30 Places To Visit In The UK During This Vacation

The United Kingdom is the oldest island country in the world, located on the northwestern coasts of Europe. Consisting of Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland, the UK has been one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for years. From scenic experiences to rich cultural heritage, you can explore anything you can think of in the UK. In fact, the list of popular places to visit in the UK we have gathered here gracefully preserves everything from country estates to picturesque castles, big city museums to art galleries, and much more. If you are planning a trip to the UK, here are some of the fascinating, diverse, and relatively small places you can plan on visiting in the UK. Besides, no matter what, be sure to book long term stay hotels to keep a check on your travel expenses.

England

1. London

Capital city of England, London is a major global city renowned for its history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. There is an abundance of attractions to explore in London, from historical landmarks to cutting-edge modern experiences.

—Located along the Thames River, this iconic wheel offers an unobstructed view from its glass pods. The whole ride of the wheel is about 30 minutes.

—This iconic landmark is open to the public for 363 days of the year. It is a movable bridge which is built on the River Thames between the Greater London boroughs and Tower Hamlets and Southwark.

—A 1,000-year-old castle that protects the Crown Jewels from history. In the past, it was a secure fortress, a royal palace, and an infamous prison.

—This iconic clock tower stands at the Houses of Parliament, in the Elizabeth Tower(named in honor of Queen Elizabeth 11’s Diamond Jubilee). During visiting hours, you can climb up the tower to admire the bell up close.

—Recognized by the world, this is the place for royal celebrations and the backdrop to the regular Changing of the Guard ceremony. It has magnificent State Rooms that are open to visitors only during certain times of the year. These are just a few places, however, London is vast. You may need a few days to even a month to explore the whole city. You must book long-term stay hotels as they may cost a little less than regular hotel stays.

2. Peterborough

Peterborough is a city known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. A must-visit place is the stunning Peterborough Cathedral, renowned for its Gothic architecture and remarkable ceiling. For nature lovers, Nene Park offers lovely walks along the river, while the Flag Fen Archaeology Park is perfect for history buffs. Peterborough Museum provides a comprehensive look at the local heritage.

3. Huntingdon

Huntingdon is a picturesque market town with a rich history. You can explore the charming riverside walks along the Great Ouse, or visit the Cromwell Museum to learn about the life of Oliver Cromwell. The historic Hinchingbrooke House and Houghton Mill are also worth a visit.

4. Stamford

Stamford is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture and quaint streets. Burghley House is a stunning estate with extensive gardens and a sculpture garden. Take a walk along the Stamford Meadows for a peaceful experience.

5. Grantham

Grantham offers a variety of attractions, including Belton House, an impressive estate with beautiful gardens and a deer park. Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton, is another must-visit place.

6. Brampton

Brampton is a charming village with beautiful countryside and outdoor activities. The Hinchingbrooke Country Park is perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. Explore the nearby Grafham Water, which offers water sports and scenic walking trails.

7. Scarborough

Scarborough is a popular coastal resort town with stunning beaches and attractions. Enjoy the picturesque views from the Scarborough Castle, or spend a day at Peasholm Park, known for its boating lake and Japanese-style gardens. For a family-friendly experience, visit the SEA LIFE Scarborough.

8. Cambridge

Cambridge is known for its prestigious university and beautiful architecture. Explore the historic colleges, such as King's College and Trinity College, and take a punt along the River Cam. The Fitzwilliam Museum and Botanic Garden offer enriching experiences.

9. Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city with a bustling cultural scene. Explore the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, and the historic Kirkstall Abbey. Shop at the Victoria Quarter and enjoy live music at Belgrave Music Hall.

10. Bath

Bath is renowned for its Roman Baths and stunning Georgian architecture. Visit the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, and the Jane Austen Centre. Take a relaxing soak in the Thermae Bath Spa.

11. Windsor

Windsor is famous for its royal connections and Windsor Castle. Stroll through the beautiful Windsor Great Park and take a boat ride along the River Thames. Visit Legoland Windsor for a fun family outing.

12. Canterbury

Canterbury is known for its rich history and stunning cathedral. Explore the Canterbury Cathedral and visit the medieval Canterbury Tales attraction. The Westgate Gardens offer a peaceful retreat.

13. Liverpool

Liverpool is a vibrant city known for its music and football heritage. Visit the Beatles Story Museum, and explore the Albert Dock. Take a ferry ride on the Mersey River.

14. Manchester

Manchester is a bustling city known for its arts, culture, and sports. Visit the Manchester Museum, the National Football Museum, and explore the trendy Northern Quarter. Enjoy a game at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium.

15. Birmingham

Birmingham is a diverse city with a rich industrial heritage. Visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Symphony Hall, and the Jewellery Quarter. Explore the Cadbury World for a chocolate-filled experience.

Scotland

1. Edinburgh

UK's most attractive city, Edinburgh, is best known as the home of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy intriguing tales of ghost encounters in the Edinburgh Vaults. If you have never experienced whisky tasting before, Edinburgh is the place for you.

2. Loch Ness

With some hidden gems, you can enjoy the wild, uninterrupted side of Loch Ness. Enjoy an epic 360-degree loop around the waters of Loch Ness with Loch Ness 360dgree Trail. Immerse yourself in the wilderness with Farigaig Forest. Combine great walks with amazing waterfalls such as Divach Falls, Plodda Falls, or The Falls of Foyers around the loch.

3. Glasgow

From dusk to dawn there are many things to do in Glasgow. This city houses some of the best cultural attractions in Scotland such as Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Explore live music in the UNESCO City of Music at Celitic Connections Festival at Oran Mor.

4. Arbroath

A beautiful coastal town in the east of Scotland, Arbroath has a rich history stretching as far back as 1178. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country from places like Arbroath Abbey, Arbroath Cliffs, David’s Hill Alpacas, and Arbroath Heritage Trail to visit.

5. St Andrews

With once the largest cathedral in Scotland, St. Andrews Cathedral in St. Andrews is the must-visit place that must be in your Scotland itinerary. If you are an avid golfer, look out for the tomb of Old Tom Morris, at around 15 minutes of walk from the town centre, you can even enjoy a stroll by the beach.

Wales

1. Pembrokeshire

With Victorian seaside towns and atmospheric coves, there’s plenty of places to visit in Pembrokeshire. St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Tenby, Oakwood Theme Park, The Preseli Hills, and there is much more to explore. If you are looking for some action on the waves, Freshwater West is popular with experienced surfers due to the strong currents. Foodies will love the award-winning Cafe Môr beach food shack, a short drive away in Angle.

2. Cardiff

With its rich maritime history, amazing museums or incredible national stadium, there are many reasons to visit this exciting city. Here are some recommendations to plan your trip - Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, National Museum, Wales Millenium Centre, The Pierhead, and many more striking attractions.

3. Snowdonia

Named after Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia in Wales is a mountainous region and national park. For those who are wondering what else is there besides national park, here is a quick list for you: Mount Snowdon, Conwy Castle, Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Caernarfon Castle, many spectacular waterfalls and more.

4. Abergavenny

Besides the annual food festival, there are plenty of things to see and do all year round in Abergavenny. Sugarloaf Mountain, White Castle, Abergavenny Museum and Castle, The Skirrid, and more. There is something for people of all ages to explore in the city.

5. Aberaeron

Whether you want to take a stroll around a Georgian country estate, chill out on the beach, or want to have a hearty meal after a train ride, Aberaeron is the place for you. Experience Dolphin spotting in Cardigan Bay, a short drive down the coast road to Aberystwyth brings you to the Vale of Rheidol Railway, search for more attractions and activities to explore.

Northern Ireland

1. Mourne Mountains

A five-foot-high, 22-mile circular granite construction from 1922 is one of the notable features of the Mourne Mountains. This construction snakes its way around the range, ascending and descending 15 peaks, including Slieve Donard, as it does so.

2. Giant’s Causeway

It lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland. This large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago.

3. Glenariff Forest Park

With three spectacular waters and an abundance of panoramic views, Glenariff Forest Park is one of the most astounding beauties to visit in Northern Ireland. It even caters to outdoor activities including walking, touring, and horseback riding.

4. Belfast

A thriving, multicultural city, Belfast has many great places to visit. From fascinating museums like Titanic Belfast to cathedrals like St. Anne’s Cathedral and Belfast Castle to Belfast Botanic Gardens, this city has an abundance of charming places to go to.

5. Armagh

Raised on seven hills, Armagh is a place of so many ‘firsts.’ It is where history and mythology have intertwined. This Georgian city has many places to visit such as, The Argory, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Brownlow House & Lurgan Park and more.