1. Cambridge
Cambridge’s beautiful buildings are well preserved, and the timeless city seems straight out of the 1950s. Give in to the atmosphere of the town and freely admire the majesty of one of the most renowned world universities. Explore the quaint passages for a unique and relaxed shopping experience, where both independent and high street names can be found.
2. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, it is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries. It harbours a wealth of local and natural history.
3. Stonehenge
Although no one knows who built Stonehenge – or why – this magnificent monument has a history spanning 4,500 years in the stunning Wiltshire countryside. The Stonehenge Visitor Centre completes a day out at this world-famous stone circle. With museum-quality exhibitions, a spacious gift shop and café, you can enjoy a day out with the whole family.
4. Lake District
England’s largest National Park, and home to the deepest lake in England, Wastwater, the Lake District is also a favourite holiday destination in the UK. There is a considerable amount to do, from water sports to walks and local attractions.
5. Cotswolds
The Cotswolds covers 800 square miles across five counties – Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, making it the largest of England’s 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stroll through the cobbled streets in the pretty villages or enjoy a bracing walk in the rolling hills.
6. Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is an astounding feat of engineering. It’s the best known and the best-preserved frontier of the Roman Empire. Today, remnants of the wall can be found for about 73 miles – a lot of those forming stone fences, stone barns and the cobbles in stable courtyards.
7. Brighton’s Royal Pavilion
Brighton – sometimes known as London by the sea – is home to the Royal Pavilion, another landmark you should not miss. The famous seaside residence was built as a pleasure palace for King George IV, and was also used by his brother William IV and their niece Queen Victoria.
8. Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park offers it all – riding, cycling, pony trekking, the Snowdon Mount Railway, and some of the most breathtaking views in the UK with the most rapidly changing weather.
9. Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site covers 95 miles of stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset. The site is home to the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. The area is also renowned for fossil hunting; one of the best places to go is Charmouth, where a visitor centre offers fossil walks and shows you how and where to find fossils.
10. Loch Ness
The lock – or lake – is best known for the alleged sightings of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ and it attracts visitors from all over the world with its delightful natural parks and sights.