This small island, made of four countries has so much to see and do. So where should I go when I visit the UK? You might only visit the UK for a short holiday or for a year, but while you’re here, you’ll want to stop by all the best places to visit in the UK.
We have a wide variety of places to visit, from historic cities, small seaside towns, hiking trips and budget friendly places.
Tell me, where are the best places to visit in the UK?
Table of Contents
Best places to visit in the UK
We have chosen the very best places to visit in UK, so you can plan your trip.
To help you plan your holiday and keep to a budget, why not download your FREE Travel Planner today.
Best places to go hiking in the UK
Do you love to get out into the fresh air and admire beautiful landscape? Then you’ll want to take on the best places to hike in the UK.
Seven Sisters
Located on the south east coast of England, between Eastbourne and Seaford. This exhilarating hike over the Seven Sisters, covers about thirteen miles of beautiful landscape, over a varied terrain.
Take on the ascent and descent with views of the ocean, lighthouses and farmland along the way. You’ll also come across farm animals, but can you spot any other wild plants, birds and insect species along the route?
There’re two spots along the route that offer amazing views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. If you’re starting in Eastbourne, take the route over Beachy Head until you reach Belle Toute Lighthouse, from here, you’ll see the bright white cliffs and the green grass land of the Seven Sisters.
If you start the route in Seaford, at the top of Seaford Head, you’ll see the incredible views of the Cuckmere River and the Seven Sisters.
The best place for Instagram worthy pictures, is behind the coastguard cottages, with the cottages in the picture with the Seven Sisters.
You won’t be disappointed, but it isn’t for the fainthearted. You’ll need to have a good fitness level to keep you going over the long steep ascents and there’s plenty of them.
Do you want to take the stress out of planning a hike to the Seven Sisters? Then check out these great tours options, to take that stress away. All you have to do, is choose the tour and let them take care of the rest:
Related post: All time travel gift guide
Best places to visit that’s beside the seaside
We do like to be beside the seaside, oh we do like to be beside the sea. And there’re some beautiful beaches to visit in the UK.
Here are some of the best seaside locations in UK:
Hastings
We have to mention our home town of Hastings as one of the best seaside towns in the UK.
Hastings is steeped in so much history, fun arcades and a relaxing shingled beach to soak up the sun on a hot summer’s day.
Take a stroll along the promenade of the seafront as the sun begins to set, step back in history and explore the smugglers caves. But can you find any pieces of treasure?
Take the funicular train up the East and West Hill for amazing views of the town below.
No trip to the seaside can ever be complete without the famous fish and chips with mushy peas and curry sauce.
For the best fish and chips, head to the pier, but watch those seagulls they will steal your food if you’re not careful.
Eastbourne
Our favourite seaside town on the south east coast of England.
Eastbourne is known as the sunniest town in England, because it gets the most sunshine all year round. So, no matter when you come to visit the UK, you’ll want to visit one of the best seaside towns in the UK.
Take a day trip and relax back on the shingled beaches on a hot summer’s day. Kids will enjoy wandering along Eastbourne Pier and playing in the amusement arcades, trying to win a toy. Make sure you have some pennies spare.
Adventurous hikers will want to hike the Seven Sisters, for incredible landscape views and scenery.
Enjoy fish and chips from Harry Ramsdens along the seafront.
Can you spot the Victorian architecture that adorns the area along the seafront? Visit the tearooms on the pier or the Grand Hotel that will take you back in time.
Related post: What to pack for a hike
Brighton
Bright colours of the rainbow in Brighton, also known as the Gay capital of England.
Looking for a good night out, then head to Kemp Town for some of the best gay bars and clubs
But there’s so much more than just the nightlife, Brighton is an excellent town to visit on a day trip from London, or with the family.
Kids will love spotting their favourite sea creatures at the Sea Life Centre, or why sit back on Brighton Beach when you could have a romantic picnic in the grounds of The Royal Pavilion.
The Taj Mahal of Brighton, or that’s the first impression that springs to mind with the Royal Pavilion. This beautiful museum was once a royal residence and holiday home for King George IV. Its period features, is one you must visit, on a day trip to this beautiful seaside town.
Walk around the narrow The Lanes and North Lanes for boutique shops and good food.
Best cities to visit in UK
A visit to the UK must include the best cities to visit:
London
The first stop for most tourists to the UK is London. Not only is it the best city to visit, but in our opinion the best place to go in the UK. London has always had a special place in our heart.
But what makes London so special.
London is steeped in so much history, from some of the remaining Roman walls that would have enclosed the city of London, the most amazing tourist attractions such as the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral just to name a few. And not forgetting the incredible green parks that make it feel like you’re no longer in a busy city.
The city is so diverse, that you could eat in a different restaurant with different cuisine each night of the week.
A couple of days in the city really doesn’t do it justice when there is so much to see and do.
Related post: Best travel quotes to feed your wanderlust
Best places to visit in UK during Christmas
Heading to the UK during the festive season? Then get into the festive spirit with the best Christmas destinations in the UK.
Winter Wonderland
The biggest and brightest Christmas Market located in Hyde Park London, brings thousands of locals and tourists to see the bright lights that twinkle in the night sky.
Get your adrenalin pumping with funfair and rollercoaster rides, or take a more relaxed approach with the exhibitions that entertain the young and old alike.
Wooden cabins sell all manner of Christmas decorations, gifts and art. Find that special someone in your life, a little gift as a reminder of the festive day you had.
But to top it off, have a large cup of mulled wine to keep your cockles warm on a cold winter’s night.
A fun packed day and evening that brings a little sparkle to Christmas.
Best places to visit UK for couples
Visit some of the most romantic and quaint little villages in the UK:
The Cotswolds
These picturesque little villages in the Cotswolds are just perfect for couples.
There’s no need to rush around, take the laidback approach and slow travel your way around these small villages.
Wander around hand in hand through cobbled streets and beautiful villages, enjoy a romantic meal at a restaurant, or just enjoy the tranquillity of the area.
This vast expanse of area runs through five counties and was declared an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty (AONB) back in 1966, no wonder thousands of tourist flock here each year. And there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
The most romantic villages that we would recommend a point of stopping at are:
- Cirencester
- Chipping Campden
- Stow on the Wold
- Burford
- Lower Slaughter
- Bibury
- Tetbury
Is there a place in the Cotswolds you’ve heard about and can’t wait to visit?
Conclusion
Well, this small island is packed with so many of the best places to visit in the UK, with so many different things to discover.
The beautiful seaside towns are a lovely way to get out of the big cities for a peaceful few days, before you take on an adventurous hike.
Explore the large capital city, before heading to the romantic countryside of the Cotswolds.
What more could you enjoy from the UK?
We hope you enjoy visiting the UK as you explore these beautiful countries.
Have you visited the UK? What was your best places you visited? Is there somewhere you visited that we didn’t mention? Let us know, by leaving a comment below.
If you liked this post, please feel free to share it
There may be affiliate links within this article, using these links will not cost you anything extra, but we may earn a small commission to help us maintain our travel blog. Thank you for your support.
[…] There’s no better place to start than with our home country. It is just as important to support our local tourism and community as it is to explore international destinations. So, here is our best places to visit in the UK. […]
[…] Related post: Best places to visit in UK […]