When looking for an ideal weekend away in the UK, it is important to choose a place to match what you want to do! The UK has modern bustling cities such as London and Edinburgh to quiet, peaceful and rural areas such as the Scottish Highlands and Cornwall. We have picked out our favourite top 10 places to visit in the UK.
Planning a weekend away in the UK?
Here are our top UK cities to visit.
Bath
Bath is a popular spa destination and has been since Roman Britain! The city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in South West England.
The city centre boasts The Roman Baths which dates back to 60 AD and is a must visit when you get here. Now in ruins, the baths are among the best preserved Roman complexes in the UK.
When in town, the city offers multiple quality hotels to stay at and luxury spa days to try in a thermae bath.
The city itself is stunning known for its Georgian architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful countryside. The ancient city provides stunning photographic opportunities, making it a favourite spot for tourists.
Bristol
Bristol is another city in the South West of England was built around the River Avon. The city has rich history for maritime and engineering whilst at the same time becoming a popular city for young adults and students.
A must see is the Clifton Suspension Bridge which offers stunning views of the Avon Gorge and is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
When in the city there is always something to see, the city is famous for its arts and festivals during the day whilst at night it caters to live music and comedy fans.
Make sure to check out the canals and harbourside which is a beautifully regenerated area perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying waterfront cafes and restaurants.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most visited city after London for tourists. The city is built between three volcanoes the most famous of which holds Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle which dominates the landscape has been standing since the 11th century and is a must visit.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world and spans most of August. Booking hotels at this time can be difficult so make sure to book well in advance or you can always travel by train from outside the city.
Another great occasion to visit Edinburgh is Hogmanay which is the Scottish new years eve party. Certain streets are closed to transport which allows performers and live singers on the street to take in the new year!
London
London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and is one of the major global cities. The city attracts more than 18.8 million visitors per year which is second only to Istanbul in 2023.
London has an endless amount of things to do, but if you just have a weekend we suggest having a day walking and using transport to see as many sites as possible. And using the other day to visit a couple of museums such as the British Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Make sure to try the London Eye which is also close enough to walk to Westminster and Big Ben!
York
York is a cathedral city and another city from Roman Britain. It has a rich history throughout from the Vikings to the medieval period which still attract visitors to this day.
York Castle was built in the 11th century and York Castle Museum is a much visited attraction within the city. York Minster is a cathedral which dates back to the 7th century and is a must visit.
You always walk on the City Walls which surround the old historic old town of York., some of which are free. Another area to visit is The Shambles which is a historic street in York dating back to the 14th century and is still busy with shoppers today!
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Scottish Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland is amongst the most beautiful places on the planet, it has stunning landscapes, castles and a rich history. The Highlands begin within an hours drive from Glasgow all the way to the north coast of Britain.
Getting there is easy with multiple options from driving, trains and flying to airports such as Inverness. This will depend on the type of trip you are planning.
For a weekend you can fly to Inverness and explore this amazing city from its whisky distilleries to outdoor activities such as visiting Loch Ness.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a county in the South West of England but also known as a Celtic Nation that links its culture to Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Cornwall is home to beautiful villages and towns, each with its own unique character. St. Ives, with its art galleries and beautiful harbour and the fishing village of Mousehole are particularly popular.
Visiting in the Spring or Summer can be popular but is ideal for visiting due to the sandy beaches around the region. Pedn Vounder and nearby Porthcurno Beach are amongst the best.
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Gywnedd
Gywnedd is one of the most popular and beautiful parts of Wales, due to its stunning landscape and villages. Gywnedd is the home of Snowdon which is the highest mountain outside of Scotland on the British Isles.
Snowdon is the most popular mountain to hike in the UK due to being closer to England than the Scottish Highlands. You can begin the hike from the village of Llanberis and should take around 6 hours. Although if travelling with children under 16 you might want to use the Snowdon Mountain Railway to reach the summit.
Portmeirion is a beautiful Mediterranean styled seaside village built between 1925 and 1973. The vibrant colours of the buildings contrast beautifully with the greenery and coastal backdrop, making it picturesque.
Lake District
The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage national park located in northern England. The region is famous for its stunning landscapes, including lakes like Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, surrounded by dramatic mountains such as Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England.
Family activities are plenty, including water sports like canoeing, kayaking, sailing and swimming are popular activities on the many lakes. There are many cycling trails that go around the lakes and woodlands that suit all ages.
There are many beautiful villages to stay in including Ambleside with its stone houses, shops and location on Lake Windermere. If you are looking to base yourself at Derwentwater then Keswick is a popular choice,.
Peak District
The Peak District is located in the centre of England and is a protected national park. A popular choice for a weekend away. Ideal for families due to its outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and caves.
The area boasts hundreds of miles of trails, including parts of the famous Pennine Way and the Monsal Trail. The area’s varied terrain also makes it a popular spot for rock climbing and paragliding.
There is four show caves which are hugely popular for tourists. Blue John Cavern, Peak Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Speedwell Cavern.
The Peak District is full of picturesque villages like Castleton, Bakewell, and Edale. These charming locations are dotted with historic cottages, local pubs, and artisan shops.
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