United Kingdom

StonehengeVariety is the key to the longstanding appeal of the United Kingdom. The towns and villages of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland offer charm and beauty, and their cities offer culture and entertainment. London is the most popular city outside North America for American visitors. The spectacle of English tradition and pageantry; the conviviality of a pub; the beauty of Scotland’s lochs; and the brooding castles of Wales-all are facets that make for a memorable visit.

The East Country is a veritable garden and is steeped in history. Dover has its famous Cliffs, Canterbury is the main religious location of England, while the whole of the coast and in Kent one finds some of the most famously manicured gardens of all.
The North Country offers marvelous landscapes and architecture. The Lake District is a 32-square-mile national park, offering changing views of mountains, lakes and valleys. The ruins of the abbey in Glastonbury reputedly contain the remains of King Arthur and Bath is famous for its natural hot springs, Roman remains and Georgian architecture. Scotland offers highlands, lochs and the romantic appeal of ancient gardens and castles. Wales is a land where song and music are well appreciated. Northern Ireland offers such attractions as the Giant’s Causeway near Ballycastle huge volcanic rock columns.

Photo of a castle in Great BritainLondon is a grand adventure for both first time and frequent visitors. A city tour aboard a double-decker bus provides an excellent introduction. For another perspective, take a boat ride on the Thames. Cruises leave from Westminster and Charing Cross piers and travel downstream to the Tower of London and Greenwich, or upstream to Kew and Hampton Court. London boasts the world’s oldest museum, the British Museum with its impressive recent addition, the Great Court. South Kensington is home to three of London’s most illustrious museums - the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. The museum dedicated to London’s own history- the Museum of London - is located at the Barbican. The three largest contemporary art galleries are also in London! Tate Modern has already had over five million visitors in its first year. The original Tate, now known as Tate Britain, has reinvented itself as a gallery dedicated to British art over the last 500 years. The National Gallery and neighboring National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square are a ‘must’ for any art-loving visitor to London. This summer’s Vermeer exhibition at the National is pulling in the crowds. Don’t miss the Royal Academy, the Hayward or the new galleries at Somerset House.

Over recent years, London has seen an unprecedented growth in the number of attractions it has to offer, from Tate Modern, the British showcase for international modern art to the redevelopment of Somerset House. Other top new attractions in London include the British Airways London Eye, the British Museum Great Court and the Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum. The changes don’t stop there, London is constantly evolving with new attractions, hotels and exhibitions. To celebrate 100 years of Tate on Millbank, Tate Britain has undergone massive development increasing its display space threefold. From 1 November, more art from the Tate Collection will adorn its walls and floors. On 22 November the new British Galleries at the V&A will open to provide a history of British art and design from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria. October and November in London also see an imaginative program of events, both world-class and quirky. And don’t miss out on London’s autumn accommodation deals to make the most of your stay.

Suggested United Kingdom Discoveries


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