The UK is a glorious destination and the four countries that make up our island nation all bring something to the table. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are breathtaking destinations in their own right, with a fantastic array of museums and galleries as rich as any restaurant, café, pub and club. Throw in some spectacular nature and wildlife and you have one of the best destinations in the world.
Any choice of the best things to do in the UK will encourage healthy discussion and this is no exception. For every product, there will be an argument for alternatives. You can experience some of the culture in the towns of this country, and you can spend a weekend roaming freely in an isolated place.
Geometrically, Eastbourne may conjure up images of retirement homes and ’70s family holidays, but there’s more to this seaside town on England’s southern coast. It’s an exciting creative hub with a lively Towner Eastbourne gallery, and is also known for a first-class film festival and great coffee shops. What’s more, it’s easily accessible from the beautiful South Downs National Park – plus obvs have front row access to the sometimes actually quite warm English Channel. Eastbourne is as exciting as the UK is right now.
It doesn’t get much more famous than Glastonbury Festival. The UK’s biggest music festival takes over a huge swathe of Somerset countryside most summers with mud, music, mischief, hippies and healing. It’s hard to express just how big Glasto is, with a whole world happening off stage and an amazing line-up of music ranging from pop to reggae to rock to dubstep to metal to folk to techno. if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, bring an open mind, a sense of humour and a big pack of baby wipes.
The world-famous prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain attracts millions of visitors each year, but its popularity has not diminished its appeal. Are these majestic standing stones – lapis lazuli from Wales more than 150 miles away – an ephemeris, a cemetery or a place of worship? Was it built by Merlin the Sorcerer and a group of giants? Is its origin supernatural, or even extraterrestrial? Or just an incredible feat of human will? Visit to find out what you think the true story of the monument is.
Get a ticket to ride around the city the Beatles call home. Liverpool is where the Fab Four met and started playing. Learn about their incredible musical career at The Beatles Story, the childhood home of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, now run by the National Trust, before visiting Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road. End your visit with an evening at the reconstructed Cave Club, located near where The Beatles first began playing in the early 1960s.
