15 Best Places to Visit in the United Kingdom

Best Places to Visit in United Kingdom

Offering plenty of attractions, the United Kingdom is a must-visit destination that signifies its glorious past, British culture, dynamic music and art. It is located on the northwestern coast of Europe and is among the oldest regions dating back centuries. A UK visa from Dubai, is required for the citizens of UAE to enter the nation of United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom commonly known as the UK or Britain consists of the beautiful nation of England, Scotland, and Wales. It is a wonderful destination for tourists to admire the magical natural landscapes, discover the ancient, medieval, and contemporary attractions, and experience the bustling city life, diversity, and undoubtedly the British cuisines.

If you are taking a trip to the UK, choose from our carefully curated selection of must-visit locations. Listed below are the top 15 locations in the UK that you must see when on a tour.

01 Best Places to Visit in United Kingdom

1. London

The first and foremost on the list of places to visit in UK is the vibrant and capital city of both London and the United Kingdom. It is the nerve centre of Europe blessed with a rich past, historic sites, modern architecture, art galleries, world-class museums and cuisines. People from every part of the world resides in London and there are millions of tourists visit the city to explore its beauty.

The city claims to have four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among its iconic locations are Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge etc. London is one of the bustling cities of UK, that offers several adventurous activities for thrill seekers. Tourists can dive into the world of Harry Potter at the West End, climb the roof of the iconic venue of "Up at The O2," and Dive into the food delights, shopping and entertainment at the famous marketplace of Camden or the streets of Greenwich.

2. The Lake District

Nestled in the Cumbria, northwest region of England, Lake District is England's largest national park that offers stunning landscapes and nature activities. It's a perfect nature escapade and a heaven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The place is a famous vacation destination comprised of a lake, forests and the highest mountain range of Cumbria. Poets and authors such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth have drawn inspiration from this wonderful place.

There are plenty of attractions and natural beauty in the Lake District which are as follows:

Lake Windermere: largest lake within the Lake District.

Scafell Pike: England's highest mountain with an impressive 3209 feet height.

Ullswater: Undoubtedly, one of the nation's most breathtaking lakes.

Strolling through the beautiful lake, boat trips, cycling, and star gazing after the sunset in the secluded valley are the must-experiencing activity at the at the noteworthy locations in the Lake District of the United Kingdom.

3. Edinburgh

The beautiful hilly region and cool capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is again a prime tourist destination which used to be the residence of Scottish monarchs. The place has a rich history and is prominent for its natural beauty and architectural splendour. Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is among the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh and a must-visit place which offers a breathtaking view of the city. The place is also famous for some of the world-class events including the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Travellers can engage in a line of activities in Eidenburg which are as follows:

  • Exploring Edinburgh Castle
  • A visit to the National Museum of Scotland
  • Climbing Author's Seat
  • Explore the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
  • Taste the finest drams at Johny Walker Princes Street

4. Oxford

If you are travelling to the UAE or have the opportunity to go there make sure to visit the city of Oxford. It is one of the amazing destinations in London renowned worldwide for its scientific achievement and stunning architecture. The University of Oxford is a sort of metropolis rather than merely a campus. It comprises various buildings, colleges and halls, museums, gardens and pubs. It also houses Britain's oldest English-speaking university. Oxford's architectural genius will astound you with its majestic structures that combine a variety of structural elements, such as early Gothic architecture.

Checkout the list of popular sites in Oxford, London

  • Oxford City Centre
  • University Church of St. Mary
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Sheldonian Theatre
  • The Ashmolean Museum
  • History of Science Museum

5. British Museum

While there are about a thousand museums in Britain, we recommend you visit the British Museum in London on a UK tour. Located in the Bloomsbury area of London, the place is a treasure trove of art, culture and human history. When one visits this museum, they can find some old publications and unique manuscripts. The history of the British Museum dates back to 1753, when it was established and today it is one of the top attractions of London. The place is originally based on three collections: Robert Harley, the 1st Earl of Oxford, Sir Hans Sloane, and Sir Robert Cotton.

The exhibitions in the British Museum are a collection of over 8 million artefacts spanning two million years of human history. The list of artifacts and exhibitions to be witnessed with a visit to the museum is as follows:

  • Mummy of Katebet
  • The Rosetta Stone
  • Assyrian Lion Hunt Reliefs
  • Samurai Armour
  • Easter Island Head
  • Colossal Granite Head of Amenhotep III
  • Oxus Treasure

6. Harry Potter's Bridge

Harry Potter's Bridge originally named the "Glenfinnan Viaduct" is an Iconic location and the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland. Harry Potter fans can quickly identify the location which showcases a superb engineering feat. Located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Scottish Highlands, the viaduct offers a majestic view of the Glennfinnan upland, mountain, monuments and the waters of Loch Shiel.

As you head towards the bridge, you have an opportunity to board the royal Scotsman train for a magical journey. During the ride, you get through a stunning landscape witnessing rolling green hills, awesome trees, dynamic mountains and roaming deers. The location has been filmed in several films and television including including Ring of Bright Water, Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny, The Crown, and four of the Harry Potter films.

7. Glasdor

Among the stunning places listed, Glasdor is another tourist attraction and popular city of Scotland. It is also the largest city in Scotland famous for its victorian architecture, music, vibrant nightlife and artistry excellence. The city is renowned for having influenced several architectural styles including the most prominent one- "Glasgow School of Art." In 2016, the place became the United Kingdom's first “World City of Friendship.” The city of Glasdor also initiates numerous community-serving social outreach programs and Glasgow Charity Mission is one of them.

Glasgow is renowned for manufacturing some of the world’s best-known Scotch Whisky. Additionally, it boasts a long history of medical practice and has multiple universities in the area for medical research. Here is the list best places to visit, while in the city of Glassdoor:

  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Pollok Country Park
  • Kelvingrove
  • Clydeside Distiller
  • The Finnieston
  • City Centre Mural Trail

8. Hyde Park, London

The next one on the list of places to visit in the United Kingdom is one of the top attractions and a royal park in London which is Hyde Park. Located in the Westminster area of Greater London, the park is a prominent destination for hosting London's biggest events cheered by the large crowd. It is also the country's largest park covering a huge area of over 340 acres of land. The famous park has witnessed some of the world's famous live events hoisting globally recognized bands and artists and it also hosts a sizable yearly Christmas winter wonderland fair called Winter Wonderland. The events are joined by thousands of visitors to the park.

The history of Hyde Park dates back to the 16th century when this area around the Kensington Palace served as the royal hunting preserve. The park shares a large curved lake, Hudson Sanctuary, a bandstand, large fountains, a ranger lodge and the statue of Achilles. The park's speakers corner, which acts as the orators' hub for free expression, is located in the northeastern corner close to the marble arch. It was here that Londoners were once motivated to join the struggle by Karl Marx and Emmeline Pankhurst.

9. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has its own historical significance where it has served as the official residence of the UK's sovereigns. Presently, the palace still serves as the monarch's administrative centre. They use it for significant state occasions and for royal hospitality. Located in the heart of London in Westminster, the palace was originally built in 1703, by architect William Winde as a royal townhome for Duke Buckingham. Later it was redesigned by the foremost British architects in the early century.

Visitors are stunned by the art gallery, where various remarkable art pieces and royal paintings are placed on the interior of the palace. Among the popular art galleries is the famous Queen's Gallery which exhibits the changing art from the royal collection. The following is a list of the top things to notice in Buckingham Palace:

  • White Drawing
  • Admire the portrait of the king.
  • View the Marble art at the Marvel.
  • Experience "Changing the Guard."
  • View a Vermeer

10. Manchester

Manchester holds a prominent position among the world's most desirable destinations. The city has its own Industrial legacy and today it is one of the best places known for its unique architecture, big bands, nightlife and above all the Football. Located in the northwest region of England, the city has a strong sports culture. It is also one of the largest metropolitan in England, where both Manchester United Football Club and the rock band Oasis have their roots.

For party and events lovers, Manchester has designated pubs, bars and gig venues, nightclubs and stadiums. It also allows its visitors to admire the scenic beauty of the city and discover the spirit of the place's history. On history excursions, visitors can understand how the Manchester Ship Canal changed the city's fortune and contributed to its continued industrial presence.

11. London Eye

London Eye is an unmissable attraction in your UK tour which is the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel. Sitting right next to the river Thames in Country Hall, London, the revolving observation wheel is one of the major attractions in the United Kingdom. It is also the world's tallest Ferris wheel, with a height of 443 feet and a diameter of 394 feet. London Eye also known as the Millenium Wheel was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and it was opened in March 2000.

The famous site has received more than 85 honours for exceptional engineering achievement, great architectural excellence, and national and international tourism. The tallest Ferris wheel has 32 capsules in glass room forms that can hold up to 25 people at a time. These capsules rotate and move slowly offering a panoramic view of the city. As per the official reports, rotating wheels give a visibility of up to 40 km where the riders can view most of the iconic landmarks of the London Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Shard, the river Thames of course, Buckingham Palace, The Tower and The Tower Bridge, St.Paul's Cathedral, London parks and gardens.

12. Brecon Beacons National Park

The another amazing destination in the United Kingdom's best places list is the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wale. The destination is perfect for someone planning an activity-packed holiday, a nature excursion or a relaxing break. It offers an unmatching experience to its visitors, where they get a chance to witness the stunning scenery of the park and its amazing diverse landscape. The national park comprises valleys, wide open hillsides and forests, beautiful lakes, waterfalls and caves.

Spring is considered to be the best time to visit the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is the perfect time to go out and experience the beauty of the park with with plenty of sights, dramatic colours and nature activities. Below are the top activities to be done at the park:

  • Nature walk.
  • Meet and Greet with rare animal species.
  • Cyclic and mountain bike.
  • Stroll through the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
  • Relax in the beautiful gardens of the park.
  • Walk around Castles

13. Tower of London

The Tower of London is among the most popular tourist attractions in London and the UK which is 1000 years old. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The tower was founded in 1066. Located on the North bank of the famous river Thames, the buildings and grounds of this royal fortress have served as monarch ambience, political prison, public records office, royal mint, places of execution and an arsenal. The place is also been the most secure castle where the tower has saved royal families from attacks and wars.

The "Tower of London" fortress has been guarded by a group of Yeoman Warders who were responsible for keeping the prisoners safe inside the Tower. Presently they guard and keep an eye on the precious gem of the royal family- "the Crown Jewels." The following is a list of the must-see items when visiting the tower:

The famous six black ravens that have protected the Crown and the entire kingdom

  • Crown Jewels
  • Yeoman Warders
  • White Tower
  • The Original Watergate

14. Victoria & Albert Museum, London

If you are an art lover passionate about experiencing, historical, medieval and contemporary artefacts and exhibitions, visit the Victorian & Albert Museum in London. The British Museum is a hub of art galleries and exhibitions that houses the world's greatest collection of decorative arts. The museum was founded in the year 1852 and it is located in South Kensington, London. There are so many famous sites in London that fall near the museum location including, the Science Museum, National History Museum, London Oratory, and Albert Memorial.

Upon visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum, you will witness, find stellar and wide tableaux of European ceramics and sculptures, French furniture and impeccable enamelwork and metalwork. Checkout the list of top things to see at the famous London Museum:

  • The cast Court
  • Constable's Paintings
  • Tippo's Tiger
  • The Jewellery Gallery
  • The Fashion Gallery
  • The V&A Cafe’
  • Raphael’s cartoons
  • The British Galleries of 1700-1800 (and Chippendale furniture)

15. Caernarfon Castle, Wales

Castel Caernarfon is a top tourist attraction and one of the greatest Middle Ages buildings. It is also one of the most amazing castles in the Wales and whole of the UK. Sit on the banks of the River Seiont, the sight is included as a World Heritage Site along with the other castles built by Edward I at Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech. Caernarfon Castle is distinguished from other Edwardian castles in Wales by its multiangular towers and wide bands of varicoloured stone said to resemble one of the best-known monuments of imperial Rome, the city walls of Constantinople.

Things to do at Caernarfon Castle

  • Explore the castle and its collection of artefacts.
  • Visit the nearby Royal Welsh Fusiliers Regimental Museum,
  • Boating in River Seiont, etc.

02 FAQ’s

What are some of the most beautiful places in the UK?

Although there are several places, cities and sites in the UK that attract people from different nations and parts of the world to explore. However, among the most appreciated places in the United Kindom are as follows:

  • London
  • The Lake District
  • Edinburg
  • Oxford’
  • British Museum
  • Harry Potter’s Bridge
  • Glas dor

Where can I go in England other than London?

Numerous stunning places in England can be visited other than London and the places are the following:

  • Winsdor
  • Stonehenge
  • Bath
  • Oxford
  • Liverpool
  • The Cotswold
  • The Lake District

Why is the United Kingdom famous among tourists?

The United Kingdom is famous among tourists and locals globally for its iconic locations, glorious past, monuments, museums, castles, bustling cities and architectural splendour. The country offers an uncountable number of attractions to be explored by the visitors.