15 UK Bucket List Ideas - British Holiday Destinations

Are you looking for the most unique and best places to tick off your British bucket list? For a destination as small as the United Kingdom, it sure does pack a punch with the amount of history, culture and beautiful landscapes offered!

Find your ultimate Great Britain Tour and enjoy a diverse mix of adventure. From eating marmalade sandwiches with Paddington in London to exploring the historic town of Bath and the adventurous Lake District. You can even travel up to the Scottish Highlands and down to Cambridge.

Here is a list of the top attractions to see and things to do in the United Kingdom. Start ticking off your UK bucket list ideas now!

1. The London Eye (London, England)

Visiting Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel is undoubtedly at the top of many lists of things to do in London. It’s a magnificent piece of architecture that offers a panoramic view of England’s Capital city.

The London Eye on the South Bank of the River Thames

2. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral (London, England)

Dedicated to Paul the Apostle, this colossal Anglican Cathedral sits on Ludgate Hill in London. Founded in 604AD, it’s one of London’s most remarkable structures. There are guided tours of the Cathedral on which you can view the building and learn about its spectacular history.

On Saturdays, the public can climb to the top of the Cathedral’s dome. It is the second-largest church dome in the world, so you are in for a real treat!

St Paul’s Cathedral, famous landmark in London — St Paul’s Cathedral, a famous landmark in London

3. Stonehenge (Wiltshire, England)

Stonehenge is a favourite piece of undisclosed mind-boggling history, built around the Bronze Age. Take a trip to South West England and explore the captivating stone structures. These prehistoric monuments which date back to 3000 BC are one of the most fascinating things to see in England.

Stonehenge an ancient prehistoric stone monument near Salisbury

4. The Roman Baths (Bath, England)

The Roman Baths are a complex of baths that were utilized by Roman soldiers around 60AD. They were initially constructed for the public in the historic city of Bath. Hop on a magical 7-day tour that includes a stop at Bath and other scenic surrounding areas.

Visit Bath and be absorbed in Roman culture and learn more about centuries of captivating history.

The ancient Roman Bath Museum, West England

5. Lake Windermere (Lake District, England)

Lake Windermere sits comfortably in the Lake District National Park. It’s England’s largest natural lake – stretching over 14.8km in length and 219ft in depth. It boasts strikingly beautiful surroundings combined with dazzling, clear waters.

A visit here is a must-do for nature lovers during a trip to England!

Windermere, Lake District United Kingdom

6. Loch Ness (Scottish Highlands)

Ever wondered where the fabled Loch Ness Monster is? Try to spot ‘Nessie’ when you visit Loch Ness. This popular tourist spot in the Highlands offers spectacular views of snowy peaks, blue waters and a 13th-century fortress.

Boat tours provide a full panoramic view of this outstandingly beautiful destination.

Yellow Gorse blooming on the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland.

7. Hadrian’s Wall (Cumbria, England)

Hadrian’s Wall stretches across northern Britain for 73 miles. This iconic landmark dates back to 122AD and was once used as a fortress when Rome ruled the province they named Britannia. Visit to experience a piece of millennia-old history.

Milecastle 39 part of Hadrians Wall in Northumberland on the Scottish Border

8. Giant’s Causeway (Bushmills, Northern Ireland)

The Giant’s Causeway offers a dramatic landscape of Polygonal shaped rocks. Although this rocky outcrop looks like pixelated graphics, the numerous basalt columns are a result of a volcanic eruption many, many years ago. Join a UK tour to see this unusual work of nature and enjoy one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland.

Natural phenomenon Giant's Causeway located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland — Natural phenomenon Giant’s Causeway located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland

9. Cambridge (England)

Cambridge is a beautiful city on the River Cam in eastern England. It’s home to the prestigious University of Cambridge which dates back to 1209. Guided punting tours of the river that runs throughout the city is a very popular (and fun!) way to see some of its top attractions.

Tourists on punt trip along River Cam near Kings College in the city of Cambridge

10. Liverpool (England)

Liverpool is a famous British port city rich in music, art and culture. It is perhaps best known as the home of the Beatles. A visit to this English town is not complete without a tour dedicated to the band that is widely recognised as the most influential musical group of all time. See some famous Beatles-related spots on a tour of the city. Art lovers will be delighted with a trip to the Tate Gallery Liverpool, the most visited gallery of visual art outside London, boasting an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

11. Jedburgh Abbey (Scotland)

Jedburgh Abbey features the expansive ruins of an Augustinian abbey that’s famous for its Romanesque architecture. It also boasts a wonderful herb garden and informative visitor centre.

Ruins of Jedburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders region in Scotland.

12. Trossachs National Park (Scotland)

Discover centuries of history and a beautiful landscape, right on the doorstep of the central cities at Trossachs National Park. This awe-inspiring park is known for lush green forests, misty hills, wooded glens, beguiling braes, and mysterious lochs.

Bracklinn Falls waterfall in the foliage forest at Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

13. York (England)

York is another city steeped in history, with the Romans, Saxons and Vikings all leaving an indelible mark on the city. You’ll find substantial portions of ancient fortress walls, some dating back to the 13th century. In fact, the walls of York are the most complete example of medieval city walls still standing in England today. This charming city is decorated with twisting cobbled streets, quirky boutiques, decadent confectionery shops and is home to York Minster which is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

14. Hogmanay in Edinburgh (Scotland)

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the world’s greatest New Year celebrations. The night marks the arrival of the new year and the authentically Scottish celebration’s origins hark back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings, who were known to host indulge in long, exciting celebrations in late December.

Hogmanay firework display in Edinburgh from Prince's street — Hogmanay firework display in Edinburgh from Prince’s street

15. Exeter (England)

Exeter is a cathedral city in Devon, England. Much quieter than England’s famous cities of London, Bath and Bristol, it nevertheless boasts a plethora of attractions. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in 50 AD, the city’s history is rich and long. This is reflected in its fascinating collection of heritage attractions, many of which are free to visit. This includes everything from Powderham Castle and Exeter Cathedral, to the Exeter city wall trail and St Martin’s Church.

The famous Exeter Cathedral. The main attraction of the city.

The UK is brimming with enchanting landmarks, alluring medieval towns and fascinating history. There are adventurous things to do in the UK around just about any corner. Choosing what to do can take a lifetime of its own!

In addition to the above, this magnificent country and its surroundings offer soaring landscapes, like the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Gigantic 60ft structures such as the Angel of the North in England. Moss-covered surfaces in Snowdonia National Park. Or, the beautiful Buachaille Etive Mor in the Highlands.

Whatever you choose to do on your bucket list journey, you are sure to make memories that last a lifetime!

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15 UK bucket list ideas – Inspiration for your next British adventure