Considering a trip to the UK in 2025? Britain has a knack for surprising even the most seasoned traveler, and there’s more to the country than Stonehenge and Big Ben. Beyond the classic landmarks and well-worn tourist trail you’ll find some of the best things to do in the UK.
Next year, Britain is rolling out some incredible experiences, so whether you’re drawn to its arts scene, big sporting events, coastal villages, or big festivals you’ll find something cool to anchor your trip to. From secret spots to must-see events, here are 20 reasons to visit the best things to do in the UK in 2025.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth
Next year is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, the famous author known for classics such as Pride and Prejudice. Literary enthusiasts can celebrate this significant milestone at locations deeply connected to her, such as Bath and Hampshire, with special events, festivals and balls.
Attend the Women’s Rugby World Cup
England will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, a thrilling sporting event that will bring in the most talented female rugby players from around the globe. The tournament promises to inspire a new generation of rugby fans and players, as top teams compete for the coveted title. Expect these high-stakes matches to take place in Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York.
Laugh yourself silly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Each year the world’s largest arts festival takes over the Scottish capital, and in 2025 you can expect the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to bring yet another mind-boggling array of hilarious shows. From stand-up comedy to sketches, improv to musical theatre, there’s something for every style of humor. Talented comedians and performers fly in from around the globe to win your attention each August.
Visit Bradford, the UK’s City of Culture
This West Yorkshire city will experience a year-long celebration, as it honors its history, diverse communities, and arts scene with more than 1000 events. From City Park to the historic district of Little Germany, explore Bradford’s mix of old and new and visit the renovated National Science and Media Museum.
Go museum hopping in London
London has some of the world’s great museums, so if you have the time to set aside a day or two for museum hopping you won’t leave disappointed. Step through the grand halls of the British Museum or the contemporary galleries of Tate Modern. Best of all, national museums in the UK offer free entry to their permanent collections, making them accessible to all. One to see in 2025 is ‘Turner and Constable’ at Tate Britain, which is a show celebrating the 250th birthday of British painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable.
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Take a scenic train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train
Better known as the “Harry Potter train” or Hogwarts Express, you can actually ride the famous steam locomotive and cross that curved arching rail bridge seen in the films. Beyond living out your Harry Potter dreams, travelers enjoy stunning views of the Scottish landscape from Fort William to Mallaig. True rail enthusiasts can get further involved with train-based things to do in the UK in 2025 – next year Britain will celebrate 200 years since the birth of the modern railway with the nationwide Railway 200 programme.
Walk the world’s longest complete coastal trail
IN 2025 the King Charles III England Coast Path will open, taking the crown as the longest complete coastal trail in the world. It gives adventure and nature lovers a new reason to visit the UK! This path stretches over 2,700 miles, winding along England’s coastline past rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, charming villages, and little lighthouses.
Visit the royal Highgrove estate in the Cotswolds
Speaking of King Charles III, in 2025 he and Queen Camilla will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. That’s a decent enough excuse to visit Highgrove, the royal couple’s rural estate in the Cotswolds. Here you can explore the beautiful landscaped gardens.
Wander through the Cotswolds
And speaking of the Cotswolds, in 2025 the idyllic countryside region celebrates its 50th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you can explore quintessential Britain with quaint villages, rolling hills, and picturesque stone cottages.
Marvel at Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
The unique hexagonal basalt columns have made Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland an unmissable sight. Millions of years ago this UNESCO World Heritage site was formed by volcanic activity, crafting these unusual stone pillars by the seaside. It’s a place where myths and science collide, so listen to the local folklore then learn from geologists how this natural wonder came to be.
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Tour Scotland’s whisky distilleries
There’s never a bad time to sample world-class whisky, so use 2025 to learn about Scotland’s rich distilling traditions as you pop in to learn about how this liquid gold is made and try a dram or two while exploring the gorgeous Scottish Highlands. Definitely one of the best things to do in the UK!
Gaze up at the night sky
There’s something magic about gazing at the stars, feeling small in a universe of possibility. The UK loves to celebrates the milky way and all its stars with festivals – and in 2025 the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival marks its 10th anniversary. In spring you can catch stargazing talks, night-time fell running, and astrophotography sessions.
Catch a Premier League game
Britain’s Premier League season kicks off in August, and anyone eager to experience the atmosphere and excitement of English football should try and catch a game. Of course, if you’re not there on match days – you might be able to join a stadium tour at your favorite team.
Explore Manchester’s new arts quarter
In 2025 Manchester’s arts scene is getting a fresh new look with the launch of its redeveloped arts quarter. Here you’ll find newly opened galleries, installations, artist studios, and event spaces that are the creative backbone of the city. While here you can stroll past plenty of street art and murals, visit art exhibitions and even join workshops.
Visit Liverpool’s Beatles attractions
Come Together with fans from around the world to celebrate the legacy of the Fab Four in Liverpool. Discover their story from the very beginning at a special museum, wander down Penny Lane, take a stroll by the Strawberry Fields memorial, or join a Magical Mystery Tour bus to follow in the footsteps of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Step into a world of movie magic
Beyond the Hogwarts Express, sorry we mean the Jacobite Steam Train, you can step into the real-life filming locations of some of your favorite shows and movies. You could join a guided tour of Bath through the eyes of Bridgerton, or explore Peaky Blinders’ Liverpool, or see Bristol through Wallace and Gromit.
Discover London’s West End theater scene
There are so many amazing things to do and see in London (let alone the UK) that we could write a whole list just for the city. But if you are short on time, beyond ticking off the top landmarks – Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge… etc – try to catch a live theater show at London’s buzzing theater district. This area has plenty of venues that host famous musicals, unknown dramas, and everything in between.
Tour Oxford University
Step back in time at Oxford University, where centuries of academic history and architectural beauty collide. Learn about the famous scholars, writers, and scientists who once walked the same paths as you explore one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, a place of knowledge and tradition.
Visit Stonehenge
Stonehenge is an ancient wonder that has stood for more than 4,000 years. Ths famous stone circle is shrouded in legend and still puzzles historians. Standing beside the towering stones you too will wonder how they were transported, why they were placed, and what they meant to the ancient peoples who built them.
Explore Britain’s spa scene in Bath
Since Roman times people in bath have been soaking in the natural thermal waters of the region. Visit the ancient Roman Baths in Bath, then indulge with a soak at a local spa. Outside of Bath, the UK has some unusual spa – like the Gin Spa in Glasgow or Norfolk’s frothy beer spa.
That’s our list of the best things to do in the UK in 2025. Leave a comment with anything else you think we should add to this list!