UK Travel Guide
With a plethora of castles, ruins, and cities to visit in the United Kingdom, a traveler needs some direction on where to go and what to see. This guide can help you out. What are the best places to visit in the UK, the most iconic sightseeing symbols of Britain? Everybody has their own idea of the places, people and things that are the unmistakable images of the real United Kingdom, and we can help you find yours.
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the Queen is a veritable museum. Exclusive tours of the State Rooms, fine art collection and Garden, with a special palace guide, are available by reservation well in advance. The famous Guard Change takes place every day at 11:30 between May and July and every other day for the rest of the year.
Tower of London
The official name of the UNESCO World Heritage Tower of London is Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress. The original White Tower was built in 1078 by King William I and the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom have been kept on site since 1303.
British Museum
Since 1753, the British Museum has been the foremost institution in the world to document human culture. The breadth of the facility's collection is too vast to comprehend, though more than 6 million visitors a year try.
Westminster Abbey
Popular lore has it that the site of the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster has been holy ground since the middle of the 7th century. Whatever the case, the familiar Gothic form of the UNESCO World Heritage Site originates with Henry III in 1245.
Palace of Westminster
The official name of Parliament in the United Kingdom, the Palace of Westminster is home to the House of Lords and the House of Commons, though Big Ben is the most famous landmark on site. Tours of the interior are available for international visitors in summer only, when Parliament is not in session.
National Gallery
With a fabulous collection of well over 2,000 works of art from the 13th century to about 1900, the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square is a popular and worthwhile attraction in London.
Royal Albert Hall
One of the premier concert halls in the world, Royal Albert Hall has been a national treasure since Queen Victoria's dedication in 1871. From The Proms orchestral music festival, held every summer since 1941, to Bob Dylan, the fabulous interior has seen a wide range of acts that span almost every musical genre.
Tate Modern
The crown jewel in the gallery collection known simply as the Tate, one could well avow that the Modern is the best museum of international modern art in the world. Since May 2000, the museum has been one of the most popular attractions in London and sits conveniently across Millenium Bridge from St. Paul's Cathedral.
Natural History Museum
Why is the Natural History Museum must-see? For over 70 million items that span the disciplines of botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology, that's why. If you're at all curious about the planet you inhabit, the museum is a boundless source of awe.
St. Paul's Cathedral
The present St. Paul's Cathedral dates back to the 17th century, although all told, there have been at least four others in London since the year 604. Open to the public and recently restored, a superb view of the city is available to those who climb the 530 steps to St. Paul's Golden Gallery.
Harewood House
Home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, Harewood House provides a great day out for all the family. Celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2009, visitors can marvel at the Adam ceilings, Chippendale furniture, Chinese wallpaper and Old Master paintings in the House or explore the award winning gardens. Children will love the adventure playground.
The Science Museum
The Science Museum celebrates its official Centenary in its current location in June 2009. Its origins date back over a century and a half to the Great Exhibition of 1851. The museum is constantly opening new exhibitions and galleries.
Oxford Street
Britain's busiest high street and London's best known shopping area is chock-a-block full of the largest branches of the nation's most popular shops - over 300 in fact. Many of the biggest high street names have their flagship stores here and the street also boasts the oldest record shop in the world (HMV at number 363). It's not all hardcore shopping though - light entertainment is often provided in the form of chanting Hari Krishnas skipping along the pavement. If you can't find what you want to buy in Oxford Street, you haven't got much of a hope elsewhere.
Camden Market
If you're after a more bohemian approach to shopping than the Oxford Street experience, then get yourself up to Camden. One of London's coolest areas has a seemingly endless array of shops and stalls selling such items as clothing (new, second hand and retro), customised Doc Martins and trainers, jewellery, bootleg CDs and DVDs and craft ware. Open daily; it's a multi cultural experience with some great little food outlets dotted all over.
London Eye
Undoubtedly the quickest way to take in all of London's major attractions is by jumping on the Eye. There's not much of the city that can't be seen from the top of what has become one of the London skyline's most dominating features. To further enhance your flight on this modern day feat of engineering, you can even order champagne to be served in your capsule (not recommended for the easily nauseas). http://www.londoneye.com
Covent Garden
Formerly a fruit and vegetable market, 'The Garden' is now a constant and varied hive of activity. It has a hugely diverse selection of shops, eateries, bars, a market selling art, crafts, antiques and souvenirs, historic buildings, theatres, the Royal Opera House and fantastic free entertainment provided by street entertainers and musicians. If you can't find something to capture your interest at Covent Garden then you must be harder to please than Simon Cowell on a bad day.
Trafalgar Square
Undoubtedly one of the most famous sights of London without visiting which, a trip to the capital would be incomplete. Not only are tourists drawn to see Nelsons Column, the fountains, the lions, the annual gift of a huge Christmas tree from Norway and the pigeons (dirty little so and sos), but it is where the masses flock to in times of national celebration or when there is cause to demonstrate. Trafalgar Square truly is the meeting place of the nation.
Windsor Castle
Windsor is an easy train journey from London. The castle, a short walk from the station, dominates the town. The building itself (not including grounds) covers 13 acres and is the biggest inhabited castle in the world. William the Conqueror picked the site, west of London overlooking the Thames and it has been a Royal residence and fortress ever since - almost 950 years. The Queen still spends most weekends there and, we've heard it is her favorite 'home from home'.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) west of Amesbury and 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones. It is at the centre of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred burial mounds.
The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion is a former royal residence located in Brighton, England. It was built in three campaigns, beginning in 1787, as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, from 1811 Prince Regent. It is often referred to as the Brighton Pavilion. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India for most of the 19th century, with the most extravagant chinoiserie interiors ever executed in the British Isles.
Cambridge
In the city that inspired great minds from Charles Darwin to Stephen Hawking, you'll find one of the world's oldest universities, the 1871 Gothic- revival All Saints Church and the gardens favoured by 17th-century poet John Milton. Cambridge is also home to ADC Theatre, the oldest university playhouse in England. Evenings are perfect for taking in the mix of traditional pubs and contemporary restaurants. Climb the tower of the University's Great St Mary's Church for sweeping views of the city.
The Warren, Folkestone, Kent
A lovely little find with tremendous views over the ocean, says Jonathan. Situated at the top of the famous white cliffs that stretch between Dover and Folkestone, the main section of the site is open to the weather, but there are little hideaways tucked in among the trees, including a secluded "honeymoon pitch", which has just enough space for one tent.
Brighton
A fashionable resort since the 18th century, Brighton remains London and South England's seaside escape. Brighton and adjoining Hove's popularity grew immeasurably when the railway arrived in 1841. Today, trains from London still stream into the city. Hundreds of pubs and clubs attract an energetic crowd, especially at weekends. Brighton is the UK's main gay resort. Major sights include St. Nicholas' 11th- century church, the pebbled beach, the amusement arcade on Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion.
Snowdonia
The English name for the area derives from Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales at 3,560 ft (1,085 m). In Welsh, the area is named Eryri. One assumption is that the name is derived from eryr ('eagle'), but others state that it means quite simply Highlands, as leading Welsh scholar Sir Ifor Williams proved. In the Middle Ages the title Prince of Wales and Lord of Snowdonia (Tywysog Cymru ac Arglwydd Eryri) was used by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, whose home was at Garth Celyn on the north coast; his grandfather Llywelyn Fawr used the title Prince of north Wales and Lord of Snowdonia.
Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall is a stone and timber fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of what is now northern England. Begun in AD 122, during the rule of emperor Hadrian, it was the first of two fortifications built across Great Britain, the second being the Antonine Wall in what is now Scotland. Hadrian's Wall is the better known of the two because its physical remains are more evident today.
York Minster
British visitors voted York Minster one of the Seven Wonders of Britain in 2002. It's not surprising. This enormous and beautiful Gothic cathedral is like nothing else in the UK. It took about 250 years to build -- between 1220 and 1472, but there was probably a Roman Basilica on the site as early as 306 A.D. And that may have been built on top of a Roman fort.
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths complex is a site of historical interest in the English city of Bath. The house is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing.
Stratford on Avon
Stratford has Anglo-Saxon origins, and grew up as a market town in medieval times. The original charters of the town were granted in 1196, making Stratford officially over 800 years old. The name is a fusion of the Old English str?t, meaning 'street', and ford, meaning that a Roman road forded the River Avon at the site of the town.
Iron Bridge
The Iron Bridge crosses the River Severn at the Ironbridge Gorge, by the village of Ironbridge, in Shropshire, England. It was the first arch bridge in the world to be made out of cast iron, a material which was previously far too expensive to use for large structures. However, a new blast furnace nearby lowered the cost and so encouraged local engineers and architects to solve a long-standing problem of a crossing over the river.
Caernarvon Castle
Caernarfon Castle (Welsh: Castell Caernarfon) is a medieval building in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. There was a motte-and-bailey castle in the town of Caernarfon from the late 11th century until 1283 when King Edward I of England began replacing it with the current stone structure. The Edwardian town and castle acted as the administrative centre of north Wales and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale. There was a deliberate link with Caernarfon's Roman past – nearby is the Roman fort of Segontium – and the castle's walls are reminiscent of the Walls of Constantinople.
St Ives Cornwall
St Ives is a seaside town, civil parish and port in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The town lies north of Penzance and west of Camborne on the coast of the Celtic Sea. In former times it was commercially dependent on fishing. The decline in fishing, however, caused a shift in commercial emphasis and the town is now primarily a holiday resort. St Ives was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1639. St Ives has become renowned for its number of artists. It was named best seaside town of 2007 by the Guardian newspaper.
Eden Project
Opened in 2001, the Eden Project's central theme is the global environment with the two large domes [Rainforest and Mediterranean] offering natural arrangements of typical plants [over 250,000 of them] in, respectively, an authentically steamy tropical setting and a temperate, Mediterranean environment.
Liverpool
Liverpool's fortunes have been inextricably tied to shipping. Imports and exports, such as sugar, spice and tobacco, however, pale to insignificance for most visitors, compared with Liverpool's most famous export of all, the Beatles. It's no surprise that the city's most popular attractions are Fab Four-related, but in addition to reliving the hysteria at the Beatles Story Experience and Paul's childhood home, catch local buses to visit Albert Dock's stores, Liverpool Cathedral and Walker Art Gallery.
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
The major attraction of this site is its spectacular position, which offers panoramic views of the Gower coastline. "The beach is easily, if steeply, accessible from the site, and it's never packed because there isn't a car park quite close enough for the typical moto-sapiens," says Andy.
Turner Hall Farm, Cumbria
This small, basic site lies in the Duddon Valley, the most beautiful part of one of the Lake District's least developed areas. "Walk off the site in any direction and it won't be long before a hill comes under foot," says Andy. "From the highest ground in England, to the loveliest river stroll by the Duddon, this is one of the greatest places on the planet to take your boots. Basic facilities, but who cares?"
Brighouse Bay, Dumfries And Galloway
Situated at the head of the Solway Firth and surrounded by 1,200 acres of great walking country, Brighouse Bay is set in a quiet, secluded peninsula, with magnificent views over the Irish Sea. The award-winning holiday park offers a swimming pool, toddlers' pool, games room, ten-pin bowling, playground, toddlers' corner, bar, bistro, family room and function suite.
Islay, Hebrides
There's no need to bring a tent on this bushcraft course — you will be sleeping in a cave — and the website promises that the only rubbish that you'll leave behind is the detritus of modern-day life, such as junk mail and supermarket queues. Forage along the coast, gather firewood and learn about the flora and fauna of the island. Details: 01496 850010, www.islaybushcraft.co.uk. One night “Wilderness Tasters” cost £175.
Bryher, Isles of Scilly
This campsite, on the smallest inhabited island of the Scillies and a three-minute walk to the beach, isnt about mod cons, although there are coin-operated washing machines and showers. Rather, it's about going back to nature. It suits those who want to be at one with the great outdoors, so that children can learn there's more to life than PlayStation 3. Details: 01720 422559, www.bryhercampsite.co.uk
Lundy Island, Bristol Channel
Until the end of October the MS Oldenburg deposits passengers from Bideford or Illfracombe on this island 11 miles from north Devon. You can rock-climb, dive, walk, birdwatch or simply share a pint with the locals in the tavern. There are 40 camping pitches. Details: 01628 825925, www.landmarktrust.org.uk. From £8 per person per night, return boat fare is £56 a head.
Beddgelert, Wales
A sign of the times is that Eurocamp, more often associated with holidays in France and Spain, is back in the UK after a 15-year break. This site, well-positioned for Snowdonia, is a good choice for families because ranger-led activities let children explore safely while Mum and Dad take a break. Other sites include the New Forest, the Forest of Dean, the Lake District and Scotland. Details: 0844 4060552, www.eurocamp.co.uk A tent for four costs from £250 a week.
Dartmoor, Devon
This sprawling national park is the only area in the country where you can legally bed down under the stars without seeking permission from the landowner. Rolling hills, rocky upland outcrops and ancient woodland provide stunning pitch settings, and as long as you choose an “open access” spot and leave no trace that you were there, the vast and varied terrain is yours to enjoy. Details: www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/vi-wild camping.htm for restrictions and advice.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a castle fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from its position atop the volcanic Castle Rock. Human habitation of the site is dated back as far as the 9th century BC, although the nature of early settlement is unclear. There has been a royal castle here since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century, and the site continued to be a royal residence until the Union of the Crowns in 1603. As one of the most important fortresses in the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle has been involved in many historical conflicts, from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, up to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, and has been besieged, both successfully and unsuccessfully, on several occasions. From the later 17th century, the castle became a military base, with a large garrison. Its importance as a historic monument was recognised from the 19th century, and various restoration programmes have been carried out since.
Tours into Edinburgh's haunted pastArthur'S Seat
Take the road around the ancient Volcane, and climb it if you feel so inclined - a mountainous thing to do in Edinburgh.
Royal Museum
On Chambers Street, Edinburgh's Royal Museum is a masterpiece and one of the World's finest museums. If you have a wet, rainy day in Edinburgh, visiting this museum will keep you busy all day. Lots of interactive stuff for the kids. The National Museum of Scotland is now integrated onto it so there is twice as much to see. Even without the wonderful exhibits, this museum is a work of art in itself. Stand in the central atrium and look up at the marvelous victorian architecture. Walk to the join between the old and new museums and look up at the array of different angles, shapes and light bouncing around. Fantastic.
Princes Street
Starting at the east end of Princes Street (Edinburgh's main shopping street) by Waverley station, walk west along the entire mile of street. Don't be sucked in immediately by the plethora of shops on your right hand side, but instead focus your attention on the vista appearing on your left. This is the skyline of Edinburgh's Old Town and you could easily shoot a whole roll of film trying to capture it. The park on your left is Princes Street Gardens and it can be a perfect place to while away an hour or so with a picnic lunch, or sandwich from one of Princes Streets shops. As you continue along Princes Street, the skyline on your left gets higher and higher until at the top of it lies Edinburgh Castle in all it's glory, protected by high cliffs.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh's historic highway and synonymous with the Old Town. At 1 mile and 107 yards it connects two of Edinburgh's most important attractions -- Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. Along the way there are countless specialized shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and many places of historical and cultural interest.
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse is the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh. It sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile, the mile long street that links it to the other royal establishment -- Edinburgh Castle. It's no surprise then that the new Scottish Parliament was built in such distinguished company.
St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles Cathedral has a history spanning 900 years and a layout and architecture so intricate and unusual that you can't help feel that you're standing in front of one of Scotland's most impressive buildings.
The haunted street beneath the Royal Mile
Scotland's controversial parliament building at HolyroodGreyfriars Bobby And Kirkyard
Greyfriars is one of Edinburgh's most famous kirkyards (cemetery). Many stories are linked to Greyfriars but the one known best is that of Greyfriars Bobby.
Haunted underground vaults in EdinburghRosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel is only one of the locations and attractions in Scotland to have become wildly popular after being used as a setting in a book or movie.
Dean Village
Few tourists know that 15 minutes away from Princes Street lies the secluded Dean Village on the Water of Leith. Once a successful milling community, the area was once associated with poverty and decay but the buildings have been turned into designer flats and the village is now a popular residential area.
Glasgow
Steeped in history yet defined by innovation, Glasgow's breathtaking Victorian architecture and traditional welcoming embrace have provided a stately inheritance for the city's commercial resurgence and cultural vigour.
Gallery Of Modern Art
In the heart of the city the Gallery of Modern Art houses four floors of today's finest painting, sculpture and installations from around the world. The gallery offers a thought-provoking programme of temporary exhibitions and workshops.
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in the city dating back to the 12th Century. It is one of the most magnificent examples of medieval architecture you will find in Scotland and is the only Cathedral on mainland Scotland to survive the reformation.
Glasgow Green
Glasgow's oldest park is close to the city's historic centre and stretches from the Saltmarket at the High Court, across to the Calton and Bridgeton districts and is bordered by the River Clyde to the south.
Glasgow Science Centre
Glasgow Science Centre is one of Scotland's must-see visitor attractions - presenting concepts of science and technology in unique and inspiring ways. What are the main attractions? In fact it is many attractions, all brought together to entertain and excite you. The Centre contains hundreds of interactive exhibits; the ScottishPower Planetarium, Scotland's only IMAX cinema, Science Show Theatre, Climate Change Theatre and the 127m Glasgow Tower.
Glengoyne Distillery
Visit Scotland's most beautiful distillery. Relax with a dram of Glengoyne single malt whisky in our reception room overlooking the waterfall and glen before enjoying a guided tour. No visit is complete without a look in our whisky shop which is full of different whiskies, gifts and collectables. Situated close to Loch Lomond on A81, 35 minutes drive from Glasgow.
The Tall Ship
Enjoy a visit to the Tall Ship, transporting the visitor to Glasgow's maritime heyday! This beautiful vessel was constructed on the River Clyde in 1886 and today visitors can bring their children to learn about the history of this historical vessel. Enjoy a pre-packed picnic lunch or support the Clyde Trust which sees to the restoration and preservation of Glasgow's maritime history.
The Loch Lomond Aquarium And Sea Life Centre
If you are interested in the beauty of life under water, then one of the 6 attractions worth visiting in Glasgow is definitely the Loch Lomond Aquarium. Here you can adopt a creature and be responsible for its care for the year, offering a small donation or you can support the very worthy 'Stop Whaling' campaign. Take a tour of the aquarium and marvel at the abundance of sea life while you learn about interesting creatures in their natural habitat.