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7 of the Best London Museums
London is home to some of the best museums in Europe and on top of that it’s free to get into UK state museums, although there can be charges for special exhibitions. So here are seven great London museums.
Victoria & Albert (V&A)
The Victoria and Albert Museum is probably my favourite London museum. On my most recent visit there I spent most of my time in the glass exhibition. I enjoyed the jewellery and costume exhibits on previous visits.
Glass exhibits at the V&A
You can take a picnic to eat out in their lovely garden.
Garden at the V&A
Museum of London
I made my firsit visit to the the Museum of London recently.
Model of circular theatre at the Museum of London
For me the most striking exhibit was the 1928 Art Deco style bronze lift/elevator taken from the Selfridges department store.
Selfridges lift at the Museum of London
British Museum
I haven’t been to the British Museum for ages but remember enjoying the Egyptology exhibits. Neha hightlights that you can choose from an Exhibition Menu at the Museum’s Court Restaurant. When I checked, the menu was based on the British artist Grayson Perry’s travels.
British Museum by Pallindrome6996
London Transport Museum
You have to pay to get into the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden (a rather hefty £13.50 per adult, but kids under 16 are free of charge), which is probably part of the reason I’ve never been. However Neha reckons it’s a really good day out with kids in London.
London Transport Museum by Stuart Pinfold
Science Museum
The Science Museum is Heather’s pick of free London museums for the family. I know our sons used to love going to hands on interactive sections there.
Science Museum by lesteph
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum was another favourite of our sons, where they could see the din0saur skeletons. From the start of November until January, there’s an ice rink just outside the Museum.
Natural History Museum
National Army Museum
I think that everyone should visit the National Army Museum to get some insight into the horrors of war. I found the WW1 recreations quite chilling. I didn’t plan a visit to this museum but passed it when walking to the Chelsea Physic Garden.
National Army Museum by cubby_t_bear
This post was featured in the Carnival of Cities on 12 January 2012.
Things to Do in London
We’ve lots more travel tips for things to do in London.
Where to Stay in London
There’s a wide choice of acommodation for all budgets in London. I’ve stayed at the Travelodge London Tower Bridge a couple of times and have seen rooms there for as little as £19 a night in Travelodge promotions. The recently refurbished St Ermins hotel, close to St James Park, is a good four star hotel central London. If you want to be able to prepare your own food, base2stay in Earl’s Court offers a mini kitchen, free in-room WiFi and it’s a 20 minute walk to the South Kensington museums. If you want five star luxury the Langham, between Oxford Circus & Regents Park is a good bet.
Your Pick of London Museums
Please vote for your favourite London museum in our poll.
7 of the Best London Museums
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Walking Along River Tyne in Newcastle
Although we live in between Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh, we visit Edinburgh far more frequently. This is partly because one of our sons lives in Edinburgh and partly due to being Scottish I’m more drawn to the North. However, in November 2011 my husband suggested a day trip heading south toward Newcastle. We had a stop in Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders and then headed down the A68 with another stop for a walk in the Kielder Forest Park. We made a beeline for the Ho Chinese Buffet on arrival in Newcastle, so by the time we’d eaten a late lunch it was getting dark. We took a stroll along the bank of the River Tyne with great views of the many Newcastle bridges.
Looking toward Millenium Bridge
The Tyne Bridge
The High Level Bridge over the Tyne
The Sage Gateshead
The Swing Bridge with the High Level Bridge behind
Walking Along River Tyne in Newcastle
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Museum of London Photo Tour
I paid my first visit to the Museum of London in November 2011. The museum opened in the mid 1970s and is situated a short walk from St Paul’s Cathedral.
Sculpture outside Museum of London
The Museum of London is arranged in chronological order starting from early London to the present day.
Roman sculptures at the Museum of London
Medieval London
Model of Church at Museum of London
Expanding London
There’s an area laid out as a Victorian shopping street which includes a pub, tailors and toy shop.
Penny Farthing at Museum of London
The Art Deco style bronze lift from the Selfridges department store is very striking.
Selfridges lift at the Museum of London
I loved the 20s style beaded dress.
What about declaring your dedication to the Beatles by wearing the dress below?
Beatles dress at Museum of London
More Tips for Things to Do in London
We’ve plenty of tips for what to do in London on Europe a la Carte.
Museum of London Photo Tour
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum in London
I’m a huge fan of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London having visited on many occasions over the years. I reckon it’s one of the best museums in Europe. My most recent visit was in November 2011.
Exterior of V&A
The ceramic staircase is really beautiful.
Ceramic staircase at V&A
I was entranced by the glass exhibition, particularly the green glass balustrade leading to a mezzanine gallery.
Green glass balustrade at V&A
The colourful piece below was like a shimmering giant clam shell.
Glass exhibit at V&A
I had a quick walk through the Silver exhibition and spotted a wine cooler which was the size of small bath tub.
Giant wine cooler at V&A
The Art Deco frieze pictured below was an adornment of the Royal Doulton ceramics HQ in London until the building was demolished in 1978 and the frieze moved to the V&A.
Doulton frieze at V&A
Althought it was November the weather was so mild that I was able to sit out in the garden to eat my sandwiches.
Garden at V&A
The Private Eye exhibition was recommended to me on Twitter and it was hilarious. There were lots of Private Eye front covers; the funniest one was Tony Blair at the side of patient’s bed in an NHS hospital, reassuring the patient that a spin doctor would be with her soon. Unfortunately you’re not allowed to take photos at the temporary exhibitions.
I also visited the PostModerism: Style & Subversion 1970-1990 exhibition, which runs until 25 January 2012. It’s strange because when you live through a period you often don’t analyse what’s going around you because you’re too absorbed in your everyday life.
I read that the V&A is open until 22.00 on Fridays, I wish all museums had late night opening, on different nights of the week, so you could have a more leisurely day sightseeing instead of having to rush around attractions.
More Tips for Things to Do in London
We’ve plenty of tips for what to do in London on Europe a la Carte.
Visiting the Victoria & Albert Museum in London
Tips on the best places to visit in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Ten Things to Do in Leeds
I reckon that the English city of Leeds doesn’t get the attention it deserves. I visited Leeds last year and was very impressed. My favourite part of Leeds was the Waterfront, featured in my things to do on a Leeds short break. One of the reasons I had such a great time in Leeds was that Darren Cronian, founder of My Life in Leeds, a guide written by local people who enjoy sharing their experiences and writing trusted recommendations on places to visit, stay and eat the city, was my personal tour guide.
Centenary Bridge at the Leeds Waterfront
Darren’s tips for What to Do in Leeds:
- Shop at the iconic Leeds Kirkgate Market.
- Hire a bicycle opposite the train station and explore Leeds and Liverpool canal.
- Visit La Bottega Milanese or Laynes Espresso for the best coffee in Leeds.
- Shop in the historic Victorian arcades including the impressive Victoria Quarter.
- Watch a film in the North’s smallest cinema (26 seats) at Armley Mills Museum.
- Explore the Leeds waterfront and walk from Granary Wharf to Clarence Dock.
- Spend an afternoon walking around Harewood House and its huge estate.
- Download a map and explore the Leeds Owl Trail.
- Let the kids run off some energy at Roundhay Park and explore the Tropical World.
- Treat yourself to a Gourmet Hotdog at Primo’s in the Leeds Corn Exchange.
County Arcade in Leed’s Victoria Quarter
More Tips for Things to Do in England
We’ve plenty of travel tips for what to do in England, outside London.
Ten Things to Do in Leeds
Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Visiting London’s Tower Bridge
I’m off to London next month to attend the World Travel Market. I started to compare hotels in London for convenience of getting both to the Excel Exhibition Centre in the Docklands and peripheral events in the West End. It seemed to me that the area near the Tower Bridge was ideal. Now I’ve heard a lot about the history of the Tower of London but not much about Tower Bridge, which seems strange as it’s such an iconic London sight. So I decided to do a little bit of research into Tower Bridge.
The construction of Tower Bridge in 1894 was an enormous undertaking that took eight years of work by 450 men from five separate construction companies in order to meet its completion date. The bridge had to be able to allow the passage of sailing ships under it, as well as pedestrians and vehicles over it. The solution was a bridge which could lift up.
Many visitors are attracted to the mechanical workings of the hydraulics which raise the two halves of the bridge. In the Victorian age these were originally steam driven, but now cleaner electricity is utilized. If you want to see the bridge raised, it only happens on certain days, sometimes less often than once a week.
The walkways which are higher than the roadway are open even when the two halves of the bridge are raised; in the Victorian age this was a very popular location for prostitutes, but in the 21st century this can be a great spot to view the opening and the ships passing through the gap. However, if you want to go up to the walkways you have to pay for an admission ticket to the Exhibition Centre which costs £8 for adults and £3.40 for kids aged 5 – 15. Opening hours only vary slightly throughout the year; from April to September 10.00 – 18.30 and October to March 09.30 – 18.00.
I previously enjoyed walking along the Thames Path from Tower Bridge to Westminster.
So next time you’re thinking of booking a city break in London, why not consider staying in the Tower Bridge area.
Best of London Tips
Read our Best of London Travel Tips, to help you get the most from your visit to the city.
Visiting London’s Tower Bridge
Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Enthralling London Ceremonies
If you’re visiting the UK capital why not try to time your trip to see some London ceremonies described below by Andrea Kirkby. While there are several well known London Ceremonies such as the Changing of the Guard for instance and Trooping the Colour in the summer; then in autumn, it’s the State Opening of Parliament and the Lord Mayor’s Show.
For me though, some of the most interesting ceremonies of the city (and events in Europe) are much quieter and more intimate affairs. For instance there’s the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, which happens every night. It’s a short, understated ceremony, during which the outer gates of the Tower are locked and the guard is dismissed for the night. The surroundings and the dead-of-night hush in the air are what make it so evocative.
Tower of London by cafuego
There’s an even more special ceremony that happens just once a year, the ceremony of Roses and Lilies, at which members of King’s College Cambridge and Eton College remember Henry VI, who was murdered in the Tower.
A much lighter note is struck by the Grimaldi Memorial Service in February, which commemorates the life of Joseph Grimaldi, the most celebrated of English clowns (if you think the ‘sad clown’ is only a stereotype, read the story of his life – a superstar in youth, he died, a broken and broke man, at only 58). Holy Trinity Church in Hackney is the venue for the memorial, which clowns attend in full regalia.
Historian John Stow is commemorated by a ceremony in St Andrew Undershaft in the City, once every three years. His tomb shows him writing, quill pen in hand; at the ceremony, his effigy is given a new pen.
St Andrews Undershaft Church & the Gherkin by Henry Lawford
And if you want to see old Cockney traditions at their best, turn up for the Costermongers’ Harvest Festival, held at St Mary le Bow at the end of September. The Pearly Kings and Queens of London meet in Guildhall Yard in their traditional regalia and proceed to St Mary’s for the service, with donkey carts, brewers’ drays, marching bands and plenty of good humour. As the bells of St Mary’s ring out, you’ll recall the traditional definition of a Cockney – anyone born within earshot of Bow Bells.
Pearly Queen by Ian Farrell
Most of London’s ceremonial fare is a feast for the eyes – but the tradition of campanology is a delight for the ears. The Ancient Society of College Youths was founded in 1637 and has been ringing the bells at St Mary le Bow ever since; it now rings at other churches around the City and Westminster as well, including St Paul’s Cathedral. Practices are held on Tuesday evenings, 630-8, and you can hear bells on Sunday at St Magnus Martyr, St Paul’s, and St Michael’s Cornhill.
St Mary Le Bow steeple by LoopZilla
One of my favourite ceremonies is the Butterworth Charity, founded by the publisher Joshua Whitehead Butterworth at the end of the nineteenth century. On Good Friday, hot cross buns are given out to the children of the parish at St Bartholomew’s, according to the terms of the charity – in fact the service usually goes a good bit further and gives them out to the whole congregation if there are enough. Even the clergy get a hot cross bun once they’re finished.
Beating the Bounds is one of those good old English traditions which has died out in most places – patrolling the boundaries of the parish so that everyone could recognise them, thus avoiding boundary disputes. In the City, it is still carried out on Ascension day in the parish of Portsoken, with the children of Sir John Cass Primary School joining the Ward Constable and Aldermen of Portsoken together with the parish militia. It’s a wonderful event, mixing ceremoniousness with sheer anarchy when the children are given their sticks for bashing walls, railings, bollards, and lamp posts that stand on the boundary line. ‘Beating’ the bounds is meant quite literally.
Beating the Bound by avail
And finally, one of London’s great pageants actually doesn’t take place in the city at all – but since it starts just a little upstream of it on the Thames, and involves two of the City Livery Companies, it’s very much a London tradition. I’m referring to Swan Upping. For five days in July, starting from Sunbury Lock, the Queen’s Swan Marker together with the Swan Uppers of the Dyers’ and Vintners’ Companies patrol the Thames in a flotilla of six traditional rowing skiffs. Mute swans on open water in the UK belong to the Queen and on the Thames she shares her ownership with the two livery companies. Back in the Middle Ages when this all started, swans were the food of kings – now, Swan Upping provides an opportunity to carry out conservation work, checking the numbers of swans and also the health of the population.
A convenient hotel for experiencing London’s pageantry at first hand is the Rubens at the Palace – a 4 star hotel near Victoria – which has free WiFi for guests and overlooks the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace.
More London Tips
We’ve lots of tips for the best things to do in London in our collation post.
Enthralling London Ceremonies
Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
English Gardens: Haven’t I Seen You Somewhere Before?
Spotting British actors we’ve seen in TV shows and movies is a favorite pastime at our house, but even better is spotting the UK locales where our favorite shows and movies were filmed. Here’s a little rundown of where some of the more popular films and TV shows were filmed in England
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen fans have their own favorite version of this classic, but for locations, my favorite is the Keira Knightley version from 2005, because it showcases two of my favorite gardens. Remember the scene when Lizzie Bennet is running over a low, arched bridge in the pouring rain? Mr. Darcy watches and waits for her at a folly – a small stone building on a hill. That is Stourhead , a National Trust garden in Wiltshire. It’s a fabulous example of the 18th-century landscape movement, a naturalistic style where gardeners moved heaven and earth to make it look as if nothing had been done. Even better for me, I’ve been on that very bridge in the pouring rain. Now, where was Mr. Darcy?
Also in the same movie version, is a breathtaking view of Chatsworth , the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (she is also known as Debo, the youngest of the Mitford sisters). Chatsworth, which is in Derbyshire in an area known as The Peak District, stands in for Mr. Darcy’s home Pemberley. Lizzie first sees it when she and her aunt and uncle stop for lunch nearby and decide to visit the house – when Lizzie first climbs the small knoll and sees Pemberley, she laughs with amazement at its grandeur.
*Note: Be sure to have lunch, coffee or tea in the cafes at both places.
Doc Martin
Fans of this British TV series (shown on PBS) fall in love with Port Wenn – the deep blue sea against white sand, fishing boats in the tiny harbor, the steep walk from the village up to the doctor’s surgery (a surgery in England is the doctor’s office). Port Wenn is, in reality, Port Isaac, a tiny village on the north coast of Cornwall. If you become so enamored of Cornwall, you might just want to walk the coastal path – all 630 miles of it. If that sounds like too much for one trip, you can always walk short bits, from village to village – with a pub stop on the way.
*Note: If you’ve ever heard Martin Clunes, the actor who plays Doc Martin, interviewed, you will know that he is a friendly and engaging person – and he loves dogs!
Ladies in Lavender
Dame Judi Dench and Maggie Smith star in this lovely story of sisters who take in a foreigner who – literally – washes up on the shore. Cornwall is the star here too. St. Ives on the north coast as well as Cadgwith, a tiny village on the Lizard peninsula, were among the several locations used for the 1930s setting. Walk part of the coastal path while you are there, and in summer you’ll see clumps of sea thrift blooming on the hillside down to the sea.
The sisters head to Truro to buy their mysterious visitor a new suit. Filmmakers had to substitute a more unspoilt village for Truro, but stop in Truro anyway, so that you can have a pint at The Old Ale House and also visit Bosvigo , a private garden in town owned by Michael and Wendy Perry. Bosvigo not only has fine views from its site on a hill, but the garden design lures you on from room to room – always with a bench so that you can sit and enjoy your surroundings. Roses, hebes, hardy geraniums – all backed by fine broadleaf evergreens. Be sure to go in the small Victorian conservatory, too, where you’ll find all sorts of fuchsias and begonias that don’t grow outside even in Cornwall’s mild climate.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Yes, it’s true, you could do an entire lengthy tour that focuses only on the locations of HP movies. They are chock-full of scenes that show a glimpse here or a few seconds there of ancient sites and buildings around the UK – and most altered by computer graphics to be more suitable for the movies. Of all the many places used, my favorite is Lavenham, a Tudor village in East Anglia. The Guild Hall in the village center was used as a backdrop when Harry and Hermione visited Godric’s Hollow, where Harry was born.
Note: In the nearby town of Colchester, stop at The Beth Chatto Gardens for garden inspiration or just to have lunch or tea in the shop.
Inspector Lewis
Oxford stars in many movies and TV shows, and it’s easy to see why both the historic buildings and gorgeous landscape makes it a choice spot. Although many fans of Inspector Morse may look up and down the streets for a glimpse of him, more recently, viewers of “Inspector Lewis” might want to see a few familiar places.
The episode titled “The Dead of Winter” showcased what the story called Crevecoeur Hall, and is really Rousham House & Garden in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The grand estate was built in 1635 and landscaped by William Kent, the leader of what became known as the 18th-century landscape movement (the same style as Stourhead). Kent created some formal bits – the knot garden, for example, but also designed huge expanses with sweeping scenes all in an effort to make the homeowners feel as if they owned the world.
Note: No Oxford stop should be without a visit to the 380-year-old botanic gardens, the oldest in England. The walled garden showcases plants arranged by family – you’ll be surprised to see which of your common garden plants are related.
Midsomer Murders
The English countryside is the perfect place for a murder mystery, as evidenced by this long-running series where pubs, gardens and the countryside are definitely the stars. There seems to be a dead body at every turn (it’s slightly tongue-in-cheek, so don’t be be put off). Among the many locations during the series, you’ll see Lyde Garden in Bledlow, Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, and the Crown Inn’s garden in Little Missenden.
Written by Marty Wingate for EuropeUpClose.com
Marty enjoys the public and private gardens of England, Ireland and Scotland, and often shows them off to travelers. She particularly likes to sit over a cup of tea – or pint of real ale – and hear stories from the gardeners themselves. Some of those stories can be found on her blog martywingate.com.
Related posts:
- Exploring the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, England
- Villas and Gardens of Italy’s Borromean Islands
- Exploring the Scottish and English Border
Review of The Black Bull, Etal, Northumberland
The Black Bull pub is located in the hamlet of Etal in North Northumberland and is the only thatched pub in the county. We had lunch there on a weekday in late August 2011.
Exterior of The Black Bull
When we looked at the menu displayed by the main door we thought that the food seemed a bit on the pricey side with most main courses costing around £10. However, as the only other place to eat in Etal is a tearoom where we had some awful food in the past, we had little option but to proceed into the Black Bull. There’s a beer garden at the side of the pub but it was a bit cool to eat alfresco.
Beer Garden at The Black Bull
Although the exterior of the pub is very pretty the interior is a bit worn e.g. there were a couple of bald patches on the carpet. The menu had about six main courses but we both went for the Beef & Ale Stew with Cheese Dumpling. This choice was prompted by the fact that most of the other dishes were not that appealing, e.g. fish and chips, scampi and chips and lasagne. The table we sat at hadn’t been cleaned after the departure of the previous diners; we hoped someone would come to clean it before our food arrived, but to no avail. Therefore we had to request a clean up when our food arrived. The stew was tasty and very meaty.
Beef & Ale Stew with Cheese Dumpling
We ordered a pot of tea to go with our main course. It was a very small pot with barely enough tea for one and half small cups each. The milk jug didn’t have a proper pouring spout, so we ended up with milk all over the table. When I went to pay the bill I was charged the wrong amount.
In summary. I don’t think we’ll be eating at the Black Bull again; we didn’t feel that almost £10 for a plate of stew was good value for money taking into consideration that the service wasn’t great either.
Review of The Black Bull, Etal, Northumberland
Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
25 Fun Things to Do in the UK
The United Kingdom (UK) comprises of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you’re looking for ideas for what to do in the UK, here are some great tips from the Europe a la Carte team.
ENGLAND
Cool Off at the Diana Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park
You may dangle your feet in the refreshing stream at the Diana Memorial Fountain in London’s Hyde Park after a hard days sightseeing but you’re not allowed to walk through the structure.
Diana Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park
Walk Along the Meridian Line in Greenwich, London
You can walk on Longtitude Zero line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. This is the home of time dividing the globe into the eastern and western hemispheres.
Greenwich Meridian Line by markhealey
Be Dazzled By the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
Although you might expect to see the British Crown Jewels at Buckingham Palace, they are in fact on display at the Tower of London in the Jewel House.
Guarding the Crown Jewels by Randy son of Robert
More London Tips
We’ve plenty more tips for the best things to do in London.
Enjoy Art at the Tate Liverpool
There’s more to Liverpool than the Beatles; I enjoyed visiting the Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Slavery at the Albert Dock.
Tate Liverpool at Albert Dock
Retrace a Roman Soldier’s Footsteps Along the Route of Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD to keep out the Scots. You can now follow the route along the 84 mile Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail.
Hadrian’s Wall by Bod
Marvel at the Stained Glass Windows in York Minster
York Minster is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the UK. It’s rather expensive to get in at £9 per adult (correct August 2011) but if you’re planning to visit several attractions in the city, a York Pass can be good value.
York Minster
Admire the Fish Sculptures at Cragside House
I loved the glass fish sculptures in the pond at the Formal Garden at Cragside House. If you visit in Spring you’ll also be able to see the wonderful tulip displays.
Fish sculptures in the Formal Garden pond at Cragside House
Relax at Leeds Waterfront
I was impressed by Leeds in Yorkshire, as I didn’t even realise it had a waterfront before my visit. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants with lovely views. The Armouries Museum is located here and it’s free to enter.
Centenary Bridge at Leeds Waterfront
See the Murals at Chain Bridge Honey Farm
There are several fantastic murals on the walls of the Chain Bridge Honey Farm. My favourite depicts the course of the River Tweed from its source to the estuary where it flows into the sea at Berwick upon Tweed.
Surf at Newquay, Cornwall
Newquay in Cornwall, in the south west of England, has some beautiful beaches, ideal for surfing.
Great Western Beach Newquay
Cross the Causeway to Holy Island
Make sure you check the tide times before you attempt the reach to and return from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Ride on a Steam Train in Cumbria
Take a ride in a steam train in the South Tynedale Valley through some beautiful countryside.
Meet Up with Robin Hood in Nottingham
I was lucky enough to meet up with Robin Hood when I attended a themed weekend at Nottingham Castle.
Robin Hood and me at Nottingham Castle
More Tips for Things to Do in England (outside London)
We’ve 25 more ideas for what to do in England.
SCOTLAND
Go Back to Your Youth at the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh
The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is quite enchanting.
The Search for the Loch Ness Monster at the Museum of Childhood
See the Work of the Architect Zaha Hadid
In Glasgow, the Riverside Museum, the new home of the Scottish Museum of Transport was designed the architect Zaha Hadid.
Glasgow’s Riverside Museum
Go For a Boat Trip on Loch Lomond
The best way to see bonnie banks of Loch Lomond is by taking a boat trip, you may even spot an osprey.
Take the Train over the Forth Rail Bridge
The Forth Rail Bridge is one of Scotland’s iconic sights, so why not take the train across the Estuary for views toward Cramond Island and Edinburgh.
The Forth Rail Bridge
Have a Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff
The Famous Grouse Experience Visitor’s Centre lies just outside the town of Crieff in Perthshire. You can take a tour of the distillery from around £8 per adult, which includes some sampling. I loved the grouse sculpture adorned with kisses.
The Famous Grouse sculpture
Climb Falkland Hill
Even if you’re not superfit you can still make it up Falkland Hill, as there’s a car park half way up.
View from ascent of Falkland Hill
More Scotland Tips
If you’ve more time to explore Scotland, I’ve written about “25 Unusual & Fun Things to Do in Scotland“.
WALES
Spot Wild Ponies at Brecon Beacons National Park
Heather has some tips for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park, where you may even spot some of wild ponies.
Wild ponies in Brecon Beacons National Park
Tuck into Delicious Scones at Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Teahouse
Neha had some scrumptious scones, reputed to be the best in Wales, at the Tu Hwnt i’r Bont Teahouse near Llanrwst.
Welsh scones by Girl Interrupted Eating
Go Underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum
You can get a feel for what it was like being a miner by going down the pit at the National Coal Museum.
Me equipped to go underground
NORTHERN IRELAND
Go Back in Time at the Ulster Folk Museum
The best part of my visit to Ulster Folk Museum was sampling some soda bread, cooked over an open fire and then listening to the traditional Irish tale “The Changeling”.
Cooking soda bread at the Ulster Fols Museum
Walk Around Derry’s City Wall
The 17th century walls of Derry (aka LondonDerry) remain intact and you can learn a lot about the city’s history on a walking around them. The city will be the UK Capital of Culture in 2013.
Derry’s Walls by horslip5
Dodge the Jets at the Custom House Water Feature in Belfast
I didn’t fancy a soaking, so I was happy to watch some other people trying to judge if the variable flow jets on the water feature at Custom House would woosh up as they ran along the paving stones.
25 Fun Things to Do in the UK
European travel guides & tips. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.