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Destinations

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

Hot air baloons floating above the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol

Introduction

From our bustling cities and striking coastline to inspirational outdoor adventures, there are so many things to see and do in Britain and Northern Ireland.

Nations

England is renowned for its iconic landmarks, as well as historic castles, world-leading museums, diverse festivals and top-notch sport.

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Chunyip Wong

View to Buckingham Palace from the Mall showing union Jack flags

Explore Scotland’s stunning lakes, highlands, and wildlife-rich islands, as well as lively cities bursting with character.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Marching band and light show projecting onto the castle

Wales sparkles with scenic beauty, rich history and adventure, from its magnificent castles and National Parks, to rolling hills, mountains and coastline.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Woman standing on a rock, high above the lake in a valley

Discover World Heritage sites and Game of Thrones filming locations, dramatic coastlines, historic castles, and thrilling outdoor adventure in Northern Ireland.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views

Capital cities

Discover world-leading museums and galleries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a city brimming with history and culture.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

Explore Edinburgh, capital of Scotland, the world’s leading festival city and home to 10 international festivals.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Location: Image Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

Explore Wales’ capital city Cardiff, famed for its iconic rugby stadium, Victorian shopping arcades, and thriving food scene.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

A gay couple, with arms linked, shopping indoors

Belfast is a vibrant cultural hub on Northern Ireland’s east coast, packed with lively pubs, a diverse food scene and proud industrial heritage.

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic Belfast, a world famous museum which tells the story of the RMS Titanic

Cities

A city where land meets the sea, Aberdeen is a wonderful blend of Scottish history and modern culture.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Woman walking near a castle with a dog on a clifftop by the sea

Famed for its Roman spa and Georgian architecture, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath has long been celebrated as a wellness and cultural retreat.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Woman in the swimming pool, Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, Somerset, England.

Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham is an industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart.

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Historical building, with a clock tower, beside a fountain

From traditional deckchairs on its sandy beaches to the tallest rollercoaster in Britain, the seaside resort of Blackpool welcomes visitors with open arms.

Photo by: Visit Blackpool

Blackpool seafront and Blackpool Tower.

With a mass of museums to get stuck into, multicultural communities and the Victorian world of Saltaire on its doorstep, Bradford is a vibrant urban hub.

Photo by: West Yorkshire LVEP/James Mulkeen

A woman and a man walk through a town centre

Brighton rocks as a seaside town with cool shops, diverse cuisine, and inclusive celebrations bursting with south coast Pride.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Brighton

Smiling woman in denim jacket standing between shops

Bristol is a creative city with a rich maritime heritage, and home to legendary street artist Banksy.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Bristol header image baloons

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

The city of Cambridge is a hub for innovation and creativity, with a famous university dating back more than 800 years.

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River

Chester’s charm is captivating and unmissable, from city walls oozing with Roman history to Chester Zoo's magnificent animal kingdom.

Photo by: Getty Images/iStockphoto/Trabantos

View of residential houses alongside a bridge over a river

A perfect blend of nature and urban living, this Essex city was made to be explored.

Photo by: Indre @Colchesterstreets

Man walking through arch covered in flowers at Lion Walk, Colchester

Explore Coventry, birthplace of 2-Tone Music, Britain’s motor industry, and Peaky Blinders filming locations.

Photo by: West Midlands Growth Company

Location: Coventry image

Robot sculpture outside a building with geometric décor

A gateway to the Peak District, Derby is drenched in industrial heritage – yet nature is never far away.

Photo by: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

Two men walking past shops and restaurants

Durham is a city bursting with untold stories and magical moments.

Photo by: Getty Images/E+/SolStock

A male couple sitting in a rowboat, rowing together

Small but mighty, Exeter is a city with seriously cool credentials. Discover the top attractions and best things to do and see during your next visit here.

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A view down a shopping street in Exeter's Castle Quarter

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is full of character, with striking architecture, abundant green spaces, and a music scene as vibrant as its people.

Photo by: Glasgow Life / Paul Watt Photography

A couple sitting on a hill in park, with Glasgow skyline, and people cycling and walking along park paths.

A melting pot of heritage and culture, Britain’s most northerly city makes a great base for exploring the Highlands.

Photo by: Emad Aljumah/Getty Images

A suspension bridge with people walking across spanning a wide river with houses on the other side

From its beginnings as a Norman Fortress, Lancaster offers plenty of things to see and do.

Photo by: Lancaster City Council

Groups of people exploring the city centre of Lancaster

The Lake District is Britain’s largest National Park at 912 square miles (2,362 square km) and is recognised by UNESCO for its beauty – its stunning lakes and mountains have inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Photo by: Giles Rocholl/Visit Leeds

A view down a shopping street in Leeds' historic Victoria Quarter

From a medieval monarch found under a car park to the city’s celebration of multicultural modern life, Leicester has it all.

Photo by: Visit Leicester

An outdoor view of Leicester's historic Guild Hall

A storyteller of history, Lincoln is a city with thousands of tales to tell. Discover the best things to do and attractions in our official guide.

Photo by: Getty Images/Julian Elliott Photography

Cathedral with tudor timber framed medieval buildings in foreground

Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with more museums and galleries than any city outside of London.

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

Home to Manchester United and music legends, Manchester is one of Britain’s most dynamic cities, with an industrial history matched by its modern-day appeal.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Group of friends walking by the canal in Castlefield

The city of Newcastle stands on the north bank of the River Tyne, connected to the neighbouring town of Gateshead by seven bridges.

Photo by: NGI/ Angela Carrington

A woman and a man walk along a riverside with iconic buildings and a bridge beyond

Known as the City of Stories, Norwich has a huge array of historic and modern-day attractions.

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum

Steeped in legends that surround Robin Hood to literary greats, discover what this city has to offer.

Photo by: projecthoop

A performance in front of Nottingham Castle

Oxford is known as the 'City of Dreaming Spires', in honour of the architecture of Britain’s oldest university.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Two boys playing on a path in front of a palace

Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City with maritime charm, natural beauty and award-winning museums and waterfront attractions. See the best things to do here.

Photo by: Jay Stone

People paddleboarding near a dock in Plymouth

Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth offers adventure sports, relaxation and refreshing sea air.

Photo by: HMS Warrior

A family walking alongside a ship at a dock

Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.

Photo by: Salt St for The Outdoor City

People riding bikes on the inner city mountain bike trails at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield

Rich in history and royal traditions, Windsor is home to Britain’s largest inhabited castle and has been home to royalty for centuries.

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Location: Windsor image

Guards marching, Windsor Castle

York is a medieval walled city with Viking and Roman heritage, famed for its magnificent cathedral and abundance of museums.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Location: Image York

Woman wearing trench coat and pink hat walking through narrow historic street of York, North Yorkshire, England.

Countryside

The gateway into Scotland, the area packs the punch for outdoor adventure, with miles of cycling and hiking trails, paddleboarding and numerous golf courses.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

From rolling valleys and sweeping peaks to dramatic waterfalls, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park in South Wales is overflowing with natural wonders, culture and heritage.

Photo by: Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

The Broads National Park sits on the border between Suffolk and Norfolk, in the east of England.

Photo by: Norfolk Broads Direct

Familydayboatfeedswans2, Norfolk Broads

This vast, untamed national park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands is home to impressive mountains and castles, ancient forests, rare wildlife, and exciting year-round activities.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies

Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

White painted signpost on a clifftop at Lands End. White building

Embracing five English counties, the lush rolling countryside, pretty stone villages, and rambling rivers of The Cotswolds offer a quintessential taste of Britain.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Male and female couple hugging in the garden near a fountain

The two national parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor in south west England combine to offer dramatic coastline, untamed moors, spectacular wildlife and miles of trails to explore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Location: Dartmoor and Exmoor horse image

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

Hugging the south-west, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and food lovers.

Photo by: Leon Woods / iStock/ Getty Images Plus

Location: Devon image

Photograph of Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in North Devon

Explore England’s south-eastern county, affectionately known as the 'Garden of England'.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

The Lake District is Britain’s largest National Park at 912 square miles (2,362 square km) and is recognised by UNESCO for its beauty – its stunning lakes and mountains have inspired artists and writers for centuries.

Photo by: VisitBritain/John Finney

Location: Lake District

Hiker walking along a path on the mountain ridge at sunset

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is 30 miles (48km) from Glasgow and is an adventure haven, home to 720 square miles (1,865 square km) of mountains, forests and lakes.

Photo by: VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

The New Forest National Park in Hampshire, southern England, is a region of forest, open countryside and coastline, famed for its free-roaming ponies.

Photo by: Tony West

Two people riding bicycles on a trail past a horse in the New Forest

Northumberland features historic castles, coastal trails and spectacular scenery within its National Park.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

North Wales is brimming with UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent castles, stunning coastlines, rolling hills and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Harlech Castle standing on a grassy hilltop in North Wales. Blue skies and clouds

The North York Moors National Park, in North Yorkshire, stretches from countryside to coast and is home open moorland, sandy beaches and harbour villages.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Chef wearing apron on pier holding lobster trap with lobster

Home to some of Britain’s most dramatic scenery, the Peak District, east of Manchester, is a place of rolling hills and rugged moors, with picturesque market towns and adventure galore.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Becky Stacey

Location: Peak district image

A woman with her arms raised enjoying the view from high

Pembrokeshire National Park, on the western edge of Wales, covers an area of 240 square miles (621 square km) and is home to sandy beaches, wildlife-filled islands, and medieval castles.

Photo by: National Trust/Greentraveller

Location: Surfing image

Back view of two young boys in wetsuits sitting on a rock looking out to sea with blue sky

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the wild and awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands are all about scenic beauty and adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain

From its peaks and tumbling waterfalls, to charming villages and 200-miles of beautiful coastline, Snowdonia (Eryri) is Wales’ largest national park.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

Peppered with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and unique local flavours, Somerset is calling out to be explored.

Photo by: Glastonbury Festival

Crowd at Glastonbury Festival

The South Downs in Southern England is Britain’s newest national park, bringing together ancient woodland, seven rivers, historic castles and spectacular coastal trails.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two men on mountain bikes cycling at Devil's Dyke. Sunrise

The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers 841 square miles (2,179 square km) of rolling hills, dramatic waterfalls, and is home to a spectacular network of 2,500 caves.

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Location: Image castle

Guards marching, Windsor Castle

Coast

A city where land meets the sea, Aberdeen is a wonderful blend of Scottish history and modern culture.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Woman walking near a castle with a dog on a clifftop by the sea

From traditional deckchairs on its sandy beaches to the tallest rollercoaster in Britain, the seaside resort of Blackpool welcomes visitors with open arms.

Photo by: Visit Blackpool

Blackpool seafront and Blackpool Tower.

The gateway into Scotland, the area packs the punch for outdoor adventure, with miles of cycling and hiking trails, paddleboarding and numerous golf courses.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt

Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

Wild waters and mythical landscapes, this stretch of the Atlantic coastline is home to Northern Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway, and the stunning 130-mile (212km) Causeway Coastal Route.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway/National Trust

Distant view of people crossing a rope bridge over the sea

Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Adam Burton

White painted signpost on a clifftop at Lands End. White building

Hugging the south-west, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and food lovers.

Photo by: Leon Woods / iStock/ Getty Images Plus

Location: Devon image

Photograph of Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in North Devon

A slice of tranquil island life, yet a stone’s throw from the bustling mainland: the Isle of Wight is small but mighty.

Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

Landscape shot of chalk cliffs and ocean

At 200 million years old, the 96-mile (155km) stretch of south-west coastline known as the Jurassic Coast is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People kayaking along the shores of coastline

Explore England’s south-eastern county, affectionately known as the 'Garden of England'.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

A coastal masterpiece, the King Charles III England Coast Path will be the world’s longest shore walk, spanning a remarkable 2,795 miles (4,500km) of beaches, cities and nature reserves.

Photo by: South West Coast Path/Roy Curtis

A person on a footpath on the coastal path near sea

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is an epic scenic route around the North Highlands of Scotland.

Photo by: North Highlands

visitscotland_41471252178

North Wales is brimming with UNESCO World Heritage sites, magnificent castles, stunning coastlines, rolling hills and adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lee Beel

Harlech Castle standing on a grassy hilltop in North Wales. Blue skies and clouds

Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City with maritime charm, natural beauty and award-winning museums and waterfront attractions. See the best things to do here.

Photo by: Jay Stone

People paddleboarding near a dock in Plymouth

Known as the Great Waterfront City, Portsmouth offers adventure sports, relaxation and refreshing sea air.

Photo by: HMS Warrior

A family walking alongside a ship at a dock

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the wild and awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands are all about scenic beauty and adventure.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

Two mountain bikers cycling downhill down a mountain

The awe-inspiring Scottish Islands are full of character, with friendly communities and an abundance of wildlife.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Dougie Cunningham

A group of deer near a lake, grazing grass

The Wales Coast Path takes in 870 miles (1,400km) of beaches, clifftop hikes, wildlife-filled islands, and historic castles along the nation’s coastline.

Photo by: Leon Woods / iStock/ Getty Images Plus

Location: Devon image

Photograph of Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in North Devon

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