United Kingdom attractions

A museum dedicated to one of Britain’s best-loved authors, the Jane Austen Centre in Bath is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the life and work of the 18th-century writer. Housed in an authentic period property, with actors in costume bringing the museum to life, the center immerses visitors in the days of the Regency era.

Built to celebrate British victories over Napoleon, the ornate Wellington Arch—topped by the largest bronze sculpture in Europe—served as London’s smallest police station before being taken over by English Heritage and opened to the public. Exhibitions document its construction, while an open-air viewing gallery offers views over Hyde Park and the King’s backyard (aka, Buckingham Palace gardens).

Straddling the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, this island-studded loch has the largest surface area of Scotland’s lakes. Made famous by a Scottish folk song, the lake has mirror-clear waters that reflect the nearby crags and peaks, most notably the 3,195-foot (974-meter) Ben Lomond, with views of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Built in 1850 to accommodate prisoners tried at the courthouse across the street, Crumlin Road Gaol (Crumlin Road Jail) housed some of Northern Ireland’s most notorious criminals as well as leading political figures during its 150 years in operation. The jail was also the setting for executions, riots, and hunger strikes.

Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror above the striking White Cliffs of Dover, the 11th century Dover Castle is the largest castle in England. Climb the Great Tower, marvel at the oldest surviving Roman lighthouse in the country, and stop by Saint Mary in Castro church, then tour the castle’s hidden wartime tunnels.

Perched on the banks of the Avon River, the 11th-century Warwick Castle is considered to be one of England’s most magnificent castles. Founded by William the Conqueror, the ancestral palace is a stunning testament to British medieval architecture. But while its exterior might suggest a serious historical attraction, this castle boasts fun exhibits and live-action entertainment that make for an immersive, family-friendly experience.

Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, King’s College is one of the most prestigious and perhaps the best-known of the Cambridge colleges. Notable alumni include writer Zadie Smith and mathematician Alan Turing; however, it’s the grounds and buildings which are of most interest to visitors. Here, explore landscaped gardens, stroll along the River Cam, and admire the 15th-century Gothic King’s College Chapel.

Fans of Harry Potter will be familiar with Platform 9 3/4. The fictional platform is located at the real King’s Cross train station in London, between platforms 9 and 10. In the books and movies, it’s where characters board the Hogwarts Express by running directly at what appears to be a solid wall barrier. The exact spot is commemorated by half a luggage trolley and a sign, which makes it a popular photo stop.

Cawdor Castle is immortalized in literary history as the fictional home of the Thane of Cawdor in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Highland castle, however, has little in common with its fictional counterpart as it wasn't built until the 14th-century, 300 years after the reign of both the real and fictional King Macbeth.

Travel to a tiny peninsula at the northern tip of Loch Awe to visit the ruins of Kilchurn Castle, one of the most photographed sites in Scotland. Abandoned since a fire in the 1750s, the ruins are open for exploration, which can include climbing to the top of its 4-story tower. There is no attendant at the door or souvenir shop, just the scenic castle ruins in the countryside.

Just north of St. Andrews’ town center, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle sit on a windswept headland overlooking a beach. Dating from around 1200, the castle was the main residence of St. Andrews’ bishops and archbishops, and the main administrative center of the Scottish church in medieval-era Scotland.

Packed with cultural hotspots and boasting a laid-back atmosphere, London’s South Bank district is a must-visit for anyone curious about London life. Locals and visitors alike stroll the riverbank for striking views of Westminster, Big Ben, and other city landmarks. You can take in those views from the sky here, as well, aboard the enormous London Eye observation wheel. Or, pop into the museums, galleries, theaters, and pubs for which the area is famous.

St. Katharine Docks is the only marina in central London. A commercial dock and part of the Port of London during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area is now lined with homes, restaurants, offices, and stores. A walk along the docks provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and the opportunity to admire the boats and enjoy the local pubs and restaurants.

Situated at the foot of Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim, this small seaside hamlet is known for its pretty harbor and beachfront, as well as for its historic buildings and Cornish-style houses. In recent years, the Cushendun Caves have come to public attention after featuring in a prominent scene in Game of Thrones.

The Victorian-era Royal Opera House (ROH) hosts performances by two of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious companies: the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera. Attending a performance is the best way to experience this historical building, although non-ticket holders can book tables at its restaurant, café, or rooftop terrace, or join a behind-the-scenes tour.

Propelled into the limelight by Dan Brown’sThe Da Vinci Code, this 15th-century chapel is well worth a look, even for those with no interest in Knights Templar conspiracy theories. The Gothic exterior—with its flying buttresses, pinnacles, and pointed arches—hides an elaborate interior, full of stone carvings rich in symbolism.

Having never been widened to accommodate cars, The Shambles has retained its picturesque medieval form. Timber-framed Tudor buildings host tea rooms, taverns, and souvenir shops, and project out at the upper levels—a medieval building technique used to create extra living space.

Situated at the east end of the Causeway Coast and to the north of the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle offers easy access to outdoor delights. The seaside town is filled with old-fashioned pubs and shops, while a family-friendly beach and promenade runs along the shore. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Scotland from here.

Perhaps the most celebrated stretch of Antrim Coast Road is known as the Antrim Coastal Drive, which winds along a 25-mile (40-kilometer) route and provides scenic views from Belfast to Derry. Discover landmarks including the Mourne Mountains, Glens of Antrim, and Giant’s Causeway on one of the UK’s most picturesque routes, and explore the towns, harbors, and beaches along the way for insight into local life.

Perched atop a hill by the River Ness, this Victorian-era red sandstone castle—built to replace the medieval fortress blown up by the Jacobites in 1746—is one of Inverness’ most prominent historic structures. Access to the castle, now occupied by government offices and law courts, is restricted but the grounds are open to the public.

Made up of Camden Lock, Stables Market, and Hawley Wharf, the area known as Camden Market is undoubtedly the UK’s most famous collection of street vendors. In continuous operation since the 1970s, the market draws crowds of visitors who come to shop the huge variety of stalls, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. A life-sized statue of Amy Winehouse celebrates the market’s musical heritage.

Board the Golden Hinde for a chance to step into naval history. Moored at the edge of the River Thames, this replica ship brings to life the wooden galleon that took Sir Francis Drake around the world between 1577 and 1580—sails, rigging, and all. Stride a gun deck lined with cannons, learn about life on board a 16th-century ship, and hear about the age of exploration.

Home to fishmongers and produce vendors, quirky hat specialists and trendy sandwich shops, Oxford Covered Market is both a bustling retail hub and a destination for food lovers. The market has operated continuously since its founding in 1774, and today it hosts more than 50 independent shops.

Lined with shops on the north side, Princess Street is Edinburgh’s principal shopping street. To the south, this heavily trafficked thoroughfare borders the memorial-dotted Princes Street Gardens, a park overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is also known for being one of the principal venues for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s celebrations.

Complete with turrets and battlements, this Gothic Revival-style castle is revered for its storybook good looks. Inveraray Castle has been the seat of the Clan Campbell since the 15th century and has more recently served as a filming location for Downton Abbey. The castle houses collections of weapons and art, and is surrounded by manicured gardens.

Discover a symbol of Liverpool and gain insight into the city’s history with a visit to the National Heritage-listed Liverpool Cathedral. As the largest religious building in Britain, the Anglican cathedral boasts neo-Gothic architecture, distinctive artwork, and a 328-feet (100-meter) tower that provides sweeping views across River Mersey.

Spanning the River Cam, this wooden footbridge is often attributed to Isaac Newton, who—as the story goes—designed it in such a way that no bolts were needed to keep it in place. In reality, the bridge was built more than 20 years after Newton’s death, and is held together by bolts, though it is still recognized as an engineering marvel.

Famous as the stage where the Beatles made their debut in 1961, Liverpool’s Cavern Club has become a place of legend, hosting not only the Fab Four, but the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, and many more household names. The influential club remains one of Liverpool’s top live music venues to this day.

The Clink gets its name from a prison that operated there from the 12th to the 18th century. During its 600 years of operation, the prison gained a reputation for its poor conditions, notorious inmates, and frequent rebellions. Today, the museum offers interactive exhibits that reveal the harsh realities of crime and punishment in medieval London, including archaeological artefacts, torture devices, and tales of former inmates.

Since it opened in 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been one of London’s best-known department stores. Set on Piccadilly Street, it’s a must-see for visitors who want to peruse luxury goods, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, and buy British souvenirs. Another claim to fame is that Fortnum invented the Scotch egg, a classic snack featuring a boiled egg encased in sausage meat and breadcrumbs, so it’s the best place to try this local favorite.