best places to visit in uk for young adults

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Top 10 teen travel destinations in Britain

Quad biking, pizzas, axe throwing … great resorts where the kids will want to come, too

Another Place, Cumbria

A contemporary take on the traditional country house, Another Place is the sister property to the Watergate Bay Hotel and has much the same fun, contemporary feel. The hotel comprises a Georgian house and modern extension that opens on to 18 acres of grounds, complete with archery field. The lakeside location means kayaking, SUP and sailing are all on offer, with excellent mountain-biking trails nearby and a sizeable indoor pool. The all-day menu in the Living Space means hungry teens can eat whenever they want, with its Rampsbeck restaurant offering an adults-only option for dinner. Doubles from £240 B&B; another.place

Moonfleet Manor, Dorset

This cream-coloured 18th-century pile on the Dorset coast is guaranteed to please the most sullen of teens. For younger ones, take your choice from ping pong to pool, air hockey to wall climbing, trampolining to tennis and a spot of archery in the garden. If lounging is what they’re after, older teenagers can join you in the indoor pool and even persuade you they completely deserve that Elemis beauty treatment or manicure. Literary teens should appreciate its gorgeous location, overlooking the sea and part of the 18-mile long sliver of desolate shingle that is Chesil Beach, lending its name to Ian McEwan’s novel. Venture up the coast for fossil trips to Charmouth and Lyme Regis or head to nearby Hive Beach for a crab sandwich at their cafe or eEat at Moonfleet’s pretty conservatory restaurant where their pickiest whims should be satisfied with a range of comfort food and lots of vegetarian options. The bedrooms offer old-school comfort with feather down beds and elegant claw-foot baths for long teenage soaks. Good luck getting them down in time for breakfast. Doubles from £109 B&B; moonfleetmanorhotel.co.uk

Malmaison, Brighton

Brighton is made for teenagers – stomach-churning rides on the pier, vegan-friendly cafés in the bohemian North Laine area, good shopping and chips with everything. Staying at the Malmaison – slotted into the city’s gleaming marina – means being able to dip in and out of the centre, but still enjoy Brighton’s other big draw, the sea. On a sunny day, the terrace bar overlooking the boats feels positively Ibizan, and there are plenty of watersports to try, from SUP to fishing and sailing. Rooms are slick, unfussy and super-comfortable and the in-house brasserie will suit burger-loving teens. Doubles from £119; malmaison.com

Bluestone Resort, Pembrokeshire

Spread across 500 acres, Bluestone is a great choice for families looking for an active break, with everything from axe-throwing to coasteering and off-roading on offer, alongside aerial climbs and walkways in the giant Serendome . Less outdoorsy teens can join a samba drumming workshop or amble over to the village centre for coffee at Ty Coffi . A programme of festivals and outdoor events runs throughout the year, and the three restaurants, pub and bar mean that even the fussiest eater is catered fo. Three-nights from £589; bluestonewales.com

Crieff Hydro, Perthshire

This sprawling, much-loved Scottish resort, set in 900 acres of unspoilt countryside, has a huge range of activities that will keep even the choosiest teen happy. Outdoors, in the Action Glen, there’s quad biking, archery, air-rifle shooting and a tree-tops course along with a huge range of watersports on nearby Loch Earn, as well as an excellent café for refuelling. On rainy days, Glen’s Den will keep teens happy with its games zone with air hockey, Xbox, a VR machine and all the popcorn they can eat. Rooms include family apartments and studios, and there are seven restaurants. Doubles from £197 B&B; crieffhydro.com

The Fish, Worcestershire

There’s something of a festival vibe at this quirky hotel, a cluster of shepherd’s huts, houses and more conventional hotel rooms scattered through the 400-acre Farncombe Estate. It’s a safe environment for teenagers to explore on their own with walks from the door – and plenty to do on wet days, including a games room with pool table, table football and Sky Sports, and a cinema. Alongside the more formal Hook restaurant, the Sliders bar menu offers teen-friendly burgers, and the legendary breakfasts are a great start to the day. Doubles from £180 B&B; thefishhotel.co.uk

Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond

A jaunt to London is a great option with teens, but central hotels can be eye-wateringly expensive, unless you settle for a Premier Inn. The Bingham Riverhouse, in leafy Richmond, has a hip locals vibe that older teens will love – and offers them the freedom of walking into Richmond to explore the shops on their own. The hotel has partnered with Active360 Richmond to offer bespoke paddleboarding tuition, and has Pashley bikes to hire for exploring the Thames path and nearby Richmond Park. Doubles from £135; binghamriverhouse.com

Watersmeet, Devon

Newly renovated and fast becoming one of Devon’s best hotels, Perched above picturesque Combesgate beach, Watersmeet is an easy 10-minute walk from the buzzy resort of Woolacoombe. Steps from the hotel lead down to the beach, which rarely gets busy and is ideal for body-boarding. Surfers can follow the South West Coast Path that runs behind the hotel, for the easy stroll into Woolacoombe. If the sea is too chilly for a dip the hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools, and alongside the formal main restaurant, there are simpler meals on offer in the bistro. Doubles from £170 B&B; watersmeethotel.co.uk

Watergate Bay Hotel, Cornwall

There are few better places to learn to surf than the two-mile stretch of beach at Watergate Bay – and few better places to stay than the hotel that sits above it. Rooms range from family suites and apartments to beach lofts, all furnished in a cool, contemporary style. The Extreme Academy, just outside the door, offers surfing lessons for all levels, and after a day in the water, the hotel’s Living Space is a lovely, chilled-out area offering everything from sharing platters to Japanese ramen. Doubles from £210 B&B; watergatebay.co.uk

Runnymede Hotel

Fitness-focused teens will find much to love here, with daily alfresco exercise classes, tennis lessons, a huge outdoor pool and the chance to paddleboard along the Thames from right outside the hotel door. Interconnecting rooms and duplex suites cater for all ages, and dining options include the River Hideout – a cluster of beanbags and deckchairs scattered around an Airstream trailer serving hot drinks and ice-cream, with pizzas and hot dogs also on the menu. The hotel has a small fleet of boats, allowing guests to explore the river at their own pace. Doubles from £215; runnymedehotel.com

• Family holidays
• The Observer
• Short breaks
• Weekend breaks
• United Kingdom holidays

Most viewed

Planning an England trip in 2024? Consider these 16 top places to visit

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Gracious Bath is an excellent place to immerse yourself in England’s history and beauty © gowithstock / Shutterstock

The story of  England  stretches back more than 5000 years (and likely many more). Which means its impossible to escape the past here.

As you wander its historic urban centers, mysterious monoliths, misty landscapes and rugged  coastlines  and national parks , you’ll discover a country filled with unparalleled places to visit that are are the more compelling thanks to all those who have visited them before.

As you plan a trip to England this year, here’s our list of 16 historic, exciting and all-around fabulous highlights to consider.

1. The Seven Sisters 

While  Dover ’s iconic white cliffs grab the most attention, the colossal chalky walls of the Seven Sisters are a more spectacular affair, a four-mile roller-coaster of sheer white rock stretching along the Sussex shore and overlooking the waters of the English Channel. It forms an impressive southern border to the South Downs National Park , and is most dramatic at the towering headland of Beachy Head . Hikes through the grassy clifftop fields provide wide sea views, breathtaking in every sense.

Local tip:  Stop for a breather at the tiny seaside hamlet of Birling Gap, where the secluded beach is a sun trap popular with locals and walkers.

Oxford  lets visitors feel close to the brilliant minds and august institutions that have made this city famous across the globe. This rarefied world comes to life in the cobbled lanes and ancient quads where cycling students and eccentric academics roam. The beautiful college buildings and stunning architecture have changed little over the centuries, coexisting with a lively, modern, working city. As befits a city of students and professors, Oxford is one of the last bastions of the great British pub, with irresistible old watering holes dotted all over its central lanes and alleyways. 

3. Cambridge

In England’s other great historic university city, Cambridge , you can tour a  college , and spend time marveling at the intricate vaulting of King’s College Chapel . But no trip to Cambridge is complete without an attempt to take a punt (flat-bottomed boat) along the River Cam by the picturesque Backs , the leafy, green lawns behind the city's finest colleges – an experience that offers the best views of the exquisite architecture. Polish off the day with a pint at one of Cambridge’s many rustic pubs. 

In a nation packed with pretty cities, Bath  stands out as the belle of the ball. Founded by the Romans, who established the spa resort of Aquae Sulis to take advantage of the area’s hot springs , Bath hit its stride in the 18th century, when the rich industrialist Ralph Allen and architects John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger oversaw the city’s transformation into a model of Georgian architecture at its most refined . Bath is awash with golden stone townhouses, sweeping green crescents and Palladian mansions, along with appealing pubs and restaurants, and you’ll take great pleasure in plunging in. 

5. Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the country's most dramatic Roman ruins, a 2000-year-old procession of abandoned forts, garrisons, towers and milecastles marching across the wild and lonely landscape of northern England. While the Romans built the fortification to defend and control its territory, this edge-of-empire barrier also symbolized the boundary of civilized order in the ancient world: to the north of the Roman settlement lay the unruly land of the marauding Celts. Near Newcastle  you can visit Segedunum , the wall’s last stronghold, for an insight into life during Roman times.

Planning tip:  Hiking the full 84-mile distance coast to coast along the national trail takes around a week. If you have less time and your own car, you may want to select from a few of the wall's  highlights .

With its Roman and Viking heritage, ancient city walls and maze of cobbled streets, York is a living record of English history. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider’s web of “snickelways” (narrow alleys), each one the focus of a ghost story or historical character. At the city’s heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster , the biggest medieval cathedral in all of northern Europe, and one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Admire feats of engineering of a more recent vintage at the National Railway Museum , the world’s largest collection of historic locomotives.

York’s long history and rich heritage are woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city – with its myriad museums, restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs – is a carefully maintained showcase of that heritage.

Local tip: You’ll find some of the finest views of York from its old city walls, particularly the bucolic section behind the Minster. 

7. The Peak District

Curiously, you won’t find many peaks in the Peak District . You will find blissful miles of tumbling moorland, plunging valleys, eroded gritstone crags, lush farmland and ancient pocket-sized villages. This beautiful landscape attracts a veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts – cyclists, hikers, cavers and rock climbers – on summer weekends, while those seeking more relaxing enjoyment can admire the rural market and famous puddings of Bakewell, the Victorian pavilions of spa-town Buxton, and the architectural drama of Chatsworth House – the “Palace of the Peak.”

8. Brighton

Barely an hour’s train ride from the capital, the seaside city of Brighton has a quirky character that’s completely its own. Overlooking the English Channel on England’s pebbly south coast, this is a city that's long been known for its oddball, alternative character. The warren of streets known as the Lanes is a good place to soak up the vibe, with vegan cafes, espresso bars, chaotic pubs, record stores and bric-a-brac shops. (Browsers will be in heaven at local institution Snooper’s Paradise .) You'll also find the UK ’s biggest queer scene here, and the region’s best small clubs. The highlight for the sightseeing visitor is the Royal Pavilion , a 19th-century party palace built by the Prince Regent, who kicked off Brighton’s love of the outlandish.

9. Stonehenge

Mysterious and compelling, Stonehenge is England’s most famous ancient site . Even though people have been drawn to this myth-laden ring of boulders for more than 5000 years, we still don’t know quite why it was built. An ultramodern makeover at the ancient site has brought an impressive visitor center and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland). The result is a strong sense of historical context, with dignity and mystery returned to an archaeological gem.

Most visitors gaze at the approximately 25-ton stones from behind the perimeter fence, yet with enough planning, you can arrange an early-morning or evening tour and gain access to the inner ring itself. In the slanting sunlight, away from the crowds, it’s an ethereal place. This is an experience that stays with you.

10. Stratford-upon-Avon

The pretty town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and later shuffled off this mortal coil. Today, its tight knot of Tudor streets form a living map of Shakespeare’s life. Huge crowds of thespians and theater lovers come to take in a play at the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre . Bard fans will love visiting the five historic houses owned by Shakespeare and his relatives and  the schoolroom where he was educated, before taking a respectful detour to the old stone church where he was laid to rest.

11. Liverpool

It’s hard not to be infected by Liverpudlians’ love for their hometown. The love endured despite decades of decay and all manner of social ills – finding its expression in a renowned gallows humor and an obsession with football. With some of the most passionate crowds in the country, taking in a game at either Liverpool FC or Everton FC is a rite of passage here.

Outside of the stadium, the rejuvenated waterfront is once again the heart of Liverpool . The focal point is Albert Dock, an iconic docklands flanked by protected buildings, including a batch of top museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum ensure the good and bad sides of Liverpool’s history are explored in equal measure, while the Tate Liverpool and the Beatles Story museum celebrate popular culture and the city’s most famous musical sons (still).

12. The Cotswolds

A tangle of impossibly quaint villages of rose-clad cottages and honey-colored stone, The Cotswolds  is a region that spreads over six English counties. It’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its most wonderful quality is that no matter where you go or how lost you get, you’ll still end up in a spot with a charming village green, a pub with sloping floors and fine ales, and a view of the lush green hills. Crisscrossed by long-distance trails including the 102-mile Cotswold Way , these gentle yet dramatic hills are perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.

Local tip: It’s easy to leave the crowds behind and find your very own slice of medieval England here – and some of the best boutique hotels in the country.

A little weird, occasionally weather-beaten and all-around wonderful, the classic northern seaside town of Whitby has haunted lanes, fossil-hunting and arguably England’s finest fish-and-chips. The huddle of 18th-century fisher’s cottages along the East Cliff are testament to its longtime role as a busy commercial and fishing port: it was here that 18th-century explorer Captain James Cook earned his sea legs. Atop the West Cliff, a sandy beach, amusement arcades and promenading holidaymakers show Whitby’s beach-resort side.

Keeping a watchful eye over the town and the River Esk that divides it is an atmospheric ruined abbey , the inspiration and setting for part of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story Dracula . But tales of witchery and ghostly legends have haunted Whitby ever since Anglo-Saxon St Hilda landed here to found a monastic community in 657 CE.

Planning tip: The town embraces its pseudo-sinister reputation, which culminates in two hugely successful Goth Weekends each year.

14. The Lake District

William Wordsworth and his Romantic friends were the first to champion the charms of the Lake District  – and it's not hard to see what stirred them. Already the UK’s most popular national park, the Lake District also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, in recognition of its long history of hill-farming. But for most people it’s the chance to hike the humpbacked fells and drink in the gorgeous scenery that keeps them returning year after year.

The region is filled with outdoor pursuits, from lake cruises to mountain walks – excursions that help reveal why the region has such deep literary connections. In addition to Wordsworth, writers who found inspiration here include Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter.

15. The Eden Project

A cross between a lunar landing station and a James Bond villain’s lair, the gigantic hemispherical greenhouses of the Eden Project  have become a symbol of Cornwall ’s renaissance. Built in an abandoned clay pit near St Austell to mark the start of the new millennium, and now considered one of Britain’s modern architectural wonders, the Eden Project aims to explore issues of environment and conservation, and point the way to a cleaner, greener future for us all.

Exhibits cover everything from global warming to rubber production and chocolate-making. The glass-domed “biomes” recreate major world climate systems in microcosm, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest (complete with treetop walkway winding through the canopy) to the olive trees, citrus groves and colorful flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. It’s incredibly impressive – not to mention educational, and inspiring, too.

Shoulder-deep in history, London ’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity appear at every turn. The city’s architecture pens a beguiling biography, and a multitude of buildings – the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , Big Ben – are internationally recognizable landmarks. It’s also a tireless innovator of art and culture, a city of ideas and imagination. This legacy is enshrined at world-class institutions such as the British Museum , Natural History Museum  and the Science Museum , as well as such world-leading art galleries as the  Tate Modern , Tate Britain , the National Gallery  and the recently reopened National Portrait Gallery , all of which are free to visit. 

Local tip:  However you budget your time and money in London, make sure you take in a show. Big names perform on  the West End (London’s equivalent of Broadway), and on the South Bank at the National Theatre  and  the Old Vic . Smaller theaters from the Almeida to the Lyric Hammersmith are places to discover up-an-coming talent.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated February 2024

Explore related stories

Jul 15, 2022 • 11 min read

Yorkshire is awash with scenic landscapes, historic architecture and agreeable country pubs. Here are the top things to do in God’s Own County.

Jun 26, 2020 • 6 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 12, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 25, 2024 • 13 min read

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

UK and Great Britain Tours for Young Adults

Explore UK and Great Britain with other Young Adults. These 26 tours include popular destinations like Edinburgh and Dublin.

26 trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in UK and Great Britain with 3,857 reviews

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

I just finished my 5 day trip with Macbackpackers and I wish it wasn’t over! Our tour guide Neil kept me entertained the whole entire trip with his humorous jokes and interesting stories about Scotland. We got to see so many things in the span of 5 days, it was the perfect trip to introduce me to this beautiful place. Will 100% recommend Macbackpackers to everyone!

Highland Fling

It was a great tour and Tom was the best guide we could get!

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

The trip was amazing. Our bus driver/tour guide, Lee, was fantastic. He looked after us and shared his love and knowledge of Ireland so that we grew to love it too. Nothing was too much trouble. Our accommodation was perfect and the food and pubs were better than I had I had imagined. Can't recommend it enough.

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Coach / Bus

3 Day Loch Ness & Skye

Amazing tour! Fast paced and fun with incredible views of the highlands.

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

We will be booking another trip next summer. Lee was an excellent tour guide. Accommodations were as good as I have ever stayed in. Already ???? ng forward to traveling with Castles and Coast group. Thx for great trip. Gary and Suzie.

Play & Pause: Britain & Ireland

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

• 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)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Hogmanay (5 Days)

3 Day Isle of Skye

It was great! An amazing first date with the Highlands and Isle of Skye, as our guide put it. :) This tour lets you get a good idea of what Isle of Skye is like and it's a great short escape to a place that feels like driving around in a postcard or National Geographic documentary. Our guide, Neil, was also truly wonderful. You get great value for what you paid and the tour is really well organised. I would 100% recommend this tour and I'm pretty sure I'll be back at MacBackpackers for some of the other tours as well.

• Sightseeing

7 Day Atlantic Way Experience - Small Group Tour

The tour arrangements were very good. The bus was comfortable; B&B were clean and offered good breakfast; the sights and the stops for a break were carefully chosen to ensure traveller comfort. Anthony Dawson was a great guide. He explained the history of each of the places visited, took care to ensure that no one was late in joining the bus. My fellow tourists were an excellent lot. Overall, a great experience

13 Day Full Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

13 day Full Irish Experience I highly recommend this tour! If you’re looking for an authentic feel of Ireland and all this beautiful country has to offer, this is the tour for you. This tour has a perfect balance of a well planned itinerary to experience the history, culture and beauty of Ireland, yet plenty of free time to explore on your own or book activities with the many options available. Sean was very entertaining while sharing his vast knowledge about history, culture and legends. He had loads of great stories and music. I valued all his recommendations for restaurants, music venues and activities. Sean went out of his way for us and was the perfect guide!

7 Day Ultimate Atlantic Adventure – Small Group Tour

We had a terrific time on our tour. Our guide / driver Leah was great with excellent stories and information. (Another group following a similar itinerary was equally complimentary of their guide) The company delivers what they promise and more.

guide was great. really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and oppotunities for photos. hostel was average but good location. when booking didn't realise that could do different accommidatiion although i did get asked if i was okay with hostel. generally good value.

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!

What people love about UK and Great Britain Tours for Young Adults

I recently had the pleasure of going on a tour guided by an exceptional guide. From start to finish, the tour was an absolute delight and exceeded all my expectations. One of the things that stood out to me was the variety of places we visited. The tour included a great balance of walking, hiking, and sightseeing, ensuring that we got to experience the best of each location. Additionally, the tour itinerary was well-planned, with sufficient rest time on the bus and well-timed stops that made each travel leg enjoyable and not too long. Speaking of the bus, it was spacious and comfortable, perfectly accommodating our group of 12 people. This allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey between destinations. Our guide, Neil, also took care to ensure our comfort by driving safely and steadily, making us feel secure throughout the trip. The guide's personality truly made the tour memorable. He was incredibly funny, positive, and interactive, always keeping the group engaged and entertained. His energy and outgoing nature were contagious, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the tour. I appreciated his caring nature, as he went above and beyond to make sure each passenger felt taken care of. Not only was the guide entertaining, but he was also knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. He shared fascinating insights and personal experiences, which added a personal touch to the tour. I was impressed by his ability to provide clear instructions and answer any questions we had along the way. Another highlight of the tour was the guide's musical talents. He played and sang great music, enhancing the overall experience and creating a fantastic ambiance on the bus. Additionally, he introduced us to wonderful local restaurants and sightseeing places, ensuring that we had a well-rounded experience of the area. Overall, I cannot recommend this tour and guide enough. He truly made the experience unforgettable with his humor, knowledge, and dedication to ensuring our enjoyment throughout the journey. I would not hesitate to go on another tour with him in the future and encourage others to do the same.

Tom is a great guide. Would recommend the tour.

Excellent guide - very informative and expert bus driver!

More Tours in UK and Great Britain for Young Adults

• England and Scotland tours (6)
• Scotland tours (10)
• Ireland tours (9)
• England tours (5)
• One week in England and Scotland (for Seniors) 2024/2025
• Solo/Single tours (651)
• For Couples (378)
• Budget tours (63)
• Luxury tours (57)

Accessibility Links

12 of the 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.

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)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• United Kingdom

48 Best Places to Visit in the UK

• 3 Pinterest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

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.

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!)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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)

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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//.

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!

53 extraordinary things to do in London with teenagers

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

With architecture ranging from Roman to futuristic city skyscrapers and having been called home by Kings and rock stars, London has itself become something of a celebrity. This London travel guide is a shortcut to discovering the best things to do in London with teenagers.

Although London can seem a dauntingly enormous place to visit, most of the main London tourist attractions are located in the city centre. They are often to be found surprisingly close together. There are so many places to go with teens in London, and this post will help you plan your London itinerary with kids

Get tickets for London events

Shopping with teens in london, windsor castle, travel accessories for teenagers, what type of power sockets are used in the uk, know before you go our top london travel tips.

For your family trip to London, you will want to know the best places to stay in London, teen-friendly eateries in London, how to get around London, and all the best things to do in London with teens.

We want to give you some simple London travel tips for this epic family travel destination, making travelling to London with teens such an enriching experience for the whole family.

There are so many things to do in London for teenagers and having the best place to stay in London to explore and do fun activities is extremely important.

Below we’ve got some information to get you planning a family vacation to London to make it completely hassle-free. Here is all you need to know to plan your family holiday in London.

Where to stay in London with a teenager

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in London with teens. In London, you find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget for your stay in London.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below and are still looking for where to stay with a teenager in London, we recommend using  Expedia  and Agoda to find the best prices in London for your family vacation to London.

• For luxury, family-friendly hotels in London, we recommend The historic  Rubens at the Palace with family suites, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate with its classic afternoon teas and Claridge’s with its location close to Hyde Park.
• For affordable, family-friendly hotels in London, we recommend Paddington Novotel  with its illuminated pool, Travelodge London Covent Garden   offers family rooms, and YHA Central London is a great place for families exploring London.

London apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your England trip with teenagers in London, then an apartment is the best choice for your family vacation. The city has so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options. You can search VRBO for apartments in London

If you’re looking for something fancier,  discover Plum Guide’s   exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities. With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations

How to get to London

• London is serviced by 6 airports flying domestic and international visitors: Gatwick, Heathrow, Stanstead, London City, London Southend and Luton. Most visitors arrive via Heathrow or Gatwick both of which offer an express train service every 15 minutes to the centre of London (the journey takes 30 minutes).
• Alternatively, EasyBus provides an airport transport service or taxis and car hire are available. Heathrow even has its own underground station so you could start your holiday in London with teens by catching a London Tube. Book your flights to London with Kiwi Flights
• Arriving in London by train, you may find yourself at any one of a number of its main railway stations: Waterloo, Paddington, King’s Cross, St Pancras, Euston, Charing Cross, Victoria Station, London Bridge, Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street. Your arrival station will depend on your departure point. Book ahead and nominate specific train times to get the cheapest prices using the Trainline website. All train stations have direct access to underground Tube stations for your onward journey across London with teenagers to your hotel. Book your Trains to London today!
• National Express coaches travel from across the nation and arrive at the London Victoria bus station. Megabus provides a budget national coach service which is a very easy way to get around England with teens. Search all your London bus tickets with Busbud today!
• Alternatively, you can hire a car, although driving into and around London is notoriously hectic and only for the brave! You can book a car and have it waiting at any of London’s airports if you decide to road trip in England.

How to get around London with teens

As you would imagine, London is well-serviced by public transport. To get around you can use buses, trains, ferries or the Tube. Thank goodness for Google Maps which will inform you which type of transport is available from wherever you may be, exactly where to get on and what time it is due.

Adults can use a credit card to tap, contact-free onto any bus, train, Tube or ferry and their fare will be automatically calculated at the end of the day. This can be cheaper and more convenient than buying individual tickets for each journey. Just make sure to use the same credit card each time!

Under 11’s travel for free around central London when accompanied by an adult. For children over 11, you will need to buy a Child’s Day travel card to save on buying separate tickets for each individual journey (and also to save money).

The Thames Clipper is a great way to see London with kids from the water. Riding under Tower Bridge at speed is a top London activity in its own right. Catching a red London bus is also a way to tick off another London bucket list icon.

Sit upstairs at the front for the best views in London. Don’t miss the Emirate cable cars which will transport you over the Thames by the Excel from £5 a ticket.

But the best way to get around London with kids without missing anything out is to walk! This way you won’t miss any of the best things to do in London with teens.

Weather in London

The hottest month of the year in London is in July in the middle of summer, with an average high of 22c (73°F) and a low of 15c (59°F). The cool season lasts for 4 months, from November 16 to March 18, with an average daily high temperature below 11c (53°F). It snows on average around 10 days every winter in the capital of England.

The coldest month of the year in London is February, with an average low of 3c (39°F) and a high of 8c (48°F). London has an ever-changing weather environment that can see rain and sun on any given day. Be prepared for a lot of cold and grey weather in London

London for international visitors

International travel to the United Kingdom and London requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance for medical care to be sure you are well taken care of. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about.

• For International travellers, travel insurance is a must. Get a  quote through Insurance Masters
• Do you need a visa to visit London? The country of England may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa
• Load  a Revolut Travel Money card  with Great British Pounds for your visit
• Get an  international sim card  for your mobile phone.
• A 4G pocket wifi modem is essential for accessing the internet anywhere. Renting a pocket modem is a great idea for your trip, these rental hotspots are usually delivered to your hotel or able to be picked up at the airport. For a more permanent travel solution, you can  buy  a pocket modem.

Get the Go London Pass

Get digital delivery of the Go London Pass to your device for easy use when you visit London with teens The Go London Pass offers the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which is brilliant for families on vacation.

There are so many things to do in London for families and you can save up to 33% off retail prices on admission to 60+ top central London attractions and London sightseeing tours including The Tower of London, and the London hop-on, hop-off bus.

Multi-entry passes such as this are great for families visiting London. Pick a 2, 3, 5 or 7 credits package and experience your London must-dos over 60 days. Book your Go London today

For concerts, theatre, stage shows and sporting events search TicketNetwork. TicketNetwork is an online marketplace that provides an outlet for buyers and sellers of tickets to live entertainment events. Search TicketNetwork for a special event when your family travel with teenagers in London.

Things to do in London with teenagers

Now that you have your arrival in London with teenagers and accommodation information all sorted, what are the best things to do with teenagers in London when you have unpacked your suitcases? Let’s have a look at London attractions for teenage tourists.

Frightening fun on a Ghost bus tour

A city like London that dates back over 2000 years has plenty of ghosts, myths and legends to explore. With your ghastly guide, you will visit infamous central London dark sites known for restless spirits, and pass chilling sites of murder, execution, and torture such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the infamous Fleet Street.

Your London travel guide will entertain and educate you about the facts of London’s gruesome past. This has to be one of the most fun things for teens to do in London.

Book your Ghost bus tour today ↗

Search more london tours here ↗, burning butchery and black death walking tour.

They say teenagers love the macabre, well this London walking tour should be right up their alley! Hear about Kings and Queens, body snatchers, human slaughter, Black Death Corpses and more in this 2-hour London tour. The tour is limited to 10 people, so you can get the most off the London attraction with teens. Reserve your tickets today.

Tower Bridge in London

Tower Bridge London is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Britain. Spanning across the River Thames, it has become an internationally recognized symbol of the city’s history and development. Whether you’re planning a visit to London for a holiday or just want to take in its beauty, Tower Bridge is a must-see attraction.

Standing at 213 feet high, visitors get panoramic views over the river Thames and some of London’s most famous sites including The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral. Visitors can explore both high levels connected by two walkways that provide stunning views over the city skyline.

There are a number of tours that you can do to learn more about the Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge Experience takes you to the top, and a glass walkway is the best option for seeing and learning about the bridge.

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London is a world-famous attraction that draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

The attraction is best known for its lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters.

Visitors can get close to the wax figures, take photos, and even pose for selfies. Madame Tussauds, London, is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Book your entry tickets for teens in London today

Attractions for teenagers in London – The London Eye 

At the top of the list of London attractions for teenagers has to be the London Eye. Be whisked into the clouds in one of the glass bubbles on the London Eye for far-reaching views over the Thames, Big Ben, Parliament House and more. Sunset time slots can provide the best photographs for young people visiting London!

As part of the ticket, you will see a 4D cinema experience, where London’s landmarks appear to materialise in front of your eyes, and a foam snowstorm will bring it all to life in every sense. You can’t miss the London Eye, one of the iconic attractions in London. Book your tickets today.

Combining entry tickets for two or more attractions is a great way to save money. You can purchase a Madame Tussauds and London Eye ticket at a discount price.

Things for teenagers to do in London – The London Dungeons

The London Dungeon follows the successful formula of the other Dungeon sites across Europe and the UK. It is one of the most popular things for teens to do in London on the South Bank.

The concept is half history and half horror as you are taken through the gory history of London on a 1-hour experience with actors, lighting displays, props and much more at the London Dungeon.

The London Dungeon is a highly popular attraction in cities worldwide and is also high on the list of London attractions for teenage tourists. The Dungeon is located right next to the London Eye. Book your entry tickets today .

SeaLife London Aquarium

You will find many things to do in London with tweens. SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to over 500 species in 14 themed zones over three floors, showcasing marine life worldwide.

See Sharks, Octopus and more, join one of the many daily interactive sessions and learn more about the animals behind the glass at SeaLife London. Book your SeaLife adventure today .

If you are looking to save on attractions in London, why not buy a combined Madame Tussauds and SealIfe Entry ticket and save

Camden Town

Take a Tube to Camden Town for an afternoon of Boho markets, buskers and quirky cafes set around the canal locks. Don’t miss the resident 1970’s 1970s-style punk rockers hanging out on the weekends. Wandering Camden Town is one of the best free things to do in London with teenagers.

Adhered to brightly painted shop fronts, you will find huge and slightly surreal 3D artefacts in various shapes – from sneakers to food. Teenagers in London will love the subterranean Cyberdog shop with its neon lighting, techno beats and a 20-foot metallic cyborg guarding the entrance.

Related Post: 27 best things to do in Liverpool with teens

Places in London for Teenagers – Brick Lane

In Brick Lane, you can explore some of the many markets hidden down its back alleyways. You will find vintage fashion, eco-friendly bamboo products and a variety of Brick Lane bric-a-brac.

These fun family activities in London are also a great place to soak up the atmosphere, try one of the street’s famous bagels or even stay for a legendary Brick Lane curry. Curry is the national dish of England and one of the most popular things to eat.

If you want family-friendly things to do in London, you should tour the urban art in the Shore Ditch area by Brick Lane. You can find a more extensive write-up on street art later in the article.

Top things to do in London for teenagers – British Museum

One of the best experiences for teenagers in London is a visit to the British Museum. The British Museum is home to a vast collection of items from all over the world.

The museum has something for every travelling teenager, whether it is Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone or the Hoa Hakananai’a.

The British Museum has roughly 80,000 items on display at any one time. This is a popular choice with families visiting London and one of the best world schooling things to do in London with teenagers. Book a British Museum ticket here

Discover more: Take a trip back in time and visit York with teenagers

Visit Hyde Park on a holiday to the capital of England

On a sunny day, Hyde Park can provide entertainment for the whole family in London. You can dip your toes in the Dianna Memorial Fountain (one of the great free things to do in the city), hire a rowing boat on the Serpentine or even try some open-air swimming at the Lido.

Bring a picnic or stop at one of the many cafés in Hyde Park for a bite to eat. A real highlight, if you bring an apple, is to head to the Peter Pan statue by the Italian fountains and feed the bright green parakeets who have taken up residence in the park’s trees.

You may end up looking like the bird lady from Mary Poppins, in the nicest possible way. Feeding the birds is a fun family activity in Hyde Park.

The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros London Studio Tour

If you have a Harry Potter fan in your household then a trip to the Harry Potter Studios in London is a London bucket list item that has to be ticked off. Visit the film studio near London where the movies were filmed and see original sets and reconstructions of places from the movie.

Teens will love the Studio Tour London and all the original sets and props. You will even get a chance to have yourself a butter beer on the studio tour, it’s definitely one of the cool things to do in London with teens on your vacation.

Harry Potter Films Tours in London

Harry Potter has become one of the most popular franchises in the world. Every year, millions of people visit London to see the sights that inspired the Harry Potter books and movies.

There are many different Harry Potter tours available in London, each offering a unique experience. Whether you want to explore the real-life locations of Hogwarts or learn about the making of the movies, there’s a Harry Potter tour for you.

• Join a Harry Potter films walking tour. The guides are usually from the acting community, and as well as taking you to the filming locations, they will regale you with Potter trivia and stories of local witchcraft which inspired the novels. Book your walking tour today
• Do you want to see the actual filming location in London, where the Harry Potter film series was made? Follow a guide along through Soho to see the Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, see the locations, and hear movie trivia as you go. Book your Harry Potter Locations tour.
• Why not turn your love of the Harry Potter films into an adventure? Embark on a quest around London to find locations and learn facts about the Harry Potter movies in this family-friendly exploration game.
• Why not combine two things that London is famous for, black cabs and Harry Potter into one fantastic day tour? Your trip to London for teenagers will be memorable as you cruise around the city in a black cab visiting Harry Potter locations. Book your black cab tour today.
• A Harry Potter-styled photo shoot might just make the best memories with teenagers in London. Visit all the Harry Potter sights with a photographer who will capture the magic moments in a professional photo shoot. Book your photo shoot today

Tower of London

London has thousands of years of history to share, and one of the most visually appealing London family attractions is the Tower of London . No family trip to London is complete without a visit to its 900-year-old White Tower.

The fortified complex is home to Royal Suits of Armour, the infamous Ravens are the stars of the show and the Crown Jewels. The Crown jewels are a sight to see, with the Cullinan Diamond and the Sword of Mercy.

Catch one of the entertaining tours run by the Beefeaters, who have each seen 20 years of military service and enjoy telling tales of royal beheading and Princely murder.

The Tower, of London, is one of the best activities in London for teenage tourists. Consider doing a VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet to get the most out of your visit.

Houses of Parliament

If the weather has turned bad and you are looking for things to do indoors in London watch a live debate in the House of Commons, with the added opportunity of getting a glimpse of the Prime Minister or another celebrity politician.

Alternatively, take a family tour (kids go free) behind the scenes for a chance to walk through the old Palace of Westminster, explore the extravagant House of Lords and stand on the green benches usually occupied by MPs. The building is located next door to Westminster Abbey.

For many, this is one of the best things to do in London with teenagers for world schooling.

Imperial War Museum for teens in London

The Imperial War Museum is the perfect place to take teens visiting London with an interest in modern history. In front of the building, you will find a piece of the Berlin Wall itself.

Head inside for a life-sized display of military vehicles and an incredibly moving exhibition on the holocaust (with an advisory for those over 14). Places like this can get busy on school holidays.

Read more: Thrilling teen adventure activities all over the UK you have to try!

Powerboat down the Thames

The mighty Thames River runs through the heart of the city and London sightseeing from the water is one of the best family activities in London with kids.

All the major London tourist attractions such as The London Eye, Big Ben and Parliament House occupy prime real estate on its banks. A super-fast boat takes you at speeds up to 35 miles (56 km) down the river.

This seat-of-your-pants teens adventure experience will have you zooming along on a rigid inflatable boat past iconic landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. Onboard commentary will educate and entertain you and this small group London experience for teenagers.

What to do in London with teen? -Indoor Skydiving

Indoor skydiving is a new trend that is catching on with teenagers. It is a safe way to experience the thrill of skydiving and  the feeling of freefall in a vertical wind tunnel.

The powerful fans create an upward flow of air that allows you to float in mid-air, just like you would during a real skydive. This makes it a fun and challenging activity that is perfect for teenagers who want to try something new and exciting.

The indoor sky diving facility in London at the O2 has have packages that include training, gear rental, and multiple flights.

Buckingham Palace  

In the summer months, the Palace usually opens up to the public, and you can enjoy quite a spectacular tour of its golden interior. Visiting the Royal Residence, Buckingham Palace with teenagers would be top of most London bucket list attractions for any family in London. It is a not to be missed opportunity to see life as a Monarch.

Alternatively, catch one of the daily changing of the guard processions which take place in front of the Palace, with marching bands and horse-backed soldiers on parade. Catching one of the parade ranks is one of the top free things to do in London with kids.

Travelling in England? Here are the best things to do in Manchester with teens

Things to do for teenagers in London – Catch a show

The West End has an international reputation for putting on a show and is a brilliant London evening activity for teens. Teenagers are spoiled for choice with Kion King , Frozen the musical, Stranger Things , Back to the Future or any number of whole-family classics in the West End.

The theatres in the west end themselves are lavishly decorated, and a ticket to a show makes for a memorable evening out on the town in London with a teenage girl.

If your travelling teen is studying Shakespeare at school (aren’t they all?) one of the best London activities with teenagers is a visit to the replica of Shakespeare’s 17 th  Century Globe Theatre. Watch the performance in the non-seated pit area for the full, historically immersive experience. For this family-friendly activity in London’s west end, tickets start at only £5!

You can also book a theatre tour, run by the actors when they are not on stage, for a chance to tread the boards yourself. Put this on your London bucket list for family travel with teenagers in London.

Discover the Best Exhibitions and Shows in London in 2024

London is a city that never fails to surprise visitors in 2024, explore the exhibitions and shows that are set to take place, From art to music, from sports to rock stars, Madrid has something to offer everyone.

But here’s the catch: these exhibitions and shows are not permanent fixtures. They run for a limited time, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. That’s why it’s essential to plan your trip now and book tickets in advance. Don’t risk missing out on these exceptional events that will only be around for a limited time, so do not miss out

• Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
• Monet: The Immersive Experience

Things to do in London with kids – scavenger / treasure hunt

If you are looking for great vacations with teen ideas, look no further than a family scavenger hunt.  Instead of a traditional sightseeing tour, get to know London uniquely with a scavenger hunt. It really is one of the best things to do in london with kids

On your hunt, you will discover both popular and lesser-known sights of the city as you solve clues and tackle challenges to complete the adventure. Scavenger hunts are completely unique things to do in London with teenyboppers.

• London Treasure Hunt – Outbreak London
• Secrets of the Squares – Immersive Treasure Hunt Experience
• Zombie Scavengers Game 

Play a life sized version of Monopoly

This has to be one of the best days out in london for teenagers. Monopoly has come to life on a 5m x 15m lifesized Monopoly board .

This immersive, physical version of Monopoly in London features escape room challenges, a real jail, and giant dice.

Engage in unique challenges for the opportunity to acquire properties. Feel the excitement of orchestrating a heist in Mayfair, race against the clock to construct iconic London buildings, unravel perplexing murder mysteries, or dive into the realm of codebreakers.

Looking to catch the ferry to Europe? Here is a guide on the best ways to catch the DFDS ferry

Watch a football match with teens in London

Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports today. You can watch several teams in London, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham .

You can head to stadiums such as The Emirates, Hotspur Stadium , Craven Cottage and Stamford Bridge. Even if you are unfamiliar with the sport, the arena comes alive, and the atmosphere is electric. Attending a game would have to be one of the unique activities in London for teens.

The football season in Europe runs from September through April. There are several football stadium tours that you can do or you can buy tickets for the games.

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

Jack the Ripper walking tour

Diving into the Darkside of London’s history is the Jack the Ripper walking tour, an experience in London for teens who are in the older age bracket.

You will set off in a small group with a tour guide, where you will view photographic evidence and hear true stories about the investigation to try and find a killer.

You will be given suspect cards and clues to investigate the alleged perpetrators. The tour mixes entertainment and education to find out about the victims, suspects, and life in the poor neighbourhood of Whitechapel.

Head back to 1888 with your expert Ripperologist guide as you try to solve the murders that gripped London. This may be one of the things to do with teenagers in London who are a little older.

Climb the roof of the O2 Arena

The landmark, well-known entertainment arena in London is the O2 stadium, which is one of the top London tourist attractions. For thrill-seekers and young people, you can join a tour and climb the roof of the London stadium.

Your instructors will get you kitted out with a climb suit, boots and harness and deliver safety instruction before climbing the roof.

You will cross the walkway suspended 52 meters in the air. Once at the top, pause to take in panoramic views over Greenwich, the Olympic Park, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Canary Wharf and The Shard. For Family holidays with teenagers in London, this would be a top memorable moment when visiting London.

See more of the UK:  29 amazing things to do in Glasgow with teenagers

Things to do in London for young adults – London in the Sky

How would feel about being hoisted up on a secure dining platform 100 feet (ca. 30 m) in the air above London for a few hours? This will make a truly unique dining experience in London with teens.

London in the Sky runs for a limited period in the summer months and really is one of the cool things for teenagers to do in London. You can choose different dining packages from breakfast & brunch right through to lunch, afternoon tea, and amazing sunset dinners.

The truly spectacular setting makes it one of London’s most memorable teen activities. For more information, click through to London in the Sky website .

Not sure what your teen will need on holiday?  Click here to get all the top sellers for your travelling teens

Silent Disco in London

If you’re looking for fun and unique things to do in London, look no further than a silent disco tour. Your family and friends can explore the city while listening and dancing to great tunes on a hi-tech headset in a group environment. A Silent Disco is a perfect way to let loose and have a great time.

Silent discos are becoming increasingly popular with teenagers in London. They provide a safe and enjoyable environment for young people to enjoy themselves as their inhibitions evaporate, and you have fun on the best all-dancing, all-singing walking tour in town.

You’re guaranteed to have a great time on a truly fun and unique experience in London, Book your silent disco experience today .

Things to do in London with teenage girls – High Tea

What could be more quintessentially British than a high tea? This afternoon tradition involves savoury sandwiches, cakes pastries, and of course, tea. For mothers and daughters, afternoon tea is a cherished ritual that often brings them closer together.

High tea first became popular in the early 1800s, when aristocrats would gather in the late afternoon for a light meal. The spread would typically include cakes, tea, and sandwiches. These days, high tea is still enjoyed by many Britons as a special treat.

If you’re looking for something to do in London with teenage girls, then you may want to experience high tea firsthand, there are plenty of places to go in the United Kingdom.

But be warned – it can be quite addictive! Once you’ve had a taste of those delicious treats, you’ll likely want to indulge again and again.

Go Ape Battersea – London with tweens

For fun places for teens to go who love outdoor adventure experiences then Go Ape Battersea is just the place. Located on a short trip by train from the centre of London, you will find Go Ape in Battersea Park in Chelsea.

Ensure you are okay with heights before taking on Battersea’s Treetop Challenge. Over on the Adventure course, the Fisherman’s Net and thrilling zip wires keep the adventure coming. Any families visiting London with 12-year-olds and above will have fun at Go Ape.

Frameless Immersive Art Experience in London

Cities all over the world are launching these types of multi-sensory art experiences.

London is no different with Frameless featuring four galleries, showcasing 42 masterpieces in ways never seen before. Families can experience sections like “Beyond Reality,” “Colour in Motion,” “The World Around Us,” and “The Art of Abstraction. make sure your teens have their cameras ready. Book tickets today .

Amusement Arcades for London teenagers

Amusement arcades offer a variety of entertainment options for teenagers as a great way to spend a few hours having fun.

They can play the newest video games or indulge in some classic pinball machines of the past. Some of the more modern arcades will have Laser Tag, bumper cars and indoor mini golf as options.

Arcades are popular because they offer things to do that are fun and affordable to do, most arcades have afood and beverage options for you. There are some great arcades in London such as Las Vegas Arcade Soho, Funland Games Arcade and Babylon Park

Bungee Jump near Battersea Park London

For thrill-seeking extreme activity-loving teens, bungee jumping in London should be on your list. For ages 14 and upwards, you can do a 160-foot bungee jump at Battersea Park. An expert instructor will help you prepare for the jump and safely fit your ankle harnesses and all necessary equipment.

You will have a briefing and a pep talk to inform and calm you before taking the plunge. You will head up to the top of the crane for your free fall, with all of London sprawling before you!

Photos and videos will be available as keepsakes to remember this London experience. Organize your London Bungee experience and book online today.

Family travel tips:   9 dark tourism destinations to visit with teenagers

Adventure activities for teens in London – Abseiling

Do you like thrilling activities, the type of attraction that is half exciting, half scary and a lot challenging?

ArcelorMittal Orbit in east London is the largest sculpture in the United Kingdom, and it’s all yours to abseil down. After some short instruction, you will get suited up and ready to descend this 114-meter structure. It also abseils the ArcelorMittal Orbit, home to the world’s longest tunnel slide.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit slide has 12 twists & turns, making the longest tunnel slide a must-do thing when visiting the capital of the United Kingdom.

It is worth a visit for thrill seekers in London for breathtaking views. Learn more about this thrilling experience today

Night bus tour of London

Looking for things to do in London with teens at night? Why not jump on a bus tour that shows you the city all lit up? See iconic central London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Your included audio guide will keep you informed on this memorable tour at night .

London hop on hop off bus tour

One of the best ways to see a big city like London is on a hop on hop off bus tour.

Explore London aboard the open-top, double-decker Big Bus with customizable 24 or 48-hour tickets that allows you visit iconic London attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

These tours allow your family the flexibility to get on and off at any attraction that suits you. Most of these tour have an audio guide onboard and some been have the option of a boat cruise on the Thames.

We not save some money on your London family vacation and buy a combined ticket that includes a London Eye Ticket, London Hop-on Hop-Off Tour & River Cruise

Batterea Power Station Lift 109

Explore exciting activities for teens in London with a visit to the iconic Battersea Power Station in South London.

Travel up 109 meters to the top of the north-west chimney for a breathtaking 360-degree view of London’s skyline. After capturing memorable selfies, wander Electric Boulevard, featuring high-end fashion brands. Indulge in delicious food from the diverse range of outlets in the area, making it one of the perfect London attractions for young adults

Most Instagramable places in London

Social media is important to teenagers on holiday, and Instagram is one of the most popular photo apps for sharing your holidays with teenagers.

London has many amazing spots worth visiting to lighten up the lens, and it is a great way to see the City of London for free.

Some of the best spots for Instagram in London are Notting Hill, The London Eye, Hillsgate Place, Neals Yard, Hampton Court Palace, London Museums, London Dungeons, The Royal Opera House and the Sky Garden.

London Tiktok inspiration

If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than TikTok. This app is full of creative content and talented influencers from London. From fashion to beauty to DIY, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. Here are just a few of our favourite London TikTok accounts to help inspire you and plan for your vacation.

• @ visitlondon
• @ kelseyinlondon

Professional photoshoot in London for families

As our kids get older, we spend less and less time with them, making family memories. One excellent way to capture some of these important family vacation moments is to hire a professional photographer for a few hours to make some lifelong memories for you.

Go to places like Covent Gardens, Oxford Street, east London, the Sky Garden or The Natural History Museum, Hampton Court Palace, Notting Hill or the West End just to name a few.

The photographer will supply everything, your family just needs to provide the smiles for your London photoshoot. Book your memory-making shoot today.

Find street art in London

London offers a vibrant street art scene, perfect for teenagers who appreciate urban creativity. Shoreditch, a hotspot, showcases dynamic murals and graffiti on Brick Lane and its neighbouring streets.

Leake Street Tunnel, near Waterloo Station, known as the “Banksy Tunnel,” provides a legal space for artists to express themselves.

Camden’s alternative atmosphere features colorful artwork along its High Street. Southbank Skate Park combines skate culture with street art, while Hackney Wick along the River Lea offers an industrial backdrop for local artists. Dulwich Outdoor Gallery reinterprets classic art in a contemporary urban style.

Brixton’s eclectic charm includes street art in its vibrant markets and streets. Explore these accessible spots for a captivating street art experience in London.

Axe throwing in London for young adults

Axe Throwing is a new phenomenon that is sweeping around the world. London is home to Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing , a successful chain of venues in England.

Axe throwing might be just the family competition that will last in the memories forever and make your vacations with teenagers unforgettable.

I am sure your teenagers will head home talking about this amazing family travel experience. Instructors will teach you how to throw and handle an axe safely before you start.

Not sure what your teens need on vacation?  Read our guide on all the best travel essentials for teens

Take a cooking class

Some teens cook some teens get served, so why not take a cooking class on your family vacation in England? Food plays a huge part in the local culture in the places you vacation with teenagers.

Is there one meal that you just love? Maybe this is a way to learn how to cook it yourself. Why not kickstart your kid’s cooking skills with a cooking class?

Most places these days have a mix of traditional cooking and fusion meals available for you to learn during a cooking experience. Search for cooking classes in London today

Fun things to do in England for young adults – Escape Rooms in London

For those new to Escape Rooms, this is a quick run down. An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives at hand.

The building may consist of a large, single room, or span multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. This sort of challenging activity makes fun vacations for teens.

There are many escape room options in London, here are some of the most central:

• Escape Room London Bridge : Rear of, 134 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU
• Escape Room London : 37-39 Oxford St, London W1D 2DU
• AIM Escape Rooms : Goodmans Fields, 8 Canter Way, London E1 8PS

Cinemas in London

A perennial favourite with teenagers in London, whether visiting or residents, is the cinema. London, like any major city in England, has a wide range of cinemas for you to attend, and cinema buffs will be delighted with state-of-the-art screens.

London’s cinemas are often the setting for red-carpet premiere events. Below you will find a list of the best cinemas in London if you are looking for things to do indoors in London:

1. The  Genesis  in Bethnal Green has been voted the best cinema in London and one of the top 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world by Timeout magazine. A cosy art house cinema in a renovated 19th-century building, it features comfy sofas and luxury lighting.

2. The quirky Electric Cinema in Portobello Road comes with 6 velvet double beds in the front row. Also available are leather armchairs, blankets and waiter service for your drinks. Add this to your list of fun places for teens to go to in London.

3. The Art Deco Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, was built in 1937 and is often the site of film premieres.

4. The  BFI Southbank  in Waterloo hosts the London Film Festival and comes with 2 bar restaurants on the banks of the Thames.

Teenage things to do in London – 10 Pin bowling

10-pin bowling is a great family activity to do with teenagers in London. There is nothing like a bit of family competition and 10-pin bowling in London is just the thing. Strikes, spares, and gutter balls are all part of the action.

1.  All-Star Lanes have bowling alleys all over London and go for a retro USA 1950s vibe.

2.  Hollywood Bowl also offers bowling in venues across the city with an American diner theme and burgers on the side. Bring out the fun family activities in London with dinner and a game here!

3.  At Queens Skate Dine Bowl , after you have scored your final strike for the evening, you can try your hand at skating or karaoke.

Search here for all the very best travel products for your family vacation to London and beyond!

Going to the gym in London

Fitness is very important to a lot of travelling teenagers these days. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling with teenagers it does not mean you need to stop working out.

In London, you can go to a number of gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. You can find a list of Gyms in London on the Trainaway Fit website.

Teenage holiday activities in London

London bike riding is a popular family activity in London when travelling with teenagers. A Bike ride allows you to experience your location either in town or out in the surrounding areas and is a great addition to your family holidays with teenagers in London.

You will find bike tours are the best way to go for an up-close and personal experience. You will either have a London tour guide to point out all the important London tourist attractions or a map to follow.

The bike tours will take you on a London family vacation 2-wheeled adventure. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore London with your family on your own.

There are so many areas that offer a plethora of shopping opportunities for teenagers in London. From High Street shopping like Oxford Street in London to quirky markets around London, there is a shopping district that will make London rate as one of the best teenage vacation destinations.

Markets in London for families

In addition to the markets at Camden and Brick Lane, don’t miss the famous antique market at Portobello Road, which has a different theme each day. Covent Garden has high-end boutiques and an alfresco café next to the historic covered markets.

If visiting on a weekend, you can experience the riot of colour that is the Columbia Rd Sunday Flower Market. These are all some of the best free things to do in London with teenagers.

High street stores 

The nation’s cornerstone branches of all the major high-street stores can be found on Oxford Street. Turn the corner into Bond Street for the high-end shops, where prices for antique paintings and exotic furniture are on request only. One can easily spend all day on Oxford St exploring the shops.

Don’t forget to pop over to Harrods (if only for window shopping), the M and M Store in Leicester Square (for chocoholics) or the 5-storey toy store, Hamleys, for the chance to play Frisbee or laser tag with one of the toy demonstrators.

Accessed by its ornate gate, Chinatown can be found just around the corner from Leicester Square and is a great place to stop for dinner.

Discover More:  51 totally sensational things to do in New York with teenagers

Free things to do in London with teens

London offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free City of London activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money.

There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in London are as follows.

• Take a Free self-guided walking tour
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Public Viewing Gallery at the Oxo Tower
• See the Deer in Richmond Park

Things to do in London this weekend with teens

There are numerous things to do in London this weekend, such as visiting historical landmarks, attending cultural festivals, and exploring renowned museums.

On any given weekend in London, you will find many events such as concerts, markets, festivals and sporting activities to see. Search the Visit London website for things to do in London today.

Annual events in London that teens will love

London is a city with a rich culture and history. Many annual events take place that can be enjoyed by families and teens visiting London Some of these events include:

• Pride in London Festival – A two-week event to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT+ community
• Notting Hill Carnival in London – Millions of people take to the streets of Notting Hill for this celebration of Caribbean heritage
• London St Patrick’s Day Festival – London  celebrates St Patrick’s Day with a huge parade

These events and more help to make London a vibrant and exciting city to visit on your next family travel vacation.

Day trips from London for teenagers

Some of the best holidays for teenagers include trips from London. There are so many great places to visit near London. Many day trips from London are easily done using trains and other public transport. It is easy to plan ahead and organize a memorable day.

Add some fantastic day trips from London with teenagers to your London itinerary. If you have a spare day, any one of these destinations would be a fun day out with teenagers.

Brighton is an hour south by train from London, a seaside getaway for Londoners and one of the best places to go with teens out of London.

Head for the arcades and rides on Brighton Pier and take a photo by the beautiful Pavilion before tucking into a traditional fish and chip supper on the beach. Don’t forget to wander the cobbled and atmospheric back streets in the Lanes market.

1 hour and 20 minutes by train to the West of London you will find the gloriously yellow Bath Stone architecture of Bath .

Wander along the Royal Crescent, tour the steaming Roman Baths and maybe even go for a dip in the luxurious Thermal Baths, a multi-storey spa complex with an open-air rooftop pool. You can make teenage vacations fun with a Bath in Bath!

Over 16’s are permitted in the main baths, and you can book over 12s into the Cross Keys pool. Book a day tour to Bath that includes a stop at Stonehenge.

Canterbury is southwest of London, close to the Kent coastline. Many people use Canterbury as a stop-off point before catching a ferry across the English Channel .

The town is worth a trip from London with teens alone to see its well-preserved old town area and world-famous Canterbury Cathedral. Book a day tour to Canterbury.

There are some amazing options for day tours from London, and we could have made a list as long as your arm. Some other recommendations include the Cotswolds, York, Stonehenge, Stratford on Avon and even Paris, Amsterdam or Brugges.

More day trips from London with teen ideas:

• Paris with teens
• Amsterdam with teens
• 21 activity adventures in the UK
• Bruges with teenagers
• Dublin with teenagers
• Visit North Wales with teenagers

Discover all the very  best things to do in Edinburg with teenagers

Top sightseeing tours from London

There are so many places to visit around London that you may want to relax on an organised tour to some of the top places on a day trip from London with teens. Let someone take the hassle out of a trip from London with these top destinations for the family from London.

The Cotswolds

One of the most picturesque places in England, a day trip to the Cotswolds is at the top of many London bucket lists. A guided tour of the Cotswolds will ease you to the main towns and back. Put this destination on your London sightseeing itinerary with a guided tour.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that must-see if you visit London with your family. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England.

It’s about a 2-hour drive from the city and makes for a great day trip if you’re interested in history and culture. The site is open to the public year-round, and there is an onsite museum where you can learn more about its origins and purpose.

Windsor Castle is a royal residence that is still in use today. Its amazing art collection and gardens are a sight to behold. Day trips to Windsor from London are brilliant for families travelling with teens. Visiting Windsor Castle is an amazing experience and an iconic venue.

Fun things to do in London for young adults

London offers a plethora of fun things for young adults to do. This bustling city caters to all interests, from vibrant nightlife to cultural attractions.

The city’s well-connected public transportation system facilitates easy exploration of its diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive character and charm.

London boasts world-class museums such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, where young adults can explore fascinating art, history, and science exhibits. Unique activities like Beer Bike Tours , Street Art Workshops and outdoor escape games are attractive options

Moreover, London’s diverse culinary scene caters to all tastes, with trendy cafes, street food markets, and Michelin-starred restaurants providing a wide range of culinary experiences.

Nightlife enthusiasts can enjoy the vibrant clubbing scene in areas like Soho and Shoreditch , where they can dance the night away to various genres of music. With its dynamic blend of history, culture, and entertainment, London truly has something for every young adult seeking an unforgettable experience.

Where to eat with teens in London

Some of the best vacations with teenagers include a memorable meal that the whole family remembers. There are many places to eat in London for teenagers that will suit all budgets.

Wetherspoons

For classic English dinners at budget prices ,  with free refills for drinks, go for a Wetherspoons, branches of which can be found all over London for lunch and dinner.

Eataly is one of the newest places in London to enjoy Italian food. Eataly has 3 restaurants under 1 roof for you to choose from. The location in Bishops Gate also has shops selling the best Italian products for you.

Franco Manca’s

For delicious and affordable sourdough pizza, pop into any of London’s Franco Manca’s. One conveniently located making great food is next to Covent Garden and another by St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Golf Groove

Why not combine a fun indoor golf simulation with some burgers, wraps and share plates? No matter what your golfing level of experience is, anyone can play and eat here.

The V and A Museum Cafe

After you have ticked off a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the top London museums for teens, you may need a bite to eat. The V and A Museum café is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. William Morris himself decorated one of the very fabulous rooms.

Street food in London for teens to try

Street food is popular in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get delicious local food without going to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries. Street food in London often originates in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to the United Kingdom.

The most popular London street foods include fish and chips, cheese, gravy, or pork pie. There are many delicious treats in London to find and eat.

See more of the world: All the best things to do in Barcelona Spain

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

• Powerbank   to keep phones going .
• Action camera
• Foldable jewellery case for girls
• Bluetooth travel speaker
• Compression packing cubes for luggage
• Lightweight daypack
• Travel Journal
• Travel neck wallet
• Wearable super soft travel blanket
• Scarf with hidden pockets for money & cards

Frequently asked questions about London

London is one of the best family city breaks in Europe and a place to vacation with teenagers. There are many things to consider when planning your family vacation to London.

Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the city to help you make your family vacation to London easy and hassle-free.

Is London a safe city for family vacations?

London is considered a very safe city for the most part, completely safe to travel to, and if you use your common sense, your trip should go smoothly.

How do I call the police in the UK?

The emergency number for all services is 999.

Is tipping required in the UK?

Tipping is not expected in Britain like in some other countries. Workers don’t officially have to rely on their tips to live, and all staff in the UK must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage

Can you drink tap water in London?

Tap water around the UK is regarded as some of the cleanest in the world, making London tap water safe to drink.

The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The 3-pin power plugs and sockets are type G.

Where are the best places to stay in London with teenagers

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices please find below an interactive map from Booking.com to find your perfect stay in London. Try to stay somewhere central. It may cost a little extra, but it will save on public transport costs.

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more for your vacation with young adults? Are you just not sure what travel companies you can trust to book your family travel online? We have a family travel resource page that is full of companies that we personally use, trust and book through for all our family vacation trips from a weekend away to long-term travel with older children around the world. Click here to  search our travel resources page.

This article was written with Helen from www.holidaysfromhels.co.uk  for us here at Wyld Family Travel. London has so much to offer teens, whatever their interests. London can be on your list for family vacations with teenagers with so much to do in the city.

Travelling with young adults, teens, and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations,  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 guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation , making it an epic adventure with your teens.

• Travel for Teens in Europe
• Travel for Teens Americas
• Travel with teens in Asia
• Travel teens in Australasia
• Travel teens in the Middle East
• Travel teens tips, tricks and advice

For more unique ideas on where to holiday in England with family, click through to our  England Destination Page   for more brilliant inspiration.

More travel inspiration for your trip to England

35 of the best things to do in Montreal with teenagers

10 exciting teens adventure activities in Scotland

YHA Canterbury reviewed for families

Rebecca Wyld

[email protected]

Content Creator/SEO Editor

Co-founder and SEO editor here at Wyld Family Travel. Bec has travelled to over 45 countries across 3 continents and is a journey with kids advocate. When Bec is not planning travel, she creates content for our family travel blog or does local community service work. You can find all of Bec’s detailed travel guides here on Wyld Family Travel and on other popular websites such as Lonely Planet.

• 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 224 tours and trips in England that are suitable for young adults, backed by 369 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 .

273 trips for young adults in England

• 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$ 2,325
• Special Deal (22%): - US$ 510
• Total Price from: US$ 1,815
• May 06 10+ seats left
• May 08 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

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
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,095
• Special Deal (0%): - US$ 10
• Total Price from: US$ 2,085
• May 04 Only 6 seats left

• 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
• Apr 29 10+ seats left
• Apr 30 10+ seats left

• 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

Best of Britain

• Brochure Price: US$ 3,850
• Special Deal (16%): - US$ 600
• Total Price from: US$ 3,250
• May 07 Only 8 seats left
• May 08 Only 10 seats left

Best of UK & Ireland

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Coach & Ferry
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,575
• Special Deal (24%): - US$ 850
• Total Price from: US$ 2,725
• May 25 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 01 Only 3 seats left

Coast to Coast: Classic Walk - 15 Days

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

• Starts Cheltenham, England
• Ends Cheltenham, England

Cotswolds by Bike

• Activities Bicycle tours & Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Villa
• Transport Train

London Explorer

• Activities City sightseeing
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,250
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 488
• Total Price from: US$ 2,762
• May 26 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 09 Only 10 seats left

• 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$ 4,525
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 687
• Total Price from: US$ 3,838
• May 02 10+ seats left
• May 04 Only 7 seats left

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

The Dales Way

• Transport Train & Private Vehicle

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$ 3,195
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 479
• Total Price from: US$ 2,716
• May 03 10+ seats left
• May 04 Only 9 seats left

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
• May 06 Only 5 seats left
• May 07 Only 5 seats left

Britain and Ireland Highlights

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='22543'>+1 more
• Transport Ferry & Coach
• Age Range 5-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,525
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 537
• Total Price from: US$ 2,988
• May 05 10+ seats left

England Young Adult Reviews

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 upcoming departures

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

England duration pages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 – Top 20 Nice

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!

The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024

From charming seaside spots to bustling cities, we’ve got all the staycation inspo you need right here

For all the bucket list places around the world, it can be easy to forget that we actually have some pretty amazing places to explore right here on our doorstep. Sure, the British weather can have a mind of its own and train travel can leave a lot to be desired, but if you’re willing to put up with all of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what there is to discover. 

From quaint coastal towns with trailblazing restaurants and bustling cities with an edge of their own, to gorgeous islands that feel nothing like the UK , these are the parts of the country that should hands-down be on your staycation wishlist for next year. These places have thriving food, drink and arts scenes, they’re home to exciting new openings and they have plenty of big events for you to scribble into your calendar, pronto. 

Thinking of planning a holiday a little closer to home next year? By sifting through all of the hottest launches for next year and using our expert knowledge of cultural scenes around the country,  Time Out’s UK team has curated the very best British destinations for you to plan a trip to in 2024. And the best part? Y ou can visit most of them easily, cheaply and without having to catch a flight. Time to get booking!

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best  things to do in the UK 🏖️ The best  seaside towns in the UK 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in the UK

An email you’ll actually love

Where to visit in the UK in 2024

1.  Bristol

Should we really be surprised that (apparently) everyone is moving to Bristol ? Its cultural scene is just as exciting as London ’s, but it’s still only a short coach journey away; it has picture-perfect streets and bustling, diverse nightlife. And i n 2024, its arts offering is only getting better. A musical adaptation of the 2006 film ‘ Starter for Ten ’ is coming to the renowned Old Vic theatre from February 29 to March 30, while   DIASPORA! , a brand new festival showcasing BIPOC global ethnic majority artists – across theatre, dance, music, visual and digital arts, as well as poetry and spoken word – is launching in May.   Undershed , a new immersive gallery, is on track to launch in Spring, and   Boxhall   – a street food, beer and events space by the same people who behind London’s   Boxpark   – will also open its doors.   

The perfect day Start with grabbing a coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters  before pottering around Gloucester Road and perusing the many shops (it’s the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe). Then, hop on a Bristol Ferry water bus tour  to see the city from the water . Finally, feast on a dinner of Spanish small plates at Bravas (or check out one of the city’s other excellent restaurants ), before heading out to rave the night away at one of the many DIY-style clubs . 

Plan your trip The 2024 edition of Bristol’s newest music festival, Forwards , takes place on August 31 and September 1. 2023 headliners included Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu and Raye .

📍 The best things to do in Bristol 🍴 The   best  restaurants in Bristol

2.  Hull

Hull became a surprising capital for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community in 2023. From  Monroe’s   to Unit 49 and Cherry’s – named after the late ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ star Cherry Valentine – an influx of new gay bars and clubs means Hull’s new Freedom Quarter is slowly growing its ecosystem of queer-friendly spaces. As well as its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, in 2017 the East Yorkshire city was also named the city of culture. It’s got The Deep , an enormous aquarium with 3000 species, a picturesque old town which survived the city’s relentless WWII bombings, and lots of up and coming indie art galleries like Ground and Artlink . Don’t sleep on Hull.

The perfect day  Get your caffeine fix at Still. by Two Gingers Coffee before having a wonder around Hull’s charming old town or pottering in the shops at Hepworth’s Arcade . After that, head to indie events space Ground to check out whatever arty happenings they have on. Finally, stop for a pint at Ye Olde White Hart before heading to one of the infamous 13-hour parties (yes, really) at Gate No. 5 .

Plan your visit Pride in Hull will take place on July 29, 2024. 

📍 The best things to do in Hull

3.  Isles of Scilly

A lot of people say that the Isles of Scilly are the British version of the Caribbean – and you know what? We’d totally agree. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is largely unspoilt, with white stretches of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities to go island hopping and dolphin spotting. But there’s more, too: head to the local museum to immerse yourself in the islanders’ deep sense of culture and tradition, sink yourself silly on local ales at seaside pubs or indulge your sense of adventure by snorkelling over the many under-the-sea shipwrecks. Bliss. 

The perfect day Travel to the islands by Skybus from Land’s End – it only takes 20 minutes, and there’s a gorgeous view. Once you arrive, make your way over to St Mary’s Riding Centre to take in the stunning scenery on horse-back. If that’s not your thing, hire bikes and explore the coastal trails of St. Mary’s islands before taking a transfer boat to St. Agnes to visit the Turks Head for a hearty pub lunch made using local ingredients. Once your food goes down? It has to be time for a swim.

Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours.

📍 The best places to visit in Cornwall

4.  London

Ah, good old London . No matter how many times you’ve visited or how long you’ve lived there, you’ll always find new things to discover in the capital. There are a tonne of new restaurants to feast at, all sorts of gorgeous hotel openings and plenty of fresh cultural things to do. Most notably, in 2024, you can dance at Drumsheds , the mammoth warehouse club housed in a former IKEA, catch a blockbuster exhibition – like Yoko Ono at the Tate Modern or The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum – and see epic new West End performances ( Mean Girls , anyone?).

The perfect day  For lunch, grab a delicious loaded sandwich at Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road for (or treat yourself to a boujee meal out at Morito ), before perusing the cute independent shops on Columbia Road and gawking over the even cuter animals at Hackney City Farm . Head over to Soho for a late-afternoon pint at the iconic French House , then round off your day with a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the newly opened Forza Wine at the National Theatre , before catching a play. 

Plan your trip Book tickets to see the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘ Spirited Away ’, taking place at the London Coliseum from April 30 until August 24.

📍 The best things to do in London 🍴 The best restaurants in London

5.  Belfast

The Norn Iron capital is criminally underrated. If you’re yet to discover its welcoming warmth and cultural vibrance, 2024 is the year to change that. Over the next twelve months Belfast has mega ambitions to deliver its biggest ever cultural celebration via a project dubbed ‘ Belfast 2024 ’. Set around the theme of ‘People, Place and Planet’, the whopping programme of 24 large-scale commissions and over 200 events, workshops and activities includes a collaboration with the Eden Project, a guerilla gardening scheme aimed at rewilding the peace walls in the west of the city and an immersive music showcase celebrating Belfast’s contemporary Black culture.

The perfect day Begin with a wholesome morning stroll through the Botanic Gardens , followed by a hefty brunch at Output . Then wander through the parliament buildings at Stormont and the monumental Titanic Belfast museum. In the evening, find your way to The Muddlers Club hidden within the historic back streets of the Cathedral Quarter, or if you’d rather eat in, order from cult favourite Mexican place Boojums . Round off the evening by grabbing a pint accompanied by some banging live music at the Dirty Onion .

Plan your trip  The cultural celebrations kick off from March and will run through to November. Make sure to be in the city on March 17 for an ‘enhanced’ edition of St Patrick’s Day shindigs.

📍 The best things to do in Belfast

6.  St Andrews

Forgive us for including two Scottish seaside towns in this list (see: number 14), but it’s a good excuse to plan a road trip, right? A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else. But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s also close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum . St Andrews has also been tipped to be a hit set-jetting destination for 2024 with the town featuring heavily in the final season of ‘ The Crown ’, thanks to it to being where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university. Fans, come this way.

The perfect day Line your stomach with a delicious fry up from Northpoint (which claims, like many places in town, to be where ‘Will met Kate’). Then, you’ll probably want to go for a lofty beach walk on West Sands, where ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, before returning to town for some fresh fish and chips from Cromar’s (if the weather allows, eat them on another nearby beach: Castle Sands). In the evening, catch a local show at The Byre Theatre  or sink some pints at one of the town’s many pubs: Aikman’s and Brew Co. are very good choices.

Plan your trip  V isit in July: most of the students will have left for the summer and you might actually get to enjoy the beach with some sun.

📍 The essential guide to Scotland

7.  Lewes

‘Like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England’: so said William Morris about Lewes in the 1800s. The sloping Sussex town has been a favoured haunt of artsy progressives, not least Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and the rest of the bohemian Bloomsbury set. In 2023, it gained a brand new cultural space in the form of Charleston in Lewes (head here in the new year to catch the ‘Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion’ exhibition, closing March 3). There’s more, too: as you wonder Lewes’ charming wonky streets you’ll stumble past the former home of Anne of Cleves, Lewes Castle , a hodgepodge of artisan stores and delicious foodie spots – as well as the most bonkers pub in the UK, the Lewes Arms.

The perfect day  Take the brand new Sussex Art Shuttle and travel a short distance outside of town to see Charleston Farmhouse , before heading back for a veggie burger at Bun and Bean and a pastry dessert from Flint Owl Bakery . Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the castle and Lewes Priory , then browse the independent shops in The Needlemakers . Finish with a meal and a movie at Depot .

Plan your trip  The stunning Glyndebourne Opera House is hosting a festival of world class opera from May 16 to August 25, while the incredible extravaganza that is Lewes Bonfire Night is taking place around November 5.

📍 The best things to do in Lewes

8.  Newcastle

There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn  and new brunch spot Cafeteria :  a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now. Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens. 

The perfect day  Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage , before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge. Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city. Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn . If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon. 

Plan your trip  The Newcastle Fringe 2024 will run from July 18 to  29. Catch shows at the very cool Northern Stage as well as a number of pubs. 

📍 The best things to do in Newcastle

9.  Falmouth

Falmouth has always been Cornwall’s cooler town. Home to Exeter and Falmouth university campuses, student life here has brought a bit of vibrancy and edge to the quiet cobbled streets – but there’s always been a glaring gap when it came to the question of nightlife. Recently, though – thanks to new music venue  The Cornish Bank  –  its late night credentials have shot up. From Klub Nos Lowen, a cult folk music night, to up and coming indie bands, this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.

The perfect day  Start with a paddle at Gyllyngvase Beach, then warm yourself up with a coffee at Gylly beach cafe . Then check out the independent boutiques and galleries on the high street. (Shout out to Mirri Damer jewellery and Wild Pony vintage.) After grabbing some grub from Harbour Lights fish and chips, head to Chain Locker for a harbourside pint before moseying on to a gig at The Cornish Bank. If you have time, pop in to Beerwolf too, a charming pub/bookshop.

Plan your visit  T he annual worm charming championship  (you read that right)  takes place in late May every year. The Sea Shanty Festival  takes place on June  14 to 16  2024, and Falmouth Week , an extravaganza of music, sailing and local culture, takes place on August  9 to 18 .

📍 The best things to do in Falmouth

10.  Manchester

Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet. After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug , and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum , 2024 is set to be another big one. The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live  which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform. And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof , in the Noma district in spring.

The perfect day  Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre). Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In , for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES .

Plan your trip  Head up some time between October 23 and 27 to catch the Worldwide Music Expo , which is set to attract over 2,600 big guns from the global music industry.

📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍴 The best  restaurants in Manchester

11.  Ramsgate

Last year it was all about Margate , but now, another neighbour has joined Kent’s roster of cosy, culture-filled seaside towns that everyone’s getting obsessed with. Enter: Ramsgate , a walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character. Check out one of its locally-run galleries and studios (including Level 11 , specialising in dog pics), and don’t miss filling up at one of its new food offerings: this year, bar/restaurant Seabird  arrived on the scene , as well as new monthly pop-up Catch at the Camden Arms , serving up a delightful seafood set menu. Oh, and the world’s biggest Wetherspoons is here. You heard us. 

The perfect day  Pull up at Ramsgate Station and stroll towards the seafront, stopping at The Modern Boulangerie on Harbour Street for brunch and a ridiculously good cinnamon roll. Take a coffee to go and spend time checking out Ramsgate’s indie shops, from the records at Vinyl Head to the pottery, books and glass at Island Vintage . Head to the harbour and head out on a seal-spotting boat trip , before grabbing a sunset pint at the Royal Harbour Brasserie . Finally, warm up with pub grub at The Bedford Inn  (top tip: you can rent a room at their brand-new hotel too). 

Plan your trip  Go when it’s sunny and try to catch the town’s  International Film Festival in June or the Festival of Sound in August. 

📍 The best things to do in Ramsgate

12.  Norwich

Hugged by the marshes and woodlands of Broads National Park, Norwich brings the ancient to the contemporary — from its cobbled alleyways and two dazzling cathedrals to the modern exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre and its Michelin-star prowess. In summer 2024,  Norwich Castle (which was apparently one of Europe’s most important mediaeval fortresses) is set to reveal the results of a mighty £15m revamp, due to include redecorated rooms and the restoration of its 12th century Norman keep. As the self-proclaimed ‘City of Stories’ and England’s first UNESCO City of LIterature, you’ll be enchanted by Norwich’s tale.

The perfect day  Order your morning drink of choice at Strangers Coffee then stop by the city’s 900-year old market on Gentleman’s Walk to check out the organic produce and food stalls. Save room for dessert so that you can enjoy elevenses at Figbar then take in the magnificent architecture of Norwich Cathedral and check out the curiosities hiding within the antique shops on Elm Hill. Round it all off with dinner from Grosvenor Fish Bar .

Plan your trip A c elebration of queer art and ideas, Queerfest Norwich is happening February 8 to 24.

📍 The best things to do in Norwich

13.  Alnmouth

For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet. Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet. Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.

The perfect day Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s. Then stop by the Ferry Hut , a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear. Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House .

Plan your trip Alnmouth Arts Festival  is happening on June 15 and 16, with more than 50 designers and craftspeople exhibiting their work in venues throughout the village.

14.  Ullapool

A tiny village and port around 45 miles from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides. But there’s more to this place than just hiking boots and anoraks. Ullapool also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland’s most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant  The Dipping Lugger  attracting foodies from far and near. The town was recently chosen as one of Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in Europe, so get down soon.

The perfect day Wrap up warm and drive over to the foot of Stac Pollaidh mountain, with its spectacular peak of Torridonian sandstone. Reward yourself with a packed lunch on the top after a two-hour climb, before heading home and warming up in The Ferry Boat Inn  where you can enjoy a slap-up dinner with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat.

Plan your trip The next Baile/Baile club nights take place on February 3 and March 2, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting DJ talent.

15.  Wrexham

Who’d have thought a small Welsh city would have been taken over by Hollywood celebs and become the subject of an extremely popular Disney+ documentary? Wrexham, home to the formerly flailing football club Wrexham AFC, became one of the UK’s hottest tourist destinations after A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. The city is also home to St Giles’s, one of the most stunning churches in Wales. Then there’s the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a huge 18-arched stone and cast iron structure carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee – and two National Trust properties, Erddig Parkland and Chirk Castle . In 2024, the national Football Museum for Wales is also expected to open, with exhibitions on Welsh language communities, fan culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The perfect day Start the day at Aussi brunch spot Lot 11 . After fueling yourself, you’re obviously going to want to check out The Racecourse, the stadium that’s home to Wrexham AFC. Then you’ll need to grab a pint at The Turf , the football team’s pub of choice. For the afternoon, hop in the car for a 20 minute drive to check out the gorgeous views from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and surrounding World Heritage Site.

Plan your trip Wrexham Feast , an annual food and drink festival, takes place in late September.

📍 The best things to do in Wrexham

[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

• 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, the chelsea townhouse: a little luxury that's made for sharing with kids, how to collect 1000s more valuable avios on your flights right now, win a blissful family beach break on the lovely west sussex coast, find egg-citing uk days out with your kids for the easter holidays, 10 of the uk's best easter egg hunts for family days out, how to find your perfect family holiday cottage in cornwall this summer, save up to 60% on a winter getaway with tripbeat, discover qatar airways amazing doha stopover deals for 2022, win a sunny family holiday in cyprus for you and your kids, love to travel with your family.

Get inspiration, tips And holiday competitions straight to your inbox!

Hello traveller!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

20 Places to Travel in Your 20s

Whether you're trying to find yourself or just experiencing a healthy dose of wanderlust, get inspired by some of the best places to travel in your 20s.

Your 20s are for rich dishes, late nights, and lazy, hazy mornings after. Sure, you could do all of this in the city or town you’ve chosen to spend your early adulthood. Or , you could do it on the beach in Tel Aviv. 

There’s nothing like traveling in your 20s. You’ve got a good amount of freedom and flexibility in your schedule, and (hopefully) the financial support of your first “real world” job. And as someone who’s stepping out into the world for the first time, you probably need a good point in the right direction.

Here, we've compiled a list of trips that every 20-something should consider taking, from the eye-rollingly obvious to the off-the-beaten-path obscure. We based our selections on factors of safety and accessibility, as well as on personal experiences and input from well-seasoned travelers. Some of these destinations are better suited for slow travel over the course of weeks or even months — they're best experienced in between life phases, jobs, or semesters of college — while others can be conquered in a long weekend. 

Consider this your new travel mood board. We’re taking you from New Zealand for skydiving to Peru for its cevicherias to Goa for all the spicy foods. This list is a source of wanderlust that may spark your curiosity about a part of the world you've never considered before. 

From street tacos in Mexico City to volcanic springs in Iceland to classic cocktails in Louisiana, these experiences are perfect for any 20-something’s next trip.

Go Backpacking in Southeast Asia

From Thailand to the Philippines , Southeast Asia has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. And one of the best ways to see these sights is on your own two feet. Southeast Asia is incredibly welcoming, particularly for young backpackers. 

Activities here are plentiful, from breathtaking volcano hikes in Bali to world-class scuba diving in Malaysia . Explore small villages like Pai, Thailand, or crazy, sprawling cities such as Bangkok — and almost everything in between. Make time for dragon boat rides in Vietnam, temples in Cambodia, and an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site in Myanmar (the ancient city of Bagan).

For English speakers, the language barrier is better than in other common backpacker circuits like South America or even Western Europe. And while flights to and from may be on the pricier side, once you arrive, you can live like a king for a fraction of the cost of a single night out in New York City. It’s also easy to country-hop on budget airlines for shockingly low fares. 

Drink the Original Cocktail in New Orleans

Denny Culbert

Legal drinkers, here's a place that appreciates your newfound pastime as much as you do.

For a city with international appeal without having to renew your passport , head down to the Big Easy for culture, cocktails, and Cajun cuisine. Laissez les bons temps rouler in the city known as the birthplace of the first cocktail (the Sazerac, if you don’t know — you can order one at the Carousel Bar  in Hotel Monteleone). You'll certainly have your fill of hurricanes, French 75s, Ramos Gin Fizzes, vieux carrés, Pimm's Cups, brandy milk punches, and daiquiris (did we mention the city is known for its mixed drinks?).

Bar hop on Bourbon Street before a late-night, live jazz session at Preservation Hall , then recover with coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde the next day. Even beyond parades and Mardi Gras, New Orleans ’ laidback energy and out-of-this-world food mean it’s a good time all year long .

Explore Tokyo's Many Neighborhoods

yongyuan/Getty Images

Tokyo could be called the city with 1,000 faces because, in addition to being the most populated city in the world, it’s an eclectic blend of past, present, and future with a variety of unique neighborhoods. Spend the day sampling ramen and touring ancient temples before bellying up to a bar for genuine Japanese whisky and Michelin-starred cuisine.

The extensive train system makes Tokyo easy to navigate (as long as you don’t get lost — Google Maps is a necessity for any first-time tourists!), and you’ll want to take advantage when exploring the city’s various neighborhoods, like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Eat your way through the sushi and seafood in Tsukiji Market , or head to the Land of the Rising Sun in the springtime to experience the famous cherry blossom trees in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.     

Eat Your Heart Out in Mexico City

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Come for the gorgeous weather and stunning architecture, stay for the tacos al pastor. Mexico City  is one of the most walkable, culturally stimulating, and refreshingly cosmopolitan cities in the world. And it’s a foodie’s dream, with cheap, delicious street food options around every corner. Think tamales, elotes, chicharrónes, churros, agua frescas, and, obviously, tacos, tacos, tacos. Maybe you're even daring enough for chapulines: the Mexican delicacy of roasted grasshoppers seasoned in chili powder and lime.  

The city is also home to attractions like the Frida Kahlo Museum and the giant city park, Bosque de Chapultepec. Either the Condesa, Roma Norte, or Polanco neighborhoods make a great home base for your stay. There’s a lively nightlife scene spread throughout Mexico City, as well as tequila and mezcal tastings that easily count as “cultural exploration.”  

Take a Food Tour in Peru

Getting a selfie at Macchu Pichu isn’t the only reason to head to Peru . Peruvian cuisine is known throughout the world as some of the best — and healthiest — on the planet.

You haven't tasted ceviche until you’ve been to one (or more) of Lima ’s cevicherias. Whether you embark on an organized food tour or simply hop from hole-in-the-wall joint to five-star restaurant, it’s hard to go wrong with any meal choice. And it’s not just fresh fish: Even self-declared carnivores will find the quinoa in this country delectable.

Tango in Buenos Aires

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Buenos Aires is a 20-something's paradise — and not just because of the astonishing selection of affordable Malbecs. Neighborhood hopping around Buenos Aires, from Palermo Soho to Recoleta to downtown, is an ideal way to explore the city’s multifaceted offerings.

Go on a street art tour. Visit the San Telmo market. Buy yourself a mate gourd, learn how to drink the traditional tea properly, and hang out in the park to people watch. Eat dinner at 10 p.m. like a true Argentinian, and then stay out on the town dancing until sunrise on a Saturday. Or a Tuesday.

If you can swing it, take a flight down to Patagonia and gape in slack-jawed wonder at some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world.

Get Sporty in New Zealand

New Zealand isn’t the easiest or cheapest destination to reach, but it’s an adrenaline enthusiast's dream. Both Auckland and Queenstown have emerged as a popular travel destinations for young people.

Whatever your thrill-seeking heart desires, New Zealand offers it bigger and better than most: Bungee jumping, sky diving, sea kayaking, or wildlife hikes are only a few of the adventurous activities available in the land of the Kiwis.

And not to mention, New Zealand is almost painfully beautiful. It has everything from mountains to rainforests to tropical beaches. We’re talking about a part of the world where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed, so you know the scenery is eye-poppingly epic at pretty much every turn.

Explore Israel on Your Own Two Feet

Roman Krykh / EyeEm/Getty Images

Whether you’re winding through the old streets of Jaffa, soaking up the lively culture of Tel Aviv, or floating in the Dead Sea, Israel provides an experience like no other. The entirety of Israel is approximately the size of New Jersey, which makes it easy to explore from top to bottom.

To the north, luscious waterfalls cascade through a verdant landscape. In the South, huge craters in the desert give off the appearance of an otherworldly planet. Here, camping and stargazing are prime summertime activities. There’s also an extensive  hiking trail  that spans the entire country, which may appeal to the more adventurous traveler.

Get Away From the Crowds in Portugal

The capital city of Lisbon looks exactly like what you imagine when you think of quintessential romantic European getaways: narrow cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and fresh, authentic cuisine that holds true to its cultural roots. Although the city has no shortage of charms to capture your attention, travelers in the know won’t regret renting a car and heading out of town to explore the less-frequented parts of Portugal . 

The northern region of the country is an unexpected delight and an ideal location for outdoorsy activities. Porto, famous for port wine, is easily worth a visit, and to the southwest, beaches and national parks provide optimal sunset-watching opportunities. Backpackers will find the party in Lagos, while couples seeking quieter surroundings will find the region just outside of Lagos dotted with romantic bed-and-breakfasts.

The Madeira Islands are another hidden gem in the Atlantic full of gorgeous beaches, cable cars, and (what else?) flowing Madeira wine.

Ride a Bike Through Amsterdam

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Sure, Amsterdam has a bit of a reputation to uphold, but there’s more to this city than its famous coffee shops.

First and foremost, Amsterdam seems to contain more bikes per square meter than it does people. It’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and exploring via two wheels opens up a world of possibilities for tourists. There’s art, culture, food, and music galore, and a quick conversation with a local will point you in the direction of a spot to hang for whatever floats your boat.

In the warmer months, travelers will want to visit the beautiful parks smattered throughout the massive city, including Vondelpark , the largest and arguably most famous park in all the Netherlands.

Navigate the Colorful Sites of Morocco

Morocco  is a once-in-a-lifetime destination with sweeping, cinematic sights, delicious cuisine, and an energy all its own. If there’s one word for this country, it’s vibrant: vibrant culture, vibrant flavors, vibrant markets. Marrakech is a sensory smorgasbord you'll never forget, alive with unfamiliar, enticing aromas, and visual splendor. Hit the beach in Agadir, explore the Sahara, wind through markets in Marrakech, dine on couscous at Casablanca restaurants, and head to the oyster capital of Oualidia on the coast.  

Go Lion Spotting on the Savanna in Africa

On the costlier end of experiences on this list, African safaris are nevertheless well worth the price tag. A tableaux of natural beauty and menageries of wildlife abound in this part of the planet. In Botswana , you’re likely to get up close and personal with lions. In Kenya , the diverse landscape of the savanna is like something out of a childhood storybook. In Rwanda, trek among gorillas and get an unparalleled peek into the majestic world of these awe-inspiring, intelligent creatures.

In addition to costing a pretty penny, these safaris tend to be a minimum of five to seven days, so they’ll require more of a time commitment than something planned on a whim. And it goes without saying, this is one excursion you’ll definitely want to book with a reliable, trustworthy tour company .

Get Spicy in Goa

India can be overwhelming, particularly for young travelers in their 20s, but Goa, on the western coast along the Arabian Sea, is a solid place to start. The cuisine is resplendent in local flavors like chili, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom, as well as coconuts, pineapples, and mangoes.

Whether you’re eating your way through the hip local food scene or relaxing on palm-lined beaches or bird-watching in the Western Ghats, you’re guaranteed a tranquil, meaningful trip. There’s a wide range of accommodations in Goa — anything from cheap backpacking hangouts to luxury villas — so whatever your tastes may be, it’s likely you’ll find somewhere to hang your hat.

Take a Road Trip on the Best Coast

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

There's nothing more classically American than traveling with the top down and the sun in your eyes. And there’s no better drive than the Pacific Coast Highway . California is rife with scenic routes — be it San Francisco to L.A. or a trip through wine country.

Take Highway 1 through Carmel-by-the-Sea and  Big Sur for some of the most beautiful sights in the country, or hit the beach in Malibu. Or, opt for a wine country romp through Napa Valley . Of course, there are plenty of lodging options along the way — be it breathtaking campsites or luxury hotels, but if you’re headed toward Palm Springs, spend a night or two in Joshua Tree National Park for a true West Coast experience.  

Hop Around Eastern Europe

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

Eastern Europe is often stereotyped as Western Europe’s less hip sibling, but it’s home to some of the most culturally interesting and architecturally compelling cities in the world. Not to mention that the cost of living (and visiting) is generally lower than in London or Paris.

Prague and Budapest are prime hot spots for college students and young people, particularly in the summer months. Thousands of hostels, bars, clubs, and cafes run the gamut from dive-y to luxury. (Note: The Czech Republic consumes more beer per capita than any other nation in the world, which means that beer is frequently cheaper than water.)

A few other cities to hit on this circuit include Belgrade, Serbia; Bucharest, Romania; and, Varna, Bulgaria . And the cities are really only about a third of the real attraction: Venture into the countryside for scenery that feels like stills from Planet Earth .

Get Festive in Germany

With fairytale forests and elaborate celebrations, Germany is one for the books. Rent a car and wind through the forests , countryside, and national parks to see the mythic German landscape and its storybook castles (just be wary of any witches you may meet on the way). Go clubbing in Berlin , or take a train to some of the country’s small towns for medieval history, beer steins, and half-timbered houses.

Speaking of beer steins, of course you'll want to head to Munich for an authentic Oktoberfest celebration in the fall — just make sure you plan ahead, as flight prices skyrocket, the cost of traditional accommodations can be astronomical, and Airbnb hosts are notoriously picky about their tenants. Or, consider visiting in the wintertime for a classic Christkindl market experience.    

Explore Nature in Slovenia

For nature lovers , Slovenia is a country of boundless treasures. From mountain biking to camping on beautiful Lake Bohinj to summiting the daunting Mount Triglav, adventure sport opportunities are around every turn in this quiet corner of the planet. (A word of warning: Beware of the local Slovenians’ definition of the phrase “beginner-level hike.”)

Driving through the countryside is a slightly more serene way to spend a few days exploring the outskirts of Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in Slovenia . The Dragon City, as its sometimes referred to, is a quaint European tourist destination that has perfected the art of riverside patio dining.

Though not exactly a party destination, Slovenia in general is an idyllic setting for a reset or for getting in some quality time with Mother Earth. English is reasonably prevalent in Ljubljana, and locals are quite amiable, but outside of the city prepare to rely on Google Translate to converse with village dwellers.

Jump Around the Greek Islands

Tryfon N. Georgopoulos/Courtesy of Red Savannah 

Their whitewashed walls and turquoise waters make the Greek Isles feel like stepping into a postcard. There are actually six main archipelagoes to explore, and most people choose to spend their time island hopping within a particular group, made easy with local ferry operators. 

You’ll want to consider the Cyclades, where you’ll get the classic Greek experience (think blue roofs, bougainvillea, and party beaches) in Mykonos and Santorini. There are also the tony hotels on Crete (the largest Greek Island) and the cinematic views of the Sporades made famous in “Mamma Mia!” No matter where you end up, there’s plenty of fun to be found. Tour olive groves and vineyards, indulge in fresh Mediterranean meals, gaze out a deep blue caldera, or just relax on the beach, ouzo cocktail in hand.   

Dip Into the Hot Springs of Iceland

The Blue Lagoon, black-sand beaches, and the northern lights await in this beautifully austere landscape. Iceland is a mythic destination (literally, for the Vikings) where you’re sure to see natural wonders you won’t find in many other pockets of the world.  

Head here sometime between September and March for peak conditions to see the northern lights (read: darkness — there are only about five hours of daylight this time of year). Whereas in the summer months, the sun sets for only three hours and you’ll find better sightseeing weather if you want to tour the glacial lagoons and volcanic islands that make this the "Land of Fire and Ice.” 

Reykjavik makes a great home base and gives you a taste of the local culture (literally, if you slide into a table at one of the city’s many delectable restaurants). Of course, you can also stay directly at the Blue Lagoon (or many of the country’s other hot springs ) or hunker down in a prime northern lights viewing destination .   

Camp at the Grand Canyon

Make the ultimate southwestern pilgrimage to one of America’s most famous national parks for the views and camping of a lifetime. Featuring the gorgeous red rocks that make Arizona famous, the canyon runs for 278 miles with plenty of opportunities for backcountry hiking, stargazing, and whitewater trips down the Colorado River.

Hiking in Grand Canyon National Park takes a good amount of preparation (this is the desert, after all, with plenty of steep cliffs and drop-offs), but the payoff will be well worth it once you’re gazing out at one of the Hermit Road scenic overlooks. Whether you decide to tackle the more accessible South Rim or the less-crowded North Rim, you’ll be rewarded with world-class views and bragging-worthy campsites . If you prefer a less rugged experience, however, Under Canvas does have a Grand Canyon location where you’ll sleep soundly in your safari-inspired glamping tent just 40 minutes from the Grand Canyon Village.  

Entertainment, experiences and learning for kids

18 UK attractions you must visit for days out with the kids before they turn 12…..

We love a family day out! There are so many places to choose from in the UK, so for days out with the kids how do you know what the best family attractions and child-friendly places are, especially if you have children under 12? You are spending your hard earned money and precious time so you want to choose somewhere that will delight, inspire and entertain all the family and create magical memories for your family. So here are our recommendations for 18 UK attractions you must take your kids to before they turn 12; from all around the UK and for all tastes and pockets!

1. Bewilderwood

A huge, award winning forest of family fun for days out with the kids and outdoor adventure. With treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, storytelling, boat trips and marsh walks; it’s the exact opposite of the commercial theme parks – no special effects, rides or fast food outlets; just lots and lots of outdoor fun and adventure! Best of all there are now two to choose from; the original park in Norfolk and the new one in Cheshire….

bewilderwood.co.uk

2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

At first impression outside it’s busy, full of tourists (who are only visiting to get the picture!) and expensive, but get inside and for the true Harry Potter fans it’s an absolute treasure trove of amazing-ness! It suggests most people are there for 3 hours – we were there 7 hours with a 7 and 9 year old (and a very pregnant mummy!)

Once inside it didn’t seem as busy or full of bustle as we first thought. And the audio guide although additional cost is well worth it!!

wbstudiotour.co.uk

3. Warwick Castle

As much as it is a very commercially created castle attraction (operated by Merlin Entertainments then it wouldn’t be anything else, but in fairness it is done tastefully and in keeping with the castle theme. The activities are on theme and you can still marvel at the castle structure itself.  The thing that Warwick Castle does really well is the interactive activities; we did a workshop in the witches tower, a cross-bow workshop, watched storytelling and jousting! Great for all ages!

https://www.warwickcastlebreaks.com

4. A day out at Blackpool

There is often an impression of Blackpool that it is all about stag and hens and the pleasure beach! And as much as there are parts that are a bit tired and undesirable, it is still a great family weekend or day out for some traditional seaside fun. The recent regeneration of the promenade area has made the beachfront attractive, clean and brilliant for families. The tower and circus are brilliant – with the tower 4D show well worth it and show-stopping stunts at the circus! Sandcastle water park is one of the UK’s best water parks, the piers and pleasure beach you can simply have fish and chips, build sandcastles and stroll on the pier or you can have a thrill and action-packed weekend for the whole family!

https://www.visitblackpool.com

5. Ironbridge Gorge

Ironbridge Gorge is a heritage site which is not only beautiful but has some amazing museum and family experiences, away from the commercial nature of a lot of the attractions in this list but with the same level of interactivity and ability to create magical memories!

At Blists Hill Victorian Town, costumed actors give an insight into life in the valley as they go about their daily lives in their cottages, shops and places of work.  You can change your money into Victoria Money and spend it in the shops. There’s a Victorian fairground, an old-fashioned sweet shop, and horse and cart rides.

The nearby Enginuity science and technology centre, children can learn about locomotives and robots, while the Coalport China Museum and Jackfield Tile Museum run craft workshops where they can try out their pottery and painting skills

https://www.ironbridge.org.uk

6. Eureka the children’s museum

A visit to  Eureka ! is unique, interesting and FUN!  Eureka ! is a great, inclusive day out for families with children aged 0-11, in Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Explore the six zones, extensive grounds, creativity space, children’s mini village with bank, shop, garage and post office, or join in the regular workshops and creative activities. It’s a complete day out; and what’s even better is your admission ticket gives you annual admission meaning you can visit for free all year!

https://www.eureka.org.uk

7. The Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a four acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park and the Yorkshire Dales. A tourist visitor attraction unlike anywhere that you have been before, ideal for the adventurers and those young at heart!

There are paths and passages that lead nowhere, extraordinary statues, with decisions to make and tricks to avoid. This is a day out with a difference which will challenge and delight adults and children of all ages.

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

8. Camera Obscura

This is one of Britain’s oldest attractions, having started in 1835 and is now s ix floors of puzzles, special effects, games and other interactive craziness.

Step into a world where real-life collides with technological trickery. Here, impossible doesn’t exist.

Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Pitch your brain against mind-bending illusions. It’s all part of the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions experience

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

9. Bounce below

Housed at a Breath-taking site, in a former slate mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales you can play, slide, jump and bounce from net to net in a cavern the size of a cathedral!

Great for all ages and to enjoy together as a family.

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/adventure/bounce-below

10. Llandudno

One of our favourite days out – a real traditional day out at the seaside. With a lovely, pebble beach, traditional pier and gorgeous beach front buildings. You also have to do the trip up the Great Orme (recommend cable car up and train down!) for the kids to go on the slide with the best view! With fantastic fish and chips, ice cream shops and an old fashioned vibe you truly feel like you are away from the 21 st century in a lovely way (espevcially if you go into the girft shop at the top of the Great Orme!)

11. Greenwood forest park

Another attraction in North Wales and another great one!! A theme park with a difference! With a non-electric rollercoaster and a whole load of sustainable rides and outdoor activities all set in the woods this theme park has a great feeling to it; outdoor fun with a few thrills and a good lot of exploring, climbing and imaginative play. Fantastic for under 10’s!

12./ 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 fire fighter, photographer and journalist with international sponsors giving the zones an extra sense of reality.

A great way to introduce your child to all the different ideas of various jobs and how the world of work works! And fantastic imaginative play!

https://www.kidzania.co.uk

13./ Cadbury World

Who doesn’t want to visit a Chocolate Factory?!  And this isn’t an ordinary factory visit!  You can discover the secrets behind Cadbury’s Dairy Milk launched in 1905, and have the chance to add your own extras like jelly babies, or mint chips to warm liquid chocolate to make your Cadbury creation.

It has 14 zones, where you can play in chocolate rain and have warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk poured over your favourite treat.

See the Cadbury pack-and-wrap process on the new 3D cinema screen and then meet ‘Flex6’ the robot at the factory as he shows how he wraps those famous Cadbury bars. A great whole family chocolate treat!

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Charles M Schulz (of Peanuts fame)

14. Chester zoo

One of the best zoos in the UK; they do a huge amount for animal conservation and research as well as having an amazing zoo. The recent creation of the multimillion pound ‘Islands’ development takes you to the islands of South east Asia and is wonderfully done complete with a boat ride. The animals are well taken care of and the whole site is clean and well maintained with children in mind throughout; important when you are planning days out with the kids.

With a load of new play areas and playgrounds recently created too the children will be happily exhausted on the way home after a day out at Chester Zoo!

http://www.chesterzoo.org

15./ Manley Mere Adventure Trail

Manley Mere Adventure Trail meanders through woodland, alongside a stream with obstacles and challenges on the way…it’s a great way of having fun and spending quality time with friends and family and all ages can enjoy the obstacles!

All equipment is self-propelled and cleverly fits into the surroundings. It is a country walk as well as an adventure so there is always an easy way around – just walk past! Wherever possible obstacles are made from recycled material and re-used agricultural equipment – see if you can guess what things were in a previous life!

The trail is about 1½ miles long and there is no set route – discovering hidden things is part of the fun! There are changing rooms (a change of clothes is advised!) and a cold water hose to get any mud off hands and face before getting into your car, as you are likely to get muddy, so don’t wear your best clothes and heels!!

https://www.manleymere.co.uk/adventure/index.shtml

16./ Dinosaur Roar Adventure

A monster family day out! Norfolk’s biggest visitor attraction and one of the UK’s best for days out with the kids! Armed with your Adventurers’ Guide, explore and play in 85 acres of woods and parkland containing over 100 static dinosaurs, two life size puppet dinosaurs and animatronic dinosaurs. Not forgetting “Dippy” Dinosaur Adventure’s Park Mascot.

On arrival set off to explore the Dinosaur Trail Meet the animals and Creepy Crawlies in the Secret Animal Garden, with educational activities and demonstrations. In Dinomite, Norfolk’s largest indoor adventure play area has 3 levels of fun and adventure for all the family, with a two-level area totally dedicated to the under 5’s. Inside you will find everything from climbing nets, bridges and ball pools right up to the three massive slides which go from gentle slopes to a terrifying vertical drop. With everything Dinosaur inside and outside, what’s not to give you a stomping good time?!

http://www.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk

17. Clip ‘n’ Climb

There are dozens of Clip n Climb centres around the UK; with a lot of them existing within other entertainment centres. It’s a really unique climbing activity and kids from 4 years and upwards can try their hands (and feet!) at the different walls and challenges! Brightly coloured, exciting and active; what’s not to like for days out with the kids?

My kids love the centre at Chester near us and would happily visit every weekend!

https://clipnclimb.biz/en/centres-clipnclimb/

18./ Fairy Glen, Wigan

I had to throw this in the list as even though it’s not so much an attraction; as no one ‘runs’ or ‘operates’ it and there is no café or gift shop! What there is, is an amazing walk through the woods where Fairies are known to have their habitat! You will come across fairy dust and fairy doors at various points! With a stream for paddling, open meadows for picnic and rope swings it’s the ultimate low cost, low maintenance, low tech day out with the family – for family time together and connecting with nature it’s a winner!

http://www.westlancs.gov.uk/leisure-recreation/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countryside-sites/fairy-glen-appley-bridge.aspx

We hope you enjoy your days out with the kids!

If you are considering taking the kids to a family friendly festival this summer see our round up of best family festivals in the Uk and tips for surviving a festival with the family here

Go here For 10 tips for parents to survive the school holidays 

Have you seen Ranger Ron’s free Dino club? If your kids love Dinosaurs then join up now…..

Similar Posts

Happy easter daisy’s days video on how to make jelly eggs……..

Everyone loves a chocolate egg at Easter – but how about a jelly egg?! This is an easy and fun activity you can do over the Easter weekend with your children, whatever the age. And the bonus is that they end up with something fun and easy to eat after! And they can look really…

Easy, home made gift idea for your kid for Father’s Day

Father’s Day home-made gift idea If you are looking for a memorable present for your child to make and give to their dad this Father’s Day, here is an easy present that they can make this year and will last year after year, being a true memory maker! It also allows your kid to give…

Why do kids love Dinosaurs?

Most pre-schoolers go through a Dinosaur-mad phase! Studies even show that while the most common intense interest in pre-schoolers is vehicles – planes, trains, and cars – the next most popular, by a wide margin, is dinosaurs. Sometimes the craze happens as young as two or three, when an articulate tot manages to pronounce the…

Treasure Hunt Ideas

Kids love a treasure hunt……actually everyone loves a treasure hunt! And it’s a perfect birthday party activity…you can set it up cheaply and make it fit the space and number of kids you have. And even theme it according to what your child loves! The only challenge is writing the clues and making the plan…….

12 Best Podcasts for Kids

If you are looking for a way to drag your kids away from their screens, stimulate discussion as a family and make family car journeys an opportunity for connection time, learning and conversation then check out these great Podcasts for kids! Podcasts are popping up all over the place and are more popular than ever…

The best dinosaur-themed birthday party games…….

Dinosaur themed birthday party game ideas… A Dinosaur-themed birthday party remains one of the top themes for children aged 2 – 7; and many boys and girls are eager to have a Dinosaur theme for their birthday party. If you are planning on running your own kids Dino themed party here are some brilliant dinosaur-themed…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• 0808 274 5111
• Live Chat (Online) Live Chat (Offline)
• My Wishlist
• Find a Trip

Your browser 'Internet Explorer' is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site.

18 to 35s Adventures

• Ways to travel

Tick off bucket list destinations like the Taj Mahal, go surfing in Morocco or hunt for late-night tacos in Mexico – with these epic adventures, you can do it all with like-minded people your own age.  

If you’re looking for a trip with all the essential highlights (you can’t go to Peru without seeing Machu Picchu, can you?) with enough free time to explore at your own pace – our 18 to 35s adventures are just the thing. Packed with  bucket list experiences , these trips are designed to give you enough time off to see the country your own way. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, you’ll be part of a small group of young travellers to share the experience. Alongside your  legendary local leader  who handles all the logistics, you’re guaranteed to find the  best banh mi and coconut coffees in Vietnam, get the inside scoop on the bustling markets in Marrakech and discover Japan ’s contrasting cultures on a trip of a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for?  

Our 18 to 35s trips

Essential vietnam, 11 days from 480.

Take an awesome trip through Vietnam. Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue, Hoi An,...

Real Central America

16 days from 991.

Explore Mexico, Belize and Guatemala on this Central American adventure. Experience...

Essential Japan

10 days from 1305.

Shop in Tokyo, see Samurais in Kanazawa, soak up history in Hiroshima, wander the...

Essential Morocco

12 days from 515.

Check out the best bits of Morocco, in Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen and Marrakech on a...

Real Mexico

14 days from 884.

Explore the best of Mexico with an adventure through Mexico City, Oaxaca, Palenque,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Real Peru to Bolivia

15 days from 1970.

From Lima to La Paz this Peru and Bolivia trip takes you deep into the Amazon Jungle,...

Essential Bali & Gili Islands

10 days from 470.

Discover Bali from laidback Ubud to the Mt Batur volcano. Explore Gili Trawangan and...

Essential Southern Balkans

9 days from 870.

From Dubrovnik, head on a Southern Balkans adventure to Stari Bar, Tirana, Dhermi Beach...

Essential South Korea

9 days from 1139.

Take a journey through South Korea, starting in Seoul and heading to Jeonju, Wanju,...

Real Turkey

15 days from 1071.

Immerse yourself in Turkish culture on this adventure through Istanbul, Canakkale,...

12 Days From 734

You’ll see the Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu pandas, Yangshuo’s beauty, the Great Wall...

One Week In Costa Rica

8 days from 518.

Head to the Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica with a fun-filled adventure to San Jose,...

Six Days in Iceland

6 days from 918.

Check out Iceland’s chilly treasures on a trip through Reykjavik, the Golden Circle,...

One Week in Cuba

8 days from 451.

Discover authentic Cuba on this trip that takes you from Havana to Playa Larga, through...

One Week in Morocco: Sahara & Todra Gorge

8 days from 352.

Spend a week in Morocco, on the busy streets of Marrakech and then head to the Sahara...

Real Guatemala to Costa Rica

17 days from 1020.

Take a small-group tour to Central America to see wildlife, active volcanoes, beaches...

Epic Morocco

16 days from 745.

Discover the best of Morocco on an action-packed adventure from Casablanca to Marrakech...

Real Southern Africa

17 days from 1565.

Four countries, eight national parks, 17 days, hundreds of animals, thousands of birds,...

Epic Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

29 days from 2061.

See some of the best of Central America in one trip, covering big parts of Mexico,...

Essential Egypt

9 days from 485.

Take a trip through Egypt, kicking off in Cairo with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the...

Epic Vietnam to Cambodia

20 days from 1003.

On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...

Essential Italy

10 days from 1441.

Visit Venice, Verona, Parma, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome with like-minded 18...

One Week in Nepal

8 days from 330.

Trek your way through Nepal on a low-altitude adventure from Kathmandu to Trisuli River...

Epic Mexico to Costa Rica

32 days from 2090.

Explore beaches, ruins, jungles and cities in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador,...

Real Egypt & Jordan

15 days from 1254.

Take an epic adventure through Egypt and Jordan, seeing two Wonders of the World, the...

Five Days in Morocco

5 days from 260.

From surfing classes and yoga in Taghazout to exploring the medinas in Marrakech and...

Real Vietnam

15 days from 648.

Take an incredible Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...

Real Morocco

12 days from 620.

On this tour of the real Morocco, ride camels in the Sahara Desert, walk the streets of...

Epic Central America

45 days from 3160.

Take an epic adventure through Central America. A place of incredible wildlife, active...

Real San Francisco to LA

13 days from 1794.

Take an adventure through California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada past Joshua Tree, Grand...

One Week in Jordan

7 days from 572.

Journey through Jordan on a small-group adventure, past the awesome sights of Petra,...

Essential Sri Lanka

11 days from 565.

See Sri Lanka’s essentials on this 18-29s trip that takes you to Negombo, Kandy, Ella,...

Real Central Europe

15 days from 1660.

Discover Central Europe from Germany to Italy, covering Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Cesky...

Real Argentina to Brazil

14 days from 1679.

Travel from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, spending two nights on an estancia (farm)...

Real Canada

12 days from 1728.

Break in your hiking boots on this adventure-filled tour on Canada’s west coast, taking...

Six Days in Turkey

6 days from 345.

From the Mediterranean Sea to Istanbul, spend a week in Turkey exploring the museums of...

Real Colombia

12 days from 1210.

Check out Colombia on an epic adventure from Bogota to Cartagena. Check out Salento,...

Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina

26 days from 3105.

This epic South American trip takes you to Peru's iconic Inca ruins like Machu Picchu,...

Real Bolivia & Argentina

12 days from 1112.

Get off the tourist trail on this adventure through Bolivia, Chile and Argentina,...

Real Cambodia

10 days from 509.

Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...

Essential East Africa

10 days from 1208.

Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...

Real Bolivia to Brazil

25 days from 2930.

Travel from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro with a local leader guiding you through San Pedro...

Essential Southern Thailand

8 days from 447.

Head down south from buzzing Bangkok to blissful Ko Samui, visit the Khao Sok National...

Real Delhi to Kathmandu

13 days from 595.

Explore India and Nepal on an adventure that hits Delhi, Jaipur, Tordi, Lumbini, Agra,...

Epic South America

39 days from 4900.

See the best bits of South America, touring from Lima to Rio de Janeiro through Cusco,...

Real Thailand & Laos

13 days from 710.

Take a trip to Laos, checking out Thailand’s Bangkok and Chiang Mai, then heading over...

15 Days From 2120

Essential to travelling Peru: Lima, the Amazon, the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail,...

Real Borneo

10 days from 720.

Meet orangutans in the jungle on this trip through Borneo, starting and ending in Kota...

Essential Galapagos

9 days from 1100.

Get the best of the Galapagos on a 9-day tour from Quito to Isla San Cristobal, Isla...

One Week in the Greek Islands

7 days from 1048.

Explore the Greek Islands on an epic adventure to Athens, Paros, Ios and Santorini in...

Essential Botswana

9 days from 855.

Four countries, at least five national parks, hundreds of animals, thousands of birds,...

One Week in the Galapagos Islands

7 days from 564.

Get the best of the Galapagos on a 7-day tour for 18 to 29 year olds that visits Isla...

Essential Turkey

10 days from 761.

Explore western Turkey from Istanbul to Antalya, stopping in at the Gallipoli peninsula...

Real Rajasthan

16 days from 480.

Get an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan on a trip that takes you to Delhi,...

Epic Everest Base Camp Trek

15 days from 1065.

Embark on the trek of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp on this trekking trip. Fly into...

One Week in Thailand: Kayaking and Hilltribes

8 days from 404.

Starting in Bangkok, see the Thai-riffic northern enclaves of Chiang Mai and...

Epic Cambodia to Vietnam

23 days from 1031.

See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...

Real East Africa & Zanzibar

14 days from 1784.

Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....

Real Thailand

15 days from 822.

Take on an adventure through Thailand’s best spots, including Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Sok...

Essential African Safari

9 days from 725.

Travel from Zimbabwe to Botswana and South Africa on a real African adventure. Visit...

Epic India to Nepal

20 days from 900.

Take a journey through India and Nepal, exploring Kathmandu, Tordi, Jaipur, Agra,...

Essential Cambodia

9 days from 356.

From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...

Epic American West

16 days from 2295.

Take an epic American trip, camping and hiking through national parks from San...

Real North India

11 days from 437.

Jaunt around north India, with rickshaws in Delhi, spirituality in Varanasi, yoga in...

Real Bangkok to Singapore

15 days from 869.

Take an epic trip through South East Asia to Bangkok, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Maylasia...

Real California Coastal Road Trip

4 days from 570.

Roadtrip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway and travel along the picture-perfect...

Epic South East Asia

32 days from 2060.

Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...

Real Big Apple to Big Easy

10 days from 1349.

Explore the Big Apple (New York) and the Big Easy (New Orleans) and discover the...

Real New Orleans to San Fran

14 days from 2713.

On this USA road trip, see New Orleans, Houston, Santa Fe, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon,...

Epic Egypt, Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

19 days from 3110.

Travel to Egypt’s Cairo, Luxor and the Nile to Jordan’s Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea and...

New York to Miami Adventure

13 days from 2795.

Set off on fun-filled 13-day adventure from New York to Miami, taking in DC, the...

Five Days in Israel & the Palestinian Territories

5 days from 830.

Get a taste of the Middle East on an eye-opening trip from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv,...

East Coast Camping Adventure

7 days from 1175.

Discover the USA’s East Coast on a 7-day small-group camping adventure taking in...

Epic Bangkok to Singapore

22 days from 1335.

Take on an adventure from Bangkok to Singapore, stopping in Malaysia along the way....

Epic Europe: Central and Italy

24 days from 3315.

Explore all the best Europe has to offer with this adventure through Germany, Austria,...

Essential Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

11 days from 1970.

Discover Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories on a journey to Petra, an ancient...

Epic New York to San Fran Road Trip

22 days from 4695.

See New York, Washington, Nashville, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley,...

Lock in your summer plans and save up to 20% off* selected trips!

Browse by region

Central America

Middle East

North America

South America

Why travel with intrepid.

Bucket list itineraries

Sure, you can travel to India to see the Taj Mahal, but we like to share a laugh with a local chai wallah in the market while we’re at it. Our trips include loads of big-ticket attractions as well as plenty of unique and unexpected experiences you can only have with a local guide.

Legendary leaders

The best folks to show you around are the ones who live there. Our local leaders know these destinations like an old friend, so get ready to eat at the best street food joints, get to know the culture in depth and experience things you wouldn’t be able to on your own.

Creating positive change

We're on a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. That’s why all our trips are carbon offset, and we give back to the communities we visit with the help of The Intrepid Foundation. When you travel with us, you travel with purpose.

Small groups

With an average group size of 10 people, our groups are big enough to create a good vibe but small enough to blend in with the locals. Whether you’re travelling solo or with mates, you’ll really get to know your group and will never be stuck for someone to grab a drink with.

Great value

Want big-time experiences without the big-time price tag? Our 18 to 35s travel style means staying in simple, well-located accommodation, taking local transport and enjoying tasty local food. This way, you choose where your spending money goes.

We’re committed to ensuring our trips are safe for everyone, including our travellers, our leaders, our crew and the people we visit along the way. That’s why we’re always up to date with world events and changes. Rest easy – you’ll be well taken care of.

Highlights of our 18 to 35s trips

Venture through Vietnam

From the old-world streets of Hanoi to bustling Ho Chi Minh City – and all the temples, motorbikes and banh mi in between – adventures await in Vietnam. On this epic adventure from north to south, we’ll get you chomping and slurping pho-nomenal food, kayaking around Cat Ba island (away from the tourists), cycling through rice paddies and crossing the hectic Vietnamese roads like a local in no time.

Munch your way through Mexico

Discover the real Mexico on an overland adventure, from the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City to the white sand beaches and underground caverns of Playa del Carmen. Fill your belly with regional specialities in the foodie capital of Oaxaca (think everything from spicy mole to lime grasshoppers), uncover Maya mysteries at Chichen Itza and swim in the dreamy Agua Azul waterfall.  

Dive into India and Nepal

Tick off the highlights of two iconic South Asian countries as you travel from lively Delhi to the welcoming streets of Kathmandu. Fall in love with the Taj Mahal, sail along the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi, search for rhinos on a Chitwan Jungle safari and see the site where Buddha was (thought to have been) born!

See the best bits of Bali

Discover the many highlights and hidden gems of Bali as you visit holy water temples, hike up the iconic Mt Batur volcano for sunrise, snorkel with sea turtles and dance in the golden hour glow of Seminyak's beach clubs.

Journey into Morocco

Get an authentic taste of Morocco as you travel through the High Atlas Mountains, the cultural capital of Fes and the colourful medinas of Marrakech. Sleep under the stars in a desert camp in the Sahara, meet nomadic shepherds at a traditional Amazigh village and learn the art of mint tea making at a community-run teahouse that supports local women.

Discover the heart of Europe

Ticking off European favourites including Berlin, Krakow, Prague and Budapest – this is the Central Europe trip you’ve dreamed about. Enjoy dinners in busy medieval squares, explore stunning hilltop castles and sleep in ridiculously Instagrammable towns that look like they belong in a fairy tale.

18 to 35s trip reviews

Is every trip guaranteed to run.

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid customer, unless the minimum group size listed in the Essential Trip Information and/or Special Conditions state otherwise.

Do you cater for food allergies/dietary requirements?

We’ll try our very hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements, but it can be difficult to guarantee in some out-of-the-way places. We'll let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking and we’ll pass the information on to your leader.

What’s the standard of accommodation on an 18 to 35s trip?

You’ll be staying in simple, well-located accommodation with shared amenities, though it's common for rooms to be ensuite. Rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. If you'd like your own space, most of our trips also have the option to pay a fee for an individual room.

Will the accommodation have Wi-Fi?

Most hotels, cafes and bars have Wi-Fi, especially in big cities and towns. In remote places (like the Sahara and the Amazon Rainforest) or on treks or homestays, you won’t be able to access Wi-Fi or mobile data as easily. Your leader will give you a heads-up beforehand so you can call home or send a quick WhatsApp.

Your leader can also help you buy a local SIM card if you'd like to stay connected.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

You sure do. Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re travelling internationally. Your leader will take down your insurance details on the first day in case they are needed during the trip, so make sure to bring your policy documents.

Learn more about travel insurance .

Do I need any travel vaccinations?

Vaccination requirements differ depending on the destination, and as we’re not medical practitioners, unfortunately we can't advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.  

Learn more about entry and health requirements for the destination(s) you’ll be visiting .  

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an 18 to 35s trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Meet our local leaders

"When you travel with me we'll be hanging out with the locals, tucking into the best street food and trying to master Vietnamese pronunciation (FYI, it's hard!). Whatever we do, we'll laugh a lot and make amazing memories together. Pack your best smile and count on me for the rest – I'll be your local buddy."

- Nhi Pham, Vietnam

“It will be a pleasure to share our traditions and beliefs, take you to the most amazing sites and, most importantly, interact with the locals! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour where we’ll visit hole-in-the-wall restaurants and find the best picarones (Andean doughnuts) *chef’s kiss. I’ll be waiting for you here, in my beloved Peru.

- Paul Garrido, Peru

"You might come to Vietnam for the beautiful scenery, but you'll stay for the friendly people! I love introducing travellers to locals and having a chit-chat, going on spontaneous walks to explore the hidden spots and sharing stories to keep our beautiful culture alive."

- Huyen Nguyen, Vietnam

Travel for good

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That's why every Intrepid trip is aligned with a relevant partner through The Intrepid Foundation and a donation is given for every trip booked. You can see which partner is aligned with a trip in the Essential Trip Information under ‘The Intrepid Foundation’.

Learn more about The Intrepid Foundation

We've got trips to suit every adventurer – no matter your budget, interests or travel style. If you can't travel on an 18 to 35s trip, you can always book a seat on one of our other trips, which are open to all ages! 

Search our range of Intrepid trips

Stories from the road

Jan 07, 2019

I thought i was a solo adventurer for....

Now, having tasted the reality of traveling on a guided group tour, I can say that...

Jul 21, 2019

How to travel with your significant....

I met my current boyfriend on an Intrepid tour in 2013, and we’ve been travelling...

Jul 31, 2019

Why visiting a sikh temple was the....

It’s lunchtime at the Sikh temple in Old Delhi and, although hundreds of people...

Apr 24, 2019

5 benefits of travelling south east....

Having people to share the experience with – not to mention the added perk of...

Jul 19, 2019

What to expect on an 18 to 29s....

Looking to discover the incredible history behind one of the world’s most...

Mar 01, 2023

10 awesome places to go for your 21st....

Big birthdays deserve BIG celebrations...  

Nov 28, 2023

The ultimate guide to 2024’s newest....

Link up with like-minded young travellers from all over the world on our newest...

Mar 27, 2019

7 reasons why you should take the....

While traveling in my twenties, I made outrageous, spontaneous decisions. And I...

Apr 10, 2019

5 things to know about base camp....

We quizzed this Intrepid leader on all things Base Camp-related, and here’s his...

What it’s like travelling in India...

Travelling with a disability can add an extra layer of difficulty that requires a...

May 08, 2019

3 top training tips for your everest....

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is no mean feat, but with a good dose of grit and a...

Aug 06, 2019

12 common (and expensive) travel....

Travel mistakes can sometimes lead to spontaneous moments of exotic wonder. But...

Sep 26, 2019

Why you should embrace tech-free travel.

As a society, we are so used to be connected ALL the time. Here's why it's good to...

Oct 07, 2019

Dunes, djs and disaster in the sahara....

Like most disasters, it began with what I thought was a good idea at the time....

Dec 05, 2019

Vegan vegetarian food intolerances....

Two vegans, one vegetarian, one lactose intolerant and one gluten intolerant...

Jan 08, 2020

How to travel in istanbul on a budget.

Straddling the divide between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a humming metropolis up...

Mar 25, 2022

Czech it: exploring the creepy side....

A haunting clock, a church made of bones, and a rendez vous with the Green Fairy?...

May 26, 2022

Everything you need to know before....

For a lot of travellers to Malaysia, Mt Kinabalu is the whole reason they visit:...

Sep 02, 2022

10 awesome travel podcasts that you....

Long haul flights, airport delays, or pre-trip research are all good times to...

Jan 11, 2023

How to budget and spend like a local....

Here are nine money-saving hacks to get you to that dream destination – and get...