20 Beautiful Places in The UK • (2024 Edition)

If you’re travelling to the UK, make sure you get yo’ ass to Cornwall. This historic castle is perched on a small island just off the Cornish coastline of Marazion and easily ranks in the top ten places to visit in the UK.

Now a well-loved family estate, the ancient castle has a rich legacy dating back to 1135. Going back even further to 495AD, the island tells tales of mermaids, Jack the Giant Killer, as well as pilgrims and monks. They were lured to the island after four miracles occurred in the 12th century. 

Whether you believe in spiritual energies and miracles or not, this fabled island really is worth learning a bit more about.

Getting to the island is an adventure. With a causeway submerged underwater at high tide, you’ll have to time your visit to walk the fifteen minutes at low tide or travel via boat.

To visit the castle itself, you need to book a ticket online. This will give you full access to the castle, the gun batteries, gardens, museum shops, and cafes. For sure worth the visit, and one of my fav things to see in Cornwall!

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Truth be told, I can’t think of a place that gives me as much inner peace and happiness as Hampstead Heath. Maybe because it is an impossible respite in the midst of one of Europe’s largest and most busy cities. This wooded park is easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK. 

If you’ve got some spare time and are looking for a place to stay in London for the day – head here.

Located in north London in the Hamstead hood, the heath is a wild park made up of woodlands, meadows, and forests. While in the heart of the city in London’s Zone Two, this area was once a rural village on the periphery of the city. As the city population swelled, so did the land, and Hampstead became a part of the metropolis.

In the early 18th century, the city dug wells and built a spa in the park. It was believed that the iron-rich water held medicinal powers. While the spa is no longer, people still flock to the heath to swim in the Hampstead and Highgate Ponds, which are divided into male and female swimming zones.

If Dunnottar Castle takes you straight into an episode of Game of Thrones, it’s because some scenes from the TV series were shot here. And for good reason. The impressive medieval fortress is perched on top of a rocky headland overlooking the northeastern coastline of Scotland. 

Historically speaking, you don’t get many more significant castle complexes than this one. It hosted some of the UK’s most historical figures, including Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace. 

The castle is best known for being the location where the crown jewels of Scotland (the Honours of Scotland) were hidden from an invading army in the 17th century. Stroll through the unassuming medieval ruins, and you’ll learn exactly why they were hidden here. 

The buildings that still stand today are mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries. But the chapel at Dunnotar is said to have been constructed as far back as the 5th century. This is somewhere every history lover should visit!

Once you’ve taken in the castle, head to the coastal path and view the castle from the perspective of enemy armies for a plot twist!

Considered one of the most iconic and unique places to visit in the UK, the White Cliffs of Dover really do deserve this prestigious title.

Over seventy million years ago, this region was completely submerged by a shallow ocean. The sea bottom, which was made of white mud, later became a chalky stone that makes up the white cliffs you see today. Talk about the world’s largest chalkboard!

What makes these chalky cliffs so iconically British? Well, before air travel, the cliffs would be one of the first and last sights of the United Kingdom of seafaring passengers arriving at and departing from the island.

The best way to experience this natural phenomenon is to walk along the coastal path towards the South Foreland Lighthouse. 

But wait, there’s more! If hiking gets you excited, there is a relatively easy 3.6-mile loop that starts near Dover in Kent. It takes 90 minutes to complete and will open your eyes to the local flora and fauna in the area.

At just over 2 hours away, it makes for a nice little day trip from London. Once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’re in a totally different country!

English icons step aside because the leader of the pack has arrived. Stonehenge is inextricably intertwined with English heritage.

These abstractly arranged stone pillars, resting on each other in a way that can make you believe in aliens, are one of Europe’s most prehistoric structures and mysterious places.

Dating back to 3000 BC, the stones have confused archaeologists and scientists for centuries. In fact, we still aren’t exactly sure how these stones ended up here. What we do know is that they are one of the most unique places to visit in the UK.

The most likely theory is that Stonehenge was a historic site of worship. Listen, if you have any insider knowledge, please contact us before you hit up the UK Historical Society!

Booking tickets is essential since this attraction is now a real tourist hub. I recommend visiting at sunrise for spectacular views of the sun shining through the ancient sculptures. My last sunrise visit happened to coincide with the summer solstice and an interesting group of self-proclaimed witches, which really added to the mystical feeling of it all.

The stones are near Salisbury, around two and a half hours from London or an hour and a half from Bristol. Stonehenge from London is doable in a day.

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As far as castles go, Windsor Castle is the cool kid on the block. Standing for over 900 years, Windsor is the most continually lived-in castle in history. Even though it’s where the British royal family lives and is a working castle, the palace is still open for visitors daily.

The royal residence is located in Berkshire, stretching five acres along the River Thames. It’s just a short 25 miles from the centre of London, making it an absolute must-visit.

One of the best ways to see Windsor Castle is to join a day tour which takes you to Stonehenge AND Bath on the same day, result.

Make sure to catch the changing of the guard ceremony. The change happens each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11 a.m. (although there can be last-minute changes).

Some of my favourite facts about this iconic property are that the castle has 300 fireplaces and close to 400 clocks (imagine the perilous task of changing the clocks for daylight savings). Back to the fireplaces, all 300 of them are lit and cleaned by one guy. What a job!

Not to mention, its kitchen is the oldest in the UK and is home to an art collection housing the works of Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Impressed yet?

Thrillseekers and adventurers, this one is for you! Covering 823 square miles, nine mountain ranges, and 74 miles worth of coastline, Snowdonia is one of the most impressive national parks in the UK, and the biggest in Wales.

For the hikers, the rugged slate mountain pass at Llanberis Pass runs around five miles from Llanberis to the Pen-y-pass. Pack your hiking shoes and trek the route, passing the idyllic town of Betws-y-Coed for a cold pint along the way.

Another exquisite landscape in the park is the Llyn Glaslyn. Translated to Blue Lake in Welch, this alpine lake is believed to be the location where King Arthur had his sword Excalibur thrown into. 

Snowdonia also boasts a heritage spanning centuries of English history. From remains of the Industrial Revolution mines and quarries to hidden castles and Roman forts, there is plenty to explore in this massive area.

Head to Dolgellau for a bite to eat. The charming village might just be one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Positioned at the foothills of the Cadair Idris along the River Wnion, the brick village offers a taste of what it would be like to live in Snowdonia.

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You heard right; we’re talking about the city home to one of the world’s most famous universities. Naturally, Oxford is the intellectual capital of the UK. Not only is it home to the world’s oldest English-speaking educational institution but also the country’s largest bookshop.

The university was allegedly founded by Alfred the Great in 872 after a long debate with some monks. But it was only in the 12th century that the school became what it is today, attracting some of the world’s most famous scholars and teachers.

Walk in the footsteps of Nobel-prize winners, politicians, and literary stars as you explore the enormous hallways and lecture theatres at the university. One of the most impressive rooms has to be the grand library. If I could study in this hall, I would never allow myself to graduate!

A day tour of Oxford City and University makes for a memorable day, and one I can recommend.

But it’s not all about education here. The architecture in this gothic city is the real standout attraction. Here, you will find some of the best preserved medieval, Baroque, and Gothic buildings intertwined with an eclectic mix of modern structures.

Hold the phone. Are we still in England?

While the Isles of Scilly might look like the Greek islands, they are indeed located just off the coast of Cornwall. What looks like an archipelago in the tropics, the Isles of Scilly include five inhabited islands and plenty of deserted isles and sandbanks waiting to be explored.

Each island has its own unique charm and feel, but they all have a super friendly and relaxed ambience.

The largest of the islands, St. Marys, is the hub of the region, with a big town centre and plenty of shops and restaurants. With hardly any cars and a small elevation, this island is a hot spot for hiking and cycling and is one of UK’s hidden gems.

From the harbour, you could catch a boat to any of the other main islands. Do yourself a favour and pop past Tresco, the archipelago’s most stylish and sophisticated islands. This island is best known for its Abbey Garden, home to over twenty thousand sub-tropical plants. 

Bryher is an island of contrasts, with endless coves and bays to explore by kayak. Oh, and the art studio here perfectly captures the beauty of the islands.

Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the UK’s most important historical and cultural attractions. Why, you ask? Well, this small picturesque town in the countryside is the birthplace of literary icon William Shakespeare, where he wrote several of his classic plays and books.

Its history goes way further back than Shakespeare, beginning when the Saxons founded the town in the 7th century.

The town looks today as it did hundreds of years ago, steeped in history with its old timber Tudor homes, cosy restaurants and pubs, and lush gardens. Stroll around the quintessentially English streets and along the idyllic canal, which is home to plenty of swooning swans. 

It wouldn’t be a classic Stratford upon Avon trip without a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. With regular evening shows hosted throughout the year, this classic tourist activity is totally worth the hype.

Other than the obvious (visiting Shakespeare’s theatre and house, that is), make sure you pay the Bancroft Gardens a visit. If there’s one thing the Brits know how to do well, it’s curate an exquisite English garden.

Pure tranquillity is what awaits you at the Fairy Pools. Nestled in a hidden valley in Scotlands Isle of Skye, Fairy Pools are a series of freshwater pools and waterfalls that will quickly transport you into your favourite fairytale.

At the border of Snowdonia National Park and the Dwyryd Estuary in Northern Wales, Portmeirion is a resort town inspired by the Italian Riviera. With its Riviera-inspired houses, manicured gardens, and central piazza, the hotel-village is a theme park for those who appreciate tasteful architecture.

Grab your towel and sunnies and head for one of Cornwall’s best beaches. Pedn Vounder Beach is set below the Treryn Dinas cliffs and boasts some seriously turquoise water. I’m talking tropical vibes in the middle of the UK! What are you waiting for?

Portree is the most significant town on the Isle of Skye. Head for the quaint cottages along the Portree Harbor to enjoy a meal while watching the fishing boats come and go. This is easily one of the most unique places to visit in the UK.

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Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you! One look at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and you’ll be transported into the world of wizardry.

Watch the Jacobite Steam Train toot its way across the viaduct, or hop on board for an even more immersive Potter experience.

Ever imagine one of the world’s best beaches would be in Wales? I sure didn’t.

Perhaps it’s because of its gorgeous cliffside setting surrounded by pine trees or the fact that it is hardly ever busy. For whatever reason, this peaceful bay in Pembrokeshire is well worth the trip.

Wander through the idyllic Micheldever Wood, famous for its ancient woodlands and diverse bird and insect species. I recommend visiting this beautiful place in the UK during spring when a carpet of wildflowers covers the forest floor. This one is a gem for the nature lovers!

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With its white sand and turquoise water, you might mistake Kynance Cove for an island in the Indonesian archipelago. Located around Mount’s Bay in Cornwall, the cove is regularly featured on the list of top beaches in the world – once you visit, you’ll see why!

Ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the footsteps of your favourite fairytale characters? Well, if there ever was a place to do this, it would be the Dark Hedges. Planted in the eighteenth century, these trees are as eerie as they are stunning.

To top things off, there really are few villages as picturesque as Shaftesbury in Dorset. As far as streets go, Gold Hill really is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. The steep cobblestone street is lined with historic thatched homes, overlooking incredible views of the Dorset countryside below.

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The UK has an extensive public transport system that connects major cities and regions, as well as inner-city transport that makes getting around a breeze! The ‘tube’ better known as the London Underground is one of the least beautiful places in the UK… but pretty cool.

Driving in a big city like London is a no-go, but I highly recommend renting a car to explore regions like the Lake District, Cornwall, the countryside, and the Scottish highlands.

That said, distances are big (especially when travelling from north to south). The train service is super efficient, linking London and Edinburgh in five to six hours, starting at around £40 one-way. 

Budget airlines are also an option, but they are no-bueno for the environment. Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air are the most popular. A direct flight from Bristol to Glasgow will take only one hour and cost around £50.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the UK’s most beautiful places.

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There is no way around it; the UK is like a gold mine of beauty. From the lush valleys, moors, and lakes to the charming countryside and iconic cities, it’s all magnificent. Your biggest issue will be narrowing down where you most want to visit.

For a real town and country experience, I absolutely love strolling the picture-perfect streets of Gold Hill in Shaftesbury. Surrounded by classic countryside views, there really is no place more quintessentially English.

If you’re a nature lover like me though, I would say you MUST visit Cornwall and all its stunning beaches in the summertime. Kynance Cove is my personal favourite Cornish spot.

Hopefully, this extensive guide to the most beautiful places in the UK (historical monuments and natural phenomena alike) will make your itinerary planning a bit less daunting.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!