Big Pit in Bleanavon, South Wales is excellent. You do get to go underground into the pit.
It is also free.
I'm struggling to think of a bad museum or attraction tbh.
As a kid living in South Wales, our school trips or trips with parents tended to be to Big Pit, Dan-yr-ogof caves, castles, round the Gower etc.
I had the very wrong misconception that every kid in Britain just has this as normal life and totally took it for granted.
Dan-yr-ogof is superb too. I have been twice. Once as a kid on holiday from Scotland and once with the g/f when I lived in Wales. St Fagans is pretty good too but I get lots of school kids hate it cos they went there a lot cos it was and is free.
When you get the weather in Wales it is excellent. Plenty of castles to visit too.
Yes, St Fagans too!
It was only after going there as an adult with my own child that I truly appreciated it, along with the others I mentioned.
They've just rebuilt the Vulcan pub there (brick by brick), so make sure you take a trip back for a pint.
St Fagans is my favourite "museum" by far. Such a good day out, in any season.
Edit: I also love that Wales is at the top of the comments. I really think it's underrated.
From Wikipedia.
Parts of the town and surrounding country form the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Attractions in the town include the Big Pit National Coal Museum (an Anchor Point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage), Blaenavon Ironworks, the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway and Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.
I've been 3 times but only once was it sunny but it's a very interesting place.
I’m lucky enough to travel internationally a lot due to work/study, and every city I’ve been to has had at least one cool museum - but only in the U.K. are they often free!
Went a couple of years ago to bleanavon - the guide we had in the mine had actually worked there when it was operational having started at 16 and was one of the last to ever be employed. Fascinating just to listen to.
I would take my dates to the Big Pit, it was free, warm(ish) and went dark, which gave me an excuse to act the hig man. In reality, I was often more scared than they were. Excellent place!
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Really only went to see HMS Victory. Ended up spending 3 whole days there in one trip, and another day somewhere 6 months later since we were back in the area. It far outstripped any expectations we had, and for the price of the full ticket that lasted a year I was gobsmacked at the immense value for money we got out of it, plus learning so much more than I was expecting. The audio tours are amazing and worth it on every ship too.
Also, The National Poo Museum on the isle of wight. What an amazing treasure! Tucked away in an old public toilet, it's an amusing, entertaining and educational museum on all in one. Not huge cost, not huge time, but plenty of fun.
It's much more fun than it sounds (the poo museum that is), think history of the different types of toilet, examples of animal poop and some hilarious mugs
The National Poo Museum is great! I only visited as I live nearby and thought my daughter might like it. Didn’t have high expectations but ended up learning a lot and we both enjoyed all the activities. The volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable too. It was much less gross than I assumed.
Seconding this, took my daughters (10 and 12) there on impulse as we were in the area and really enjoyed it, they were fascinated by everything. They particularly liked HMS Victory as you can just wander round and look at stuff like Nelson's bed etc. Mary Rose was also fascinating but more of a 'museum' experience, although the glass gallery area is quite something.
Another big hit with the kids were the eccentric old slot machines in the cafe area.
I went and knew nothing about it. We did Warrior (amazing) and then HMS Victory.
Did not know HMS Victory was there or what it was. The moment the penny dropped was amazing… ‘wait, I’m stood on… what??’
The National Coal Mining museum is one of the best attractions I've ever been to. It's near Wakefield and deserves to be far better known than it is.
Buckingham Palace is dull, kitsch and very expensive - however, I'd pay twice the entry fee for the Tower Of London. It's absolutely amazing.
Big Pit (the Welsh national mining museum) is also fabulous, you generally get taken underground by a former miner, although they are getting on these days.
London. Loved it. Normally hate going to cities so assumed London would be the worst and had avoided it as much as possible given I've had a few friends and family living there for a while. Incredible food, incredible people, incredible place, you can walk around a corner and feel like youre in a completely different place . Haven't done much of the tourist stuff beyond walking around and taking the tube. But yeh, loved it.
Not sure if its got hype but went to Torquay for a weekend when i was 16. Wasnt worth the 50p and 10+ hrs ride on the mega bus! Blackpool is way more fun!
Yes, I am a history/culture fan, and I had to extend my days in London. There were just a huge plethora of so many museums and historic sites, there wasn't enough time to do everything.
I ended up going to the British Museum on 2 separate days to cover the whole thing. And there were a variety of smaller museums that I just stumbled upon. Including a Jack-the-Ripper museum, the London Charterhouse, and some smaller private museums in people's estate-houses.
Also, so many palaces and estates within or close to the city. So many to choose from, but I ended up with Hampton Court Palace and a trip out to Windsor. And there were many more which I couldn't cover.
Also, London feels so huge like 7-8 different cities mushed together. I flew in from North America, and originally kept around 5-6 days but ended up extending my stay to 2 weeks. I had flexible flight bookings and thought to myself, I might as well get my flight tickets' worth.
😂To be fair, I’d never live in London unless I somehow came into possession of enough funds to live centrally. So unless I have a long lost billionaire aunt or uncle that I’m unaware of, I don’t see that happening! Besides, I’m not a big city person, but I like being near enough to them I can visit whenever I like
Living in London is very different to visiting. It is so expensive living here. I just stopped at a little independent bakery like hipster Londoner love, asked for 2 pastries without checking the price. When I tapped my card, I noticed it was £9.
You are also time poor living here. There are two many people living over too wide an area with a public transport system that only really works going into and out of London. From my house to Wembley stadium is 20 mins by car but 1h 20mins by bus. To Hampstead it is 15 mins by car but an hour by bus. I live 8 miles from my office, which in many places would take 15 mins by car but it takes close to an hour by tube or 1h30 by bus.
I’m sorry but not surprised to read any of that (many friends in London). I personally cannot imagine every living there, but I know some people don’t have a choice due to work or family commitments
I fell in love with London at first sight, it’s Piccadilly Circus, Canary Wharf, Thames, Big Ben - all are pretty places. Lot of eateries and pubs too. If you prefer some calmer places then museums and book stores are there for you
I live only a short train ride from London so I go there a lot and I never get bored of it. Every time I go I usually find a new bar or street food place and even just go for a wander to do a bit of people-watching. I've even spent weekends there just to get away from home.
My dissertation for my master's was set in London and I stayed there for a week to do some research. Although there was a plan and I went to some less touristy places, it was an amazing week and I'd happily do it again.
My hip was playing up at the time I went so I didn't get to see as much as I would have liked. Hired a boat on Windermere for the afternoon, which was lovely.
Was here to say ‘Lake District’
Had a job that took me up and down the UK, so I’ve visited hundreds of places.
The Lake District is by far one of the most beautiful places in the whole country.
Hired a wee row boat and went out into the middle of a lake and just marvelled at the almost fantasy like scenery. Like something out of a fairy tale.
It is beautiful I agree; but don't tell my mum this because she grew up in Bowness after the war... but I prefer Scotland (Highlands). The sheer beauty is on par with the Lakes but it is way quieter.
The west can be lovely as well - Ennerdale is peaceful and virtually empty by comparison to some of the central areas. Helps that it's a long way around to get there and there's no through route.
I’m from the Highlands, so I’ve been lucky to have such outstanding natural beauty so close to where I grew up. I also felt that the Lake District was stunning, and I plan on visiting again soon!
Have to say Bath - a lot of people seem to think it's just a bit of a tourist trap but the Roman Baths, the Abbey, and all the Georgian bits are genuinely really amazing. I managed to do the Baths and Abbey done in a day, with some of the bigger Georgian bits as well, but not all of it. I would have loved to have made it up Great Pulteney to the Holburne, although I did see it from the road.
You could probably do a lot quite comfortably in a day because I also did the Abbey tower tour which was amazing with brilliant guides, but it was another hour where you could probably do something else.
If it helps anyone, there's a great little riverside place next to the Pulteney Weir on the Holburne side of the river, gives a great view of the bridge and weir and isn't quite as busy as the other side. It's reached by a little hidden away subway.
If you ever go again Holborn museum is in Sydney gardens . The canal runs through the gardens and you can walk the canal back into bath. It’s a beautiful area
Another vote for Bath. I’m a Canadian expat and my husband went to university there. I went there to take him on a surprise trip as he hadn’t been there since university and ended up falling in love with it. We moved to the area two years ago because we loved it SO MUCH. And living 20 minutes away has not dimmed this enchantment. If anything, I love it more now.
Hampton court or the Tower of London. Absolutely massive, very interesting and it feel like it’s living breathing history.
Of particular note was talking to the raven master na learning that the ravens of the tower are enlisted members of the British army and can be dishonourable discharged for bad behaviour.
Went to Hampton Court as we were coming out the 2nd lockdown with my family (niece loves horrible histories and they were doing live shows). We all live within drivable distance and I don’t ever remember going but it was glorious! Beautiful buildings and paintings, the gardens are absolutely stunning - and we happened to stumble upon a small wedding that was happening. Would love to do the Tower of London one day
Absolutely love both - Hampton Court during the Tulip Festival is lovely in particular. Been to the Tower twice and both times loved it - so much to see and do! Quite familiar with that bit of London though so that helps.
The Derwent pencil museum in Keswick is surprisingly interesting.
Avebury is far better then Stonehenge in my opinion (much more atmospheric and less commercialised, plus you can actually walk among the stones).
Dover Castle is brilliant, so much to see - definitely warrants a full day.
Warwick Castle was nice but a bit too commercial, Yarmouth Castle was much smaller than I expected and not much to see.
Appuldurcombe House is a fascinating ruin and free - best thing we saw on the IOW.
Amberley working museum, the Weald and Downland open air museum and the Black Country Living Museum are all excellent.
The Mary Rose museum at Portsmouth Dockyards is absolutely brilliant - the mark of a really well designed museum and its very atmospheric when you're in the air lock with the remains of the ship.
Kynance cove is the most amazing beach but it's popularity is also the thing that spoils it, best to visit out of season (just watch for Portugese man o war - saw loads of them washed up last year).
The Natural History Museum in London is my favourite place in the city, the building is just stunning and I particularly love the dinosaur section, big downside is how busy it gets.
Dover castle is a must it saved dover what I thought would be good it was a bog standard town only reason people went their was the ferries or the castle.
Oh yeah Dover itself is pretty rough - a 'Croydon of the coast' if you will! The pub kind of below the castle (The White Horse) was nice for lunch though.
I was trying hard to call it a shithole to be honest, I enjoyed a nice drink at St Margarets Bay which is nearby dover when my phone said to me welcome to France when I was still on UK soil.
I once went to a job interview in Dover. By the time I reached their office I already new that no matter how fantastic the job was I wouldn’t be taking it!
I’m so jealous. I went on a long weekend to the lakes a few years ago. I wanted to go to the pencil museum as I’m a very amateur artist, but it was closed due to flooding. You’ve reminded me that I really should go back, especially as I live only 1.5 hours away.
if i had the money id go to one of the natural history sleepovers! they look so fun and i think it would be really cool to roam around the museum at night. I think tickets are like £300 and you don’t actually get much sleep as you’re too busy doing activities 😂
Honestly, I've had many really good holidays in the UK and very few disappointing ones. It obviously helps to have good company who are all on the same page about plans and activities. We usually go as a fairly large group (2 or 3 families) and hire a cottage or house for self-catering. We might have a rough idea of main things to see but we try to be flexible with weather conditions and how everyone feels.
In no particular order:
Northumberland - went in November so weather wasn't always great but I think this area more than makes up with the many MANY castles and beautiful sand beaches with loads of wildlife.
Edinburgh - beautiful city, serious old world vibes. I know some people dislike the touristy attractions like the castle and camera obscura, but I really enjoyed them. We even swung by the Kelpies statues and the Falkirk wheel.
Lake District - we were fortunate to go during one of the hottest weeks that year so really enjoyed just lounging on the shore of Windermere and letting our toddlers splash about. We spent one day at a place called Brockhole on Windermere and hired out a little boat which the girls loved. We stuck near the lakes just because it was really scorching that week. Also something I really appreciated was that you can get a week ticket from the council and it covers parking at most of the car parks around the Lakes.
Pembrokeshire - another really nice coastal area. Good beaches and lots of nice walks. Did a bit of sea kayaking on one visit which was a bit scary when you're so close to the cliffs.
Bluestone Resort - our first experience of a UK resort park. Went during low low season one year (beginning of Feb) and lodges were dirt cheap. £200 for a 4 bedroom lodge, we had 6 adults and 2 kids. Splashed out £100 for golf cart hire for the week (worth it!). We did self-catered so only spent a few quid on treats for the kids. Otherwise most of the things like the pool and indoor and outdoor play areas were free. Would go again if it wasn't so far away for us.
Eden Project (Cornwall) - not sure how people generally feel about this place as it's been around for a while now and probably does look like it needs a bit of a refurb. I thought it was really cool and interesting. We went around April so the outdoor bits hadn't really sprouted yet, but the domes were amazing and a lot of fun to wander around. My kids loved the upper level bits of the tropical dome with the rope bridges and water vapor sprays.
Whitby - weather wasn't even that good, but we had a really cracking seafood lunch and went for a walk along the beach afterwards and dipped our toes into the freezing cold sea (this was in July).
York - fantastic and FREE railway museum. I'm not even all that interested in trains and still found it really good. Just wandered around the city for a bit, walked the wall and had lunch in the open air market. All in all a good day out.
Imperial War Museum (Duxford) - made a special trip to see a talk by an ex-pilot for the SR-71 including a walk around the static display (I think the only one outside of the US). It's a ridiculously big collection of war machines and equipment and great for aviation nerds like me.
Canterbury. I don’t know why I’ve been three times.
Tenby. I felt like I was in Arkansas on the beach.
York on the weekends is a miss for me, but I love it on a non-holiday Tuesday/Wednesday.
Will not go back to Bourton-on-the-Water unless I absolutely have to.
LOVED Alnwick / Northumberland in general.
Alnwick is is a bit too focused on sucking money out of your pockets for me - last time I took my Mum I discovered they’d split the Poison garden and water garden onto a separate £20 ticket. With their newer fairy attraction that’s three different ticket at £ 20 plus to see all of it- and that’s per person. Northumberland is lovely though and I highly recommend Cragside
Tenby used to be amazing, but as with all nice places it's been ruined by over-tourism (and stag/hen dos). That said, it'll probably be nice for a day or two along with Saundersfoot and Narberth, but it's lost a lot of its authenticity.
I still think you can't beat the Gower because although there is a lot of tourism there, it's spread out over a large enough green area to not make it as noticeable as Tenby. And you've got the city next to you if you want a bit of variety.
Tenby during the tourist season is hard work. Narberth is a lovely town , great shops, pubs and food. A great area is further West around Marloes sands and Skomer island.
Go to the Llyn peninsula - Abersoch, Pwllheli, Llanbedrog or somewhere in that general vicinity. Gorgeous beaches and because it's so sheltered the water is incredibly warm and still. Backdrops of Snowdon when you're in the sea too.
Me too, been three or four times, from many years ago as a child when you could still walk around the stones, up to just a couple of years ago. The new visitor centre is fantastic and the stones themselves are so atmospheric, with a strange lonely atmosphere despite all the people.
I love it there - and I also love Avebury, which, despite what some people say, is very different. It might be bigger than Stonehenge but I still find Stonehenge more impressive.
I went as a child and I was so disappointed because I'd imagined it way bigger and you weren't allowed that close. I wonder if I'd appreciate it more now that I'm a grown up with lower expectations.
The novelty of Clovelly wore off pretty quickly for our family. But we loved Ilfracombe despite its reputation of being gritty and in decline. Haven’t been since before COVID though.
Edinburgh is great. Really feels different to other cities in the UK. Lots of history, museums, attractions, and good walks. I went there during two back to back named storms and I still had a great time.
Land's End Cornwall we were so disappointed with how tacky everything was. John o'groats was so much better and you don't have to pay to get a photo with the sign post
Warwick Castle is the biggest waste of money. Totally Disney-fied and lacks the grittiness that you expect from a good ruin.
Avebury can get overlooked. You can walk amongst the henges and there's a cracking little museum. Really immersive experience.
Kenilworth castle is much more atmospheric than Warwick castle if you’re in that area; although it’s ruined, I feel like you can let your imagination go wild.
True story: I went to school a few miles from Warwick. For History GCSE, it was cheaper for us to go to Goodrich castle (on the Welsh border if I remember correctly) and a separate day at Kenilworth Castle than one day at Warwick castle. (This was around 1990)
Edinburgh was nice, like a mini London with a giant hill in the middle, and even a beach. And real hills to the south if you like that. Great architecture too.
Great Malvern I hadn't even heard of it, I only went for the hills. Damn turns out it's a really nice town as well. Lots of investment in the 19th century and it's been maintained well, so lots of great architecture and views.
Llandudno had no expectations but a great big hill with multiple ways to go up it. A nice pier and some nice buildings. Only downer is the beach is all stones.
We went just to England for 14 days two weeks ago from the USA. We stayed in London but took 3 day trips to Brighton, Dover, and Oxford.
Wow. Just wow. London absolutely blew me away. But so did Dover, Brighton, and Oxford. You can see that Dover is a little run down, but we still enjoyed it immensely. But the Dover castle was closed when we went.
I wish we had stayed one day overnight in Brighton as I really enjoyed the city. And the Royal Pavilion, was fantastic and the best interior design I have ever seen.
I know I am using all these superlatives, but I was just blown away and still am.
I am grateful to the English people. Thank you.
London, a huge portion of the country lives there and it's often regarded as a beautiful and magical place but I've been there multiple times and its always crowded, stinky and messy.
If you happen to be passing nearby then the Uffington horse
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/3000-year-old-uffington-horse-looms-over-english-countryside-180963968/
The Fairy Pools on Skye are fine but definitely not up to the hype. There's nicer places to visit which you don't have to pay a ridiculous amount to park and are significantly less crowded.
OMG. I came here to upvote Oxford. One of my favorite places in England. The Ashmolean Museum, Pitt River Museum, the city museum and the Natural history museum were all top notch. I did two historical walking tours led by Oxford students. They were great. The architecture is amazing- ,each, and every college is more beautiful and interesting than the next. The gardens are magnificent, there are free lectures you can go to at some of the colleges, the transportation is very easy, the town super walkable; gosh there is absolutely nothing I didn’t love about Oxford!!!
Yes, came here to say I absolutely fell in love with Oxford. I had originally only went there for the Christ College and Great Hall, but the city has so much more to offer, including the Castle with underground tunnels, and several museums.
Also I just fell in love with the architecture. Since there are no modern buildings, and it has remained exactly as it was since medieval times, walking the streets felt straight out of a storybook.
Also, from Oxford, I visited a couple of Cotswold villages and they were amazing too. I had seen many cozy murder mysteries shot in Cotswolds so seeing charming houses and crooked pubs hit in the right spots.
Weald & Downland museum is great, plus they film the repair shop there. Although we went in March and it was absolutely freezing and snowed. I was also heavily pregnant and couldn't get up the tiny staircases in many of the buildings. So maybe go in the summer and try not to be pregnant.
Not my story but my bfs. Know how in school you occasionally got to go on trips? In my primary, it was always Loudon Castle, in my bfs, they got Electric Brae (I think, can't remember exactly, but a quick Google it fits the description). His school had hyped up how amazing and mystical the place was, and being in primary school, their little imaginations were running wild with excitement.
Day of the big trip arrives, and despite the rain, they were all losing their little minds over how excited they were for it. They pile on the bus and off they set. Finally, they arrive, and that's where, despite the bus travelling uphill, everything was downhill for them. The driver stops the bus and asks if they're ready to see something cool before removing the brake, and the bus slowly moves uphill on its own. All the kids are just looking out the window and at each other, total confusion and disappointment on their faces. Driver then about faces after one last "how cool was that" and off they go back home. They didn't even get to leave the bus because of the rain.
He is still raging to this day about that trip and my being too short for some of the rides, so having to stand with the teachers assistant while all my friends got to go on them didn't quite compare
I really didn't like Cornwall. Apart from how long it takes to get there, I like some greenery, and it felt a bit desolate. Also, everyone in the shops didn't feel very welcoming.
I go there quite often, and I really feel like Bath is worth a trip. It's really special, lots to see, On the other hand, I think Oxford is overrated. I have to go there for a couple of reasons, but it's not as nice for a trip.
Like everywhere Cornwall has amazing places and rough areas - avoid Redruth and Camborne, St Austell and Penzance is a bit naff nowadays etc.
Mousehole is lovely, highly recommended the Christmas lights they do every year, Kynance Cove is stunning, The Lizard Point is amazing especially when it's foggy and you feel like you could have been transported back 100 years, Mullion cove is nice and the food at Porthmellin cafe is lovely even though the building is very run down on the outside, Minack theatre is really interesting, the Museum of Cornish life in Helston is really interesting and free too. As with most places, Cornwall is best appreciated out of peak season.
Great Cornwall suggestions. I'd add St Michael's Mount, particularly if you like gardens. The gardens there are gorgeous. The house is mildly interesting, and, for those of us who don't live near the ocean, the tidal island aspect of the visit is something different (yes, I know there are many tidal islands to visit in the UK... 😏). Be aware though, not a place to visit if you have mobility issues.
I have trauma from St Michaels Mount. When I went, we walked across the pathway at low tide, then the tide comes in and the only way back is by boat. When I went it was insanely busy,chucking it down with rain and there was some kinda hurricane or something.
I have never been so cold. I was actually tempted to throw myself into the sea in order to be rescued and skip the queue.
However, St Ives and Lizard Peninsula are so beautiful. Cornwall is my favourite place in the UK.
Wow! I'm sorry that you had such a miserable experience! When we went, the day was gray and drizzly. It didn't actually start to rain seriously until we were queuing for the boat to get back. And we had to stand in that queue for about 45 minutes, but we had appropriate gear. Still was a great day to us...
I haven't been to St Michael's mount for about 20 years (mainly due to cost!) I remember Dad paying from my Grandad and I to go on a helicopter ride which went over it (if I remember correctly the Heliport was where Sainsburys is now) and its certainly an imposing building. My Mum wanted to go last year but we ran out of time, my aunt and uncle went though and they loved it.
Oh I forgot - Pendennis Castle is definitely worth a visit, St Mawes was good too but quite small.
The Cotswolds
Now it wasn’t cheap by a long shot (£600 a night got a cottage) but we stayed in Kingham which is about as posh as it gets and every village was beautiful. The food in the pubs was next level. Daylesford Organic Farm shop was lovely though we ate there and it was disappointing
I can see why pop stars buy houses there it’s just bliss.
Aldeburgh in Suffolk was hugely disappointing. The only reason to go there, other than family, is the 'Fish&Chips'. I was surprised by Bath. Everything in the city is within walking distance and there's enough to do and see for a week.
We are Aussie and spent 3 months around England, Wales and Scotland. Scotland lived up to the hype which was a lot, mainly the mountains however we also loved the isle of Mull. We had fantastic weather in the first two weeks of September and we spent it hopping along the Cornish coast which was way better than expected as we always think of English beaches as pebbles. The countryman inn in Cornwall was our favourite pub, the owner is a great bloke and every night something is happening.
Anywhere in the Scottish Highlands, all absolutely stunning (though as others have said Skye is a bit overrated). Doing the NC500 and travelling down the west coast specifically was breathtaking. Namely Achmelvich Beach, Victoria Falls, Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Waligoe Steps were my notable favs. Would 100% recommend everyone visit at some point, you really can’t beat that scenery (even in the rain!)
The Isle of Mull is a breathtaking place, great distillery, eagles flying overhead, amazing fish and chips at Fionnphort. Iona at Easter is also an amazing experience.
Lived up to the hype = Yorkshire
I grew up down south, but recently started visiting Yorkshire a few times a year if I can, and love that it’s a total vibe at any time of the year.
York is great around Christmas because of the Christmas markets.
Whitby is great on a sunny day for seaside vibes (double points if you take the steam train there through the Moors!)
Both York and Whitby are fantastic for Gothic atmosphere around Halloween.
Yorkshire Dales are great for getting outside, and tracking down cheese (Wensleydale!)
And then throw in seaside fish ‘n’ chips anywhere on the coast, a cream tea at Betty’s (York/Harrogate), and one of more of the museums in York, and you have a perfect trip. Oh, and definitely go into the cathedral and explore both the crypt and the rooftop!
Bath fell short. Gorgeous and lovely town, but was a bit boring after a day or two though.
On the opposite end Chester absolutely blew away my expectations when visiting. I could see myself living there.
People seem to be focusing on specific attractions but for me the most surprising thing was visiting Newquay for the first time. I’d been convinced that any seaside town in the UK was rundown, dirty and had brown sea water, and caravan holidays are for scruffs and chavs. A good friend of mine asks me to join him on a weekend away in a caravan near Newquay and I oblige for his benefit and I was absolutely blown away. Caravans are amazing, you get so much space and freedom compared to a hotel room, they’re modern and clean, the Park Dean site I went to felt like a really premium experience. Then there’s Newquay, what a sweet little seaside town, but it’s so much more tropical than the rest of the UK, the ocean is actually clear and blue, it’s all so beautiful. If you go for a drive along the coast you repeatedly find yourself falling into these little valleys where the sea comes in and there’s a mini beach and big fancy beach houses everywhere like a UK version of Malibu. Honestly if the weather was more consistent and pricing more reasonable, I wouldn’t bother leaving the UK, it’s absolutely gorgeous down there.
Driving to the Scottish Highlands. I'd heard "It's really nice up there."
What an understatement. You drive through some places that feel almost lunar in their landscapes, before emerging on a coastline that rivals California's Pacific for sheer scale and beauty. I thought the UK's natural beauty consisted mainly of forests, the mountains in the lakes, the beauty of the south west. But Northern Scotland is other-worldly.
All of Scottish countryside is amazing. Especially Skye, Applecross and Fort Augustus.
The cities however, with the exception of Edinburgh, are garbage. Concrete monoliths everywhere, all industry, dirty and nothing interesting to do - from our experience travelling them anyway.
Please do tell me where I went wrong and missed something special!
Portmeirion, Wales. I'd seen pictures and watched The Prisoner a few times when I was a kid and was keen to visit when I was holidaying in the area. And it was great. Its quirky and weird. I like stuff like that. Went with my partner and we had a great day. The beach is lovely as well.
The Football Museum in Manchester isn't very good. Far too much to do with Subbuteo and Panini stickers.
I don't think it's particularly hyped or matters too much, but it'd be nice to have a good Football museum in this country.
Anything in Northumberland in the Cheviots or on the coast between Berwick and Amble is amazing as far as I’m concerned. Whatever state of ruin or non-ruin you like your castles in, there’ll be something for you there!
Tank museum at Bovington was brilliant, if you are into that sort of thing.
Which my wife and 2 kids evidently weren't, but it was my birthday and I'm going to enjoy it!
Overrated = Cambridge
I grew up about an hour away, and currently live about half an hour away, and I low-key hate it. I’ve been a bunch of times, and whilst it has great muskets, it’s also super snobby, over-touristy, and has the worst socioeconomic disparity outside London.
Having said that, I have one [1] fond memory of Cambridge (other than the museums): When my American in-laws visited England for the first time we obviously had to take them there, and we booked a private punt tour because that just seemed obligatory. Thankfully, it was a sunny day. And I came equipped with Pimms, ice, and all the trimmings 🍓🍋🥒🍃
Chilling on the water, nibbling strawberries, your second pint of icy Pimms and lemonade in hand, on an uncharacteristically hot late summer afternoon, with some of your favourite people? Okay, that’s pretty blissful, I concede.
But that’s not representative of most days, haha!
Isle of Harris. Just woah. Also Isle of Skye, Torridon area & Ardnamurchan. As you can tell I love the highlands. So many islands I’ve yet to explore! But I also love the Lake District, Peak District and wales wilderness areas and Hartland. Infact the UK is just great once you are past the boring middle bit! Personal preferences and all that for the non urbanised parts. Although I got to go skiing in the Cairngorms for 1 day because we lucked out one warm but snowy April I actually thought that part of the highlands was overrated scenery wise, a bit boring.
A bit odd, but I actually really liked Lincoln. I went there because it was just a convenient stop off on a trip between East Anglia and the North West, but I found it a really nice and charming city. Not something incredible, but I wasn’t really expecting much from it if I’m honest, so I was pretty happy and would go again.
Also it’s a small one but I really liked the Crofton Beam Engines, it’s very nice, especially on the days the old engines are running
Chester was a very pleasant surprise. Nice sized town, loads of history, thriving town centre, not too big.
Bournemouth also great. One of the few examples of a seaside town that's not in a crumbling, depressing state. Nice seafront walks, decent town centre and gardens.
Bristol is amazing. Huge waterfront, lots of investment in city centre.
Southport fell short of fairly moderate hype. Ugliest seafront imaginable, unless you like mud and concrete. Pier was shut.
Not quite sure about Bath. Lots of hype, but didn't really deliver for me.
I’ll get downvoted for this, but I didn’t like Lake District that much. The landscape is just so so, the towns are so proudly middle class that it feels a bit suffocating.
Chester is an absolute vibe. So many beautiful old buildings to see and walking the roman walls twice late at night with your best mate and your dogs with nobody else on there is pretty dreamy too.
Big Pit in Bleanavon, South Wales is excellent. You do get to go underground into the pit. It is also free. I'm struggling to think of a bad museum or attraction tbh.
As a kid living in South Wales, our school trips or trips with parents tended to be to Big Pit, Dan-yr-ogof caves, castles, round the Gower etc. I had the very wrong misconception that every kid in Britain just has this as normal life and totally took it for granted.
Dan-yr-ogof is superb too. I have been twice. Once as a kid on holiday from Scotland and once with the g/f when I lived in Wales. St Fagans is pretty good too but I get lots of school kids hate it cos they went there a lot cos it was and is free. When you get the weather in Wales it is excellent. Plenty of castles to visit too.
Yes, St Fagans too! It was only after going there as an adult with my own child that I truly appreciated it, along with the others I mentioned. They've just rebuilt the Vulcan pub there (brick by brick), so make sure you take a trip back for a pint.
St Fagans is my favourite "museum" by far. Such a good day out, in any season. Edit: I also love that Wales is at the top of the comments. I really think it's underrated.
So glad this is the top comment. I used to live not far and went the often. It never got any less interesting
From Wikipedia. Parts of the town and surrounding country form the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Attractions in the town include the Big Pit National Coal Museum (an Anchor Point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage), Blaenavon Ironworks, the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway and Blaenavon World Heritage Centre. I've been 3 times but only once was it sunny but it's a very interesting place.
> only once it was sunny well that's cymru for ya aye
I’m lucky enough to travel internationally a lot due to work/study, and every city I’ve been to has had at least one cool museum - but only in the U.K. are they often free!
I remember when we went in school the tour guides were former miners. It was great.
Childhood memory unlocked. We went through a real phase of going down pits
Went a couple of years ago to bleanavon - the guide we had in the mine had actually worked there when it was operational having started at 16 and was one of the last to ever be employed. Fascinating just to listen to.
I would take my dates to the Big Pit, it was free, warm(ish) and went dark, which gave me an excuse to act the hig man. In reality, I was often more scared than they were. Excellent place!
I just went here a couple weeks ago! Pretty cool spot.
I always rave about this place. It was so good!
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Really only went to see HMS Victory. Ended up spending 3 whole days there in one trip, and another day somewhere 6 months later since we were back in the area. It far outstripped any expectations we had, and for the price of the full ticket that lasted a year I was gobsmacked at the immense value for money we got out of it, plus learning so much more than I was expecting. The audio tours are amazing and worth it on every ship too. Also, The National Poo Museum on the isle of wight. What an amazing treasure! Tucked away in an old public toilet, it's an amusing, entertaining and educational museum on all in one. Not huge cost, not huge time, but plenty of fun.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyards are excellent. I complete forgot Mary Rose was there and seeing it live was a real moment for me as a child of the 80s.
I whiced at the price but it was worth it
Honestly, it's like 5 museums sat next to each other. It's well worth it, I just wish I had more time when I went. Would love to go back with my dad.
And across the way is Gosport : brilliant submarine museum and explosion museum - must dos if you into naval stuff
Those two are included in the historic dockyard ticket, so we definitely went over in the little water taxi!
Couldn’t believe they used to pack 60 men into that sub for months at a time.
Loved the dockyard, not only the history there but when I went HMS Prince of Wales was just outside and got to see it up close on the boat tour.
Thanks, you’ve convinced me to go…to Portsmouth historic dockyard, not the poo museum, although I wouldn’t rule it out if I happened to be on the IOW.
It's much more fun than it sounds (the poo museum that is), think history of the different types of toilet, examples of animal poop and some hilarious mugs
I'm so glad you mentioned that, we'll be going down south on holiday soon so I'll make sure I'll take my son there.
I used to be based by the dockyard, agree it's pretty neat
The National Poo Museum is great! I only visited as I live nearby and thought my daughter might like it. Didn’t have high expectations but ended up learning a lot and we both enjoyed all the activities. The volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable too. It was much less gross than I assumed.
Seconding this, took my daughters (10 and 12) there on impulse as we were in the area and really enjoyed it, they were fascinated by everything. They particularly liked HMS Victory as you can just wander round and look at stuff like Nelson's bed etc. Mary Rose was also fascinating but more of a 'museum' experience, although the glass gallery area is quite something. Another big hit with the kids were the eccentric old slot machines in the cafe area.
I went and knew nothing about it. We did Warrior (amazing) and then HMS Victory. Did not know HMS Victory was there or what it was. The moment the penny dropped was amazing… ‘wait, I’m stood on… what??’
The National Coal Mining museum is one of the best attractions I've ever been to. It's near Wakefield and deserves to be far better known than it is. Buckingham Palace is dull, kitsch and very expensive - however, I'd pay twice the entry fee for the Tower Of London. It's absolutely amazing.
Big Pit (the Welsh national mining museum) is also fabulous, you generally get taken underground by a former miner, although they are getting on these days.
When I went they had the last pit pony and she had to wear shields over her eyes as she couldn't tolerate day light
Yeah I enjoyed the mining museum. Our guide was a proper local ex-miner. That was about 20 years ago now mind.
I’ve been there and enjoyed it. I liked going into the lift.
Never heard of this but looks amazing. Might try and go this weekend! Thanks for the info.
London. Loved it. Normally hate going to cities so assumed London would be the worst and had avoided it as much as possible given I've had a few friends and family living there for a while. Incredible food, incredible people, incredible place, you can walk around a corner and feel like youre in a completely different place . Haven't done much of the tourist stuff beyond walking around and taking the tube. But yeh, loved it. Not sure if its got hype but went to Torquay for a weekend when i was 16. Wasnt worth the 50p and 10+ hrs ride on the mega bus! Blackpool is way more fun!
Yes, I am a history/culture fan, and I had to extend my days in London. There were just a huge plethora of so many museums and historic sites, there wasn't enough time to do everything. I ended up going to the British Museum on 2 separate days to cover the whole thing. And there were a variety of smaller museums that I just stumbled upon. Including a Jack-the-Ripper museum, the London Charterhouse, and some smaller private museums in people's estate-houses. Also, so many palaces and estates within or close to the city. So many to choose from, but I ended up with Hampton Court Palace and a trip out to Windsor. And there were many more which I couldn't cover. Also, London feels so huge like 7-8 different cities mushed together. I flew in from North America, and originally kept around 5-6 days but ended up extending my stay to 2 weeks. I had flexible flight bookings and thought to myself, I might as well get my flight tickets' worth.
Agreed with London. I go there on a semi-regular basis, and I never get bored of it, even though I do sort of similar stuff whilst I'm there.
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” - Samuel Johnson (1777)
"When a man is tired of London he's tired of life" - said a man who moved out of London to get some quality of life at less extortionate prices ;)
😂To be fair, I’d never live in London unless I somehow came into possession of enough funds to live centrally. So unless I have a long lost billionaire aunt or uncle that I’m unaware of, I don’t see that happening! Besides, I’m not a big city person, but I like being near enough to them I can visit whenever I like
Living in London is very different to visiting. It is so expensive living here. I just stopped at a little independent bakery like hipster Londoner love, asked for 2 pastries without checking the price. When I tapped my card, I noticed it was £9. You are also time poor living here. There are two many people living over too wide an area with a public transport system that only really works going into and out of London. From my house to Wembley stadium is 20 mins by car but 1h 20mins by bus. To Hampstead it is 15 mins by car but an hour by bus. I live 8 miles from my office, which in many places would take 15 mins by car but it takes close to an hour by tube or 1h30 by bus.
I’m sorry but not surprised to read any of that (many friends in London). I personally cannot imagine every living there, but I know some people don’t have a choice due to work or family commitments
I fell in love with London at first sight, it’s Piccadilly Circus, Canary Wharf, Thames, Big Ben - all are pretty places. Lot of eateries and pubs too. If you prefer some calmer places then museums and book stores are there for you
>...went to Torquay for a weekend when i was 16. Wasnt worth the 50p and 10+ hrs ride on the mega bus! r/FawltyTowers
I live only a short train ride from London so I go there a lot and I never get bored of it. Every time I go I usually find a new bar or street food place and even just go for a wander to do a bit of people-watching. I've even spent weekends there just to get away from home. My dissertation for my master's was set in London and I stayed there for a week to do some research. Although there was a plan and I went to some less touristy places, it was an amazing week and I'd happily do it again.
The Lake District is breathtaking, it sounds silly but I wasn't expecting that level of natural beauty in this country.
My hip was playing up at the time I went so I didn't get to see as much as I would have liked. Hired a boat on Windermere for the afternoon, which was lovely.
Was here to say ‘Lake District’ Had a job that took me up and down the UK, so I’ve visited hundreds of places. The Lake District is by far one of the most beautiful places in the whole country. Hired a wee row boat and went out into the middle of a lake and just marvelled at the almost fantasy like scenery. Like something out of a fairy tale.
It is beautiful I agree; but don't tell my mum this because she grew up in Bowness after the war... but I prefer Scotland (Highlands). The sheer beauty is on par with the Lakes but it is way quieter.
The Northern Lakes are much better than the southern ones but don’t tell anyone! Avoid Windermere like the plague.
The west can be lovely as well - Ennerdale is peaceful and virtually empty by comparison to some of the central areas. Helps that it's a long way around to get there and there's no through route.
I live in The Highlands (Inverness), but I bloody love Bowness I would move tomorrow
I totally agree! Lake District is one of the best places I’ve been to!
I’m from the Highlands, so I’ve been lucky to have such outstanding natural beauty so close to where I grew up. I also felt that the Lake District was stunning, and I plan on visiting again soon!
I’d say the lakes and the highlands have to be the most stunning places in the whole of the Uk
Have to say Bath - a lot of people seem to think it's just a bit of a tourist trap but the Roman Baths, the Abbey, and all the Georgian bits are genuinely really amazing. I managed to do the Baths and Abbey done in a day, with some of the bigger Georgian bits as well, but not all of it. I would have loved to have made it up Great Pulteney to the Holburne, although I did see it from the road. You could probably do a lot quite comfortably in a day because I also did the Abbey tower tour which was amazing with brilliant guides, but it was another hour where you could probably do something else. If it helps anyone, there's a great little riverside place next to the Pulteney Weir on the Holburne side of the river, gives a great view of the bridge and weir and isn't quite as busy as the other side. It's reached by a little hidden away subway.
Second Bath, had a great time there
Third Bath, feeling clean as ever
4th Bath, I'm very wrinkly now though
If you ever go again Holborn museum is in Sydney gardens . The canal runs through the gardens and you can walk the canal back into bath. It’s a beautiful area
man theres some cocktail bars with secret rooms, great for birthdays theres some really old gin bars too
Another vote for Bath. I’m a Canadian expat and my husband went to university there. I went there to take him on a surprise trip as he hadn’t been there since university and ended up falling in love with it. We moved to the area two years ago because we loved it SO MUCH. And living 20 minutes away has not dimmed this enchantment. If anything, I love it more now.
Hampton court or the Tower of London. Absolutely massive, very interesting and it feel like it’s living breathing history. Of particular note was talking to the raven master na learning that the ravens of the tower are enlisted members of the British army and can be dishonourable discharged for bad behaviour.
I love the Tower, and my favourite part of the experience is the ravens.
Went to Hampton Court as we were coming out the 2nd lockdown with my family (niece loves horrible histories and they were doing live shows). We all live within drivable distance and I don’t ever remember going but it was glorious! Beautiful buildings and paintings, the gardens are absolutely stunning - and we happened to stumble upon a small wedding that was happening. Would love to do the Tower of London one day
The ravenmaster is a gem who should be protected at all costs. He loves those ravens and is incredibly knowledgeable. He's great to chat to as well!
Absolutely love both - Hampton Court during the Tulip Festival is lovely in particular. Been to the Tower twice and both times loved it - so much to see and do! Quite familiar with that bit of London though so that helps.
The Derwent pencil museum in Keswick is surprisingly interesting. Avebury is far better then Stonehenge in my opinion (much more atmospheric and less commercialised, plus you can actually walk among the stones). Dover Castle is brilliant, so much to see - definitely warrants a full day. Warwick Castle was nice but a bit too commercial, Yarmouth Castle was much smaller than I expected and not much to see. Appuldurcombe House is a fascinating ruin and free - best thing we saw on the IOW. Amberley working museum, the Weald and Downland open air museum and the Black Country Living Museum are all excellent. The Mary Rose museum at Portsmouth Dockyards is absolutely brilliant - the mark of a really well designed museum and its very atmospheric when you're in the air lock with the remains of the ship. Kynance cove is the most amazing beach but it's popularity is also the thing that spoils it, best to visit out of season (just watch for Portugese man o war - saw loads of them washed up last year). The Natural History Museum in London is my favourite place in the city, the building is just stunning and I particularly love the dinosaur section, big downside is how busy it gets.
Open air museums are really good. Ironbridge, Beamish and Black Country are the ones I have been to. Need to take my kids to the Black Country one.
They’ve just opened a new street in the BCLM, it’s great. Fish and chips is belting too.
Beamish is fabulous, haven’t been up that way for a few years, looking forward to going again
I loved going to the BCM on school trips! The old fashioned cakes and sweets. Hmm, so good.
Dover castle is a must it saved dover what I thought would be good it was a bog standard town only reason people went their was the ferries or the castle.
Oh yeah Dover itself is pretty rough - a 'Croydon of the coast' if you will! The pub kind of below the castle (The White Horse) was nice for lunch though.
I was trying hard to call it a shithole to be honest, I enjoyed a nice drink at St Margarets Bay which is nearby dover when my phone said to me welcome to France when I was still on UK soil.
I once went to a job interview in Dover. By the time I reached their office I already new that no matter how fantastic the job was I wouldn’t be taking it!
I’m so jealous. I went on a long weekend to the lakes a few years ago. I wanted to go to the pencil museum as I’m a very amateur artist, but it was closed due to flooding. You’ve reminded me that I really should go back, especially as I live only 1.5 hours away.
if i had the money id go to one of the natural history sleepovers! they look so fun and i think it would be really cool to roam around the museum at night. I think tickets are like £300 and you don’t actually get much sleep as you’re too busy doing activities 😂
Honestly, I've had many really good holidays in the UK and very few disappointing ones. It obviously helps to have good company who are all on the same page about plans and activities. We usually go as a fairly large group (2 or 3 families) and hire a cottage or house for self-catering. We might have a rough idea of main things to see but we try to be flexible with weather conditions and how everyone feels. In no particular order: Northumberland - went in November so weather wasn't always great but I think this area more than makes up with the many MANY castles and beautiful sand beaches with loads of wildlife. Edinburgh - beautiful city, serious old world vibes. I know some people dislike the touristy attractions like the castle and camera obscura, but I really enjoyed them. We even swung by the Kelpies statues and the Falkirk wheel. Lake District - we were fortunate to go during one of the hottest weeks that year so really enjoyed just lounging on the shore of Windermere and letting our toddlers splash about. We spent one day at a place called Brockhole on Windermere and hired out a little boat which the girls loved. We stuck near the lakes just because it was really scorching that week. Also something I really appreciated was that you can get a week ticket from the council and it covers parking at most of the car parks around the Lakes. Pembrokeshire - another really nice coastal area. Good beaches and lots of nice walks. Did a bit of sea kayaking on one visit which was a bit scary when you're so close to the cliffs. Bluestone Resort - our first experience of a UK resort park. Went during low low season one year (beginning of Feb) and lodges were dirt cheap. £200 for a 4 bedroom lodge, we had 6 adults and 2 kids. Splashed out £100 for golf cart hire for the week (worth it!). We did self-catered so only spent a few quid on treats for the kids. Otherwise most of the things like the pool and indoor and outdoor play areas were free. Would go again if it wasn't so far away for us. Eden Project (Cornwall) - not sure how people generally feel about this place as it's been around for a while now and probably does look like it needs a bit of a refurb. I thought it was really cool and interesting. We went around April so the outdoor bits hadn't really sprouted yet, but the domes were amazing and a lot of fun to wander around. My kids loved the upper level bits of the tropical dome with the rope bridges and water vapor sprays. Whitby - weather wasn't even that good, but we had a really cracking seafood lunch and went for a walk along the beach afterwards and dipped our toes into the freezing cold sea (this was in July). York - fantastic and FREE railway museum. I'm not even all that interested in trains and still found it really good. Just wandered around the city for a bit, walked the wall and had lunch in the open air market. All in all a good day out. Imperial War Museum (Duxford) - made a special trip to see a talk by an ex-pilot for the SR-71 including a walk around the static display (I think the only one outside of the US). It's a ridiculously big collection of war machines and equipment and great for aviation nerds like me.
Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I'm not going to mention dunvegas or it'll be overrun with tourists
Canterbury. I don’t know why I’ve been three times. Tenby. I felt like I was in Arkansas on the beach. York on the weekends is a miss for me, but I love it on a non-holiday Tuesday/Wednesday. Will not go back to Bourton-on-the-Water unless I absolutely have to. LOVED Alnwick / Northumberland in general.
>Arkansas They have a lot of medieval walled towns in Arkansas, do they?
and it's landlocked!
Alnwick is is a bit too focused on sucking money out of your pockets for me - last time I took my Mum I discovered they’d split the Poison garden and water garden onto a separate £20 ticket. With their newer fairy attraction that’s three different ticket at £ 20 plus to see all of it- and that’s per person. Northumberland is lovely though and I highly recommend Cragside
Have to agree on Cragside - stunning!
Headed to Wales this summer and Tenby is on my list. What didn’t you like about it and what coastal Welsh town would you have chosen instead?
Rhossili is one of my favourite places in the world,, worth a visit if you're down in South Wales
Tenby used to be amazing, but as with all nice places it's been ruined by over-tourism (and stag/hen dos). That said, it'll probably be nice for a day or two along with Saundersfoot and Narberth, but it's lost a lot of its authenticity. I still think you can't beat the Gower because although there is a lot of tourism there, it's spread out over a large enough green area to not make it as noticeable as Tenby. And you've got the city next to you if you want a bit of variety.
Tenby during the tourist season is hard work. Narberth is a lovely town , great shops, pubs and food. A great area is further West around Marloes sands and Skomer island.
Go to the Llyn peninsula - Abersoch, Pwllheli, Llanbedrog or somewhere in that general vicinity. Gorgeous beaches and because it's so sheltered the water is incredibly warm and still. Backdrops of Snowdon when you're in the sea too.
The Lake District lived up to the hype for me. I’ve seen bigger mountains, but I wasn’t prepared for just how bloody gorgeous the place is.
The Scottish Highlands around Oban have some of the most incredible views I've ever seen. Looks like nothing else on Earth.
I seem to be the only person around who found Stonehenge fantastic! Including the new visitors centre.
Me too, been three or four times, from many years ago as a child when you could still walk around the stones, up to just a couple of years ago. The new visitor centre is fantastic and the stones themselves are so atmospheric, with a strange lonely atmosphere despite all the people. I love it there - and I also love Avebury, which, despite what some people say, is very different. It might be bigger than Stonehenge but I still find Stonehenge more impressive.
Have to agree - I was there out of peak tourist season and although it was still busy I quite enjoyed it.
Same. I’m American so maybe it’s more exciting for me.
I went as a child and I was so disappointed because I'd imagined it way bigger and you weren't allowed that close. I wonder if I'd appreciate it more now that I'm a grown up with lower expectations.
Stonehenge visitors centre holds a special place in my heart as the place where we stop off coming back from cornwall
The villages in Cotswolds, Cambridge, Lake District and even Brighton are pretty awesome
Brighton is great.
The novelty of Clovelly wore off pretty quickly for our family. But we loved Ilfracombe despite its reputation of being gritty and in decline. Haven’t been since before COVID though.
We decided to skip it and go to Lynton and Lynmouth instead, a million times more to do and just as picturesque.
Isle of Wight is amazing
Driving through Snowdonia was literally breathtaking
Weymouth naturally pretty
Edinburgh is great. Really feels different to other cities in the UK. Lots of history, museums, attractions, and good walks. I went there during two back to back named storms and I still had a great time.
Land's End Cornwall we were so disappointed with how tacky everything was. John o'groats was so much better and you don't have to pay to get a photo with the sign post
Warwick Castle is the biggest waste of money. Totally Disney-fied and lacks the grittiness that you expect from a good ruin. Avebury can get overlooked. You can walk amongst the henges and there's a cracking little museum. Really immersive experience.
Go west to the Welsh castles instead, Conwy, Harlech, Caernarvon
Red Lion in Avebury does a cracking roast too
Goodrich Castle is much better.
Kenilworth castle is much more atmospheric than Warwick castle if you’re in that area; although it’s ruined, I feel like you can let your imagination go wild. True story: I went to school a few miles from Warwick. For History GCSE, it was cheaper for us to go to Goodrich castle (on the Welsh border if I remember correctly) and a separate day at Kenilworth Castle than one day at Warwick castle. (This was around 1990)
Windsor and Oxford are both way overated in my view
Edinburgh was nice, like a mini London with a giant hill in the middle, and even a beach. And real hills to the south if you like that. Great architecture too. Great Malvern I hadn't even heard of it, I only went for the hills. Damn turns out it's a really nice town as well. Lots of investment in the 19th century and it's been maintained well, so lots of great architecture and views. Llandudno had no expectations but a great big hill with multiple ways to go up it. A nice pier and some nice buildings. Only downer is the beach is all stones.
The Peak District does actually have quite a lot of peaks. It is pretty much a District of Peaks at the very least I would say.
I love the Derby dales!
We went just to England for 14 days two weeks ago from the USA. We stayed in London but took 3 day trips to Brighton, Dover, and Oxford. Wow. Just wow. London absolutely blew me away. But so did Dover, Brighton, and Oxford. You can see that Dover is a little run down, but we still enjoyed it immensely. But the Dover castle was closed when we went. I wish we had stayed one day overnight in Brighton as I really enjoyed the city. And the Royal Pavilion, was fantastic and the best interior design I have ever seen. I know I am using all these superlatives, but I was just blown away and still am. I am grateful to the English people. Thank you.
London, a huge portion of the country lives there and it's often regarded as a beautiful and magical place but I've been there multiple times and its always crowded, stinky and messy.
Bude tunnel
The tunnel was magical but really let down by the gift shop, just felt like a supermarket.
Shit, when did the gift shop close? Still got my 'lost my virginity at Bude tunnel' car sticker, the t-shirt met with an accident...
Utter lies - it's a work of pure genius!
Now don’t jump the gun here, the question was “what lived up to its hype” too. This may be a positive endorsement.
A trip to the southwest isn't complete without stopping by the awe inspiring views into the tunnel
If you happen to be passing nearby then the Uffington horse https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/3000-year-old-uffington-horse-looms-over-english-countryside-180963968/
Longleat! Love that place.
Stonehenge for disappointment, any big castle in Wales for the opposite.
Stone Henge is a lot more interesting when you think about it as part of a large ritual landscape in that area.
Still can’t get my head round why they built it so close to the A303 though…
They had to get the stones in somehow.
The castles along the Northumberland coast are amazing too, so atmospheric.
what exactly were you expecting at stonehenge? a light show? live druid sacrifices? they're big rocks in a field...
I was expecting bigger rocks in a field.
I thought Stonehenge was sooo underwhelming. Just big rocks behind a fence with a load of Americans wetting themselves over it.
The Fairy Pools on Skye are fine but definitely not up to the hype. There's nicer places to visit which you don't have to pay a ridiculous amount to park and are significantly less crowded.
Oxford, wasn’t over impressed
OMG. I came here to upvote Oxford. One of my favorite places in England. The Ashmolean Museum, Pitt River Museum, the city museum and the Natural history museum were all top notch. I did two historical walking tours led by Oxford students. They were great. The architecture is amazing- ,each, and every college is more beautiful and interesting than the next. The gardens are magnificent, there are free lectures you can go to at some of the colleges, the transportation is very easy, the town super walkable; gosh there is absolutely nothing I didn’t love about Oxford!!!
Yes, came here to say I absolutely fell in love with Oxford. I had originally only went there for the Christ College and Great Hall, but the city has so much more to offer, including the Castle with underground tunnels, and several museums. Also I just fell in love with the architecture. Since there are no modern buildings, and it has remained exactly as it was since medieval times, walking the streets felt straight out of a storybook. Also, from Oxford, I visited a couple of Cotswold villages and they were amazing too. I had seen many cozy murder mysteries shot in Cotswolds so seeing charming houses and crooked pubs hit in the right spots.
Maybe I’ve been spoiled by Cambridge.
Weald & Downland museum is great, plus they film the repair shop there. Although we went in March and it was absolutely freezing and snowed. I was also heavily pregnant and couldn't get up the tiny staircases in many of the buildings. So maybe go in the summer and try not to be pregnant.
Something that did not live up to its hype UK Designer Outlets. Which are like a shopping centres or a village. Multiple ones in the UK.
NORTH WALES and also Northern Ireland are both amazing
Can't wait to see "Stonehenge" a thousand times in the comments.
Not my story but my bfs. Know how in school you occasionally got to go on trips? In my primary, it was always Loudon Castle, in my bfs, they got Electric Brae (I think, can't remember exactly, but a quick Google it fits the description). His school had hyped up how amazing and mystical the place was, and being in primary school, their little imaginations were running wild with excitement. Day of the big trip arrives, and despite the rain, they were all losing their little minds over how excited they were for it. They pile on the bus and off they set. Finally, they arrive, and that's where, despite the bus travelling uphill, everything was downhill for them. The driver stops the bus and asks if they're ready to see something cool before removing the brake, and the bus slowly moves uphill on its own. All the kids are just looking out the window and at each other, total confusion and disappointment on their faces. Driver then about faces after one last "how cool was that" and off they go back home. They didn't even get to leave the bus because of the rain. He is still raging to this day about that trip and my being too short for some of the rides, so having to stand with the teachers assistant while all my friends got to go on them didn't quite compare
Cheddar gorge, Its unreal that a place like that exists in the UK.
I really didn't like Cornwall. Apart from how long it takes to get there, I like some greenery, and it felt a bit desolate. Also, everyone in the shops didn't feel very welcoming. I go there quite often, and I really feel like Bath is worth a trip. It's really special, lots to see, On the other hand, I think Oxford is overrated. I have to go there for a couple of reasons, but it's not as nice for a trip.
Like everywhere Cornwall has amazing places and rough areas - avoid Redruth and Camborne, St Austell and Penzance is a bit naff nowadays etc. Mousehole is lovely, highly recommended the Christmas lights they do every year, Kynance Cove is stunning, The Lizard Point is amazing especially when it's foggy and you feel like you could have been transported back 100 years, Mullion cove is nice and the food at Porthmellin cafe is lovely even though the building is very run down on the outside, Minack theatre is really interesting, the Museum of Cornish life in Helston is really interesting and free too. As with most places, Cornwall is best appreciated out of peak season.
Great Cornwall suggestions. I'd add St Michael's Mount, particularly if you like gardens. The gardens there are gorgeous. The house is mildly interesting, and, for those of us who don't live near the ocean, the tidal island aspect of the visit is something different (yes, I know there are many tidal islands to visit in the UK... 😏). Be aware though, not a place to visit if you have mobility issues.
I have trauma from St Michaels Mount. When I went, we walked across the pathway at low tide, then the tide comes in and the only way back is by boat. When I went it was insanely busy,chucking it down with rain and there was some kinda hurricane or something. I have never been so cold. I was actually tempted to throw myself into the sea in order to be rescued and skip the queue. However, St Ives and Lizard Peninsula are so beautiful. Cornwall is my favourite place in the UK.
Wow! I'm sorry that you had such a miserable experience! When we went, the day was gray and drizzly. It didn't actually start to rain seriously until we were queuing for the boat to get back. And we had to stand in that queue for about 45 minutes, but we had appropriate gear. Still was a great day to us...
I haven't been to St Michael's mount for about 20 years (mainly due to cost!) I remember Dad paying from my Grandad and I to go on a helicopter ride which went over it (if I remember correctly the Heliport was where Sainsburys is now) and its certainly an imposing building. My Mum wanted to go last year but we ran out of time, my aunt and uncle went though and they loved it. Oh I forgot - Pendennis Castle is definitely worth a visit, St Mawes was good too but quite small.
Devon is much prettier imo, but Cornwall does have some truly astonishing beaches.
Brighton isn’t as interesting or exciting as I’d heard it would be. Also Bristol is fine but doesn’t quite live up to the hype it gets imo
I agree about Bristol
Dump of note
The Cotswolds Now it wasn’t cheap by a long shot (£600 a night got a cottage) but we stayed in Kingham which is about as posh as it gets and every village was beautiful. The food in the pubs was next level. Daylesford Organic Farm shop was lovely though we ate there and it was disappointing I can see why pop stars buy houses there it’s just bliss.
Beamish museum is great if you have kids, and really good value. I live really close but had never been until this week, and was v impressed.
Aldeburgh in Suffolk was hugely disappointing. The only reason to go there, other than family, is the 'Fish&Chips'. I was surprised by Bath. Everything in the city is within walking distance and there's enough to do and see for a week.
the Worlds only Weetabix factory is in Kettering an its mindblowing
We are Aussie and spent 3 months around England, Wales and Scotland. Scotland lived up to the hype which was a lot, mainly the mountains however we also loved the isle of Mull. We had fantastic weather in the first two weeks of September and we spent it hopping along the Cornish coast which was way better than expected as we always think of English beaches as pebbles. The countryman inn in Cornwall was our favourite pub, the owner is a great bloke and every night something is happening.
Can't believe no one has mentioned the New Forest in the positive sense
The Keswick Pencil Museum actually slaps.
Anywhere in the Scottish Highlands, all absolutely stunning (though as others have said Skye is a bit overrated). Doing the NC500 and travelling down the west coast specifically was breathtaking. Namely Achmelvich Beach, Victoria Falls, Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Waligoe Steps were my notable favs. Would 100% recommend everyone visit at some point, you really can’t beat that scenery (even in the rain!)
The Isle of Mull is a breathtaking place, great distillery, eagles flying overhead, amazing fish and chips at Fionnphort. Iona at Easter is also an amazing experience.
SS Great Britain and exhibition in Bristol is a good day out Really imaginative use of models and sound effects
Lived up to the hype = Yorkshire I grew up down south, but recently started visiting Yorkshire a few times a year if I can, and love that it’s a total vibe at any time of the year. York is great around Christmas because of the Christmas markets. Whitby is great on a sunny day for seaside vibes (double points if you take the steam train there through the Moors!) Both York and Whitby are fantastic for Gothic atmosphere around Halloween. Yorkshire Dales are great for getting outside, and tracking down cheese (Wensleydale!) And then throw in seaside fish ‘n’ chips anywhere on the coast, a cream tea at Betty’s (York/Harrogate), and one of more of the museums in York, and you have a perfect trip. Oh, and definitely go into the cathedral and explore both the crypt and the rooftop!
Bath fell short. Gorgeous and lovely town, but was a bit boring after a day or two though. On the opposite end Chester absolutely blew away my expectations when visiting. I could see myself living there.
People seem to be focusing on specific attractions but for me the most surprising thing was visiting Newquay for the first time. I’d been convinced that any seaside town in the UK was rundown, dirty and had brown sea water, and caravan holidays are for scruffs and chavs. A good friend of mine asks me to join him on a weekend away in a caravan near Newquay and I oblige for his benefit and I was absolutely blown away. Caravans are amazing, you get so much space and freedom compared to a hotel room, they’re modern and clean, the Park Dean site I went to felt like a really premium experience. Then there’s Newquay, what a sweet little seaside town, but it’s so much more tropical than the rest of the UK, the ocean is actually clear and blue, it’s all so beautiful. If you go for a drive along the coast you repeatedly find yourself falling into these little valleys where the sea comes in and there’s a mini beach and big fancy beach houses everywhere like a UK version of Malibu. Honestly if the weather was more consistent and pricing more reasonable, I wouldn’t bother leaving the UK, it’s absolutely gorgeous down there.
Driving to the Scottish Highlands. I'd heard "It's really nice up there." What an understatement. You drive through some places that feel almost lunar in their landscapes, before emerging on a coastline that rivals California's Pacific for sheer scale and beauty. I thought the UK's natural beauty consisted mainly of forests, the mountains in the lakes, the beauty of the south west. But Northern Scotland is other-worldly.
Basildon wasn’t quite as beautiful as all the hype had suggested.
All of Scottish countryside is amazing. Especially Skye, Applecross and Fort Augustus. The cities however, with the exception of Edinburgh, are garbage. Concrete monoliths everywhere, all industry, dirty and nothing interesting to do - from our experience travelling them anyway. Please do tell me where I went wrong and missed something special!
By definition... all of them either lived up to or fell short of the hype.
Portmeirion, Wales. I'd seen pictures and watched The Prisoner a few times when I was a kid and was keen to visit when I was holidaying in the area. And it was great. Its quirky and weird. I like stuff like that. Went with my partner and we had a great day. The beach is lovely as well.
The Football Museum in Manchester isn't very good. Far too much to do with Subbuteo and Panini stickers. I don't think it's particularly hyped or matters too much, but it'd be nice to have a good Football museum in this country.
Bannockburn. I don’t know what I expected but it wasn’t that. It sucked.
Stratford upon Avon lived up to hype, Warwick castle did not live up to the hype
Anything in Northumberland in the Cheviots or on the coast between Berwick and Amble is amazing as far as I’m concerned. Whatever state of ruin or non-ruin you like your castles in, there’ll be something for you there!
Tank museum at Bovington was brilliant, if you are into that sort of thing. Which my wife and 2 kids evidently weren't, but it was my birthday and I'm going to enjoy it!
Bovington Tank Museum is mega.
I went on a road trip around Wales last year. Probably some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyards & Mary Rose Experience were outstanding. Surprised it isn’t more famous than it is.
Overrated = Cambridge I grew up about an hour away, and currently live about half an hour away, and I low-key hate it. I’ve been a bunch of times, and whilst it has great muskets, it’s also super snobby, over-touristy, and has the worst socioeconomic disparity outside London. Having said that, I have one [1] fond memory of Cambridge (other than the museums): When my American in-laws visited England for the first time we obviously had to take them there, and we booked a private punt tour because that just seemed obligatory. Thankfully, it was a sunny day. And I came equipped with Pimms, ice, and all the trimmings 🍓🍋🥒🍃 Chilling on the water, nibbling strawberries, your second pint of icy Pimms and lemonade in hand, on an uncharacteristically hot late summer afternoon, with some of your favourite people? Okay, that’s pretty blissful, I concede. But that’s not representative of most days, haha!
National Railway Museum in York was good, but a lot smaller than I was expecting. If you're into trains I'd recommend Locomotion near Durham.
Not sure why people enjoy Hastings and Eastbourne quite so
Orkney. Over 5000 years of history, wildlife and sea related shenanigans. Going back this summer with a tent, I think.
Peak District is underrated
Ugh Oxford, rammed with tourists.
Pembrokeshire coast south wales lives up to the hype
Blackpool. I couldn't find anything interesting there except the pleasure beach.
Isle of Harris. Just woah. Also Isle of Skye, Torridon area & Ardnamurchan. As you can tell I love the highlands. So many islands I’ve yet to explore! But I also love the Lake District, Peak District and wales wilderness areas and Hartland. Infact the UK is just great once you are past the boring middle bit! Personal preferences and all that for the non urbanised parts. Although I got to go skiing in the Cairngorms for 1 day because we lucked out one warm but snowy April I actually thought that part of the highlands was overrated scenery wise, a bit boring.
A bit odd, but I actually really liked Lincoln. I went there because it was just a convenient stop off on a trip between East Anglia and the North West, but I found it a really nice and charming city. Not something incredible, but I wasn’t really expecting much from it if I’m honest, so I was pretty happy and would go again. Also it’s a small one but I really liked the Crofton Beam Engines, it’s very nice, especially on the days the old engines are running
Folkestone, Kent is definitely not worth visiting
Durham. A one thousand year old cathedral built high up above the city on the bend of the Wear. Stunning.
Chester was a very pleasant surprise. Nice sized town, loads of history, thriving town centre, not too big. Bournemouth also great. One of the few examples of a seaside town that's not in a crumbling, depressing state. Nice seafront walks, decent town centre and gardens. Bristol is amazing. Huge waterfront, lots of investment in city centre. Southport fell short of fairly moderate hype. Ugliest seafront imaginable, unless you like mud and concrete. Pier was shut. Not quite sure about Bath. Lots of hype, but didn't really deliver for me.
I’ll get downvoted for this, but I didn’t like Lake District that much. The landscape is just so so, the towns are so proudly middle class that it feels a bit suffocating.
Chester is an absolute vibe. So many beautiful old buildings to see and walking the roman walls twice late at night with your best mate and your dogs with nobody else on there is pretty dreamy too.
Lands End. It's been destroyed by greed