Yup, there are so many incredible and a heap of the best places in the UK to visit. So much so that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
From the itty-bitty hamlets that are nestled within the Cotswolds to historic cities such as Edinburgh and York, there’s an epic amount of places and probably some unusual traditions that we have, too.
I mean, who doesn’t love seeing locals running down a hill after wheels of cheese? Yeah, it’s an actual British tradition).
Honestly, for me, I always try to remind others that the UK is so much more than London. Yeah, all the areas of London are amazing to explore; but we do have a shed-load of gorgeous places across the whole of the UK to visit.
Anyway, before my love of everything cheese-based takes over, take a look at these best places in the UK that are worth seeing.
1.) Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire
Robin Hood’s Bay is one stunning little spot to visit in the north of England that’s gorgeous to visit. This tiny little hamlet is nestled within the cliffs of Yorkshire and perched right on the Northern Sea coast.
Now, the whole place has a pretty long history, dating back well over 1,000 years.
Once a sleepy little fishing village (with no roads to the village), it became a smugglers’ haven.
You see, contraband alcohol was brought in the dark of night and burrowed within the many tunnels and cellars that were dug underneath the houses. Nowadays, a little glass of sherry isn’t illegal and there’s a good list of old English pubs that dot the town.
Anyway, make sure to visit the Old Post Office for some cake and a proper cup of Yorkshire tea. I mean, it’s Yorkshire after all, you’ve gotta have a good brew.
Read more: Best things to do in the North of England
2.) Ullswater, The Lake District
The Lake District is the UK’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and one that you shouldn’t miss. Now, the whole region has quite a few lakes, with Windermere being the largest (and most popular).
That being said, I have to be honest and say I prefer Ullswater (the 2nd largest) which is much quieter and on par (if not better, dare I say) than Windermere.
We stayed at the amazing Another Place: The Lake, which was amazing. From there, we took the Ullswater Steamer across the lake, hiked the local mountains and paddle-boarded our way over the lake.
It’s a really special place to experience, especially if you want to enjoy a quieter side of the Lake District.
It really is one of the best places in the UK to explore if you love nature.
Read more on how to visit the Lake District
3.) Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Cambridge is a relatively small city (by international standards, at least) but it packs a hefty punch on things you have to see and do.
Make sure you visit King’s College and the King’s College Chapel, where you can still see a massive wooden screen that Henry VIII gave to Anne Boleyn as a gift. It still has their initials inscribed upon it.
For a tasty bite to eat, head over to Fitzbillies for one of their famous brunches and glorious homemade cakes.
Make sure to head out punting on the River Cam and see the best views of the city from Great St. Mary’s Church (next time King’s College). Be warned, though, that the historic stone tower shakes quite a bit when the bells are ringing.
All that being said, it’s easily one of the best places in the UK to visit that’s perfect for a day trip from London.
Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge
4.) Malton, Yorkshire
Possibly one of the best food spots in the UK, Malton is a place that I guarantee you’ll fall head over heels for; especially if you love little towns.
Over the last 10 years, or so, this small market town has transformed from a sleepy little community to a bustling spot for amazing local food, Yorkshire products that (without sounding too cheesy) are made with loads of love.
Spend the day wandering around the countless little stores and shops and make sure to indulge with mountains of freshly roasted coffee at ROOST and gorge on homemade gelato at Groovy Moo.
Oh yeah, make sure to wear elasticated pants too! You’ll fill your tummy. 🤣
It’s easily one of the best places in the UK to spend a morning before exploring the rest of Yorkshire.
Read more on visiting Malton, right here
5.) Bath, Somerset
The Roman city of Bath is one of the best places in the UK, especially for a historic city.
You see, the whole city centre is heavily protected, meaning its character and charm have been kept for us all to enjoy today.
Wander through the old Roman Baths, see the Royal Crescent and gorge on one of Sally Lunn’s Buns. In fact, take some home with you too, I guarantee you’ll want more than one.
Read more: Best things to do in Bath
6.) The Scilly Isles
Now, it’s not often you think of the UK as tropical but the Scilly Isles are just that.
Because of where they‘re situated (30 miles, or so), off the coast of Cornwall, this tiny group of islands benefit from the Gulf Stream that brings the lovely warm currents from the Caribbean.
Fly over to the islands from Exeter or Newquay that’s near Watergate Bay (or take the ferry, too).
Once there, explore a few of the islands and find one gorgeous stone cottage to rent on one of the islands.
Make sure to run to also rent a bike, head into the bay’s shallow waters for kayaking and wander the charming tropical gardens on Tresco Island. They are some of the best places in the UK if you want an island adventure.
Read more: 1-week itinerary to explore the Scilly Isles
7.) Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of my favourite Scottish cities. With thousands of years of history, a castle onto an ancient volcanic butte and a picturesque old town, it is a great place to dip into the beauty of a Scottish city.
Be sure to check out the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace (the Queen’s palace whilst in Edinburgh),
Also, if it’s your first time in the city, check out some of these free things, some of the city’s best bars and a few of Edinburgh’s secret spots that are hidden in plain sight.
It’s totally one of the best places in the UK to visit when exploring the beauty of Scotland.
Read more: Best things to do in Edinburgh
8.) Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Watergate Bay is a gorgeous little beach spot that’s just so lovely. On the north coast of Cornwall, near Newquay, it’s a great place to unwind, do some surfing or just relax on the sandy beach.
We stayed at the beautiful Watergate Bay Hotel, which is a perfect mix of laid-back luxury with none of the pomp.
Even for breakfast alone, it’s one of the best places in the UK! Their waffles are to die for!
Read more on visiting the Watergate Bay
9.) Portmeirion, Wales
Nestled within Snowdonia National Park, right on the Cardigan coastline is a picturesque Italian village that is one of the best places in the UK.
Now, it’s not often you associate Italian villages with Wales but this place is just that. An Italian-Welsh village.
If you’re blessed with a warm and sunny day, you won’t even believe you’re in the UK. It is a secret little spot that you must visit when in this area.
Visiting Wales? Check out some of these amazing spots
10.) Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Possibly one of the UK’s largest National Parks, the Cairngorms is one vast place to explore. It’s easiest to visit the Cairngorms by car but you can also travel by train and arrange daily tours if you don’t drive.
Make sure to rent a bike, head into the countryside and immersive yourself in this unspoilt landscape. Oh, also, stop for some epic cakes and Scottish tea at the Druie Restaurant Cafe – it’s a delicious little spot.
For a little more strenuous activity, think about hiking on one of the well-established trails that crisscross this region or take a quad bike tour of the countryside.
Finally, make sure to spot some deer. They’re some of the most famous residents here and one of the best places in the UK to see them.
Read more on visiting the Cairngorms
11.) The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Okay, so The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland has become a pretty popular spot to visit in recent years. I mean, the whole road looks incredible, especially with the twisted beech trees that line the lane.
As I mentioned in our bumper Irish post, the easiest way to get here is by car. Now, it’s best to follow the postcode of ‘BT53 8TP’ on Google Maps or your car’s GPS; this way, you’ll get less lost!
Now, the road itself can get pretty busy with other visitors, so if you want a quieter view, head over early in the morning or just before sunset. That being said, it’s still one of the best places in the UK to explore when in Northern Ireland.
Read more: Best things to do in Northern Ireland
12.) The Cotswolds, England
This gorgeous area of England is as quaint as you can imagine. It’s easily one best places in the UK that’s so easy to visit in a car.
Think, rolling green hills, crooked little cottages and cosy little tea shops to eat as many scones as possible. It is a gorgeous area.
There are a few places you should visit, especially around Bibury to see one of the UK’s prettiest streets, Arlington Row. Another gorgeous spot is Castle Combe, head here for a little exploration of the village and head into the local, King John’s Hunting Lodge for a tasty lunch.
There are a few other beautiful villages you should see, like Bourton-on-the-Water, the gorgeous Lacock, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold. All are picture-perfect and some of the prettiest places to visit when in the area.
For a great spot to rest your head, head over to The Wood Norton Hotel, a grand old house that’s so stunning inside.
Read more: Best things to do in the Cotswolds
13.) The Highlands, Scotland
Now, it is hard to pinpoint just one spot in the Highlands, I can easily run off a whole notebook of 50-or-so spots you should see, which I popped into a full guide, here.
If you drive, this is one of the places to head out and find some of the gorgeous spots that are scattered across the region.
Make sure you head over to Bealach na Ba, which is one dramatic glacial valley to see. Also, don’t forget to make a pit-stop in beautiful Applecross, Torridon and Plockton too.
If you have even more time, you can even pop over to the Isle of Skye via the ferry or the bridge link. It’s easily one of the best places in the UK to visit when in the Highlands.
Read all the spots you should see in the Highlands
14.) Belfast, Northern Ireland
If you’re looking for a city vibe whilst in Northern Ireland, head over to Belfast, that’s about 60 -minutes from the Dark Hedges by car.
The Titanic Belfast is also an incredible experience you should see, whilst the Ulster Museum is a great place to visit should the weather take a turn for the worse.
Oh, and don’t forget to gorge at the Ox Belfast who’ve created a scrumptious tasting menu.
Read more: Best day trips in England
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
