Rich in heritage and history, the United Kingdom has many bustling modern cities and ancient sleepy villages to visit — but where to begin?
Discover many urban destinations in the country which all have their own unique identities and charm.
Whether you visit cosmopolitan London, historic Edinburgh, industrial Birmingham or cultural Stratford-upon-Avon, you can find plenty of authentic and fascinating things to see and do.
Ancient places such as Stonehenge, York and Bath are some of the best places to visit in the UK for history lovers and will not disappoint. The famous college towns of Oxford and Cambridge are rich in history and elegant architecture.
There are also plenty of awe-inspiring natural spaces such as the Cotswolds, Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, as well as the wild coasts of Cornwall and the Shetland Islands.
The UK boasts a number of family-friendly attractions and theme parks, including Alton towers and LEGOLAND Windsor, as well as the Harry Potter Studios at Warner Bros London and Warwick Castle.
Here are some destinations to get you excited for your next UK trip!
1 – Liverpool
One of the UK’s largest cities and a hub of arts and culture, Liverpool is known the world over as the hometown of The Beatles.
It wouldn’t be a complete visit to the city without seeing The Beatles Story Museum or the legendary Cavern Club where the band played its earliest concerts. There is also the famous statue of the Fab Four at Pier Head and many more Beatles landmarks dotted around the city.
Visitors can also see an art exhibition at the world-class Tate Liverpool museum or enjoy a shopping trip in the independent stores of Bold Street.
Ride the famous “Ferry cross the Mersey” or check out a Liverpool F.C. football game at Anfield Stadium. Liverpool might just be your new favorite city!
See also: Fun Things to Do in Liverpool
2 – Edinburgh
The historic capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is an atmospheric city with a medieval core and dramatic scenery.
Tour the impressive Edinburgh Castle which looms high over the city or explore the Royal Mile through the heart of the city’s Old Town.
Climb up through Holyrood Park to visit the ancient volcano known as Arthur’s Seat or explore the centuries-old Botanical Gardens and their Victorian glasshouses.
Witnessing the Military Tattoo marching band show is a popular thing to do in the city as is taking a guided tour of the underground vaults and passageways that spread beneath the streets.
There’s a lot to see and do in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most enchanting cities.
See also: Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh
3 – London
The United Kingdom’s capital city and seat of the country’s parliament and monarchy for over 800 years, London is one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
The long list of must-see sights and best tourist attractions in London include Buckingham Palace — home to Queen Elizabeth II, The London Eye observation wheel and Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
Check out some of the amazing free and best museums in London such as The British Museum, Tate Britain and Tate Modern and the Royal Observatory.
Explore the many royal parks and gardens such as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park and see the famous castle prison, the Tower of London.
Visitors can find some of the world’s best museums, galleries and historic palaces right here in the city of London.
See also: Fun Things to Do in London
4 – Oxford
World-famous for its illustrious university, Oxford has charm by the barrel and features leafy avenues, a bustling city center and tons of history to discover.
The first stop on a visit to the city should be Oxford University — which is often ranked as the top university in the world. Tour the hallowed halls of this renowned institution which was established in 1096 — making it the world’s second-oldest still operating university.
Explore the UK’s oldest Botanical Garden and its surrounding woodland of 130 acres or visit The Ashmolean, the country’s first public museum to see its collection of esteemed artworks.
Take a ride down the city’s famous canals on a punt or discover the treasures of the Pitt Rivers Museum. Oxford is overflowing with captivating attractions.
See also: Fun Things to Do in Oxford
5 – Harry Potter Studio
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London takes visitors inside the magic of the Harry Potter movies.
Visit famous locations and sets from the movies, including the Great Hall of Hogwart’s, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Visit Platform 9 3/4 and see the famous Hogwart’s Express.
Glimpse the detailed model of Hogwarts School — which was used for exterior shots of the building, and see artifacts, props and clothing worn in the making of the movies.
Go behind the scenes to the studio’s Special FX and Art departments to see how the amazing creatures and action sequences were brought to life. This is a must-see for Harry Potter fans.
Sold out? Read about Harry Potter Studio last-minute tickets.
6 – Stonehenge
The mysterious history of Stonehenge is only part of what makes it so fascinating.
The famous stone circle was constructed around 2,500 B.C. and its surroundings are particularly rich in archaeological history and sites, some of which may date back as far as 8,000 B.C.
The smaller bluestones, which weigh between two to five tons each, were transported over 180 miles from quarries in Wales using prehistoric technology.
There are many legends that surround the site and its use. Many historians believe it functioned as an ancient form of the calendar, as well as a meeting place for religious ceremonies.
Discover the ancient secrets of Stonehenge for yourself —one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world and one of the best places to visit in the UK for history lovers.
7 – Windsor
The Borough of Windsor is most famous for Windsor Castle, the preferred weekend residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
The castle is the world’s largest and oldest inhabited castle and has been home to the country’s royalty for 1,000 years. Visitors can take a tour of the castle to see its staterooms and the fabulous St. George’s Chapel which is over 500 years old.
Other popular attractions in and around Windsor include The town of Eton, famous for its prestigious college, The Windsor Guildhall which was designed by Christopher Wren, and the historic Windsor Great Park which covers nearly 5,000 acres.
The very royal borough of Windsor offers tranquil towns and villages just a short step from the bustling center of London.
8 – Brighton
The seaside resort of Brighton has long been a weekend getaway for Londoners in search of fresh air and sea breeze.
The Royal Pavillion is one of the most mesmerizing Brighton attractions. This luxurious royal palace with eastern-influenced architecture was built in the 1820s as a coastal getaway for King George IV. Visitors can tour the palace as well as the museum and grounds.
There is a lot to see in this attraction-packed city too. Take a stroll along Brighton Pier for classic rides and amusements, or browse the hip independent shops and cafes of The Lanes.
Grab fantastic vies from the British Airways i360 observation tower or take a seafront trip on The Volk’s Electric Railway for a vintage British seaside experience. Brighton is a whole lot of fun!
See also: Fun Things to do in Brighton
9 – Yorkshire Dales
The green and unspoiled hills of the Yorkshire Dales hold many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.
The spectacular waterfalls of Aysgarth, Hardraw Force and Linton draw visitors from miles around. The rocky scenery of Malham Cove is popular with walkers and the dramatic ravine of Gordale Scar apparently was an inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien when writing “The Lord of the Rings.”
There are lots of great towns and villages to explore in the Dales, including Richmond, Hawes and Malham, and many great country pubs to grab lunch and a drink in.
Explore the underground cave systems that run throughout the park and see the miles of drystone walls that give the region its iconic look. The impressive Ribblehead Viaduct has appeared in many movies and television series, most famously in the “Harry Potter” movies.
10 – Bath
Steeped in ancient history, the Roman town of Bath is brimming with great cultural institutions, shopping opportunities and Classically-inspired architecture.
The famous Roman Baths, from which the city gets its name, are one of the highlights. Visitors can learn more about them through engaging exhibits and CGI reconstructions.
Why not take advantage of the city’s mineral-rich spring water with a soak at Thermae Bath Spa?
Visit The Jane Austen Center to discover more about the popular writer or step back in time as you stroll along the 18th century Pulteney Bridge with its varied shops and boutiques.
There is a diverse selection of museums to explore in the city too. Art lovers should check out the Holburne Museum and Victoria Art Gallery and history fans can discover Georgian-era life at No.1 Royal Crescent. The Fashion Museum displays stylish clothing items from the 17th-century to the present day.
11 – Dartmoor
Devon’s green and unspoiled national park, Dartmoor is one of the best places to visit in the UK for nature lovers.
Keep your eyes peeled for the wild Dartmoor ponies which are an attractive sight to see on your exploration of the park. Meet the animals at Dartmoor Zoo or explore the Iron Age site at Grimspound.
Discover the historic ruins of Okehampton Castle or climb the high rope courses at the gorgeous River Dart Country Park.
The Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is a great place to visit with kids and the impressive gothic architecture of Buckfast Abbey is a must-see when visiting the area.
12 – Cotswolds
The picturesque limestone villages of the Cotswolds are an idyllic place to explore and a quintessentially English experience.
One of the most popular things to do in the Cotswolds is to take a guided tour or to explore the area by car to see all the charming villages.
Adventurous visitors can hike the Cotswold Way, a nearly 100-mile path through some of the country’s most attractive villages.
Gloucester and Cirencester are some of the larger places to visit with attractions such as Gloucester Cathedral and the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway.
There are a number of stunning gardens to visit such as the Batsford and Westonbirt Arboretums, and the grounds of Highgrove House, which is home to Prince Charles.
13 – York
The ancient walled city of York is one of the UK’s most popular northern destinations. It was founded by the Romans in the year 71 A.D. and has some fine historical attractions.
Visitors can brush up on the city’s Viking history at the Jorvik Centre or explore the Medieval lanes of The Shambles — allegedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.
Discover the impressive and historic York Minster which dates back to the 13th century and the city’s more recent history at York Castle Museum.
Delve into the city’s grisly past at The York Dungeon or take a spooky guided tour of the city to unearth the shadowy characters that have called York home.
See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in York
14 – Cardiff
The Welsh Capital is famous for its attractive surrounding landscapes and its plentiful historic castles and houses.
St Fagan’s National Museum of History takes us back in time to the Celtic era. Discover old-fashioned roundhouses, ancient skills and how the people of the region lived in years gone by.
Cardiff Castle is a must-see on a trip to the city along with almost fairytale Castle Coch. Explore the National Museum of Cardiff to discover its collection of artworks, decorative arts and natural history — and grab some fresh air on a visit to the delightful Roath and Bute parks.
Sports fans should check out the Principality Stadium for the best in Welsh Rugby action or check out a show at the Wales Millenium Center.
15 – Lake District
The Lake District is considered to be one of the UK’s most picturesque landscapes and has been inspiring artists and writers for centuries.
If your time is limited, take a private tour of the countryside to see a lot of the Lakes’ highlights in a short time. Outdoors people can explore the many pathways and hills or take an adventure tour through the hills and valleys.
Popular hiking locations include the Old Man of Coniston, Helvellyn and Loughrigg Fell which are achievable for most people.
Visit the popular towns of Windermere, Keswick and Penrith and tour the sites that enchanted Beatrix Potter while writing her famous children’s books.
You are sure to want to return to the Lake District again and again.
16 – Manchester
Bustling Manchester is a hive of activity and there’s a lot to see and do. It is North England’s largest city and is packed with busy shopping streets, markets, museums and galleries.
Visiting the famous Etihad and Old Trafford Stadiums — the respective homes of football teams Manchester City and Manchester United, are always popular with sports fans.
Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover why Manchester is known as the “first industrial City” and visit the magnificent Neo-Gothic John Rylands Library.
See natural history exhibits at the Manchester Museum or glimpse stunning artworks at the Manchester Art Gallery.
Manchester is world-renowned for its musical legacy. Join a tour of the city to learn about some of its most legendary acts, including Joy Division, The Smiths and Oasis.
See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Manchester
17 – Glasgow
Lying along the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow has a lot of cultural and architectural delights to explore.
Discover the attractive Victorian-era platforms of Glasgow Central Station or check out the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel to discover the past and future of vehicles in the city.
Take a tour of Glasgow Cathedral and its centuries-old Necropolis and check out the beautiful architecture of George Square, which has statues of the poets Robert Burns and Thomas Campbell.
On an evening, explore the lively West End with its bars, restaurants and live music venues or catch a performance at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Historic Glasgow is just waiting to be explored!
See also: Fun Things to Do in Glasgow
18 – Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital and its largest city, Belfast is a historic east coast port and industrial center.
The infamous Titanic was constructed in Belfast in 1909 and the city has a museum to the ill-fated ship. Titanic Belfast allows visitors to explore the ship with innovative exhibits such as rides, special FX and immersive reconstructions.
There are more historic ships to visit in the city too, including HMS Caroline and the SS Nomadic.
Discover the artworks of the Peace Wall which documents “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland or visit the notorious Crumlin Road Gaol which housed political prisoners.
Take a shopping spree at the Victorian-era St George’s Market or explore the city’s creative hub, the Cathedral Quarter. The old-fashioned Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city center.
See also: Fun Things to Do in Belfast
19 – Cambridge
The historic university town of Cambridge has been home to many of the country’s greatest scholars. It has a wealth of Classical architecture and charm and is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations.
The University of Cambridge is one of the must-see places on a trip to the city. Grab a guided tour of one of its famous colleges such as King’s College or St. John’s to discover the 800-year history of the University.
Take a journey down the river in one of the town’s famous gondola-style “punts” and pick up some history on the way.
Explore the historic town center, including Market Square and discover fascinating world history and artifacts at the Fitzwilliam Museum.
There are many architectural wonders to discover in Cambridge, making it a stunning place to visit at any time of the year.
See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Cambridge
20 – Isle of Wight
For adventure lovers and those who love to be in the great outdoors, the Isle of Wight is a fantastic destination.
The famous Needles rock formations are explorable by boat tour or kayak and the miles of coastline offer everything from fossil hunting at Compton Bay to surf spots at Freshwater Bay.
Explore Osborne House, the favorite home of Queen Victoria and walk the picturesque Coastal Footpath between the towns of Sandown and Shanklin.
There are plenty of family-friendly attractions to enjoy too such as Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Monkey Haven and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and the spectacular Shanklin Chine gorge and gardens.
21 – Alton Towers
One of the UK’s most thrilling and adventure-packed theme park resorts, Alton Towers offers tons of fun for the whole family.
The largest theme park in England, Alton Towers covers 500 acres in the Staffordshire countryside and is home to some of the world’s most extreme roller coasters.
Some of the park’s most exhilarating rides include Nemesis, Wicker Man and The Smiler — the first 14-loop roller coaster in the world.
Little ones need not miss out either as the park’s CBeebies Land is designed specifically with them in mind, and features gentle rides and play areas for them to discover.
The resort also has some excellent accommodation options, including Alton Towers Hotel, Luxury Treehouses and Stargazing Pods that are sure to make your stay in the park a memorable and happy one.
22 – Birmingham
The UK’s second-largest city after London, Birmingham is packed full of cultural venues, museums and historic locations to check out.
During the industrial era, the city was one of the most prosperous in the country. Take a trip back in time to some of its best historic locations, including the infamous Back to Back housing, Coffin Works and the Museum of the Jewelry Quarter to discover its most lucrative trades.
See an impressive collection of world history artifacts at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or visit the National Motorcycle Museum to learn how British bikes — many of which were built here in Birmingham — conquered the world.
Visit the Birmingham Symphony Hall and Hippodrome to witness world-class theatrical and musical performances or check out the Library of Birmingham’s impressive collection of Shakespearean artifacts.
See also: Fun Things to Do in Birmingham, UK
23 – Scottish Highlands
For adventure lovers in search of the wildest reaches of the UK, The Scottish Highlands does not disappoint.
The area begins north of the city of Glasgow and includes almost 10,000 square miles of moody mountains, deep lochs and heather-strewn glens, as well as the occasional town or village.
One of the most thrilling ways to explore the Highlands is via the West Coast Railways Jacobite Steam Train, but it is equally stunning by bus or private car.
Some of its most popular locations are Ben Nevis, the UK’s largest mountain and the famous Loch Ness. The landscape here is popular with adventure sports lovers, especially the secluded town of Fort William.
Other popular towns to visit include the ancient city of Inverness, wild and picturesque Aviemore and the Glencoe Mountain Resort near the village of Ballachulish.
See also: Fun things to do in Inverness, Scotland
24 – Norwich
The attractive and leafy city of Norwich is a popular destination for travelers and boasts lively art and cultural scene.
Most famous for the Romanesque Norwich Cathedral which dates back to 1096, Norwich has many other historic buildings and locations to explore.
The attractive Fenbrigg Hall is well worth visiting and Norwich Castle hosts a collection of artistic and antique treasures. The Elm Hill area of the city has some wonderful surviving examples of Tudor houses and quaint alleys to discover.
Norwich is a short journey to the picturesque Norfolk Broads, but also has many fine parks inside the city such as Plantation Garden, East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden and Eaton Park.
25 – Giant’s Causeway
The unique rock formations of Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway have been the source of numerous legends over the centuries.
The most popular one tells of the giant, Finn McCool who threw the rocks into the sea to make a crossing to Scotland.
The unusual rock formations, which include almost 40,000 narrow columns look so neat as to appear man-made.
The Giant’s Causeway has appeared in a number of movies and television series, including Dracula Untold and Hellboy II: The Golden Army and as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
This unique geological feature is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.
Read more: Most Beautiful Places in Europe, Game of Thrones Tours from Dublin
26 – Chessington World of Adventures Resort
One of the best places to visit in the UK for families with older kids, Chessington World of Adventure has over 40 rides and attractions.
The park also has the Zoo and Sea Life center which is home to over 1,000 creatures, such as lions, penguins and gorillas. Visitors can come face-to-face with penguins, capybaras, giraffes and a whole host of exotic creatures.
The park also has thrilling rides and almost a dozen exotic-themed lands to discover. Take on the dizzying heights of the Croc Drop or face the wrath of the Dragon’s Fury.
Chessington also has a lot of great shows and entertainment, and seasonal events to enjoy.
27 – Hadrian’s Wall
During the Roman occupation of Britain, Emperor Hadrian ordered a defensive wall to keep the problematic northern tribes out of Roman Britain.
The remains of the wall, which spanned the whole width of the country — almost 73 miles, are still visible in places. Visit sites of numerous Roman fortifications, including Housesteads, Chesters and Birdsowald.
The Roman Army Museum in Hexham gives an interesting depiction of life in Roman Britain for the empire’s soldiers as well as artifacts excavated along the length of the wall.
Explore many sections of the wall and other bits of ancient fortifications across the country such as Walltown Crags, Vindolanda, Milecast 48 and Cawfield’s Roman Wall.
28 – Cornwall
One of the UK’s favorite holiday destinations, Cornwall is rich in Celtic history and has a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs, beautiful fishing villages and wide open moorlands.
A popular UK surf destination, Cornwall takes pride in its beaches like Fistral, Gwithian and Praa Sands, creating over 6-foot waves on a good day.
Visitors return to this area for its many postcard-worthy towns and fishing ports to name, but Falmouth, St Ives, St Austell, Bude and Fowey are all must-see destinations.
Some stunning historical ruins and castles to visit include Pendennis Castle, Tintagel Castle, the supposed home of King Arthur, and the beautiful Minack Theatre which is one of the UK’s most stunning outdoor concert venues.
Cornwall is definitely one of the most enchanting places in the whole of Britain for explorers and nature lovers.
29 – Bristol
The fun and occasionally unconventional city of Bristol is packed with cultural gems, grand architecture and great museums.
The historic port city has a number of maritime landmarks to discover such as the SS Great Britain, designed in the mid-19th century by the engineering mastermind, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Another of Brunel’s masterpieces the Clifton Suspension Bridge has graced the city skyline since 1836. Visitors can take a walking tour of the bridge to discover what makes it so unique.
Those with a particular interest in architecture and history can also explore Cabot Tower, Wills Memorial Building and the historic Bristol City Docks.
The city also has a number of world-class museums to explore such as the We the Curious Science Museum and the expansive Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Bristol
30 – Swansea
The second-largest city in Wales, Swansea has a stunning coastline that offers many opportunities for those who prefer to explore on foot.
Some of the finest walking locations in the area include the Gower Peninsula which boasts impressive rock formations and turquoise water. There are many attractive and wide-open beaches here also such as Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay and the popular Caswell Bay.
The nearby village of Mumbles is a small but bustling fishing village. There are a number of great gardens and parks to explore around the city such as Clyne Gardens and Pennllergare Valley Woods.
The Dylan Thomas Centre — dedicated to the celebrated local poet, is a must-visit for arts and literature fans.
31 – Winchester
The historic city of Winchester has been home to some of the country’s most illustrious figures.
The city dates back to Roman times and was England’s very first capital city. Visitors can explore its narrow and quaint streets which feature very old timber-frame and brick buildings.
Winchester Cathedral is over 900 years old and is packed with historic treasures, including a Winchester Bible and a Tournai Font which date from 1150. The Cathedral has stunning gothic architecture and is the final resting place of the famed author Jane Austen.
The Great Hall dates back to the 13th century and was once part of Winchester Castle. It houses the famous round table of King Arthur.
There are many other attractive areas of the city to visit, including the Hospital of St Cross, Winchester City Mill and the South Downs Way, which extends all the way to Eastbourne on the South Coast.
32 – Peak District
Covering over 500 square miles, the gently rolling hills of the peak district are a popular destination for hikers and outdoor adventurers.
Some of the best walks in the region include the Monsal Trail — which runs along a former railway line, Tissington Trail and Kinder Scout.
Check out some beautiful reservoirs in the area, including the Derwent Dam and Ladybower Reservoir, and the wildlife conservation area of Longshaw Estate.
There are plenty of attractions for those who aren’t into walking, such as the caves and rock formations of Speedwell Caverns and Treak Cliff Cavern.
The stunning country manor of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, has lots to see including a renowned art collection and fantastic gardens.
33 – Bamburgh Castle
The epic Bamburgh Castle might be one of the most photogenic castles in the whole world.
The castle is still the home of the Armstrong family, who have resided there since the mid-1800s but its roots extend back over 1,000 years.
The site has been excavated by archeologists who have uncovered a number of artifacts including an Anglo-Saxon sword and gold decorations.
The castle was restyled by William Armstrong in the Victorian era who gave it its current interior look. Visitors can explore the Armory — which has an impressive collection of suits of armor, beautiful staterooms and the medieval-style King’s Hall.
Bamburgh Castle is sure to impress.
34 – Shetland Islands
Lying just off of Scotland, the Shetland Islands are home to some fascinating historic sites and ancient ruins.
The Viking and Nordic heritage of the island is well represented at the Viking Longhouse and the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement.
The Shetland Museum and Archives has some interesting exhibits about the history of the area, and Mousa Iron Age Broch is one of the best-surviving forts from the era.
Discover the windswept Banna Minn Beach, Hermaness Nature Reserve and the towering Sumburgh Head Lighthouse on the southern tip of the mainland.
Visitors can check out the unique Bobby’s Bus Shelter on a tour of Unst isle for some lighthearted installation art.
35 – Canterbury
The ancient walled city of Canterbury dates back to Roman-era Britain and is rich in historic architecture.
Parts of Canterbury Cathedral date back to the year 597 AD when it was founded. The impressive structure is home to the Thomas Beckett Shrine.
The award-winning Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is a must-see museum when visiting the city. It hosts state-of-the-art exhibitions, as well as an art gallery and library all housed in a Tudor revival building.
Some of the city’s other important landmarks include Christ Church Gate, the attractive Westgate Gardens and Franciscan Gardens, and St. Augustine’s Abbey. The Canterbury Roman Museum offers interesting insights into the city’s past.
36 – White Cliffs of Dover
For millennia, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover have been a symbolic sight for travelers returning and departing the continent.
The shining chalk limestone cliffs tower above the Straight of Dover — which is the shortest distance between the UK and Mainland Europe, and on a clear day, visitors can see the coast of France.
See and hike a number of trails with spectacular views of the coastline, or explore the World War II tunnel complex of Fan Bay Deep Shelter.
The area is also a terrific place to spot wildlife such as ravens, kittiwakes, falcons and gulls.
37 – Thorpe Park Resort
One of the UK’s most popular theme park resorts, Thorpe Park has an abundance of thrilling roller coasters, chilling rides and fun attractions.
Ride the Nemesis Inferno or the horror-themed Saw: The Ride. Take a spin on the towering Colossus — the world’s first 10-loop roller coaster or experience super-fast acceleration on Stealth.
The park has plenty of scary attractions too, including Derren Brown’s Ghost Train and the Walking Dead Ride, both of which combine live-action horror and spooky effects.
Black Mirror Labyrinth based on the popular TV show is one of the park’s newest attractions.
There are also plenty of family-friendly rides and amusements for younger kids to enjoy. Thorpe Park is fun for the whole family.
38 – Snowdonia
The stunning mountainous region of Wales, Snowdonia, attracts many thousands of visitors annually to explore its rugged landscape.
The area is a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and there are hundreds of trails to explore in the area which offer incredible views throughout.
The town of Betws-y-Coed is considered the gateway to the Snowdonia National Park and is a jumping-off point for many explorers.
Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh is the focal point of the park and the tallest mountain in Wales. It is a fairly easy hike and achievable for most people. The largest Welsh lake, Llyn Tegid, can also be found in the Snowdon National Park.
One of the most fun attractions in the region is Zip World Fforest which has treetop rope courses to explore and a forest toboggan ride.
39 – Stratford-upon-Avon
Most famous for its association with William Shakespeare, the picturesque riverside town of Stratford-upon-Avon has lots to discover for history and literature fans.
Visitors can see the birthplace of Shakespeare and the cottage where Anne Hathaway — Shakespeare’s wife not the actor, lived before they were married.
You can also see the church where the couple is buried and other important landmarks such as the Schoolrooms and Guildhall where “The Bard” studied, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which performs some of the writer’s most famous works.
Even if you are not a Shakespeare enthusiast, Stratford has plenty to see and do. Walk the attractive streets and leafy parks and gardens of the town. Soak up its historical ambiance or visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm which is supposedly the largest in Europe.
40 – Blackpool
The glitzy seaside attractions of Blackpool have been drawing visitors and holidaymakers to the town for decades.
The famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach features classic roller coaster rides and amusements that are fun for the whole family.
The famous Blackpool Tower is the town’s most iconic landmark and visitors can explore its glass-floored observation deck for the best views over the coastline.
Visit the fun Madame Tussauds wax museum and see amazing exotic creatures at the British seaside at Blackpool Zoo and SEA LIFE Blackpool.
Catch a show at the fantastic Blackpool Tower Ballroom or enjoy an evening of cabaret at Viva Blackpool.
Don’t miss the magnificent Victorian architecture of the Winter Gardens, one of the city’s most popular entertainment venues.
41 – Dunluce Castle
There has been a settlement at Dunluce Castle for almost 2,000 years and the current ruins date to the 17th and 18th centuries.
The ruined structure which overlooks the sea has inspired artists, writers and filmmakers with its romantic appearance. It has appeared in a number of movies and television series, including “Game of Thrones” where it doubled as the Iron Islands.
It was the seat of the battling McQuiland and MacDonell Clans from the 1600s who waged constant war with each other.
Dunluce Castle is thought to have been the inspiration for the hit C.S Lewis stories in “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
42 – Cairngorms
The wild and picturesque Cairngorms in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland are strewn with lush green valleys and picturesque lochs to discover.
This national park is home to some of the highest mountains and plateaus in
Scotland and the British isles.
It’s not without its famous residents too. Balmoral Castle is the famous holiday residence of Queen Elizabeth II and is open to the public through the summer months.
Some of the most impressive sites in the area include attractive lakes like Loch Morlich, An Lochan Auaine — also known as the Green Loch and Loch an Eilein.
The Cairngorm Mountain Resort is a popular spot for winter sports adventures in the area.
43 – Jurassic Coast
Spanning from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is one of the UK’s longest coastal trails.
The name comes from the many fossils from the Jurassic Period that have been found on the cliffs of the region — although there have also been plenty of Triassic and Cretaceous objects discovered too.
Visitors can walk in the actual footsteps of Dinosaurs at Keates Quarry, Spyway, or hunt for fossils along almost a hundred miles of coastline.
Take a guided tour of the best fossils and fossil hunting grounds along the Dorset coast, or kayak around the famous Durdle Door rock formation.
44 – LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
One of the best places to visit in the UK for children aged up to 12, Legoland Windsor Resort is jam-packed with rides, attractions and opportunities to build and create.
The park has 12 different lands to discover and fantastic rides for kids of all ages such as the exhilarating and theatrical Flight of the Sky Lion, the interactive and watery Hydra’s Challenge and the magical flying roller coaster, The Dragon.
Explore the underwater world of the City Deep Sea Adventure or get goosebumps as you brave the Haunted House Monster Party.
There are lots of opportunities to get creative too at the Creature Creation, LEGO Education Center and Model Making Studios. A trip to Legoland is sure to be a trip to remember.
45 – Loch Ness
On the hunt for Nessie or just taking in the Highland scenery? Loch Ness is an awe-inspiring sight.
Reportedly the loch contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales Combined. It is the second-largest in Scotland and extends for over 22 miles. At its deepest point, it reaches 225 meters, making it the second deepest Scottish loch after Loch Morar.
Some stunning attractions in the area include the ruins of Urquhart Castle which juts out dramatically into the loch and the historic Fort Augustus.
The waterfalls of Foyers, on the loch’s south bank, are situated in dense woodland and the area is a particularly beautiful place to walk. From nearby, visitors can rent kayaks to explore Loch Ness in all its glory.
Alternatively, try one of the many bus and boat tours offered in the area.
46 – Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons mountain range in South Wales is an outdoor adventure paradise at any time of the year.
Located in the heart of nature, the area has many excellent walking and cycling trails to discover. Some of the most picturesque hikes are the Four Waterfalls trail near the village of Ystradfellte, The Brecon Horseshoe circular route and the Pen y Fan trail.
There is an excellent system of waterways and canals that are perfect for exploring by kayak or paddleboard. Many kayakers launch from Brecon Promenade on the River Usk although the Brecon Basins Canal is also excellent.
Take a guided tour or adventure tour to discover the best natural landmarks and most stunning scenic areas in this awesome part of the Welsh countryside.
47 – Warwick Castle
One of the best places to visit in the Uk for history lovers, Warwick Castle brings medieval history to life.
The thousand-year-old castle is one of the best-preserved in the country and presents a whole program of action-packed themed events and attractions for visitors to see.
Younger kids especially will be enthralled by the historic fun on display, including battle reenactments, falconry displays, tours of the castle’s infamous dungeons and much more.
The live-action displays and knowledgeable staff will ignite your family’s curiosity.
Explore the castle’s stunning grounds, including its Great Hall and State Rooms, see full-size medieval weapons, and explore the interactive Maze based on the “Horrible Histories” TV Series. Warwick Castle is lots of fun!
48 – Norfolk Broads
A popular area for boating and beloved by anglers, the Norfolk Broads offers a peaceful place to escape from it all in the heart of nature.
While it’s best to explore the region by foot or by bike, many hire a boat and travel at their own pace through the Broads.
There is a diverse amount of wildlife to see in the woodlands and wetland areas, including otters, eels and water voles, as well as many types of wading birds like bitterns, cranes and herons.
The village of Wroxham, known as the “capital of the broads” is a nice place to explore and offers a number of boat hire options.
A trip on the Bure Valley miniature railway between Wroxham and Aylsham is a fun way to see the sights.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best places to visit in the UK to help you plan your next vacation.
Let us know in the comments below which place is your favorite one.
As always, happy travels!