Interesting Facts About the UK
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Top Things to Do in the UK – what to do in United Kingdom?
1. Oxfordshire: Blenheim Palace – Things to Do in England
Located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, Blenheim Palace is the home of the Marlborough family. It is the only non-royal country house in England to carry the title of palace. It has a stunning array of art works and a rich history. The palace is open to the public and is a must see in England.
With its 300-year history and 2,000 acres of parkland, the palace is well worth a visit. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. While visiting the palace, visitors should not miss the Churchill Exhibition, which is set around the room where Churchill was born. You can also explore the staterooms, which feature an extensive collection of antique furniture, portraits, and tapestries. The grounds are also surrounded by lush, manicured lawns, and feature an exciting calendar of events.
2. Berkshire: Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a stunning tourist attraction in Berkshire, England. The royal residence dates back to the 11th century and is the weekend residence of Her Majesty the Queen. This magnificent castle covers 13 acres and is surrounded by the town of Windsor and the Windsor Great Park. The castle was a motte and bailey castle that was built on a natural chalk escarpment. The original structure was protected by an outer ditch and wooden palisade.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the palace in all its glory. Tours of the palace give you an insider’s view of the Queen’s Berkshire home. You can explore the State Apartments and the Semi-State rooms, as well as St. George’s Chapel, where the late Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral was held in April 2021. The castle is also the site of the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in May 2017. The castle is open to the public on weekends and holidays but is closed on Tuesdays.
3. Wander around a dreamy Italian-style village in Wa
If you love the feel of Mediterranean architecture, wander around the dreamy Italian-style village of Portmeirion in Warrington, North Wales. This picturesque village is the brainchild of an eccentric and wealthy architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. He wanted to replicate the Mediterranean atmosphere in North Wales with his quirky designs and eclectic architecture.
In the summer, wander around the quirky Italian-style town of Portmeirion. You can also take a five-day heritage train tour of North Wales, departing from May to October 2022. This year, Gardeners’ World star Joe Swift will lead a tour of Portmeirion and its gardens.
4. Take a tour of the UK’s incredible National Parks
If you love the great outdoors and exploring beautiful landscapes, consider taking a tour of the UK’s incredible national parks. There are 15 of these incredible natural spaces located throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. These parks offer the perfect setting for a variety of vacations – from hiking and mountain climbing to relaxing and sightseeing. To help you plan the perfect vacation, we’ve listed some great ideas for lodging and things to do.
The South Downs is the newest of the UK’s National Parks and is home to the Seven Sisters, which are famous for their sheer white cliffs. If you’re interested in hiking through the area, you can follow the Seven Sisters trail from Eastbourne to Seaford, passing golden beaches and traditional lighthouses.
5. Wiltshire: Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Salisbury, England. It is the seat of the Bishop of Salisbury and the mother church of the Diocese of Salisbury. It has a fascinating history and is a place of worship for people of all faiths.
It is the largest cathedral in the United Kingdom, with over 600,000 visitors a year. Its construction began in 1220 and was finished in 1258. Its spire is the highest in the country, standing at 404 feet. The spire has more than 850 pillars, resembling the number of hours in a year.
6. Somerset: Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival was set to take place in June but has been canceled due to a pandemic. Due to a virus known as coronavirus, the festival will be replaced by a Livestream event, which will be broadcasted from Worthy Farm in May. Although there will not be a physical audience, the event is still expected to create traffic problems on key roads.
7. Go fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is one of the best places to visit in United Kingdom to go fossil-hunting. This stretch of coast is home to fossils from the Jurassic period and is a designated World Heritage Site. The geology here is incredible, and fossils on the beach would soon melt away if no one collected them.
8. Get a taste for magic on the Cornish coast
Cornwall is famous for many things, but it’s also home to a variety of unusual places and secrets. From houses to castles to ruins, this county has a wealth of secret places to explore. Many of these locations are rumored to be haunted or have a fascinating history. Some of them even have real people associated with them. In this guide, you’ll discover 50 places that are sure to intrigue and delight you.
9. Come up with your own conspiracy theories at Stone
While the original purpose of Stonehenge is unknown, its structures date back more than four thousand years. This makes it the oldest known man-made construction in the United States. Visitors are encouraged to ponder the mystery of the construction and to come up with their own theories about the site’s origins. Some theories claim that the Stonehenge stones were placed on purpose to predict solar and lunar eclipses, which held great spiritual significance in prehistoric times.
10. Take a perch on Arthur’s Seat
The legendary castle of King Arthur was supposedly built on Arthur’s Seat. While it’s unknown how Arthur acquired his name, the legend has inspired plenty of folklore. Some say Arthur built his seat here, while others say it was where he won battles in northern England. Historian William Maitland believes it was originally called Archer’s Seat, which means ‘height of the arrows.’ But no one knows for sure – you really have to walk up to see it for yourself!
11. Spot seals at Blakeney Point in Norfolk
If you love seeing seals, then you should visit the National Trust’s Blakeney Point nature reserve. This area has been a protected nature reserve since 1912. There are thousands of seals living on the sand and shingle beach there. Many seabirds also make the area their home.
12. Go for a curry in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle
The Balti Triangle is a district in Birmingham, England where Indian food is served. Its origins date back to the 1950s when immigrants from the Indian subcontinent settled in the area. The city’s industrial past gave way to new economic opportunities for these immigrants. These new residents soon set up restaurants to support themselves and their families. Many of them lived in cramped quarters above the restaurants.
13. Seek out myth and legend in the Scottish Highlands
There are plenty of places in Scotland that have been associated with myth and legend. If you have a curious mind, you might also want to seek out the legendary creatures that haunt these lands. You can find tales of the legendary Loch Ness monster, the Celtic goddess of the sea, and a number of other mythical creatures that inhabit these lands.
14. Climb the United Kingdom’s highest peak
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and looking for a challenge, consider climbing the United Kingdom’s highest peak. Whether it’s the famous Ben Nevis in Scotland, the snow-capped summit of Snowdonia in Wales, or the Lake District in England, there’s a mountain for you. Although UK mountains aren’t nearly as high as those in France and Spain, they still carry significant risks and require a high level of fitness.
15. Soak up the vibes on Tyneside
Tyneside is a built-up area in northern England, situated across the banks of the River Tyne. It is surrounded by the North East Green Belt and is predominantly made up of the cities of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, and South Tyneside. It is also part of the county of Durham.
If you’re looking for a great night out, Newcastle Quayside has plenty to offer, from new restaurants to eclectic pubs. Try the Bridge Tavern, a gem with an on-site microbrewery and a secret roof terrace with views of Tyne Bridge. If you’re looking for a more cheesy night out, try Flares, where you’ll get your fill of classic pop. Alternatively, check out the gay-friendly scene around the Life Science Centre, which is home to a wide range of gay-friendly bars.
16. Search for the mysterious monster at Loch Ness
For many years, the Loch Ness Monster has drawn the attention of monster hunters. Since 1930, many eyewitness reports of sightings have been made. Most of them do not reveal the monster’s true identity, but some have been confirmed as real. In October 1987, a group of 20 cruisers used sonar equipment to scan the loch. These sonar devices bounced sound waves from the surface to the bottom of the loch and recorded the contacts. Although numerous salmon were found in the Loch, no conclusive proof has been obtained. For now, scientists wait for concrete proof to confirm the existence of the monster.
17. Visit The Beatles’ childhood homes
Visit The Beatles’ childhood homes in the UK to experience the magic of the music legends. Paul McCartney and John Lennon grew up in homes preserved by the National Trust. The homes are situated in Liverpool’s Allerton district and transport visitors back in time to when they were children. You can even see the place where John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote the famous song, “I Saw Her Standing There,” in the front room.
18. Laugh out loud at the Edinburgh Fringe
If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh this August, you might want to consider going to the Fringe Festival for some laughs. The Edinburgh comedy Fringe is considered one of the best things you can do. But, it’s also important to bear in mind that the quality of comedy is highly subjective. The TV channel Dave has been visiting the festival and has put together a list of the worst jokes told at Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows.
19. Go raving in Madchester – Things to do United Kingdom
If you’re into electronic music, go raving in Madchester, UK. The music scene there is a great mix of rock, house, dance, and psychedelic music. In 1991, the Manchester area experienced a boom, spawning acts such as New Order, 808 State, and Primal Scream. The city also spawned a successful record label, Factory Records.
20. See the rainbow at Portree on the Isle of Skye
There are a number of ways to see the rainbow at Portree on the Isles of Skye. The main town is Portree, which revolves around a picturesque harbor. This town offers great shopping and dining, and there are plenty of attractions such as the Aros Centre, where you can catch a show or watch a film.
21. See a Shakespeare play in his hometown
If you are in the UK and want to see Shakespeare in person, you might want to try seeing one of his plays. There are a number of theatre companies that perform Shakespeare’s plays, including the famous Globe Theatre in London. The Globe is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, but other companies also perform Shakespeare’s plays.
22. Eat fish and chips on the pebbles in Brighton
The pebbled shoreline of Brighton is a popular spot to eat fish and chips. It’s a picturesque spot that’s popular with tourists. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening with a drink or a romantic date, the pebbled shore is a charming setting.
23. London: Chinatown – Things to do in the UK
To reach Chinatown in London, you should take the tube. You can easily reach the area from Piccadilly Circus or Covent Garden tube stations. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a bus. However, be aware that they can cause delays. Once you arrive at Chinatown, you should plan accordingly.
The best time to visit London’s Chinatown is during the Chinese New Year celebrations in late January and early February. The streets are illuminated with red lanterns during the night. In the past, this area was full of brothels, opium, and sailors who sailed the seas. But these days, the streets of Chinatown have become quiet and peaceful.
24. London: Soho
Located in the West End of London, Soho is the epicenter of activity. Dean Street, Frith Street, Beak Street, and Old Compton Street are all buzzing with activity. The Ronnie Scott Jazz Club is located here, and theatre-goers flock to Shaftesbury Avenue. Meanwhile, shoppers throng Oxford Street and Carnaby Street.
The area is not particularly family-friendly. Homes for sale here are often several million pounds. Parking is difficult, so residents must rely on public transport. Thankfully, there are many buses and underground lines in the area. It is also very walkable. A short walk to Oxford Street will have you at Soho in 30 minutes or less.
25. Cornwall: The Eden Project
Located in Cornwall, the Eden Project is a popular visitor attraction. It is situated in a reclaimed china clay pit, about 2 km from the smaller town of St Blazey and 5 km from the larger town of St Austell. The attraction has three levels and offers various activities for children and adults.
26. Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City
The Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is an area of historic buildings that were once part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It encompassed six locations in the city center, including William Brown Street, Albert Dock, and Pier Head. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks are located within this area.
27. Cornwall: Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard Peninsula is a unique geological outcrop on the south coast of Cornwall. It’s made up of a strange mix of rocks, including serpentine. It was formed when the sea floor pushed up against the Cornish coastline, creating the peninsula. Its scenery is stunning, and many people visit the Lizard Peninsula to enjoy the incredible views.
28. Northern England: Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is a ring of stone that stretches across northern England. It represents the Roman empire’s outer frontier. Hadrian ruled the empire from AD 117 to 138 and changed the Roman Empire’s ideology from constant expansion and conquest to one of enclosure and self-defense. He reorganized the empire into provinces with clearly defined boundaries – some had roads, rivers, and running barriers to protect their borders. The British frontier was especially elaborate, with 17 forts and outposts in the hinterland and a high wall enclosing the area.
29. Durham: Durham Castle
There are many things to see in the UK. The city is the home of the famous Durham Cathedral, which attracts 700,000 visitors every year. You should also check out Palace Green, which is the ideal place to enjoy the view of Durham Cathedral. The city is also home to a medieval market, which is now a popular spot for people to enjoy some shopping.
30. Have afternoon tea at Bettys in York
In 1919, Bettys was established in the English town of Harrogate by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont. Since then, the business has spread to six locations around Yorkshire. The tea rooms are beautifully decorated with black and gold pillars and gold lettering. The decor feels right out of a Willy Wonka story.
31. Party all weekend at Notting Hill Carnival
For people who love the Caribbean, the Notting Hill Carnival is a must see UK event. Held every August bank holiday, the festival celebrates the Caribbean communities in the London area. The event attracts more than a million visitors each year. The main event is a street party with Caribbean food, masquerades, and live music.
32. Drink butterbeer at Hogwarts
If you’ve ever visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you’ve probably heard of Butterbeer. This sweet drink is very popular among the students at Hogwarts. It’s also very delicious. But how does Butterbeer compare to Firewhiskey?
Butterbeer is an alcoholic beverage made from butter and sugar. Butterbeer was invented by J.K. Rowling and is now a popular drink in the Wizarding World. This drink has many different versions, each with its own distinct taste. There’s even a famous wizard who invented Butterbeer!
33. Stroll along the South Bank in London
If you’re a fan of culture and sightseeing, a stroll along London’s South Bank is a must. The riverside area is home to tons of fascinating activities and is just a short walk from Tower Bridge. This area offers great views of some of the city’s most famous buildings. The Palace of Westminster and Somerset House are two prominent landmarks, while St Paul’s Cathedral is an icon on the eastern side of the river.
34. London: The British Museum
The British Museum has a vast collection of artifacts and history. There are about 80,000 objects on display and an estimated eight million items in its collections. There are free daily eye-opener tours and free Friday evening spotlight tours. For an additional fee, you can take an “Around the World in 60 Minutes” tour or purchase an audio guide for seven pounds.
35. London: Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum
This Museum chain features life-size wax replicas of world-famous personalities. The collections are presented in themed galleries. The London branch has over 2,000 life-size wax figures and is one of the most popular in the world. It’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon in the city.
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