The UK might not be famous for it's sunny weather, but there are a whole host of fun things to see and do that still make it an amazing place to visit. From castles and monuments to unique tourists attractions, museums and so much more. Whether you call the UK home or are travelling from abroad, here are just a few of the attractions not to be missed.
Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in the whole of Europe. Archaeologists believe it was constructed between 2000 to 3000 BC, and it's theorised to be an ancient burial ground. You could book a tour or visit independently to view things at your own pace, either way this mind boggling stone formation is well worth a visit. There are tours which run from London if you're staying in the capital, however you will have to book tickets in advance since there's no pay on the day option. A fascinating yet educational tourist attraction.
Harry Potter World allows you to explore the magic of Hogwarts, and retrace Harry, Ron and Hermoine's adventures. Film buffs will be pleased to know you're able to see iconic props from the films, including Harry’s broom and Hagrid’s motorbike. You can find out how each of the magical creatures were brought to life with green screen effects, animatronics and life-sized models. You're also able to see all of the sets, costumes, and props used in the films, as well as incredible locations. These include the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office and Hagrid's hut. It's an exciting day out for people of all ages. You can really get a sense of how the films were made, and learn more about some of the best selling books of all time.
The Natural History Museum in London has a huge range of different species throughout natural history on display. There are tonnes of exciting, interactive exhibits. Some of the highlights include the dinosaurs gallery, the mammals display and the main Central Hall which is home to the Museum’s famous Diplodocus skeleton. The museum is a world-renowned centre of research, it specialises in the taxonomy, identification and conservation of many different species. There are specimens collected by Charles Darwin which of course have great historical and scientific value. The museum is especially well known for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons and ornate architecture. As a bonus it's completely free to get in, perfect if you're on a budget or looking to keep down costs.
Blackpool is a seaside city which stays buzzing with excitement late in the year, long after other resorts have wound down for the autumn and winter. It's an annual lights festival which runs each year for sixty-six days. Each year the opening night of the Illuminations 'The Big Switch On' is a concert held in a specially made arena, with a celebrity pulling a switch to turn on the vast array of lights. The Blackpool Illuminations consist of almost every kind of light display you can imagine: lasers, neon, fibre optics, floodlighting and bulbs (no wonder it costs 1.9 million pounds each year to stage!) You can travel through the illuminations by car, coach or bus with a number of open topped trams and even horse drawn carriages being available to book. An incredible event to experience if you're in the North of England between August and November.
The Eden Project is an educational charity featuring exquisite plants and natural exhibitions. The visitor centre in Cornwall is nestled in a huge crater which is an amazing thing to see within itself! It's home to massive 'biomes' which house stunning plant exhibitions. There are contemporary gardens, concerts and exciting family events that are held all year round. The two biomes contain plants which are collected from many diverse climates and environments. For example the largest one simulates a Rainforest environment, and the second dome simulates a Mediterranean environment allowing you to experience what these are like. The attraction also has an outside botanical garden, where you can explore and learn about the many plants and wildlife species native to Cornwall and the UK in general.
At Warwick Castle you're surrounded by history, myth and adventure. It's is a medieval castle which was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. However it's now run by the Tussauds group as a tourist attraction, meaning as well as the fascinating history there's loads to do too. There's a maze, daily shows, attractions, exhibits and tours of the castle dungeon. You can even stay over, and spend a historical getaway in one of the stunning hotel suites.
Where are your favourite places to visit in the UK?
