Best Travel Destinations in the United Kingdom

Are you looking to visit the United Kingdom? With its history and culture, amazing landscapes, and topnotch culinary scene, it’s no wonder that millions of tourists visit the UK every year—and we’re here to tell you where you should go! Here are our recommendations on the 11 must-see destinations in Britain. (Get ready to pack your bags!)

Things to do in The UK

London

London is, arguably, one of the most exciting cities on Earth. There’s so much to see and do; from going sightseeing to shopping at Harrods to dining at The Ivy, there are endless possibilities for fun. You can also explore famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben or visit museums for a glimpse into history.

If you want to experience the royal culture firsthand, head over to see Queen Elizabeth II during an annual Royal Garden Party or an audience with her Majesty.

While these events are few and far between (and by no means required), they offer a rare opportunity to get close enough to royalty that it will almost feel like you have superpowers when you return home! London offers plenty of fun even if you aren’t visiting royalty.

Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, sits atop a volcanic archipelago that’s been around for thousands of years. The city’s skyline is dominated by a castle and crisscrossed by over 50 bridges. Visit Arthur’s Seat to enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Old Town is full of cobblestone streets teeming with restaurants, bars, and shops—many overlooking stunning vistas of historic buildings along the Firth of Forth river. A stroll down Victoria Street takes you past houses designed by renowned Sir Robert Adam.

Manchester

The second most populous city in England, Manchester, breathes culture. Home to one of the world’s busiest airports, Manchester is a convenient launching point for your UK travels. With its lively music scene and excellent shopping (think independent boutiques and outdoor markets), it’s a great stop to England.

Liverpool

Founded as a borough by King John of England in 1207, Liverpool is one of England’s best-hidden gems. An excellent place to start your tour of Liverpool is its music scene. Check out The Cavern Club, where The Beatles first played live, or The Philharmonic Dining Rooms for an all-you-can-eat fish and chips dinner. Another fun activity is a short drive to Southport Pleasureland Amusement Park, including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel.

Bristol

Cornwall’s dramatic landscapes, rugged coastline, and Celtic heritage make it a popular tourist destination. It also is home to some of Britain’s best beaches and coastal towns. The county has another side that appeals to the more adventurous; many of Cornwall’s villages are slate and granite, so they’re lovely against an autumn backdrop.

Make sure you visit St Michael’s Mount when you’re there; legend has it that Merlin helped build the castle for King Arthur, even though he was only supposed to watch over it. Visit Saint Piran’s Oratory for a picturesque view of Tintagel Castle, which some historians believe to be King Arthur’s birthplace. (Cornwall Tourism)

Cardiff

Although Cardiff is a relatively small city, it has no historic sites or iconic monuments. Start at Cardiff Castle, one of Britain’s most famous landmarks; walk its ramparts for breathtaking views over its sprawling grounds and city. Next, stroll along Bute Park’s eight miles of winding paths and flower gardens; it’s considered one of Europe’s most picturesque urban parks.

Take a short drive to Penarth Marina—it offers scenic coastal views that will delight you! Afterward, dine on some traditional Welsh cuisine at Charlotte Restaurant & Wine Bar (there’s also an impressive wine list). Other notable highlights include St.

Newcastle upon Tyne

A strong history of manufacturing and shipbuilding has given Newcastle a blue-collar feel. The city’s just a half-hour from Durham. Roman Emperor Hadrian built Hadrian’s Wall to protect Rome’s northern border, making it an important historical site.

Learn about Viking invasions at Jarrow and their influence on Anglo Saxon culture at Lindisfarne Castle. Art lovers should head over to Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art or Walker Art Gallery, while museums like Fort Discovery boast interactive exhibits that are fun for kids and adults alike.

Brighton & Hove

Boasting sunny days for more than 300 days each year, Brighton & Hove is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s often overlooked as just a 30-minute train ride from London Victoria, but don’t make that mistake. This seaside city offers plenty of sights and activities to keep you busy all day (and night).

You can check out its historic pier, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and pubs, or watch their many festivals (such as Pride Week or Carnival) throughout the year.

Cornwall

Cornwall is a stunning part of England and home to several popular tourist attractions, including St. Michael’s Mount and The Eden Project. While you’re in Cornwall, head out to Land’s End—the most westerly point of mainland Britain—for panoramic views of both France and America! Alternatively, hire a boat for a day trip around Cornwall’s beautiful islands.

If you enjoy nature, don’t miss Bodmin Moor or Cardinham Woods, where there are hundreds of trees with unusual shapes caused by fungus! Bring your camera!

Scotland

After some weighty introspection about what we want out of life, we’ve decided to replace our American Dream with a new one: the Scottish dream. To help you achieve your goals, here are eight places we recommend visiting: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Loch Ness (definitely go to Loch Ness), The Highlands (these people know how to throw a party!), Stirling Castle (absolutely stunning), and finally… Hogwarts. Take some time off work; pack up your broomsticks and brooms; find us! We’ll be waiting for you. With Scotch whisky and shortbread cookies. Mmm… Shortbread cookies!

York

York has been around for a long time and is a great place to go if interested in history. There are many attractions within York, like Jorvik Viking Center, that tell about life during that period. Jorvik was initially an exhibit that popped up at an event, but it was so popular that it evolved into its venue.

You can have an immersive experience and visit an authentic working Viking village and take part in other attractions like sword fighting, gold working, and pottery making. There is a lot to do here but be sure to save some energy for later on since many of these activities require physical exertion!