Founded in 1621, Oxford University's Botanic Garden is the oldest in the UK and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Located near Magdalen College, this 5-acre (2-hectare) garden is home to nearly 6,000 types of plants, representing more biodiversity than any other collection of similar size.
Built by the order of William the Conqueror in 1072, Durham Castle has stood the test of time and remains one of England’s most important Norman attractions, as well as a striking example of the elevated “motte-and-bailey” fortress style. While the structure is now home to university residences, history buffs will still enjoy the vast Great Hall, the 17th-century Black Staircase, and the Bishop’s Rooms.
Sir John Soane was a successful British neoclassical architect, responsible for designing several important Regency-era buildings, including the Bank of England. Housed within the walls of his own home, this museum was designed to inspire students of architecture and drawing by providing examples of different styles of structures and decoration. Objects date back as far as ancient Egyptian and Roman times, making this museum a must-visit for history and design buffs.
The distinctive blue Bombay Sapphire bottle has been a staple of bar shelves since the gin was first produced more than 25 years ago. Since 2011, the company has based its production in this historic mill at the edge of the River Test, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art production and visitor facility.
Located on the River Thames just west of London, Windsor is an ancient town with a unique royal pedigree. Best known for the eponymous Windsor Castle—the oldest and largest continually occupied castle in the world—the area was formally settled by William the Conqueror. Today, it is regularly frequented by members of the royal family.
St. Peter’s Church in Woolton, Liverpool, is more than an example of Gothic Revival architecture—it is also a significant site in musical history, as it was here in 1957 that John Lennon first met Paul McCartney. Also here are the graves of Eleanor Rigby, John Lennon’s Uncle George, and Bob Paisley, the renowned Liverpool FC manager.
The River Avon snakes its way through Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque town in England that's famously the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This scenic river also links several waterways in the Warwickshire countryside, joining the River Severn at Tewkesbury and flowing via canal to Birmingham.
Made famous by the Beatles song, Penny Lane is lined with shops and small businesses. Before the Beatles hit the big time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney used to catch the bus from here. Some of the places name-checked in the lyrics—such as the shelter in the middle of the roundabout and the barbershop—can still be seen today.
A tiny island just off the coast of the Isle of Arran, the Holy Isle (Eilean Molaise) has long been seen as a spiritual destination. The former residence of the 6th-century St. Malaise, and known for its Viking history and runes, the island is today home to the Centre for World Peace and Health, a Buddhist retreat and meditation center.
First built in 1897, Oxford Town Hall is a glorious structure in the heart of the city that’s an ever-popular destination for weddings and events. Besides a café and gift shop, it’s also home to the Micro-Museum, a temporary replacement for the Museum of Oxford, which is scheduled to reopen in the town hall in summer 2020.
At 4 miles (6.4 kilometers long and 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers wide, Bassenthwaite Lake is among the biggest in the Lake District. Surrounded by gentle fells and without a single settlement on its shoreline, this tranquil lake offers hiking, wild swimming, and bird-watching opportunities, with fish-eating ospreys coming here to hunt.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a vast green space in East London that spans 560 acres (227 hectares). The area was redeveloped for the 2012 Olympic Games, and many sites were repurposed to create this vibrant public destination. Here, you can visit landmarks such as the London Stadium, ArcelorMittal Orbit, and the London Aquatics Centre, stroll along landscaped gardens and waterways, or enjoy cultural events. It’s at the heart of Stratford’s transformation and is perfect for active exploration, family outings, or sporting adventures.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is a popular destination for families and all fans of the famous author’s children's books. This 17th-century building in the town of Hawkshead, in the Lake District, was once the office of Potter's husband, the solicitor William Heelis, and now houses much of her original artwork.
Delve into Manchester’s inventive and industrial heritage at the Science and Industry Museum. Housed in a building that served as the world’s first passenger railway station, the museum includes a wide collection of vintage vehicles, historical machinery, hands-on exhibitions, and other engaging offerings.
Chatsworth House is a palatial country house in Derbyshire’s Peak District. The whole estate is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, who have opened up their house on the River Derwent to the public, along with its fountain-filled gardens, farm, and an adventure playground. A prominent example of 17th-century architecture, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come to tour the building and see the famous gardens, which were a key filming location in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
The Lyceum Theatre is one of London’s most well-known performance venues, with roots going back to the 18th century. Bram Stoker famously worked here and found inspiration for the character of Count Dracula, and it has hosted major productions over the years, including Jesus Christ Superstar, and Oklahoma! It’s best known today as the long-running home of The Lion King, which has been playing to packed audiences since the 1990s.
This intimate St. Martin’s Theatre may be small with a capacity for just 550, but it’s home to the world’s longest-running theater production: The Mousetrap. Agatha Christie’s whodunnit was first staged here in 1974—following an over 20-year run at the neighboring Ambassadors Theatre—and St. Martin’s still hosts the ever-popular production today. While most people associate the venue with The Mousetrap, it often hosts other family-friendly productions by day.
Dating back to the days of Victorian London, the Savoy Theatre first opened its doors in 1881 and has hosted shows, operas, and plays ever since. Having found early fame for its witty Gilbert and Sullivan productions, often dubbed the “Savoy Operas,” the venue is today managed by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG). It is known for staging hit musicals, such as Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, and Mean Girls.
Rising above Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—which was built to host the 2012 London Olympics—the ArcelorMittal Orbit stands out as a red steel structure that’s actually one of the tallest sculptures in the UK. Visitors can take in sweeping city views from the observation decks or, for a more adventurous experience, ride the twisting tunnel slide—thought to be one of the largest tunnel slides in the world.
Apsley House has long been thought of as the grandest address in London. The Georgian building hasn’t changed much since 1815, when its inhabitant—the first Duke of Wellington—led British troops to victory against Napoleon at Waterloo. Today, the fabulous Hyde Park house serves as a world-class museum, with the Wellington Collection’s paintings, sculpture, porcelain, and silver matching the building’s reputation.
This stately red-brick mansion was the country home of one of Britain’s most lionized leaders, Sir Winston Churchill. The World War II prime minister purchased the property in 1922 and spent much of his retirement here. Little has changed since then, and visitors will find Churchill memorabilia and personal belongings scattered throughout.
With more than 2 million annual visitors, LEGOLAND® Windsor is the second most visited theme park in the United Kingdom. Just about everything in the park incorporates multi-colored LEGO® bricks, from adrenaline-fuelled rides and interactive entertainment zones to cars and building workshops.
Originally christened the New Princes Theatre in 1911, this beloved venue later became the Princes Theatre, and then the Shaftesbury Theatre in the ’60s. By any name, this theater has always been a popular place, hosting Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, American variety shows, and musicals such as Hairspray, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Just For One Day.
Blooming at the edge of the River Thames since 1673, the Chelsea Physic Garden’s plants thrive in both greenhouses and outdoor spaces. For visitors, it’s a chance to connect with nature in the heart of the city, while browsing a rare collection of medicinal and edible species. Themed tours and activities at the garden range from yoga classes to botanical drawing and a summer supper club, with regular lectures exploring all things green.
High on an escarpment on UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Fort is one of 16 forts along what was the Roman Empire’s stone-built north-western frontier. The ruins of the AD 123-built camp, and a museum and visitor center take guests back to the days of Roman Britain 2,000 years ago.
As the largest stadium in the United Kingdom and the second largest in Europe, Wembley Stadium is one of London’s most well-known venues. Since its reopening in 2007, the stadium has hosted major football events, including the FA Cup Final, UEFA Champions League Finals, and the 2012 Olympic Games finals. In addition to its football heritage, Wembley is also a sought-after performance location for famous bands and artists.
Immerse yourself in British heritage at Clerkenwell’s The Postal Museum, where interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and an underground train ride bring 500 years of mail history to visitors in the present day. Kid-friendly spaces and an award-winning stamp collection make the must-see museum a top choice for families and history lovers alike.
In the fashionable St. James’s neighborhood in the central city, Jermyn Street is one of London’s most stylish thoroughfares. Established by and named for Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, the street was first developed in 1664, following the approval of King Charles II. Today, the area is known as an upscale shopping destination, particularly for menswear as it has a long history of shirt tailoring.
Built in 1732, this handsome Georgian building is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, with distinguished guests arriving here for various ceremonies, black-tie banquets, and events. The house holds an impressive collection of civic regalia, art, and artifacts, including paintings, furniture, weapons, and silverware.
In the Yorkshire Dales, the award-winning Wensleydale Creamery is the home of Yorkshire’s Wensleydale cheese. At the Creamery Visitor Centre, guests can learn about cheese-making, try and buy different varieties, and enjoy a gift shop, café, and restaurant—all complemented by stellar views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
