The Ultimate British Travel Bucket List

Britain-the island that consists of England, Scotland and Wales-is a land of ancient history, idyllic landscapes, and a rich culture full of both tradition and a robust sense of humor. In Britain, you can be in a rural village pub enjoying a pint of ale within eyeshot of a medieval church and a couple of hours later be in a buzzing metropolis. This island has also been my home since 2016 and not a day goes by when I don't discover something new about this special place.

Britain is also the perfect place to get your feet wet with international travel, but even if you are the most seasoned traveler in the world, you'll still find plenty of surprises here. It's safe to say that the following 50 places and experiences are just the beginning of the adventures waiting for you in Britain.

Easily the most popular destination in the country, London lives up to all the hype and then some. Dozens of A-list historical and cultural attractions reside here in addition to a world-class dining and nightlife scene-and you're sure to be smitten.

You may fall in love when you spot Tower Bridge, it might happen during a picnic on Primrose Hill as you gaze upon the city skyline or it might occur when you first catch a view of the House of Parliament and Big Ben alongside the Thames, but rest assured, it will happen.

These chalky white giants overlooking the English Channel have become much more than just a quirk of geology. The Cliffs of Dover are a symbol of Britain and many a Brit has waxed poetic about seeing them upon a return home and you might just feel the same way. The cliffs can be seen from a walking path or-most famously-from the ferries that ply the waters between Britain and France.

Sure it's crowded and the map of stations can bewilder a first-time rider, but taking the Tube is as London as it gets-and a valuable tool for seeing the city. And I've got a fiver that says after you leave, you'll long for another ride.

The capital's red fleet may be the most famous, but you can find double-decker buses all over Britain's roads. Skip aboard, scurry up the steps and grab a seat for some great views and an experience you probably can't get at home. In London, some routes are famous for cruising past many landmarks, with Number 24 and Number 11 being two of the most well-known examples.

There's one sport associated with Britain around the world and that's football, or as we like to call it: soccer. Home to arguably the world's most well-known competition-the Premier League-football is in the DNA of this island, so go see a pro game live, play some pick-up at the park or just sit at a bar and watch a game on the tellie.

But that doesn't mean it's the only sport they play around here.

Football may be the most famous game played on this isle, but both rugby and cricket aren't too far behind when it comes to popularity among British people. Rugby is played all over the island, with multiple professional leagues operating and cricket competitions between clubs that represent different regions are played all summer long.

They might just be the most well-known stones in the world and while we still don't know precisely how they got there, seeing Stonehenge with your own eyes is certain to give you chills.

But it isn't the only stone circle worth seeing.

Scotland is home to dozens of far-flung islands, many of which retain their own distinct personality from the mainland. Luckily for the traveler, they are easily reached by ferry. If you can only visit one, make it the Isle of Skye, home to the pretty pastel buildings of Portree and brooding rock formations.

Stonehenge has the name recognition and the screen credits to its name, but Britain is home to a myriad of mysterious stone circles worth making a detour for. Just a few of the highlights include the Lake District's Castlerigg (pictured), Avebury (the world's biggest in diameter), and the mystical Ring of Brodgar on the Orkney Islands. Pretty much anywhere you are, there's a circle nearby.

There's just something special about seeing a castle and this island is packed with them. From the coast of Wales to the lochs of Scotland and the rolling countryside of England, you're never too far from a fine fortification-and almost all of the noteworthy ones offer tours.

Even though it's often overlooked by international visitors who stick to the big cities and the rolling countryside in Britain's heartland, as a resident, I'm here to tell you that no trip to Britain is complete without a stop at the seaside. With several thousand miles of coastline, it can be hard to choose a spot (and I'll mention a few specifics spots later on), but there are some seaside towns that shine brightest and offer a combination of sea vistas, attractions and all around good times. A small sample of some of the best are St. Ives, Whitby, Tenby, Lyme Regis and Brighton.

Where you go is up to you, but there's one thing you must eat once you get there.

You can find unbelievable fish & chips up and down the island, but it always just seems to taste better by the seaside. Do your research to find the best local spot (preferably one frying up the day's catch) and either sit in for a dinner you'll never forget or just take it away to eat on the beach-but just beware of the seagulls.

Wales' answer to Cornwall and Devon, Pembrokeshire is perenially in the discussion when it comes to Britain's most spectacular coastal region. Walk the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, do some surfing or coasteering before hitting the beaches, which are sneakily some of Britain's finest sands.

With thousands of miles of public footpaths, Britain is a walker's paradise. We're not talking hardcore trekking here (which you can find too if you want it), we're talking scenic strolls between villages over undulating hills or serene walks along the sea. Just take to the trail to fit in with the locals.

Harry Potter. Poldark. Peaky Blinders. Love Actually. Bridgerton. Bridget Jones. The list of British television series and movies that have moved the world goes on and on. Re-creating your favorite scene on a city street or stepping foot on a rugged piece of land or grand home that was featured in your favorite story is a beloved part of any trip to Britain. This is to say nothing of all the locations laced with literary history.

Home to the highest mountains in England and dozens of dreamy bodies of water, Northwest England's Lake District is a showstopper. Climb the steep but more-than-manageable local hills to admire the views of the lakes by day, spend your nights nestled up by a roaring fire while you recount the day's adventures.

The reputations of Oxford and Cambridge proceed them, and a visit to one of these two historic yet lively university towns will be enlightening. In addition to touring the campuses, both towns have plenty of things to do for non-students, most famously punting on the local waters.

The Scottish Highlands are home to some of Britain's most dramatic scenery and some of its highest mountains. Explore the lochs and villages of this region before or after a visit to Edinburgh or Glasgow to see two completely different sides of Scotland.

Britain's equivalent of Times Square, Piccadilly Circus in London is a hub of buzz, bold outdoor advertising and a real proper "I'm in London moment". Make sure to say hi to the statue of Anteros, a beloved symbol of the city.

The British landscape is dotted with grand homes that could be confused with palaces. Lush gardens and spectacular decor is usually available to be seen on a tour, with some of the most famous examples being Castle Howard, Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House and Highclere Castle-the place where Downton Abbey was filmed.

Speaking of film and television ...

Some would say that any mention of a "monster" living in this lake takes something away from the splendor of this jaw-dropping Scottish lake, but that's just the way it goes. Search for Nessie for sure, but while you're at it look around and breath in all the special scenery around Scotland's second-biggest lake.

With tens of thousands of years of history under its belt, Britain is a land of legends, tales and lots and lots of ghost stories. From ghost walks in York and Edinburgh (and dozens of more destinations) to Jack the Ripper tours in London, there's almost always somebody giving a blood-curling evening stroll for a small fee and you should take them up on their offer.

You can find spectacular stretches of shore all over this island, but there's just something special about Cornwall and Devon. These two counties occupy the far southwestern peninsula of Britain and they are home to gorgeous beaches, turquoise water, fishing villages and a unique regional culture. Oh, and don't leave the West Country without sinking your teeth into a scone slathered in local clotted cream & jam.

Scotland is the land of whisky, and from the hip bars of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the hamlets of the Highlands, you will have plenty of opportunities to down a dram here. The best way to experience whisky culture though is by paying a visit to a distillery, which can be found all over Scotland, but most dramatically on the Isle of Islay and Spey Valley in the Highlands.

Originally intended to be a temporary celebration of the year 2000 but so popular it became a permanent fixture on the capital's skyline, the London Eye offers an unforgettable view of the city. Make one big revolution in the wheel's huge observation capsules while pointing out landmarks below.

The London residence of The Queen, Buckingham Palace is known the world over as a symbol of Britain and seeing it in person is always a travel thrill. During summer, the palace and its gardens are open to visitors and the popular changing of the guard ceremony (set to resume soon) is always a favorite with visitors.

By now, you probably already know that "Big Ben" is only the name of the bell and that this clock tower's official name is the Elizabeth Tower. But just call it "Big Ben" when you post your selfie on Instagram, because nobody's going to care. While it's still under scaffolding at the moment (repair work is expected to be completed in 2022), it will still manage to give you goosebumps.

From the Tube to buses, Metrolinks and trains, Britain has a robust public transport system and you can see much of the island without a car, but sometimes you just need to dart across town, and that's where black cabs come in. A unique "open" backseat plan and drivers who double as encyclopedias of their hometowns are just two reasons to take a ride in these iconic rides.

Liverpool is famous all over the world for its football club and for the Fab Four. Re-trace George, Paul, Ringo and John's footsteps from the Cavern Club to Strawberry Fields, and you'll see why the unique culture of this port city helped give birth to the Beatles.

The official drink of Wimbledon, Pimm's is a unique herbal liquer that is typically mixed with clear lemonade and garnished with strawberry, mint and cucumber and is served up and down the island when the sun comes out. Little known fact: summer isn't allowed to officially start here until you've shared your first pitcher of Pimm's with friends.

This resplendent spa town in Southwest England has been famous for its waters since Roman times. And if you're wondering, yes, Bath, England is why we call cleansing oneself in the tub "having a bath". Visit to take a dip and admire the architecture of the Royal Crescent, but also to learn all about the glamorous past of this special place.

Westminster Abbey isn't the only church that will leave you in awe. From small villages to big cities, Britain is home to scores of magnificent churches and cathedrals and regardless of your religious affiliation (or lack thereof), they'll find a way to move you. Highlights include York Minster, Durham Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral (pictured), Lincoln Cathedral, and London's St. Paul's Cathedral.

A short hop from Bath, but home to a much more modern vibe, Bristol is arguably the hippest city in Britain not named London. Enjoy a pour-over coffee before taking in the views of the Clifton Suspension bridge and poring over the street art, including some by hometown boy Banksy.

The site of coronations and royal weddings, this church is home to over 1,000 years of history. Visit to admire the architecture and walk in the footsteps of kings, queens, poets and other legends of British history, many of whom are buried here.

Founded by Romans, settled by Vikings and dubbed the capital of the north during medieval times, York captures much of what is great about this island in one city. Visit one of Europe's great cathedrals, walk ancient walls, peruse Viking relics and delve into the city's heritage as both a chocolate-manufacturing mecca and railway hub all in the same day in York.

England's largest county, Yorkshire is home to exciting cities like Leeds, York and Sheffield, but it's the countryside that will have you dreaming about pushing back your flights home. The county is home to both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors national parks, with both being home to picture-postcard villages, sweeping vistas and endless outdoor recreation opportunities.

William Shakespeare's reputation precedes him, but before all the fame, he called Stratford-upon-Avon home and visiting this quaint town will give you a real sense of the playwright's past. Highlights include the chance to visit his birthplace and the cottage where Ann Hathaway grew up in addition to seeing a performance by the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, the world's finest performers of The Bard's beloved works.

Made famous by Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales-considered by some to be one of history's first-ever travel stories-and home to the historic Canterbury Cathedral, this city will take you back in time. Admire some of the best medieval architecture in Britain before experiencing the interactive Canterbury Tales attraction.

They come in all shapes, sizes and styles and no matter where you are in Britain, you're never too far from a public house. So much more than just a place to down a pint, a pub is the center of local life in both villages and big-city neighborhoods and the best versions are home to a cozy atmosphere that simply can't be duplicated in any other setting.

A brooding fortification overlooking Scotland's capital, Edinburgh Castle has stood the test of time. Admire the view of the castle from town, but then storm its gates to take a tour and learn all about its fascinating history.

This dormant ancient volcano sits at the heart of Edinburgh's Holyrood Park and scaling "The Seat" offers up the most breathtaking views of the city anywhere.

Located at the extreme southwest tip of Britain, Land's End manages to be both a kitschy tourist draw and jaw-dropping natural attraction at the same time. Here, you will find miles of rugged scenery signature to Cornwall, souvenir stands and a signpost that marks the miles to North America.

This stunning national park in the heart of Wales can make a case for being Britain's most beautiful. Home to hundreds of trails, dozens of gorgeous glacial lakes and storybook villages in addition to majestic Mount Snowdon, Snowdonia will leave you speechless and in awe of the wonder of Wales.

This northern powerhouse is home to two world-class soccer clubs and a social and nightlife scene that's second to none. Learn all about the city's Industrial Revolution heritage by day and sip the night away in the Northern Quarter.

This legendary castle beside the Thames has stood sentry over London for well over a thousand years. Visit to hear bloodcurdling tales told by the famous Beefeaters, see the famed ravens and even gaze upon the Crown Jewels.

This daytime tradition consists of sipping tea, snacking on delicate finger sandwiches and small cakes or pastries. More a state of mind than a substantial meal, afternoon tea is an excuse to relax, catch up with friends and treat oneself and any self-respecting tea room or luxury hotel will offer up their take on the tradition.

The world's most exciting theater district east of Broadway, London's West End is home to both big-name productions and independent theaters. Catch an early dinner or drinks and then make for the theater for a night you won't soon forget.

From the sweeping beaches of the Norfolk Coast to the calm waters of the Broads, this county in Eastern England is a true hidden gem. Spend time on the water before heading for the county town Norwich, which is home to medieval architecture and an understated yet decidedly cool social scene.

The island's first national park, The Peak District sits within easy reach of both Manchester and Birmingham but offers a huge breath of fresh air from the big city. Hike the hills, seek out waterfalls and enjoy a slice of Bakewell tart in this bucolic region in the heart of the island.

Rolling hills and honeycomb-hued cottages in sleepy villages combine with assorted rural delights to make the Cotswolds one of England's most idyllic regions. If you feel like you've been here before, it's probably because this is exactly how you imagined England to be in your dreams.