With its varied scenery and rich cultural heritage, the United Kingdom is home to historic cities, excellent museums and medieval castles. Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK offers a mix of modern attractions with centuries-old monuments. From the great buzz of London to the picturesque countryside in the Lake District, here are the best places to visit in the UK.
London 
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London (prices and hotel photos)
Capital of the nation, London is a fascinating city full of history, where you can explore beautiful green parks, world-class museums and art galleries and explore iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Walk along the banks of the Thames to see Tower Bridge, visit Michelin-starred restaurants or head to Trafalgar Square to see the National Portrait Gallery.
Edinburgh 
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Edinburgh (prices and hotel photos)
Edinburgh is one of Scotland's most fascinating cities, famous for its well-preserved historic buildings and the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Admire the Gothic buildings and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town before visiting the Royal Palace to admire the Scottish Crown Jewels or explore the city's vibrant nightlife as the sun goes down. Make sure you see the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, while Princes Street is famous for shopping and restaurants.
York Credit: Allan Harris York
York (prices and hotel photos)
A walled city with a rich heritage, York is a picturesque city where the River Foss meets the River Ouse. York Minster is the jewel of the city, as this imposing stone cathedral dating back to the 3rd century is filled with extraordinary works of art. Admire the city walls that stretch for three miles around the old medieval centre, which offer stunning views of The Shambles and its wood-panelled buildings.
Cornwall 
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Cornwall (hotel prices and photos)
You'll be enchanted by Cornwall's 300 miles of windy coastline, as its secluded beaches and flower-filled meadows create the perfect backdrop for a day of surfing or bodyboarding. Its fascinating environment is reflected in its rugged landscapes, while artists flock to the area to draw inspiration from its sand dunes, craggy cliffs and medieval architecture.
The Lake District 
Credit: Bigstock.com The Lake District, UK
The Lake District (Hotel prices and photos)
Offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the entire United Kingdom, the Lake District is located in the north-west of England, in the county of Cumbria. Dotted with lakes, mountains and hills, the area's lush green valleys and vast woodlands are considered an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. With 2,000 km of scenic trails, the area is best explored on foot and you can relax in the charming towns and villages of the area.
Brighton 
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Brighton (prices and hotel photos)
An eclectic seaside town with restored piers, family games and classic British beaches, Brighton has plenty to explore. From the exotic Royal Pavilion and its Indian-style exterior to the modern British Airways i360 that takes you 450 feet in the air, children and adults alike will love this city. Head down Brighton Pier, enjoy a day of kayaking or hire a bike and take in the beautiful South Downs countryside.
Windsor 
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Windsor (prices and hotel photos)
Within walking distance of central London is Windsor, a picturesque town with medieval half-timbered buildings overlooking old cobbled lanes. In the centre is Windsor Castle, one of the most famous castles in the UK, serving as a summer residence for the British family for a millennium. Families can enjoy the children's attractions at Legoland Windsor, while those looking for an exciting day out can visit Royal Ascot.
Cambridge 
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Cambridge (prices and hotel photos)
A charming English city located along the River Cam, Cambridge offers all the cultural and entertainment options you would expect from a university town. Take a stroll through the UK's largest collection of preserved historic buildings, where you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture of King's College Chapel, go for a walk along the river, or explore the beautiful grounds of Cambridge University.
Oxford 
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Oxford (prices and hotel photos)
Oxford is a beautiful city with many attractions to explore the city's architecture, history and culture. Visit Oxford University to see scenes from Harry Potter, climb the tower of the University Church to see the city from above, then explore the Pitt Rivers Museum to see archaeological and ethnographic objects from around the world. Before you leave, be sure to grab a drink at the Eagle and Child, a famous meeting place for J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Belfast 
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Belfast (prices and hotel photos)
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast boasts warm Irish hospitality and a wealth of attractions. Visit the Titanic Building to learn all about the famous ship, admire an Egyptian mummy in the Ulster Museum, then visit the Botanic Gardens to see a beautiful display of tropical plants.Be sure to take a Black Cab Tour to see the famous murals and peace walls or explore Belfast Castle which dates back to 1870.
The Cotswolds 
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The Cotswolds (Hotel prices and photos)
Considered the UK's rural gem, the beautiful Cotswolds is one of the most photographed corners of the country. Visit this area to experience the true ambience of English rural life and admire its picturesque villages through the extensive network of trails. It's a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, with horse riding, cycling and excursions to popular activities, while farmers' markets and orchards give you a taste of local culture.
Liverpool 
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Liverpool (hotel prices and photos)
Liverpool is best known for its strong association with the Beatles. While music fans are drawn to the city's Beatles-related landmarks, such as the Cavern Club, where they debuted in 1961, there are other great reasons to explore this city, such as its picturesque gardens and parks. You can also enjoy great cultural gems such as the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Museum of Liverpool and the Walker Art Gallery.
Glasgow 
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Glasgow (prices and hotel photos)
Scotland's largest city, Glasgow is loved for its culture, style and welcoming locals. You'll find a collection of world-class museums and galleries to explore, while its stunning Victorian architecture, cutting-edge art scene and vibrant nightlife will draw you in to experience its energetic atmosphere. Known for its wealth of shows and concerts, the city has a long-standing reputation for its impressive live music scene.
Cardiff 
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Cardiff (prices and hotel photos)
The capital of Wales, Cardiff impresses with its endless array of activities on offer. Admire the picturesque views of Cardiff Bay, browse the quirky shops in ornate arcades and step back in time at the 11th-century Cardiff Castle. Be sure to visit the Millennium Stadium, considered an architectural landmark of the city, where you can find rugby Wales souvenirs in the shop next door.
