Where to go in England Tourism in the UK: the main attractions of the country and features of recreation
One of the most influential and interesting European countries is Great Britain, located on an island in the northwest of continental Europe. The state has a rich history of development, characterized by tragic, solemn and other events. All this leaves an imprint on the culture, and therefore there are many interesting objects that attract tourists from all over the world. In order for a trip around this country to be comfortable, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the location of attractions and recreation features in advance.
Briefly about the UK
Great Britain is located in the northwest side of Eurasia and is one of the largest island states in the European part of the world. The form of government in the country is called a parliamentary monarchy, and the current monarch is Queen Elizabeth II.
Great Britain is famous for its architecture and historyElizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 and is currently the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom.
The country has an oceanic temperate climate with high rainfall throughout the year. The air temperature varies depending on the season. In winter, the maximum figure is -12 ° C, and in summer the air warms up to a maximum of +35 ° C. Such conditions are optimal for active, cultural and other types of tourism.
Full country name
The name "Great Britain" is widely used in everyday speech by citizens of different countries, as well as in advertising, the media and other sources. The full form is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This combination looks cumbersome and inconvenient and is used only in scientific, political and other official circumstances. Often the country is called the United Kingdom (The UK), which is also an abbreviated form.
Capital and geography
The capital of the state is London. It covers an area of 1,706.8 km2 and has a population of 8,538,689 people. The settlement is located in the southeastern part of the island, near the North Sea, in the valley of the mouth of the River Thames. The city is divided into 33 administrative districts.
London has a well-developed transport network: there are three ring roads, bus service, underground and light metro, tram routes, as well as water transport and city trains. The infrastructure is well developed in all areas, so it is easy for tourists to get from one part of the city to another.
By the way, the London Underground itself is a kind of monument, since this subway is the oldest in the world. Its first line was opened in 1863. Because of the shape of the deep tunnels, Londoners nicknamed this mode of transport "pipe" (The Tube).
The capital also has sports stadiums, museums and libraries, theaters, many monuments and historical buildings built in the past centuries.
The country is divided into 4 administrative and political parts: Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. They are located on the island of Great Britain and the northern part of the neighboring island.
The only land border of Great Britain separates Northern Ireland, which is part of the kingdom, and the independent Republic of Ireland.
The territory of this state also includes small archipelagos: for example, the Shetland and Orkney Islands, Arran and White.
Great Britain is an island nation
South-westerly winds contribute to cloudy weather in the western part of the islands, where most of the precipitation falls. The snow melts quickly in winter, so the climate here is quite mild.
There are many lakes, rivers, mountainous and flat areas on the territory of the country. One of the famous places is the fresh lake Lochness, which is considered the largest in the British Isles: its area is 388 km2. On the southern coast of the island of Great Britain there is the English Channel Eurotunnel connecting this country with the continent. Its length is 50 km, of which 38 km lie under water.
Loch Ness is the largest lake in the British Isles.
Official language in the country
The state is modern and well developed. Locals speak English, which is official in the country and has international status. Therefore, tourists can communicate in this language with all employees of hotels, airports, shops and other organizations. For travelers without knowledge of English, tours with a guide-interpreter are best suited.
One of the most famous English dialects is cockney - a simplified speech based on incorrect pronunciation and rhyming of phrases, common in London mainly in the middle and lower strata of the population.
Currency in the UK
Throughout the country, settlements are made in pounds sterling. If necessary, in shops, hotels and other establishments, you can pay with a plastic bank card of international payment systems. Before traveling, it is worth preparing a small amount in pounds sterling or, upon arrival in the country, exchange cash at special points or banks.
Queen Elizabeth II depicted on British banknotes
Religion in the country
There is freedom of religion in the United Kingdom. At the same time, about 71.6% of the population professes Christianity, 2.7% support Islam, and 1% of the inhabitants support Hinduism. The number of atheists is 15.5%. The country has a church with state status - the Church of England. Among all Christian denominations, the largest are Anglicans, Catholics, Presbyterians, Pentecostals.
Time
The UK is in the UTC±00:00 time zone, and Moscow is in UTC+03:00. Thus, the time difference between a European country and the Russian capital is +3 hours.
Best regions and cities for tourism
There are several cities and regions in the UK that are in demand among tourists. These places are distinguished by natural, historical and architectural sights, optimal conditions for travel. There is a comfortable climate, developed infrastructure and there are all opportunities for an interesting holiday.
While traveling around the country, you should pay attention to the following cities:
At night, the sights of London look very beautiful.
The city of Edinburgh has a cozy atmosphere and many beautiful buildings
Bristol has a well-maintained promenade, which is a pleasure to walk along
Liverpool is famous not only for the sights associated with the history of the Beatles, but also for its architectural monuments.
In the Lake District, tourists are attracted by the beauty of nature
The architecture of buildings in the UK is distinguished by majesty and solidity.
Rowing competitions are often held among Cambridge students.
Water sports and outdoor activities on the coast of England
Anywhere in the country you can take a walk through the picturesque area, because in the UK there is beautiful nature and unusual landscapes. In cities, tourists may be interested in buildings of majestic architecture. Thus, the UK is a popular destination for comfortable travel and active tourism.
Video: Heads and Tails in London
Famous landmarks of Great Britain
The country is known for a large number of historical, cultural and architectural attractions. In large cities, tourists will also find other entertainment, such as concerts and parties in nightclubs, so people with different interests can relax here.
England is rich in historical and architectural objects, the most famous of which are the following:
From above, Stonehenge looks unusual and mysterious.
The domes of the Garden of Eden give the landscape a beautiful and fantastic look.
Tower Castle is a famous and beautiful landmark in England.
The Palace of Westminster in London is built in neo-Gothic style.
The clock tower adorns the Palace of Westminster
The interior of the Sherlock Holmes Museum includes many interesting details.
All the figures in Madame Tussauds are very realistic
There are few historical attractions in Scotland, but there are bright and unusual natural sites. Of the ancient buildings, it is worth noting the castle, located on a cliff located in the center of Edinburgh. The Royal Mile leads here, at the other end of which stands the Palace of Holyrood, which is the official residence of the British monarchs in Scotland. These sites are easy to visit while walking around Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle is located on a high cliff
Of the natural objects of Scotland, it is worth noting the island of Staffa, on the west coast of which Fingal's Cave is located. This depression is washed into the rock by sea water and has a length of 113 m. Tourists can get inside the cave only along a narrow path near the water's edge. The entrance is too narrow for boats. This place was once visited by Walter Scott, Jules Verne and other famous people. The surrounding area is picturesque, so many travelers and lovers of active hiking often come here.
Fingal's Cave attracts lovers of active travel
In Scotland, in the region of Aberdeenshire, there is a medieval castle Drum. It is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and can be visited during the summer. The castle was built in the 13th century and modified during the Victorian era. During the reconstruction in 2013, secret passages and hidden rooms were discovered here. This building is interesting for its architecture, mysterious atmosphere and interiors of the Middle Ages.
Drum Castle has a small size and a large number of secret passages
When traveling in Wales, it is worth visiting the medieval village of Cosmeston. This place is an open-air museum: all the buildings located on the territory have been reconstructed on the basis of information obtained as a result of archaeological excavations. The facility is located near the city of Cardiff, which is the capital of Wales. The remains of buildings found here date back to the 14th century, while there is no evidence of the existence of this village after the Middle Ages. There is a hypothesis that the inhabitants of this settlement died during the plague in the 1340s.
The atmosphere of an ancient settlement has been recreated in the village of Cosmeston
In Wales, tourists should also look at the Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the island of Anglesey with the main territory of Wales.
Manorbeer Castle, located in Pembrokeshire, attracts tourists with its ancient architecture and beautiful surrounding landscapes. It was built over 8 centuries ago and belonged to various aristocratic families. Several films were filmed here, and now it is visited annually by tourists from different countries.
Manorbeer Castle is located in a flat area without dense vegetation.
Throughout the UK there are many museums, because the culture and history of the country is diverse and full of different events. Travelers should visit the following places:
In the country, historical sights are located in the vicinity of both large cities and small settlements. Tourists should plan a travel itinerary covering at least 2 settlements. This will allow you to better know the culture of the people and have a good rest.
Country in different seasons
Despite the large amount of rainfall during the year, holidays in the UK in the summer are in demand among travelers from different countries. In the warm season, there are interesting sightseeing tours, and hotel rooms should be booked in advance, which will save the budget. From July to the end of August you can swim in the sea and lakes on the southern coast of the island. Water sports, trekking, picnics on the shores of lakes, trips to museums and shopping are also appropriate.
Fountains operate in the palace parks in summer
In autumn, the average air temperature does not exceed +18 ° C, but tourists can easily take walks in cities, active excursions through valleys with lakes or visit ancient castles. In November, the weather deteriorates greatly, showers, hurricane winds and other cataclysms are possible. Therefore, in autumn it is optimal to plan a short trip with a tour of the main attractions of the country.
There are no severe frosts in the UK in winter. During the day, the air temperature is above zero, but at night it can drop to negative values. Fog often occurs in cities and near bodies of water, sometimes so thick that movement can be difficult. Therefore, in winter, many travelers limit themselves to getting acquainted with the culture of the country, visiting restaurants with traditional cuisine.
For Christmas, the streets of the cities of Great Britain are beautifully decorated.
In early spring, there is practically no rainfall. The tourist season starts in May. At this time, travelers visit national parks, carry out excursions to ancient sights. In May, festivals and holidays are also held, dedicated to the beginning of summer, where you can have fun.
Short travel options
It is impossible to see all the main attractions in one day in the UK, but it is worth walking around the city where you are staying. During such a walk, for example, in London, many tourists visit restaurants with local cuisine, as well as palaces and museums of the city. During the period of Christmas or off-season discounts, shopping is optimal, during which you can buy symbolic souvenirs, clothes and other things.
If your stay in the country lasts about three days, then it is worth visiting Scotland during this time, where there are unusually beautiful landscapes, cozy small villages and cities. For such a trip, the Lake District nature reserve is optimal, but you can also see the cities of England. Traveling by ferry will allow you to appreciate the picturesque embankments of many cities.
There are many picturesque cities and cozy villages in England.
During 5 or 7 days of rest, you can visit medical and health resorts. There are several such places in the county of Hampshire, located on the south coast of the island. For example, the city of Bath is known for its Roman baths, and there are springs in the city of Buxton. The mineral waters of Leamington and Cheltenham also attract travelers. In a week, you can make a trip to several cities, islands and lakes of the country.
Entertainment for children
In the UK there is a lot of entertainment for children of all ages and with any interests. When traveling with a child, it is worth considering the most popular places where you can have a good rest with the whole family, learn a lot of new things and look at unique objects. For these purposes, the following attractions are optimal:
The country headed by the queen is quite successful and rich. The British love their land and try their best to take care of their native land. Therefore, they live in abundance and prosperity. Tourists love to visit the UK, where a lot of historical past has been preserved. What sights are interesting and significant for the traveler?
10 Trafalgar Square
This area was built on the site of the former stables. The name marks a great event - the victory of England in the Battle of Trafalgar. The square is a kind of "zero kilometer" and gives rise to three streets. The townspeople and tourists love to relax here. Always crowded and noisy.
9 Palace of Westminster
The name comes from the district of Westminster. Westminster Hall is located on the banks of the River Thames, built almost a thousand years ago for meetings of the Supreme Court of England and crowned balls. In the 19th century, the Houses of Parliament were built and connected to Westminster Hall. In 1834, a fire destroyed the building, leaving only the Jewel Tower and the hall. A new palace was built on the same site. It took 44 years to build a beautiful building, which is called the "Parliament".
8 winter wonderland
A beautiful wonderland appears in Hyde Park on the eve of Christmas. Here you will be in the arms of the Snow Queen, marvel at the talents of circus performers, enjoy the greatness and courage of strong men, be horrified by the composure of performers of dangerous tricks, take a ride on Santa Claus' sleigh and see the gnomes' dungeon. For children and adults, this is a great opportunity to have fun and relax.
7 British museum
For a long time there was a library in the museum, but when the number of books increased, it was moved to a separate building. The British Museum keeps the memory of two million years of human history, and its exhibits are often the subject of theft. Today, thanks to the Internet, you can walk around the museum visually without leaving your home. The museum often hosts exhibitions of contemporary artists.
6 Stonehenge
The most mysterious building that took 1500 years to build. It still remains a mystery how ancient people, without special equipment, put huge boulders on top of each other. What was Stonehenge for? Anthropologists suggest that this place was a cemetery, a temple, a king's residence, an observatory. The more rumors, the more ridiculous every assumption becomes. Many of the stones were shipped from the Preseli Mountains in Wales. Only the devil could move huge monoliths over 250 km. Therefore, most versions converge to the tricks of evil spirits.
5 Buckingham Palace
The statesman John Sheffield, who received the title of Duke of Buckingham in 1703, built a building to live in London. In 1820, the architect John Nash added three buildings that collectively represent Buckingham Palace. The beautiful building is now home to members of the royal family and 800 staff members. 350 hours are running at the same time. They are looked after by a sentry and make sure that the mechanisms work smoothly. For some time (from August to September) the palace is open to visitors. The queen leaves the residence, and the guests walk around the majestic halls with pleasure.
4 Thames
The main British river, 334 km long. Its course and water level is constantly changing. For this reason, the embankment piers sometimes go under water and it is necessary to find out about the tide before the walk. Sports competitions and large entertainment events are held on the Thames. Constant movement - river buses, pleasure boats create an atmosphere of eternal bustle and anxiety. But this is only at first glance. Everything here is thought out and calculated. Water transport unloads the streets of London, helping local residents to carry out their plans.
3 Tower
The oldest building that keeps legends and secrets of the past. During the reign of Elizabeth I, animals were kept here. Instead of paying, visitors brought a cat or a dog, which was sent to be eaten by lions. Later, all the animals were moved to the zoo. Now the Tower is a protected museum. Jewels of the British Empire, worth 20 billion pounds under reliable protection. Soldiers of the royal guard inspect the territory every evening and pass the keys to the gate to the next guard.
2 London eye
This Ferris wheel was planned as a temporary structure (only for five years). Built at the beginning of the third millennium, it was loved by many in a short time. Who will now allow to demolish the popular attraction? Restless architects, having lost the competitive selection, wanted to build a wheel. They found sponsors, signed all the necessary papers and concluded an agreement with the Japanese. The London Eye received its first visitors in March 2000. Now it is the most visited place - more than 10,000 people a day.
1 big ben
The main attraction of England. Everyone thinks that Big Ben is called the clock tower, but it's not. Inside the tower is a huge bell weighing 13 tons. Here it is called by this unusual name. The neo-Gothic style of the building appeared after the fire, when Charles Barry in 1834, together with the architect Pugin, decided to restore the tower. Now Big Ben's clock accurately counts the time, and for the British they are a direct reflection of character: accuracy, reliability, confidence. Citizens are proud of the city and love to visit their favorite places.
In every country there are sights that are the calling card. Tourists, visiting famous places, enjoy the beauty, grandeur and try to understand the history and culture of the nation. Getting new impressions, a person perceives the world in a different way, therefore all national monuments of the past teach, educate and force to revise life values anew in their own way.
What could be better than taking a trip across the expanses of Great Britain? But there are so many beautiful places in this country that it is simply impossible to fit them into one post. English villages, Welsh islands and Scottish waterfalls - today we have collected only a small part of what is definitely worth seeing in Foggy Albion
1lake district
The Lake District, or the Lake District National Park, is one of the most visited national parks in the UK, located in the county of Cumbria. It is famous for the amazing beauty of local lakes, valleys and mountains (by the way, it is here that Scafell Pike, the highest point in England, is located). Both avid travelers and ordinary Britons with their families go to the Lake District - a lot of entertainment is provided for tourists here. In the park you can go boating, hiking, cycling or even go to a festival.
Photo: tripwow.tripadvisor.com 2
Bath
The English city of Bath, located in Somerset, is famous, first of all, for its hot springs - fans of balneotherapy from all over the UK come here from November to April. Healing waters with a temperature above 45 degrees were chosen here by the ancient Romans, and until now the British come here for a panacea for many diseases. But besides this, there are other sights in the city that are definitely worth seeing. For example, the Royal Crescent (a street of 30 houses built in the shape of a crescent), Bath Abbey or the three-arch Pultney Bridge.
Photo: misadventureswithandi.com
Giant's Causeway
Giants Road is located in Northern Ireland near the town of Bushmills. This unusual coastal area was formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption (presumably 50-60 million years ago) and represents about 40 thousand basalt columns interconnected. This place, which will impress even experienced travelers, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is protected by the National Trust. He also organizes the access of tourists to the Giant's Road.
Photo: virunga.net 4
Portmeirion
At first glance, it seems that Portmeirion is a complete props and this place is intended only for filming a movie. In fact, this is a tourist village in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, founded in 1925 by architect Clough Williams-Ellis. Portmeirion was built in the Italian style on the site of a foundry and boat workshop. Houses, hotels, cafes and restaurants here are necessarily bright colors, which creates a simply fabulous atmosphere.
Photo: flickr.com by Stewart Lacey 5
Salisbury Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Salisbury is a fine example of the English. The cloister of the cathedral is the highest in England, and its clock, created at the end of the 14th century, is considered the oldest working clockwork in the world.
Photo: marilynjanephotography.co.uk 6
south stack
On the small rocky island of South Stack, in Wales, you can feel like at the end of the world. At its top rises a 28-meter lighthouse. You should come to the island at least then to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Irish Sea from a 60-meter height.
Photo: campsited.com
Cotswolds
The picturesque area of the Cotswolds is located in the county of Gloucestershire in the southwest of England. This charming place still retains the atmosphere of old England with its traditional architecture, green hills and narrow paths. Traveling in the Cotswolds, you can go to see the ancient castles of Sudeley Castle and Owlpen Manor or Chedworth Villa.
Photo: sfa-sprachreisen.at 8
Jurassic Coast
The 155 kilometers long precipitous coastline was Britain's first natural site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rocks of the coast of Dorsetshire and East Devonshire belong to the Mesozoic era and cover a period of 185 million years. Scientists have been exploring this territory for 300 years, and travelers come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Photo: zastavki.com 9
Alnwick Castle
The impressive Alnwick Castle is located in the north of England, in the county of Northumberland. It was founded back in the 11th century by the Duke of Northumberland, whose descendants live here today. In summer, you can get to the castle on a tour, and at other times of the year you can take a walk around the surroundings. Alnwick Castle is impressive not only for its size (by the way, it is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor), but also for its beautiful architecture. Some scenes for the film were even filmed here.
Great Britain is a country with unshakable centuries-old traditions and rich culture. From the lessons of history, you probably remember that this is also a powerful state that has played a crucial role in the global economy. However, while traveling through this amazing country, you will find out that the main attractions of Great Britain fill this country with color, some mystery and, of course, hospitality.
Below is a list of attractions in the UK, without visiting which a trip to this country may seem incomplete.
Big Ben- a symbol of the greatness of the British. If you ask a local resident what is considered the most popular attraction in the UK, he will immediately name this majestic building.
Trafalgar Square- National Treasure of Great Britain. Those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city and admire the magnificent fountains come here.
stonehenge- the biggest mystery of mankind. The name of this attraction in the UK means a stone ring. The megalithic structure made of stones is included in the World Heritage List, it was built over 300 years.
Portsmouth Ship Dock famous for its abundance of important aircraft carriers, among which it is worth highlighting the aircraft carriers "Illustrious", "Prince of Wales" and "Queen Elizabeth". Here you can climb inside the old ships, visit the cabins, fish from the side of the ship, climb the mast as a cabin boy.
Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh- this is a landmark of Great Britain that does not require a special description. It covers an area of 25 hectares. In addition to rockeries, the heather garden, the demonstration section, the arboretum, the coniferous tree garden, and the palm greenhouse are of great interest to visitors.
Viking Museum A must visit when visiting York. This place is popular with lovers of antiquity and the era of the Norman Conquest.
Madame Tussauds museum in - one of the most popular in England. Figures of celebrities, cartoon characters and members of the royal family come to life will amaze you with their realism.
Oxford University. In this place you can get a higher education, which will be highly rated in any country in the world. The motto of this institution: "The Lord is my light."
canterbury cathedral- the oldest Catholic cathedral in all of Europe.
St Paul's Cathedral- the main Protestant cathedral. It is located on the highest mountain of the British capital, as if towering over the entire city.
Cambridge university is considered a symbol of the prestigious and highest quality education in the world. According to the date of foundation, it ranks second after Oxford.