The Crazy Tourist

Home » Specials » 40 Places in the UK to See with Your Kids Before They Are All Grown Up

40 Places in the UK to See with Your Kids Before They Are All Grown Up

We’ve put together a list of the most fun, the most innovative and the most covertly educational days out in all of the UK.

Many are geared towards testing brains and coordination, and helping kids develop while having fun.

Others, like the UK’s biggest theme parks, are the sort of organised silliness and mayhem that all children need now and again.

There are places so magnificent and awe-inspiring that they might even bring you closer together, and buildings and museums so fascinating that parents won’t help but be engrossed as well.

Here’s our list of the best places to visit with your kids before they are all grown up!:

1. Science Museum

Science Museum London

South Kensington, London

Why you’ve got to go: To enlighten inquisitive young minds about the physical world and the people who advanced our understanding. Well deserved one of the best things to do with your kids!

What to do: It could be civil engineering, robotics or vacuum technology: If there’s a certain sphere that your budding young scientist is just getting into, well, the cavernous Science Museum will have whole galleries devoted to it. The movies at the IMAX theatre will only enhance that sense of wonder.

Get there when kids are: All ages

More info: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Leavesden, Hertfordshire

Why you’ve got to go: To be enchanted by a trove of items and places from the Harry Potter series.

What to do: For a young Harry Potter fan , what could be more exciting than stepping into the Great Hall or boarding the Hogwarts Express? You can go behind the scenes for secrets about the special effects and animatronics, and browse a decade’s worth of costumes, sets and iconic props.

More info: https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/

3. National Railway Museum

National Railway Museum

York, North Yorkshire

Why you’ve got to go: There’s a vast hall of engines that will cater to your young ones’ steam train fixation, and then some.

What to do: If steam engines are all the rage with your kids, this attraction will have them riveted. The Great Hall will be a kind of cave of treasures for them, packed to the steel rafters with golden age steam locomotives and a Shinkansen from Japan to hop aboard. You can even see a cross-section of an engine to understand how it works. And it’s all absolutely free to boot.

Get there when kids are: Up to 12

More info: http://www.nrm.org.uk/

4. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Camera Obscura, Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Lothian

Why you’ve got to go: Six floors of puzzles, special effects, games and other interactive craziness at one of Britain’s oldest attractions.

What to do: The whole thing started in 1835 with the Camera Obscura, a live projection of a bird’s eye of Edinburgh from atop a tower. Like mini gods, kids can pretend to pick people up or smoosh them into the ground, if that’s their thing. The five floors below are a fabulous miscellany of optical illusions, light and magic and smoke and mirrors.

Get there when kids are: Primary school age

More info: http://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

5. Eden Project

Eden Project

St Austell, Cornwall

Why you’ve got to go: To journey into landscaped worlds within futuristic domes and get immersed in botany on the way.

What to do: One of the best bits here is the Canopy Walkway, a raised platform high among the treetops in the rainforest biome. You can identify the various plants and trees, like cashew, rubber, banana and cocoa. For young thrills there’s England’s longest zip line, the SkyWire, and lots of interactive gadgets at the Core Building.

More info: http://www.edenproject.com/

6. Stonehenge

Stonehenge

Amesbury, Wiltshire

Why you’ve got to go: One of the UK’s most special locations will seem even more magical through a child’s eyes.

What to do: Kids are trivia sponges, and the facts and figures of this site will blow young minds. It’s amazing to think what was achieved 5,000 years ago with just man and ox-power, ropes and stones. The very sight of this monument will also make a big impression on children and get them pondering an era that is mysterious even for grown-ups.

More info: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

7. Bewilderwood

Bewilderwood

Hoveton, Norfolk

Why you’ve got to go: For all the energy-burning fun of a soft play park, in 50 acres of whimsical woodland.

What to do: There’s interactive story-telling and puppet shows for toddlers, as well as mazes, zip-lines and rope bridges for bigger kids. Like an Ewok village for children, BeWILDerwood adapts to mature woodland and poses a natural and healthy alternative to indoor play parks. It’s all the brainchild of kids’ author Tom Blofeld and the characters from his books show up to make things even more fun.

More info: http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/

8. Giant’s Causeway

Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, UK

Bushmills, Antrim

Why you’ve got to go: It’s a UNESCO-listed natural phenomenon, an epic system of basalt columns that look like stepping stones for giants.

What to do: The name alone will spark kids’ active imaginations, but when they see the causeway their sense of awe will be off the charts. You can clamber over the rocks, picking out the weird and wonderful formations, and seeing if they match their old nicknames. Park up at the visitor centre and get to the site via the special shuttle, which has reduced rates for kids.

More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

9. Legoland

Legoland, Windsor

Windsor, Berkshire

Why you’ve got to go: Because it’s a theme park made with 80 million Lego blocks. You can’t get cooler than that in a kid’s eyes.

What to do: Go on interactive adventures like Coast Guard rescue or the Lego City Driving School where little ones can get their Lego driving licence. Or ride Lego-themed rollercoasters like the Dragon, which swoops over the park’s plastic block rooftops. And shopping of course: The largest Lego store in the UK awaits you at the exit.

Get there when kids are: 10 or under

More info: https://www.legoland.co.uk/

10. Natural History Museum

Central Hall of the Natural History Museum

Why you’ve got to go: To see the dinosaur fossils and eggs to teach kids about the real monsters that once walked the earth.

What to do: All children have a dinosaur phase, right? The moment you step into Hintze Hall and catch sight of the diplodocus you’ll know you’re in a place that can bring them to life, at least in a child’s imagination. Grown-ups can marvel at the museum’s architecture, while brave kids can confront an animatronic T-Rex and feel what it’s like to be in an earthquake.

More info: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

11. National Space Centre

National Space Centre, Leicester

Leicester, Leicestershire

Why you’ve got to go: There isn’t a child that hasn’t dreamed about space exploration, and this attraction will make the dream a little more real.

What to do: There are six hands-on galleries for kids to get stuck into, as well as immersive shows at the largest planetarium in the UK. The Rocket Tower is 42 metres high and you’ll speed to the top in a glass lift. It’s one of those days out that is informative for adults, but also keeps kids’ attentions with kinetic exhibits and multimedia.

More info: http://spacecentre.co.uk/

12. Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle, Chapel & Village

Tintagel, Cornwall

Why you’ve got to go: For King Arthur, who was born right here according to the famous legend.

What to do: Explore to your heart’s content, at a place where real Dark Age history and folklore collide. Children will have no trouble imagining knights and wizards at this awesome setting, in which the ghostly ruins of castle walls mingle with cliffs and sprawl onto a little rocky island.

More info: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/

13. Tower of London

Tower of London

Tower Hamlets, London

Why you’ve got to go: The Beefeaters at the Tower can tell you more about the history of London and England than a week’s worth of school!

What to do: See Traitors’ Gate, where famous Tudor prisoners like Sir Thomas More and Anne Boleyn entered, never to leave with their heads attached to their bodies. Kids will be dazzled by the Crown Jewels, and gripped by the story of the Princes in the Tower, two young heirs to the throne who disappeared right here in the 15th century.

More info: http://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

14. Imperial War Museum Duxford

Imperial War Museum Duxford

Duxford, Cambridgeshire

Why you’ve got to go: It’s all about the aircraft, with more than 200 machines to wow the bigger kids in the family.

What to do: Duxford will indulge that young fascination for high-octane hardware and feats of wartime daring. In the American Air Museum there’s an enormous B-52 Stratofortress filling the entire hall, and suspended above your head are jet and propeller planes from all periods. This is dreamland for kids who love big machines.

Get there when kids are: Around 12

More info: http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/

15. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian's Wall

Hexham, Northumberland

Why you’ve got to go: This was the northern boundary of the whole Roman Empire, a titanic wall between the civilised world and northern tribes.

What to do: Hadrian’s wall is the largest single Roman artefact in the world, and its length was marked with mile-castles and forts every five miles. One, Housesteads Fort, encourages children to dip into the ancient past by clambering over these evocative ruins. In a few minutes you can walk down to Sycamore Gap, a spectacular valley made famous by movies.

More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hadrians-wall-and-housesteads-fort/

16. Forbidden Corner

Forbidden Corner, Middleham

Middleham, North Yorkshire

Why you’ve got to go: For a spooky, offbeat and brain-teasing afternoon of discovery.

What to do: Little adventurers are encouraged to explore tunnels, mazes, a creepy mausoleum and hidden passages at a large garden where getting completely lost is all part of the fun. In this large folly you have a checklist of things to track down but there’s not a map to be found. Children will have a whale of a time solving problems, and grown-ups will fall in love with the garden’s wit and imagination.

More info: http://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/

17. Zipworld

Zipworld, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd

Why you’ve got to go: For safe and challenging fun in an extraordinary underground environment.

What to do: A former slate quarry is now a fantasy-like subterranean space where bottomless sheer walls are fitted with zip lines, rope bridges, climbing grips and even a massive bouncy net. This activity centre is fun, awe-inspiring and exhausting all at the same time and includes the first four-person zip line in Europe.

Get there when kids are: Ten and up

More info: https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/detail/blaenau-ffestiniog/

18. Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

Warwickshire

Why you’ve got to go: To see living history at its best, at the most complete medieval castle in the UK.

What to do: Survey the scene from the walls, climb the towers, see the huge siege engines in action, watch birds of prey shows and solve the ‘Horrible Histories’ maze. And for the bravest souls there’s the Dungeon Experience, in which you go back to the plague-ridden 1300s to meet characters such as the judge, torturer and a cook with questionable culinary standards.

More info: https://www.warwick-castle.com/

19. Beamish

Beamish

Stanley, County Durham

Why you’ve got to go: To drive trams and steam engines, dress up in old-time clothes and meet a cast of characters from the past.

What to do: There’s a breathless variety of activities to take part in, from ploughing fields, to attending Victorian school, baking bread and descending into a coal pit. Beamish puts kids in touch with the rigours of historic rural and city life in the most direct way possible. Just in case they think they have it tough now!

More info: http://www.beamish.org.uk/

20. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Why you’ve got to go: For the warships and the tales of maritime life from real sailors on a genuine naval base.

What to do: Whippersnappers can board heritage ships like HMS Victory and hear accounts of the swashbuckling battles that were fought on these decks. Aboard HMS Alliance you can peep through the periscope of a real World War II submarine, while the Mary Rose is a real life shipwreck lifted from the depths of the Solent and displayed before your eyes.

More info: http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/

21. Llangollen Railway

Llangollen Railway

Llangollen, Denbighshire

Why you’ve got to go: For the UK’s ultimate steam train ride, in the romantic landscape of the Dee Valley.

What to do: Steam engines hold a real fascination for many kids, and this 10-mile heritage line is powered by the hulking locomotives built for the Great Western Railway. Little passengers can meet a working Thomas the Tank Engine, while older parents can watch the beautiful North Wales scenery scroll by from the window.

Get there when kids are: Up to ten

More info: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/

22. Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland

Why you’ve got to go: So that kids can tell their friends they’ve been to the real Hogwarts.

What to do: Investigate one of the few medieval British castles that has remained habitable to this day. After the outside and inside of the building starred in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle has reached out to younger audiences. Courageous kids can join the Knight’s Quest, dressing up in chivalric gear, visiting a medieval market and venturing into a dragon’s lair.

More info: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/

23. Llandudno

Llandudno Beach

Why you’ve got to go: To treat children to an old-fashioned s day at the seaside.

What to do: Llandudno has way more than the average beach escape. You do have time-honoured favourites like the puppet shows on the promenade, amusements at Llandudno Pier and the vast open sands at West Shore Beach. But the resort is also set off by Great Orme, a monumental limestone headland, primed for visits via the sweet heritage tram and the cable cars that carry you to the top.

Get there when kids are: Up to 14

More info: http://www.visitllandudno.org.uk/

24. Alton Towers

Alton Towers

Staffordshire

Why you’ve got to go: For exhilarating white knuckle rides that will meet the approval of even the most jaded teenagers.

What to do: Alton Towers has a menu of gravity-defying rollercoasters pitched at adolescents and young adults. Smiler sends you upside down more than any other ride in the world at present and Thirteen is the first vertical drop rollercoaster on the planet. There are old-school fairground rides, playhouses and activity centres for the youngest family members.

More info: https://www.altontowers.com/

25. Dorset Heavy Horse Centre

Dorset Heavy Horse Centre

Verwood, Dorset

Why you’ve got to go: To meet, groom and bond with rescued working horses.

What to do: There’s never a dull moment for young animal lovers. You’ll meet, care for and get to know the pasts of the giant working horses, which are incredibly gentle despite their size. The centre has won accolades for its hands-on tractor rides, trips on horse-drawn wagons, petting zoo and a range of workshops blurring the line between fun and learning.

More info: http://www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk/

26. Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast

Devon and Dorset

Why you’ve got to go: For collecting fossils and impressing youngsters with wild coastal scenery .

What to do: If everything seems bigger through a child’s eyes the cliffs and gnarled rocks of the Jurassic Coast will be a craggy wonderland. Scenes like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove will stay with them for the rest of their lives. But there’s an educational element on the Jurassic Coast, as you can pore over beaches like Chamouth for fossils freezing 185 million years of history in stone.

More info: http://jurassiccoast.org/

27. National Media Museum

National Media Museum

Bradford, West Yorkshire

Why you’ve got to go: To broaden horizons about the possibilities of the moving image and the Internet.

What to do: There are eight floors of free, hands-on galleries explaining how video games, television and movies work and inspiring you about their potential. You can make your own animations, delve into the history of video gaming and track the latest Internet trends. There are always cool workshops and exhibitions in the school holidays and movies at the IMAX screen.

More info: http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/

28. Fingal’s Cave

Fingal's Cave

Staffa, Argyll and Bute

Why you’ve got to go: For a marvellous natural wonder that your kids will remember their whole lives.

What to do: Stare astounded at the towering basalt columns that look like they might have been made by an ancient race of giants. If your kids are reading Lovecraft they’ll be wild about this sight, which is the goal of a quest into the Inner Hebrides. On calmer days you can go right inside the cave in your boat, and go ashore to scrabble over the polygonal rocks.

Get there when kids are: 12 and up

More info: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Staffa-National-Nature-Reserve

29. Paultons Park

Paultons Park

Romsey, Hampshire

Why you’ve got to go: One reason: Peppa Pig World .

What to do: Peppa Pig has taken over toddler society in the last few years, and Paultons Park is where you can feed that obsession . All the rides, play areas and shows have characters from the cartoon. Little nippers can jump in Muddy Puddles, walk the Rainbow Road in Mr Potato’s playground and go on seven gentle rides made for little Peppa Pig fanatics.

Get there when kids are: Five or younger

More info: https://paultonspark.co.uk/

30. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Gweek, Cornwall

Why you’ve got to go: Because you’re never too young to learn about animal conservation and help injured seal pups.

What to do: It’s nice to be in an animal attraction where nearly all the residents are only there temporarily. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues some 50 injured pups a year and nurses them back to health. Come to watch common seals, grey seals, otters and penguins feeding, and go behind the scenes in the seal hospital to see the great work being done.

More info: http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/

31. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

Begelly, Pembrokeshire

Why you’ve got to go: Little ones can make friends with farmyard animals, feed giraffes, groom ponies, and a lot more .

What to do: There’s a lot of interactivity at this multi-award-winning farm and zoo attraction. So that means befriending miniature pigs and finding out how to milk cows and goats. There’s a barn for petting goats, rabbits, donkeys and miniature ponies, as well as a zoo with wilder animals like lions, Humboldt penguins and meerkats.

More info: https://www.folly-farm.co.uk/

32. Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath

Why you’ve got to go: To bring kids to a place of magic, innocence and fun high in the Peak District.

What to do: Potter around this lovely gorge-side town and catch the cable-car to the Heights of Abraham atop Masson Hill. This attraction has been running since the 19th century and conducts you around two enormous show caverns that were mined since Roman times. Gulliver’s Kingdom is a theme park aimed at under 12s and the Victorian amusement halls in Matlock bath can provide hours of traditional fun.

More info: http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/Matlock-Matlock-Bath/details/?dms=3&venue=6070460

33. Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle

Why you’ve got to go: To scale the labyrinth of spiral stairways and conquer the powerful Eagle Tower.

What to do: Be awed by a castle that was intended to make an impact. Caernarfon has UNESCO status and is a must for any child studying the bloody reign of Edward I, nicknamed Long Shanks by his foes. Even today every monarch’s first son has the Prince of Wales title because of this menacing hulk of stone built in the 13th century.

More info: http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/caernarfon-castle/?lang=en

34. Windermere

Windermere

Why you’ve got to go: For the majesty and outdoor fun of the largest lake in England.

What to do: A huge list of family-friendly activities is on offer, from rowing, sailing, swimming and canoeing on the water, to horse riding, climbing, abseiling and walking on the shore. And trips on the old steamers that criss-cross the water are sure to wow the youngest family members. The high fells that slope down to the lakeshore never cease to make your heart soar.

More info: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo/explorewindermere

35. Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield

Inverness, Highland

Why you’ve got to go: This is where the last hand-to-hand battle on British soil was fought, in 1796, a turning point in Scottish history.

What to do: The high-tech new visitor centre is a dream resource for bigger kids keen to know more about the Battle of Culloden. There’s an immersive 360° movie of the battle, an animated battle table and a roof-top viewpoint of the site. The galleries have artefacts and firsthand accounts, and you’ll find out why life in the Highlands and Scottish islands would never be the same again.

More info: http://www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/

36. New Forest National Park

New Forest National Park

Why you’ve got to go: For the ponies! There are 3,000 wild ponies in the New Forest, going where they please and grazing in woodland glades.

What to do: The New Forest is a safe place for kids to get to know the natural world in person, with gentle country that young legs can handle and piles of kid-friendly attractions: There are bird and reptile centres, deer sanctuaries, tree-climbing adventure parks and activity farms. Be here in summer when the pony foals promise a cuteness overload.

More info: http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/

37. Ironbridge

Ironbridge, Shropshire

Why you’ve got to go: At this one location you can trace the very genesis of the industrial Revolution at 10 incredible museums.

What to do: Don a hard-hat and journey underground in the Tar Tunnel, see where nearly all of the country’s tobacco pipes were once made, design your own tiles at the Jackfield Museum, dress up as a old-time potter at the Coalport China Museum. No single place can inform children about the upheaval of the UK in Georgian times like Ironbridge.

More info: http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/

38. White Cliffs of Dover

White Cliffs of Dover

Why you’ve got to go: To conquer the immense chalk walls that have been England’s front porch for 2,000 years.

What to do: Amble along the gentle grassy trail and look across to France, see the South Foreland Lighthouse where Marconi conducted his radio experiments and put on a hard hat and head torch for a guided tour of the Fan Bay Deep Shelter. Precocious antiquarians can go on a history frenzy as three castles, Dover, Walmer and Deal, flank the cliffs.

Get there when kids are: Aged five and up

More info: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover/

39. Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Caerphilly, South Wales

Why you’ve got to go: So kids can tell their friends that they’ve braved a real haunted house.

What to do: Young ones can engage with living history, meeting an array of historical characters from the top to the bottom of the social order. These residents are in fact knowledgeable guides who will dish the dirt on this fortified Tudor manor, its role in the English Civil War and all the eerie goings-on that have spooked visitors for centuries.

Get there when kids are: Five and up

More info: http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr/

40. World Museum

World Museum, Liverpool

Liverpool, Merseyside

Why you’ve got to go: There’s a crazy miscellany of things to see, perfect for the shortest attention.

What to do: It’s not called the World Museum for nothing: Kids can be grossed out by Egyptian mummies, marvel at real casts of dinosaur skeletons, see authentic samurai armour and inspect the creepy crawlies at the Bug House. And if that’s not enough they can blast off on their own space odyssey at the planetarium.

More info: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/

40 Places in the UK to See with Your Kids Before They Are All Grown Up:

  • Science Museum
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour
  • National Railway Museum
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
  • Eden Project
  • Bewilderwood
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Natural History Museum
  • National Space Centre
  • Tintagel Castle
  • Tower of London
  • Imperial War Museum Duxford
  • Hadrian's Wall
  • Forbidden Corner
  • Warwick Castle
  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
  • Llangollen Railway
  • Alnwick Castle
  • Alton Towers
  • Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
  • Jurassic Coast
  • National Media Museum
  • Fingal's Cave
  • Paultons Park
  • Cornish Seal Sanctuary
  • Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo
  • Matlock Bath
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • Culloden Battlefield
  • New Forest National Park
  • White Cliffs of Dover
  • Llancaiach Fawr Manor
  • World Museum

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Arts & Culture
  • Coca-Cola Foodmarks
  • Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

A line of colourful cottages behind the harbout in Portree, Isle of Skye

The 37 best things to do in the UK

Historic landmarks, great architecture, idyllic countryside: this is our pick of the best things to do in the UK right now

The United Kingdom is a glorious destination, and the four countries that constitute our island nation all bring something to the table. England , Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales are stunning places to visit in their own right, with fantastic museums and galleries  as abundant as all the  restaurants , cafés, pubs and clubs . Throw in some spectacular nature and wildlife, and you’ve got yourself one of the world’s great travel destinations.

Any selection of the best things to do in the UK is going to encourage healthy discussion, and this is no different. For every offering there will be an argument for an alternative. You could sample some culture in the country’s cities and towns, you could spend a weekend roaming free in the middle of nowhere. Whatever kind of trip you’re planning next, our round-up should have you covered. Happy travels! RECOMMENDED: 🧙 Magical and mystical places in the UK 🏰 The best castles in the UK 🏞️ The most beautiful national parks in the UK 🌼  The best places to see wildflowers in the UK 🏖️ The greatest seaside towns in the UK

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in the UK

Check out Time Out’s top place to visit in the UK in 2023

1.  Check out Time Out’s top place to visit in the UK in 2023

Once upon a time, Eastbourne might have brought to mind retirement homes and 1970s family holidays, but there’s so much more to this seaside town on the southern English coast. A thrilling creative hub home to the buzzy Towner Eastbourne gallery, it’s also known for its ace film festivals and great coffee shops. What’s more, it’s all within easy reach of the gorgeous South Downs National Park – plus, obvs, has front-row access to the sometimes-actually-quite-warm English Channel. Eastbourne is as exciting as the UK gets right now.

Discover the best places to visit in the UK in 2023

Pitch up at a world-famous music festival

2.  Pitch up at a world-famous music festival

Festivals don’t get much more famous than Glastonbury . The UK’s biggest music festival takes over a chunk of Somerset countryside most summers with mud, music, mischief, hippies and healing. It’s difficult to convey quite how vast Glasto is, with whole worlds of activity taking place beyond the stages as well as an awe-inspiring musical line-up ranging from pop to reggae to rock to dubstep to metal to folk to techno. If you’re lucky enough to bag a ticket, bring an open mind, a sense of humour and a jumbo pack of baby wipes.

Discover our full guide to Glastonbury Festival 2023

Take a tour of the UK’s incredible National Parks

3.  Take a tour of the UK’s incredible National Parks

The UK might be small but its countryside is mighty and incredibly diverse, from rolling green hills and ancient woodland to impressive mountain peaks, idyllic lakes and rugged moors. To see all the different kinds of landscapes the UK calls its own, take a tour of the UK’s 15 National Parks, from the flat Norfolk Broads and the wilds of Exmoor to the high drama of the Lake District and Peak District and the internationally recognised dark skies of Northumberland.

Discover the most beautiful national parks in the UK

Wander around a dreamy Italian-style village in Wales

4.  Wander around a dreamy Italian-style village in Wales

If you were dropped into the middle of Portmeirion , you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in southern Europe rather than North Wales . Set on its own peaceful peninsula reaching into an estuary, the  Italian-inspired villag e is a colourful collection of rainbow-hued buildings, entirely masterminded by the Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. It’s not exactly the most accurate depiction of Welsh life, but it’s well worth a visit for those beautiful buildings, lush gardens and sandy beaches.

Discover the best things to do in Portmeirion

Come up with your own conspiracy theories at Stonehenge

5.  Come up with your own conspiracy theories at Stonehenge

The world-famous prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain attracts millions of visitors a year, but its popularity doesn’t detract from its intrigue. Were these imposing standing stones – bluestone from more than 150 miles away in Wales – a celestial calendar, a burial ground or a site for sacrifice? Was it built by Merlin the wizard and a band of giants? Are its origins supernatural, or even extraterrestrial? Or just an incredible feat of human will? Visit to figure out what you think the true story of the monument is.

Spot seals at Blakeney Point in Norfolk

6.  Spot seals at Blakeney Point in Norfolk

The north Norfolk coastline is a sweet place to spend away a day or two. Head to Blakeney in search of the area’s salt marshes, sand dunes, sea birds and seal population. The National Nature Reserve is home to a thriving grey seal colony. To see the delightful creatures, including thousands of pups, from a safe distance, take a boat from Morston Quay. Once you’re back on dry land, explore the pretty villages of Blakeney, Stiffkey, Cley-next-the-Sea and Wells-next-the-Sea, as well as the wide expanse of Holkham Beach.

Discover the best things to do in Norfolk

Visit The Beatles’ childhood homes

7.  Visit The Beatles’ childhood homes

Get a ticket to ride around the city The Beatles called home. Liverpool is the place the Fab Four met and started performing. Learn about their incredible musical career at The Beatles Story before visiting Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road, the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, now managed by the National Trust. Finish off your visit with a night out at the rebuilt Cavern Club which sits near where The Beatles first started to play in the early ’60s.

Discover the best things to do in Liverpool

Get a taste for magic on the Cornish coast

8.  Get a taste for magic on the Cornish coast

There’s something mysterious about the atmospheric moors and misty clifftops of Cornwall . It’s no wonder it’s the site of so many myths and legends. Even the most sceptical visitor will end up falling for Cornwall’s strange and magical charms after a visit to Tintagel , the impressive ruins of a castle on a dramatic stretch of coastline. The romantic site is linked to the legend of King Arthur and low tide reveals ‘Merlin’s Cave’ on the beach below. Afterwards, pop along the coast to the tiny village of Boscastle for a visit to  The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic , the largest collection of objects relating to magic in the world.

Discover the best things to do in Cornwall

Follow in the footsteps of giants

9.  Follow in the footsteps of giants

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a geological marvel. The dramatic coastal feature, made up of 40,000 basalt stone columns, has attracted visitors for centuries, but it became Northern Ireland’s first and only Unesco World Heritage Site in the 1980s and now also boasts a great visitor centre thanks to the National Trust. There are no museum ropes holding you back here. Wander over the shiny stones, sit on the Wishing Chair – a natural throne polished by thousands of bottoms – look out for rock formations the Camel and the Giant’s Boot. The result of volcanic eruptions over 60 million years ago or the remains of a pathway built by a giant? You decide.

Discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland

Take a perch on Arthur’s Seat

10.  Take a perch on Arthur’s Seat

Not many cities can say they are home to an ancient volcano, but Edinburgh can. Arthur’s Seat, a grassy, rugged peak 351 metres above sea level, is visible from almost everywhere in the city and is just a short stroll from the Royal Mile in the centre. Head to Holyrood Park to begin your ascent. It’s a relatively easy hike, but it’ll still get your heart pounding. Rest at the top and admire views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and beyond.

Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh

Go for a curry in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle

11.  Go for a curry in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle

Melton Mowbray has pork pies. Wensleydale has cheese. And Birmingham has the balti. Invented by the city’s Pakistani community in the 1970s, this take on curry is up there with Peaky Blinders , Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and the Industrial Revolution as one of Brum’s most iconic exports. Spice lovers from far and wide make the pilgrimage to the UK curry capital to sample its baltis, thalis and dosas. Head to the famous ‘Balti Triangle’ – southeast of the city centre near Balsall Heath – to find a huge concentration of curry houses serving mouthwatering dishes from across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Discover the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham

Party all weekend at Notting Hill Carnival

12.  Party all weekend at Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival – the annual celebration of London’s Caribbean community, its culture and traditions – is Europe’s biggest street party. It takes place every August bank holiday weekend on the roads around west London, transforming the area into one huge, packed, pulsating party. The carnival, which runs over two days (Sunday is family day), features a colourful parade, fantastic live music, thumping sound systems, soca floats, steel bands and a whole lot of delicious Caribbean food.

Discover our full guide to Notting Hill Carnival

Seek out myth and legend in the Scottish Highlands

13.  Seek out myth and legend in the Scottish Highlands

There’s nothing quite like the Scottish Highlands . If you like being active and adventurous – think boating, biking and hiking – this countryside is your playground. The scenery is totally breathtaking, but it’s steeped in history, mystery, folklore and legend too. Tour ancient castles, both standing and in ruins, explore the Highland Folk Museum , see the Glenfinnan Monument, which commemorates those who died during the Battle of Culloden, stop off at standing-stone burial mounds Clava Cairns and have a dram of whisky at one of the many distilleries in the area.

Discover the best things to do in the north-east Highlands

Head on a legendary pub crawl in Leeds

14.  Head on a legendary pub crawl in Leeds

Every city’s got a legendary pub crawl, but Leeds ’s magnificent Otley Run is tough to beat. While the OG run started out in the market town of Otley, these days it’s more common to kick-off in Headingley’s Woodies Craft Ale House before heading down through Hyde Park and eventually into Leeds city centre itself. The crawl covers more than two-and-a-half miles and includes no fewer than 15 pubs (and, indeed, can include many, many more if you so wish), typically ending at the Dry Dock – a bar housed in a beached boat. Embarking on the Otley Run (especially in costume) is a rite of passage for Leeds’s many uni students, but it’s great fun for anyone else too. Our tip? Start early. Really early.

Discover the best things to do in Leeds

Admire London from above

15.  Admire London from above

There’s so much to see and do in London it can feel a little overwhelming, so get some perspective. Climb Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath or settle down to watch the sun set from the top of Primrose Hill , with impressive views of the city skyline. Spy landmarks like Buckingham Palace , the BT Tower , the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and more at the top of the Shard or from a pod on the London Eye . See the River Thames wiggle through the metropolis from the Sky Garden ’s thirty-eighth-floor greenhouse. Or elevate your pre-dinner drinks at one of the best rooftop bars in London . 

Discover the best things to do in London

Climb the UK’s highest peak

16.  Climb the UK’s highest peak

Lace up your walking boots to take on Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in mainland Britain, at 1,345 metres above sea level. There are two main routes up – the Mountain Track, which is used by most walkers or Carn Mor Dearg Arête, a more challenging ascent for experienced scramblers and hill walkers which can take more than ten hours to complete. If you really love heights, consider taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge. Plan your own or join an organised event to climb Snowden, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, the highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland, usually within 24 hours.

Discover the best hikes in the UK

Discover the story of the ‘unsinkable’ ocean liner

17.  Discover the story of the ‘unsinkable’ ocean liner

The sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 made headlines around the globe and continues to intrigue people to this day. The ‘unsinkable’ ocean liner was the largest ship afloat before it hit an iceberg and disappeared into the depths of the Atlantic, along with more than 1,500 of its passengers. Belfast is where the boat was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard, and it’s where an impressive museum dedicated to the ship now stands. Explore interactive galleries that, thanks to reconstructions, rides and special effects, allow you to walk the decks of the Titanic, descend to the depths of the ocean, tour the shipyard and witness the boat’s launch.

Discover the best things to do in Belfast

Ask for directions to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych wyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

18.  Ask for directions to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych wyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Want a challenge? Try and pronounce this Welsh place name: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerych-wrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a small town on the island of Anglesey in Wales , has the longest name in the UK. Although it looks like a tongue-twister to those who don’t speak Welsh, it’s not that easy to get your mouth around the English translation either: ‘The church of St Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St Tysilio’s of the red cave’. Visit for the photo op – if you can get the entire sign in one shot, that is.

Discover the best things to do in Wales

Go fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast

19.  Go fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast

A 95-mile stretch of south England shoreline, the Jurrasic Coast is famous for its unique geology. Running from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset , the rocks record 185 million years of the Earth’s history – and they look pretty good, too. Highlights include the beautiful cliffs at Beer, the historic seaside town of Lyme Regis, the sweeping shingle ridge of Chesil Beach, Old Harry Rocks and West Bay’s golden sands. Don’t miss Lulworth Cove, a breathtakingly blue secluded bay, or its neighbour, the grand, natural limestone arch of Durdle Door.

Discover the best things to do in Devon , the best things to do in Dorset and the best things to do in Lulworth Cove

Search for the mysterious monster at Loch Ness

20.  Search for the mysterious monster at Loch Ness

Nessie, the famous monster who is said to dwell in the depths of Loch Ness, was first spotted in the sixth century, but – hoaxes aside – we’re yet to get a clear shot of her. Lend your eyes to the search by taking a boat trip – high speed or sedate and leisurely – across the glassy stretch of water near Inverness . If your monster hunt proves less than fruitful, you’ll still have plenty to look at: Loch Ness is something of a Scottish stunner.

Discover the  best things to do in Inverness

Laugh out loud at the Edinburgh Fringe

21.  Laugh out loud at the Edinburgh Fringe

Every August, the capital of Scotland is taken over by comedians and performers for a month of shows, plays and theatre. Expect a mix of first-timers and big-name stars, new material, old favourites, snappy one-liners and unusual experimental comedy. It’s the world’s largest arts festival and transforms Edinburgh into a pulsating, exciting hive of energy. Turn up with a cluster of tickets in your pocket or plan nothing and see where the Fringe takes you.

Discover the  history of the Edinburgh festivals

Play the ‘Game of Thrones’ in Northern Ireland

22.  Play the ‘Game of Thrones’ in Northern Ireland

Seeking out the filming locations from HBO’s Game of Thrones is an essential pilgrimage for fans of the show. There are more than 20 dotted around Northern Ireland, including Ballintoy harbour (aka the Iron Islands), Castle Ward, which starred as House Stark’s Winterfell, and the enigmatic ‘dark hedges’ near Armoy, where ancient beech trees have formed a foreboding tunnel made famous after its stint as the King’s Road. Book on to a guided tour or fashion your own – just, y’know, consult a Three-Eyed Raven before you set off.

Go raving in Madchester

23.  Go raving in Madchester

Sure, Factory Records and the Hacienda might be long gone. Yeah, Happy Mondays might be a more common sight on daytime telly than on stage. But from the gay clubs of Canal Street to the ever-popular Parklife weekender in summer, this northern powerhouse still has a varied and vibrant clubbing scene that attracts partygoers from all over the country.   To experience the best of it, head to the Warehouse Project, a clubbing series held each autumn and winter in the mammoth Mayfield Depot, just around the corner from Piccadilly station. 

Discover the  best club nights in the UK

See the rainbow at Portree on the Isle of Skye

24.  See the rainbow at Portree on the Isle of Skye

The UK has a reputation for being a little grey and gloomy, thanks to its regular rainfall, but you’d never know it in the pretty coastal town of Portree on the Scottish Isle of Skye . The former fishing village, now the capital of the island, is painted in an array of pretty pastel shades. Once you’ve wandered around Portee, venture further afield. The biggest island in the Inner Hebrides, enchanting Syke is home to welcoming villages, unusual rock formations and miles of dramatic coastline.

Discover the best things to do on the Isle of Skye

Watch a giant Green Man burn in the Welsh hills

25.  Watch a giant Green Man burn in the Welsh hills

Wales is known for its verdant, lush countryside and it’s never more in evidence than in the Brecon Beacons National Park . A protected range of grassy mountains and heather-clad hills, the National Park is a gem, boasting walking trails, stunning waterfalls, pretty towns, prehistoric monuments and all the fresh air and wide, open space you could ever wish for. Visit during August for the annual Green Man music festival. Expect great bands, food, comedy, yoga and meditation, as well as the ritualistic burning of a pagan effigy at the end of the weekend.

Discover the best music festivals in the UK

See a Shakespeare play in his hometown

26.  See a Shakespeare play in his hometown

Being a groundling (that’s getting yourself a £5 standing ticket and watching Elizabethan-style) at Shakespeare’s Globe in London is unmissable, but it doesn’t get more special than sitting in the audience of one of the Bard’s beloved plays in his actual hometown. Head to pretty  Stratford-upon-Avon to see a Royal Shakespeare Company production in the riverside theatre, before visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace and the church where his body was laid to rest in 1616.

Discover the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

Get house-envy in the Cotswolds

27.  Get house-envy in the Cotswolds

Everywhere you look in the  Cotswolds could be a postcard. The fields are abundant, the hills are rolling, the towns are all picture-perfect and the homes, grand or twee, are built with creamy, honey-coloured Cotswold stone. Go antiquing in Stow-on-the-Wold, feast on farm-fresh food at Daylesford, wander along Arlington Row in Bibury (possibly the most beautiful village in England) and dream about calling one of those pretty Cotswolds cottages home. Visiting in spring? Distract yourself by watching a bunch of grown adults throw themselves down a really steep hill in pursuit of wheels of double Gloucester cheese at the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling.

Discover the best things to do in the Cotswolds

Goth up in the shadows of a famously spooky abbey

28.  Goth up in the shadows of a famously spooky abbey

Twice a year, the wind-battered abbey in the pretty Yorkshire fishing town of Whitby  is overrun by goths from all over the world. Why’s that, you ask? Well, Whitby Abbey starred in Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, thereby endearing itself for ever to the vampire, bat and eyeliner-inclined. The biggest event of its kind in the world, Whitby Goth Weekend has been running since 1994, and is a celebration of goth culture, music and fashion. Shop at the Bizarre Bazaar, rock out on the main stages or just soak up the gothic vibes: whether you’re a goth or not, it’s one hell of an experience.

Discover the best things to do in Whitby

Explore London’s free museums

29.  Explore London’s free museums

London is home to some incredible world-class museums and art galleries. Best of all? Most of them have permanent exhibitions that are totally free to visit. Kick things off on Exhibition Road in South Kensington with a visit to decorative arts giant the V&A , as well as the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum . Next, head to the National Gallery , the National Portrait Gallery  (when it reopens in June 2023), Tate Britain and Tate Modern for some incredible modern and classical art. Don’t forget to pop into the British Museum , to see historical artefacts from all over the world, and the Museum of London Docklands  Docklands, for an insight into London’s past. 

Discover the best free art galleries and museums in London

Eat fish and chips on the pebbles in Brighton

30.  Eat fish and chips on the pebbles in Brighton

The town of Brighton , just a short journey south of London, is the perfect seaside spot. Wander around cool, independent shops, cafés and galleries on The Lanes, gawp at the majestic Pavilion and play arcade games on the pier, before pitching up on the pebbly beach for a feast of freshly battered fish and chips. Stay put for the evening too, when the brilliant bars, clubs and restaurants in Brighton come alive. Got a taste for the Great British Seaside? Head east along the coast to the Kent towns of Deal , Margate and Whitstable for more piers, vintage fairground rides and incredibly fresh seafood.

Discover the best things to do in Brighton

Have afternoon tea at Bettys in York

31.  Have afternoon tea at Bettys in York

Cornwall, Devon, The Ritz in central London – wherever you are in the UK you can’t go too wrong with an afternoon tea. Just don’t go putting the clotted cream on before the jam. Or is it the other way round? Bettys is a Yorkshire institution. The  York branch has been serving up scones (or Fat Rascals, as they call them) and tea in china cups since 1936. Work up an appetite before you visit by wandering around The Shambles, York Castle or the ancient city walls.

Discover the best things to do in York

Travel to the end of the line

32.  Travel to the end of the line

Hop on board a train in  Glasgow to travel along the West Highland Line to the end of the tracks. It’s one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world, taking in the wild landscapes of west Scotland. The train quickly leaves the city behind, passing craggy mountains, steep gorges, lochs and moors. Keep your eye out for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was used in the filming of ‘Harry Potter’, Ben Nevis and some of the tiniest, most remote stations on the line, including Corrour, the highest-altitude station in the UK . Your journey ends as land turns to sea and the train pulls into port town Mallaig. Feeling fancy? Spend the Fort William to Mallaig leg of your journey living it up on steam train The Jacobite.

Discover the best things to do in Glasgow

Pick a side in a centuries-old rivalry

33.  Pick a side in a centuries-old rivalry

The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge – the oldest (and, for a long time, the only) universities in England and Wales – have a rivalry going back a long way. These days it’s a friendly one, acknowledging the academic prowess and similarities between the two university cities: both have beautiful buildings, world-famous university alumni, iconic publishing houses, respected libraries, brilliant museums and rivers running through their hearts where students, locals and visitors can be found floating around on punts. Visit both and then decide who you want to cheer on during the annual Boat Race  between the two universities on the Thames in London.

Discover the best things to do in Oxford and the best things to do in Cambridge

Bathe like a Roman in Bath

34.  Bathe like a Roman in Bath

Home to independent shops and theatres, Bath is a pretty, honey-hued city famous for its grand, sweeping crescents and former resident Jane Austen. It’s also home to a fascinating, and impressively intact, Roman bath right in the heart of the city. It still flows with natural hot water, thanks to the city’s thermal springs, but no one’s swimming in it these days. Once you’ve wandered around the historic site, head to Thermae Bath Spa for your own chance to wallow in Bath’s warming waters.

Discover the best things to do in Bath

Soak up the vibes on Tyneside

35.  Soak up the vibes on Tyneside

It may well have an abundance of places to find a cheap jagerbomb, but Newcastle is more than just a great stag-do destination. With its world-class culture, iconic architecture and a slew of amazing restaurants, the Newcastle and Gateshead quayside sure has a lot going for it. And that’s not even to mention those views.  Head to the Norman Foster-designed Sage Gateshead for music and comedy in a gorgeous wood-panelled concert hall with incredible acoustics, or catch an exhibition at the Baltic , a mammoth contemporary art gallery with panoramic city-wide views. And if you’re looking for great food at decent prices? The seasonal menu at quayside restaurant 21 comes highly recommended.

Discover the best things to do in Newcastle

Drink butterbeer at Hogwarts

36.  Drink butterbeer at Hogwarts

Film fans the world over will know the UK as the home of Harry Potter. There are filming locations and spots that supposedly inspired JK Rowling dotted all over and you can even visit places where she wrote the books, like The Elephant House in Edinburgh. Potterheads will want to visit Leavesden Studios on the outskirts of London, where the majority of the movies were filmed, too. Wander around the Great Hall, peek into shop fronts on Diagon Alley, order a butterbeer and even ‘fly’ your very own broomstick on the Warner Bros Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter . 

Stroll along the South Bank in London

37.  Stroll along the South Bank in London

You could spend a month in London and not get tired of visiting its museums, galleries, parks , historic landmarks, traditional pubs  and world-class restaurants . But if you’re short on time, a stroll along the South Bank is an ace way to soak up some city sights. Start at the London Eye , where you’ve got views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament , and head east. You’ll pass cultural giant the Southbank Centre , the BFI , the National Theatre and countless pop-up bars and street food stalls. Pause by Tate Modern for a quick look around its free galleries, or to spy St Paul’s Cathedral across the river, before carrying on past Shakespeare’s Globe. Stop under the Shard for incredible food in Borough Market before finishing your walk by City Hall with views over the Thames of the Tower of London and the iconic Tower Bridge .

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising
  • Time Out Market

Time Out products

  • Time Out Worldwide
  • Europe Tours
  • England Tours
  • Tours For Young Adults

England Tours and Trips for Young Adults

The best England trips and tours for young adults. We sell 267 tours and trips in England that are suitable for young adults, backed by 211 customer reviews. Whether you are a young solo traveller, a young single traveller or a young group of friends, we hope you can find what you are looking for. If not, please also see our group tours to England or request a customized private tour for young travellers to England .

274 trips for young adults in England

England And Scotland Heritage Tour

  • Starts London, England
  • Ends London, England

England and Scotland Heritage

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
  • Tour Type Group Tour
  • Activities Adventure
  • Accommodation Hotel
  • Transport Coach & Train
  • Age Range 5-99 yrs
  • Operated in English
  • Brochure Price: US$ 2,150
  • Special Deal (19%): - US$ 416
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,734
  • Apr 22 Only 7 seats left
  • Apr 24 Only 9 seats left
  • View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Real Britain Tour

Real Britain

  • Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='23434'>+1 more
  • Transport Coach
  • Mar 16 10+ seats left
  • Mar 18 Only 9 seats left

Great Britain Tour

Great Britain

  • Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
  • Transport Coach & Boat
  • Age Range 10-99 yrs
  • Brochure Price: US$ 1,685
  • Special Deal (23%): - US$ 385
  • Total Price from: US$ 1,300
  • Mar 09 10+ seats left
  • Mar 23 10+ seats left

Coast To Coast Rambler - 18 Days Tour

  • Starts St Bees, England
  • Ends Robin Hoods Bay, England

Coast to Coast Rambler - 18 Days

  • Tour Type Private Tour
  • Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking Walking tours , Trekking and Hiking & Beach 'data-more-tripid='16532'>+1 more
  • Accommodation Hotel, Guest House, Hut, Hostel & Resort
  • Transport Private Vehicle, Train & Taxi
  • Age Range 18-99 yrs
  • Mar 31 10+ seats left
  • Apr 01 10+ seats left

Exploring The Cotswolds - 8 Days Tour

  • Starts Stratford-upon-Avon, England
  • Ends Winchcombe, England

Exploring the Cotswolds - 8 days

  • Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
  • Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
  • Transport Taxi
  • Mar 17 10+ seats left

Best Of Britain Tour

Best of Britain

  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,795
  • Special Deal (15%): - US$ 569
  • Total Price from: US$ 3,226
  • Apr 30 Only 9 seats left
  • May 01 10+ seats left

Best Of UK & Ireland Tour

Best of UK & Ireland

  • Transport Coach & Ferry
  • Brochure Price: US$ 3,545
  • Special Deal (23%): - US$ 810
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,735
  • Apr 14 10+ seats left

Coast To Coast: Classic Walk - 15 Days Tour

Coast to Coast: Classic Walk - 15 Days

  • Accommodation Hotel, Hut, Hostel, Guest House & Resort
  • Transport Train & Taxi

Cotswolds By Bike Tour

  • Starts Cheltenham, England
  • Ends Cheltenham, England

Cotswolds by Bike

  • Activities Bicycle tours & Explorer
  • Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Villa
  • Transport Train
  • Mar 24 10+ seats left

Best Of Britain Tour

  • Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Countryside and village visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits , Art and architecture & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='23442'>+2 more
  • Brochure Price: US$ 4,450
  • Special Deal (10%): - US$ 445
  • Total Price from: US$ 4,005
  • Apr 11 Only 6 seats left
  • Apr 13 Only 8 seats left

London Explorer Tour

London Explorer

  • Activities City sightseeing
  • Apr 21 Only 6 seats left

The Dales Way Tour

  • Starts Ilkley, England
  • Ends Bowness-on-Windermere, England

The Dales Way

  • Transport Train & Private Vehicle

Amazing Britain Tour

Amazing Britain

  • Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Mountains & Beach 'data-more-tripid='23437'>+2 more
  • Brochure Price: US$ 2,895
  • Special Deal (10%): - US$ 289
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,606
  • Apr 12 10+ seats left
  • Apr 13 Only 10 seats left

Best Of Devon And Cornwall Tour

Best of Devon and Cornwall

  • Activities Countryside and village visits & Art and architecture Countryside and village visits , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks 'data-more-tripid='21016'>+3 more
  • Brochure Price: US$ 2,550
  • Special Deal (10%): - US$ 264
  • Total Price from: US$ 2,286
  • Apr 29 10+ seats left
  • Apr 30 10+ seats left

England Young Adult Reviews

  • Roa'a Alawneh

Trips for young adults

  • Europe tours for young adults
  • Balkans tours for young adults
  • Baltic tours for young adults
  • Eastern Europe tours for young adults
  • Mediterranean tours for young adults
  • Northern Europe tours for young adults
  • Scandinavia tours for young adults
  • Uk And Britain tours for young adults
  • England trips
  • England budget tours
  • Eco tours in England
  • England guided tours
  • England family tour packages
  • England honeymoon packages
  • England luxury tours
  • England private tours
  • England self-guided tours
  • England small group tours
  • England solo trips
  • England tailor-made vacation packages
  • England tours for senior citizens
  • England group tours
  • England last minute deals
  • England travel deals
  • England customized tours

England upcoming departures

  • Spring 2024/2025
  • Summer 2024
  • Winter 2024/2025
  • August 2024
  • September 2024
  • October 2024

England duration pages

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

London Business Mag Logo

London Business Mag is the best UK blog for discovering more cool stuff on the internet.

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Best Places to Visit in UK for Young Adults – Top 10 Places

  • by Lucy James
  • January 7, 2023
  • Less than a minute

Table of Contents

The UK is a diverse place with beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and delicious food. It’s no surprise that many travelers from all over the world want to visit this place. The young adult population of the UK also has a large following online. So if you’re an adult who is about to start a family and looking for an unforgettable trip with your partner or friends, this blog is for you! Here we’ve listed some of the best places to visit in the UK that are ideal for couples and budding families alike. Let’s get into it!

1. Edinburg

Edinburg

Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city located in Scotland that offers plenty of the best things to do for visitors of all ages. Edinburgh Castle is a must-see attraction for tourists, as is Princes Street Gardens with its many shops and restaurants. Many lively pubs and clubs in Edinburgh offer great night outs with friends or family members. Edinburgh has excellent public transportation connections that make it easy to get around town no matter where you want to go. Suppose you’re looking for an activity that’s more vigorous than hanging out at pubs or watching traditional Scottish performances.

In that case, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as climbing and golfing available in and around Edinburgh. Finally, if you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling available in and around the city.

Derby

Derby is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is known for its horse racing industry and historic architecture. The city has a variety of attractions, such as the Royal Derby Hospital and the Henry Moore Museum. These attractions showcase the heritage of Derby. In addition to these, there are many great nightlife options in Derby, including numerous pubs and nightclubs. The city’s vibrant nightlife and thriving food scene make it a great place to visit with family and friends.

There are plenty of budget hotels and hotels and hostels in Derby for visitors looking for affordable accommodation. There are also plenty of luxury hotels in the city for those who want extra comfort and amenities. For those looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of activities to choose from, such as day trips to nearby national parks or ziplining experiences. If you’re looking for a city that offers a lot to see and do, then you should definitely visit Derby!

London

London is a vibrant and eclectic city that offers a variety of attractions and activities for young adults. Some of the best museums and art galleries in the world can be found in the city, including the National Gallery, Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The city also has some of the best nightlife in the UK, with popular venues such as London’s West End and Chinatown London providing world-class entertainment. Young adults can enjoy a wide range of cultural events and festivals, including Wimbledon and Glastonbury.

Young adults can also enjoy a number of parks in London, such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. These are excellent places to spend time outdoors, offering beautiful scenery and lots of activities for all ages. There are plenty of warm and cozy restaurants and bars catering to all tastes and budgets in the city, making it an ideal place for young adults to hang out and have fun.

4. Manchester

Manchester

If you’re looking for a place to visit that offers a wide range of attractions for young adults, then there’s no doubt that Manchester is the place for you. The city has plenty of things to see and do, from world-famous attractions such as the Manchester Arena and The Lowry to popular nightlife options such as pubs and clubs. Whether you’re an avid shopper or prefer to explore on your own, you won’t have any difficulty finding something that appeals to you. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities in Manchester, from high-end stores to quirky boutiques.

Plus, young adults in the city can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from cycling to skiing and hiking. Overall, it’s a great place for young adults to visit and experience all that the city has to offer.

Bristol

Bristol has a lot to offer young adults, including plenty of nightlife and cultural attractions. It’s also a great place to live – with low crime rates and excellent infrastructure, it’s a great place to raise a family. One of the best things about Bristol is its thriving arts scene. There are many theaters, concert halls and galleries that offer events that are guaranteed to entertain and excite even the most ardent music lover.

And if you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of sporting facilities available from golf courses to swimming pools are perfect for those summer days spent outdoors. Overall, Bristol is a great place to live, work, and play perfect for young adults who want to experience everything life has to offer.

6. Aberdeen

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a vibrant city with a rich history. It has world-renowned universities and a thriving arts and culture scene, making it an exciting place to visit. There are plenty of attractions that young adults can enjoy, such as the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and the Grosvenor Museum. Young people can also explore the city’s natural beauty on hikes and mountain biking trips. Aberdeen is also a great place to live.

It boasts affordable housing and a friendly community atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for young people looking for a fun place to call home. Whether you’re exploring the historic city center or enjoying its natural beauty, Aberdeen has something for everyone.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant and lively city that offers plenty of activities and attractions for young adults. The city has a large arts and culture scene, as well as world-class shopping and restaurants. There are plenty of nightlife options available in Glasgow for young adults, including bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. The city has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Young adults can also enjoy the city’s thriving cultural scene and diverse offerings on their trip.

Glasgow is easily accessible by public transport, making it easy to get around town. The city’s extensive rail network makes it easy to access other major UK cities. Young adults will find plenty to do and see in Glasgow, making it one of the best places to live, work, and play in the UK. Besides all the excitement at hand, young people can also find peace and serenity in Glasgow’s beautiful surroundings.

8. Liverpool

Liverpool

Liverpool is a vibrant city with a diverse range of activities and attractions for young adults. Liverpool has museums, parks, and art galleries that will appeal to any young person’s interests. Young adults can also enjoy Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Liverpool is also a great place to study. The city has numerous universities that offer various courses and programs for students of all ages and interests.

This makes it easy for young adults to find an educational environment that suits their interests and career goals.

9. Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove are two of the best places to visit in the UK for young adults. Brighton is known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, while Hove is home to some of the country’s best museums and galleries. There are many things to see and do in Brighton and Hove, so there’s sure to be something that interests you. If you’re looking for a place to party, then Brighton is definitely the place for you! There are plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs that will give you an unforgettable night out.

Alternatively, if you’re more interested in cultural attractions, then Hove is definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of museums and galleries that will offer an interesting perspective on British culture.

10. Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is a lively and vibrant city with plenty of entertainment options. The city has some of the best nightlife in the UK, with bars and clubs catering to all tastes. The city is also home to several world-class universities, making it the best place to study. Young adults in Newcastle will appreciate the city’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. There are plenty of green spaces and gardens to enjoy in Newcastle as well as some spectacular beaches close by. Overall, young adults living in Newcastle will find many reasons to love this city.

To put things into perspective, the best travel ages for a person are 20 to 35 years of age. Young adults can afford to be more adventurous and willing to try new things than older travelers. So, travel when you are young because there is so much that you can experience! As mentioned earlier, the best way to explore the country’s history and heritage is by experiencing it first-hand. The output above offers you some ideas on how to plan your trip to these amazing cities. Feel inspired? Now it’s time to pack your bags and go explore them!

Share This Post:

Free online games no downloads: top 10 no-download games, most visited tourist attraction in the uk – top 10 most visited places, leave feedback about this cancel reply.

  • Quality 5 4 3 2 1
  • Price 5 4 3 2 1
  • Service 5 4 3 2 1

Related Post

Most Beautiful Places in UK

Most Beautiful Places in UK – Top 20 Nice

Waterside Holiday Group

Bowleaze 01305 833103

Chesil 01305 773233

Tregoad 01503 262718

Osmington 01305 837010

  • View Brochure
  • Newsletter & Offers Signup

Holiday Dates

Choose how many nights you would like to stay

Bowleaze Cove 01305 833103

Chesil Beach 01305 773233

Osmington Mills 01305 837010

Home » News » 5 great teenage holiday destinations in the UK

The Jurassic Coast view from above

5 great teenage holiday destinations in the UK

25 / april / 2022.

Some regions in the UK lend themselves particularly well to holidays for families with teenagers. Ideally, they’ll combine a mixture of exciting activities, pretty, Instagrammable surroundings and characteristics that are a far cry from a teen’s usual surroundings.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up five options we think are particularly good teenage holiday destinations in the UK, featuring, of course, the locations of our fabulous teen-friendly holiday parks (it would be rude not to).

Central London Skyline

There’s so much to do in London with teenagers. Some of the world’s most famous attractions and photo-worthy moments are just waiting to be explored in this vibrant capital city.

Got a budding fashionista with you? Trawl the vintage markets in Brick Lane and explore past centuries’ designs at the V&A Museum.

Do your teenagers have a penchant for the macabre? Visit the London Dungeon or do a spooky tour of the historic City of London to learn about its grizzly past.

For less gross and more feel-good moments, catch a sports game or concert at one of London’s world-famous stadiums. Or watch a spellbinding West End show or theatre performance in Theatreland, a buzzing hub of activity.

Other adventurous options include a multitude of escape rooms, kayaking on the River Thames or ziplining in Battersea Park.

Just outside London is the Warner Bros. Studio, where you can retrace the footsteps of Harry Potter, Dumbledore and the other characters of the multi-billion-dollar film series.

There’s something to suit all appetites here if it’s a fun-filled city break you’re looking for.

The Eden Project

This gorgeous corner of England needs no introduction, but for those who haven’t yet experienced its charm, it’s home to hundreds of beaches, some of which lie on the south’s Cornish Riviera.

Cornwall’s coastline alone attracts millions of tourists to this region annually, and a visit here won’t be as hard on your wallet as a visit to the capital.

Cornwall is a fantastic teenage holiday destination for several reasons. One of them is that it’s home to our Tregoad Holiday Park . Located moments from the county’s south-eastern edge it’s extremely popular with families with older children due, in part, to its convenient location; several of the West Country’s most breath-taking attractions are within easy reach of the resort.

Within the park itself, there’s an array of facilities to stave off boredom and give you a chance to bond as a family. In the family room, you can challenge your teens to a game of air hockey or pool.

Or to unwind, head to the indoor pool to swim a few laps before making your way to our breath taking, tree-lined lakes. We also have an onsite restaurant and bar where you can enjoy tasty bites and tipples after an action-packed day.

With several attractions a close distance away, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Off the coast is Looe island, a wildlife haven and nature reserve where you and your family can enjoy spectacular views back towards the mainland and of the island itself.

If you and your teens need somewhere to spread out your beach towel, you’ll find it at Millendreath Beach, a sheltered cove with soft sand and rock pools.

Slightly further afield is Lanhydrock House and Garden, a National Trust site and a stunning Victorian country house with a garden and wooded estate. You can spend the whole afternoon here wandering around and feeling like a character from your favourite period drama.

Also within easy reach from Tregoad is the National Trust site Lantic Bay, where you can awe at some of the UK’s most stunning natural beauty. After you’ve taken it all in, enjoy the view from turquoise waters – paddling, anyone?

Finally, less than a 40-minute drive away from the park, you can experience the wonders of the otherworldly Eden Project which is capable of transporting you through tropical and Mediterranean climates – no passport needed!

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire coastline

If you’re looking for a UK teenage family adventure holiday, Pembrokeshire offers plenty of gorgeous walks and cycle routes, stunning mountainous scenery and more.

The Welsh county is home to the majestic Preseli Hills mountain range and the 190-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Its coastline is so beautiful, that it was rated by National Geographic magazine experts as the second-best in the World! Along it, you’ll find opportunities for water sports and puffin watching. Binoculars at the ready!

As well as dramatic coastlines, you’ll find picturesque castles and beaches, a fascinating 15th-century merchant’s house and much more.

If you’re after a mixture of history, fun and stunning natural beauty, look no further than Dorset. A well-known, UK seaside town, Weymouth is one of the county’s best teenage holiday destinations.

Home to an array of attractions that will appeal to this age group and younger children alike, It’s also the location of our Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa (formerly Waterside Park & Spa) , making the resort perfectly placed to explore everything the hugely popular area has to offer.

Our expansive park boasts a package of facilities that will keep teenagers and parents entertained throughout their stay.

We have a leisure complex with heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterslides, a state-of-the-art gym, sauna and steam room, and not to mention a spa! So you can treat your teenagers to a well-deserved pampering session while you’re here.

Our park also boasts a football pitch and acres of ground you can jog or cycle through, giving you plenty of opportunities to keep the family active while away.

There are lots of other things to get your teenagers involved with here, including archery, an arcade, and kayak and paddleboard hire. Take your chosen vessel to one of several beaches just a short drive away for a fun-filled day out.

Other attractions in and around Weymouth include a fun park with rides, an aquarium, museums and an impressive fort – a recipe for a perfect UK family holiday .

The best thing about Weymouth is that, since everything is within close proximity, there’s no need to spend endless drawn-out car journeys to arrive at your chosen destinations.

Tempted? Explore accommodation in Weymouth .

Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach is one of the UK’s most well-known strands of coast. It was so loved by author Ian McEwan, that he wrote a novella on it. An 18-mile long shingle barrier protecting Dorset’s southern edge, it forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The novelist wasn’t the only one who’s been impressed by its scale and appearance over the years. The readers of Country Life magazine voted the view of it from the coast road above Abbotsbury as Britain’s third best.

Chesil Beach is a location that appeals to the explorers within us, so it’s a great destination for families with teenagers.

Nearby, you’ll find Fleet Lagoon, one of Dorset’s most popular attractions and one of the few remaining undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world. So huge in scale, it’s only 6km short of the length of the Lake District’s most lengthy.

If you want to learn about the area’s history, step back in time at Abbotsbury, a historic filming location for several famous movies.

You can go back even further in time to Earth’s humble beginnings on the famous Jurassic Coast. It’s a treasure trove for budding geologists and historians, with rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods shaping a sweeping coastline that goes on for miles.

A Chesil beach holiday is one for the older teens who appreciate nature at its finest. You can soak in the scenery and create magical moments in one of the UK’s most beautiful teenage holiday destinations.

After a long day exploring, you can rest assured that at Chesil Beach Holiday Park, you’ll have everything you need to unwind at your fingertips. There’s a heated indoor pool with a water slide, an amusement arcade, gym, fully licensed bar, restaurant, and an exciting programme of evening entertainment. Book your Chesil beach holiday now.

Share this content

Have a question.

Give us a call and we'll answer any questions you have quickly and easily.

Bowleaze Cove

01305 833103

01305 773233

Osmington Mills

01305 837010

01503 262718

Be the first to catch the latest offers and news

Whether you're looking for sandy beaches, warm hot tubs or a place to wear the kids out, we've got you covered.

We'll occasionally send you our latest offers and news and, of course, you can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility

© 2024 Waterside Holiday Group ( Waterside Holiday Group is a trading name of Waterside Holiday Parks Ltd and its subsidiaries and Osmington Holiday Park Ltd. )

Wyld Family Travel

11 Thrilling Teens Adventure Activities in the UK

When you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission, Learn More >>

If you are looking for an adventure, the United Kingdom is a great place. Plenty of activities will give you an adrenaline rush on teenage family adventure holidays in the UK.

Try Zip lining, Quad biking or Coasteering if you want something fast-paced. If you’re going to see some beautiful sights while getting your heart rate up, mountain biking or hiking might be more for your teen adventure activities in the UK.

Surf lesson at Dunnet Beach, Scotland

More travel inspiration for your trip to the u.k, teen’s adventure activities in the uk.

If you want something extreme, bungee jumping might be right up your alley. The top adrenaline activities in the UK include bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and zip-lining.

The UK has something to offer no matter what family adventure you want. You will find plenty to do on adventure holidays in the UK for teenagers.

Coasteering in Newquay

If you’re looking for adventurous activities in Cornwall for teenagers, we have everything for you. A fantastic outdoor family adventure for visiting teens in the United Kingdom is coasteering.

There are some great beaches in the United Kingdom for family holidays, and water sports are always popular. Coasteering is a fun, adventurous sport combining cliff jumping, swimming, and hiking elements. It can be done in an ocean, sea, or bay area.

individuals navigating rocky cliffs and dynamic coastal terrain at the thrilling coasteering adventure in England

Coasteering is perfect for those who love the thrill of adventure and want to explore the coastline in a new way. The Cornish south coast’s unique environment is the perfect location in England to try coasteering.

The family adventure will have you navigating caves and spotting shipwrecks. It is a great activity and holiday adventure.

Ziplining in Adrenalin Quarry – Liskeard, Cornwall

Zip lining, also known as zip trekking or simply zipping, is a recreational and extreme sport where participants use a harness to attach themselves to a cable mounted on a pair of trolley wheels.

They then glide along the cable, typically from tree to tree, to travel from one point to another. Ziplining is a thrilling, extreme adventure that takes you through nature and the outdoors.

It’s a fun way to explore the world around you and get an adrenaline rush simultaneously. Ziplines can be found as part of ropes courses, too.

At Adrenalin Quarry, you will start by jumping off a 50-metre cliff and flying 490 metres over the flooded quarry at speeds of over 40mph (ca. 64 km/h). Outdoor teens on family holidays will love this fast-paced, thrilling Zipline adventure in Cornwall .

London adventure activities – Jet boating on the Thames

Jet boating is the perfect activity if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and a unique sightseeing experience. These boats reach up to 80 km/h, giving you an extreme thrill ride down the river.

Teens adventure activities in the UK include a jetboat down the River Thames

Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or an experienced thrill-seeker, jet boating will surely give you an experience you’ll never forget.

This thrilling heart-pumping experience in London will have you whizzing past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, MI5, MI6, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Monument, the Shard, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

This is one of the best adventure activities for teenagers in London. Book your London Jet Boat experience today.

Related post: 38 extraordinary things to do in London with teenagers

Teenage family adventure holidays in the UK – Canoeing in The Peak District

Canoeing is a great way for the whole family to explore nature and get outdoors. It’s a fun, adventurous activity that can be enjoyed on lakes, rivers, and rapids. You can go at your own pace or with a group of friends. Canoeing is a great way to see wildlife and enjoy the environment.

This awesome activity can be done in a single-person or double canoe with parents or siblings. This experience allows you to explore the scenery of Errwood Reservoir from the water while learning new skills and having fun.

Teens adventure activities in the UK – tandem skydiving in Hull

There are several adventurous things to do in England. Tandem skydiving is the perfect way to experience the thrill of skydiving for the first time. With an instructor, you’ll be up in the air in no time, speeding through the skies and taking in beautiful views of your surroundings.

A tandem skydiving moment over England

The adrenaline rush of free-falling is an experience, and tandem skydiving is a great way to get a taste of this extreme sport. If you’re looking for an unforgettable sightseeing experience for older kids, tandem skydiving is it.

After signing in and going through a thorough briefing, you will be suited up and ready to hop on a plane with your instructor. You’ll experience skydiving from 15,000 ft (4.57 km) at an old WWII airfield!

This is one of the more challenging activities for older teenagers in Yorkshire. Is Skydiving on your list of adventure days out for teenagers in England? For more information, reviews, and booking, search here today .

White water rafting near Edinburgh, Scotland

Adventure holidays in Scotland with teenagers will throw up many options for your family. White water rafting is the perfect adventure sport if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush.

Navigating a river filled with rapids can be both thrilling and extreme, but it’s also a fantastic experience that everyone should try at least once.

Many companies offer a thrilling whitewater rafting experience for your teen’s adventure activities in the UK.

Your tour guides will familiarise you with the basics of paddle strokes and safety procedures before you hit the river on this adrenaline rush experience. Once you’re on the river, trust your guide and enjoy the ride!

The River Tay is an attraction near Edinburgh, and a 6-hour white water rafting tour is one of the best and most fun outdoor activities for young adults in the UK.

You will hit rapids with cool names like the Zoom Flume and The Washing Machine. See photos, reviews, and booking options for this fantastic outdoor teenage activity.

More Travel with Teens posts

  • What are the travel essentials for families travelling with teenagers
  • 32 breathtaking things to do in Paris with teenagers
  • Tried and tested tips to make your vacations with teens enjoyable for the whole family

Stand-up paddleboarding near Swansea, Wales

There are numerous things to do in Wales with teenagers, such as exploring national parks and visiting historical sites. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water and get some exercise, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) might be just the thing for outdoor adventures for teens.

SUP is a relatively new sport that involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water.

2 teens trying out stand up paddleboarding in Wales

It can be done in lakes, rivers, and oceans and is excellent for all ages and abilities. It’s also a great way to explore new areas and see things differently.

For this exciting teen adventure activity in the UK, you can participate in a 2-hour lesson and learn session or hire a paddleboard and go it alone. Learn more about this paddleboard experience today.

Wales adventure activities – sunrise hike to the summit of Snowden

Hiking is a thrilling, extreme adventure that takes trekkers through the world’s most beautiful and pristine nature. It can be enjoyed outdoors in various climates, making it a perfect pastime for any season.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail out there that will offer an unforgettable experience. Mt Snowden is the highest mountain in Wales and a popular destination for hikers.

A teenager hiker enjoying a walk amidst the natural beauty of Snowdon

Your teenager will start the climb in the darkness of North Wales, with the only light coming from your head torch and the moon. Safely accompanied by your mountain guide, you’ll arrive at the summit just in time to watch the sunrise in the distance.

Hiking the summit of Snowden is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many visitors to the United Kingdom. For more information and bookings, search here.

Related post: All the very best things to do in North Wales with teenagers

Mountain biking in North Wales with teens

Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling and extreme sports around. Those who love nature’s adventure and wildness find mountain biking the perfect outdoor activity.

Trails that wind through forests, over hills, and across mountains present challenges that keep even the most experienced riders returning for more.

For those new to the sport, mountain bike tracks provide a safe place to learn and practice skills before venturing onto more challenging terrain.

As far as teen adventure activities in the UK go, there is nothing quite like flying down a hill on two wheels with nothing but nature around you.

North Wales is a hot spot for mountain biking and outdoor activities; on this half-day mountain bike adventure, your instructor will help you develop your technical skills as you take on challenges such as drop-offs, technical climbing, single track, and bunny hops. Get your teens on a mountain bike in North Wales today.

Learn to surf at Donegal in Northern Ireland.

When it comes to surfing, there are a lot of common misconceptions. Many people think you must be born with a natural talent to surf well.

Others believe the only way to learn how to surf is by going out and hitting the waves. However, both of these beliefs are wrong.

Waves rolling in at Donegal Northern Ireland.

In reality, anyone can learn how to surf – you need some basic instruction and a bit of practice. If you’re a beginner, your best bet is to take a lesson from an experienced instructor.

They’ll teach you the basics of surfing techniques, how to read the waves, and how to stay safe while in the water. Bundoran near Donegal makes the adventure the perfect setting for surfing lessons with its sandy bottom beach and constant easy-to-surf waves. Hit the waves today and book your surfing adventure.

Read more:  10 of the best cities in Europe for the best vacations for families with teenagers .

Outdoor activities for teenagers are a popular choice for promoting physical fitness and overall well-being. Discover the thrill of water sports, such as surfing with teens and young adults in Scotland at Dunnet Beach, near John o’ Groats. Scotland is a great location and is known for its pristine beaches.

an instructor on a beach in Scotland teaching teenagers how to surf

This outdoor adventure activity offers surf lessons with experienced instructors, catering to all skill levels amidst the beautiful Scottish coastline.

Enjoy the safety-focused outdoor adventure experience and the chance to catch waves in a scenic and ideal location for surfing.

Surfing at  Dunnet Beach  is a fantastic opportunity for teens and young adults to embrace outdoor adventure and create lasting memories during their family trip to Scotland.

Book the surf lesson  and confidently ride the waves; have so much fun and excitement!

How to get to the United Kingdom on holidays with teenagers

  • You can hire a car at any international airport in the UK! It is best to pre-book the car and have it waiting for you on arrival.
  • If you’re arriving in the UK from Europe, you may be able to cross the English Channel with your car and catch a high-speed train from popular destinations such as Paris and Amsterdam . You can book train tickets to the U.K. with Trainline for the best prices.

Where to stay in the U.K

When travelling in the UK for your teen’s adventure activities in the UK trip , accommodation is not a problem. There are many places to stay, from luxurious hotels to humble hostels.

If you are looking for a place to stay with your family, there are plenty of options, including family rooms, outdoor swimming pools, self-catering accommodation and a games room.

No matter your budget, there is likely an accommodation option that will fit your needs in London and other major cities. If you would prefer something more rural, there are plenty of motels and bed and breakfasts in smaller towns and villages.

One thing to remember when travelling in the UK on holidays with teenagers is that hotel room prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year: search locations and prices with companies like Expedia and Trip Advisor .

What currency do I need for my trip to the UK?

The official UK currency you need to use is the Great British Pound. We recommend getting a  Revolut travel money card  that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money.

Travel insurance for teen’s adventure activities in the UK

The UK has a high quality of healthcare, but in saying that, travel insurance is still recommended for all teenage family adventure holidays in the UK.

The last thing you want is a huge bill for medical expenses should you require care on your family holiday in the United Kingdom.

If you plan on doing fun adventure activities with teenagers, check that your insurance policy covers such activities.

We recommend using Travel Insurance Master. Their website will compare the best deals from several providers and present you with the best value-for-money policy on the market.  Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote .

Using your phone in the UK

Relying on Wi-Fi when travelling and sightseeing in the U.K. with family can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel with teenagers is a top priority.

Plan your family trip to the UK and  order your sim before you leave home  to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in the United Kingdom.

Pocket Wi-Fi for your UK with teenagers trip

You can access free Wi-Fi at certain spots in the UK. The best solution for teens to stay connected to the internet is to rent a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. Before departure, these small devices can be ordered and delivered to your home or hotel in major cities.

Alternatively, you can  purchase a mobile hotspot device  to keep and use on all your travel with teens holidays. You can choose the time you want and the daily data you need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your England trip.

We hope this article from Wyld Family Travel inspires you to have a family holiday with teenagers. Adventure days in the United Kingdom will entertain you and your family for your whole stay in the country. 

Activities on the best holidays can include a range of activities such as horse riding, mini golf, rock climbing, whale watching, seeing incredible wildlife and more on the holidays with teenagers in the UK.

Travelling with young adults, teens and tweens on a family holiday has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the proper adventure holidays, working out a budget, deciding what bags and suitcases to take, travelling essentials, and more can be time-consuming.

Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful, and finding the best travel tips is essential. Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these family adventure guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation , making it an epic adventure with your teens.

  • Travel for Teens Americas
  • Travel for Teens in Europe
  • Travel with Teens in Asia
  • Travel Teens in Australasia
  • Travel Teens in the Middle East
  • Travel Teen’s tips, tricks and advice
YHA Canterbury reviewed for families
Is the National Space Centre in Leicester worth a visit?
25 top things to do in York with teenagers

Author bio:

Father, husband, traveller, and chief destination manager here at Wyld Family Travel. When Mark is not discussing travel or planning travel, you will find him working in disability support. Mark is a family travel advocate, having travelled to over 45 countries with his kids from 10 months to their teenage years. You will find his work here and on other popular websites.

Having a beer in Pilsen Czech

Content Creator

Accessibility Links

times logo

Best UK holidays for families

From tried-and-tested seaside resorts and holiday parks to sandy beaches, national trust knockouts and shoreline sights, these are the places to take your clan.

best place to visit in uk for young adults

I t’s no wonder that the UK is regularly hailed as one of the world’s greatest destinations for family-friendly holidays. The four nations bulge with sandy beaches, seaside resorts, theme parks, great outdoor adventures and more holiday cottages and forest hideaways than you could shake a stick at. And we’re not talking about London, with its studio tours, musicals, museums and Madame Tussauds. Or even glorious Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and the rest. The real delights to stumble on are in the terrific counties and Celtic shires in between — places that the camera loves: Cornwall and Devon, Yorkshire and Northumberland, Pembrokeshire and Fife. Here’s our guide to the best UK holidays for families.

Main photo: puffins on Skomer Island, Wales (Alamy)

Giant’s Causeway (Getty Images)

1. The Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

A giant’s boot, a wishing chair, Finn McCool’s camel: the sights of the Giant’s Causeway are nature’s alternative to Disneyland, loaded with myth and meaning, but without the cost, queues, and stress of the Magic Kingdom. Northern Ireland ’s Unesco-worthy coastline of curious columns is a grand place for a family break, with the County Antrim coast distilling everything that is great about the country. The 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route marries beaches and coves for kayaking with sea safaris for spotting seals, dolphins, and seabird colonies. Then there are Game of Thrones locations aplenty for teens. Just as memorable for parents: a Bushmills whiskey from the source at trip’s end.

Where to stay Roe Park Resort, set in a country park, with family suites, self-catering lodges, and kid-friendly spa and pool.

Burtness Wood in the Lake District (Alamy)

2. The Lake District, England

Families who love fresh air love the Lake District . Mountains, mirror-topped waters, chugging cruisers, toytown trains, tangled forests, and plenty of up-fell and down-fell places to potter make it a hard job to decide what to do here — so much is terrific. But demand is such that the Lake District receives around 20 million visitors each year, so book ahead for popular places like Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere. For those with little ones, Wray Castle and the National Trust’s Yewdale Valley were good enough to inspire Beatrix Potter, so they’ll do for you.

Advertisement

Where to stay Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel has rambling grounds to play hide and seek in, plus all manner of rooms and slick, kid-friendly service.

• Best hotels in the Lake District • Best things to do in the Lake District

Loch Katrine (Alamy)

3. The Trossachs, Scotland

In the road trip rush north to the Highlands, many families bypass the wooded glens, braes, and lochs of the Trossachs, Scotland’s heavenly gateway to micro-adventures north of Glasgow . More fool them. There are great boat trips on Loch Katrine, Canadian canoes to paddle on Loch Lomond, squirrel hides and monkey ziplines to discover at Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and dozens of wee hills with big views.

W here to stay Slap in the thick of the most memorable scenery near Balquhidder is Monachyle Mhor, a near-perfect farm turned boutique retreat with terrific restaurant, lochside beach, and donkeys to feed with apples.

• Best hotels in Glasgow • Best Glasgow day trips

Flambards theme park in Helston, Cornwall (Alamy)

4. Cornwall, England

A cottage holiday in Cornwall is more popular than ever these days, at times, driving locals to the point of despair. Travel out of season, though, and England’s southwestern tip takes on a different personality and the contradictions seem starker: the worthy heritage of the coal and tin mining shafts versus the climate inspiring Eden Project; the natural adventure of hiking, biking, and surfing the coast versus the make-believe theme parks of Camel Creek and Flambards. Naturally, the seaside towns are terrific — and then there are all those beaches.

Where to stay Consider Three Mile Beach, a collection of handsome beach shack houses near St Ives.

• Best hotels in Cornwall • Best things to do in Cornwall • Best beaches in England

Anstruther in Fife (Alamy)

5. Fife, Scotland

The finest farm-to-fork produce and boat-to-belly seafood in Scotland ? Check. Golden sands, golfing for juniors, and a gorgeous wildlife park, island cruises, and clifftop hiking path? All that too. Fife makes up for its lack of shortbread tin Highland scenery by packing in plenty to do and St Andrews is both indecently pretty and a classic family spot to work magic. For those with babes and toddlers, the bites and sights of the East Neuk villages — namely, Elie, Crail, and Anstruther — are too good to leave for later. Oh, and did we mention the most acclaimed ice cream parlour in the country? You’re having a tablet cone from Jannettas Gelateria.

Where to stay Despite its golf credentials, Hotel Fairmont St Andrews is equally polished for families — cue a monster pool, indoor soft play, and best-in-class restaurant buffet.

• Best things to do in Scotland

Branscombe beach in Devon (Getty Images)

6. The Devon and Dorset coasts, England

Kids old enough for Jurassic Park ? Then head to the seaside resort towns of southwest England for a great outdoor adventure trowelling for old bones and fossils. At the heart of the coast, Weymouth has a family-friendly sandy beach and mackerel-fishing trips from the harbour, while fossil-rich Chesil Beach has 17 miles of sand for every mood. Branscombe’s beaches also come up trumps, as do the fossil forests and National Trust dinosaur footprints at Spyway in Dorset .

Where to stay Your base for paleontological pandering is Silverlake, a staycation hotspot on a private estate near Dorchester.

habitatescapes.com/silverlake

• Best hotels in Devon • Best hotels in Dorset

The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World in Pateley Bridge (Alamy)

7. The Yorkshire Dales, England

Cheese lovers Wallace and Gromit once helped bring foodies to Wensleydale in their droves, but while their popularity has waned the Yorkshire Dales is still Shaun the Sheep -tastic. Where the hills rollercoaster and farms fade out to the mist-topped hills, your family will find stonewalled lanes to cycle, waterfalls to hike to, and hands-on dairy farms and straw mazes to explore. The likes of Grassington, Hawes, and Aysgarth are perfect for families after a slow-paced break, while there are enough castles and tales for an entire series of Horrible Histories . And don’t forget The Oldest Sweet Shop In The World in Pateley Bridge.

Where to stay Aysgarth Lodge is a bells-and-whistles holiday park, renowned for protecting local habitats and a great hideout for wildlife spotting.

leisureresorts.co.uk/holidays/aysgarth

• Best hotels in Yorkshire

South Landing Beach in Yorkshire (Alamy)

8. The Route Yorkshire Coast, England

Hasn’t everyone done Scotland’s North Coast 500 by now? The latest road trip thriller is the Route Yorkshire Coast, a series of six themed itineraries that dip in and out of the North York Moors National Park and the coastal towns of Bridlington, Filey, Hornsea and Withernsea. While the moorlands and iron age-to-industrial landscapes are prime territory for hiking and mountain bike rides, Whitby is for Dracula tours and Scarborough is the quintessential sandy beach resort. Finally, it’s onwards to blue flag beaches and Spurn Point, Yorkshire’s take on Land’s End.

Where to stay Say “hot tub as standard” and you’ll reply “where’s the booking form?”. That’s one of the perks at Forest Holidays’ self-catering cabins at Keldy, located on the edge of the North York Moors.

forestholidays.co.uk/locations/yorkshire/keldy

The beach at Cowes (Alamy)

9. The Isle of Wight

An English island packed with nearly as much holiday magic as Hawaii? Yes please. The deal is the Isle of Wight — brimming with family-friendly ideas, from Queen Vic’s favourite country home at Osborne to the UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine. Other crucial sources of entertainment are castles, adventure parks, a model village, steam railway, and a rippling backdrop of dunes and landmark cliffs. The east has the family-centric beaches — consider Shanklin, Sandown or Ryde — and there are beachfront holiday cottages by the bucketload.

Where to stay With lodges, apartments, caravans, and room for campers, Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park also comes with a heated pool, kids play area, mini golf and yoga classes.

appuldurcombegardens.co.uk

Little Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire (Alamy)

10. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Southwest Wales is a hybrid of adventure park and holiday park and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park throws up as many activities (surfing, sailing, foraging and fishing) as scenic views. Celtic myths and legends rear their head at both Carew and Pembroke castles and there are almost a thousand-strong holiday parks dotted along the coast. Marloes Peninsula is for rock pools and tidal beaches, while Broad Haven is for safe swims and seaside resort nostalgia; it’s been in the kiss-me-quick business since the 1800s.

Where to stay Bluestone National Park Resort, a 500-acre swathe with lodges and cottages, bikes, buggies, and — double yes — a bouncy castle and indoor water park.

bluestonewales.com

• Best hotels in Wales

A knights event at Beeston Castle in Cheshire (Alamy)

11. Cheshire, England

The moon is a world apart for northwest England, but not at Jodrell Bank, where mind-blowing science and cosmic culture collide to brighten the eyes of wannabe astronauts and star-gazing mums and dads. You’re in Cheshire for all sorts of unexpected family-thrilling wonders, so add places like the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Lion Salt Works, and Ice Cream Farm theme park to your holiday to-do list. For tradition’s sake, there are stately homes, narrowboat rides, and castles (Beeston is rather good), while this is also Lewis Carroll country, with his birthplace museum at Daresbury. “My dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place,” Carroll wrote in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland . He might as well have been talking about his home county.

Where to stay Opt for The Hollies’ self-catering forest lodges and log cabins, for the pine setting, farm produce picnic baskets and seedling nursery.

theholliesfarmshop.co.uk

Visitors queue for a boat trip in Seahouses, Northumberland (Getty Images)

12. Northumberland, England

The old-fashioned Famous Five never did make it to Northumberland. Shame, really, because its landscape of unspoilt beaches is ripe for an adventure and it’s not hard to imagine Enid Blyton writing about the gang sleuthing in seaside towns such as Bamburgh and Seahouses. The big tickets for active families are exploring Alnwick Castle and snorkelling with seals off the Farne Islands and the bits inbetween are best appreciated on a coastal safari hoovering up the beaches as you go.

Where to stay For a holiday rental with a serving of wow — think a leftfield bothy, byre, castle tower, or showman’s wagon — check out the holiday cottages from local specialist Crabtree & Crabtree.

crabtreeandcrabtree.com

• Places in the UK that look just like France

Take me there

Inspired to visit the UK but yet to book your trip? Here are the best hotels from Mr & Mrs Smith and Hotels.com .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

Related articles

The UK’s best theme parks

  • United Kingdom

48 Best Places to Visit in the UK

best places to visit in the UK

Rich in heritage and history, the United Kingdom has many bustling modern cities and ancient sleepy villages to visit — but where to begin?

Discover many urban destinations in the country which all have their own unique identities and charm.

Whether you visit cosmopolitan London , historic Edinburgh, industrial Birmingham or cultural Stratford-upon-Avon, you can find plenty of authentic and fascinating things to see and do.

Ancient places such as Stonehenge, York and Bath are some of the best places to visit in the UK for history lovers and will not disappoint. The famous college towns of Oxford and Cambridge are rich in history and elegant architecture.

There are also plenty of awe-inspiring natural spaces such as the Cotswolds, Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, as well as the wild coasts of Cornwall and the Shetland Islands.

The UK boasts a number of family-friendly attractions and theme parks , including Alton towers and LEGOLAND Windsor, as well as the Harry Potter Studios at Warner Bros London and Warwick Castle.

Here are some destinations to get you excited for your next UK trip!

1 – Liverpool

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the UK’s largest cities and a hub of arts and culture , Liverpool is known the world over as the hometown of The Beatles.

It wouldn’t be a complete visit to the city without seeing The Beatles Story Museum or the legendary Cavern Club where the band played its earliest concerts. There is also the famous statue of the Fab Four at Pier Head and many more Beatles landmarks dotted around the city.

Visitors can also see an art exhibition at the world-class Tate Liverpool museum or enjoy a shopping trip in the independent stores of Bold Street .

Ride the famous “Ferry cross the Mersey” or check out a Liverpool F.C. football game at Anfield Stadium. Liverpool might just be your new favorite city!

See also: Fun Things to Do in Liverpool

2 – Edinburgh

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The historic capital of Scotland , Edinburgh is an atmospheric city with a medieval core and dramatic scenery.

Tour the impressive Edinburgh Castle which looms high over the city or explore the Royal Mile through the heart of the city’s Old Town.

Climb up through Holyrood Park to visit the ancient volcano known as Arthur’s Seat or explore the centuries-old Botanical Gardens and their Victorian glasshouses.

Witnessing the Military Tattoo marching band show is a popular thing to do in the city as is taking a guided tour of the underground vaults and passageways that spread beneath the streets.

There’s a lot to see and do in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most enchanting cities.

See also: Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh

3 – London

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The United Kingdom’s capital city and seat of the country’s parliament and monarchy for over 800 years, London is one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

The long list of must-see sights and best tourist attractions in London include Buckingham Palace — home to Queen Elizabeth II , The London Eye observation wheel and Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

Check out some of the amazing free and best museums in London such as The British Museum, Tate Britain and Tate Modern and the Royal Observatory.

Explore the many royal parks and gardens such as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park and see the famous castle prison, the Tower of London .

Visitors can find some of the world’s best museums, galleries and historic palaces right here in the city of London.

See also: Fun Things to Do in London

4 – Oxford

best place to visit in uk for young adults

World-famous for its illustrious university, Oxford has charm by the barrel and features leafy avenues, a bustling city center and tons of history to discover.

The first stop on a visit to the city should be Oxford University — which is often ranked as the top university in the world . Tour the hallowed halls of this renowned institution which was established in 1096 — making it the world’s second-oldest still operating university .

Explore the UK’s oldest Botanical Garden and its surrounding woodland of 130 acres or visit The Ashmolean, the country’s first public museum to see its collection of esteemed artworks.

Take a ride down the city’s famous canals on a punt or discover the treasures of the Pitt Rivers Museum. Oxford is overflowing with captivating attractions.

See also: Fun Things to Do in Oxford

5 – Harry Potter Studio

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London takes visitors inside the magic of the Harry Potter movies .

Visit famous locations and sets from the movies, including the Great Hall of Hogwart’s, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Visit Platform 9 3/4 and see the famous Hogwart’s Express.

Glimpse the detailed model of Hogwarts School — which was used for exterior shots of the building, and see artifacts, props and clothing worn in the making of the movies.

Go behind the scenes to the studio’s Special FX and Art departments to see how the amazing creatures and action sequences were brought to life. This is a must-see for Harry Potter fans.

  • Harry Potter Studio tickets

Sold out? Read about Harry Potter Studio last-minute tickets .

6 – Stonehenge

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The mysterious history of Stonehenge is only part of what makes it so fascinating.

The famous stone circle was constructed around 2,500 B.C. and its surroundings are particularly rich in archaeological history and sites , some of which may date back as far as 8,000 B.C .

The smaller bluestones, which weigh between two to five tons each, were transported over 180 miles from quarries in Wales using prehistoric technology.

There are many legends that surround the site and its use. Many historians believe it functioned as an ancient form of the calendar , as well as a meeting place for religious ceremonies.

Discover the ancient secrets of Stonehenge for yourself — one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world and one of the best places to visit in the UK for history lovers.

  • Stonehenge tours from London

7 – Windsor

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The Borough of Windsor is most famous for Windsor Castle , the preferred weekend residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

The castle is the world’s largest and oldest inhabited castle and has been home to the country’s royalty for 1,000 years. Visitors can take a tour of the castle to see its staterooms and the fabulous St. George’s Chapel which is over 500 years old.

Other popular attractions in and around Windsor include The town of Eton , famous for its prestigious college, The Windsor Guildhall which was designed by Christopher Wren, and the historic Windsor Great Park which covers nearly 5,000 acres.

The very royal borough of Windsor offers tranquil towns and villages just a short step from the bustling center of London.

  • Windsor Castle day trips from London

8 – Brighton

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The seaside resort of Brighton has long been a weekend getaway for Londoners in search of fresh air and sea breeze.

The Royal Pavillion is one of the most mesmerizing Brighton attractions. This luxurious royal palace with eastern-influenced architecture was built in the 1820s as a coastal getaway for King George IV. Visitors can tour the palace as well as the museum and grounds.

There is a lot to see in this attraction-packed city too. Take a stroll along Brighton Pier for classic rides and amusements, or browse the hip independent shops and cafes of The Lanes.

Grab fantastic vies from the British Airways i360 observation tower or take a seafront trip on The Volk’s Electric Railway for a vintage British seaside experience. Brighton is a whole lot of fun!

See also: Fun Things to do in Brighton

9 – Yorkshire Dales

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The green and unspoiled hills of the Yorkshire Dales hold many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

The spectacular waterfalls of Aysgarth, Hardraw Force and Linton draw visitors from miles around. The rocky scenery of Malham Cove is popular with walkers and the dramatic ravine of Gordale Scar apparently was an inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien when writing “The Lord of the Rings.”

There are lots of great towns and villages to explore in the Dales, including Richmond, Hawes and Malham, and many great country pubs to grab lunch and a drink in.

Explore the underground cave systems that run throughout the park and see the miles of drystone walls that give the region its iconic look. The impressive Ribblehead Viaduct has appeared in many movies and television series , most famously in the “Harry Potter” movies.

10 – Bath

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Steeped in ancient history, the Roman town of Bath is brimming with great cultural institutions , shopping opportunities and Classically-inspired architecture .

The famous Roman Baths , from which the city gets its name, are one of the highlights. Visitors can learn more about them through engaging exhibits and CGI reconstructions .

Why not take advantage of the city’s mineral-rich spring water with a soak at Thermae Bath Spa ?

Visit The Jane Austen Center to discover more about the popular writer or step back in time as you stroll along the 18th century Pulteney Bridge with its varied shops and boutiques.

There is a diverse selection of museums to explore in the city too. Art lovers should check out the Holburne Museum and Victoria Art Gallery and history fans can discover Georgian-era life at No.1 Royal Crescent . The Fashion Museum displays stylish clothing items from the 17th-century to the present day.

11 – Dartmoor

Dartmoor, UK

Devon’s green and unspoiled national park , Dartmoor is one of the best places to visit in the UK for nature lovers.

Keep your eyes peeled for the wild Dartmoor ponies which are an attractive sight to see on your exploration of the park. Meet the animals at Dartmoor Zoo or explore the Iron Age site at Grimspound .

Discover the historic ruins of Okehampton Castle or climb the high rope courses at the gorgeous River Dart Country Park.

The Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is a great place to visit with kids and the impressive gothic architecture of Buckfast Abbey is a must-see when visiting the area.

12 – Cotswolds

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The picturesque limestone villages of the Cotswolds are an idyllic place to explore and a quintessentially English experience.

One of the most popular things to do in the Cotswolds is to take a guided tour or to explore the area by car to see all the charming villages.

Adventurous visitors can hike the Cotswold Way, a nearly 100-mile path through some of the country’s most attractive villages.

Gloucester and Cirencester are some of the larger places to visit with attractions such as Gloucester Cathedral and the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway .

There are a number of stunning gardens to visit such as the Batsford and Westonbirt Arboretums, and the grounds of Highgrove House, which is home to Prince Charles .

13 – York

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The ancient walled city of York is one of the UK’s most popular northern destinations. It was founded by the Romans in the year 71 A.D. and has some fine historical attractions.

Visitors can brush up on the city’s Viking history at the Jorvik Centre or explore the Medieval lanes of The Shambles — allegedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

Discover the impressive and historic York Minster which dates back to the 13th century and the city’s more recent history at York Castle Museum.

Delve into the city’s grisly past at The York Dungeon or take a spooky guided tour of the city to unearth the shadowy characters that have called York home.

See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in York

14 – Cardiff

Cardiff, UK

The Welsh Capital is famous for its attractive surrounding landscapes and its plentiful historic castles and houses .

St Fagan’s National Museum of History takes us back in time to the Celtic era . Discover old-fashioned roundhouses , ancient skills and how the people of the region lived in years gone by.

Cardiff Castle is a must-see on a trip to the city along with almost fairytale Castle Coch. Explore the National Museum of Cardiff to discover its collection of artworks, decorative arts and natural history — and grab some fresh air on a visit to the delightful Roath and Bute parks .

Sports fans should check out the Principality Stadium for the best in Welsh Rugby action or check out a show at the Wales Millenium Center.

15 – Lake District

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The Lake District is considered to be one of the UK’s most picturesque landscapes and has been inspiring artists and writers for centuries.

If your time is limited, take a private tour of the countryside to see a lot of the Lakes’ highlights in a short time. Outdoors people can explore the many pathways and hills or take an adventure tour through the hills and valleys.

Popular hiking locations include the Old Man of Coniston, Helvellyn and Loughrigg Fell which are achievable for most people.

Visit the popular towns of Windermere, Keswick and Penrith and tour the sites that enchanted Beatrix Potter while writing her famous children’s books .

You are sure to want to return to the Lake District again and again.

16 – Manchester

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Bustling Manchester is a hive of activity and there’s a lot to see and do. It is North England’s largest city and is packed with busy shopping streets, markets, museums and galleries.

Visiting the famous Etihad and Old Trafford Stadiums — the respective homes of football teams Manchester City and Manchester United , are always popular with sports fans.

Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover why Manchester is known as the “first industrial City” and visit the magnificent Neo-Gothic John Rylands Library .

See natural history exhibits at the Manchester Museum or glimpse stunning artworks at the Manchester Art Gallery.

Manchester is world-renowned for its musical legacy. Join a tour of the city to learn about some of its most legendary acts , including Joy Division, The Smiths and Oasis.

See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Manchester

17 – Glasgow

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Lying along the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow has a lot of cultural and architectural delights to explore.

Discover the attractive Victorian-era platforms of Glasgow Central Station or check out the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel to discover the past and future of vehicles in the city.

Take a tour of Glasgow Cathedral and its centuries-old Necropolis and check out the beautiful architecture of George Square, which has statues of the poets Robert Burns and Thomas Campbell.

On an evening, explore the lively West End with its bars, restaurants and live music venues or catch a performance at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Historic Glasgow is just waiting to be explored!

See also: Fun Things to Do in Glasgow

18 – Belfast

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Northern Ireland’s capital and its largest city, Belfast is a historic east coast port and industrial center.

The infamous Titanic was constructed in Belfast in 1909 and the city has a museum to the ill-fated ship. Titanic Belfast allows visitors to explore the ship with innovative exhibits such as rides, special FX and immersive reconstructions.

There are more historic ships to visit in the city too, including HMS Caroline and the SS Nomadic .

Discover the artworks of the Peace Wall which documents “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland or visit the notorious Crumlin Road Gaol which housed political prisoners.

Take a shopping spree at the Victorian-era St George’s Market or explore the city’s creative hub, the Cathedral Quarter . The old-fashioned Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city center.

See also: Fun Things to Do in Belfast

19 – Cambridge

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The historic university town of Cambridge has been home to many of the country’s greatest scholars. It has a wealth of Classical architecture and charm and is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations.

The University of Cambridge is one of the must-see places on a trip to the city. Grab a guided tour of one of its famous colleges such as King’s College or St. John’s to discover the 800-year history of the University .

Take a journey down the river in one of the town’s famous gondola-style “punts” and pick up some history on the way.

Explore the historic town center, including Market Square and discover fascinating world history and artifacts at the Fitzwilliam Museum .

There are many architectural wonders to discover in Cambridge, making it a stunning place to visit at any time of the year.

See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Cambridge

20 – Isle of Wight

best place to visit in uk for young adults

For adventure lovers and those who love to be in the great outdoors, the Isle of Wight is a fantastic destination.

The famous Needles rock formations are explorable by boat tour or kayak and the miles of coastline offer everything from fossil hunting at Compton Bay to surf spots at Freshwater Bay.

Explore Osborne House, the favorite home of Queen Victoria and walk the picturesque Coastal Footpath between the towns of Sandown and Shanklin .

There are plenty of family-friendly attractions to enjoy too such as Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Monkey Haven and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and the spectacular Shanklin Chine gorge and gardens.

21 – Alton Towers

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the UK’s most thrilling and adventure-packed theme park resorts, Alton Towers offers tons of fun for the whole family.

The largest theme park in England , Alton Towers covers 500 acres in the Staffordshire countryside and is home to some of the world’s most extreme roller coasters .

Some of the park’s most exhilarating rides include Nemesis, Wicker Man and The Smiler — the first 14-loop roller coaster in the world .

Little ones need not miss out either as the park’s CBeebies Land is designed specifically with them in mind, and features gentle rides and play areas for them to discover.

The resort also has some excellent accommodation options , including Alton Towers Hotel, Luxury Treehouses and Stargazing Pods that are sure to make your stay in the park a memorable and happy one.

22 – Birmingham

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The UK’s second-largest city after London, Birmingham is packed full of cultural venues, museums and historic locations to check out.

During the industrial era, the city was one of the most prosperous in the country. Take a trip back in time to some of its best historic locations, including the infamous Back to Back housing, Coffin Works and the Museum of the Jewelry Quarter to discover its most lucrative trades .

See an impressive collection of world history artifacts at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or visit the National Motorcycle Museum to learn how British bikes — many of which were built here in Birmingham — conquered the world.

Visit the Birmingham Symphony Hall and Hippodrome to witness world-class theatrical and musical performances or check out the Library of Birmingham’s impressive collection of Shakespearean artifacts.

See also: Fun Things to Do in Birmingham, UK

23 – Scottish Highlands

best place to visit in uk for young adults

For adventure lovers in search of the wildest reaches of the UK, The Scottish Highlands does not disappoint.

The area begins north of the city of Glasgow and includes almost 10,000 square miles of moody mountains, deep lochs and heather-strewn glens, as well as the occasional town or village.

One of the most thrilling ways to explore the Highlands is via the West Coast Railways Jacobite Steam Train, but it is equally stunning by bus or private car.

Some of its most popular locations are Ben Nevis, the UK’s largest mountain and the famous Loch Ness . The landscape here is popular with adventure sports lovers, especially the secluded town of Fort William.

Other popular towns to visit include the ancient city of Inverness , wild and picturesque Aviemore and the Glencoe Mountain Resort near the village of Ballachulish.

See also: Fun things to do in Inverness, Scotland

24 – Norwich

Norwich, UK

The attractive and leafy city of Norwich is a popular destination for travelers and boasts lively art and cultural scene .

Most famous for the Romanesque Norwich Cathedral which dates back to 1096 , Norwich has many other historic buildings and locations to explore.

The attractive Fenbrigg Hall is well worth visiting and Norwich Castle hosts a collection of artistic and antique treasures. The Elm Hill area of the city has some wonderful surviving examples of Tudor houses and quaint alleys to discover.

Norwich is a short journey to the picturesque Norfolk Broads, but also has many fine parks inside the city such as Plantation Garden, East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden and Eaton Park.

25 – Giant’s Causeway

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The unique rock formations of Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway have been the source of numerous legends over the centuries.

The most popular one tells of the giant, Finn McCool who threw the rocks into the sea to make a crossing to Scotland.

The unusual rock formations, which include almost 40,000 narrow columns look so neat as to appear man-made.

The Giant’s Causeway has appeared in a number of movies and television series, including Dracula Untold and Hellboy II: The Golden Army and as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

This unique geological feature is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

  • Giant’s Causeway day trips from Dublin

Read more: Most Beautiful Places in Europe , Game of Thrones Tours from Dublin

26 – Chessington World of Adventures Resort

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the best places to visit in the UK for families with older kids, Chessington World of Adventure has over 40 rides and attractions .

The park also has the Zoo and Sea Life center which is home to over 1,000 creatures, such as lions, penguins and gorillas. Visitors can come face-to-face with penguins , capybaras, giraffes and a whole host of exotic creatures.

The park also has thrilling rides and almost a dozen exotic-themed lands to discover. Take on the dizzying heights of the Croc Drop or face the wrath of the Dragon’s Fury .

Chessington also has a lot of great shows and entertainment, and seasonal events to enjoy.

27 – Hadrian’s Wall

best place to visit in uk for young adults

During the Roman occupation of Britain, Emperor Hadrian ordered a defensive wall to keep the problematic northern tribes out of Roman Britain.

The remains of the wall, which spanned the whole width of the country — almost 73 miles, are still visible in places. Visit sites of numerous Roman fortifications , including Housesteads, Chesters and Birdsowald.

The Roman Army Museum in Hexham gives an interesting depiction of life in Roman Britain for the empire’s soldiers as well as artifacts excavated along the length of the wall.

Explore many sections of the wall and other bits of ancient fortifications across the country such as Walltown Crags, Vindolanda, Milecast 48 and Cawfield’s Roman Wall .

28 – Cornwall

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the UK’s favorite holiday destinations, Cornwall is rich in Celtic history and has a stunning landscape of rugged cliffs, beautiful fishing villages and wide open moorlands.

A popular UK surf destination , Cornwall takes pride in its beaches like Fistral, Gwithian and Praa Sands, creating over 6-foot waves on a good day.

Visitors return to this area for its many postcard-worthy towns and fishing ports to name, but Falmouth, St Ives, St Austell, Bude and Fowey are all must-see destinations.

Some stunning historical ruins and castles to visit include Pendennis Castle, Tintagel Castle, the supposed home of King Arthur , and the beautiful Minack Theatre which is one of the UK’s most stunning outdoor concert venues.

Cornwall is definitely one of the most enchanting places in the whole of Britain for explorers and nature lovers.

29 – Bristol

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The fun and occasionally unconventional city of Bristol is packed with cultural gems, grand architecture and great museums .

The historic port city has a number of maritime landmarks to discover such as the SS Great Britain , designed in the mid-19th century by the engineering mastermind, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Another of Brunel’s masterpieces the Clifton Suspension Bridge has graced the city skyline since 1836. Visitors can take a walking tour of the bridge to discover what makes it so unique.

Those with a particular interest in architecture and history can also explore Cabot Tower, Wills Memorial Building and the historic Bristol City Docks .

The city also has a number of world-class museums to explore such as the We the Curious Science Museum and the expansive Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

See also: Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Bristol

30 – Swansea

Swansea, UK

The second-largest city in Wales, Swansea has a stunning coastline that offers many opportunities for those who prefer to explore on foot.

Some of the finest walking locations in the area include the Gower Peninsula which boasts impressive rock formations and turquoise water . There are many attractive and wide-open beaches here also such as Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich Bay and the popular Caswell Bay.

The nearby village of Mumbles is a small but bustling fishing village. There are a number of great gardens and parks to explore around the city such as Clyne Gardens and Pennllergare Valley Woods.

The Dylan Thomas Centre — dedicated to the celebrated local poet, is a must-visit for arts and literature fans.

31 – Winchester

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The historic city of Winchester has been home to some of the country’s most illustrious figures.

The city dates back to Roman times and was England’s very first capital city . Visitors can explore its narrow and quaint streets which feature very old timber-frame and brick buildings.

Winchester Cathedral is over 900 years old and is packed with historic treasures, including a Winchester Bible and a Tournai Font which date from 1150. The Cathedral has stunning gothic architecture and is the final resting place of the famed author Jane Austen.

The Great Hall dates back to the 13th century and was once part of Winchester Castle. It houses the famous round table of King Arthur .

There are many other attractive areas of the city to visit, including the Hospital of St Cross, Winchester City Mill and the South Downs Way , which extends all the way to Eastbourne on the South Coast.

32 – Peak District

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Covering over 500 square miles, the gently rolling hills of the peak district are a popular destination for hikers and outdoor adventurers .

Some of the best walks in the region include the Monsal Trail — which runs along a former railway line, Tissington Trail and Kinder Scout .

Check out some beautiful reservoirs in the area, including the Derwent Dam and Ladybower Reservoir, and the wildlife conservation area of Longshaw Estate .

There are plenty of attractions for those who aren’t into walking, such as the caves and rock formations of Speedwell Caverns and Treak Cliff Cavern .

The stunning country manor of Chatsworth House , home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, has lots to see including a renowned art collection and fantastic gardens.

33 – Bamburgh Castle

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The epic Bamburgh Castle might be one of the most photogenic castles in the whole world.

The castle is still the home of the Armstrong family , who have resided there since the mid-1800s but its roots extend back over 1,000 years.

The site has been excavated by archeologists who have uncovered a number of artifacts including an Anglo-Saxon sword and gold decorations .

The castle was restyled by William Armstrong in the Victorian era who gave it its current interior look. Visitors can explore the Armory — which has an impressive collection of suits of armor, beautiful staterooms and the medieval-style King’s Hall.

Bamburgh Castle is sure to impress.

34 – Shetland Islands

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Lying just off of Scotland, the Shetland Islands are home to some fascinating historic sites and ancient ruins.

The Viking and Nordic heritage of the island is well represented at the Viking Longhouse and the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement.

The Shetland Museum and Archives has some interesting exhibits about the history of the area, and Mousa Iron Age Broch is one of the best-surviving forts from the era.

Discover the windswept Banna Minn Beach, Hermaness Nature Reserve and the towering Sumburgh Head Lighthouse on the southern tip of the mainland.

Visitors can check out the unique Bobby’s Bus Shelter on a tour of Unst isle for some lighthearted installation art.

35 – Canterbury

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The ancient walled city of Canterbury dates back to Roman-era Britain and is rich in historic architecture.

Parts of Canterbury Cathedral date back to the year 597 AD when it was founded. The impressive structure is home to the Thomas Beckett Shrine .

The award-winning Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is a must-see museum when visiting the city. It hosts state-of-the-art exhibitions, as well as an art gallery and library all housed in a Tudor revival building.

Some of the city’s other important landmarks include Christ Church Gate , the attractive Westgate Gardens and Franciscan Gardens, and St. Augustine’s Abbey. The Canterbury  Roman Museum offers interesting insights into the city’s past .

36 – White Cliffs of Dover

best place to visit in uk for young adults

For millennia, the iconic White Cliffs of Dover have been a symbolic sight for travelers returning and departing the continent.

The shining chalk limestone cliffs tower above the Straight of Dover — which is the shortest distance between the UK and Mainland Europe, and on a clear day, visitors can see the coast of France .

See and hike a number of trails with spectacular views of the coastline, or explore the World War II tunnel complex of Fan Bay Deep Shelter.

The area is also a terrific place to spot wildlife such as ravens, kittiwakes, falcons and gulls.

37 – Thorpe Park Resort

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the UK’s most popular theme park resorts, Thorpe Park has an abundance of thrilling roller coasters, chilling rides and fun attractions.

Ride the Nemesis Inferno or the horror-themed Saw: The Ride . Take a spin on the towering Colossus — the world’s first 10-loop roller coaster or experience super-fast acceleration on Stealth.

The park has plenty of scary attractions too, including Derren Brown’s Ghost Train and the Walking Dead Ride , both of which combine live-action horror and spooky effects.

Black Mirror Labyrinth based on the popular TV show is one of the park’s newest attractions.

There are also plenty of family-friendly rides and amusements for younger kids to enjoy. Thorpe Park is fun for the whole family.

38 – Snowdonia

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The stunning mountainous region of Wales, Snowdonia, attracts many thousands of visitors annually to explore its rugged landscap e.

The area is a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and there are hundreds of trails to explore in the area which offer incredible views throughout.

The town of Betws-y-Coed is considered the gateway to the Snowdonia National Park and is a jumping-off point for many explorers.

Mount Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh is the focal point of the park and the tallest mountain in Wales . It is a fairly easy hike and achievable for most people. The largest Welsh lake , Llyn Tegid, can also be found in the Snowdon National Park.

One of the most fun attractions in the region is Zip World Fforest which has treetop rope courses to explore and a forest toboggan ride.

39 – Stratford-upon-Avon

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Most famous for its association with William Shakespeare, the picturesque riverside town of Stratford-upon-Avon has lots to discover for history and literature fans.

Visitors can see the birthplace of Shakespeare and the cottage where Anne Hathaway — Shakespeare’s wife not the actor, lived before they were married.

You can also see the church where the couple is buried and other important landmarks such as the Schoolrooms and Guildhall where “The Bard” studied, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which performs some of the writer’s most famous works.

Even if you are not a Shakespeare enthusiast, Stratford has plenty to see and do. Walk the attractive streets and leafy parks and gardens of the town. Soak up its historical ambiance or visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm which is supposedly the largest in Europe .

40 – Blackpool

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The glitzy seaside attractions of Blackpool have been drawing visitors and holidaymakers to the town for decades.

The famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach features classic roller coaster rides and amusements that are fun for the whole family.

The famous Blackpool Tower is the town’s most iconic landmark and visitors can explore its glass-floored observation deck for the best views over the coastline.

Visit the fun Madame Tussauds wax museum and see amazing exotic creatures at the British seaside at Blackpool Zoo and SEA LIFE Blackpool.

Catch a show at the fantastic Blackpool Tower Ballroom or enjoy an evening of cabaret at Viva Blackpool.

Don’t miss the magnificent Victorian architecture of the Winter Gardens , one of the city’s most popular entertainment venues.

41 – Dunluce Castle

best place to visit in uk for young adults

There has been a settlement at Dunluce Castle for almost 2,000 years and the current ruins date to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The ruined structure which overlooks the sea has inspired artists, writers and filmmakers with its romantic appearance. It has appeared in a number of movies and television series, including “Game of Thrones” where it doubled as the Iron Islands.

It was the seat of the battling McQuiland and MacDonell Clans from the 1600s who waged constant war with each other.

Dunluce Castle is thought to have been the inspiration for the hit C.S Lewis stories in “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

42 – Cairngorms

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The wild and picturesque Cairngorms in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland are strewn with lush green valleys and picturesque lochs to discover.

This national park is home to some of the highest mountains and plateaus in Scotland and the British isles.

It’s not without its famous residents too. Balmoral Castle is the famous holiday residence of Queen Elizabeth II and is open to the public through the summer months.

Some of the most impressive sites in the area include attractive lakes like Loch Morlich, An Lochan Auaine — also known as the Green Loch and Loch an Eilein.

The Cairngorm Mountain Resort is a popular spot for winter sports adventures in the area.

43 – Jurassic Coast

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Spanning from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is one of the UK’s longest coastal trails .

The name comes from the many fossils from the Jurassic Period that have been found on the cliffs of the region — although there have also been plenty of Triassic and Cretaceous objects discovered too.

Visitors can walk in the actual footsteps of Dinosaurs at Keates Quarry , Spyway , or hunt for fossils along almost a hundred miles of coastline.

Take a guided tour of the best fossils and fossil hunting grounds along the Dorset coast, or kayak around the famous Durdle Door rock formation.

44 – LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the best places to visit in the UK for children aged up to 12, Legoland Windsor Resort is jam-packed with rides , attractions and opportunities to build and create .

The park has 12 different lands to discover and fantastic rides for kids of all ages such as the exhilarating and theatrical Flight of the Sky Lion, the interactive and watery Hydra’s Challenge and the magical flying roller coaster, The Dragon .

Explore the underwater world of the City Deep Sea Adventure or get goosebumps as you brave the Haunted House Monster Party.

There are lots of opportunities to get creative too at the Creature Creation, LEGO Education Center and Model Making Studios . A trip to Legoland is sure to be a trip to remember.

45 – Loch Ness

best place to visit in uk for young adults

On the hunt for Nessie or just taking in the Highland scenery? Loch Ness is an awe-inspiring sight.

Reportedly the loch contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales Combined. It is the second-largest in Scotland and extends for over 22 miles. At its deepest point, it reaches 225 meters, making it the second deepest Scottish loch after Loch Morar .

Some stunning attractions in the area include the ruins of Urquhart Castle which juts out dramatically into the loch and the historic Fort Augustus .

The waterfalls of Foyers , on the loch’s south bank, are situated in dense woodland and the area is a particularly beautiful place to walk. From nearby, visitors can rent kayaks to explore Loch Ness in all its glory.

Alternatively, try one of the many bus and boat tours offered in the area.

46 – Brecon Beacons

Brecon Beacons, UK

The Brecon Beacons mountain range in South Wales is an outdoor adventure paradise at any time of the year.

Located in the heart of nature, the area has many excellent walking and cycling trails to discover. Some of the most picturesque hikes are the Four Waterfalls trail near the village of Ystradfellte, The Brecon Horseshoe circular route and the Pen y Fan trail.

There is an excellent system of waterways and canals that are perfect for exploring by kayak or paddleboard. Many kayakers launch from Brecon Promenade on the River Usk although the Brecon Basins Canal is also excellent.

Take a guided tour or adventure tour to discover the best natural landmarks and most stunning scenic areas in this awesome part of the Welsh countryside.

47 – Warwick Castle

best place to visit in uk for young adults

One of the best places to visit in the Uk for history lovers, Warwick Castle brings medieval history to life .

The thousand-year-old castle is one of the best-preserved in the country and presents a whole program of action-packed themed events and attractions for visitors to see.

Younger kids especially will be enthralled by the historic fun on display, including battle reenactments, falconry displays, tours of the castle’s infamous dungeons and much more.

The live-action displays and knowledgeable staff will ignite your family’s curiosity.

Explore the castle’s stunning grounds, including its Great Hall and State Rooms, see full-size medieval weapons, and explore the interactive Maze based on the “Horrible Histories” TV Series. Warwick Castle is lots of fun!

48 – Norfolk Broads

Norfolk Broads, UK

A popular area for boating and beloved by anglers , the Norfolk Broads offers a peaceful place to escape from it all in the heart of nature.

While it’s best to explore the region by foot or by bike, many hire a boat and travel at their own pace through the Broads.

There is a diverse amount of wildlife to see in the woodlands and wetland areas, including otters, eels and water voles, as well as many types of wading birds like bitterns, cranes and herons.

The village of Wroxham , known as the “capital of the broads” is a nice place to explore and offers a number of boat hire options.

A trip on the Bure Valley miniature railway between Wroxham and Aylsham is a fun way to see the sights.

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best places to visit in the UK to help you plan your next vacation.

Let us know in the comments below which place is your favorite one.

As always, happy travels!

Deals of the Week   Women’s Day   Up to 50% OFF

England and Scotland Tours for Young Adults

Explore England and Scotland with other Young Adults. These 10 tours include popular destinations like Edinburgh and Stirling.

10 trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in England and Scotland with 1,375 reviews

Highland Fling Tour

Highland Fling

I'm very happy to have made this journey with you.
  • €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

England and Scotland (Summer, End London, 9 Days) Tour

  • Coach / Bus

England and Scotland (Summer, End London, 9 Days)

I had the best time on this tour! Best way to see a lot in a short time! The Highlands in Scotland were my favorite part of the entire trip. Absolutely beautiful!
  • €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Great Britain and Ireland (Summer, 16 Days) Tour

  • Walking Adventure
  • Sightseeing

Great Britain and Ireland (Summer, 16 Days)

Skye High Tour

  • Christmas & New Year
This was a fantastic way to see the highlands of Scotland and to experience skye for the first time! Highly recommended!

Isle of Skye & Hebridean Hopper Tour

Isle of Skye & Hebridean Hopper

Rich, our guide was amazing! There were some great people on the bus which made every stop really enjoyable! We really loved the islands and the highlands and were sad to leave it behind, BUT we have made some cool friends. It was totally worth it. Rich has awesome pub and restaurant recommendations and his knowledge about Scotland and its history are out of this world! So ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars from Suus and Dieuwke

England and Scotland (Winter, End Glasgow, 9 Days) Tour

England and Scotland (Winter, End Glasgow, 9 Days)

My sister and I went on our second Contiki trip and decided to take the England/Scotland tour. Our tour guide Ellie was fantastic! She told us lots about the different places we went too and was always approachable to talk to. When we had bus issues or were stuck in traffic she would play some awesome music for us or gave us more info on the history of the country and the city we were going to visit next. She made my second Contiki trip a absolute blast! Thanks Ellie!! :)

Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter Tour

  • In-depth Cultural

Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter

It was incredible experiencing the amazing land, History, and people! Teigan is so fun and knowledgeable with her story telling y& games she plays with us. She did a great job! I recommend taking off Touradar that meals are included, because they are not. It also would need nice to have that one last night of accommodation too!

England and Scotland (Winter, End London, 9 Days) Tour

England and Scotland (Winter, End London, 9 Days)

There were a lot off add o es at last minute. We went to places just to pay the entry if you didn't pay, you expend the next hours doing nothing some times or the good ones walking in the Town.

Hogmanay (5 Days) (from London to Edinburgh) Tour

  • Festival & Events

Hogmanay (5 Days) (from London to Edinburgh)

We were on the Portugal and Spain tour with Kassie Jones as our tour director. We found her to be efficient, friendly and accommodating. Kassie always made sure we saw the best of everything and also through in some surprise extras. If you ever have a chance to take a tour with Kassie, go for it you won't be disappointed! Mike & Trish (Florida)

Great Britain and Ireland (Winter, 16 Days) Tour

Great Britain and Ireland (Winter, 16 Days)

  • Solo/Single tours (158)
  • For Couples (101)
  • Budget tours (16)
  • Luxury tours (19)

International Versions

  • Deutsch: England-Schottland-Gruppenreisen für junge Erwachsene
  • Français: Circuits Angleterre et Écosse pour les Jeunes adultes
  • Español: Circuitos en Inglaterra y Escocia para adultos jóvenes
  • Nederlands: Engeland en Schotland Rondreizen voor Jongeren
  • International edition
  • Australia edition
  • Europe edition

Pier pressure … young people launch themselves into the thermal waters of Lake Garda.

‘Our most successful holiday’: 10 trips our teenage kids loved

From hiking in the Lakes to surfing in Biarritz, our writers share their success stories and tips on how you and your kids can have a happy holiday

Thermal waters and late-night pizzas in Lake Garda

We swam everywhere in Lake Garda, easing into its fabulously warm waters on sun-baked beaches to the west, or charging off piers in impossibly picturesque towns to the east, with bellies full of massive ice-creams.

Mae had just hit her teens and loved the novelty of late-night dining in still-warm streets, every evening bringing a new style or flavour of pizza as the sun set over the rugged mountains ringing the lake.

We were staying in a mobile home at a vast holiday camp to the south that had three huge pools of its own and lengthy waterslides, offering a high-energy start to the day, as well as lots of kids of all nationalities.

The highlight was the trip to nearby Sirmione, built on a peninsula with a medieval castle at its centre, a beach on its tip and bougainvillea everywhere. The ice-creams were enormous – an essential way to cool down after spending too long in the thermal currents streaming into the lake, another thrilling novelty.

We’ve had great holidays since, but Lake Garda just worked, from morning till lights out.

This summer Mae’s talked us into going to Greece so she can drift around a gorgeous island in the sun, plunging into turquoise seas, lying about on white-sand beaches and drinking mocktails in sunglasses. More Mamma Mia! than Love Island, we hope. Andrew Gilchrist

Pool volleyball and ice-cream in Mallorca

Valldemossa harbour.

Ten days in Mallorca is my tried-and-tested formula for a holiday with teenagers. It has the picturesque mellow charm that fortysomethings like me crave, but enough Instagrammable pool inflatables and buzzy restaurants to keep teens from getting bored. Tick “wifi” and “pool” as must-haves on Airbnb and find somewhere within walking distance of a town or village: teen independence will help with family harmony.

In 2019, when my kids were 16 and 13, we rented a house with friends a couple of miles’ hike along an old donkey track from the village of Valldemossa. The heat of the day was too scorching for anything but reading in the shade (me) and pool volleyball (not me), but in the mornings and evenings that dusty donkey track gave the teens access to the town square with its ice-cream parlour and stalls selling friendship bracelets.

On the other side of the island, the towns of Pollensa and seaside Puerto Pollensa have given us lovely holidays in previous years. Wherever you stay , book a late lunch at Ca’s Patró March near Deià, and take swimsuits: after paella, you can sip hierbas (aniseed-flavoured liqueur) on ice while watching your teens take turns jumping off rocks into the crystal-clear sea. Perfection.

This summer For a post-pandemic change, we are going to explore the Peloponnese and the Greek island of Hydra . It has no roads and no cars – apparently, you can hire a donkey to carry your luggage from the port to your accommodation – which I figure must make it explorable without a car, right? Jess Cartner-Morley

Surfing and camping in Biarritz, France

Nancy and Lola in campsite in Bidart Tracey Davies and teenager children on holiday in Biarittz for Travel

Since my children were nippers, my go-to “easy” family holiday has been camping in France. When Angus was 18 and his twin sisters, Nancy and Lola, were 14, we piled into my Bongo camper and snaked down France’s Atlantic coast to Biarritz . The beautiful belle époque resort is the surf capital of Europe and you can’t move for surf schools and salt-flecked beach bums in Fat Willy’s T-shirts. The teens were in their element. We stayed at Le Ruisseau des Pyrenees (pitch from €24), a large, modern campsite surrounded by woodland but only 10 minutes’ drive from Biarritz and the surf beaches.

Over the week we sampled them all. Plage de Bidart was deemed the best for enthusiastic bodyboarders like me and the girls, while Angus, a proper surfer, nailed the waves off Grande Plage and Plage de la Côte des Basques. When we weren’t surfing, we nipped across the Spanish border to San Sebastián and hopped in and out of pintxos bars. It was probably our most successful holiday to date.

This summer Our next trip is to Rome to celebrate the end of the twins’ GCSEs. We want to see the Colosseum by moonlight, hang out at the Trevi fountain and eat as much pizza and gelato as our belts can handle. Tracey Davies

E-scootering and street parties in Lisbon

Lisbon funicular

Living in the hills in rural Wales, my 17-year-old daughter hankers after the glitz and fizz of metropolitan life. Earlier this year, we tried to satiate that craving with a trip to Lisbon. Our oldest son was living in Portugal’s City of Light, so we had inside intelligence before we booked.

On arrival, my daughter and her friend went on a three-hour e-bike tour with an English-speaking guide. They zipped past the major landmarks and, critically, climbed the seven hills of Lisbon. It was a masterstroke because they got their bearings immediately: they then took the iconic trams, buses and their favourite e-scooters in and out of the different bairros or neighbourhoods for five days on their own, and never got lost.

They found Instagrammable shops, cafes in tiny sunlit squares for coffee and pastéis de nata , and their own favourite spot for brunch (sitting outside Café Janis); on Friday night, they wandered through the weekly street party in the labyrinthine district of Bairro Alto, where revellers spill out of the warren of tiny bars to dance on cobblestone streets. Lisbon has a youthful, accessible and gregarious ambience that put us parents at ease. I would be less comfortable watching my daughter and friends swan off around, say, Barcelona, Paris or Rome. Perhaps best of all, we didn’t have to drag the girls around the National Tile Museum .

This summer None of my three children will commit to coming on holiday with us: it’s a new era. We’ve booked a cottage on the Ceredigion coast and we’ll see if anyone turns up. Robert Penn

Hiking the Dalesway from Ilkley to Windermere

Kevin Rushby took his teenage son Conor on a huge hike across northern England.

I cannot recall how we chose the Dalesway as our trip: an 80-mile footpath that winds from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, through the Dales and Howgill Fells to end at Windermere in the Lakes. I thought Conor (16 at the time) would like the challenge, and the pubs. I liked that he was now strong enough to carry his own kit.

I’d travelled with all my kids from when they were babies: Conor had been to Bali when he was four – weeks, that is. With children you enjoy their company, but welcome the moment they fall asleep and leave you in peace. With teenagers, that relationship comes to an end.

You are going to be travel companions. They are going to see the side of you that was previously hidden in the space between bedtimes. Let’s hope they like it.

It was only by chance that we chose to go in the depths of a particularly savage winter. The days were short and the puddles always hard with ice, but that made it a challenge. Some of the night stopovers were wonderful: I remember Conor having a long discussion about red squirrels and otters with the then owners of Nethergill Farm (which is still providing shelter and sustenance to walkers).

Mobile phones are more ubiquitous now, which might preempt such moments – I’d be tempted to leave them behind. The pubs in Dent and Kendal met with his approval, as did being handed a substantial packed lunch every morning. (Rating them became a thing – Stone Close B&B in Dent was victorious.)

Somewhere in the Lune valley I got acute tendinitis in my ankle and Conor had to carry my bag too, while I hobbled along. If we started as parent and child, we certainly finished as companions.

This summer Conor is an adult living in Berlin now, but we’ll be meeting for a cycling adventure in Scandinavia in July, then going to stay with a friend in Copenhagen. Kevin Rushby

Weird wonders and steam-powered drinks in Germany

The summit and transmitters of the Brocken in eastern Germany.

I was tasked with getting my son out of the house this Easter while my wife was busy at work and my daughter was revising for GCSEs. He had just turned 14. He loathes hot weather and when I asked him where he’d like to go, he said “somewhere weird”.

I took him to the Harz mountains of Saxony-Anhalt in eastern Germany. I had been before and really liked it. The landscape is great: wooded mountains, spooky gorges, and rushing streams. A narrow-gauge steam train chugs up to the summit of the Brocken, where witches are supposed to gather on Walpurgisnacht on 30 April. We saw no witches, but the summit was covered in snow. The region also has pretty, half-timbered towns, great cake, schnitzel – who doesn’t like schnitzel? – and the eerie legacy of communism.

The DDR museum in Thale preserves some of the flavour of that lost Soviet world. On our last night, we stayed at a steam-train themed hotel in Wernigerode (doubles from €94.50), where a tiny train delivers the drinks in the restaurant. My son was gratifyingly amazed when it brought his soft drink to our table.

It was a great and memorable trip – more because of the sense of togetherness than any specific activity. As every parent of a teenager knows, the moments of camaraderie are precious.

This summer After two years of disrupted travel, we’re planning to go, finally, to the US east coast to see family. I hope my kids haven’t grown out of swimming in the sea and mini golf. My daughter has made it clear that her top priority is visiting thrift stores. Marcel Theroux

Mountain adventures in Austria

Lermoos in the Austrian Tirol.

We bought hiking boots for eight-year-old Nancy on the opening night of the 2012 London Olympics, as the Red Arrows were shooting past the shopping centre. The next day, we flew to Innsbruck where she developed a love of the Austrian mountains that continued throughout her teens.

Best known as a lively ski resort, the town of Soelden, in the Tirolean valley of Ötztal, is transformed by summer into a natural paradise. On that first visit, Nancy was obsessed with the Sound of Music – and the hills truly felt alive: flowers everywhere, snow still atop the peaks, cowbells, scything in the fields, schnitzel and strudel.

In the clean air and with a waterfall, dramatic peak or hidden lake for swimming at every turn, Nancy walked cheerfully every day. We have returned many times since, with the activities evolving as she’s grown older. Almost all outdoors and active, these proved the perfect antidote to the screens and stress of teenage life.

On our first trip we visited the museum devoted to Ötzi (the prehistoric “iceman” found frozen on a mountain in 1991), a bird of prey park, and the tucked-away Piburger lake to swim.

Later, we hired a guide for tougher hiking into higher mountains, went mountain biking and discovered zipwires and rafting at the adrenaline-filled adventure park, Area 47 . Taking advantage of the largely empty cable-cars and chairlifts used in the ski season, we zig-zag around the mountains to eat at Ice Q , the glamorous mountain-top restaurant seen in the James Bond film Spectre, or at timbered inns serving hearty breakfasts and lunches – our favourite is Gampe Thaya , where oompah bands play. We love the thermal spas of the Aqua Dome and the extensive network of saunas at the Das Central hotel .

This summer Having finished her A-levels, Nancy is spending much of it travelling with friends, but I’m determined to grab a few precious days with her before university starts.Her first request – post-pandemic, post-exams – was “please take me back to Austria”. Harriet Green

Soaking up the ancient magic in Fez medina

The Fez medina.

When Tess was five she and I spent a month travelling around Cambodia and Vietnam, and after that she was never entirely satisfied with a plain old bucket-and-spade holiday. In Fez, we found the ideal compromise. The long-haul experience without the drama, the jabs or the visas; the perfect blend of the exotic and the familiar.

Now that she’s 15, we’ve been enough times that she’s made a local friend – who teaches her to speak Darija – and she can strike off into the exquisite souk on her own to find trinkets for her friends. She knows that when she inevitably gets lost, she should head to the magical Café Clock , and order herself one of their justifiably renowned camel burgers while she waits for me.

She’s also a huge fan of being scrubbed raw in the Riad Laaroussa hammam. Not me, I’ll be under an orange tree in the courtyard with a mint tea.

This summer Neither of us has been to New York but this might be the year. I’m dreaming of the pierced skyline, MoMA, Central Park and a Katz Reuben sandwich, but Tess wants to see “that enormous Christmas tree they have”. The most intrepid of teens is a big kid at heart. Sally Davies

Teaming up with other teens in Cornwall

Perranporth.

As mum of Scarlett, 18, and Fin, 15, I’ve learned that one thing is guaranteed to keep teenagers amused on holiday, and that’s other teenagers. We’ve had many fun getaways as a family of four, from the Maldives to Turkey , yet no matter how exotic, there’s always this nagging feeling that they’d much rather be with their friends. The solution, of course, is to team up with another family with teens. We did just this during February half-term in Cornwall , staying in Sea Spray (from £1,170 a week), a house high above Perranporth’s epic dunes, with plenty of space for eight of us. What could have easily been a damp squib as we contended with Storms Dudley and Eunice , turned into a joyous mix of swimming in sea pools hewn out of the rock (the sea was way too rough), the teens (who met at nursery) hanging out in the outdoor hot tub, dancing round the kitchen preparing dinner, and watching films with the woodburning fire roaring. Perfect for all ages.

This summer Cornwall was such a success we’re all off to a villa in a village in Languedoc this summer, with sun replacing the storms. It feels like a last hurrah, as the girls are off to university in September. Jane Anderson

Camping, food-tasting and wild swimming in the Sussex hills

Woodfire Camping site

It was the summer before GCSEs and our daughter pictured something luxe and lazy before being confined to a study cell for the rest of the year. There would be a villa, a plunge pool, a consistent tanning temperature, and, most importantly, a posse of friends. What she had to settle for was a watered-down version of the teen dream – it being between lockdowns and subject to the vagaries of the English summer.

But in all other respects, a week’s camping in the Sussex countryside couldn’t have worked out any better. (I know. We’re still wondering how we got away with it.)

It helped that the campsite was above and beyond – Woodfire Camping (pitches from £19.50 adults, £9 children) in the hills above Petworth serves up bacon-and-egg sarnies of a morning, delicious meals from the firepit in the evening, and they even put on a food-tasting event with outside chefs one night. Better yet, they hire out ready-pitched tents (£36 adults, £12 children 3-18) and agreed to my daughter’s demands that she and her four friends could be camped at the opposite end of the field to her parents and their pals.

Instead of a plunge pool, the girls got to swim in the river, they took the bus to West Wittering to sunbathe on the beach, and they spent lazy days hiding in the long grass listening to music and dozing. We barely saw them all week, but we could faintly hear them singing and giggling away with each other in the evening.

This summer We’re heading to Kefalonia for the luxe-light and lazy option. An apartment on the beach with a pool and a consistent tanning temperature. Andy Pietrasik

  • Family holidays
  • Europe holidays
  • United Kingdom holidays
  • Cycling holidays
  • Walking holidays
  • Surfing holidays

Most viewed

Full Suitcase Travel Blog

15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

The United Kingdom’s rich and vibrant culture make its cities among the most fascinating to visit in the world. Whether you’re looking for stunning architecture, world-class museums, or the cool vibe of contemporary art and music, you’ll find it all in the best UK cities.

However, with so many great cities throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (the four countries of the UK) it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit in a limited amount of time.

So in this guide, we list the very best cities to visit in the UK that are worth your time the most . For each city, we include the main attractions that you simply must see. We also listed a few extras that are well worth visiting if you have enough time. For each town, we also indicate how much time you need for a visit.

Good to know: The great thing about visiting the UK is its small size and good transport links. This makes it quite easy to travel from one part of the country to another. Furthermore, quite a few of these cities can also be visited with organized tours from London (or other nearby towns). So if you plan well, you can visit several of these UK towns in one trip.

To help you plan your trip and see several of the nicest cities and towns in Great Britain, we asked our writer Christine, a UK local, to share the best places and tips for your visit. We also created a map indicating each town. That way, you have a better idea of where everything is and can plan your trip accordingly. Take a look!

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

These are the most beautiful cities in the UK that are worth a visit the most:

London really has to be number one on any list of the best places in the UK! And there are so many reasons to visit the nation’s capital. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London is the country’s financial center, the seat of the Government of the United Kingdom, and home to the Royal Family.

All of this is reflected in its magnificent and historic architecture and a huge variety of things to see and do.

The diversity of London’s population is evident in its wonderful food scene. From traditional British food in local pubs, the finest cuisine in world-famous restaurants, to the ethnic street food in its many markets, London has it all. London also offers some of the very best shopping in the world. You’ll find designer stores, vintage boutiques, eclectic craft fairs, and quirky markets all over the city.

If you want to escape the bustling streets, museums, and galleries, London has some very beautiful and tranquil green spaces too. Don’t miss the scenic Hyde Park! If you have more time, visit the lesser-known Kew Gardens, with its stunning collection of tropical flora and fauna. London is truly a city that offers something for everyone.

Tower Bridge in London UK

Must see: The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ), Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament), Tower Bridge, the London Eye , the British Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square (home to Nelson’s Column), and Piccadilly Circus. Thames Cruise is also a must.

Nice to see: Greenwich , Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Kew Gardens, Borough Market, Camden Town & Camden Lock Market , National Gallery, Harrods, and Oxford Street. If you are visiting London with kids , don’t miss Madame Tussauds , the Natural History Museum, Leicester Square stores, and the Royal Mews. Also, don’t miss at least some of the best views in London !

How much time do you need. You can quickly see the major sites with just one day in London . However, if you want to be able to visit a few places inside and get a good feeling of the city you really need two days in London . To fully appreciate all of London’s major sights, visit a few of them inside, and check out a few different neighborhoods, you will need at least 3 to 4 days.

If you want to experience the diversity of attractions across the city, discover some of London’s hidden gems , or take a day tour to Windsor Castle or a day trip to other popular places near London , you can easily spend a week or even more.

Where to stay: Best areas to stay in London for first time .

Travel tips: Please see London travel tips for more information for planning your trip.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in London (Must-See!)

Best UK Cities - London

2. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is truly a tale of two cities! It has a New Town – packed with modern shops and trendy eateries – on one side, and a historic Old Town on the other.

The imposing Edinburgh Castle – one of Europe’s oldest fortified places – overlooks the entire city. Surrounding it are rolling green hills which often draw a comparison with Rome. Indeed Italy’s capital, like Edinburgh, was said to have been built on seven hills. Its neoclassical architecture, along with its reputation for philosophy and learning, have earned Edinburgh the nickname of the ‘Athens of the North’.

Edinburgh has a rich history, awesome views, incredible green spaces, and several world-class museums and galleries. In contrast, it also has an intriguingly dark past that you can learn more about by exploring its creepy kirkyards (churchyards) and a fascinating underground street that shows you just what life used to be like in the city.

Scotland’s capital is also known for its many festivals, including the world-famous Hogmanay at New Year.

Edinburgh - one of the most beautiful cities in the UK

Must see: Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat (for the views), the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, National Museum of Scotland, and Royal Yacht Britannia.

Nice to see: Royal Botanic Gardens, St Giles’ Cathedral, Princes Street Gardens, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions (nice views of the city), Scottish National Gallery, The Real Mary King’s Close.

How much time do you need. Given the city’s relatively small size, it’s possible to see the main sights of Edinburgh in 1 day , but it would be quite a rush. We recommend 2-3 days to take in and fully appreciate everything the city has to offer.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

3. Cambridge

Cambridge is probably best known for its University (the world’s 4th oldest surviving university). Which is home to more winners of the Nobel prize than any other university in the UK.

Cambridge is also a beautiful town, with lots of well-preserved historic buildings that are mostly centered around its 31 (!) colleges. Cambridge has some world-famous Alumni too. 14 British Prime Ministers studied here, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking, and many others who have made a real impact on the world.

A must-do in Cambridge is taking a punt tour along the beautiful River Cam. Punt is a traditional flat bottomed boat and a very typical thing to do here. The river runs through the heart of the city offering great views of the ancient architecture of the city.

Being a student town, this medieval city still has a very modern vibe too. So there’s plenty of music, festivals, and a strong performing arts scene. There are several art galleries exhibiting everything from the classics to contemporary works. And you’ll find some lovely, quirky shops to buy souvenirs.

Trinity College in Cambridge UK

Must see: King’s College Chapel, Queen’s College and the Mathematical Bridge (built without nails), Trinity College (and other collages if you have more time), Fitzwilliam Museum, Great St Mary’s Church (climb to the top of the tower for incredible city views), the River Cam and punting tours .

Nice to see: The Botanic Garden, Angelsey Abbey, Wren Library (the Trinity College Library where you can see Newton’s “Principia Mathematica”; it’s only open between noon and 2 pm on weekdays, and Saturday morning), the Round Church, the Bridge of Sighs, The Backs (behind the colleges).

How much time do you need. You can see much of Cambridge within one full day, and it’s also possible to visit with a tour from the capital . But to give yourself time to browse the main museum and to go punting along the River Cam, it’s worth planning two days for your visit.

Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge UK

Of all the cities in the UK, the wonderful, walled city of York boasts the most attractions per square mile. Although it has all the modern shops and amenities you’d expect from a major UK city, the main appeal of York is in fascinating history.

As you wander the cobbled, medieval streets – some with beautifully preserved buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries – you can also see hints of its Roman roots and signs of Viking influence.

Among its many attractions, York has 30 museums, the UK’s best racecourse, and festivals on an almost monthly basis.

The city’s Cathedral – York Minster – is one of the largest in Europe. You can enjoy some incredible views of the city from the top. You can also view the city from the water by taking a boat trip along River Ouse or on Foss River. Another fun thing to do is learn about the history of chocolate-making at the place where the famous UK confectioners Terry’s and Rowntree were founded.

River Ouse in York city UK

Must see: York Minster (formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York), the 14th century City Walls (you can walk along the top), National Railway Museum, the Shambles (one of the world’s best-preserved medieval streets), views along the River Ouse and river cruises .

Nice to see: York Maze, York Castle Museum, Castle Howard, York’s Chocolate Story, Clifford’s Tower (great views), York Racecourse.

How much time do you need. You can see the highlights of York in a day, but we recommend 2 full days to see things at a more leisurely pace. If you want to also explore the Yorkshire region, plan a few days extra. See the best suggestions for places to see via the link below.

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from York

Shambles street in York city UK

Whilst it may have an interesting history and plenty of period architecture to admire, Glasgow is hip and happening. So much so that it is sometimes referred to as ‘Scotland’s city of cool!’.

A mecca for creativity, Glasgow has a strong art scene. You’ll find unique and original products sold everywhere from the city center to its cobbled lanes. You’ll also see impressive murals on walls throughout the city, depicting various figures who have played a large part in Glasgow’s culture.

There are several excellent museums, an architecturally stunning Cathedral, and a full-size sailing ship to explore. Many of Glasgow’s attractions are free to visit, making a visit here much more affordable than in many other UK cities.

There are also some beautiful green spaces throughout Glasgow to sit and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find that locals are more than happy to share stories with you of their beloved home. In fact, Time Out magazine once named Glasgow as ‘first for friendliness’. The warmth it extends to its visitors is the reason that Glasgow remains one of the UK’s most popular destinations.

The Tall Ship at Riverside in Glasgow

Must see: Glasgow Cathedral and the adjacent Necropolis, Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Riverside Museum, and The Tall Ship.

Nice to see: George Square, Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland Street School Museum, Botanic Gardens, Celtic Park Stadium , the Science Museum, University of Glasgow, Hunterian Art Gallery & Museum.

How much time do you need. Glasgow is relatively compact and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. So you can see the very best of Glasgow in a day (see below for more information). But because there is so much to see and do in the city, we recommend planning 2-3 days here. If you have a day to spare, you can also make some really nice day trips to Loch Ness and see some of the Scottish Highlands.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Glasgow in One Day

Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Located in the county of Somerset in south-west England, Bath is famous for its Roman ruins. The city is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bath grew around its ancient Roman baths. Nowadays, you can still experience bathing in Britain’s only natural thermal hot springs at the modern Thermae Bath Spa.

In addition to museums and galleries, there is a great deal of beautiful architecture to enjoy in the city. From the individual honey-colored Georgian buildings to the neo-Classical style of many of its public buildings, Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK!

Bath’s iconic sights, such as the Circus and the Royal Cresent, have become world-famous thanks to TV and film. Some of Jane Austen’s works discussing city life were based on the five years she spent here. Much of the architecture is still just as she described it. A visit to Bath truly feels like taking a step back into history.

Pulteney Bridge over River Avon in Bath city UK

Must see: The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey (take the Tower Tour and climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city), Royal Crescent park, The Circus, Pulteney Bridge.

Nice to see: River cruises , Thermae Bath Spa, the Jane Austen Centre , No. 1 Royal Crescent (museum), Fashion Museum, Royal Victoria Park, The Museum of Bath Architecture.

How much time do you need . It is possible to see all the main sights of Bath in half a day to a day. This makes Bath one of the most popular day trips from London , often in combination with Stonehenge and Windsor Castle . However, a lot of the city’s charm is to be found in the evening. So if you have the time, stay a little longer and include an overnight stay in your visit.

Roman Baths in Bath city in the UK

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital and largest city, but it is still relatively small compared to the other capitals. Nevertheless, there is a lot to see and do here. The close proximity of all its attractions makes it easy to see Belfast’s main sights in a short amount of time.

The city where the Titanic was built, Belfast has several excellent museums that look back over its shipbuilding past. You’ll also find museums celebrating its connection to the linen industry. And – more recently – Belfast’s time of political upheaval (known as The Troubles).

Alternatively, you can head to the lively Cathedral quarter with its lovely Victorian architecture and cobbled streets. It’s a popular place with an ever-developing pub and restaurant scene.

Belfast’s historic market gives you the opportunity to buy some authentic arts, crafts, and souvenirs whilst enjoying some stirring live music. Throughout the city, you can see some incredible street art, with hundreds of murals depicting all sorts of key moments in Belfast’s past.

Belfast City Hall

Must see: Titanic Belfast , St George’s Market (every Friday/Saturday/Sunday), Belfast City Hall, Crumlin Road Gaol, Ulster Museum.

Nice to see: Stormont (the home of Northern Ireland’s Parliament), Queens University, Botanic Gardens, C.S Lewis Square, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Cave Hill Country Park (for the excellent views).

How much time do you need. We recommend planning 2 days in order to see all of Belfast’s main attractions. In addition, you can take a day tour to Giant’s Causeway , which is not to be missed when visiting here!

Titanic Belfast

8. Liverpool

Liverpool’s main claim to fame is as the birthplace of the Beatles. If you’re a fan, it’s a great place to visit the city where the band started and drew their inspiration. But there’s so much more to this city that makes it a fantastic place for anyone!

Liverpool is located on the River Mersey. One of the nicest things to do is walk around the docks, which are teeming with cool boutiques, fantastic eateries, and lively bars. The streets of the modern city center are filled with shoppers and street entertainers. But there is lots of history and culture to explore too, with more museums and galleries than you’ll find anywhere else outside London.

Liverpool really comes alive at night! So make sure to stay the night. Dine at one of the many fine restaurants, ending the evening with live music at the iconic Cavern Club. This is the venue at which the Beatles performed nearly 300 times.

READ ALSO: The Beatles in Liverpool (Best Places to See)

The Beatles statue in Liverpool

Must see: The Cavern Club, the Beatles Story , the Royal Albert Dock, World Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, Mersey River Cruises .

Nice to see: Tate Liverpool, Anfield Stadium , Sefton Park, Western Approaches WWII Museum , Liverpool Library, British Music Experience , Museum of Liverpool, Strawberry Field , and the views from Royal Liver Building 360 .

How much time do you need. You will need 1-2 days to see Liverpool’s main sights. If you are a Beatles fan and want to be sure to see all the Beatles-related exhibitions and tours, then you may even need 3 days in the city.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & How to visit Liverpool from London (travel info & 1-day itinerary)

Best UK Cities - Liverpool

Oxford is best known for its university which was established in the 12th century. It’s one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, and so many of the city’s attractions are related to it.

There are 38 separate college buildings and their architecture is incredible! You should definitely see the Christ Church with its impressive Hall (Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize it!) and Cathedral. The gardens of this cathedral are said to have inspired Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

This beautiful English city was also used as a filming location for some scenes in the Harry Potter movies. While you can probably spot a few of them on your own, fans should really consider a walking tour of the filming locations .

Oxford also has a few interesting museums, a nice riverside ( sightseeing cruises are available), and even its own ‘Bridge of Sighs’, Hertford Bridge. It connects two parts of Hertford College allowing students and professors to quicker travel between different parts of the university.

Oxford - one of the nicest towns in the UK

Must see: Oxford University with the Bodleian Library and some of the oldest colleges (Christ Church College, All Souls College, Magdalen College, Keble College), Radcliffe Camera, Ashmolean Museum, and Hertford Bridge.

Nice to see: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, University Church, Sheldonian Theater, Oxford Castle and Prison, The Pett Rivers Museum. Boat trips are also nice to do, especially in the warmest months.

How much time do you need. You can see many of the main landmarks in Oxford in half a day to a day. With two days, you should be able to cover most of the best attractions in Oxford.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tips for Traveling to Europe

The Hall at Oxford Christ Church College.

10. Cardiff

The Welsh capital, Cardiff is quite small in size. It only takes about 15 minutes to cycle from one side to the other. But it has a lot to offer its visitors! With a 2000-year-old castle and more green space per capita than any other UK city, it offers lots of opportunities for scenic strolls. Make sure to explore the banks of the River Taff which runs through its beautiful Bute Park.

Just outside the city center is Cardiff Bay. Here, you can visit the seat of the Welsh Government or enjoy everything from cultural attractions to boat trips. Cardiff is a quirky, vibrant, and creative city with numerous music and arts venues and an up and coming culinary scene.

Cardiff is also known to sports fans for its world-famous stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and the venue for Britain’s Speedway Grand Prix. You can enjoy a meal and a drink at a sports bar and restaurant Elevens Bar And Grill, which is owned by professional footballer Gareth Bale.

Cardiff Wales - one of the best cities in the UK

Must see: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, St Fagans National Museum of History, National Museum, Wales Millenium Centre.

Nice to see: Bute Park, Roath Park, Castell Coch, Cardiff International White Water Centre, the Senedd (the main building for the National Assembly of Wales), Spillers Records (the oldest record shop in the world). Doctor Who tours (popular TV series filming locations) are also very popular.

How much time do you need. Because of Cardiff’s compact size, you can see the best of its attractions in 1-2 days. But there is much worth exploring on its outskirts. So you might want to give yourself an extra day to venture outside the city center.

Pierhead and Wales Millennium Centre at Cardiff pier

11. Nottingham

Nottingham is another really nice city that’s worth your time when touring the UK! This city’s imposing, wide streets and scenic parks have earned it the nickname of the ‘Queen of the Midlands’. However, to most of us, Nottingham will always be the home of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood!

Boasting its own castle, a magnificent cathedral, a network of underground caves, and the vibrant Lace Market – teeming with independent cafes, restaurants, and bars – Nottingham is a city with something for everyone.

Yet just minutes away from its center you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of its green spaces. You can also venture a little further into the enormous Sherwood Forest, home to Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Robin Hood statue in Nottingham UK

Must see: Nottingham Castle , Wollaton Hall and Park, City of Caves, Old Market Square (Slab Square), Robin Hood Way & the Sherwood Forest.

Nice to see: National Justice Museum, the Arboretum, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (believed to be England’s oldest pub), Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, Highfields Park, D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

How much time do you need. You can see most of Nottingham’s main sights in one full day. For a more relaxed experience (especially if you plan to include a trip out to Sherwood Forest), plan two days for your visit.

Nottingham Old Market Square and City Council

12. Manchester

Probably best known for its Premier League football teams, Manchester has a lot more going on than football! Located in the northwest of England, the city has a rich industrial past, but nowadays, you’ll find a vibrant place where history and modern-day life go hand in hand.

Manchester is a lively city with a warm atmosphere and plenty to see and do to suit all interests. You’ll find some world-class museums, beautiful architecture, great dining and shopping, and lots of fun activities for young and old. 

Be sure to explore the city center and visit some of its historic landmarks! Manchester Cathedral is an absolute must-see, just as John Rylands Library. For contemporary architecture, head to the Quays, where you’ll find the impressive Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry cultural center. River cruises are a great way to explore this part of town as well!

It would be unthinkable to visit Manchester and not check out at least one of its major football stadiums – Old Trafford, home to Manchester United F.C. or Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City F.C. In addition, the city is also home to the National Football Museum, the largest football museum in the world.

Imperial War Museum North in Manchester

Must see:  City center, Manchester Cathedral, one of the football stadiums , John Rylands Library, and Science and Industry Museum.

Nice to see:  National Football Museum , Imperial War Museum North, Salford Quays, river cruises , People’s History Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and Castlefield conservation area.

How much time do you need.  It’s possible to see the main sights of Manchester in a day , but you won’t be able to explore much deeper. If you want to visit a few museums and do some shopping as well, you could easily spend 2-3 days here.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Manchester

Manchester Castlefield conservation area

13. Norwich

Norwich is a historic city in the heart of rural East Anglia. It was medieval England’s largest walled town. Because of its isolated location, Norwich was virtually bypassed by the Industrial Revolution. So the town has retained many of its medieval Churches and Tudor architecture. All this makes it a truly fascinating place to visit!

A UNESCO City of Literature, Norwich is also the only city in England to be located in a national park (the Norfolk Broads). It boasts a beautiful nature reserve with a river running through the city and an impressive Romanesque cathedral with scenic, peaceful grounds.

Thatched buildings and brightly colored merchant’s houses are just some of the historic sights that give the city its unique and ancient character. You’ll also find cozy pubs dotted everywhere, serving the finest craft beers and ales.

Norwich Cathedral

Must see: Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, Norwich Market. Norwich Quayside. Outside the city – Blickling Estate.

Nice to see: The Forum, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Plantation Garden, Strangers Hall, City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Norwich Guildhall.

How much time do you need. You can see the main sights of Norwich in one day.

Quayside Norwich

14. Bristol

Bristol in the southwest of England is one of the country’s coolest cities. The home town of famed UK street artist Banksy has a strong reputation for creativity. Ultra-modern museums and trendy restaurants make it a fun and lively place to visit, particularly around the port and harbor area which is full of bars and cafes.

But the city has an interesting history, too, with stunning ancient churches, a cathedral, and galleries. Perhaps most fascinating of all is Bristol’s seafaring links. It was the birthplace of the notorious pirate Blackbeard and inspired parts of the famous maritime novels Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe.

There are some lovely green spaces to explore in the city. Or you can choose to get away from the crowds by taking a boat trip along the River Avon. from the water, you can admire the unusually brightly colored buildings and houses that overlook it.

Statue of Ram Mohan Roy and Bristol Cathedral in the UK

Must see: Bristol Cathedral, Waterfront, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Clifton Suspension Bridge (looks great at night too), SS Great Britain, Brandon Hill Park & Cabot Tower (great views from the top).

Nice to see: St Mary Redcliffe church, Bristol Zoo Gardens (the 5th oldest zoo in the world), At-Bristol Science Centre, Queen Square. Also, Avon Valley Railway and Blaise Castle Estate (outside the city).

How much time do you need. Bristol is a relatively small city but has lots to see and do. You can cover the highlights in a day, but you need at least 2 days to enjoy it properly.

Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol UK

15. Brighton

The coastal city of Brighton is one of the UK’s most diverse places to visit. It offers everything from vintage seaside attractions to Bohemian markets and Victorian architecture. The city has Britain’s biggest gay scene and some of the best independent shops and boutiques, largely concentrated around the iconic Lanes.

Its pier – packed with rides and entertainment – is one of the biggest attractions in the southeast of England. Brighton even has an exotic palace, Royal Pavilion, that would look more at home in India or China than on the UK’s south coast!

Brighton is also a great UK city for foodies. You’ll find everything from traditional British fish & chips to the finest cuisine at gourmet restaurants. There are lots of bars and eateries lining the pebbled beach, which immediately gives you a vacation feel.

You are never far away from the raw beauty of nature either. Brighton is perfectly positioned to enjoy stunning walks along the England Coast Path. Be sure to visit the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs nearby!

Royal Pavilion in Brighton UK

Must see: Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Royal Pavilion and Gardens, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, The Lanes, North Laine.

Nice to see: Regency Square, Brighton Marina, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, Brighton Beach and Promenade, Old Steine Gardens, Brighton Festival (3 weeks every May).

How much time do you need. You will definitely need at least 3 days in Brighton. There is so much to do in Brighton that you could easily spend 5 days in the city, especially in summer.

Brighton Beach UK

So, this is our guide to the best, most beautiful cities in the UK.

As you can see, there’s so much more to the UK than just its cities! But even if you visit just a few of these, you’ll get to know a very different country than just by visiting London!

TIP: If you are looking for a more ‘local’ city/ beach holiday in the UK, check out Blackpool . It’s one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK! Here you can learn all about what there is to see and do in Blackpool . Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

  • Must-see in London:  Top London Attractions
  • Different London :  Hidden Gems of London  &  Best Views in London
  • Good to know:  London Travel Tips & Best Areas to Stay in London
  • With kids:  London with Kids  &  Family Afternoon Tea in London
  • Greenwich:  Best Things to Do in Greenwich
  • Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
  • Yorkshire:  Yorkshire Day Trips
  • Blackpool: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Tips for Visiting Blackpool & Best Day Trips from Blackpool
  • Scotland:   Isle of Skye  &  Scotland Whisky Tour
  • Edinburgh:  Top Edinburgh Attractions  &  One Day in Edinburgh
  • Glasgow:  One Day in Glasgow

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Best UK cities to visit for tourists

Photos: Personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: Featured image: TTstudio/Shutterstock.com// Cardiff Bay – photo by phil_bird/Depositphotos.com// Belfast Titanic – photo by zhuzhu/Depositphotos.com// Beatles – gianliguori/Depositphotos.com// Cambridge Bridge of Sighs – chrisdorney/Depositphotos.com// Cambridge University – Umdash9/Depositphotos.com// Manchester Castlefield – cowardlion /Depositphotos.com//.

Best cities to visit in the United Kingdom

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Thursday 21st of September 2023

Go to Southampton if you want to see nice cruiseships and the New Forest is very close too.

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Thank you for sharing useful information ...

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Glad to help. Have a great trip!

Saturday 11th of February 2023

I can't believe Birmingham is not on the list, it's the most underrated city in the UK, perhaps it's because once the heart of the Indudtrial Revolution the slums of back to back houses were there until the 1970's, and its maze of run down underground canals. Most canals have now been restored with many nice bars and restaurants on the side of the canals, in and outside the City. It's a compact City Centre that is easy to walk around. The Art Gallery is one of the best I have ever been in, and each time I'm in the City I can't resist going in there, and it is free to go around, unlike in Venice where you have to pay and is nowhere near as interesting as Brums Art Gallery. For those who like to shop it is a City Centre renown for its Bull Ring Shopping Centre. Eating and enjoying Asian food, there is no-where better in Europe. But go and see the City for yourself. The only thing is traveling into the City by train looks awful, but don't judge the book by its cover. Brum has everything, and is a multi cultural City. I live in Spain these days but my heart is in Birmingham, and it's surroundings Remember Stratford upon Avon is only 20 miles away. 👍👍

Sunday 12th of February 2023

Thanks for your suggestions and tips. I'm sure it can be helpful for some of our readers who are looking for even more cities to explore in the UK. Happy travels!

Jessica Fletcher

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

London does not belong on any list of good cities, end of story. Miserable people, ugly buildings, expensive, nothing worthwhile to see except contrived tourist fodder and obscene wealth. One of the worst cities I've ever been to and I've been to most of the major towns and cities in the UK. Otherwise a great list! Glasgow is one that surprised me a lot, considering its bad reputation but it was surprisingly beautiful and the people were very friendly and down to Earth.

@Jessica Fletcher, Jessica you need to use the underground and look around different parts of the City. London is steeped in history and has something for all tastes..Dont be put off by being expensive. There are a lot of reasonably priced places just be adventurous and seek them out. Including places to stay.

Friday 10th of February 2023

@Jurga, now you know second person 😅 as I just hate London, anytime I have to go there it is a nightmare for me.

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Wow, that's a strong opinion about London, Jessica. You are literally the first person I ever 'met' who doesn't like London. I guess that just proves that everyone is different and likes different things. And that's ok. We all have our experiences and our opinions. For us, London is one of the most interesting cities in the world. No matter how many times we go back, there's always something new and exciting to discover, and so many amazing places everywhere you look. Perhaps you should give London a second chance and look beyond the main tourist attractions... We have a 'hidden gems' guide with some suggestions ;). Happy travels!

Friday 13th of January 2023

cardiff and Oxford do not deserve to be in that list, no where near as good as the others!

Sunday 15th of January 2023

Ha ha, we literally just added Oxford to this list because quite a few people thought it deserved a mention. :) And many of our American readers absolutely love it as a day trip from London too. I guess everybody has their own opinion and I'm sure our readers can make their own decisions on which places look the most interesting to them. Happy travels!

Plan the perfect family trip with Family Traveller

  • Responsible Travel
  • Competitions
  • South Africa
  • City Breaks
  • Staycations
  • Summer Mountains
  • Northern Ireland
  • Lake District

20 UK attractions to take kids to before they grow up

The UK is blessed with an abundance of amazing days out for families, from educational sessions at museums to wild-and-free days getting muddy in an enchanted woods. Some UK attractions for families are so magical, they deserve to be seen through a child’s eyes. Here are 20 unmissable places to take the kids before they hit those pesky teen years!

hobbledown-farm-uk

20 |  Hobbledown Farm, Epsom, England

Hobbledown calls itself a ‘mysterical adventure’ and it has more than enough for a packed day out with little ones. A huge indoor play barn makes it an ideal venue for rainy days, while farm animals, an aerial adventure course and gigantic jumping pillows are just a small selection of the outdoor activities on offer. If you want to get up close and personal with the animals, meet and greet 17 magnificent birds of prey at the Raptor Centre.

Price: Tickets start from £18 in the morning, £16 in the afternoon

Find out more about Hobbledown Farm

19 |  Eden Project, Cornwall, England

This haven of lush greenery and nature is perfect for a day of digital detox. Walk through the largest indoor rainforest in the world with over 1000 species of plants, enjoy the canopy walkway and even see how rubber is tapped from trees to make wellie boots. For the thrill-seekers, soar above the Eden Project on the zip wire or the high flying giant swing.

Price:  £75 for a family ticket (two adults, two children)

Find out more about the Eden Project

18 |  St Fagans Natural History Museum, Wales

This unique gem in the heart of Wales offers an incredible insight into traditional Welsh life hundreds of years ago. Take a wander through the recreated rural village and try your hand at pottery on the outdoor wheel at Wales’ most popular heritage attraction. Local craftsmen demonstrate their trade around the museum and the grounds of the beautiful Grade I listed castle is the perfect place for a picnic.

Price:  Free entry

Find out more about St Fagans

17 |  Corfe Model Village & Fairy Garden, Dorset, England

Nestled at the base of historic Corfe Castle, the model village gives visitors a to-scale idea of what the fort would have looked like before its ruin. Kids will love the lawn games and enchanted fairy garden, willow shelters and even a tipi. The Dorset apple cake is not to be missed!

Price: £13.50 for a family ticket (two adults, up to three children)

Find out more about Corfe Model Village & Fairy Garden

woodlands-theme-park-totnes-devon

16 |  Woodlands Park, Devon, England

The largest family theme park in England has everything you need for a fantastic day out. Little ones will love the zoo farm and water slides, while older kids can get their thrills on the theme park rides. Every spring, look out for their Easter Eggstravaganza where there are thousands of chocolatey treats to be discovered.

Price:  From £30 for a family ticket

Find out more about Woodlands Park

15 |  Legoland, Windsor, England

What kid doesn’t love a huge pile of Lego to play with? Take them on the ultimate brick adventure with themed rides, an around-the-world Lego experience featuring iconic buildings from around the globe (complete with marching guards at Buckingham Palace) and an epic splash park for sunny days. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can accept Lord Vampyre’s invitation to the Haunted House Monster Party…

Price:  From £35 per person over 110cm

Find out more about Legoland and family stays

knockhatch-adventure-park-UK

14 |  Knockhatch, Hailsham, England

Knockhatch is a farm, soft play, waterpark and small theme park rolled into one. Visit the owl sanctuary, take part in a hands-on little critters show or ride on the carousel when the weather is fine. Grab some lunch at the cafe before the kids burn off steam at not one but two indoor play centres, while the parents kick back with a coffee.

Price:  From £14.99 (2yrs+)

Find out more about Knockhatch

best place to visit in uk for young adults

13 |  Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh, Scotland

Immerse yourself in optical illusions at Edinburgh’s historic Camera Obscura. The museum has been attracting visitors for over 150 years, with its mind-blowing effects, tricks and puzzles. The five floors hold interactive exhibits where your kids will enter an altered visual reality. A great blend of art and history, you and your kids can also learn all about the intriguing history of the camera’s invention.

Price:  £11.25 for children, £14.85 for adults

Find out more about Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Image credit: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

best place to visit in uk for young adults

12 |  Techniquest, Cardiff, Wales

This science museum is perfectly set up for children to enjoy hands-on experiments all day long. Test your reflexes, try and make a hot air balloon float and get messy with giant bubbles in the light and airy museum. There are Teddy Bears’ Picnic days for toddlers and a Planetarium for budding outer-space buffs.

Price: £28 for a family ticket (two adults, two children)

Find out more about Techniquest

11 |  Hever Castle, Kent, England

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn is a fascinating and fun-filled visit for children and parents. See where Henry VIII slept, explore a miniature medieval village, get lost in the wooden playground or try to avoid the jets in the water maze. If the suns out, hire a rowing boat and take in the beautiful surroundings from the lake. Jousting displays are also on in the summer.

Price:  From £42.75 for a family ticket (two adults, two children or one adult and three children)

Find out more about Hever Castle

10 |  Sea Life Centre, Brighton, England

Located next to the iconic Brighton Pier, the Sea Life Centre is an underwater world of fun and adventure. Walk through a glass tunnel underneath sharks, watch huge sea turtles having their dinner or enjoy an ice cream in the cafe surrounded by tanks of exotic marine life. Pay a little extra for a magical glass-bottomed boat ride with the turtles!

Price: From £12.95 for children, £16.40 for adults

Find out more Sea Life Centre

9 |  Mattel Play Centre, Liverpool, England

This character-themed play centre is 13,000 square feet of wonder. Kids will love playing in the different zones, with Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder and Thomas the Tank themed play equipment in each one. Bring a camera so your little one can have their photo snapped with their favourite character. Maximum age limit: six years.

Price:  £12 for children, £3 for adults

Find out more Mattel Play Centre

8 |  Kidzania, London, England

This is the ultimate playground for the child who wants to be a doctor/chef/ballerina when they grow up. This indoor city is created to scale for children, with job roles for them to try out, including firefighter, photographer and journalist with international sponsors giving the zones an extra sense of reality.

Price:  From £76 for a family ticket (two adults, two children)

Find out more about Kidzania London

best place to visit in uk for young adults

7 |  Natural History Museum, London, England

Although Dippy the Diplodocus has been relocated from its iconic position in the great hall, the Natural History Museum is still the place to come for a day of dino fun and historic adventures. See the amazing collection of animals and pick up fun facts about the ancient Egyptians in this English gem. A great educational day out and a chance for children to see that learning is fun!

Find out more about Natural History Museum

6 |  The Science Museum, London, England

If you have a budding Einstein in the family, the Science Museum in London is the perfect place to encourage their interests. Think like a scientist at the Museums Wonderlab, where you can immerse yourself in practical scientific experiments. Explore flight engineering, dive into outer space and even check out the iMax cinema for a fun-filled day of hands-on educational thrills.

Find out more about the Science Museum

5 |  Drusillas Park, Sussex, England

With a ride-on Thomas the Tank Engine and a pink Hello Kitty World, Drusillas is ideal for pre-teens. An extensive zoo will keep kids entertained for ages before they hit the banana boat swings, gigantic outdoor play area, indoor soft-play and rides.

Price:  From £70 for a family ticket

Find out more about Drusillas Park

4 |  Life Centre, Newcastle, England

Discover moments in history immortalised in Lego bricks, enjoy a 4D motion ride, try out some real science experiments and learn all about constellations at this dynamic science centre for under-12s. In the winter months enjoy a slippin’ good time at the Life Centre ice rink.

Price: From £6.50 for a child, £11 for an adult

Find out more about Life Centre Newcastle

best place to visit in uk for young adults

3 |  Bewilderwood, Norfolk, England

Hailed as the anti-theme-park, Bewilderwood offers an unplugged experience full of fantasy and adventure. Explore treehouses, zip-wires, rickety bridges and meet some of the mystical creatures who inhabit the woods. Parents are encouraged to find their inner child and get stuck into the adventure too!

Price: From £14.95 for children, £16.95 for adults

Find out more about Bewilderwood

2 |  Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre and Aquarium, Scotland

Located just a 30-minute drive from Glasgow, Loch Lomond Centre offers visitors the chance to see some rare birds of prey in an up-close and personal setting. There are 35 species of birds and plenty of opportunities to meet them and enjoy a hands-on educational experience.

Price: From £4 for children, £8 for adults

Find out more about Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Augmented-Reality-W5

1 |  W5 Science & Discovery Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Divided into seven fun-tastic areas of exploration and learning, the W5 Science centre has something for everyone. Whether it’s paddling in a virtual rock pool, scrambling through the Spacebase climbing rocket or racing your own K’Nex car there is a world of discovery awaiting your little ones. There’s even amazing augmented reality technology that transports families to exotic locations to meet incredible (virtual!) animals.

Price: From £7.50 for children, £9.80 for adults

Find out more about W5 Science & Discovery Centre

Here are 11 more magical places to take the kids before they grow up

Related articles, win your family a fun break in wales in our new competition, 7 spring ready places in the uk for fun family days out, have a royally wonderful family weekend at bovey castle hotel & spa, our top 15 family days out in the uk for march 2024, save 60% on hellofresh recipe boxes and start eating better right away, 15 best uk days out with kids for february half term 2024, let your child plan your holiday to win a tui trip for..., join tripbeat free, save up to 60% on family holidays, save up to 60% on a winter getaway with tripbeat, love to travel with your family.

Get inspiration, tips And holiday competitions straight to your inbox!

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Hello traveller!

The best places to live in the UK for young adults

Leanne Shrosbree

  • Citizenship
  • Immigration
  • Study Abroad

Moving to a new city is one of the best life experiences for young individuals. If you want to live in a new city, the most difficult part of your decision will most likely be choosing which city to live in. We have compiled a list of the ten best places in the UK for young professionals.

Best places for young professionals to live

Aug 30, 2022 by Telerik.Sitefinity.DynamicTypes.Model.SableTeamMembers.Member

Whether you are fresh out of university and starting your career, or you already have work experience, the world (or should we say the UK) is at your fingertips.

Why you should consider moving to the UK

It is no surprise that international graduates want to work in the UK , as the country offers diverse work sectors, numerous international business hubs, favourable working conditions and a wealth of employment opportunities. As a young professional, you will experience the UK as a welcoming place with many international, multicultural, communities. The main UK offerings include:

  • Strong labour laws and generous employment benefits
  • Central location, proximity and transport links to the rest of Europe
  • Access to the NHS (National Health Service)

The top 10 places to live in the UK for young professionals

For many people, moving to the UK  means settling in London, with its metropolitan hustle and bustle and charming neighbourhoods. However, there are many other options you can consider. Other cities that offer similar opportunities, but without the exorbitant cost of living . For UK-based expats, life outside London opens up a whole new world. The cost of living is significantly lower and you have access to the lush British countryside. You also have the opportunity to visit some of the UK's most charming cities, each with its own unique characteristics.

1. Edinburgh

This cosmopolitan city is nestled over an ancient volcano, which created extremely fertile soil and is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh, Scotland's cultural capital, is home to two world-renowned festivals: the International Festival and the Fringe Festival.

The city offers a wide range of more affordable neighbourhoods , all of which offer spacious family living.

Located in the leafy Thames Valley, Reading is becoming a popular choice for expats moving to the UK. The former industrial town has reinvented itself as a vibrant shopping and leisure destination, and it is only a 20-minute train ride from central London.

Reading's housing prices are generally lower than those of other towns in the region and the area has excellent transport links to central London as well as excellent outdoor activities. This makes the Thames Valley a good option for those looking to get away from London's crowds and into more tranquil surroundings.

Derby could be the ideal city for you if you enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, are looking for good job opportunities and want to interact with other young adults. The city is a well-connected commuter hub between the Midlands and the North of England and has many advantages that make it a desirable place to live. Connections across the city run on average every 10 minutes.

Young people looking to save can benefit from the city's high local incomes, low rent, and low housing costs. The city has many other advantages, including a growing range of leisure and recreational activities along with being an affordable and thriving place to live.

4. Manchester

Manchester, as one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, has become a business hub. The self-proclaimed capital of the north is known for its industrial past, musical heritage and world-class football teams. From the Victorian Town Hall to the gleaming docks, the city is a mix of old and new.

With thousands of job opportunities, this city offers a wealth of possibilities and also more affordable housing than cities like London. Manchester's tram network makes the whole city surprisingly accessible.

Bristol, located in the West Country, is ideal for those who want to live in an idyllic yet vibrant city. The expanding port city is quietly becoming one of the UK's most desirable cities for expats and locals alike and has something for everyone, combining history with modern life.

Bristol is an excellent choice for those looking for new career opportunities, beautiful scenery and fantastic workplaces. Bristol is known as one of the UK's most environmentally friendly cities and has one of the lowest pollution rates for carbon-conscious expats.

6. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a port city with an international population that offers its residents a truly exceptional lifestyle. The city has a welcoming atmosphere and a thriving nightlife, as well as many independent shops and cafes. The scenery ranges from sandy beaches and breathtaking coastlines to local markets and modern complexes where you can fill your shopping bags to the brim.

Whichever area you choose to live in, Aberdeen has a variety of homes with different personalities to offer. In line with the UK trend, there has been a massive increase in the construction of new homes in recent years. This has led to an increase in demand for skills in all areas of the construction industry. As a large and prosperous city, it outperforms other major cities in the UK in terms of jobs, skills and environment.

In recent decades, Scotland's largest city has reinvented itself. Despite its industrial past, Glasgow has become one of the trendiest destinations for expats in the UK. The city has a fantastic nightlife and music scene, as well as excellent property options and an affordable cost of living.

Young professionals looking to keep their living costs down while they find their way in the world of work may find Glasgow attractive. In Glasgow's West End, a neighbourhood popular with students and young adults, it is not uncommon to find both modern and traditional housing. The city's metro system makes getting around easy.

8. Liverpool

Liverpool, located in the North West of England, is known for its friendly locals, world-class football teams, and, of course, The Beatles. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a bite to eat or out for a night on the town – Liverpool has hundreds of quirky, independent businesses that you won’t find anywhere else.

The city is one of the best places in the UK for a healthy work-life balance because of its friendly locals, optimistic outlook, and bustling - yet walkable - cosmopolitan centre. Liverpool is a diverse and exciting city with property options for every budget. Liverpool was once dominated by the nautical industry and the industrial trade, but its economy is very different now. Liverpool places a high value on business services, with everything from consulting, marketing, and information technology to operations and logistics available.

9. Brighton and Hove

This liberal resort city on England's south coast is jam-packed with things to see and do, from the eclectic streets of the bohemian North Laine district to the elegant regency homes that line the waterfront. It is the capital of the LGBT community in the UK, with an abundance of LGBT-friendly establishments throughout the city. Brighton is often referred to as 'London by the sea' because of its proximity to the capital. It is also home to a Premier League football club.

Each neighbourhood has its own character, with more affordable housing further west and easy access to local trains and buses. Hove is a cost-effective alternative to Brighton city centre and offers a variety of nightlife activities.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is becoming increasingly popular with graduates and young professionals as a place to live, and it's easy to see why. A vibrant young city in the North East of England, Newcastle has become one of the happiest places to live. The city's many appeals include its affordability, excellent transportation, nightlife and famous attractions. The North East is generally cheaper than other major cities in the UK, and Newcastle is more affordable than most other regions.

There are numerous top employers in the area, offering jobs in finance, healthcare, technology, software, digital media and retail including:

  • McDonald’s

National Insurance (NI) Number

National Insurance is a UK Government tax administered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that is automatically deducted from each payment of your salary. Your NI number  makes sure that the contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded on your account. To get an NI number you need to apply online and once received, it is yours for life.

If you are new to the UK, you can start work without an NI number if you have the right to work. However, in some cases, you may have to pay more tax until your NI number is issued. We can take the stress out of this process by doing all the administration and making sure that the documents submitted are correct so that your application is successful.

Moving to the UK? Take the worry and stress out of your move by downloading our free UK relocation pack .

We are a professional services company that specialises in cross-border financial and immigration advice and solutions.

Our teams in the UK, South Africa and Australia can ensure that when you decide to move overseas, invest offshore or expand your business internationally, you'll do so with the backing of experienced local experts.

Edinburgh cityscape and mountains on skyline with St Mary's Cathedral steeples and Autumn trees

10 of the best UK cities to live in as a young adult

These places have been hailed for their affordable rent prices and salary opportunities.

A new study conducted by Compare the Market looked at the UK's most populated towns and cities, and considered what 18-35-year-olds want from an area. Taking into account average rent prices, salary, mental wellbeing, 4G coverage, nightlife and youth population, they were able to find out which areas cater best for this demographic.

Results found that Edinburgh in Scotland came out on top, closely followed by Reading, Derby and Manchester.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne has the cheapest rent (on average, residents pay just £567 a month), Manchester was found to have the highest population of young people , Plymouth is the best place for nightlife (there are 27 evening venues per 10,000 young adults), and Reading has the best 4G coverage at 93.95%.

Planning a move? Take a look at the top 10 cities below...

10 of the best cities to live in as a young adult

  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Reading, South East
  • Derby, East Midlands
  • Manchester, North West
  • Bristol, South West
  • Aberdeen, Scotland
  • Glasgow, Scotland
  • Liverpool, North West
  • Brighton and Hove, South East
  • Newcastle upon Tyne, North East

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

The best garden shows to visit in 2020

Mark Gregory, Landform, garden designs

Chelsea Flower Show 2020

The Chelsea Flower Show is the world's most prestigious horticultural event and this year it's set to feature more spectacular gardens, flower displays, shopping stalls and demonstrations, plus an important call to action.

Combating climate change will be the biggest trend to emerge at RHS Chelsea 2020 , with garden designers also exploring living with nature through urban design and sustainable practices.

The show organisers tell us that designers across all categories have taken steps to be more sustainable in their garden designs, too, which is split across three categories: Show Gardens, Urban Gardens and Artisan Gardens. There are also Feature Gardens but these are not judged.

With 168,000 visitors each year, tons of celebrities, plus the Queen and other members of the Royal Family in attendance, if you only attend one garden show this year, make it this one.

Chelsea Flower Show (19 - 23 May 2020)

Tickets start from £31.75 for members , £39.75 for non-members.

BRITAIN-WILDLIFE-HORTICULTURE-ORCHID-KEW

Kew Orchid Festival 2020

Can't hold out for spring to visit your first garden show? In February, The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew hold an annual orchid festival – and it's a wonderful display.

For 2020, the theme is Indonesia to celebrate Kew’s vital science work in the country. In the immersive glasshouse you'll encounter an erupting volcano created from orchids and other tropical flowers, as well as after-hours events featuring Indonesian music, dance and cuisine, and a series of talks from Kew's orchid experts.

Kew Orchid Festival (8 February - 8 March 2020)

T icket included in entry price, starting from £16.50

Gardening Scotland Show Opens Its Door To The Public

Gardening Scotland 2020

Scotland’s biggest garden show is the highlight of the horticultural calendar for gardeners nationwide. Held in the grounds of the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, the 2020 show is a special one as it celebrates its 21st anniversary.

From stunning show gardens to spectacular floral displays, highlights include the Plant Pavilion, Pallet Gardens and Bonsai Exhibition.

Gardening Scotland (29 - 31 May 2020)

Tickets from £15 BUY NOW

Chatsworth Flower Show 2019

Chatsworth Flower Show 2020

The RHS Chatsworth Flower Show will return for the fourth time in 2020 bursting with glorious summer blooms and innovative garden designs. This year will see the return of the Mindfulness Gardens, a category launched to celebrate the benefits of gardens and outdoor spaces for physical and mental wellbeing.

Set in 35,000 acres of sprawling countryside, RHS Chatsworth is held at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Fancy visiting Chatsworth House on the same day? Chatsworth Flower Show ticket holders can get 50% off admission during the show.

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show (11 - 14 June 2020)

Tickets starting from £28.25

Person placing packets of seeds in line

Seedy Sunday 2020

Every year on the first Sunday in February, the city of Brighton and Hove hosts Britain’s largest community seed swap.

While the practice of swapping seeds is an old one, it's a sustainable practice that has never been more important considering the growing issue of climate change. The widespread use of genetically uniform modern crop varieties has caused crops to lose about 75% of their genetic diversity in the last century .

At Seedy Sunday you'll find a huge seed swap table where you can donate and swap seeds which helps to promote biodiversity, preserve rare plant varieties and works out to be less costly than buying seeds in spring. You'll also experience an impressive line-up of speakers, a marketplace and plenty of children’s activities too.

Seedy Sunday (2 February 2020)

Tickets starting from £3

Prince Charles and Camilla at BBC Gardeners World Live Show

BBC Gardeners' World Live 2020

Every year the BBC Gardeners' World Live transforms the NEC in Birmingham into the ultimate day out for green-fingered gardeners. From Monty Don to Carol Klein, the gardening pros will share their best tips on stage with entertaining and informative talks.Also on offer will be garden walks with the experts, one-on-one advice to help solve all your gardening problems, and show gardens packed with practical ideas for your outdoor spaces.

Gardeners' World Live (18 - 21 June 2020)

Tickets starting from £26

Headshot of Lisa Joyner

 Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK , where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening , dog breeds , pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller , House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.  

preview for HB Lifestyle

Inside a filmmaker's riverside abode

charming red brick maisonette for sale in north kensington, london

We love this charming red brick maisonette

airbnb cotswolds

15 of the prettiest Airbnbs in the Cotswolds

cornwall omaze million pound house draw

Win this coastal home in Cornwall

a room with a bed and chairs

Where to stay for 2024’s best design trends

pretty pink property for sale in chelsea, london

Pretty pink property for sale in London

period property for sale in wimbledon, london

Peek inside this stylish Edwardian home

houseboat for sale in cheyne walk, chelsea

Houseboat with Instagrammable interiors to rent

grand designs lighthouse, chesil cliff house in croyde, devon, for sale

Has the Grand Designs lighthouse been sold?

four storey property for sale in vauxhall

Step inside this bright four-storey property

inside this renovated kensington apartment elevated by de gournay wallpaper

Renovated flat wows with de Gournay wallpaper

Wander Era

11 Best Places to Live in the UK for Young Adults

The United Kingdom is one of Europe’s most prosperous and affluent countries. The standard of living there exceeds many other parts of the continent. It is also one of the most unique European nations, being that it had an empire that spanned the entire globe.

Because of this country’s rich history and high quality of life, it is a popular place for young adults to live. Of course, there are many homeborn young adults living there, too.

Whether you are a young person interested in relocating to the United Kingdom or somebody born and raised there, this post will tell you about the best places you can live there:

Table of Contents

London is one of the best places in the United Kingdom for young people to live. This is because it is England’s capital city. As with all capital cities, it has a vibrant cultural scene, making it ideal for people who enjoy getting out of their houses, meeting people, and attending exhibitions and shows. 

The problem with London is that rental prices are extremely high there. Because of this, you may want to consider moving into shared accommodation. Wherever you are moving from , the team behind pssremovals.com makes clear on their site that you can hire a removals company and pay them to transport your belongings for you.

Of course, international property transportation can be very expensive and isn’t suited to everybody’s budget, however, it is worth noting that companies of this kind offer very competitive rates.

If you are interested in moving to London, bear in mind that it is a global financial hub and home to numerous universities, colleges, and educational institutions. Because of this, rental prices are high. It is extremely expensive to buy a house in London, too.

If you are planning on buying or renting in London, make sure that you get in touch with a qualified, experienced realtor. Such an individual will be able to help you find the property that’s right for you. Everybody has a property that is right for them. If you do not find a place that is right for you, living in London is going to be very unfulfilling.

Make sure that you factor in budget and amenities when you’re looking for somewhere to live. A tip is to live on the outskirts of the city, as the outskirts still have good transport links but are much more affordable.

Edinburgh is another fantastic place for young people to live. It is one of Scotland’s most vibrant cities. If you are interested in moving to a unique and historical city, then this is definitely one to consider.

Like London, prices are very expensive in this part of Scotland, and you will therefore have to find a very good realtor to work with if you want to get more for your money. Make sure that when you’re looking for a real so, you find more good reviews on a solid online reputation.

The Realtors reviews and reputation can tell you a lot about them. If a realtor does not have good reviews, then you should go out of your way to avoid them. Make sure that in addition to reading reviews, you ensure that the realtor you work with has proper licenses.

If you work with an estate agent or realtor who isn’t licensed, you won’t be given legal protections, preventing them from taking advantage of you. It is illegal in most parts of the world for real estate professionals to operate without licenses.

Cardiff is Wales’s capital city. It is a hotspot for young people, mainly due to the university there. Something to note is that many of the cities mentioned in this article are university towns.

The reason for this is because university towns are undeniably great places for young people to be. Property prices in Cardiff are through the roof so you will need to try and find a property on the outskirts of the town if you have a small budget. If you want to study at the university there, you can go ahead and try and rent some university accommodation.

Student and university accommodation tends to be a lot cheaper than property that is rented to workers or professionals.

Luton is a town with a very bad reputation. Crime there has been through the roof for a number of years now. However, in spite of its ‘dangerous’ reputation, Luton is a good place for young people to live, primarily because of its close proximity to London and its vibrant party scene.

In Luton, there are two universities, meaning it is a university town. As you walk through Luton, you see students everywhere. If you are interested in moving to Luton, you’ll be pleased to know that property is very affordable there.

Manchester is a great place for young people to live. In the past, it had a reputation for being a dangerous city. However, efforts by the City Council and the police force have significantly reduced crime and made it a much more pleasant place to be.

One of the best things about Manchester is that it is a highly affordable place to live unlike other cities mentioned in this post, you can pick up an apartment or flat in Manchester for the same price it would cost you to rent a parking space in some of the other places listed above. Because of this, you get more control over which area of the city you live in.

Liverpool isn’t too far from Manchester. It is a very interesting place , too. One of the things that most people know Liverpool for is the fact that it is the birthplace of all four of The Beatles, one of the most famous bands in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

Liverpool, like Manchester, is a very affordable place to live. If you are interested in moving there, you’ll be pleased to know that property is cheap like in Manchester and that there are lots of young people there.

four women holding drinks while laughing together during daytime

St. Albans is a quiet city on the outskirts of London, not particularly popular with young people. However, if you want somewhere that’s peaceful and pleasant to live but with excellent transport links to London, St. Albans is for you.

St. Albans’ railway station goes directly to London. The train from St. Albans to London runs several times an hour, every day of the week. There is another railway station in the town that you can use to get over to Watford, also.

Watford is on the outskirts of North London.  It is one of the best places for young people to live in Hertfordshire, the county in which St. Albans is. Watford can be quite expensive, though. If you are planning on moving to Watford, you will be delighted to hear that it has a lot of amenities, including an escape room, cinema, and lots of restaurants.

There are also lots of outdoor pursuits in the surrounding area, such as kayaking, sporting target centers, and hiking trails. Watford has good transport links with London, also. You can get a train or bus right into London or even walk if you want to.

Sheffield is a city formerly known for its contributions to the steel industry. However, it is now known as one of the best places to go out partying in the entire United Kingdom. Property is cheap in Sheffield, though it’s worth noting that certain parts of the city are very deprived.

Because of this, as a young person, you need to think about your safety and find somewhere comfortable to live. If you cannot afford to live in Sheffield’s more affluent suburbs, you can always rent somewhere on the city’s outskirts or a neighboring village.

Bristol is in England’s southwest.  It is near Devon and Cornwall, two of the best holiday destinations in the entire United Kingdom. Devon and Cornwall have some of the best beaches in the entire country, in fact. The weather is also somewhat pleasant there, especially in the summer. If you plan on moving to Bristol, know that it is expensive in parts.

Bristol has a thriving cultural scene and lots of young people have flocked there in recent years. Many parts of the city are similar to Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, at least back in the 1960s.  In other words, there are ‘hippie’ districts where anything goes.

Exeter is not too far from Bristol and is located in the same part of the United Kingdom. It has lots of educational institutions and a fantastic cathedral. Around Exeter there are lots of historical sites and locations that you can visit.

In addition to historical sites, there are also a number of hiking trails and parks you can follow and attend. If you plan on going hiking, make sure you work out a route prior to traveling so that you do not get lost.

The United Kingdom can be a lot of fun. If you are interested in moving there, make sure you find a place that’s right for you. You can do that by considering amenities, your personal interests, and of course your budget. Think these things through before committing to moving into a house or flat.

Related Posts

Famous Landmarks in London

Famous Landmarks in London: 5 Must-Visit Attractions

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy When planning your trip to London, there are so many sites and sounds…

Read this article »

Best Places to Stay in London for Couples

Best Places to Stay in London for Couples

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy It is not uncommon for couples and honeymooners to go away on holiday…

day trips from london

11 Best Day Trips From London

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy Exploring London is always a good idea, and while the city is full…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Suggestions

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Which are the best cities to live in the UK for young adults?

Moving to a new city is a high priority for many young people once they have finished their education. Choosing the right one to head for can be a tough decision, as there are so many different factors to consider such as the availability of jobs, rental prices, and social and leisure activities. So, if you’re looking to find the best city to relocate to, you’re in the right place!

First things to consider

It’s important to have good accommodation options and plenty of social activities to help you form friendships, along with sporting facilities and gyms to keep you healthy and look after your well-being. Living expenses are a key consideration in any bustling modern city, and you’ll want to explore and try out bars and cool restaurants, so getting around the city affordably is important.

The top 20 best cities in the UK for young professionals have been assessed in a study by the life insurance team at Comparethemarket which takes into account the cost of living, employment opportunities, the proportion of the population that’s aged between 18-30, the quality of the nightlife, and the overall happiness of residents.

The table below shows the top 20 best cities to live in the UK for young adults. 

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The best places to live in the UK

Nottingham takes top spot, having a clear appeal to young adults, recording the highest demographic of people aged between 18-30 of all cities in the study, at 28.23%. It has two universities making for a huge student population and a centre with great pubs, exciting bars and plenty of attractions. Rents here are relatively affordable: the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is £765 per month. It also benefits from reasonably priced public transport (£60 per month), and the average price for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is £12. The number of jobs listed here at the time of the study was 2,719.

Nottingham is a beautiful city with a thriving culture and a youthful energy, making it an exciting place to live in. It’s home to two football clubs, a test match cricket ground, and national ice and water sports centres. Nottingham is one of the UK’s greenest cities, with a host of parks and gardens and beautiful scenery nearby; it’s also one of our most eco-friendly cities.

This fantastic city offers excellent employment prospects and this combined with its varied attractions makes it one of the UK’s best cities to live in. It has a total of 119 pubs and bars and notches up a happiness score of  7.20.

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Southampton on the English south coast comes in second place, with 24% of its population aged 18-30. It’s an affordable place to live, and being a coastal city with a rich maritime history is an additional attraction. A healthy jobs market in the marine, retail, and hospitality sectors provides good career opportunities, while a selection of 95 pubs and bars ensures varied nightlife options.

Southampton has one of the world’s largest natural harbours: famous for transatlantic passenger travel, the ill-fated Titanic set sail from here, and it’s a busy port city today. Attractions include medieval streets and city walls, Tudor, and medieval houses, parks and gardens, and for days out, it’s close to the New Forest. An annual treat is the Southampton Mayflower Maritime Festival, a three-day event featuring historic ships, vehicles and vintage aircraft. Princess Alexandra Dock has been transformed into Ocean Village, a leisure and shopping centre, with designer boutiques, restaurants and cinemas, alongside luxury yachts moored in the harbour. There are sailing facilities and boat trips can be taken from here. The Hythe Ferry service runs regularly across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

In third place, Coventry scored highly for its low transport costs. A monthly public transport pass costs £50, less than any other UK city. Eating out is relatively cheap here with an inexpensive meal costing £10 on average. Attractions include the ruins of the medieval cathedral, the new cathedral, and the Coventry Transport Museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s history in the auto industry. This city boasts many museums including Coventry Music Museum, shopping districts, and the FarGo Village, a repurposed industrial space that’s home to over 40 independent businesses, from artwork to food outlets. Coventry is handily located half an hour from Birmingham and two hours train journey from London.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne comes in fourth place, with its 120 bars and pubs making it a great choice for those wanting plenty of action on a night out. One of the UK’s internationally famous cities, it’s renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and bustling vibrancy. It has a thriving arts and music scene and a high happiness score of 7.49 in the study. Known as one of the best major cities to live in in the north of the country, it’s also close to green spaces and rolling hills. It has a stunning castle, the iconic Tyne Bridge, the beautiful Millennium Bridge, and desirable places such as Whitley Bay and Bamburgh Beach are close by.

This big city boasts many great restaurants, along with concert halls, art galleries, shopping districts, and colourful nightlife. Newcastle United football team makes its home at St James Park, and for days out, visits to Beamish the Living Museum of the North are popular with local residents, along with the Quayside Sunday market, which is full of independent traders, and the vast indoor Grainger Market for food and clothes.

In fifth place is Bradford, which is one of the best cities for those seeking somewhere with realistic rent options below the national average – the average monthly rent here is £537.50. This vibrant melting pot of a city is a great place to live and work in. A hub for modern British culture, Bradford’s attractions include the National Science and Media Museum, a haven for pop culture love and media fans; Bradford cathedral, its city park and event space, and the world heritage site of Saltaire, for a taste of Victorian Bradford, home to the Salts Mill art gallery and entertainment complex which features works by David Hockney. Bradford is considered to be Britain’s `curry capital’ with over 200 Asian restaurants. It’s a great location if you are keen on combining city life with easy access to the great outdoors as the stunning Yorkshire countryside is on its doorstep. The Bronte Parsonage Museum can be found in nearby Haworth, home of the Bronte sisters.

Plymouth and Luton tie for sixth place, followed by Kingston-Upon-Hull, Birmingham in the West Midlands, Sheffield and Middlesborough. Birmingham stands out for its job opportunities, thriving culture and nightlife, offering 3,205 job listings and 200 pubs and bars.

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Key points from the study into our best cities

Affordable rent.

Rent is a key factor in most young people’s decision about where to live. The study found Kingston-Upon-Hull to be the most affordable city for renters: one-bedroom apartments here average £452.50 per month. Middlesborough comes second; here, the average monthly rent is £475. Peterborough is in third place with an average rent of £536.67 per month, closely followed by Bradford at £537.50. Tying in fifth place with a rent of £550.00 per month are Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, and Bolton. Unsurprisingly, due to its sky-high property prices, flats to rent in London stand out in stark contrast at an average cost of £2,004 per month.

Job opportunities

Being the capital city, the highest number of jobs are found in London; at the time of the study, 21,507 jobs were listed here. The vibrant and multicultural city of Manchester, renowned for being home to tech giants and for its careers in digital media, biotechnology, and finance, listed 3,433 jobs. Birmingham also has great job opportunities coming from its strong commercial sector, and it listed 3,205 jobs at the time of the study.

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Young people love to eat out and if this is a priority, Peterborough is the cheapest place for restaurant meals, which average £9. In joint second place are Coventry, Bradford, Middlesborough, Plymouth and Bolton: affordable meals in each of these cities cost an average of £10.

Public transport

The cheapest monthly public transport pass can be found in Coventry, costing £50. The equivalent pass can be found in the Welsh capital Cardiff for £53 and in Leicester for £54 per month, while the price in the city of London is £150.

London encapsulates British culture and not surprisingly, tops the chart for having the best range of nightlife offerings with 1,206 bars and pubs hosting live events across the city. The Scottish capital Edinburgh with its rich history and cultural attractions, comes in second place, followed by the vibrant city of Glasgow, although both cities narrowly missed the top 20, coming in at numbers 21 and 25 respectively.

Number of young people

Nottingham has the highest proportion of young people, 28.23%, followed by Manchester in the North West at 26.35%, which is not surprising as it is home to many prestigious universities and has a huge student population. Bolton has the lowest number of people aged between 18-30 (15.19%) followed by Peterborough (16.08%).

Happiness in UK locations

The study’s happiness rating is topped by Luton which scored 7.74, followed by Stoke-on-Trent, 7.59; Plymouth, 7.53; Bolton, 7.52 and Swansea, 7.51.

Over to you

Hopefully, the information above will help you to work out what you want most from a city, and where the best places to live may be for you. You might find that you are attracted to a major city with all the amenities, or a small city that’s popular with young professionals. After that, you should be able to narrow down your options. It may be helpful to visit some of your favourites before making a decision about which of these amazing cities you want to live and work in.

Want more from 24Housing?

Sign up and join thousands of other readers staying in the know about all things related to buying, planning, designing and building.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: 10 + six =

Latest from Blog

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Architecture for London: design specialists

This award-winning London architects’ practice is dedicated to creating inspirational architecture and interior design. Its combined

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Teamwork first: London architects Martins Camisuli

Makers, as well as designers, Martins Camisuli Architects & Designers is a RIBA Chartered Practice based

best place to visit in uk for young adults

Above and beyond: innovative ways to utilise wall space for maximum storage

In the quest for a clutter-free and stylish living space, walls often hold untapped potential. Rather

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The future of smart homes: fibre optic cabling

Home automation and smart devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering homeowners innovative new

best place to visit in uk for young adults

The sustainable building materials that will help the environment

The building industry has a significant carbon footprint, and to reduce this, architects and builders are

IMAGES

  1. 19 Absolute Best Places to Visit in the UK

    best place to visit in uk for young adults

  2. 19 Best Places to Visit in the UK

    best place to visit in uk for young adults

  3. Best places to visit in England

    best place to visit in uk for young adults

  4. 19 Absolute Best Places to Visit in the UK

    best place to visit in uk for young adults

  5. 25 beautiful places to visit in the UK

    best place to visit in uk for young adults

  6. 13 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

    best place to visit in uk for young adults

COMMENTS

  1. Top 10 teen travel destinations in Britain

    Crieff Hydro, Perthshire. 'A huge range of activities': Crieff Hydro, Ayrshire. This sprawling, much-loved Scottish resort, set in 900 acres of unspoilt countryside, has a huge range of ...

  2. UK and Great Britain Tours for Young Adults

    Reviews of UK and Great Britain Tours for Young Adults. Winnie 8 Nov, 2023. 5. the tour was fantastic. you have seen and experienced so much. a dream for every Scotland fan. 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling. Leesa Bauer 2 Mar, 2024. 5. Tom is a great guide. Would recommend the tour.

  3. 28 Great Ideas for Days Out for Teenagers in England

    Visiting Liverpool is one of the best days out from Manchester. 12. Get picturesque views of the Glastonbury Tor. The Glastonbury Tor has a steep climb but the view from the top of Glastonbury hill is priceless. If you're looking for days out for teenagers that combine music and views, then this is the one for you.

  4. 15 Best Places to Visit in the UK in 2023

    Best places to visit in the UK in 2023. Photograph: Jim Stephenson. 1. Eastbourne. This coastal town might conjure up images of OAPs on coach holidays, pesky pebbles in your jelly shoes and hordes ...

  5. 40 Places in the UK to See with Your Kids Before They Are All Grown Up

    Here's our list of the best places to visit with your kids before they are all grown up!: 1. Science Museum Source: wikipedia Science Museum London. South Kensington, London. Why you've got to go: To enlighten inquisitive young minds about the physical world and the people who advanced our understanding. Well deserved one of the best things ...

  6. 37 Best Things to Do in the UK Right Now

    6. Spot seals at Blakeney Point in Norfolk. The north Norfolk coastline is a sweet place to spend away a day or two. Head to Blakeney in search of the area's salt marshes, sand dunes, sea birds ...

  7. 10 Best England Tours and Trips for Young Adults

    England Young Adult Reviews. 5 - Excellent. Based on 326 customer reviews. Title is very much appropriate. 5 - Excellent. "The trip itself was very good in the sense that the places included in the trip were quite good. But too many Optional Experiences instead of it being part of the trip itself.". Speedy.

  8. Best Places to Visit in UK for Young Adults

    6. Aberdeen. Aberdeen is a vibrant city with a rich history. It has world-renowned universities and a thriving arts and culture scene, making it an exciting place to visit. There are plenty of attractions that young adults can enjoy, such as the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre and the Grosvenor Museum.

  9. 5 great teenage holiday destinations in the UK

    Pembrokeshire. If you're looking for a UK teenage family adventure holiday, Pembrokeshire offers plenty of gorgeous walks and cycle routes, stunning mountainous scenery and more. The Welsh county is home to the majestic Preseli Hills mountain range and the 190-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Its coastline is so beautiful, that it was rated by ...

  10. 11 Thrilling Teens Adventure Activities in the UK

    The River Tay is an attraction near Edinburgh, and a 6-hour white water rafting tour is one of the best and most fun outdoor activities for young adults in the UK. You will hit rapids with cool names like the Zoom Flume and The Washing Machine. See photos, reviews, and booking options for this fantastic outdoor teenage activity.

  11. 10 of the UK's best half-term day trips, chosen by readers

    10 of the best places to see outdoor art in the UK: chosen by readers. 15 Apr 2021. 10 great UK coastal walks: readers' tips. 27 Aug 2020 ...

  12. 12 of the best UK holidays for families

    12. Northumberland, England. The old-fashioned Famous Five never did make it to Northumberland. Shame, really, because its landscape of unspoilt beaches is ripe for an adventure and it's not ...

  13. 48 Best Places to Visit in the UK

    5 - Harry Potter Studio. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London takes visitors inside the magic of the Harry Potter movies. Visit famous locations and sets from the movies, including the Great Hall of Hogwart's, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Visit Platform 9 3/4 and see the famous Hogwart's Express.

  14. England and Scotland Tours for Young Adults

    Nederlands: Engeland en Schotland Rondreizen voor Jongeren. Explore England and Scotland with other young adults and young professionals. Whether you're 20-something, under 30, or under 40, we have a variety of adventures that will take you down the streets of Edinburgh and astonish you with the vibe of Stirling.

  15. 101 things to do in London for teenagers

    See one of London's top musicals: Keep an eye out for teenage-friendly shows, such as Mamma Mia! and Back to the Future the musical.Many London theatres offer cheap tickets to people aged 26 and under.; Become immersed in all things ABBA with Mamma Mia!The Party: Enjoy the immersive show and dinner at The O2.; Enjoy great performances in The Book of Mormon musical at the Prince of Wales ...

  16. 'Our most successful holiday': 10 trips our teenage kids loved

    It was probably our most successful holiday to date. This summer Our next trip is to Rome to celebrate the end of the twins' GCSEs. We want to see the Colosseum by moonlight, hang out at the ...

  17. 15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

    1. London. London really has to be number one on any list of the best places in the UK! And there are so many reasons to visit the nation's capital. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London is the country's financial center, the seat of the Government of the United Kingdom, and home to the Royal Family.

  18. 20 UK attractions to take kids to before they grow up

    The UK is blessed with an abundance of amazing days out for families, from educational sessions at museums to wild-and-free days getting muddy in an enchanted woods. Some UK attractions for families are so magical, they deserve to be seen through a child's eyes. Here are 20 unmissable places to take the kids before they hit those pesky teen ...

  19. The UK's top cities for young adults

    The cost of living can be a huge deciding factor for young adults choosing where to live. Our research revealed Kingston-upon-Hull to be the most affordable city in the UK for renters, with a 1-bedroom city centre flat costing £452.50 per month on average. Middlesbrough follows closely at £475, while Peterborough comes in third with rent ...

  20. The best places to live in the UK for young adults

    5. Bristol. Bristol, located in the West Country, is ideal for those who want to live in an idyllic yet vibrant city. The expanding port city is quietly becoming one of the UK's most desirable cities for expats and locals alike and has something for everyone, combining history with modern life.

  21. 10 Best UK Cities To Live In For Young Adults

    Newcastle-upon-Tyne has the cheapest rent (on average, residents pay just £567 a month), Manchester was found to have the highest population of young people, Plymouth is the best place for ...

  22. 11 Best Places to Live in the UK for Young Adults

    London. London is one of the best places in the United Kingdom for young people to live. This is because it is England's capital city. As with all capital cities, it has a vibrant cultural scene, making it ideal for people who enjoy getting out of their houses, meeting people, and attending exhibitions and shows.

  23. Which are the best cities to live in the UK for young adults?

    The best places to live in the UK. Nottingham takes top spot, having a clear appeal to young adults, recording the highest demographic of people aged between 18-30 of all cities in the study, at 28.23%. It has two universities making for a huge student population and a centre with great pubs, exciting bars and plenty of attractions.