Great Britain is well-known for its rich heritage, a vast array of historic landmarks and cities with innovative modern architecture.
What the UK lacks on the weather front, it makes up for with a wide-range of beautiful landscapes and historical settings. People flock to Britain every year to marvel at the visual delights it has to offer. Here is a list of some of the sightseeing locations that should be on your to-do list.
1. City of London
London is the most iconic city in the UK. With such a large number of landmarks and tourist attractions, it’s one of the most visited cities in the world.
With an extensive list of sights to see, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye, England’s capital has a whole host of reasons to pay a visit.
London has always been at the centre of Britain’s past and present, which you can see when you take a look around. You’ll find historical buildings side-by-side with some of the most modern and innovative architecture in the world.
2. Edinburgh Castle
Great Britain’s countryside is home to a large number of castles, many of which were built by the most infamous kings and queens in the history books.
Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle is not only one of the most iconic, but also one of the most tourist-friendly. Inside the castle walls, you’ll have plenty of sights and activities to keep you busy.
The Great Hall is great in name and nature. Multiple suits of armour guard a large stone fireplace and medieval weaponry mounted on the walls provide a fitting backdrop. The military theme is abundant throughout the whole castle with the National War Museum, Regimental Museum and Scottish War Memorial all available to visit.
The Scottish Crown Jewels and the Royal Palace are also perfect for visitors who have an interest in the country’s royal heritage. As such an important part of Scottish history it’s a great opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn a bit more about the country’s past.
3. Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is Britain’s largest gorge, boasting 450 ft rising cliffs and intertwining caverns below. Nature and conservation is a massive draw for sightseers, but its cliffs and caves have also become a massive draw for rock-climbing enthusiasts.
Cheddar’s heritage is an essential part of what makes the gorge a great educational and fun experience for all ages.
Some of the caves below have been artificially constructed. Lord of the Rings fans will be especially interested to know that J.R.R. Tolkien came to Cheddar on his honeymoon in 1916, and used the Cheddar Caves as a basis for Helms Deep in the second book ‘The Two Towers’.
The nature and wildlife of the surrounding areas are celebrated and adds to the aesthetic of the gorge.
4. Snowdonia
The Snowdonia National park is home to the biggest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon, and the surrounding coastal towns are a huge draw for holidaymakers. According to legend, the mountain covers the bones of a fearsome giant.
The picturesque hillsides provide the perfect backdrop for a country walk, and steep valleys have become a playground for off-road mountain biking. The local towns and villages play host to festivals, events and water sports activities.
5. The Lake District
The Lake District is Great Britain’s largest national park, with mountains, lakes and valleys combining to make it a sightseeing must.
Its popularity has continued to grow due to the broad range of activities available, which offer something for everyone.
The lakes provide visitors with the chance to get involved in water sports, while the hillsides and valleys continue to attract anyone passionate about nature. There’s accommodation available throughout the various areas of the national park, and it’s safe the say that the view from your room will be more than satisfactory.
6. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the ancient wonders of the world. Now over 5,000 years old, it was officially considered as a World Heritage Site since 1986. Despite a vast number of theories about the reason for its construction, nobody is 100% sure what it’s purpose was.
The mystery surrounding the Stonehenge has always been a talking point amongst Brits, theorists and historians. It’s this mystery that’s made it such a draw, but now with the addition of a museum and activities for a younger audience, it’s certified itself as a fully-fledged tourist attraction.
The mystery of how early Britons were able to move the rocks used to make Stonehenge was solved just recently. A researcher from UCL demonstrated how the 25-tonne slabs could have been pulled by a sycamore sled at a rate of 1.6 kilometres per hour.
As a nation, Britain is well known for its beautiful countryside and rich heritage. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast or just want some great scenery for a family trip – the UK has a sense of diversity and uniqueness that ‘s hard to match.
Robert Furman is Managing Director of Extra Mile Coaches. For Robert, the customer is everything and the focus of his business strategy. With an impetus on customer service and reasonable pricing structures, Robert ensures the client is getting value for their money.
