When I was just starting as a Filipino UKRN, my main goal was to work and work and work so I could earn more money to support my family in the Philippines and build savings so that my own family can live comfortably. Travelling is really out of the picture because in my mind, that’s just an additional expense that will lessen my hard earned money as a hardworking UKRN. As years go by, I see my friends and colleagues post their travel pictures, videos and blogs. So, it got me thinking, why should I not try travelling too. I’m not getting any younger. I’ve been living and working in the UK for almost 5 years at that time. I feel that I totally deserve to chill, relax and travel with all the efforts and hard work that I endured during my years of stay in the UK. Ever since that time, I have tried to travel at least once in a while to have a chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life and increase my sense of well being and relaxation.
So here it is, let me share with you the best travel places in the UK that you might want to visit. UK is full of amazing places that you can explore, it is hard to narrow down the best destinations but here are some of the best ones that you should definitely include in your UK travel bucket list:
London: The Bustling Heart of England
London is the capital of the UK so it definitely earned a spot for one of the best places to visit in the UK. London is a bustling city with a rich history, culture, and diversity. In London, you have a lot of things you can do-- from visiting tourist spots, watching theatre or plays, shopping, having a food or pub crawl. London can be an expensive place to visit but you can also do this on a budget. Let me give you some of the things we did that we truly enjoyed and we did not need to spend a lot
Visit Museums such National History Museum and the British Museum.
The British Museum is the first national public museum of the world. This museum is famous for vast collections of art and artifacts from all around the world. You know what the best part of it? Admission for these museums for FREE.
Have a walk around London City centre- Enjoy sites such as the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye (or Millennium Wheel) and Buckingham Palace. These sites are all in reasonable walking distance, especially during summer time. During winter or cold days, you may want to take a bus ride to see these sites. You can see all of them but if you want to enter these spots (ie ride the London eye) you need to pay.
The London Eye or Millennium Wheel is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom with over three million visitors annually.
The Buckingham Palace is a London royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. Make sure to wait and witness the change of guards.
The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. This tower has a rich history of imprisonment and execution.
Have a picnic in Hyde Park
The Hyde Park is the largest of the four Royal Parks. The park offers picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous attractions which is definitely a must-visit place in London. During spring to summer time, parks are popular to most Londoners- people would just lay a mat and enjoy the lovely weather.
Do a food crawl or if you fancy getting drunk-- a pub crawl too
London is known to be place where you can have a taste and enjoy various culinary cuisines. You can go to places such as Chinatown, Soho, Covent Garden or famous food markets such as Borough Market.
Watch a West End musical- From the famous Les Misérables, Hamilton, Wicked, Book of Mormons -- you've got lots to choose from. It comes with a cost with most of them are worth every penny. From the performers to the effects, you'll surely be awe.
Wales-- Cardiff, Swansea, Snowdonia, Tenby and many more!
Wales has a lot to offer. If you want to go to the city and see castles- Cardiff can be a good place to visit. Cardiff is considered as the capital and largest city of Wales. This city offers an array of attractions from impressive castles and museums to bustling shopping districts and thriving nightlife which is why Cardiff is one of the must-visit destinations for travellers exploring the UK. The Cardiff Castle is where you’ll have the chance to learn about the history of Wales. Cardiff Bay is a circular trail which is perfect for cyclists and walkers.
If you want to go mountain climbing, Snowdonia can be a great place for you to go. It's treck is challenging yet manageable, even for those who are not an expert in mountain climbing. But if you don't want to hike, they also have an option for you to take the Snowdonia Mountain Railway.
If you want to see the coast, Pembrokeshire can be an option for you. It offers great coastlines and it is where Tenby is located where you will see colourful houses-- a scenic spot especially for novice photographers like us.
Edinburgh: Home of the world-famous Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh is the compact, hilly capital of Scotland. This city offers a unique blend of medieval and modern experience, this includes a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings which is enjoyed by a lot of travellers.
Edinburgh Castle is a historic castle in Edinburgh, this castle stands over the city and offers amazing views of the city skyline.
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the must-visit destinations in Scotland because this museum showcases the history, culture, and science of Scotland and the world.
Royal Botanic Garden is a well-known botanists' playground where botanists from all around the world come to learn about plants and their conservation.
Brighton: Bohemian Seaside Charm
Brighton is a popular travel destination on the south coast of England, known for its vibrant nightlife, artistic community, and scenic beaches. Here are some popular travel destinations in Brighton:
Brighton Palace Pier is a historic pier with amusement rides, arcade games and vibrant atmosphere which is perfect for kids and kids at heart. This pier opened way back 1899. You will find lots of restaurants, bars and deckchairs for you to enjoy the seaview.
Brighton Beach is a popular seaside destination found in the south coast of England.You will enjoy the pebbly beach with crystal clear waters lined with lots of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is where you want to visit if you want to learn about the stunning history and culture of Brighton. The museum's unique architecture and immersive exhibitions make it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts.
The Royal Pavilion also known as “The Brighton Pavilion” was built in he early 19th century. This is a stunning unique piece of architecture located in the heart of Brighton.
Cornwall: A Haven for Surfers and Beach-Goers
Cornwall, a county in southwest England, is well-known for its rugged coastline, gorgeous beaches, and deep-rooted history and culture.
St. Ives is a seaside town famous for its clear blue waters, white sand beaches and charming streets with art galleries, shops and restaurants.You may explore the town's art scene, visit the Tate St Ives gallery, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastal path to take in the stunning views
Newquay is a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts, this is also a seaside town known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery.
Tintagel Castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur, a legendary figure in British folklore. You will see breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape making this a popular destination for history buffs and nature lovers.
If you have time, visit Eden project and Minack Theatre for a one-of-a-kind theatre experience.
Bath: Home of Roman Baths and Timeless Charm
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well-known for its well-preserved Roman Baths and beautiful Georgian architecture. This has been a popular destination for visitors because of its rich history and natural hot springs.
Roman Baths is an ancient complex of hot springs and baths which was built by Romans in the 1st Century AD. This is one of the major tourist attractions.
Bath Abbey is a magnificent and well-known medieval church which is found in the city of Bath. This church was built way back 7th century and it features Gothic architecture which includes intricate carvings, stained glass windows and imposing columns. You may explore the interior of the abbey or you can also climb the tower for an amazing view of the city.
The Circus is a must-see destination for those interested in architecture and history. This is also a historic ring of large townhouses, forming a circle with three entrances.
Cotswolds: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Unlike the others mentioned, these can comprise a number of counties- from Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire to Somerset. According to cotswolds.co.uk, it covers almost 800 miles of beautiful scenery. When we did our Cotswold travel, we started in Gloucestershire and drove around different villages. Most of the areas are Instagram worthy. It was breath taking-- Some of my favourites are Bourton on Water, Bibury and Castle on Combe. Don't forget to have an afternoon tea for the full experience.
York: Oldest shopping street in Europe
York is a historic city popular for its medieval streets. York is rich in history dating back to Roman times.
The Shambles is located in the heart of York which has cobbled lanes and timber-framed buildings that lean over the street. Its name came from the butchers who originally occupied the street. This is considered as the oldest shopping street in Europe.
York Minster is a Gothic Cathedral that was constructed between the 13th and 15th century. This is popular to those who loves to go to different churches with gothic architecture.
There are so many other places that we can recommend to you like Liverpool, Devon, etc-- let's reserve it for another article or story.
As the famous saying goes, YOLO! "you only live once," we are not getting any younger so we need to take advantage of the time that we have now in exploring the beauty of the United Kingdom. It is a must-do in our lifetime. From the stunning beaches of Cornwall and Brighton to the historic castles and cities like Edinburgh and Windsor, the UK offers something for every type of traveller. So don't wait any longer, start planning your trip and create unforgettable memories because…. YOLO!
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page