Itinerary Ideas

Road Trip Inspiration

If you’re looking for route ideas, I’ve put together some detailed collections of road trips with all the inspo and info you need:

Below, I’ve drafted some quick example itineraries to get you started. These routes are all planned to make the most sense in terms of order and travel times:

Classic UK for first-timers (10 days): London (2-3 days) → Edinburgh (2 days) → Lake District (2 days) → Cotswolds (2 days) → London

UK by Rail (2 weeks): London →(2hr train)→ York →(2.5hr train)→ Edinburgh →(40 min train)→ Glasgow →(3.5hr train)→ Manchester →(2.5hr train)→ London

Quintessentially English (10 days): London (2-3 days) → Bath (2 days) → Cotswolds (2-3 days) → Oxford (2 days)

Essential Scotland (10 days): Edinburgh (2-3 days) → Scottish Highlands (2-3 days) → Isle of Skye (2 days) → Glasgow (2 days)

Wales Best Bits (7 days): Cardiff (2 days) → Pembrokeshire Coast (1-2 days) → Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park (3 days)

South England Charm (2 weeks): Canterbury (1 day) → Hastings & Rye (1 day) → Winchester → Exeter → Polperro & Looe → St Ives

Causeway Coast (4-5 days): Belfast (2 days) → Causeway Coast (1-2 days, stop at: Carnlough Harbour, Torr Head, Ballycastle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge) → Giant’s Causeway (half day) → Bushmills (1 day)

Wherever you choose to explore, the UK is full of incredible landscapes, historic cities, scenic villages, and picture-perfect countryside. Because it’s a relatively small country, it’s easy to mix and match regions to build a trip that suits your style. Once you’ve picked a few favourites, you can use my itineraries and more detailed regional guides to start planning. Enjoy!

15 of the Best Places to Visit in the UK