You’ll Never Tire of Exploring the UK
The United Kingdom offers everything from exciting cities and ancient castles to soaring mountains and spectacular beaches. You might not be able to experience it all, but you can certainly get a taste for the different landscapes and cultures there are to experience in Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
From attractions to cities, be sure to add these places to visit in the UK to your trip itinerary.
Edinburgh, Scotland
If you can only visit one city in the United Kingdom, make it Edinburgh. Surely one of the most stunning cities in the world, it’s enveloped by seven hills, and both its medieval Old Town and Georgian-filled New Town are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Its famous Royal Mile is book-ended by magnificent Edinburgh Castle and grand Holyrood Palace, the former an 11th-century castle that’s set upon an extinct volcano. A powerful symbol of Scotland’s heritage, Edinburgh Castle has witnessed everything from savage battles and the birth of a king to royal ceremonies, lavish feasts and ruthless politics.
It’s a particularly fun attraction to take kids to, making Edinburgh one of the best European family vacations you can take. A tour will allow you to marvel at the dazzling crown jewels, wander through palace rooms where you can view the Stone of Destiny and the medieval siege gun known as “Mons Meg”, as well as to take in an incredible vista of the city.
Other essential things to do in Edinburgh include strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden and visiting the National Museum of Scotland. If you’re a fan of novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, walk in his footsteps by taking the trek up Calton Hill, one of his favorite spots.
The city is increasingly becoming a foodie’s delight and has a multitude of outstanding places to dine, with everything from foraged food at quirky cafes to gourmet fare at classy establishments. It’s a particularly lovely Christmas destination in the UK, if you’re looking for a festive and cozy place to spend the holidays.
The Isle of Skye, Scotland
The largest of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is connected by bridge to the mainland. Just before you cross, you’ll come to one of Scotland’s most iconic images, frequently splashed across postcards and brochures. Eilean Donan Castle was built in the mid-13th century to fend off Viking attacks, and today nearly every corner of it can be explored.
Once on the Isle of Skye you’ll discover even more of Scotland’s most romantic and dramatic sights. The striking landscape showcases lush, soaring mountains with unique rock formations and sea cliffs dotted with waterfalls that touch down to seashell-strewn beaches edged by the azure waters of the Atlantic.
The most iconic rock formation, the Old Man of Storr, can be reached by hiking the short, easy path around the Quirang. After your efforts, cool off in the crystal clear, turquoise waters of the Fairy Pools, which look as if they came straight from the pages of a fairy tale. When you’re ready to head indoors, enjoy a whisky tour and tasting at Talisker Distillery.
Visit Eyam, the Plague Village in Peak District, and learn about the sordid history of the villagers who were overrun by the plague in 1665.
Loch Ness, Inverness, Scotland
One of the most famous bodies of water on the planet, Loch Ness offers the opportunity to search for its most infamous creature. The best way to glimpse the “monster,” if you believe in the legend that is, is to paddle around the lake in a canoe, or join a tour that will bring you out onto the glistening waters.
Visiting the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle is a must, where you can climb Grant Tower, which overlooks the loch. Here you can capture postcard-perfect shots and take a peek into the eerily dark prison cell that reportedly once held Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn.
If you care to spend a night or two, book a stay at Aldourie Castle, located on the shores of the lake. It’s one of the best castle stays in Scotland, making you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
There are miles and miles of hiking trails throughout the area, including scenic paths around the lake for exploring close to the water’s edge as well.
Isle of Arran, Scotland
Often referred to as “Scotland in Miniature,” this island is practically a mirror image of mainland Scotland’s landscape, compacted into 166 square miles of beauty. This is where you’ll find beautiful stretches of sandy beach, towering mountains, impressive castles, charming villages and abundant wildlife.
You’ll discover jaw-dropping views around nearly every corner, including the mountain peaks that provide a fantastic backdrop while sailing into Brodick Bay. This is a bird-watcher’s paradise, including sea eagles and many other seabirds that can be spotted while walking the long stretches of beaches along the coast.
Caernarfon Castle, Gwyneed, Wales
Caernarfon is a vast castle and one of the most famous in Wales. Considered to be the best-preserved medieval fortress in Europe, it looks over the town and was constructed in the late 13th century by Edward I, following his defeat of the last native Welsh prince.
History buffs and those of age might recall that in 1969 the castle served as the venue for Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales. Don’t just view the outside — a more fascinating time can be had inside by perusing the exhibitions and displays located throughout the castle’s towers.
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Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley, Wales
The Wye Valley of Wales is known as an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” most particularly in the springtime when it’s covered in a blanket of colorful blooms. Situated along the border between Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, it’s charmed poets, writers and artists for centuries.
The Wye Valley is home to numerous castles and romantic ruins, including 12th-century Tintern Abbey, founded by Cistercian monks. Once a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it’s said to have inspired poems by Lord Tennyson and William Wordsworth among others, and is thought of as one of the most magical and greatest monastic ruins in all of Wales.
If you want to get active and explore more of the valley, paddle the Wye River in a canoe or kayak. You might just catch the mesmerizing sight of a flecked goshawk engaging in its “sky dance,” a mate-attracting display of flying prowess that takes place in the spring and late winter months.
The Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Abereiddy Beach consists of pebbles and exceptionally dark sand made up of pounded grey slate — it’s this slate that provides the intense deep blue color of the waters in the Blue Lagoon that sits just north of the beach. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a little quiet contemplation and fresh air, or perhaps even a swim on a warm summer day.
In fact, jumping into the brilliantly hued lagoon is what most people come here for, hurling themselves off the blackened walls of the old quarry and into the refreshing, clear, deep water.
If you’re in the mood for a walk, the lagoon can be reached via a four-mile circular route that begins at the south side of Porthgain Harbour, exploring some of the region’s finest coastal scenery as well as its industrial past. To reach the coastal path, walk just below the brick hoppers on the south side of the harbor and climb the steps next to a white building.
After following the sharp left-hand bend at the corner of a field, the tower above Abereiddy Beach will come into view as the path continues along a section of dramatic, high cliffs. Follow it on across the open grassland to the beach, where you’ll continue to enjoy more spectacular views and the Blue Lagoon.
Bath, England
One of the must-see places in England, Bath is one of its most picturesque cities, named for the natural hot springs that were used as ancient Roman baths some 2,000 years ago. Today it’s the only place in the entire United Kingdom where you can soak in naturally warm, mineral-rich spa waters just like the Romans during their time.
The Georgian city is jam-packed with magnificent architecture, award-winning eateries, romantic B&Bs, luxurious hotels and rooftop spas that provide gorgeous views over the cityscape. And the best part may be that it’s one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the UK.
In addition to soaking, you can take a self-guided tour of the baths that still bubble with the same water from ancient times and check out multiple museums, including the Jane Austen Centre — a shrine to Bath’s most famous resident — and the Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass.
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The Cotswolds, England
One of the prettiest regions in Europe, The Cotswolds are made up of a vast expanse of emerald hills and ancient villages that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Located in West-Central and Southwestern England, this is one of the largest of the nearly 40 areas of “Outstanding Natural Beauty” in Wales and England.
The region is dotted with storybook towns and countless sheep. The little villages of Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway are often crowd-free, as most visitors head to more famous destinations like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
While it’s beautiful in every season, the fall brings fantastic foliage for leaf-peeping. In winter, it’s wonderfully uncrowded, and finds visitors enjoying breaks in the pubs, cozying up to the warmth of a fire.
Cornwall, England
Located in England’s far southwest corner, Cornwall is defined by its breathtaking coastline that features 300 miles of cliffs, sandy dunes, ancient harbors and creeks winding through oak forests. It’s a wonderful place for relaxing and enjoying active pursuits, particularly walking, as much of it is accessible on foot.
Here you can climb down the natural stepping stones in the cliffs to search through tide pools and enjoy lounging on hidden beaches. Surfing, body boarding, and even swimming with basking sharks and seals are all possible here.
Not surprisingly, creatives of all types — particularly artists and photographers — are lured here by Cornwall’s vast skies and rugged beauty. Winter is a popular time for capturing photos thanks to the light that transforms the turquoise sea into an even more intense shade of blue. There are plenty of quaint fishing villages to explore as well, with Polperro widely known as the most picturesque of all.
Wiltshire: Salisbury to Stonehenge
Salisbury and nearby Stonehenge are considered must-experiences for anyone visiting England. An easy drive from London, Salisbury is one of the most historically important cities in Britain. It’s home to 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in England at over 400-feet-high and a beautiful mechanical clock that dates all the way back to 1386.
It also hosts the Magna Carta, which formed the basis of laws here for centuries.
Only minutes north, you can check off a travel bucket list destination at Stonehenge. The legendary ancient stone circle that features giant standing stones was built over several phases some time between 3,000 and 2,200 BC, though more recent radiocarbon dating has suggested that the first stones went up in 2,400 and 2,200 BC.
No matter the period, these 40-ton rocks that experts say were dragged through the desolate plain to reach Salisbury Plain are impressive and mysterious. No one has been able to prove just yet whether it was built as an astronomical clock, burial ground or religious temple.
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London, England
If you have your eye on England, you’ll most likely fly into one of London’s airports. Spending at least some time in this cosmopolitan city can be a great way to begin or end your adventures. You’ll discover a practically endless list of famous sights, a rich dramatic history, countless shopping opportunities and a hopping nightlife.
It’s home to some of the world’s top museums and art galleries, many of which don’t charge an admission. Explore some of the most precious treasures on the planet at the British Museum, take in a bird’s eye view by riding the London Eye and do some celeb-spotting at Madame Tussauds.
You can shop to your heart’s delight on Oxford Street with its more than 300 shops, landmark stores and designer outlets, dine in high-end eateries, catch a theater performance or attend one of the many fun festivals held throughout the year. If you’re looking to skip the crowds, however, Kensington Street makes for a great alternative to the tourist trap that is Oxford Street.
The Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast is home to multiple sights and attractions, though the most famous is Giant’s Causeway. It sits at the edge of the wild North Atlantic near the town of Bushmills, made up of some 40,000 basalt columns with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs.
Formed by a volcanic eruption around 60 million years ago, it’s sparked numerous scientific debates as well as myths and legends over the centuries. One legend says it was carved out by the mighty giant Finn McCool who left his ancient home behind to battle his foe, Benandonner, across the water in Scotland.
Nearby is Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a heart-pounding suspension bridge that offers stunning views as well as the chance to spot dolphins and even the occasional basking shark.
Whitepark House, Ballintoy, Northern Ireland
Located between Giant’s Causeway and the Rope Bridge, Whitepark House offers one of the best B&B experiences in Northern Ireland. Built in 1730, the grand home overlooks White Park Bay with the North Sea beyond, and is lavishly decorated with antiques and other items from the owner’s exotic travels.
It also includes a beautifully landscaped garden and a conservatory, though the host is truly what makes it stand out. Bob Isle will welcome you with afternoon tea and biscuits as if you were a long-lost friend, providing lots of great tips to help you make the most of your time in the area, along with tasty breakfasts for fueling those activities.
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The Dark Hedges, Stranocum, Northern Ireland
The Dark Hedges may sound like something from a storybook or a movie, and while it has been used as a filming location, most notably in HBO’s hit series “Game of Thrones,” the avenue of ancient beech trees is very real. One of Northern Ireland’s most photographed spots, it was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century.
It was intended to provided a compelling landscape that would draw visitors in, impressing them as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion know as Gracehill House.
It’s been doing so for more than 250 years now, and is known as one of the most magical sights in Northern Ireland. Strolling down Bregagh Road, you may feel as if there is some kind of magical power drawing you in. Fans of “Game of Thrones” will recognize it from Season 2: Episode 1, in which Arya Stark escapes King’s Landing with the latest recruits heading for The Wall.
As this has become one of the region’s top attractions in recent years, in order to capture it without the crowds you’ll need to visit early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland, offers a colorful mix of dramatic history, a thriving art and food scene and spectacular landscapes, with an almost overwhelming number of things to see and do. If you have only a limited amount of time, book one of the quirky traditional black cab tours that will take you on a 90-minute excursion of the city.
You’ll visit the so-called “Peace Walls” that kept Catholics and Protestants apart, the wall murals, docks, university, Protestant Shankill Road and Catholic Falls Road. This is also a great opportunity to listen to the tales of the infamous “troubles” and get some political insight from a local’s point of view for a more unique cultural and historical experience.
Tour or not, don’t miss the Titanic Museum while in Belfast, one of the best in the world. There is so much to take in, one could easily spend two full days here exploring it. There are virtual reality rooms, multi-media displays and even a ride through the dark.
The exhibits are fascinating, filled with artifacts from the ship, including rooms that have been re-created, clothing and letters from the passengers. The museum also hosts several dining options and a gift shop.