Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of English
royalty since 1837. The palace stands in around 40 acres of garden
and while the west facade of the palace building remains virtually
as its architect Nash designed it, the east side facing the garden
was added in 1847 and entirely replaced in 1913. Visit the Throne Room,
Music Room, State Dining Room as well as the many beautifully decorated
apartments.
Website: Buckingham Palace
The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels
The Tower of London has been home to every Monarch from William the Conqueror (11th Century) to Henry the VIII (16th Century). It has also been the site of the Royal mint, the Royal Menagerie and the Royal Observatory. The Tower of London is infamous for its prison and for having been the scene of countless executions, including that of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. Visit the Bloody Tower where the young prince Edward V and his brother were imprisoned on their uncles’ orders. Sir Walter Raleigh was also imprisoned here from 1603 until 1616. Lay your head on the executioner’s block and try and imagine what it must have been like to be about to literally lose your head!
Website: Tower of London
York
The picturesque medieval city of York was second only to London in importance up until the Industrial Revolution. The city, whose 13th century walls are one of the best surviving medieval fortifications in Europe, played a key role in English history. Its magnificent cathedral, medieval streets, grand houses and attractive riverside pubs make it an ideal spot for getting away from it all.
Website: York
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. Sir Hans Sloane bequeathed the initial collection to a Chelsea doctor in 1753. The museum then began to attract valuable items being amassed by the British Empire throughout the nineteenth century. The key exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, the Lindisfarne Gospels, Egyptian Hall, the Tomb of Payava, the Elgin Marbles & the Sutton Hoo treasures. The museum is a true treasure, a vast storehouse of collections from the four corners of the world.
Website: The British Museum
Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh is the beautiful capital of Scotland and a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. It offers superb sightseeing, wonderful historic buildings to explore, quiet galleries and museums and a wide choice of restaurants, pubs and cafés as well as nightlife to suit everyone.
The city has been a stronghold since the 5th century when the Picts built a fortress on what is now the site of the spectacular Edinburgh Castle to protect Scotland from invaders. Edinburgh Castle is perched high on an extinct volcanic outcrop and it dominates the capital's skyline with panoramic views across the World Heritage listed Old and New Towns and out over the Firth of Forth. The castle has been a residence of Scotland's Kings and Queens throughout the centuries. Edinburgh Castle offers a fascinating and absorbing mixture of entertainment and education, a visit here is an essential part of any trip to the United Kingdom.
Edinburgh has a range of stunning architecture, both classical and Georgian and has become known as the "Athens of the North". Apart from its varied and stunning architecture, Edinburgh is a visually beautiful place. Enjoy the many parks and gardens or explore the world famous Royal Botanic Garden. Shopping is a delight with the city being home to the world's oldest independent department store.
Website: Edinburgh Castle
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is the most important prehistoric monument in the United Kingdom. There are many theories as to the purpose of Stonehenge ranging from a druid temple for sun worship to a burial ground and even an astronomical calendar. Many of the stones were transported there with considerable effort from a great distance away. This was a truly remarkable achievement considering it dates from 3100- 2300 BC.
Website: Stonehenge
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the Queen's official residences and has been in continuous use for over 900 years. It was originally built for William the Conqueror to guard the approach to London. The State Apartments house excellent works of art including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Holbein and Van Dyck as well as magnificent French and English furniture and porcelain. The State Apartments also contain Queen Mary's Dolls' House. It is a 1:12 scale-working model complete with furniture, decorations, running water and electricity.
Website: Windsor Castle
The Lake District
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most beautiful regions, inspiring the great works of Wordsworth and holding generations of tourists in its thrall. The lakes are set among the dramatic Cumbrian Mountains and the region is dotted with attractive towns and pleasant dales. Who knows? The romance and beauty of one of the UK’s most famous regions could inspire you to pen some poetry!
Website: Lake District
Stratford-upon-Avon
Steeped in culture and history and set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Stratford-upon-Avon was the birthplace of the greatest playwright ever known - William Shakespeare. Visit the five houses connected with Shakespeare and his family. Open all year round, these sixteenth-century houses feature rare period furnishings and domestic items. Aspects of Tudor life are on display, all set in attractive gardens and grounds. When all Shakespeared out, you can also visit the Butterfly Farm, the Teddy Bear Museum and the Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre.
Website: Stratford Upon Avon
The London Eye
The London Eye is the world’s largest observation wheel, standing at 135 metres high. It provides a 30-minute, slow-moving "flight" over London and is designed to reflect the elements of air, water, earth and time. The passenger capsules are lit internally at the point of embarkation and each capsule accommodates up to 25 people. The eye can handle 1,500 visitors an hour. Open from 9am to 10pm April - October and from 10am to 6pm November - March, it is recommended that visitors pre-book to avoid disappointment.
The London Eye is located in Jubilee Gardens,
South Bank, London SE1 1GZ. Take the underground to Embankment
station.
Website: London Eye
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