Must-see places in the UK and Ireland

The places to visit in the United Kingdom They are incredibly diverse: historic capitals, rugged mountains, picture-postcard villages, and spectacular coastlines. Moreover, neighboring Ireland perfectly complements this exploration. Whether you're planning your first trip or a road trip, this guide will help you choose your destinations.

We've categorized the must-sees by region, with a link to our detailed guide for each entry. At Brightside Travel, our Edinburgh-based team designs these tailor-made itineraries year-round.

Places to visit in the United Kingdom, in Scotland

Scotland is first and foremost a destination for wide open spaces. Edinburgh, with its castle and UNESCO-listed Old Town, is the ideal gateway. Then, the Highlands reveal their mountains, lochs, and scenic drives.

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Ireland or Scotland: which destination suits you best?

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Question 1 of 5

Which landscape appeals to you the most?

Wild mountains, lochs and valleysCliffs, ocean and major coastal roads

Question 2 of 5

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?

Highlands, castles and whiskyPubs, music and welcoming villages

Question 3 of 5

Your ideal day

A hike with spectacular viewsA road trip punctuated by small ports and beaches

Question 4 of 5

Which setting do you dream about the most?

Skye, Glencoe and the CairngormsConnemara, Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way

Question 5 of 5

For your next trip, you prefer…

A spectacular and mountainous landscapeA friendly atmosphere and an ever-present coastline

• The Isle of Skye, with the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing: see its essential.
• Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: see What to do around Loch Ness.
• Glencoe, the Cairngorms and the Hebrides islands.

For a complete selection, browse The 20 most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Places to visit in the United Kingdom, in England

England, for its part, combines large cities with unspoiled countryside. London remains, of course, the essential destination, with its museums, monuments, and very diverse neighborhoods. To get off the beaten track, discover our lesser-known London neighborhoods.

• The Cotswold villages, to the golden stone cottages.
• Bath and its Roman baths: see What to do in Bath in two days.
• Oxford and Cambridge, two university cities with a rich heritage.
• York, its walls and its cathedral, among the the most beautiful English cathedrals.
• Stonehenge, the famous stone circle in Wiltshire.
• Cornwall and the Lake District, for nature.

Places to visit in Wales, United Kingdom

Wales also surprises with its castles and landscapes. Eryri National Park is home to Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, the country's highest peak. Further south, Pembrokeshire offers a wild coastline, while Cardiff is worth a visit for its castle and harbor. All our tips are gathered in our guide for organizing a trip to Wales. To choose your steps, see also What to see in Wales.

Places to visit in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Belfast, with the Titanic Belfast museum, is a good gateway. The Causeway Coastal Route then leads to the Giant's Causeway and the ruins of Dunluce Castle. See our guide. What to see in Northern Ireland.

Places to visit in the Republic of Ireland

On the other side of the border, the Republic of Ireland makes a perfect addition to a trip. Dublin, in particular, is captivating thanks to its atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene. The west, on the other hand, offers wilder landscapes.

• Le Connemara, its mountains and its lakes.
• The Cliffs of Moher, among the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland.
• The Rock of Cashel and the monastic site of Glendalough.
• The Wild Atlantic Way, along the west coast.

How to choose which places to visit in the United Kingdom?

The choice depends mainly on the length of your stay. In one week, it's best to focus on a single country, or even a single region. With two weeks, however, it becomes possible to combine two countries, for example, Scotland and the north of England.

Also consider what you'd like to do: cities and heritage sites, hiking, or scenic drives. Finally, keep in mind that distances may seem short on a map, but smaller roads can take longer. Still undecided? Read on. Ireland or Scotland.

Prepare your trip

Before you leave, check the entry requirements first. For the United Kingdom, a passport and an ETA are required: see our formalities for the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, accepts identity cards, as explained in our guide to... formalities for Ireland.

For the season, also see when to go to Scotland and when to go to Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see places to visit in the United Kingdom?

London, Edinburgh, the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, the Cotswolds, Bath, York and Stonehenge are among the most visited.

Is it possible to combine the United Kingdom and Ireland in a single trip?

Yes, with at least two weeks. However, be aware of the formalities: Northern Ireland follows British rules, requiring a passport and ETA.

How many days does it take to visit Scotland?

A week allows you to combine Edinburgh and part of the Highlands. With 10 to 15 days, you can add Skye and the islands.

Which region should I choose for my first trip?

For a first trip, Scotland and the south of England are often the easiest to plan. The choice depends mainly on your preferences: cities or nature.

Do you need a car to visit these places?

It's convenient for the countryside and the Highlands. However, major cities are easily accessible by train.

Plan your trip with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we create tailor-made trips to the UK and Ireland. We select the stages, accommodations, and experiences that suit your pace.

Discover our tailor-made holidays in Scotland, in England and in Ireland. For more tourist information, please also consult the official website. Ireland.com.

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