Is there any country on earth quite like the UK? With the rural areas that could come out of a Tolkien book, a history that stretches back to the Romans, and a unique national culture, you can see why so many tourists have flocked to this little island over the years. If you’re planning to visit the UK, but you’re not sure exactly what you want to see, then you can end up feeling a little lost. If that’s the case, this post is for you! Here are a few places I think everyone should visit in the UK. Try and hit at least one during your trip!

Blackpool

Source: Wikimedia

When you think of England, you probably see castles and tapestries rather than seaside resorts. However, if you visit Blackpool just once, I’m sure you’ll remember it for a long time after! If anyone in the UK wants to stay at home for a holiday, then Blackpool is the place they go to. This will have something to do with the fact that it’s home to some of the best tourist attractions in the whole country! It has a Madame Tussauds wax work museum, along with a Sea Life aquarium, and the historical live horror experience of Blackpool Tower Dungeon. Aside from all of those, there’s the nationally famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This is full of roller coasters, live entertainment and delicious food, and you could probably set a whole day just for the beach. There’s so many things to do in Blackpool that you’ll find it hard to fit it all into your trip. Give it your best shot though, and I’m sure you won’t forget this seaside town.

Yorkshire

Okay, you can probably get all the fun of Blackpool where you are now. Perhaps you want to get a more raw, authentic taste of Britain. If this is the case, then you’re better off going “up north” as the locals say. If you really want to feel close to the land, then stay somewhere near Swinton Park. This is a stunning natural spot of some 200 acres, dotted with gorgeous lakes and teeming with British wildlife. It also has a large estate bordering the wild moors, which is open to the public. Your kids might groan at the mention of a walk, but luckily the owners have thought of this! The grounds have a charming little quiz-trail, and a birds of prey centre will certainly get their little faces to light up. Although it isn’t widely known, Yorkshire has some of the highest-rated restaurants in the entire country. You might be able to find more sophisticated dishes and celebrity chefs in London. However, going to Yorkshire means you’ll miss out on the crowds and traffic of the nation’s capital. The only downside is the great reputation it’s earned! Millions visit Yorkshire every year for the rich heritage of the county, so you may find yourself caught up in the odd big crush.

The Cotswolds

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The Cotswolds is a huge expanse of gorgeous countryside, dotted with some truly beautiful towns and villages. Many settlements you’ll walk through are so old that they seem like they’ve been plucked right out of history. This should give you an idea for the kind of visit you’re going to have here. Visiting the Cotswolds for your entire trip is probably better suited to couples than whole families. Still, if you can get your kids interested in rural English culture, then it could be great for the entire clan. The area is liberally dotted with some intriguing museums, both about the Cotswolds and the country’s history in general. There are also several art galleries which house some of the most iconic works from some of the most prolific English artists in history. If you don’t shy away from a bit of rain and sleet, then I recommend visiting in the winter. Like Yorkshire, many areas of the Cotswolds become packed up with tourists in the middle of the year. You’ll be able to enjoy some incredible views on bracking walks, and then take the weight off your feet with a fireside drink at a rustic pub. If the point of your trip is to recharge your batteries and get away from it all, then the Cotswolds should be at the top of your list!

London

European cities are known for being fashionable, glamorous and cosmopolitan. There are a lot of cities that attest to this reputation, but London still stands out among them. At the centre, big developments are always on the go, adding to the skyscrapers that make up the city’s distinctive skyline. Professionals come here from all over the UK and the EU, looking for the best places to climb their career ladders. The fast-paced bustle and the sheer size of London can be a complete turn-off for a lot of people. However, if this doesn’t faze you, you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience. The West End plays host to some of the most incredible live musicals in history, and Bond Street has some of the most prestigious shops and boutiques in the whole of Europe. The dining and nightlife never fail to amaze as well. If you’re a history buff, then this city will have you in a state of euphoria. The British Museum, Tower of London and dozens of other spots attract millions of tourists, both British and otherwise. London has one major drawback as a tourist destination. Accommodation, and everything else for that matter is incredibly expensive. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time with limited means. However, if you can’t be bothered with constant maths and penny-pinching, I recommend somewhere else.

I hope you find what you’re looking for on your trip to the UK. Even if you don’t go to any of these attractions, a taste of the country will leave you completely amazed. Whether you’re looking for a modern, exciting city or a quiet village in the middle of endless green, the UK has it all. Do your own research, and then jump in!