Yup, I’m a biased Brit that loves our gorgeous island! We’re so fortunate to live around such a diverse mix of beautiful natural landmarks and pretty places dotted all across the country. There really is a whole heap of the best places in Great Britain to visit that I’m sure you’ll love.
Great Britain has lots of charming spots to explore, with most within easy reach of cities like London, Brighton, Edinburgh and Glasgow. This all makes the best places to see in Great Britain a total breeze.
That being said, the hardest thing you’ll find is how you’re going to whittle down your option.
Whether it’s your first, seventeenth or gazillionth visit to Great Britain, I guarantee there’ll always be a little slice that you’ve yet to discover. This is exactly why I wanted to share a few of my very favourite and best places in Great Britain to visit on your next trip.
Best places in Great Britain to visit
Take a look, below, at some of the best places in Great Britain to visit. Have the best time!
1.) Visit Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is perched in the northern county of Northumberland, which is easily one of the best places in Great Britain to visit if you love castles.
Almost 1,000 years old, Bamburgh castle is steeped in history and overlooks the North Sea and out towards the Farne Islands (that you can also visit, too). Also, if you’ve got time, take a drive up to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, it’s considered to be the place where the Viking Age truly began.
Northumberland really is a stunning area to explore.
Read more: Best places to see on your UK road trip
2.) Explore the Highlands of Scotland
Perched on the north-west of Scotland is the highlands. It’s a stunning region that you can’t miss when looking for the best places to see in Great Britain to visit.
Once here, make sure to drive across the coastal roads exploring places like Sheildag, Applecross and finding the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. It really is a stunning area of Scotland to see and too beautiful to miss.
Read more: Your full Scottish Highlands Itinerary
3.) Explore London
Now, you can’t really miss out in London when thinking of the best places in Great Britain to visit. After all, it’s the capital city!
There are so many incredible areas in London to visit and so much to see and do. From the exquisite palaces of London to the more secret spots in London, there’s a side of London to suit everyone.
Now, one of the best things about visiting London is also free museums. Yep, there’s no need to spend a single penny if you don’t want to (though, you’re welcome to donate if you’d like). Take a wander around some of the world’s best museums like; The British Museum (with the incredible Rosetta Stone), The Natural History Museum, The National Portrait Gallery and The Imperial War Museum.
If that doesn’t float your boat, head over to some of the cool coffee shops or the best markets in London. Have the best time.
Read more: Best areas in London to visit
4.) See the ancient site of Stonehenge
Around two-hours from central London, Stonehenge is one of Europe’s most famous historical sites that you have to see. It’s probably one of the most well-known of our ancient monuments and easily one of the best places in Great Britain to visit when exploring the amazing places in the south of England.
Take a wander around the impressive grounds and learn more about its history and the stone’s journey from picturesque West Wales. Oh yeah, and make sure to head across early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds.
Read more: Best places to visit in the south of England
5.) Discover the picturesque Cotswolds
Yes, I keep banging on about the Cotswolds, but with very good reason, they’re gorgeous! Nestled within the rolling hills is a whole heap of gorgeous little towns and storybook cottages that feel like they’ve fallen out of a fairytale.
Now, the Cotswolds is best explored in a car, so once that’s sorted, you’re ready to head out exploring. Drive across this tranquil area and discover some of the regions pretty little villages. Places like Bibury, Burton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters and Tetbury are firm favourites that you can’t miss.
It really is one of the best places in Great Britain to visit.
Read more: Best places to visit in the Cotswolds
6.) See the market town of Ludlow
Ludlow is a relatively small market town in Shropshire that’s home to many a beautiful building.
Oh, and make sure to explore the medieval walled centre, Ludlow Castle and the almost 500 listed buildings that make up the centre. It’s totally steeped in history and easily one of the best places in Great Britain to visit if you love a little market town.
Read more: Best places to visit in England
7.) See a historic family home, Castle Howard
Perched in the North Yorkshire countryside, Castle Howard is the perfect place to explore. Still, home to the same Howard Family, this gorgeous castle is open to the public to explore during certain peak times.
Afterwards, take a short drive over to the ancient walled city of York which is steeped in history and totally gorgeous.
Read more: How to visit Castle Howard
8.) Explore Cambridge
Cambridge is totally gorgeous and easily up there as one of the best places in Great Britain to visit. Now, being around 40 minutes from the centre of London, it’s really easy to visit on a day trip if you fancy.
Once you’re here, make sure to go punting on the river, see Kings College (and its chapel) and wander around the historic buildings that call this place home. It really is so beautiful.
Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge
9.) Visit Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is a historic smuggler town that was once used as a way to bring in brandy and other local goodies to the area. Nowadays, things are slightly different but Robin Hood’s Bay is totally gorgeous and one place you should definitely think of visiting when in the north of England.
Once here, take a stroll around the seafront, visit the local independent craft shops and grab a bite to eat at the Old Post Office.
Afterwards, drive over to Whitby and see the iconic Whitby Abbey ruins that still stand proud. It really is one of the best places in Great Britain to visit if you love history.
Read more: How to explore Robin Hood’s Bay
10.) Experience the history of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in Great Britain (shhh, don’t tell the others). 🤣
Make sure to visit some of the cities impressive bars, discover the Royal Mile, the Old Town and the New Town all whilst enjoying the historic charm of this impressive city. There is honestly so much to do and see, plus the history is just immense.
Oh yeah, and for a great hotel to stay, check into the Edinburgh Grand in the Newtown. It’s gorgeous.
And, if you’ve got time, head further north over the Firth of Forth to explore the Kingdom of Fife.
Read more: Best things to do in Edinburgh
11.) Find the tidal island of Mount St Michael’s
Not to be confused with Le Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, Mont St Micheal’s is an impressive tidal island just off the Cornish coastline.
Plus, take a visit for the day and explore the gorgeous grounds. It really is a unique spot to discover and easily one of the best places in Great Britain to visit when exploring beautiful spots of Cornwall.
Read more: Best places to see in Cornwall
12.) Visit the gorgeous Arundel
Arundel is a relatively small town just south of London but feels a million miles away. Home to Arundel Castle, it’s easily one of the best places in Great Britain to visit if you love our long history.
Also, take a wander around the town, explore the castle grounds and rooms and pop over to the cathedral too. It’s an incredible place you can’t miss. Oh, and if you’ve got a designated driver, head on over to an English vineyard that’s not too far away. They make the best sparkling English wine.
Plus, if you want to stay close by, check into Amberley Castle and have a castle as your home-away-from-home as you explore the region. It’s incredible. I mean, how many times can you say you’ve stayed in a castle!
Read more: How to visit Arundel Castle
And don’t forget, Wales! Explore Aberystwyth
Now, if you’re looking to experience a little slice of Wales, make sure to head across to Aberystwyth. Take a ride up the cliff railway, play the penny slot machines on the Victorian pier and explore the coastal castle that used to protect the town.
Afterwards, take the steam train to Devil’s Bridge to see waterfalls, pop down the coast to Aberaeron for a historic fishing village and explore the nearby sand dunes of Ynyslas. At certain times of the year, you’ll even see the prehistoric forest come out of the ocean and from the seabed. It’s an incredible sight to see.
Read more: Best things to do in the UK
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
