The UK has a wealth of cultural and historical heritage attractions, leisure and entertainment facilities, and diverse and often spectacular natural environments for sightseeing or outdoor pursuits. Despite the unpredictable weather, outdoor activities are very popular, from walking and cycling to a wide range of spectator and participant sports. Football is the biggest spectator sport, with rugby, cricket, tennis and horse racing also being very popular.

As well as being one of the major shopping capitals of the world, London is also the UK's main centre of historical tradition, culture and entertainment. It is home to longstanding tourism favourites such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, as well as its newest and most popular attraction The London Eye, the world's biggest observatory wheel. Outside London, theatres, galleries, museums and other cultural attractions can be found all over the country. Of the many professional arts festivals held each year, the most popular is the Edinburgh Festival. For historical heritage, there are castles, palaces, stately homes and gardens open to visitors throughout the country, many of which are maintained by the National Trust.

Excellent restaurants serving food from all over the world can be found in London, other major cities and some smaller towns and villages, while Indian and Chinese food can be found in restaurants and takeaways all over the country. A very popular British pastime is a visit to the 'local' pub, which will frequently offer not only alcoholic beverages but good, reasonably priced restaurant food. For children there are many theme parks and fairgrounds, including the very popular Alton Towers in Staffordshire and Legoland near Windsor, Berkshire.