23 Absolute Best Places To Visit In The UK (+ Map & Tips) | Anywhere We Roam
From medieval castles in brooding mountains to elegant cities steeped in history, there are many inspiring places to visit in the UK. Here are the best destinations to reinvigorate your senses and explore this wonderful country.
From medieval towns to breathtaking scenery, Britain is a land of rich rewards.
Forged by its island position off mainland Europe, the UK is full of spellbinding experiences, world-famous attractions, cultural diversity, sublime scenery, and proper cups of tea.
Rebalance the soul in wild and remote landscapes; re-energise the spirit in pristine mountain-top lakes; reboot the mind in historic cities.
We’ve explored a lot of this beautiful country.
We’ve hiked stunning trails, tried the local ale, wandered cute villages, climbed mountains, swam rivers, drank tea, ate crisps, complained about the weather, queued, and discovered some of the most amazing places.
Here is our guide to the best places to visit in the UK.
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MAP | PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK
Our favourite places to visit in the UK are spread around the country. To help you plan your next British getaway we’ve added them all to the below map. For more, peruse all our UK Guides.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
1 – LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND
The Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a national park in northwest England blessed with some of the finest mountain scenery in the country.
It’s a popular vacation destination in the UK with craggy hills framing ribbon lakes, connected by rivers that course through valleys. It’s one of the best places in England for enjoying nature at its finest.
Several market towns such as Ambleside, Keswick and Grasmere are great bases for exploring the area.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Lake District, celebrity chefs have provided the lakes with more Michelin stars than any other region.
Read more on our guide to the best things to do in the Lake District.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
There are several great areas in the Lakes which each offer a different experience. All the details are in our guide to Lake District accommodation.
2 – YORK, ENGLAND
Starting as a Roman settlement with Viking legacies, York had a building boom during the medieval period filling cobbled lanes with handsome Georgian townhouses.
This blend of architectural styles makes York a charming city to explore in the north of England.
With miles of intact Roman walls, world-class museums, and a thriving cultural scene, York is a beautiful place to visit embedded with a rich English history.
WHAT DO DO?
- Visit York Minster, one of the world’s famous cathedrals
- Explore Harry Potter locations on The Shambles
- Walk the city walls for great views over the medieval centre
- Picnic in Museum Gardens beside the ruined abbey
WHERE TO STAY?
3 – JURASSIC COAST, ENGLAND
The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site on the coast of southern England that stretches for 96 miles from Exmouth to Studland Bay in Dorset.
It’s famous for its most photographed feature, Durdle Door, a glorious natural arch stranded in the sea which has been eroded via the forces of nature.
The Jurassic Coast area is a great base for a coastal getaway and weekend trip in stunning scenery.
There are historic ruins, a thriving craft beer scene, plenty of great hiking and some of the most charming seaside towns in England.
Read more in our guide to the highlights of the Jurassic Coast.
WHAT DO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
Read our comprehensive guide on the best places to stay on the Jurassic Coast for ideas about where to base yourself.
4 – THE COTSWOLDS, ENGLAND
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the southwest of England. Famous for rolling countryside dotted with sheep and honey-hued villages lost in time.
It’s one of the best destinations in the UK for traditional rural charm.
Several of the Cotswolds villages are bursting with charisma such as Castle Comb, framed by a hilly woodland; and Upper & Lower Slaughter, two of the prettiest villages in the UK.
The best way to experience the Cotswolds is on a country walk through bucolic scenery ending in a traditional pub.
Read more in our guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
Our guide to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds breaks down each of the areas with recommendations on some cool hotels to book.
5 – ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND
The Isle of Skye, just off the northwest coast of Scotland is a rugged landscape with picturesque fishing villages, medieval castles and a host of outdoor adventures.
The 50-mile-long island is the largest and most popular of the Inner Hebrides. It’s one of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands for impressive scenery, clan history and wildlife spotting.
Isle of Skye is a top destination for hiking and the outdoors. The Trotternish Peninsula is a landscape of strange geological shapes and the Cuillin Mountain Range has 12 Munros – mountain peaks above 3,000 feet.
Read more in our guide to visiting the Isle of Skye.
WHAT TO DO?
- Hike to the iconic Old Man of Storr for stunning scenery
- Visit Mealt Falls, the dramatic cascade that plunges into the ocean
- Visit the colourful town of Portree and take a course at the gin school
- Hike in the Quiraing for weird and wonderful landscapes
WHERE TO STAY?
6 – PEMBROKESHIRE COAST, WALES
The Pembrokeshire Coast is a National Park on the south coast of Wales. One of the smallest National Parks in the UK, it packs a punch with coastal scenery, hidden beaches, woodlands and a thriving Celtic culture.
With nowhere in the park more than 10 miles from the sea, the Pembrokeshire Coast is all about seaside bliss. Eleven beaches were awarded a Blue Flag, meeting the highest standards of safety and cleanliness. Twelve have received the Green Coast Award for recognised beautiful untouched beaches.
The coastal path is one of just 15 National Trails in England and Wales and it provides some of the most scenic hiking in the country.
Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Pembrokeshire.
WHAT DO TO?
WHERE TO STAY?
For everything from farmer’s huts to luxury resorts, read our guide to the best places to stay in Pembrokeshire.
7 – CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND
Cambridge is located in eastern England on the River Cam, famous for imposing late-Gothic architecture, cobbled streets and immaculate college greens.
It’s regularly regarded as one of the best cities in England with a vibrant student culture, beautiful colleges and world-class museums.
With strong royal links, notable scientific discoveries and several historic achievements, Cambridge is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the UK.
Located just 55 miles (89 kilometres) north of London, a day trip to Cambridge is a great way to see the city.
WHAT TO DO?
- Visit St Johns College, one of the most impressive in Cambridge connected by the Bridge of Sighs.
- Listen to evensong at the stunning King’s College Chapel
- Take a punting tour down the River Cam
- Examine the ancient collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum
WHERE TO STAY?
8 – SNOWDONIA, WALES
Snowdonia is a National Park in Wales, with 823 square miles of incredible rugged beauty. Situated in the northwest of the country, craggy buttressed mountains, steep-sided pinnacles and pristine lakes provide the playground for stunning walks, wild swimming and adventure activities.
The highlight is Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales with several trails to reach the top, or a scenic train if you just want to get straight to the views.
Snowdonia is also home to several well-preserved defensive fortifications including Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Conway.
Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Snowdonia.
WHAT TO DO?
- Hike to the top of Snowdon via the Pyg Track
- Visit the heritage-listed village of Dolgellau
- Drive the dramatic Llanberis Pass
- Visit the charming Italianate village of Portmerion
- See the imposing Harlech Castle overlooking the sea
WHERE TO STAY?
9 – LONDON, ENGLAND
As the capital of England and the United Kindom, London is a city that still manages to hold a few secrets despite being the most popular place to visit in the UK.
It’s also a surprisingly accessible city. Contained within central London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are all easily walkable. Many of the world-class art galleries are completely free of charge.
With everything from neighbourhood markets to West End theatre, world-class museums to hidden historic nooks, London is one of the world’s greatest cities.
Surrounded by green parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty there are also plenty of great walks from London that make the most of the beautiful countryside.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
10 – WATERGATE BAY, ENGLAND
Watergate Bay is a beach on the north Cornwall coast and one of the best in England for surfing. Facing southwest towards the Atlantic rollers, the 2-mile stretch of golden sand provides excellent conditions for both beginners and the more experienced looking for outdoor adventures in the UK.
When evening arrives, it is one of the most beautiful places in the country to watch a glorious golden sunset.
Even if the surfing doesn’t entice you, Watergate Bay is a great base for exploring northern Cornwall with sandy beaches, coastal trails, and a great food scene.
Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Cornwall.
WHAT TO DO?
- Take a surfing lesson or go wild swimming in Cornwall
- Visit the stunning Bedruthran Rocks on a hike
- Walk on the 2-mile stretch of beach in front of the Watergate Bay Hotel
- Laze on the stunning Holywell Bay beach
WHERE TO STAY?
Read our guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall with area tips and hotel recommendations.
11 – STONEHENGE, ENGLAND
Archaeologists believe Stonehenge was built as a giant solar calendar with each of the 30 stones representing a day of the month and special stones marking the start of the week.
Extraordinarily, the design factors in leap years with five structures holding vertical stones representing a 5-day month required to synchronise the calendar.
Although it’s one of the most famous places to visit in England, the ingenuity of this 5,000-year-old structure leaves you in awe.
The most important day of the year at Stonehenge is the Summer Solstice, the only time of the year when it’s possible to walk among the stones and admire the symmetry with the summer sunrise.
WHAT DO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
12 – EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland with a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town – both of which have UNESCO World Heritage classifications.
Throughout history, Edinburgh has grabbed the attention of everyone from royalty to Harry Potter fans with charming cobbled streets, an unexpected entertainment scene, and a host of world-class attractions.
There are renowned art galleries, historical monuments, lovely gardens and plenty of whisky experiences to get a proper taste of this Scottish gem.
WHAT TO DO?
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI.
- Walk the Royal Mile picking off attractions including the Edinburgh Museum and St Giles’ Cathedral.
- Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Take a Harry Potter Tour to see the landmarks from the books and movies
- Head up to Calton Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city
WHERE TO STAY?
13 – SEVEN SISTERS CLIFFS, ENGLAND
The Seven Sisters Cliffs is an iconic stretch of coastline in South Downs National Park in southern England.
Glistening white cliffs form a chain of photographic undulating peaks, with a carpet of rolling green farmland on top, and the ocean glistening below. It’s one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK.
The popular walk along the top of the Seven Sisters Cliffs is thoroughly scenic but there are plenty of other great things to do in the area.
Brighton is just 35 minutes away and there are plenty of outdoor activities in the area.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
14 – OXFORD, ENGLAND
Oxford, in central southern England, is the famous home of the olden university in the English-speaking world.
History, tradition and grandeur combine to keep the medieval city centre one of the most popular places to visit in England. Stroll cobbled laneways, admire the grand architecture and enjoy this vibrant British city.
While the historic colleges are the main attraction in Oxford, the surrounding area is also a great place to visit with imposing palaces, bucolic English countryside and some great river-based activities.
Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Oxford.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
15 – WYE VALLEY, ENGLAND & WALES
The Wye Valley is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) straddling the border between England and Wales.
It’s a lush green valley with a central river that was a strategic location for warring factions. As a result, there are ruined castles, historic buildings and the atmospheric remains of religious structures hidden in woodlands.
One of the highlights of the area is Hay-on-Wye, a delightful market town with an annual book festival that has established the town as the unofficial book capital of the world.
Read more in our guide to the best of the Wye Valley.
WHAT DO TO?
- Visit the charming town of Hay-on-Wye
- Go canoeing on the River Wye
- Visit the remarkable ruins of Tintern Abbey
- Take in the views from Symonds Yat Rock
- Visit the LLnthony Priory – a crumbling ruin in the Black Mountains
WHERE TO STAY?
16 – DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE, ENGLAND
Dunstanburgh Castle is one of the most evocative ruins in England. Perched on a remote headland in Northumberland, it was the scene of intense fighting during the War of the Roses.
The most prominent section still standing today is the Great Gatehouse; a commanding focal point surrounded by gorse-clad pastures and working farmland.
The best views are from the short walk from the nearby coastal town of Craster, where the magnificent scale of the ruined building comes into focus past the local fishing boats bobbing in the bay.
There are plenty of other great places to see in the area. Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Northumberland.
WHAT TO DO?
- Walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh for an excellent coastal walk
- Try the seafood at the Jolly Fisherman, famous for their Lindisfarne Oysters
- Laze on Embleton Bay, a massive sweep of golden sand
WHERE TO STAY?
Our guide to the best places to stay in Northumberland has suggestions for each of the main areas along with hotel recommendations.
17 – HADRIANS WALL, ENGLAND
Hadrian’s Wall is a defensive fortification in the north of England built by the Romans around the year 122 to protect the northwest frontier of their empire.
The wall is 73 miles long and includes 158 turrets, 80 guard posts and 17 forts built to house the Roman soldiers sent to patrol the border.
It’s one of the best places to go in England to witness Roman construction, but it’s also set in beautiful scenery.
The best section to visit is the 15 to 20 miles from Greenhead to Chesters, where you can enjoy excellent walking along the best-preserved section of the wall.
All the details are in our guide to visiting Hadrian’s Wall.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
18 – BATH, ENGLAND
Bath is a city in England known for its Roman-built baths and handsome Georgian architecture.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath has a compact visitor-friendly centre with independent shopping, a great cafe scene, interesting galleries and a regular calendar of festivals.
In addition to the Roman Baths, the modern Thermae Bath Spa has the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in.
We’ve captured all our favourite things to do in Bath to help you plan a historic break in a beautiful city.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
19 – LLANTHONY PRIORY, WALES
Llanthony Priory, set in a remote steep-sided valley in the Black Mountains, was once one of the greatest medieval buildings in Wales. It was active as a monastery from 1118 until suppression in 1539 by King Henry VIII.
Today the priory is an evocative ruin set against the backdrop of the rugged Black Mountains. Rows of pointed archways still stand with other visible remnants of the blend of Norman and Gothic architectural styles, now resting on a blanket of green grass and often covered in mist from the valley.
Read more about this mysterious location in our guide to the Wye Valley.
WHAT TO DO
- Have a real ale from the vaulted undercroft bar, once the original priory’s cellar
- Drive Gospel Pass to Hay Pass, the highest road in Wales
- Hike to Hay Bluff for views over teh Black Mountains
WHERE TO STAY
20 – CORFE CASTLE
Corfe Castle was one of the first royal palaces built after the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It was designed to be impressive, sitting atop a 55-metre hill, it peers over sweeping rural countryside and out to sea.
It was a key stronghold on the royalists’ side during the English Civil War but it was seized and destroyed by an act of Parliament in 1645. Since then, Corfe Castle has stood in dilapidated glory as one of the finest castle ruins in England.
Owned and operated by the National Trust, Corfe Castle is an unmissable attraction in the UK.
Read more in our guide to the Jurassic Coast.
WHAT TO DO?
- Walk up West Hill for the best sunrise views
- Stroll around the tiny Corfe Village connected to the castle
- Ride the Swanage Steam Train from Corfe to Swanage
WHERE TO STAY?
21 – YORKSHIRE DALES, ENGLAND
There are few places in the UK that capture the wild and dramatic side of the country quite like the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Vast windswept moorlands overlook a patchwork of green fields clinging to undulating valleys hiding stoic old-world villages.
It’s an epic landscape with interesting geological features, valleys full of hay meadows and dry stone walls that contour the hilly environment,
With several historic sites, excellent hiking trails, traditional villages and proper English pubs, the Yorkshire Dales is an unmissable highlight in the UK.
Read more in our guide to visiting the Yorkshire Dales.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
- Clean comfortable and cheap digs at the YHA Malham
- A property country pub stay at The Lister Arms
- The colourful and grand Devonshire Fell Hotel
22 – ST MICHAELS MOUNT, ENGLAND
Crowning a rocky island off the coast of the beautiful county of Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount is one of the best places to visit in the UK for photography opportunities.
It began life as a church and priory but over time it was converted into a castle. Viewed from the shore, the castle sitting on the tiny island is perfect for capturing sunrise shots.
At high tide, the island is cut off from the mainland, but at low tide, a causeway stretches from the village of Marazion to the castle.
It’s one of the many star attractions in Cornwall – read more in our guide to visiting Cornwall.
WHAT TO DO?
- Walk the lanes in Marazion to find the best vantage point to photograph St Michaels Mount
- Tour the castle to see the building’s many incarnations
- Do the self-guided walking tour of the island by scanning the QR codes at the steps
WHERE TO STAY?
For ideas on where to stay, read our guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall with area and hotel recommendations.
23 – SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The Scottish Highlands is a mountainous region in the northwest of Scotland with romantic castles, fascinating history and some of the most epic scenery in the United Kingdom.
Carved out by sinuous lochs and containing the highest mountains in the country, the Scottish Highlands is one of the best destinations for outdoor adventures.
But colourful fishing villages, superb beaches, scenic drives and Highland whisky, give the area a diversity that’s hard to resist.
Read more in our guide to the Scottish Highlands.
WHAT TO DO?
WHERE TO STAY?
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