Must-See Places in the UK This Summer

Whether you’re considering a summer staycation or simply planning a few day trips, we’ve gathered a list of some must-visit places in the UK. Some have special events going on during the year, while others offer some of the best scenery in England and beyond. And all are accessible from the wonderful wealth of campsites we have here in Britain. Get booking, get off the beaten track and get exploring our must-see places in the UK this summer.

The view from the top of Snowdon is by far one of Britain's best views, making it first on the list of our must-visit destinations in the UK. It's the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085m above sea level, and located in the Snowdonia National Park, the area contains some of the best hikes in Britain.

It's also one mountain where you don’t necessarily even have to expend much effort to get the benefit of the views. For a more leisurely journey, take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. And while you’re in the area why not visit our Betws-Y-Coed store to stock up on cold weather gear and fleeces – you never know what the weather will be like at the top!

It's been a long while since the popular TV series Game of Thrones came to an end, and now’s the time to see some of the spectacular scenery used in the filming of its most famous scenes across the years.

Production company HBO have an official studio tour where you can explore some of the iconic sets used for pivotal locations such as Westeros, as well as exhibiting props and costumes from the shoots.

Alternatively, you could build your own Game of Thrones tour by exploring some of Northern Ireland’s wilder filming locations. These include the stunning National Trust owned Port stewart Strand in Co. Londonderry, which starred as the coast of Dorne in season 5 and the Dark Hedges in Stranocum, Co. Antrim used to film the Kingsroad in series 2. Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century, this area is one of the most popular landscape photography locations in the UK, delighting tourists from all over the world.

Set within the picturesque Peak District, home to some of the best scenery in England, the spa town of Buxton has never quite made it to the heights of fame that its Somerset cousin Bath has. But as the UK’s ‘other geothermal spring’, it too has been around since Roman times and was a popular pilgrimage during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Laying unused for years, the site was revitalised, renovated and reopened as the Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa, encouraging visitors to once again bathe in Buxton’s warm waters. And while you’re in town, why not try some of Buxton’s other attractions, including a visit to Poole’s Cavern, one of the finest show caves in England. Oh, and don’t forget to come and say hi to the staff in our local Buxton store.

As well as being one of the must-see places in the UK thanks to its stunning coastal scenery and wealth of outdoor pursuits available, Falmouth is the perfect base for exploring all that Cornwall has to offer, including its 296.2 miles of coastal paths. And if you like ocean photography, you could even get the opportunity to photograph one of the great ocean-going liners with over 50 cruise ships due to dock in Falmouth’s port across the course of the summer.

Looking for something to do with the kids? Scotland’s Storybook Trail inspires families to spend time exploring locations across the highlands and islands that have inspired stories and brought characters to life.

From the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter Hogwarts Express fame to the deep dark wood of the Ardkinglas Estate, inspiration for Julia Donaldson’s Gruffalo, not to mention the chance to grab a Bash Street selfie. It’s worth looking at the map simply for a trip down memory lane.

As ruins go, you can’t beat the ethereal beauty of Corfe Castle, sitting proudly atop the hill overlooking the beautiful village of Corfe. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this was one of the first castles in England to be built at least partly from stone. And as inspiration for Enid Blyton’s Kirrin Castle where the Famous Five enjoyed many a ginger-beer fuelled adventure, it’s sure to capture the imagination of any child or adult who climbs among its rocky walls.

Follow the ridgeway trail across the Purbecks towards Old Harry Rocks for beautiful views over Poole Harbour and if you have time take in the other famous Jurassic coast sites such as Durdle Door and Dancing Ledge. This is surely one of the best coastal landscape photography locations in the UK, particularly if you can make it there in time to capture the sun rising behind the instantly recognisable ruins. Camp close-by, wake before dawn, throw on your hiking boots and enjoy the spectacle.

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2017, the Lake District is famed for its stunning landscape and peaceful lakes. And it doesn’t take a huge amount of effort to get up and out of the hustle and bustle and to find some very special views and perfect picnic places.

While Helvellyn and Scafell Pike may be the holy grail of Cumbrian walks, if you’re not in the mood, you don’t get the weather or you have little legs in tow, there are plenty of other options.

Try climbing Loughrigg from Grasmere for a low-level hike with glorious photo opportunities and even a cave to explore. Not one of the most famous caves in England, but fun for splashing around and creating echoes nonetheless. Even without climbing, the Lake District undisputedly boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in England and is highly popular with photography buffs.

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Less famous perhaps than its Stonehenge cousin, Avebury is a magical day out nonetheless. And rather than viewing from afar, you can get up close with its megalithic stone circles and rings.

Research also suggests the site may once have been used as a single dwelling Neolithic home which later became a shrine. There’s bound to be plenty going on at this much loved National Trust site this year. Take your dowsing rods, let the kids roll down the hills and explore every inch of this fascinating sacred site.