At the base of Blackpool’s landmark tower, the Blackpool Tower Circus has provided spectacular entertainment since opening in 1894, making it Blackpool’s longest-running show. Book a ticket and the clowns, acrobats, and musicians will be sure to keep you amused with their antics and stunts.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool gives visitors the chance to learn about sailors, life at sea, and the reality of war. Through immersive reenactments and exhibits, you can discover the history of HMS Trincomalee, the oldest warship still afloat in the UK, and witness live shooting demonstrations.
On the shores of Loch Ness, Nessieland is a miniature theme park that celebrates the famed monster that supposedly lives in the depths of the loch. Combining fun, kitsch, and education, the park features informative displays along with models of Nessie, an adventure playground, sandpit, cave, model railway, gift shop, and café.
Close to a wooded gorge and surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery, the Perthshire village of Killiecrankie is a top attraction for those interested in history and natural heritage. Nestled in the scenic Killiecrankie Pass, the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre marks the site of an infamous battle during the first Jacobite Rebellion.
Set on parkland, this 16th-century tower house offers stunning views of the Firth of Forth estuary. The property’s elegant frozen-in-time interiors showcase the life and style of an upper-middle-class family in Edwardian-era Scotland, with collections of antique furniture, artwork, and decorative objects, from porcelain to Oriental rugs.
Originally built for a Welsh prince in the 13th century, Powis Castle is now one of Britain’s finest stately homes. Behind the red sandstone façade, which is surrounded by spectacular Baroque gardens and a deer park, visitors can explore elaborately decorated 17th century dining halls and state rooms, before admiring the collection of Indian artefacts in the Clive Museum.
Dino-loving kids and adults alike will appreciate the robust collection of fossils, bones, and crystals housed at Fossils Galore, a museum and workshop situated just 30 minutes outside of Peterborough. Highlights include a Woolly Rhinoceros skull and an Iguanadon dinosaur, as well as regular talks about fossil hunting, the chance to watch behind-the-scenes bone cleanings, and interactive exhibits.
For a day of outdoor fun, head over to Crocky Trail adventure park. Tackle the rough-and-tumble trail itself—complete with rope bridges, stepping stones, sandpits, and swings—or stick to the playground rides before enjoying a picnic or snack from the on-site shop.
See the history of Scotland come to life at Haddo House, the family estate of the Gordons. Built in the 1730s for William Gordon, the Earl of Aberdeen, in a Georgian style, discover an interior filled with grand portraits, unique furniture pieces, and historical stories to tell. Outside, enjoy the terraced garden and Haddo Country Park.
Hull’s award-winning aquarium, The Deep, combines fun with learning through audiovisual presentations and interactive exhibits. You can marvel at tropical fish in the Lagoon of Light; watch sharks, turtles, and rays swim around the Endless Ocean; observe penguins in the Kingdom of Ice; and see jellyfish in the Cool Seas.
Kellie Castle was built in the 14th century as the family home of the Oliphant family. Little has changed since the family left the castle in the 17th century, and it remains a perfect example of period architecture and design, with ornamental painted ceilings and plasterwork adorning the many rooms and chambers.
Discover the home of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase on a trip to Liverpool’s Aintree Racecourse. Dating back to 1829, the main site offers the opportunity to see traditional horse racing on scheduled race days, while its Equestrian Centre, Motor Racing Circuit, and Golf Centre provide alternatives for off-season visits.
The Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden is an Edwardian-era mansion house, first built in the 17th century and remodeled in 1906. With an exquisite collection of antiques, Chinese porcelain, furniture, and paintings, it provides a glimpse of early 20th-century Edwardian life. One of the major attractions of the grounds is a nine-hole hickory club golf course, which was added in 1924.
Edinburgh Castle sits 430 feet (130 meters) above sea level on the summit of Castle Rock, a volcanic plug in the center of Edinburgh. Easy to spot from almost anywhere in town, the castle and rock are an arresting sight, and the top of the rock affords sweeping city views.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Snowdonia before descending into below-ground caves, lakes, and hand-carved tunnels on the UK’s steepest cable railway at the Victorian-era Llechwedd Slate Caverns. This family-friendly museum and activity center in the heart of Snowdonia National Park offers visitors an immersive introduction to Welsh mining history via interactive experiences, demonstrations, and more.
On the banks of the River Thames, Maidenhead is an affluent city which is home to an 18th-century bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, as well as the country’s oldest soccer stadium. An ideal day-trip destination in and of itself, Maidenhead is also a jumping-off point for exploring charming villages such as Bray, Cookham, and Littlewick Green.
Near the heart of Glasgow, the 18th-century Pollok House showcases the city's artistic legacy. The Georgian mansion is famous for its art collection, which includes works by Blake and Goya. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the house offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Maxwell family, who lived there for generations.
Part of a well-known chain of British seaside resorts founded in the 1930s, Butlin’s Minehead offers all-inclusive family vacations and easy access to both the beach and to Exmoor National Park. The resort also provides an assortment of entertainment offerings—from a traditional fairground to live shows—and has ample dining facilities.
A must-see for fans of Jane Austen, this elegant public park—known as a “pleasure garden”—opened back in 1795 and encapsulates the Georgian style for which Bath is known. With tranquil paths and elegant views overlooking the Kennet and Avon Canal, it is easy to imagine Austen heroines like Anne Elliot or Catherine Morland having a stroll here.
The family-owned Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park brings together endangered animals across different habitat zones. You can find everything from alpacas and raccoons to owls and meerkats, as well as many birds of prey; exhibits sit alongside educational exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Set among Victorian gardens and woodlands, the 18th-century House of Dun is a Georgian house adjacent to the Montrose Basin nature reserve. It’s home to the Hutchison and Stirling collections of paintings and furniture, including works by prominent Scottish artists. It was originally built for David Erskine (Lord Dun), and was home to generations of Erskines until 1947.
Active Reality is a futuristic virtual reality gaming world in Bath that works well as a rainy-day activity. Here, visitors can use advanced technology to participate in multi-player games in the virtual world. As a player, you can run, walk, and jump while immersed in a world where you battle zombies and robots—a fun option for groups visiting Bath.
The award-winning Devil’s Porridge Museum pays homage to HM Factory Gretna, also known as the Greatest Munitions Factory on Earth. Experience the work of this important wartime site with interactive exhibits and virtual reality headsets, and learn about the history of this area of Scotland.
Tackle all things rugby in the town where the sport began, at the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Via state-of-the-art interactive exhibits featuring memorabilia and more, listen to tales of rugby legends, and learn about the history of this humble international game.
Glenshane Pass is a prominent mountain pass that most people cross when traveling between the two cities. It cuts through the Sperrin Mountains on the A6 motorway, which links Londonderry and Belfast. It's also the gateway to the Glenshane Forest, a heather moorland spanning around 2,470 acres (1,000 hectares).
One of the Isle of Wight’s top resort towns, seaside Shanklin offers both natural and cultural attractions. Its sandy beach, offset against dramatic cliffs, is the town’s undisputed highlight, though Shanklin Chine (a coastal ravine, the Shanklin Theater (founded in the 1870s, and the quaint Old Village are all top draws.
One look at the grand facade of Newhailes House makes it easy to see why the 17th-century villa is hailed as one of Scotland’s most impressive National Trust properties. Along with boasting an eclectic mix of architectural styles and materials—including Chinese decor, Italian marble, and rococo interiors—the house is surrounded by 84 acres (34 hectares) of gardens and woodlands.
Coventry's Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is an expansive art and history museum that features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, interactive workshops, and educational talks. It's a fantastic place to learn about the history of Coventry from the Middle Ages to the modern day.
Largely regarded as the world's oldest dedicated sports museum, the MCC Museum is a must for cricket fans. Located at Lord's Cricket Ground, which is known as the “Home of Cricket” and is owned by the legendary Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), it can be accessed by fans on tours or by attending matches. The collection spans cricket equipment, memorabilia, and photographs. It's worth a peek just to see its most prized artifact: the Ashes urn.
One of Birmingham’s most popular markets—and a must if you’re a shopper who loves hunting for bargains—is the Birmingham Rag Market, right in the city center. Also known as the Bull Ring Rag Market or St. Martin’s Rag Market, the vast indoor space houses some 350 vendors, and specializes in clothing, fabrics, homewares, and other items.
