51 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the UK
Exploring the UK and looking for somewhere unique to visit?
Whether you're into castles, haunted villages, prehistoric sites, or wild expanses of nature, the United Kingdom has an attraction for you.
We've compiled 51 beautiful places to visit in the UK - with a few spooky oddities thrown in for good measure!
Stonehenge, England
This world-famous prehistoric monument comprises two concentric rings of standing stones, which were erected more than 5,000 years ago. It's considerably older than the first pyramid and is one of the UK's best-known landmarks.
It's difficult not to be amazed when you first clap eyes on Stonehenge - although many people say it's smaller than they imagined!
Without doubt, one of the best places to visit in the UK.
For more information, visit the official Stonehenge website: Stonehenge Official Website
Dartmoor, England
Often billed as 'England's last great wilderness,' Dartmoor National Park is a wild tract of moorland and granite tors covering 368 square miles.
Popular with hikers and ramblers, Dartmoor is one of the few places in England where you can still wild camp (despite opposition from landowners).
It's also one of the last few locations where wild ponies run free.
For more information, explore Dartmoor on the National Parks website: Dartmoor National Park
Lake District, England
Covering 912 square miles, the Lake District is one of the UK's best-loved national parks. It's home to England's tallest peak, Scafell Pike (978m), and many other mountains.
A number of stunning lakes are also found in the park, including the famous Lake Windermere.
Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite doubled as Takodana in the 2015 Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
The Lake District is one of the best places to visit in the UK if you love the outdoors.
For more information, plan your visit at the Lake District National Park website: Lake District National Park
Edinburgh, Scotland
Arguably the UK's most beautiful city, the Scottish capital is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
The imposing peak of Arthur's Seat is popular with ramblers, and the elegant Georgian Old Town and medieval area boast a selection of characterful restaurants, pubs, and hotels.
Discover more about Edinburgh on the official tourism website: Visit Edinburgh
London, England
The sprawling British capital offers a near-endless number of things to do, from visiting Buckingham Palace and Westminster to enjoying famous art galleries like the Tate Modern.
London is also the go-to place for theatre, concerts, and sporting events.
It may be pricey, but most agree it's worth every penny.
For an in-depth guide to London, check out Visit London's website: Visit London
The Isle of Skye, Scotland
Skye presents visitors with some of Scotland’s - and the UK's - most incredible scenery, including the dramatic Old Man of Storr (used in Ridley Scott's Prometheus), Cullins Hill, and the Quiraing - an awe-inspiring collection of rocky outcrops, pinnacles, and mysterious nooks.
Explore the Isle of Skye further on the official Skye website: Isle of Skye Tourism
St Ives, England
In mid-summer, St Ives is comparable to a Mediterranean coastal resort, with its azure blue waters and soft sandy beach.
Popular with surfers, other outdoor pursuits include paddleboarding, golf, and tennis.
St Ives is also home to the Tate, the Sculpture Garden, the Barbara Hepworth Museum, and the St Ives School of Art.
Discover more about St Ives on the official St Ives website: St Ives Tourism
Newquay, England
While this Cornish resort town is best known for its hedonistic nightlife, daytime pursuits are even more exciting: the area boasts numerous dramatic beaches where you can surf, swim, and sunbathe, and the overall vibe is one of a surfer-centric Australian beach town - although somewhat chillier and windier!
Get ready to visit Newquay with information from the official tourism website: Visit Newquay
Tintagel Castle, England
Just over 30 miles from Newquay lies Tintagel, the fabled seat of King Arthur.
There appears to be no military reason why it was built here - apart from that it's the perfect site for a castle!
For more information on Tintagel Castle, visit the official English Heritage website: Tintagel Castle
York, England
With both Roman and Viking roots, York is a city steeped in history.
The stunning York Minster dominates the ancient centre, surrounded by Roman walls which survived the invasion of Danish Vikings in AD 866.
Aside from exploring the picturesque cobbled streets, you can visit the National Railway Museum, the JORVIK Viking Centre, and the York Army Museum.
Plan your trip to York on the Visit York website: Visit York
Castle Ward, Northern Ireland
The last series of Game of Thrones is long gone, but love for the epic series continues.
Little wonder, then, that Castle Ward, which doubled as Winterfell in GoT, has become a major tourist attraction.
For more information on Castle Ward, check out the National Trust website: Castle Ward
Whitby, England
Formerly a centre of Britain's long-gone whaling industry, Whitby is home to a dramatic ruined abbey, a pretty harbour, and incredible clifftop views.
Whitby also featured in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, after the eponymous character runs up the steps of Whitby Abbey after being shipwrecked nearby (in the form of a dog!).
Explore Whitby further on the official Visit Whitby website: Visit Whitby
Cambridge, England
Home to one of England's most famous universities, Cambridge is a city filled with beautiful old buildings and pleasant green spaces.
The best way to explore the old streets is by bike - a mode of transport that belies the laid-back feel of the city.
Don't miss the incredible university library!
Learn more about Cambridge on the Visit Cambridge website: Visit Cambridge
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Windsor Castle, England
Favourite of the late Elizabeth II, Windsor Castle is the biggest and oldest occupied castle on the planet.
It's possible to book a tour of the opulent gold-and-red state apartments and visit the chapel where a great many royal wedding ceremonies unfolded.
For detailed information on Windsor Castle, visit the official Royal Collection Trust website: Windsor Castle
Oxford, England
Oxford is best known for its university, which often tops the world rankings. Here you can visit the Bodleian, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and second only to the British Library (London) in terms of size.
Visitors love wandering among the dreamy Gothic spires, exploring the botanical gardens, and settling down to a pint in one of atmospheric old pubs.
Explore Oxford further on the Visit Oxford website: Visit Oxford
Leeds, England
Despite its charming architecture, innovative art galleries, and buzzing nightlife, international visitors sometimes overlook Leeds.
But there's even more that makes a visit worthwhile, including dazzling carnivals, festivals, and sporting events.
It's also one of the friendliest places in the UK.
For information on what to do in Leeds, visit the Visit Leeds website: Visit Leeds
Dark Hedges, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
While the UK is home to numerous roads lined with trees that possess a cavernous, tunnel-like form, none are quite as spectacular as Dark Hedges in Co. Antrim. This route became world-famous after being used in the Game of Thrones TV series.
Discover more about Dark Hedges on the Causeway Coast and Glens website: Causeway Coast and Glens - Dark Hedges
The Cotswolds, England
Dotted with chocolate-box villages, impressive architecture, and quintessentially English rolling countryside, the Cotswolds emanate old-world charm – no wonder the area is regarded as one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK.
Highlights include Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe - all of which make visitors feel like they've stepped back in time.
Explore the charm of the Cotswolds on the official Cotswolds website: Cotswolds.com
Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow
The population spurt of the 19th century saw rising demand for grave space - and none more so than in Glasgow. In response, the Glasgow Necropolis was created.
About 50,000 Glaswegians are buried here among the gravestones.
Guided walks can be booked.
For more information on the Glasgow Necropolis, visit the official Glasgow City Council website: Glasgow Necropolis
Three Cliffs Bay, Wales
Regularly voted among Britain's most beautiful beaches, Three Cliffs Bay takes its name from three cliffs that jut out into the sea.
This Blue Flag certified beach is also famous for the ruined Pennard Castle, which makes the area almost impossibly picturesque.
Swimmers should avoid the strong currents that form at high tide.
Plan your visit to Three Cliffs Bay on the Visit Swansea Bay website: Visit Swansea Bay
Brighton, England
Arguably England's coolest city, this former Victorian seaside resort is now famed for its boisterous nightlife and its liberal attitudes.
Highlights of Brighton include the India-inspired Pavilion, formerly King George IV's seaside residence, innumerable offbeat cafes and restaurants, and the long pebbly beach with its fun-packed pier.
Discover the cool vibes of Brighton on the Visit Brighton website: Visit Brighton
Bath, England
Packed with history and culture, Bath is best known for its Roman Baths and Georgian Royal Crescent.
It also boasts the charming 17th-century Bath Abbey, parks and gardens, and a modern-day take on the Roman Baths - Thermae Bath Spa.
For more information on visiting Bath, check out the official Visit Bath website: Visit Bath
Warwick Castle, England
Kids - both big and small - adore Warwick Castle. With many rooms, towers, and gardens to explore, the whole place really does make history fun.
Highlights of Warwick Castle include the 'Horrible Histories' maze and the Princess Tower.
Plan your trip to Warwick Castle on the official Warwick Castle website: Warwick Castle
Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands
Set in the idyllic Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms is the UK's largest national park, offering a thrilling array of outdoor activities - including snow sports (in winter), water sports, hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
You might opt for a boutique hotel or pack your tent and enjoy a spot of wild camping (which is permitted throughout Scotland).
Explore the Cairngorms on the Cairngorms National Park website: Cairngorms National Park
Pendle Hill, Lancashire, England
Pendle Hill is best known for its connections to the witch trials of 1612. After being hanged in Lancaster Castle, the witches were buried in the hill, which looms over the area.
For more information on Pendle Hill, visit the official Visit Lancashire website: Visit Lancashire
Durdle Door, Dorset, England
Beloved Durdle Door Beach would be charming enough without its famous archway that juts out into the sea. It has become one of the most photographed spots in the UK and can be accessed after a 15-minute walk from the nearest car park and the South West Coast Path.
Be ready for the steep wooden steps leading down to the beach.
Plan your visit to Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast website: Jurassic Coast
Eyam Plague Village, Derbyshire, England
During the bubonic plague (1665-66), many Eyam villagers were struck down by the disease and quarantined themselves in order to slow the plague's spread.
This fascinating attraction tells their story.
Learn more about Eyam Plague Village on the official Eyam Hall website: Eyam Hall
Pluckley, Kent, England
The UK has some pretty haunted places - but none more so than Pluckley (according to the Guinness Book of Records).
At last count, 12 ghosts are said to roam around these ancient streets. And there's definitely a certain 'atmosphere' here.
Discover the haunted history of Pluckley on the Visit Kent website: Visit Kent
Hadrian’s Wall, England
Stretching 73 miles across England from coast-to-coast, this ancient Roman wall is the longest still-existent example in the empire's history.
Walltown Crags is one of the best spots to see the majesty of this structure. If you weren't into Roman-British history before visiting, you will be by the time you leave!
Explore Hadrian's Wall on the official Hadrian's Wall website: Hadrian's Wall
Southwold, Suffolk, England
Charming Southwold has all the ingredients for a quintessential English seaside resort: changing huts lined up behind the beach, a pier, and plenty of great pubs. Speaking of which, the Adnams Brewery is located here - and yes, you can pop in for some beer tasting (£25.00 entry).
Plan your visit to Southwold on the Visit Suffolk website: Visit Suffolk
The Small House, Conwy, Wales
This diminutive red house is purportedly the smallest in the UK and, as such, attracts visitors the world over.
Learn more about The Small House on the Visit Conwy website: Visit Conwy
Padstow, Cornwall, England
You can't get much more Cornish than Padstow - a quintessential West country fishing town.
And while the pasties and cream teas are fabulous in this part of the world, head to one of Rick Stein's world-famous restaurants if you really want to a treat for your tummy!
Plan your culinary journey in Padstow on the Padstow Tourism website: Padstow Tourism
Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
More than 400,000 polygonal basalt columns comprise this world-famous natural wonder.
Today we know it was formed by volcanic eruption, but centuries ago the site was shrouded in legend - especially one relating to giants using it as a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland.
For more information on the Giant's Causeway, visit the National Trust website: Giant's Causeway
Seven Sisters White Cliffs, Sussex, England
These seven famous chalky cliffs have long been called The Seven Sisters and remain one of the most iconic and emblematic landmarks of England.
Head to Seven Sisters Park Centre, from where the cliffs can be reached in around 45 minutes on foot.
Plan your visit to the Seven Sisters on the Seven Sisters Country Park website: Seven Sisters Country Park
Skomer Island, Wales
Populated with hundreds of cheeky puffins, Skomer Island can be enjoyed on a day trip or even an overnight stay.
Located off the glorious Pembrokeshire coast, the trip across the water takes around 20 minutes.
For more information on visiting Skomer Island, check out the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales website: Skomer Island
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Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, England
Magnificent Chatsworth House is a Grade 1-listed mansion set in a beautiful 105-acre garden. It houses one of Europe's largest private art collections and has been home to sixteen generations of the Devonshire family.
The property was used in 2005's Pride and Prejudice and the BBC TV series of the same name (1995).
Explore Chatsworth House on the official Chatsworth website: Chatsworth House
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The Kelpies, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland
Fancy seeing the world's largest equine sculptures? Then head to Falkirk, where the 30m high 'Kelpies' are found.
Also in Falkirk is the Falkirk Wheel - the world's first and only rotating boat lift.
Some remnants of UNESCO-listed Antonine's Wall are also nearby.
Learn more about The Kelpies on The Helix website: The Helix - The Kelpies
Lydford Gorge, Devon, England
Located on Dartmoor's western edge near Okehampton, Lydford Gorge is something of a Devonian hidden gem. It's the deepest river gorge in southwest England and is set amongst ancient woodland and temperate rainforest - making it perfect for walks!
For more information on Lydford Gorge, visit the National Trust website: Lydford Gorge
Snowdonia, Wales
The UK's second-highest peak, Mount Snowdon, soars to 3,720 feet (1,130 m) and can be climbed in a day (6-8 hours, there and back).
On the eastern side is Llyn Glaslyn (the 'blue lake' in Welsh) - sitting 600m above sea level. From a certain angle, it looks like a sapphire-coloured heart.
Plan your adventure in Snowdonia on the Snowdonia National Park website: Snowdonia National Park
St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland
This sandy stretch has seawater lapping it from both sides - a feature known as a tombolo. Indeed, this is Europe's largest example and is a must if you're visiting the Shetland Isles.
Discover more about St Ninian's Isle and plan you visit to the Shetlands: VisitScotland - Shetland
Uyea, Northmavine, Shetland
Admire the stunningly clear, emerald-coloured waters that surround this uninhabited tidal island, which can be reached from northern Shetland on foot.
Seals often bask on the beaches.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Completed in 1901, the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct lies at the head of Loch Shiel and became world-famous after conveying the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Many other Potter scenes were filmed in and around Glenfinnan.
National Trust for Scotland - Glenfinnan Monument
Caernarfon Castle, Wales
Arguably one of Wales' most impressive castles, surprisingly intact Caernarfon Castle is UNESCO-listed and was said to be based on the walls of Constantinople (known as Istanbul today).
It was part of the 'Iron Ring' constructed by King Edward I when he invaded the principality in the 13th Century.
Fingal's Cave, Isle of Staffa, Scotland
Staffa is another uninhabited island off the Scottish coast - and part of the Inner Hebrides.
Fingal's Cave is the main attraction of Staffa - a 227-foot cavern (made of the same basalt rock as the Giant's Causeway - see above).
The Isle of Staffa is also home to many puffins.
Visit this island on a boat cruise.
Willy Lott’s House, Suffolk, England
The picturesque cottage known as Willy Lott's House featured in a number of paintings by the great English landscape painter, John Constable. You can see his most famous artwork - The Haywain - in The National Gallery, London.
Located 13 miles northeast of Colchester in Essex, the area around Lott's House is ideal for some relaxing country walks.
Canterbury, Kent, England
Home to England's first cathedral, and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Canterbury Cathedral is reason enough to visit. But there's a lot more: visit the pretty Westgate Gardens, explore St Augustine's Abbey, and pop into the absorbing Canterbury Roman Museum.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Mighty Bamburgh Castle is more than 1,400 years old and has guarded the Northumbrian coast against Vikings and many other foes. It was also used as a base against the Scots.
Many popular films and TV series have been shot here, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Blackadder.
Certainly one of the most dramatic places to visit in the UK.
Discover more about Bamburgh Castle on this UK attractions' website: Bamburgh Castle
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England
Another splendid Northumbrian castle, this Norman-era fortification has been used for many purposes over the centuries. But today's moviegoers will recognise the castle from the Harry Potter films - especially when the Nimbus 2000 was put through its paces by a particular child wizard!
Note: Alnwick Castle closes to visitors in the winter month's. To find out opening times and entry costs for the castle, visit: Alnwick Castle
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England
Legend has it that the beguiling St Michael's Mount was built by the giant Cormoran, who used to wade ashore to pinch cows.
Today, the only wading is done by visitors who get stranded on the island at high tide - so do take care!
Visit the St Michael's Mount website to find out more.
Houses on Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England
Sometimes referred to as 'Hovis Hill' - because the bread maker filmed its famous commercials here - the Houses on Gold Hill offer a glimpse into a long-gone, rustic England.
It's the quintessential biscuit box scene!
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scotland
This castle would look dramatic anywhere - but doubly so beside the famous Loch Ness.
It's one of Scotland's largest castles, and it was built more than 1,000 years ago.
Find out more and plan your visit at: Historic Environment Scotland - Urquhart Castle
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