25 of the best places to visit in the UK
Joe Minihane, CNN • Updated 29th September 2020
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(CNN) — From vibrant, culture-laden cities to peaceful areas of outstanding natural beauty, the UK is an incredibly diverse destination for travelers.
Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly have arguably the UK's best sunsets.
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Situated 40 kilometers off the tip of Cornwall, this Atlantic archipelago of islands and islets has the look of a tropical paradise, but with a bucolic, English sensibility.
The main island of St. Mary's is home to winding lanes and stunning beaches, while tiny Bryher offers arguably the best sunset views in the entire country and has just one hotel -- Hell Bay.
Tresco Abbey Gardens easily beat any country estate on the mainland for variety and color, while a boat trip to the uninhabited islands of Samson or St. Helen's offers the chance to see seals and seabirds up close.
Hell Bay Hotel, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, TR23 0PR; +44 (0)1720 422947
Norwich, Norfolk
Norwich quayside on the River Wensum.
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With 31 surviving medieval churches, a spectacular cathedral whose spire is a prime nesting site for peregrine falcons and cobbled streets lined with spectacular buildings dating back to the 12th century, Norwich is an easily overlooked historical gem.
Roadside signs proclaim this "A Fine City" and for good reason.
The pubs are among the best in England, with the delightful Adam and Eve dating back to 1249.
And with an annual arts festival taking place every May, its modern cultural offering makes it far more than a museum piece.
Adam and Eve, 17 Bishopsgate, Norwich NR3 1RZ; +44 (0)1603 667423
Walberswick and the Suffolk coast
Swanky Southwold on the Suffolk coast.
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Walberswick's village green, ruined church, and seaside location make it one of the finest places in this corner of eastern England.
Beloved by artists and writers including Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Esther Freud, thanks to its moody light and relative isolation, the village is surrounded by over 1,000 acres of protected heathland and marshes, ripe for long walks and is home to Grade I listed St. Andrew's Church.
Head along the coast to swanky Southwold, or watch the gray rollers come to shore as the sun rises.
St. Andrew's Church, Walberswick IP18 6UY
Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland
Hadrian's Wall was once the frontier of the Roman Empire.
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The one-time northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall is arguably the greatest historical monument in a country blessed with castles, cathedrals and spectacular ruins.
Stretching from one side of England to the other, its central section is the most arresting, the wall rising and falling across steep hills.
Day trippers should head to the preserved forts at Housesteads and Vindolanda.
Those with more time can follow the 135-kilometer national trail, taking in the wall from Newcastle to the Solway Firth.
Housesteads Roman Fort, Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 6NW; +44 (0)1434 344363
Winchester, Hampshire
Winchester cathedral is the longest of its kind in Europe.
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Home to a 13th century replica of the legendary round table of King Arthur, Winchester is a place where history is inescapable.
As well as the aforementioned table, its Great Hall is home to artifacts from Winchester Castle (which no longer exists), while nearby Winchester Cathedral is the longest of its kind in Europe.
Wander through cobbled streets and past the famous Winchester College and along the rippling River Itchen for a rustic English experience like no other.
The city is also filled with well-preserved Georgian buildings such as the one that houses the original Hotel du Vin, which dates back to 1715
Hotel du Vin, Southgate Street, Winchester SO23 9EF; +44 (0)1962 896329
The Somerset Levels
Somerset Levels: An ancient landscape.
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The atmospheric Somerset Levels are unlike anywhere else in the UK.
The flatlands, bisected by rivers, ditches and disused canals, offer hazy views of the Mendip Hills to the east and the Quantocks to the west, while the slightest rise in altitude gives rise to ancient settlements, such as Glastonbury.
Its watery habitat makes it a mecca for birds, including bitterns and kingfishers, with bird sanctuary Ham Wall Nature Reserve serving as a crucial habitat.
RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve, Meare, Ashcott, Glastonbury BA6 9SX
Dungeness, Kent
At the edge of England, Dungeness feels like another world.
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The only place designated as a desert in the UK, Dungeness is utterly unique.
Located on the Kent coast, its windswept beaches and inland nature reserve, coupled with big skies and sea air, make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon getting the freshest air imaginable.
The coastal hamlet with the same name is something of a time warp, with a miniature railway ferrying passengers along the coast to the town of Hythe.
Grasmere and Rydal Water, Lake District
Grasmere's Dove Cottage was home to poet William Wordsworth.
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England's Lake District has such a breadth of beautiful landscapes that visiting just one doesn't do it justice.
The village of Grasmere and nearby Rydal Water are perhaps the best places to start.
This is the Lake District of romantic poet William Wordsworth (his Dove Cottage is just outside of Grasmere village) all tumbling fells, deciduous woodland and gleaming water.
Rydal Water is the area's smallest lake, perfect for wild swimming in summer, with a path that skirts its banks offering an easy introduction to hiking.
Grasmere is home to great pubs and hotels as well as Sam Read Bookseller, a fabulous book store for stocking up on maps and mountain literature.
Sam Read Bookseller, Broadgate House, Grasmere, LA22 9SY; +44 (0)15394 35374
Hull, East Yorkshire
The port city of Hull is home to some classic English architecture.
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The UK's City of Culture in 2017, Hull has gone from being largely overlooked to taking center stage.
Its Old Town has some of the best-preserved Georgian and Edwardian architecture in the country, while culturally the city continues to innovate.
The Humber Street Gallery showcases cutting edge modern art by local artists and the Truck Theatre hosts new and touring productions.
Humber Street Gallery, 64 Humber Street, Hull HU1 1TU
Manchester
The rain sometimes falls hard on Manchester, but it's far from humdrum.
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Northern England's cities often get unfairly lumped together, but there's a distinctiveness between Leeds, Bradford, Liverpool and Manchester that makes them all worth a visit.
It's the latter, though, that's the big hitter.
The vibrant Northern Quarter is great for shopping, whether it's for vintage clothes or picking up the latest albums at Piccadilly Records, while venues such as Bridgewater Hall, Home and the Albert Hall make it the place to be for culture fiends.
Forget complaints about the wet weather, Manchester is the real deal.
Piccadilly Records, Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JR; +44 (0)161 839 8008
Standedge Tunnel and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Yorkshire
Narrowboats ply the canal waters of the Standedge Tunnel.
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Britain's industrial heritage isn't just found in its cities.
On the edge of spectacular, bleak moorland, the pretty Huddersfield Narrow Canal slips into Standedge, the deepest, longest and highest canal tunnel in the country.
Opened in 1811, the 5,000 meter tunnel was used to transport goods and materials.
Today, visitors can take organized two-hour trips all the way through, steeping themselves in this area's proud history.
An excellent visitor center and quaint pubs such as Riverhead Brewery Tap nearby Marsden make it even more worthwhile.
Riverhead Brewery Tap, 2 Peel Street, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6BR; +44 (0)1484 841270
Stanage Edge, Peak District
Stanage Edge in the Peak District is a popular hiking spot.
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Renowned among climbers and loved by walkers, Stanage Edge is one of the most popular spots in the Peak District.
On a clear day, the views are glorious, taking in the Dark Peak and the Hope Valley.
In summer it's ripe for a long day's hiking, while winter brings a moodiness and charm, not to mention fewer visitors to break the tranquility.
Walk up from the nearby town of Hathersage, home to an excellent, heated outdoor swimming pool which steams on colder days.
Hathersage Swimming Pool, Oddfellows Road, Hathersage S32 1DU; +44 (0)1433 650843
The Rhinog mountains and Barmouth, Wales
Barmouth in mid-Wales: Great sea views.
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Mid Wales isn't the easiest part of the UK to reach, but those who venture here are blessed with huge sea views, soaring mountains and a sense of unending space.
The seaside resort of Barmouth, with its estuary, railway bridge and wide sands, is a great place to be based for adventures in the nearby hills or to medieval fortresses such as Harlech Castle, built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales.
The Rhinogs, which sit in the southern part of Snowdonia, are ripe for exploration, their paths less trodden than those of the national park's more popular routes to the north.
Harlech Castle, Harlech, Wales LL46 2YH
Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Rhossili Beach: One of Europe's finest stretches of sand.
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South Wales is a marvel, its beaches and hills among the very best in Europe, let alone the UK.
Rhossili Beach, on the Gower Peninsula, is regularly lauded as one of the best stretches of sand around, and with good reason.
Its five kilometers of pristine shoreline are adored by surfers and swimmers, while walkers trace paths along the clifftops, taking in views of Worms Head and the waves rolling in from the Atlantic.
Visitors can take in the stunning views of Rhossili from the comfort of a bar at The Worm's Head Hotel, which is a four-minute walk from the beach.
The Worm's Head Hotel, Rhossili, Gower SA3 1PP; +44 (0)1792 390512
The Cairngorms, Scotland
Loch Muick lies within Scotland's beautiful Cairngorms National Park.
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Scotland's Cairngorms are arguably the last truly wild place remaining in the UK.
In winter, these hills sit beneath meters of wind swept snow.
In summer, the long days and warm sun make it the perfect place for hiking and wild camping.
While adventurous types head into the hills for multi-day treks, those after a more sedate trip should visit Loch an Eilein, a ruined castle on an island at its center, for picture postcard views and the chance to see red squirrels up close.
Loch an Eilein, Highland, PH22 1QT
Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the UK's best destinations for a city break.
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It's easy to overlook Glasgow, such is the allure of Edinburgh.
But Scotland's largest city easily matches the capital when it comes to architecture, art and culture.
The sprawling Kelvingrove Art Gallery is world class, the West End's shops and bars the perfect place to spend a relaxed afternoon.
With a thriving music scene and top restaurants like the award-winning Stravaigin, it's unquestionably one of the country's best destinations for a city break.
Stravaigan, 28 Gibson Street, Glasgow, G12 8NX, +44 (0)141 334 2665
Shetland, Scotland
The Shetland islands are the UK's most northerly territory.
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The most northerly part of the UK is reachable either by plane or ferry from mainland Scotland, with planning required, especially to reach the northern island of Unst.
However such effort is rewarded with views of rugged landscapes, plus the chance to spot orcas hunting seals close to shore in summer, or the majestic Northern Lights dancing across the sky in winter.
The islands are also home to fascinating prehistoric sites, such as Stanydale Temple, as well as unspoilt beaches, ripe for a day of relaxing when the weather settles.
Stanydale Temple, Near Bixter, Mainland, Shetland
Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Galloway Forest is home to Britain's only Dark Sky Park.
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Far from the light pollution of towns and cities, Galloway Forest Park is the first Dark Sky Park in the UK.
Head here once the light fades on a clear day to see over 7,000 stars and planets, and that's just with the naked eye.
Bring a telescope and things get even more spectacular. Three visitor centers offer information on the constellations on show, with dedicated viewing platforms making it easy for novices and diehard astronomers alike to catch a glimpse of celestial wonders.
Clatteringshaws Visitor Center, Queen's Way, DG7 3SQ
New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest is home to the largest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe.
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For a country once covered in trees, England's woodlands are today relatively limited.
The New Forest is perhaps the country's best, and is believed to hold the largest concentration of ancient or veteran trees in Western Europe, with around 1,000 across the National Park.
With wild ponies, vast heathlands, rugged coastline and narrow roads that can be explored easily by bike, this peaceful corner of southern England is the perfect escape from the bustle of London.
Luxury country house hotel Chewton Glen, situated on the fringe of the National Park serves as a great base for those keen to explore the forest over a few days.
Chewton Glen, Christchurch Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS; +44 (0)1425 275341
Lincolnshire Wolds
The Lincolnshire Wolds is a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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There are more famous landscapes in the UK, but the Lincolnshire Wolds, the highest part of eastern England between Kent and Yorkshire, has real charm.
Protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the rolling hills, burbling streams and pretty farmland are a haven for rare birds and wildlife such as the Dartford Warbler and the Wild Gladiolus.
There are also huge views to be had of the Pennines and the east coast thanks to its flat surrounding landscape.
Meanwhile nearby St. James' Church, positioned on the edge of Lincolnshire Wolds, has the tallest spire of any medieval parish church in the country.
St. James' Church, Louth, LN11 9ET
Malvern Hills, Herefordshire
The Malvern Hills offer some of the UK's finest hiking trails.
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For newcomers to the UK (and old hands, too), it's possible to overlook the counties that border England and Wales.
But with areas like The Malverns, there really is no excuse. This range of hills offer some of the finest hiking in the country.
While outdoor types won't struggle for activities, the spa town of Great Malvern, with its classic Victorian architecture, antiques dealers and bookshops mean there's plenty to satisfy those who'd rather not get their walking boots out.
Holy Island, Anglesey
Cliffs around South Stack on Holy Island are home to puffins and peregine falcons.
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Wales' relentless landscapes and hidden corners make it a treasure trove for the intrepid.
Yet while Snowdonia gets all the plaudits, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which sits across the water from the northwest island of Anglesey, is a delight that's easily missed by those heading who travel here to take the ferry to Ireland.
The coastal path offers huge views out to sea and back inland to where the mountains of North Wales rise, while the brilliant white South Stack Lighthouse and its surrounding cliffs are home to puffins and peregrine falcons.
You can get a close-up view of the nesting colony at the South Stack Cliffs Nature Reserve, which is run by the RSPB.
South Stack Cliffs Nature Reserve, Holyhead, LL65 1YH; +44 (0)1407 762100
Brecon Beacons, Wales
Picturesque Llangorse Lake lies in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
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Whether it's kayaking along tumbling rivers, hiking over high peaks or eating some of the freshest local produce Wales has to offer, the Brecon Beacons has got it all.
Yes, it can get wet, but this is the UK, where rain is a way of life.
While other national parks can often feel crowded, the Brecons offer something a lot more tranquil than their English counterparts, with views and villages to match.
Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Glens of Antrim has has a starring role in "Games of Thrones."
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The nine Glens of Antrim tumble down from the Antrim Plateau to the Irish Sea.
You can hire a car and follow the winding coast road, built in the 1830s, which covers over 160 kilometers, with views of the hills and distant Scotland to keep passengers enthralled.
Glenariff and nearby Slemish Mountain were both used in TV series "Game of Thrones," meaning this part of Northern Ireland has enjoyed something of a tourist boom in recent years.
The picturesque conservation village of Cushendun, a small coastal village set in the heart of the Antrim Coast that's been protected by the National Trust since 1954, is another of the area's highlights.
Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Battle route: Giant's Causeway, Antrim, Northern Ireland.
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The estimated 40,000 basalt columns of Giant's Causeway are steeped in legend.
A UNESCO World Heritage site dating back 60 million years, they're believed to have been built by the giant Finn McCool for a battle with a rival giant across the water in Scotland.
Today, cliff top walks and an excellent visitor center bring the area to life, with gorgeous scenery and first-rate wildlife to match.
Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience, 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU; +44 (0) 28 2073 1855
