Things to do in 

United Kingdom

Follow alternative things to do across the United Kingdom, slipping into studios, canal paths, village greens, and coastal corners from London to Glasgow to Penzance.

Cultural experiences: In London, ride a narrowboat from Little Venice to Camden and then try pie-and-mash at a traditional shop off Chapel Market; seniors and families like the slow pace and hearty plates. In Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, sit at a bench with a goldsmith for a short metal-stamping taster before exploring the Victorian arcades nearby—couples often book a private slot. In Glasgow’s Govan, step inside the Fairfield Heritage Centre and walk past old shipyards to the Clyde for stories that shaped the city’s sound and style.

Day trip ideas: From London, take the train to Rye (about 1 hour 15 minutes) for cobbles and antique shops, then bus to Camber Sands for a breezy dune walk. From Edinburgh, loop through the East Neuk of Fife—Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail—for harborside smokehouses and coastal paths. From Manchester, hop to the Peak District for Edale’s moorland trails and Castleton’s Blue John Cavern, returning via a bakery stop in Hathersage.

Explore United Kingdom's regions: South West England stretches from Cornwall’s fishing coves to Devon’s Dartmoor tors, with seaside trains rolling out of Exeter. The North West sets the Lake District’s fells above Windermere and Keswick within easy reach of Manchester. Yorkshire spreads heather moors and limestone dales around Whitby, Malham, and York. Scotland ranges from Edinburgh’s closes to the Highlands’ glens beyond Fort William. Wales frames Eryri (Snowdonia) around Betws-y-Coed and coastal castles near Conwy. Northern Ireland packs the basalt drama of the Causeway Coast within a day of Belfast.

Travel tip: Give yourself 10–14 days for a mix of England and Scotland with a few countryside days; the full United Kingdom—adding Wales and Northern Ireland—fits best into 3–4 weeks. If time’s tight, focus on one region for 5–7 days to keep travel light.

More places to see in United Kingdom

London steals the spotlight, but the rest of the UK is where quiet streets, coast paths, market towns, and wild hills come into focus. Trains and short drives tie it all together, with plenty of places to pause for a pint or a view.

York: Slip into the Shambles early to see the timbered shops before the crowds, then climb York Minster’s tower for a clear look over the city walls. After lunch, the National Railway Museum’s engines and royal carriages make a cool, hands-on detour. End the afternoon with a slow circuit on the medieval walls as the light softens on stone and slate.

Lake District: Start in Keswick with a walk to Friars Crag on Derwentwater, where the lake opens wide between low fells. Drive out to Castlerigg Stone Circle for a quiet mid-morning stop, then head to Grasmere for warm gingerbread and a wander by the churchyard. If the weather holds, a late-afternoon boat ride on Windermere keeps things simple and calm.

Pembrokeshire Coast: Lace up for the path to Barafundle Bay in the morning; the sandy crescent and clear water make a fine reward. Grab crab sandwiches in Tenby and watch the harbor fill and empty with the tide. As evening nears, step into St Davids Cathedral, where the slate and oak glow in the low light.

Belfast and the Antrim Coast: Spend the morning at Titanic Belfast, then hop in a black cab for a guided look at the city’s murals and stories. Drive the coast to the Giant’s Causeway for late-afternoon light on the basalt columns, and, if time allows, cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge earlier in the day when the wind is kinder.

Seasonal activities

Spring: Tulips and cherry blossom colour city parks, bluebells carpet woodlands, and lambs dot countryside fields. Wander stately gardens at a relaxed pace, catch village May Day traditions, and enjoy mild days that suit families, couples, and travellers who prefer easy walking.

Summer: Long daylight invites coastal walks in Cornwall, swims off Welsh beaches, and Highland hikes beneath late sunsets. Picnic in London’s royal parks, join open-air community fetes, and feel the streets come alive in August with parades and performers in cities like London and Edinburgh.

Fall: Crisp air and glowing foliage transform the Lake District, the Cotswolds, and Scottish glens. Head to apple orchards and harvest fairs, sip new-season ciders, and watch Bonfire Night skies sparkle on 5 November.

Winter: Christmas lights twinkle from York to Bath, markets serve mince pies and mulled drinks, and cathedral carols carry through historic squares. New Year dips on chilly beaches and cosy pub fires add charm, with quieter landmarks suiting slower-paced travellers and romantic winter city breaks.

Recurring fixtures shape the calendar, from the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames and St Patrick’s Day parades in March to Pride celebrations nationwide and August’s Notting Hill Carnival. Come November, remembrance services and Bonfire Night gatherings fill town squares, while December brings beloved Christmas markets and street illuminations across many cities.