Attractions and things to do in The United Kingdom
Visit buzzing London
A visit to London is a must for those travelling to England in the United Kingdom. Royalty, epic buildings and architecture, fabulous shopping centres and plenty of energy is what metropolitan London has in store for you. London is a true galore of attractions to feast your eyes on and visit and is a fabulous place to experience the real deal of British culture that we all know and are fascinated by. Some of London’s highlights and must-see attractions include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, Palace of Westminster, Piccadilly Circus, Madame Tussauds, Tower Bridge London, Westminster Abbey and the Natural History Museum.
Visit a prized monument - Stonehenge
Stonehenge in Wiltshire is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and one of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites and mysteries. Owned by the English Crown and believed to date back to the late Stone and early Bronze ages, roughly between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, Stonehenge is today the remains read more...
A castle galore in Wales
No matter how many you have seen before, there is always something quite magical about visiting an ancient castle. Maybe it’s because they are reminiscent of some kind of fairytale story we once knew or perhaps it’s the mystery they hold behind their walls, whatever the reason, visiting a castle is always a worthwhile experience and Wales has more castles than any other country in Europe for you to choose from. No matter where you travel to in Wales during your holiday, you will never be too far away from a beautiful medieval castle, an Iron Age hill fort or a Roman ruin. As you can’t visit them all, here are some of the most eye-catching and interesting castles you should definitely take the opportunity to visit during your travels:
- Conwy Castle in North Wales
A World Heritage Site located on the north coast of Wales that splendidly overlooks the River Conwy and linked to the striking Conwy Suspension Bridge. Conwy Castle, built by the King of England Edward I during his conquest of Wales, dates back to between 1283 and 1289 and for centuries after played an important role in many wars. It is a tremendous and well-preserved fortress with eight massive towers and tall curtain walls that hide within them a small town. Conwy castle is one of the finest existing medieval fortifications in the whole of Britain.
- Cardiff Castle
A medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion found in the heart of Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Built in the late 11th century, Cardiff Castle, the ultimate fairytale castle is a popular wedding venue due to its picture-perfect and enchanting location. Visit the Interpretation Centre which includes an exhibition and film presentations, stroll round the castle’s walkways, visit interesting rooms, wartime tunnels used shelters during WWI and glare at the panoramic views from the top of the castle.
- Caernarfon Castle
An astounding castle when viewed from afar and intimidating when witnessed up close. Located in the north-west of Wales, in the Edwardian town of Caernarfon, the huge medieval Caernarfon Castle contains distinctive polygonal towers and is riddled with passageways that make discovering this castle a pure delight. Follow these passageways to ramparts and also to the marvellous views of the ancient town of Caernarfon to Snowdonia beyond.
- Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle, in Bangor in northern Wales, stands in the form of a Norman castle but used as a country house. This castle is filled with lots to see including a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork, mock-Norman furniture and an immense collection of paintings. You will find 60 acres of grounds which include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection in addition to a Victorian walled garden.
- Powis Castle
Powis Castle is a medieval castle, fortress and grand country mansion located in Powys, Mid Wales. This gorgeous terracotta-coloured castle stands among world-famous gardens that are extensive and perfect for exploring and plenty of photo-taking. An exciting place for kids to explore plus a great family day out!
Take a break in the Lake District
There is no place more scenic in England than the Lake District found in the region of Cumbria in north-western England. Once home to the Lake Poets made up of the famous William Wordsworth, Samuel Tayler Coleridge and Robert Southey, the Lake District is not only an important tourist destination among non-English people it is also serves as a getaway spot for thousands of Britons themselves. Delight yourself with the sheer splendour of Lake District read more...
Go on the ride of your life in England’s best amusement parks!
It’s quite difficult to get bored in England with fun amusement parks left, right and centre. Visiting amusement parks in England is great during a family holiday as they provide entertainment for kids, teenagers and adults. They offer small rides, big rides, thrill rides, water rides, entertainment shows and much, much more! read more...
Eat traditional English dishes
Sampling traditional English dishes is a great way to complete your experience in England. Food plays a huge role in English culture and what the British most love are quick and easy yet filling foods to fit their busy lifestyles. To start off your day there’s nothing quite like a hearty English breakfast read more...
Get mythical in Loch Ness
Made famous by its mythical connections surrounding the Loch Ness monster otherwise known as “Nessie” that supposedly swims through its waters, the Loch Ness is Scotland’s most legendary lake and the largest body of water in the United Kingdom. Running over 20 miles long and approximately 1 mile wide, Loch Ness stretches from Fort William in western Scotland to Inverness in the northern region. To really experience the lake itself, there is no better way to do so than to take a cruise along the loch which leaves the dock at either Dochfour or Drumnadrochit town. Whilst cruising along the gentle waters and observing the beautiful natural landscape of the Loch Ness region, don’t forget to be on alert for a unique sighting of the Loch Ness monster! There is much more to do in Loch Ness than just see the lake of course. Take the opportunity to visit the 5 Star Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition which will take you on a journey of over 500 million years with 7 themed areas, hi-tech presentations and exciting explanations and revelations about the Loch Ness monster legend which has turned this region into the attraction it is today. Another well-known attraction in the area is the ruined but intriguing Urquhart Castle dramatically positioned at Strone Point with captivating views over Loch Ness. Other interesting touristic points include the Caledonian Canal, The Clansman Centre, Fort Augustus, The Falls of Foyers, River Foyer, Village Green, Invermoriston Falls and the Loch Ness Art Gallery among others. There are plenty of easy to afford coach tours to and around the small towns of Loch Ness as well as the Scottish Highlands. An organised coach tour is highly recommended for those that particularly enjoy travelling in groups but is also a fabulous way of getting to see a little bit of everything so that you don’t miss a thing! Distanced around 150 miles from Edinburgh and Glasgow, Loch Ness provides plenty of accommodation for overnight or weekend stays.
Visit the story-telling murals of Belfast
Visiting the murals of Belfast is a brilliant way to learn about and understand Northern Ireland’s past and present political and religious disunions. Taking part in a tour will take you on a journey through time that commenced around 1970 when people began to decorate the streets of Belfast by means of organised graffiti. These story-telling murals have become a symbol of public opinion and beliefs from both a loyalist or republican stance during troubled times in Ireland and are a record of historical happenings, historical figures from different parts of the world, political standpoints, community concerns and ideologies. Many murals depict violent conflicts and paramilitary support as well as using humour and irony. However, not all murals are political in nature. Many represent and commemorate particular Irish celebrities and famous Irish constructions such as that of the Ship of Dreams, the RMS Titanic, as well as its sinking. The Murals of Belfast have grown into a popular attraction over the years and visiting them is a brilliant way to spend the day. It’s educational, highly interesting and an overall great day out!
Discover chocolate at Cadbury World
If you love Cadbury’s chocolate or simply love chocolate in general, then visiting Cadbury World in Birmingham will make for a fun visit. Run by the Cadbury chocolate company since 1990, Cadbury World offers visitors read more...
