On the Bealach na Bà Pass in the Scottish Highlands, you can drive along the steepest road ascent in Britain. Full of twists and turns, the historic single-track road runs from the pretty coastal village of Applecross right through the mountains up to 2,054 feet (626 meters) and offers a challenging but unforgettable driving experience.
A traditional fruit and veg market turned hipster retail emporium, Broadway Market is one of Hackney’s liveliest weekend markets, with a bustling midweek food, drink, and shopping scene, too. There’s something to suit most tastes here; from smoked salmon to brownies, ethical fashion to handmade jewelry, the 18th-century Cat and Mutton pub to global street eats.
One of Manchester’s premier museums, the Manchester Art Gallery was founded in the early 19th century and boasts a collection of more than 25,000 objects. It’s particularly renowned for its Victorian-era artworks (including multiple Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces) and places a strong focus on the decorative arts.
The River Avon flows through the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, a town in the English countryside that’s famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This scenic river is also connected to other waterways in the region, joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury and flowing via canal to Birmingham. Taking a stroll or a boat trip, you’ll pass by notable riverside landmarks, such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
With a depth of 243 feet (74 meters, Wastwater is England’s deepest lake. Not only that, but it sits in the shadow of England’s highest peak, the 3,209-foot (978-meter Scafell Pike, which rises up to the northeast. The scenery here is among the most wild and dramatic in the Lake District, with scree slopes towering over inky waters.
This narrow and steep mountain pass winds its way through the dramatic peaks of the Lake District National Park, climbing to an elevation of 1,280 feet (390 meters before descending back down into a valley. It’s a hair-raising drive with hairpin bends, but the views of the rugged and desolate scenery makes it more than worth the effort.
Fife’s Aberdour Castle is among Scotland's oldest standing castles—it dates back to the 12th century with a 500-year noble legacy. Renowned for its preserved hall-house and beautiful gardens, the castle has been both a medieval fortress and an Earl's stately home. The mix of ruins and preserved sections offers a fascinating glimpse of how it’s evolved.
Stretching for 70 miles (110 kilometers), the River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) flows from the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales to the sea along the Wirral Peninsula, passing Bala Lake, Llangollen, Chester, and the Dee Estuary along the way. The scenic river offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife spotting, and industrial transport.
This property in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon was built in 1596 by the grandfather of Harvard University's original benefactor, John Harvard. Currently closed for conservation, the building’s ornate facade still can be enjoyed from the outside, and keen-eyed history buffs may spot a few hidden features that reveal its origins.
Founded in 1881, Bruichladdich Distillery is known for its smokey malt whisky, but it also produces gin. The distillery uses traditional machinery that dates back to the Victorian era and sources as much of its barley and other ingredients from Islay as possible.
This elegant 18th-century town house offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgian Edinburgh’s elite. Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the perfectly preserved property features a traditional 18th-century kitchen with collections of china and silverware as well as paintings by prominent Scottish artists.
Brighton beach is lovely, but for underwater sights, head to Brighton SEA LIFE® center’s historic aquarium, which is one of the world’s oldest. A firm family favorite, the attraction is ideal for a few hours of indoor fun, with seawater tanks fed by the nearby sea, rock pools with shark eggs, turtles, and jellyfish, and glass-bottom boat experiences.
The heart of Brixton’s multicultural food scene, Brixton Village comprises three covered market arcades: Granville Arcade, Market Row, and Reliance Arcade. Influenced by the waves of West Indian immigrants after World War II, the markets reflect Brixton’s strong Afro-Caribbean history and culture. You can shop at traditional trader stalls selling fruit and vegetables or go gourmet at one of the many dining options.
Viking plunder, Egyptian mummies, whale skeletons, fossils, and more than 15,000 artworks, are just some of the items in the vast and eclectic collections of the fascinating Ulster museum. Exhibits focus on history, natural sciences, and art, with paintings, sculptures, costumes, and mixed-media works on display.
One of the most scenic ridge traverses in the U.K., the Trotternish Ridge is a challenging but rewarding walk. Covering almost the entire Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, the route leads hikers 22.75 miles (36.5 kilometers) through an otherworldly landscape of cliffs, pinnacles, and needles.
Castle Howard is one of Britain’s grandest stately homes. Built over the course of 100 years and still home to the Howard family, the castle was famously used as a filming location for Brideshead Revisited. Its 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of elegant grounds are located in the Howardian Hills—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Opened in 2018, the Magical Beatles Museum tells the story of the Fab Four through a 1,200-strong collection of memorabilia, which belongs to the brother of first Beatles drummer, Pete Best. Highlights includes John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper medals, theI Am the Walrus cello, and Starr’s Ludwig snare drum.
Dedicated to members of the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command who fought in World War II, the Bomber Command Memorial is one of London’s major wartime monuments. Unveiled in 2012 and situated in Green Park, the open-air stone memorial was designed by Liam O’Connor. Inside, it features a bronze sculpture depicting a group of pilots having just returned from their latest mission.
Take time out from the bustling city streets with a visit to the Walker Art Gallery, home to a diverse collection of artwork that spans eight centuries. Peruse masterpieces by artists, such as Monet, Rembrandt, and David Hockney, and enjoy an experience in the Big Art for Little Artists gallery, a hands-on space designed for young children.
Home to some of the UK’s most impressive archaeological collections, the award-winning Salisbury Museum is impressive both inside and out. Admire a 30,000-year-old meteorite, some of the country’s oldest gold artefacts, Victorian-era ceramics, and more in the Grade I Listed King’s House.
Opened in 1930, the Cambridge Theatre is a stalwart of London’s West End drama scene with an opulent interior that’s as stylish as its sleek exterior. While it’s hosted a range of shows over the years, it’s best known for Matilda the Musical, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story that’s been charming kids and adults alike since 2011.
With over 1,000 animals, an underwater SEA LIFE® center, and a vast theme park with rides suitable for all ages, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is an ideal family-friendly destination just outside of London. Catch a daily penguin talk, meet and greet meerkats, or take a ride on the rollercoasters for a fun-filled day out.
Home to more than 30 rides and family-friendly attractions, Thorpe Park Resort is one of the UK’s major theme parks. Situated 20 miles (32 kilometers southwest of London, its draws include fast-rolling coasters; high-speed water aerial and water rides, and gentler amusements ideal for the younger ones.
Enjoy a break from the bustling city center and discover the historic grounds of Sefton Park, a 200-acre (81-hectare) green getaway that hosts nature trails, children’s play areas, and a boating lake teeming with wildlife. Stroll leafy avenues, explore a Victorian conservatory, or relax in one of the park cafes to absorb the atmosphere of the Grade I English Heritage site.
A lively market town within the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley is a popular day-trip from nearby York. The cobblestone streets of the town center—as well as quaint teahouses, ivy-covered traditional pubs, and an imposing 12th-century castle—add to the appeal of this traditional Yorkshire destination.
The origins of Drum Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses, can be traced back to the 14th century. Home to the Irvine family for more than six centuries, Drum Castle, Garden & Estate—now owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS)—features a medieval grand hall, a Jacobean mansion house, a Victorian-era library, and an ancient oak forest.
Protruding into the Moray Firth, this tapering spit of land is one of the best marine wildlife-viewing spots in Scotland, with bottlenose dolphins often seen frolicking offshore. Standing at the tip of the spit is a mid-19th-century lighthouse that is still in operation (though automated, and a pebble beach looks across to Fort George.
Despite an association with all things spooky—goth festivals, Bram Stoker, and decrepit abbeys—Whitby remains one of the most popular seaside towns in England. Replete with natural beauty, the town is small enough to explore on foot and boasts numerous attractions that appeal to a cross section of visitors.
Rosslyn Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history and architectural grandeur, nestled above the picturesque banks of the River Esk in the shadow of the Pentland Hills. Built in the 14th century, the ruined residence takes visitors on a captivating journey through time, providing a glimpse into Scotland's storied past.
This small but fascinating museum documents Belfast’s troubled history, and the Irish republican resistance against the British. The collection, much of which was amassed by former republican volunteer Eileen Hickey, includes uniforms, weapons, handicrafts made by political prisoners, pictures, posters, and more.
