One of the greatest things about the United Kingdom is the diversity it boasts. From Scottish Highlands to gorgeous little hamlets, coves of the Dorset Coast, the Kent Downs, and more, the country has a plethora of places to visit. The UK, consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has long been Europe’s one of most popular tourist destinations.
The rich cultural heritage and diverse scenery of the UK are what make it the best place to visit during your next getaway. From museums to world-class art galleries, castles, and beautifully preserved country estates, you will be mesmerized to experience the beautiful country of the United Kingdom.
With that being said, if you are planning your next trip to the United Kingdom, I have gathered a list of the best places you can visit. You can rest assured that you will have an amazing trip!
1. Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is popular for the majestic Edinburgh Castle and many other well-preserved historical buildings. It is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the UK. Climb to Arthur’s Seat and the dramatic Salisbury Crags and witness one of the oldest cultivation terraces, depicting the ancient farming practices in Scotland.
One of the city’s latest attractions is the Royal Yacht Britannia. After serving more than four decades in the Royal Family, this 60-year-old yacht resides in Leith, the port area of Edinburgh. Once abroad, you will learn about the history of the Royal Yacht, including other vessels in the Royal Family.
2. London
London is the United Kingdom’s all-in-one destination that boasts a plethora of attractions to keep you busy. If you want to learn about the UK’s history in-depth, one of the things to do in London is to visit the Tower of London. Located on the banks of River Thames beside the spectacular Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is a former palace and prison.
It incorporates the iconic 1000-year-old White Tower that displays an extravagant collection of weaponry and armour. Besides this, you can also visit the Buckingham Palace, where the British Royal Family resides. Visiting the Whitehall Road is necessary with attractions like Parliament Buildings and Big Ben, including the Westminster Abbey.
3. Ancient Stonehenge and Medieval Salisbury
Recorded as one of the world’s oldest heritage sites by UNESCO, the Stonehenge has been in existence for 4500 years. It has been a place of pilgrimage, but today, people from across the globe are attracted by its sheer scale. Covering an area of 20 square kilometers, the Stonehenge is sprawling site, incorporating a state-of-the-art visitor center. The center puts light on the magnificent history of the ancient monument.
When you are exploring Stonehenge, be sure to spend some time discovering Salisbury, which is a medieval city located just 16 kilometers south of the iconic monument. Here, you will get to see the famous cathedrals that date back to 1220. You will surely enjoy the historic medieval architecture.
4. Roman-era Bath
One of the smallest cities in the UK, Bath makes up for its minuscule size with a plethora of things to see and do. The city is named after its popular Roman Baths that have lured hundreds and thousands of visitors from across the globe to its healing waters for over 2000 years.
The water gushes from three hot springs and is known to consist of 43 different minerals. Thus, people have been taking baths in this water due to its curative properties. While, today, you cannot take a bath in the original Roman Baths, there are a number of spas nearby that offers Thermae Bath Spa to the tourists.
5. Cotswold and Lake District
When we talk about the most photographed places in the United Kingdom, Cotswold tops the list. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in the UK that includes the best parts of the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Somerset, Warwickshire, and Oxfordshire.
If you travel north of the Cotswolds, there is another slice of English beauty called the Lake District National Park. This national park is home to the UK’s 12 largest lakes, with Windermere and Ullswater being the biggest. If you are looking for a getaway from the chaos of the cities, you must visit this place.
6. The Town of Windsor
The historic town of Windsor offers plenty of fun things to do for travellers. Known for the iconic medieval half-timbered buildings and the lovely Thames-side setting, the town of Windsor is one of the most beautiful examples of architectural excellence. Don’t forget the spectacular Windsor Castle, which is one of the many homes of the Royal Family, making it the world’s largest inhabited castle.
Once you have finished exploring the beautiful architecture of the castle, make sure to spend some time out in the beautiful weather exploring the large, beautiful grounds of the castle that are almost 10 kilometers long.
7. The University Towns of Cambridge and Oxford
When you are in the United Kingdom, you cannot afford to miss visiting these university towns. Cambridge and Oxford are among the world’s top academic establishments. If you happen to visit the UK during spring, then you are in for a treat because this is the time when the famous rowing event – The Boat Race – takes places, showcasing the rivalry between the top academic establishments. Cambridge University’s 31 colleges are something to explore for, whereas Oxford University’s 38 colleges are worth exploring.
8. Loch Ness
If you have heard stories about the spectacular Loch Ness Monster, then you should pay a visit to this Scottish town. Incorporating some of the most beautiful sceneries in the UK, Loch Ness includes the ruins of the Urquhart Castle, which was built in the 14 century. You can also visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to know more about the history of the place and legend.
Final Words
These are the must-visit places in the United Kingdom. These places are known for their rich history, beautiful architecture, and some breath-taking sceneries.
Ajay Rathod
Hi!! I am Ajay, and I’m a passionate blogger who loves to write about a variety of topics. I’m always eager to explore new ideas and share my thoughts with others.