There’s no better way to see another country than through the lens of your favourite one. This is why you can’t go wrong with a great vacation. It’s the perfect opportunity to see new places, meet new people and explore some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Looking for a great getaway? You might be surprised at how many options there are for the UK holidaymaker. After all, the island of Great Britain is home to many different climates and landscapes.
If you’re ready to pack your bags and hit the road, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with your partner, exploring the countryside, or visiting friends and family, here are some inspiring vacation ideas for UK holidaymakers.
1. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and is a must-see for any holiday in the UK. Although the palace is open to the public, it is most commonly used for royal receptions and other events.
This stunning building is also a great place to take photos. The palace is not only famous for its architecture but also for its collection. Though you probably won’t be able to spend the whole day exploring the palace, you can easily spend a few hours soaking up its splendour.
2. Liverpool
If you love seeing beautiful architecture, you must visit Liverpool. This Gothic city is full of amazing buildings, many of which are listed buildings. These are protected by law, so it is illegal to alter them in any way. This makes them a great way to experience the history of a city.
The Albert Docks are one of the most iconic places to visit in Liverpool, as they are a blend of Art Deco and Gothic architecture. This blend of architectural styles is one of the reasons that it is such a beautiful city, and makes for a great holiday destination.
Not only is Liverpool a beautiful city, but it is also a great place to explore the UK for food. This city is known for its seafood, so you can expect to find some amazing dishes on your visit.
Lastly, if you want to spend some time on the beaches, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Merseyside. Though you might be more likely to visit if you love to see beautiful beaches, it is also a great city to visit if you want to explore the countryside.
3. Edinburgh
If you love architecture and history, you must visit Edinburgh. This beautiful city has been a hub of Scottish activity and has a lot to offer in terms of architecture and history. The city has a lot of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the country. You can also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is another great example of Scottish architecture.
Edinburgh is a great city for shopping as well, as it is home to some of the UK’s best shopping centres. If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you can’t go wrong with a tartan shawl from Scotland. If you are looking for a unique holiday experience, you can also visit the historic Edinburgh Dungeons. This tour is for those who are interested in the dark side of history and is a great way to learn about this city’s history.
4. York
If you love to explore castles and are a history buff, you must visit York. This beautiful city is full of amazing architecture and is a great place to visit if you love history. The city has been a hub of activity for centuries and has been home to many famous people.
If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you can’t go wrong with a Yorkie. This small treat is a mixture of a critter and a dog and has become popular in the UK. Even if you don’t like sweets, you will love this cute treat.
Another great thing to do in York is to visit the Minster to see the amazing stained glass windows. This is a good idea, as you might get a good view of the city as well, which is a great way to see a city from a different angle.
5. Cornwall
If you love visiting beaches and are looking for a unique destination, you must visit Cornwall. This English county is full of beautiful beaches, making it one of the best holiday destinations in the UK.
You can find many beaches in the county, from sandy beaches to rocky coastlines. The best beaches in Cornwall, however, are the ones with crystal clear waters because they make for some of the most impressive beaches in the UK.
If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you can’t go wrong with a Cornish pasty. This delicious treat is made with meat, veggies and potatoes, making it a great meal or snack. Cornish pasties are also decorated with a wonderfully distinctive design, making them an excellent souvenir.
6. Snowdonia National Park
If you love to explore mountainous regions, you must visit Snowdonia National Park. This mountainous region is located in North Wales and is full of spectacular views. With peaks as high as 3,000 feet, the park is a wonder to behold.
You can explore many of the park’s peaks, which are a great way to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. You can also take a glacier walk or snowshoe walk to see some even more impressive views.
The best part about visiting Snowdonia National Park is that it is open to the public, so you can explore it at your own pace.
If you are looking for a unique souvenir, you can’t go wrong with some pictures or a postcard of the park. This will be one of the most memorable photos you take and will be a great reminder of your visit when you return home.
You can also check out the area’s many hiking trails as well, which are a great way to explore the region. This is a great place to spend your summer holiday, as the temperatures are mild, making for some great hiking.
7. Oxford
For those who’d like to explore some of the UK’s most famous cities, but also have a particular interest in its rich literary and historical heritage, then a trip to Oxford should come first on your list. Oxford is the perfect combination of history and modernity and boasts a world-renowned university—perfect for students who’d like to experience the UK’s bustling capital city while also getting a taste of its illustrious past.
Oxford’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, while the nearby city park and Great Clarendon Street offer some great shopping and restaurants. If you’d like to take a break from all the sights, you can head to one of Oxford’s many pubs for a pint and traditional English pub food, like fish ‘n’ chips or steaks and chips.
8. Brighton
For those who’d rather spend their holidays exploring a coastal city, then Brighton is a great option. Known as the UK’s “second seaside resort”, Brighton is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. This is further enhanced in the summer months, when the city hosts regular festivals and major events, such as the famous Brighton Festival, which brings in thousands of visitors from all over the world.
If you’d like to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, you can do so easily on foot, since Brighton is one of the UK’s most walkable cities. There are also some great boat tours you can take while in the city, especially if you’re a fan of the Beatles as a lot of tours showcase sites where the band members used to live.
It’s also known for being one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the UK, with a vibrant nightlife scene, great restaurants and a thriving arts scene. If you’re looking for a great destination for young and old, then this is a city you should consider visiting. It’s got a fantastic range of hotels, from modern five-star hotels to good-value four-star options. It’s also a great place to stay for exploring the surrounding areas, as it’s located just a short distance from several beautiful towns and villages.
9. The Lake District
If you’d like to see a famous British landmark, but also get a taste of some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, then a trip to the Lake District is perfect for you. Known as the “green heart of England”, this area is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the UK. This is why it’s also referred to as “the country’s wallpaper”.
The Lake District is easy to get to from most parts of the UK, and you can get there by train, plane or even boat. If you’d like to make the most of your trip while seeing some of the most stunning parts of the country, you can also take a Lake District tour that will show you the most beautiful parts of the Lake District.
10. Blackpool, England
Another British tourist favourite, Blackpool is also easy to get to from almost anywhere in the country and is perfect for those who want a taste of the UK’s most famous seaside resort. A trip to Blackpool lets you see some of the most iconic and recognisable sights in the UK, like the famous Tower or the famous Promenade, all while enjoying one of the UK’s most famous seaside resorts.
If you’d like to make the most of this, you can also enjoy a day at one of Blackpool’s many theme parks, or head out on some of the city’s many day tours. You can also visit some of the city’s many attractions, like the Empress Theatre, or the famous Wild West Roundabout.
11. Glasgow, Scotland
If you’d like to see Scotland’s most famous city, but don’t have the time or money to visit it on a longer vacation, then a trip to Glasgow is perfect for you. This is because it’s one of Scotland’s largest and most vibrant cities, and you can get a taste of its buzzing atmosphere while you’re there.
Glasgow is also one of the UK’s best cities to explore on foot, and you can do so easily thanks to the compact and walkable nature of the city centre. Of course, you can also enjoy your trip by taking one of the city’s distinctive city tours or visiting some of the city’s many attractions, like the Glasgow Cathedral or the Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum.
12. Newcastle, England
If you’d like to take a break from all the bustling cities and see some of the UK’s most iconic natural beauty, then a trip to the North East is perfect for you. This is because the region is famous for its stunning landscapes, historic towns and castles. You can explore all of these aspects of the region on your trip, while also enjoying the region’s bustling and friendly vibe.
Newcastle is also one of the UK’s most walkable cities, which makes it even better for exploring on foot. The city is nicknamed “the walking city” and is home to the country’s largest street market, which is open every weekend. You can also take a walk along the nearby Tyne and Wear River, which you can walk alongside thanks to the city’s suspension bridges.
13. Wales
Wales is a country with a lot to offer; it’s got beautiful coastlines, bustling city centres, historic towns and vast open countryside. It’s also one of the most affordable places in the UK to visit. If you’re looking for a great vacation idea in the UK, then why not head to Wales?
This county will feel like a completely new world to you, with its medieval castles, stunning landscapes and friendly locals. In addition to enjoying the breathtaking sights of this beautiful country, you can also explore its many cultural and historical attractions.
14. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a must for any visitor to the UK. This is because this is where the country’s two most famous landmarks (the Giant’s Causeway and the Belfast Lighthouse) are located. You can also visit other parts of Northern Ireland, such as the stunning Causeway Coast region, which is home to some of the UK’s most stunning sandy beaches. If you’re planning a trip to the UK, be sure to visit Northern Ireland. You’ll be able to see a part of the country that’s very different from the rest of the country.
15. Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a British island off the south coast of England. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere and charming seaside villages. If you’re planning a vacation in the UK, it doesn’t get much better than the Isle of Wight. It’s a fantastic place to relax and unwind after a hectic work schedule. In addition to enjoying the peace of the island, you can explore some nearby places, including the charming towns of Cowes and Newport.
Let’s wrap up
This list of inspiring UK holiday ideas is by no means exhaustive, so if you have any recommendations, please feel free to add them to this article in the comment section below. And, as with any vacation, don’t forget to take some travel essentials with you, such as a travel bag and passport holder.
