I love exploring the UK, especially places that people wouldn’t believe are here. From some of the national treasures to some lesser-known places, this post covers some of the best places to visit in the UK. You won’t believe that all of these are just on our doorstep and I hope you enjoy reading about them to inspire your next trip.
Best Places to visit in the UK | 18 Places you Won’t Believe are in the UK
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
St. Michael’s Mount in Marazion is one of the most iconic places in Cornwall. There is something quite magical about crossing the causeway over to the island. Over on the island you will find a charming little village, a castle and some of my favourite gardens in the UK. Make sure that you check the causeway times though so you don’t become stranded!
Dean’s Village, Edinburgh
If you are looking for a historic and quintessential British village straight out of a 19th Century novel, Dean’s Village is for you. I just can’t get over how beautiful the architecture is here. All the buildings are built with traditional stone, many of which date back centuries. You can really feel the history here; it was once the milling centre of Edinburgh. I would also add that a quiet walk down the river here is a must.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd
The village of Portmeirion as an Italian-style village in the North of Wales; quite the paradox! It is a major tourist attraction in the area and is perfect for a weekend break. Stroll through the streets amongst the Italian architecture and explore cute little shops, bustling cafes and hidden filming locations. If you like it a lot, you can stay at the famous Portmeirion Hotel, right on the seafront.
Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides
Whilst Brighton and Bournemouth may have the most popular beaches, neither compare in beauty to the beaches found on the Isle of Mull. The classic Scottish scenery here is also breathtaking and there is such a variety. You get rugged, grey cliffs and colourful villages, along with peaceful landscapes with stormy seas. I think this is one of the best places to visit in the UK, hands-down.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
Holkham Hall in Norfolk is a fantastic place for a day out and featured in my Road Trip around Norfolk. Nearby is Holkham Beach which, in my opinion, is one of the prettiest in the UK. This unspoilt beach is perfect to enjoy a day out, or just to have a walk. If you are into your wildlife, this is apparently a great place to see some rare birds!
Isles of Scilly
Near the top of my UK bucket list are the Isles of Scilly, just off the Cornish coast. Pictures of these charming islands look more like a Caribbean oasis, rather than a UK destination. The position of the islands means that there is a favourable climate in the summer. Plus, as you would expect of an island off Cornwall, it is chilled and very tourist friendly.
Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
The Brecon Beacons are famous across the UK for their beauty. I love the diversity of nature here and love exploring this National Park. It is perfect for anything from a quick drive-through, to a weekend spent around the park exploring. If you want to be immersed in nature, there really aren’t many places better for it. Why not visit the Brecon Beacons as part of a larger Wales road trip?
Glens of Antrim, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Glens of Northern Ireland are easily one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK. This area of natural beauty is a must-see for anyone visiting Northern Ireland. There are nine official glens to explore, each with their own unique character. You could see the rugged beaches of Glencloy, or the quiet woodlands of Glenariff.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
When Heligan Estate was purchased late last century, the once-glorious gardens were in tatters. Over the past few decades, a major restoration project has taken place. Now you can explore some of the best gardens in the UK at your leisure. What makes these so amazing is the variety. There is even a ‘jungle’ section which transports you to southeast Asia, including an authentic Burmese rope-bridge. Definitely add the Lost Gardens to any Cornwall itinerary!
Malham Cove, North Yorkshire
One of the least known and best places to visit in the UK has to be Malham Cove. These incredible limestone cliffs tower over North Yorkshire in a really unique formation. A main reason tourists visit this place is for the walks. The complete trail usually will take about four hours, but on the whole, it is an easy route and definitely worth doing.
Royal Pavillion, Brighton
If you want to see one of the most unique monuments in the UK, you need to see the Royal Pavillion. This beautiful building almost seems like it belongs in Asia rather than in Brighton. You can explore the palace and gardens whilst you are here, with various exhibitions and events running throughout the year.
Gaping Gill, Yorkshire
When you think of massive caves to explore, odds are you think of Vietnam or Thailand. However, the UK has some amazing caves to explore and Gaping Gill is one of the best. Even if you aren’t experienced in caving, you can still enjoy exploring here through the various tours and courses that run.
Holy Island, Northumberland
Holy Island is a real gem in the beautiful county of Northumberland, right on the Scottish border. It is only accessible when the tide is out and you will need to plan ahead to time it right. There is something magical about the ruggedness of the island here and I loved exploring the island last summer. Lindisfarne Castle is a must – you get the best views of the area and can spot playful seals and the majestic Bamburgh castle in the distance.
Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
England is not famed for wine, but Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey is determined to change that. This is one of the largest vineyards in the UK and has some spectacular landscape surrounding it. You can also sample some of the wine here and there are plenty of experiences to have here. This is definitely one of the places on this list you won’t believe is in the UK.
Wallaby Reserve, Isle of Man
If you can’t believe that wallabies are in the UK, think again! The Isle of Man is one of the best places to visit in the UK if you want to see this gorgeous Australian animal. The Curraghs are the best places to spot these resident marsupials. If that fails, well, you can still enjoy the gorgeous scenery on the Isle of Man.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
One place you won’t believe is just out of a capital city is Arthur’s Seat. Famed for climbing up for incredible views, this is a must-see in Scotland. The hike up to the top is not too difficult and you’ll get some amazing panoramic views over Edinburgh.
Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor
Dartmoor is easily one of the best places to visit in the UK. A gem of this National Park is, of course, Wistman’s Wood, an ancient woodland that seems almost mystical. This woodland is famous for the moss and lichen that make their homes here. Exploring here will feel like you have been transported into a Fairy Tale and you’ll love every second of it. Why not combine your visit to Wistman’s Wood with a short stay in Devon – there are so many more charming places to see!
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Driving through Cheddar Gorge feels a bit like driving through Middle Earth. The rugged cliffs tower over the road and, in my opinion, makes for one of the prettiest and most unique places in England. It is actually home to a few friendly goats! If you want to stretch your legs then there are plenty of walks here along the gorge. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views and spectacular wildlife.
Best Places to Visit in the UK – Final Thoughts
I’ve tried including as many of the best places to visit in the UK as possible, but it is a very long list! I’ve narrowed it down to the top 18, with a focus on places you may not realise are even here. Let me know if you think I’ve missed anything obvious though. As always, I love hearing from you.
Other posts that may help you:
- The Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds
- What’s on my UK Bucket List?
- Exploring the Villages of Midsomer
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my post on the best places to visit in the UK! If you have any questions about the different destinations, please do get in touch in the comments below!
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Love, Victoria X
