Top 10 Must-Visit Places In The United Kingdom for an Unforgettable Experience
The United Kingdom is home to enchanting castles, bustling cities, a fascinating history, a unique culture and traditions, and much more. A trip to the United Kingdom is on pretty much every travelers bucket list. Read on to discover the Top 10 Must-Visit Places In The United Kingdom for an Unforgettable Experience.
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are plenty of gorgeous villages and landmarks throughout these four small countries, but these are our 10 favorites.
This post may contain affiliate links - if you purchase a tour or hotel via Daisies Abroad we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
Top 10 Must-Visit Places In The United Kingdom Map
1. London, England
Chances are if you are visiting the United Kingdom your first stop will be London. I know that putting London on this list is a bit basic, but it definitely deserves a spot on our list. With so many fascinating museums, amazing restaurants, cool neighborhoods, and stunning architecture, London is definitely worth a visit if you are traveling to the United Kingdom.
⭐Read Next - A Complete Guide To London, England
Top 11 Things To Do In London, England
- Borough Market
- See Buckingham Palace
- Visit The Churchill War Rooms
- Take a Photo In Front of Big Ben
- St. James Park
- Go For Afternoon Tea
- Visit The Iconic Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Visit Notting Hill
- Go To a Pub
- See a West End Show
Best Hotels In London, England
$ - Vancouver Studios - The Vancouver Studios are the perfect budget friendly option in London. At this unique aparthotel you will find a gym, bar, family sized rooms, and more.
$$ - Artist Residence London - The Artist Residence is an adorable boutique hotel in the stunning Westminster Borough. With only 10 rooms, at the Artist Residence you can enjoy an inhouse restaurant, a bar, beautifully appointed rooms, and more.
$$$ - Milestone Hotel Kensington - The Milestone Hotel in Kensington is a charming boutique hotel that is perfect if you are looking for a luxury stay in the UK. At The Milestone Hotel you will find a spa, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and more.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a captivating city home to rich history, amazing coffee shops, and perfectly preserved medieval architecture that will take you back in time. Edinburgh has become a popular city in the travel world over the past year, but it is still a kind-of underground destination. If you are visiting Scotland, you must spend a few days in the charming city!
Top 10 Things To Do In Edinburgh, Scotland
- Visit The Edinburgh Castle
- See Holyrood Palace
- Arthur’s Seat
- Explore The Royal Mile
- National Museum of Scotland
- Museum of Edinburgh
- Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby
- Scott Monument
- The Royal Botanic Garden
- Edinburgh Dungeon
Best Hotels In Edinburgh, Scotland
$ - Apex Grassmarket Hotel - Situated in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh you will find the Apex Grassmarket Hotel. At this affordable, yet stylish hotel you will find a pool, a gym, a bar, a restaurant, and more.
$$ - The Glasshouse - The Glasshouse, by the Autograph Collection, is located in Edinburgh's city center. This gorgeous hotel is highly rated and offers elegant accommodations with all the amenities you could need!
$$$ - Prestonfield House - The Prestonfield House is a luxury hotel located just outside of Edinburgh. Perfect if you are hoping to experience more of the traditional side of Scotland, The Prestonfield House is pet friendly, home to an amazing restaurant, thoughtful decor, and more.
3. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Just across the Irish Sea is the stunning country of Ireland. Ireland is split between two countries, Northern Ireland & The Republic Of Ireland. If you want to learn more about why they are separate you should read this article. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is most well known for its shipyards (the titanic was made here). You will also find stunning streets, interesting museums, and cool cafes in Belfast.
Top 10 Things To Do In Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Titanic Belfast
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- Ulster Museum
- Belfast City Hall
- St. George’s Market
- Falls Road Murals
- Shankill Road Murals
- Peace Wall
- Belfast Cathedral (St. Anne’s)
- Mourne Mountains Day Trip
Best Hotels In Belfast, Northern Ireland
$ - Wilton House - The Wilton House is a lovely aparthotel in the center of Belfast. This cute flat is perfect if you are sticking to a budget or planning on staying a Belfast for a longer time.
$$ - The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast - Situated in the heart of Belfast, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a great middle range option for a lovely stay in the city. At the Fitzwilliam you will be met with elegant decor, a bar, gym, and much more.
$$$ - The Merchant Hotel - Located in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, The Merchant Hotel is a luxury hotel that fully embodies Northern Ireland. At The Merchant Hotel you will find beautifully appointed rooms, a spa, gym, bar, restaurant, and more.
4. Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff is the capital city of the tiny country of Wales. Wales is a charming country located just west of England. Cardiff is most well known for markets, music scene, culture, heritage, and picturesque streets. This city is perfect for you if you are looking for a small city in the UK that is lesser known and more unique than the nearby London. You could also do a day trip to Cardiff from London!
Top 10 Things To Do In Cardiff, Wales
- Visit Cardiff Castle
- Explore The National Museum Of Cardiff
- Wales Millennium Centre
- Visit St Fagans National Museum of History
- Explore Pontcanna
- Explore Cardiff Bay
- Relax In Bute Park
- Aquabus Cardiff
- Explore Queen Street
- See The Cardiff City Hall
Best Hotels In Cardiff, Wales
$ - Park Plaza Cardiff - The Park Plaza Hotel is a great option for budget travels. Located in the middle of the city you will find all that you need and more at the Park Plaza Cardiff.
$$ - The Parkgate Hotel - Located in the Cardiff City Center, The Parkgate Hotel is a modern four star hotel perfect for any kind of traveler. At the middle range hotel you will have access to a spa, bar, gym, spacious rooms, and more.
5. Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds are region in England that is lined with adorable villages and beautiful green spaces throughout. Located west of London (near Wales) the Cotswolds are perfect for travelers in search of unique and picturesque villages in the English countryside. If you want to fully experience the Cotswolds you can opt to hike Cotswold Way. This way you can stop and stay in villages along the way!
Top 10 Things To Do In The Cotswolds, England
- Explore Bourton-on-the-Water
- Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
- Stroll through Bibury
- Hike the Cotswold Way
- Visit Sudeley Castle
- Explore Cirencester
- Wander through Stow-on-the-Wold
- Visit the Rollright Stones
- Tour Chastleton House
- Discover the Village of Castle Combe
Best Hotels In The Cotswolds
$ - The Masons Arms - Located in the adorable village of Cirencester, The Masons Arms is a cute bed and breakfast. At the charming Inn you will find pet friendly rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and more.
$$ - Wild Thyme & Honey - Also in the Cirencester Village, Wild Thyme & Honey is a cozy hotel. Wild Thyme & Honey perfectly embodies what it is to be in the Cotswolds. With warm features and soft finishes, you will have trouble leaving this hotel.
$$$ - The Whatley Manor - The Whatley Manor is a five star luxury hotel in the small town of Malmesbury. At the Whatley Manor you can escape from reality at their world call spa, pool, hot tub, bar, restaurant, and cozy rooms.
6. Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highland are the northwest area of Scotland. The stunning region is most well known for there whiskey production, dramatic landscapes, adorable highland cows, fishing industry, and iconic lochs. The Scottish Highlands is a perfect United Kingdom destination for travelers looking for an adventures as you will find amazing hiking spots, fishing, boating, and extreme sports in the Highlands.
Top 10 Things To Do In The Scottish Highlands
- Climb Ben Nevis
- Explore Inverness
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle
- See The Iconic Isle Of Skye
- Investigate Loch Ness
- Drive the North Coast 500
- Explore the Fairy Pools on Skye
- Do a Whiskey Tasting
- Hike the Old Man of Storr
- Visit Smoo Cave
Best Hotels In The Scottish Highlands
$ - Kincraig Castle Hotel - Located in the northern part of the Scottish Highlands, Kincraig Castle Hotel is a budget friendly option that feels like a luxury one. With spacious rooms, a cozy interior, a beautiful landscapes surrounding it, The Kincraig Castle is a lovely place to stay.
$$ - Burnbank Glamping Pod - Situated in the western part of the Highlands, The Burnbank Glamping Pods are perfect if you are searching for a unique place to stay in the Scottish Highlands.
$$$ - Inverlochy Castle - If you are looking for a luxury stay in Scotland, Inverlochy Castle provides all things elegants. At this gorgeous hotel you will find beautiful rooms, an amazing restaurant, a bar, and much more.
7. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Located in the northern part of Wales, Snowdonia National Park is 823 square miles of natural beauty. At Snowdonia you will find some of the best hiking trails in the United Kingdom, the gorgeous Bala Lake, beautiful viewpoints, and more. Snowdonia is a perfect place to visit for avid hikers and outdoorsy hipsters.
Top 10 Things To See In Snowdonia National Park
- Climb Mount Snowdon
- Ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Explore Llyn Gwynant
- Visit the Ffestiniog Railway
- Hike to the Summit of Tryfan
- Discover the Swallow Falls
- Explore the Fairy Glen
- Walk the Aberglaslyn Pass
- Visit Beddgelert Village
- Tour Dolwyddelan Castle
Best Place To Stay In Snowdonia National Park
Cozy Hideaway in Rural Mid Wales - This cute cottage just outside of Snowdonia National Park if the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the park. The cottage comfortably sleeps four, has a full kitchen, and bathroom.
8. The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant's Causeway is a must visit place in Northern Ireland. Located just an hour north of Belfast, The Giant's Causeway makes for a great day trip. At the UNESCO World Heritage sight you will find a unique landscape of of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions over the years. The captivating sight is also home to folk tales and mythology. The best way to see The Giant's Causeway is by booking a tour from Belfast.
⭐Book Here - The Giant's Causeway Tour From Belfast
9. Bath, England
Bath is easily one of the most popular day trips to take from London. Located in England's Somerset Region, Bath is most well known for its Roman Baths, Georgian Architecture, parks, and restaurants. Weather you want to stay a few nights or take a day trip from London, Bath is easily one of the Top 10 Must-Visit Places In The United Kingdom.
⭐Book Here - Bath Day Trip From London
Top 10 Things To Do In Bath, England
- Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- Royal Crescent
- Pulteney Bridge
- The Circus
- Thermae Bath Spa
- Jane Austen Centre
- Victoria Art Gallery
- Bath Museum of Architecture
- The Assembly Rooms
Best Hotels In Bath, England
$ - Bathen House Boutique Hotel - The Bathen House Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located in the outskirts of Bath. At the Bathen House you will find beautifully decorated rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and breakfast served daily.
$$ - The Queensberry Hotel - The Queensberry Hotel is also a boutique hotel, but a bit closer to the city center. At the Queensbury you will have access to a restaurant, bar, spacious rooms, and more.
$$$ - The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa - The Royal Crescent is a gorgeous hotel in Bath, perfect if you are looking for a luxury stay in the city. At the Royal Crescent you will find a world class spa, elegant decor, a gym, a pool, a restaurant, and more.
10. Portmeirion, Wales
Portmeirion is a small Welsh village in the northern part of Wales. Known for its colorful buildings, picturesque streets, italian architecture, and nearby beaches, Portmeirion is a must visit town in Wales!
Top 10 Things To Do In Portmeirion, Wales
- Explore the Village
- Visit the Dome
- Stroll Through the Gardens
- Climb the Bell Tower
- Visit the Portmeirion Pottery Shop
- Walk The Coastal Path
- Visit the Gwyllt (The Woodland Garden)
- Explore the Arches
- Hike up to the Borthwen Dunes
- Relax by the Estuary
Best Hotel In Portmeirion, Wales
Tudor Lodge - Located in the heart of the village, The Tudor Lodge is a small bed and breakfast perfect for a cozy stay in Portmeirion. Enjoy breakfast served daily, spacious rooms, cozy common areas, and more at the Tudor Lodge.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places In The United Kingdom for an Unforgettable Experience Wrap Up
The United Kingdom is full of so many beautiful cities, natural wonders, and lovely hoteleries. We hope that these Top 10 Must-Visit Places In The United Kingdom help you plan the perfect trip to the land of the rose. If you liked this post we think you will love our guide to the 10 best train journeys to take in 2025 and Digital Nomad Hotspots For 2025. If you are visiting Dublin this fall - A Minimalist Dublin Fall Packing List. If you have been to any lovely places in the United Kingdom please leave us a comment!
Happy Travels,
Daisy