Bilal Mehmood 
One of the most popular places to visit in Europe has been the United Kingdom (UK), which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The country’s allure stems in large part from its diversified landscape and rich cultural past. The top places to visit in the UK range from beautifully maintained rural estates and castles to the country’s many world-class art galleries and museums.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a UK visit is how simple it is to discover this interesting and diverse country. Because of its small size – the UK could easily fit into the state of Texas (with plenty to spare) – you can base yourself in places like London or Liverpool and simply take a train, bus, or ferry to see the rest of the country.
A 90-minute train journey from the nation’s capital will take you to lovely Salisbury, and a short bus ride or tour from here will take you to one of the country’s most renowned attractions, Stonehenge. If you wish to travel between the Scottish capitals of Edinburgh and Glasgow, a one-hour train ride will take you right into the centre of either.
With this list of the finest places to visit in the UK, you can plan your sightseeing activities.
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1. London: The Ultimate Destination in the United Kingdom
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located on the banks of the Thames.
While it is possible to organise a trip to the UK without visiting London, it is not recommended. The nation’s enormous capital has a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. One of the top things to do in London for anyone interested in learning more about the UK’s rich history is to visit the Tower of London. This mediaeval palace and jail, located by the stunning Tower Bridge on the banks of the River Thames, contains highlights such as the iconic 1,000-year-old White Tower, with its interesting displays of armour and weaponry, and the Jewel House, which houses the Crown Jewels.
As a fan of the British Royal Family, you must visit Buckingham Palace, which was the home of the British monarchy during Queen Victoria’s time in power. You may watch the colourful pageantry of the Changing of the Guard or even take a tour of the Palace’s State Rooms (book ahead of time as they are only open for a few weeks each year).
Another must-see is the city’s Whitehall Road district, which includes Big Ben and the Parliament Buildings, as well as Westminster Abbey, the site of numerous royal weddings. South Kensington is another location to visit in London, as it is home to the city’s top museums, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, as well as the famed Harrods department store. Visit Trafalgar Square, which is home to the historic Nelson’s Column and the National Portrait Gallery.
2. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is one of the most visited and liked destinations in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh is well-known for its numerous well-preserved historic buildings, but it is arguably best recognised as the home of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.
The Scottish Crown Jewels are housed at the Royal Palace, a 13th-century royal stronghold positioned high just above ancient city on a steep cliff. We recommend the Scottish National War Memorial and the famous Stone of Destiny (Scone). The Stone of Destiny (the Stone of Scone) was only recently restored to Scotland after being detained in London for 700 years.
From the castle, it’s simple to visit the city’s other major historic monuments, most notably the Old Town’s Royal Mile, which features exquisite architecture, boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and art galleries. It is the location of the marvellous historic Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Other highlights of Edinburgh include Princes Street, which is well-known for its shopping and restaurants, as well as the Royal Botanical Garden and the National Gallery of Scotland.
3. Roman-era Bathing
Bath, although being one of the UK’s smaller cities, more than makes up for its tiny size with a plethora of things to see and do. This picturesque city, named after its famous Roman Baths, has been enticing visitors to its healing waters for more than 2,000 years.
The water gushes from three hot springs at a pace of 275,000 gallons each day, before spilling at a continuous 46.5 degrees Celsius. While bathing in the historic Roman Baths is not possible, a number of neighbouring spas, most notably the magnificent Thermae Bath Spa, provide guests with the opportunity to enjoy the city’s famous waters.
Bath is well-known for its beautiful Georgian architecture, in addition to its historical history. The nicest specimens may be found along the majestic, curved Royal Crescent, which is lined with stately townhouses. One of these, No.1 Royal Crescent, is now a museum that provides a fascinating glimpse into Georgian life.
4. Stonehenge and Medieval Salisbury
Stonehenge, one of the world’s oldest World Heritage Sites, has been a centre of pilgrimage for almost 4,500 years. It was thought to have been built as a place of worship, but today’s audiences are drawn by the sheer size of this amazing monument to mankind’s creativity.
It’s a large property, spanning more than 20 square kilometres and having a cutting-edge tourist centre. Here, you may get a fascinating look not only at Stonehenge’s construction but also at its history since then.
Spend some time visiting the surrounding mediaeval city of Salisbury, which is only 16 kilometres south of Stonehenge. You’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to explore one of the country’s most famous churches, which dates back to 1220 and has an authentic Magna Carta. After that, take a stroll through the old city centre, which is home to many great churches and historic mediaeval buildings.
5. Marvelous Windsor
Windsor, a historic town ideally located a short train ride west of London, has plenty of entertaining things to do for travellers. In addition to its magnificent Thames-side position and the many mediaeval half-timbered buildings along its quaint old cobblestone laneways, it is home to the spectacular Windsor Castle, the most famous of the United Kingdom’s royal castles.
For more than a millennium, this magnificent old castle has served as the summer abode of British nobility. It was founded in 1078 by William the Conqueror and is the world’s largest inhabited fortress. Highlights include the spectacular State Apartments, which include the Queen’s Gallery and dining hall, both with brilliantly painted ceilings and woodcarvings, and St. George’s Chapel, which is famed for being the home of the Knights and Ladies of the historic Order of the Garter.
When you’ve had your fill of these old structures, spend some time exploring the castle’s vast and gorgeous grounds, which stretch for about 10 kilometres. You’ll be treated to some genuinely unforgettable panoramic views of Windsor and its castle.
Legoland Windsor, a delightful family resort built on 150 acres of parks and just a short bus ride from the town centre, is another area attraction worth visiting. Royal Ascot, the UK’s most famous horse-racing stadium, is well worth seeing (try to time your trip to coincide with the Royal Meeting held each June).
6. Cotswolds and Lake District: Idyllic England
The lovely Cotswolds, with its nearly 1,287 square kilometres of exquisite scenery, is probably one of the most photographed parts of the UK. The Cotswolds comprise some of the best portions of the counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire and are an easy day trip west of London.
Travellers come here to get a taste of rural English living and to see the area’s many picturesque villages and idyllic pasturelands. The area’s large path network, including the superb 16-kilometre-long Cotswold Way, is one of the most popular ways to do this. Other enjoyable activities include horseback riding and motorcycling, as well as simply taking in the history of prominent market towns like Castle Combe and Tetbury.
The Lake District National Park, located to the north of the Cotswolds and encompassing an area of 1,448 square kilometres, is another piece of stunning English beauty. This region of the UK, which includes 12 of the country’s greatest lakes (the largest being Windermere and Ullswater), is another fantastic place to explore on foot thanks to its more than 3,218 kilometres of paths. Highlights include climbing Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain at 978 metres, as well as experiencing the area’s numerous attractive towns, including Grasmere.
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7. York in the Middle Ages and its Minster
The historic city of York, long the ecclesiastical headquarters of the Church of England, possesses one of the country’s most stunning cathedrals and is one of northern England’s most popular tourist sites. York Minster, the country’s greatest mediaeval church, may be traced back to the 3rd century, though the magnificent current Gothic construction was erected about 1,000 years later.
A visit includes viewing its 14th-century stained glass windows as well as the richly adorned interiors of the choir and north transept. The crypt, which preserves remnants of the ancient 11th-century church on which the cathedral presently sits, is well worth a look.
The ancient City Walls, which run over five kilometres surrounding the old mediaeval city centre, are well worth investigating. You’ll get great views of The Shambles, a narrow 14th-century street known for its superb old timber-framed buildings, many of which dangle over the street below. It is also well-known for its numerous restaurants and tearooms, as well as its numerous boutique shops and galleries.
York also has a number of notable museums, the most well-known of which is the National Railway Museum. Many magnificent vintage steam engines going back to 1820, as well as a unique collection of Royal Trains, are among the highlights of this museum’s large collection.
8. Towns of Cambridge and Oxford University (UK)
The United Kingdom has long been a centre of learning, and two of its most famous university cities are also popular tourism attractions. Cambridge and Oxford, just 128 kilometres apart and an easy commute north of London, have been rivals for centuries for the title of the country’s finest academic establishment, a rivalry commemorated during the famed rowing event, The Boat Race, which takes place each spring on the River Thames.
Despite this friendly rivalry, each city has enough attractions to make them worthwhile additions to any UK vacation itinerary. The opportunity to tour the UK’s biggest collection of preserved mediaeval buildings, many of which are located within an easy walk of Cambridge University’s 31 colleges, the oldest of which was founded in 1284, is one of the highlights of a visit to Cambridge.
In addition to viewing the beautiful college grounds (just a few of the university’s buildings provide tours), tourists to Cambridge should take a punt down the River Cam and explore the historic town centre.
Oxford University’s 38 colleges are similarly appealing, each centred on a quadrangle and many inner courtyards, as well as chapels, dining halls, libraries, and student housing (some offer unique tourist accommodation packages, too). The Carfax Tower, with its excellent views of the city centre, and the numerous superb historic buildings on Oxford’s High Street are among the city’s highlights.
9. Canterbury (UK)
Visit old Canterbury in Kent, and you’ll quickly see why this magnificent city continues to be a lure for travellers to the UK. Canterbury has been a pilgrimage place for almost 1,500 years, dating all the way back to AD 597, when St. Augustine began converting pagan Anglo Saxons to Christianity. It’s an easy hour’s rail ride from central London (or just minutes from the EuroTunnel).
Canterbury Cathedral, which houses the Archbishop of Canterbury, is the city’s most recognised attraction. This majestic cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has plenty to see, from the elaborately carved stone of its outside to its splendid interior, a highlight of which is the lovely choir with its sculptures of six English kings. The beautiful Miracle Windows, which date from the 12th century and represent episodes from the life of slain Archbishop Thomas Becket, are also worth seeing.
After that, spend some time roaming around Old City Canterbury’s pedestrianised section, which is home to many intact, old timber-framed buildings, particularly along Mercery Lane.
The Canterbury Tales, a fascinating look at the life and times of legendary English author Geoffrey Chaucer, called the “Father of English Literature,” is another must-see in Canterbury. Make a point of visiting the wonderful Canterbury Roman Museum. It was constructed around the ruins of an old Roman townhouse and its one-of-a-kind mosaic.
10 and 11 Loch Ness and Inverness in the UK
Despite the fact that rumours of mythological monsters have mostly been discredited (just don’t tell the locals), the magnificent Loch Ness remains a popular tourist destination for visitors to Scotland. While you are unlikely to encounter any monsters, you will be rewarded with some of the most magnificent landscapes in the UK.
The ruins of Urquhart Castle are among the highlights of Loch Ness. It’s one of Scotland’s largest fortresses, overlooking the loch (the current structure dates from the 14th century). For anyone interested in learning more about the area’s many tales, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition tells its history, as well as that of its monster, and includes information on ongoing searches for the elusive creature.
Inverness is a little further north. Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the late-nineteenth-century St. Andrew’s Cathedral are among the many wonderful attractions in this picturesque city.
The Culloden Battlefield and Visitors Centre are well worth a visit for history aficionados. The English and Scots fought their final fight at Culloden in 1746, and the fate of Scotland as a British dominion was decided there. The gravestones of Scottish clan fighters, as well as the six-meter-high Memorial Cairn constructed in 1881 to commemorate the conflict, are well worth seeing.
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The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is number eleven in the UK.
It’s all too easy to forget that the United Kingdom comprises a teeny-tiny portion of Ireland. Northern Ireland, which includes the northeast portion of the “Emerald Isle,” is easily included on a journey to either nation and is well worth exploring. The spectacular Giant’s Causeway, a strikingly gorgeous natural phenomenon that appears anything but natural, is by far the most well-known of Northern Ireland’s attractions.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, just a short drive from Belfast, is made up of remarkable columns of stratified basalt that protrude skyward out of the sea and shoreline like some giant’s staircase, hence their name. There are around 4,000 of these polygonal-shaped steps to observe and climb over. It was formed about 60 million years ago at a period of severe volcanic activity, and it’s easy to see how local legends of giants could have sprung up as a result.
A modern visitor centre has been built here, and it contains intriguing information about the realities – and mythology – behind this bucket-list site. Guided tours are provided, and audio guides are included with entry.
Bushmills, Antrim, Northern Ireland, 44 Causeway Road
12. Liverpool and Manchester
Manchester is frequently the first stop for many travellers wishing to see northern England, Scotland, or Wales, thanks to its international airport. Castlefield is quite well for the well-preserved Victorian palaces, canals, and Roman remains, as well as the numerous renovated historic warehouses into trendy shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Manchester Cathedral and the old Town Hall are two more must-sees in the city. There is also a vibrant cultural scene, which includes museums (Museum of Science and Industry), galleries (Manchester Art Gallery), and entertainment venues (Chinatown).
Liverpool, which is only an hour away by train, has plenty of cultural attractions of its own, not least because of its link with the Beatles. Music aficionados come here to see “Fab Four”-related attractions including The Beatles Story in the rebuilt Albert Docks neighbourhood. The famed Cavern Club, where the band made its debut in 1961, as well as the former houses of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, are well worth seeing. There are also numerous walking tours and van tours of Beatles places available.
Other reasons to visit Liverpool include its numerous historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and parks, as well as fantastic museums such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, and world-class art galleries such as the Walker Art Gallery and the Tate Gallery.
13. Cardiff is the capital of Wales in the UK.
Despite being significantly smaller than both Scotland and England, Wales is home to some of the most popular attractions in the United Kingdom. Exploring the gorgeous scenery and enjoying outdoor adventures in its national parks, as well as seeing its historic castles, are all fun things to do here.
Cardiff, the country’s capital, is one of the greatest sites to experience a little bit of what Wales has to offer, with most visitors starting their tour at Cardiff Castle. Parts of the existing structure, which is located in the heart of the city and was built on the remnants of an ancient Roman fort, dating back to 1090, with much of it renovated in the 1800s. The State Apartments, the Clock Tower, the Chapel, and a splendid Banqueting Hall with excellent murals are among the highlights.
After that, spend some time exploring the city’s many historic Victorian shopping arcades, the nicest of which are located around The Hayes. Cardiff Bay is also worth a visit. This wide region is now home to various superb restaurants, theatres, galleries, and shopping opportunities, many of which are housed in former warehouses on gorgeous Mermaid Quay.
Cardiff Bay is also home to the World of Boats, which houses a one-of-a-kind collection of watercraft from throughout the world, as well as Techniquest. This entertaining science facility includes a planetarium and a theatre.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cardiff
