General

The United Kingdom has always been one of the most majestic travel destinations. It is thanks to the variety in cultures and vistas provided by the nature of the country itself: as four distinct kingdoms are united under one crown, there is never a shortage in amazing sights to see.

According to our experience as a Dubai-based visa service agency, we can tell that even such a knowledgeable folk in terms of incredible natural and architectural wonders as our compatriots are always positively surprised by just how rich the atmosphere is in the UK. So strap up, and let’s take a look at the things in Britain that you simply can’t miss!

1. Windsor Castle

We begin our overview with the stronghold and residence of the British monarchs, towering on a hill in the Thames Valley, and not by chance. It was erected in 1070, and today it is considered the most romantic building in the country. The castle has been reconstructed and updated many times during the past centuries, and is now a memorial not only to the power of the English crown, but also to the change of architectural styles and preferences throughout the ages.

Moreover, thanks to the size of 580 m by 165 m, Windsor Castle is in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle in the world. If you only have one day to go sightseeing in England, go here - you will not be disappointed.

2. Big Ben

When planning a trip and exploring the main sights of England, one should not forget about the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster built more than 150 years ago. The commemorative clock proclaims the most important events of the state: the onset of the New Year, the Minutes of Silence, etc.

Until recently, it was Big Ben that had the largest dial on Earth. Truly, not a single photo or description can convey the whole grandeur of the main symbol of London - so going there to see it for yourself is definitely a must!

3. The Lake District National Park

The natural attractions of England are no less interesting than the man-made masterpieces seen in the country. Our favorite example is the park founded in 1951. Its total area is 885 sq. miles.

The Lake District is famous for its superb panoramic views and lush countryside, mountain and lake landscapes. Nature here is so unpredictable that in one day it can show all 4 seasons.

4. Hyde Park

Few places of interest in England are as rich in sights as the Royal Hyde Park. Here lie the famous Speakers Corner, Animal Cemetery, a memorial in honor of Princess Diana, the Wellington Museum, the statue of Achilles - you can list for a long time. Folk festivals, large-scale festivities and political rallies are regularly held in the park.

The park is a welcome respite from the urban landscape of London and is highly advised to anyone travelling to the UK as one of the most vibrant locations.

5. Hadrian's Wall

The length of this historical landmark of England is 117 km. It was constructed in 122-128 by the Romans to protect against the raids of the Brigantes and Picts, two of the ancient Scottish tribes from the north.

About 15 years ago, a hiking trail for tourists was opened along the defensive structure. Reviews of travelers claim that a walk along the shaft will be of interest not only to lovers of history and natural beauties, but also to a person with any other preferences on vacation.

6. British Museum

If your list of what to visit in England does not include the oldest and one of the largest museums in the world, your visit to the country will not be complete. Located in London, the British Museum is the second most visited art museum, behind only the Louvre, in the entire world!

Any tour in England necessarily goes here at some point. You will see both mysterious exhibits and ancient artifacts, as well as the most famous objects of history that you have heard about since childhood.

7. Project Eden

Recommendations from local flora and fauna lovers will certainly lead you to this botanical garden. It is located in Cornwall, and is especially famous for its unique greenhouse (geodesic domes have collected plants from all over the Earth under them).

However, Project Eden is more than a simple garden. It is an actual education facility that seeks to further humans’ understanding and appreciation of nature.

8. Yorkshire Dales National Park

Even a brief description of this landmark in England arouses interest in it: charming villages and towns, waterfalls and valleys ideal for hiking, cave systems open to the public (within the boundaries of the park area), rivers and stone fences, endless wastelands and lush green pastures, on which cattle and sheep walk and graze.

It suits those of us who can’t live without hiking, spelunking, and other activities like these. But ultimately, anyone will be blown away by its natural beauty!

9. Lost Gardens of Heligan

A huge botanical garden with unique stone figures and exotic plants. It was also included in the list of the best sights in England for the original woven wire people "meeting" guests throughout the territory, its own "jungle", flower and vegetable gardens.

The Lost Gardens are a surreal and unbelievably cool location. Here, you will feel as though you walk into some majestic vestige of an old civilization.

10. Broch of Mousa

This structure is located in the archipelago of the Shetland Islands and is the tallest round structure from the Iron Age. Not many monuments of the era of early history have been preserved in Europe, and the described defensive building is one of them.

Despite its age, it is quite well preserved, therefore it is considered a serious candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Broch is a great sight to see for any and all history enthusiasts!

11. Royal Mile in Edinburgh

This landmark of Scotland consists of several streets passing in the very center of the city. Their total length is approximately one Scottish mile (roughly equal to 1.8 km), and the streets are connected by the famous Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, which at different times served as the residence of Scottish and British monarchs.

In the middle, the Royal Mile intersects with bridges. Once upon a time, merchants and artisans gathered in this part of the city, taverns worked around the clock, and even less savory establishments. Today, however, the Royal Mile is one of the world’s tourism centers.

12. Loch Lomond

This Scottish lake is surrounded by hundreds of steep hills, castles from the Middle Ages, and overall the beauty of the local vistas. The length of the lake in which a large number of islets are located is 24 miles. The smallest of them periodically disappear during high tides, and the hardworking Scots live on the large ones for many years.

Inchmurrin is one of the large landmasses; ferries often stop near it. You can see with your own eyes the ruins of the monastery, Lennox Castle, used at one time as a hunting residence.

13. Eilean Donan Castle

This tourist trap is located on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Getting to it is not easy, but believe us, what you will see is worth it. The majestic building is surrounded by mountains, and it stands directly in the middle of the lake.

It does not hurt for tourists to know that the castle has been repeatedly used as a film set for feature films that have gained worldwide popularity. One of these works is Highlander.

Despite its great age, the castle is well preserved. You can get to it by walking along a stone bridge, which also dates back to the Middle Ages.

14. Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle, built in the style of Scottish barons at the end of the 19th century, rises on a mountain slope. It was erected by Sir Arthur Chichester to replace the medieval Norman tower that had burned down in 1708.

The majestic building is one of the most recognizable in Northern Ireland. It is decorated with numerous turrets with cone-shaped roofs and a stone staircase. The castle is surrounded by a park ensemble with picturesque fountains, flower beds, statues and benches for relaxation. There is a restaurant and souvenir shop inside.

15. Craigmore Viaduct

In Armagh County near the village of Bessbrook, it is easy to find a railway bridge built in 1852 by John Benjamin McNeill. It consists of 18 arches, reaching a height of 24 meters. The total length of the structure is 300 meters.

The arches are made of granite quarried locally. The bridge is considered the highest in Northern Ireland and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

16. Titanic Museum in Belfast

Where once stood a shipyard of the Harland and Wolff shipbuilding company, a museum and a monument telling about the Titanic have been opened. It was from here that the ill-fated ship was launched in 1912 and set off on its first voyage, which turned out to be its last one as well.

The five-story building has an angular shape and resembles the stern of a huge ship. The exhibition itself consists of nine interactive galleries. Visitors will learn about the economic heyday of Belfast at the beginning of the 20th century, the construction of the Titanic, its launching, the first voyage and the disaster.

17. Powis Castle and Garden

The majestic dark pink castle of Powys, built in Wales about a thousand years ago, is famous throughout the UK not only for its ghost going by the name of the Lady in Black, but also for its picturesque Italian-style garden.

Terraces carved into the rock, hedgerows, moss-covered trees, an apple orchard and a tropical greenhouse make up a worthy setting for a medieval structure.

18. Llandudno

This city founded at the end of the 13th century at the base of the Kreidin peninsula received the status of a seaside resort in the 60s of the 19th century. This was facilitated by a significant restructuring of Llandudno, carried out by the architect J. Felton.

This is the best resort in Wales where you can not only relax, but also visit the Museum of the history of the city, as well as plunge into the fairy tale about Alice in Wonderland that came out from here.

19. National Museum in Cardiff

Founded in 1912, the Cardiff National Museum is part of the larger National Museum of Wales, opened five years earlier. Museum collections, which include exhibits of an archaeological, botanical, geological and artistic nature, are located in the Cardiff Central Library building.

20. Snowdonia National Park

One hundred lakes, ninety mountain peaks, a huge number of beaches and moorlands, located in the north of Wales, make up one huge Snowdonia National Park. The remains of Roman fortifications and medieval castles attract lovers of antiquity, mountain ranges and lakes - in other words, all those who love outdoor activities.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom is an incredibly varied country in terms of culture, architecture, nature, and general mood. It is indeed worthy of a visit by any aspiring or experienced tourist alike.

Anyone of any background and with any hobby or interest will find here something to their liking and appreciation. Despite its relatively small size, the United Kingdom never fails to excite us with all the travel opportunities it offers.

FAQ

Do I need separate visas to go to different parts of the UK (like England, Wales, etc.)?

No, the UK is one country and requires the same visa to enter. However, if you would also like to complete your tour of the British Isles and visit the Republic of Ireland as well, you will have to get its visa separately.

Which is the best season to visit the UK?

It depends on your personal preferences, but generally, we recommend that people go in summer so that they can enjoy better weather conditions.

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