The United Kingdom, or the UK, is one of the most sought-after travel destinations outside of India. Known for its lush green landscapes and rich history, the UK has something to offer everyone. Art galleries, famous museums, well-known music festivals, globally renowned sporting events, and more—the options are endless for a travel enthusiast. The UK also has diverse sceneries, including coastlines, countryside, and vibrant cities, offering diverse experiences. Today, let’s explore the best places to visit in the UK and the things to do there.
Top Places to Visit in the UK
1: Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of Western Europe's most captivating historic landmarks. It is steeped in history, that is why it enchants all who visit. This ancient fortress was a royal residence and a military stronghold. It was also a prison and fortress. While some sections maintain their military function, the castle has evolved into a renowned global tourist attraction. It remains a defining element of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage.
Things to do at Edinburgh Castle
- Visit the Great Hall and the One o' Clock Gun
- Visit St. Margaret’s Chapel
- Enjoy a meal at Redcoat Cafe
- Enjoy snacks in the team rooms located at the castle’s top.
2: London Eye
Another notable place to visit in the UK is the London Eye. Located near the Thames River, it is an iconic Ferris wheel. Built in 2000, it reaches 135 meters in height and offers unparalleled views from its glass pods. It is a 30-minute ride that offers a view of London’s famous buildings like Buckingham Palace, the Shard, and Big Ben. If the day is clear, you can get a view as far as 25 miles.
Things to do at the London Eye
- Enjoy the view of the city’s famous buildings like Buckingham Palace
- Take a cruise ride
- Engage in various activities organised by the staff
3: National Gallery
The National Gallery has European paintings from the time of colonial rule. You can find it in Westminster, on the north side of Trafalgar Square.
The gallery started in 1824 when the British government bought 38 paintings from John Julius Angerstein. At first, these paintings were shown in Angerstein's house on Pall Mall. In 1838, they opened to the public in the gallery's current location.
The building was designed by architect William Wilkins and has been expanded several times. It now has around 2,600 artworks.
Things to do at the National Gallery
- Visit and admire famous European paintings and neo-classical architecture
- Explore the extensive collection of Italian Renaissance art
- See famous works by Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh
- Attend various special exhibitions and events
4: Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle in central London, located by the river Thames. Built in 1066, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meanwhile, the White Tower was constructed in 1078 by William the Conqueror. The tower has its place in English history and is known for imprisonments and executions. Today, the Tower of London is managed by Historic Royal Palaces.
Things to do at the Tower of London
- Admire the Crown Jewels, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.
- Learn about the castle's role in English history through exhibitions
- Explore the beautiful grounds of the castle and riverside location along the Thames
5: The British Museum
Another much sought-after tourist place to visit in the UK is the British Museum. This museum is open to the public. Having a vast collection of eight million works, it is the world's largest collection of works. Here, you will find that the museum covers the story of human culture from the beginning to the present. It was established in 1753 and was founded on the collections of Sir Hans Sloane. The museum has undergone various expansions since its foundation. It also offers various online resources with millions of object entries for research.
Things to do at the British Museum
- Discover artefacts from around the world and see iconic pieces like the Rosetta Stone
- Understand human heritage through exhibitions
- Access extensive library resources
- Buy unique gifts at the museum shop
Best Time to Visit the UK
The UK is a country that offers a favourable year-round travel experience to its visitors. It is mainly because of the mild and temperate climate without extreme summer or winter conditions.
The best time to explore the UK and enjoy your vacation is during spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and you can witness the beauty of spring blooms or autumn foliage, additionally avoiding the crowds as in the case of summers.
In winter, from December to February, cities may remain open for sightseeing, although you tend to witness snow leading to the closure of certain parts in the northern regions.
Travel Insurance for the UK
So, now you have an idea about the best places to visit and various things to do in the UK. However, knowing the places, things to do, and the best time to visit is useless unless you and your belongings are safe during the trip. Ultimately, your purpose is to escape the hustle of your daily life. To ensure a safe and tension-free trip, you must have travel insurance.
Invest in comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances like loss of luggage.
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