The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most breathtaking places in the world. There are plenty of places to visit in the UK since it is home to verdant forests, beautiful coastlines, and many fantastic attractions, both artificial and natural.
Consisting of territories like England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK has been a country that has it all and is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide. When you are going to spend your hard-earned vacation in the UK, you need to make sure you experience the best that this country has to offer.
For this, we’ll be presenting you with a list of the top twenty places to visit in the UK for anyone who wants to explore the country’s natural beauty.
Read about the top 20 places to visit in Germany
1. Places to Visit in the UK: London
London is the first place to visit in the UK. The city has everything one needs to make a visit unforgettable.
The first attraction to visit in the UK is the Tower of London. Located beside the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London offers a rich history of the nation.
The tower used to be a palace and even a prison. Now it holds iconic displays of armor and weaponry and the Jewel House that houses the Crown Jewels.
Head to Buckingham Palace to check out the UK’s royal family house. You can see the changing of Guards and take a tour of the Palace’s staterooms.
Also, check out the city’s Whitehall Road. It is where you will see Big Ben, Parliament Buildings, and the Westminster Abbey. Take a picture here to send your close ones as a postcard.
If you want to hop on some museums, you need to go to South Kensington. This city has the best museums in London, including the Victoria, and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
Another spot to not miss is Trafalgar Square, where you can check out Nelson’s Column and the National Portrait Gallery.
Besides touring major destinations like these, you can also chill at the parks or go shopping and dine at a fancy restaurant. There are vibrant theatre scenes too.
London also has many concerts going on in the city so when you are here, attend one.
2. Places to Visit in the UK: Birmingham
While most travelers love heading straight to London on their trip, they miss out on Birmingham. Situated in the West Midlands, just 90 minutes away by train, it is one of the best places to visit in the UK.
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city which is less crowded and worth the visit. Now let me explain to you why.
The city is best explored on a walking tour. It lets you visit the best attractions of Birmingham, such as Centenary Square, St. Chad’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, St. Paul’s Square, and the Jewellery Quarter.
Get an educated guide or an audio guide to walk you through these attractions.
Check out the best scenic drives in the world
3. Places to Visit in the UK: Bath
Named after the famous Roman Baths, the Bath is one of the smaller cities and also one of the best places to visit in the UK. Bath invites many visitors in its vicinity to soak in its healing waters that date back more than 2,000 years.
It isn’t allowed to bathe in the original Roman Baths, but you can go to the nearby spas to enjoy the city’s famous healing water.
The city also has beautiful Georgian architecture. Visit the No. 1 Royal Crescent to experience life during Georgian times.
4. Places to Visit in the UK: Stonehenge and Medieval Salisbury
Stonehenge is one of the world’s oldest World Heritage Sites that is believed to be erected as a worshipping place. Stonehenge is a monument that is estimated to be more than 4,500 years old.
Since this place gets a plethora of visitors, make sure to get a ticket beforehand to check out these large standing stones. The area also houses some important Neolithic and Bronze Age finds of the UK and some of the 200 scheduled monuments.
After visiting Stonehenge, you should visit Salisbury. It is a medieval city located 16 kilometers from Stonehenge. Here, you can visit the famous cathedral that dates back to 1220.
Also, visit other beautiful churches and check out the magnificent medieval architecture of this place.
5. Places to Visit in the UK: Windsor
Windsor is a beautiful and underrated town in the UK, just an hour outside of London. It’s one of the most popular spots for tourists because it is home to Windsor Castle, built in the 11th century.
When walking the cobblestone streets of Windsor, you can see the half-timbered buildings of the medieval ages.
On the other hand, Windsor Castle has been home to British royalty since William the Conqueror lived here from 1078. A tour of the castle shows you the State Apartments with the Queen’s Gallery and dining hall. The interior of the castle has beautifully painted ceilings and woodcarvings.
You will also see the home of the Knights and Ladies of the ancient Order of the Garder- St. George’s Chapel.
If you are done with your historical ride, have some fun at the Legoland Windsor. It is a family resort with lots of activities that you can carry out with your family and friends. Then visit the Royal Ascot.
6. Places to Visit in the UK: Lake District
Lake District is located in northwest England, Cumbria. It is where you can check out the fantastic landscapes. To make it better, the Lake District is a UNESCO Protected Site that is also the second-largest national park in the UK.
Lake District will take you on a natural ride with the UK’s 12 largest lakes (of course!), mountains, and hills. These make up an excellent destination for hiking and climbing.
Besides, you can visit Hawkshead- a medieval village home to English poet William Wordsworth and writer Beatrix Potter. Also, go to St. Michale and All Angels Church.
If you have more time, go and explore a picturesque town named Grasmere.
7. Places to Visit in the UK: York
York is another medieval town is one of the best places to visit in the UK. York houses the UK’s magnificent cathedrals. It is a walled city that has a rich heritage. Besides cathedrals, it has many other attractions that lure travelers to visit this city.
Some of the best places where you can learn about the Vikings and the Romans of York are the York Dungeon, Shambles, and Yorkshire Museum. Also, visit other splendid sites such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Minster, and Clifford’s Tower.
York has a combination of medieval and modern that makes the trip pleasant. You will notice the architecture of this city as you stroll through the cobblestone streets of York. Plus, the food is excellent too.
I’d also suggest you visit the National Railway Museum, highlighting several old steam engines that date back as far back as the 1820s. The museums also have Royal Trains’ unique collection.
8. Places to Visit in the UK: Cambridge
Cambridge is a quaint English city located north of London on the River Cam. It is also known as a “city for all seasons” as there are many activities to carry out in all seasons in this city. No wonder it is considered one of the best places to visit in the UK.
Cambridge has no shortage of cultural and entertainment attractions.
Home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, Cambridge also has great architectural sites. Such is the King’s College Chapel- a beautiful perpendicular Gothic architecture that’s visited by many tourists every year.
The university’s botanic garden is also a fine place to wander as you get to check out 8,000 species of plants and flowers, trees, and glasshouses. It even has a winter garden. Tour the garden to know what it is about.
The greenery of Cambridge makes it a serene experience to go on walks, picnics, and cycling. You can also take a punt at the River Cam or just explore the Old Town Center.
Besides these attractions, you can check out Castle Hill, Bridge of Sights, Sheep’s Green, Lammas Land, and Parker’s Piece.
9. Places to Visit in the UK: Manchester
Manchester is another best place to visit in the UK. This city used to be the center of Britain’s Industrial Revolution.
Manchester is a great place to check out the UK’s musical heritage and the best hospitality.
The city takes credit for its well-preserved Victorian houses, canals, and Roman ruins. There are lots of hotels and restaurants that are waiting to cater to you.
Some of the attractions to visit when in Manchester are the historic Town Hall, Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Art Gallery, and National Football Museum.
Speaking about the football museum; if you love football, Manchester houses the Manchester United Football Club. Grab yourself a ticket to witness this beautiful game.
10. Places to Visit in the UK: Liverpool
Liverpool is a city of music, football, historic buildings, and overall cultural excitement.
It used to be the home of the Beatles band members: John Lennon and Paul McCartney. It also houses the Cavern Club, where the Beatles debuted in 1961. You will find lots of walking as well as bus tours to see the Beatles’ sites.
Liverpool also has excellent museums such as the Museum of Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum. If you also want to check out world-class art galleries, the Walker Art Gallery and the Tate Gallery are the places to go.
The city has its football club called ‘Liverpool FC.’ Make sure to get yourself a ticket to watch a match on its home ground.
11. Places to Visit in the UK: Canterbury
Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws travelers, especially for its two locations: Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey.
The Canterbury Cathedral, founded around 597 AD, is a great place to learn about the shrine of Thomas Becket. It is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and thus, this cathedral is an important pilgrimage site.
Next is St. Augustine’s Abbey, which is a burial site for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. Since St. Augustine started converting pagan Anglo Saxons to Christianity in 597 AD, the city has successfully drawn many pilgrims.
Plus, when you are here, check out the Miracle Windows that dates back to the exquisite 12th century. You can also find a museum at the St. Ausgutine’s Abbey that offers an excellent audio tour.
Also, visit St. Martin’s Church- the oldest church of England that still provides service.
Later you can walk around the Old City Canterbury and see the timber-framed buildings.
12. Places to Visit in the UK: Cardiff
Cardiff is one of the best places to go in the UK if you want to enjoy outdoor adventures amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Besides, many tourists love to begin their tour with a visit to Cardiff Castle built on an ancient Roman fort’s ruins. You can see the State apartments, clock tower, banquet hall with spectacular murals, and the Chapel.
There are many Victorian shopping arcades in Cardiff. These are great places to spend your time.
If you want to have more fun, go to Cardiff Bay. You will find lots of restaurants, galleries, theatres, planetariums, and shopping centers all in one place here.
If you want to explore more, you can check out the World of Boats. It has a massive collection of vessels from around the world.
13. Places to Visit in the UK: Cornwall
Cornwall is a charming city located on the western side of the UK. It is an excellent site for a vacation as it offers rocky cliffs that overlook the sea and has golden sand beaches where you can relax.
The coastlines of Cornwall are famous for carrying out adventurous activities like swimming with seals, digging around rock pools, and surfing.
Besides the beach activities, you can also tour the wildlife conservation centers and stroll around the historic gardens of Cornwall. You can also go check out the setting of the famous BBC Show ‘Poldark’.
Go to St.Ives- a fishing village renowned as a holiday resort area that also makes up an excellent day to explore.
Fun Fact: The ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ story that is very popular among children takes place in Cornwall.
14. Places to Visit in the UK: Snowdonia National Park
Located on the coast of Wales, Snowdonia is the UK’s third-largest national park with stunning views of the landscapes. It houses the highest mountain of Wales and England named the Snowdon. Plus, the largest lake in Wales is also situated here.
The valleys, mountains, and coasts make hikes in this national park a wonderful experience. If you happen to visit Snowdonia National Park on a clear day, you will even see Ireland.
Besides hiking, Snowdonia National Park is also an excellent place for mountain biking or just walking.
If you do not want to do any activity and just enjoy the views, Snowdonia offers a narrow-gauge railway for a scenic tour.
You can also explore several magnificent castles like the Conwy Castle and the Penrhyn Castle.
15. Places to Visit in the UK: Scottish Highlands
Scottish Highlands is a natural playground where you can go to disconnect from the modern techno world. It is sparsely populated but offers the best views of the mountain ranges and houses Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
It is different than other places to visit in the UK.
You can have picnics or enjoy several outdoor activities like a boat ride, hiking the highlands, or dolphin sighting.
Scottish Highlands is also a great place to explore unique architecture, and culture and learn about the Scots’ history. The friendly Scots will make your trip better with their warm hospitality.
You can also explore some old yet romantic castles of the highlands, such as Dunrobin Castle and the Eilean Donan Castle.
You can also visit Scotland’s famous lake, Loch Ness. Words have it that a mythical creature dwells in the Loch area and is occasionally spotted by locals.
16. Places to Visit in the UK: Edinburgh
Edinburg is Scotland’s capital and home to the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government’s headquarters.
Visit the city during summer (May to September). It is when the weather is warm and best for sightseeing. Winter is also a great time for an Edinburgh tour as you can attend the Christmas market.
Edinburgh is one of the popular places to visit in the UK because of the many attractions that it has on offer.
Edinburg has splendid museums that depict Scotland’s history and culture. Some of the best ones are the National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle is one sight that you should not miss. It sits atop a hill and overlooks the city. The 13th-century fortress also has many highlights to check out, such as the One O’Clock Salute, the Scottish Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace, and the famous Stone of Destiny that returned to Scotland from London after 700 years.
When you are here, walk the Royal Mile. It is where you commence your Edinburgh visit. Also, visit the Grassmarket to check out the place where public executions were held.
Visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in New Town to see the faces of Mary, Queen of Scots, Sean Connery, and many more reputable figures of history.
If you want to attend festivals, Edinburg is the best place to be. Festivals like the Edinburgh International Festival, the Leith Festival, and the Festival Fringe are some of the best festivals in Edinburgh.
The Old Town of Edinburgh also has many boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can entertain yourself.
17. Places to Visit in the UK: Belfast
Belfast- located in Northern Ireland, is the best place for a memorable vacation.
Belfast’s identity is so much associated with Titanic that a whole neighborhood is named after it. It is where the Titanic ship was constructed, and now it is a place of attraction.
Get a guide and go to see Ireland’s Causeway Coast. The fantastic views of the geological formations that make up the Giant’s Causeway are an absolute wonder to witness.
To explore ancient sites, go to the ruins of Dunluce Castle. The castle will give you insights into past stories.
Besides, Belfast also has an intoxicating nightlife that has always been proven to be fun. You can find traditional pubs, cocktail bars, and crowded bars too. The best thing is it is safe to go to these places at night.
More attractions to visit in Belfast are the St. George’s Market, Ulster Museum, Ulster Folk Museum, and the Botanic Gardens.
If you want to hike, go to Cave Hill.
18. Places to Visit in the UK: Nottingham
Nottingham is an excellent destination for a cultural break and is one of the best places to visit in the UK.
Nottingham is a charming city that has many attractions and sites that offer insight into its history.
Some of the best attractions to check out are the magnificent Nottingham Castle, the Museum and Art Gallery, and the National Justice Museum.
Also, go for a stroll at the Wollaton Hall. It has a deer park and beautiful gardens that would prove to be a magical time for you.
Besides, Nottingham also has a lively art and entertainment scene where you will see outstanding live performances on the streets.
19. Places to Visit in the UK: Leeds
Leeds is a modern city located in the heart of the UK- Yorkshire, England. It is a modern city that is renowned for its historical sites and its rich industrial sites. Leeds is accessible by air, rail, and road.
Some of the best attractions of Leeds are the Harewood House, Temple Newsam, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Art Gallery, and the Hepworth Wakefield. The city also has many festivals, be it a cultural one or a sporting event, that you can attend.
Besides, there are a lot of places where you can go shopping and dine.
20. Places to Visit in the UK: Glasgow
Glasgow is perhaps the most vibrant Scottish city in the United Kingdom. The city has the best museums, art galleries and lots of shopping malls.
Glasgow also boasts of beautiful parks where you can stroll in. Plus, the nightlife of the city is also great!
The most popular attractions of Glasgow are quite many; Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum being the first. Besides the Glasgow Cathedral, Riverside Museum, Mackintosh House, and Gallery of Modern Art are also worth exploring.
The best way to sightsee all of these attractions is by taking a tour bus service.
Is the UK Safe to Travel to?
The UK is a very safe country that has an overall low risk of transportation, natural disasters, and violent crimes. Plus, it is also completely safe for solo women to travel.
There may be a risk of petty crimes like pickpocketing and mugging. However, it is up to you to keep your belongings safe.
There are two things to remember while touring this city:
1. Don’t go around wearing football jerseys, as the football-team rivalry is taken very seriously here.
2. Be alert while crossing the road.
Check out the safety by city by clicking on this link
So here we have it, the 20 best places to visit in the UK. Tell us about your experiences of traveling in the UK in the comments below.
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