What to do in Great Britain

Activities, attractions and tours

Flags of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
Union Jack 1801 Great Britan background pattern template - Abstract brushstroke paint brush splash in the colors of UK flag, isolated on white texture
Aerial view of London and the River Thames
A panoramic shot of Talybont Reservoir captured on a bright Autumn morning.
Lightouse on a hill overlooking the Menai Straits, Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey, North Wales

Places to Visit in Great Britain

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Great Britain, United Kingdom while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Great Britain attractions from NZ$10, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Great Britain tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 53 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Great Britain. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park featuring a garden, a river or creek and watersports

2. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the centrepiece of Britain’s Constitutional Monarchy, serving since 1837 as the official London residence of the British Royal Family. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, the then smaller Buckingham House has been expanded over the centuries, and this magnificent structure is now among the most visited sites in the world.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

3. O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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O2 Arena featuring a river or creek and modern architecture

4. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is undoubtedly the most recognisable of the 33 bridges that cross the River Thames in London. The two-towered structure is frequently used as a symbol of London, and was prominently used in the campaign to promote the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. A giant set of Olympic rings were hung from the bridge in the last month before the opening of the games, and as part of the opening ceremony, the Olympic torch was carried under the bridge on a speedboat driven by celebrity footballer David Beckham.
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Tower Bridge showing a monument, heritage architecture and a bridge

5. Piccadilly Circus

Sitting at the junction of Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, Piccadilly Circus is a hive of activity and testament to London as a city perpetually on the move. By night, crowds are drawn by the spectacle of the famous neon lights, and it is the perfect meeting point before heading off to the many attractions of London’s West End.
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London showing heritage elements, a city and street scenes

6. Big Ben

Nothing lets you know you’re in London more than the sight of Big Ben. This iconic clock tower is used in many well-known British films such as Bridget Jones’ Diary, Notting Hill and Love Actually to set the scene of the action. Positioned on the bank of the River Thames, you’ll get the best view of it if you walk along the South bank of the river or cross over Westminster Bridge, heading toward the Houses of Parliament.
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Big Ben which includes heritage architecture, a monument and a city

7. Southampton Cruise Terminal

Spend some time watching cruise liners and freight ships come and go from the Southampton Cruise Terminal. Afterwards, make the short walk into Southampton City Center to see historic landmarks and discover a lively bar and restaurant scene. Southampton Cruise Terminal is among the most important marinas in the United Kingdom and welcomes some 2 million passengers every year.
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HDEF21 Cunarder Queen Mary 2 berthed at Southampton cruise terminal

8. Trafalgar Square

Ever since it’s construction in the early decades of the 19th century, Trafalgar Square has drawn the crowds. It is frequently the site of major celebrations and events, and now it attracts approximately 30 million tourists each year. At weekends, you may well witness its role as a venue for rallies and protests for or against a multitude of political or religious issues.
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Trafalgar Square featuring a city, a sunset and a fountain

9. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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The view across London Bridge showing the walkie talkie (voted the ugliest building in the UK) the gherkin and the razor.

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Recommended things to do in Great Britain

Number of things to do
53
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bristol with Audio Guide: NZ$10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Great Britain

Discover the most popular places to visit in Great Britain

Hyde Park which includes a garden, a city and a pond

Hyde Park

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.

Hyde Park
Buckingham Palace featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a city

Buckingham Palace

Explore the magnificent royal residence, home to Queen Elizabeth II.

Buckingham Palace
O2 Arena which includes modern architecture

O2 Arena

Attend music and sports events, see a movie or go bowling in one of the busiest arenas in the world, situated inside this iconic dome by the River Thames.

O2 Arena
Tower Bridge showing night scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

Tower Bridge

This world-famous landmark is at the heart of modern London life, and a testament to the city’s rich engineering and commercial history.

Tower Bridge
Piccadilly Circus showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

Piccadilly Circus

Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, right at the heart of London’s most exciting entertainment district.

Piccadilly Circus
Southampton Cruise Terminal

Southampton Cruise Terminal

One of the busiest cruise ports in England is just a few steps from the historical and entertainment attractions of Southampton.

Southampton Cruise Terminal
Big Ben which includes heritage architecture, a monument and a city

Big Ben

Since first sounding in 1859, Big Ben has been one of the most treasured symbols of Britain.

Big Ben
The stadium in the sunset in london.; Shutterstock ID 2698953

Wembley Stadium

Catch an event at Wembley Stadium during your trip to Wembley. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

Wembley Stadium
Trafalgar Square which includes a square or plaza, a fountain and night scenes

Trafalgar Square

One of London’s most vibrant open spaces that reflects the rich social history of the capital.

Trafalgar Square

Explore areas of Great Britain

Carnaby Street featuring a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Iconic landmarks, a world-famous theater district, lively nightlife zones and superb shopping and art museums await in the heart of England’s capital city.

London City Centre
Old Town Edinburgh showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

Wander the narrow alleys of Edinburgh's historic center to discover the hidden delights of an area that also encompasses some of the city's top attractions.

Old Town Edinburgh
London which includes markets, heritage elements and signage

Covent Garden

Sit back and watch the street performers in London’s historic piazza, or venture down the winding alleys to seek out the bars and boutiques that are hidden away.

Covent Garden
Royal Liver Building which includes a city and heritage architecture

Liverpool City Centre

4.5/5(110 area reviews)

Are you interested in fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views? A visit to Liverpool City Centre might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Liverpool ONE and Concert Square.

Liverpool City Centre
Balmoral Hotel 8

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Edinburgh Castle or Scott Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
The City of London showing heritage architecture, a city and modern architecture

The City of London

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Discover a compelling blend of modern culture and rich heritage in London’s financial heart.

The City of London

 

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