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The United Kingdom shares its proximity to several interesting places around it. All these places are rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and they attract quite a large number of both tourists and natives of the UK. From exploring the busy and aesthetically decorated streets of Dublin to the extravagant beauty of France, these places to visit near UK promise unforgettable adventures and ample memories. Visitors can take a glimpse of everyday life in these iconic landmarks and discover the charming countryside of these places, too.
Top 15 Places To Visit Near UK
Below is a list of a few of the interesting places to visit near UK. All places are diverse and range from historical landmarks to vibrant cities.
1. Dublin
Photo: N Chadwick / Wikimedia Commons
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and is one of the major attractions near UK, located on a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey. Bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, this place is the largest city by population in all of Ireland. The city has many landmarks, the Dublin Castle being the oldest, along with 302 parks and 66 green spaces. There are multiple cathedrals, including the Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s House, the famous Trinity College, the Poolbeg Towers, the Phoenix Park and the Herbert Park. Some of the major places to visit in Dublin are the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Whiskey Museum and the Dublin Zoo.
Distance From The UK: 470 km from London (1 hour 15 minutes by flight)
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dublin To Witness The Best Of Ireland
2. Isle of Man
Photo: Robin Drayton / Wikimedia Commons
The Isle of Man lies in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland and is a Crown Dependency. This island is one of the oldest inhabited islands on the earth and today, stands as a top tourist attraction near the United Kingdom. Some of the must-visit attractions in the Isle of Man are Peel Castle which has extraordinary architecture and is connected to the town by a causeway, Castle Rushen, Manx Museum, The Great Laxey Wheel, the Motor Museum, Curraghs Wildlife Park and Snaefell, a mountain peak.
Distance From The UK: 420 km from London (1 hour flight or ferry from Liverpool)
Best Time To Visit: May, June and September
3. Guernsey
Photo: Andrew Milligan sumo / Wikimedia Commons
Guernsey makes it as the second largest island of the Channel Islands and is one of the interesting places to see near UK. This island is located in the Mont Saint Michel Bay and is home to multiple coral reefs. There are multiple interesting sites in Guernsey some of them being the most-visited tourist attractions. Visitors shall visit the famous Castle Cornet which is a large island castle surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise blue waters, the Hauteville House, a lavish museum, the Little Chapel, the Candie Gardens and La Vallette Underground War Museum.
Distance From The UK: 280 km from London (1 hour flight)
Best Time To Visit: April to May and June to August
Suggested Read: Must-Try Things To Do In The UK For Every Traveller
4. Amsterdam
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Being the capital and one of the most populous cities of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is quite a good choice for exploring the region around the United Kingdom. This beautiful place is referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ as it is famous for its large number of canals and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amsterdam’s main attractions are the Rijksmuseum, the renowned Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the peaceful Vondelpark, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. You can also explore the Dam Square, the Cannabis Coffee Shop, the Nemo and a few of the historical canales built around the city. Amsterdam nightlife also attracts thousands of visitors every day for its vibrancy and fun.
Distance From The UK: 360 km from London (1 hour flight or 4 hours by Eurostar train)
Best Time To Visit: March to May
5. Brussels
Photo: Ank Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Brussels is a magnificent city and the capital of Belgium. Located on the River Senne, this city has outgrown itself into an important tourist destination in Europe. This place is known for its mouthwatering cuisine, including its chocolates, waffles, numerous types of beers and ample flavoured French fries. Some of the must-visit attractions in Brussels are the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Atomium, the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie. You can also explore the Museums of Art and History and the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, which is a prominent shopping place and Mini Europe, an authentic theme park. It is one of the major tourist attractions near UK among foregin tourists.
Distance From The UK: 320 km from London (2 hours by Eurostar train)
Best Time To Visit: March to May and September to October
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Brussels For Day Trips And Scenic Drives
6. Paris
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons
Paris, the capital of France, is a city which is completely dedicated to the arts. This city, being the global centre of arts, culinary, fashion and music, is one of the top places to visit in the United Kingdom. Paris’s cityscape is crisscrossed by typical boulevards and the River Seine. There are multiple landmarks and top attractions included in the Paris travel guide, some of which are renowned for their truly inspiring Gothic architecture. Visitors shall visit the famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, Palais Garnier, Pantheon, Sainte Chapelle and the Centre Pompidou.
Distance From The UK: 340 km from London (2 hours 20 minutes by Eurostar)
Best Time To Visit: April to August
7. Frankfurt Am Main
Photo: Jörg Braukmann / Wikimedia Commons
Frankfurt Am Main is one of the most populous German cities located on the River Main. This place is a hub for culture, tourism, art, finance, commerce, education and transportation. The airport in Frankfurt is one of the busiest airports in the world. The city has a few of the top sights, such as Romerberg, a historical market square, Alte Oper, an opera house, Stadel Museum, one of the most-visited art museums, the Main Tower, an observation deck, Frankfurt Cathedral, the famous Goethe House, the Iron Footbridge and Senckenberg Nature Museum.
Distance From The UK: 640 km from London (1 hour 40 minutes by flight)
Best Time To Visit: April, May, September and October
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Frankfurt For An Unmatchable Experience
8. Zurich
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is known for its picturesque lanes, especially in the region of Central Altstadt, the Old Town. Located on the Limmat River which stretches from Lake Zurich, this city has several waterfront promenades, one of the famous being Limmatquai built since the 17th Century. Other important tourist destinations include Grossmunster, the Protestant Church, the Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus Zurich, the famous art museum, Zoo Zurich, FIFA Museum, Fraumunster Church, Zurich Opera House and one of the notable streets, Bahnhofstrasse.
Distance From The UK: 770 km from London (1 hour 45 minutes by flight)
Best Time To Visit: March to August
9. Versailles
Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons
Versailles is famous for its one of the mind-blowing attractions, The Palace of Versailles. This place is located 20 kilometres from Paris and once was the principal residence of the French Kings. Besides the renowned Palace of Versailles, this place is famous for Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, the Garden of Versailles, Opera Royal de Versailles, the Queen’s Hamlet, Versailles Cathedral, Gallery of Coaches, Park of Versailles and the Temple of Love. Versailles has truly provided Europe with an ideal royal residence for more than a century.
Distance From The UK: 360 km from London (2.5–3 hours via Eurostar + train)
Best Time To Visit: April and May
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In UK
10. The Hague
Photo: Szilas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Hague is a picturesque city in the Netherlands and lies on the North Sea Coast. This place was once the residence of the former Dutch Monarch and currently is home to several royal palaces. The Hague has numerous museums, one of the most notable ones being Mauritshuis, exhibiting many paintings dating back to 1800. Visitors shall visit Madurodam, a theme park, Kunstmuseum The Hague, an art museum, Escher in the Palace, an art gallery, De Pier, a top tourist attraction, Peace Palace, a historic museum, The Passage, a notable shopping centre, and many more places.
Distance From The UK: 390 km from London (1 hour flight or 4.5 hours by Eurostar + train)
Best Time To Visit: September to November
11. Lille, France
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Lille is a lively French city blending Flemish charm with French elegance. Known for its ornate Old Town, cobbled streets, and the stunning Grand Place, it also boasts vibrant markets and art museums. The city has a warm, friendly vibe and is perfect for food lovers looking to try hearty northern French dishes. With its quick Eurostar connection, Lille is one of the top places to visit near UK for an easy city break.
Distance From The UK: 1 hr 20 min by Eurostar from London
Best Time To Visit: Spring and autumn
Suggested Read: Historical Places In France That Reflect Royal Grandeur
12. Cork, Ireland
Photo: K.ristof / Wikimedia Commons
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, is full of character and charm. Visitors can wander through the historic English Market, explore St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, or enjoy the lively pubs with traditional Irish music. Known as Ireland’s culinary capital, it’s also a gateway to the scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Cork combines city buzz with access to rugged coastal beauty, making it a must-visit spot near the UK.
Distance From The UK: 1 hr 15 min flight from London
Best Time To Visit: May to September
13. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Photo: Jen Wen Luoh / Wikimedia Commons
Luxembourg City is a hidden European gem with medieval fortresses, scenic gorges, and a modern cosmopolitan vibe. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views of bridges and valleys, while the Casemates tunnels showcase the city’s historic defences. With its compact size, Luxembourg is easily explored in a couple of days, yet it is full of history and charm.
Distance From The UK: 1 hr flight from London or 5 hrs by train via Brussels
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Luxembourg
14. Rotterdam, Netherlands
Photo: Ben Bender / Wikimedia Commons
Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ bold, modern city with cutting-edge architecture, lively nightlife, and Europe’s largest port. Travellers can admire the Cube Houses, shop at the futuristic Markthal, or enjoy a riverside boat tour. Its artsy vibe, vibrant street life, and diverse food scene make it a refreshing contrast to nearby Amsterdam. Rotterdam is perfect for those seeking a modern twist on Dutch culture.
Distance From The UK: 1 hr flight or 4 hrs by Eurostar from London
Best Time To Visit: May to September
15. Antwerp, Belgium
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Antwerp is a stylish Belgian city known for diamonds, fashion, and Flemish art. The Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady houses Rubens’ masterpieces, while the old port area brims with trendy cafés and boutiques. Antwerp Zoo and the bustling Grote Markt add to its charm, making it a versatile destination for culture, shopping, and history lovers.
Distance From The UK: 2 hrs by train from London via Brussels
Best Time To Visit: April to June or September
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Antwerp
The best places to visit near UK are fascinating enough as they offer something to all. Whether visitors want to wander on the busy streets or explore the countryside, the above-mentioned places to visit near the UK promise ample memories. Now that you know about all these destinations, book a trip with TripXL to explore and enhance your travel experience.
Cover Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons
