The most Instagrammable places in the UK range from majestic castles and cathedrals in England to natural treasures in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In the UK, castles dwarf entire towns, timepieces tower over cities, and gentle rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see. From prominent cities like London and Edinburgh to remote villages and highlands, this kingdom is teeming with sights that are worthy of your Instagram feed. Here are the 28 most Instagrammable places and best photo spots in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) that you should add to your bucket list in 2021!
1. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England
Dating back to around 2500 BC, Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone complex 90 miles west of London. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most iconic landmarks and best photography spots in the UK.
2. Edinburgh Castle – Edinburgh, Scotland
This is an Instagrammable place that should be at the top of everyone’s UK bucket list.
The Edinburgh Castle is a 12th-century fortress that looms high above the Old Town of Edinburgh. With over 2 million visitors each year, it’s the most visited paid attraction in Scotland.
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3. Isle of Man
This tiny island between Great Britain and Ireland is a must-visit for its medieval castles and unspoiled scenery. Insta-worthy sights here include Castle Rushen, a 13th-century castle, and Snaefell, the island’s tallest mountain.
On the Isle of Man, greenery and coastline seamlessly blend together.
4. Tower Bridge – London, England
Often mixed up with London Bridge on Instagram geotags, Tower Bridge is such an iconic sight. It’s top among the most Instagrammable places in London. Built in 1894, this suspension bridge hovers over the River Thames.
5. Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway is a coastal area filled with 40,000 basalt columns that formed from volcanic activity 50 million years ago. Today a UNESCO Site, this natural treasure straddles the north coast of Northern Ireland.
6. Royal Pavilion – Brighton, England
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is a royal palace that you probably wouldn’t expect to find in England, or even Europe for that matter. Its unique architectural elements make it one of the most beautiful places in England.
With its cream-glazed domes and minarets, the oriental front façade sets you up for the perfect Instagram photo.
7. The Storr – Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Storr is a rocky hill on the Scottish Isle of Skye. Its majestic peak overlooks the Sound of Raasay, providing a stark contrast from the gentle grasslands that surround it.
If you haven’t been to Isle of Skye, you ought to do so soon! It’s easily one of the most amazing islands in the world, and word is getting out fast!
Check out this incredible drone video of the Isle of Skye! Good luck resisting the temptation of booking a trip there 😉
8. White Cliffs of Dover – Dover, England
This Instagrammable spot in southern England will leave you spellbound.
The White Cliffs of Dover are chalky, limestone cliffs that dangle 300 feet over the English Channel. With its snow-white semblance and epic backdrop, this rare geological formation is one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK.
9. Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds is one of the most Instagrammable places in England and the UK as a whole. This rural enclave in southern England is cherished for its idyllic scenery and medieval villages.
Some of the most Instagrammable sights and attractions here include the Roman Baths, Broadway Tower, and Sudeley Castle. There are 6 counties in the Cotswolds region, so you’ll need at least a weekend to experience its historic charm and unspoiled nature.
10. Windsor Castle – Windsor, England
Windsor is one of the most beautiful places in England, hands down. What makes it so special is its royal flair, historic charm, and pristine countryside.
Having served as a countryside castle and fortress for over 900 years, Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. This royal residence is Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred weekend retreat. Snap a photo of the Queen arriving to Windsor Castle in a horse-drawn carriage, and you’ll undoubtedly land on the Instagram Explore Page.
Enjoy an afternoon tea near Windsor Castle, and you’ll see why it’s among the most Instagrammable places in England.
11. The Roman Baths – Bath, Somerset, England
Dating back to nearly 2,000 years ago, the Roman Baths are a must-see for history lovers. They were originally built during Roman times, and were later redeveloped in the Middle Ages.
Today, visitors can walk around these historic Roman Baths and tour the museum. Though you can’t enter the water here, there are thermal spas nearby that are Insta-worthy, including Thermae Bath Spa!
12. Kilchurn Castle – Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Built in the 15th century, the Kilchurn Castle is a fortress mounted above Loch Awe in western Scotland. Adjoined by mountainous terrain and an idyllic lake, Kilchurn Castle merits a spot among the most Instagrammable places in the UK.
13. Conwy Castle – Conwy, Wales
Erected in 1289, Conwy Castle is a limestone and sandstone fortress that protected this Welsh town during many medieval wars. UNESCO exalts Conwy Castle as one of “the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe.” Instagram users would all have to agree.
14. Devil’s Dyke – Sussex, England
Located near Brighton in Southern England, this mile-long valley is one of the longest and deepest in the UK. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in England.
With its sublime setting and breathtaking vistas, Devil’s Dyke is a popular tourist attraction and one of the best photo spots in the UK.
15. Big Ben in London is among the most Instagrammable places in the UK
In case you didn’t know what I meant by “timepieces tower over cities” in the opening paragraph, now you know. Big Ben is the iconic clock tower that stands next to the Palace of Westminster in London. It’s among the most Instagrammable places in London, England, and the UK as a whole.
Now covered with scaffolding, Big Ben is undergoing a facelift until 2021. Until then, we’ll try our best to remember Big Ben as he appeared pre-2017.
16. Fingal’s Cave – Isle of Staffa, Scotland
Fingal’s Cave is a sea cave with unique geometric features and acoustics. This cave is made from hexagonal basalt columns, similar to those found in the Giant’s Causeway of Northern Ireland. As you’re taking a picture of its photogenic pillars or a video of waves crashing against its rocks, you’ll discover why Fingal’s Cave is one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK.
17. Mermaid Street – Rye, England
Steeped in old world charm and cobbled streets, Rye is definitely one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable places in England.
Located in the charming village of Rye, Mermaid Street brings you back to an older and much simpler time. Many of its colorful homes and inns were built during the 14th and 15th centuries. If you google the phrase “charming towns in England,” Rye is one of the top results to appear. After looking at the photo below, would you agree?
18. Ribblehead Viaduct – North Yorkshire, England
This beautiful place in England is super unique, and definitely deserves a spot among the best UK Instagram spots.
Built in 1870, the Ribblehead Viaduct is 1,310 feet long and 100 feet tall. The viaduct’s 25 arches carry passenger and freight trains through the remote English countryside. With clear skies and a train chugging along, you’ll capture the perfect IG photo.
19. Snowdon – Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Looking for a cool photo opportunity in the mountains? Head to this national park in Wales and you won’t be disappointed!
Standing 3,560 feet tall, Snowdon is the highest mountain in the UK outside of the Scottish Highlands. Often blanketed with a layer of snow, Snowdon’s name derives from Old English, meaning “snow hill.” Snow or shine, it’s undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK.
20. Bamburgh Castle – Northumberland, England
Northumberland is a bit of a hidden gem among the most beautiful places in England, UK.
Bamburgh Castle is majestically perched atop England’s northeast coast. Built in the 11th century, this fortification was battered by artillery in the mid-1400s, rendering it costly and seemingly impossible to repair. However, from the 18th century onwards, the castle was remarkably restored to its former glory (just in time for Instagram).
21. St. Paul’s Cathedral – London, England
This Instagram spot is the perfect backdrop for your London photos.
Built in 1697, St. Paul’s Cathedral is nestled on the north bank of the River Thames in the heart of central London. It’s undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable places in London, England, and the UK.
When standing across the river on Millennium Bridge, you’ll realize why this iconic cathedral is one of the most camera-friendly sights in the UK.
22. Caernarfon Castle, North Wales
Caernarfon Castle was built in its current stone form in 1283 under the reign of King Edward I. Similar to Conwy Castle, Caernarfon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you can see below, Rick Steves also agrees that it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK:
23. Notting Hill in London is among the most Instagrammable Places in England
This vibrant and trendy neighborhood in London is among the most Instagrammable places in England.
Notting Hill was made famous by the hit 1990’s film, Notting Hill, which features Lancaster Street and other upscale streets lined with colorful restaurants, houses, and boutiques. Today, these beautiful pastel-colored homes and bohemian cafes are all over your Instagram feed.
24. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh, Scotland
For panoramic views of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, make the trek up to Arthur’s Seat. This hill is at the site of an extinct volcano, 823 feet (251 m) above sea level. Have a picnic up there, and you’ll see why it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK.
25. King’s College Chapel – Cambridge, England
Built in 1446, King’s College Chapel is one of the best examples of English Gothic architecture. Everything from the stained glass windows, vaulted ceiling, and statues throughout the property are stunning.
The sheer size of the chapel is enough to take your breath away, and that alone gives merit to this being one of the most Instagrammable places in England.
Students at King’s College are lucky to immerse themselves and study in such a beautiful campus!
26. Shoreditch Street Art – London, England
Looking to incorporate some street art into your Insta feed? Look no further than Shoreditch in London. This is a hot spot for Instagram influencers in the UK, as there’s so much artwork and creative angles to take the perfect shot.
The cool part about Shoreditch is that every time you visit, you’ll discover something new and interesting. The murals and mosaics are a sight to behold, which is why it’s considered one of the most Instagrammable places in the UK in 2021.
27. George Square in Glasgow, Scotland
This lively square in Scotland’s largest city is one of the most unique spots imaginable. It’s surrounded by some amazing buildings, and even hosts a Christmas Market and food stalls throughout the year.
In addition to being one of the coolest squares in Europe, it’s also among the most Instagrammable places in Scotland.
Read next: Most Unique Squares in Europe
28. The Lake District is among the most Instagrammable places in England
Located in Cumbria in northwestern England, the Lake District is an Instagram worthy spot that everyone should visit. It’s incredibly peaceful and photogenic, which is why I consider it one of the most Instagrammable places in England.
Head to Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake, and you’ll wonder why the Lakes Region of England isn’t more widely known amongst international travelers.
Some of the most Instagrammable places in the UK in 2021
I hope you enjoyed seeing and learning about these 28 most Instagrammable places in the UK! There are so many photogenic sights to choose from, so this list was just intended to scratch the surface.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so I decided to keep the commentary short and let the pictures do most of the talking. Am I missing any of the best photography spots in the UK on this list? Send me a message on Instagram, or leave a comment below!
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2 comments
I love all of these but the one that caught my attention most is the Kilchurn Castle. Beautiful and in its own little world.
It sure is! The surrounding landscape is otherworldly. Thanks for sharing! 🙂