Famous Tourist Spots In The UK
The United Kingdom is home to some of the most famous and influential tourist attractions in the world. With breathtaking landscapes, magnificent historic buildings and incredible architectural marvels, it’s no wonder millions of people flock to the UKs top attractions each year. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most famous tourist spots in the UK.
Famous Tourist Spots in the UK
The Tower of London
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-shire, Scotland
The Roman Baths, Bath, England
Loch Ness, Scotland
Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Tower of London
Located on the North Bank of the River Thames sits the iconic Tower of London. The famous stone tower, now known as the White Tower, was built by William the Conqueror, as a symbol of both royal power and intimidation over London. It’s hard to imagine today with so many other buildings now in place, but that tower once loomed over medieval London, with only St Paul’s Cathedral for competition.
Over the years the fortress was expanded and today, the Tower of London is made up of a complex of buildings and actually has more than one tower. It is still home to the Yeoman Warders (‘Beefeaters’) and the famous tower ravens to this day.
In its 1000 year history, this mighty fortress has been a stronghold, a residence, a prison, a zoo, a safe place during wars and is still where the crown jewels are kept. This incredible palace has a very rich, complex and fascinating history, its no wonder 3 million people visit each year!
You can book tickets in advance on their website, which is advisable during peak periods.
There are of course other famous attractions in London such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hampton Court Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral to visit. Why not make a few days out of it!
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-shire, Scotland
You may recognise this Victorian railway bridge from the Harry Potter films (specifically the 2nd and 3rd ones) but the Glenfinnan Viaduct is actually the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland. Head up the hill from the Glenfinnan visitor centre car park to catch breathtaking views down to Loch Sheil and across to the viaduct. It’s the perfect viewpoint to see the viaduct and even catch the Jacobite steam train in action as it passes across, every day, in spring and autumn.
There is a new path from the visitor centre too, where you can take a 20 minute walk and get up close to this mighty structure and really appreciate how tall the bridge is.
Or for an immersive day out, ride across the viaduct by catching the train from Fort William to Glenfinnan, as you take in the views from one of the most picturesque train rides in the country. From Glenfinnan station, there is a 1.5 mile walk, on a well built path, that takes you through the landscape, past the viaduct and on to the Glenfinnan monument.
The Roman Baths, Bath, England
The fascinating Roman Baths are located below modern street level, waiting for you to discover their 2000 year history. The terrace you come to when first entering the site overlooks part of the baths but doesn’t give you the whole picture. The site of the baths extends under nearby streets and squares, you wouldn’t even realise from the terrace above! It’s no surprise this is among the top famous tourist spots in the UK.
In Roman Britain, this site was one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, where people would come to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs. The waters still flow with hot water today!
Today, you can explore the Roman Baths complex, made up of 4 main parts; the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and ‘finds from Roman baths’. You can walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva as well as explore artefacts from the Baths.
It’s advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak times.
Loch Ness, Scotland
Loch Ness is a large, freshwater loch in Scotland, probably more famous for its mythical resident, the Loch Ness monster! Many visitors come to this beautiful area each year, not just to try and spot ‘Nessie, but for the beautiful walks, cycling and watersport opportunities. You can also take boat tours across the loch, to take in the breathtaking views and do some monster hunting of your own.
Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Wales’ highest mountain attracts hoards of visitors each year, all wanting to conquer this wild, majestic mountain that stands at 1,085 metres high, dominating the skyline in North West Wales. The great news for those wanting to soak in the views from the top is that it is suited to all abilities thanks to the Snowdon Mountain Railway. You can catch the train up to summit from Llanberis station, a journey that is estimated to have been experienced by 12 million visitors since 1896. For more information, to check opening dates, times and book tickets, visit their website.
For the adventurers who wish to walk to the summit, you can tackle one of the 6 challenging routes, which all take approx. 7 hours to the top and back. Do plan your route though and be prepared, wear appropriate clothing and take plenty of drinking water with you. Remember the weather at the bottom can be completely different to that at the top! It’s advisable to download the Llwybrau’r Wyddfa Walks app to plan your route and track your progress.
There is a cafe at the top which is open when the railway is open and has the only toilet, so its a good idea to make sure you go before you embark on the hike! Also remember to park sensibly and only in designated car parks. It is possible to pre-book your parking through this website.
Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Titanic is probably one of the most famous ships in the world. Sadly not only for the amazing feats of engineering that went into building the largest passenger ship in the world at that time, but for the tragedy that unfolded the night it sank.
Titanic Belfast gives you an insight in to all aspects of the mighty White Star Line vessel, right from the historic slipways where it was built and launched. In the Titanic Experience, you’ll go on a self guided tour of the world’s most authentic retelling of one of the most famous events of the 20th Century. There are over ten interactive galleries, immersing you in the sights, sounds, smells and stories of this magnificent ship, as well as the people and city that made her.
In Titanic Belfasts own words, ‘You might think you’ve heard it all but until you’ve been on The Discovery Tour, you don’t know the half of it’. You can also walk the decks of the SS Nomadic, Titanic’s tender ship. It’s been lovingly restored and is now at Belfast’s historic Hamilton dock for visitors to explore.
It’s best to check the website for up to date opening hours and to buy tickets.
Have you been to any of these famous tourist spots in the UK? Or have any others you would like to share? Leave your suggestions in the comments!
As always, sharing is caring so please share this guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head out and explore the UKs most famous tourist spots.
