Top Attractions in the UK

York
The picturesque medieval city of York was second only to London in importance up until the Industrial Revolution. The city, whose 13th century walls are one of the best surviving medieval fortifications in Europe, played a key role in English history. Its magnificent cathedral, medieval streets, grand houses and attractive riverside pubs make it an ideal spot for getting away from it all.

Website: York
 

Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh is the beautiful capital of Scotland and a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. It offers superb sightseeing, wonderful historic buildings to explore, quiet galleries and museums and a wide choice of restaurants, pubs and cafés as well as nightlife to suit everyone. The city has been a stronghold since the 5th century when the Picts built a fortress on what is now the site of the spectacular Edinburgh Castle to protect Scotland from invaders. Edinburgh Castle is perched high on an extinct volcanic outcrop and it dominates the capital's skyline with panoramic views across the World Heritage listed Old and New Towns and out over the Firth of Forth. The castle has been a residence of Scotland's Kings and Queens throughout the centuries. Edinburgh Castle offers a fascinating and absorbing mixture of entertainment and education, a visit here is an essential part of any trip to the United Kingdom. Edinburgh has a range of stunning architecture, both classical and Georgian and has become known as the "Athens of the North". Apart from its varied and stunning architecture, Edinburgh is a visually beautiful place. Enjoy the many parks and gardens or explore the world famous Royal Botanic Garden. Shopping is a delight with the city being home to the world's oldest independent department store.

Website: Edinburgh Castle

Isle Of Wight

The Isle of Wight has long been known as The Garden Isle and it is noted for its warm climate, stunning scenery and friendly welcome. The Isle of Wight became popular in the Victorian Era, when Queen Victoria made Osborne House her home. Now, the Isle of Wight plays host to allsorts of visitors, who come to our Island to stay in one of our accommodation providers such as hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts or self catering establishments. The Isle of Wight also plays host to many visitors who take advantage of our many holiday parks with chalets or caravans or to one of the camping and touring sites.

The Isle of Wight has miles of sandy beaches and the main resorts are Shanklin , Sandown, Ventnor, Ryde, Seaview and Bembridge. Ferries to the Isle of Wight for cars come, from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Yarmouth to Lymington and Southampton to East Cowes, whilst foot passengers can use the fast ferry crossings from Southampton to Cowes and Portsmouth to Ryde. The Hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde is the quickest way to cross The Solent.

The Isle of Wight offers a holiday for everyone all year round. Walkers and cyclists visit the Island to enjoy over 500 miles of footpaths and bridleways and over 66 visitor attractions, as well as the stunning views, countless pubs and the feeling of freedom that is The Isle of Wight.

Website: Isle Of Wight

Leeds Castle
Shrouded in mist, mystery and legend, Leeds Castle rises from its own lake amidst one of England's most picturesque counties; this survivor of 1000 years emerges into the 21st century pre-eminent among the great buildings of the British Isles.

It has experienced battles, witnessed intrigue, entertained and solaced leaders of men, inspired countless artists and now provides a place of fascination and enjoyment to half a million visitors of all ages each year.
Originally a Saxon fortress, built in AD 857, Leeds Castle was rebuilt in stone by the Normans and later converted to a Royal Palace by Henry VIII. Now lovingly restored, it houses a magnificent collection of furnishings, tapestries and paintings.

Location:
7 miles east of Maidstone, Junction 8 of the M20 motorway just 1¼ hours from London, 30 minutes from the Channel Tunnel and Channel Ports.

Dartford River Crossing 30 minutes. Clearly signposted from all routes - following the brown and white tourist signs.

Website: Leeds Castle

Longleat safari park

Set in more than 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland with a further 8,000 acres of woodlands, lakes and farmland, Longleat combines the magic of the old with the marvels of the new.

As well as being the first stately home to open its doors to the public, Longleat was also the first place, outside Africa, to open a Safari Park. And, after more than 36 years, Longleat is still one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions.

From Safari Park to Stately Home, Mazes to Murals and Simulator Rides to Safari Boats there’s always something new to discover round every corner.

You can enjoy really close encounters with some of the largest, fiercest, cutest, and strangest animals from around the world in the Safari Park. Drive yourself round the bend in the Longleat Hedge Maze, let the kids explore the turrets and rope bridges of the Adventure Castle and Blue Peter Maze… or pop along to meet Postman Pat and his friends in his very own Greendale Village!

Then take a tour of Britain’s friendliest stately home. Substantially completed by 1580 and now home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.

Website: Longleat safari park

Wales and Snowdonia

You might think there's not much in Mid Wales - and you'd be absolutely right. However, that is the charm of the area. This secret, sparsely-populated wilderness is a land of rolling, green mountains, and isolated, dramatic lakes; a land of mysterious forests and groaning wind farms. For a peaceful, "get-away-from-it-all" short break, Mid Wales might be ideal. Just don't go there for the nightlife.

Lake Vyrnwy is the most dramatic of the Welsh lakes. Hidden in the heights of the Berwyn Mountains, it has inky-black waters and is surrounded by high pine forests. A gothic water tower adds to the mystery. The baronial Lake Vyrnwy Hotel stands slightly forbidding and austerely over the lake. What makes the hotel unique is the astounding views of the lake. Splash out on one of the spacious superior rooms complete with balcony and survey your estate. Or try horse riding through the beautiful, tranquil valleys surrounding the nearby Ceiriog river.

Snowdonia is the crowning glory of Wales. It is a land of breathtaking grandeur, perhaps the most beautiful region in the whole of Britain. You will encounter awesome rocky mountains and cool, leafy river glades; high, winding passes, and lakes full of myths and legends.

If you happen to be in Snowdonia in bad weather (quite possible!), don't despair: it's the only place I have ever been which looks better in less-than-perfect weather. You can imagine the peaks of the mountains, disappearing into the cloud, as rising forever. Grey mist brings ancient mystery to the rocky valleys. It doesn't look anything like so remarkable in bright, sunny weather. Tennyson said he had never seen "anything more aweful (i.e., awesome) than the great veil of rain drawn straight over Cader Idris".

Snowdonia is fab. You'll love it.

The centrepiece of Snowdonia is, of course, Snowdon. The highest mountain in England and Wales is small by international standards, but that doesn't tell the story (see here!). It's a fabulous mountain, carved by glacial ice to create a series of challenging ridges - it's a walker's paradise.

There are various and varied routes up Snowdon, routes to suit every ability (though you have to be fit for them all). And the mountain is just the right height so you can get up and down in a day.

Website: Wales and Snowdonia

Stonehenge
Stonehenge is the most important prehistoric monument in the United Kingdom. There are many theories as to the purpose of Stonehenge ranging from a druid temple for sun worship to a burial ground and even an astronomical calendar. Many of the stones were transported there with considerable effort from a great distance away. This was a truly remarkable achievement considering it dates from 3100- 2300 BC.

Website: Stonehenge

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the Queen's official residences and has been in continuous use for over 900 years. It was originally built for William the Conqueror to guard the approach to London. The State Apartments house excellent works of art including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Holbein and Van Dyck as well as magnificent French and English furniture and porcelain. The State Apartments also contain Queen Mary's Dolls' House. It is a 1:12 scale-working model complete with furniture, decorations, running water and electricity.

Website: Windsor Castle

The Lake District
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most beautiful regions, inspiring the great works of Wordsworth and holding generations of tourists in its thrall. The lakes are set among the dramatic Cumbrian Mountains and the region is dotted with attractive towns and pleasant dales. Who knows? The romance and beauty of one of the UK’s most famous regions could inspire you to pen some poetry!

Website: Lake District

The Roman Bath Spa

Around Britain's only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in northern Europe. This great temple and bathing complex still flows with natural hot water. The extensive remains and a Roman museum of international significance lie beneath the Pump Room and Abbey Church Yard in the centre of Bath.

Stratford-upon-Avon
Steeped in culture and history and set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Stratford-upon-Avon was the birthplace of the greatest playwright ever known - William Shakespeare. Visit the five houses connected with Shakespeare and his family. Open all year round, these sixteenth-century houses feature rare period furnishings and domestic items. Aspects of Tudor life are on display, all set in attractive gardens and grounds. When all Shakespeared out, you can also visit the Butterfly Farm, the Teddy Bear Museum and the Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre.

Website: Stratford Upon Avon