Things to Do in Great Britain

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

While the British Isles are clearly not the French Riviera and the seawater is still a bit chilly, Great Britain has its share of seaside resorts, some of which are well-known. Starting on its southern coast with Bournemouth, Brighton, the Isle of Wight, or even the entire Cornwall region with beautiful beaches, lively resorts, and crowds in season.

Elsewhere, you’ll also find plenty of coastal towns and villages with equally stunning beaches and a thriving tourist scene, whether in Wales or the Blackpool region, which some call the "English Riviera." Further north toward Scotland, seaside spots become more about spending time, taking walks, rather than enjoying the sea and its usual activities.

Water Activities

With thousands of kilometers of coastline and numerous lakes, Great Britain offers plenty of options for water sports enthusiasts.

For surfing, Cornwall—especially around Newquay—has built an international reputation. It’s the place to go, though there are a few other spots, including in northern Scotland near Thurso with its world-class big waves. Otherwise, you can also kayak and paddleboard in the sea, rivers, or lakes in many locations. As for sailing, the Isle of Wight is the best spot.

Finally, Wales is home to a unique local sport called "coasteering", which combines coastal hiking, climbing, swimming in sea caves, and cliff jumping. It’s best practiced on the Pembrokeshire coast, the ideal location for it.

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

Apart from Scotland with its must-see Highlands and vast landscapes perfect for trekking enthusiasts, many other great hiking spots across Britain are less well-known.

Yet the options are plentiful. Whether it’s the Lake District, the top spot in England, the Peak District, the country’s first national park, the Snowdonia in Wales, the Hadrian's Wall trail (135 km following the former Roman Empire border), the Cotswolds region for village-to-village walks, or coastal and cliffside paths across the country, there’s something for every taste and skill level. And you won’t be disappointed...

Cycling

Whether you prefer road cycling, mountain biking, or a relaxed family ride, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. The country boasts a network of over 20,000 kilometers of marked routes called the "National Cycle Network," offering great opportunities for anything from a few hours to several days.

Horseback Riding

Great Britain may be Europe’s best destination for horseback riding, including multi-day treks. Every region has great spots for riding through wild moorlands or along the coast. Among them, the Scottish Highlands, the Welsh Brecon Beacons with their thousand kilometers of equestrian trails, or in Cornwall, the Dartmoor with its vast moorlands and the Exmoor for a seaside experience.

Outdoor and Adventure Sports

Golf

Great Britain is the birthplace of golf, so the choice is vast, including some world-renowned courses like those at St Andrews (in Scotland), which are almost a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide...

Fishing

This is also very "British." Whether you’re into trout or salmon fishing in rivers (Scotland is the best for this), carp fishing in ponds (more common in England), or the thrill of sea fishing (Cornwall has plenty of options), there are many opportunities—as long as you have a permit or permission to try it.

Other Activities

Whitewater: kayaking, canyoning, and even rafting are all possible in Britain. Scotland and Wales offer great natural spots, and surprisingly, there are also a few fully artificial sites using pumps or dams to ensure water flow for kayaking and rafting. These include the Lee Valley White Water Centre (near London), which hosted the 2012 Olympic canoeing events, and the Welsh National White Water Centre, the national reference for rafting.

Climbing: The same areas known for hiking—the Lake District, Peak District, Snowdonia near Cardiff, and Cornwall’s cliffs for those who want to climb above the waves—are also great for climbing.

Winter Sports: Skiing is possible in the five or six small resorts in Scotland. Otherwise, winter is also a great time to see the northern lights in the north, as well as enjoy hikes in landscapes that take on a whole new dimension.

Nightlife and Going Out

As you’d expect, like in other European countries, you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re looking for—pubs and beyond...