Let’s sweep across the UK and discover the best cities and beautiful landscapes to visit. Here’s our UK travel bucket list, 10 of the best places in the UK to visit.
From buzzing elegant cities bursting with culture such as Liverpool to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Lake District the UK has a diverse range of places we can visit. We love to travel across the UK, so whether you would like to reduce your carbon footprint, save some pennies, or of course we have to mention avoid coronavirus holiday guilt. A UK staycation could be the answer for you. Here’s our UK travel bucket list, 10 of the best places in the UK to visit.
1. York
First on our bucket list is York with its famous cobbled streets, dainty tearooms, Victorian railway, Gothic buildings, interesting history and York Minster, one of the world’s most impressive cathedrals.
A trip to York Minster simply can’t be missed. Its Roman roots are waiting to be discovered. Here you can learn about the Minster’s role in Viking York. Stand back and take time to really take in the dramatic medieval architecture of the Minster, or head down to the underground chambers and experience audio-visual exhibits of the building’s past. If views are what you’re looking for then climb up to York Minster’s Central Tower for the most amazing views of the city. Here you will be treated to a view of the River Ouse curling around the city.
Visit www.yorkminster.org for visiting and more information.
York truly is like stepping back into the middle ages. We love admiring its overhanging timber-framed houses and traditional shopfronts of The Shambles. The Shambles is one of the UK’s most historic and picture-perfect streets.
Whether you visit to wander and admire, shop or learn you will leave feeling totally content.
2. Lake District
Spanning 885 square miles The Lake District is a beautiful destination with challenging hikes, rock climbing, kayaking and other water sport adventures. It is home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. It offers some seriously spectacular mountain scenery so get yourself there if you enjoy a hike!
Lake Windermere is the go-to destination for water sports in the Lake District. With plenty of marinas, sailing and windsurfing centres found on its shores. Don’t worry or be nervous if you have never done any kind of watersports before. If you want to give it a go there is a large selection of adventure activity companies, guides and instructors for all abilities based around the lake.
While you’re there a lovely place to visit is the World of Beatrix Potter™ a magical attraction that brings to life Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories in a magical recreation of the Lake District countryside. There’s even an outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden!
Visit www.hop-skip-jump.com for more information.
3. Edinburgh
From the moment we first stepped into Edinburgh we totally fell in love with the city. It is impossible to get bored in Edinburgh with its Castles, restaurants and galleries galore. Like us visit just once and you will want to visit this magical place over and over again.
The Capital’s true character can’t be measured by its attractions alone. It is measured by the totally unique feeling you get there. The kindness and warmth of its people, as well as the calm and tranquillity of its green spaces. With a stunning skyline from wherever you look, it’s so simple to understand why so many poets, artists, writers and people of note over the years were inspired by this city.
Edinburgh Castle is something everyone should see if they get the chance. It is one of the oldest Castles in the UK and is believed to have been occupied since the Bronze age. The Castle sits on top of an extinct volcano and is the biggest tourist attraction in all of Scotland. For a fee you can go inside and explore further, we promise the panoramic views of the city are not to be missed. We find out something new and interesting every time we go.
Visit www.edinburghcastle.scot for visiting and more information.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan Edinburgh will be right up your street as it’s where J.K. Rowling created the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry. Victoria Street gives a very Diagon Alley-esque feel and boasts some beautiful and quirky shops. There are even Harry Potter themed boutique shops.
4. Liverpool
We live in Wirral so it’s no secret that Liverpool is one of our favourite cities to explore. Not only does it feel energetic and new but it also brims with history and vibrant culture. The architecture here dates back as far back as 1500. Like us, you will be totally in awe of the buildings in Liverpool. If you fancy a walking tour to learn more about Liverpool and its architecture visit here for tour information.
When you visit you will be totally spoilt for food choices with a wide range of different cuisines and unique places to eat. For something laid-back, we highly recommend The Baltic Social. The food there is out of this World.
While you’re there make sure to visit the Albert Dock which has the largest collection of listed buildings in the UK. This once famous docking port is now packed with galleries, museums, bars and restaurants. The city’s famous Three Grace buildings also reside near Pier Head.
Visit www.albertdock.com for more information.
5. Bath
Famous for its jaw-dropping architecture and world-class spas, Bath is a great choice for a relaxing city break. Situated amongst the rolling hills of Somerset, the city gets its name from the bathhouses that were first constructed during the Roman settlement period. These grand bathhouses used the area’s mineral-rich spring waters and promoted rest and wellbeing.
Why not visit Bath’s Roman Baths while you’re there? Visit for www.romanbaths.co.uk more information.
While you’re there you could visit Bath Abbey which is a stunning example of England’s striking medieval architecture and gothic interior. Or you could simply wander along the River Avon towards the city’s 18th Century Pulteney Bridge, which is lined with pretty shops above the river. It’s difficult not to notice the grand Georgian terraces here. Bath has plenty of museums and galleries you can visit too so you won’t be short of things to do.
6. Whitby
With a tonne of history and picturesque coastal walks, Whitby is an idyllic town nestled in Yorkshire. This welcoming town is perfectly positioned along the North Sea and is particularly famous for its award-winning fish and chips.
Take your walking boots or wellies as Whitby promises plenty of long coastal walks then head back to your cosy accommodation or warm-up at a local country pub. There are lots of activities to do in Whitby even during the colder months. The town is also home to the popular North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a spectacular historical journey on board a heritage steam train.
Don’t miss out on a trip to the Whitby Abbey, recently awarded the title of Britain’s most romantic historic ruins. Then learn about the area’s local history at the Whitby Museum, or, visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Finally admire local artwork at the Whitby Pannett Art Gallery.
7. Loch Ness
Who wouldn’t want to visit the magical Loch Ness? It’s one of those places that are totally engaging for everyone. From children excited to catch a glimpse of the magical Nessie to adults drawn in by photography opportunities, hiking and beautiful scenery. Go on a hunt for the legendary Loch Ness monster and add Inverness Loch Ness to your bucket list! Have a look at Nessie hunting tours here.
The only hard part of this trip will be choosing what to do when you get there, don’t be surprised that there is a lot of choices. Either explore the land or water or simply spend your holiday relaxing, recharging and soaking up the stunning scenery, there is an activity or attraction to suit the entire family.
8. Devon
Devon has a stunning coastline and is the perfect destination if you’re a lover of surfing and hiking, or want to give them a try. This area offers plenty of perfect beaches, breathtaking clifftops, and a warmer climate. Why not take the kids on a hunt for fossils along the iconic Jurassic Coast!
Be sure to sample a traditional Devonshire cream tea while you are there. Further inland, Dartmoor National Park is brimming with scenic hikes that pass significant Bronze Age monuments.
If you visit during December through to February then head to one of the UK’s oldest dwarf-oak forests and wander through Wistman Wood. It’s not hard to see why it was the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy with the Ring’s illustrator, Alan Lee actually living nearby in Chagford. At this time of year the trees have shaken off their leaves, you’ll get to see the boney, arthritic prehistoric trunks. As well as velvety moss you will get the most magical photos. Don’t worry about walking the easy one-hour walk starts from the Two Bridges Hotel.
9. Cornwall
Cornwall is pretty well known for its beautiful beaches. It truly is one of the most stunning coastlines we have ever seen and has nearly 300 beaches to take your pick from. Visit this surfers paradise if you love spending time by the coast.
There are lots of different surf schools and lessons and available in Cornwall so search for one here that would suit you the best!
Stargazing is hugely popular in Cornwall and parts of Cornwall have actually been awarded Night Sky Status. Meaning that there is little light pollution and stargazing can take place with just the naked eye! We love nothing more than gazing at the sky and listening to the sounds of the ocean. What a way to relax!
10. Pembrokeshire
On the westerly fringes of the UK is Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is the perfect place to go for an adventure if your a fan of walks and coastal scenery. For the super walkers out there, you are able to walk the 200 miles or so of Pembrokeshire Coastal Path end to end in around 10 days. This popular journey with its frequent bus service is a favourite with holidaymakers because it is so accessible and takes in some of the most beautiful scenery along the way.
One of our favourite things to do here is a sea life adventure cruise. See for yourself what Pembrokeshire and the Celtic Deep has to offer! Will that be dolphins racing the boat, seals sleeping on the rocks, or the thousands of birds searching for a place on the Islands of Grassholm, Skomer and Skokholm.
For more information on the dolphin adventure visit here.
Visit here for more attractions and activities you can try in Pembrokeshire.
Hopefully, we’ve given you some inspiration for your next staycation! Let us know your favourite place to visit in the UK.
