Dangerous Vacation Spots In The UK

When many of us imagine vacationing in the United Kingdom, we picture the country's historic monuments, landmark tourist attractions, pastoral landscapes, and buzzy cities (top o' the mornin', London). While this verdant region is filled with extraordinary places to visit, the U.K., like many other countries, is also home to an array of dangerous vacation spots travelers should treat with caution. Whether an area is known for its criminality or perilous natural outcroppings, it's best to be vigilant when planning a vacation to certain areas of the U.K. Some places, like Cleveland in Yorkshire, have the highest crime rates in their county (per Office for National Statistics). Others are plagued by more natural hazards, like Bolton's The Strid, one of the most dangerous stretches of water in Britain. The Broomway, in Essex, is another hazardous wonder. This trail has caused fatalities for centuries. 

While we're not suggesting you avoid these destinations (many of them boast attributes that outweigh the risks), we'd like to caution you about the potential hazards associated with visiting these locales. Again, this doesn't mean you shouldn't plan a trip to the United Kingdom; this stunning island country was recently deemed the world's 37th safest country, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. As long as you're smart about where and when you travel, you're sure to have a safe and happy trip — just be wary of these dangerous vacation spots in the U.K. We chose them after studying national crime statistics, delving into research, and scouring the web for reviews and reports on treacherous places.

When looking at The Strid, you'd be forgiven for thinking it seems like a pretty benign stretch of water. Located near Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire Dales National Park, this section of the River Wharfe has been labeled the most dangerous river in Britain. Given that it is a mere 6 feet across, naïve visitors might chance a jump from one edge to the next. That will likely be the last thing they do. This is because this so-called "pinch point" of the larger river is extremely fast and flanked by slippery rocks and hidden crevices. Many people have died here, and the area is peppered with warning signs to alert visitors to the dangers. Even The New York Times dubbed this unassuming-looking stream as "England's Killer Creek."

If you want to visit this pretty spot, feel free. Just don't try to jump across or take a dip. While the water looks calm, it hides dangerous currents that run underneath the surface. Instead, admire The Strid from a safe distance and take a peaceful walk through Strid Wood. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, this is a tranquil place to visit on your vacation to England. Keep your eyes peeled for the ancient sessile oak woodland which lies on both sides of the River Wharfe. Wood Warblers, goosanders, and pied flycatchers call this area home so bring binoculars if you're an avid bird watcher.

According to a study by Holidu, Ben Nevis is the U.K.'s most dangerous natural wonder with an average of three deaths each year. This may not sound like a lot, but the study claims this death rate in relation to the number of annual visitors makes it the second most dangerous natural attraction in the world behind Europe's Mont Blanc. The U.K.'s highest peak, Ben Nevis is king of the Grampian Mountains, standing stoically just under two miles outside Fort William.  Don't skip this majestic site, just visit it with caution.

Dubbed "The Ben" by locals, summiting this gorgeous peak appears on many bucket lists. The mountain's North Face is a favorite with adventurous types who enjoy ice and rock climbing up craggy cliffs. Even in summer, ambling up its rocky crest is a challenging experience best completed by avid hillwalkers with a good level of fitness and navigational prowess. Planning a winter visit? The Ben is even more dangerous at this time of year, so you may want to be a climbing pro to attempt an ascent.

If you're confident in your skills, why not step things up a notch by attempting to take on the U.K.'s three tallest mountains (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon) in 24 hours? Otherwise, stick to The Mountain Track, The Ben's easiest route, and be prepared with appropriate clothing (waterproofs, layers, and hiking boots) as well as snacks, water, and a flashlight for your trek.

As long as you're smart about your visit to the Lake District, you should enjoy a lovely day (or more) of exploring. A popular place to hike, there are many steep inclines, slippery rocks, sharp ridges, and rivers prone to flooding when the weather is less than ideal. The Lake District National Park is home to one of the largest and most dangerous peaks in England, Striding Edge. As noted on The Lake District's site, this third highest fell in England is "fraught with danger." It is no place for novice climbers.

More than 25 people died in this region in 2022, up from 12 fatalities in 2019. The reason this number has more than doubled has much to do with hikers being unprepared for their trek. According to a Cumbria Crack interview with Mountain Rescue Chief Richard Warren, many novice hikers embark on adventures without proper equipment or knowledge of how to navigate uncommon areas such as becks (mountain streams), mountain summits, and cavernous ravines. Paddleboarding on Ullswater, the second-largest lake in England, has also proved deadly.

Be prepared by checking weather forecasts the night before you're due to hike, packing extra food and water, wearing layers (including a waterproof coat and shoes), finding a hiking partner, and sharing your route and timing with someone so they'll be aware if you don't return on time. If you aren't comfortable risking an adventurous trek, stick to the lower routes, which involve easier walks and stunning vistas.

Despite its lush landscape highlighted by deep valleys, vast moors, and green hills, West Yorkshire is a place you should be wary of visiting. In fact, some believe parts of this pretty region are a no-go zone. Named as the second most dangerous place to live in the U.K., this county, which includes Bradford, Wakefield, and Leeds, saw over 56 violent crimes per 1,000 people between June 2022 and June 2023, according to Churchill Support Services.

An industrial powerhouse in the Victorian era, Leeds has many attractions worth visiting, like the Royal Armories, Roundhay Park, and the well-preserved ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. It's probably best to avoid the Leeds City Center, though, especially at night. Named the second most dangerous area for crime in England and Wales (London takes the top spot), there have been a reported 1,366 crimes for every 1,000 locals. Roughly one crime occurs every 41 minutes in this area, making it home to the highest crime rate in the county (per LeedsLive). City-wide, the West Yorkshire Police reported 47,831 violent and sexual assault crimes between March 2022 and February 2023 (per Yorkshire Evening Post). Umm, no thanks.

Home to Birmingham and Coventry, the West Midlands is another dangerous place you might want to skip on your visit to the U.K. With almost 124 crimes per 1,000 people each year, according to Churchill Support Services, there's good reason to watch your back as you explore the area's cities. Between June 2022 and June 2023, there were 147,953 reported incidences of violence against a person in this region. And while you won't likely experience knife crime while visiting the West Midlands, this dangerous European destination has a high volume of this type of felony. According to the Office for National Statistics, there were over 5,180 serious offenses involving a knife in 2023. 

If you do choose to visit, you won't be short of fun things to do in West Midlands, especially if you head to Birmingham. Home to the largest library in Europe, with one million books, this city also boasts over 8,000 acres of parks and green spaces. Birmingham Back to Backs is another popular attraction highlighted by tours of historic homes dating from the 1840s to 1970s. And Cadbury World is unmissable for chocolate lovers. According to Churchill Support Services, the Birmingham City Centre is this destination's most dangerous place to visit, with a crime rate of almost 350 per 1,000 residents.

Known locally as "The Broads," the Broads National Park is a refreshing place to visit for nature lovers and adventurous types who enjoy being out on the water. Over 125 miles of waterways run through this park in both Norfolk and Suffolk counties, making it an ideal place for a day trip. There are also plenty of paths primed for walkers and cyclists in this protected wetland, the largest of its kind in Britain. 

While The Broads looks like an ideal place for a refreshing dip, swimming here is incredibly dangerous and very cold. Fast currents, poisonous algae, and weeds that hover below the surface can combine to make this a fatal place for a swim. Other dangers include falling off the boat and not understanding how to captain a vessel in tidal waters. In 2020, a young woman died after getting trapped under a boat in Great Yarmouth and a young man drowned in the River Bure. Experts advise wearing life jackets when boating and not jumping into the water. This includes kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.