When the weather plays ball, nowhere is more beautiful than the United Kingdom.
From stunning scenery to stunning Italian architecture and picture postcard towns, there is much more beauty to behold than you could ever imagine.
So you can appreciate compiling a short list of the 25 most picturesque places is quite a feat.
So we have excluded most of the major cities and focused instead on places exuding natural beauty and lesser-known destinations that are worthy of discovery.
So you can now go out and enjoy them!
The most beautiful places in the UK
Porthcurno, Cornwall
The stunning Romanesque Minack Theatre offers the scenic backdrop of the turquoise Atlantic for nightly evening entertainment under the stars, The impressive coastal curved amphitheatre creates a magical atmosphere as excited people gather together for a performance. The beach below offers breathtaking scenery too – you could easily grab a cocktail and pretend you’re abroad if the weather is fine.
Nearby the secluded Pedn Vounder Beach is tailor-made for romantic interludes. Start your weekend break in the UK with reservations at the elegant Tregenna Castle Resort or St. Ives Harbour Hotel before soaking in the ambience.
Best time to visit: Shows are on daily but for the best weather conditions and lower crowds try May or June.
Pro tip: Take your own cushions as the seats are either concrete or grass. Also make sure you prepare for the elements as there is no roof.
Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye
In southern Isle of Skye, lying beneath the gigantic splendour of Black Cuillin Ridge in the Glen Brittle valley are the magical Fairy Pools. Its breathtaking blue-and-green waters may be largely hidden from view, but they have transfixed visitors for centuries. Check them out during the spring thaw, and unpack your hiking boots at Broadford Hotel or Hebridean Inn.
Best time to visit: June, for beautiful bright and sunny skies.
Pro tip: Check for any road closures before you travel from the mainland to Skye as it’s a long way to reroute if the bridge is shut. Also wear sensible footwear as the surrounding area can get wet and slippy.
Fort William, Scottish Highlands
At the southern end of the Great Glen, Fort William nestles at the foot of Ben Nevis. Visitors seeking an active holiday in the UK flock here during the spring-summer months to hike, walk and mountain bike the valleys of Glen Nevis and Glen Coe. Moorings Hotel or Ballachulish Hotel are recommended local accommodation with views offering a taste of what’s in store once you set off.
Best time to go: May-June for the best weather and least crowds.
Pro tip: If you want to see the view from Ben Nevis at sunrise you’ll need to set your alarm for the middle of the night!
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Portmeirion, Wales
Most likely you’ve never heard of Portmeirion, Wales, which only increases the wow factor once you view the village up close. Modelled after an Italian setting, the vivid pastels and fabulous layout of Portmeirion create one of the most scenic places in the UK. Rooms are available at Royal Sportsman Hotel and Golden Fleece Inn for a spring or summertime visit.
Best time to go: May or June.
Pro tip: If you want to get free entry into the village for a day trip, pre-book Sunday lunch or afternoon tea at the Hotel Portmeirion. Alternatively pre-book your tickets online for the best prices.
Loch Awe, Scotland
If the name itself isn’t enough to grab your attention, the ruins of Kilchurn Castle are the true definition of awesome. A viewing area provides photo opportunities for before/after touring the keep itself. Nearby Loch Lomond is a starting point worth enjoying before warming yourself up at accommodation like Ben Cruachan Inn.
Best time to go: Autumn is the most atmospheric and beautiful time of year when the trees all turn golden.
Pro tip: Pack comfy walking shoes as hiking is the main attraction in Loch Awe.
St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
Fans of Mont St-Michel in Normandy, France, should instantly recognise this iconic location near Penzance, Cornwall. Take a moment to absorb the beauty of the tidal island, then catch your breath before crossing by foot or boat to explore the ancient castle and the hilltop abbey. Ship Inn and The Commercial are two recommended 4-star accommodation options.
Best time to go: April – September are the driest months with the lowest tide.
Pro tip: Check the tide times if you want to walk the causeway to/from the mount.
Snowdonia, Wales
The entirety of Snowdonia National Park is one of the UK’s natural wonders, with a plethora of breathtaking mountains, rivers, and lakes waiting to be explored. Llanberis Pass and Llyn Glaslyn Lake spotlight the park’s elemental beauty, where flora (like the Snowdon lily) and fauna (such as ospreys) thrive within its conservation borders.
You’ll find several accommodation options in the area, but The Groes Inn and Victoria House B&B offer 5-star luxury throughout the year.
Best time to visit: For the best weather, visit during the summer months but if you want to go white water-rafting, go for a wetter month like March when the rivers are fuller.
Pro tip: Take waterproofs as the weather is very variable, even in the summer months.
Brighton, Sussex
Brighton has been favoured by royalty and commoners alike as one of the most beautiful places in the UK for nearly two centuries and is one of the premier holiday destinations in the country. Majestic Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, British Airways i360, and great area beaches preview exciting adventures during the summer. Early bookings are a must for seafront properties like The Grand Brighton and Hilton Brighton Metropole.
Best time to visit: The town comes alive with brightly coloured banners, flags, and outfits in August for Gay Pride when there are huge processions through the streets
Pro tip: Book your accommodation well in advance if you want to visit during Pride as it attracts revellers and celebrities from all over the world.
Shetland Islands
A haven for eco-tourists due to its pristine environment, Shetland Islands appear untouched by time or man. Easily one of the most scenic places in the UK, summer is extremely mild, even with the midnight sun. St Ninian’s Isle offers a unique beach with sea on either side, for bucket-list adventure seekers. Shetland Hotel and The Lerwick Hotel provide affordable accommodation, but a car hire is essential for travel.
Best time to go: The summer is the driest time but if you want a chance to see the Northern Lights then the best time to visit is between October and March when the nights are darkest.
Pro tip: Move away from street lighting if you want the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Dorset, England
Few would dispute the fact that Durdle Door, Dorset, is amongst the natural wonders of the UK. Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, the breathtaking beauty of the beach and cliffs are as iconic as the landmark itself. It’s a long climb back up from the beach, so reward yourself with a warm bath at The Frampton Arms. They’re open all year long.
Best time to go: June, before the school holiday rush.
Pro tip: Also take time to visit Sandbanks for the best views at sunset. Also check out the row of 13 stunning mansions along the Panorama Road which is the world’s most expensive coastal real estate worth £93 million, reportedly exceeding waterside areas of Monte Carlo and Miami.
Lake District, England
The Lake District is always a popular choice for an active holiday in the UK during the winter months, when its mountains are ripe for skiing and snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. The adult’s-only Water’s Edge Inn and Claremont House in Ambleside place you at the centre of the action, from where you can explore Haweswater, Whiteless Pike and the wide expanse of Lake Windermere.
Best time to go: May to October offer the best walking conditions but April and March are great for water sports.
Pro tip: Bring a good map and a compass.
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County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Whether you walk across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, down the beech tree-lined Bregagh Road, or over the basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim is assuredly one of the most scenic places in the UK. Weather patterns around Lough Neagh suggest mid-spring to early autumn is best for trips to the area. Curran Court Hotel and Causeway Lodge are examples of prime areas to stay with scenic views.
Best time to go: Weather patterns around Lough Neagh suggest mid-spring to early autumn is best for trips to the area.
Pro tip: The Giants Causeway is free to visit if you walk there, however, the car park is very expensive so you’re best arriving on foot.
Bath, Somerset
Beguiling Georgian architecture and its famous Roman baths transform the city of Bath into a fabulous destination for a weekend break in the UK. Take in Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent, but be sure to walk Bath Skyline for unparalleled views of one of the greatest cultural cities in the country.
Bathen House Boutique Hotel and Macdonald Bath Spa offer accommodation with Georgian themes.
Best time to go: May- September.
Pro tip: Visit Britain’s only natural thermal spa Thermae Spa to get a taste of what it was like for the Romans 2,000 years ago.
Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight offers an inviting destination for a hiking holiday in the UK, with a comfortable yearlong climate featuring plenty of sunshine. Hike the area of The Needles Headland & Tennyson Park or stop by Carisbrooke Castle on the long walk to Chillerton Down. The Stag provides accommodation in the central town of Newport.
Best time to go: June or September.
Pro tip: Steephill Cove, a traditional unspoilt fishing cove, is the prettiest place to visit on the Isle of Wight. The nearest car park is a five minute walk away so it’s pretty quiet and calm most of the time.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Add Bamburgh in historical Northumberland to your list of the most scenic places in the UK. Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest Park take up most of the county’s western region, but there’s also an area of natural beauty on the east coast. Leave your belongings at Market Cross Guest House or The Victoria Hotel and enjoy a summer’s day at medieval Bamburgh Castle and Bamburgh Beach.
Best time to go: May- September.
Pro tip: Head to Bamburgh Castle beach for stunning views and pictures of the castle above.
Holkham beach, Norfolk
It’s no surprise this stunning unspoiled beach is often featured as a backdrop on TV and in films. There are more than 50 beaches in Norfolk, but this is our favourite. The huge 20 million square foot expanse is a great place for walkers, dogs, kite-fliers, and swimmers. At low tide, you can walk for ages along beautiful sand before you reach the sea while at high-tide a semi-circular basin behind the shoreline turns into a huge lagoon.
As part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, the four mile expanse is one of the most untarnished areas of the country and home to many rare plants and animals.
Best time to go: Springtime.
Pro tip: There are no facilities at Holkham beach make sure you bring a packed lunch and empty your bladder before arriving
Queen’s View, Pitlochry
Just one look, and you’ll realise why this is the Scottish Highlands’ most popular attraction. When Queen Victoria visited in 1866 she thought the amazing view west along Loch Tummel was named after. However it was said to be actually after Robert the Bruce’s first wife Isabella, 500 years earlier. Awkward!
Best time to go: March-June when the trees are in full bloom, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Pro tip: While the coffee shop terrace is tempting, get your drink to go and carry it up a few extra steps for the best views.
Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Don’t let the distance put you off. This archipelago off the tip of the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly are one of the UK’s crown jewels. The charming group of islands has the mildest climate in the UK, meaning you can make the most of the great outdoors throughout the year with beach days and crisp walks. You’ll find a unique range of flora and fauna here too, with puffins, dolphins and sharks spotted off the coast.
Best time to go: March – June
Pro tip: Be sure to check out the beautiful sub-tropical paradise Abbey gardens on the island of Tresco which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.
Find stays on the Isles of Scilly
Viking Bay, Broadstairs, Kent
The descent from the high cliffs into the horse shoe-shaped sandy bay with bobbing fishing boats below makes for a very picturesque scene.
The town was a frequent destination for author Charles Dickens for much of his writing career and there are many mentions of him and his work around the local area. Bleak House, where he wrote David Copperfield, can be seen from the beach too.
Best time to go: The summer as there are lots of activities going on in addition to the finer weather.
Pro tip: Park your car on the road or car park above the beach and enjoy a gentle walk down to get the best views and photographs.
Tenby, Wales
One of the most photographed sights in Wales, Tenby North beach has a backdrop of colourful houses on top of the cliffs overlooking the harbour.
You’ll also find the eye-catching Goskar rock, sticking out of the middle of the sand, which kids love to admire.
The south-west of Wales is blessed with a vast array of great beaches but Tenby has three of the most beautiful; in addition to the north beach there is the south beach and also Castle Beach, which is popular with families and visitors wanting to canoe and paddle-board.
Best time to go: The summer for a traditional beach experience.
Pro tip: If you’ve got kids, take them to probably the most picturesque playground in the UK, situated high on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Canterbury, Kent
Thanks to the legendary Canterbury Tales, this medieval city continues to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by the magnificence of Canterbury Cathedral and the city’s Roman ruins and architecture. October highlights the Canterbury Festival, and it’s not too chilly for a city tour via river punt. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge may be the best accommodation, but Broome Park Hotel isn’t far behind.
Best time to go: May/June or September/October.
Pro tip: While the main focus is Canterbury Cathedral, make sure to take time to walk around the prestinct immediately surrounding it. You can see the oldest school in the world, the King’s School Hall, which was founded 600 CE.
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
One of the most iconic and oldest standing structures on earth needs little introduction on the list of most beautiful places in the UK. Intimately connected to the summer solstice, Stonehenge is a major seasonal draw for thousands, but travel during the spring and autumn reveals more of its mystery away from the noise and crowds. Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge and The Northey Arms are superb accommodation options, even in the off-season.
When to visit: Midweek, during the school term. Arrive early for the least crowds.
Pro tip: Avoid the summer and winter solstices as Stonehenge is very busy (it’s the only time they let you into the stone circle.)
Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
The Mourne Mountains are definitely off the beaten track, but once you get a taste of its panoramas, you’ll be glad you came to this corner of Northern Ireland. Nearby Silent Valley Mountain Park and Spelga Dam provide ample walking trails, and you’ll find few summer crowds, so take your pick of rooms at The Rostrevor Inn or Canal Court Hotel in Newry.
When to visit: The best time for walking is between April and October.
Pro tip: The weather can change very quickly so if you’re out walking bring a map and compass as it could suddenly get foggy.
Inverness, Scotland
Deep in the Scottish Highlands, the city of Inverness is a top choice for adventures and active holidays in the UK. The city centre offers the historical Inverness Castle and Inverness Cathedral for walking tours, or you can savour a boat ride along River Ness, past Ness Islands, down to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. Trace the route of the famous North Coast 500 from Inverness Castle, after you settle in at Jurys Inn Inverness or Kingsmills Hotel.
When to go: Spring or Autumn when it’s less busy with tourists.
Pro tip: Don’t miss Fort George, an 18th century military fortress near Ardersier, in the north-east of Inverness.
Cannock Chase, Rugeley, Staffordshire
When the sun shines through the towering trees, there is something very magical about Cannock Chase. While it’s the UK’s smallest area of outstanding beauty it’s certainly not one to be missed. There is a lovely sculpture trail, exhilarating biking routes, hiking roots, and a forest Segway experience.
When to go: Spring or summer.
Pro tip: The Commonwealth mountain biking route took place in Cannock Chase so it’s a popular destination. Best to arrive early before it gets too crowded.
Originally published 02 22, updated on 10 22.
