What to do in Great Britain

Activities, attractions and tours

Flags of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
Flags of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
Union Jack 1801 Great Britan background pattern template - Abstract brushstroke paint brush splash in the colors of UK flag, isolated on white texture
Aerial view of London and the River Thames
A panoramic shot of Talybont Reservoir captured on a bright Autumn morning.

Great Britain Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Great Britain has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Great Britain is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Great Britain to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Great Britain Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Great Britain.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Great Britain attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park featuring a garden, a river or creek and watersports

2. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, on route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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Big Ben showing a city, heritage architecture and a monument

3. O2 Arena

O2 Arena was originally called the Millennium Dome. It was created to celebrate the beginning of the new millennium. Completed in 1999, The Dome initially housed the Millennium Experience, an exhibition consisting of exhibits, shows and entertainment honoring humankind’s achievements. The Dome’s vast interior has since been remodeled and today is one of London’s premier entertainment destinations.
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O2 Arena which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

4. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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Tower Bridge showing a monument, a bridge and heritage architecture

5. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

6. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night.
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London which includes heritage elements, a city and street scenes

7. Southampton Cruise Terminal

Spend some time watching cruise liners and freight ships come and go from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Afterwards, make the short walk into Southampton City Center to see historic landmarks and discover a lively bar and restaurant scene. Southampton Cruise Terminal is among the most important marinas in the United Kingdom and welcomes some 2 million passengers every year.
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HDEF21 Cunarder Queen Mary 2 berthed at Southampton cruise terminal

8. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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The view across London Bridge showing the walkie talkie (voted the ugliest building in the UK) the gherkin and the razor.

9. The British Museum

With a collection of nearly 8 million artifacts gathered from every continent, it’s unlikely even the most seasoned museum-goer can absorb the British Museum in a single day. But don’t let the museum’s size deter you even if you only have a few hours. It’s well worth the visit.
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The British Museum featuring interior views as well as a large group of people

Recommended things to do in Great Britain

Number of things to do
666
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Europe Package: CA $7
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Great Britain

Discover the most popular places to visit in Great Britain

Hyde Park featuring a city, a pond and a garden

Hyde Park

4.5/5(1,008 reviews)

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.

Hyde Park
Big Ben showing a city, heritage architecture and a monument

Big Ben

3.5/5(943 reviews)

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

Big Ben
O2 Arena featuring modern architecture

O2 Arena

4/5(112 reviews)

Created as the focal point of Britain’s millennium celebrations, today this architectural wonder offers a world of entertainment under one enormous roof.

O2 Arena
Tower Bridge showing a river or creek, a bridge and night scenes

Tower Bridge

4.5/5(823 reviews)

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

Tower Bridge
Buckingham Palace featuring château or palace, a city and heritage architecture

Buckingham Palace

4.5/5(1,048 reviews)

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

Buckingham Palace
Piccadilly Circus showing a city, signage and heritage architecture

Piccadilly Circus

4/5(827 reviews)

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic traffic hub is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

Piccadilly Circus
The stadium in the sunset in london.; Shutterstock ID 2698953

Wembley Stadium

4.5/5(82 reviews)

Catch an event at Wembley Stadium during your trip to Wembley. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Wembley Stadium
Southampton Cruise Terminal

Southampton Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(51 reviews)

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

Southampton Cruise Terminal
London Bridge featuring a city

London Bridge

4.5/5(540 reviews)

Known for its association with a well-known nursery rhyme, this iconic bridge has existed in various forms for more than 2,000 years.

London Bridge

Explore areas of Great Britain

Carnaby Street featuring a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

5/5(5 area reviews)

Iconic landmarks, a world-famous theater district, lively nightlife zones and superb shopping and art museums await in the heart of England’s capital city.

London City Centre
London showing markets, signage and heritage elements

Covent Garden

Discover a lively district with the Royal Opera House, street performances, and shopping at Apple Market. Explore historical sites like Theatre Royal Drury Lane and dine at renowned international restaurants.

Covent Garden
Old Town Edinburgh showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(288 area reviews)

Preserving its medieval street plan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features the Royal Mile, St. Giles' Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. Explore narrow closes and hidden passages for a unique experience.

Old Town Edinburgh
Royal Liver Building which includes a city and heritage architecture

Liverpool City Centre

4.5/5(109 area reviews)

Architecturally significant with numerous museums and galleries, the area offers top-notch shopping and vibrant nightlife. Explore landmarks like Liverpool Cathedral and the repurposed Baltic Triangle warehouses for unique experiences.

Liverpool City Centre
The City of London featuring modern architecture, a river or creek and heritage architecture

The City of London

4.5/5(155 area reviews)

The financial hub and ancient center of London, this area boasts historic sites like St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London, and its iconinc bridges, including Millennium Bridge and Tower Bridge, make exploration easy.

The City of London
Albert Square showing street scenes, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Manchester City Centre

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Manchester City Centre. Check out top attractions like Manchester Art Gallery and St. Peter's Square, and jump on the metro at St Peters Square Station or Mosley Street Station to see more of the city.

Manchester City Centre

 

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