The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It’s home to some of the most recognizable sites on earth and is a bucket list destination for many travelers. The UK is made up of four separate countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each country has its own unique culture, architecture, and attractions that make it worth visiting in its own right. There are also plenty of smaller towns in the UK that are great places to visit if you are looking for somewhere quieter and more relaxing than London or Edinburgh. However, it’s not just individual cities or regions that draw visitors from all over the world, the UK as a whole is an incredibly popular location for tourists thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, quaint towns and villages, high-end hotels and restaurants, and famous landmarks like the London Eye and Tower of London.
The London Eye: Top Attraction in the UK
The London Eye is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the UK and the world. It is a giant Ferris wheel that offers 360-degree views of the city from a height of over 100 meters. The London Eye has become an iconic symbol of London since it opened in 2000. Over 25 million visitors have taken a ride on the London Eye since it opened, and it is currently the most-visited paid tourist attraction in the UK. If you are lucky enough to visit the London Eye at the right time, you will also be able to spot the annual Boat Race, a famous rowing competition between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which takes place on the River Thames. The London Eye is also a great place to visit at night. The Ferris wheel is lit up with colored lights that make it an incredible sight to see as you sail past London on the river below.
Edinburgh: Second Most Visited Location
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most visited location in the UK. A trip to the Scottish capital will give you the chance to experience Scottish culture and history at its best. Most visitors to Edinburgh will visit the Old Town, an area of the city that dates back to the Middle Ages. You will find many attractions in the Old Town, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Scottish Parliament and the Great Hall of the Scottish Enlightenment. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is also one of the best places to visit in the city. The Royal Mile is a cobbled street that runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is lined with museums, shops, and other attractions, giving visitors the chance to experience a slice of Scottish culture and history.
Stonehenge and Other Ancient Ruins
Stonehenge is one of the most famous ancient ruins in the world. This mysterious stone circle is over 5,000 years old and is still shrouded in mystery. There is much speculation about the original purpose of Stonehenge, including theories that it may have been used for healing, astronomy, or even sacrificial ceremonies. Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England and is accessible by car or tour from the nearby towns of Salisbury and Amesbury. Stonehenge is not the only ancient ruin worth seeing in the UK. Other sites include the Roman Baths in Bath, Avebury and Silbury Hill in Wiltshire, the Iron Age Fort of Danebury in Hampshire, and the Orkney Islands.
Buckingham Palace and Other Royal Residences
If you are interested in British history, visiting the UK is a great way to explore some of the royal residences of the British monarchy, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarch since Queen Victoria moved in during the 1850s. Today, the palace is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction in London. Visiting the Palace gives you the chance to explore the State Rooms, which are open to the public, and see the throne room, the dining room, the ballroom, and the queen’s bedroom. You can even walk in the footsteps of world leaders like Winston Churchill and have your photograph taken outside the famous balcony where the queen gives her annual speech on each Commonwealth Day.
Scottish Islands
The UK is made up of over 1,000 islands and islets, many of which can be explored from the Scottish mainland. These islands offer visitors a chance to get away from the crowds, experience Scottish culture and history, and explore wild and beautiful landscapes. Visiting Scottish islands is a great way to experience the “Wild Side” of Scotland. You will get the opportunity to see unusual wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and birds, and visit old Scottish castles and historic sites. Visiting the Scottish islands is a great way to explore the UK on a budget. Most of the islands are free to visit and don’t charge admission, meaning they are great places to visit if you are on a budget.