15 Best Places To Visit in the UK for History, Scenery & Cuisine 2024

 

These Are Our Top Picks for the Best Places to Visit in the UK During 2024

The United Kingdom is one of the best places to travel whether you’re looking for a summer break, winter getaway, or a fun cultural trip during the fall or spring. If you’re looking for your next vacation destination, the UK has a little something for everyone.

The island is full of bustling cities as well as great natural sights, historical monuments and plenty of fun things to do. The country is even producing great, high-quality wine now! It also has some of the cheapest airports to fly into and is well-positioned between the US and the rest of Europe.

Best Places to Visit in the UK This Year

When most people think of traveling to the UK, they most likely think of London. However, while London is a great place to visit, you shouldn’t miss out on the other great towns, cities, parks and attractions the UK has to offer. It hosts great destinations for everyone whether you enjoy nightlife, history, or nature. We highly recommend flying into a major city, renting a car, and taking a road trip across this amazing country. Here are 14 of the best places to visit in the UK. Get notified when flight prices drop here.

RELATED: Travel Guide to Exploring the United Kingdom’s Best Wine Regions

Top Must See Places to Visit in the UK

London

London, despite its popularity, is a must-visit and ideal first stop for any discerning traveler looking to explore the UK.

London is often the first stop people make in the UK. After all, this is the capital city and it also has six major airports, making it one of the busiest travel hubs in the world. Of course, the city is also huge and full of diverse neighborhoods, offering something for everyone whether you’re looking for art, museums, shopping, or nightlife.

Victoria is one of the best neighborhoods to check out. Not only does it have cheap hotels, but it’s also close to major attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the River Thames. You should also check out Soho, the liveliest part of London with plenty of shops, nightclubs, and amazing places to eat. Other top things to see include Hyde Park, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, the National Gallery, and the British Museum.

If it’s your first time to London or you simply prefer a guided experience, see some of the major landmarks across the city with this guided tour, or take a bike tour around the

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle has stood for centuries and has withstood a number of sieges. It still remains a towering monument dominating the skyline of the city.

While London is the most popular place to visit in the UK, the capital of Scotland is arguably even more impressive. Edinburgh provides the perfect mix of big city vibes and a historical backdrop. Just minutes away from the main shopping square you can find Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and Calton Hill.

You can find plenty of attractions just venturing through the city center and the Royal Mile. Of course, no trip to Edinburgh is complete without a trek around Holyrood Park. This enormous park gives you views of the entire city and also hosts historical landmarks such as the famous Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh is also easy to get to thanks to its international airport and gives you links to the rest of Scotland.

Being the historic city that it is, it’s no surprise that there are a number of ghost stories, legends and opportunities to dive deeper into the culture of the city. A variety of activities and tours are able to be scheduled if you’re looking for a more immersive experience. Some of our favorites include:

• An underground walking tour below street level, where dark passageways and ancient vaults remain
• A dark side of Edinburgh walking tour, covering murders, mysteries and a variety of legends throughout the ages
• A guided day trip that leaves from and returns to Edinburgh on a comfortable coach showcasing the Scottish Highlands with stops at a variety of highlights

Manchester

A glimpse of the fountains at Piccadilly garden in Manchester, England.

If you’re looking for somewhere as diverse and lively as London but with lower costs, Manchester is your best bet. This major city is known for its huge shopping centers, great nightlife, and its food, music, and sports scenes. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something fun to do here.

Sports fans can take a visit to Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium to catch a football match. There are even behind-the-scenes stadium tours. Shoppers will love the Arndale and The Trafford Center. Fans of nightlife can have great nights out in the Northern Quarter or the Printworks. You can also take day trips to the Peak District, the Lake District, or the Alton Towers Theme Park. Walking tours are abundant and will help new travelers understand the city to a deeper extent.

Glasgow

A golden hour aerial perspective of Glasgow, Scotland.

Scotland’s biggest city offers an excellent alternative to Edinburgh. Not only is it cheaper, but this city is full of interesting sights, entertaining attractions, and plenty of pubs, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or even solo, you’ll find more than enough things here to pack into your itinerary.

Glasgow has many free galleries and museums, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Burrell Collection, and the Riverside Museum. It also has some of the best live music venues in the UK, including the Barrowlands and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. You’ll also find plenty of good food and excellent nightlife. Plus, if you somehow get bored of the city, it’s easy to take a day trip to Edinburgh, Stirling Castle, or the seaside city of Ayr.

Snowdonia National Park

 city.