Here in the UK, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of natural beauty and culture on our doorstep. With so many interesting and beautiful places to choose from when planning a trip, we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites to hopefully give you some ideas.
So, if you fancy an adventure that’s within easy reach, take a look at these 22 inspiring places to visit in the UK.
If you’re looking to book a UK staycation, you can browse hundreds of travel deals on our website, suitable for a range of budgets.
1. Watergate Bay, Cornwall
If you’re looking for a great UK beach, why not head to this gorgeous bay in Cornwall, which boasts two miles of golden sand? It’s the ideal spot for lovers of the sea and you’ll likely feel like you’re a world away from home.
Watergate Bay is best known for its surfing scene – but it’s also one of Cornwall’s best dog-friendly beaches and is perfect for families too.
If you’re interested in a Cornish break, why not check out our article: 10 of the best Cornwall hotels with sea views?
2. Jurassic Coast, Dorset
While there aren’t any dinosaurs here, the Jurassic Coast is a great place to go fossil hunting! This intriguing UNESCO-protected coastline is full of pre-historic treasures just waiting to be found. It stretches 95 miles from Devon to Dorset, so there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery for you to enjoy.
Perhaps the biggest reason people come here is to visit Durdle Door – a natural limestone arch that was formed as the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through the middle. If you want to beat the crowds, why not head down to the beach for sunrise to see the sun peeking through the door?
3. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby, Pembrokeshire, is known for its beautiful beaches, which look like they belong somewhere in the Mediterranean. It has three – North, South, and Castle Beach – each with its own unique charm.
As well as having plenty of natural beauty to enjoy, Tenby also has cultural exploits to offer, including Tenby Museum and Art Gallery and the National Trust-owned Tudor Merchant’s House. You may also like to join a ghost walk around the town centre too.
4. Bath, Somerset
Bath is the largest city in Somerset. It’s bursting with ancient history and culture, but it’s most famous for its Roman-built baths, hot springs, medieval heritage, and Georgian architecture.
This elegant city is quite unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip, check out our article: 15 of the best hotels in Bath.
5. London, England
Who could forget England’s iconic capital city: London! There’s so much to do, from mooching through the funky market stalls in Camden to seeing the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. If you’re on a budget, consider staying in King’s Cross or Camden, which have more affordable accommodation options, tasty cafes, restaurants, and vintage shops.
Although pricier, Belgravia, Kensington, and Knightsbridge are also great places to stay during a visit to London. All three are near some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
For inspiration, why not read our article: 14 things to do and places to visit on a London city break? Or, to learn more, you may like to sign up for the talk London at Night, running on Rest Less Events on 31st December 2024. You’ll learn how London becomes a different place during the hours of darkness, both today and in the past.
6. Holy Island, Northumberland
The magical Holy Island in Northumberland is even more breathtaking in person – photos just don’t do it justice!
This little island is home to the pretty Lindisfarne Castle. Built in the mid-1500s and renovated in the 20th century by the founder of Country Life Magazine, Edward Hudson, the castle is now owned by the National Trust.
7. Castle Howard, York
Visitors are often blown away by the jaw-dropping beauty of Castle Howard. In the house itself, you can wander around bedrooms, halls, and staterooms, and from November to January, the house is dressed for Christmas.
You can also explore 1,000 acres of parkland and winding woodland paths, temples, terraces, and fountains – not forgetting the beautiful Walled Garden!
8. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital – is often described as looking like something from a fairy tale. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
There’s also plenty of history and culture to explore along the cobbled streets of the Medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town. Even better, Edinburgh is the home of Sean Connery, Sherlock Holmes, digestive biscuits, and Harry Potter!
To learn more, have a read of our article: 8 of the best things to see and do in Edinburgh.
9. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
If you’d like to visit somewhere that combines stunning scenery with a legendary tale, St Michael’s Mount is one place you might find interesting to visit.
This small tidal island is possibly one of the prettiest places in England, and rumour has it that a giant still inhabits one of the island’s caves. Spooky!
10. Giant’s Causeways, County Antrim
If you’re looking for a getaway with dramatic scenery, Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is arguably one of the most inspiring places to visit in the UK.
Lying at the bottom of basalt cliffs, Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 huge, black, basalt columns which stick out of the sea, interlocking in perfect horizontal alignment. Scientists believe that the striking scene was caused by volcanic activity 50–60 million years ago.
This UNESCO heritage site has also inspired myths and legends about giants striding over the sea to Scotland.
11. Snowdonia National Park, North Wales
The picturesque mountain range in North Wales is home to England and Wales’ largest mountain, which stands at 3,560 feet tall.
Climbing Mount Snowdon is challenging, but it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. If hiking isn’t for you, there are still plenty of other ways to appreciate Snowdonia’s scenic landscape.
Meander through wooded valleys and historic villages, or take a leisurely ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. There’s also 60 miles of glorious coastline to enjoy.
12. Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire
If you’re looking for adventure, Finnich Glen in Stirlingshire, Scotland, is one of the top places to visit in the UK.
This steep gorge, carved from red sandstone, is up to 70 feet deep. Some of its most memorable features include a steep staircase known as the Devil’s Steps and a mushroom-shaped rock that rises above the rushing stream, nicknamed The Devil’s Pulpit.
Finnich Glen has been used to film scenes in TV series Outlander and The Nest, as well as the film, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
13. Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby
This captivating coastal village was where smugglers once brought in contraband items like alcohol – and it still has a fascinating network of smuggler tunnels underneath it.
Steeped in history and beauty, you won’t be able to help falling in love with this charming location. Take a stroll along the impressive promenade, sip coffee in quirky cafes, and enjoy afternoon tea at one of the many eateries in Spanish City.
14. Brecon Beacons, South Wales
The Brecon Beacons are a striking mountain range in southern Wales, cared for by the National Trust. The range has six main peaks, including Pen y Fan – the largest, standing at 2,907 feet tall.
The iconic area features nature walks, campsites, and plenty of village eateries. It’s also a popular place for stargazing!
15. The Lake District, Cumbria
The beauty of the Lake District led it to become the UK’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. With stunning mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, and unique little villages, this gem is the perfect place for a relaxing break.
If you enjoy cycling, you might like to undertake the Lakeland Loop, which is widely considered one of Britain’s best bike rides.
16. The Dark Hedges, County Antrim
The Dark Hedges are one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and are popular with visitors worldwide. This impressive scene is located on a quiet road in Ballymoney, County Antrim.
A line of beech trees with twisted branches forms an arch over the road, which makes for an amazing photo opportunity. The Dark Hedges is just a short half-an-hour away from the mysterious Giant’s Causeway, and a one-hour drive from Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, which is home to the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.
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17. Bristol, South West England
Bristol is home to some of Banksy’s most iconic works, as well as fantastic boutique shops and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s so full of character that your first visit probably won’t be your last!
Animal lovers may also want to visit Bristol Zoo, while art lovers can enjoy spotting the various vibrant street murals the city is famous for.
18. Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Cirencester lies on the River Churn and is the largest town in the Cotswolds; it’s the place to go if you love wandering around eclectic markets. It can also be easily reached by car or train. Plus, this historic Roman market town is just minutes away from lush countryside if you’re in the mood for some peace and solitude.
Whether you want to shop til you drop or go on long, meandering walks in nature, you’ll soon wonder where the time has gone as there’s so much to see and explore here.
19. Windsor, South East England
Windsor is a historic market town in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. This quaint town thrives on rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and beautiful scenery — with Windsor Castle, Eton College, and Great Windsor Great Park being some of the main attractions.
Covering 4,800 acres, Windsor Great Park is touted as one of the best green spaces in the country. It includes a deer park and a 2.64-mile tree-lined avenue created during the reign of Charles II, leading to the gates of Windsor Castle.
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20. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
If you’re interested in history and culture, Cambridge is worth adding to your bucket list of places to visit in the UK. This elegant city is laced with impressive buildings such as the historic chapel at King’s College, which was gifted by Henry VIII to one of his six wives (Anne Boleyn).
In the summer, you can also enjoy punting on the River Cam, picnicking in one of the beautiful green spaces, and biking around the city.
21. Manchester
If you want to experience a vibrant northern city, you could head to Manchester – where the city’s trendy vibe will lure you in.
If you’re looking for a tasty bite, Manchester is well known for its diverse restaurants, with everything from BBQ food to sushi heaven. You can also enjoy a pleasant stroll around the quays and canals.
22. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
As one of the most famous historical places to visit in the UK, this unusual attraction is a must-see. To this day, no one knows how or why it was built, which adds to its wonder and mystery!
You can make a day trip out of it, or stay longer in the surrounding county of Wiltshire – famous for its ham, horses, and prehistoric monuments!
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Final thoughts…
From stunning scenes of natural beauty to enchanting towns, villages, and cities, there’s no shortage of varied and interesting places to visit in the UK.
So, whether you’re looking to get away for a day trip or longer, we hope this list of 22 inspiring places to visit in the UK has given you a few ideas.
For more help planning your next trip, why not check out the travel section of our website? Or you can browse hundreds of UK travel deals on our website.
Have you visited any of these inspiring places in the UK? Or do you have any other gems that you’d recommend? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!