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If you’re on the hunt for unique experiences that you can only have in the UK, then you’ve come to the right place.
The United Kingdom is one of the best places to visit in the world and there are so many things you can do.
But the thing you might not have realised is that there are actual activities that are unique to the UK and that you can’t do anywhere else in the world!
In this article, that’s exactly what you’ll find! I will tell you everything about these unique activities and will give you some local tips so you can enjoy it to the maximum.
1. Visiting the Harry Potter Studios
The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios are located in Watford (North London). They are open to the public which means you can come and see the actual sets and props that were used in the Harry Potter films.
You probably already know that the author of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling is British but something you may not be aware of is that she requested that all the scenes would be shot in the UK (and that all the actors would be British).
For this reason, Warner Bros decided to open the studios in London. That’s where ALL the movies were filmed and you can now see all of it.
It’s a must for fans, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the magical world was brought to life. You also learn a lot about the movies and actors as well as the special effects.
It’s also one of the only places in the UK where you can grab a Butterbeer.
2. Watch a Play in an Open-Air Theatre by the Sea
The Minack Theatre is located in Cornwall and is famous in the entire world for being an open-air theatre.
It was designed by Rowena Cade in 1929 and offers a dramatic backdrop for performances.
The first production was Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream but nowadays you can see all sorts of plays.
The site itself is incredibly beautiful. The theatre looks like a Roman or Greek theatre and the views over the Cornish coastline are incredible.
You can visit it during the day, you don’t actually have to see a show here but if you can, watching a performance is well worth it and definitely one of the most unique things you can do in the UK.
3. See the Puffins
The UK coast is a haven for wildlife lovers. From dolphins to whales, there are so many animals you can see! But if you are into bird watching, the ultimate bird to see is the puffin.
The best time to see them is between April and July when the puffins come ashore to breed.
Several providers offer wildlife cruises during which you can see the puffins.
My favourites are Puffin Island (from Beaumaris in Anglesey, North Wales) as well as Staffa Island near the Isle of Mull.
Don’t forget your camera; these colourful birds make for some fantastic photos.
While it’s true that puffins can be found in other places in the world, the UK is the best place to see them!
4. Watch the Changing of the Guards
If there is one thing that is unique to the UK and that makes our beautiful country famous, it has to be the Royal Family!
No trip to England would be complete without witnessing the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard and whether you live in the UK or are visiting, that’s something you should see at least once in your life!
This iconic British tradition takes place at Buckingham Palace in London.
It starts every day at 11AM and you can see the guards marching from Buckingham Palace, along the Mall to St James Palace.
It can be quite busy so I recommend getting there early.
💡 PRO TIP: My favourite place to see the changing of the guards is St James Palace. It’s not far from Buckingham Palace and that’s where the guards retreat. Everyone rushes to Buckingham Palace and that often means that you can’t see anything. If you go to St James Palace, you’ll get a perfect view of the guards!
5. Walk in the Beatles’ Footsteps in Liverpool
Liverpool is the city where the Beatles’ journey began. That’s where all the members of the band are from and there are a lot of places to visit if you want to discover where it all started.
The first thing to do is to head to the Cavern Club on Mathew Street, the famous venue where the Beatles played 292 times.
You can see it from the outside but if you can afford it, it’s well worth visiting it or going to see a gig there.
You should also go to the Beatles Story on the Royal Albert Docks. This museum dedicated to the Beatles tells you everything you need to know about the history of the band but you’ll also find a lot of memorabilia and personal stories.
Finally, make sure to visit Strawberry Field which is the place of inspiration of the famous song.
6. Go to Stonehenge
Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, is by far the most famous landmark in the UK. People come from all over the world to visit this prehistoric monument!
It’s a circle of standing stones, each around 13 feet high and 7 feet wide that has been standing there for 5,000 years.
The site is looked after by English heritage and you can book your ticket online.
PRO TIP: If you are a National Trust member, you can also use it to enter for free.
You can walk around the stone circle and go to the visitor centre to learn about the history and construction of Stonehenge.
Audio guides are available in multiple languages, offering insights into the monument’s purpose and significance.
Local Tip: For an even more magical experience, opt for a sunset or sunrise tour or even better, experience the solstice at Stonehenge!
7. Try Punting in Cambridge or Oxford
When it comes to unique things to do in the UK, punting is definitely up the list since you can only do it in Cambridge or Oxford.
A punt is a flat bottom boat that offers a Venice-like experience but right here, in the UK!
It’s such a picturesque and relaxing way to see these historic university towns.
You can rent a punt from one of the many boat houses along the river, or opt for a chauffeured punt tour to learn about the history and architecture of the buildings that line the banks.
8. Attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival and is held every August.
It features thousands of performers at hundreds of venues across the city, presenting shows ranging from comedy and drama to music and dance.
Attending is definitely one of the ultimate things to do in the UK if you are looking for unique experiences you can’t have anywhere else.
Make sure to plan your visit ahead of time since it gets very busy. This includes booking accommodation in advance but also your tickets for the shows (even the free ones!).
9. Seeing the Real-Life Version of the Hogwarts Express
Did you know you can ride the Hogwarts Express in real life? It’s called the Jacobite Steam Train and it offers one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world.
The train journey takes you from Fort William to Mallaig, passing through the stunning Scottish Highlands, including the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films.
🚂 Pro Tip: Book your tickets well in advance, especially if you want to travel in the summer months. Try to sit on the left side of the train (on the way to Mallaig) for the best views as you approach the viaduct.
10. Munro Bagging in Scotland
Munro bagging is the activity of climbing all the Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet, known as Munros.
There are 282 Munros in Scotland, offering a range of experiences from moderately difficult hikes to serious mountaineering.
The most famous munro of all is Ben Nevis. Located in Fort William, it’s the highest mountain in Britain!
🌧🧥 Pro Tip: Always check the weather before you go, wear appropriate gear, and let someone know your plans.
11. Watch the Championships at Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
It takes place in July, in Wimbledon (London).
Tickets can be challenging to get so make sure to enter the ballot in advance. Alternatively, you can join the queue for day tickets on the morning of play but you need to get there early.
Nothing is guaranteed but if you score a ticket, the good news is that they are usually quite cheap since they are standing tickets.
🍓 Local Tip: Strawberries and cream are a traditional snack here, so don’t miss out on this quintessential Wimbledon experience.
12. Go to Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury is the largest greenfield music festival in the world, known for its contemporary music and incredibly famous headliners.
When it comes to festivals, there is simply nothing that beats Glastonbury. After all, the UK is a land of music so that’s to be expected!
People come to Glastonbury from all over the world and it’s often featured in movies (have you seen Bridget Jones 3?) and on TV.
Tickets sell out fast, often before the lineup is announced, so be prepared to sign up to the pre-sale list to get a chance to buy them.
🥾 Pro Tip: Be prepared for mud and bring some wellies.
13. Visit the Titanic Museum in Belfast
The Titanic is sadly the most famous boat in the world and it was built in the UK. If you want to discover where it was built and how, there is only one place where you can do that: Belfast!
The Titanic Belfast is an award-winning museum located on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built.
You’ll find loads of interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Titanic, from her construction to her ill-fated maiden voyage.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance online. It’s one of the main attractions in Belfast so it can get busy.
I hope you enjoyed this article and that you have a better idea of what experiences are truly unique to the UK.
If you have more ideas of things that should be added, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments below.
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