You may be planning a visit to the UK, moving there for work, or already live there and are enjoying the cultural differences. Whatever your situation, you need to know the UK experiences which can’t be missed.
If you’re planning a visit, you’re not alone. According to the latest statistics, over 38 million people visited the UK in 2023. The majority of these head to the capital to see the sights, such as Big Ben, Harrods, and a host of opportunities for fine dining.
London is an experience not to be missed. You’ll also want to check out the following:
The British Food
They say, when in Rome…. This is certainly true in the UK. British food is like no other in the world. Sample a traditional English breakfast, enjoy the Sunday Roast, and don’t forget fish and chips, preferably on a bench overlooking the sea.
The secret to authentic British food is to skip the high-class restaurants and choose the local eateries. That’s where you’ll get the authentic experience and may just fall in love with the English cuisine.
Visit Cambridge
Cambridge University has been competing with Oxford for centuries. Both cities are worth a look. However, Cambridge stands out for its history. You’ll also want to experience a punt on the River Cam, explore the UNESCO King’s College Chapel, and pass the evening away in traditional English pubs.
That’s just a taste of the unforgettable experiences Cambridge has to offer.
Stonehenge
It’s possible to do a day trip from London to Stonehenge, or simply include it in your travel itinerary. Stonehenge is thousands of years old. These massive blocks of stone were moved into position without the aid of modern machinery.
It’s a UNESCO site. To get the most out of the experience, visit it on a special occasion, such as the Summer Solstice. Â
Walk Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was built in AD 122. It runs across the neck of England from coast to coast and originally marked the edge of the Roman territory. The wall is made of stone and has large ditches on each side, making it effectively unpassable. Forts were built along the wall to help protect the Roman Empire.
You can’t walk on the wall, but you can walk next to it. It’s 73 miles long, you don’t have to walk it all!
Check Out The White Cliffs Of Dover
Vera Lang once sang about the white cliffs of Dover. You don’t have to sing but you can stand where she once stood. You’ll be able to see France at the top of the cliffs, it’s just 22 miles away!
You can visit the cliffs on a day trip from London, or make them part of a larger tour.
Visit The South West
The southwest of England is generally a few degrees warmer than the rest of the country. It’s an area of outstanding beauty and is full of beaches to rival the Caribbean!
It’s in this area you’ll find the English Riveria and delights such as an old-fashioned steam railway running beside the sea.
You can catch the train from London to the Riveria in around 5 hours. A day probably won’t be enough, it’s best to make it part of a longer trip.
Bath
When you’re heading for the southwest, take a stop in Bath. It’s a UNESCO-listed city and will leave a lasting impression. The cities sits alongside the river, has an array of historic buildings, and an impressive Abbey.
The Classic English Pint
If the sun is out the English love to sit in a beer garden and enjoy a pint or two. While it may not be your dream afternoon, don’t knock it until you try it!
If the weather isn’t favorable you can still enjoy a pint inside the pub. You’ll find an impressive collection of beers to choose from and a collection of interesting people to chat with. You can even enjoy your pint in a historic pub, there are plenty of them around.
Say Hi To The Beatles
The Beatles are known across the world and their music continues to inspire. The band originated in Liverpool, a city that’s well worth a visit. You’ll find statues of them, and a variety of other UK celebrities, dotted around the city.
The city also has a UNESCO-listed waterfront.
Hiking In The Lake District
The Lake District is stunning. It’s a collection of lakes, surrounded by rolling hills. Each lake has it’s own small town to inspire you, as it has been doing for artists for years. Start at Windermere and go from there!
Summing Up
Whatever your reason for visiting the UK, you’ll want to try as many experiences as possible. Start planning your trip now and make sure you include the above.
