35 Best Places to Visit in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers an incredible mix of historic cities, stunning countryside, and coastal gems that captivate travelers from around the world. From the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, this island nation packs an astonishing variety of experiences into a relatively compact area. Before embarking on your UK adventure, ensure you’re prepared with two essentials: 📶 a reliable eSIM to stay connected throughout your journey and ✈️ access to the best deals on flights and accommodations to make your trip both memorable and affordable.

1. London

The UK’s vibrant capital offers an unmatched blend of history, culture, and modernity. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums and diverse neighborhoods, London deserves several days of exploration. The city’s extensive public transportation system makes it easy to navigate its many attractions.

Travel Tip: Use your UK eSIM to access real-time Underground updates and navigate London’s bustling streets with ease. Many London attractions offer online booking discounts, so check travel deals before visiting popular sites like the Tower of London or British Museum.

2. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a city of two distinct parts: the medieval Old Town with its Royal Mile and imposing castle, and the elegant Georgian New Town with its ordered streets and classic architecture. Edinburgh’s rich history, stunning vistas, and vibrant cultural scene make it one of the UK’s most captivating cities.

Travel Tip: Book your Edinburgh accommodation well in advance if visiting during the famous Fringe Festival in August using our travel deals link. The city’s hills and winding streets are easier to navigate with online maps, so ensure your eSIM is activated for reliable connectivity.

3. Lake District

England’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake District captivates visitors with its glacial lakes, rugged fell mountains, and picturesque valleys. Home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake, Wastwater, this region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and peaceful contemplation.

Travel Tip: While the Lake District’s natural beauty is unparalleled, mobile coverage can be spotty in remote areas. A reliable eSIM with good UK coverage is essential for navigation and safety. Find charming lakeside accommodations at competitive rates through our travel deals platform.

4. Bath

Named for its Roman-built baths, this elegant city in Somerset boasts some of the finest Georgian architecture in Britain. The well-preserved Roman Baths, magnificent Bath Abbey, and the iconic Royal Crescent showcase nearly 2,000 years of history, all within a compact and walkable city center.

Travel Tip: Bath can get extremely crowded, especially during summer months. Book skip-the-line tickets for the Roman Baths through our travel deals to avoid long waits. Use your eSIM to download the official Bath audio guide for a self-paced tour of the city’s architectural highlights.

5. Stonehenge

This prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain remains one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries. Dating back to around 3000 BCE, the massive standing stones of Stonehenge continue to captivate visitors with their astronomical alignment and the engineering feat they represent from a time before modern technology.

Travel Tip: The visitor center is located 1.5 miles from the actual stone circle. Book your timed entry tickets through our travel deals to secure your preferred slot. Download the Stonehenge audio guide to your phone using your eSIM for fascinating insights about this ancient wonder.

6. Oxford

Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford blends academic excellence with architectural splendor. The city’s “dreaming spires,” ancient colleges, and the world-famous Bodleian Library create an atmosphere of timeless learning and beauty that has inspired scholars for centuries.

Travel Tip: Many Oxford colleges charge entrance fees and have limited visiting hours. Check opening times online using your eSIM before visiting. For the best value accommodation near the historic center, use our travel deals link to find options that fit your budget.

7. York

Founded by the Romans and later ruled by Vikings, York is a living museum of English history. The magnificent York Minster, well-preserved medieval city walls, and the charming narrow street known as The Shambles transport visitors back through the centuries in this compact and atmospheric city.

Travel Tip: The York Pass offers entry to multiple attractions and can save you money if you plan to visit several sites. Compare prices using your eSIM and book through our travel deals for additional savings. Stay within the city walls for the full historic experience.

8. Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands offer some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes, with towering mountains, mysterious lochs, and vast open spaces. This region of ancient clan history, Highland games, and whisky distilleries provides both outdoor adventure and cultural immersion in equal measure.

Travel Tip: Cell coverage can be limited in remote Highland areas, making a reliable eSIM with good UK coverage essential for navigation. Book charming Highland B&Bs or castle hotels through our travel deals for authentic Scottish hospitality at competitive rates.

9. Cambridge

Cambridge rivals Oxford in academic prestige and architectural beauty, with its historic university buildings and college “backs” creating a picturesque setting along the River Cam. Punting on the river offers a unique perspective of the colleges, while the city’s museums and botanical garden provide additional cultural enrichment.

Travel Tip: Punting is a must-do activity in Cambridge, but prices vary widely. Compare rates online using your eSIM and consider a shared tour to save money. Cambridge accommodations can be expensive, so check our travel deals for the best rates.

10. The Cotswolds

This region of rolling hills and picturesque villages built from honey-colored limestone epitomizes the English countryside at its most charming. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds offer scenic walks, historic market towns like Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold, and quintessentially English rural landscapes.

Travel Tip: The Cotswolds are best explored by car, but public transport connections can be limited. Download offline maps using your eSIM before venturing into rural areas. For authentic Cotswold experiences, book charming cottages or historic inns through our travel deals.

11. Loch Ness

Famous for its legendary monster, Loch Ness is more than just a mythical tale. This deep, freshwater loch stretches for 23 miles through the Great Glen and is surrounded by beautiful Highland scenery. The ruins of Urquhart Castle on its shores add historical interest to the natural beauty.

Travel Tip: Loch Ness cruises are popular but can sell out during peak season. Book in advance through our travel deals for the best rates. Use your eSIM to check weather conditions before visiting, as Scottish weather can change rapidly.

12. Giant’s Causeway

Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway features around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Local legend attributes this remarkable geological formation to the mythical giant Finn McCool, adding cultural richness to the natural wonder.

Travel Tip: The Causeway Coast offers many additional attractions worth visiting. Use your eSIM to research nearby sites like Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. Book accommodations in nearby Bushmills or Portrush through our travel deals to explore the area thoroughly.

13. Snowdonia National Park

Wales’ largest national park centers around Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. With rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient woodlands, Snowdonia offers outdoor enthusiasts everything from gentle walks to challenging climbs, all amid breathtaking scenery that has inspired artists for generations.

Travel Tip: If you plan to climb Snowdon, download trail maps to your phone using your eSIM as backup to physical maps. The Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a less strenuous alternative. Find charming mountain accommodations through our travel deals.

14. Isle of Skye

Connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by bridge, the Isle of Skye offers some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes. From the otherworldly rock formations of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the fairy pools and Neist Point lighthouse, Skye’s natural beauty feels almost supernatural in its impact.

Travel Tip: Skye’s popularity means accommodations book up months in advance, especially in summer. Secure your stay through our travel deals as early as possible. Download offline maps with your eSIM before exploring, as signal can be patchy in remote areas.

15. Cardiff

Wales’ capital city blends ancient history with modern vitality. Cardiff Castle stands at the city’s heart, while the revitalized Cardiff Bay area offers contemporary architecture and entertainment. With excellent museums, the magnificent Principality Stadium, and easy access to the beautiful Welsh countryside, Cardiff makes an ideal base for exploring South Wales.

Travel Tip: The Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay are on opposite sides of the city center. Use your eSIM to navigate between attractions efficiently. For centrally located hotels with views of the castle or bay, check our travel deals for special offers.

16. Jurassic Coast

Stretching 95 miles along England’s southern coast, this UNESCO World Heritage site spans 185 million years of geological history. The Jurassic Coast’s dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and iconic formations like Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks reveal layers of Earth’s history while providing stunning coastal scenery.

Travel Tip: The South West Coast Path offers the best views of this remarkable coastline. Download trail sections using your eSIM for offline access. Coastal towns like Lyme Regis and Swanage make excellent bases—find charming seaside accommodations through our travel deals.

17. Peak District

Britain’s first national park offers a landscape of contrasts, from the rugged gritstone edges of the Dark Peak to the limestone dales of the White Peak. Historic villages like Bakewell and Castleton, stately homes such as Chatsworth House, and countless hiking trails make this accessible wilderness a favorite escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Travel Tip: The Peak District is easily accessible from Manchester and Sheffield. Download hiking routes to your phone using your eSIM before setting out. For authentic Peak District experiences, book historic inns or farm stays through our travel deals.

18. Cornwall

England’s southwestern peninsula offers a distinctive blend of stunning coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and a mild climate. Cornwall’s attractions range from the Eden Project’s massive biomes to the artistic community of St. Ives, the mythical Tintagel Castle, and some of the UK’s finest beaches and surfing spots.

Travel Tip: Cornwall gets extremely busy during summer holidays. Book accommodations well in advance through our travel deals to secure the best locations. Use your eSIM to check tide times when visiting coastal attractions like St. Michael’s Mount, which is only accessible by foot at low tide.

19. Liverpool

This vibrant city on the River Mersey is known worldwide as the birthplace of The Beatles, but offers much more besides musical heritage. Liverpool’s UNESCO-listed waterfront, impressive architecture, world-class museums, and passionate football culture create a dynamic urban experience with a distinctive local character.

Travel Tip: The Beatles Story museum and Cavern Club are must-visits for music fans. Book tickets online using your eSIM to avoid queues. Liverpool offers excellent value accommodations compared to London—find city center hotels with waterfront views through our travel deals.

20. Hadrian’s Wall

Built by the Romans in 122 CE to mark the northern limit of their empire, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles across northern England. Today, substantial sections of the wall remain, along with forts, milecastles, and museums that bring Roman Britain vividly to life against the backdrop of beautiful Northumberland countryside.

Travel Tip: The Hadrian’s Wall Path follows the entire route, but you can explore highlights with shorter walks. Download the English Heritage app using your eSIM for detailed information about each site. Find accommodations in nearby market towns through our travel deals.

21. Belfast

Northern Ireland’s capital has transformed itself into a vibrant cultural destination. The Titanic Belfast museum commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, while the revitalized Cathedral Quarter offers excellent dining and nightlife. With its complex history, warm hospitality, and proximity to attractions like the Causeway Coast, Belfast makes an ideal gateway to Northern Ireland.

Travel Tip: Black Taxi Tours offer fascinating insights into Belfast’s troubled past and hopeful present. Book in advance using your eSIM. The city offers excellent value accommodations—find centrally located hotels through our travel deals.

22. Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare draws literary pilgrims from around the world. This charming market town on the River Avon preserves the playwright’s birthplace, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and other historic buildings. The Royal Shakespeare Company performs the Bard’s works year-round in its riverside theaters.

Travel Tip: The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers various ticket combinations for the five Shakespeare houses. Compare options online using your eSIM to find the best value. For authentic Tudor-style accommodations near the historic sites, check our travel deals.

23. Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city offers a vibrant cultural scene, distinctive architecture, and legendary hospitality. Glasgow’s Victorian buildings, world-class museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, thriving music venues, and excellent shopping make it a dynamic urban destination with a character quite different from Edinburgh’s more traditional appeal.

Travel Tip: Many of Glasgow’s best museums are free to enter. Use your eSIM to create a self-guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights, including works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Find centrally located accommodations at competitive rates through our travel deals.

24. Durham

This historic city in northeast England is dominated by its magnificent Norman cathedral and castle, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched on a peninsula formed by the River Wear, Durham’s medieval center with its cobbled streets and ancient university creates one of England’s most picturesque urban landscapes.

Travel Tip: Durham is compact and best explored on foot. Download a walking tour route using your eSIM to discover hidden corners of this historic city. For accommodations with cathedral views, check availability and rates through our travel deals.

25. Brighton

This vibrant seaside resort on England’s south coast combines beach culture with bohemian energy. Brighton’s iconic pier, distinctive Royal Pavilion, narrow shopping lanes, and thriving arts scene create a unique coastal city experience that has long been a favorite escape from London, just an hour away by train.

Travel Tip: Brighton gets extremely busy on sunny weekends. Book accommodations in advance through our travel deals to secure sea-view rooms. Use your eSIM to check train times from London, as services can be disrupted on weekends.

26. Brecon Beacons National Park

This mountain range in South Wales offers spectacular landscapes of rolling hills, waterfalls, and caves. The Brecon Beacons provide excellent hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities—the park is designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. Historic market towns and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal add cultural interest to the natural beauty.

Travel Tip: The weather in Welsh mountains can change rapidly. Download weather forecasts and trail maps using your eSIM before setting out. For authentic Welsh farmhouse stays or cozy B&Bs within the national park, check our travel deals.

27. Windsor

Home to the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor combines royal heritage with riverside charm. Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years and remains one of the Queen’s official homes. The surrounding town, Great Park, and nearby Eton College create a quintessentially English experience just outside London.

Travel Tip: Check the castle’s opening times before visiting, as it closes for royal events. Use your eSIM to verify the Changing of the Guard schedule, which doesn’t occur daily. Windsor accommodations can be expensive—find better rates through our travel deals.

28. Canterbury

This historic city in Kent has been a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, as immortalized in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, ancient city walls, medieval streets, and Roman museum create a journey through English history, while the charming River Stour adds natural beauty to the urban setting.

Travel Tip: Canterbury is an easy day trip from London, but staying overnight allows you to experience the city after the day-trippers leave. Find historic accommodations within the city walls through our travel deals. Use your eSIM to download audio guides for self-paced exploration.

29. Newcastle upon Tyne

This vibrant city in northeast England has reinvented itself from industrial powerhouse to cultural destination. Newcastle’s iconic bridges spanning the River Tyne, revitalized Quayside area, impressive Victorian architecture, and legendary nightlife create an energetic urban experience with a distinctive Geordie character and warm northern welcome.

Travel Tip: Newcastle is compact and walkable, but the Metro system provides easy access to outlying attractions. Use your eSIM to navigate the city efficiently. For centrally located accommodations with Quayside views, check our travel deals.

30. Dartmoor National Park

This ancient landscape in Devon features dramatic granite tors, deep river valleys, and vast open moorlands. Dartmoor’s mysterious stone circles, prehistoric settlements, and legendary tales create a sense of timelessness, while the famous Dartmoor ponies roaming freely add to the wild beauty of this distinctive national park.

Travel Tip: Dartmoor’s weather can change quickly, and navigation can be challenging in fog. Download offline maps using your eSIM as backup to physical maps. For authentic moorland experiences, book historic inns or farm stays through our travel deals.

31. Pembrokeshire Coast

Britain’s only coastal national park offers spectacular cliffs, sandy beaches, and offshore islands rich in wildlife. The 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path provides access to this stunning shoreline, while historic sites like St. David’s Cathedral and picturesque harbor towns like Tenby add cultural interest to the natural beauty.

Travel Tip: Boat trips to offshore islands like Skomer and Ramsey offer amazing wildlife viewing opportunities. Book in advance using your eSIM, as they often sell out. For coastal accommodations with sea views, check availability through our travel deals.

32. Chester

Founded as a Roman fortress, Chester preserves its ancient walls and amphitheater alongside medieval and Tudor architecture. The city’s unique two-tiered shopping galleries known as the Rows, magnificent cathedral, and picturesque location on the River Dee create one of England’s most distinctive and well-preserved historic cities.

Travel Tip: Chester’s Roman walls provide an elevated 2-mile walking circuit of the city center. Download a guided wall tour using your eSIM for historical context. For accommodations within the historic walls, compare rates through our travel deals.

33. Isle of Wight

Just off England’s south coast, this island offers a gentler pace of life and diverse landscapes. The Isle of Wight features chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling countryside, along with attractions ranging from Queen Victoria’s Osborne House to dinosaur fossils and sailing harbors, all within a compact and accessible area.

Travel Tip: Check ferry schedules and book in advance using your eSIM, especially during summer and festival periods. The island offers a wide range of accommodations, from Victorian seaside hotels to rural cottages—find the best rates through our travel deals.

34. Northumberland Coast

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers miles of unspoiled beaches, dramatic castles, and offshore islands. Highlights include Bamburgh Castle rising above golden sands, Holy Island of Lindisfarne with its priory ruins and tidal causeway, and the Farne Islands with their seabird colonies and seal populations.

Travel Tip: Check tide times before visiting Holy Island, as the causeway is submerged at high tide. Use your eSIM to access tide tables and plan accordingly. For coastal accommodations with castle or sea views, find special offers through our travel deals.

35. Glen Coe

This spectacular Scottish glen combines dramatic mountain scenery with a poignant history. Glen Coe’s towering peaks, including the distinctive Three Sisters, create one of Scotland’s most photographed landscapes, while the site of the infamous 1692 massacre adds historical depth to the natural grandeur.

Travel Tip: Glen Coe’s weather can change rapidly, even in summer. Check forecasts using your eSIM before hiking or climbing in the area. Accommodations in the glen itself are limited—find options in nearby Glencoe Village or Fort William through our travel deals.

Plan Your UK Adventure Today

The United Kingdom offers an incredible diversity of experiences within a relatively compact area. From historic cities to dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside to rugged mountains, there’s something to captivate every traveler. As you plan your UK adventure, remember that staying connected is essential for navigating efficiently, checking opening times, and making the most of your experience.

Whether you’re exploring London’s historic landmarks, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, or discovering hidden corners of Wales and Northern Ireland, these resources will help you create the perfect UK itinerary. Start planning your journey to these 35 best places to visit in the United Kingdom today!