Monday, March 25, 2024

23 Magical Locations within the UK



As we speak I need to share my information to probably the most magical locations to go to within the UK with you. There are many mystical locations in the UK, from fanciful villages to historical stone circles. Whether or not you’re searching for a religious expertise or simply need to see someplace enjoyable or awe-inspiring, there’s a visit that’s excellent for you. Learn on for my high picks.

Magical Places in the UK

Magical Locations to Go to within the UK

One of the best magical locations to go to within the UK vary from hidden city areas to distant spots on the coast or countryside. Some are house to well-known landmarks, and others are famend for his or her thriller or legends.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for human-made magic or pure wonders, these thrilling locations to go to within the UK are certain to get you in a mystical temper.

I’ve been to all these locations, and I can personally attest to how otherworldly they’re to expertise in particular person. I hope my listing evokes you to see a number of of them in your travels.

A few of these locations might be visited independently by prepare or automobile. Others are simpler to go to on small-group excursions with corporations like Rabbie’s and GetYourGuide. I’ve taken many excursions by each corporations, and I’ve at all times loved them.

Portmeirion

1. Stonehenge

Stonehenge tops my listing of probably the most magical locations to go to within the UK. The thriller, historical past, and heritage behind this website are enchanting. It by no means will get outdated to circle the stones and picture how they bought right here and what they have been supposed for.

As soon as on website, there’s an audio tour to information you across the stones. There are additionally Neolithic homes, a digital tour, and exhibitions that carry the place to life.

You possibly can drive from London to Stonehenge in round 2 hours, and you may purchase your entry ticket right here. Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to on a guided tour. I’ve completed excursions with GetYourGuide and I’ve actually loved them. You possibly can see their Stonehenge excursions right here.

Stonehenge

2. Fort Combe

Nestled in Wiltshire within the southern Cotswolds, Fort Combe has a postcard-perfect excessive avenue, charming aspect streets, and retailers with teapot indicators overhead.

This place has all the pieces I am keen on about an English village, and being right here appears like moving into one other world.

Fort Combe is value exploring for its chocolate-box homes and fairly bridge over the By Brook river. It’s one of the stunning villages in England.

Castle Combe

For those who don’t have a automobile, you’ll be able to go to on a day tour from Tub with GetYourGuide. It’s an effective way to see Fort Combe and different Cotswolds villages in at some point. You possibly can e-book a ticket right here.

If you wish to keep in Fort Combe, you’re in for extra magic. The Manor Home is ready in a surprising 14th-century constructing with parkland throughout it.

If you wish to keep in a mews, the resort has cottages in a mews avenue within the village, too. You possibly can e-book a room or cottage right here.

Castle Combe Village in England

3. Isle of Skye

Subsequent on my listing of magical locations within the UK is the Isle of Skye. The biggest island within the Inside Hebrides, it’s additionally one of the well-known Scottish islands.

The Isle of Skye is a well-liked cease on many Scottish Highlands excursions. Magical highlights of Skye vary from enchanting fairy swimming pools to highly effective waterfalls. The island has wonderful sunrises, too.

I’ve been visiting this Scottish island since I used to be a teen. Whereas it’s stunning at any time of 12 months, I notably love the Isle of Skye in winter. There’s a magic to the panorama on the Isle of Skye in January.

Sailboat off the Isle of Skye in Scotland

If you wish to go to the island on a tour, you’ll be able to e-book one with Rabbie’s right here. They provide numerous nice excursions on and across the Isle of Skye.

Excursions are nice methods to see the island and different elements of the Scottish Highlands. There are many magical locations to find right here.

If you wish to keep for an evening or extra on the island, there are many choices. You possibly can e-book lodging right here. I’ve stayed on the Sligachan Lodge and I liked my room and the resort’s location proper subsequent to the well-known Sligachan Outdated Bridge.

Isle of Skye in Scotland

4. Leadenhall Market

Proper within the coronary heart of London, Leadenhall Market is one other of probably the most magical locations to go to within the UK. Why? It stood in for Diagon Alley within the Harry Potter films.

The road the place Harry and his classmates purchased their wands, wizardry books, and cauldrons is unquestionably one of the otherworldly locations in Britain.

If you wish to get actually into the magical spirit of London, you’ll be able to take a Harry Potter tour. It’ll present you all the pieces from the Ministry of Magic to the Leaky Cauldron. You possibly can e-book one right here.

Leadenhall Market, London

Past books and flicks, Leadenhall Market has a magic of its personal. From wealthy colours to an ethereal really feel and excessive ceilings, this Victorian iron-and-glass construction appears like a fairy story.

I’ll at all times bear in mind how awed I used to be the primary time I walked into it. I’ve been 1,000,000 occasions since then, and it by no means ceases to make me cease and stand in marvel of it.

For those who want a magical place to remain when you’re right here, you’ll be able to check out my information to the perfect quirky motels in London. It has my high picks for uncommon lodging all through the UK capital.

Leadenhall Market, London

5. The Big’s Causeway

Over in Northern Eire, The Big’s Causeway is without doubt one of the most mystical locations to go to within the UK for its pure magnificence and legendary historical past.

Interlocking basalt columns type a dramatic panorama on the coast right here. They provide the world a novel and mysterious environment.

Myths and legends have sprung up round The Big’s Causeway over the centuries, together with one a few large named Fionn mac Cumhaill. Regardless of the fact is, this place is breathtaking to behold.

For those who’re staying in Belfast, you’ll be able to e-book a tour of The Big’s Causeway right here. It’ll present you the perfect of the world, together with The Darkish Hedges and medieval castles.

For those who want a spot to remain in Belfast, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. I’ve stayed on the Malmaison Belfast and I like its stunning exterior and metropolis middle location. You possibly can e-book a room right here.

6. York

York is one other of probably the most magical locations to go to within the UK. This metropolis within the north of England is beloved for a lot of issues, however my favourite is the Snickelways, a community of slender historic passages, hidden lanes, and enchanting alleys and footpaths.

York Street

One in every of my favourite enchanting locations in York is The Shambles. This avenue is lined with timber-framed medieval buildings, a few of which date again to the 14th century. Many have quaint retailers on the bottom ground, and higher flooring overhanging the road.

I as soon as took a day journey from London to York and I used to be in awe of how stunning the walled metropolis was. It’s actually enchanting. You possibly can even take a Witches and Historical past Outdated City Strolling Tour of York to get into the magical spirit.

If you wish to keep on the town for an evening, there are many nice lodging choices within the metropolis. You possibly can e-book a resort in York right here.

The Shambles, York

7. Isles of Scilly

Subsequent on my listing of the UK’s most magical locations are the Isles of Scilly. These islands off the southwest coast of Cornwall are among the most distant locations in England.

The archipelago is a treasure trove of pure and human-crafted wonders alike. From pristine seashores that appear to be they might be within the Caribbean to harbors dotted with colourful boats, this can be a great spot to get into Britain’s mystical aspect.

Tresco Abbey Backyard is house to enchanted ruined arches, and Bryher has a lone purple cellphone field redolent of a bygone period. These isles are actually among the most enchanting islands within the UK.

If you wish to go to, you’ll want to remain for at the least an evening or two. You possibly can e-book a resort right here. I stayed on the St. Mary’s Corridor Lodge, a townhouse with basic decor and a way of historical past. You possibly can e-book a room right here.

Red Phone Box on Bryher, Isles of Scilly

8. Durdle Door

Durdle Door is one other of probably the most mystical locations within the UK. Down in Dorset, it’s a pure limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast. Seeing it from the cliffs is nothing in need of breathtaking.

Durdle Door is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in England, and among the best locations to observe a dawn. For those who time it proper in mid-December and early January, you’ll be able to see the solar peeking by the keyhole within the rock. It’s pure magic.

The close by rounded bay of Lulworth Cove is fairly, too. The white pebble seashore and clear water make it really feel like paradise on the English coast.

I visited each locations on a small-group tour with Rabbie’s. It was an effective way to see the highlights of the world in addition to magical locations like Tub, Stonehenge, Dartmoor, and Glastonbury. You possibly can see the main points right here.

If you wish to go independently and keep an evening in Lulworth Cove, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. It’s an amazing place to base your self close to Durdle Door.

Durdle Door

9. The New Forest

The New Forest is one other magical place to go to in England. This wooded space in southern Britain is stuffed with all the pieces from cozy pubs to the world’s signature ponies.

The ponies might be noticed all around the nationwide park, and so they’re thrilling to come back throughout on nation walks.

The New Forest is magical as a result of its heathland, woods, and glades are enchanting. Seeing ponies emerge by the mist is one in every of my favourite reminiscences from this a part of Britain.

Given its proximity to the UK capital, the New Forest is a straightforward day journey or weekend journey from London, too.

If you wish to keep the evening, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. I’ve stayed within the New Forest a lot of occasions, and I extremely advocate an in a single day journey.

Trees in the Fog in the New Forest, England

10. Glastonbury Tor

Subsequent on my listing of magical locations within the UK is Glastonbury Tor. This hill in Somerset is thought for St Michael’s Tower, the one remaining a part of a 14th-century church that after stood atop its crest.

Nevertheless it’s the hill itself that’s legendary. The Tor is talked about in Celtic mythology, notably in myths linked to King Arthur and the Holy Grail. It additionally has different widespread mythological and religious connections.

As an added bonus, Glastonbury Tor presents gorgeous views throughout the English countryside.

Glastonbury Tor

Again down the hill, the city of Glastonbury is stuffed with retailers promoting every kind of mystical treasures. From crystals to broomsticks and chocolate-themed aphrodisiacs, you could find it on the excessive avenue.

If you wish to keep the evening in Glastonbury, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. There are many good choices for lodging. You may also e-book the tour I went on right here.

For those who solely desire a day tour from London, you’ll be able to see Stonehenge, Glastonbury, and Avebury in a single journey. Given they’re among the most magical locations in England, it’s an effective way to see all of them in the identical day. You possibly can e-book the tour right here.

Glastonbury Tor

11. Rosslyn Chapel

Subsequent on my listing of magical locations to go to within the UK is Scotland’s legendary Rosslyn Chapel. Da Vinci Code followers will bear in mind this place from Dan Brown’s best-selling novel.

However the chapel isn’t simply a part of a fictional narrative; it’s a mystical landmark in its personal proper.

The symbolism within the carvings and paintings rivals the mysteries Brown got here up with in his story, and the outside of the constructing is as engaging as the inside is intriguing.

This is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Edinburgh (or half-day journeys, because it’s so near the town). For those who don’t have a automobile, you’ll be able to take a guided tour with transportation. You possibly can e-book one right here.

If you wish to keep in a single day, you’ll be able to e-book a resort in Edinburgh right here. I’ve stayed within the metropolis many occasions and my favourite is the Radisson Assortment Lodge, Royal Mile Edinburgh. It’s in an amazing location proper by Edinburgh Fort. You possibly can e-book a room right here.

Rosslyn Chapel

12. Loch Ness

Additionally in Scotland, Loch Ness is one in every of my favourite magical locations in the UK. Well-known for its legendary monster, Nessie, this lake within the Scottish Highlands close to Inverness is a deal with to go to.

It’s enjoyable to look out throughout Loch Ness looking for the monster, or to stand up shut and seek for it on a ship tour. You possibly can e-book a ticket for a cruise on the loch right here.

Given what number of sightings there have been through the years, the parable remains to be alive and effectively (though I’ve been visiting since I used to be a toddler and I nonetheless haven’t noticed her).

There’s additionally loads of Jacobite historical past and basic highland surroundings to see round Loch Ness. It’s onerous to not really feel the magic right here. Actually, you’ll be able to see Loch Ness and locations like Glen Coe on a day tour from Edinburgh. You possibly can e-book a ticket right here.

If you wish to keep the evening, you’ll be able to e-book a resort in Inverness right here. If you wish to keep on the opposite finish of the loch, you’ll be able to e-book a resort in Fort Augustus right here.

13. Dartmoor Nationwide Park

Again in England, Dartmoor Nationwide Park is one other of probably the most magical locations to go to in Britain. Situated in Devon, this place is thought for its dense fog, stone bridges, rolling hills, and well-known jail.

Dartmoor’s haunting magnificence is the stuff of legends. Its wild expanse is dotted with ponies, and each time I go to I half count on a prisoner from a Dickens novel to materialize out of the mist. It’s actually otherworldly right here.

If you wish to keep the evening in Dartmoor, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. There are many choices for lodging. You may also e-book the tour I went on right here.

Valley in Dartmoor National Park

14. Warner Bros Studio Tour

If cinematic magic is extra your factor, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is one other of probably the most legendary locations to go to within the UK. That is the place the Harry Potter films have been filmed, and you may see all of the units from his world of wizardry right here.

Situated close to London, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a good place to get into all issues magical from Harry’s world.

From the Gryffindor frequent room at Hogwarts to Gringotts Wizarding Financial institution, Diagon Alley, and Dumbledore’s workplace, you’ll be able to see the highlights.

If you wish to go to this magical place on a day journey from London, you’ll be able to e-book a mixed bus-and-entry ticket right here. It’s value getting transport included together with your ticket, as it may prevent time and trouble.

Diagon Alley

15. Fingal’s Cave, Isle of Staffa

Again up in Scotland, Fingal’s Cave on the small island of Staffa is one other of probably the most legendary locations within the UK. It’s recognized for its haunting acoustics and black basalt columns.

Standard perception has it that this place is linked to the Big’s Causeway in Northern Eire. In accordance with legend, the 2 geologically-similar spots lie on the reverse ends of an historical bridge constructed by the enormous Fionn mac Cumhaill.

It’s wonderful to see Fingal’s Cave up shut. I noticed it on a crusing journey within the Hebrides, however there are tour boats from Mull and Oban you’ll be able to take as effectively.

16. Lunga

Not removed from Staffa, Lunga is one other magical place in Scotland. This pint-size island is without doubt one of the Treshnish Isles within the Inside Hebrides. It’s recognized for its puffins and guillemots, amongst different hen species.

I visited Lunga in spring when bluebells carpeted the island. Puffins walked all around the cliffs, oblivious to the truth that I used to be mendacity on the grass just some ft away from them.

It was magical to observe the birds waddle about and fly in from the ocean, their mouths filled with fish.

Puffin on Lunga, Scottish Hebrides

Lunga additionally has nice views over the water and of ships, boats, and ferries beneath. It’s an amazing island to go to in the event you love pure wonders.

As with Staffa, I visited Lunga on a crusing journey, however you too can take a tour boat from Mull or Oban to get right here.

If you wish to keep within the space, you’ll be able to e-book a resort in Oban right here, or a place to remain on Mull right here. There are a variety of decisions for lodging in each locations.

Lunga, Scotland

17. Avebury

Again in England, Avebury is one other of probably the most magical locations to go to within the UK. This village in Wiltshire is known for its stone circles.

I visited on a British highway journey, and I found the world’s Neolithic heritage, admired the village’s thatched-roof cottages, visited the gardens at Avebury Manor, and walked by the stone circles in and across the village.

In contrast to Stonehenge, which feels distant and remoted within the countryside, Avebury’s stones really feel like they’re a part of the group. They lend the place a very magical really feel.

Avebury Stone

If you wish to keep an evening in Avebury, you’ll be able to e-book a room right here. There are a number of locations you’ll be able to name house for a night within the village.

For those who simply need to go to for a day, you’ll be able to take an Avebury and Stonehenge tour from London. It’s an effective way to see each mystical locations in a single journey. You possibly can e-book a ticket right here.

Avebury Cottages

18. Killeter Forest

Again in Northern Eire, Killeter Forest is one other of probably the most magical locations in the UK. Why? As a result of there are holy wells and legendary bogs galore.

I took a tour right here as soon as with a neighborhood paleao-ecologist named Martin Bradley. He drove me to every kind of legendary locations in and round this forest on the western fringe of County Tyrone.

These included Father McLaughlin’s Effectively, which is alleged to treatment all the pieces from toothaches to addictions. Judging from the variety of objects left above the effectively, there should be one thing to it.

Holy Well in Northern Ireland

He additionally took me to the Slievedoo Lavatory, one in every of six or seven bogs within the space. He advised me they have been locations of significance to the traditional folks right here, and he used a protracted pole to indicate me how deep the water was beneath the mossy floor we stood on.

Past Killeter Forest, he additionally confirmed me fairy bushes, standing stones, and sacred landscapes filled with historical myths which have been handed down since prehistoric occasions.

After I visited the world I stayed in Derry / Londonderry. If you wish to comply with in my footsteps, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. I stayed on the Bishop’s Gate Lodge, and I preferred the pleasant employees, decor, and central location. You possibly can e-book a room right here.

Bog in Northern Ireland

19. Glen Coe

Relating to nature, one in every of my favourite magical locations in Britain is Glen Coe. This valley within the Scottish Highlands is thought for waterfalls, dramatic peaks, and nice trails just like the Pap of Glencoe hike.

Glen Coe is each historic and hauntingly romantic. Historic and mysterious geological phenomena created one of the distinctive landscapes in Scotland.

The mists and fogs lend it an otherworldly really feel, and the surroundings is straight out of a legend. It’s no marvel all the pieces from James Bond’s Skyfall to the Harry Potter films was filmed right here.

Glen Coe, Scotland

You possibly can be taught extra about the best way to go to and what to do in Glen Coe on my 4-day itinerary for Scotland and my Scotland highway journey itinerary.

If you wish to keep right here, you’ll be able to e-book a room right here. I’ve stayed at a number of locations through the years, and my favourite is The Isles of Glencoe resort in Ballachulish.

You may also e-book a tour with Rabbie’s. They do nice small-group excursions of Scotland that embody time in Glen Coe. You possibly can see all their Glen Coe excursions right here.

Pap of Glencoe, Scotland

20. Portmeirion

Out in Wales, Portmeirion is one other of probably the most magical locations in Britain. An Italian seaside city climbing a hillside on the Welsh coast, this village is an architectural fantasy world created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.

With towers in brilliant hues and vintage treasures dotted all through, Portmeirion is his masterpiece.

From brilliant buildings to historic treasures and a larger-than-life chess set, its hodge-podge of kinds makes for a fairy-tale expertise. And that’s to say nothing of the coastal trails and seashores round it.

Better of all, you’ll be able to keep proper within the village. If you’d like the complete expertise, you’ll be able to e-book a room right here. I stayed right here as soon as, and it was wonderful.

Portmeirion

21. Abbotsford

Up within the Scottish Borders, Abbotsford is one other of probably the most magical locations within the UK. As soon as the abode of well-known author Sir Walter Scott, this romantic castle-like nation home is straight out of a fairy story.

Located proper on the banks of the River Tweed, Abbotsford is as legendary because the books its proprietor wrote. With a swoon-worthy library inside and plush walled gardens exterior, this Nineteenth-century Scottish Baronial mansion is value a particular journey.

You possibly can see Abbotsford on a day journey from Edinburgh. For those who go by rail, you’ll be able to even take a scenic 20-minute stroll to get right here from the prepare station in Tweedbank.

If you wish to go on a guided tour, you’ll be able to see the home and Rosslyn Chapel in a single journey with GetYourGuide. You possibly can e-book a ticket right here.

It’s value staying longer to see the encompassing space, although. For those who can spend an evening within the Borders, you’ll be able to e-book a resort right here. My favourite place to remain is the SCHLOSS Roxburghe, which appears like a fort in its personal proper.

Abbotsford House in Scotland

22. Roman Baths, Tub

Subsequent on my listing of magical locations within the UK are the Roman Baths in Tub, Somerset. A temple was constructed in what’s now the guts of the town between 60 and 70 AD. It turned one of many nice non secular spas of the traditional world.

In these occasions, guests worshiped the goddess Sulis Minerva on the temple and bathed within the pure thermal springs. These springs nonetheless circulation with scorching water, and at the moment’s guests can tour the baths and be taught concerning the legendary deity.

If you wish to mix the Roman Baths with Stonehenge, you’ll be able to take a day tour from London to see them each in at some point. You possibly can e-book a ticket right here.

If you wish to take a metropolis break, you’ll be able to e-book a resort in Tub right here. I’ve stayed at The Yard in Tub and I like its trendy environment. You possibly can e-book a room right here.

Roman Baths in Bath, England

23. Edinburgh

Relating to capital cities, Edinburgh is probably the most magical place to go to within the UK. You want solely stand in Princes Road Gardens and search for on the fort to be enchanted.

This metropolis is so magical it impressed the Harry Potter novels. A stroll by the Sixteenth-century Greyfriars Kirkyard will present you headstones with names J.Okay. Rowling used for characters within the books. You possibly can see it on a Harry Potter Magical Guided Strolling Tour.

The identical churchyard is known for Greyfriars Bobby, a legendary canine who guarded his late grasp’s grave for 14 years till he himself died.

Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is steeped in magic, too. From the warren of streets in The Actual Mary King’s Shut to the little alleys and stairways main down the hill, there are a variety of legends to be discovered right here.

Add to that the fairy-tale environment in Dean Village, and there’s magic throughout.

If you wish to keep within the metropolis, you’ll be able to e-book a resort in Edinburgh right here. As I discussed earlier than, my favourite is the Radisson Assortment Lodge, Royal Mile Edinburgh. You possibly can e-book a room right here.

Fountain and Edinburgh Castle in Princes Street Gardens

Magical Locations to Go to within the UK

I hope you’ve loved this listing of probably the most magical locations to go to within the UK, and that it’s impressed you to get out and uncover among the most mystical and otherworldly spots within the nation. Pleased travels!

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Magical Places in the UK








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