Top Rated Places

Looking for the best places to visit in the UK? This page features the top-rated towns, villages, and cities according to visitor reviews on Should I Visit?. Whether you're planning a day trip, weekend escape or a longer stay, these destinations stand out for their charm, amenities, atmosphere and visitor experience.

From historic market towns to coastal gems and cultural hotspots, each location listed here has earned high praise from real people who've been there and shared their thoughts. You'll find ratings, honest descriptions, and helpful insights to help you decide where to go next.

Browse the top ten UK destinations below - and see if your favourite made the list.

London

1. London

A world-famous capital packed with iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and endless things to see and do.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Conwy

2. Conwy

A beautifully preserved medieval walled town dominated by its UNESCO-listed castle, set against the scenic backdrop of Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.

★★★★★ (5.0)

York, North Yorkshire

3. York, North Yorkshire

A beautifully preserved medieval city with cobbled streets, Roman walls, and gothic grandeur.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Looe, Cornwall

4. Looe, Cornwall

A charming seaside town on the south coast of Cornwall, known for its sandy beach, working harbour, and family-friendly atmosphere.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

5. Tenby, Pembrokeshire

One of Wales' best-loved seaside towns, with colourful harbour houses, golden beaches, medieval walls, and easy access to coastal walks and Caldey Island.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Perranporth, Cornwall

6. Perranporth, Cornwall

A vibrant seaside town with a huge sandy beach, surf culture, and epic sunset views.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Edinburgh

7. Edinburgh

Scotland's majestic capital with a historic Old Town, stunning castle, and world-renowned festivals.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

8. Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

A stunning canal town with honey-coloured stone buildings, riverside pubs, and timeless charm.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

9. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

A beautiful historic town with abbey ruins, Georgian squares, and a strong foodie scene.

★★★★★ (5.0)

Bristol

10. Bristol

A creative, independent city with colourful street art, harbourside charm, and engineering marvels.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Cardiff

11. Cardiff

Wales's vibrant capital with a striking castle, waterfront attractions, and a lively cultural scene.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear

12. Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear

A spirited northern city known for its nightlife, bridges, and Geordie charm.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Brighton, East Sussex

13. Brighton, East Sussex

A vibrant seaside city known for its bohemian vibe, pebble beach, and iconic pier.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

St Davids, Pembrokeshire

14. St Davids, Pembrokeshire

Officially Britain's smallest city by population, this beautiful coastal spot is famed for its cathedral and stunning scenery within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Barmouth, Gwynedd

15. Barmouth, Gwynedd

A classic seaside town with a sandy beach, harbour charm, and dramatic mountain backdrop.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Oxford, Oxfordshire

16. Oxford, Oxfordshire

A scholarly city of dreaming spires, ancient colleges, and literary charm.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Canterbury, Kent

17. Canterbury, Kent

A historic pilgrimage city with a stunning cathedral and medieval streets.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

18. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

A riverside city famed for its prestigious university, punting, and historic charm.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Cromer, Norfolk

19. Cromer, Norfolk

A traditional seaside town famous for its crabs, Victorian pier, and clifftop walks.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Bath, Somerset

20. Bath, Somerset

A UNESCO-listed city famed for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and literary connections.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Ely, Cambridgeshire

21. Ely, Cambridgeshire

A peaceful riverside city with a magnificent cathedral rising above the Fens.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Alnwick, Northumberland

22. Alnwick, Northumberland

A historic market town famed for its majestic castle and magical gardens.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Polperro, Cornwall

23. Polperro, Cornwall

A fairytale fishing village with whitewashed cottages, tiny streets, and a scenic harbour.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Betws-y-Coed, Conwy

24. Betws-y-Coed, Conwy

A picturesque village in Snowdonia, nestled among forests, rivers, and waterfalls, often called the gateway to North Wales' mountain adventures.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Llandudno, Conwy

25. Llandudno, Conwy

A grand Victorian seaside resort with a sweeping promenade, historic pier, and cable car rides offering panoramic views over the Great Orme and North Wales coast.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Portmeirion, Gwynedd

26. Portmeirion, Gwynedd

An enchanting Italianate village nestled on the North Wales coast, known for its colourful architecture, subtropical gardens, and role as the surreal backdrop to cult TV series The Prisoner.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

27. Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

A lively university town on the west coast, combining Victorian seaside charm with a youthful energy, historic ruins, a cliff railway, and a sweeping promenade that's perfect for sunset strolls.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Portree, Highland

28. Portree, Highland

The colourful harbour town at the heart of the Isle of Skye, Portree is a charming base for exploring dramatic landscapes, with its lively cafés, independent shops, and a stunning backdrop of sea cliffs and rugged hills.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Fort William, Highland

29. Fort William, Highland

Nestled beneath Ben Nevis, Fort William is a magnet for hikers, bikers, and outdoor adventurers exploring the Highlands.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Oban, Argyll and Bute

30. Oban, Argyll and Bute

Known as the "Gateway to the Isles", Oban is a bustling seaside town with ferry links, fresh seafood, and a scenic harbour backed by dramatic hills.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Tobermory, Argyll and Bute

31. Tobermory, Argyll and Bute

Famous for its colourful harbourfront, Tobermory is the postcard-perfect capital of Mull, offering coastal walks, marine life, and local charm.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross

32. Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross

A picturesque town in the heart of Perthshire, Pitlochry blends Victorian charm with forest trails, whisky distilleries, and lochside views.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

33. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, this riverside town blends Tudor charm with world-class theatre and centuries of literary history.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Kelso, Borders

34. Kelso, Borders

A market town with bags of character set where the rivers Tweed and Teviot meet, with its cobbled square, ruined abbey, and grand Floors Castle.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

35. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

England's northernmost town, full of fortified walls, sea views, and borderland history.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Thame, Oxfordshire

36. Thame, Oxfordshire

A well-preserved market town with a broad high street, weekly markets, and a mix of independent businesses, set on the edge of the Chilterns.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Hay-on-Wye, Powys

37. Hay-on-Wye, Powys

A world-famous book town on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, packed with charm and literary character.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Glasgow, Glasgow City

38. Glasgow, Glasgow City

A bold and creative city known for its Victorian grandeur, live music, and vibrant arts scene.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Northleach, Gloucestershire

39. Northleach, Gloucestershire

A postcard-perfect Cotswold town with honey-stone houses and a medieval wool church with links to a cult BBC comedy series.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear

40. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear

A coastal gem with a ruined priory, popular surf beaches, and a lively market, all a quick metro ride from central Newcastle.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Inverness, Highland

41. Inverness, Highland

The capital of the Highlands, offering riverside charm, castle views, and a gateway to Loch Ness.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Stirling

42. Stirling

A city steeped in Scottish history, home to Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the gateway to the Highlands. A compact but culturally rich destination.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Penrith, Cumbria

43. Penrith, Cumbria

A bustling market town often considered the gateway to the Lake District's quieter northern fells.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

St Andrews, Fife

44. St Andrews, Fife

A historic university town and the â€œhome of golfâ€, known for its medieval architecture, beaches, and vibrant student energy.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Belfast, County Antrim

45. Belfast, County Antrim

A dynamic capital city with Titanic heritage, vibrant culture, and a compelling history.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Derry, County Londonderry

46. Derry, County Londonderry

A historic walled city with a rich cultural scene, political history, and riverside beauty.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Hexham, Northumberland

47. Hexham, Northumberland

A historic market town with a stunning abbey, cobbled streets, and easy access to Hadrian's Wall.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Whitby, North Yorkshire

48. Whitby, North Yorkshire

A historic coastal town steeped in maritime and literary lore, famed for its abbey, Dracula connections, gothic festivals, and fresh seafood.

★★★★☆ (4.0)

Amble, Northumberland

49. Amble, Northumberland

A laid-back harbour town known for its seafood, sea views, and nearby nature reserves.

★★★★☆ (3.5)

Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

50. Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

A classic British seaside resort with a long sandy beach, the Grand Pier, and a mix of old-school amusements and family attractions.

★★★★☆ (3.5)