10 of the Best Places to Visit in the UK

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Credit: Simon Godfrey on Unsplash

Britain may be small, but with stunning scenery, top-class attractions, and fine restaurants, there is plenty that makes it great.  From the snow-covered mountains and lochs of Scotland to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds,  picture-postcard seaside villages, and vibrant cities, there is a wealth of things to see and do in the UK. 

Whether you’re a first time visitor or planning a staycation, these are just some of the great British destinations not to be missed.

Lake District
Credit: Photo by James Kemp on Unsplash

1. Lake District

It’s no surprise the Lake District has long been an inspiration to artists and poets such as William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and Arthur Ransome. The harmonious landscape – picturesque lakes, woodlands, fells (mountains), and valleys – encourages visitors to reflect and admire.  

Home to England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike) and largest lake (Windermere), its 885 square miles are of such significance to the nation that it became England’s first national park, protecting its extraordinary beauty for future generations in 1951. The area is naturally a big draw for those seeking the great outdoors, in spite of the unpredictable and changeable weather. Hillwalking and cycling are particularly popular, as is kayaking and paddleboarding. 

2. Scottish Highlands and Islands

Great glens, deep lochs, pristine beaches, dramatic castles and wild isles: the Highlands and Islands of Scotland are the ideal place for adventure and romance. From the gentle beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to the craggy peaks of the Grampian Mountains and remoteness of the Outer Hebrides, the scenery is jaw-dropping.

This is a region of superlatives – it is home to the UK’s largest park (the Cairngorms), highest mountain (Ben Nevis), deepest lake (Loch Morar) and most remote inhabited isle (Foula in the Shetland archipelago). Spot wildlife such as wild cats and sea eagles on spectacular hillwalks, or for a less challenging journey, try spectacular drives such as the North Coast 500 or the Snow Roads Scenic Route.

3. Brecon Beacons

Stretching from the English border at Hay-on-Wye in the east to Llandeilo in the west, the Brecon Beacons National Park is made up of four mountain ranges: the Black Mountain (Mynydd Du), Central Beacons, Fforest Fawr (Great Forest), and the Black Mountains (not to be confused with the Black Mountain).

Its 520 square miles of stunning scenery: grassy moorlands, waterfalls, heather escarpments and wooded valleys. It’s a popular spot for mountain bikers, and walkers alike. There are 2,000 miles of footpaths including several trails, such as Offa’s Dyke Path at Hatterrall Ridge. Britain’s longest ancient monument, Offa’s Dyke was created in the eight century and runs alongside the border between England and Wales. The walking path, created in 1971, follows much of it.

4. Cotswolds

Quintessentially English, this area is a honeypot of honeycoloured towns and villages set amongst gentle ‘wolds’, or rolling hills. Its picture-perfect villages are lined with mellow-coloured stone cottages and manor houses, its charming market towns such as Cirencester and Tewkesbury feature cosy pubs, beautiful churches, and boutique shops.

The Cotswolds covers 800 miles of unspoilt countryside across five counties (Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Wiltshire) and is the largest of England and Wales’ Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  

The Shambles in York
Credit: Photo by Karl Moran on Unsplash

5. Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are among Britain’s most beloved beauty spots. These national parks are also national treasures: picturesque villages lined with stone cottages are nestled among rolling hills;  grassy moorlands and dramatic cliffs are punctuated with grand abbeys and castles.

No visit to Yorkshire is complete without seeing historic York, one of Britain’s most beautiful cities. With its Roman and Viking roots (it was known as Eboracum and Jorvik, respectively), it’s steeped in history. Walk along its ancient walls, cobbled streets, or along the famous Shambles, lined with overhanging medieval timber-framed buildings. Don’t miss the spectacular York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe

6. London 

The UK’s cosmopolitan capital is one of the greatest cities in the world. This ever-changing metropolis is brimful of history, world-class theatre, shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums.  Beyond the high-density buzz of Central London lie green open spaces (Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park, Richmond), beautiful gardens (Kew, Chelsea) and cosy riverside pubs.

Travel through time with its architecture –  Roman walls, Tudor palaces to the ultramodern Shard –  or along the river, taking in icons such as the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. Or go up;  the ever-increasing presence of skyscrapers offer sweeping views of the city.

7. Peak District 

A tour of the Peak District gives you a sense of layers of English history, nature and industry rolled into one. Its leafy dales and hills are lined with comely villages, grand stately homes and mighty cities. Connecting them are the still-evident symbols of the heart of the Industrial Revolution:  the railways, viaducts and mills. 

Its 555 square miles extends from Derbyshire into Cheshire, Greater Manchester Staffordshire, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire. Don’t miss the country houses of Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House, market towns such as Buxton and Bakewell, and the fairy-tale Bolsover Castle. 

8. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital may be small, but its influence looms large. Frequently appearing in top cities in the world lists, ‘Auld Reekie’ is renowned for its elegant and striking architecture, national museums and galleries, walkability and world-class festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

It’s home to two royal seats, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, which are linked by the grand Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town. The palace stands in the shadow of St Arthur’s Seat, a (slightly strenuous) walk to the top of this ancient volcano gives fine views across the city.

St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. Credit: Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash

9. Cornwall

One of the most popular summer holiday destinations among Brits is Cornwall.  Its beautiful beaches and scenery are a hit with holidaymakers and painters and writers alike. Dramatic landscapes including clifftops scored by the wild seas and tin mining industry (making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site) merge into picturesque seaside towns, green rolling hills, and wild open moors.

St Ives, the town with the most beautiful light in Britain and home to artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Bernard Leach and Francis Bacon is one of the big draws, but there are as many delightful  towns and villages worth exploring as there are secluded beaches and hidden coves.  Natural attractions abound, including St Michael’s Mount, linked to the mainland by a causeway, and the most westerly and southerly points of England.

10. Pembrokeshire

The most westerly county in Wales is home to some of the country’s finest beaches and stunning scenery. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a good way to explore this small national park and take in the views, from red cliffs to towering sea stacks. Coasteering, sea kayaking and hiking join the spectacular scenery as the main attractions here, although sauntering through the pretty seaside towns and along the lovely golden beaches aren’t too far behind.

It’s also home to the UK’s smallest city, St David’s, resting place of Wales’ patron saint, and its magnificent cathedral. From here, you can take boat trips out to the offshore islands of Ramsey, Grassholm, Skomer, and Skokholm to spot puffins, dolphins and whales.