25 Best Places To Visit In The UK (2025)

From Cornwall’s pretty fishing villages to Scotland’s wild highlands, the UK’s best destinations are steeped in history, dramatically beautiful, and bursting with local experiences.

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 breathtaking 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 more outdoor-focused than others you might find online. But 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.

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.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK

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?

• Hike Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England.
• Brave the cold in some beautiful Lake District Swimming locations.
• Pick out one of the best photography spots in the lakes.
• Try one of the many outstanding walks in the Lake District.

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?

• 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?

• Splurge at the luxurious Middlethorpe Hall & Spa.
• Have a proper pub stay at The Bootham Tavern.
• Try the cool and quirky Hotel Indigo.

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?

• Try surfing at Watergate Bay near Newquay, one of the best surfing destinations in the country.
• Hike a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
• Visit St David’s Cathedral and the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace.
• Explore the charming and colourful harbour of Tenby.
• Take an adrenalin hit at the beautiful Blue Lagoon Abereiddy.

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?

• Kayak around Old Harry Rocks, a stunning section of white chalk coastline.
• Walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.
• Photograph the stunning ruins of Corfe Castle at sunrise.
• Explore the historic town of Lyme Regis with its unique independent vibe.
• Enjoy some of the best coastal walks in England on the Jurassic Coast.

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?

• The smart and beautifully decorated Native Edinburgh.
• The hip Apex Grassmarket Hotel for the perfect location.
• Elegant Victorian townhouse, The Bonham.

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?

• Try one of our favourite circular walks in the Cotswolds.
• Visit one of the stately homes in the Cotswolds, such as Sudeley Castle.
• Go wild swimming in the Thames – one of the great outdoor activities in the Cotswolds.
• Book a weekend in the Cotswolds, staying at a traditional country pub.

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?

• Book a small room above a pub at The Waterman.
• Indulge in the sumptuously decorated Gonville Hotel.
• Splurge at the University Arms.

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?

• Enjoy the great location at Canowindra outside Portree.
• Soak up the old-school pub atmosphere at Hotel Eilean Iarmain.
• Glamp in full-service pods at Skeapost View Pods.

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?

• Take a tour of Westminster Abbey.
• Visit the British Museum (completely free).
• Take a fascinating tour of the Houses of Parliament.
• See the city’s best street art on our Shoreditch Street art walk.
• Discover some hidden gems in Notting Hill.

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:

• Stay in the heart of London at The Resident Victoria.
• Go up-market at The Savoy.
• Book a quirky stay at The Mad Hatter.

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?

• Pick an awesome place to go wild swimming in Cornwall.
• Stroll the artisan shops in St Ives, Cornwall.
• Laze on Pedn Vounder – one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
• Take in a show at the Minack Theatre on Porthcurno Beach.
• Visit the stunning and remote Lantic Bay.

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?

• Book the Stone Circle Experience to get up close to the stones.
• Visit Salisbury and the cathedral (10 miles from Stonehenge).
• Visit Lacock in the Cotswolds (45 minutes away).
• Have a day out in Bath (1 hour away).

WHERE TO STAY?

• Rooms with character at the Three Crowns Guesthouse.
• Convenient location at the Stones Hotel.
• The charming and quaint Barford Inn.

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?

• Compete the Seven Sisters Walk from Seaford to East Dean.
• Go kayaking in the Cuckmere River.
• Visit the restored Arundel Castle on one of our favourite walks near London.
• Spend a day in Brighton, the Victorian seaside resort.

WHERE TO STAY?

• The Catherine Tiger Inn at the end of the Seven Sisters walk.
• The beautiful setting of Wingrove House.
• A luxury farmhouse vacation at Saltmarsh Farmhouse.

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?

• Stay in the best location at the Kingshouse Hotel.
• Basic rooms in a historic pub at the Clachaig Inn.
• A quirky stay on stilts above a river at Riverbeds.

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?

• Enjoy 5-star luxury at the Old Parsonage.
• Stay in the contemporary Galaxie Guesthouse.
• Try the quirky and affordable Osney Arms.

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?

• Quirky colourful rooms in a grand old house at Patrick With Rooms.
• A traditional rural getaway at King Arthur Hotel.
• Modern self-contained apartments – Culver House Hotel.
• A laid-back B&B in Llangennith – Blas Gwry.

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?

• Walk the best section of the Hadrian’s Wall walk from Steel Rigg to Housesteads.
• See the memorial to the tree at Sycamore Gap, made famous by Robin Hood and cut down in 2023.
• Visit the Housesteads Roman Fort.
• Go to the Vindolandia Fort & Museum and chat with the archaeologist working on site.

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?

• For a great value stay in the centre of town, we recommend Eight.
• To stay in a Georgian Townhouse, Henrietta House is a stylish choice.
• For the best address in Bath, stay at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.

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?

• Contemporary rooms in a traditional pub at Saracen’s Head.
• The modern, stylish B&B Coed Mawr Hall.
• Under the summit of Ty’n Y Cornell.

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?

• Clean comfortable and cheap digs at the YHA Malham.
• A proper country pub stay at The Lister Arms.
• The colourful and grand Devonshire Fell Hotel.

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?

• Relax in glorious country views at the Collaven Manor.
• Enjoy the traditional charm of the Castle Inn, Lydford.
• Try the homestyle friendliness of Gages Mill in Ashburton.

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?

• Canterbury Cathedral Lodge on the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.
• House of Agnes, the historic B&B where Charles Dickens once stayed.
• A modern 2-bedroom apartment in The Hugo.

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?

• Elegant spaces and tranquil gardens of The Wild Hare.
• Georgian glamour in individually styled rooms at The Swan at Hay.
• A luxury stay at the Bridge House in Ross-on-Wye.

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?

• Bonnie Haven for a great B&B with sea views.
• A cosy pod with views of Suilven – Suilven View.
• A relaxing retreat at Summer Isles Hotel.

MORE UK READING

• Read our Where To Stay in London guide which has a neighbourhood breakdown and hotel recommendations.
• For all the best attractions and hidden gems, read our guide to the best things to do in London.
• Put your trip together with our 7-day England itinerary.
• See some of the charming English countryside with our guide to the best places to visit in the Cotswolds.
• Book a Lake District break around Keswick for great walks and stunning scenery.
• Hit some of the best trails in the country with our guide to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
• Enjoy some of the best coastlines in the country with our Cornwall guide.