30 Best Places To Visit In The United Kingdom - Updated 2024

best places to visit in united kingdom
Irene
Irene 
Updated
| 14 min read

Are you planning on visiting the United Kingdom any soon? The countries in the United Kingdom enjoy an influx of tourists annually thanks to their numerous attractions, most of which date back to the Roman era and even farther back in history. As you may know, this destination covers a lot of cities. One can spend lots of time choosing where to go, and you may even end up in a new and unfamiliar place. To fully explore the country, you need to prepare and plan for your trip in advance. To help with that, here are some of the best places to visit in the United Kingdom.

1. London (from USD 39.8)

best places to visit in united kingdom | london

If it is your first time visiting London, you should make sure that you book a hop-on hop-off bus tour that will give you the opportunity to explore the city’s most fascinating sights. During this tour, you will have the freedom to discover great landmarks and attractions such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, all at your own pace. You will also be able to walk through some of the most famous precincts in the city, including Piccadilly, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. During the tour, you are offered audio guides that are available in various languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian.

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London: Golden Tours Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus

Duration: 1.0 to 3.0 day

761 reviews

2. Birmingham (from USD 19.0)

Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is one of the most fascinating cities to visit in the United Kingdom. While you are here, you should consider participating in a walking tour that will allow you to explore the city like a local. You will be able to check out some of the most well-known attractions such as Centenary Square, Jewellery Quarter, St. Chad’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, and St. Paul’s Square. During the tour, you can choose to have an educated guide who will walk you through all of the highlights or have an audio guide so you can go around on your own.

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Discovering Birmingham 2 hour Walking Tour to the Jewellery Quarter

Duration: 2 hours

273 reviews

3. Belfast (from USD 97.0)

Enjoy a memorable vacation in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is best to start your tour at Belfast Cruise Terminal, where you will meet your guide who will help you discover Ireland’s Causeway Coast. This area is famous for its amazing scenery and extraordinary geological formations like Giant’s Causeway, an incredible natural wonder that is believed to have resulted from volcanic eruptions. If you love exploring ancient sites, you can head out to the ruins of Dunluce Castle, where you will get to learn all about its past.

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Shore Excursion from Belfast: Including Giants Causeway and Belfast City.

Duration: 8 hours

135 reviews

4. Edinburgh (from USD 20.21)

best places to visit in united kingdom | edinburgh

Come and discover all the hidden gems of Edinburgh as you enjoy panoramic views from onboard a double-decker bus. For this kind of tour, It is always best to have a local guide who can educate you on the history behind this lively city. Among many attractions, you will be able to explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, where families were living cramped together, and hear stories about the hangings that took place. Get a good view of Castle Rock, which is just above Old Town. Your guide will also be able to tell you about the many attempts to capture Edinburgh Castle. Some of the sights you will come across during this tour include Waverley Bridge, Johnston Terrace, Lawnmarket, John Knox House, Canongate, Hanover Street, and Market Street.

Tip from Content Creator

Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh

Photos of Edinburgh shared by content creator from the United Kingdom, Adrienne.

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Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

3467 reviews

5. Llandudno (from USD 12.64)

llandudno

A lovely coastal town in North Wales, Llandudno is famous for Llandudno Pier, where you will find local shops and a fun arcade. While exploring this iconic tourist attraction, be sure to include the place where you will be able to learn more about the city’s history: Llandudno Museum. You can also enjoy panoramic sea views at West Shore Beach and discover other amazing landmarks and attractions such as Conwy Castle and Great Orme. During this tour, you can choose to have a pre-recorded English commentary that will guide you all throughout.

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Llandudno: 24-Hour City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

81 reviews

6. Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral aerial image
Source: Photo by user John Fielding used under CC BY 2.0

A tour to Canterbury is a must since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See and learn about its rich history from three locations, the first of which is Canterbury Cathedral, set in a beautiful garden and founded around 597 AD. While exploring this site, make sure you don’t miss the chance to learn more about the shrine of Thomas Becket, which is located in the cathedral crypt. Next, you should explore the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey. This place was used as a burial site for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. At the ruins, you will find a museum that offers an audio tour and a virtual reality tour. The last site is St Martin’s Church, which is the oldest church in England that is still in service.

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7. Cotswolds (from USD 149.11)

cotswolds

Discover the beauty of the Cotswolds while enjoying a scenic drive through the picture-perfect English countryside. A tour of this place will give you the opportunity to explore the charming villages of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water, among others. This rural area is not only known for its villages and hamlets, but also for the beautiful landscapes and historic churches. While you are here, make sure you grab a bite at the Swan Hotel Bibury, which has a restaurant that is popular among the locals since it overlooks the River Coln and is known for serving a range of traditional dishes and wines.

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From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Tour with Lunch

Duration: 11.0 hour

917 reviews

8. Bath

bath
Source: www.klook.com

An exploration of England won’t be complete if you have not stopped at the city of Bath in Somerset County. This place is a famous destination among travellers thanks to its abundance of hot springs, its jaw-dropping architecture, and its amazing culture. To easily explore the place, you should book a ride with a hop-on hop-off tour bus service. This will bus will run through the best attractions, including Parade Gardens, Royal Crescent, and the famous Roman Baths. During your visit, make sure to equip yourself with a multilingual audio guide so you can easily learn interesting facts about the city while enjoying the sights.

Tip from Content Creator

Bath is a place so lovely you need no plans other than to wander! With sites that span Roman to Georgian times, it’s Britain at its absolute best. For the best photo spots, head to Pulteney Bridge from Parade Park, the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and The Circus. 
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Bath Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus (Open Top), UK - Klook

9. Leeds

Leeds Town Hall
Source: Photo by user Jorge Franganillo used under CC BY 2.0

Leeds is a vibrant and modern city in the county of Yorkshire, England. It is conveniently located at the heart of the United Kingdom and is accessible by road, air, or rail. Whether you want to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture, go shopping, or just explore the streets, the place has lots to offer. Leeds is home to some of the most amazing attractions, including Harewood House, Kirkstall Abbey, Temple Newsam, Leeds Art Gallery, and the Hepworth Wakefield just to name a few. In addition to having numerous attractions, it also hosts lively cultural festivals and international sporting events.

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10. Glasgow (from USD 20.22)

glasgow

Glasgow is one of the most exciting and vibrant Scottish cities in the United Kingdom. It boasts excellent museums, art galleries, beautiful parks and buildings, as well as countless shopping opportunities that are second only to London. In addition to these amazing attractions, the nightlife and the city’s culinary scene make it one of the most preferred destinations for short holidays. The place is also home to incredible attractions such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, and Riverside Museum and Gallery of Modern Art. To explore all of them, you need to take advantage of a sightseeing tour bus service.

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Glasgow: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

1653 reviews

11. Brighton (from USD 21.48)

brighton

Visit Brighton and discover jaw-dropping sights such as Brighton Palace Pier and Royal Pavilion. Enjoy city views from an open-top double-decker bus and conveniently visit all the best places. This is one of the most preferred destinations on the south coast, and it is famous for a number of popular resorts that offer something for everyone in the family. It is advisable to explore Brighton on a tour bus because this will allow you to see all the best sights in the city. You can even enjoy listening to the guide’s entertaining and informative commentary, which will give you fascinating facts that even some locals don’t know!

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City Sightseeing Brighton: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

174 reviews

12. Chester (from USD 16.0)

Whenever you are in the United Kingdom, you should make sure to set time aside so that you can admire the wonderful scenery of the River Dee in Chester. Chester is a beautiful city in northwest England and is famous for its legendary ancient structures, including the ruins of Chester Roman Amphitheatre. While you are here, broaden your knowledge by visiting attractions like Dewa Roman Experience, Cheshire Military Museum, Chester Castle, and Grosvenor Street Museum. During your exploration, you can opt to join a tour with a guide who can tell you more about the attractions you will be visiting so you can gain insight into the city’s rich culture and history.

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Chester City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Duration: 1 hour

105 reviews

13. York (from USD 20.0)

York is a quintessential medieval town in England, and it is famous for magnificent attractions such as Jorvik Viking Centre, York Minster, and the impressive Clifford’s Tower. With the unblemished look of a true medieval village, it boasts a mix of modernity and heritage. It also features fascinating museums, stunning Gothic architecture, and a great food scene. Whenever you are in England, make sure you visit some of York’s top sights such as Shambles, York Dungeon, Yorkshire Museum, and other places where you can learn more about the intriguing time of the Vikings and the Romans.

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City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Duration: 1 hour

377 reviews

14. Winchester

Located at the heart of Hampshire, you will find the beautiful city of Winchester that boasts more than 2,000 years of history. This is a popular site especially amongst seasoned travellers thanks to its favourable weather, its connections to Arthurian legend, and plenty of museums that tell its long and fascinating history. Some of the must-visit sites include Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall, Wolvesay Castle, Winchester City Museum, and National Trust Winchester City Mill. It does not matter if you are a nature lover or a history buff, these attractions combine both!

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London to Winchester Private Tour with Jane Austen's House

Duration: 7 to 9 hours

11 reviews

15. Salisbury (from USD 199.0)

Travel to the United Kingdom and grab the opportunity to explore Salisbury, which is home to some of England’s top landmarks. A few attractions you need to see when you are here are Salisbury Cathedral, which is home to a copy of the 1215 Magna Carta, and Old Sarum, an Iron Age settlement rich with history and picture-worthy natural views. To fully grasp the history of Salisbury during your visit, it is highly recommended that you hire a local guide who will entertain you with interesting facts about all of the sites you plan to visit.

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Salisbury and Stonehenge Full-Day Tour

Duration: 5 hours

32 reviews

16. Devon

Travel to Devon and check out the region’s most iconic attractions and prettiest towns. At Devon, you have lots to do, like visiting the historic cities of Plymouth and Exeter for a great shopping experience or exploring nearby towns like Sidmouth. After seeing all that Devon has got, you can spend time relaxing on one of the family-friendly beaches. The culinary scene here can be compared to none because you will find great restaurants and cosy pubs serving fantastic local fares.

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Devon and Cornwall 5-Day Small-Group Tour from London

Duration: 5 days

230 reviews

17. Alnwick, Northumberland (from USD 104.0)

Alnwick is a beautiful and historic market town located five miles (eight kilometres) from Northumberland’s coastline. In the present day, this place offers a huge number of tourist sites such as Alnwick Garden and the stunning Alnwick Castle. Combine all of the attractions the town has to offer with its excellent range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shopping areas and you will never want to leave. This place also hosts a number of fun festivals such as Alnwick International Music Festival, Alnwick Food Festival, and more. Indeed, there is something for everyone here.

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Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh

Duration: 9 hours

223 reviews

18. Nottingham

Nottingham
Source: Pixabay

Famous for the legend of Robin Hood, the city of Nottingham is a charming place boasting countless attractions. It is strategically situated in the centre of England’s Midlands region and features exclusive attractions such as Nottingham Castle, Museum & Art Gallery, National Justice Museum, and Wollaton Hall, which is an ornate, Elizabethan-era mansion with a deer park and beautifully landscaped gardens. Whether you are here for a memorable solo weekend or you are looking forward to treating your family to a nice vacation, you will also be able to indulge in sports, discover cutting-edge art, and be entertained by amazing live performances.

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19. Sheffield

Sheffield, Cathedral
Source: Photo by user A S Morton used under CC BY 2.0

Located in the county of South Yorkshire, Sheffield is a beautiful city boasting several attractions. It has a unique culture and is home to friendly locals. The two most-visited places here include Sheffield Winter Garden, where you will find a large glasshouse full of plants, and Millennium Gallery, which showcases metalwork and artwork from local and international artists. Another important attraction you should visit while you are here is Kelham Island Museum, so you can learn more about the city’s industrial heritage. Based on the weather, the best time to explore Sheffield is during the summer.

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20. Cambridge (from USD 22.0)

Cambridge in the historic county of Cambridgeshire is home to the well-known and prestigious University of Cambridge. The city features plenty of historical attractions, including Castle Hill and Bridge of Sighs. The beauty of this city is enhanced by several open grounds, parks, and nature reserves like Sheep’s Green, Christ’s Pieces, Lammas Land, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, and Parker’s Piece. King’s College Chapel is one of the must-visit sites here - it has buttresses, stained-glass windows, and spires, among other amazing features.

Tip from Content Creator

Cambridge Cambridge Cambridge

Photos of Cambridge shared by content creator from the United Kingdom, Ben.

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City Sightseeing Cambridge Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

122 reviews

21. Liverpool (from USD 15.16)

liverpool

Liverpool is a city in the United Kingdom that is famous for its stunning architecture and incredible food culture. While you are visiting this place, you should consider using a hop-on hop-off bus service so you can make the most of your trip. Most of these tour bus services offer an informative guide, and their main purpose is to help visitors explore the best parts of Liverpool, including Albert Dock, Liverpool One, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Liverpool Cathedral. During the tour, your guide will also teach you more about the history of the city and all of the events that have contributed to making Liverpool what it is today.

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Liverpool City Explorer 24 hour hop-on hop-off Bus Tour

362 reviews

22. Scottish Highlands (from USD 67.24)

scottish highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a mixture of incredible architecture, unique culture, and a long history. The mind-blowing landscapes, the wide-open skies, and the hospitable Scots will definitely overwhelm and endear you to this place. The region boasts a natural playground where you can enjoy picnics. Not to mention, its turbulent history has left behind innumerable sites and old, romantic castles for you to explore. Here, you get to enjoy several activities such as dolphin sighting and hiking. Exploring the Scottish Highlands is definitely going to be an experience like no other.

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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Highlands Tour with Lunch

Duration: 12.0 hour

461 reviews

23. Manchester (from USD 15.16)

manchester

When you are done exploring all the hidden gems that London has to offer, you should move on to Manchester. While exploring Manchester, you can learn about the city’s contributions to fields of science as well as art and music. Some of the highlights you will be able to come across during your visit include Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester Town Hall, National Football Museum, and Old Trafford, which houses the popular Manchester United Football Club. One of the must-visit sites here is Salford Quays, where you will find IWM North, a stunning building designed by Daniel Libeskind.

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Manchester: City Bus Tour

Duration: 1.5 hour

777 reviews

24. The Lake District (from USD 85.93)

the lake district

If you are in the United Kingdom to learn more about some of the rich cultures on this side of Europe, the Lake District is where you should be. This is one of the most preferred tourist destinations thanks to the amazing landscapes and the fact that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous attractions here are the medieval village of Hawkshead, famous for its association with English poet William Wordsworth and writer Beatrix Potter. Another place that makes this place famous among travellers is St Michael and All Angels Church. While planning your visit, make sure you bring your camera because there are lots of places where you can enjoy taking photos.

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From Manchester: Lake District Tour

Duration: 10.0 hour

204 reviews

25. Lindisfarne

Also called Holy Island, Lindisfarne is located just a few miles away from the Scottish border. With plenty of ruins and medieval castles, the island attracts visitors from all over the globe. Though it has many historical sites, it also has pubs, shops, hotels, and a busy harbour. Before planning your visit, be sure to check the tide tables, because the causeway linking this place to the mainland gets submerged underwater during high tide. In addition to the sites that you can visit, golfing, bird watching, photography, painting, and fishing are other activities you can enjoy while you are here.

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Alnwick Castle and Lindisfarne Day Trip from Edinburgh

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

19 reviews

26. Oxford (from USD 54.85)

oxford

It is time to discover the hidden treasures of Oxford. This place is located south of England and is mostly known for the prestigious Oxford University. Other places you must visit here include Oxford Botanic Garden, the biggest botanic garden in the United Kingdom, and Pitt Rivers Museum, which is home to some of the world’s most famous archaeological findings. After exploring numerous attractions, you have to enjoy a meal at one of the family-friendly restaurants dotting the city’s impressive culinary scene.

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Oxford Full-Day Tour from London with Train Transfers

Duration: 5 hour

88 reviews

27. Bristol (from USD 43.69)

bristol

While you are still in the United Kingdom, grab this opportunity and get to know the city of Bristol. During your visit, you will learn about the best places to eat and which attractions to visit. Some sites include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower, and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. You will also love the fact that you don’t need to break your bank to indulge in the city’s excellent food scene - it boasts classy and affordable restaurants on almost every corner.

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Bristol Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Duration: 2 hour

10 reviews

28. Cornwall (from USD 229.0)

Those who love the show Poldark will definitely have Cornwall in their itinerary since this is the setting for that BBC show. Despite being exposed to popularity, this coastal town manages to capture tourists with its rich culture. You will love the unspoilt coastline where you can indulge in adventures such as digging around rock pools, swimming with seals or learning how to surf a wave. Apart from spending time on the beach, there are also other things you can participate in, such as touring the wildlife conservation centres and the historic gardens and exploring the steam railways that are reminders of the county’s progress during the Industrial era.

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Cornwall Sunrise or Sunset Champagne Hot Air Balloon Flight

Duration: 4 hours

10 reviews

29. Newcastle upon Tyne (from USD 17.0)

The university city of Newcastle upon Tyne - or simply Newcastle - is located along the riverbanks. The city is famous for its industrial heritage, cool landmarks and fun nightlife scene. The locals also speak the Geordie dialect, and the accent is different from what you will hear in London or other parts of England. The fun of exploring this city never ends, as there are countless mind-blowing attractions such as Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Living Museum of the North. In addition to the attractions, you will also love the food scene because there are restaurants that serve delicious treats at affordable prices.

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Old Newcastle Walking Tour

Duration: 1 hour

30. Anglesey (from USD 687.0)

If you are looking forward to a more relaxed holiday in the United Kingdom, you should head to Anglesey. This is a beautiful coastal town located on the northwest coast of Wales, less than an hour’s drive from Llandudno. During your tour here, you will get to explore some beautiful beaches and medieval monuments. You will also get to enjoy unique shopping experiences in nearby villages and towns that are filled with so much culture and incredible architecture, like Beaumaris and Moelfre. When you are done exploring, you can check out the archaeological wonders of Anglesey, which dates all the way back to the Iron Age.

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Isle of Anglesey Private Day Tour from Llandudno

Duration: 8 hours

Explore the United Kingdom

When you are in the United Kingdom, you have so many places to visit and so many new cultures to discover. To plan your trip better, make sure you refer back to this article and include some of the towns listed here.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Irene Mwikali is a graduate student in Kenya who has a passion for travelling and exploring the world. Currently, her love for travel has taken her to several destinations including South Africa,...Read more

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