130+ mega UK bucket list 

Visiting the United Kingdom (UK) is a 4-in-1 country experience.  

Comprising of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, each region attracts visitors with its incredibly rich history and diverse cultures. 

And if you’ve always dreamed of visiting the UK, you’re going to enjoy this post. 

I'll be sharing over 100 cool UK bucket list ideas, some of which you can do in the UK in a week.  

Featuring historical sites, jaw-dropping scenery and unique food experiences, use this post to plan your own trip. 

What is the difference between the UK and Great Britain? 

The terms, the UK and Great Britain are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.

The UK is a sovereign state consisting of 4 countries, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It also includes island and overseas territories. 

Great Britain, instead, refers to the largest island in the British Isles. This includes England, Scotland and Wales. It doesn’t include any part of Ireland or the Channel Islands. 

What are 3 things the UK is famous for? 

Though it’s hard to choose just 3, these are what I think the UK is most famous for. 

• Queen Elizabeth II. The longest reigning British monarch and loved by many, Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy is one that will live on. 
• Big Ben. Immortalized in movies and TV shows, the historic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster is world famous. 
• The Beatles. Four lads from Liverpool went on to become one of the most influential bands in the history of music. 

Why should you visit the UK 

The following provides a brief rundown of the reasons why you should visit the UK. They include: 

The history. For a small nation, the UK has a lot of history to tell within its parameters. And the beauty of visiting the UK is that the landmarks and sites tell the story for themselves. From the Tower of London to Stonehenge, the UK’s a living, breathing history lesson. 

The landscape and wilderness. Endless fields of green, beautiful islands, pretty coastlines and rugged cliffs, the UK is perfect for outdoor lovers. Go hiking, biking or walking, there’s plenty to explore in this vast green land. 

The literary greats. Home to William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, visit the places in the UK that inspired their masterpieces. 

British cuisine. The UK receives a lot of bad press for its culinary culture. However, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a lot more than what you see on the TV. Pubs, gastropubs, street food vendors, food markets and Michelin-star restaurants are reinventing the British food scene into something more exciting. 

Many good reasons  

The sports scene. A destination for avid sports fans, the UK is home to some of the most iconic sporting events. They include Wimbledon, any Premier League football game and the Six Nations Rugby Championship. 

The festivals. Bad weather doesn’t stop the UK from hosting some of the best around the world. Music festivals like Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight attract music lovers and partygoers in their masses.  

Royal heritage. With a lineage that dates back centuries, royal heritage in the UK is a topic all on its own. Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are just several notable names. 

Great hospitality. Known for their polite nature and friendly demeanor you can expect a warm welcome in the UK. Have a cup of tea with a local — with milk of course — and enjoy the best of British hospitality. 

130+ Mega UK Bucket List 

Divided into categories, this mega bucket list post lists over 200 best things to do in the UK. Grab your phone, or a pen and notebook, and make a note of the activities you most want to do. 

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Top UK landmarks and attractions in London 

We start with the capital on this UK bucket list for 2 reasons. First, it’s the capital and deserves its own category. Second, London has so much to see and do, all the activities could take up an entire post. 

• Visit Big Ben  

• Book a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament  

• Take a tour of Buckingham Palace royal state rooms. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10:45 

• Check out the Tower of London and Crown Jewels exhibition

• See the best views of the capital from the top of the London Eye (get The London Eye entry tickets)

• Book tickets to The Shard to see the best views from the UK’s tallest building

• Discover Westminster and visit the Churchill War Rooms  

• Take a Secret British food tour through the stalls and shops at Borough Market 

• See London's top attractions on a boat cruise along the River Thames 

• Walk over the glass walkway and explore the Victorian engine rooms at Tower Bridge (get Tower Bridge entry tickets)

• Book tickets to visit Westminster Abbey 

• Join a Harry Potter guided walking tour

• See London by night on an open-top bus tour

• Visit the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark in Greenwich with a Royal Museums Greenwich day pass

Top UK landmarks and attractions around the UK  

See the best of what the UK has to offer by adding the following landmarks and attractions to your UK bucket list. 

• Take a trip to Stonehenge (and Windsor) in Wiltshire, one of the most famous and mysterious prehistoric sites in the world  

• Skip the lines on a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle  

• Book a tour of Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the Kings and Queens of Scotland since the 16th century 

• Walk the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and discover the underground 17th century Real Mary King's Close

• Enjoy a day trip from London to see the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury

• Take a trip to see the Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones tour from Belfast. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it’s known for its incredible natural rock formations 

• Discover Hadrian's Wall path. This long-distance trail follows the route of the ancient Roman wall that once divided England and Scotland

• Join a Harry Potter magical walking tour in Edinburgh 

• Visit Avebury (Bath and Lacock), a prehistoric stone circle and one of the largest neolithic sites in Europe 

• Climb Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park that offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside 

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Cities to visit in the UK 

From big cities to smaller ones, the UK’s cities will add plenty of activities to your UK bucket list. 

• Take a trip to Manchester for museums, shopping and to see its famous football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City (Tour Manchester City's Etihad Stadium)

• Enjoy the incredible attractions (listed above) in Edinburgh, and enjoy the tranquility at Princes Street Gardens 

• Learn more at the Belfast Titanic Experience, visit the 19th century St. George’s Market and check out the Ulster Museum in Belfast 

• See the Victorian canals that featured in the hit TV show Peaky Blinders and follow Tommy Shelby’s path in Birmingham. Other notable sights to see in the city include Birmingham Cathedral and Cadbury’s chocolate World (get entry tickets)

• Visit Bath to see the ancient Roman Baths, Georgian architecture and hot springs (join a Bath walking tour with entry to the Roman Baths)

• Spend a weekend in the historic city of York, visit York Minster and walk its medieval walls 

• Tour the city of Bristol to visit its famous suspension bridge, historic ship and gothic cathedral 

More cities to add to your UK bucket list 

• Go north to the Scottish Highlands to visit Inverness. See its 19th century castle, step inside its iconic cathedral and enjoy views overlooking River Ness 

• Head to Cardiff to visit the Welsh capital’s cathedral, the 18th century Cardiff market, its beautiful bay and Bute Park 

• Visit Newcastle’s 12th century castle, walk around the Quayside and see the Angel of the North statue located just outside 

• Discover Canterbury, with its medieval cathedral, charming streets and the backdrop of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales 

• Walk around Oxford and visit one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities (join an Oxford University and city walking tour)

• Get to know Liverpool, visit the Beatles Story, the Beatles Museum and enjoy a cruise on the River Mersey

• Visit the UK’s smallest city of St. David's. Stop by its medieval cathedral and admire the views of Pembrokeshire, Wales from the hilltop 

• Go coastal in Aberdeen to visit the Marischal College (Aberdeen city council headquarters), St. Machar's Cathedral and The Gordon Highlanders Museum 

• Take a trip to Cambridge, stroll around its university campus and enjoy a guided punting tour on the River Cam 

• Explore the historic city of Durham, home to a UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, Durham Castle and a blooming botanic garden 

Just a few more cities for your UK bucket list 

• Tour Glasgow to discover its medieval cathedral, excellent art collections, lighthouse museum and the Victoria-era cemetery, Glasgow Necropolis  

• Discover the northern city of Leeds and tour its art galleries, museums, the waterfront area and the historic Kirkgate Market 

• Visit Dundee to discover its 15th century Broughty Castle, visit the Discovery Point museum and stroll the Dundee Law walk 

• Check out the Roman Amphitheatre, 11th century cathedral and walk the Roman city walls in the pretty city of Chester 

• Tour the city of Winchester, whose 11th century cathedral is home to Jane Austen’s tomb. While in the city, don’t miss out on visiting the 12th century Winchester Castle, its great hall and historic mill (join a Winchester historic castles and cathedrals walking tour)

• Enjoy a Robin Hood experience, visit Nottingham Castle and have an ale at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham. It’s said to be the oldest inn in England dating to the 12th century 

• Be enamored by the Scottish city of Stirling, known as ‘the gateway to the Highlands’. Home to Stirling Castle, it was here where Queen Mary of Scots was coronated (book a tour of Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and whisky tour) 

• Drive to the Welsh coast with a trip to Swansea. Visit the city center and enjoy the views from its sandy beaches like the Mumbles and Three Cliffs Bay Beach

• Enjoy the best views from the Spinnaker Tower (get tickets), visit Southsea Castle and see the house where Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth 

Map of the UK

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UK towns and villages 

Fall in love with any of the classic towns and picturesque villages dotted around the UK. The inspiration behind literature and artworks, any of the following will be a welcome addition to your UK bucket list. 

• Stroll through the charming town of Windsor, home to the royal Windsor Castle and beautiful riverside walks (get Windsor Castle entry tickets) 

• Head to the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon and see a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company  

• Visit traditional thatched-roof cottages, roam the rolling hills and explore the charming villages of the Cotswolds (visit the Cotswolds and Oxford from London)

• Walk in the footsteps of beloved characters from the British TV show Emmerdale on an Emmerdale Village set guided tour

• Take a tour of Truro Cathedral, learn more at the Royal Cornwall Museum and swing by Truro’s farmer’s market 

• Admire the striking historic buildings along Mermaid Street and visit Rye’s 13th century castle that now houses its museum 

• Go fishing or boating at St Ives Harbour, surf, swim or sunbathe and explore the Cornish town’s rock pools 

• Make a day trip to the town of Salisbury, home to the Salisbury Cathedral and its mesmerizing 123m spire 

Medieval memories for your UK bucket list 

• Visit the historic town of Ludlow in Shropshire for its medieval castle, St. Laurence’s Church and its famous food festival 

• Climb to the top of Glastonbury Tor to enjoy panoramic views, visit the 7th century abbey and visit the Goddess Temple 

• Surf, sunbathe or swim at any of the sandy beaches at Bude. The small coastal town in Cornwall has several unspoiled choices within its vicinity 

• Explore the charming coastal village of Tintagel on a Devon and Cornwall tour from London. Visit Tintagel Castle, known for its connection to the legend of King Arthur, and don’t miss seeing Merlin’s Cave 

• Enjoy a day in the historic town of Warwick. Visit its grand castle, stop by St. Mary’s Church and stroll down Mill Street, home to the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum 

• Discover the pretty market towns in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate 

• Make the journey, on foot (in low tide) or by boat, to see St. Michael’s Mount in Penzance. The small rocky island is home to a medieval castle and church 

Best UK outdoors trips 

Love the outdoors? The UK is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The inspiration of artists, writers and poets, here are some outdoor trips to add to your UK bucket list. 

• Spend 2 or 3 days exploring the Lake District. Hike, walk or enjoy a boat cruise, you’ll be utterly enamored by this region and by its sheer beauty 

• Climb Mount Snowdon. The highest mountain in Wales, get to the top to enjoy incredible views from the summit 

• Hike the South West Coast Path in southwest England. The path’s the longest hiking trail in England at 630mi (1,014km) long. It passes through four counties: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset and is one of the UK’s most scenic walks 

• Running for 99mi (160km), the South Downs Way stretches from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. Attractions to see along the stretch include Bignor Roman Villa and Parham House & Gardens 

• Take in the views from the beaches of Cobo Bay and Petit Bot Bay on the island of Guernsey 

Get to a national park  

• Enjoy a day tour of Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park (from Manchester). Covering mainly Derbyshire in central England the park’s ideal for outdoor activities 

• Spend a few days exploring the Cairngorms National Park in northeast Scotland. The UK’s largest national park, come here for hiking, cycling, walking or wildlife watching. Cairngorms National Park also has different accommodation types within the park to choose from. They range from luxury accommodation and glamping to B&Bs and hostels 

• Discover the scenery and mountainous landscapes within Snowdonia National Park. Located in northwest Wales, visit the country’s largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid and try one of several trails in the park (book a Snowdonia, north Wales and Chester tour)

• England’s most northern national park, plenty of nature, walking routes and opportunities for stargazing await at Northumberland National Park 

• Covering most of the Yorkshire Dales, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is known for its wild landscapes and unique limestone formations 

• Head to Scotland’s first national park Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. A real treat for the senses, visit its tranquil lochs, walk the lowland landscapes and spot animals in the wild 

• Hike Tennyson Down, a scenic walking trail that leads to the highest point on the Isle of Wight 

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Best UK islands to see  

While Great Britain itself is made up of the three largest islands, there are plenty of smaller islands to explore. A great addition to your UK bucket list, here are some of the best UK islands to see. 

• Book a tour to visit the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye in Scotland. Lewis and Harris is the largest island in Scotland and third largest in the UK. Though two separate islands, they’re joined by a land border. On the islands are white beaches, unique wildlife, and some of the most incredible landscapes you’ve ever seen 

• The largest of the Channel Islands, enjoy a few days discovering Jersey. Learn more about the island’s history, soak up the sun and enjoy the sunniest spot in the UK 

• Head to the Isle of Wight to see Osborne House, the Needles off the west coast and Carisbrooke Castle 

• Discover the Isle of Man, an island located in the Irish Sea, between England, Scotland, and Ireland. Check out the medieval Castle Rushen, enjoy the views from Peel Castle and watch the TT annual motorcycle race 

Spend a long weekend or even a week exploring the islands of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland. The Isle of Skye, Mull and Islay have the largest populations. The islands are also an ideal destination to escape the hot weather in summer. Top UK bucket list ideas for these Scottish islands include: 

• Go hiking or climbing in the Cullin Mountains and stop by the Fairy Pools (Isle of Skye) (book an Isle of Skye sightseeing highlights minibus tour)

• Climb to the summit of Old Man of Storr (Isle of Skye) 

• Sample some whiskey on a tour of the 9 whiskey distilleries on Islay (book a tour of Islay and the Whisky Coast from Edinburgh)

• Stroll along the beautiful sandy beaches like Machir Bay and Kilchoman Beach (Islay) 

• Visit the pretty town of Tobermory and walk along the waterfront on a tour of the Isle of Mull (join an Isle of Mull and Iona small group tour from Glasgow)

• Book a whale watching or bird-watching tour from the island (Mull) 

Other smaller islands in the Inner Hebrides also worth considering are: 

• Jura – come here for the beaches, the remote landscape and to visit its renowned whisky distillery

• Iona – known for its abbey, unspoiled views and for hosting spiritual retreats 

• Colonsay – check into the island’s only hotel, walk along the harbor and enjoy the peace and abundance of nature  

• Eigg – the isle measures 5.5mi (9km) in length from north to south and 3mi (5km) east to west. For a small island, Eigg attracts a big number of visitors to its shores each year 

Remote and tranquil islands to add to your UK bucket list 

• Head to the English Channel to visit Guernsey. Bathe on its pristine sandy beaches, visit the town of St. Peter Port and stop by the Little Chapel 

• Explore the northernmost region of the UK in the Shetland Islands. Located off the north coast of Scotland, enjoy its rugged and remote landscapes and indulge in the freshest seafood 

• Take a tour of the remote Scottish Orkney Islands. The largest of the 70 islands is the Mainland, of which Kirkwall is its administrative center. Come to the Orkney Islands to visit UNESCO World Heritage historic sites, explore the outdoors and to experience local culture 

• Learn more about Scotland’s seventh largest island, the Isle of Arran. Join a day tour from Glasgow to visit attractions like Brodick Castle

• Spot Atlantic grey seals, puffins and more on a day trip to the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland 

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Best UK tours and experiences 

No UK bucket list would be complete without some fun days out and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Here are some handpicked tours and day trips to consider doing on your UK trip. 

• Take the kids on a memorable day out to see the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio tour  

• Enjoy a tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands

• Located just outside Inverness, book a boat tour to see Urquhart Castle, go hiking or just take in the magnificent views 

• Jump on board the Hogwarts Express on a magical Highlands tour. Jacobite Steam Train that featured in the Harry Potter movies. Running between Fort William and Mallaig in Scotland it’s a must for fans of the franchise 

Tour one of the UK’s top football stadiums or watch a football match. Some of the most popular are: 

• Tour Old Trafford stadium and museum that’s home to the Manchester United football club  

• Arsenal Emirates stadium and museum

• Liverpool Football club museum and stadium tour

• Chelsea football club stadium and museum tour at Stamford Bridge

• Go on a historical pub walking tour in London and sample some of the best craft beers and traditional ales 

• Join like-minded book fans on a literary tour of London 

• Tour some of the UK's most famous castles and palaces like Windsor, Warwick, Leeds Castle, Blenheim Palace and Hampton Court Palace 

• Get spooked on an underground ghost tour in Edinburgh 

• Enjoy a guided tour of the Victorian-era prison, Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast 

• Take a tour of London’s best museums like the V&A, British Museum, the National Gallery and the Tate Modern 

• Visit some of the UK’s free filming locations behind popular shows like Poldark (book a private Poldark tour)

• Walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters from Downton Abbey by visiting Highclere Castle (book a day trip to Downton Abbey, Oxford and Bampton from London) 

• See some of the most famous ships in British naval history like the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose in Portsmouth with an Ultimate Explorer ticket

History, stately homes and cheese

• Visit Balmoral Castle and Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle’s open to the public when the Royal Family isn't using it. This usually happens from the beginning of April to the end of July 

• Watch contenders take part in the famous Cooper’s Hill Cheese Roll competition near Brockworth in Gloucester 

• Go on a tour of some of the UK's famous gardens. They include Kew Gardens (get entry tickets), the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Hidcote Manor Garden, Stourhead, Great Dixter and Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

• Enjoy a visit to some of the UK's most lavish stately homes like Chatsworth House, Longleat House and Castle Howard 

• Take a tour of Inveraray Castle in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, the castle was featured in the TV show, ‘A Very British Scandal’ 

• Learn more about the social history of Glasgow at The People's Palace and Winter Gardens 

• Go underground in Nottingham at the City of Caves. The tour tells of the story of the historic sandstone caves and their use over time 

• Discover the historic site of Culloden Battlefield. Located in Scotland, the site was the final battle of the Jacobite Rising that took place in 1746 

• Visit Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum in Portsmouth to learn more about his life and work 

Culinary experiences to try in the UK 

Try some of the best, and some unusual, British dishes during your trip to the UK. Some fun ideas to add to your UK bucket list, your tummy will thank you later (or maybe not!). 

• Eat fish and chips in a traditional London pub or… 

• Grab a takeaway of fish and chips wrapped in traditional newspaper and enjoy on Brighton Beach 

• Sit down to a traditional Sunday roast dinner with all the trimmings (roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings) 

• Book a table at one of the Royal Family’s favorite restaurants, The Goring 

• Try a deep-fried Mars bar in Scotland. Carron Fish Bar in Aberdeen was one of the first to serve the deep-fried treat 

• Start your day with a full English breakfast complete with black pudding 

• Sit down to a traditional English afternoon tea at a luxury hotel or a tearoom 

• Reserve a table at a Michelin-star gastropub like the Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire 

• Enjoy freshly made scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream at Betty’s Tea Room in Yorkshire (York, Harrogate) 

• Try a traditional Cornish pasty in Cornwall 

What do you think of these suggestions for your UK bucket list? Which attractions, places or activities would you most like to see? Let me know in the comments below. 

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