Bucket lists have long inspired people to reflect on their lives, set meaningful goals, and chase incredible experiences.
For many, travel features prominently on these lists, ticking off iconic adventures like visiting Machu Picchu, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, or seeing the Northern Lights, to name just a few experiences!
But for the lucky residents of the UK, they don’t need a passport to have extraordinary travel moments, as the country offers a wealth of bucket list experiences right on their doorsteps, captivating locals and visitors alike. From world-renowned historic sites to one-of-a-kind cultural events, the UK has something to suit everyone’s bucket list.
At Independent Cottages, we’re passionate about showcasing the diverse experiences that can be had across the UK. That’s why our team has taken it upon themselves to find out exactly what the top bucket list experiences in the UK are, according to Brits themselves.
By analysing online UK search data, we’ve ranked the fifty most sought-after bucket list experiences across the country, giving insight into what Brits are most eager to experience in their beautiful homeland!
The UK’s Top 50 Bucket List Experiences, Ranked
The Top 5 UK Bucket List Experiences
#1 Attend Glastonbury Festival
Taking first place as the UK’s most popular bucket list experience is attending Glastonbury Festival. The iconic five-day festival, which is the UK’s largest, continues to play host to some of the world’s biggest talents in the music industry, so it’s no wonder why Brits want to experience it in their lifetimes.
Hosted on Worthy Farm in Somerset, the festival is notoriously difficult to secure tickets for, with some years having sold out in as little as 30 minutes.
But that shouldn’t put Brits off, as anyone has a chance of securing their place at Glastonbury to see its eclectic lineup spanning genres from pop to electronic, rock, and folk, alongside comedy and theatre performances.
For many, the annual festival has created immersive experiences and unforgettable moments that have gone down in British cultural history, and it looks like Brits from across the country are itching to be a part of this!
#2 Ride The London Eye
Coming in second in the rankings is riding on one of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks – The London Eye.
An iconic part of London’s skyline, the 135m wheel offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city from its observation capsules. Since opening to celebrate the millennium in 2000, it has become one of the most visited attractions in the country – a must-do experience for visitors and locals alike.
During the London Eye’s 30-minute rotation, passengers can spot some of London’s other iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, allowing them to experience the capital from an entirely unique perspective.
While it’s only been a relatively new addition to London’s landscape, it just goes to show that the London Eye has captured the hearts of Brits across the country, making itself one of the nation’s most coveted experiences.
#3 Visit the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London secures its position in third place in our rankings, illustrating Brits’ fascination with the natural world and its curiosities. With over 80 million specimens (thousands of which are added each year) and awe-inspiring displays, the museum’s exhibits captivate the attention of Brits and tourists alike.
Nestled in South Kensington, the Victorian building is home to must-see attractions that take visitors on a journey through the history of our planet. From spectacular skeletons of a diving blue whale named ‘Hope’ (which greet visitors in its central hall) to the famous animatronic T-Rex, the museum is filled with sights to amaze and opportunities to learn, no matter what age you are.
Its interactive exhibits are a highlight, amongst its world-class research facilities, as well as the Dinosaur and Treasures Galleries where visitors can see Darwin’s works and a Barbery lion skull!
It’s also free to visit the Natural History Museum, so it’s no wonder why it’s on so many Brits’ bucket lists, as anyone can witness the scientific discoveries and natural history that lie within its walls!
#4 Explore the Tower of London
Fourth on the list is the historic Tower of London – home to over 900 years worth of history and royal heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the 1070s by William the Conquerer and has served as a royal palace, an armory, a prison, and even a zoo, with its wide-ranging historical uses only adding to its depth and character.
Now, visitors from across the globe are fascinated by its past, from the murder of Henry VI to the executions of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. There are many tales and stories that have played out within its walls over centuries. Its halls are even said to have ghostly apparitions that appear to workers and visitors.
Some of the most highly-coveted sights in the Tower of London include the Crown Jewels exhibition, showcasing the British monarchy’s most exquisite, bejewelled items, as well as its Royal Armouries.
Visitors also head to the Tower in hopes of seeing its well-known characters, the Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters). They guide visitors through the Tower, telling the stories of its history and adding to the authentic experience of visiting this iconic British attraction.
#5 Attend a Wimbledon Match
Coming in at number five on Brits’ lists is one of the most quintessentially British events on the calendar – attending a match at Wimbledon.
As the world’s oldest tennis tournament and the only Grand Slam still played on grass courts, it is a treasured tradition in the world of tennis and one that still holds much prestige.
Attendees love to eat the event’s iconic delicacy, juicy strawberries and thick cream, while watching world-class tennis and soaking in the excitement of its games. Drawing A-listers and the public alike, the event is steeped in tradition with its all-white attire and has an electric atmosphere, which is all the more reason why Brits want to be a part of it.
Whether witnessing a nail-biting final on Centre Court or soaking up the atmosphere on Murray Mound, Wimbledon is a core part of British culture and is something that Brits hold as an ambition today.
Completing the Top 10 Bucket List Experiences
#6 Visit Kew Royal Botanical Gardens
London’s world-renowned scientific organisation, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to the world’s largest collection of living plants.
Its iconic Victorian glasshouses, treetop walkway, and seasonal displays are explored year-round by visitors who want to witness its fantastic natural displays, which are some of the most breathtaking in the country.
#7 Explore Windsor Castle
As the oldest and largest inhabited castle on the planet, Windsor Castle offers visitors a unique glimpse into what royal life is like now and what it was like historically.
It has been the home of British kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years and is the current residence of King Charles, with magnificent State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the changing of the guard ceremony being some of the most stand-out features and experiences that the castle is known for.
#8 Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a world-renowned attraction that has been the home of British monarchs for hundreds of years. While its opulent architecture is wonderful to admire from the outside, in the summertime, visitors can roam its halls and visit its State Rooms, admiring its grandeur from indoors!
One of its best-known experiences is the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which came in 14th place in the rankings. Other than this, the palace’s iconic balcony is a must-see sight where the royal family often appears on special occasions, adding to the growing list of reasons to visit this iconic London attraction.
#9 See Stonehenge
This world-famous prehistoric monument located on Salisbury Plain, dating back to around 3,000BC, has fascinated people for centuries.
Shrouded in mystery as to how it was created, this prehistoric temple continues to draw visitors from across the UK and worldwide to ponder its origins and learn more about what is known of its history, making it one of the most intriguing sights to see in the country.
#10 Watch Theatre in the West End
For lovers of the arts, it’s no wonder that London’s West End is rounding off the top 10.
Home to an unbeatable range of world-class productions, from long-running musicals to cutting-edge plays, experiencing a show or performance in any of the West End’s theatres offers an opportunity to witness an unrivalled art form and be captivated by the talent of some of the country’s best performers.
Our Top Recommendations of Bucket List Experiences Brits Shouldn’t Miss
Beyond these rankings, our experts have shared what they believe to be some of the most unmissable parts of British culture, heritage, and the country’s landscapes that couldn’t be left out of the equation for those seeking further inspiration for what to add to their UK bucket lists!
The Eden Project, Cornwall
Our team loves this environmental marvel, so we were thrilled when we found it to be ranked as #20 on Brits’ bucket lists. As one of Cornwall’s most innovative natural attractions, its enormous biomes are spectacular to explore, home to the largest rainforest in captivity, alongside Mediterranean landscapes and sustainable gardens.
Other than being so visually impressive, the Eden Project offers a fantastic learning opportunity to understand sustainability and ecological conservation in the UK and the wider world. So, when you next visit Cornwall, be sure to have the Eden Project on your list of places to explore!
Chatsworth House, the Peak District
Securing 30th place in our study’s rankings and a site that’s one of our top recommendations to travellers is Chatsworth House – one of Britain’s most magnificent stately homes.
It has been the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for over 16 generations, and its vast countryside estate is not only historically significant but also oozes opulence.
Visitors can see its 30 impressive rooms, an incredible art collection with works by world-renowned artists like Rembrandt, and 105 acres of lush gardens designed by legendary landscaper Capability Brown.
Many may recognise the house with it being featured in famous historic dramas like Pride and Prejudice, which has only made it an even more desirable stately home to visit during Brits’ lifetimes.
Broadway Tower, The Cotswolds
Not featured in the top 50 most desirable bucket list experiences in the UK, much to our surprise, is Broadway Tower in the Cotswolds.
This British sight deserves a special mention, in our opinion, as the Cotswolds’ highest castle, standing proudly at 1,024 feet above sea level.
Built in 1799, it boasts spectacular panoramic views across 16 counties from its rooftop viewing platform, with the tower’s distinct mix of Gothic and Saxon architectural influences creating a landmark that is recognisable for miles.
It is a popular stopping point for hikers exploring the irresistible Cotswolds countryside, and many Brits visit it to indulge in one of the country’s best viewpoints.
Lake Windermere, The Lake District
Sailing on Lake Windermere secured the #19 spot on Brits’ bucket list, and we’re not surprised, particularly as the Lake District continues to be one of the most visited natural landscapes in the country.
There’s no question that the Lake District has enduring appeal, and as England’s largest lake, visitors can’t help but make a visit to Lake Windermere when they’re exploring the region.
The iconic 10.5-mile lake spans magical landscapes that have inspired poets and authors alike, including Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth. Whether you take to its waters by a traditional wooden steamer boat tour, paddle yourself in a kayak, or try your hand at some watersports with a local company, this magnificent body of water can be experienced in a number of ways.
For those hoping to have the quintessential Lake District experience, Lake Windermere shouldn’t be left off your list.
Malham Cove, The Yorkshire Dales
Another exceptional British attraction that did not make the top 50 ranking is Malham Cove, but this doesn’t mean that Brits should think any less of the natural marvel.
Nestled in the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park, it is one of the UK’s most dramatic natural landmarks, and Brits might recognise it from its feature in much-loved films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The distinctive limestone pavement stands 260 feet high, making it a geographical wonder that can be climbed and conquered to walk along its unique geological terrain and enjoy amazing views of the Yorkshire countryside.
Methodology
We created a list of 50 of the most popular bucket list travel experiences around the UK, which were taken from several high-quality sources that list top UK experiences.
We looked at search data to find the average monthly UK search volume and global search volume for the most popular search terms associated with each bucket list experience.
The search volume figures of the most searched-for intent-led phrase were used for each specific experience, such as ‘[experience] tours’, ‘[experience] tickets’ or ‘[experience car park].
A more detailed methodology can be provided on request.
Data correct as of March 2025.
Sources:
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