Composed of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom has long been a favorite European tourist destination for many because of its beautiful countryside, historic cities, topnotch museums and outstanding theaters.
From medieval castles to stately mansions and the awe-inspiring scenery of the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, there are a diverse set of must visit places in the UK . My list is by no means a complete one, in fact it's very small one . In putting it together I realized I could make it ten-times as long and still not feel like I had done the country justice.
1. LONDON
London is a fascinating city laden with history, filled with museums and art galleries, extraordinary green parks, brilliant shopping and dining, a lively theater scene, and, of course, royalty. London is truly a city that has it all.
The English capital is a city that is steeped in history, from its museums and palaces to historic buildings such as Westminster Abbey, the final resting place for many of the country’s greatest individuals, from writers to statesmen to royalty. London is home to some of the most famous and historic museums in the world: the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Tate Gallery, all of which offer free admission. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a not-to-be-missed experience.
Some of the best performances in the world can be found in London, with its vibrant theater scene. Concerts abound, beginning with an evensong service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a church that is just as famous for the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer to Prince Charles as it is for being a great example of Christopher Wren’s architecture. Another London must is riding a double-decker bus across Tower Bridge over the Thames River.
2. CAMBRIDGE
Primarily known as a city full of British intellect and architecture, Cambridge is home to some of the oldest colleges in England, including the grand 16th century Gothic King’s College Chapel, and the elegant Tudor Trinity College. The ancient colleges are situated along The River Cam, which runs through the heart of Cambridge and is one of the cities absolutely must do, quintessentially British experiences – punting. Rowing down the river whilst sipping a Pimms or two is a great way to see the city. And in the evening , well just Grab your bikes or cars and head to one of the many traditional pubs dotted along the cobbled streets.
3. LIVERPOOL
Famous for its wonderful culture, winning football teams, The Beatles and a buzzing nightlife, Liverpool is one of the major cities of UK situated in Merseyside in England. It lies within the boundaries of Lancashire. It was awarded as the European Capital of Culture in 2009 and is home to some of the major attractions in Europe. The seaport of Liverpool is located in the North-western part of England and it is at a distance of 336km from London. This town has a reputation of wit and the people here are crazy about football and music. Along with that it also has an impressive cultural heritage and it is home to more museums than any other city apart from London. The galleries here are among the best in the country and is a major shopping destination as well. It is one of the major premier ports in England thanks to its location. There have been two decades of complete urban regeneration and now the city has a sparkling new waterfront with latest shops and restaurants. It is a blend of the old heritage and the urban culture. The nightlife scene in Liverpool is also really famous.
4. FOSSICK THE JURASSIC COAST WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site covers 95 miles of truly amazing coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks that have recorded 185 million years of the Earth’s history depicting a geological ‘walk through time’ spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The area is habitat to the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door – the coast’s most photographed landmark and Lulworth Cove – one of the finest coves in England. In addition to the astounding landscape, the Jurassic Coast is also a place of ‘outstanding universal value’ selected by UNESCO. It’s also where Victorian fossil hunter Mary Anning found the world’s first ichthyosaur, two plesiosaur and other important fossils. You can go fossil hunting yourself; one of the best places is Charmouth, where a visitor centre offers fossil walks and shows you how to find fossils.
5. ISLE OF SKYE
Located in the Highlands of Scotland, the Isle of Skye offers some seriously stunning landscapes. It's 50 miles long and is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, and there are many villages along the way, like the capital, Portree.
There is so much history to be found in this spot (like dinosaur fossils), and tons of wildlife sightings to be had. Get ready to walk and hike, because you'll want to see it all.
6. MANCHESTER
Lying in the heart of Greater Manchester, Manchester is a city in the North-western part of England. It is known for its impact on the historical scenario of industry and music as well as famous for its football clubs. It is a lively city visited by numerous tourists all around the year from all around the globe.
Manchester is one of those cities in Central UK which played a pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution. It was regarded as one of the most prosperous cities of England during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was also overflowing with wealth and development. In the present times, Manchester is one of the liveliest cities which has vibrant cultural scene and a lot of major attractions. Many tourists are attracted to this city every year.
7. CARDIFF
The capital city of Wales, Cardiff isn't too far from London, so if you are planning a trip there, it's not hard to squeeze both in. Cardiff is a fantastic walking city that also sits on the bay, so you kind of get the best of both worlds.
You can shop, eat great food in one of the beautiful shopping arcades, walk through the parks or near the water, get some culture at the National Museum or the Cardiff Castle, and even check out a Dr. Who experience if you're into that.
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