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best countries to visit from the UK

17 best countries to visit from the UK across Europe and beyond

22/12/2025 8 views

The best countries to visit from the UK offer you a mix of short European escapes and long-haul journeys. This guide hand-picks 17 destinations across Europe and beyond that deliver the biggest reward for your time and money.

Quick Tips
  • Top destinations: Europe (Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Albania, Bulgaria), Asia (Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, Uzbekistan), Africa (Morocco, Tanzania, Mauritius, Kenya), plus Barbados, Saint Lucia, Fiji, Peru.
  • Highlights: Cycle Amsterdam canals, explore Vietnam’s VinWonders parks, see Tanzania’s Migration, hike Saint Lucia’s Pitons, relax on Fijian beaches.
  • Good to know: Most destinations offer easy flights from the UK and visa-free access for UK passport holders.

1. Best European countries to visit from the UK

1.1. Netherlands

  • Flight distance: ~543 km 
  • Flight time: ~1 hr 10 mins 
  • Best time to visit: April – August

The Netherlands stands out as one of the best countries to visit from London because you can reach Amsterdam in about an hour, yet the country offers a completely different pace of life. Amsterdam’s canals make the city feel peaceful even during busy months, and you can explore neighborhoods like Jordaan on foot or by bike with ease. 

Beyond the capital, cities such as Rotterdam and Utrecht offer modern architecture and lively cultural districts. You can travel further to see the windmills of Kinderdijk, the tulip fields near Lisse, or the coastal dunes stretching along The Hague. 

The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries near the UK to visit by train or plane

The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries near the UK to visit by train or plane (Source: Collected)

1.2. Italy

  • Flight distance: ~1,650 km
  • Flight time: ~2 hrs 30 mins
  • Best time to visit: April – June and September – November

Across the continent, Italy continues to shine as a timeless choice among the top countries to visit near the UK. Each region feels like its own small world. Rome draws you in with ancient monuments and long evening strolls through illuminated piazzas. Florence offers Renaissance art and markets that highlight the country’s love for food. 

For dramatic scenery, the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como provide views you’ll want to stop for every few minutes. In the north, Venice brings a quieter charm when you explore early or late in the day, drifting through narrow canals.

1.3. Portugal

  • Flight distance: ~1,675 km
  • Flight time: ~2 hrs 30 mins
  • Best time to visit: April – June and September – October

Rich history, scenic coastlines, and unforgettable cuisine make Portugal one of the best countries to visit from the UK for a European getaway. Lisbon gives you sweeping viewpoints, yellow trams, and lively waterfront promenades. Porto offers riverfront charm along the Douro, historic wine cellars, and neighborhoods that invite slow exploration. 

If your priority is the beach, the Algarve provides golden cliffs and warm water well into autumn. Further north, the Minho region offers medieval towns and hiking trails through terraced hillsides. 

For nearby countries to visit from the UK Portugal offers stunning coastlines

For nearby countries to visit from the UK, Portugal offers stunning coastlines (Source: Collected)

1.4. Albania

  • Flight distance: ~1,930 km
  • Flight time: ~3 hrs
  • Best time to visit: April – June and September – October

A mix of dramatic landscapes and low travel costs has turned Albania into one of the most appealing cheap countries to visit from UK. Along the Albanian Riviera, you will find coastal towns like Himarë and Dhërmi that feel unspoiled even in summer. 

Inland, the UNESCO town of Berat showcases Ottoman-era houses climbing up the hillside, while Gjirokastër adds stone architecture and mountain views. If you enjoy nature, the Accursed Mountains offer some of Europe’s most scenic hiking routes. 

1.5. Bulgaria

  • Flight distance: ~2,320 km 
  • Flight time: ~3 hrs 25 mins
  • Best time to visit: June – September

Among the top countries to visit with a UK passport, Bulgaria remains one of Europe’s most underrated choices. It brings together beaches, ancient towns, and mountain scenery at excellent value.

Along the Black Sea, coastal spots like Varna and Burgas give you long sandy beaches and lively summer atmospheres. Inland, Plovdiv stands out with Roman ruins and colorful Old Town streets. Sofia combines historic churches and modern cafés. For nature lovers, the Rila and Pirin Mountains offer crystal-clear lakes and trails that feel far removed from busy European hotspots. 

best European countries to visit from the UK

When choosing the best European countries to visit from the UK, Bulgaria is a great pick (Source: Collected)

2. Best Asian countries to visit from the UK

2.1. Vietnam

  • Flight distance: ~9,710 km
  • Flight time: ~12 hrs 30 mins
  • Best time to visit: November – May

As a destination that blends diverse landscapes with vibrant culture, Vietnam consistently earns its place among the best countries to visit from the UK. In the north, Hanoi brings rich culture and street food, Ha Long Bay surrounds you with dramatic limestone karsts, and Sapa stretches out with layered rice terraces. 

In central Vietnam, Hue showcases imperial heritage, Hoi An charms you with lantern-lit streets, and Da Nang adds long beaches and modern coastal resorts. Further south, Nha Trang delivers island trips and snorkeling, Da Lat cools the air with pine forests, and Ho Chi Minh City energizes you with vibrant markets. Phu Quoc completes the journey with white-sand beaches and warm, clear water.

Vietnam travel also stands out for its world-class entertainment and resort experiences. At VinWonders, you can enjoy thrilling rides, water parks, and themed zones designed for families, couples, and adventure seekers. These entertainment complexes offer full days of fun, from aquariums and river shows to high-speed slides.
For a relaxing break, the beachfront resorts and luxury hotels under Vinpearl offer spacious rooms, private beaches, and thoughtful service that make your trip feel seamless.

VinWonders Phu Quoc is an unmissable attraction in Vietnam

VinWonders Phu Quoc is an unmissable attraction in Vietnam

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Enjoy exciting games at VinWonders Nha Trang

Enjoy exciting games at VinWonders Nha Trang

 

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VinWonders Nam Hoi An creates a day full of discovery

VinWonders Nam Hoi An creates a day full of discovery

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

2.2. Japan

  • Flight distance: ~9,320 km
  • Flight time: ~12 hrs
  • Best time to visit: March – May and September – November

Japan, with its rare mix of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty, stands out as one of the best countries to visit in Asia for travelers from the UK. Tokyo impresses you with its energy: neon districts, peaceful gardens, and restaurants where every dish feels crafted with care. Kyoto slows the pace with wooden teahouses and lantern-lit streets. 

For mountain scenery, Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes region offer hot springs and clear-day views of Mt. Fuji. Osaka brings lively night markets, while Hiroshima and Miyajima deliver powerful history and serene island landscapes. In the north, Hokkaido attracts nature lovers with national parks and volcanic terrain.

2.3. Indonesia

  • Flight distance: ~12,500 km
  • Flight time: ~16 hrs
  • Best time to visit: May – September

Stretching across thousands of islands, Indonesia gives UK travellers a rare mix of culture, scenery, and adventure in one destination. Bali welcomes you with surf beaches, cliffside temples, and wellness retreats. Ubud draws you in with green valleys and terrace views, while Uluwatu offers sunsets above dramatic limestone cliffs. 

Beyond Bali, Java introduces you to Borobudur and Prambanan, two of the most impressive temple complexes in Asia. Yogyakarta adds art, markets, and a welcoming creative spirit. Exploring all these hotspots shows why Indonesia is a standout in Southeast Asia travel.

Indonesia stands out as the best country to visit from the UK for tropical escapes

Indonesia stands out as the best country to visit from the UK for tropical escapes (Source: Collected)

2.4. Uzbekistan

  • Flight distance: ~4,980 km
  • Flight time: ~6 hrs 40 mins
  • Best time to visit: April – June and September – October

A journey through ancient Silk Road heritage makes Uzbekistan among the most remarkable countries in Central Asia travel, especially for travellers who appreciate history and architecture. Samarkand immediately impresses with Registan Square, where blue-and-gold mosaics shimmer from every angle. 

Bukhara deepens the experience with ancient mosques, bazaars, and quiet courtyards that have remained unchanged for centuries. Khiva adds a fully preserved old town surrounded by sunlit mud-brick walls. And beyond the cities, desert forts, craft villages, and lively markets help you experience the country’s traditions in a very real way.

3. Best African countries to visit from the UK

3.1. Morocco

  • Flight distance: ~2,450 km
  • Flight time: ~3 hrs 30 mins
  • Best time to visit: March – May and September – November

Morocco is another exciting destination for travelers from the UK, where you can find vibrant cities, mountain scenery, and desert landscapes in a single trip. Marrakech pulls you into its maze of souks and storied palaces, each showcasing centuries of Moroccan craftsmanship. Fez lets you explore medieval alleys and traditional workshops that feel frozen in time. 

If you enjoy nature, the Atlas Mountains offer cool valleys and scenic trails, while the Sahara promises unforgettable camel rides and nights under star-filled skies. Along the coast, Essaouira provides relaxed beaches and fresh seafood.

best countries to visit from the UK

Travelers seeking culture and scenery find Morocco among the best countries to visit from the UK (Source: Collected)

3.2. Tanzania

  • Flight distance: ~7,490 km
  • Flight time: ~9 hrs 50 mins
  • Best time to visit: June – October

Tanzania, renowned for safaris and pristine beaches, ranks as one of the most memorable tropical honeymoon destinations for UK travelers. The Serengeti gives you the chance to witness the Great Migration, one of the planet’s most impressive wildlife events. Nearby, the Ngorongoro Crater delivers an unforgettable safari setting, with lions, rhinos, and elephants moving across a volcanic caldera. 

After days in the wild, Zanzibar invites you to relax on white-sand beaches and snorkel in warm turquoise water. You can also explore Mount Kilimanjaro’s foothills or visit local spice farms for a cultural touch. 

3.3. Mauritius

  • Flight distance: ~9,995 km
  • Flight time: ~12 hrs 55 mins
  • Best time to visit: May – December

Mauritius earns its place among the best countries to visit from the UK thanks to its seamless mix of turquoise lagoons, volcanic scenery, and year-round sunshine. Coral-fringed beaches such as Belle Mare and Trou-aux-Biches give you calm water for swimming, sailing, and snorkelling. 

Inland, the island reveals another side, with the Seven Coloured Earths in Chamarel, forest trails in Black River Gorges National Park, and sweeping views from Le Morne Brabant. Port Louis adds lively markets and street food, while the island’s resorts offer peaceful tropical settings ideal for a long getaway.

For tropical escapes, Mauritius is the best country to visit from the UK

For tropical escapes, Mauritius is the best country to visit from the UK (Source: Collected)

3.4. Kenya

  • Flight distance: ~6,920 km
  • Flight time: ~9 hrs 5 mins
  • Best time to visit: June – October

If you are seeking iconic wildlife encounters, Kenya is one of the best cheap countries to visit with family and loved ones. The Maasai Mara gives you unforgettable game drives with lions, elephants, and the Great Migration if you visit in season. Amboseli creates picture-perfect moments with Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind vast herds of elephants. 

Families who prefer quieter spaces can explore Lake Nakuru, home to rhinos and vibrant birdlife. After safari adventures, Kenya’s coastline invites you to unwind on white-sand beaches around Diani and Watamu.

4. Other top countries to visit from the UK

4.1. Barbados

  • Flight distance: ~6,735 km
  • Flight time: ~8 hrs 50 mins
  • Best time to visit: December – April

Barbados is a classic Caribbean escape from the UK thanks to its warm waters and welcoming island culture. The west coast lets you enjoy turquoise beaches ideal for swimming, while the south coast adds lively surf spots and casual beach cafés. 

Inland, you can explore Harrison’s Cave or stroll through tropical gardens for a change of pace. Bridgetown gives you a look at colonial history through its UNESCO-listed sites, and the island’s rum distilleries and catamaran cruises make every day feel like a holiday.

top countries to visit from the UK

For a memorable Caribbean trip, Barbados is one of the best countries to visit from the UK (Source: Collected)

4.2. Saint Lucia

  • Flight distance: ~6,760 km
  • Flight time: ~8 hrs 55 mins
  • Best time to visit: December – April

Thanks to its striking volcanic landscape and warm Creole culture, Saint Lucia stands out among the Caribbean’s most dramatic tropical islands to visit for UK travellers. The island’s iconic Pitons create a stunning backdrop for boat trips and coastal hikes, while Sulphur Springs offers a unique chance to soak in natural mineral baths. 

Reduit Beach and Anse Chastanet provide excellent snorkelling and calm waters ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. Inland, rainforests lead you to waterfalls and canopy walks. Rodney Bay adds restaurants, nightlife, and a lively marina. 

4.3. Fiji

  • Flight distance: ~16,010 km
  • Flight time: ~20 hrs 30 mins
  • Best time to visit: May – October

Fiji is a dream destination for UK travelers who want remote islands and some of the world’s most beautiful marine environments. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands offer powdery beaches and crystal lagoons. You can spend your days snorkelling, paddleboarding, or cruising between islands at a relaxed pace. 

On the main island, Viti Levu, the Coral Coast brings rainforest hikes and traditional villages where you can join kava ceremonies. Adventure seekers can try shark diving or sailing trips, while couples enjoy privacy at boutique beachfront resorts. 

Among island destinations Fiji is the best country to visit from the UK

Among island destinations, Fiji is the best country to visit from the UK (Source: Collected)

4.4. Peru

  • Flight distance: ~9,875 km
  • Flight time: ~12 hrs 50 mins
  • Best time to visit: May – September

Among South America’s standout cheap countries to visit from the UK, Peru captivates travellers with its dramatic landscapes and deep Inca heritage. Machu Picchu is the country’s star attraction, giving you breathtaking views of Inca terraces framed by misty Andean peaks. 

In Cusco, cobblestone streets, traditional markets, and historic temples reveal layers of culture. The Sacred Valley offers scenic villages and impressive ruins, while Lake Titicaca brings floating islands and quiet highland views. If you prefer nature, you can explore the Amazon rainforest from Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado. 

FAQs about the best countries to visit from the UK

What are the best countries to visit from the UK by train?

The best countries to visit from the UK by train include France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, all easily accessible via the Eurostar from London.

What are the best countries near the UK to visit?

The best countries near the UK to visit include France, Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, each reachable by short flights, ferries, or trains. France and Belgium are excellent if you love food, culture, and historic cities, while Ireland offers friendly towns and stunning coastal landscapes. The Netherlands gives you canal-lined neighbourhoods and one of Europe’s best cycling cultures. With quick connections and mild weather, Germany and Portugal also work well for city breaks and beach escapes.

Travelers have many options to visit from the UK

Travelers have many options to visit from the UK (Source: Collected)

What are the best countries to visit from the UK without a visa?

The best countries to visit from the UK without a visa include all destinations listed except Indonesia, Kenya, and Tanzania, which require additional entry permits for UK passport holders.

What are the best non-Schengen countries to visit from the UK in Europe?

The best non-Schengen countries to visit from the UK in Europe include Albania, Turkey, Moldova, and Montenegro. These destinations give you pleasant weather, historic old towns, and beautiful coastlines without the need to enter the Schengen Area.

The best countries to visit from the UK prove that great travel no longer requires endless planning or a stretched budget. You can dive into the buzzing streets of Vietnam, hop on a train to the Netherlands, or simply follow wherever your curiosity leads. Each destination offers experiences that stay with you long after you return home. The world has never felt closer, choose your next adventure and go!

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