United Kingdom attractions

Leith is a port area often touted as one of Edinburgh’s coolest neighborhoods. A former industrial warehouse district and Scotland’s main trading port of the 18th century, it has since transformed into a go-to spot for independent shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants along the waterfront. Visitors can also check out Leith Market, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Ocean Terminal shopping center.

A little piece of history in the center of town, Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror back in 1070, as a motte-and-bailey fortress. While it might not be the grand Norman castle it once was, the site’s Agricola Tower and some ruins remain, offering visitors a glimpse of Chester’s past.

Visitors flock to this Edwardian-era distillery in Kennington to sample award-winning gin made with a 19th-century recipe—but you don’t have to be a gin lover to enjoy a tour. Exploring the Beefeater Gin Distillery is also an opportunity to learn the history of gin in London, while on a campus that features everything from original Victorian pot stills to rooms overflowing with fragrant fresh botanicals, tasting rooms, and “secret” bars.

Often cited as Britain’s most picturesque waterway, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal stretches through the leafy Usk Valley for around 35 miles (56 kilometers) between Brecon and Cwmbran, south of Pontypool. You can explore it by narrowboat, operating the six locks yourself, or experience it from dry land, enjoying walks or cycles along the historical towpaths.

Whitechapel Gallery, located in London’s vibrant East End, is a cornerstone of contemporary art in Tower Hamlets. Over the years, it has exhibited works by legends such as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock while also championing emerging local talent. Beyond its galleries, the space draws visitors with dynamic film screenings, thought-provoking events, and a well-curated bookshop.

Among Coventry's best-known landmarks, Coventry Cathedral is a fine mix of old and new architecture. While much of the original medieval cathedral was destroyed by Nazi bombs during World War II, parts of it remain, along with a New Cathedral that operates as a house of worship to this day.

A standout venue in London’s West End, the Apollo Victoria Theatre opened in 1930 as a cinema and later transitioned into a live performance venue. Known for its distinctive art deco architecture and capacity of over 2,300, it has hosted a range of major musicals. Past productions include The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof, but it’s now best known as the long-running home of Wicked, which opened here in 2006.

Windswept, desolate, and teetering on the cliff tops of Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire’s Slains Castle (also known as New Slains Castle) evokes such a forbidding atmosphere it’s easy to believe it provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Literary association aside, Slains Castle draws visitors with its historic appeal and coastal walks.

Dating back to the early 20th century, the Victoria Palace Theatre is a staple of London’s theater scene. Over the years it’s played host to a variety of hit shows, ranging from Billy Elliot The Musical to Grease. Until at least 2025, the theater is home to the award-winning musical Hamilton.

One of London’s most playful entertainment venues, Swingers Crazy Golf invites visitors to play mini-golf (or crazy golf, as it’s known in the UK) in style. Housed in a sprawling venue that’s based on the glamour of a 1920’s British seaside resort, there are several 9-hole courses, as well as a carnival area with vintage games, street food options, and a terrace area to relax in between rounds with a cocktail.

Part of the National Trust, the Birmingham Back to Backs are a collection of 19th-century working people’s houses packed snugly around a courtyard—the last surviving examples of their kind. The houses are designed to feel as if the residents are still living there, with fires smoldering in grates, and other domestic touches evoking bygone times.

Scotland’s first design museum, and the only Victoria and Albert museum outside of London, the V&A Dundee is a prominent landmark in Scotland’s fourth-largest city. The first UK project designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it’s a must-visit for its building as well as what’s contained within.

An iconic London street known for its world-class tailoring, Savile Row is the capital's premier spot for sartorial elegance. The shop windows of this affluent Mayfair Road are filled with exquisite suits, coats, robes, jackets, and shoes; many of the businesses on the street have been in operation since the early 1800s.

Spectacular from the outside and a premier music venue on the inside, Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I–listed building in the city center. This historic building was inspired by Roman temples and over the years has hosted musical greats, including Nina Simone and The Beatles. Today, you can see concerts and special events throughout the year.

As London’s third-busiest airport, after Heathrow and Gatwick, London Stansted sees up to 24 million passengers pass through its terminals each year. As well as being a major base for low-cost carrier Ryanair, Stansted serves over 170 destinations all around Europe, as well as select destinations in North Africa, Central America, and the United States.

Just downriver of Bath’s storied Pulteney Bridge is the Pulteney Weir: one of the most notable features of the River Avon, which runs through the UNESCO-listed city. A weir—a barrier built to control water flow and prevent flooding—has stood on-site here since 1603. Today’s version, with its iconic V-shaped cascades, was constructed in the 1970s.

The stunning coastline of Beachy Head is famous for having some of the UK's tallest chalk sea cliffs. Renowned for its red and white lighthouse, this natural landmark comprises the Seven Sisters cliffs and offers views of the English Channel. It's a loved spot for hiking and has appeared in movies and TV shows, such as Harry Potter, James Bond, and Luther.

Set in the formerly industrial neighborhood of Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is a little off the typical tourist trail, and offers a more relaxed alternative to Borough Market. This lesser-known gem is popular with locals and features around 30 food and drink vendors. Expect everything from dumplings and tacos to vegan baked goods and cheese toasties, plus creative global street food fusions. It’s a worthwhile detour for food lovers keen to taste their way around London.

Long the heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community, the Gay Village is a place of revelry, celebration, and remembrance. Situated around Canal Street, which is home to a wealth of late-night spots, the Village is a popular nightlife destination, while landmarks like the Alan Turing Memorial and Beacon of Hope (an HIV and AIDS memorial) are worth visiting as well.

Penrhyn Castle is a grand 19th-century fortress built for the anti-abolitionist Pennant family, who funded it from dealings in the Jamaica sugar plantations and North Wales slate industry. Today, the castle is managed by Britain’s National Trust, who invite visitors to discover its 5-story keep, neo-Norman architecture, and sizable gardens.

Built in 1961 and in service for 30 years, this English Heritage property represents a chilling reminder of the UK’s Cold War history. Today, visitors can go inside the semi-subterranean structure to learn more about the living quarters and control rooms that were designed to keep around 60 people alive in the event of a nuclear tragedy.

Across the Avon River from the heart of Bath (via Pulteney Bridge), Great Pulteney Street is among Bath's longest and widest roads. Like many of the city's fine examples of Georgian architecture, the street and the stately homes that flank it were commissioned in the late 18th century.

Dating back to the 17th century, Frogmore House in Windsor is a Grade I-listed Crown Estate property. It has served as a temporary residence for British royals, including Queen Charlotte, Prince Albert, and Queen Victoria. Notably, it was the reception venue for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. Today, visitors explore its opulent rooms and gardens and learn about its royal connections.

Founded and constructed more than 700 years ago, Elgin Cathedral was once one of the grandest religious structures in Scotland. Also known as “the Lantern of the North,” the landmark was impacted by the Protestant Reformation, and it eventually fell into disrepair. Today, although it exists as a ruin, its remaining walls and features convey its extraordinary architectural beauty.

Backed by the misty Cairngorms, surrounded by ancient pines, and boasting an award-winning sandy beach, Loch Morlich is a freshwater loch in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. Besides hiking, cycling, and mountain biking trails, there are water sports during the warmer months, including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Tracey Emin are among the headline artists represented at London’s Moco Museum, a glossy, bubblegum-esque, central London gallery dedicated to modern, contemporary, digital, and immersive art— the kind of bold, colorful art that sets your social media feed ablaze. Opened amid much buzz in 2024, the London Moco is the sister site to Moco’s Amsterdam and Barcelona outposts, following their lead and appealing to a younger generation of modern art fans.

One of 35 London bridges that straddle the River Thames, Waterloo Bridge is sandwiched between Blackfriars Bridge and the iconic Westminster Bridge. It’s nicknamed the “Ladies Bridge,” as it was built mostly by women during World War II, and serves as the gateway to the bustling London Waterloo station and South Bank, a cultural hub right on the river.

Wellpark Brewery is the home of Tennent beer, Scotland's best-selling beer. Since it opened more than 450 years ago, Wellpark Brewery has become the largest beer attraction in the United Kingdom, one of the oldest breweries in Scotland, and one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Glasgow. It’s located within the Tennent Caledonian Breweries building.

On the banks of the River Thames in London’s leafy Richmond, Ham House is a grand mansion with interiors that have been left largely unchanged for the last 400 years. Known for its impressive collection of artwork, furniture, and textiles, the house is a unique example of a meticulously well-preserved 17th-century Stuart mansion. It’s also said to be one of Britain’s most haunted houses.

Housed in a Georgian townhouse, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. Once home to the renowned astronomers William and Caroline Herschel, this is where William famously discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. Visitors can explore original telescopes, period furnishings, and exhibits that celebrate the Herschels’ remarkable contributions to both astronomy and music.