Top 50 UK Tourist Attractions - The Camping and Caravanning Club
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The 50 Best UK Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions in England | Tourist attractions in Scotland | Tourist attractions in Wales | Tourist attractions in Northern Ireland

The UK is home to some of the best tourist attractions in the world yet many of us have only seen a handful. Here's 50 of the top attractions in the UK, from some of the best sights in London, biggest museums on the sciences and most breath-taking landmarks. You can also view our campsites by region to see which attractions are available in the area.

Top tourist attractions in England

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Stonehenge

The most famous prehistoric stone circle in the world, Stonehenge dates back 5,000 years to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Visit the stones yourself to experience their sheer size and the power it would have required to move them. Salisbury Club Site is a 14-minute drive away.

2. Natural History Museum, London

Whale bones at the natural history museum in london

From the dinosaurs, to creatures of the deep blue sea, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington has some of the most impressive collections you’ll see in the UK. There’s something for everyone to marvel at here. View our campsites near London.

3. Angel of the North, Gateshead

Angel of the north

Believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world, Antony Gormley’s creation is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK.

4. Roman Baths, Bath

Roman baths in Bath

Attracting over a million visitors each year, the Roman Baths are one of the finest historical sites remaining in Europe. Here you can walk on the original Roman floors and marvel at the remains of the Baths which still flow with natural hot water. Our Devizes Club Site is just over a 30-minute drive from Bath.

5. Tower of London

tower of london

On the north bank of the River Thames sits Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London. This is one of the best tourist attractions in London and will occupy people of all ages for a full day out. See the Crown Jewels, the Bloody Tower, and learn how the fortress has been used throughout history.

6. Chester Zoo, Cheshire

a crowd of Flamingos at chester zoo

There are many fantastic zoos and wildlife parks across the UK to visit during your camping stays with us. Chester Zoo, just a 25-minute drive away from our Delamere Forest Club Site, is home to over 35,000 animals, puts a big focus on conservation and does all it can to teach little minds about the importance of looking after our planet.

7. The Bombay Sapphire Distillery

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Now the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke Mill is a former paper mill with plenty of history to tell. The building you can tour today has been lovingly restored and makes a great day out for gin drinkers.

8. Warwick Castle

Warwick castle landscape

The impressive stone castle you can visit today started its journey over a thousand years ago. Learn about great battles and horrible histories just 35 minutes away from our Kingsbury Water Park Club Site.

9. Aerospace Bristol

bristol aerial view

Embark on a journey through aviation history as you board the last Concorde, learn about some of the finest engineering feats in aerospace history and enjoy hands-on exhibitions.

10. Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire

Alton towers wicker man ride

Out of all of the fun-filled theme parks across the UK, Alton Towers deserves a special mention. From rides fit for the most daring of thrill-seekers, to family-friendly fun, Alton Towers caters for all. Camp one-mile away on our Alton, The Star Club Site.

11. The Needles, Isle of Wight

the needles, isle of wightThe needles are an iconic landmark to visit on the Isle of Wight. You’ll find plenty to do on the lovingly named Dinosaur Island. A trip on the cable cars to see the coloured sands and vertical rocks is a must.

12. Eden Project, Cornwall

Eden project landscape in cornwall

The UK has a host of microclimates and spectacular gardens to visit. The Eden Project, just a 30-minute drive from our Tregurrian Club Site, is home to the largest rainforest in captivity and is a great learning experience for all ages.

13. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London

Kew Gardens

Our list of top UK tourist attractions wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Kew Gardens. If you’re enjoying a trip to London, this is a great way to feel at one with nature for a while.

14. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

Black country museum street and old red truck

Just 30-minutes away from our Cannock Chase Club Site, the Black Country Living Museum is an immersive experience that tells the story of life through the Industrial Revolution.

15. The Lake District

Lake District mountain range

The Lake District National Park receives almost 50 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. Endless walking routes, unbeatable views and plenty of family-friendly activities make the Lake District one to put on your bucket list.

16. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Chatsworth house garden fountain

Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth is well known for it’s works of art that span 4,000 years. As well as 25 magnificently decorated rooms to view, Chatsworth has 105 acres of well-maintained garden to enjoy. View our Bakewell Club Site, just a 20-minute drive away.

17. The Beatles Story and Cavern Club, Liverpool

Penny lane street sign in Liverpool

Learn all about the lives and times of The Beatles at The Beatles Story on the historic Royal Albert Dock. You can also visit the Cavern Club and even take a Magical Mystery Bus Tour to see landmarks including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field while enjoying Liverpool.

18. Abbey Road, London

Abbey Road zebra crossing

Visit one of the most iconic zebra crossings in the world while camping in London. Just outside Abbey Road Studios, you’ll often find a crowd of tourists waiting to take a photo on the stretch of road made famous by The Beatles.

19. Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Somerset

Cheddar Gorge

Head 400ft underground to see cave systems formed in the Ice Age. It’s the climate in the caves which provides perfect conditions for maturing the much-loved, authentic cheddar cheese. The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is a must-visit, just a 12-minute drive from our Cheddar Club Site.

20. Canterbury Cathedral

Cantebury Cathedral

There are many wonderful cathedrals to visit during your travels around the UK, but Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest and most well-known, forming part of a World Heritage Site. Visit our Canterbury Club Site.

21. Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton

Brighton Pier

A traditional Victorian seaside town, Brighton, just an hours train ride from London, is one of the UK’s favourite coastal resorts. Since 1899 Brighton Palace Pier has been providing entertainment and wonderful sea views.

22. Royal Museums Greenwich

the cutty sark ship at the the national maritime museum

The Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House Art Gallery are all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

23. Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon

shakespeares birthplace in stratford-upon-avon

This 16th century half-timbered house in the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where the playwright William Shakespeare is believed to have been born. Stratford is a great day out for those camping on our Kingsbury Club Site, just a 40-minute drive away.

24. Glastonbury Tor, Somerset

Glastonbury tor monument

Managed by the National Trust, Glastonbury Tor offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. The Tor is steeped in history and has a rather gruesome past.

25. Hampton Court Palace, London

Hampton court palace

Visit this grand Tudor Palace, fit for a king, just 20-minutes away from our Chertsey Club Site.

26. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton

yorkshire sculpture park waterfall

The open-air Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 7-miles from Wakefield, showcases the best of British artists. View our campsites in Yorkshire.

27. Blackpool Tower, Lancashire

Blackpool tower

One of the UK’s most loved attractions, Blackpool Tower has been around since 1894. You may know The Blackpool Tower Ballroom from Strictly Come Dancing, but there are many more attractions for the whole family to enjoy during your visit.

28. St Paul's Cathedral, London

St Paul's Cathedral in london

Sitting on the highest point of the City of London is one of the most recognisable cathedrals in the UK, St Paul’s Cathedral.

29. Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Windsor castle

The previous home of the Queen, Windsor Castle, is just a 25-minute drive from our Chertsey Club Site.

30. Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford

Oxford landscape

The university town of Oxford is easily explored from Chipping Norton Club Site. The Pitt Rivers Museum is just one of many to visit while sightseeing here.

31. Hadrian's Wall

Hadrians wall

Hadrian's Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire for over 300 years. Our campsites in Northumberland are a great base for visiting and walking along the wall.

Top tourist attractions in Scotland

32. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

edinburgh skyline

Discover Scottish history, science, technology, art and so much more under one roof at the National Museum of Scotland. You can’t miss the buildings striking exterior when visiting the city. Edinburgh is within driving distance of our Dunbar Club Site in East Lothian.

33. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh castle

Sitting high above the city on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the best attractions to visit in the UK. Learn about the castle’s complex royal history, view the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) and watch the One o’clock Gun be fired daily.

34. Scott Monument, Edinburgh

scott monument in edinburgh

Situated in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is hard to miss. This monument is of course dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the Scottish historical novelist, poet, playwright, and historian.

35. Loch Ness, Inverness-shire

Loch ness

The freshwater Loch Ness is not only beautiful but shrouded in myth and legend. Camp directly on the south shore on our Loch Ness Shores Club Site. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition will take you on a journey through 500 million years and of course the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

36. V&A Museum of Design, Dundee

V and A museum of design in Dundee

You’ll find Scotland’s first design museum just a 30-minute drive away from our Scone Club Site.

37. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Inverness-shire

glenfinnan viaduct and steamtrain

You may recognise this famous landmark from the second and third Harry Potter films. The Glenfinnan Viaduct attracts thousands of visitors each year.

38.Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow

Kelvingrove Art Gallery

If you’re visiting Glasgow from our Milarrochy Bay Club Site, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions.

Top tourist attractions in Wales

39. Big Pit National Coal Museum, Monmouthshire

national coal mining museum

Enter the pit cage to descend into the mine and learn all about the lives of the many coal miners that worked here. This area of Monmouthshire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site given its importance to the process of industrialisation.

40. Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd

Caernarfon Castle landscape

Surrounded by the River Seiont, Caernarfon Castle has 700 years’ worth of history to uncover. Along with Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech castles, this forms another World Heritage Site. Our Llanystumdwy Club Site is just a 30-minute drive away from this beautiful fortress.

41. Snowdon Mountain Railway

mount snowdon train

The highest mountain in Wales and England, Snowdon offers views across Snowdonia, Anglesey and Pembrokeshire on a clear day. The narrow-gauge railway is a fantastic way to get from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon, with delightful views throughout the journey. Llanystumdwy Club Site is just over a 30-minute drive away.

42. Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Llechwedd Slate Caverns at Blaenau Ffestiniog

A 40-minute drive away from our Bala Club Site, you can learn all about the story of slate at the Llechwedd Slate Caverns.

43. Smallest House in Britain, Conwy

the smallest house in Britain in Conwy.

Here’s a fun one - the Smallest House in Great Britain. Thousands of people have visited the tiny house on the quayside.

44. National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthenshire

National botanical garden of wales

The Apothecary Garden, Bee Garden, British Bird of Prey Centre and regular educational events are just a few of the highlights at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland

45. Titanic Belfast, Co. Antrim

Titanic shipyard in belfast

Just a 40-minute drive away from our Delamont Country Park Club Site, Belfast’s best attraction awaits. Explore the shipyard, walk the decks, and learn all about the Titanic.

46. Glenoe Waterfall, Co. Antrim

Glencoe waterfall

Of all of the waterfalls in the UK, Glenoe is one of the most mystical and without a doubt, the most beautiful in Northern Ireland.

47. Slieve Binnian, Co. Down

slieve binnian

For walkers, Slieve Binnian is one of the most beautiful peaks to climb.

48. Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim

Carrickfergus Castle

The Norman Carrickfergus Castle sits on the shore of Belfast Lough, with very scenic surroundings. This is the most famous castle in Northern Ireland and under an hours drive away from Delamont Country Park Club Site.

49. Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim

Dunluce Castle

Another but more ruinous castle to visit, Dunluce sits atop the dramatic cliffs of north County Antrim. In the abandoned Dunluce town, you can learn about its tumultuous history and mystical tales.

50. Portrush Whiterocks Beach, Co. Derry

Portrush whiterocks beach

You’ll struggle to find a more beautiful beach in Northern Ireland than Portrush Whiterocks. The limestone cliffs stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle with plenty of cliffside walking paths to enjoy.

See below or visit our advice and guides section for more camping inspiration.

Note: Driving times may vary.

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