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25 Best Things to Do in England

The name “England” was first taken from Englaland, which is derived from “land of the Angles”. The Angles were a Germanic tribe that resided in England during the Early Middle Ages.

Currently, the population of England stands at just over 53 million, most of which is located around the London area, London being the largest city in Europe in terms of populace. England also hosts over 600 miles of fascinating coastline in addition to a number of the world’s top tourist attractions.

The country is divided into nine separate regions, each of which has its own unique culture, history, and personality – from the charming villages of Cornwall and beautiful rolling hills in the Cotswolds, to the striking coastline in the North East and the bustling city life in the capital.

It really does make the perfect destination for those who wish to pay a quick visit or for those who are intent on savoring the experience over the longer term.

But let’s get on with the best things to do in England !

1. London: Chinatown

At the East End of London, during the beginning of the 20th century, many Chinese immigrants flocked to London and set about creating businesses as a way to cater to the throngs of Chinese sailors who frequented the docklands area.

Nevertheless, due to the World War II Blitz, a large inflow of immigrants from Hong Kong, and a growth in popularity of Chinese cuisine, many Chinese restaurants opened elsewhere.

Today, the finest Chinese cuisines can be found just off Shaftesbury Avenue.

2. Cambridge: Cambridge University

Cambridge University, which was founded in 1209, represents the fourth-oldest surviving university in the world (the oldest being the University of Karueein, Fez, Morocco).

These days, it is a collegiate university and is comprised of 31 colleges together with some 18,000 students. The university was first established when a group of scholars left the University of Oxford after having been involved in a dispute with the local townspeople.

Of particular note is Trinity College, with its exquisitely carved chapel, a masterpiece of architecture in the English Baroque style.

3. Cornwall: The Eden Project

The Eden Project in Cornwall represents a number of environmental and social projects all under the auspices of sustainable growth.

Visitors can view a variety of beautiful landscapes in addition to numerous works of art. It also plays home to regular music events and hosts a botanical and conservation research division.

The Eden Project is far more than a sizable horticultural theme park. It is a cultural revelation whereby visitors can learn through interactive displays together with detailed information given throughout the 10 hectares of natural wonder.

4. Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City

Visitors to Liverpool’s Maritime Mercantile City can venture throughout the docklands and historic center.

The area relates the story of UK development throughout the preceding centuries, including the mass movement of emigrants to the United States, immigrants from northern Europe, and of the slave trade. Maritime Mercantile City is also the home to significant civic, commercial, and public buildings such as St. George’s Plateau.

Based on the recent drive for modernization, however, the area has been bestowed with the accolade of an endangered World Heritage Site, being one of only two such sites within all of Europe.

5. Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire: Malvern Hills and Commons

Located in the counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, the Malvern Hills and Commons provide for 3,000 acres of spectacular natural beauty.

The igneous and metamorphic rocks are regarded as among the oldest within Great Britain, and are dated at 680 million years.

To gain the best vantage point, it’s prudent to climb the Worcester Beacon, the summit of which stands at 1,394 ft. (424 m).

6. Northern England: Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was once a defensive fortification built by the Romans from AD 122 onwards under the advocacy of Emperor Hadrian.

The wall stretches from Ravenglass on the west coast to Wallsend on the east coast. The wall served not only as a military fortification but also as a point for levy taxation and a customs post.

Visitors to the area can still view a significant portion of the wall, given that much of it was reconstructed during the 19th century by John Clayton.

7. Durham: Durham Castle

Durham Castle, which was erected during the 11th century, was initially a strong-point for King Norman, and served as a way for him to display his power and prestige throughout the northern regions of the country.

The castle is now occupied by University College, Durham, but it still offers a fine example of an early bailey and motte style castle.

It is open to the general public, albeit through pre-booked guided tours. The castle sits atop a hill in the Durham Peninsula and affords beautiful views over the River Wear and across to Durham Cathedral.

8. York: York Minster

Considered as one of the finest cathedrals in all of Great Britain, York Minster is likewise the largest in Northern Europe.

Among the highlights are the chapter house and the Gothic nave, together with the beautiful stained glass windows which date back to medieval times.

The Five Sisters Window stands out, stretching to over 52 ft. (16 m) in height.

York Minster was originally constructed in the 14th century as a way to demonstrate a clear Christian presence within England and far beyond.

9. London: The British Museum

The British Museum, which was established in 1753, plays host to numerous permanent collections of artifacts which number over 8 million pieces in all.

It holds some of the most prestigious and comprehensive collections hailing from every continent around the globe.

Doors open daily from 10 a.m. and close at 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. on Fridays. Entry is free of charge.

10. London: Royal Observatory, Greenwich

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, has played a global role in the history of astronomy and navigation.I

t was established in 1675 by King Charles II with the key function being to “rectify the motions of the heavens and the places of the fixed stars and in order to find the desired longitude of places in order to master the art of navigation.”

With its vantage point overlooking the River Thames in central London, it makes for an excellent tourist attraction on a year-round basis.

The observatory is one of the features of Maritime Greenwich and was bestowed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

11. London: Soho

Soho is known for its live entertainment, opulent cuisines, and of course for the pulsating nightlife.

Arguably, Soho is London’s center for gallant celebrations, be that music, art, literature, theater, fashion, food, or film.

Furthermore, for those who enjoy meandering around little quirky shops and then relaxing in the most fashionable and luxurious of hotels, Soho is the place to be. It boasts the most “creative” square mile in all of London.

12. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire: William Shakespeare’s Home

For all those with a passion for literature, there’s no doubt that a thrilling experience is to be had upon visiting the home of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

The sizable living quarters have been surprisingly well-preserved over the centuries since his birth in 1564, and you can still witness various remnants pertaining to the life of this outstanding poet, whom many regard as the most celebrated writer in the world of English literature.

13. Warwick, Warwickshire: Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle which dates back to 1068, and was built by William the Conqueror not long after the Norman Conquest. Originally, it was created using wooden motte and bailey, though it was then rebuilt in the 12th century using stone.

Until the early 17th century, it was utilized as a stronghold, after which it was gifted by King James I to Sir Fulke Greville and converted into a country dwelling.

It remained under the Greville family name until The Tussaud Group purchased it in 1978, at which point it was developed into a tourist attraction.

The castle is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

14. Cumbria: Lake District National Park

The Lake District National Park is frequently referred to as The Lakes and is famed due to the beautiful lakes, mountains, and surrounding forests.

It is associated with great writers such as the 19th Century poet William Wordsworth who would often meander the foothills.

Aside from the amazing landscapes, The Lakes are also recognized on account of the fact that the area plays host to the longest and deepest lake in England. Wastwater is 3 miles (4.6 km) long and 258 feet (79 m) deep.

15. London: Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum

Madam Tussaud’s is a famous waxworks museum created by the wax sculptress Marie Tussaud.

The first Madam Tussaud’s museum, which opened in 1884, is located on Allsop Street, Marleybone, London, though there are now a variety of other branches within different cities around the globe.

The museum hosts lifelike figures, including royal people, film stars, sports stars, models, and infamous murderers.

A large section of the basement, known as The Chamber of Horrors, features historical characters from the French Revolution such as Robespierre, Marat, King Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette, all of whom were modeled by Ms. Tussaud herself upon their death or execution.

The museum’s opening times vary depending on the season but in general the doors are open between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

16. Cornwall: Lizard Peninsula

Lizard Peninsula is a peninsula in the southern part of Cornwall.

It is recognized for its rare botanical specimens and geological formations and belongs to Cornwall’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. According to some researchers, the name “Lizard” is taken from the Cornish name “Lys Ardh”, which literally translates to “high court”.

In previous centuries, the peninsula was frequently referred to as “Graveyard of Ships” on account of the number of vessels that came to a devastating end upon the coastal rocks.

17. East Devon to Dorset: Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

Covering a distance of 95 miles (153 km.) and stretching along the coastline of the English Channel between East Devon and Dorset, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site offers a unique insight into the Earth’s geological foundation.

Take a walk through time and marvel at the variety of rock formations which span through three of Earth’s time zones: Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous, 185 million years in all.

18. Gloucestershire: The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, which mainly reside in the county of Gloucestershire, are a range of rolling hills that are dotted with small attractive towns and villages.

The name “Cotswold” comes from the stone, which is Jurassic limestone.

The Cotswolds are approximately 25 miles (40 km) wide and 90 miles (145 km) long.

Throughout the Middle Ages, it became a lucrative route for wool traders, and in turn, the entire area prospered. The highest point in the area is Cleeve Hill which stands at 1,083 ft. (330 m), and is just north of the large spa town of Cheltenham.

19. Woodstock, Oxfordshire: Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace represents the principal residence for the dukes of Marlborough.

Built in the English Baroque style, it’s the only non-episcopal non-royal country home in England to have been bestowed with the title of palace.

The home, which is one of the largest in England, was constructed between 1705 and 1722, and in 1987 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace was the birthplace and ancestral home of arguably the most famed of British Prime Ministers – Sir Winston Churchill. The landscaped gardens are also notable, having been redesigned by such dignified landscapers as Capability Brown.

The palace opened to the general public in 1950. It closes between mid-December and mid-February but otherwise is open every day from 10.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m.

20. London: Natural History Museum

Until 1992, the Natural History Museum in London was known as the British Museum.

It plays host to over 70 million life and earth science specimens, and visitors can witness collections which are related to zoology, mineralogy, entomology, and paleontology.

It is one of three museums on South Kensington’s Exhibition Road, and a number of the collections possess great scientific value such as specimens that were collected by the preeminent English naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin.

Doors open between 10 a.m. and 5.50 p.m. Monday through Sunday and admission is free of charge.

21. Berkshire: Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, one of the British royal family’s residences, is located in the county of Berkshire.

It was originally built during the 11th century, not long after the Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror. Ever since Henry I came to the thrown in 1100, the castle has been utilized by succeeding monarchs, and represents the longest-occupied palace in all of Europe.

Originally, the castle was built to ensure Norman dominance within and around the outskirts of London, as well as to oversee what was then a particularly strategically important part of the River Thames.

It is now the favored weekend residence of the current British regent, Queen Elizabeth II, and also serves as a venue for state visits and as popular tourist attraction.

22. Pilton, Somerset: Glastonbury Festival

The Glastonbury Festival is a five-day music festival which is centered around raising funds for good causes such as Greenpeace, Oxfam, and WaterAid.

It has taken place almost every year since 1981 and attracts approximately 175,000 people making it the largest greenfield festival in the world.

Over the years, the festival has witnessed such favorites as Oasis, Elvis Costello, The Cure, Radiohead, Sir Paul McCartney, Rod Steward, and David Bowie.

Tickets for Glastonbury Festival are generally on sale from October for the forth-coming year, and the festival takes place during the last week of June.

23. Salisbury, Wiltshire: Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral, otherwise known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was constructed in the 13th century.

It is a leading example of early English architecture, and possesses the tallest church spire in the entire country which stands at 404 ft. (123 m).

The church tower is open to the public and visitors can view the rather spectacular wooden innards of the ancient spire.

The cathedral also plays home to the world’s oldest working clock which was crafted in 1386, and the best surviving copy of the Magna Carta (there are four original copies in all) is safely held within the cathedral walls.

24. Canterbury, Kent: Canterbury Cathedral

Arguably the most popular of Christian structures within England, Canterbury Cathedral is the home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the principal leader and senior bishop of the Church of England as well as the symbolic head of the global Anglican Communion.

The cathedral was founded in 597 and reconstructed between 1070 and 1077. Further renovation occurred in 1174 when it was bestowed with a more Gothic style at which point it housed pilgrims as they ventured to worship at the shrine of Thomas Becket, who was the Archbishop of Canterbury until the year 1170 when he was unceremoniously murdered.

25. Wiltshire: Stonehenge

Stonehenge in Wiltshire is considered to be among the most remarkable sites within the entire modern world.

The prehistoric monument, which comprises stones that reach up to 30 ft. (9 m) in height and weigh up to 25 tons (22.6 metric tons), is thought to have been constructed around 3,000 to 2,000 BC, though the exact dates remain open to question.

The site was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1986, and although it is not entirely clear as to its true purpose, a number of studies have suggested that Stonehenge was utilized as a burial ground by Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples.

25 Best Things to Do in England:

• London: Chinatown
• Cambridge: Cambridge University
• Cornwall: The Eden Project
• Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City
• Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire: Malvern Hills and Commons
• Northern England: Hadrian’s Wall
• Durham: Durham Castle
• York: York Minster
• London: The British Museum
• London: Royal Observatory, Greenwich
• London: Soho
• Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire: William Shakespeare’s Home
• Warwick, Warwickshire: Warwick Castle
• Cumbria: Lake District National Park
• London: Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum
• Cornwall: Lizard Peninsula
• East Devon to Dorset: Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
• Gloucestershire: The Cotswolds
• Woodstock, Oxfordshire: Blenheim Palace
• London: Natural History Museum
• Berkshire: Windsor Castle
• Pilton, Somerset: Glastonbury Festival
• Salisbury, Wiltshire: Salisbury Cathedral
• Canterbury, Kent: Canterbury Cathedral
• Wiltshire: Stonehenge

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Feb 21, 2023

A former resident of the UK and now a frequent visitor, Author Bryan Dearsley spent eight weeks touring England in the summer of 2022 while on assignment for Planetware .

One of the most popular travel destinations in the world , England offers almost endless possibilities for vacationers seeking things to do and top attractions to visit.

Part of the beautiful British Isles, this small but influential country bursts with fascinating history, exciting cities, and rich cultural traditions. Historic sites are at every turn, from prehistoric megaliths and ancient Roman sites to centuries-old castles and town centers dating back to the Middle Ages .

England is also extremely easy to get around, with its most popular tourist destinations well connected by trains and buses. Alternatively, you can drive between points of interest on a well-planned system of motorways. Whether you choose to tour the country by car or public transport, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

To help you get the most out of your travel itinerary, be sure to use our list of the best places to visit in England.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

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Stonehenge , 10 miles north of the historic city of Salisbury on Salisbury Plain, is Europe's best-known prehistoric monument. It's so popular that visitors need to purchase a timed ticket in advance to guarantee entry.

Exhibitions at the excellent Stonehenge Visitor Centre set the stage for a visit. Here, you'll find displays explaining through audio-visual experiences and more than 250 ancient objects how the megaliths were erected between 3000 and 1500 BCE. They also offer fascinating insights and information about life during this time.

After walking around the various viewing points adjacent to these enormous stones, visit the authentic replicas of Neolithic Houses to see the tools and implements of everyday Neolithic life. A highlight is watching staff, and volunteers provide demonstrations of traditional skills from 4,500 years ago.

Although you can no longer go inside the circle to wander among the stones during normal opening hours, you can reserve special early morning or late evening access into the circle through English Heritage, which manages the site.

• Read More: From London to Stonehenge: Best Ways to Get There

Prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and menagerie: the Tower of London has done it all and it's one of the top attractions in London . Widely considered the most important building in England, there's enough to see and do at this World Heritage Site to keep visitors busy for hours.

The centerpiece of this Thames-side fortress is the White Tower . Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it's home to amazing exhibits, such as Line of Kings. The world's oldest visitor attraction , the collection was established in 1652 with a remarkable display of royal armor.

Other highlights include the impressive Crown Jewels exhibition, classic Yeoman Warder Tours, the Royal Mint, and exhibits and displays regarding prisoners and executions. All told, the Tower of London covers some 18 acres, so there's a great deal of exploring to do.

If you're traveling with children, be sure to check for special events for kids. These include a fun "Knights School" and other immersive programs that provide a fun insight into the castle's history.

• Read More: Visiting the Tower of London: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

If you only have time to visit one of the nicest small cities in England , you couldn't do much better than Bath. This remarkably beautiful city in Somerset boasts more fantastic tourist attractions than you could hope to visit in a day.

While most famous for the magnificent 2,000-year-old Roman Baths built around the city's rejuvenating hot springs, it's equally well known for its honey-colored Georgian Townhouses , such as those located on Royal Crescent. One of them, #1 Royal Crescent, is open to the public and offers a fascinating look at life in Bath during the Georgian period. Some 500 of the city's buildings are considered of historical or architectural importance, a fact that has resulted in the entire city being granted World Heritage status.

Among the most interesting to visit today are the Holborne Museum with its large collections of artworks, silver, and period furniture; the famous Assembly Rooms, star of countless period dramas on TV and home to the interesting Fashion Museum ; and the Jane Austen Centre and its neighbor Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, which tell the stories of two of Bath's most famous residents.

Bath also makes an ideal location from which to explore some of England's most stunning countryside, including the Avon Valley, the Mendip Hills, the Cotswolds, and countless other fantastic Somerset landmarks.

With collections of antiquities that are among the world's finest, a visit to the British Museum is undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in London . This superb museum holds more than 13 million artifacts from Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire, China, and Europe. The most famous ancient artifacts are the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, as well as the famous Rosetta Stone .

But there are many other outstanding pieces on show here that help make this one of the best places to visit in London. The Ancient Egyptian collection is the largest outside of Cairo, and the hoard of Roman silver dating from the fourth century known as the Mildenhall Treasure, unearthed in Suffolk in 1942, is nothing short of spectacular.

If you've got time, be sure to look into joining a guided tour or participate in a workshop or lecture. Fun private after-hour tours are also available. Dining and shopping opportunities are also located on-site.

Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, England

Official site: www.britishmuseum.org

Magnificent York Minster is second in importance in the Church of England only to the cathedral at Canterbury. It stands in the center of the historic city of York, surrounded by half-timbered homes and shops, medieval guildhalls, and churches.

In turn, York's romantic streets are surrounded by three miles of magnificent town walls that you can walk atop for spectacular views over the city and its surroundings. While here, visit the National Railway Museum , one of England's most visited tourist attractions.

York is also a good base from which to explore northeast England, in particular the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Elsewhere in this corner of the country, you'll find some of England's most beautiful historic towns and cities, including Durham , famous for its castle and cathedral, and Beverley , which also boasts an attractive minster.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in York, England

England is a country that's deeply rooted in tradition, history, pageantry, and pomp. Little surprise, then, that some of the biggest draws for tourists here revolve around the Royal Family, who have played an important role in shaping the country, along with many other parts of the world, for centuries.

If you've only got time to squeeze in one royal attraction, make it Windsor Castle. An easy 40-minute train ride from Central London, Windsor Castle is famous as one of the Royal Family's official residences, and throws its doors open to visitors regularly when the King is away.

And it's rich in history, able to trace its roots all the way back to the 11th century, when a triumphant William the Conqueror had a fortress erected on this very spot. Highlights of a visit to Windsor Castle include the castle's chapel, the State Apartments, as well as the magnificent Queen's Gallery.

And bring your walking shoes. The grounds are huge, stretching for some six miles around the castle and providing some of the best selfie opportunities anywhere with this historic building as a backdrop.

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England

Located in Upton in Cheshire, just over a mile north of Chester city center, Chester Zoo is England's most visited attraction outside of London and is one of the best places to visit in England for families.

The more than 11,000 animals living in this 125-acre site represent about 400 different species. But the zoo's appeal reaches beyond just animal lovers, with prizewinning landscaped gardens also available for visitors to enjoy.

You can tour these extensive grounds on the zoo's monorail system to reach highlights that include Chimpanzee Island, a penguin pool, and Europe's largest tropical house. There's plenty of other fun things to do at Chester Zoo, too, so expect to easily spend a day enjoying this top-rated tourist attraction.

While in Chester, take time to walk its old city walls , the best preserved of their kind in Britain. You should also spend time exploring Chester's other distinctive feature: its galleried walkways . Known as the "Chester' Rows," these impressive medieval architectural gems run the full length of stone and half-timbered buildings dating from the 14th century, and make for a unique and picturesque setting.

Chester Cathedral is also worth exploring if you can squeeze it into your travel itinerary. So, too, are Lower Bridge Street and Watergate Street, both of them home to numerous picturesque old buildings.

Address: Cedar House, Caughall Road, Chester, Cheshire, England

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chester

Covering some 900 square miles, Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination for travelers to England. With 12 of the country's largest lakes and more than 2,000 miles of rights of way waiting to be explored, there's little wonder the region continues to inspire, with its magnificent views and scenery straight out of a painting.

Other things to do include visiting the park's many fells, including Scafell Pike which at 3,210 feet is the highest mountain in England. Be sure to also spend time exploring some of the lovely little towns and villages dotted throughout the region, such as Grasmere.

Better still, hop aboard a tour boat excursion across Lake Windermere and Ullswater, and you'll be rewarded with some of the best scenery anywhere in the country.

Address: Murley Moss, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria, England

Located in the heart of the historic city that bears its name, Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is home to the Archbishop of Canterbury and is the cradle of English Christianity.

It all started when St. Augustine converted the pagan Anglo Saxons here in 597 when he became the first bishop. Excellent guided tours of the cathedral are available, and for a truly memorable experience, consider booking an overnight stay in the grounds at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge .

But there's much more to this beautiful medieval city than just its cathedral. Canterbury is also a popular cultural and entertainment destination with great shopping, galleries, and cafés, as well as attractions such as those focused on Chaucer's medieval England and the city's Roman past.

Some of the other best places to visit in Canterbury include the Old City, the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey, and medieval Beaney House.

Address: 11 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, England

• Read More: Murder & Majesty: Top Highlights of Canterbury Cathedral

As English as an afternoon tea, references to The Beatles are everywhere in Liverpool. Located in the northwest of the country, Liverpool is around three hours from London by rail and offers music fans plenty of opportunities to soak up some city sites , along with Fab-Four-related attractions.

Topping your list should be The Beatles Story. Located in the revitalized Albert Dock area of the city, this fun museum features enough facts and exhibits to keep the biggest fans busy for hours. Other related points of interest in Liverpool include visiting the famous Cavern Club, along with the real places about which they sang, including Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.

Other must-dos include themed walks and guided tours, visiting the former homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, and getting in some souvenir shopping at The Beatles Shop, located just steps away from the Cavern Club.

The incredible Eden Project is a collection of unique artificial biomes containing an amazing collection of plants from around the world.

Located in a reclaimed quarry in Cornwall, this spectacular botanical gardens complex consists of huge domes that look rather like massive igloo-shaped greenhouses. Each of these impressive (and futuristic-looking) buildings houses thousands of different plant species in tropical and Mediterranean environments.

As well as these stunning displays of plant life, the Eden Project hosts numerous arts and music events year-round. If you're able to extend your visit, consider booking a stay at the on-site hostel, or enjoy a meal in one of its restaurants. Adventure activities such as ziplining and giant swings are also available.

Address: Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, England

The Cotswolds cover some 787 square miles and encompass parts of some of England's prettiest counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. And all of it begs to be explored.

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to its rare limestone grassland habitats and old-growth beech woodlands, the beauty of the Cotswolds has much to do with its quaint villages and towns , such as Castle Combe, Chipping Norton, and Tetbury.

Like so much of England, the Cotswolds is perfect to discover on foot. One of the best routes is along the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile footpath with spectacular views of the Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham. This route runs the length of the Cotswolds, and can be picked up pretty much anywhere you visit.

Displaying one of the most comprehensive collections of paintings in the world, the National Gallery is London's second-most visited museum. The collections, which present an almost complete cross-section of European painting from 1260 until 1920 , are especially strong in the Dutch Masters and the Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the Italian galleries, look for works by Fra Angelico, Giotto, Bellini, Botticelli, Correggio, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. It's also where you'll find Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna and Child with St. Anne and John the Baptist , Raphael's The Crucifixion , and The Entombment by Michelangelo.

In the German and Dutch galleries are works by Dürer, van Dyck, Frans Hals, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. Among artists from the 18th century through 1920, standout works are by Hogarth, Reynolds, Sargent, Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner. French works include those by Ingres, Delacroix, Daumier, Monet (including The Water-Lily Pond ), Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne.

With no-cost admission, a visit to the National Gallery is one of the top things to do in London for free. Guided tours and lunchtime lectures are also available for free and are highly recommended.

Address: Trafalgar Square, City of Westminster, London, England

If you're looking for a truly memorable English excursion for the whole family, and one that offers a fascinating insight into life in medieval times, you couldn't do much better than visit Warwick Castle.

Located in the beautiful city of Warwick on the River Avon, this impressive fortress has dominated the landscape and history of the region for more than 900 years. Today, it serves as a backdrop to medieval-themed events and reenactments, from jousting festivals to fairs and concerts.

Warwick is also great base from which to explore the Cotswolds, as well as nearby towns such as Stratford-upon-Avon , famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Bigger city destinations, including Liverpool , hometown of The Beatles, as well as Birmingham and Coventry , are an easy drive away.

Address: Stratford Road / West Street, Warwick, Warwickshire, England

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Warwick, England

When the Tate Modern opened its new 10-storey extension in June 2016, adding 60 percent more gallery space, visitor numbers jumped by almost one-fourth, making it one of England's most visited attractions.

Now regarded as among the world's best and certainly one of the largest, museums of modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern shows a wide range of artistic expression, including paintings, works on paper, sculpture, films, performances, installations, and other forms of artistic expression.

Among the well-known artists represented here are Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Matisse, and Modigliani. Be sure to go to the viewing level for 360-degree views of the London skyline and the River Thames far below.

Other galleries under the Tate umbrella that you should consider visiting in England include Tate Britain (also in London), Tate Liverpool , and Tate St. Ives in Cornwall.

Address: Bankside, Southwark, London

Official site: www.tate.org.uk

Downstream from Tower Bridge, Greenwich is the London base of the Royal Navy and holds England's largest expanses of preserved historic architecture and parks. And although lovers of things maritime will certainly gravitate to Greenwich, there's a lot more there than just ships and boats here.

The highlight for most visitors is the Cutty Sark , the last surviving of the 19th-century clippers from the lucrative tea trade between Britain and China. Built in 1869, the Cutty Sark was one of the finest and fastest ships of its day, and you can board it to explore the clipper, from its figure head to the sailors' quarters below decks. For a special treat, book an afternoon tea overlooking the ship.

At the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre , exhibits showcase more than 500 years of maritime history. In Queen's House , the National Maritime Museum is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring the Royal Navy from Tudor times to the Napoleonic Wars.

Greenwich Park , dating from the 15th century and the oldest of London's eight Royal Parks, is filled with beautiful gardens and walking paths, and here you'll find the Old Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line , marked by a steel rod in the floor of the Meridian Building. This is the zero meridian of longitude, dividing the world into eastern and western halves; you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

If you're hungry, add a great English breakfast from Heap's Sausage Cafe to your list of things to do in Greenwich.

Address: King William Walk, Greenwich, London, England

Official site: www.rmg.co.uk

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London's Greenwich & Docklands Districts

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Plan a City Fix: After touring the best places to visit in London, you may want to see more of England's great cities. The largest of these, including Manchester , Liverpool , Birmingham , and Bristol , are all easy to reach by train. From the latter, you can easily nip over into wonderful Wales to visit its lively capital of Cardiff .

Beyond Borders: If you're visiting the popular attractions in Chester , cross into North Wales and perhaps on to Snowdonia National Park . North of England is Bonnie Scotland, with its glorious highlands and art-rich cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh . With the "Chunnel" speeding up crossing the English Channel by the EuroStar, you can be in the French capital of Paris in only 2.5 hours.

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Lonely Planet reveals the 10 best travel experiences in the UK

Jan 18, 2022 • 10 min read

Stonehenge is England's most iconic ancient site with an excellent visitor centre to learn more © William Toti / 500px

The United Kingdom may be relatively compact, but it has a wealth of travel experiences that you've probably dreamed of since childhood.

Buckingham Palace? Hadrian's Wall? Stonehenge? They're all here. Of course there are dozens of incredible places to visit across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, but we give you the 10 best UK experiences to put on your itinerary, especially if it's your first time here.

1. Witness the mighty megaliths of Stonehenge

Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England's most iconic ancient site. People have been drawn to this myth-laden ring of boulders for more than 5000 years, and we still don't know quite why it was built. Just what were ancient Britons playing at when they hauled these giant stones into place all those millennia ago? Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain near Amesbury, is a monumental, undeniably mind-boggling achievement.

Built in stages between around 4500 BC and 1500 BC, Stonehenge’s massive stones (some weighing 25 tonnes) were probably erected using a system of sledges, rollers, pivots and pulleys; some were transported here from the Preseli Hills in Wales, 140 miles away. Standing in the shadow of the stones, feeling their power and presence, it’s impossible not to let your imagination run wild, wondering not only how, but why? 

If time allows continue on to nearby Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire, another truly impressive site but with a much smaller interpretative museum. And you can actually walk right up and touch the stones here.  

2. Escape to the Isle of Skye

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes top prize. It's the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands at 50 miles long, and home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness. Unfortunately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, some part of Skye were experiencing the impact of overcrowding particularly social media fuelled hotspots such as the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools. Things have changed for the moment, so it’s a good time to be visiting.

Of course it is always possible to find peace and quiet on Skye in the island’s quieter corners such as Sleat, Elgol or Waternish, for example. Walking is a popular activity, so bring your hiking boots – but be prepared for changeable weather.

While the stunning scenery is the main attraction, when the mist closes in there are plenty of castles, crofting museums and cosy pubs and restaurants to snuggle in, plus art galleries and craft studios to explore.

3. Experience how the Romans bathed in Bath

And 2000 years ago, when Britain was under Roman rule,  a sumptuous bath complex was built at the site known as Aquae Sulis (present-day Bath ), taking advantage of the area’s geothermal hot springs, which warm the underground water to 46°C (115°F). Though now swallowed up by the Georgian city of Bath, this is one of the best-preserved Roman bathhouses in the world, and gives a fascinating glimpse into their everyday lives (and fastidious ablution habits).

Thanks to advances in technology, multimedia projections help bring the bustle of this ancient bath house to life today. The only disappointment when visiting this incredible site is that you're no longer permitted to take a dip. But you can get pretty close to a bona fide Roman bathing experience at the Thermae Bath Spa nearby, complete with its postcard-worthy panoramic rooftop pool.

Bath is also a must-visit for  television period drama lovers  and literature fans with a host of walking tours of perfect Regency avenues and views that summon yesteryear. 

4. Stride over hexagonal stones at the Giant’s Causeway

The descent down from the cliffs to the strange rocks of the Giant’s Causeway  in Northern Ireland feels at once timeless – the scene has remained the same for countless centuries – and yet the moody skies, the light and the temperament of the sea are constantly changing. Uneven stacks of hexagonal basalt columns stand in neat clusters along the water’s edge, emerging from the shore like tightly packed tower blocks in a city skyline.

Northern Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage site is shrouded in a sense of magic, myth and natural wonder. Scientists put the formation of the rocks down to volcanic activity some 60 million years ago: as the lava flow cooled and hardened it contracted, creating a honeycomb pattern. 

You'll learn more about the geology and the mythology of this place at the excellent visitor centre beautifully designed into the landscape. Game of Thrones fans will also be pleased to see a map of filming sites in nearby locations. 

5. Be swept away by incredible theater shows

London is one of the best places in the world to catch a theater performance – so whatever your budget, make sure you get to a show. Restricted view or standing room only tickets can go for as little as £5 to £10.

The pandemic saw theaters close for well over a year in the UK, but now that they're back there is a palpable air of excitement and gratitude along with the glitz and stage lights. The joy among audiences and theater staff makes every night feel as special as opening night right now.

If you're keen to see famous names, you'll need to get organised and prebook your tickets before you arrive. Screen stars are often seen treading the boards at theaters from the prominent National Theatre  or  the Old Vic  to more experimental spaces like  Donmar Warehouse  and the Almeida .  The West End centres around Shaftesbury Ave, Charing Cross and Drury Lane and the surrounding area, with a total of 38 theathers from the Shaftesbury and the Theatre Royal to Noel Coward Theatre and the Garrick Theatre to name just a few. If it's new trailblazing works you're after, over more established shows, head further afield to the Bridge Theatre , the  Royal Court  or the Arcola . 

But of course the UK's outstanding theater is not just concentrated in London. If Shakespeare is more your thing, you will love an Elizabethan-style experience at  Shakespeare's Globe  in London, better yet you can see performances by the  Royal Shakespeare Company  in the bard's birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon itself. Other top theater companies are found in Bath , Sheffield , and Manchester . And have we mentioned Edinburgh yet? The city is soaked with opportunities to catch performances across its many festivals.

6. Tour the treasures in the British Museum

Some museums are travel destinations in themselves. The British Museum – the first-ever public national museum – is the envy of the world, with good reason in some cases, considering the many treasures obtained under questionable circumstances in colonial times.

This miraculous museum started life as a humble cabinet of curiosities, assembled by 18th-century physician and hot-chocolate inventor, Sir Hans Sloane. As a condition of bequeathing his treasures to the nation, he ordered that they be open for free to "all studious and curious persons", a tradition that persists to this day.

Visitors today are transported on a whirlwind world tour of human creativity. If human beings have made it, somewhere in the world, there’s a chance you’ll find an example among the display cases. There’s far too much to take in on one trip; if you only have a day, make a beeline for the Egyptian treasures, the Parthenon Marbles and quirky British antiquities such as the Sutton Hoo haul and the Lewis chessmen.

7. Retrace Roman footsteps along Hadrian’s Wall

Hot on the heels of Bath’s namesake thermal baths is another mighty Roman legacy – an enormous defensive wall stretching 73 miles across Britain. This phenomenal feat of engineering was built under Roman emperor Hadrian between AD 122 and 128 to keep out the Picts. Rising to a height of up to 15ft, with a width of almost 10ft, it took 15,000 men six years to construct it from local whinstone (dolerite). Only 10% survives today, but what does makes an unforgettable impression.

Along the wall were 80 mile-castle forts, with observation turrets between them. Larger forts were built in the south, with 16 more lying astride the wall, which you can visit today. Staggering remains that serve as reminders of the Romans’ advancements include the hospital at Housesteads Fort, ventilated granaries and barracks, as well as flushable communal latrines.

Exploring sections of the wall is easy thanks to good rail and road access (including buses), but if you’re up for an adventure, you can complete the national Hadrian’s Wall Path walking trail along its length in about a week.

8. Make a perfect weekend of it with a Sunday pub roast

Fewer and fewer people in Britain start Sunday with a trip to church, but the roast lunch is still a lock. For visitors, it’s a must-do experience. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a centuries-old, windowless pub in London or at a large country inn with tables sprawling over a lawn, you’ll be among friends and families laughing, drinking beer and tucking into plates of hot sliced roast beef or pork, Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes and assorted veggies, all slathered in gravy.

Warming, filling and indulgent, this is comfort food par excellence. But more than that, it’s a reassuring experience, a weekly ritual where the nation forgets time, staves off the start of the working week and lives in the moment. So committed to pub life, the UK reopened pubs before schools during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grab a plate, and partake in a tradition that everyone can agree on. 

9. Ramble the shores and mountains of the Lake District

Call it hiking or rambling – but most often simply walking – England is the perfect place to explore on two feet, thanks to its compact nature and protected network of "rights of way". You can stroll the narrow streets and hidden alleyways of the nation’s famous historic towns, then head for a patch of open countryside or one of England's network of national parks: the wild tors and heaths of Dartmoor make a fine introduction.

Windermere, England’s largest natural lake – 10.5 miles from Ambleside to Newby Bridge – is at the heart of the Lake District and its most popular destination . People come in search of the scenic splendour and bucolic experiences that inspired Wordsworth, Coleridge and the English Romantics.

Most activity is focused on the twin towns of Windermere (on a hill overlooking the lake) and busy Bowness-on-Windermere , which is home to the boat docks, a cluster of shops and the World of Beatrix Potter , which brings to life the most famous creations of the writer who dedicated her life to the preservation of the Lake District.

1o. Explore stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

There’s more to Wales than sheep, drizzly valleys and place names that seem impossible to pronounce for outsiders. If you haven’t been to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in the country’s "wild west", you are missing a trick. This ravishing stretch of cliff-flanked coves, thrashing seas, wildflower-freckled moors and hedge-lined tracks leading to one-pub villages is a great escape. 

You’ve come for the beaches? Wise choice, you’re in for a treat. Tenby in the south offers a classic dose of ice-cream-licking, bucket-and-spade fun. But the further west you head, the wilder it gets, with the likes of crescent-shaped Barafundle Bay, reached on foot through the dunes, surf-hammered Freshwater, and tucked-away Marloes with its high sea cliffs, shipwreck and boats heading over to puffin island, Skomer .

A terrific base for beach-hopping and coastal-hiking is St Davids . Britain’s smallest city is charm personified, with a whopping medieval cathedral, lanes staggering down to the sea, and a couple of highly stylish, architect-designed hotels, including art-slung former windmill Twr Y Felin and one-time Victorian convent Penrhiw.

Break up drives by striking out on the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which dips and rises over kissing gates and windy clifftops to smuggler’s coves, wooded hollows where brooks burble, and Neolithic burial chambers. To up the adventure, go coasteering  or turn your focus inland to hike the Preseli Mountains , a windswept range of rocky outcrops, low-lying peaks capped with prehistoric standing stones, and moorland flecked with gorse and heather.

You might also like:  The 10 best wild swimming spots in the UK The United Kingdom's 10 best food experiences Do you need a visa to go to the United Kingdom?  

This article was first published Aug 13, 2019 and updated Jan 18, 2022.

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Touropia Travel

Discover the World

17 Best Places to Visit in England

By Jamie Gambetta · Last updated on June 17, 2024

England is a great place to visit, whether travelers are making their first or umpteenth trip abroad. That’s partly because the language barrier isn’t there for English speakers, though one can hear languages from throughout the world spoken here.

First-time visitors may just want to hit the highlights in England, such as Westminster Abbey or shopping at Knightsbridge in London and perhaps visit a university town or a day trip to Stonehenge.

Return visitors might opt to explore some of the other great places to visit in England which are further from London. Travelers can head south into the Cotswolds where 14th century villages will have you saying goodbye to modern conveniences. Continue to the coast to discover charming harbor towns and begin your journey down the Jurassic Coast.

You could go north to discover the stunning valleys and rolling peaks of the Lake District. Or the city of Liverpool whose renewed waterfront and the tunes of the Beatles will take center stage in your time there.

17. Norwich

One renowned saying about Norwich still rings true; that there must be a church for every week of the year, but a pub for every day. Beer and churches go hand in hand in Norwich. You’ll see plenty of both as you explore one of England’s most intact medieval cities.

Old time streets take you by dozens of churches from over 500 years ago. Many are now museums or galleries, such as the Norwich Arts Centre. The most striking though is the Norwich Cathedral. A booming organ often rings within, but the facade and beauty of its windows will have you hooked long before.

To fuel up, head to the Norwich Market for a mix of artisanal baked goods and monstrously delicious meat sandwiches. You can burn it all off on a ride down to the coast to see the Broads, one of England’s best coastlines.

16. Dartmoor National Park

Myths and legends shroud Dartmoor National Park, making it far more than simply protected lands. In England’s southwest, Dartmoor is a captivating landscape set on the brim of ancient volcanic action.

Trails spread like roots throughout the park. These are accessible also by bicycle and horseback. Throughout you’ll stumble across centuries-old ruins, historic castles and some head-scratching stone circles.

One of the best hikes here is the Hound Tor Circular. This easy loop guides you by rugged free-standing outcrops, which have become the stuff of legend and wild ponies, before wandering through the Hound Tor medieval village.

There are ample wild camping spots in the national park. However, so much human history is here, including 20 castles. So you can expect charming towns nearby, such as Chagford.

15. Canterbury

In southern England, Canterbury is laden with sightly cathedrals, medieval alleys, lush waterfront gardens and historic walls. This is all matched by the serene riverfront, great food and even a beautiful beach.

But it’s the cathedrals that’ll take up the bulk of your exploring. It begins at the heart of the city at Canterbury Cathedral. One of the oldest in the country, it was here that the subject of King Henry II murdered Archbishop Becket in 1170. The stained windows and gothic spires still stop you in your tracks 850 years later.

With the cathedrals done, you can explore the Westgate Gardens. One of the nation’s oldest parks, it’s soaked with grandeur, with colorful flowers, the Victorian Tower House and the meandering River Stour. The latter is best explored on a punting boat.

14. St Michael’s Mount

Like a scene out of a fairy tale, St Michael’s Mount stands across the water waiting for a hero. The last bit of that sentence isn’t accurate, but you get the picture.

Crowned by a medieval castle and church, you can arrive at St Michael’s Mount via a short boat ride. At low tide, you may even be able to walk across. On the island lies the Aubyn family and a small community that keeps alive centuries of history.

Some buildings date back to the 11th century and tales of the past lie around every corner. That includes the legend of Jack the Giant Killer. Exploring the streets is riveting, as are the sub-tropical gardens that offer views back to Cornwall.

13. Liverpool

The city of Liverpool lived through the rise and fall of the 20th century. It’s come out the other side rich with the memories of the Beatles and that same cheeky character that has always made Liverpool fun.

The Liverpool skyline has been immortalized in song. But you must see it for yourself while you’re here. There are several ways to do it. One, by journeying down the Mersey, spotting its best sights along the way, including Wallasey Town Hall and the Victoria Tower.

The other is from the Royal Liver Building. In the atmospheric Pier Head, the tower has clock faces bigger than Big Ben. From the top, you can see forever.

Now that you have your bearings, go on a Beatles tour or take in one of the many great museums, from the Merseyside Maritime Museum to the International Slavery Museum. The latter diving into Liverpool’s role as a bustling port.

12. Lake District

Home to England’s largest national park, the Lake District in Cumbria has always struck visitors as hauntingly beautiful. It inspired dozens of novels in the era of Romanticism, with its rolling hills and fields being both captivating and eerie.

In the heart of the region lies the Lake District National Park. Here, depending on the time of year, you’ll find triangular ridges draped in green and granite. They fall to fields bright with wildflowers. From a viewpoint, you’ll see shimmering lakes in great numbers.

Down in the valley, Windermere sits on miles of lakefront while nearby Hawkshead is another gateway to nature but also the home of Beatrix Potter.

11. Chester

The heart of Chester can rightfully lay claim to being one of the best-looking town centers in England. Black and white timbered townhouses flank cobbled streets, dancing in between dark sandstone buildings. Then there’s the encasing of Roman walls to top it all off.

Travel here starts at the Rows, where you can find the aforementioned arcade of Victorian and Tudor buildings. This stretch showcases Chester at its height in the Middle Ages when it was one of the northwest’s most prominent port towns.

But it only gets better. The Chester Cathedral dates back to the 1100s and has maintained much of its original appeal. Then there’s the Roman Amphitheater, which is argued to be the site of Camelot and the knight’s round table.

10. Bristol

The city of Bristol, filled to the brim with creativity, is the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous modern day artists. Banksy grew up on the streets of Bristol. You can see some of his works here, as he was no doubt inspired by Bristol’s burgeoning street scene.

The colorful streets of Bristol welcome you with open arms. Nowhere is this more obvious than Stokes Croft. Artist cafes, eccentric pubs and vintage shops line the streets splashed with murals and personality.

But beyond the counter-culture is a historic harbor home to the SS Great Britain. The ship is wide open to visitors to explore much of the original design from 1856.

Bristol is set along the Avon River. This is where you can find another piece of memorable engineering, the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The design of this bridge is matched only by the stunning sight.

One of England’s most picturesque port towns, St Ives in Cornwall, is the country’s great beachfront escape. On a sunny English day (yes, they happen), the baby blue waters of St Ives glisten. The white sand leads your eyes towards the banks and the 18th century homes topped by orange roofs. It’s a place you immediately want to explore.

Kick it off with a wander of St Ives’ harbor. Brightly colored fishing boats are already back from the morning trek and now dot the shoreline. Continue past the golden sands of Porthgwidden Beach towards the Chapel of St Nicholas. The latter’s historic confines link to the smuggling of the Napoleonic Wars.

Yes, the sun’s shining. But the Atlantic Coast winds can still be bristling. Grab a traditional Cornish pasty to balance it out. Now full of energy, check out the town’s arts and culture scene at Tate and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. Finish the day off with a dip and a dinner by the sea.

8. The Cotswolds

The epitome of the English countryside, the Cotswolds are the height of romanticism. From Bath to Stratford-upon-Avon, this region is punctuated with lush landscapes, honey-colored villages and mouth-watering cuisine.

Historic cottages, a scene out of a Renaissance painting, welcome you at every turn. In front of them, landscaped gardens roll forward and are cut off only for equally pleasant canals.

You could spend a week exploring each area in great detail. But the highlights of the Cotswolds are Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold. Charm seeps from every crevice in both these towns. They’re a treasure trove of history and evoke the mystical.

That’s never more clear than along Arlington Row in Bibury. Forget the white-picket fence. These limestone buildings from the 1300s are the stuff of societal dreams.

Beyond, let your car and the open road guide you to the best of Bath, the Westonbirt Arboretum, Blenheim Palace and the Abbey House Gardens.

Bath got its name because that’s what it was when it was founded by the Romans in 60 AD. Today it is a culturally rich city, home to Bridgerton and, of course, the famous Roman Baths. But when you look beneath the surface, you’ll discover just how much depth Bath has.

Geothermic springs spring from the underground here in Bath . The Romans were the first to tap into this natural phenomenon. It marks the start of the Bath you see today. You can discover the Roman Baths, its history and sumptuous courtyards. Balance this with a modern experience with a rooftop dip at Thermae Bath Spa.

Aside from plenty of Roman touches, you can discover eye-catching Georgian architecture in Bath. The British version of the Italian Renaissance style, you can discover the height of this at the Royal Crescent. A prominent backdrop in Bridgerton, the Crescent arches around a sprawling terrace and sightly lawn. Go further by visiting the No. 1 Royal Crescent museum.

6. Cambridge

Like Oxford below, Cambridge is a delightful mix of historic educational institutions, a rhythmic waterfront and ample medieval architecture.

Although famous for King’s and Trinity Colleges, these institutions share a slightly lower profile among travelers. Those interested will do well to take advantage of the lower crowds to explore magnificent campuses. That includes the enormous quadrangle that envelopes Trinity College and the marvelous King’s College Chapel.

The chapel is embellished with a Gothic touch and strikes a presence in Cambridge’s skyline. From the 1500s, it features some elaborate wood carvings, captivating stained glass and the world’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling.

Arguably the best way to see Cambridge, however, is to punt your way down the Cam. The water guides you by the best of medieval Cambridge and under some sightly college bridges.

You’ll have to get back on land to see some great museums, though. Be sure to add Kettle’s Yard and the Fitzwilliam Museum to the itinerary. Top it all off with a pub crawl along Mill Road for a quintessential Cambridge experience.

5. Jurassic Coast

England has no shortage of human history. But its Jurassic Coast offers a different take – one of the natural variety. A journey to discover this stunning coastline and her magical rock formations is really a journey back 185 million years.

The Jurassic Coast is England’s solitary Natural World Heritage Site. It spans 95 miles from Exmouth to Studland Bay. The ragged, rolling cliffs grow ever larger as the crashing waters, wind and rain sculpt the mix of clay and limestone. Within these sedimentary cliffs lie the fossils of dinosaurs preserved in ever-changing geologic phenomena. Charmouth is the best place to find fossil.

Beyond the cliffs, there are several spots to take a refreshing dip. You’ll get great views of the wild coast from Worbarrow Bay, Chapman’s Pool and the thrilling Dancing Ledge.

As it’s still England, there’s plenty of charm and human history. You can jump aboard the historic Seaton Tramway. Or settle in for a cozy night in the small, idyllic town of Branscombe.

Modern charm, historic universities and a tipple of medieval fun can be found in Oxford . The River Thames flows through the town, creating an abundance of waterfront splendor. This is exacerbated by canals which run busy with relaxing sunset cruises.

The University of Oxford, however, deserves to be front and center of your experience here. One of the world’s most celebrated universities, it’s a marvel to explore. Tours take you through the leafy quads on your way into iconic halls, and chapels that have welcomed students for almost 1,000 years.

Naturally, you’ll also discover world-class museums, such as the Ashmolean. Beyond the neo-classical facade is the country’s oldest public museum.

More Harry Potter fun can be had at King’s Cross Station, Divinity School and Knockturn Alley. You’ll also have the chance to explore Churchill’s birthplace at the remarkable Blenheim Palace before seeing the city from a different angle along its glistening river.

For several years in the 3rd century, the otherwise unassuming city of York was the capital of the Roman Empire. But utterly captivating neighborhoods mix with famous landmarks and a dash of Harry Potter to create one of England’s must-see cities.

Rewards lie around every corner in York, for those travelers that simply like to wander and discover. From the Romans and Vikings to the Industrial Revolution, every significant era left a piece of themselves in York. It’s as if the city was an open canvas and they filled it in.

Cobbled streets guide you by the York Minster. Here, you can walk up 275 steps by stained glass from the Medieval era to the best view in town. From the top, you’ll admire the kaleidoscope array of rooftops.

There’s no better spot to wander through than the Shambles, the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Afterwards, walk the City Walls that lead to genuine medieval bars for a well-earned pint.

2. Stonehenge & Avebury

Taking you back 5,000 years to the Neolithic period, both Stonehenge & Avebury are unforgettable sights. Both represent a deep dive into early cultures and showcase just how much time has passed. After all, we are much closer to the height of the Roman Empire than they were to the construction of the mesmerizing stone circles.

Both of these sites are under separate management. However, they’re close enough that you can explore both in a single day. Time spent here is time out in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, shaped by thousands of years of human history. But with no written remarks, both circles lay shrouded in mystery.

It’s certainly part of the appeal. The number of annual Stonehenge visitors averages one million per year. It’s well worth braving the crowds, however, to see these crafted stones up close.

The pros of Avebury lie in just how close you can get to the stones. Aside from it being free to visit, the space lies open to visitors, allowing you to explore, touch and get as many angles for the best photos.

Exciting, historic and inspiring, London is an international city that is still oh so very British. A bustling downtown quickly spreads into adorable and colorful neighborhoods.

Both are well connected by the city’s famed Tube, an expansive subway system. This allows you to get around with ease before you consider the iconic black taxis or double-decker buses.

There’s an endless list of things to do in London . One can find themselves on the South Bank crossing a myriad of historic and modern bridges. Both lead to celebrated sites like the Big Ben, the Tower of London and even Shakespeare’s Globe. Popular markets are littered in between, providing an insightful crossroads between travelers and locals.

As the sun falls, the city lights shine on the River Thames and the bright, spinning wheel of the Eye captures your attention. But believe us, there’s much more to do. A night out on the town in Soho leads to a slow morning in Hyde Park. The nearby Buckingham Palace changes its guards to great fanfare before you choose between a litany of great shopping streets and even better museums .

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November 3, 2014 at 5:51 am

The Lake District and Stonehenge are spectacular parts of England. The English countryside is as beautiful as the cities are interesting, which makes it a great country to visit!

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18 Best Places To Visit In England

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 6, 2024

Narrowing down the 18 best places to visit in England is no easy task! 

There are so many wonderful cities, towns and villages to visit, green countryside to explore and coastal areas to enjoy. Whether you love history, music, literature , food or art, England has an attraction or location for you. 

However, few visitors can spend months or years exploring England so, if you have limited time, our pick of the best places to visit in England will help you plan a perfect England itinerary. 

Top 5 things to do in the Lake District

Top 5 things to do in the london, top 5 things to do in york, top 5 things to do in bath, top 5 things to do in oxford, top 5 things to do in cambridge, top 5 things to do in northumberland, top 5 things to do in durham, top 5 things to do in the liverpool, top 5 things to do in devon, top 5 things to do in cornwall, top 5 things to do in the cotswolds, top 5 things to do in the peak district, top 5 things to do on the jurassic coast, top 5 things to do in the yorkshire moors and dales, top 5 things to do in hampshire, top 5 things to do in the canterbury, top 5 things to do in wiltshire, which of these amazing places to visit in england will you include in your itinerary, the lake district.

The Lake District is in the county of Cumbria in north west England, close to the Scottish border. 

As its name suggests, the Lake District is best known for its 16 lakes which attract visitors from all over the world. It has some of the most dramatic scenery England has to offer including England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, at 978 metres / 3,209 ft.

The Lake District National Park is England’s largest park and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017. 

• Lake Windermere – Take a scenic hop-on hop-off boat ride on Lake Windermere, which at 1.5 miles / 17 km long is England’s largest natural lake. Other lakes for boat trips include Coniston Water, Ullswater or Derwent Water.
• Hike a fell – Choose one of the numerous hiking trails to bag a fell (a Lake District mountain top). 
• Visit the home of Beatrix Potter – The charming National Trust owned Hill Top House and farm is a delight and it’s easy to see where Potter’s inspiration for her beloved books came from. 
• Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circle – One of the oldest ancient stone circles in England, Castlerigg has 38 stones and spectacular surrounding views.
• The Pencil Museum – When it rains in the Lake District (and it does rain!)  visitors flock to this Keswick museum. You’ll discover how pencils are made and see an eclectic collection including pencil sculptures and one of the largest colour pencils in the world. 

The number 1 English city for visitors, London offers something for everyone. 

It’s packed with historical landmarks, leafy parks and world-class free museums. Plus, its excellent bus, rail and underground network makes getting around the capital quick and easy. 

London is a great base from which to explore the rest of the U.K as many popular locations such as Bath or Oxford are doable in a day trip. 

• Buckingham Palace – The home of the British royal family opens every summer to allow visitors to tour its opulent state rooms. Highlights include the Throne Room and the palace gardens. 
• The parks – If you like people watching head to Hyde Park, flower lovers should head to St. James Park and families will love Kensington Gardens. London’s parks are an ideal place to escape busy central London streets.
• The museums – There are so many to choose from, from famous museums such as the Natural History Museum to lesser known quirky museums such as Sir John Sloane’s. In my opinion, you can’t leave London until you’ve visited the V&A and the British Museum. 
• Enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames – Whether you join a commentated boat trip, brave a speedboat, or take a leisurely clipper to Greenwich , a trip on the River Thames allows you to see London from a different angle. 
• The Tower of London – This iconic landmark is simply unmissable. Explore the White Tower, the Bloody Tower and marvel at the crown jewels. Make sure you leave time to visit the adjacent Tower Bridge.

The compact City of York in northern England can be reached in 2 hours by train from London’s King Cross station. 

It’s a fascinating city packed with Viking, Roman, mediaeval, Georgian and Victorian architecture and attractions. As a small city, York is easily explored on foot with pedestrianised streets adding to its accessible, family friendly vibe. 

• York Minster – The largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe and home to the largest expanse of stained glass in the world. Visit the crypt, the undercroft museum or climb the winding stairs of the central tower for a birds eye view of York.
• Walk the walls – York’s mediaeval era city walls are the longest city walls in England. A full (free) circuit takes around 2 hours to walk and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the city. Enter or exit at one of the four mediaeval gateways, called bars. 
• The Shambles – This short, mediaeval cobbled street is renowned for its lopsided, overhanging wooden buildings. It’s said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies. 
• Clifford’s Tower – A circular tower (the remains of a Norman keep) sitting on an artificial hill in the middle of York city centre. Climb to the newly renovated rooftop for a fabulous 360 degree view of York. 
• Jorvik Viking Centre – Discover what life was like in York in Viking times and see artefacts excavated on this very site. Ride a historical black cab through the sights, sounds and smells of a recreated Viking village. 
• Buy a York City Pass

Bath is one of my favourite places in the U.K and is one of the must-do places to visit in England. It’s the only U.K city to have UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Located 114 miles / 183 km west of London, Bath is easily accessible by motorway, bus and rail. 

Bath is best known for its honey-coloured Georgian architecture and Roman sites. It’s a city made for wandering and you’ll soon see why it served as inspiration for Jane Austen and a backdrop for films and tv series such as Bridgerton. 

• The Roman Baths – Dating back to AD70, these baths are the best preserved of their kind in the world. Interactive exhibits and CGI reconstructions will show you what life was like in Bath in Roman times. 
• The Royal Crescent – a 500 ft long collection of 30 houses, the Royal Crescent is the best example of Georgian architecture in the U.K. 
• The Jane Austen Centre – Discover the life and works of the famous novelist through exhibits whilst costumed actors explain how living in Bath influenced Austen’s writing. 
• Take in a view – Whether you stroll the Bath Skyline or climb the 212 steps of Bath’s Abbey Tower, there are spectacular views to enjoy.
• Join a walking tour – You can choose between free or paid tours but a guided tour is the best way to see the highlights of Bath, and its filming locations, in a short time.  

The city of Oxford is world-famous for its prestigious university but there is more to see than just university buildings. Oxford is an easy bus, rail or car day trip from London as it’s only 60 miles / 90 km north west of the capital. 

If you love history and literature, Oxford is unmissable. 

• Visit the colleges – Explore the grounds of Oxford University colleges. Start with Christ Church and Magdalen, which I think are two of the most impressive colleges to visit.
• Ashmolean Museum – Britain’s oldest public museum houses a large eclectic collection including art, archeological artefacts and musical instruments. It also has a rooftop bar offering fabulous views of the city. 
• Take a walking tour – If you’re short on time, a walking tour is the best way to explore Oxford. Some tours offer a themed angle such as history, architecture or Harry Potter filming locations. 
• Visit the Bodleian Library – Bibliophiles can enjoy after-hours tours of one of the world’s oldest, largest (and still working) libraries which dates back to 1602. 
• The Botanic Garden – This gorgeous 130 acre garden is the U.K’s oldest botanic garden. If you’re a fan of ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy, you can sit on Will and Lyra’s bench in the gardens.

Another city synonymous with its university is Cambridge. Just 60 miles / 96 km north of London, Cambridge is a quick and easy day trip from London by road, bus or rail. 

It’s a green leafy city steeped in history and is packed with museums, independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. It’s a must-visit though I guarantee you’ll want to stay longer than just one day.   

• Visit University colleges – My top pick of the 31 Cambridge colleges open for visitors is Kings College, founded by Henry VI in 1441. The ornate King’s College chapel is unmissable. 
• Go punting on the Cam – You can hire your own boat but to learn more about the colleges and buildings you travel past, I recommend taking a guided tour. 
• See the Mathematical Bridge – An 18th century ‘curved’ bridge made entirely of straight wooden planks. 
• Fitzwilliam Museum – A prestigious (and free) museum packed with Greek, Roman and Egyptian artefacts.
• The Polar Museum – One of Cambridge’s lesser visited museums, this fascinating free museum is all about the ‘exploration, science and survival’ in polar regions. 

Northumberland Coast/Hadrian’s Wall

Despite being one of the best places to visit in England, Northumberland is one of the least visited by overseas visitors. 

This northeast county borders Scotland and it has it all; charming towns, stately homes, historic attractions and castles, amazing beaches and wildlife opportunities. 

To fully explore everything Northumberland has to offer, you’ll need to join a tour or hire a car. 

• The Holy Island – Cross the causeway to Lindisfarne, the Holy Isle, once the home of St Cuthbert. You can visit the 12th century priory and the 16th century castle.
• The Farne Islands – Take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, one of England’s prime seabird colonies boasting 23 different species. 
• Alnwick Castle and Gardens – Imposing Alnwick Castle offers a fun day out for all ages and was a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. The nearby 12 acre Alnwick Gardens (a separate entry fee applies) date back to 1750 and feature landscaped grounds complete with a Poison Garden!
• Northumberland beaches – Northumberland’s sandy beaches here are some of the best in England. I recommend Bamburgh Beach overlooked by Bamburgh Castle and Embleton, close to Dunstanburgh Castle. 
• Hadrian’s Wall – You can see the wall in several locations in Northumberland but I recommend Housesteads or Sycamore Gap. Make time to visit the outstanding Vindolanda Roman Fort in Bardon Mill. 

Surprisingly overlooked in favour of other cathedral cities, Durham deserves its place on my best places to visit in England list. 

Situated between Yorkshire and Northumberland in northern England, Durham offers historical, cultural and natural attractions for all ages. 

It’s a small city so you can explore on foot without a car. Durham is best reached by rail from London, a journey of around 3 hours. 

• Durham Cathedral – The UNESCO listed 12th century Romanesque cathedral is a Harry Potter filming location but is best known as the resting place of St. Cuthbert and St. Bede and for its stunning stained glass. Climb the 325 steps of the central tower for a 360-degree view of the city. 
• Durham city centre – A maze of pedestrianised streets and vennels (alleyways), a wander around the city centre is well worthwhile. Make time to visit the indoor Victorian market which boasts over 60 independent stalls. 
• Durham Castle – Built in 1702, Durham Castle is today part of the University of Durham. You can take 90 minute student-led tours to discover the history and artefacts found in the castle. 
• Beamish – 9 miles / 14 km north of Durham, Beamish is a living open air museum. Visit the school, shops, and mine and take a ride on a vintage bus or tram. Beamish deserves 1 full day and should be added to all England itineraries. 
• Walk the Wear – Stroll the 3 mile long path next to the River Wear for fantastic city and cathedral views. 

When people think of Liverpool, they immediately think of football and The Beatles . But there’s more to this northwest English city than that. 

Liverpool is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with excellent museums, great restaurants and a lively nightlife. It’s a fun and welcoming place to visit. 

Liverpool is a 4 – 5 hour drive from London or just under 3 hours by train . 

• The Beatles Story – A museum housing the largest collection of Beatles memorabilia in the world. It includes recreations of the original Cavern Club, Abbey Road studios and has an interactive zone where you can make your own music.   
• The Cavern Club – Forever associated with The Beatles, today’s Cavern Club is a restaurant, pub and live music venue. 
• Take a ferry across the Mersey – Enjoy a 50 minute sightseeing cruise to see Liverpool’s iconic skyline from a different angle. 
• The Albert Docks – This bustling, regenerated dockland has trendy bars, cafes and boutique shops. It’s also home to Tate Liverpool, the Mersey Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum 
• Take a tour of Anfield or Goodison Park – For football fans, a tour of Anfield – home of Liverpool F.C – or Goodison Park, the home of Everton, is a must visit. Even non-football fans will enjoy the engaging 60 minute tours. 

The southwest county of Devon is sandwiched between Cornwall and Somerset, around 164 miles / 264 km west of London. 

It’s long been a favourite with British holidaymakers for its natural scenery, stunning sandy beaches and, of course, its Devonshire cream teas. 

You can reach Devon by road, rail or bus from London but you’ll need a car to explore the county.

• Dartmoor National Park – A windswept moorland landscape, Dartmoor is known for its granite hilltops (called tors), wooded river valleys, hikes and wildlife. 
• Devonshire Beaches – If you like mile after mile of sandy beach, head to Devon; it boasts some of the best beaches in the U.K. You can learn to surf at Croyde Bay, go kitesurfing in Woolacombe or build sandcastles in Bantham. 
• Hike the Southwest Coastal Path – This is the UK’s longest national trail at 630 miles / 1, 013 km. Even if you just hike a small section, you’re guaranteed spectacular coastal views. 
• Explore a castle – My pick of Devon’s castles include Powderham and the granite built Castle Drogo.
• Clovelly – One of the prettiest villages in England, privately-owned Clovelly is car free and perches 400 ft up a cliff on the north Devon coast. 

If you have the time, Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in England. 

The southwest county is 225 miles / 364 km from London so many travellers choose to travel to Cornwall by train. However, you’ll need to hire a car or join a tour once you arrive to fully explore the county.

Cornwall is a special place offering some of the most unusual and memorable attractions in England. 

• Tintagel – Explore the ruins of 13th century Tintagel Castle on the rugged north Devon coast, visit Merlin’s Cave and brave the 70m footbridge.  
• St. Michaels Mount – Cross the tidal causeway to this picturesque rocky island topped by a mediaeval church and castle. 
• The Eden Project – Visit the unique biomes which together make up one of the largest and best botanic gardens in the world. 
• The Minack Theatre – Perched on the rugged cliffs of south west Cornall, this open air theatre is built into the cliff face overlooking the ocean and stages up to 200 shows per year. 
• Land’s End – Grab a selfie at England’s most southerly point. 

The Cotswolds

This Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southern England covers parts of six English counties.

It’s best known for its green rolling hills and pretty villages of centuries old honey-coloured houses. If you’re hoping to see the English villages you’ve seen on tv and film, The Cotswolds is the place to come. 

You can reach The Cotswolds in under 2 hours by road, rail or bus from London but to fully explore the area you’ll need a car or join a tour. 

• Walk the Cotswolds Way – This 102 mile trail starts in Bath and ends in Chipping Campden. You can walk much smaller sections and enjoy quintessential English views along the way. 
• Visit chocolate box villages – The picturesque Cotswolds villages are the area’s main attractions. My favourites include Bibury, Lower Slaughter and Burford. 
• Explore Sudeley Castle – This 15th century castle and gorgeous gardens in Winchcombe was home to Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. 
• Cheltenham – Visit the spa town of Cheltenham, packed with elegant Georgian architecture. It also boasts a variety of fantastic street art. 
• See Arlington Row – Arguably one of the most idyllic streets in Britain, Arlington Row in Bibury is a collection of picture-perfect 14th century stone cottages. 

Peak District

The Peak District in the East Midlands encompasses several counties but is mostly in Derbyshire.

It’s a rural area known for its limestone hills, river valleys, caves, market towns and attractive villages. The Peak’s largest towns can be reached by rail or bus from London and, although a car is the best way to explore the Peaks, there’s also a good public transport network around the region. 

The Peak District National Park is the oldest national park in England and offers scenic hiking trails for all ages and abilities.   

• Chatsworth House – One of the best stately homes to visit in England, Chatsworth House near Bakewell boasts 21 open-to-the-public rooms and a stunning 105 acre garden. 
• Bolsover Castle – A hilltop Stuart-era mansion with 17th century gardens and a scenic wall walk. Learn about the castle’s long history through interactive exhibitions and costumed actors.  
• Hardwick Hall – An impressive Elizabethan manor house near Chesterfield that featured in the Harry Potter movies. 
• Explore a Peak town – Peak District towns have a distinct character with each offering something different. Foodies should head to Bakewell, hikers and cavers to Castleton and history buffs to Eyam. 
• Go for a hike – Cross the stepping stones over the River Dove in Dovedale, amble the family-friendly Tissington Trail, climb to the top of Stanage Edge near Hathersage or bag Mam Tor or Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the region. 

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is in Dorset, on England’s southern coastline. It stretches for 96 miles / 155 km from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It’s an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is best known for its Victorian seaside towns, beaches and for the fossils you can find which date back to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

• Lyme Regis – This west Dorset town boasts family-friendly sandy beaches and coastal walks. 
• Chesil Beach – An 18 mile / 29 km long pebble beach which attracts fossil hunters from all over the world. Behind the beach is a large saline lake, Fleet Lagoon, which is one of the few remaining undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world.
• Durdle Door – One of England’s most iconic landmarks, this natural stone arch straddles the sea in Lulworth Cove. 
• Corfe Castle – Explore the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle near Wareham, which was built shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066. 
• Weymouth – Best known for its Blue Flag sandy beach and harbour, Weymouth also offers birdwatching wetlands, Portland Castle and Nothe Fort.

Yorkshire Moors/Dales

The Yorkshire Moors and Dales are a 1 hour drive from the City of York. You can also take a longer bus ride or connecting trains from York but to fully explore these areas, I recommend hiring a car or joining a tour. 

Known for its green rolling hills and deep valleys, the Yorkshire Dales is dotted with quintessential English villages and attractive market towns. 

In contrast, the Yorkshire Moors is an atmospheric, windswept landscape of small hamlets, moorland, gorse and heather which slopes down to meet Yorkshire’s dramatic Jurassic coastline. 

• Malham Cove – This 250ft high natural stone amphitheatre featured in the Harry Potter movies. Climb the steps to the plateau for far reaching views of the Yorkshire Dales.
• Waterfalls – Some of the many waterfalls to visit include idyllic Janet’s Foss, the iconic Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, which is the highest single drop waterfall in England. 
• North York Moors Historic Railway – This hop-on hop-off heritage steam railway is the best way to explore the Yorkshire Moors. You can go hiking in Levisham or visit Goathland, which doubled as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter movies. 
• Bolton Abbey – Home to the Duke of Devonshire, this expansive family-friendly estate has abbey ruins, woodland walks and waterfalls. 
• Hiking – Whether you choose to tackle Ingleborough (one of Yorkshire’s highest peaks), the family-friendly Ingleton Waterfalls Trail or the dramatic Hole of Horcum on the Moors, you’ll find hiking trails to suit all ages and abilities. 

The south coast county of Hampshire is hugely underrated as a tourist destination. 

It offers unique historical attractions, wildlife, nature, grand estates, country villages and bustling cities. 

If you want to get off the usual England tourist trail, I recommend spending time in Hampshire. 

The county has good bus and rail links so getting around without a car is possible. 

• The New Forest – One of the largest unenclosed forests in England, the New Forest was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror and was a favourite hunting ground of Henry VIII. Go for a hike, ride a mountain bike, visit a chocolate box village or spot one of the free roaming ponies. 
• The historic dockyard in Portsmouth – You’ll need at least a full day to visit the remains of the Mary Rose , Lord Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory and the Victorian HMS Warrior. 
• Winchester – Visit Jane Austen’s grave in Winchester Cathedral or see King Arthur’s Round Table in Winchester Castle. 
• Highclere Castle –  Better known as Downton Abbey, Highlere is a short 24 miles / 69 km from Winchester. Take a tour to discover filming locations from the much loved TV series. 
• Isle of Wight – Take a 20 minute ferry ride to the Isle of Wight to visit Carisbrooke Castle and Osborne House, once home to Queen Victoria. 

The small city of Canterbury in southeast England is just 67 miles / 108 km from London. You can reach it in under 1 hour by train from St Pancras so it’s one of the quickest and easiest day trips from London. 

It’s a historic city easily explored on foot and has a vibrant vibe due to its three universities. 

If you travel by car you could combine a visit to Canterbury with Leeds Castle or visit the white cliffs in Dover. 

• Canterbury Cathedral – The seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 11th century and gained notoriety after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the cathedral in 1170. 
• The Canterbury Tales Museum – Discover the stories of Geoffery Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’ featuring animatronic tableaus which bring the stories to life. 
• The Roman Museum – an engaging museum about life in Canterbury in Roman times. It has one of the U.K’s only remaining in situ Roman pavement mosaics and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
• Go punting on the River Stour – Hire a punt or take a guided boat tour on the River Stour. Look out for the 13th century Greyfriars’ Chapel, the 12th century King’s Bridge and the creepy mediaeval era ducking stool outside the Old Weavers House. 
• Westgate Gardens – One of the oldest parks in England, this pretty riverside park offers a break from the busy city centre. 

Wiltshire is a beautiful county in southwest England. It’s around 100 miles / 160 km west of London and has excellent road, rail and bus links to London. 

It’s one of the best places to visit in England as you can easily visit 3 of England’s most important historical sites in one day. 

There are good bus links around the county but to visit several attractions within a short time, you’ll need a car.

• Stonehenge – The UNESCO listed Stonehenge is one of the best known prehistoric sites in the world dating back 4,500 years. Explore the visitors centre, recreated neolithic houses and visit the outer stones. You’ll need to book a tour to access the inner stones. 
• Avebury – The stone circles at UNESCO listed Avebury are believed to be older than Stonehenge. The outer stone circle is the largest prehistoric circle of standing stones in the world and the stones are also the heaviest of any stone circle found in Britain. 
• Salisbury Cathedral – The charming city of Salisbury is dominated by the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest cathedral spire in Britain. It also boasts Britain’s largest cathedral close and cloisters, the world’s oldest mechanical clock and the best preserved original copy of the Magna Carta.
• White Horses – Wiltshire has 8 large white horses carved into the sides of its chalky hills. The oldest horse on Westbury Hill dates back to 1778!
• Stourhead – These world-famous National Trust landscaped gardens first opened in 1740 and today cover 2,650 acres. 

I hope my round-up of the best places to visit in England has helped you start planning your perfect England itinerary.

We have articles about each of these destinations to help you do more in-depth research, but we are sure this article will help you choose why you would like to visit.

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

30 Best & Prettiest Places to Visit in The UK

14 June 2023 · In: England , Scotland , UK , Wales

Are you looking for the best places and coolest cities to visit in the UK ? You have come to the right place! This article walks you through 30 locations to add to your bucket list for an unforgettable adventure, whether you are going for a day trip, a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.

The UK is a beautiful country which has much to offer! From quaint villages and stunning National Parks to iconic historical sites and ancient woodlands, you will find plenty of things to do for a holiday full of diversity and surprises.

I arrived in the UK in 2016 and am constantly amazed at how much I still have to discover. It is always a pleasure to explore the country, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands passing through the Lake District – I love learning about British culture and heritage.

So, are you ready to discover the top 30 places in the UK that you must visit ? Let’s get started! And, of course, let me know in the comments below if you have any suggestions 🙂

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information,  read our full affiliate disclosure .

30- Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Overview: top places to visit in the uk.

1- The Lake District, England 2- Scottish Highlands 3- York, England 4- The Cotswolds, England 5- Jurassic Coast, England 6- Snowdonia, Wales 7- Stonehenge, England 8- Cambridge, England 9- Peak District, England 10- Cornwall, England

11- Edinburgh, Scotland 12- South Downs, England 13- Bath, England 14- Yorkshire Dales, England 15- Oxford, England 16- Giant’s Causeway, Ireland 17- London, England 18- Liverpool, England 19- Glasgow, Scotland 20- Windsor Castle, England

21- Manchester, England 22- Brighton, England 23- Isle of Wight, England 24- Bristol, England 25- Pembrokeshire, Wales 26- Cheddar Gorge, England 27- Belfast, Ireland 28- St Michael’s Mount, England 29- Chester, England 30- Trossachs, Scotland

READ MORE: London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops

Cool places to visit in the UK – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

30 must-visit places in the UK

1- the lake district, england.

One of the best places to visit in the UK is, without a doubt, the incredible Lake District, the  largest National Park in England and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is home to Scafell Pike, its highest mountain, and Wastwater, its deepest lake.

Located in northwest England, this  mountainous area  is the ideal relaxing place to reconnect with nature and take time for yourself. Hike through stunning landscapes, admire the views, explore picturesque villages and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

Whether you are an adventure addict or in search of tranquillity, there is something for everyone, whatever the season! Especially if you love spending time in nature and camping ( 10 Best Campsites in the Lake District, UK ).

The National Park is also perfect for families with children as it provides plenty of opportunities for  outdoor activities  such as cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding and more.

My experience – the Lake District is my favourite place to visit in the UK! I discovered it a few years ago when my partner Matt took me camping and fell in love with it. I live only 1h30 away, so I have the chance to explore it often and on weekends, and it always feels like a bowl of fresh air, a place where I can disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. My favourite town is Ambleside, and one of my favourite campsites is The Great Landgale 🙂 

READ MORE: 10 Best Easy Walks & Hikes in The Lake District

Things to do & see in the Lake District

• See Lake Windermere
• Take the Ullswater streamer
• Hike Scafell Pike
• Walk around Lake Buttermere
• Visit Ambleside
• Wander Whinlatter Forest Park
• Hike to Castlerigg Stone Circle
• Wild swim at Blea Tarn
• Kayak on Derwentwater
• Picnic at Tarn Hows

Unforgettable experiences & tours

2- scottish highlands, scotland.

The Scottish Highlands   are an  impressive mountainous area  encircling the northwest of Scotland. The region is the largest in the country and home to breathtaking scenery, including the   legendary Loch Ness  and its mythical monster Nessie. 

With picturesque landscapes, fascinating castles and rich culture, it is no wonder why it is one of the best places to visit in the UK. 

Discover the enigmatic Loch Ness, explore the Cairngorms National Park, admire iconic castles on the Isle of Skye, road trip through the  North Coast 500  or climb up the highest peak in Britain, Ben Nevis.

The Scottish Highlands is also an incredible place to  experience wildlife , from seeing dolphins swimming in the Moray Firth to witnessing red deer roaming the Glencoe Valley.

My experience – I love the Scottish Highlands! I discovered Scotland in 2016 and fell in love with the country. The landscapes are all incredible, and the locals are lovely. I particularly enjoyed exploring the area around Loch Ness – there are so many cool things to do and see. It is a great place to discover if you are a nature lover or photo enthusiast. One of my dreams is also to do the NC 500 – it is on my bucket list! 

READ MORE: Loch Ness Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do

Things to do & see in the Scottish Highlands

• Discover Loch Ness
• Climb up Ben Nevis
• Visit Urquhart Castle
• Explore Glen Coe Valley
• Stop by Fort William
• Take a photo of Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Admire Loch Shiel
• Tour a Scottish distillery
• Explore the Isle of Skye
• Marvel Eilean Donan Castle

3- York, England

York is a  vibrant city  in northeast England perfectly set within the Yorkshire Dales, founded by the ancient Romans and offering a perfect experience for everyone. 

It is a  walkable city   packed with plenty of things to do , from its impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, to its Ancient Walls surrounding local shops, attractions, restaurants and bars, hosting lively events every day and festivals every month.

Watch a horse race at its renowned racecourse, visit its inspiring museums, taste local dishes and enjoy its thriving cultural scene – it is a fun place to explore in the UK on a  short city break and a week-long vacation . 

Things to do & see in York

• Wander the Shambles
• Marvel at York Minster
• Climb Clifford’s Tower
• Visit the many museums
• Walk the city walls
• Cruise down the river
• Stop by Jorvik Viking Centre
• Visit the National Railway Museum

4- The Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds is a  beautiful region in Gloucestershire , filled with picturesque villages , miles of countryside walks and beautiful landscapes which are easy to explore by car or bike.

Love the outdoors? Check out this article: 10 Best Campsites in The Cotswolds, England .

The area is perfect for  immersing yourself in British country life  and escaping the busy cities. Here are a few lovely places you should add to your itinerary whilst visiting the Cotswolds:

• Castle Combe : a beautiful village rich in history with its Market Cross and St Andrew’s Church.
• Bilbury : a charming village with quaint streets and brick cottages, famous for its Arlington Row street.
• Burford : a small medieval village with its famous High Street rising from the church and river.
• Bourton-on-the-Water : an old town on River Windrush known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses.
• The Slaughters : two twin picturesque villages boasting traditional limestone cottages.
• Stow-on-the-Wold : a delightful market town perched at the top of a hill at nearly 800 feet. 

5- Jurassic Coast, England

The Jurassic Coast is a  95-mile-long strip of coastline  in southern England, from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, and a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  famous for its unique rocks, fossils and landforms.

It is one of the most  popular tourist destinations in Britain  and a fantastic place to explore for all ages. From pretty seaside towns and golden beaches to impressive cliffs and breathtaking views, the Jurassic Coast is undoubtedly a must-visit in the UK.

And if you like walking, why not venture on a part of  South West Coast Path ? It will take you through beautiful treasures, sceneries and villages.

My experience – Old Harry Rocks are some of the most impressive cliffs I have ever seen! It is so breathtaking that it gave me vertigo, which never happens. The white colour of the rock contrasting with the blue of the water and the green of the grass make a perfect scenery worth the visit.

Things to do & see on the Jurassic Coast

• Hike to Old Harry Rocks
• Visit Corfe Village & its castle
• Admire Lulworth Cove
• Take a photo of the Durdle Door 
• Enjoy the views from the Golden Cap 
• Explore Weymouth
• Stop by Abbotsbury
• Discover the West Bay
• Wander along Charmouth Beach
• Ramble through Lyme Regis

6- Snowdonia, Wales

Another incredible National Park in the UK is Snowdonia, a  mountainous region in North Wales  full of beauty and history. Whether you are into relaxation or adventure, it has much to offer! 

The area welcomes you amidst stunning landscapes, from rivers to hills and woodlands – a perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. It is also home to many  hiking trails, over 100 lakes and rugged peaks  to climb. 

READ MORE: 10 Best Easy Walks & Hikes in Snowdonia

Plus, it is impossible not to mention this National Park without its iconic  Mount Snowdon , the highest mountain in England and Wales, offering breathtaking views across the sea to Ireland. 

My experience – I was never thinking of Wales as a travel destination, yet, I was surprised on my first visit. It had such a beautiful atmosphere with its forests and green hills – I loved it! Since then, I have visited the country and National Park many times and have consistently had a great experience. I particularly love hopping on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to reach the top of Snowdon.

READ MORE: 10 Best Campsites in Snowdonia National Park

Things to do & see in Snowdonia

• Hike up Mount Snowdon
• Drive the Llanberis Pass
• Stroll through Dolgellau
• Stop by Portmeirion
• Discover the Llyn Ogwen area
• Climb up Tryfan
• Wild swim in its lakes
• Hope on the Ffestiniog Railway
• Explore Ceunant Cynfal

7- Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge is a  prehistoric monument  on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, consisting of an outer ring of vertical standing stones topped by joined horizontal stones.

Book your ticket online  and experience the unique atmosphere of the  Stone Circle  as you follow in the footsteps of the prehistoric people who lived here 4,000 years ago. You can also stop by the  exhibition  to learn more and explore the  Neolithic village  – a perfect day of adventure for all the family and history buffs.

So make sure to add this historical place to your UK bucket list and uncover one of the  most iconic sites of Britain  and its fascinating past.

8- Cambridge, England

A name you must have heard for its famous academic scene: the iconic Cambridge.  Compact and beautiful , the city is globally known for its top university but is also so much more.

Wander through its  picturesque streets , marvel at its architectural richness and delve into its fascinating history in  world-class museums . 

And for a fun and unusual perspective on the city, discover it from the water by  punting on the River Cam . You will come across significant landmarks like the King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge – all whilst enjoying the outdoors. 

Things to do & see in Cambridge

• Tour King’s College Chapel
• Visit the University buildings
• Go punting on River Cam
• Admire the Mathematical Bridge
• Marvel at St John’s College
• Enjoy the view from Great St Mary’s Church
• See the Bridge of Sighs
• Stroll around Corpus Christi College

9- Peak District, England

You will find the Peak District National Park in central England, a beautiful region famous for its  dramatic scenery and steep limestone valleys .

From  peaceful countryside walks  and scenic bike trails to exciting rock climbing adventures and quaint villages, there are endless things to do and see in this National Park. 

However long you stay, it is the perfect place for a family camping trip, a solo hiking venture or a romantic couple getaway under the stars. 

READ MORE: Best Hikes in the UK: 16 Scenic Walking Trails

Things to do & see in the Peak District

• Discover Edensor
• Wander around Bakewell
• Ramble along Mam Tor
• Climb up to Bamford Edge
• Explore Winnats Pass
• Stroll through Castleton
• Hike to Cave Dale
• Wild swim at Three Shires Head

10- Cornwall, England

Cornwall is a county and the  extreme southwestern peninsula of England,  surrounding wild moorland and numerous sandy beaches, culminating at Land’s End headland. It has the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain and is  one of the sunniest parts  of the country. 

With traditional fishing villages, golden beaches, clear blue waters, rugged cliffs and unique architecture, it is also  one of the most scenic areas  of England and a fun place to explore. 

Plus, Cornwall hosts many  events and festivals , making it a must-visit destination in the summer. And, of course, do not miss out on tasting one of its Cornish pasties on your stay! 

My experience – I visited Cornwall in the summer for a week and loved it! It was so relaxing. We spent our days exploring small villages, hiking along the coast, going to the beach or kayaking. You will find many nice things to do and see in the area, and I wish we stayed longer! 

READ MORE: Where to Stay in Cornwall: 10 Best Areas

Things to do & see in Cornwall

• Admire St Michael’s Mount
• Explore Watergate Bay
• Visit St Piran’s Oratory
• Ramble through Bodmin Moor
• Relax at Gwithian Beach
• Marvel at the Minack Theatre
• Discover Tintagel Castle
• Walk around the Lizard Peninsula
• Visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
• Spend time in St Ives

11- Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is the  magical hilly capital of Scotland  and one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. By wandering through its streets, you will come across a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.

Perched on a rock above the city is the iconic  Edinburgh Castle , home to the crown jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny; a must-see on your city break! 

You can not also miss  Arthur’s Seat , the towering summit of Holyrood Park offering a network of trails and stunning views, and Calton Hill, a quiet place to watch the sunset, topped with monuments and memorials.

My experience – Edinburgh is my favourite city in the UK and where I would live if I did not live in Manchester. I have had the chance to visit the Scottish capital twice in different seasons, and each time was incredible. I fell in love with its atmosphere and architecture. A place I highly recommend you visit , especially in winter and around Christmas.

READ MORE: 3 Magical Days in Edinburgh: City Itinerary

Things to do & see in Edinburgh

• Visit Edinburgh Castle
• Walk the Royal Mile
• Hike up Arthur’s Seat
• Stop by The Elephant House
• Watch the sunset from Calton Hill
• Tour Holyrood Palace & Holyrood Abbey
• Stroll through Victoria Street
• Enjoy the view from the Scott Monument
• Explore the National Museum of Scotland
• Discover Dean Village

12- South Downs, England

Just a short journey from London, the South Downs is a National Park featuring  a range of chalk hills  in the southeastern coastal counties of England.

With scenic rolling green hills, spectacular hiking and cycling trails, quaint villages, ancient woodland, wildlife-rich moorland and towering cliffs, South Downs is an excellent place to  escape the buzz of the city and disconnect  in this peaceful part of Hampshire.

And if you love hiking, follow the  South Downs Way  or a part of it to enjoy some breathtaking views along the park. 

Things to do & see in the South Downs

• Visit Amberley
• Ramble through Petworth
• Hike the Seven Sisters 
• Explore Winchester
• Stop by Midhurst
• Visit Arundel Castle
• Walk to the Devil’s Dyke
• Enjoy the view from Butser Hill 
• Stroll through Brighton

13- Bath, England

As  one of the most beautiful cities  in England, I could not miss Bath and not add it to this bucket list as one of the best places to visit in the UK.

The city, the only one in the UK designated a  UNESCO World Heritage Site , is known for its Roman baths and incredible atmosphere. Setting foot in Bath is like stepping back in history, making it a place worth the visit. Plus, it is the  perfect holiday destination  for couples on a romantic getaway.

Take the time to  explore this city full of beauty and history . Visit the Roman Baths dating back to AD 43, stroll past architectural masterpieces like the Royal Crescent or enjoy a visit to the Jane Austen Centre. You will not get bored!

Things to do & see in Bath

• Discover the Roman Baths
• Admire Pulteney Bridge
• Relax at the Thermae Spa
• Explore Bath Abbey
• See the Royal Crescent
• Walk down Green Street
• Enjoy a boat cruise on the River Avon
• Stroll through its markets
• Stop by the Jane Austen Centre

14- Yorkshire Dales, England

The Yorkshire Dales is a  scenic National Park  in northern England, encompassing thousands of miles of moorland, valleys, hills and villages. 

It is home to unique landscapes,  impressive castles and abbeys , and a peaceful atmosphere – perfect for a weekend escape or a week-long trip with the family. 

From  spectacular waterfalls to ancient woodlands  and quaint villages, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area, so make sure to add it to your UK bucket list. 

Things to do & see in Yorkshire Dales

• Discover the geological Malham Cove
• Explore the Swaledale area
• Visit the Bolton Abbey Estate
• Explore the underground caves
• Hike the Yorkshire Three Peaks
• Take a photo of the Ribblehead Viaduct
• Drive the Buttertubs Pass
• Hire a bike & explore
• Admire the ruins of Fountains Abbey
• Climb up Brimham Rocks 

15- Oxford, England

Whilst you might have heard about this city through its  prestigious university  established in the 12th century (one of the best in the world), Oxford is more than that and an interesting place well worth visiting.

From inspiring museums to buzzing bars and hidden waterways, this city, located in central southern England, is  full of culture and history . 

Take the time to wander its streets, tour its renowned college and stroll along its river. And even if it is for a short stay, Oxford is a perfect place for a weekend getaway with friends or family.

Finally,  if you are a culture/art lover , Oxford was where parts of Harry Potter were filmed, J.R.R. Tolkien shared lectures, and Lewis Carrol wrote  Alice in Wonderland.

Things to do & see in Oxford

• Visit the Ashmolean Museum
• Join a University of Oxford tour
• Tour the Pitt Rivers Museum
• Go on a river cruise
• Try yourself at river punting
• Unwind in the Oxford Botanic Gardens
• Picnic on Port Meadow
• See Oxford Castle
• Step inside the Bodleian Library 

16- Giant’s Causeway, Ireland 

You will find Giant’s Causeway at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland. It consists of  over 40,000 giant black basalt columns  in perfect horizontal sections, rising out of the sea and forming a pavement   – the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

The Giant’s Causeway is a  breathtaking area of international geological significance . Over the past 300 years, studies of these formations have contributed to the development of earth science and demonstrated that this remarkable landscape was formed by volcanic activity approximately 50 to 60 million years ago.

Today, the site is open to everyone and is a  popular tourist attraction in the UK  to explore for stunning views – and fun photos! 

Note that pedestrian access to the site is free, but you can also book a guided tour to learn more about the area. A charge will also apply for using the facilities such as parking and the entrance to the visitor centre exhibition. 

17- London, England

Impossible not to have heard of the bustling capital of England and the United Kingdom! London is a 21st-century city with a history dating back to Roman times. It is today a  perfect representation of tradition and modernity .

At its centre, you will find the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic  Big Ben  clock tower and  Westminster Abbey , the site of British monarch coronations. 

On the other side of the Thames River is the  London Eye  observation wheel providing scenic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city – an experience like no other! 

My experience – London is a city I love exploring as there is always so much to do and see. I would recommend staying for a few days or a long weekend to have time to see the main attractions. And do not forget to wear comfortable shoes as you might do a lot of walking! Alternatively, the city has a great subway network, or hop on the bus and enjoy the scenery. 

READ MORE: 3 Perfect Days in London: Complete Itinerary

Things to do & see in London

• Take in the view from the London Eye
• Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace 
• Admire Westminster Abbey
• Cross the Tower Bridge 
• Take a photo of Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
• Enjoy the buzz of Piccadilly Circus
• Marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral 
• Stroll through Covent Garden 
• Visit the Natural History Museum
• Go on top of the impressive Shard

18- Liverpool, England

Another city you must have heard of for its famous football team and music scene as the birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool is a  maritime city in northwest England  – and an interesting place to visit in the UK!

Home to one of the most significant industrial heritages in Britain and considered the  capital of culture , Liverpool has something for everyone. 

Whether you are a history buff, a music enthusiast or an art lover, this creative city offers many attractions, whatever the season. 

Enjoy a stroll along its docks, tour  The Beatles Story , immerse yourself in its fascinating culture or stop by the  Cavern Club  for a night you will never forget – there are endless things you will love to do. 

My experience – Liverpool is a city I love visiting on a day trip. It is not far from Manchester and easily accessible from anywhere. Plus, if you love the Beatles like me, you will enjoy exploring the city and learning more about the band and iconic locations. 

Things to do & see in Liverpool

• Walk along the Royal Albert Dock
• Visit the British Music Experience
• Stop by the St George’s Hall
• Tour The Beatles Story 
• Enjoy live music at the Cavern Club
• Cruise across the River Mersey
• Stroll through the Georgian Quarter

19- Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde and the largest city in Scotland renowned for its  Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture , a rich legacy of its 18th and 20th-century prosperity from trade and shipbuilding. 

Today, the city is famous as a  national cultural hub , home to some of the  best artistic attractions in Scotland  and institutions, including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, world-class museums and a thriving music scene.

Spend time exploring its fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoy the best place to shop in the UK outside of London and take advantage of over 130 weekly musical events for a memorable night out. In addition, Glasgow is the perfect base for  exploring the Scottish Highlands and the islands .

Things to do & see in Glasgow

• Tour Kelvingrove Museum
• Wander down Buchanan Street
• Relax at Glasgow Green
• Admire the Burrell collection
• Vist the Pollok House
• Explore George Square
• See the City Chambers
• Discover the Glasgow Cathedral

20- Windsor Castle, England

No UK bucket list would be complete without the famous Windsor Castle, the  oldest and largest occupied castle in the world  and the family home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years set in the English county of Berkshire.

Today, it is  one of the official residences of His Majesty The King  and a unique site to explore and soak up the English culture, as it embodies almost a millennium of architectural history.

And with many areas to visit, Windsor Castle has something for everyone. Allow 2 to 3 hours to see it all, or dedicate a day and  enjoy an ultimate royal experience  – the perfect attraction for families with kids, open to the public all year round.

Things to do & see at Windsor Castle

• Tour the majestic State Apartments 
• Admire the most incredible collection of paintings 
• See the Grand Reception Room decorated with real gold
• Marvel at the grandeur of St George’s Chapel
• Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony

Top tips for visiting Windsor Castle

• Book your tickets  in advance to avoid the queues
• Always check the opening dates and provisional closure times
• Consider visiting the Castle in winter for a unique atmosphere
• Look out for special tours throughout the year 

21- Manchester, England

With a  thriving cultural scene and rich industrial heritage , Manchester is another city to add to your list of the best places to visit in the UK and an exciting place to discover for all ages.

Known as a textile powerhouse and home to the first inter-city passenger railway, the bustling city is packed with treasures and is an ideal way to  learn more about northwest England . 

Whether you are into culture, quirky pubs, history or entertainment, you will not run out of ideas for things to do in Manchester. From its renowned football clubs to its refined art exhibitions and live music theatres, it is one of the coolest cities in England – and  one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife ! 

My experience – Manchester is where I live and one of my favourite cities in the UK. I love its atmosphere, diverse restaurants and bars, and vibrant nightlife. I believe the city is more a place to live than visit, but there are still many things to discover. 

Things to do & see in Manchester

• Stroll through Ancoats & the Northern Quarters
• Visit the Manchester Museum
• Discover the John Rylands Library
• Stop by the Manchester Art Gallery
• Catch a show at one of its theatres
• Explore the Museum of Science and Industry
• Tour the Old Trafford 
• Admire the City Town Hall

22- Brighton, England

Welcome to Brighton, an  inclusive and eclectic seaside resort in East Sussex . The city is a perfect mix of modern culture and trendy architecture and a nice place to stay for a weekend or a few days, especially in the summer.

With a  thriving art and music scene , an abundance of independent shops, boutique hotels and outstanding restaurants, the city has much to offer! 

Plus, if you are into  nature and the outdoors , you have come to the right place. Brighton has miles of beaches and is at the heart of the UNESCO World Biosphere Region. In addition, it borders the beautiful South Downs National Park previously mentioned. 

Things to do & see in Brighton

• Discover Brighton Pier
• Visit the Royal Pavilion
• Stroll down The Lanes
• Experience Brighton Pride
• Tour Brighton Art Museum and Gallery
• Explore the Seven Sisters
• Relax at the beach
• Enjoy the view from the i360

23- Isle of Wight, England

The Isle of Wight is a  charming island off the south coast of England , known for its beaches and seafront promenades like Shanklin Beach and Ventnor Beach, which features vintage beach huts. 

Just over 2 hours from London by ferry, the island, recently crowned a UNESCO Biosphere, is easy to access and is an  ideal year-round holiday destination , offering a stunning collection of landscapes and a comprehensive list of things to do.

So hop on your bike and explore this wonderful island full of hidden gems! From dinosaur remains and fossils to impressive cliffs and a beautiful 19th-century lighthouse, you will have a fantastic experience.

Things to do & see on the Isle of Wight

• Discover the Osborne House
• See Carisbrooke Castle
• Admire The Needles
• Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
• Hike along the coastal path
• Explore Steephill Cove
• Hop on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway

24- Cheddar Gorge, England

Cheddar Gorge is a  spectacular limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills  in Somerset, featuring breathtaking cliffs and hidden caves. It is one of the most  spectacular natural landmarks  in Britain – and a must-visit.

The Gorge is also the site of the  Cheddar Show Caves , where the oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, was discovered in 1903, aged around 9,000 years.

Whether you love nature, wildlife, history or adventure, this is the place for you! Discover fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors and try yourself at rock climbing. Cheddar Gorge is a  perfect all-season destination  for any traveller.

25- Bristol, England

Bristol is a  buzzing city straddling the River Avon  in southwest England with a thriving maritime history. Its former city-centre port is now a lively cultural hub, the Harbourside, where the  M Shed Museum  explores local social and industrial heritage. 

The 19th-century warehouses of the harbour also contain restaurants, shops and cultural institutions like  The Arnolfini , a contemporary art gallery.

Uncover historic landmarks, taste your vertigo on the  Clifton Suspension Bridge , seek out awe-inspiring street art and do not miss out on the  Bristol International Balloon Fiesta  in August.

Things to do & see in Bristol

• Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Wander through St Nicks Market 
• See inspiring street art
• Visit the SS Great Britain
• Tour the M Shed
• Stroll along Harbourside
• Head to the top of Cabot Tower
• Marvel at Bristol Cathedral 

26- Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

Pembrokeshire Coast is a  National Park along the coast of West Wales . Founded in 1952, it offers today a variety of breathtaking landscapes, including hills, estuaries, valleys and woodlands.

It is one of the smallest National Parks but still has so much to offer! It provides  limitless possibilities to enjoy the outdoors , from intricate stripes of cliffs to stunning beaches and hidden coves.

National Geographic Traveler  magazine in the US even rated the Pembrokeshire Coast as one of the  top coastal destinations in the world . No wonder it is one of the best places to visit in the UK! 

Things to do & see in Pembrokeshire

• Test your surf at Freshwater West
• Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Visit St Davids Cathedral
• Go birdwatching on Skomer Island
• Explore its many beaches
• Stop by the town of Tenby
• Go coasteering in the Blue Lagoon
• Explore Laugharne
• Admire Pembroke Castle 
• Marvel at Ancient Dolmens

27- Belfast, Ireland

Another great place to add to your UK bucket list is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. It was the  birthplace of the RMS Titanic , which famously crashed into an iceberg and sank in 1912.

You will find the legacy of the Titan in the renovated Titanic Quarter dockyards, including the  Titanic Belfast , a museum covered in aluminium, reminiscent of the hull of a ship, and shipbuilder  Harland & Wolff’s Drawing Offices  and the  Titanic Slipways , which today host open-air concerts. 

But Belfast is also more than that! It is a  perfect city to explore for a short or long trip . Immerse yourself in art and culture, enjoy local food and have a nice night out – you will not regret it!

Things to do & see in Belfast

• Enjoy one of its many pubs
• Tour Belfast City Hall
• Wander around the Botanic Gardens
• Visit Titanic Belfast
• Discover the Ulster Museum
• Explore Belfast Castle
• Admire St. Anne’s Cathedral
• Head to Cave Hill Country Park
• See the impressive Stormont

28- St Michael’s Mount, England

St Michael’s Mount is a  tidal island with a majestic castle perched on top  in Mount’s Bay, off the coast of Cornwall. The island is a civil parish connected to the town of Marazion by a  hidden path passable only between low and mid-tide .

From an ancient castle fortress and subtropical gardens to perfect lawns and a harbour village, there are  plenty of things to discover on the island  – so plan your visit according to the tides to enjoy all it offers.

You can access St Michael’s Mount  on foot at low tide  by crossing the cobbled causeway. But if the tide is too high, you can  use boats  that run regularly from Marazion. 

My experience – I discovered this magical island when I stayed in Cornwall and loved it! It reminded me of Mont Saint-Michel in France. I saw the island at high tide, so I did not have the chance to visit it, but I experienced it at sunset, which was beautiful, especially if you love taking photos. 

Things to do & see on St Michael’s Mount 

• Visit the Castle
• Explore the Garden
• Step inside the Church
• Wander through the village
• Walk along the harbour
• Shop local souvenirs

29- Chester, England

Right on the border with Wales in northwest England, you will come across Chester, a  Roman fortress  founded in the 1st century AD, known for its  extensive walls constructed with local red sandstone .

Wandering through the  centre of the Ancient Town  is an experience like no other. From the impressive city walls to the oldest hippodrome and the  largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain , a visit to Chester will leave you with unforgettable memories – especially in winter when the atmosphere is incredible. 

And, if shopping is more your thing, check out the  700-year-old Rows , a medieval timber building with elevated galleries that you can not find anywhere else in the world.

Things to do & see in Chester

• Wander on Chester City Walls
• Marvel at Chester Cathedral
• Visit the Roman Amphitheatre
• Admire the Eastgate Clock
• Shop at the historic Rows galleries
• Walk through the Roman Gardens
• Stop by the Grosvenor Museum
• Stroll through The Groves

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is, as his name suggests, a  National Park in Scotland centred on Loch Lomond and the hills of the Trossachs . It is an iconic place to visit in the UK due to its outstanding scenery, varied wildlife and welcoming local communities. 

The National Park is packed with  fun things to do and natural gems  to explore. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Loch as you admire Ben Lomond, visit one of its 30 islands, hike one of the rocky peaks or plan a camping trip in the summer.

Whatever type of adventure  you want to experience, you will find it in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park!

READ MORE: The 15 UK National Parks: Complete Guide

Things to do & see in Trossachs National Park

• Go on a scenic hike
• Visit the village of Luss
• Try kayaking or paddleboarding
• Spot wallabies on Inchconnachan
• Discover the Falls of Dochart in Killin
• Explore Balloch Country Park
• Drive along the west side of Loch Lomond

Shop the printable travel planner

Create & plan your perfect vacation in the UK.

Sustainable travel in the UK

Sustainable travel  means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

Being a responsible traveller whilst exploring the UK is possible! Here are some  sustainable tips for reducing your carbon footprint :

• Use green methods of transport . Use public transport as much as possible to travel to and from your destination. Once there, prioritise walking or cycling. 
• Select an eco-friendly accommodation . It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide. And if you like nature and the outdoors, why not organise a camping trip?
• Shop local & eat at local restaurants  that use produce from the region. It will contribute to the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint by supporting restaurants where food does not come from long distances.
• Treat the landscapes and wildlife with respect .   Do not come close to animals, do not feed them and respect their home. Always pay attention to where you drive, park your car and walk.
• Bring a reusable filtered water bottle with you . It will help avoid buying single-use plastic bottles that will be wasted. Instead, refill your water bottle whenever you can – at a rest stop or in a river! It will also help you save money and stay hydrated on the go.
• Do not leave a trace . Do not litter and pick up any trash you encounter. Leftover waste can be extremely harmful to the local ecosystem. So, once again, be zero waste and take your garbage with you. 
• Always respect the local heritage . Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful and smile!

WANT MORE INSPIRATION?

• The Complete Guide to Sustainable Travel
• 10 Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure

UK travel planning guide

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to the UK? Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your vacation in the UK stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

💧 Can you drink the water in the UK? Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over the UK. However, I also recommend travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in the UK? Yes, renting a car in the UK is easy and is a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

🏨 How to book accommodation in the UK? The best way to book your accommodation in the UK is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable hotels to luxury resorts.

✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to the UK? I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

And you, what is your favourite place to visit in the UK? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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20 Prettiest And Best Places To Visit In England

You know, one of the things I love about England is the diversity that we have. From the little coves on the Dorset Coast , gorgeous little hamlets and enough history to throw a stick at. All across the country, it’s filled to the brim with some of the best places to visit in England.

Okay but let’s start with the glaringly obvious, I’m biased and pretty proud of the beauty of England. I really do think that England is totally unique and much more than just cities like London .

Yes, these are amazing (and I love London more than any other city in the world) but it’s just one small area of our amazing country and there really is so much to see.

Over the last few years, I’ve made it my priority to explore so much more of England and to see the places that are right on my doorstep (it’s something that I regretted for the longest time… thinking that I needed to leave the UK to feel like I’d travelled. How wrong I was.

Anyway, better late than never, right? Whatever the case, If it’s your first trip around England or you’ll a dab hand at exploring our gorgeous country, I know you’ll find some of the best places to visit in England that you’ll just love.

Take a look at some of the very best places to visit in England. You’re going to have an amazing trip.

1.) Lake District

The Lake District is the UK’s newest UNESCO-protected site; and rightly so, it’s beautiful.

As you can probably tell from the name, the Lake District is filled with tranquil lakes, beautiful mountain ranges and a whole heap of tiny villages to explore.

Best of all, each lake has a slightly different character that’s unique.

The most well-known is Windermere Lake, but if you want to avoid the crowds, pop over to Ullswater Lake and check into Another Place, The Lake (which is the sister hotel of the Watergate Bay I mention in Cornwall).

Whilst here, head out onto the Ullswater steamer, try your hand at paddleboarding and hike to the top of Harter Fell for some of the best views across the Lake District.

It really is one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you can fit in a tour that takes in ten of the lakes.

We loved this tour of the Lake District , especially as it’s a 1-day trip and perfect if you’re only staying for a long weekend.

Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District

2.) Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is one of the oldest settlements I think I’ve visited in England… people have lived here for over 8,000 years.

It’s a total throwback and it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back 1,000 years to an Olde English world. It really does feel like that.

Once here, take a stroll through the castle of Corfe, wander all the little boutiques and grab a yummy Sunday roast at Mortons House Restaurant.

If trains are your thing, you can even take a historic train from Corfe Castle Station to Swanage.

Read more: Our visit to Corfe Castle

3.) The Cotswolds

Yeah, the Cotswolds are a recurring theme for me! About 2 hours or so from London, the Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty that you’ll love (and easily one of the best places to visit in England).

Once you’re there, make sure to visit Bibury to see the gorgeous Arlington Row , pop into the Upper and Lower Slaughters (they’re far less gruesome than they sound), and head over to other spots like the Chipping Steps in Tetbury and Bourton-on-the-Water , too.

To be honest, I always find it easiest to get around the Cotswolds by car (although some bus routes and trains do run) you’ll have much more freedom to explore the tiny hamlets, towns and rolling hills.

That being said, if you don’t drive, you can book an incredible Cotswolds tour . This is especially good if you don’t drive. Plus it takes all the stress out of planning your destinations in the Cotswolds and it’s all so easy.

For a great place to stay, head to The Royal Oak in Tetbury or the Wood Norton which are both so lovely and quaint.

Read more: Best things to do in the Cotswolds

4.) Cambridge

Okay, Cambridge always holds a soft spot with me. It’s a relatively small city that is perfect to explore over a few days.

Once here, make sure to head up to the Church of St Mary the Great where you can climb the tower and get some incredible vistas over the city (just watch out for the bells ringing, it makes the tower shake).

Also, don’t forget to pop inside Kings College and the incredible chapel that’s just so awe-inspiring to see. Inside the chapel, you can still faintly see the ‘graffiti’ from Oliver Cromwell’s army that still stands to this day.

Oh yeah, keep your eyes peeled for the huge wooden rood screen inside the chapel – it was gifted by Henry VIII (the one that had six wives) to Anne Boylen and is one of the most striking features in the centre of the chapel.

In fact, you can book your very own guided tour of Cambridge on a punt (on the river)! This is such a great way to explore the city and totally unique. You’ll love Cambridge.

Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge

There’s just something about Bath , and you’ll totally know what I mean once you arrive. This ancient Roman Spa settlement still has some of the incredible features from the Roman Times.

Make sure to pop into the Roman Baths themselves and learn more about the incredible history of this place. It really is one of the best places to visit in England.

For a tasty treat, take a stroll over to Sally Lunn’s; she is the most famous and one of the oldest bun makers in the city. They taste so good!

Also, if you want to make things easier to get around Bath, book this hop-on, hop-off bus ticket . This way, it takes all the stress out of trying to find all of Bath’s best spots.

Read more: Best things to do in Bath

6.) Bristol

So Bristol is one of those cities that totally surprised me. My first-ever visit to Bristol was a little disappointing (I have to be honest).

I just think I hadn’t really found my ‘tribe’ of things I’d like on my first visit… all my fault, of course!

Thankfully, I was determined to give Bristol another shot, armed with much more info on the kind of spots I’d love .

This just did it for me – I fell in love with the city straight away and it’s really up there with the best places to visit in England.

Once there, head on a trail to see some of Bristol’s most iconic contemporary artists, including Banksy.

There’s a whole heap across his home city. Afterwards, head over to Whapping Wharf and Spike Island to whisk away the afternoon on the seafront with all the art spaces, restaurants and boutique little shops or pop over to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Read more: Best things to do in Bristol

There’s a lot of friendly rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge as places to visit (and study). Some say Cambridge is the best… others say it’s Oxford. I’m gonna leave the final decision to you.

Now, Oxford itself is easily one of the best places to visit in England, especially if you’re based in London or on a longer road trip.

Whilst here, make sure to visit Christ Church College , head onto the river punting and wet your whistler at the Thirsty Meeples – a really quirky board game cafe in the city.

Finally, book a tour, with an actual alumni guide to take you all around the best spots in Oxford. It’s a great way to explore the city and is so interesting.

Read more: Best things to do in Oxford

8.) Norwich

It took me far too long to make our first trip to Norwich (England’s first-ever medieval city) and I’m ashamed to say that my very first visit was this year. well, better late than never, eh?

Perched about 2 hours north of London by train, it’s one of the best places to visit in England and a spot that I know you’ll love.

Whilst you’re here, make sure to explore the incredible cathedral, see the historic cobbled streets and wander to the central market that’s been held permanently in the town for over 1,000 years (when it was a Saxon market).

For a tasty bite to eat, head outside Norwich to the Fur and Feathers who make one delicious feat from local ingredients.

Oh, and finish your day with the best chippy in all of England at the Grosvenor Fish Bar ; all served with lashings of vinegar, of course.

Read more: Best things to do in Norwich

9.) Stonehenge

Possibly one of the most famous ancient sites in England, Stonehenge is a spot you have to see. Perched west of London (about 80 minutes away by car), it really is one of the best places to visit in England – especially for us history buffs!

It’s been recorded that the stones of Stonehenge actually came from west Wales a huge distance from when it was built.

Still, to this day, there are no conclusive ideas of why this was built or what it represents but there are theories around a place of worship, thanks, ceremony and community.

Just be aware that Stonehenge is a really popular spot, so if you don’t like crowds it’s best to book your Stonehenge tickets for more ‘off-peak’ times.

Either visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon (just before closing), this way you’ll have missed the bus tours and will only have a few eager beavers with you who have the same idea.

Also, if you want to visit and you’re going to be based in London, book this amazing half-day Stonehenge tour that leaves from Central London for a day trip.

Read more: Our visit to Stonehenge

10.) Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast always sounds so mysterious and pre-historic to me. I mean, the clue is in the name really but it always intrigued me right up until I visited this year.

This intrigue quickly turned to excitement when I realised that you can actually go fossil hunting on the UNESCO-protected coastline .

The thing that makes this area so good for fossil hunting is that the eroding cliffs on this stretch of coast have actually been pushed way up out of the seabed to create a piece of land.

Nowadays, as the cliffs slowly erode, they scatter a whole range of fossils that are all along the beach for us all to find.

Keep your eyes peeled and be patient. On our last visit, Yaya and I collected about 10 different fossils! It’s just so crazy to think that you’re the first living being to lay eyes on these fossils for 92 million years.

Oh, also, I nearly forgot – don’t forget to pop across the Jurassic Coast to visit the famous Durdle Door , Old Harry Rock’s and grab a bite to eat (and/or stay) at the Pig on the Beach . It’s so gorgeous.

Read more: How to go fossil hunting in England

11.) Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is one of those places where you arrive and almost instantly fall into that relaxing beach vibe that makes Cornwall so great.

Whilst here, make sure to hike across the gorgeous coast, pop over to nearby Newquay and stay at the idyllic Watergate Bay Hotel.

Best of all, in Cornwall, you can book a fun surfing lesson in one of the best regions in England to surf.

Oh yeah, and if surfing is your thing then I’m positive you’ll love this spot. It really is one of the best places to visit in England… especially for sea lovers.

Read more: Visiting the Watergate Bay

12.) St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s (not to be confused with Mount Saint Michel in France ) is another of Cornwall’s gems that you should see. Perched on a tidal island, it’s possibly one of the prettiest and best places to visit in England.

Legend has it that a giant still inhabits the cave on the island. Folklore or not, it’s enough to put the heeby-jeebies in you when the sun begins to set.

Read more: Top spots to visit in Cornwall

13.) Robin Hood’s Bay

Perched just south of Whitby in Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay is one stunning and totally historic seaside village you have to visit.

Once a key smugglers’ village to bring in contraband items like alcohol, Robin Hood’s Bay still has a network of smuggler tunnels underneath the town itself.

Now, you can’t go in them today but it’s an incredible spot to visit and to learn more about the history of this age-old fisherman town. It really is one of the best places to visit in England.

Whilst in the area, make sure to visit Tea, Toast & Post for some tasty grub (their lunches are so good). Plus, they brew some of the best tea on the Yorkshire coast.

Read our full post on visiting Robin Hood’s Bay

14.) Castle Howard

Just a little shy of York , Castle Howard is truly a stunning castle to explore. You’ll honestly be blown away by how beautiful this place is and really is one of the best places to visit in England.

Once inside, head to some of the incredible rooms and experience a little slice of this stunning home.

During certain times of the year, Castle Howard hosts afternoon teas that are properly tasty and a real treat. Served with some piping hot Yorkshire tea, sweet treats and sandwiches it’s a lovely experience.

Although you might not be able to stay in Castle Howard , you can check into the beautiful Judges Court (In York ) that’s about 12 miles away.

Read more: Visiting Castle Howard

15.) London

I couldn’t forget to shout out London as one of the best places to visit in England, could I? I mean, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world and there’s so much to do that you’ll love.

If it’s your first time in London, make sure to check out some of the amazing neighbourhoods of; Covent Garden , King’s Cross , Notting Hill , Camden Town , Shoreditch , Peckham and Whitechapel .

Each of these neighbourhoods is totally unique and a great way to see the diversity that is London.

If you’re looking for some unique places, make sure to see some of London’s secret spots , its incredible markets , best bars and restaurants with a view . You’ll gorge on everything in sight!

Also, you can book yourself this gorgeous London cruise for a trip up the Thames. It’s a great way to see the city, especially at sunset.

Read more: Best things to do in London

16.) Holy Island

This has to be one of my favourite castles (and islands) in all of England. Perched on Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle is properly stunning to see in person.

There’s just something so magical about it (and yes, that’s really cheesy to say, but it does feel like that).

Once here, head for a hike across the incredible shoreline, pop over to Holy Island and explore the castle and finish your day off in Berwick Upon Tweed where you can grab a yummy bite at the Maltings Kitchen .

Read more: Best islands to explore in England

17.) Birmingham

Birmingham often gets missed by lots of people’s travel plans in favour of some of the other big-hitting spots like London (or Edinburgh , across the border in Scotland). With that being said, it’s only about 80 minutes from London by train and there are so many cool spots to see.

Whilst you’re there, make sure to explore the Coffin Works see Winterbourne House and Garden and gorge on all the food at Carters of Moseley – they make an epic Orkney scallops dish, the tastiest mousse pudding made out of Douglas Fir and some yummy cakes.

It really is a contender for the best places to visit in England.

Read more: Best things to do in Birmingham

18.) Cirencester

Cirencester is a historic market town that’s easily reached by car or by train from most places in England. It’s the kind of town you visit and somehow wonder have you’ve spent all day exploring. It’s one of my favourite market towns and possibly one of the best places to visit in England.

Once you’ve arrived, make sure to explore the Parish Church of St John Baptist, visit the Elemental Sculpture Park and pop into The Fleece for some of the tastiest grub.

For a beautiful place to rest your head, check into the historic Royal Oak which is in Tetbury (about 25 minutes away)

Read more: What to see in Cirencester

If you fancy a little galivant away from the hustle and bustle of London, rent a car or take the train to the gorgeous and totally historic town of Rye. In fact, even if you’re travelling around the south-east of England, I’d suggest a trip to Rye.

It’s one of the best places to visit in England if you love quaint towns and a history that dates back centuries. Just be sure to check out Mermaid Street with its gorgeous cobbled road, visit the antique shops all around the town and visit the Rye Castle Museum.

Afterwards, you can easily partner a trip to Rye with the likes of Camber Sands for a beach day; or even Bodian Castle for a little more history. Just be sure to plan your day well, it’ll be filled up in no time!

Read more: Best day trips from London

20.) Manchester

Manchester always feels like that cool cousin you see at family parties and always wanna hang around with. Always hip, trendy and totally cool.

The city has such a cool vibe and really is one of the best places to visit in England if you want to experience a vibrant city (outside of London, of course).

For a tasty bite to eat, pop into Umezushi which makes the best sushi in the north and gorge at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill which really will give you a good taste of Mancunian life.

If it’s football you’re into, book an Old Trafford Stadium tour that’ll take you around one of the world’s most famous clubs.

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20 Charming Cities in England You’ll Want to Explore Right Now!

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Despite its relatively small size as a country, England is packed full of interesting, historic and exciting cities just waiting to be explored. England is a varied country in terms of culture, dialect, cuisine and local lore. Each city will welcome you with ancient architecture perfectly contrasting against modern glass structures, winding streets, popular shops and cosy pubs.

Creativity and innovation are hugely important in England, with each city offering a range of museums covering science, history and the arts. Many of England’s cities have excellent nightlife, from hidden bars to some of the best live music venues in the world. As England’s cities are very well connected through public transport or rail links, seeing more than one major city during your trip to England is possible. Here are 20 cities in England that you cannot miss.

3- Birmingham

4- manchester, 5- liverpool, 6- newcastle, 7- nottingham, 8- leicester, 9- brighton, 10- bristol, 11- lincoln, 12- norwich, 15- canterbury, 17- cambridge, 19- colchester, 20- salisbury, cities in england.

• London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket – you must see this at least once.
• Manchester: City Center Canal Cruise – enjoy the city skyline from the water.
• Liverpool: City and Beatles Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket – a must-do for fans.
• Brighton: Brighton i360 Ticket – enjoy the views from a futuristic glass pod.
• Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath & Salisbury Tour from London – classic tour.

20 English Cities To Visit

London is England’s largest, most vibrant, culturally diverse and popular city.

London is visited by millions of tourists from across the globe each year, and it is easy to see why.

The city perfectly blends ancient traditions and architecture, modern and towering glass skyscrapers, cutting-edge fashion, excellent museums and delicious street food.

First-timers to London should take the time to see the most popular sights: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye , the Tower of London and Tower Bridge .

If you have visited before, explore London’s villages, small neighbourhoods across the city packed with independent shops, restaurants, cafes and some of the city’s best museums.

Stay at: Vintry & Mercer Hotel

Leeds is ideally placed to experience bustling city life in close proximity to the natural beauty of some of England’s best national parks.

When in the city, take to the streets and shop.

Leeds has an excellent range of stores from designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton and luxury department store Harvey Nichols to beautiful Victorian shopping arcades Grand, Queens and Thorntons.

A popular museum is the Royal Armouries, which has more than 8500 items from Britain’s armoury history, including items used in combat during the middle ages and armour for horses.

Top tour: Leeds: Emmerdale Village Set Guided Tour.

Stay at: Quebecs Luxury Apartments

The West Midlands city of Birmingham has a rich history in manufacturing that dates back to the Industrial Revolution.

Today the city is filled with museums, cultural venues and spectacular parks.

Visit the National Sea Life Centre to immerse yourself in the magic of the oceans.

The aquarium has the only 360-degree aquarium tunnel in the UK, where you can see their giant green turtle, guitarfish and rays swimming serenely.

Those interested in literature or steam trains should board the unique Shakespeare Express, a British steam train that transports visitors from Birmingham to Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon.

You will see spectacular countryside views during the journey and enjoy a delicious meal.

Top ticket: Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket

Stay at: The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Manchester has introduced the world to some of the best musicians and bands to come out of England, such as Oasis, The Smiths and The Stone Roses all come from Manchester, and their musical legacy can still be found in many of the city’s music bars and concert venues.

If you are a football fan head to one of Manchester’s two world-famous football grounds; Old Trafford for Manchester United and the Emirates for Manchester City.

Tours of both stadiums are offered, allowing visitors exclusive access to press areas, dressing rooms and dugouts.

Spend some time exploring the city’s Chinatown, located a few minutes walk from St Peters Square.

This area of the city is filled with bakeries, restaurants, shops and more linking to Chinese culture.

Grab a turtle-shaped pineapple bun from Wong Wong bakery for a delicious and authentic sweet treat.

Top tour: Manchester City Center Canal Cruise .

Stay at: Dakota Manchester

You cannot visit Liverpool without immersing yourself in Beatle Mania because The Beatles came from the city and many of its attractions centre around their ascent to fame.

Visit the Cavern Club, originally a jazz club that soon became a hub for rock and roll bands of the 50s and 60s, to see where the band performed many of their first UK gigs.

If you haven’t had your fill of the Beatles after visiting the Beatles Story and Cavern Club, head out on a Beatles Magical Mystery bus tour to take in their world.

Immerse yourself in arts at Tate Liverpool, in the historic Albert Dock.

The museum is filled with some of the best examples of British art from as early as the 16th century.

Plenty of modern art pieces are inside, and occasionally some sculptures appear on the docks themselves.

Top tour: City and Beatles Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket.

Stay at: The Resident Liverpool

For more ideas around England, read:

• 40 England Landmarks
• 20 Hidden Gems in London
• 20 Day Trips From London
• 20 Famous Landmarks in London
• 20 Things To Do In London At Night
• 20 Best Beaches In England
• 20 Things To Do In Portsmouth
• 20 Things To Do In Sheffield
• 20 Things To Do In Ipswich
• 21 Things To Do In Nottingham
• 20 Things To Do In Bristol
• How To Rent A Car In London
• Best Time To Visit England
• The Borough Markets
• Which London Museums Should I Visit?
• The Gore London Review
• 10 Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds
• 20 Things To Do In Southampton
• 20 Castles In London
• 21 Things To Do In Blackpool
• 20 Things To Do In Exeter
• 20 Best English Cities
• 20 Things To Do In Manchester
• 20 Things To Do In Newcastle
• 20 Things To Do In Leeds

Spend time in the north of England in Newcastle, which sits along the banks of the River Tyne.

Uncover the history of Newcastle and the surrounding area at the Great North Museum: Hancock, which is housed in a building dating back to the late 1800s and has one of the most important collections of natural history in England.

For some of the best views over the city, walk across the iconic Tyne Bridge and look downriver towards the Gateshead Millennium, a pedestrian bridge connecting the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts to the city.

Top ticket: Newcastle: Castle Entry Ticket .

Stay at: Hemples Lodge

Nottingham attracts thousands of tourists yearly to its streets in search of the famed legend Robin Hood.

Visit the Robin Hood Statue close to Nottingham Castle for a photograph with the iconic character.

Stop for a bite and a drink in one of the oldest pubs in England.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is believed to be dated from 1189 and is built into the rock face beneath the castle.

The pub takes advantage of several caves which were once used to brew the beer for the castle.

Take a short walk or bus ride from the city centre and call into Stonebridge City Farm.

This cute, volunteer-run farm is filled with friendly animals, including their resident cows and pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs that can be held, and a newly opened tortoise house for their 17-year-old tortoise, Kevin.

Stay at: Entire -4 Bedrooms Detached House

Uncover the mysteries of space at the National Space Centre, just outside the city, where you will find plenty of interactive exhibits, equipment used during space missions, rockets, and the chance to sample some astronaut food.

Learn about Britain’s royal history at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, which was opened in the city following the discovery of the body of the lost king in a car park.

The visitor centre has many displays documenting the king’s reign and the circumstances surrounding his death.

After indulging in history, enjoy some sweet treats in St Martins Square.

The square has many restaurants and cafes, including the award-winning Gelato Village, which serves authentic Italian ice cream.

Choose from a range of flavours, including Italian classics stracciatella and tiramisu, to more unique flavours such as lemon and basil or saffron.

Stay at: Beautiful, Entire Luxurious One Bedroom Flat

Enjoy the best of city life and the traditional English seaside in Brighton.

The city looks out across the English Channel, filled with Victorian seaside charm.

Make the most of this seaside destination and enjoy the attractions on Brighton Palace Pier.

The pier is packed with fairground rides, stalls selling candy floss and hot sugary doughnuts, and beautiful views across the sea.

For even better views, brave the journey to the top of British Airways i360 , a 138m (452.76ft) high tower with a unique doughnut-shaped pod that slowly travels up to the top of the tower, offering increasingly beautiful views as you climb.

Stay at: Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels

Marvel in the culinary delights of St Nick’s Market in the city’s centre, where you will find street food vendors selling everything from freshly pressed juices to Japanese gyoza.

The market also has many quirky stalls selling fabrics, second-hand books and fresh flowers.

Bristol is home to Banksy, who is a well-known street artist.

Explore the city independently or on a Banksy walking tour to find the pieces of his work still in the city.

Look out for ‘The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum’ and the eery ‘Grim Reaper’, which is displayed inside M Shed.

M Shed and the surrounding harbour should not be missed when in Bristol.

Take in the art on display in the gallery before exploring the waterfront and enjoying a meal with a view from one of the many eateries by the water’s edge.

Stay at: Woodcock Farm

Lincoln is one of England’s historic cities and remnants of its past can be found everywhere, from its architecture and landscaping to the narrow and winding cobbled streets.

Venture up Steep Hill, the 4th steepest hill in the country, to experience a truly picturesque street.

This cobblestone street is frequented by photographers trying to capture the beauty of the street, which is lined with independent shops and cafes and features old crooked buildings.

A must-visit site in Lincoln is the Cathedral, built in 1072 and one of the most iconic buildings in the city.

It’s one of the cathedrals that has caught the eyes of Hollywood with its classical Gothic design used in The Da Vinci Code and Young Victoria.

Stay at: Lincoln Holiday Retreat Lodge

Visit the Norfolk city of Norwich and enjoy its winding cobblestone streets and 16th-century architecture.

The city is filled with historic buildings, including 33 churches from medieval times, a Norman cathedral and, of course, Norwich Castle.

Today, the castle is a museum and art gallery with more than 1 million exhibits inside its walls.

You will find everything from stuffed polar bears to mummified cats within the museum and plenty of artworks from various British masters.

If you are feeling peckish, look no further than Norwich Market, the largest covered market in Europe.

The market is topped with colourful roofs, and inside, you will find various delicious foods like English chips with plenty of salt and vinegar.

Top tour: City Sightseeing Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

Stay at: Chloes Retreat

Bath is the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the United Kingdom.

This beautiful city was founded by Romans and still has their original 43AD Roman baths open to explore.

While you can’t bathe in the original Roman baths, as the city has unprecedented access to natural hot springs, you can enjoy the thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa.

The spa has a range of treatments accessing the natural thermal waters and includes a beautiful view over the city from its rooftop pool.

While in the city, make the most of its links to literature by walking in the footsteps of Jane Austen.

A dedicated museum to the author offers a glimpse into what life was like for the author as she penned some of her most famous books.

Top tour: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour with Blue Badge Tourist Guide .

Stay at: Chestnuts House Boutique B&B

York is considered one of England’s most historic and haunted cities and is perfect for exploring over a weekend.

If you are interested in all things paranormal, explore the city on an evening ghost tour, taking you to some of the city’s spookier sites.

Spend some time in the basement of the Treasurer’s House on a shorter ghost experience to learn about the Roman Soldiers who have been sighted there.

You can even take your own cute ghost home with you at The York Ghost Merchants, located on the narrow and cobbled The Shambles street.

Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea at traditional Yorkshire tearoom Betty’s.

Prepare to wait in a long queue before entering the beautiful art deco space and sampling a range of delicate sandwiches, sweet tarts and scones with plenty of jam and cream.

Top tour: River Ouse City Cruise .

Stay at: The Grand, York

Canterbury is a traditional cathedral city and a famous pilgrimage site, so it’s unsurprising that one of the best things to do in Canterbury is to visit the Cathedral, founded in 597.

The cathedral is predominately Gothic in style, however, it features Romanesque touches in the chapels and in many of its stained glass windows.

Walk along the old Canterbury city walls to get a feeling for the city during its founding.

The Romans built the walls during the 3rd century, with large stretches of wall and 24 towers remaining today.

To learn more about the Roman rule of Canterbury, visit Canterbury Roman Museum.

The museum is filled with artefacts found on a number of archeological digs across the city.

Top tour: Canterbury Guided Walking Tour.

Stay at: Cedar House Canterbury

Take the time to reflect and admire the beauty of Durham Cathedral, which sits atop a small hill and looks out over the city and the river below.

Inside the cathedral are many beautiful stained glass windows, paintings and statues.

Be sure to visit the cathedral quadrangle used in the Harry Potter films.

Wander down the cobbled streets towards the city’s centre, exploring its myriad of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Vennels, a fond favourite of locals, is a small independent cafe tucked away up a narrow passage just off Saddler Street.

Here you will find a range of freshly baked bread for sandwiches, filling-packed quiches and delicious cakes.

Arrive early to ensure you get a seat.

Round off your time in Durham by strolling along the River Wear to Crook Hall Gardens, a relaxing green space that feels miles away from the city.

Top tour: Local Legends & Cathedral Self-Guided Audio Tour.

Stay at: Durham Riverside Apartments

Cambridge is one of England’s most famous university cities, with its main campus buildings dating to 1209.

Explore the campus and its incredible buildings on a university tour, which takes in the spectacular Kings College Chapel and the ornate Italian Rood Screen, a gift from Anne Boleyn to her husband, King Henry III.

Punting along the River Cam has been a favourite pastime for residents and students in the city.

Book a punt tour and relax as you gently cruise past some of the city’s most beautiful buildings and bridges.

Top tour: Cambridge Alumni-led Colleges Tour & King’s College Option .

Stay at: Clopton Courtyard Cambridge

Another of England’s most famous university cities and rivals to Cambridge is Oxford.

The architecture surrounding Oxford University is unlike any other, with its numerous towering spires and turrets, ornate facades and overall grand appearance.

Visit the unmistakable Bodleian Library on a guided tour to explore one of the oldest libraries in Britain.

Some of the library’s buildings date from the middle ages, and its collection is equally antiquarian.

Once you have had your fill inside, be sure to take plenty of pictures outside.

Look out for the domed roof of the Radcliffe Camera, located nearby.

Unwind with a cream tea at The Grand Cafe, a beautiful tea room built on the site of England’s oldest coffee house.

Your cream tea is quintessentially English and consists of large, warm scones, plenty of jam and cream, and of course, a pot of tea or coffee.

Top tour: Oxford University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide .

Stay at: North Parade Avenue

Colchester is famed for its ties to Roman Britain and is considered Britain’s first city due to its importance during Roman rule.

Within the city are many surviving ruins of buildings and sections of the old Roman wall that surrounded it.

Continue uncovering Colchester’s history at Colchester Castle, which was built for William the Conqueror in 1070 on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius and today houses a museum dedicated to the city’s colourful history.

Stay at: Pheasant Suites

Salisbury is another beautiful medieval cathedral city in England.

The city is close to Stonehenge, a prehistoric stone circle still actively used by pagans during festivals today.

Call into the cathedral to admire the Magna Carta, a document that formed the foundation of the British constitution during the middle ages.

Wander the streets of the city centre with its cobblestones and 16th-century architecture.

Here you will find the city’s medieval market place which is still used each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and plenty of cosy pubs and cafes to call into. 

Top tour: Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath & Salisbury Tour from London .

Stay at: Purlins Holiday Apartment

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The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024

From charming seaside spots to bustling cities, we’ve got all the staycation inspo you need right here

For all the bucket list places around the world, it can be easy to forget that we actually have some pretty amazing places to explore right here on our doorstep. Sure, the British weather can have a mind of its own and train travel can leave a lot to be desired, but if you’re willing to put up with all of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what there is to discover. 

From quaint coastal towns with trailblazing restaurants and bustling cities with an edge of their own, to gorgeous islands that feel nothing like the UK , these are the parts of the country that should hands-down be on your staycation wishlist for next year. These places have thriving food, drink and arts scenes, they’re home to exciting new openings and they have plenty of big events for you to scribble into your calendar, pronto. 

Thinking of planning a holiday a little closer to home next year? By sifting through all of the hottest launches for next year and using our expert knowledge of cultural scenes around the country,  Time Out’s UK team has curated the very best British destinations for you to plan a trip to in 2024. And the best part? Y ou can visit most of them easily, cheaply and without having to catch a flight. Time to get booking!

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best  things to do in the UK 🏖️ The best  seaside towns in the UK 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in the UK

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Where to visit in the UK in 2024

1.  bristol.

Should we really be surprised that (apparently) everyone is moving to Bristol ? Its cultural scene is just as exciting as London ’s, but it’s still only a short coach journey away; it has picture-perfect streets and bustling, diverse nightlife. And i n 2024, its arts offering is only getting better. A musical adaptation of the 2006 film ‘ Starter for Ten ’ is coming to the renowned Old Vic theatre from February 29 to March 30, while   DIASPORA! , a brand new festival showcasing BIPOC global ethnic majority artists – across theatre, dance, music, visual and digital arts, as well as poetry and spoken word – is launching in May.   Undershed , a new immersive gallery, is on track to launch in Spring, and   Boxhall   – a street food, beer and events space by the same people who behind London’s   Boxpark   – will also open its doors.   

The perfect day Start with grabbing a coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters  before pottering around Gloucester Road and perusing the many shops (it’s the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe). Then, hop on a Bristol Ferry water bus tour  to see the city from the water . Finally, feast on a dinner of Spanish small plates at Bravas (or check out one of the city’s other excellent restaurants ), before heading out to rave the night away at one of the many DIY-style clubs . 

Plan your trip The 2024 edition of Bristol’s newest music festival, Forwards , takes place on August 31 and September 1. 2023 headliners included Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu and Raye .

📍 The best things to do in Bristol 🍴 The   best  restaurants in Bristol

2.  Hull

Hull became a surprising capital for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community in 2023. From  Monroe’s   to Unit 49 and Cherry’s – named after the late ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ star Cherry Valentine – an influx of new gay bars and clubs means Hull’s new Freedom Quarter is slowly growing its ecosystem of queer-friendly spaces. As well as its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, in 2017 the East Yorkshire city was also named the city of culture. It’s got The Deep , an enormous aquarium with 3000 species, a picturesque old town which survived the city’s relentless WWII bombings, and lots of up and coming indie art galleries like Ground and Artlink . Don’t sleep on Hull.

The perfect day  Get your caffeine fix at Still. by Two Gingers Coffee before having a wonder around Hull’s charming old town or pottering in the shops at Hepworth’s Arcade . After that, head to indie events space Ground to check out whatever arty happenings they have on. Finally, stop for a pint at Ye Olde White Hart before heading to one of the infamous 13-hour parties (yes, really) at Gate No. 5 .

Plan your visit Pride in Hull will take place on July 29, 2024. 

📍 The best things to do in Hull

3.  Isles of Scilly

A lot of people say that the Isles of Scilly are the British version of the Caribbean – and you know what? We’d totally agree. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is largely unspoilt, with white stretches of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities to go island hopping and dolphin spotting. But there’s more, too: head to the local museum to immerse yourself in the islanders’ deep sense of culture and tradition, sink yourself silly on local ales at seaside pubs or indulge your sense of adventure by snorkelling over the many under-the-sea shipwrecks. Bliss. 

The perfect day Travel to the islands by Skybus from Land’s End – it only takes 20 minutes, and there’s a gorgeous view. Once you arrive, make your way over to St Mary’s Riding Centre to take in the stunning scenery on horse-back. If that’s not your thing, hire bikes and explore the coastal trails of St. Mary’s islands before taking a transfer boat to St. Agnes to visit the Turks Head for a hearty pub lunch made using local ingredients. Once your food goes down? It has to be time for a swim.

Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours.

📍 The best places to visit in Cornwall

4.  London

Ah, good old London . No matter how many times you’ve visited or how long you’ve lived there, you’ll always find new things to discover in the capital. There are a tonne of new restaurants to feast at, all sorts of gorgeous hotel openings and plenty of fresh cultural things to do. Most notably, in 2024, you can dance at Drumsheds , the mammoth warehouse club housed in a former IKEA, catch a blockbuster exhibition – like Yoko Ono at the Tate Modern or The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum – and see epic new West End performances ( Mean Girls , anyone?).

The perfect day  For lunch, grab a delicious loaded sandwich at Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road for (or treat yourself to a boujee meal out at Morito ), before perusing the cute independent shops on Columbia Road and gawking over the even cuter animals at Hackney City Farm . Head over to Soho for a late-afternoon pint at the iconic French House , then round off your day with a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the newly opened Forza Wine at the National Theatre , before catching a play. 

Plan your trip Book tickets to see the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘ Spirited Away ’, taking place at the London Coliseum from April 30 until August 24.

📍 The best things to do in London 🍴 The best restaurants in London

5.  Belfast

The Norn Iron capital is criminally underrated. If you’re yet to discover its welcoming warmth and cultural vibrance, 2024 is the year to change that. Over the next twelve months Belfast has mega ambitions to deliver its biggest ever cultural celebration via a project dubbed ‘ Belfast 2024 ’. Set around the theme of ‘People, Place and Planet’, the whopping programme of 24 large-scale commissions and over 200 events, workshops and activities includes a collaboration with the Eden Project, a guerilla gardening scheme aimed at rewilding the peace walls in the west of the city and an immersive music showcase celebrating Belfast’s contemporary Black culture.

The perfect day Begin with a wholesome morning stroll through the Botanic Gardens , followed by a hefty brunch at Output . Then wander through the parliament buildings at Stormont and the monumental Titanic Belfast museum. In the evening, find your way to The Muddlers Club hidden within the historic back streets of the Cathedral Quarter, or if you’d rather eat in, order from cult favourite Mexican place Boojums . Round off the evening by grabbing a pint accompanied by some banging live music at the Dirty Onion .

Plan your trip  The cultural celebrations kick off from March and will run through to November. Make sure to be in the city on March 17 for an ‘enhanced’ edition of St Patrick’s Day shindigs.

📍 The best things to do in Belfast

6.  St Andrews

Forgive us for including two Scottish seaside towns in this list (see: number 14), but it’s a good excuse to plan a road trip, right? A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else. But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s also close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum . St Andrews has also been tipped to be a hit set-jetting destination for 2024 with the town featuring heavily in the final season of ‘ The Crown ’, thanks to it to being where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university. Fans, come this way.

The perfect day Line your stomach with a delicious fry up from Northpoint (which claims, like many places in town, to be where ‘Will met Kate’). Then, you’ll probably want to go for a lofty beach walk on West Sands, where ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, before returning to town for some fresh fish and chips from Cromar’s (if the weather allows, eat them on another nearby beach: Castle Sands). In the evening, catch a local show at The Byre Theatre  or sink some pints at one of the town’s many pubs: Aikman’s and Brew Co. are very good choices.

Plan your trip  V isit in July: most of the students will have left for the summer and you might actually get to enjoy the beach with some sun.

📍 The essential guide to Scotland

7.  Lewes

‘Like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England’: so said William Morris about Lewes in the 1800s. The sloping Sussex town has been a favoured haunt of artsy progressives, not least Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and the rest of the bohemian Bloomsbury set. In 2023, it gained a brand new cultural space in the form of Charleston in Lewes (head here in the new year to catch the ‘Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion’ exhibition, closing March 3). There’s more, too: as you wonder Lewes’ charming wonky streets you’ll stumble past the former home of Anne of Cleves, Lewes Castle , a hodgepodge of artisan stores and delicious foodie spots – as well as the most bonkers pub in the UK, the Lewes Arms.

The perfect day  Take the brand new Sussex Art Shuttle and travel a short distance outside of town to see Charleston Farmhouse , before heading back for a veggie burger at Bun and Bean and a pastry dessert from Flint Owl Bakery . Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the castle and Lewes Priory , then browse the independent shops in The Needlemakers . Finish with a meal and a movie at Depot .

Plan your trip  The stunning Glyndebourne Opera House is hosting a festival of world class opera from May 16 to August 25, while the incredible extravaganza that is Lewes Bonfire Night is taking place around November 5.

📍 The best things to do in Lewes

8.  Newcastle

There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn  and new brunch spot Cafeteria :  a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now. Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens. 

The perfect day  Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage , before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge. Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city. Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn . If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon. 

Plan your trip  The Newcastle Fringe 2024 will run from July 18 to  29. Catch shows at the very cool Northern Stage as well as a number of pubs. 

📍 The best things to do in Newcastle

9.  Falmouth

Falmouth has always been Cornwall’s cooler town. Home to Exeter and Falmouth university campuses, student life here has brought a bit of vibrancy and edge to the quiet cobbled streets – but there’s always been a glaring gap when it came to the question of nightlife. Recently, though – thanks to new music venue  The Cornish Bank  –  its late night credentials have shot up. From Klub Nos Lowen, a cult folk music night, to up and coming indie bands, this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.

The perfect day  Start with a paddle at Gyllyngvase Beach, then warm yourself up with a coffee at Gylly beach cafe . Then check out the independent boutiques and galleries on the high street. (Shout out to Mirri Damer jewellery and Wild Pony vintage.) After grabbing some grub from Harbour Lights fish and chips, head to Chain Locker for a harbourside pint before moseying on to a gig at The Cornish Bank. If you have time, pop in to Beerwolf too, a charming pub/bookshop.

Plan your visit  T he annual worm charming championship  (you read that right)  takes place in late May every year. The Sea Shanty Festival  takes place on June  14 to 16  2024, and Falmouth Week , an extravaganza of music, sailing and local culture, takes place on August  9 to 18 .

📍 The best things to do in Falmouth

10.  Manchester

Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet. After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug , and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum , 2024 is set to be another big one. The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live  which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform. And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof , in the Noma district in spring.

The perfect day  Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre). Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In , for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES .

Plan your trip  Head up some time between October 23 and 27 to catch the Worldwide Music Expo , which is set to attract over 2,600 big guns from the global music industry.

📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍴 The best  restaurants in Manchester

11.  Ramsgate

Last year it was all about Margate , but now, another neighbour has joined Kent’s roster of cosy, culture-filled seaside towns that everyone’s getting obsessed with. Enter: Ramsgate , a walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character. Check out one of its locally-run galleries and studios (including Level 11 , specialising in dog pics), and don’t miss filling up at one of its new food offerings: this year, bar/restaurant Seabird  arrived on the scene , as well as new monthly pop-up Catch at the Camden Arms , serving up a delightful seafood set menu. Oh, and the world’s biggest Wetherspoons is here. You heard us. 

The perfect day  Pull up at Ramsgate Station and stroll towards the seafront, stopping at The Modern Boulangerie on Harbour Street for brunch and a ridiculously good cinnamon roll. Take a coffee to go and spend time checking out Ramsgate’s indie shops, from the records at Vinyl Head to the pottery, books and glass at Island Vintage . Head to the harbour and head out on a seal-spotting boat trip , before grabbing a sunset pint at the Royal Harbour Brasserie . Finally, warm up with pub grub at The Bedford Inn  (top tip: you can rent a room at their brand-new hotel too). 

Plan your trip  Go when it’s sunny and try to catch the town’s  International Film Festival in June or the Festival of Sound in August. 

📍 The best things to do in Ramsgate

12.  Norwich

Hugged by the marshes and woodlands of Broads National Park, Norwich brings the ancient to the contemporary — from its cobbled alleyways and two dazzling cathedrals to the modern exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre and its Michelin-star prowess. In summer 2024,  Norwich Castle (which was apparently one of Europe’s most important mediaeval fortresses) is set to reveal the results of a mighty £15m revamp, due to include redecorated rooms and the restoration of its 12th century Norman keep. As the self-proclaimed ‘City of Stories’ and England’s first UNESCO City of LIterature, you’ll be enchanted by Norwich’s tale.

The perfect day  Order your morning drink of choice at Strangers Coffee then stop by the city’s 900-year old market on Gentleman’s Walk to check out the organic produce and food stalls. Save room for dessert so that you can enjoy elevenses at Figbar then take in the magnificent architecture of Norwich Cathedral and check out the curiosities hiding within the antique shops on Elm Hill. Round it all off with dinner from Grosvenor Fish Bar .

Plan your trip A c elebration of queer art and ideas, Queerfest Norwich is happening February 8 to 24.

📍 The best things to do in Norwich

13.  Alnmouth

For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet. Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet. Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.

The perfect day Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s. Then stop by the Ferry Hut , a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear. Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House .

Plan your trip Alnmouth Arts Festival  is happening on June 15 and 16, with more than 50 designers and craftspeople exhibiting their work in venues throughout the village.

14.  Ullapool

A tiny village and port around 45 miles from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides. But there’s more to this place than just hiking boots and anoraks. Ullapool also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland’s most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant  The Dipping Lugger  attracting foodies from far and near. The town was recently chosen as one of Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in Europe, so get down soon.

The perfect day Wrap up warm and drive over to the foot of Stac Pollaidh mountain, with its spectacular peak of Torridonian sandstone. Reward yourself with a packed lunch on the top after a two-hour climb, before heading home and warming up in The Ferry Boat Inn  where you can enjoy a slap-up dinner with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat.

Plan your trip The next Baile/Baile club nights take place on February 3 and March 2, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting DJ talent.

15.  Wrexham

Who’d have thought a small Welsh city would have been taken over by Hollywood celebs and become the subject of an extremely popular Disney+ documentary? Wrexham, home to the formerly flailing football club Wrexham AFC, became one of the UK’s hottest tourist destinations after A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. The city is also home to St Giles’s, one of the most stunning churches in Wales. Then there’s the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a huge 18-arched stone and cast iron structure carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee – and two National Trust properties, Erddig Parkland and Chirk Castle . In 2024, the national Football Museum for Wales is also expected to open, with exhibitions on Welsh language communities, fan culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The perfect day Start the day at Aussi brunch spot Lot 11 . After fueling yourself, you’re obviously going to want to check out The Racecourse, the stadium that’s home to Wrexham AFC. Then you’ll need to grab a pint at The Turf , the football team’s pub of choice. For the afternoon, hop in the car for a 20 minute drive to check out the gorgeous views from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and surrounding World Heritage Site.

Plan your trip Wrexham Feast , an annual food and drink festival, takes place in late September.

📍 The best things to do in Wrexham

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St Mary's Guildhall ranked among best places to visit on Tripadvisor for second year running

St Mary's Guildhall was given the Travellers' Choice Award for 2024

• 09:59, 13 SEP 2024

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A Grade I-listed attraction in Coventry has been ranked among TripAdvisor's best places for the second year. 14th-century heritage venue St Mary's Guildhall has been awarded the Travellers' Choice Award.

The venue has received positive feedback and is ranked alongside iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum. The award is presented to destinations ranked in the top 10 percent of worldwide listings on the online review site.

St Mary's Guildhall is one of England's best-preserved medieval guildhalls. It boasts a diverse history with many uses throughout the year, from an English Civil War armoury to a Victorian soup kitchen.

Read more: Coventry's oldest pub that has 'cosy fireplaces' and is the 'perfect place' for a drink and conversation

Heritage and venue manager at St Mary's Guildhall, Abi Moore, said: "We are incredibly grateful to all who visited and left positive reviews over the last year to help us retain this award. We have a fantastic team who do their best to help all guests make the most of their visit, and this is recognition of the brilliant job they do.

"There is so much history preserved in our building and we are all about helping people discover the hidden stories from the city’s, and indeed Britain’s, past. We are now looking forward to an exciting summer with a host of activities planned to help families and visitors from across the country discover St Mary’s Guildhall," she added.

For more information about St Mary's Guildhall, visit the official website here. The address for St Mary's Guildhall is Bayley Ln, Coventry CV1 5RN. The venue is open 10am-5pm on weekdays, and 10am-4pm on weekends.

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The Best Things to Do in Madagascar

I recently had a comment on one of my Madagascar blogs , it was kind of rude, but also gave me the push to write this post! So this one’s for you ‘John’.

I’ve been to Madagascar a couple of times now, and I’m heading back for a month next year! It’s an incredible country, with plenty of culture, amazing wildlife, unique plant life, and diverse ecosystems – so there’s always plenty to do and there are some things you can’t see or do anywhere else in the world! Yes, Madagascar is truly special.

So here are some ideas for places to see and things to do in Madagascar, but just be aware, it’s a huge country, so when planning a trip, you either need a lot of time (to explore everywhere I list here, you need around, at least, 6 weeks) or best to focus on a few key activities or areas and build your trip around those.

PS. Did you know that I organise Madagascar group trips? Click here for details of the South & East Madagascar trip. And here for details of the West & North Madagascar trip.

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

Visit the Avenue of the Baobabs

One of the most iconic things to do in Madagascar is to visit the very photogenic ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ which is conveniently located near to the town of Morondava in the west of the country.

The best time to visit is generally around sunset and sunrise, when the light is just right! It does get very busy (especially around sunset) so you need to be very lucky or patient to get photos with no-one else in., especially if you go at the more popular times.

I was lucky enough to capture this shot as we drove through in the late morning on our way to a local village. The light wasn’t ideal, but there were no other tourists around, so we managed to get a few good pictures!

Also, Morondava is also a great place to visit in itself and easily accessible by plane from Antananarivo.

Visit a Vezo Village

If you’ve read my blog, you’ll know that I love the cultural side of travel just as much as the landscapes and wildlife. One of the highlights of my trip was spending a day in a Vezo village. The Vezo people are a semi-nomadic tribe living along the southern coast of Madagascar, and the word ‘vezo’ literally means ‘to live with the sea.’

We spent the day with the tribe, dancing, listening to local music, visiting a traditional Malagasy healer, getting our faces painted in the traditional Malagasy style (Masonjaony) and eating delicious Malagasy food.

Travel Down the Tsiribihina River by Boat

If you are looking for an incredible and very local type of experience in Madagascar, then what could be better than taking a multi-day trip down the Tsiribihina River, camping along the river bank, spending evenings around the fire and meeting the local people?

The trip usually takes 3 days, 2 nights (by motorised boat – longer if canoeing) and there are waterfalls, natural pools, tobacco plantations and lemurs to see along the way!

My friend (and fellow guide) Laura did this last year and said it was AMAZING, so I’ve added it into the Rock My Madagascar Adventure (West & North) , so me and a few adventurous souls will be doing this very trip soon – you can join us!

Explore the Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park

One of the most unique experiences in Madagascar is visiting Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible razor-sharp rock formations, found only in Madagascar. The word “tsingy” translates to “walking on tiptoes” or “place where you can’t walk barefoot,” which perfectly describes the rugged terrain.

The journey to the park is an adventure in itself, involving a bumpy ride along Madagascar’s notorious secondary roads and crossing rivers on small car rafts — the perfect ‘Type 2’ fun experience for adventurous travellers.

Most people stay in Bekopaka and travel the 1 hour or so to visit the Grand Tsingy. The park is only accessible in the dry season . You can also explore the nearby Petit Tsingy and the dramatic Gorges of the Manambolo River.

Visit the Kirindy Forest Reserve

Between Bekopaka and Morondava is the Kirindy Forest Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including eight lemur species, such as the famous Verreaux’s sifaka and the red-fronted brown lemur. You can also spot the narrow-striped mongoose, the giant jumping rat (my friend had one in her room – ha ha) , and Berthe’s mouse lemur, the smallest primate in the world.

One of the most famous creatures in Kirindy is the fossa (said like “foosa”), Madagascar’s largest predator, which many people will recognise from the movie Madagascar. These elusive animals are more frequently seen here than in other parts of the island, especially during their mating season from October to November.

Visit the Islands Around Nosy Be

A must-do in Northern Madagascar is to visit the island of Nosy Be and the surrounding smaller islands. This area of Madagascar is both beautiful and teeming with wildlife.

Nosy Be is the main island, where you’ll find an international airport. Nosy Be has so many activities on offer and is a great place to base yourself for some of the activities the islands are famous for – visiting the Lokobe National Park and swimming with whale sharks, dolphins and seeing humpback whales.

The whale sharks generally visit the islands between September and December and the humpback whales between August and November.

Nosy Be is lively, much busier and built up than the other islands. And whilst it is beautiful and easy to get to, I didn’t like the Nosy Be nightlife. Much of the crowd seemed to be made up of (old) European men and (very young) Malagasy women (or girls). Take from that what you will – I think that needs a separate post!

Nosy Komba (aka Nosy Ambariovato or ‘Lemur Island’) is a wonderful little island, covered in rainforest. We stayed on the north of the island, near to the village of Ampangorinana, where you’ll find the Lemur Park. Black lemurs are highly protected on the island and very used to humans.

Nosy Iranja, is known locally as ‘Turtle Island’. It encompasses two main islands that are connected by a white sandbank, which is visible at low tide. It’s very common to see hawksbill and green turtles swimming in the waters around the island (which we did).

Nosy Tanikely is a tiny island but with incredible snorkelling, right off the beach! We saw tons of fish, and turtles. Nosy Sakatia (where we stay on the RMA tour) is very near to Nosy Be, but much quieter. The island has no roads and is where you’ll find the Ambohibe Turtle Reserve.

Then a bit further away is Nosy Ankazoberavina, a nature reserve with a great eco-lodge. It is a marine park and breeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles, and has resident black lemurs.

Hear the Indris Cry in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

A trip to Madagascar would not be complete without a visit to one its rainforests. And one of the best is Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which has 11 species of lemur, including the indri, Madagascar’s biggest lemur species, whose haunting calls echo around the forest.

The park is made up of Mantadia National Park and Analamazoatra Reserve (also known as Andasibe – named after the village). It’s also close to the Mitsinjo Reserve, where David Attenborough observed and filmed the indris, and Lemur Island, a lemur sanctuary where you can get up close to a variety of lemurs.

Explore the Capital Antananrivo

Unless you are flying into Nosy Be and just exploring the the north of the country, you’ll likely need to spend some time in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo.

Antananarivo, or ‘Tana’ for short is a great place to get acquainted with the interesting and very unique Malagasy culture . Some of the activities to do there include a chocolate making workshop, the famous Lemurs’ Park or a taking a Malagasy cooking class with Tana Kitchen .

Doing a tour of the city is also a good option. You can visit places like the Photographic Museum, the Queen’s Palace and Analakely Market. For souvenirs, there’s no better place than Andravoahangy Market on Route Digue. There are also plenty of good restaurants too, so you can get your cheese fix!

Explore the Towns of Antsirabe, Ambositra and Fianarantsoa

Whilst a lot of the best things to do in Madagascar centre around nature and wildlife, the towns are also very interesting too! I really enjoyed exploring Antsirabe, Ambositra and Fianarantsoa.

Antsirabe is a great place for trying a pousee-pousse (rickshaw) ride, visiting local markets and hiking around beautiful Lake Tritriva. Ambositra is full of wonderful woodcarving artisans and Fianarantsoa is a picturesque hillside city, renowned for its historic churches, traditional houses, and vibrant vineyards.

Visit Ranomafana National Park

One of my favourite places to visit in Madagascar, was the town of Ranomafana. In Malagasy, ‘ranomafana’ means ‘hot water’, due to the number of hot springs in the area. The town lies next to Ranomafana National Park, a beautiful rainforest which is home to 12 species of lemur.

The town has a great feel to it, and running through it is the Andranaroa River, a shallow, natural lazy river that if perfect for canoeing. We had a hilarious trip down the river – let’s just say the rafts aren’t the best and the river is very shallow.

And let’s not forget the local hot springs and the nearby vanilla plantation.

See King Julien at Anja Reserve

One of my absolute highlights of Madagascar was seeing it’s most famous residents – the ring-tailed lemurs.

You can see them in a few places, including Lemurs’ Park in Antananarivo or Lemur Island in Andasibe, but my favourite was seeing them at Anja Community Reserve, which lies south of Antananarivo! It’s a community-managed wildlife reserve in Madagascar’s central highlands.

The park itself is quite beautiful, with stunning granite mountains – it reminds me a bit of Spitzkoppe in Namibia – but with ring-tailed lemurs running about the place. The lemurs are habituated, so they’re not scared of humans, meaning you can get quite close to them.

The park is a great place for hiking too, with plenty of trails and gorgeous scenery! Plus it’s easy to get to, lying just off the RN7 road.

Go Hiking in Isalo National Park

One of mine and my groups favourite places in Madagascar was Isalo National Park. There are several hiking options available, allowing you to choose between longer or shorter hikes based on your preferences and fitness.

Along the way there are plenty of beautiful views to take in, natural pools for wild swimming and you may even spot some lemurs if you’re lucky! I would also book yourself a hotel with a pool to cool off in after your hike!

I would also suggest visiting Window Rock!

Visit the Small Fishing Village Anakao

One of the places I loved on my first visit to Madagascar was the small fishing village of Anakao, which is easily reached by boat from the town of Toliara (aka Tulear). I didn’t love Toliara, but Anakao was beautiful, quiet and peaceful. The sunrise swims here were some of the best I’ve ever done!

There’s not a lot to do in Anakao itself, apart from relax, swim, snorkel, go whale watching (in season) and take boat trips (the nearby island of Nosy Ve is a great place to spot red-tailed tropicbirds) but that’s just what you want after a long trip through Madagascar!

We stayed at a great place called Peter Pan. The Italian owner, Dario, is a real character!

Visit the Villages of Ifaty

Ifaty, located just north of Toliara, consists of the fishing villages of Mangily and Madio Rano. It is one of the top spots in Madagascar for humpback whale watching, especially between June and September, with the peak season occurring in July and August.

This stunning region of Madagascar features pristine white sandy beaches lined with palm trees along the Mozambique Channel.

See the Amazing Rock Formations of the Red Tsingy

If you’re visiting northern Madagascar, a cool thing to do is to visit the Red Tsingy (or Tsingy Rouge). This is a natural and unusual rock formation made up of red laterite, which has been shaped by the elements.

Prepare to spend a (hot) hour and a half or so walking through the park, which is located near to Amber Mountain National Park, the town of Joffreville and very close to the village of Sadjoavato.

Visit the Northern Port City of Antsiranana

Another interesting thing to do in Madagascar is to visit the port city of Antsiranana, which is also called Diego Suarez, after two Portuguese explorers (Diego and Suarez) who were the first Europeans to ‘discover’ the Big Island in 1500.

The city is located in the far north of the country and is a good place to fly to (from Tana) if you’re planning to explore the northern region.

As well as exploring the city, I recommend visiting the Three Bays (Sakalava Bay, Pigeons Bay, and Dunes Bay), the Emerald Sea and Ramena Beach. We stayed both in the city and at an cool lodge just outside, called Jungle Park.

Ankarana Special Reserve

One of my favourite stops in northern Madagascar was the Ankarana Special Reserve. Ankarana is one of the most accessible limestone Tsingy regions in Madagascar and known for having great hiking routes. Amongst the Tsingy you’ll find lemurs, gorges and rivers, as well as Africa’s largest interconnected cave network.

We stayed in a wonderful luxury, but very rustic lodge called Iharana Bush Camp, which was right on a lake. One of my most fun memories was taking a boat trip at sunset, followed by sundowner drinks, dancing and music. They also had mozzarella on the menu, which is also a big plus in my eyes.

Relax on the Beaches of Nosy Boraha aka Île Sainte-Mari e

Unlike all of the other places I’ve mentioned, I haven’t been here personally, however I’ll include it as everybody I know who has been, raves about this lovely, untouched island.

I’ve heard it’s a real paradise and its also one of the best places in Madagascar to see the humpback whales who migrate to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean between June and September.

There’s also beautiful beaches and bays, a pirate graveyard, diving, kitesurfing and other smaller islands to explore nearby.

Sample the Local Food

The food in Madagascar is pretty good overall, with a fusion of African, Asian and European cuisines. I particularly loved the street food – especially bonbon coco and these deep friend potato and (I think) spring onion balls! Rice is always on the menu, I’m not a big rice fan, but I did eat a lot of it!

One thing you will see everywhere, is zebu. Zebu is the cattle that they have in Madagascar and they are integral to Malagasy life. The cows are used for transport, dowries, wealth and food (milk, generally and meat on special occasions). If you find a good zebu steak, it’s delicious, but can also be quite tough if overcooked.

Other Madagascar posts you might enjoy…

• The Best Time to Visit Madagascar
• Things to Know Before You Visit Madagascar
• Madagascar Travel Guide
• From Africa, With Love – Postcards from Madagascar
• My Top 12 Best African Countries to Visit
• The Safest Places in Africa

If you’d like to join one of the Rock My Madagascar Adventure tours you can  find out more here .

I hope this gives you some ideas for things to do in Madagascar! Any more suggestions? Leave them in the comments below!

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I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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