London
While it is possible to plan a trip to the UK
without visiting London, it is certainly not to be advised, as the nation's
sprawling capital boasts plenty of attractions to keep you busy. For those
interested in learning more about the UK's rich history, one of the top things
to do in London is visit the Tower of London. Located beside the
spectacular Tower Bridge on the banks of the River Thames,
this former palace and prison includes highlights such as the iconic
1,000-year-old White Tower, with its fascinating displays of armor and
weaponry, and the Jewel House, home to the Crown Jewels.Including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural
History Museum, as well as the famous Harrods department store. Also check out Trafalgar
Square, home to iconic Nelson's Column and the National Portrait Gallery.
2. Edinburgh
One of Scotland's most attractive cities, the
capital city of Edinburgh is also one of the UK's most visited destinations.
Popular for its many well-preserved historic buildings, Edinburgh is perhaps
best known as the home of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Perched high
above the old city on a rocky promontory, this 13th-century royal fortress
includes highlights such as the famous One O’clock Salute, held daily at Half
Moon Battery; the Scottish Crown Jewels in the Royal Palace; the Scottish
National War Memorial; and the famous Stone of Destiny (the Stone of
Scone), only returned to Scotland after being held for 700 years in London.
From the castle, it is easy to explore the other most important
historic sites in the city, most notably the Old Town's Royal Mile with
its fine architecture, boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and art galleries,
as well as the splendid old Palace of Holyrood house. Other Edinburgh
highlights include broad Princes Street, popular for its shopping and
dining, as well as for the Royal Botanical Garden and the National Gallery of
Scotland.
York Minster
York Minster is
considered the center of
Christianity in the north of England and is still actively used today, though
parts are under construction. To explore the main part of the Church and
got a timed slot to climb to the roof. After 275 steps reached the top
and were greeted with a gorgeous view over York from a very windy roof.
As is the case with most old building the climb was not straight up –
there were many winding staircases and spans across the church, one of which
gave a great view of the flying buttress and various vantage points of York, which is considered by many as the capital
of the North.
To fully experience the
cathedral in musical action, go for an evensong service (held most evenings at
5:15, no offering plates or sermon). Arrive early and ask to be seated in the
choir. You are in the middle of a spiritual Oz as 40 boys sing psalms — a
red-and-white-robed pillow of praise, raised up by the powerful pipe organ. You
feel as if you have elephant-size ears, as the beautifully carved choir stalls
— functioning as giant sound scoops — magnify the thunderous, trumpeting pipes.
If you are lucky, the organist will run a musical victory lap as the
congregation breaks up.
Liverpool and Manchester
Manchester is
often the first stop for many visitors planning to explore northern England,
Scotland, or Wales. Highlights include Castle field, popular for its
well-preserved Victorian houses, canals, and Roman ruins, as well as the many
old warehouses now serving as trendy shops, hotels, and restaurants. Other
attractions include Manchester Cathedral and the historic Town Hall,
as well as a rich cultural scene that includes museums (Museum of Science and
Industry), galleries (Manchester Art Gallery), and entertainment (Chinatown).
Liverpool, just an hour away by rail, offers plenty of
cultural excitement of its own, not least because of its association with
the Beatles. Music fans are drawn here for "Fab Four" related
attractions such as The Beatles Story in
the renovated Albert Docks area; the famous Cavern Club, where the
band made its debut in 1961; as well as the former homes of John Lennon and
Paul McCartney.
Stratford upon Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon stands where a Roman
road forded the River Avon (Upper Avon), and a 19th-century bridge still
spans the river alongside a 15th-century arched stone bridge. The first royal
charter was granted in 1553. Shakespeare was born in 1564 in a half-timbered
house on Henley Street. He attended the local grammar school adjoining the medieval Chapel of the
Guild of the Holy Cross. In 1597 Shakespeare returned from London to the house
known as New Place, where he died in 1616. His grave is in the parish church of
Holy Trinity.
Stratford-upon-Avon, also
called Stratford, town (parish), Stratford-on-Avon district,
administrative and historic county of Warwickshire, central England, and the birthplace of William
Shakespeare. For centuries a country market
town, it became a major British tourist center because of its associations with
Shakespeare.
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