Want to shake up your family day trips in your own city, county, or town? If you are frantically typing ‘Places of Interest Near Me‘ into google, then congrats, you’ve ended up in the right place!
We’ve rounded up a collection of must-visit places from all over the country, ranging from beautiful market towns and ancient buildings to independent shops and river cruises!
Are you ready?
What is a Place of Interest?
You may think, this is a seriously broad term and you’d be right! A place of interest can be anything from iconic museums, historical landmarks, or buildings, to parks, forests, exciting new restaurants, and theatres. In short, a place of interest is a hotspot for visitors.
In this article, we’ll be scouring the UK for the most unique and popular places of interest near you. We wonder what cultural gems you’ll unearth on your travels…
Scotland
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile
After a day of digging up Scottish history, you can kick back with a heart-warming cuppa and a pastry or two in The Tea Rooms.
Castle Hill,
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh and Lothian,
EH1 2NG,
Scotland
1st April - 30th September
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:00
1st October - 31st March
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 17:00
Adults (16-59) from £17.00
Kids (5-15) from £10.20
Concessions from £13.60
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Uncover historical camera obscura experiments in each of the interactive exhibits. See how light travels, enter a dark chamber, and play around with an angled mirror. Wrap your heads around mind-shuffling optical images and so much more!
You’ll need at least two hours to discover it all! A swirling light vortex; a maze of mirrors; a chance to swap noses with a friend; see yourself grow, shrink and stretch; play eye-spy with our city view cams, and mess with your mind with brilliant visual effects.
Castlehill, 549 Royal Mile,
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh and Lothian,
EH1 2ND,
Scotland
April - June
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 20:00
July
Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 22:00
August
Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 21:00
September - October
Sunday to Friday 09:30 - 20:00
Saturday 09:30 - 21:00
November - March
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 19:00
Closed 25th December
Adults: £15.50
Kids (5-15): £11.50
Concessions: £13.50
Under 5's: Free
Fairy Pools of Skye
Located near the village of Glenbrittle, The Fairy Pools of Skye are a serene sight to behold. Hike your way the crisp icy streams and take a plunge if you dare… That’s right, the fairy pools allow for wild swimmers!
Fairy Pools car park, Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA (car park)
Open all day every day
FREE
The Helix: Home of the Kelpies
This environmental project is one of Scotland’s largest contemporary-based open space leisure projects and has even won awards! It connects neighbouring communities in Falkirk and has a huge variety of activities on offer.
You’ll be excited to know you can actually get inside the kelpies but only if you embark on one of the site’s tours… Families can enjoy lots of fun activities like an adventure play park (with accessible equipment), splash play water fountains, parklands, woodlands, wetlands, boardwalks, and a lagoon with a cozy coffee shop on its shore.
Find out more about boat trips around The Kelpies in our Boat Trips Near Me article!
Fairy Pools car park, Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA (car park)
Open all day every day
FREE
Northern Ireland
Giant's Causeway
A volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago created a complex of over 38,000 basalt columns that seem to form stepping stones out to sea towards Scotland. Today, you can take a seat on the wishing chair or browse other iconic columns like the the harp and the organ.
The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre offers informative audio-visual presentations where visitors learn about the origins of the Causeway mythology, science, nature. Whether you’re a geology nut, a myth hunter, or an avid walker, Giant’s Causeway ticks a lot of day-out-boxes.
44 Causeway Road,
Bushmills,
County Antrim,
BT57 8SU,
Northern Ireland
Stones and coastal path open daily from dawn until dusk. See website for virtual tour.
FREE
Titanic Belfast
he Titanic Experience extends over 9 interactive and impressive galleries, with multiple dimensions and angles to the exhibition’s presentation, with special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions, and cool interactive features to explore! Travel back in time to the 20th century and experience the sights, smells, sounds and stories of the RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people that made her.
Explore the shipyard land, venture the decks, and travel to the depths of the ocean. Uncover the true legend of the great Titanic – in the city where it began. The journey concludes with the discovery of the wreck and modern analysis of the disaster. Visitors can hop inside a cabin that glides around a mock-up of Titanic’s shipyard and a full-scale replica of the ship’s 23.7m-high rudder.
1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast BT3 9EP
March
Monday to Sunday
Titanic Belfast 10:00 - 17:00 | SS Nomadic 11:30 - 15:30
April - May
Monday to Sunday
Titanic Belfast 09:00 - 18:00 | SS Nomadic 10:00 - 17:00
June - August
Monday to Sunday
Titanic Belfast 09:00 - 19:00 | SS Nomadic 10:00 - 18:00
September
Monday - Sunday
Titanic Belfast 09:00 - 18:00 | SS Nomadic 10:00 - 17:00
October - December
Monday - Sunday
Titanic Belfast 10:00 - 17:00 | SS Nomadic 11:00 - 16:00
24th - 26th December Closed
January - March 2023
Monday - Sunday
Titanic Belfast 10:00 - 17:00 | SS Nomadic 11:00 - 16:00
Adult £21.50
Child (5-15)* £10.00
Child (under 5) Free
Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children) £53.00
Essential Carer Free*
Student/Unemployed `{`Mon-Fri Only`}` £17.00
Senior (60+) `{`Mon-Fri Only`}` £17.00
North East England
Alnwick Castle
Find your way over to the Artisans Courtyard. Dress up and do quizzes or get lost in the labyrinth and see if you can defeat the mythical dragon… Enjoy special events like Longbow and falconry demonstrations, traditional musical performances, and meeting locals like Peterkin, the court jester. Psst, he does fire-eating too!
Whether you’re a witch or wizard looking for Harry Potter experiences or you’re a medieval minstrel looking for a good time, Alnwick Castle is an excellent attraction for families. If you are looking for ‘places of interest near me’ in the North East, Alnwick Castle should be no.1 on your list!
Alnwick,
Northumberland,
NE66 1NG,
England
29th March - 27th October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:30
Adults - £19.50
Concessions (60+ or full time education) - £15.75
Children (5 to 16 years) - £10.25
Under 4's - free
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) - £53
Whitby Abbey
Immerse yourself in 13th century gothic splendour and see just why the haunting remains of Whitby Abbey were inspiration for Bram Stoker’s gothic tale of ‘Dracula’. As you wander the ancient ruins you can take an audio tour for full effect, but if you’ve got to keep your ears free for the kids then the imaginative visitor centre is full of interesting items from throughout the abbey’s history from Anglo-Saxon, medieval and the Cholmley family periods.
Want to know something cool? There are now interactive touch screens allow you to virtually chat with characters from Whitby’s past, like an Abbess, a monk, and Bram Stoker himself!
Abbey Lane,
Whitby,
North Yorkshire,
YO22 4JT,
England
Open every day from 10:00 - 17:00
Adult: 11, Concession: £9, Child: £6, Family (2 adults + 3 children): £26
North West England
The York Ghost Merchants
You may have seen this quirky shop on Tiktok. Ringing any bells yet? Each unique ghost figure is delivered to you on a mini toy steam train. No ghost is the same and each figure is said to hold the good spirit of a person within it.
These cute and colourful figures are super popular and are a wonderful keepsake after a day spent in the traditional market town of York.
6 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday are open from 10:00 - 17:30
Sunday open from 10:00 - 16:00
See website for ghost prices!
Wales
Snowdonia National Park
Did you know Snowdonia is the highest mountain in England and Wales? Grab your hiking boots for a walk along stunning coastal paths. Zip up your wetsuits with your surfboard in hand and head to sea. Pack your rucksacks with snacks as you ascend the steep summits and round off your day in a nearby restaurant.
Whether it’s watersports or hiking, there are lots of great views to soak up and outdoor activities to get involved with.
Penrhyndeudraeth LL48 6LF
Open every day from 09:30 - 17:00
FREE
Conwy Castle
The 700 year old fortress was built as part of King Edward’s I plan to build an iron ring of castles to subdue the rebellious population. The walls were designed to protect the English colony from the native Welsh population as they were violently opposed to the English! Conwy is one of the finest and few remaining medieval castles left in the UK. Enjoy up to 8 panoramic views as you stand on the dark rock in which the castle is built upon. You’ll see the River Conwy and a toy-like town under the shadow of the mighty fortress.
Don’t forget to check out the Conwy Town Walls too, just 0.5 miles from Conwy Castle, this world heritage site includes 21 towers and original gateways along their length. Head for the heights and take a stroll along the tops of the walls – if you’re brave enough, that is! The wall loops around the lean, mean, medieval streets. Once you’re done exploring head to the local shops and cafe for a bit of leisure. It’s always a plus when there is a nearby town to explore as you can make a whole day of it!
Rose Hill St, Conwy, LL32 8AY
1st March - 30th June daily from 09:30 - 17:00
1st July - 31st August daily from 09:30 - 18:00
1st September - 31st October daily from 09:30 - 18:00
1st November - 28th February daily from 10:00 - 16:00 (excluding 24th, 25th, 26th December and 1st January)
Members go FREE
Adult: £11.10
Family*: £36.60
Disabled person and companion: FREE
Juniors (Aged 5-17 / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans) £7.80
Seniors (65+) £10.60
Children under 5 go FREE
West Midlands
Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter is one of the oldest areas in the city of Birmingham, dating back to the 1500s! At its peak in the early 1900s, the Jewellery Quarter employed over 30,000 people. It contains the best and most extensive surviving group of Victorian and 20th-century buildings devoted to the manufacture of jewellery and similar small goods in Europe. It’s a place packed full of character and creativity.
Today the jewellery quarter has jewellery workshops, museums, bars, restaurants, jewellery shops, and is a popular place for young adults to visit too. Its artsy vibe and much quieter atmosphere in comparison to the city centre makes it a popular place to explore. The city centre is a 15-minute walk away and has great transport links.
If you are looking for children’s workshops we recommend taking a look at Kids Jewellery Workshop at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.
47 Warstone Ln, Birmingham B18 6JJ
Open all day, every day
FREE
Warwick Castle
Delve into the jaw-dropping history of the castle and discover mysteries of ancient myths, spell-binding tales ,and centuries of history. All historians will be totally captivated, no matter how small they may be! Experience the magic of the Arthurian legend first hand in Merlin: The Dragon Tower, which is cooly inspired by the BBC show. Smell the fear in the battles, explore four centuries of secret rooms, meet shy ghosts ,and walk into the dead bear’s lair. You can also discover the castle defences and walk the castle grounds!
Stop over in the tower, go glamping, or head to Knights Village for a staycation fit for nobility. Always keep your eye out for exciting events like last Summer’s ‘The Dragon Slayer‘ – it was an unmissable performance!
Castle Hill,
Warwick,
Warwickshire,
CV34 4QU,
England
Open everyday from 10:00 - 16:00
Individual ticket price (3+ years) starts from £24 online.
Carers go free
Children under 3 years go free
Students can go for £12 when using Student Beans app.
Save up to £13 on gate prices when you book online.
East Midlands
Leicester Hidden Gems (Self-guided Tour & Treasure Hunt)
Earn points while you travel from place to place using a GPS technology on a smart app. Trek through off beaten tracks and into the the bustling town as you solve clues and complete challenges. You’ll discover places like Leicester Guildhall, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, & Leicester City Market.
Book onto your self-guided tour tdoay and let your quest commence!
6 St Georges Way, Leicester LE1 1QR
Start from your own departure point and return there when you are finished.
£15 per guide (up to 10 people)
National Space Centre
Learn about the human impact on the environment in STEM lessons – this is great for kids who are passionate about environmetnal issues and science. Check out a rare moon rock sample sent across from NASA themsleves! Did you know moon rock is rarer than diamond or gold?
Are rockets and aerospace engineering your thing? Whether you love the adventure factor or your little ones have budding analytical minds, they’ll LOVE learning about Apollo Lunar landers in Apollo missions alongside the Apollo 17 Rock exhibit! Kids can even have a go at becoming a trainee astronaut at the tranquility base! The National Space Centre is one of the most visited attractions in the East Midlands and it is one of our favourite attractions nationwide.
Exploration Drive,
Leicester,
Leicestershire,
LE4 5NS,
Term Time
Monday to Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
School Holidays
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Adult: £16.95
Child (aged 5-16): £13.95
Student Concession: £13.95
Disabled Concession: £13.95
Senior Concession (65+): £13.95
Under Fives: Free Entry
South East England
Covent Garden
In the summer times, you can watch puppet shows in the square alongside buskers and other street acts. Weave your way through market stalls and high street shops, and rest your feet in one of many upmarket restaurants.
Make sure to check out our Best Restaurants in Covent Garden article if you are planning a weekend in London. Taste food from all plains of the Earth whether that’s a sprinkling of Italian cuisine in Cafe Murano or a slice of Japanese sushi in Sushi Samba. There are lots of great delicacies to try out!
Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD
Open every day, 24 hours. Check individual shop times!
FREE
Buckingham Palace
Explore these nineteen magnificent state rooms during the Summer and discover treasures from The Royal Collection as well as some of the finest French and English furniture in the world. Fancy yourself as an art critic? Measure up your focus and browse the Royal Gallery, leafing through ancient artworks. We love the Canaletto and the Art of Venice collection – it’s Venetian art from the 18th century!
See one of the finest working stables in existence at The Royal Mews. In the stables, which are responsible for all road travel arrangements of The Queen and Royal Family, you will find historical coaches including the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821.
St James Park,
London,
Greater London,
SW1A 1AA,
England
July - August 09:30 - 19:30
September - October 09:30 - 18:30
Adult £30.00
Young Person (18-24) £19.50
Child (5-17) £16.50
Disabled £16.50
Under 5 Free
South West England
Cheddar Gorge
Families flock to Cheddar Gorge each year to climb, learn and explore this natural phenomenon. There are incredible views at every turn and heaps of fun walking trails to choose from. If you are more interested in what kind of walks are available at Cheddar Gorge make sure to check out our dedicated blog, Cheddar Gorge Walks. Find out everything from rock climbing routes, to cathedral-sized caves, and even the historic town of Cheddar itself!
Spot feral goats, horseshoe bats, Soay sheep, Peregrine falcons, buzzards, kestrels, and ravens too while you hike around the area.
Cheddar,
Somerset and Bristol,
BS27 3QF,
England
Open everyday from 10:00 - 17:00 (excluding 24th - 25th December)
Adults (16+): £19.95
Kids (5-15): £14.95
Under 5's: Free
Minack Theatre
The open air stage has put on lots of performances since the 1930’s. Its most recent past theatre shows include Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth night, William Russell’s ‘Educating Rita’, Horrible Histories, Railway Children, Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, Around the World in 80 days and so much more! If you are looking for something dark and ominous to watch with your teenage children, then you can feel the intense spook factor of Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street…
Admire the Subtropical Gardens, attend some of Piskie Storytelling sessions or head down a trail of steps where you’ll find Porthcurno Beach! Whether it’s live theatre, music or a tour around the theatre, there’s so much on offer for all the family.
The Minack Theatre,,
Penzance,
Cornwall,
TR19 6JU,
England
Open daily, opening hours vary so please double check on website.
Entry to the Minack Centre & Gardens
Adult £8
Under 16 £4
Carer FREE
Children under 2 FREE
All orders have a fee of £1.50
Found a place of interest near you? Check out many more of our ‘near me’ blogs to discover all best attractions near you! We’ve got everything from Lakes near me, Vegetarian Restaurants Near Me, Boat Trips Near Me, Dog-friendly Beaches Near Me, Gymnastics Near Me and so much more!