Best Things To Do in UK & Ireland

Top of our list of things to do in the UK and Ireland has to be a trip to the Big Smoke. From the Tower of London to Covent Garden, London’s attractions are truly endless. As well as numerous historical gems, you’ll find many contemporary sights, too, including busy Oxford Street and The Shard.

The picture-perfect Cotswolds in south west England are famed for their rolling hills and quintessentially British villages filled with honey-hued houses. Considered one of the prettiest regions in the UK, you can easily spend a few days exploring Medieval market towns, gorgeous gardens and historic country houses.

Fans of Jane Austen will feel right at home in Bath, the location of many of the author’s novels. The attractive city in Somerset is also known for its Georgian architecture and beautiful Roman bath houses. Bathe in mineral-rich waters at the Thermae Bath Spa, stroll along the Circle or pop into the Jane Austen Centre.

Scotland’s capital city is also its most historic. Make some time to leisurely stroll along the Royal Mile that links Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace. For great views across the city you can walk up Arthur’s Seat, while New Town is home to many handsome Georgian buildings and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Located in the north of England, the Lake District is one of the most popular destinations in the UK for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s filled with natural wonders, from towering peaks like Scafell Pike to over 16 lakes. The Lake District hosts over 500 events every year, from music festivals to guided walks, so be sure to check the calendar before you visit.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the Irish countryside has been immortalized in countless literary and cinematic works, including Star Wars, Harry Potter and The Game of Thrones. Discover the countryside for yourself on a scenic drive through the verdant Ring of Kerry, past rugged coastal landscapes and tiny seaside villages, or set out to explore the mountains, heaths, bogs and forests of Connemara National Park, in western Ireland. Set on the southwest of County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher as just as mesmerizing, especially at sunset. Also visit Giant’s Causeway to the north of Northern Ireland – a land of myth and legend, locals consider this astonishing volcanic landscape Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction!

Oxford and Cambridge are famed for being home to two of the world’s most prestigious universities. Walk in the footsteps of former alumni, from Charles Darwin to Oscar Wilde, by taking a day trip to either from London. In addition to admiring Medieval and Renaissance architecture, you can punt along the canals in Cambridge or visit the Bodleian Library (the second largest in the UK) in Oxford.

A trip to the Scottish Highlands isn’t complete without taking in Loch Ness. It’s one of the region’s deep, freshwater lakes and is best known for its links to the mythical Loch Ness Monster. We can’t guarantee you’ll spot the infamous Nessie, but you can learn more about it at the visitor center or while cruising on the loch.

Another must-see location in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. Part of the Inner Hebrides archipelago, it’s best known for its rugged scenery and rich history. Admire the cascades at the enchanting Fairy Pools, take a walk to The Old Man of Storr – a huge rock that can be spotted from miles away – or wander around Portree, Skye’s main coastal town.

Like the UK, Ireland has dozens of grand houses and ruined castles with truly fascinating histories. Take a trip to Kilkenny to visit its restored 12th century fortress whose original structure dates back to the Norman conquest. Killarney in County Kerry is where you’ll find the impressive Ross Castle, the ancestral seat of the O’Donoghue clan, and Muckross House, a handsome 19th century lakeside manor.

Discover all the best spots to visit in the UK and Ireland by booking your vacation with our experts at Enchanting Travels.