From Cornwall’s rugged coastlines to the Cotswolds’ picturesque villages, the UK’s best destinations are steeped in history, dramatically beautiful, and bursting with local experiences.

By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions

From medieval towns to breathtaking scenery, Britain is a land of rich rewards.

Its island position off mainland Europe has forged a unique identity filled with world-famous attractions, cultural diversity, and sublime scenery.

Mark has lived in the UK his whole life, and I (Paul) moved here around 16 years ago.

We’ve explored a lot of our home country and visited each of these destinations several times.

Our guide is probably a little more outdoor-focused than others you might find online. We hope this helps you find some slightly different destinations to explore.

Whether you’re into country walks, cute villages, beautiful scenery, historic castles or happening cities, the United Kingdom has something for everyone.

Enjoy our guide to the best places to visit in Britain.

IN THIS GUIDE

BEST DESTINATIONS IN THE UK

Use these links to navigate to the sections in this article. Click the arrow in the bottom left to jump back to the top. Questions? Leave them in the comments.


England

Lake District, York, Jurassic Coast, Cotswolds, Cambridge, London, Peak District, Cornwall, Stonehenge, South Downs, Oxford, Northumberland, Hadrian’s Wall, Bath, Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, Canterbury


Wales

Wye Valley, Pembrokeshire Coast, Gower Peninsula, Snowdonia


Scotland

Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Edinburgh, NC500

MAP – PLACES TO GO TO IN THE UK

The map below includes all our top UK destinations to help you plan your next British getaway.

USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.  

1. LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND

Why go? For the best hiking and mountain scenery in the UK.

The Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a national park in northwest England blessed with some of the country’s finest mountain scenery.

It’s a popular tourist destination in the UK with craggy hills, ribbon lakes, and rivers that course through valleys. It has some of the best natural scenery in England.

Mark and I go there every year, and we have written about the best things to do in the Lake District, which is great for hikers and non-hikers.

In addition to beautiful scenery, Ambleside, Keswick, and Grasmere are charming market towns worth exploring.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

There are several great areas in the Lakes, each offering a different experience. All the details are in our guide to Lake District accommodation.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Read our guide to visiting the Lake District without a car for tips on getting around and what you can do via public transport.

We have also written an extensive guide about the best things to do in the Lake District, including more than just hiking!

2. YORK, ENGLAND

Why go? For the most impressive walled medieval city.

Starting as a Roman settlement with Viking legacies, York had a building boom during the medieval period, filling cobbled lanes with handsome Georgian townhouses.

This blend of architectural styles makes York one of the most popular places to explore in the north of England. 

The city is surrounded by miles of intact Roman walls.

Inside, world-class museums, a thriving cultural scene, and more Harry Potter references than any other UK city make York a fascinating place to visit.

Read more in our guide to visiting York on a day trip, which is surprisingly easy to do as a day trip from London.

WHAT TO DO IN YORK?

  • Visit York Minster, one of the world’s famous cathedrals.
  • Explore Harry Potter locations on The Shambles.
  • Walk the city walls for great views over the medieval centre.
  • Have a picnic in the Museum Gardens beside the ruined abbey.

WHERE TO STAY?

3. PEMBROKESHIRE COAST, WALES

Why go? For beautiful scenic coastal hikes.

The Pembrokeshire Coast is a National Park on the south coast of Wales. It’s one of the smallest National Parks in the UK, but it packs a punch with coastal scenery, hidden beaches, woodlands, and a thriving Celtic culture.

With nowhere in the park more than 10 miles from the sea, the Pembrokeshire Coast is the place to go in the UK for seaside bliss.

Eleven beaches were awarded a Blue Flag, meeting the highest safety and cleanliness standards. Twelve have received the Green Coast Award for recognised beautiful untouched beaches.

The coastal path is one of just 15 National Trails in England and Wales and provides some of the country’s most scenic hiking.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

For everything from farmer’s huts to luxury resorts, read our guide to the best places to stay in Pembrokeshire.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

We’ve written a detailed guide about visiting Pembrokeshire, including all the great things you can do, hotel recommendations and some great food.

4. JURASSIC COAST, ENGLAND

Why go? For some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery.

The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site located on the southern coast of England, spanning 96 miles from Exmouth to Studland Bay in Dorset.

We love getting away to the Jurassic Coast for its pristine coastal scenery.

The most photographed feature is Durdle Door, a stunning arch stranded at sea.

Corfe Castle – one of the first royal palaces built after the Norman Conquest – is another highlight. We highly recommend seeing this crumbling ruin at sunrise when a blanket of mist often converges on the base.

However, what we love most about the Jurassic Coast is the thriving craft beer scene, which the locals take very seriously.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

Read our comprehensive guide on the best places to stay on the Jurassic Coast for ideas about where to base yourself.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Our guide to the highlights of the Jurassic Coast includes the best things to do, recommendations for getting there and our favourite beer places.

5. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Why go? For the rich history and architecture.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It has a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Throughout history, Edinburgh has attracted the attention of everyone from royalty to Harry Potter fans with its charming cobbled streets, unexpected entertainment scene, and host of world-class attractions.

To get a proper taste of this Scottish gem, visit renowned art galleries, historical monuments, lovely gardens, and plenty of whisky experiences.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI.
  • Walk the Royal Mile, picking off attractions including the Edinburgh Museum and St Giles’ Cathedral.
  • Take a Harry Potter Tour to see the landmarks from the books and movies.
  • Head up to Calton Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city.

WHERE TO STAY?

6. THE COTSWOLDS, ENGLAND

Why go? For traditional picture-perfect English villages.

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southwest England. It’s famous for its rolling countryside dotted with sheep and charmed honey-coloured villages.

It’s one of the top 10 UK tourist destinations close to London.

The Cotswolds villages are bursting with charisma. Some of our favourites are Castle Combe, Upper and Lower Slaughter, and Bourton-on-the-Water.

The best way to experience the Cotswolds is on a country walk through bucolic scenery, ending in a traditional pub. (Our guide with the best is linked below).

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

Our guide to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds breaks down each of the areas with recommendations on some cool hotels to book.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

We have put together all our favourite things to do in the Cotswolds, including stately homes, scenic villages, and country walks.

You might also like our guides on the best day trips to the Cotswolds and our curated weekend breaks in the Cotswolds with a day-by-day itinerary.

7. CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Why go? For beautiful Gothic architecture.

Cambridge is located in eastern England on the River Cam. It’s a beautiful city with imposing late-Gothic architecture, cobbled streets and immaculate college greens.

Cambridge is considered one of the best cities in England. It has a vibrant student culture, beautiful colleges, and world-class museums.

We go to Cambridge often, partly because it’s so easy to get there on a day trip from London but also because it is bursting with English culture.

Use our Cambridge day trip guide to see the highlights and hidden gems.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Visit St Johns College, one of the most impressive in Cambridge.
  • Listen to Evensong at the stunning King’s College Chapel.
  • Take a punting tour down the River Cam.
  • Examine the ancient collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

WHERE TO STAY?

8. ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND

Why go? For wild Scottish landscapes.

The Isle of Skye, just off the northwest coast of Scotland, is a rugged landscape with picturesque fishing villages, medieval castles and a host of outdoor adventures.

The 50-mile-long island is the largest and most popular of the Inner Hebrides. It’s one of the best places in the Scottish Highlands for impressive scenery, clan history and wildlife spotting.

The Trotternish Peninsula is a landscape of strange geological shapes, and the Cuillin Mountain Range has 12 Munros—mountain peaks above 3,000 feet.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Hike to the iconic Old Man of Storr for stunning scenery.
  • Visit Mealt Falls, the dramatic cascade that plunges into the ocean.
  • Visit the colourful town of Portree and take a course at the gin school.
  • Hike in the Quiraing for weird and wonderful landscapes.

WHERE TO STAY?

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Please read our guide to visiting the Isle of Skye, which has our top picks for walks, scenic locations and other things to do.

We have also written a detailed guide to the Scottish Highlands, which includes more things to do in this stunning destination.

9. LONDON, ENGLAND

Why go? For the free museums and big city life.

As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London still manages to hold a few secrets despite being the most popular place to visit in the UK.

It’s also a surprisingly accessible city.

Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament are all within central London and easily walkable.

Additionally, many of the world-class art galleries are completely free of charge.

London is one of the world’s greatest cities, with everything from neighbourhood markets to world-class theatre, incredible museums, and hidden historic nooks.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

Start with our Where to Stay in London guide, which includes the areas we think visitors will love, and what to do there. We also have our top hotel recommendation, but here is a sample:

PLAN YOUR TRIP

We’ve written about the best things to do in London, but our guide to London’s free attractions is also a great place to start.

We have also developed a London itinerary which allows you to see many of the best attractions, mostly by walking, which is a great way to get to know the city.

One of the best ways to experience London is by walking. We’ve compiled this guide on London’s best walks with detailed instructions and maps.

10. PEAK DISTRICT, ENGLAND

Why go? For the mix of peaks and unusual moorland landscapes.

The Peak District was the first designated National Park in the United Kingdom and is one of the most visited National Parks in the world.

The northern section, known as the Dark Peak, is a wild and rugged landscape of moorland and gritstone. The southern section, the White Peak, is a gentler landscape of limestone valleys and rolling hills.

With distinctive rock formations, lush carpets of heather, and undulating hills interspersed with charming villages, the Peak District is one of the most scenic places to visit in the UK.

Plan your visit with our guide to the Peak District, which includes an area guide and the best things to do.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Cycle or walk the 8.5-mile traffic-free Monsal Trail.
  • Visit Chatsworth House, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire.
  • Hike on the Roaches – a gritstone escarpment with sharp peaks and excellent views.
  • Explore the market town of Buxton with its natural thermal springs.

WHERE TO STAY

We’ve pulled together a guide on the places to stay in the Peak District. This gives you an overview of the main areas with recommendations on where to stay.

11. CORNWALL, ENGLAND

Why go? For the most idyllic beaches in the UK.

Cornwall is a county in southwest England. It forms a peninsular of pristine beaches, picture-postcard fishing villages, wild moorland, and a thriving Celtic culture.

One of the best beaches in Cornwall is Watergate Bay in Newquay on the north coast.

Facing southwest towards the Atlantic rollers, the 2-mile stretch of golden sand provides excellent conditions for beginners and pros looking for outdoor adventures in the UK.

The other highlight is St Michael’s Mount, a rocky island off the coast of Cornwall with a castle that offers a sublime photo opportunity at sunrise and sunset.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

Read our guide to the best places to stay in Cornwall with area tips and hotel recommendations.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

We have a comprehensive guide to the most beautiful places in Cornwall, with tourist attractions, the best beaches, hidden gems, and much more.

If you like getting slightly off the beaten track, our list of hidden gems in Cornwall is a great place to start.

12. STONEHENGE, ENGLAND

Why go? For a bucket-list slice of ancient history.

Archaeologists believe Stonehenge was built as a giant solar calendar, with each of the 30 stones representing a day of the month and special stones marking the start of the week.

Remarkably, the design incorporates leap years with five structures holding vertical stones representing a 5-day month required to synchronise the calendar.

Although it’s one of the most famous places to visit in England, the ingenuity of this 5,000-year-old structure leaves you in awe.

The most important day of the year at Stonehenge is the Summer Solstice, the only time of the year when it’s possible to walk among the stones and admire the symmetry with the summer sunrise.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

13. SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK, ENGLAND

Why go? For seaside castles, white cliffs and stately homes.

The South Downs National Park is a range of rolling chalk hills on the southeastern coast of England. Britain’s newest national park extends for 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne.

One of the main attractions on the South Downs is the Seven Sisters Cliffs, where a series of white cliffs form a chain of undulating peaks topped by a carpet of rolling green farmland.

It’s one of the most picturesque coastlines in the UK. If you’re up for a scenic hike, read our guide to the Seven Sisters walk.

Further inland, stately homes, grand working castles and rambling hiking trails provide many fantastic things to do in the South Downs.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

14. GLENCOE, SCOTLAND

Why go? For remote and rugged scenery.

Glencoe is a steep-sided valley in the Scottish Highlands, where dramatic buttressed mountains and rocky peaks tower over one of the country’s finest roads.

There are stunning walks for all ability levels, from gentle woodland strolls to challenging mountain hikes. Whichever you choose, finish the day in an atmospheric pub with local whiskies and cheery Scottish banter.

One of the highlights of Glencoe is Glen Etive – a picturesque stretch of road featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall.

We have written a detailed guide that includes everything you need to know about visiting Glencoe, including our top walks.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Hike to the Three Sisters Viewpoint (Bidean Nam Bian) for the best views in Glencoe.
  • Have a pint in the historic Clachaig Inn – one of the most atmospheric pubs in Scotland.
  • Photograph Buachaille Etive Mòr – Glencoe’s most scenic mountain.

WHERE TO STAY?

15. OXFORD, ENGLAND

Why go? For the grandeur of British university life.

In central southern England, Oxford is the famous home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

History, tradition, and grandeur combine to make the medieval city centre one of England’s most popular tourist destinations.

Stroll cobbled laneways, admire the grand architecture and enjoy this vibrant British city.

While the historic colleges are the main attractions in Oxford, the surrounding area is also a great place to visit with imposing palaces, bucolic English countryside and some great river-based activities.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Visit the Bodleian Library, the oldest library in Europe with 13 million printed items.
  • Visit the Ashmolean & Pitt Rivers Museums – two world-class museums in Oxford.
  • Go for a walk in the Cotswolds for a taste of the English countryside.
  • Try wild swimming in the Thames near Oxford.

WHERE TO STAY?

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Start with our comprehensive guide to all the great things to do in Oxford, including where to eat, where to stay and what else you can do in the area.

Alternatively, Oxford is a great destination for a day trip. Our Oxford day trip guide has all the information you need.

16. GOWER PENINSULA, WALES

Why go? For one of the biggest and best beaches in the UK.

The Gower Peninsula in southwest Wales was the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It’s a stunning stretch of coastline with hidden beaches, towering rock formations, scenic hiking trails and cool wild swimming spots.

Gower is most famous for Rhossili Bay Beach, which is often voted one of the best beaches in the UK. The massive arc of sand stretches for three glorious miles, overlooked by 200-metre-high sea cliffs. Spend the day lazing on the beach or walk over to Worm’s Head, a dramatic promontory reaching out to see.

If you’re looking for a scenic place to visit in Britain, it’s hard to go past the Gower.

Our guide to visiting the Gower Peninsula, which includes all our tips for visiting, provides more details.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Laze on Rhossili Bay Beach – one of the best beaches in the UK.
  • Soak in the Blue Pool – a natural rock pool on the beach.
  • Visit the picturesque Three Cliffs Bay.

WHERE TO STAY?

17. NORTHUMBERLAND COAST, ENGLAND

Why go? For the most, iconic crumbling castles.

The Northumberland Coast is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Covering just 40 miles of coastline from Berwick-Upon-Tweed to the River Coquet, it’s one of the easiest places to explore in the UK countryside.

Dunstanburgh Castle is a 14th-century fortification and one of the most evocative ruins in England. Perched on a remote headland in Northumberland, it was the scene of intense fighting during the War of the Roses.

Just off the coast, the Farne Islands are an important bird sanctuary with one of the largest puffin colonies in the country.

The other highlight is the Northumberland Coastal Path, where you can enjoy one of the many rugged coastal walks in the UK.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Start with our detailed guide to visiting Northumberland, which includes tips on what to do and how to get around. We also have an article covering the excellent coastal hikes in Northumberland.

Read Where To Stay In Northumberland for your accommodation, which has an area guide and hotel suggestions.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh for an excellent coastal walk.
  • Try the seafood at the Jolly Fisherman, famous for their Lindisfarne Oysters.
  • Laze on Embleton Bay, a massive sweep of golden sand.
  • Visit the imposing Bamburgh Castle – an important English and Scottish historical site.
  • Explore the grounds of Howick Hall the home of Earl Grey.

WHERE TO STAY?

Northumberland is a large area, so picking where to stay is important. Our guide to the best places to stay in Northumberland has suggestions for each main area, along with hotel recommendations.

18. HADRIAN’S WALL, ENGLAND

Why go? For the largest Roman monument in Britain.

Hadrian’s Wall is a defensive fortification in the north of England built by the Romans around the year 122 CE to protect the northwest frontier of their empire.

The wall is 73 miles long and includes 158 turrets, 80 guard posts, and 17 forts built to house the Roman soldiers sent to patrol the border.

It’s one of the best places in England to witness Roman construction, and it’s also set in beautiful scenery.

Our guide to visiting Hadrian’s Wall includes the best sections for an easy day trip. Sadly, the tree in Sycamore Gap was cut down in 2023.

WHAT TO DO?

WHERE TO STAY?

  • For the overall best location in the area, we recommend Carraw Bed & Breakfast.
  • The Twice Brewed Inn is 500 metres from the best-preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall.
  • The stylish country inn, Battlesteads has an excellent onsite menu based around their kitchen garden.

19. BATH, ENGLAND

Why go? For the well-preserved Roman baths.

Bath is a beautiful city in England known for its Roman-built baths and handsome Georgian architecture.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath has a compact visitor-friendly centre with independent shopping, a great cafe scene, interesting galleries and a regular calendar of festivals.

In addition to the Roman Baths, the modern Thermae Bath Spa has the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in.

Bath’s great tourist attractions and beauty make it a wonderful place to visit in the UK for a weekend.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Visit the Roman Baths to see the stunning Great Bath and historic terrace.
  • Take in the awesome gothic structure of Bath Abbey.
  • Visit the Georgian townhouses on Royal Crescent.
  • Book a spa treatment at the Thermae Spa.

WHERE TO STAY?

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Our one-day Bath Itinerary covers everything you need to know to visit the city for a day, including restaurant and cafe recommendations.

If you have a little more time, our guide to visiting Bath has all our top attractions, practical information plus what to do in the area.

20. SNOWDONIA, WALES

Why go? For craggy mountains and wilderness adventures.

Snowdonia is a National Park in Wales with 823 square miles of incredible rugged beauty.

Situated in the northwest of the country, craggy buttressed mountains, steep-sided pinnacles and pristine lakes provide the playground for stunning walks, wild swimming and adventure activities.

The highlight is Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. There are several trails to reach the top, or you can take a scenic train if you just want to get straight to the views.

We have a comprehensive guide to visiting Snowdonia National Park, including great hikes, food options and hotel recommendations.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Hike to the top of Snowdon via the Pyg Track.
  • Visit the heritage-listed village of Dolgellau.
  • Drive the dramatic Llanberis Pass for spectacular views
  • Visit the unusual Italianate village of Portmeirion.
  • See the imposing Harlech Castle overlooking the sea.

WHERE TO STAY?

21. YORKSHIRE DALES, ENGLAND

Why go? For the wild, remote moorlands.

Few places in the UK capture the wild and dramatic side of the country quite like the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Vast windswept moorlands overlook a patchwork of green fields clinging to undulating valleys hiding stoic old-world villages.

It’s an epic landscape with interesting geological features, valleys full of hay meadows and dry stone walls that contour the hilly environment.

With several historic sites, excellent hiking trails, traditional villages and proper English pubs, the Yorkshire Dales is an unmissable highlight in the UK.

Read more in our guide to visiting the Yorkshire Dales, which has the top things to do and information on where to base yourself to see the most.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Discover the unique geological wonders at Malham Cove.
  • Picnic in the grounds of the beautiful ruins at Bolton Abbey.
  • Photograph the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct.
  • Explore the picturesque Swaledale Valley on foot.

WHERE TO STAY?

22. DARTMOOR, ENGLAND

Why go? For ancient forests and strange towers of rock.

Dartmoor is located in the county of Devon, just west of Exeter. It is renowned for its rugged, open landscapes, granite tors, and diverse wildlife.

Spanning 350 square miles, Dartmoor National Park is a vast wilderness defined by carpets of heather, brooding expanses of ancient moorland, and intriguing historical landmarks.

Several fascinating hiking trails traverse the moor, while leafy valleys conceal charming villages and traditional old pubs.

More details are in our guide to Dartmoor National Park, which has all our favourite hikes and experiences.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Take in the sunset over Hay Tor, a distinctive granite formation.
  • Walk to Whitelady Falls in Lydford Gorge, a stunning fern-lined gorge.
  • Enjoy the foodie scene at Ashburton.
  • Visit Buckland Abbey, a 13th-century manor house.

WHERE TO STAY?

23. CANTERBURY, ENGLAND

Why go? For the 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Canterbury is a charming medieval city with the remains of a Roman wall and a layout designed in the Middle Ages.

Half-timbered buildings, ruined abbeys, and ancient churches connect the city to the past. Independent stores, cool cafes, and quirky pubs add to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Cambridge has earned UNESCO World Heritage status for three remarkable sights: Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Priory, the oldest church in the English-speaking world.

It’s a great place to visit for a weekend in the UK, and our detailed Canterbury guide guide provides more information.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Stroll the beautiful Westgate Gardens inside Westgate Tower, England’s largest surviving medieval gatehouse.
  • Visit Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most important in the UK.
  • Go punting on the River Stour to learn about the city from knowledgeable guides.

WHERE TO STAY?

24. WYE VALLEY, WALES

Why go? For ruined abbeys and literary festivals.

The Wye Valley is an Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) area straddling the border between England and Wales.

It’s a lush green valley with a central river that was a strategic location for warring factions. As a result, there are ruined castles, historic buildings and the atmospheric remains of religious structures hidden in woodlands.

One of the area’s highlights is Hay-on-Wye, a delightful market town with an annual book festival that has established itself as the unofficial book capital of the world.

Our guide to visiting the Wye Valley—one of Britain’s most underrated destinations (in our opinion) —provides more details.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Visit the charming town of Hay-on-Wye – the book capital of the UK.
  • Go canoeing on the River Wye.
  • Visit the remarkable ruins of Tintern Abbey.
  • Take in the views from Symonds Yat Rock, the scenic valley on the England / Wales border.
  • Visit the Llanthony Priory – a crumbling ruin in the Black Mountains.

WHERE TO STAY?

25. NC500 & ASSYNT, SCOTLAND

Why go? For the most iconic road trip in the country.

The NC500 is a 516-mile circular drive that contours the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle.

One of the best sections of the drive is the area around the Assynt. A remote part of the Scottish Highlands, it has interesting landscapes of steep-sided peaks which rise out of fern-covered bulbous hillocks.

In addition to some of the best beaches in the country, Assynt has picturesque mountain trails, ruins, whale spotting opportunities, and stunning waterfalls.

It has some of the best sights in the UK but remains relatively under-visited.

We have developed a guide that includes everything you need to know about visiting the Assynt, including the best sections of the NC500 to drive.

WHAT TO DO?

  • Drive the NC500 Drumberg Road between Kylesku and Lochinver – the most dramatic section of the drive.
  • Hike Suilven – Scotland’s most picturesque mountain.
  • Visit Ardvech Castle on Loch Assynt.
  • Try the excellent pies at Lochinver Larder in Lochinver.
  • Visit the stunning Corrieshalloch Gorge – one of Scotland’s most scenic hidden places.

WHERE TO STAY?

MORE UK READING

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Paul Healy

Paul is an experienced travel writer with a collection of prestigious industry awards, including the title of Blogger of the Year at both the British Guild of Travel Writers and the TravMedia Awards.

His expertise lies in crafting engaging content, focusing on city breaks, comprehensive country-wide guides, and useful travel tips.

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