United Kingdom attractions

Dating back to medieval times, Glasgow Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on Scotland’s mainland to have survived the Reformation almost fully intact. A magnificent Gothic construction, it features stained-glass windows, a 15th-century stone choir screen, and the tomb of St. Mungo, Glasgow’s patron saint.

The oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford is the main draw to the riverside town of Oxford. With a history dating back to the 11th century, the university’s many colleges offer a wealth of gorgeous historical architecture—not to mention settings for movies including theHarry Potter series.

Built in the early 18th century, Blenheim Palace is one of Britain’s grandest historical estates and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The English nation gave the site to the Duke of Marlborough, General John Churchill, to thank him for his role in defeating a French and Bavarian army at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. Britain’s famed wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, was born here in 1874.

The medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of iconic wordsmith William Shakespeare. Visitors can follow in the literary giant’s footsteps by exploring some of his homes and gardens—there are five in town, each offering a fascinating insight into Shakespeare’s life and works.

The Forth Bridge, the distinctive red-hued cantilevered railway bridge that arches over the Firth of Forth close to Edinburgh, is one of Scotland’s most recognizable symbols. A triumph of engineering, the bridge is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 1,709-foot (521-meter single cantilever span is the second-longest in the world.

An alternative-fashion mecca in the Swinging Sixties, Carnaby Street was frequented by famous figures ranging from models and musicians to punk rockers and fashion designers. Today, Carnaby Street blends its counterculture heritage with modern flair that’s a world away from the more commercial brands of nearby Oxford Street. Its imitable mix of super-chic stores, eateries, and outdoor art means it’s still one of central London’s coolest shopping destinations.

At 404 feet (123 meters), Salisbury Cathedral boasts Britain’s highest church spire. In addition to the spire, the cathedral harbors the 1215 Magna Carta—a document that remains a cornerstone of British law—and wows with its 13th-century Gothic facade and elaborate stained-glass windows.

Located along the scenic Antrim coast, the harbor of the traditional fishing village of Ballintoy offers striking Atlantic views and insight into a rural way of a life. The village has remained virtually unchanged over the last few centuries, and as such was chosen as a filming location for Pyke’s harbor inGame of Thrones.

A bustling business neighborhood in the former docklands area of East London, today’s Canary Wharf would be unrecognizable to London’s 19th-century dock workers. This regenerated area is now privately owned by the Canary Wharf Group, with its shiny glass skyscrapers leased out as office space to international banks, law firms, and financial service companies. Gardens, boardwalks, restaurants, bars, and underground shopping malls cater mainly to the city suits who work there.

Rising 4,409 feet (1,344 meters) above sea level, Ben Nevis is Scotland’s tallest mountain and a premiere destination for climbers. Once a massive volcano that exploded and collapsed inward, the summit is frequently shrouded in mist. In Gaelic, it is called the “mountain with its head in the clouds” and also “venomous mountain.”

The cultural center of Glasgow, George Square dates back to 1781. It was named after King George III and today is surrounded by grand buildings including the Glasgow City Chambers. See statues of great Scots, visit the city’s main tourist information office, and go shopping at the annual Christmas market all in this one central square.

A neo-Gothic masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the TV series of the same name. The turreted, sandstone mansion was created by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind London's Houses of Parliament. The current owners of the castle welcome the public to explore the lavishly decorated interior and the sprawling grounds at certain times of year—prebooking is essential.

The grand dame of London’s railway stations, St. Pancras International welcomes travelers with Gothic revival architecture and Victorian engineering. Set right next to the 5-star St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (formerly the Midland Grand Hotel), the train terminal lives up to its impressive surroundings with a wide range of rail services that connect England’s capital to other domestic and European destinations.

Established in 1682, Old Spitalfields Market is a historic marketplace that is still bustling today. The covered space is filled with stalls offering a mix of unique, locally designed goods, imported wares, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and all manner of quirky items. It’s also home to several permanent restaurants serving everything from cocktails to international cuisine, and a variety of street food stalls.

Beatles fans flock to this black-and-white-striped crosswalk in northwest London for the ultimate photo opportunity. Day in and day out, you can see pop culture aficionados trying to recreate the band’s 1969 Abbey Road album cover photo at this famed pedestrian crossing, flanked by affluent London townhouses. Nearby is Abbey Road Studios, the famous studio where The Beatles recorded many hits.

Set across two buildings—one Victorian and one modern—and featuring a collection of more than 20,000 artifacts, the National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s top visitor attractions. The diverse exhibits cover anything and everything to do with Scotland, including natural history, art, fashion, science, and archaeology.

The Scottish Parliament complex, opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, sits across from Arthur’s Seat at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Known for having one of the most innovative and controversial designs in Britain, Parliament is a must-see on any Edinburgh itinerary; various tours are available for those who want to explore the building.

Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Today, it’s a creative and cultural hub that hosts shows, events, and exhibitions year-round, as well as featuring cafés, restaurants, and a winter ice rink in its courtyard. Stop by for drinks in the riverside bar, browsing its art galleries, or attending music events or film screenings.

Once the favored countryside retreat of the Stuart monarchs, pretty Falkland Palace has seen a long list of famous royals pass through its grand gateway. Mary, Queen of Scots had fond memories of playing in the surrounding woods and parks as a young girl, and James V, James VI, and Charles II were all known to have spent time here.

The 12th-century Leeds Castle is among Europe’s best-preserved medieval landmarks. Sitting in the heart of Kent—confusingly, nowhere near Leeds in Yorkshire—the castle and its grounds span 500 acres (202 hectares), and feature a regal moat and green parkland. Dating back to Norman times, the castle is thought to have been built as a look-at-me home, to flaunt the wealth of its owner, but its elegance captured the eyes of British royalty, who successively owned it until around the 16th century.

One of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks, the Scott Monument is a tribute to celebrated Scottish author and Edinburgh native son Sir Walter Scott. This imposing gothic tower stands 200 feet (61 meters) tall and dominates the skyline of New Town. Climb the 287 steps to the top for splendid views over the city.

Cutty Sark is a 19th-century tea clipper that was once among the fastest ships of its time and is now permanently docked in Greenwich. Visitors can step aboard to explore interactive exhibits, meet costumed actors, and learn what life was like for the crew as they sailed between Britain, China, and beyond. With its dramatic rigging and fascinating history, Cutty Sark offers a special glimpse into Britain’s maritime past.

Once Scotland's largest cathedral, the 12th-century ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral stand as a testament to its former magnificence. Sprawling along the coast of Fife, just a stone’s throw from St. Andrews Castle, the evocative ruins afford impressive views along the coast.

Madame Tussauds may have branches around the globe, but its London wax museum is the birthplace of it all, with a history dating back to the early 19th century. The ever-expanding collection of wax figures features everyone from Hollywood movie stars, pop icons, and Olympians to politicians, historic figures, and British royal family members. But waxworks are just the start, as it’s also home to the Spirit of London ride and a 4D Marvel experience.

Founded by Henry VIII in 1546, Trinity College is the largest Cambridge University college and the alma mater of many British Prime Ministers, Royal Family members, and Nobel Prize winners. Here, visitors can explore the 17th-century Great Court, Trinity College Clock, and Wren Library among other buildings, as well as attend public lectures and rent punts for use along the River Cam.

The neo-Baroque Belfast City Hall is home to a memorial garden and visitor exhibition that provide insight into the city’s history. Built to commemorate Belfast’s new city status in the late 1800s, the building survived the Belfast Blitz, and was at the center of the 2013 dispute regarding its continued use of the Union flag.

The junction of High Street, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, and St. Aldgate’s, Carfax is a major meeting point in the heart of Oxford. The lofty St. Martin’s Tower (Carfax Tower), which offers some of the best views of the “city of dreaming spires,” sits at the intersection.

Immortalized in the 1999 romantic comedy movie of the same name, Notting Hill is a lively West London neighborhood that’s a paradise for shoppers and foodies. Famous for its rainbow-hued houses, the eclectic Portobello Road Market, and the annual Notting Hill Carnival, there’s never a dull moment visiting this area. Notting Hill offers a special blend of culture, shopping, and dining, whether exploring high-end boutiques, enjoying brunch alfresco, or browsing antique stores.

Set on High Street in the heart of town, graduates-only All Souls College is Oxford’s most elitist institution. Only the university’s best and brightest are invited to sit the entrance exam, and just two are accepted as fellows each year. Fifteenth-century architecture mingles with Hawksmoor and Wren detailings for pure tranquility.

One of Oxford’s oldest colleges, Balliol College dates back to the 13th century, although the precise date is disputed. The architecture of this rambling college is predominantly from the 19th century, though parts of the Front Quadrangle are as old as the 15th century. It takes its name from its founder, John de Balliol.