England is a country endowed with natural beauty and many human made structures that can dazzle anyone. You can visit hundreds of places in the country and have the best time of your life. The main attractions include architecture, castles, parks, shopping centers, and museums. If you love the outdoors, you will find places to go and do fun activities like hiking, walking, and trekking. Here are the ten best places to visit in the UK that everyone should add to their list.
1. Windsor Castle
This is the castle where Queen Elizabeth and Philip, her husband, used to live. It is situated in Berkshire, and it symbolizes the British monarch. It is an excellent place for families to visit. The building is a fine work of art. It was built for the first time in the 11th century in the Gothic design. Many prominent political leaders have visited this castle, including President Obama.
2. London City
It would be a waste to go to the UK without visiting London. The City of London is home to many tourist attractions in the UK. Some of the attractions in the city that will take your breath away are Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Parliament Buildings, Buckingham Palace, and Nelson’s Column. You can also visit South Kensington and see famous museums like Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum. You can also go to Oxford Street, shop for popular clothing brands, or Leicester Square to watch movies. There are also many restaurants in London and hotels where you can eat and stay. If you have a low budget, you can opt for Alhambra hotel, Ridgemount hotel, or Jesmond Dene Hotel, and if money is not an issue for you, you can stay in The Bloomsbuty, The Rosewood, The Langham, or The Ritz London hotels.
3. Roman Era Bath
This city is home to the renowned Roman Baths. Many visitors have been streaming to this city to bathe in its healing waters for over 20 centuries. The water originates from three hot springs and contains 43 varying minerals with curative abilities. It is a small city compared to other cities in the UK but it still has many enjoyable things you can do as a visitor. You can bathe in spas around the city, such as the Thermae Bath Spa. The city is also known for its beautiful Georgian Architecture. If buildings are your thing, your mind will be blown away by all the stately homes in the city. You can also find many places offering accommodation.
4. Hyde Park
London has four royal parks, and Hyde is one of them. It’s situated close to Kensington Palace and was a hunting space towards the end of the 17th century. Nowadays, people use it in various ways. Sometimes they meet here for political reasons or hold musical events in it. The locals enjoy having picnics in this park in autumn in October. Travelling to the park is easy because it is linked to the main roads and the well-known London tube.
5. Trafford Center
Situated in Manchester, Trafford Center is a famous shopping center. Peel owns the place, and it houses various shops. Like Oxford Street, you can go there and shop till you drop. It is packed with shops, cafes, and bars. You can go to the center using a train.
6. Scottish and Loch Ness highlands
The Scottish highlands is located in the northwestern and north side of Scotland. This part of Scotland is symbolized by Bravehearts, kilts, tartan, and lochs. The area has a sparse population and is characterized by numerous mountain ranges, including Ben Nevis Mountain, the tallest mountain in the area. Ben Nevis is perfect for biking, trekking, and hiking. There are also several castles in the highlands, such as Eilean Donan Castle and Dunrobin Castle, which you can visit and see the exhibits and rooms. Additionally, you can see the famous lake in Scotland, Loch Ness. The mythical creature, Loch Ness monster, is believed to live in the lake, and sometimes, pedestrians and locals see it.
7. Edinburgh
This city has existed since the 1700s. This is one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities and a popular destination in the UK. It is famous for the big Edinburg Castle and numerous well-maintained historic buildings. When you visit the city, you will witness the One O’Clock Salute in the Royal Palace and at Half Moon Batter. Other remarkable places you can visit in the city include Prince Street, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile in Old Town, the Stone of Destiny, and Scottish National War Memorial. Prince Street is ideal for shopping, and Royal Mile in Old Town has art galleries, boutique shops, fantastic architecture, and restaurants. Nature lovers can also enjoy visiting the Royal Botanical Garden. Over 200,000 people attend the Royal Edinburg Military Tattoo event held in the city every August. It brings together the best military bands on the continent. Accommodation is available in the many hotels in the city.
8. Oxford and Cambridge University towns
There are 38 colleges in Oxford, and student accommodations, libraries, dining halls, chapels, and inner courtyards characterize each one. The city also has notable attractions like the superb old structures in High Street and Carfax Tower. Cambridge is a city found in the north of London along River Cam. It is a college town that hosts the world-famous University of Cambridge. The most popular site in the city is The King’s College Chapel, which has spectacular gothic architecture. The town has many entertainment spots typical of a college town and offers many activities to do regardless of the season. Some activities you can do here are cycling, punting and walking. You can also visit the University Botanical Garden and view the 8,000 flowers and plant species.
9. Snowdonia
The Snowdonia region hosts the second biggest national park in the UK, the Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia area has a beautiful landscape, and it covers 830 sq miles. If you like to hike, you can use one of the many trails available and climb up and down Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in England and Wales. However, if you don’t want to break a sweat and still want to see the breathtaking views from the top of the hill, you can go up the mountain by taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway. When up there, you can see the coast, valleys, and mountains below. When the clouds are clear, you might get a glimpse of Ireland. About 26,000 people call this park home. They live in tiny villages which provide local handicrafts, accommodation, and food.
10. Cornwall
Situated in the Western side of the UK, this is a rocky area with cliffs facing the sea in the northern part and sandy beaches in the southern region. See featured image of Polzeath on the north coast. Visitors particularly love the beaches. In the past, smugglers and pirates lived in the city. It was the perfect spot for them because the area is surrounded by water. It inspired an opera song called “The Pirates of Penzance.” It is the setting for the children’s story named “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
Final Thoughts
The UK has numerous fantastic places to visit. You can choose a destination that tickles your fancy and plan to visit it. The people are friendly, and they have an exciting culture. The architecture and scenery will awe you for days. Take a pick and start your journey across the country.