The UK is filled with unique and fascinating attractions – there’s something to please everyone. We gathered a list of top-rated sights, experiences and instagrammable walks from real TripAdvisor reviews to create a list of the nation's favourite attractions – and you might be surprised at which ones made the list, You won’t find the usual tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace here. From vineyards and farms to tunnels and beaches, these are visitors’ favourite attractions, showcasing a full range of the experiences available across the UK.
Attractions in the UK
Victoria Tunnel
This guided tour gives visitors a unique look below the surface of Newcastle Upon Tyne, through tunnels deep below the city. From a coal wagonway to an air-raid shelter, Victoria Tunnel has had several uses through the years, and you can learn all about its rich history whilst experiencing the tunnels for yourself. Since being restored back in 2008, the tunnels have won multiple awards and are unique for travelling below some of Newcastle’s biggest landmarks – even Hadrian’s Roman Wall.
Holly Hagg Farm
They might not be native to the UK, but that hasn’t stopped the nation from falling in love with alpacas. Which is why Holly Hagg Farm’s alpaca walking experience has proven to be one of the most highly rated attractions on our list. Visitors to this community farm can explore the forest garden, go pond dipping, and meet, feed and walk with the farm’s gorgeous alpacas. There are even volunteer opportunities, if you fancied trying your hand at anything from vegetable picking to alpaca care.
Winbirri Vineyards
No need to look further afield for your favourite vintage – the UK’s wine production industry has really come into its own, with an exciting range of independent wineries flourishing across the nation. Winbirri Vineyards in Norwich is a family run enterprise set in 25 acres of beautiful Norfolk countryside, and recently won a ‘Best in Show’ at the World Wine Awards. Visitors to the winery can learn all about the production process from planting to pouring, while enjoying some mouth-watering samples along the way.
Oxford Artisan Distillery
At The Oxford Artisan Distillery, it’s all about handmade, home-grown craft spirits. It’s an independent distillery – the first in this historic city – which uses ancient grains and organic crops to make delicious vodka and gin. The enthusiastic guides take visitors on an exciting exploration into every stage of the drink-making process, and even provide some tasty samples to enjoy.
Cambridge Wine School
Curious, wine-loving visitors come to the Cambridge Wine School to get a taste of new and exciting varieties from all over the world. Whether you’re keen to expand your wine knowledge or simply enjoy a fun evening filled with drinks and food, it’s an excellent spot to enjoy tipples from across the globe.
Steamship Shieldhall
As the largest working steam ship in Britain, the SS Shieldhall can carry up to 200 passengers on a two-hour cruise up and down Southampton Water, past the modern cruise liners and cargo ships. Sit back and relax on the cruise while local volunteer guides tell you all about the 60-year history of the Shieldhall, before exploring the nooks and crannies of this incredible ship – including the bridge and engine room.
Gower Peninsula
Just a short drive from Swansea, the Gower Peninsula has plenty to offer scenery-lovers, from moors and farmland to medieval castles and limestone cliffs, all surrounded by award winning sandy beaches. These scenic landscapes create the perfect environment for an incredible range of wildlife, too. Visitors flock here for the excellent walks, breath-taking views of the beaches and rocky coves, and the chance to soak up some of the UK’s most outstanding scenery.
The Adrenalin Jungle
There’s much more to the UK than fascinating history and incredible landscapes. The Adrenalin Jungle is an outdoor activity centre that thrill-seekers will love. Spread over 150 acres in the heart of Sherwood Forest, you can take your pick from all kinds of exciting activities, including paintballing, assault courses, archery, quad biking and more.
The Mary Rose Museum
The Mary Rose Museum is home to the famous Mary Rose ship, which has been carefully preserved here since it was raised from the sea bed in 1982. You can visit the remains of one of King Henry VIII’s favourite warships yourself, find out more about how the Mary Rose came to sink, and discover what life was like on board.