UK’s best attractions have been named by Tripadvisor

Summer is just around the corner and whether you’re planning a UK staycation or are hoping for a fun-filled day out with the family, there are hundreds of incredible attractions to visit across the nation.

Tripadvisor has rounded up some of its top rated attractions based on reviews and ratings from visitors to help you plan your next excursion.

Whether you’re looking for an experience steeped in history or are keen for some incredible views, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Scroll down to read the full list of top rated attractions as well as information on how to book your visit, or click on the links to jump to the relevant section.

The Tower of London London, England EC3N 4AB

Ticket prices starting at £29.90

However, if you are planning on paying a visit to the city for King Charles III’s Coronation, both The Imperial State Crown and Queen Mary’s Crown are not currently on display as they are being prepared for the big weekend.

Ticket prices start at £29.90 and audio guide tours in a choice of languages are available to purchase with your ticket. Visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance, as time slots do sell out rapidly, especially at peak times of the year.

If you are planning to visit the Tower of London as part of a royal-themed weekend in the capital, why not give yourself an experience fit for a king by staying at one of London’s luxurious hotels. We’ve rounded up some of London’s luxury hotels which still have availability over the Coronation weekend.

If you are hoping to stay at a nearby hotel, the five-star Singaporean inspired Pan Pacific London hotel is a convenient 17 minute walk away. You can read our Pan Pacific London review to find out everything you can expect from a stay, as well as the latest pricing.

Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG

Ticket prices: Free entry for general admission

Described as “a museum of the world, for the world”, the British Museum is home to historical artefacts telling the stories of over two million years of human life. Tripadvisor reviewers have described the museum as “amazing” with “fabulous exhibits”. Some of the most famous objects at the museum include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.

The museum is also perfectly located just six minutes from Tottenham Court Road and Russell Square, meaning there are plenty of restaurants, bars, pubs and shops nearby to round-off a cultured day in the ‘Big Smoke’.

The British Museum is free to visit, although visitors have the option of making a voluntary donation towards the upkeep of the museum. You can book a free ticket to visit the British Museum, with a designated time slot to help avoid queues.

If you are planning a holiday or staycation to London, there are plenty of hotels within walking distance of The British Museum.

The Treehouse Hotel, which sits opposite the opposite the BBC Broadcasting House on Langham Place, is just a 16 minute walk away. To learn more about a stay at Treehouse Hotel, and for all of the latest pricing, you can read our Treehouse Hotel review.

Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

Ticket prices starting from £32.49

Boasting jaw-dropping vistas across the London skyline, the London Eye first opened in 2000 and has been a hit with visitors and locals ever since. One Tripadvisor reviewer said the experience offered “awesome views of London” and recommended visitors “splurge” on the fast track option to avoid a long wait. Fast track tickets can be purchased for an additional cost, but it is recommended that visitors do so in advance online to avoid disappointment.

Though the London Eye is open year-round, at certain times of the year it hosts special celebratory experiences and events. In celebration of King Charles’ Coronation, the London Eye is launching a brand new ‘Coronation Capsule’ which will be open between April 29 and May 8. Guests will be able to pose for the ultimate royal selfie, while sat in a recreation of the 700-year-old Coronation Chair.

Tickets cost £60 per person and include a glass of champagne or a soft drink, plus fast-track boarding. Find out more and book your special Coronation Capsule London Eye experience here.

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Ticket prices: Free entry for general admission. Exhibitions starting from £19.00

Slap bang in the middle of bustling Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery specialises in paintings produced between 1250 and 1900. A Tripadvisor reviewer described the “the extensive collection” as being “very well displayed” and commended “super friendly staff” for helping them find specific artworks.

Although general admission is free, admission to certain exhibitions may come at an additional cost. Guests can also elevate their experience with an audio headset sharing some of the history and stories behind the many artworks on display.

Visitors are advised to book their time-slot ticket in advance online to avoid a long wait. Find out more and book your visit to the National Gallery here.

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Ticket prices starting from £15.50

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s top paid-for attractions and won the title of’Best UK Heritage Attraction’ in the 2019 British Travel Awards. Steeped in history, the castle has stood proudly on Castle Rock for over 900 years.

Visitors to Edinburgh Castle have left Tripadvisor reviews, describing the attraction as “unforgettable” with many encouraging others to do the audio tour for extra information.

Visitors can expect to spend three hours or more at the castle, and are advised to book tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly, especially at peak times. Find out more and book your visit to Edinburgh Castle here.

And if you’re planning a holiday to Scotland, there are hundreds of great hotels located across the country. Read our Kimpton Blythswood Square review, Glasgow’s only AA rated five-star hotel.

Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP

Ticket prices starting from £12.30

An iconic London landmark, Tower Bridge is open to the public almost every single day of the year. While the attraction is incredible to look at from the outside, there is also plenty to see within its walls. Within the Bridge’s iconic structure is the magnificent Victorian Engine room, an incredible feat of Victorian engineering.

Visitors have shared their experience of a visit to Tower Bridge on Tripadvisor, describing the experience as “very busy but worth a visit”. You can expect to spend one to two hours enjoying the bridge.

Tickets start from £12.30 but guests have the option of paying extra for a guided tour from one of the sites expert guides. Find our more and book your Tower Bridge tickets here. 

Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK

Ticket prices: Free entry for general admission. Exhibitions start from £22.

The Natural History Museum is a world-famous attraction, promising opportunities of discovery for the whole family. From dinosaurs to butterflies, the museum promotes the enjoyment of the natural world and helps visitors learn a little more about the world around them.

You can expect to spend anywhere from one to over three hours enjoying everything the Natural History Museum has to offer. And, to top things off, it’s a completely free day out, however certain exhibitions do require a paid for ticket. Or, if you are an avid explorer, you can purchase a membership starting from £62 or a family membership starting from £68.

It’s recommended you pick a timed slot and book any tickets in advance before visiting as waits can be long, and the museum does get busy at peak times.

Find out more and book your visit to the Natural History Museum here.

Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Ticket prices: Free entry for general admission. Exhibitions start from approximately £20.

Another of London’s most famous museums, the V&A is located in South Kensington and has been welcoming visitors for more than 150 years.

The V&A specialises historical and contemporary works of art and design, and you can expect to spend around three hours exploring the many exhibitions and objects on display here. Reviews of the V&A describe it as a “great museum” with an “eclectic collection”.

Admission is free, however certain exhibitions may require a paid-for ticket. There is also the option to elevate your experience with a private guided tour of the V&A Museum. Find out more and book your visit to the V&A Museum here.

King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ

Ticket prices starting from £27.25

In 1938, the underbelly of Whitehall was transformed into a top-secret complex known as the Cabinet War Rooms. These rooms, occupied by leading government ministers, military strategists and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, became crucial in the UK’s World War II efforts.

Now run by the Imperial War Museum, Tripadvisor describes Churchill’s War Rooms as “London’s Hidden Gem”. Visitors can expect to spend around two hours exploring the attraction.

Adult admission is from £27.25, though those with a membership can visit for free. It is recommended you purchase your tickets in advance. Find out more and book your visit to the V&A Museum here.

Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ

Ticket prices starting from £23.50

Bath’s namesake Roman baths are home to 2,000 years of history for visitors to soak up. A beautiful, original bath is located beneath incredible architecture of the ancient world, which still remains beneath the modern city today.

Visitors also have the option of elevating their experience with a walking tour or by booking a visit to the on-site restaurant The Pump Room.

Tripadvisor reviews describe The Roman baths as an “impressive trip for the whole family”. Audio guides are recommended, and come free with general admission, with a speciality audio guide for children.

Adult admission is £23.50, and there is the option to purchase tickets in advance. Find out more and book your visit to The Roman baths here.