5 Best Places to Visit in the UK This Summer

Discover the best places to visit in the UK this summer! Skip the tourist traps and head for these (not so) hidden gems with our guide.

Picture this: you’re scrolling through social media, and every UK travel post looks exactly the same. Red phone boxes, Tower Bridge, and that one guard who won’t crack a smile. While these iconic spots have their charm, the real magic of the UK lies in its lesser-known treasures that locals actually love to visit.

From mystical islands that feel like stepping into a fairy tale to vibrant cities that pulse with creativity, the UK offers experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. This summer, it’s time to discover the places that will make your friends ask, “Wait, that’s in the UK?” Read on to find out more!

The Cotswolds

Rolling hills dotted with honey-colored stone villages make the Cotswolds feel like someone took a Jane Austen novel and brought it to life. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswold stretches across several counties, offering picture-perfect scenes around every corner. Chipping Campden and Bourton-on-the-Water are particularly stunning! With their medieval architecture and flower-filled gardens, you can get those Instagram-worthy moments without the crowds of major tourist destinations.

Summer is the perfect time to explore the Cotswolds’ extensive network of walking paths, including sections of the famous Cotswold Way. The region’s farm-to-table restaurants and traditional pubs serve locally sourced cuisine that pairs beautifully with the pastoral setting.

For a unique experience, consider staying in a converted barn or cottage rental. While these can be a bit out of the way, you can wake up to sheep grazing outside your window and enjoy the peaceful countryside that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. The National Trust offers refurbished rentals with great amenities at budget-friendly prices.

Isle of Skye

Scotland’s Isle of Skye feels like nature’s own art gallery, where dramatic landscapes shift from ethereal mist to brilliant sunshine within minutes. The island’s rugged beauty includes the otherworldly rock formations of the Quiraing, the iconic Storr, and the fairy pools that look like something from a fantasy movie. Unlike many Scottish destinations, Skye offers relatively mild weather during the summer months, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.

The island’s small towns, like Portree, offer colorful harborfronts and excellent seafood restaurants where you can taste the freshest langoustines and hand-dived scallops. Skye’s whisky distilleries provide another layer of cultural immersion, with tastings that showcase the island’s unique terroir. The combination of Celtic history, stunning landscapes, and warm Highland hospitality creates an experience that feels both ancient and refreshingly unspoiled.

Pro tip: Jetpac’s UK eSIM gives you great coverage in both rural and urban areas. If you run into any network issues, you can switch seamlessly and without additional cost, thanks to our multi-network support. We’ve got you covered with 24/7 support, too!

Bath

Bath proves that historical cities can be anything but stuffy. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines Roman history with Georgian architecture and a thriving contemporary culture scene. The Roman Baths themselves are fascinating, but the city’s real charm lies in its independent shops, artisan markets, and innovative restaurants that breathe new life into historic buildings.

The city’s compact size makes it perfect for wandering, with surprises around every corner – from hidden gardens to vintage boutiques tucked into Georgian crescents. Bath’s thermal spas offer a modern interpretation of the city’s ancient bathing traditions, while the surrounding countryside provides excellent hiking opportunities. The city’s vibrant arts scene includes galleries, live music venues, and festivals that attract creative types from across the UK, creating an energy that’s both sophisticated and accessible.

Cornwall

Cornwall’s coastline offers some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the famous beaches. The Eden Project showcases innovative sustainability practices within massive biodomes, while the Minack Theatre provides one of the world’s most dramatic performance venues, carved into cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Cornwall’s food scene has exploded in recent years, with renowned chefs creating restaurants that celebrate local ingredients like fresh crab, Cornish pasties, and artisanal cheeses.

If you’re feeling outdoorsy (and adventurous), try walking the South West Coast Path. As the longest National Trail in England, you can even spend up to 52 days completing the entire trail. For day trippers, however, there are many easy to moderate walks with breathtaking ocean views and cozy cafes along the way.

Pro tip: Jetpac eSIM for the UK gives you free access to WhatsApp messaging, Uber, and Google Maps, so you can keep in touch and find your way around even after you’ve run out of data.

York

York’s medieval walls contain a city that successfully balances historical preservation with modern innovation. The narrow, winding streets of the Shambles feel like stepping back in time, while the city’s independent restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique hotels create a contemporary atmosphere that appeals to modern travelers. York Minster dominates the skyline, but the city’s true character emerges in its quirky museums, ghost tours, and vibrant nightlife.

York’s food scene extends far beyond traditional pub fare, encompassing everything from innovative fine dining to international street food markets. The city’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, offering day trip opportunities that showcase England’s diverse landscapes within easy reach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the UK

What’s the best time to visit the UK?

Summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather and longest days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October) provide fewer crowds and often better prices, while still offering pleasant weather.

How do you get around the UK?

The UK’s extensive train network connects major cities efficiently, while rental cars offer flexibility and convenience when exploring rural areas like the Cotswolds or Scottish Highlands. Many destinations are easily accessible on foot once you arrive, and public transportation within cities is generally excellent.

What should you pack for a UK summer trip?

Layer-friendly clothing is essential, as the weather can change quickly. Pack a waterproof jacket or a windbreaker, comfortable walking shoes, and both light and warm layers. Don’t forget an umbrella – it’s a UK essential regardless of the forecast.

To stay connected, grab a Jetpac UK eSIM before you leave for the airport. Don’t forget to register your flight 24 hours in advance, so you can make use of our free lounge access perk! Want to learn more? Check out our Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers guide.

What are the best places in the UK for a day trip?

If you’re staying in London, both Bath and York are easily accessible via train. Other top destinations for day trips are Oxford, Cambridge, and Brighton. For something with a historical twist, pop by Stratford-upon-Avon and Windsor.

How much should you budget for a UK trip?

Costs vary significantly by region and travel style. London is one of the most expensive cities to travel to, while northern England and Scotland offer better value. Budget roughly £50-100 per day for mid-range travel, excluding accommodation and transport.

Stay Connected in the UK with Jetpac eSIM

Exploring the UK’s hidden gems becomes even more enjoyable when you can share those perfect moments instantly and find your way around with confidence. Jetpac eSIM offers seamless connectivity across the UK, eliminating the hassle of hunting for Wi-Fi or dealing with expensive roaming charges.

With flexible plans that adapt to your travel style, you’re covered whether you’re looking for data that covers just the basics or unlimited data enough for the whole trip. You’re connected the moment you land, making it easier to coordinate transportation, discover local recommendations, and stay in touch with home. It’s also easy to set up, so you can prepare in advance and connect the moment you land.

So get your Jetpac eSIM today and explore without limits!