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- More Destinations In The U.K. For Solo travelers
Traveling solo can be truly liberating. The adventures of doing everything alone are the best tonic for the soul. When searching for places to travel solo, look no further than the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has so much to offer to solo travelers. Despite travel restrictions, it still received the highest number of tourists compared to the rest of Europe. Some of the safest cities in the world can be found here, as well as an extremely low crime rate that is perfect for solo travelers.
From quaint buildings to modern shopping centers, the U.K. offers stunning places. It might be a tiny island, but it is packed with history, culture, local delicacies, and scenic views. Here are some of the best destinations in the U.K. for solo travelers.
UPDATE: 2023/05/19 15:45 EST BY KHYATI DAND
More Destinations In The U.K. For Solo travelers
The U.K. is one of the best countries for solo travelers. An extensive railway network connects one part of the country to the other, making it incredibly easy for lone travelers to visit England's quaint countryside, its buzzing cities, historic towns, and sprawling seaside villages. This list was updated to include some more destinations that visitors should add to their U.K. solo trip bucket list.
13 Cambridge
Cambridge is a dreamy destination for solo travelers. The university town welcomes lone visitors with warmth and there are plenty of safe lodging options and youth hostels next to the university campus. Days in Cambridge are spent visiting renowned bookshops and strolling through picturesque gardens in the morning, indulging in lavish afternoon teas -- an affair that Cambridge is particularly famous for -- during midday, going punting on the River Cam in the evenings, and heading to a historic pub at night.
12 Mersea Island
Britain is famous for its quaint seaside towns, some of which are a secret to outside tourists. Sure, there are cities like Brighton, Blackpool, and Devon that are famous countrywide for their beaches, but they also attract throngs of visitors each day. For solo travelers hoping to catch a bit of peace and quiet by the sea, Mersea Island is an excellent place to be. Connected to the nearest town of Colchester via a narrow road, Mersea is an enchanting little island that can be explored on foot in under five hours. Even better, the beach on Meresea Island is filled with little beach huts that can be booked by the night and they are just the right size for solo travelers.
Mersea Island is connected to the mainland via a very narrow road called the Strood. The island is susceptible to high tides which can occur at least twice every day during which the Strood can completely submerge underwater, cutting access to the island temporarily. Always check high tide times before planning a trip to Mersea Island.
11 The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds isn't just one of the best places in the U.K. for solo travel, it's one of the best destinations to visit in the U.K. period. The charming 800-square-mile region is everything that one would expect a quintessentially British town to be: there are rolling green hills, grand castles, stunning woodland, little cottages built in stone, bridges that connect narrow streams, and miles and miles of open countryside to walk in.
10 Isle Of Skye
Hoping to hole up in a remote Airbnb with no contact with civilization and only medieval castles, rugged coastline, towering sea cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and crashing waves for company? Isle of Sky may be just the destination for such a solo trip in the U.K. Connected to Scotland's northern coast through a bridge, the Isle of Skye is a breathtaking destination for solo travelers who want to spend a few days soaking in the exceptional natural beauty of one of U.K's most remote and beautiful regions.
9 Cornwall
Cornwall is a huge picturesque beach with a coastline of over 400 miles. It offers watersports lessons that will keep tourists active throughout their stay. It is simply the best solo travel destination in the UK for those who need a mental recharge and some relaxing time at the beach. It has beautiful tourist attractions and adventurous caves that tourists can explore. Cornwall’s cozy cafes also offer local produce, the best seafood, and a taste of Cornwall’s wine.
8 Norfolk
Norfolk is also a city almost surrounded by water, and it is a no-brainer seafood haven. But that is not the only thing to see here; it is known for its Chrysler Museum of Art and Glass Studio where it showcases robust European painting collections and thousands of glasses that span nearly three thousand years. Indoor activity is not the only activity available. Tourists can also hop on a bike or walk along the 10.5-mile Elizabeth River Trail. The historic Freemason District and nearby neighborhoods are tourist-friendly areas too.
7 Bristol
Known for its impressive street art, Briston offers a taste of a vibrant city that is perfect for a solo stroll. Eat some and feel good because this city is also home to a number of vegetarian restaurants. Aside from veggie food, tourists should not miss the taste of Asian foods that are particularly comforting to many locals in the city. If tourists simply want a quiet place to relax, there are various coffee shops in the city that provide that atmosphere.
6 Edinburgh
With its low crime rate, Edinburgh is the best place to begin a solo adventure. In fact, it’s one of the safest cities in the UK. There are many things to explore in Scotland’s capital, from its popular museums to historic castles, tourists won’t have time to see everything. As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its infrastructures are filled with the history of some towns dating back to Medieval times. Tourists don’t have to go far to get immersed in Edinburgh’s natural attractions, especially because Holyrood Park is only a walk away!
5 Bath
True to its name, this city is known for its natural hot spring waters that were converted into baths by the Romans. These Roman Baths date back to 2,000 years ago and are some of the most popular sites to be visited in the city. Bath’s gardens have the best views that are perfect spots for a lovely walk or alone time. Tourists can even choose to extend their tours from the Bath City Farm where animals can be seen up close. Tourists can also take a boat ride along the canals where champagne or afternoon tea can be enjoyed during the ride.
4 London
This city might seem impossible to explore alone, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy solo. A stop by at London’s pastry shops is one of the favorite things tourists enjoy. The sugar rush from these treats can definitely help boost one’s energy! After a quick stop at a pastry shop, tourists will have enough energy to explore all of the city’s popular destinations, which include several Harry Potter locations, museums that are completely free to visit, and cruises along the River Thames. London also has impressive infrastructures like the Tower Bridge and the Shard. There, tourists can get an amazing view at its peak.
3 Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city possesses a long history and offers many fun things to do that are best enjoyed alone. Glasgow is known for its gothic architecture, Medieval and Victorian buildings and their lively lifestyles made evident through sports and music. Exquisite tours around Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove museum provide a glimpse of the city’s history. Harry Potter fans should definitely check out Glasgow University, the popular wizard school, where the legendary movie was filmed. Offering a wide range of fashion styles, Buchanan Street is the shopping go-to in Glasgow that tourists definitely enjoy.
2 Lake District
Lake District is popularly known for its outdoor activities that most solo travelers will definitely enjoy. Most tourists visit the region to explore its biggest attractions, the 16 lakes with Lake Windermere being the most popular. In addition, there are the adventure activities like hiking, climbing, and mountain biking to the spectacular views of the lakes. And for soloists who want to experience the lively nightlife, they can visit local English pubs and get a taste of the popular local beer.
1 Dublin
The city is home to quaint attractions and filled with historic sites, thanks to the Vikings who founded Dublin in the 9th century. From countless museums to various libraries, solo tourists will be short of things to do. It is also very easy to get acquainted in Dublin, as it is known to have the friendliest locals. Get a taste of a classic pub meal from traditional pubs such as steak and Guinness pie. And of course, a visit to an Irish city would not be complete without a taste of Irish ale!