As staycations are becoming more and more popular, we’ve put together 30 of the best places to visit in the UK, including some of the best activities. From beaches to landmarks to attractions, the UK has so much to offer. Who needs to go abroad after all?
1. Tynemouth
Nobody thinks of heading up North for a beach holiday in the sun. You should start looking and stop at Tynemouth. This seaside town has many beautiful restaurants, beaches and shops for the most perfect weekend break at the beach.
2. Cornwall
From one beach to another I couldn’t get more specific than Cornwall as all of it the stunning and full of opportunity to do water sports or just lie on the sand. Some of the top beaches include: Bude, St Ives and Perranporth.
3. Harry Potter Studios
Taking a true sidestep to the Harry Potter Studios in London. This well-loved franchise that truly changed the world, really moved to the boss level when they opened the studios to the public. Live your Hogwarts life in the real place where the films were made. Found in London this is so much more than a theme park.
4. Warwick Castle
Talking about more than a theme park. Warwick Castle boasts by being the most popular tourist attraction outside of London. It offers not just the incredible Castle itself but also a host of activities such as Jousting, dungeons and a true medieval experience. Educational and fun and easily one of the best places to visit in the UK.
5. Manchester – Northern Quarter
If it is something a little more edgy that you’re looking, Northern Quarter in Manchester is one of the best areas of the city. It has vintage and charity shops galore as well as a host of cafes and restaurants to explore.
6. Bristol the wave
Whether you’re a veteran surfer or a total novice The Wave in Bristol has something for you. One of the real downsides of surfing is that it is weather dependant. This totally removes that issue from the equation with perfect waves every, single, time. Some sessions include lessons or just a chance to experience perfect wave after perfect wave.
7. The Fat Duck
Want a restaurant that isn’t just about the food but about the experience? Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck at Bray is just that, with experimental food never seen before this restaurant always hits the Michelin lists. Book here: https://thefatduck.co.uk/
8. London Peckham levels
London as the capital has so much to offer, but you never think to look further than the centre. Peckham Levels is a selection of food stalls and independent sellers which is out of the main drag of central London. If you want to support local, start here and work up and down this colourful converted car park.
9. Vortex Jazz bar
From Peckham to Dalston the jazz centre of London. This club is the place to start, if you’re going for a specific event or just to soak up the vibes of a historical jazz club Vortex has everything you could need. It holds improv nights and looks after some of the best jazz artists in all of London. From here you can also explore Dalston which is home to many other jazz bars and places for drinks.
10. Theatre – The West End
From Jazz to theatre. The West End or theatre central has the most dense collection of plays and musicals in all of Europe. It historically is home to some of the best plays in the world. Start in Leicester square ticket offices and grab a last minute ticket to any of the plays that live in the theatre land of The West End. It’s one of the best places to visit in the UK and around the world for cultural entertainment.
11. Newcastle
A tour of South to North. Newcastle, located on the edge of Scotland has restaurants, theatres, shopping for days in the most beautiful setting surrounded by stunning buildings. It’s a small enough city to walk around punctuated by the Tyne river which runs across the south edge of the city. It’s honestly one of the best cities in the UK for a weekend break.
12. Thermae Bath Spa
With all that jumping around the country a relax may well be in order. Bath spa is the perfect place for this with a huge variety of treatments and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Bath city the spa is one of the best in the UK.
13. Mayfield Lavender Fields
The Lavender fields on a sunny day are a purple paradise that you won’t believe are real. They are carefully looked after all year round, just to be frolicked in. They smell and look stunning and they are a very memorable day out. It’s unique to the UK, which makes it one of the best places to visit here that you can’t find elsewhere.
14. Village Underground
Since lockdown it is fair to say a night out has been a craving. This warehouse in London is truly a memorable night out. East London is lucky to have it as a heart for partying. If it just for a DJ or a specific event The Village Underground has it all.
15. Thorpe Park
The UK may have a great and long history but sometimes it is the newer attractions that draw the crowds. Thorpe Park whether it appeals because of its feature on The Inbetweeners or because it scratches an adrenaline junkie itch. It has G-Force coasters or high drops for every thrill needed.
16. Scotland natural beauty
From man-made attractions to natural beauty. The NC500 or North Coast 500 is a route through Scotland featuring some of the UK’s most infamous views and lochs. It can be driven, hiked or cycled but it is all about the views.
17. Ben Nevis
If it is natural beauty we are talking Ben Nevis in Scotland is a feature that has to be included. It doesn’t matter if you’re not thinking of walking up it even from the bottom it has views and perfect picnic stops. It also marks the beginning of the famous 3 peaks challenge (walking the three tallest peaks in the UK within 24 hours, in Scotland, Wales and England)
18. Snowden
We are noticing a trend. It’s the next step on the three peaks challenge with Snowdon. Found in the national park of Snowdonia. It has waterfalls to swim in and many tracks with vary difficulties this mountain gives plenty for all.
19. Scafell pike
The final stop on the three peaks tour. Scafell Pike, the Lake Districts crowning jewel. The swimming in the many lakes surrounding are a must see. The panoramic views of the Lake District is worth the trek up the side of this incredible natural beauty.
20. Cardiff
The capital of Wales and home to many BBC studios, Cardiff is a place in the UK that maybe doesn’t get enough credit for the entertainment it offers. It has everything other cities have restaurants, bars, shops, yes but it has a unique nature. Maybe it’s because it’s Wales’ capital maybe not but it remains a must-see.
21. Brighton
Seaside towns aren’t in short supply in the UK (it’s an island after all), when choosing between the many though Brighton has to be a highlight. It’s bigger than other seaside town and consequently offers many more cafes and ice creams shops to choose from. When the sun goes down the beach is a beautiful place to be in Brighton, and it’s among the best places to visit in the UK.
22. Edinburgh Fringe
The biggest arts festival in the world? That’s right. The Edinburgh Fringe attracts artists and performers from across the globe. Not only that but it offers variety, you want to see comedy, something to make you cry or something totally bizarre. The Fringe has it.
23. Buckingham palace
It’s a crowning jewel quite literally and while a popular tourist attraction it is never too busy for a visit. It’s got decadence in absolute droves. When the flag is flying the Queen is staying but whether it is not you have to see how the other half live.
24. Cheddar Gorge
It may be made of limestone and not cheese but don’t be disappointed it is one of the most incredible places in the UK. It has caves and the oldest complete human skeleton known in Britain. History, walk and natural beauty, this is the place to be in Somerset.
25. Glasgow
Can’t get enough of the Scottish accent? Edinburgh is the capital so of course attracts many visitors but Glasgow is as much worth the visit as Edinburgh is. It has many unique galleries and tourist attractions with the added bonus of not being nearly as busy as it’s neighbour Edinburgh.
26. Tate modern
If art is your thing, the Tate Modern on the South Bank of London is a constantly changing selection of modern art for all. It has a mix of paid exhibitions as well as free art for everyone. Not only this but its location on the South Bank of London means you can explore everything around it too.
27. Dublin
Like stepping into history or into a James Joyce novel Dublin is a historical town in Ireland. It has the best pints of Guinness you can ever dream of as well as the famous King’s library. For a day trip or for years staying in Dublin will stay with you as one of the most magical cities you’ve ever stepped foot in.
28. Glastonbury Festival
Dancing in crowds of people is the flavour of the month post lockdown. There is not a place that does it better than Glastonbury. It not only offers a huge variety of music but also most of the most popular artists in the world.
29. Isle of wight
Want to escape to a desert island? Life does feel like that sometimes. Desert maybe not but island can be done. The Isle of Wight on the southern tip of the UK is a striking escape from reality.
30. The river Thames
The Thames gets neglected in London. It’s not just a feature of London but an attraction by itself. If you like water sports great! If you want to float down in a hot tub with champagne in hand it offers that too. Who knew?! Don’t forget that the Thames isn’t just a line through the city of London but also one of the most exciting opportunities in the capital.
Our roundup of 30 of the best places to visit in the UK showcase just how fun it can be to stay home this summer. We’ve also narrowed down the best staycation spots in the UK to help you out.
But if you’re still looking for inspiration abroad, check out the best girls holiday destinations or the most outrageous places for a lads holidays.
