As one of the most visited European countries, many visitors are unsure where to go on a UK visa. Every region of the United Kingdom is worth seeing and your decision is influenced by your personal interests; nevertheless, keep in mind that England alone has various counties and places to explore, so don’t limit yourself to London. Explore the attractive small towns in UK. They provide a peaceful retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
When exploring the places to visit in the UK, best places to visit in Cornwall, such as Tintagel Castle, offer a blend of history and natural beauty that captivates visitors. However, there is so much to see and do in the United Kingdom that many visitors worry, “What places should one include on a UK vacation?” To answer that question, we recommend that you visit these ten wonderful UK destinations.
London, England
Of course, it would be terrible not to include London on a UK travel itinerary. The city of English royalty and renowned political structures is a fascinating spot to get acquainted with historic buildings, churches, and palaces. Apart from historical structures, you should also visit Kew Gardens, Walthamstow Wetlands, and Borough Market while in London. Take a ride on the London Eye or the IFS Cloud Cable Car to see magnificent views of the city and the Thames River. With so many things to see and do, London is by far the best place to visit in the UK for families.
Cornwall, England
Cornwall invites beach lovers and surfers to spend relaxing days at some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. This charming county on England’s southern border is frequently referred to as a Riviera due to its pleasant weather and sunny ambiance. It is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists and is regarded as one of the best places to visit in the UK in summer.
Isles of Scilly, England
If you are going to Cornwall, make time to explore the idyllic Isle of Scilly. While Cornwall entices adventure seekers, Scilly radiates romance with its gorgeous white sand, and palm-fringed beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Discover a slow-paced, laid-back way of life in this destination that stands out from the rest of England.
Cardiff, Wales
The capital city of Wales takes you on a journey that offers a different view of Britain than you are used to. The peculiar Welsh dialect and the pub culture will undoubtedly pique your desire to discover more about this cheerful city. The city is well-known for its ancient legacy as well as its art culture. The rustic and natural environment, however, steals the show. The destination claims to be one of the spots with the most castles in the world and is a nature lover’s delight to simply wander or cycle around green nature trails.
Loch Lomond, Scotland
Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland as well as in the UK, with breathtaking hazy lake views, misty rolling highlands, and shorelines studded with charming snug townships. The destination is ideal for nature and adventure enthusiasts, as well as for rekindling the spark in your romance amid intimate scenery. This is also where you can tour famous Scottish Whiskey distilleries.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Set in Northwest Wales, Snowdonia brims with glaciers, valleys and impressive mountain sceneries. The national park is one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter as the place gets sheathed in pristine white snow-dusted mountains and snowy slopes that are just perfect for a skiing adventure. Snowdonia is the place to go if you want to enjoy a white Christmas, as the local townships turn up lovely with Christmassy charms, and shimmering fairy lights, and are alive with Christmas and holiday fairs.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s capital city is rich in neoclassical architecture and green gardenscapes. The city is well-known for its magnificent castles and is a must-see for history aficionados. The towns have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, the city has a significant interest in the arts, music, and books, and hosts a number of festivals and fairs. Edinburgh is also known for its food scene and for a foodie, there is ample to explore and delve into rustic, rich, home-made culinary delights. Apart from this, there are plenty of unusual things to do in Edinburgh. Here’s a fun fact: A modest cafe in Edinburgh is also credited with being the birthplace of the Harry Potter series, as the author chose ‘The Elephant House Cafe’ as a preferred spot to write chapters of this iconic book.
Cotswold, England
Cotswolds has the classic English countryside appeal. In this region, you will find some of the most beautiful villages in England, studded with gorgeous honey-toned cottages and magnificent mansions. The countryside is densely packed with farms and animal parks, making it one of the most stunning picture-perfect destinations in the UK for family vacationers.
Antrim, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is often eclipsed by the rest of the United Kingdom. However, this UK nation offers some of the most spectacularly beautiful scenery in the entire United Kingdom. The Giant’s Causeway in Antrim County is one of the most surreal beaches to visit in the United Kingdom. The Glens of Antrim is another spot in Antrim County that is a must-visit for its stellar natural scenery. If you enjoy nature and outdoor hikes, you should also consider visiting Dark Hedges, which is around an hour’s drive from Belfast.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Isle of Skye, another postcard-perfect getaway in Scotland, instantly soothes the soul with sweeping natural scenery of rocky cliffs and coastlines, fairy pools, ancient heritage, and quaint fishing villages. Visiting the Isle of Skye is one of the best things to do in Scotland. The region is particularly recognized for its abundant wildlife and marine animals, and it is an excellent place to see dolphins and whales. The Portree and Black Cuillin mountains are must-see attractions when visiting this beautiful UK destination.
This article has hopefully given you several options for where to go in the UK besides the usual attractions. Take advantage of these stunning spots during your UK trip.
The Lake District, England
The Lake District is a popular getaway for the people of the United Kingdom and probably the first thing to cross your mind when you think of a perfect British holiday. If you are an outdoor freak, then who can blame the place? Located in the northeast of England, this spectacular destination is deemed one of the most magical places to visit in the UK. With its rolling hills, beautiful lakes, stunning views, and fame as a place of love and vibrant culture, you will absolutely love this place. And as said, if you love wandering, challenge yourself to reach the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike.
Windsor, England
The historic town of Windsor, home to Queen Elizabeth, is one of the most beautiful towns in the UK to visit, offering numerous things to do for tourists. As one can associate Windsor with its Thames-side setting, you can find many mediaeval half-timbered buildings along with its charming old cobblestone laneways, not to mention the iconic Windsor Castle, one of the most famous of the UK’s royal castles. You can start your tour with the steam train and explore this quaint town while enjoying the pleasant weather, and finally, you can catch a show at a theatre in the evening. Perfect day spent!
Liverpool, England
It has already been 15 years since Liverpool earned its name as the European Capital of Culture, but the charm continues to slide in all the bars, spaces, and restaurants. The city is packed with plenty of excitement and attractions, enough to fill the hearts of curious travelers. It is also well-known for its crucial role in the birth of the English music legacy, and music fans flock here to learn about Fab Four-related attractions, including the Beatles Story and the famous Cavern Club. Other must-visit attractions include the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, the Tate Gallery, and more.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital city of North Ireland, is the perfect mixture of history, art, culture, delicacies, and beautiful landscapes. Not only does the city boast numerous historic attractions, but it also has several cultural experiences to share with the warm locals about what the nation of Ireland to the south is known for. One of the reasons for its fame is its role in building the iconic yet ill-fated ocean liner, RMS Titanic, and this connection is celebrated and venerated in the Titanic Quarter of the city, which is home to the impressive Titanic Belfast attraction. Through interactive exhibits, you may discover more about the ship. Learn about the thousands of people who worked on its construction, and the tragic events that led to its sinking.
Manchester, England
Manchester is more than you could imagine! It’s a football fan’s paradise! Those who wish to travel to northern England frequently make their first stop at its international airport, which deserves praise. And this will not disappoint you. Manchester is home to two top football clubs, and both are well-represented in the must-visit National Football Museum. If you are not a football lover, no worries, visit Castlefield, also a popular attraction in Manchester known for its well-preserved Victorian houses, canals, and Roman ruins. Further explore the Manchester Cathedral and historic town hall, including museums and galleries, to make it a memorable trip.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
One word to describe the Giant’s Causeway: breathtaking! The Northern Ireland’s Giant Causeway is a popular attraction best known for its magnificent and stunningly beautiful natural features that exhibit anything but serenity. Located just a short drive from the capital of Belfast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features unusual columns of layered basalt that bulge upwards out of the sea and shoreline, which seem like some giant’s staircase, which suggests its name. It is said that there are some 4000 of these polygonal-shaped steps to see and climb over, which date back to over 60 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity.
Stonehenge, England
Reckoned as the planet’s oldest World Heritage Site, Stonehenge has held its place as one of the top tourist attractions for more than 4500 years. As the only surviving lintelled stone circle in the world, this sprawling site covers more than 20 square kilometres and boasts a state-of-the-art spot. For many years, it was believed to have been an erected place of worship, including several theories of its origin and placement. Today, the crowd is drawn by the beauty of this magnificent monument.
Glasgow, Scotland
Being a year-round destination, Glasgow offers great weather and numerous places to visit in the UK for culture, architecture, music, and shopping. It is considered “Scotland’s Dear Green Place,” with more than 90 parks and green spaces dotted across the city. What’s more, the city also lived up to its name when it came to world-class museums and art galleries, from the Scottish Football Museum to the Glasgow Police Museum, that fulfilled every traveler’s curiosity from early mediaeval history to policing and religion. Glasgow was also listed among the top five foodie destinations in the UK, making it an absolute food paradise. From Michelin-starred dishes to street food snacks and platters, food lovers are bound to visit Glasgow.
Bath, England
Bath, known as one of the UK’s small cities, holds more richness than its diminutive size, with loads of things to do and see. Named after the famous Roman Baths, this stunning city has been drawing visitors to its healing and blissful waters for more than 2000 years. Thriving from three hot springs, the waters here consist of 43 different minerals, whose curative elements, according to the water, travel upwards over 3000 metres at a rate of 275,000 gallons per day! Besides these famous hot springs and its ancient history, Bath is also famous for its gorgeous architecture, which is seen in the Royal Crescent with its palatial townhouses.
The United Kingdom is a nation jam-packed with almost everything a traveller can possibly imagine. Its unravelling culture, rich history, attractions, and adventures make it the best place to visit for couples, solo travelers, and group visitors. One can explore all these places simply by accessing them through the country’s well-organised public transport networks like trains, buses, and ferries. So, with these places, enjoy your UK trip hassle-free.
Conclusion
The UK is a treasure trove of diverse attractions. To make your trip even more enjoyable, schedule your trip around the top annual events in UK. Remember to include these must-see sights on your itinerary for a holiday that will never be forgotten.