United Kingdom Attractions

Windsor Castle, one of The Queen’s three royal residences, has been home to the British sovereign for more than 900 years. It is not only the largest castle in the world, but the longest continuously inhabited castle as well. It typically takes 3 hours to tour the castle, including watching the Changing of the Guard, a 30-minute ceremony. Highlights include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel. The castle is, of course, filled with enviable treasures that delight the eyes. St. George’s Chapel is home to the Order of the Garter, the world’s oldest order of knighthood. Also in the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including King Henry VIII.

Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK, Phone: +4-40-30-31-23-73-00

The iconic Edinburgh Castle is situated atop a steep slope in the heart of Scotland’s capital. A mighty fortress, it has been a sanctuary for numerous kings and queens of Scotland over its long history, which dates to the Iron Age. Visitors can join free guided tours or take self-guided audio tours in one of eight languages. Tours include the Crown Room and Royal Palace, The Great Hall, The Stone of Destiny, The Crown Jewels, Mons Meg, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Scottish National War Memorial, The Prisons of War, and beautiful panoramic views of the city. There are three gift shops, a café, and a tearoom.

Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK, Phone: +4-40-13-12-25-98-46

Things to Do in London:

Big Ben is a must-do experience for any first-time visitor to the United Kingdom. Although people commonly refer to the tower, bell, and clock together as Big Ben, in actuality, the name only refers to the bell. The tower, which was built in 1859, is called Elizabeth Tower, and the clock is called the Great Clock. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Tower, with its 399 steps to the top, is closed to tours from 2016 to 2021 for refurbishment. However, visitors can tour the interior virtually from the Parliament website, and of course take photos of the outside in person. There is also an illustrated guide book for purchase.

Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, UK, Phone: +4-40-20-72-19-42-72

For Younger Couples

The British Museum contains a vast array of artifacts and art from around the world. Museum docents suggest choosing pre-determined “trails” based on the amount of time a visitor has to spend at the museum. The 1-hour trail highlights the nine most important exhibits in the museum, including the iconic Rosetta Stone. Other trails include: Three Hours at the Museum, 12 Objects to See with Children, A History of the World in 100 Objects, London – A World City in 20 Objects, and Desire and Diversity. There is also a museum store and a restaurant for those who want to make a day of exploring the museum and bring home some treasures.

Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK, Phone: +4-40-20-73-23-81-81

Probably the most sought-after experience when visiting Buckingham Palace is the Changing of the Guard. The Queen’s Guard has performed this duty since 1660. During the 45-minute ceremony, visitors will experience the colorful pageantry beginning at 11:00am, weather permitting. Visiting the State Rooms, where the Queen receives official visits, is another in-demand tour at Buckingham Palace. Those wishing to make a day of it can purchase A Royal Day Out ticket, which includes admission to The Queen’s Gallery, the Royal Mews (working stables), and the State Rooms. Visitors can purchase gifts inspired by the Royal Collection at the Garden Shop or any of the Royal Collection Shops. The Garden Café is open during the summer at the palace.

12 Palace Street, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK, Phone: +4-40-30-31-23-73-00

Unique Day Trips:

As the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Canterbury Cathedral is a place of graciousness and holiness. This beautiful cathedral has been the destination for pilgrimages since the Middle Ages. Today, visitors will experience the same Benedictine hospitality as those of ancient times. Because it would literally take days to explore the cathedral, they have created a route of ten must-see places, which includes the nave, The Martyrdom, where Archbishop Thomas Beckett was killed, the Great Cloister, St. Gabriel’s Chapel, The Quire, the Miracle Windows, The Candle in the Trinity Chapel, St. Augustine’s Chair, Tomb of the Black Prince, and the Water Tower.

11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, UK, Phone: +4-40-12-27-76-28-62

For Photographers

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is under the care of the National Trust along with over 500 other special places, including 176 parks and gardens. The rope bridge’s long history began in 1755, when salmon fishermen first erected it 100 feet above sea level. Brave explorers willing to cross the bridge will be rewarded with epic views and phenomenal photo opportunities, not to mention a hot drink and delicious cake at the Weighbridge Tea Room. A pair of binoculars will come in handy to spot island seabirds, oystercatchers, sharks, dolphins, and porpoises. Other highlights include the West Lighthouse on Rathlin Island, tours of Fisherman’s Cottage, and the beautiful floral splendor with three kinds of orchids and numerous wildflowers.

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA, UK, Phone: +4-40-34-48-00-18-95

Carrickfergus is one of the most excavated towns in Ireland. The Heritage Carrickfergus walking tour guides visitors through the town’s historical attractions from the Middle Ages to today. One of the highlights of the tour is the 12th century Carrickfergus Castle, an iconic symbol of the town for over 800 years. Visitors are not required to tour the town in order to visit the castle. Completed from 1178 to 1242, the castle appears now as it did then. Continuous military occupation over 750 years is a testament to the belief that whoever held control over the castle had the best chance of gaining control of Ireland. Now visitors can explore the ramparts, grand halls, dungeons, and winding staircases.

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK, Phone: +4-40-28-93-35-12-73

The Eden Project, located in Cornwall, is a must-do experience for the whole family. Built as an educational charity, it explores how humans can work toward a more sustainable future. The grounds are situated in a crater, where giant biomes are home to the largest managed rainforest on earth with amazing plants. The Core is completely sustainable and tells visitors the story of plants through biomimicry, as it’s based on a sunflower’s structure. Other highlights include the Rainforest Biome, Seed Sculpture, Mediterranean Biome, Rainforest Canopy, Outdoor Gardens, Skywire – England’s longest zip line, Must-see Trail, Discovery Trail, Giant Bee Sculpture, and so much more. It is a magical experience that cannot be missed.

Bodelva, Cornwall PL24 2SG, UK, Phone: +4-40-17-26-81-19-11

In 2002, Her Majesty The Queen, opened the Falkirk Wheel , the world’s first and only rotating boat lift in the world. More than 5.5 million visitors have since taken a ride on the wheel. An engineering wonder, it was designed to connect two canals – Union Canal and Forth & Clyde Canal. Guests can take 50-minute boat trips that raise the boat 35 meters from one canal to the other before returning to the visitors center. Visitors can take part in loads of family-friendly activities like a children’s activity zone, a water play park and mini-canal, a gift shop, and a café. There are also opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and biking.

Lime Road, Tamfourhill, Falkirk FK1 4RS, UK, Phone: +4-40-87-00-50-02-08

Things to Do for Nature Lovers: