10 must-visit places for your next trip to the UK

From the breathtaking landscapes of the English countryside to the bustling energy of vibrant cities, Britain is brimming with fantastic day trip and staycation options that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape to nature, a cultural deep dive into historical landmarks, or a taste of urban life filled with dining and entertainment, the diverse regions of the UK provide endless possibilities.

Here are 10 must-visit places for your next UK trip:

London
No trip to the UK is truly complete without a visit to its iconic capital. London offers something for everyone, catering to all tastes, budgets, and preferences. As Samuel Johnson famously noted, and many social media influencers have echoed, "When a person is tired of London, they are tired of life; for in London, you can find everything life has to offer."

Historical attractions sit moments away from modern bars, shops and clubs, while the public transport system will get you around the city easily and quickly – though the best way to see London is definitely by foot, says a report by The Week.

Bath
Bath is one of the UK’s standout cities, offering a taste of true history and some of the most impressive and iconic architecture the country has to offer, The Week report says. One of its main attractions is the Roman Baths, the well-preserved thermal spa used by the people of Bath – then “Aquae Sulis” – in Roman times. The city itself is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The city’s “beautiful setting, in a bowl surrounded by seven green hills, is a further attribute that Unesco highlights”, said The Telegraph. And The Guardian calls the city “a style statement to the rest of the nation”. So cool in many ways, Bath has “something volcanic about it”.

Scottish Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland encompass the northern two-thirds of the country and are known for some of the mainland's most breathtaking landscapes, according to Rough Guides. This region features a distinctive mix of mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers, bordered by a stunningly rugged coastline on three sides, ensuring dramatic and atmospheric views.

Stonehenge
It’s one of the most popular tourist sites in the entire world, let alone just in Great Britain. The UK’s “most evocative” ancient monument is a Unesco World Heritage Site, which attracts almost 850,000 visitors a year, said Insight Guides.

Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, these stone circles continue to pose “fascinating questions” almost five millennia after their construction, said Fodor’s, as per a report by The Wire. But Stonehenge is “more than just the megaliths”, the surrounding landscape is “dotted with ancient earthworks, remains of Neolithic settlements, and processional pathways”, creating a “complex of ceremonial structures that testifies to the sophisticated belief system of these early Britons”.

Edinburgh
There used to be a “down season” in Edinburgh, when Scotland’s capital city “caught a slight breather” from tourists, said Condé Nast Traveler. But “no longer”, the crowds “keep coming, all year long”. Most famous for its “wild” arts and performance festival, Edinburgh also has a “buzzing” dining scene and is a city that “artfully balances the (very) old with the new”. This might be “Europe’s hottest capital right now”.

Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia, or Eryri in Welsh, is the largest of Wales's three national parks. Spanning nine mountain ranges and 23 miles of coastline, this beautiful area in northwest Wales is a paradise for outdoor lovers, food enthusiasts, and adventurers.

According to Joanne Owen in Rough Guides, Snowdonia National Park features "elite" hiking trails, "breathtaking backdrops," and "mythic mountains" surrounded by "fairytale forests," providing visitors with an "exhilarating blast" of natural beauty and unforgettable experiences.

Cardiff

Cardiff is “loud, lively and out for a good time”, said Rob Crossan in The Times. The capital of Wales “doesn’t really do demure” and it’s a city that “isn’t shy about showing visitors its many charms”.

With its industrial landmarks “stylishly repurposed” and a waterfront that has been regenerated, Cardiff “knows a thing or two about keeping with the Joneses”, said Luke Waterson in The Telegraph.

Oxford
While Cambridge is known for its expansive green spaces, Oxford boasts “stunning spires and picturesque cobblestones that few cities can rival,” according to Time Out. It attracts visitors from across the globe who want to see the halls and towers that inspired Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

Radcliffe Square, described by The Telegraph as a must-visit, is located “at the heart of the university” and is surrounded by three magnificent architectural treasures: the medieval University Church of St Mary the Virgin, the 15th-century Bodleian Library, and the Palladian-style Radcliffe Camera.

Belfast
Belfast is “full of hip neighbourhoods that burst with bars, restaurants and venues” while its old docklands are now the vibrant Titanic Quarter, “home to fancy apartments and a sensational museum”.

Movie and television fans are also flocking to the city. Titanic Studios were used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, while Kenneth Branagh’s film Belfast was nominated for seven Oscars. Branagh’s “ode to his childhood” is “a beautiful story about a beautiful city”, the BBC said.

Bristol
Bristol, known for Banksy, a hot air balloon festival, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, and the stunning Clifton Suspension Bridge, has emerged as one of the UK’s top city break destinations. Recognized by The New York Times as a must-visit spot in 2018, this “edgy” and “creative” city in southwest England is a true “cultural powerhouse.”

The rumors are indeed “true,” according to The Independent, with Bristol being “vibrant.” Featuring grand Georgian crescents and a lively center, it stands out as one of England’s coolest cities, bustling with artistic energy, culinary innovators, and passionate residents, making it “a unique place to experience.”