When you’re planning your next vacation, you might be tempted to stick to the tried-and-true American destinations like New York City or San Francisco. But with the pound sterling so low against the dollar, UK destinations are looking more attractive every day. And though Americans might not think of London and other British cities as vacation spots, they’re actually perfect places to soak up some culture while enjoying great activities and dining out on award-winning food. Read on to discover 10 can’t-miss vacation spots in the United Kingdom!
1) Whitby
Whitby is a coastal town on the east coast of England, famed for its seaside views and historic abbey ruins. With a population of around 13,000 people, it’s not as busy or touristy as some other English towns, but still offers plenty to see and do. It was also the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula – so if you’re looking for a spooky getaway Whitby might be your place!
2) Stratford-upon-Avon
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon attracts many visitors every year to see where the great poet was born and grew up. The town is home to many theatres, including The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This theatre is often referred to as the world’s most famous theatre because of its long history and important role in world theatre history.
3) Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is a magical place to visit for anyone looking for a vacation. It has beautiful views, including majestic mountains and waterfalls. Plus, it’s not too far from Glasgow (a city with a booming food scene), so it’s easy to do both on your trip!
4) The Lake District
The Lake District is a region of England that contains many lakes and is one of the most popular areas for hiking. In addition to beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy activities like cycling, sailing, water sports and hill walking. There are also many places to stay such as inns, hotels or cottages.
5) York
York is a great city to explore on foot and has plenty of historic sites like York Minster, which is one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Visitors can also take a tour through Tudor times with Dick Whittington and His Cat at York Mystery Plays.
6) Brighton and Hove
Brighton is a seaside resort on the south coast of England. It is known for its large gay population and liberal attitudes, as well as its diverse shopping and entertainment facilities. Brighton has also been a location for various film productions, including The Boat That Rocked (2009) and Miss Potter (2006).
7) Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire is one of England’s most delightful counties. It has plenty of quaint villages, historic towns, and medieval castles. Nearby are rolling hills, the Cotswolds, and the Chilterns. The bustling market town of Oxford is a must see with its cobbled streets, historic colleges (such as Magdalen College), and world famous university.
8) Bath
Bath is a historical city located on the River Avon. Visitors can tour the Roman Baths and Great Pulteney Street, which contains many historic buildings. Alongside these sites, there are plenty of restaurants and pubs in this city for an enjoyable evening.
9) Salisbury
Salisbury has a lot to offer visitors with its historic cathedral, rich culture, and stunning countryside. The city has been inhabited since Roman times and is famous for being one of the birthplaces of modern democracy. The cathedral has been home to an important part of this history as it was where King Edward III founded the Order of the Garter.
10) West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park is a great place for families to visit. The park offers ample space for your kids to run around and explore, plus it has plenty of animals that you can see up close. After you’ve had your fill of animals and exploration, stop by the onsite restaurant for a bite to eat or enjoy some entertainment at the theater.