UK tourist attractions
Did you know that the Queen of England owns one of the finest art collections in the world? That The British Museum, perhaps the finest and largest collection of arts from the antiquities until today doesn’t actually cost a penny to get into? (Donations, please!) Ergo The National Gallery (chocked full of some of the finest pre-20th Century works of art in the world) and The Tate Britain and Modern. Not bad, really, all things considered. But UK tourist attractions really are varied and wonderful.
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Take Northern Ireland’s “Giants Causeway” for starters, a superb natural rock formation cloaked in myth; or the slabs of rock brought hundreds of miles and arranged in formation by ancient Britons and still present today as Stonehenge. (Also cloaked in myth!) Then add to this Scotland’s formidable Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle, ravaged by war between the English and Scots until peace was restored through unity…
History and royalty
For many tourists, the key attractions revolve around royalty, its history and presence in the country. For a glimpse of its status today, why not start with Buckingham Palace as one of the most prominent London tourist attractions. The Queen’s London residence is open to visitors a few months a year, and shows how the head of state lives and entertains with real spendour.
Outside London, visit Windsor Castle (when Her Majesty is out) and see the grounds, art collection, private and state rooms of this magnificent palace. If you’re in Edinburgh, visit Holyrood Palace too…
London
Broadly, though, London is the epicentre of tourism in Britain. The Royal connection is added to with the fearsome Tower of London by the Thames, gory past and all, and see the tombs of deceased royals in Westminster Abbey, next door to the neo-gothic Houses of Parliament, one of London’s most familiar landmarks. Another familiar, and dominant tourist attraction in London, even today, is St Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece church with its spectacular dome.
Being a tourist in Britain and Northern Ireland can be a rather expensive business but the experience is truly fulfilling and well worth every penny.
