10 of the Best Things to Do in UK
The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. It is one of the oldest and most successful countries in recent history. There was a time when the sun did not set on the British territory, and it ruled over colonies from Asia to Africa. The UK is also the birthplace of The Beatles and Shakespeare and has played a vital role in shaping global culture.
It is home to some of the oldest and most prominent neolithic structures like Stonehenge and some of the finest universities in the world like Oxford and Cambridge. England is considered the financial center of the entire world.
Here are the ten best things to do if you are in the UK or planning a visit in the future.
1. Natural History Museum
Known formerly as the British Museum until 1992, the Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington. It exhibits a huge variety of specimens from different areas of natural history. The museum has a collection of over 80 million items.
- Five main collections: zoology, entomology, mineralogy, botany, and paleontology.
- Holds specimens collected by Charles Darwin himself.
- Free entry for visitors.
2. Stonehenge
Considered one of the most famous historic sites in the world, Stonehenge was built from 3000 B.C to 2000 B.C. UNESCO included it in its World Heritage Site list in 1986.
- Built between 3000 B.C and 2000 B.C.
- Possible ancient burial ground.
- A must-visit for anyone interested in prehistoric architecture.
3. Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is located in southern England on the English Channel coast. It is 96 miles (155 kilometers) long and starts from Orcombe Point near Exmouth to the Old Harry Rocks in east Dorset near Swanage.
- 96 miles long.
- Extends from Orcombe Point to Old Harry Rocks.
- Once used as a military training ground during WWII.
4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museums are located in many major cities, but the one in London is the most famous and most visited. The museum houses life-like wax statues of real-life celebrities ranging from world leaders to famous actors and musicians.
- Houses life-like wax statues.
- Major tourist attraction in London.
- Founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud.
5. The British Museum
The British Museum is located in the Bloomsbury area of London and is dedicated to art, culture, and human history. It has almost 8 million works of art in its permanent collection, originating from every continent of the Earth.
- Almost 8 million works of art.
- Opened to the public on January 15, 1759.
- Founded by physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane.
6. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a gothic church located west of the Palace of Westminster in the City of Westminster, England. It is one of the most well-known religious buildings in England. English and British rulers were coronated and buried here.
- Gothic church.
- Used for royal weddings.
- Construction ordered by King Henry III in 1245.
7. Lake District National Park
The Lake District National Park is located in the northwest of England and is a very popular tourist destination. This area is famous for its fell mountains, glacial ribbon lakes, and literary associations.
- Located in northwest England.
- Famous for fell mountains and glacial lakes.
- Known for local art galleries, traditional inns, and outdoor equipment shops.
8. Durham Castle
Durham Castle is a Norman castle located in the city of Durham, England. It has been occupied by the University College of Durham since 1840. The castle sits on top of a hill near the River Wear, opposite Durham Cathedral on the Durham peninsula.
- Norman castle.
- Occupied by the University College of Durham since 1840.
- Open to the public only with guided tours.
9. The Eden Project
The Eden Project is the UK’s attempt to become the leader in sustainable growth. It consists of two biomes containing plants from different climates and environments. It is located in Cornwall, England, about 2 km from St Blazey and 5 km from St Austell.
- Consists of two biomes.
- Located in Cornwall, England.
- Venue for music events and conservation research.
10. Roman Baths
The Roman Baths complex in the English city of Bath is a site of historical interest. This place is an extremely well-preserved Roman public bathing site. The baths are located below the modern street levels, while the buildings above are from the nineteenth century.
- Four main features: Roman Temple, Sacred Spring, Roman Bath House, and a museum.
- Over a million visitors annually.
- Visitors can see the Baths and museum but are not allowed to enter the water.