On the slopes of the Isle of Skye’s Black Cuillin mountains, near Glen Brittle, the vivid blue pools known as the Fairy Pools are so otherworldly it’s easy to imagine how they got their name. One of the island’s top attractions, the Fairy Pools draw visitors keen to snap photos and (if brave) take a bracing dip.
Set in a picturesque location at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, Blair Athol Distillery is a fine place to sample a dram or two of Scotland’s “water of life” while learning about Scotch whisky heritage and craftsmanship. With a history dating back to the late 18th century, it’s one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries.
At the foot of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, this Scottish distillery has been producing malt whisky since 1825. Visitors can take a tour of the historic distillery, sample a selection of whiskies, and browse bottles in the shop.
Sgwd yr Eira conjures up mystical images from its name alone, which translates as “waterfall of the snow” in English: luckily, it lives up to its title. This beloved Brecon Beacons waterfall is known for its torrent of water that you can walk behind, and is the grand finale of the Four Waterfalls Walk.
One of London’s most innovative entertainment venues, the ABBA Arena was purpose-built in 2022 specifically for ABBA Voyage—a live concert that features the digital avatars of Swedish pop icons ABBA, known as ABBAtars. These virtual performers are paired with the band’s original vocals and supported by a live 10-piece band. The arena holds up to 3,000 fans, and its hexagonal design ensures great views from every vantage point.
One of three ancient Egyptian obelisks relocated to major Western cities—the others are in Paris and New York—Cleopatra’s Needle was gifted to the UK in the 19th century. After a perilous sea journey from Egypt, it was installed on London’s Victoria Embankment. (Despite the name, the landmark has no link to Cleopatra.) Visitors enjoy photo opportunities near the obelisk, with visible hieroglyphics as well as bronze sphinxes that guard the monument.
Islington is an area in north London that’s a fun place for strolling and experiencing authentic London life, where you can explore market stalls, browse independent boutiques, or eat at one of its many great pubs and restaurants. With a wide range of eateries, plus plenty of unique shops, Islington makes a welcome change from some of the city’s more typical tourist hot spots, plus you’ll spot pretty Georgian architecture while wandering its streets.
The longtime home of Clan Brodie, this turreted 16th-century castle—now run by the National Trust for Scotland—is set amid more than 170 acres (70 hectares) of parkland. The restored interior offers a glimpse into Brodie family life in the castle, and features precious artworks, antique furniture, and a 6,000-book library.
Once the summer hideaway of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight still exudes Victorian-era elegance today. Restored and lovingly maintained by the English Heritage society, the house is now one of the island’s most popular attractions, offering a glimpse of the lives of British royalty, along with gardens, a museum, and a private beach.
A signature British seaside sight, Bournemouth Pier remains as lively today as it was in its 19th-century heyday. While tourists no longer arrive by steamer boat, the pier is a hub of activity with traditional beachfront offerings like a helter-skelter, eateries, and arcade games, but also attractions like rock climbing and zip lining for a modern, adventurous twist.
Shrouded by woodland and home to ivy-covered monuments, Highgate Cemetery is an atmospheric Victorian graveyard in North London. Some of the cemetery’s most famous residents include Karl Marx, whose grave stands in the East Side of the grounds; the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams; and musician George Michael, buried in the West Side.
Dating to 1482, Sally Lunn’s Historic House is one of the oldest houses in Bath. Named after Huguenot baker Solange Luyon (aka Sally Lunn)—who invented the first Bath bun that now bears her name—the establishment still serves Sally Lunn buns and other dishes. The original kitchen is now a museum.
The Scottish Highlands is known for whisky production, and you can see the process up close at Tomatin Distillery. Located in the village of Tomatin—where it was first established in 1897—here you can join a variety of distillery tours to discover the history of Scottish whisky, plus enjoy tastings at the source.
If you love historic castles set in the scenic Scottish countryside, Fyvie Castle should be at the top of your list during your trip to Aberdeenshire. Built in the 13th century, it has been the ancestral home of five different noble families. Explore the towers of an authentic medieval castle, and learn about the collections of art and antiques displayed in each room.
Set in the charming village of Shottery, near Stratford-upon-Avon, this storybook 15th-century thatched farmhouse was once the childhood home of William Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. The cottage is now a museum, complete with historic rooms, original furniture, and beautiful gardens and orchards.
A huge renovation project turned this once-neglected waterfront wasteland into one of Belfast’s most vibrant and most-visited neighborhoods. As well as apartments and a science park, the waterfront area also features severalTitanic-related attractions, most notably Titanic Belfast and the Titanic’s Dock and Pump House.
Home to basements so deep they're below sea level, the British Library has every book and magazine published in the UK since 1911. It boasts two copies of the Magna Carta (one burnt to a crisp); the 17th-century leather Klencke Atlas, one of the world's largest; and Shakespeare's First Folio—one of 80,000 rare manuscripts in the glass-cabineted King’s Library.
The Charles Dickens Museum takes visitors on a journey into the life of one of the world’s greatest storytellers. Housed in the Georgian townhouse where Dickens lived in the 19th century, it’s where he wrote classics such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. Carefully preserved to resemble its appearance in the 1830s, the museum displays his personal possessions, original manuscripts, and rare editions of his novels.
The Clydeside Distillery opened in the old Pumphouse of Glasgow in 2017. Owned by the Morrison family, who have generational ties to Glasgow’s docks and other distilleries, the distillery launched its first bottle of single malt whisky in 2021. Today, the Clydeside Distillery hosts a café with whisky flights and food and is open for tours.
As Europe’s largest airport, London Heathrow (LHR) serves more than 70 million air travel passengers annually. It’s the UK’s busiest airport, serving as the gateway to London for most of the world and offering currency exchange facilities, accommodation, luggage storage, and VIP lounges.
Built by the ancestors of Princess Diana, Spencer House is a lavishly decorated 18th-century townhouse in St James’s, one of London's most affluent boroughs. Decor, artwork, and furniture reflect the classical taste of Earl Spencer, who wanted the house to be a temple of hospitality, love, and the arts. Highlights include the grandiose Painted Room, the Dining Room, and the Library.
Built by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, the Mary Rose is one of Britain’s most legendary warships. The pride of the Royal Navy, the mighty vessel saw battle numerous times before finally meeting her fate in 1545. More than 400 years later, the raised wreck was returned to her birthplace in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
One of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, Southampton Port is an important departure point for many long-distance cruises. All the big liners (think P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Cunard) sail from the city, and the port itself is home to an impressive five terminals. That said, this cruise port isn’t a place of entertainment, and there are limited shops, eateries, or on-site amenities. However, Southampton’s compact town center is only a short distance away.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East is a peaceful retreat hidden in the City of London, not far from London Bridge and the Tower of London. Originally built in the 12th century and later redesigned by celebrated architect Christopher Wren, the church was badly damaged during World War II. Rather than rebuilding it, the shell was transformed into a leafy public space—now a favourite local spot for reading, lunch breaks, and a pause from the city rush.
One of Premier League’s most storied and beautiful venues, London’s Craven Cottage is a top attraction for football (soccer) lovers. The home of Fulham Football Club for more than a century, the stadium is located on what were once royal hunting grounds. Today, the riverside venue is situated next to the scenic Bishop’s Park, right on the River Thames.
Dating back to the 12th century, Temple Church is renowned for its fascinating history: it was founded by the Knights Templar, has links to the negotiations of the Magna Carta, was bombed during the Blitz, and featured in the Da Vinci Code. Beyond its historical significance, Temple Church remains an active place of worship, hosting regular services. It’s also a big draw for architecture fans thanks to its distinctive round design, which is characteristic of Templar churches.
With roots stretching back more than 1,000 years to its time as a Benedictine abbey, Chester Cathedral is deeply ingrained in Chester’s history. Bounded by the city’s Roman walls and largely built between the 10th and 16th centuries, this Romanesque and neo-Gothic red sandstone church intrigues with its richly carved choir, 216-step tower, and medieval treasures.
Consistently one of Manchester’s most-visited attractions, the Lowry is a visual and performing arts center that houses three theaters, plus galleries and other public spaces. Opened in 2000 and dedicated by the Queen of England, the Lowry has played a significant role in the regeneration of the city’s Salford Quays area.
Since its debut in advance of the London 2012 Olympics, Westfield Stratford City has become a go-to shopping destination in East London, and it’s also one of the biggest urban shopping centers in the UK. The complex has more than 200 shops, 100 dining destinations, and entertainment options such as a movie theater, a bowling alley, a casino, and go-karting. It attracts more than 51 million visits from shoppers every year.
Boasting conical-roofed turrets, towers, and battlements, this pink-hued Scottish Baronial-style tower house is one of several properties said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Constructed in 1626, the property is replete with original features, precious artworks, and historical artifacts including armor and weapons.
