22 Best Things to do in the United Kingdom

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom? You’re in for a treat.

The UK might look small on a map, but it’s packed with incredible places to explore! It’s made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own unique sights, but this can make planning a trip feel overwhelming! 

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do across the United Kingdom. London is a logical starting point for your travels, but no trip to the UK really feels complete without venturing beyond the capital, so we’ve included a wide variety of scenic and cultural activities. Let’s go!

Best Things to do in the United Kingdom

1. Step inside the Tower of London and see the crown jewels 

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most important historic landmarks, with nearly 1,000 years of royal history packed inside its walls. It’s also one of the country’s most visited sites – pretty much every British kid went here on a school trip at some point! 

Many dramatic historical events have taken place here over the years. It was originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and it has famously served as a prison for high-profile figures, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. At one point, it even functioned as an exotic zoo – yes, really.

Safe to say, this place has played a major role in British history. Today, though, the Crown Jewels are the main draw here. This glittering collection of crowns, scepters, and ceremonial treasures is still used during royal coronations, and seeing them up close is pretty special! They’re displayed inside the Jewel House, which tends to get busy later in the day, so it’s definitely worth arriving early if you can. Just know beforehand that you aren’t allowed to take photos of the Crown Jewels.

Because it’s such a popular attraction, we highly recommend booking this top-rated tour! It includes entry, so we didn’t have to wait in ticket queues, but, better still, we were shown around by one of the iconic Beefeater guards. How cool is that? We saw the Crown Jewels, the medieval White Tower, and its displays of historic armor and weapons, and enjoyed great views across the River Thames from the battlements.

2. Eat your way around London’s historic markets

One of the best ways to experience London’s food scene is by visiting its historic markets. Of course, you’ll find plenty of classic British comfort food around, but London is a very multicultural city, so you’ll also be able to try dishes from all over the world! 

Borough Market is definitely the most famous of the bunch. It sits right near London Bridge, and it has been around for centuries in one form or another! You can tuck into a classic British pie from the Pie Minister stall or queue up for some Humble Crumble, which is all the rage among UK foodies. 

But it’s not all about Borough! There are tons of other markets to check out. Old Spitalfields Market in East London has a bit more of a polished feel with craft goods, higher-end shops, and bars dotted around, along with all of the food. I had the most amazing chicken pho here. 

Meanwhile, Mercato Metropolitano is a global food market with three locations around the city. It tends to stay open late, and there’s a fun, upbeat vibe, so it’s perfect for dinner and drinks. And don’t forget Camden Market, which is known for being a bit rough around the edges, but in a cool, edgy way. 

If you’d like a bit more structure (and local insight), this London Bridge & Borough Market Food Tour is a great option. All of the yummy food definitely changed our minds about the “bad British food” stereotype!

3. Take a day trip to Stonehenge 

Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most famous historic sites, and seeing it in person is surreal! These massive stone circles date back more than 4,000 years, and despite decades of research, archaeologists are still debating exactly how and why they were built. I think the mystery is definitely part of their allure.

The site sits on Salisbury Plain, which is roughly a 90-minute to 2-hour drive from London, depending on traffic. When you arrive, the experience actually begins at the visitor centre, where we found an exhibition explaining the history of the monument along with displays about the people who lived here thousands of years ago.

From the visitor centre, a shuttle took us out to the stones themselves, although you can walk if you prefer. Standing near the circle really gave us a feel for just how enormous the stones are and how impressive it must have been to construct something like this in prehistoric times.

Technically, it’s possible to visit Stonehenge quite cheaply by parking farther away and walking in. However, most visitors find it much easier to use the official car park and visitor centre, so you can access the exhibition and shuttle service.

If you’re short on time, you can also visit on this jam-packed sightseeing tour. It visits Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath, so you get to see a lot of England’s most historic destinations in just one day. 

4. Snap a photo in a classic red telephone box

Did you even go to the UK if you didn’t take a photo in a red phone box? 

These iconic booths are all over the UK, but of course, you want a great location to get your special shot. Near Westminster, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, you can find several boxes lined up together with famous landmarks in the background, which makes for the perfect London photo! 

Before the days of cell phones, red telephone boxes were basically everywhere in the UK. They’re all pretty much defunct now, so some are just kept around for decorative purposes while others are repurposed in creative ways. In smaller towns in the UK, you’ll sometimes see them turned into mini libraries where people can swap books! Some booths also now house lifesaving defibrillators. 

Now, you don’t need to book a phone box tour or anything like that. You can just stop off and snap a pic (or five) while you’re sightseeing, so there’s no need to plan a whole outing around this. Still, stepping inside a red telephone box is definitely a quintessential London moment and a lot of fun to tick off your list! 

5. Settle into a classic English pub

Spending time in a traditional English pub is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday British culture beyond the big landmarks. Plus, it’s a ton of fun!  

Pubs are a huge part of social life here, and they’ve been around for centuries as places where Brits gather to catch up and “put the world to rights”, a British idiom that basically means having long, earnest chats about societal issues and life in general. 

We love exploring London’s historic pubs because they just have so much character! Often, they feature dark wooden interiors and cozy fireplaces, and they’re called quirky names. “The Monkey Puzzle” is one of the best ones that we saw!

And you definitely don’t need to be a big beer drinker to enjoy the experience, either. Most pubs serve cider, wine, and soft drinks, and many also offer hearty food like pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. 

Of course, with so many pubs scattered across the city, it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth visiting, which is why joining a guided pub tour can be such a fun option. This historic pub tour took us to several of the city’s most atmospheric and historic pubs while sharing stories about their famous regulars and the role pubs have played in London life over the centuries. It’s a great way to discover some memorable spots without having to plan the route yourself.

6. See London’s most iconic buildings 

If it’s your first time in London, ticking off the city’s most famous landmarks is a must! A lot of them sit close together in central London, so it’s pretty easy to see several of them in a single day while wandering around the city. Here are a few of the most iconic spots to look out for:

• Big Ben – You don’t actually need to go inside here. Most visitors simply admire the famous clock tower from outside and snap photos from Westminster Bridge or Parliament Square!

• Westminster Abbey – This is one of the UK’s most important religious buildings and the site of many royal coronations and weddings – most recently, Kate and Wills in 2011! You can buy tickets via their official website, and entry currently costs around £31 per person.

• St Paul’s Cathedral – This is another of London’s most impressive historic churches, and its huge dome is an iconic part of the city’s skyline. Tickets are about £27 if you want to go inside and climb up to the famous dome, and you can get them online.

• Tower Bridge – Walking across the bridge is completely free, but you can also buy a ticket to visit the high-level glass walkways and the Victorian Engine Rooms below from around £16 per person.

• Buckingham Palace – You can only go inside Buckingham Palace between July and September, so if that’s when you’ll be in London, you can reserve your tickets here, and it’s best to do so well in advance. However, for most of the year, visitors just walk past and snap some photos or watch the Changing of the Guard from outside the gates, which is completely free to do. 

• Houses of Parliament – Tours are currently only available to UK residents and have to be specially requested, but it’s still impressive to see the building from outside along the Thames! It also looks amazing from the London Eye. 

• London Eye – Of course, this isn’t actually a building, but it’s a super famous landmark. The views are incredible, but the lines are pretty much always long, which is why we recommend booking fast-track entry to save time.

While you can go inside some of these landmarks, the good news is that a lot of them are actually just as impressive from the outside, so you don’t need to buy tickets for anything. In fact, if you’re traveling on a budget, you can just walk around and see all of them for free! On the other hand, if you’d prefer a bit of help navigating such a big city, this London city highlights tour covers many of the major landmarks while giving you useful context about London’s history along the way.

7. Visit the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge

Oxford and Cambridge are two of England’s most famous university cities, and they both feel very Hogwarts-esque! Both cities are known for their centuries-old buildings and rich academic histories, and both are easy to reach on the train from London! You can reach Cambridge in under an hour from King’s Cross or Liverpool Street Station if you catch a fast train, or get to Oxford in a similar time from Paddington or Marylebone.

Oxford is generally the busier of the two cities, and it has a more medieval look to it, since the university here is two centuries older. Meanwhile, Cambridge has more red-brick buildings, and the colleges tend to have more distinctive, Gothic architecture. Still, they are both pretty similar, so you only really need to visit one. Both get crazy busy with tourists on weekends, so we suggest trying to go on a weekday if you can.

And whichever one you visit, going punting is a must! Punts are long, flat-bottomed boats that allow you to take a leisurely ride along the river. We especially liked doing this in Cambridge, because the route takes you gliding under the Bridge of Sighs and past the stunning King’s College. 

Both cities have a ton of unique and quirky sights to see, so it’s also worth taking a walking tour. We like this Cambridge tour because it’s led by university alumni, as is this top-rated one in Oxford! This way, you get to learn all about life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities from someone who has actually lived it. 

8. Journey into the Scottish Highlands to see Glencoe and Loch Ness 

If you want to experience Scotland’s dramatic landscapes but don’t have time for a full Highlands road trip, you can always take a day trip to see Glencoe and Loch Ness, which are two of the region’s top sights. Now, I will say that it’s a long day, but I promise that the scenery along the way makes it more than worth it!

Let’s start with Glencoe. This is a wide valley surrounded by towering mountains and rugged peaks, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Scotland – which is really saying something! It also has a fascinating (and rather tragic) history linked to the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. 

Then there’s Loch Ness, which is probably Scotland’s most famous lake. It’s best known for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, so keep your eyes peeled! But even if Nessie doesn’t make an appearance, it’s still an incredibly scenic spot surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Many tours stop near the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offers fantastic views across the loch.

Because the Highlands are quite remote, this makes for a long day from Edinburgh. You’ll need to be prepared for an early start and plenty of time on the road, but it’s a great way to see a lot of Scotland in a single day. Driving this route yourself can be tricky if you’re not used to the roads, so joining a top-rated tour, like this one, is both a smart and enjoyable option.

9. Explore Bath and the Roman Baths 

Bath is one of England’s most beautiful historic cities, and the Roman Baths are the main reason most people visit. This remarkably well-preserved complex dates back nearly 2,000 years to when the Romans built a bathing and social center around the area’s natural hot springs. Today, you can walk through the ancient bathing rooms and learn how people once gathered here to socialize and worship.

But Bath isn’t just about Roman history. The city is also famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, which gives the entire place a charming and timeless feel. Landmarks like the Royal Crescent and the Circus are especially impressive, and the compact historic center makes it easy to explore on foot. Between the historic streets, charming cafés, and independent shops, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours wandering around.

This city is also beloved among foodies for its excellent culinary scene. You’ve got The Olive Tree if you want to experience Michelin-star dining, or Menu Gordon Jones is celebrated for its tasting menu. And if you’re not into fancy food, there are tons of top-notch casual eateries here too – we love the pizza at The Oven.

Bath is about 90 minutes from London by train, so it’s a perfect day trip destination, but you could easily stay overnight if you prefer! Visiting independently is pretty straightforward, but if you’re short on time, this Stonehenge and Bath day tour from London is a really convenient option as it combines two of southern England’s most famous historic sites into one trip.

10. Dive into the wonderful world of Harry Potter

The UK is the home of Harry Potter, which is good news for fans of the wizarding world! And from filming locations to behind-the-scenes movie sets, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the magic.

The biggest draw for most visitors is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour near London. This is where much of the film series was created, and the experience takes you through original sets, props, and costumes used in the movies. I was honestly blown away by how detailed it was, but even those who aren’t huge fans of the films will enjoy seeing the next-level craftsmanship behind these iconic movies.

Because it’s so popular, tickets for the studio tour often sell out weeks in advance, especially during busy travel seasons. We did this tour as it included entry tickets and transport from London, as it’s not that easy to get there by public transport.

Beyond the studio tour, there are plenty of other Harry Potter connections across the UK. Oxford, York, and Edinburgh all have locations that inspired scenes in the books and films, which makes them fun places for fans to explore. We recommend this Harry Potter walking tour of London because it visits several filming locations around the city while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the films, with fun quizzes and games along the way! 

11. Walk part of Hadrian’s Wall 

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the UK’s most impressive Roman sites, and it’s also part of the UNESCO-listed Frontiers of the Roman Empire! Built nearly 2,000 years ago under Emperor Hadrian, the wall once stretched across northern England and marked the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. Today, it’s one of the country’s most fascinating historic landmarks, especially if you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.

The good news is that you don’t need to hike the entire 135-kilometer (84-mile) route to appreciate it. Even a short walk along one of the best-preserved sections gives you a real sense of how vast and important this structure once was. One of the best places to visit is Housesteads Roman Fort, where you can see the remains of a Roman garrison sitting high along the wall with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.

If you have a car, visiting independently is very straightforward, as there’s parking available near Housesteads. From there, you can walk along the wall and explore the fort at your own pace.

If you’re relying on public transport, the easiest option is to take the train to Hexham or Haltwhistle and then hop on the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall bus. This scenic route connects many of the key sites along the wall, including Housesteads, Vindolanda, The Sill, Chesters Roman Fort, and Walltown. 

12. Trace the Beatles’ legendary history in Liverpool

Liverpool is a must-visit for Beatles fans, as this is where the band formed in the early 1960s. Their rise from local musicians to global superstars is woven into Liverpool’s identity, and there are a ton of Beatles-related hotspots for visitors to check out. 

One of the most famous places to visit is the Cavern Club area, where the band played nearly 300 times early on in their career. Even today, the streets around here are packed with music venues and memorabilia! Beyond the city centre, you’ll also find places that inspired some of their most famous songs, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields Forever. You can even go to see the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, which are preserved as part of the city’s musical heritage.

The story of how four local lads went on to become one of the most influential bands of all time is pretty fascinating, even if you’re not a huge Beatles fan. However, the key locations are spread across the city, so joining a tour can make things a lot easier. There are plenty to choose from, but we like this one because it’s a private tour and has over a thousand 5-star reviews. It’s a fun and easy way to explore the city’s musical history without having to plan the route yourself.

13. Discover North Wales’ most scenic spots

Visiting North Wales showed us a completely different side of the UK from the big cities like London and Liverpool. This region is full of rugged mountains and historic castles, which can often be reached via some seriously scenic drives. We were also shocked by just how beautiful the coastline here was – in fact, if you visit on a clear, sunny day, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Mediterranean instead of the UK! 

One of the standout places here is Snowdonia National Park, which is now officially called by its Welsh name, Eryri. Here, dramatic mountain landscapes and winding roads create some of the most impressive scenery in the country. We also stopped in the small village of Betws-y-Coed, essentially the gateway to Snowdonia, and fell in love with its stone bridges and cute cafes. Further along the coast, you’ve also got Conwy, a walled market town famous for its well-preserved medieval castle and centuries-old houses.

Many of these places are spread out across the region, making it difficult to explore North Wales without a car. You can rent one using DiscoverCars, or there are plenty of guided tours available if you’d prefer to have the logistics handled for you. If you’re based in Liverpool, this North Wales day tour visits all the highlights, or you can also take this one from Manchester instead if you’re staying there.

Related Read: Looking for more castle experiences? Check out our blog on the Best Castle Hotels in Scotland for a truly memorable travel experience!

14. Go hiking or sightseeing in the Lake District 

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, especially if you love countryside scenery. Located in northwest England, this national park is known for its peaceful lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes. It’s particularly lovely in the warmer months, when the valleys turn bright green, and the walking trails are at their best.

But you definitely don’t need to be a serious hiker to enjoy the area! While experienced walkers come here to tackle peaks like Scafell Pike, there are also plenty of gentler walks and scenic viewpoints. Plus, lots of lakes mean lots of scenic boat ride opportunities! The lakeside towns are super charming too, with lovely pubs, cafes, and gift shops to explore.

Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most popular bases for first-time visitors. It sits right on the shores of Lake Windermere, which is England’s largest lake, so you’ve got boat cruises and scenic walks right on your doorstep. We also love Coniston, and it’s worth going to Grasmere to sample sweet treats at the legendary gingerbread shop. You’ll see it from afar due to the ever-present queue outside, but it moves quickly, and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

One thing to keep in mind is that the weather in the Lake District can change quickly. Even if the forecast looks decent, it’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket just in case. All those lakes are there for a reason! 

15. Tour one of the UK’s famous football stadiums 

Football is a huge part of life in the UK, and touring a stadium is a great way to get into the spirit of things! Even if you’re not a massive sports fan, it can still be a fun experience and help you to understand the hype.

Most stadium tours take you behind the scenes to areas that fans normally never get to see. This usually includes walking through the players’ tunnel, visiting the dressing rooms, stepping out beside the pitch, and exploring the club museum where trophies and memorabilia are displayed. It’s a great way to learn more about the history of the team and the culture surrounding football in the UK.

This experience works especially well in cities where football culture runs deep, such as London, Manchester, and Liverpool. It makes a nice break from museums and castles, and there’s no shortage of famous stadiums to choose from. 

If you’re visiting London, the Chelsea FC Stadium Tour and Museum is a great option. The tour takes you through Stamford Bridge, including the press room and dressing rooms. I knew nothing about the club before I did this tour, and I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Meanwhile, in Manchester, the Manchester City Stadium Tour is a popular choice. It includes interactive displays and behind-the-scenes insights into how one of England’s top clubs operates on matchday.

16. Wander York’s medieval streets

York is one of England’s most atmospheric historic cities. It’s almost 2,000 years old, so centuries upon centuries of history are packed into its ancient, walkable centre. The city has Roman, Viking, and medieval roots, so it’s one of the most interesting places in the UK for history lovers to explore.

One of the most famous streets here is the Shambles, a narrow medieval lane lined with timber-framed buildings that lean slightly toward one another. It’s very old-timey, and many visitors say it feels a bit like Diagon Alley from Harry Potter! These days, it’s packed with quirky little shops and sweet stores, so it’s a really fun place to wander. 

But there’s much more to York than just the Shambles. York Minster is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, and the surrounding streets are full of hidden passageways known locally as “snickelways” – how cute is that? You can also walk along large sections of the city’s medieval walls, which offer great views across the rooftops and river.

York is a great destination for travelers who enjoy history but still want somewhere lively and easy to explore. Because the city has so many historical layers, joining a guided walk can really help bring it all to life. This York walking tour is a great option, as it covers the city’s layered history and helped us to discover some super interesting hidden corners! 

17. Spend time in the Cotswolds

If you want to experience the classic English countryside, the Cotswolds is the place to go! This region is known for its honey-colored stone towns and villages, which are set among lush, rolling hills. Lots of films and TV shows have been shot here – most recently, Rivals! 

One thing we love about the Cotswolds is that each town and village has its own character. Bibury is often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, largely thanks to Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers’ cottages that has become one of the area’s most photographed spots. We also once spent Christmas in Bourton-on-the-Water, where a gentle river runs through the centre. There was even a giant Christmas tree emerging from the water! 

Broadway is another picturesque village, and you can walk up to the Broadway Tower, which sits on top of a hill and offers views for days. Stow-on-the-Wold is also super scenic, and Chipping Campden is known for its historic streets and traditional pubs. Speaking of which, we also wanted to get away from the touristy towns for a bit, so we went to Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power for a Sunday roast. It’s a real classic British pub, but it’s posher than your average working man’s boozer, and the menu is all focused around local meat and produce.

The easiest way to explore the Cotswolds is definitely by car, as many of the villages are spread out across the countryside. It’s still possible to visit using public transport if you plan ahead. Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the most useful rail gateways from London, and from there you can use local buses to reach nearby towns and villages. To be honest, though, I’d definitely opt for renting a car as it’s so much easier.

Related Read: If this sounds like your cup of tea, check out our guide on Where to Stay in the Cotswolds for our favorite areas and hotel options!

18. Visit historic Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is the city’s headline attraction and one of the most important historic sites in Scotland. Perched high on top of Castle Rock, it dominates the skyline and is visible from much of the city. The views from up here are fantastic, but there’s also plenty to explore inside the fortress itself.

The castle has played a central role in Scottish history for centuries. It has served as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and even a prison of war! Today, you can see highlights such as the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and St Margaret’s Chapel, which is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. The complex also houses several military museums and historic buildings, so there’s a lot to take in during a visit.

Because it’s such a famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle is extremely popular, especially during the summer months. Buying tickets in advance is definitely recommended so you don’t waste time waiting in long lines.

There’s also a huge amount of history packed into the site, so visiting with a guide can really help bring it all to life. This Edinburgh Castle guided walking tour was a win-win for us because it included fast-track entry and provided fascinating context about the castle’s role in Scottish history while we explored the grounds. 

Related Read: Want to stay as close as possible to the action? Check out our guide to the best hotels near Edinburgh Castle for top picks just steps away.

19. Satisfy your sweet tooth in Edinburgh

After all the castles and historic landmarks we saw in Edinburgh, we found ourselves wanting to mix things up a bit. So as soon as we found out about The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience, we decided to book it. It was a fantastic break from sightseeing, and it definitely put big smiles on both of our faces. 

On this tour, you get to sample a wide range of chocolates, learn how they’re made, and then create your own bar! Our instructor, Jamie, also gave us a rundown of the history of chocolate in Scotland, which was super interesting – but make no mistake, this is a fun and light-hearted class. The souvenir bars we crafted would probably have made great gifts for our friends and family back home, but they were long gone by the time we left the city – oops! 

Another reason we like this tour is that it’s an indoor activity, and it’s nice to have a few of those on your Edinburgh itinerary. The city is no stranger to rainy days, and it also gets pretty cold up here! If you have a sweet tooth, this class is the perfect way to take a break from sightseeing and the unpredictable Scottish climate. 

20. Visit the Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the UK’s most unusual natural sights and Northern Ireland’s best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the country’s rugged north coast, this landscape is famous for its thousands of hexagonal basalt columns that seem almost too perfect to be natural – but they are! 

These stone formations were actually created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, but local legend tells a much more dramatic story. According to folklore, the Irish giant Finn McCool built the causeway as a bridge to Scotland so he could challenge a rival giant to a fight. Whether you believe the science or the legend, it’s a pretty spectacular place to see in person.

Walking across the columns is the main highlight, but the surrounding coastline is just as impressive. The sea views and dramatic rock formations make the entire area feel wild and scenic. Most visitors travel here from Belfast, often combining it with other stops along the famous Causeway Coastal Route. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland, passing no end of castles and viewpoints along the way.

If you’re not planning to rent a car, joining a day trip is a very practical option. This Giant’s Causeway day tour from Belfast is top-rated. It visits the famous stone formations as well as several scenic stops along the coast, so it’s an easy way to experience one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable landscapes in just one day! 

21. See the White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most famous coastal landmarks and have long symbolized arrival to (and departure from) the country. These bright chalk cliffs have inspired many songs and poems over the years, not to mention a million-and-one postcard photos! 

If you visit the cliffs, you have to do the clifftop walk! On a clear day, you can enjoy sweeping views across the English Channel and sometimes even spot the coastline of France in the distance. The walking paths along the cliffs are well-maintained and offer some fantastic viewpoints, so it’s more about scenic strolls rather than strenuous hikes.

One thing to keep in mind is that the coast can be quite windy, even when the weather looks bright. This is the UK after all! It’s definitely worth bringing an extra layer or a light jacket so you stay comfortable while exploring.

If you have a car, the easiest way to visit is by driving straight to the National Trust visitor centre, where you’ll find parking and access to the main walking trails. If you’re coming by train, Dover Priory is the main station. From there, you can either walk up from town via the Dame Vera Lynn Way to reach the cliffs, or grab a taxi to cut down on walking time.

22. Explore the jaw-dropping Isle of Skye 

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. It’s not just beautiful, it’s also incredibly unique. There’s really nowhere else like this in the world, so although it may be remote, it’s well worth the journey if you love wild landscapes.

The best way to explore Skye is to dedicate a couple of days to the island. It’s packed with scenic spots, most notably the Old Man of Storr, a basalt pinnacle that was created by an ancient landslide. The Fairy Pools are a must-visit, and if you’re into hiking, then tackling the Quiraing Loop is the experience of a lifetime.

One thing to keep in mind is that the weather can make a big difference here. On a clear day, the views are absolutely spectacular, but fog and rain can sometimes roll in quickly, so a little flexibility in your plans can help. And if you’re heading out on a hike, be sure to check the weather and prepare for sudden changes.

Because the island covers a large area and involves quite a bit of driving, many travelers find it easier to join a guided trip. If you’re already traveling around northern Scotland, you can take this Isle of Skye tour from Inverness. This way, you can focus on the scenery without worrying about navigating winding Highland roads.

Thanks for reading!

If you love history, wild and rugged landscapes, and a good ale, a trip to the UK will be a true bucket list opportunity! We love how different the United Kingdom feels from the rest of Europe, and have found that it is full of hidden gems once you’re out there exploring on your own. These are just a few of the best things to do, but you can certainly find more!

Before you go, check out our other Europe blogs! As long-time travelers, we love helping others plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination and adventure – cheers!

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