Here at Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, we like to cover all of the most exciting travel experiences the planet has to offer. Every now and then, though, it’s good to take stock of the exhilarating adventures and cultural hotspots closer to home. The UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, as well as a plethora of areas of outstanding natural beauty.
There are hundreds of world-leading attractions on our shores to choose from, so where to start? We’ve outlined five of the top unique attractions on our shores to help you get started with your staycation planning.
5.) Eden Project
Affectionately dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ when it opened at the turn of the millennium, the Eden Project, tucked away in the South West corner of the UK, is truly a unique visitor destination.
Various species of the world’s flora and fauna exist in captivity within Cornwall’s Eden Project, which boasts the world’s largest greenhouse within one of its ‘biomes’. The biomes alone are a feat of engineering, creating an indoor artificial environment which can house hundreds of species of plants within its transparent exterior.
If the sheer scale of the development doesn’t sway you, Eden also hosts year-round events, including a spectacular ice-skating rink available over the winter months, and a summer music festival season known as the ‘Eden Sessions’. In recent years, the Sessions have housed intimate sets from household names like Blink 182 and Elbow. Already announced for 2019 is everyone’s favourite Aussie darling, Kylie Minogue. You can see lots of other things to do in Cornwall here.
4.) Stonehenge
Maybe the world’s most famous prehistoric monument, Stonehenge is an iconic attraction located in the heart of England. Historians believe Stonehenge, located a few miles north of Salisbury, Wiltshire, began to take form 5000 years ago.
While nobody can be certain that Stonehenge is the oldest megalithic structure on earth, it is certainly in the best shape, and welcomes visitors from all across the world, all year round.
The stone circle itself is shrouded in much mystery, but the consensus among academics is that the monument was constructed with religious connotations, possibly by the druids as a ceremonial gathering point.
3.) Canal tours
As T.S Eliot once said: the journey, not the destination matters. That is never truer than with a canal boat tour through one of Britain’s many beautiful waterways. From the river Avon in the south, to the rugged terrain of Scotland, a canal boat tour is a perfect relaxing breakaway from the busy hubbub of urban life, and also allows for taking in some of the UK’s most breath-taking scenery in beautiful remote locations. Our recommendations here at Luxury Lifestyle Magazine include the stunning Peak District, as well as a narrowboat escapade between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
2.) Snowdonia
If it’s mountain peaks, not scenic waterways, that take your fancy, you’d do well to find a better spot in the UK than Snowdonia National Park. The park takes its name from the formation called Snowdon, which is Wales’ highest peak at 1,085 metres (or 3,650 ft). There are a vast number of walks and expeditions available in the area, based on your party’s preference and climbing proficiency, making it an attraction for all ages and abilities.
Depending on your approach, there are many accommodation and homestay options in and around the greater park area. You may find, though, that the most authentic experience of an expedition up Snowdon is by taking your tent and portable stove. There are many campsites across Wales where you can set up camp but enjoy using the campsite amenities. There are also a few glamping options for those who aren’t as fond of the idea of camping.
1.) Tower of London
It feels as though it would be remiss not to name at least one attraction from the UK’s capital in this list – and there are none more iconic than the Tower of London. Located on the north bank of London’s lifeblood, the River Thames, the Tower has played a huge role in British history since its development under the rule of William the Conqueror.
Invaded numerous times and eventually used as a prison, the Tower’s primary function now is as a tourist hotspot. Of course, you can combine a visit to the Tower (known formally as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London as it is owned by the Crown) to one of London’s hundreds of interesting attractions, to get ensure most bang for your tourist buck.
