Urban and rural activities

Urban and rural activities
The UK has a whole range of urban and rural
activities to suit everybody. Whether you’re
looking for family-friendly days out, actionpacked adrenaline adventures, weekend
breaks in the major cities, a chance to discover
Britain’s rich history and heritage or you want
to get in touch with the great outdoors, this
guide will give you all the inspiration you need.
For more detailed information, visit the tourist
board websites listed at the end of the guide.
Developed for NatWest Global Employee Banking in association with Ten
Top UK attractions
Here are some of the most popular attractions in the UK according to 2012 visitor figures:
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Tate Modern, London
Westminster Abbey, London
Chester Zoo, Chester
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, Bath
The Harry Potter studio tour, Watford
Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury
The Eden Project, Cornwall
The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The UK’s top ten national heritage sites
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Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Westminster Abbey, London
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
Windsor Castle, West Berkshire
Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath
Caerphilly Castle, Wales
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
The Titanic Shipyard, Belfast
England
North
Family days out
Football is one of the UK’s most popular sports in the
UK and Manchester United has fans across the world.
For a glimpse behind the scenes, families can book
a tour of Old Trafford stadium to see where some of
the world’s greatest players prepare for their weekly
matches. Similar experiences are available at Anfield
stadium in Liverpool and Newcastle’s St James’ Park.
For nature lovers, the Sea Life Centre in Blackpool on the east coast is a huge complex where
children can get up close to some of the world’s most impressive marine life, including giant
lobsters, flesh-eating piranhas and whitetip reef sharks. Nearby in Leeds, Tropical World is
home to animals usually found in much warmer climates, such as monkeys, alligators, turtles
and rare butterflies.
Captured by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago,
the picturesque city of York has plenty to keep children
entertained, especially those with an interest in history.
Children will love the opportunity to experience what life
was like under Viking rule at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Alternatively, the York Dungeon spans the city’s entire
history, focusing on its bloodiest and most violent times.
Parents with teenage children should book themselves
onto a ghost walk and learn about the city’s haunted
past with night-time tours around the cobbled streets.
Adrenaline adventures
The UK has a handful of excellent theme parks and Alton Towers,
close to Stoke-on-Trent, is one of the largest. Thrill-seekers shouldn’t
miss out on riding Oblivion, with its near vertical drop, and the Smiler,
the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster. For more traditional whiteknuckle rides, head to Blackpool Pleasure beach to plummet to earth
on the Big Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster built in 1923.
Other adventures to get the adrenaline
pumping can be found in the Peak District,
a national park close to Sheffield. It’s one
of Europe’s leading climbing regions and there are climbing centres
dotting the rugged landscape that cater for all abilities. Further
north on the Cumbrian west coast, the Lake District National Park is
ripe for exploration. One of the most popular activities is kayaking
across the expanses of water, surrounded by mountains. Visitors
can also try their hand at abseiling, kite-surfing, scrambling,
mountain boarding and zorbing, which entails rolling down a hillside
inside an inflatable ball.
For those close to Newcastle, the Tees Barrage International White
Water Centre offers some of the most extreme rafting in the
country, with hourly sessions or day-long courses available.
History and heritage
Stretching the length of England’s border
with Scotland, Hadrian’s Wall was built by
the Romans to protect their colony from the
Scottish tribes. It stretches for 117 kilometres
(73 miles) across the north of England from the
Irish Sea to the North Sea and it passes many
historic monuments and settlements. This is
just one example of the near-constant power
struggle between invading armies that took
place in the north of England and there are
castles and fortified houses across the region
that can be visited by the general public. Some
of the best include Richmond Castle in North
Yorkshire, Belsay Castle in Northumberland and
Tynemouth Castle near Newcastle.
York has some of the greatest examples of medieval buildings in the UK and simply strolling
through the narrow cobbled streets will satisfy most history buffs. The York Minster cathedral
in the centre is a magnificent example of 13th century architecture and the enormous stained
glass windows are beautiful in the evening sunlight.
All of northern England’s major cities have rich histories and over the past two centuries they
have played an important part in the UK’s industrial revolution. Each has museums devoted
to highlighting their multifaceted pasts and cities such as Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield
have whole districts that provide visitors with an insight into their heritage.
Great outdoors
Aside from the five
major cities, most of
the north is covered
in rural expanses,
with small towns and
villages surrounded
by hills, dales and
mountains. The best
places to visit for
outdoor activities
are the Lake District
in Cumbria, the
Peak District, the
Yorkshire Dales,
Northumberland
and the North York
Moors. All of these national parks are very accessible, with a huge range of accommodation
options, from campsites and bed and breakfasts to quaint cottages and luxury hotels.
The Yorkshire Dales are particularly popular with cyclists, who favour the challenging climbs
and the spectacular scenery, with the rolling fields and heathland divided by traditional dry
stone walls and dotted with ancient barns. Some of the UK’s best professional cyclists train in
the area, and cycle hire shops are found in most of the larger towns.
The Lake District in Cumbria attracts huge numbers of visitors throughout the year and aside
from the world-class hiking routes there are lots of sailing centres which offer lessons to all
abilities throughout the summer. England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, can be found in
the middle of the park and the views from the 978-metre summit stretch for miles.
City breaks
Near the Welsh border, Liverpool is listed
as a UNESCO World Heritage city and it has
wonderful mix of classic and contemporary
architecture and a thriving arts and cultural
scene. In 2008 it held the title of European
City of Culture and has more museums and
galleries than any other city outside London.
It is known worldwide as the birthplace of
The Beatles and visitors can explore the
band’s meteoric rise to fame on several
excellent guided tours.
Manchester is the third largest city in the UK.
Though chimneys and warehouses from its industrial past still make up part of the skyline, it
has undergone serious redevelopment over the past decade and is now a buzzing metropolis.
The nightlife and music scene is going from strength to strength and the dining options range
from authentic Indian cooking on the ‘Curry Mile’ to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Newcastle, Sheffield and Leeds are also great cities to visit, with plenty to offer tourists, from
modern shopping malls and bustling waterfront complexes to historic districts and world-class
galleries and museums.
East and southeast
Family days out
For younger children, Legoland in Windsor is a
fail-safe option for a
great day out. Divided
into 11 lands, there
are various attractions,
restaurants and shops,
all themed around the
iconic colourful building bricks. The Kingdom of the Pharaohs is one
of the latest additions, with an interactive ride through an Egyptian
tomb where children shoot targets with laser guns. For braver types,
there’s the Knights’ Kingdom area with its speedy rollercoaster, the
Dragon. A weekend in the area should be coupled with a visit to
Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s royal residencies.
For an insight into the UK’s military history,
visit the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, near
Cambridge. Set on an old World War II airfield,
the huge aircraft hangars are full of iconic
fighter planes and hands-on exhibitions will keep
children of all ages entertained. Throughout
summer and autumn there are regular air shows
featuring Spitfires and the Red Arrows, the Royal
Air Force’s aerobatic display team.
For an excellent animal experience, head to
Colchester Zoo, set in a huge swathe of parkland in Essex. Inhabitants include two rare sun
bears, white rhinos and giraffes. Daily shows include ‘meet the keeper’ sessions, bird displays
and the opportunity to feed the elephants.
Adrenaline adventures
Surrey’s Thorpe Park, just 25 miles from London, is one of
the UK’s leading attractions. Suitable for all ages, the park is
divided into various themed areas, from the Lost City, based
around an ancient Aztec world, to Ranger Country, a jungle
with a huge artificial volcano at its centre. Of its seven
rollercoasters, the Colossus is the best, with 10 loops and
steep drops, closely followed by Stealth, a high-speed ride
that shoots passengers from 0 to 80mph in just 1.8 seconds.
There are plenty of family-friendly attractions and the water
park is one of the most advanced in Europe.
South of Thorpe Park lies Chessington World of Adventures,
a theme park with an expansive zoo. It has four
rollercoasters and other white-knuckle rides but most
families visit to see the animal enclosures, which house
gorillas, tigers, lions and monkeys, all of which are given
plenty of space to roam. There is also a Sea Life Centre, with
glass tunnels passing under shark and stingray pools.
For something active, you could book a ski or snowboard lesson at Xscape snow dome in
Milton Keynes. This artificial slope is as close as you’ll get to the real thing in this part of
the UK (although there are slopes in Scotland) and there are hourly and daily sessions
available for all abilities, with tobogganing for younger children. The complex also has shops,
restaurants, a cinema and ten-pin bowling.
History and heritage
The east of England has a long tradition of
farming and agriculture and many of the
market towns in the region remain largely
as they were in the days when they were
at the epicentre of the UK’s domestic trade.
Some of the finest examples include Acle
in Norfolk, Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk and
Stamford in Lincolnshire.
The east coast became a popular holiday
destination in the Victorian days, when it was
fashionable for wealthy families to spend time by the sea. Cromer in Norfolk and Southwold
in Suffolk are two prime examples of British seaside towns, with piers stretching into the sea,
old music halls, traditional fish and chip shops and penny arcades.
Southeast of London lies the county of Kent.
Once a separate kingdom, and England’s
oldest county, it has an enthralling past.
Its major town, Canterbury, is home to
one of England’s most important historical
buildings, the spectacular Canterbury
Cathedral, home to the Archbishop of
Canterbury and a centre of Christian
pilgrimage. Further east, in Sussex, there’s
the famous abbey and battlefield where
King Harold and William the Conqueror
fought the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Great outdoors
The eastern regions of England have
some unique and unusual landscapes to
explore; none more so than the Fens, an
area of flatlands and marshes north of
Cambridge. These wetlands were drained
centuries ago by Dutch settlers and the
fertile soil makes this one of the country’s
most productive agricultural areas.
The historic market towns of March,
Whittlesey and Wisbech were once hugely
important trading places and today make
picturesque destinations for a day trip.
Further south, the Suffolk coastline offers huge expanses of
isolated beaches and the consistent wind makes them popular
spots for sailing and windsurfing. The Essex coastline also
remains largely untouched and visitors should check out Mersea
Island for some of the world’s best oysters, many of which are
exported to Europe’s top restaurants.
Kent is fringed by white-sand beaches and this coastline is best
known for the white cliffs of Dover, which give far-reaching
views over the English Channel to the French coast. Inland,
there are 4,200 miles of walking and cycling trails crossing
the rolling downland. Golfers should book a round at North
Foreland Golf Club or Royal St George’s, which hosted the Open
Championship in 2011.
City breaks
The university town of Cambridge
is one of the UK’s ancient seats
of learning and the city centre
is tightly packed with colleges,
picturesque ‘Backs’ (college
gardens) and green meadows
leading to the gently flowing
river Cam. Over the centuries
the colleges have been home to
countless prime ministers, poets,
writers, scientists and musicians.
Visitors should explore the network
of cobbled passageways on foot and
pay to enter the colleges, especially
Magdalene, Pembroke and Corpus
Christi, which date back to the 14th
century. Aside from the university,
there are lots of other attractions including the Grand Arcade market and the Fitzwilliam
Museum, containing antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Norwich is another eastern city which is well worth visiting. Despite its partial
industrialisation, it’s a charming and historic place. In addition to its cathedral, it has more
than 30 medieval churches built with flint and an impressive Norman castle. A big open-air
market is busy every weekday and the streets are full of independent shops and boutiques.
The young student population give the city a buzzing atmosphere and there are plenty of
cutting-edge art galleries, trendy bars and bistro-style restaurants.
The Midlands
Family days out
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1068,
the incredibly well-preserved Warwick Castle
is a great place for a family day out. There are
lots of child-focused activities and workshops
and during summer the attraction hosts
regular events, such as jousting tournaments,
firing a trebuchet (a medieval catapult) and
themed evenings. The castle has recently
opened several of its rooms to the public for
the first time in four centuries, unearthing stories of ghosts, dragons and treason. Adults will
appreciate the manicured grounds and a tour of the fortress walls.
Children who want to follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood will
love a trip to Sherwood Forest near Nottingham. It is in this dense
woodland that the outlaw is thought to have lived with his band of
merry men. Every August there is an annual Robin Hood-themed
festival with battle re-enactments and workshops where children
can learn ancient bushcraft skills. During the rest of the year the
Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre has an exhibition and walking
guides to help you explore the woodland.
In Birmingham, the leading family attraction is the National Sea
Life Centre, with huge tanks full of blacktip reef sharks, green
turtles and rare bowmouth guitar sharks.
Adrenaline adventures
It sounds like quite an achievement when you tell people
you paddled from Wales to England, but the 30-mile
stretch of river between Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye is a
gentle two or three days on the water. Two-man Canadian
canoes can be hired at the starting point and they will be
picked up at the other end. Suitable for children over the
age of eight, the river flows slowly through the countryside
and small rapids provide extra thrills. As you paddle into
Herefordshire, the river banks become lined with apple
orchards, which are harvested in autumn to produce one
of the county’s largest exports: cider.
For something a little more hairraising, book a paragliding course
at the Beyond Extreme centre in
the Shropshire hills. From the sky,
the views stretch all the way to
Birmingham in the west and across
Wales to the Brecon Beacons National
Park in the east. For other adrenaline
activities in the area, the Shropshire
Hills outdoor pursuit centre rents offroad bikes, so visitors can tackle the
miles of trails that wind around the
surrounding countryside.
History and Heritage
Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire is possibly the most
historically important town in the Midlands. This is where
Shakespeare lived as a young child and died in 1616. There are
five houses linked to his life in the town and the timber-framed
building in the centre is thought to be his main residence. It’s also
where the Royal Shakespeare Company is based and every visitor
should book tickets to a play at the Swan Theatre next to the river.
Another major attraction in the Midlands is Blenheim Palace near
Oxford. The birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill has 2,100 acres
of parkland sculpted by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, ‘England’s
greatest gardener’. During the 18th century Brown shaped the
landscape of England’s estates, and his work endures at a handful
of sites across the country, but the land surrounding the water
terraces at Blenheim is considered his masterpiece. The tranquil
secret gardens and fragrant rose garden are also highlights, as is
the imposing palace itself, a rare example of the English baroque
style of the early 18th century.
Other country houses in the Midlands include Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens,
the well-preserved Stokesay Castle and Wenlock Priory, where the modern Olympic Games
began.
Great outdoors
The rolling hills of the Cotswolds, west
of Oxford, draw crowds who are looking
for a glimpse of quintessential English
life. The beautiful towns of Tetbury and
Castle Combe are full of thatched houses,
atmospheric churches and old mansions, as
well as traditional tea houses. The undulating
countryside makes for excellent walking and
the quiet roads are popular with cyclists –
although the steep inclines can be challenging.
Shropshire on the Welsh border is a gloriously sleepy
county, with hillsides scattered with castles and
timber-framed villages. The market town of Ludlow
makes an excellent base, with a burgeoning restaurant
scene and an intact Norman castle. From here there
are plenty of circular walks that loop through forests
and over moorland. Warwickshire and Oxfordshire
are also Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and
outdoor enthusiasts will relish the diverse landscape,
particularly in springtime when the forests come alive
with bluebells and other wild flowers.
The river Severn cuts through the Midlands. It was once used
as a major transport route during the industrial revolution but
today it is mostly used for recreational purposes and traditional
narrowboats splutter up and down the water near the city of
Worcester. These houseboats can be hired from many towns
along the river and a few days on the water makes for a very
relaxing weekend.
City breaks
The cultural life of Birmingham, the UK’s second city,
comes as a refreshing surprise to many visitors and
it’s a result of the excellent museums, art galleries,
theatres, luxury hotels and restaurants that thrive
here. Add in the creative redevelopment of the city
centre over the past decade and Birmingham is an
attractive destination for a long weekend, as well as
a commercial hub. The canal network is longer than
Venice, so booking a boat tour is recommended.
Children will love a trip to the Thinktank Science
Museum, with hundreds of hands-on exhibitions.
The Bullring shopping centre is one of the best
shopping malls in the UK, packed full of high street
stores and high-end fashion boutiques.
Most famous for its prestigious university, Oxford
is dominated by 39 colleges, some of which date
back almost 750 years. Most visitors enjoy strolling
along the narrow cobbled alleyways between the
honey-coloured buildings, popping into the college
courtyards and exploring the grounds. The young
student population keeps this old city vibrant and
there are lots of bars, restaurants and boutique
shops. Of course, you can’t visit Oxford without
taking a punting trip down the river Cherwell and
it’s well worth visiting the Ashmolean Museum,
which is stocked full of historic artefacts, and the
Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in the world.
South and southwest
Family days out
There are hundreds of safe beaches that line the coast
of Devon and Cornwall which are ideal for families. Most
are backed by small towns or villages that have shops,
restaurants and cafés. Children interested in plants and
wildlife will benefit from visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan
near Mevagissey. These botanical gardens were first created
in 1750 and were neglected following World War I. It wasn’t
until 1990 that they were restored to their former glory and
children will love getting lost among the jungle-like plants.
Bristol has plenty to offer children, including an excellent aquarium and sea life centre. Close
by there’s Wookey Hole caves, where families can explore an underground world formed in
the limestone rocks by thousands of years’ worth of rainwater. From here, be sure to visit
Cheddar Gorge, an impressive ravine that cuts through the Mendip Hills.
The south coast was once the stomping ground of dinosaurs and the Dinosaur Museum in
Dorchester is Britain’s only museum which unites fossils, skeletons and huge models to
bring these ancient creatures thundering back to life. There’s a complete skeleton of the
carnivorous Megalosaurus, a life-sized reconstruction of a T-Rex and plenty of interactive
displays. Afterwards, take a stroll along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, where smaller fossils are still
found today.
Adrenaline adventures
The county of Cornwall in the southwest of England is a
popular summer holiday destination for UK residents. The
rugged coastline is lined with wide sandy beaches, hidden
coves and quaint fishing villages. The north coast picks up
Atlantic swells and destinations like Newquay, Polzeath and St
Ives are surfing hotspots. On the south coast the crystal clear
waters are ideal for scuba diving and enthusiasts can arrange
trips from most of the major seaside towns. Other watersports
available include windsurfing, kite surfing, bodyboarding,
stand-up paddle boarding and sailing. Coasteering is also
growing in popularity and allows visitors to scramble along the
rocky coastline, jumping off ledges and exploring caves.
The neighbouring
county, Devon, has
an equally diverse
range of adrenaline
activities on offer and
Exmoor and Dartmoor
national parks are wild
expanses of heathland
criss-crossed with mountain biking routes and
walking trails. For something a little different, try
your hand at mountain boarding. One of the best
courses is in Bideford, offering a series of jumps
and race courses.
History and heritage
The southwest of England has held great significance
among druids, pagans and other spiritual groups over the
past millennium and the area surrounding Glastonbury in
Somerset is of particular importance. Stonehenge, a circle
of standing stones dating back more than 2,000 years, is
the most historic monument in the region and historians
remain unsure how the huge stones were moved and
erected. When visiting here, be sure to spend time in Wells,
which has a magnificent cathedral, and Glastonbury, the
home of the world-famous music and arts festival.
Further south, on the north coast of Cornwall, the small town of Tintagel, sitting on a
headland sticking into the Atlantic, is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle
ruins can still be explored today and there are guided tours available which tell mythical tales
surrounding the historic figure.
For some truly far-reaching history, visit
the Jurassic Coast, a 96-mile stretch of
cliffs between Exmouth in Devon and
Swanage in Dorset. This World Heritage
site consists of Triassic, Jurassic and
Cretaceous cliffs which are believed to
be 180 million years old. Archaeologists
have found many dinosaur fossils and
visitors can scour for smaller fossils on
the pebble beaches.
Great outdoors
The Isle of Wight off the south coast is a great place
to get out into the great outdoors and for something
unusual visitors can hire retro Volkswagen campervans
to trundle around the country lanes. Every summer there
are two music festivals held on the island: Bestival and
The Isle of Wight Festival, which attract some of the
biggest names in rock and pop and see thousands of
revellers descending for a weekend of partying.
On England’s south coast there’s the South Downs Way, stretching from
Eastbourne to Winchester, which is perfect for cycling, walking and
horse riding. Further west lies the New Forest National Park, which was
created in 1079 as a royal hunting ground. Today there are walking and
cycling trails and it is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including
free-ranging ponies and red deer.
In Cornwall, the Eden Project is a mustsee attraction. The domed buildings are
the largest greenhouses in the world
and tropical and desert environments
have been recreated inside. Visitors can
expect to see a variety of exotic plant
life, ranging from foliage found in the rainforests of South
America to the flora of North Africa’s deserts. In summer, the
domes host a series of gigs known as the Eden Sessions.
City breaks
Bath is home to some of the nation’s finest
Georgian architecture and grandest streets
– not to mention one of the world’s bestpreserved Roman bathhouses – and this
sophisticated city has been drawing tourists for
nearly 2,000 years. Beneath the historic surface
the city has a very cosmopolitan feel, with
bustling cafés, bars and boutique shops. Mustvisit attractions include Bath Abbey, the Pump
Room and Roman Baths, Theatre Royal and the
National Trust-operated Assembly Rooms, which
once hosted dances, recitals and tea parties.
Bristol is a historic inland port city at the mouth
of the river Avon, symbolised by Isambard
Kingdom Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension
Bridge. From here, it’s a short stroll to the
850-acre Ashton Court Estate where the annual
air balloon festival takes place. At the heart
of the metropolis is the harbourside area. The
once crumbling docks have been transformed
in recent years and now feature a blend of
cultural facilities, bars, restaurants and worldclass museums. Be sure to do a tour of SS
Great Britain, one of the world’s first ocean
liners, and make a trip to Bristol Zoo, which
houses 400 species of animal including red
pandas and pygmy hippos.
London
Family days out
Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous tourist
attractions in London and the waxwork figures of
famous people are still as enchanting as they were
when the museum opened in 1884. The collection
is added to every month, so children and adults can
expect to recognise their favourite movie and pop stars
and world leaders. Other popular attractions include
the scary London Dungeons, the Imperial War Museum
and the London Aquarium, which has recently opened
the Shark Walk. This allows visitors to wander over a
glass platform with sharks just inches from their feet.
In Kensington there are two museums that will
keep children entertained for a whole day. In the morning visit the Science Museum. Filled
with buttons to press, levers to pull and experiments to carry out, this is one of the most
interactive museums in the UK. Down the road is the Natural History Museum. The soaring
Romanesque structure is a fitting home for diverse exhibitions that cover every aspect of life
on Earth, from the dinosaurs to modern day wildlife. Highlights include the giant cast of a
diplodocus skeleton in the towering entrance lobby.
Located in Watford, just outside London, The Harry Potter studio
tour is another must-visit for fans of the child wizard. From Hagrid’s
motorcycle to an 18-foot-wide Aragog, visitors to the studio where
all eight films were made have the chance to see numerous props,
sets and costumes. You can peer into the shops on cobbled Diagon
Alley, children can sneak into Dumbledore’s office and everyone can
try a glass of butterbeer.
History and heritage
Westminster Abbey is quite possibly the finest example of ecclesiastical architecture in
Europe. This is where the majority of British coronations have taken place since construction
was completed in the early 16th century, nearly 400 years after it was commissioned. It was
the venue where Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011.
The Tower of London stands on the north end of Tower
Bridge. This is the best preserved medieval castle in the
world and the oldest section is the White Tower, which
was built under the rule of William the Conqueror in
1078. Here you’ll find captivating stories of monarchy
and the imprisonment and execution that this has
historically entailed. When not in use, the Crown Jewels
are on display.
Of course, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of
Parliament and Sir Christopher Wren’s magnificent
St Paul’s Cathedral are must-see attractions and for
a glimpse at the capital’s trading history, take a tour
of the Cutty Sark. On-board displays are dedicated to
the ship’s rich history and there are exhibitions of her
various cargos during her 140 years at sea, from wool to buffalo horns.
While in Greenwich, head to the Maritime Museum and the park and observatory.
Top ten London attractions
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British Museum
Tate Modern
National Gallery
Natural History Museum
London Eye
Science Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
Madame Tussauds
Royal Museums Greenwich
Tower of London
Great outdoors
At 1.5 miles long, Hyde Park is one of the capital’s
largest green spaces. Once a hunting ground for Henry
VIII, today the paths that wind through the grassland
are popular with skaters, cyclists and horse riders.
Regent’s Park covers swathes of northwest London and
has several playgrounds, tennis courts, football pitches,
beautiful rose gardens, boating lakes and numerous
cafés, restaurants and ice cream vans dotted around.
Attractions include London Zoo and the Open Air Theatre.
For less manicured outdoor space, head to Hampstead Heath. This huge space of hilly
parkland is wonderfully untamed and made up of dense woodland, outdoor swimming lakes
and meadows. The top of Parliament Hill has views over the capital and is also the ideal place
to fly a kite on windy days.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew also make a peaceful respite from city life. This 300-acre
site is home to more than 50,000 species of plants and is one of the world’s largest botanical
research centres. No matter what the season, there are always plants in flower from across
the globe, from the Arctic Circle to the Amazon rainforest.
Arts and culture
London is one of the world’s leading cities for arts and
culture and the galleries, museums, opera houses and
theatres are world-class.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Tate Modern on the South
Bank, which is full of permanent exhibitions drawn from
the organisation’s collections of modern art, grouped
according to movement (including surrealism, minimalism and post-war abstraction). Down
the river, Tate Britain near Vauxhall Bridge features the UK’s finest collection of domestic art,
dating from the 16th century to the present day. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
exhibits Western European paintings from the medieval era to the 20th century, including
many famous works, while the National Portrait Gallery displays portraits from throughout
history, from historical monarchs and politicians to modern day musicians and film stars.
For opera and ballet, the Royal Opera House is the place to go. Attracting the very best
performers in both disciplines, the performances here sell out very quickly. The ornate
auditorium is worth the visit alone. Theatres in the West End showcase the very latest in
musical theatre and playhouses such as the National Theatre and the Old Vic stage more
traditional dramas. The Globe, a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original playhouse, is an
open-air theatre on the south bank of the Thames and is like stepping back in time.
Adrenaline adventures
Depending on your head for heights, the London Eye on the south bank of the Thames
opposite the Houses of Parliament may make you dizzy with fear. However, the views from
the top make any vertigo well worthwhile. The 32 glass pods represent the number of
boroughs and it takes 30 minutes to do a complete revolution. The vistas from the top stretch
to the city’s outer limits on a clear day and are equally impressive at night.
For more vertiginous experiences, there’s the walking platform that crosses the roof of the
Millennium Dome and the new Emirates Air Line, a cable car that sweeps over the Thames
from Greenwich to the Royal Docks in London’s East End.
Boat tours are another great way to see the city. The Thames has always been used as an
economic resource, an aquatic highway, a fresh water source and, more recently, a leisure
facility. Many of the capital’s most impressive buildings line its banks and visitors get a new
perspective from the water. For a truly white-knuckle experience, book a ride on the highspeed RIB tours.
Scotland
Family days out
There’s a lot to keep the whole family entertained in Scotland, whether it’s spotting wildlife or
cycling across the Highlands.
One of the leading attractions is Edinburgh Zoo, which
has recently become home to two of the UK’s only
giant pandas. Other exotic animals include rhinos, sun
bears, saki monkeys and chimpanzees, all of which are
housed in large enclosures. Another wildlife experience
that shouldn’t be missed is the Deep Sea World in
North Queensferry, Fife. Here, children can come faceto-face with some of the world’s most exotic ocean life.
Alternatively, the Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig is
the perfect climate for polar bears, mountain tigers and
snow monkeys and is another great family day out.
For educational activities, visit Glasgow Science Centre
for hands-on exhibitions or the World of Illusions in
Edinburgh, which explores time and space travel.
For something to get the family’s adrenaline going, visit one of the country’s three Go Ape
centres or M&D’s theme park in Lanarkshire, which has five high-speed rollercoasters.
Adrenaline adventures
Few places in Europe can rival Scotland for its white water rafting.
From the easily navigable rapids of the river Tay in Perthshire to the
truly spectacular river Findhorn rushing through granite cliffs near
Aviemore, there is a white water rafting trip to suit all levels.
Mountain biking is extremely popular in Scotland too and centres
such as the 7stanes network in the south, Laggan Wolftrax near
Newtonmore and Nevis Range at Fort William are well worth visiting.
However, many enthusiasts prefer the off-the-beaten-track rides.
The trail through Glen Sligachan on the Isle of Skye is challenging
but rewarding and the Cairngorms offer the acclaimed Ryvoan Pass,
Sluggan Pass and Lairig Ghru Mountain Pass.
When winter comes it’s time to hit the
slopes and, depending on weather
conditions, there are five ski resorts
to choose from, with Aviemore in the
Cairngorms rated as the most consistent.
Although the infrastructure is very small
compared to Europe’s major resorts, there
is plenty of terrain to keep skiers and
snowboarders happy for a long weekend.
For motorised adventures there are 4x4
safaris, quad biking and motocross tracks
across the country.
History and heritage
The story of Scotland’s rich history is a long and
complex one and the castles, monuments and historic
sites stand as reminders of its turbulent nature.
Any visitor must take the time to see some of the
castles which once served as homes for the country’s
rulers and clan members. One of the most striking is
Stirling Castle, which is perched on top of a volcanic
rock with views stretching across two of Scotland’s
most important battlefields. Another photogenic
fortress is the Eilean Donan Castle on the edge of
Loch Alsh, west of Inverness.
Whisky is taken very seriously in Scotland and producing
a fine single malt is a process that has taken the leading
distilleries hundreds of years to perfect. Most of the major
whisky producers offer guided tours of their facilities and
the Highlands is the best-known and biggest whisky region.
It is home to many celebrated single malts and we highly
recommend Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Ben Nevis
Distillery, which was established in 1825 and is situated in
the shadow of Britain’s highest mountain.
For a taste of authentic Scottish culture, visit the Highland Games, where tartan-clad men
compete in a serious of traditional contests, including the caber toss, which involves throwing
a large wooden pole as far as possible.
Great outdoors
Aside from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and a handful
of other major towns, most of the country is taken up
with moorland, huge mountain ranges and deep lakes
(known as lochs). This makes Scotland the perfect
destination for outdoor activities and country
pursuits, from sea kayaking to archery.
The Cairngorms National Park and the Highlands
offer unparalleled hiking, climbing and mountain
biking and the rivers are teeming with salmon,
making the country one of the world’s fly-fishing
hotspots. In winter, when the conditions are
right, there are five ski centres to choose from,
each offer a range of green, blue, red and black
runs with modern lift systems.
If you want to take to the water, the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail offers several routes along
Scotland’s west coast. You could paddle along the ‘Whisky Coast’, incorporating a distillery
tour and whisky tasting as well as taking in a few Hebridean islands and Loch Fyne.
Alternatively, visit Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull and watch for whales and dolphins.
Island hopping in the Outer Hebrides is also a must-do activity and we recommend at least a
week to truly explore these isolated archipelagos.
For something less rugged, book a night or two at the word-famous Gleneagles resort, which
is renowned for golf and is hosting the Ryder Cup in 2014. The resort is elegant but friendly,
with superb views and acres of grounds. Home to Scotland’s only two-Michelin-starred
restaurant, Andrew Fairlie, it’s worth visiting just for the satisfying afternoon tea. There’s
plenty to do in addition to golf, including shooting, fishing and horse riding.
City breaks
Built on ancient volcanoes, Scotland’s capital Edinburgh
is crowned by its castle, which looks down on the historic
cobbled streets of the Old Town. Culture is king here,
with an acclaimed arts festival running throughout
August and a renowned New Year’s Eve celebration called
Hogmanay, which is the biggest street party in Europe.
The compact nature of the city means it’s easy to explore
on foot and there are lots of galleries and museums
to visit, including the excellent National Museum of
Scotland that charts the country’s history with a series
of hands-on exhibitions. Also, the National Gallery of Modern Art shouldn’t be missed. The
city comes alive in August for the Edinburgh Festival of performing arts and for the rest of the
year there is a thriving theatre scene, with the historic King’s Theatre at its core.
Perched on a hill, the castle dominates the skyline and no trip to the capital would be
complete without visiting the landmark. Those visiting in August for the festival should also
book tickets for the Military Tattoo, which is a famed performance of traditional music and
military displays in the castle grounds.
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is well-known for its music and nightlife scene, as well as
its impressive architecture – ranging from the restored 18th-century warehouses of the
Merchant City to the hulking Victorian buildings of George Square. There are new restaurants
opening every month and the cultural scene is ever-expanding as the city moves away from
its industrial past.
Northern Ireland
Family days out
Children are well catered for when it comes
to fun days out in Northern Ireland. The
capital city, Belfast, has plenty of familyfriendly attractions and the Titanic museum
that has opened in the docklands is a great
starting point. Not only does it explain in
detail how this iconic ship was built but
also gives an insight into what life was like
growing up in the capital at the time.
The Belfast Zoo is also a fantastic option,
with more than 1,000 animals including a
family of giraffes. Don’t miss the rainforest
house and the raucous bird enclosure.
Following on the wildlife theme, there’s the
Exploris Aquarium which gives youngsters an underwater view of the UK’s marine life. There
are daily feeding sessions and displays in the open-air pool.
For something more educational, plan a trip to the Ulster American Folk Museum, which
takes a step back in time to follow the story of Irish emigration. Costumed characters will
teach children traditional American crafts and tell stories of the American frontier. If your
children are interested in science, the Armagh Planetarium should be on your to-do list. Here,
interactive 3D displays allow visitors to travel through a simulated universe, stopping off at
the International Space Station.
To make the most of the great outdoors, the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is an excellent
starting point and easy walking trails circle the beautiful lake, with plenty of wildlife to spot
along the way. Alternatively, get a slice of the country’s rich history at Enniskillen Castle or
book a ride on the Downpatrick steam railway, which chugs through County Down.
Adrenaline adventures
Thrill-seekers will be kept busy in Northern
Ireland, especially by the sea. The dramatic
coastline is a haven for extreme sports and
whether it’s hurtling along the sand on a windpowered ‘blokart’, squeezing through tiny gaps on
a caving expedition or driving a jet-ski across the
choppy sea, there’s something for everyone.
The scuba diving conditions are also excellent
and the North Atlantic sustains a huge variety of
marine life. In addition, there are more than 400
shipwrecks hidden in the depths, including the rusted hull of HMS Drake, a military cruiser
that was torpedoed off Rathlin Island across the water from Ballycastle.
Inland, there are climbing centres that allow visitors to scale peaks in the Mourne Mountains.
For a slightly faster route to the top, get involved with a fell running group.
To see the country from above, book a skydiving course or treat yourself to a gliding lesson.
These engineless planes ride the natural thermals and it’s a peaceful, if a little nerve-racking,
way to get a bird’s eye view.
History and heritage
Northern Ireland’s culture and history can be
traced back to nearly 9,000 years ago when people
first settled here. Signs of these settlements still
exist and a trip to the Beaghmore stone circles and
the stone figures on White Island in Lough Erne
are evidence of the Neolithic culture.
Following on from this, Northern Ireland
experienced waves of war, siege and expansion
and all of these periods in history have left their
mark. Impressive castles are scattered around the
county and the earliest are from Norman times (12th century) and fortified homes continued
to be built well into the 17th century. In fact, much of Derry city dates from this era, including
its encircling walls. Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim was Ireland’s most formidable
stronghold and still looks battle-ready today, with canons and a huge drawbridge.
Religion has played an important part in settlers’ lives and superb examples of monastic
sites, gravestones, abbeys, round towers and Celtic crosses crop up in every county. For a
condensed insight into the traditional way of life, visit the Ulster Folk Museum close to Belfast,
which has a working village and farm.
Great outdoors
The obvious must-see is the UNESCO World
Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, which is
Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction.
The columns of layered rock that line the
northern coastline were caused by volcanic
eruptions 60 million years ago, although
their previously unexplained origins have
captured the imagination of storytellers
throughout the centuries, meaning the
area is steeped in myth and legend.
One of the best ways to see this natural phenomenon is by
driving the Antrim Coast Road, which is one of the world’s most
impressive road trips. This epic route hugs the coastline and
takes in natural and man-made sights. Beginning in the town of
Larne, on the outskirts of Belfast, it meanders north, finishing
in Ballycastle. Drive through photogenic fishing villages and
past deserted stretches of sand at Portballintrae and Whitepark
Bay, and take in thundering waterfalls and sweeping landscapes
in the Glens of Antrim. The route is peppered with
ancient monuments, including Dunluce Castle, which
dates back to the 1200s. Finally, as it rocks in the wind,
test your nerves by walking over the Carrick-a-Rede rope
bridge, which leads to Carrick Island.
For hiking enthusiasts the Mourne Mountains, Fermanagh
Lakelands and Strangford Loch offer some of the
country’s most beautiful landscapes and there are plenty
of clearly marked footpaths. Golfers will be aware that
champion golfer Rory McIlroy is from Northern Ireland
and should follow in his footsteps and book a round at
the Royal Portrush course or Hollywood Golf Club.
City breaks
Belfast has the pace and bustle that you’ll struggle to
find elsewhere in Northern Ireland and the capital has
taken huge strides to move away from its troubled past.
Most recently the dockyards have undergone massive
redevelopment, bringing new shops, restaurants and bars.
This area is most famous for being the place where the
Titanic was built and the new museum, shaped like the hull
of the ill-fated liner, makes a brilliant day out. Packed full of
hands-on displays and exhibitions, visitors will learn about
the ship’s construction and the lives of people who built it.
For culture there’s the Cathedral Quarter, the Waterfront
performance hall, the Ulster Museum and Stormont’s
parliament buildings. To meet some of the locals, head
to one of the historic pubs that are dotted across the city
for a pint or two of Guinness, the national drink. Kelly’s
Cellars and the famous Crown Liquor Saloon are the most
authentic, with traditional live music playing most nights.
Londonderry (commonly known as Derry), which lies
at the foot of Lough Foyle, is the second largest city in
Northern Ireland and was awarded the City of Culture
status in 2013. The Verbal Arts Centre, the Nerve Centre,
the Millennium Forum, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and the
Playhouse are all great venues for shows by local and
international performers. With its rich history, the city
has several worthwhile attractions, most of which are
enclosed within the 17th-century walls, which are some
of the best-preserved defences in Europe.
Wales
Family days out
Some of the best family days out in Wales are in
the great outdoors, where children can spot some
of the country’s native wildlife. There are plenty
of boat trips which leave Cardigan Bay to search
for dolphins, porpoises and seals, as well as the
occasional whale or basking shark. There are also
trips organised to Skomer Island off the west coast
to visit the puffin sanctuaries where 16,000 of the
colourful birds live. For more wildlife, a day out
to the Gilfach Farm in Radnorshire allows visitors
to get up close to otters, an elusive semi-aquatic
mammal which is making a resurgence in Wales.
If your children are the adventurous type, the two Go Ape centres will make the perfect
day out. High in the forest canopy, there is an assault course of rope bridges, zip wires and
swings that allow participants to travel though the trees without ever touching the ground.
For younger children there is a small farm with pony rides and animal feeding. All-weather
attractions include Anglesey Sea Zoo, Bluestone Waterpark in Pembrokeshire and the slate
caverns at Llechwedd, which have 25 miles of underground tunnels.
Adrenaline adventures
Wales is well-equipped for outdoor adventure and
those looking for activities to get the heart racing
have plenty of options. The dramatic mountains in
Snowdonia National Park have some of the UK’s
leading rope climbing routes which are suitable for all
levels and the sharp ridges leading up to Snowdon,
the country’s highest mountain, offer a myriad of
Grade 1 scrambling routes.
Mountain bike enthusiasts should attack the 600
kilometres of purpose-built track that winds across
the central valleys, cutting through pine forest and
over wide moorland. On the coast, the Atlantic
swell pounds the southwest’s Gower Peninsula,
creating excellent surfing conditions. When the
wind picks up, kite surfers and windsurfers take to
the water and there are centres all along the coast
that cater for beginners, advanced riders and
everyone in between.
History and heritage
Wales has had a turbulent history of invasions
and this near-constant flow of defence and
attack meant that fortresses were built all over
the country. Today there are 600 castles dotted
around, which is more than any other nation in
Europe. Some of the best include the pristine
towers and turrets of Conwy Castle, the huge
Caerphilly Castle in south Wales and Raglan
Castle, which was one of the last medieval
fortresses to be built in Britain and has recently
been restored.
A trip to Anglesey is a must. This is where Prince William and
Kate’s first home as newlyweds was located and where the
prince has been working for RAF Search and Rescue. The
island is home to Beaumaris Castle, a World Heritage site, and
the coastline has been heralded as an Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. For a glimpse at the country’s industrial past,
there are a number of steam railway lines still in operation,
including a picturesque line that runs to the peak of Snowdon.
Top five theme parks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Alton Towers
Thorpe Park
Chessington World of Adventures
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Legoland Windsor
The great outdoors
Taking in dramatic landscapes on foot is one of the
best ways to appreciate the country’s natural beauty.
The national footpath network crosses the whole of
Wales and Ordnance Survey maps are available in
bookshops and outdoor equipment stores. One of the
best hiking trails is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Clinging to 186 miles of rugged cliffs, sheltered coves
and sandy beaches, the trail passes Iron Age forts,
Neolithic monuments and bustling fishing villages.
If you’d like to see the coastline from a different
angle, there are sea kayaking adventures on offer
in most coastal towns. Coasteering is also proving
popular, which is a family-friendly activity that
involves scrambling over rocks, jumping off small
cliffs and exploring caves. The beaches along the
Gower Peninsula have been voted by many leading
travel magazines as some of the most beautiful in
the world and even during the summer it’s possible
to find isolated coves, which are ideal for family
picnics. The sea temperature is never warm, but
wetsuits can be bought or hired all along the coast.
Golfers should try to secure a tee time at Celtic Manor Resort near Newport, featuring very
well-maintained courses which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2010. There are many other worldclass golf courses all over the country.
City breaks
The official capital of Wales since 1955, Cardiff
has undergone a number of huge developments
over recent decades and is now a cultural
hub. The new Welsh National Assembly and
Millennium Centre are testament to the
rejuvenation and the Cardiff Bay waterfront is
full of shops, restaurants and bars.
The city’s main attractions are clustered in a
small central area. The Millennium Stadium
on the banks of the river Taff is the home of
Welsh rugby. The capital is rugby-mad and
the atmosphere across the whole of Cardiff is
electric on match days – we highly recommend trying to secure tickets. Just upstream is the
Roman castle around which the city has grown and the National Museum is free and provides
a superb insight into the nation’s history. For more culture, the New Theatre has a packed
programme of productions, ranging from opera and ballet to touring West End musicals.
Families should book tickets to the Doctor Who
Experience for an interactive adventure through space
and the Red Dragon Centre next door has a cinema,
a ten-pin bowling alley and lots of child-friendly
restaurants. For something more active, there’s the
International Sports Village, with a swimming pool,
an ice rink and a white water centre with an Olympicstandard canoe slalom.
Tourist boards
Visit Britain
www.visitbritain.com
Visit England
www.visitengland.com
+44(0)845 300 6996
Visit Wales
www.visitwales.com
+44(0)810 830 0306
Visit Scotland
www.visitscotland.com
+44(0)845 859 1006
Discover Northern Ireland
www.discovernorthernireland.com
+44(0)28 9023 1221
Visit London
www.visitlondon.com