Top 25 must-visit destinations in the UK

From vibrant cities full of culture to tranquil landscapes of extraordinary natural beauty, the UK offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Here’s our selection of 25 of the finest spots to explore across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

Isles of Scilly

Located 40 kilometers off Cornwall's southwestern tip, this cluster of islands resembles a tropical paradise with a distinctly English charm.

St. Mary’s, the largest island, features winding lanes and breathtaking beaches, while the small island of Bryher offers what is possibly the best sunset view in the UK, complete with just one hotel – Hell Bay.

Tresco Abbey Gardens surpass any mainland country estate in terms of color and variety, and a boat ride to the uninhabited islands of Samson or St. Helen’s gives you the chance to observe seals and seabirds up close.

Hell Bay Hotel, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, TR23 0PR; +44 (0)1720 422947

Norwich, Norfolk

With 31 well-preserved medieval churches, an awe-inspiring cathedral that serves as a nesting site for peregrine falcons, and charming cobbled streets lined with buildings dating back to the 12th century, Norwich is an often-overlooked historical treasure.

Roadside signs proudly announce it as 'A Fine City'—and for good reason.

Norwich boasts some of the finest pubs in England, with the historic Adam and Eve, dating back to 1249.

With its annual arts festival every May, Norwich’s vibrant cultural scene makes it much more than just a historical destination.

Adam and Eve, 17 Bishopsgate, Norwich NR3 1RZ; +44 (0)1603 667423

Walberswick and the Suffolk coastline

Walberswick’s picturesque village green, the ruins of its church, and its coastal setting make it one of the most charming spots in eastern England.

Favored by artists and writers such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Esther Freud, the village offers a unique blend of moody light and solitude. It is surrounded by over 1,000 acres of protected heathland and marshes, perfect for long walks, and is home to the Grade I listed St. Andrew’s Church.

Take a trip along the coast to the upscale Southwold, or watch the gray waves crash onto the shore as the sun rises.

St. Andrew’s Church, Walberswick IP18 6UY

Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland

As the ancient northern boundary of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall is arguably the most impressive historical monument in a country rich with castles, cathedrals, and ancient ruins.

Spanning from one end of England to the other, the central stretch of the wall is the most striking, rising and falling dramatically over rugged hills.

Day visitors should make their way to the well-preserved forts at Housesteads and Vindolanda.

For those with more time, a 135-kilometer national trail runs the length of the wall, from Newcastle to the Solway Firth.

Housesteads Roman Fort, Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 6NW; +44 (0)1434 344363

Winchester, Hampshire

Home to a 13th-century replica of King Arthur’s legendary round table, Winchester is a city steeped in history.

In addition to the famous table, Winchester’s Great Hall houses artifacts from the now-destroyed Winchester Castle, while the nearby cathedral remains the longest of its kind in Europe.

Stroll through the charming cobbled streets, past the renowned Winchester College, and along the meandering River Itchen for a quintessentially English experience like no other.

The city is also home to beautifully preserved Georgian buildings, such as the one that hosts the original Hotel du Vin, dating back to 1715.

Hotel du Vin, Southgate Street, Winchester SO23 9EF; +44 (0)1962 896329

The Somerset Levels

The atmospheric Somerset Levels offer a unique experience found nowhere else in the UK.

The flat terrain, crisscrossed by rivers, ditches, and abandoned canals, offers misty views of the Mendip Hills to the east and the Quantocks to the west. Even a slight rise in the land reveals ancient settlements like Glastonbury.

Its waterlogged environment makes it a haven for birds, including bitterns and kingfishers, with the Ham Wall Nature Reserve serving as an essential bird sanctuary.

RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve, Meare, Ashcott, Glastonbury BA6 9SX

Dungeness, Kent

Dungeness, the only place in the UK officially classified as a desert, is a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Located along the Kent coast, its windswept shores and nearby nature reserve, combined with vast skies and refreshing sea air, make it the ideal spot for a revitalizing afternoon.

The coastal village of the same name is like stepping back in time, complete with a miniature railway that carries visitors along the coast to the town of Hythe.

Grasmere and Rydal Water, Lake District

The Lake District in England offers such a variety of stunning landscapes that exploring just one area doesn’t do it justice.

The village of Grasmere and the nearby Rydal Water are perhaps the best starting points for exploring this region.

This is the Lake District beloved by romantic poet William Wordsworth (his Dove Cottage is just outside Grasmere), with its rolling hills, leafy woodlands, and sparkling waters.

Rydal Water, the smallest lake in the area, is ideal for wild swimming during the summer. A path along its shores offers a gentle introduction to hiking.

Grasmere boasts excellent pubs and hotels, along with Sam Read Bookseller, a fantastic bookstore for picking up maps and literature on mountain adventures.

Sam Read Bookseller, Broadgate House, Grasmere, LA22 9SY; +44 (0)15394 35374

Hull, East Yorkshire

Once largely overlooked, Hull was named the UK's City of Culture in 2017 and has since stepped into the limelight.

The city's Old Town is home to some of the best-preserved Georgian and Edwardian buildings in the country, while Hull continues to push boundaries culturally.

The Humber Street Gallery displays contemporary art from local artists, while the Truck Theatre hosts both new and touring productions.

Humber Street Gallery, 64 Humber Street, Hull HU1 1TU

Manchester

Though cities in Northern England often get grouped together, places like Leeds, Bradford, Liverpool, and Manchester each have their own distinct charm that makes them worth exploring.

However, it’s Manchester that stands out as the major draw.

The lively Northern Quarter is a shopping haven, whether you're hunting for vintage clothing or looking to pick up the latest albums at Piccadilly Records. Meanwhile, cultural spots like Bridgewater Hall, Home, and the Albert Hall make it a must-visit for art lovers.

Ignore the complaints about the weather – Manchester is the real deal.

Piccadilly Records, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JR; +44 (0)161 839 8008

Standedge Tunnel and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Yorkshire

Britain's industrial past isn't confined to its cities.

Nestled on the edge of rugged moorland, the charming Huddersfield Narrow Canal runs through the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest, and highest canal tunnel in the UK.

Opened in 1811, this 5,000-meter tunnel was once a vital route for transporting goods and materials.

Today, visitors can embark on guided two-hour journeys through the tunnel, immersing themselves in the region's rich industrial heritage.

The visitor center is excellent, and nearby Marsden offers charming pubs like the Riverhead Brewery Tap, making the trip even more rewarding.

Riverhead Brewery Tap, 2 Peel Street, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6BR; +44 (0)1484 841270

Stanage Edge, Peak District

Famous among climbers and cherished by hikers, Stanage Edge stands as one of the Peak District's top attractions.

On a clear day, the vistas are breathtaking, offering views of the Dark Peak and Hope Valley.

In summer, it's perfect for a full day of hiking, while winter brings a serene atmosphere and fewer crowds, enhancing the peace.

Take a hike up from the nearby village of Hathersage, which is also home to a wonderful heated outdoor swimming pool that steams on chilly days.

Hathersage Swimming Pool, Oddfellows Road, Hathersage S32 1DU; +44 (0)1433 650843

The Rhinog mountains and Barmouth, located in Wales, offer some of the most stunning landscapes in the region.

Though mid-Wales isn't the easiest place to access, those who make the journey are rewarded with expansive sea views, towering mountains, and a vast sense of open space.

Barmouth, a charming seaside town with its estuary, railway bridge, and expansive sands, serves as an ideal base for exploring the nearby hills or visiting historical sites like Harlech Castle, built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales.

The Rhinogs, located in the southern part of Snowdonia, are perfect for adventurers seeking less-traveled paths, offering an escape from the more frequented routes to the north of the national park.

Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Wales LL46 2YH, is a magnificent historical landmark.

Rhossili Bay, situated on the Gower Peninsula, is a stunning destination with breathtaking views.

South Wales is a breathtaking destination, with its spectacular beaches and hills ranking among the finest in Europe, if not the entire UK.

Rhossili Beach, located on the Gower Peninsula, consistently earns accolades as one of the top beaches in the area, and it's easy to see why.

Stretching over five kilometers, the beach is a haven for surfers and swimmers, while hikers enjoy the clifftop trails offering sweeping views of Worms Head and the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

For a more leisurely experience, visitors can take in the stunning coastal vistas from the comfort of The Worm’s Head Hotel, just a four-minute walk from the beach.

The Worm’s Head Hotel, located in Rhossili, Gower SA3 1PP, offers a cozy spot to enjoy the spectacular surroundings; contact +44 (0)1792 390512 for more details.

The Cairngorms, located in Scotland, offer an untouched wilderness that's perfect for those seeking adventure.

The Cairngorms are often considered one of the last truly untamed areas left in the UK, offering a rugged and wild experience.

During winter, the Cairngorms are blanketed by thick layers of snow, creating a stunning and isolated winter wonderland.

With long daylight hours and sunny weather, summer is an ideal time for hiking and wild camping in this breathtaking region.

For those seeking adventure, the hills offer multi-day hikes, while Loch an Eilein with its ruined castle, surrounded by stunning views and red squirrels, is perfect for a more relaxed visit.

Loch an Eilein, located in Highland, PH22 1QT, is an enchanting spot for a peaceful retreat.

Glasgow is widely regarded as one of the top city break destinations in the UK, offering a vibrant mix of culture and nightlife.

While Edinburgh often steals the spotlight, Glasgow is an equally impressive Scottish city with its own unique charm.

Scotland’s largest city offers just as much as the capital, from remarkable architecture to a thriving art and cultural scene.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery, with its world-renowned collection, and the West End’s lively shops and bars make for the perfect afternoon out.

With an electric music scene and acclaimed dining spots like Stravaigin, Glasgow is undoubtedly one of the country’s finest city break destinations.

Stravaigin, 28 Gibson Street, Glasgow, G12 8NX, +44 (0)141 334 2665

Shetland, located in the far north of Scotland, offers an unmatched sense of remoteness and wild beauty.

Traveling to the northernmost islands of Shetland can be a journey in itself, especially when heading to Unst, the UK's northernmost isle.

The effort of reaching these remote islands is rewarded with dramatic views of rugged landscapes, and the opportunity to witness orcas hunting seals near the shore in summer or the spectacular Northern Lights in winter.

Shetland also boasts intriguing prehistoric sites like Stanydale Temple, and pristine beaches perfect for unwinding when the weather is calm.

Stanydale Temple, Near Bixter, Mainland, Shetland

Galloway Forest Park in Scotland is home to the UK's only Dark Sky Park, a haven for stargazing.

Located far from the light pollution of cities, Galloway Forest Park became the first Dark Sky Park in the UK.

When night falls on a clear evening, you can see more than 7,000 stars and planets with just your eyes.

With a telescope, the view becomes even more breathtaking. Three visitor centers provide details about the constellations, while dedicated viewing platforms allow both casual stargazers and serious astronomers to enjoy the celestial sights.

Clatteringshaws Visitor Center, Queen’s Way, DG7 3SQ

The New Forest in Hampshire is a stunning destination, rich in history and natural beauty.

While once covered in dense woodlands, England now has relatively few forests remaining.

Believed to contain over 1,000 ancient trees, the New Forest stands as one of the UK's finest woodlands, a vital part of the National Park’s charm.

With its wild ponies, expansive heathlands, rugged coastline, and winding roads perfect for cycling, this tranquil part of southern England offers a refreshing retreat from the city's hustle.

Chewton Glen, a luxurious country house hotel on the edge of the National Park, makes an ideal base for those wishing to immerse themselves in the beauty of the forest over several days.

Chewton Glen, Christchurch Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS; +44 (0)1425 275341

The Lincolnshire Wolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, celebrated for its picturesque rolling hills and serene countryside.

Though it may not be as well-known as other UK landscapes, the Lincolnshire Wolds, located between Kent and Yorkshire, exudes a unique and peaceful charm.

As a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Wolds feature rolling hills, babbling streams, and lush farmland, making it a sanctuary for rare wildlife like the Dartford Warbler and Wild Gladiolus.

From here, sweeping views of the Pennines and the east coast can be enjoyed, thanks to the area's expansive flatlands.

Nearby, St. James' Church, perched on the edge of the Wolds, boasts the tallest spire of any medieval parish church in England.

St. James' Church, Louth, LN11 9ET

The Malvern Hills in Herefordshire are a paradise for hikers, offering some of the best walking routes in the UK.

These often-overlooked regions, however, offer stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures that shouldn't be missed.

With landscapes like the Malverns, there's no excuse not to explore. This range of hills offers some of the best hiking in the country.

For those not keen on hiking, the spa town of Great Malvern provides a charming retreat with its Victorian architecture, antique shops, and cozy bookshops.

Holy Island, located off the coast of Anglesey, is a serene escape with rich wildlife.

Wales' rugged landscapes and hidden gems make it a paradise for the adventurous.

While Snowdonia often steals the spotlight, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, located just across from Anglesey, is an enchanting place often overlooked by those heading to Ireland via ferry.

The coastal trail offers sweeping views of the sea, with the mountains of North Wales rising in the distance. The brilliant white South Stack Lighthouse stands tall, surrounded by cliffs that are home to puffins and peregrine falcons.

Get an up-close experience with the nesting puffin colony at the South Stack Cliffs Nature Reserve, managed by the RSPB.

South Stack Cliffs Nature Reserve, Holyhead, LL65 1YH; +44 (0)1407 762100

Brecon Beacons, Wales

From kayaking on rushing rivers and hiking up towering peaks to savoring the freshest local produce, the Brecon Beacons has something for every adventurer.

True, it can be a bit rainy, but this is the UK—where a little rain is just part of the charm.

Unlike many national parks that can feel overrun, the Brecons provide a much quieter alternative, offering stunning vistas and charming villages to explore.

Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland

The nine Glens of Antrim cascade down from the Antrim Plateau, leading to the sparkling waters of the Irish Sea.

Rent a car and embark on a journey along the winding coastal road, built in the 1830s, stretching over 160 kilometers with breathtaking views of the hills and the distant Scottish landscape.

Glenariff and the nearby Slemish Mountain both featured in the popular TV show 'Game of Thrones,' helping this part of Northern Ireland experience a surge in tourism in recent years.

The charming village of Cushendun, nestled along the Antrim Coast and safeguarded by the National Trust since 1954, is a beautiful spot to visit and adds to the area's allure.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

The 40,000 basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway are wrapped in myth and legend.

A UNESCO World Heritage site that’s over 60 million years old, it is said that the giant Finn McCool created these columns for a duel with a rival giant in Scotland.

Today, visitors can enjoy scenic cliff-top walks and an exceptional visitor center, all set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience, 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU; +44 (0) 28 2073 1855