Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.

Vigo, in Galicia on Spain's Portuguese border, is one of the country's most underrated destinations. Often seen as an industrial fishing port, it charms visitors with seafood, scenery, and warm welcomes. Founded in Roman times, it still has Romanesque churches and traces of its medieval past. The old town and fishermen's quarter are worth exploring, as are nearby Tui and the Velansa Fortress. Mount Castro offers superb views over Vigo and the bay.

For many visitors, Tresco is the most attractive of the Isles of Scilly, mainly for its Abbey Garden. It holds thousands of exotic plants from about 80 countries. Plant collector Augustus Smith began it in the 1830s on the site of an old Benedictine abbey, using walls and terraces to shelter plants and make the most of Tresco's mild Gulf Stream climate. Even in midwinter, hundreds of plants are in flower. The garden also displays figureheads from shipwrecks around the islands.

30 miles off Land's End, the Isles of Scilly are a serene archipelago of five inhabited islands, with green hills, powdery beaches and the UK's mildest climate. St Mary's, the largest island, is home to about 1,600 people and Hugh Town, where the close-knit community gathers. See gig racing, seals, puffins, shipwrecks and historic forts; visit Tresco Abbey Garden and even England's most south-westerly vineyard.

Holyhead, once a key defence against Irish invaders, is now a major ferry port linking Wales and Ireland. On North Wales's windswept coast, South Stack Lighthouse offers dramatic sea views in all weather. Reach it via a small bridge, then face 400 steps down and 100 up inside. Nearby Ellin's Tower is ideal for seabirds and puffins. In Holyhead, visit the Maritime Museum or Breakwater Country Park for views over the Irish Sea to the Skerries and, on clear days, Ireland.

Pembrokeshire National Park's dramatic coastline blends rugged cliffs, sheltered coves and sweeping sea views with a relaxed Welsh charm. Explore pretty harbours, spot seabirds and seals, or wander coastal paths that reveal some of Britain's most striking scenery, with historic towns and local seafood adding to the appeal.

Lundy's strategic Bristol Channel location gave it a colourful history: Neolithic people, Celts, Knights Templar, kings, pirates and Corsairs all left their mark. Marisco Castle was built by the Crown in the 13th century and rebuilt in the Civil War. Though only 5 km long, the island has three lighthouses, unique flora, Lundy Ponies, Soay Sheep, Sika Deer, black rabbits, puffins, grey seals, and the UK's first no-take marine reserve.

On England's southwest coast, Dartmouth feels frozen in time: pastel medieval houses line its idyllic port, and its winding streets add to the town's quiet charm. Surrounded by 120 miles of coastline and countryside, it's ideal for beachcombing, hiking, and views. Don't miss cream teas, ice cream, fish and chips, and fresh Devon crab with local beer and homemade mayonnaise.

Discover St Helier, Jersey's lively capital, where elegant waterfronts, historic lanes and a distinctly British-island charm meet the sparkle of the Channel. Browse inviting shops and markets, sample fresh local produce and seafood, or venture out to coastal walks, sandy bays and wartime heritage sites that tell the island's rich story.

One of the Channel Islands' most tranquil escapes, Sark is a car-free haven of rugged cliffs, flower-filled lanes and sweeping sea views. Explore by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, and discover a timeless island atmosphere, charming tearooms and a wonderfully unhurried pace of life.

St Peter Port, Guernsey's picturesque capital, offers white sand, clear water, sunny summers, floral streets, stone churches and painted boats. Its cobbled lanes, castle and 800-year history invite strolling and views. Nearby are the Guernsey cliffs and the car-free island of Herm. It's also a foodie haven, from beach huts to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Portland, a tied island on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, is linked to the mainland by Chesil Beach. This UNESCO World Heritage coastline offers limestone cliffs, bays, rock formations, pirate lore, castles and lighthouses. Highlights include the red-and-white Portland Bill Lighthouse, Durdle Door, a Tudor castle that hosted Olympic sailing, and Castletown D-Day Centre. Portland stone helped build St Paul's Cathedral and the UN HQ.

London blends centuries-old history with modern skyscrapers. Centered by Tower Bridge, it offers iconic sights like the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, and the Tower of London. Borough Market, Hyde Park, world-class museums, and Greenwich add food, green space, culture, and learning. A Thames boat ride reveals the city from the water.

London blends centuries-old history with modern skyscrapers. Centered by Tower Bridge, it offers iconic sights like the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, and the Tower of London. Borough Market, Hyde Park, world-class museums, and Greenwich add food, green space, culture, and learning. A Thames boat ride reveals the city from the water.