For the last 1500 years, the United Kingdom has been a very integral part of history. They have been ruled by various monarchs over the years and their many traditions have endured. The United Kingdom is comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Each one is unique and has its own story to tell.
The United Kingdom is a very popular travel destination for many Americans. As our government began there, it holds a great deal of historical significance for all of us. British history left many amazing landmarks and sights along the way. No trip to the United Kingdom would be complete without visiting a few of them.
From Stonehenge to London Bridge, The U.K. has more than you could ever see on one trip. For those who are fans of Robin Hood, you can actually visit the legendary Sherwood Forest. While he was supposedly a fictional character, it’s still cool to say you’ve been there.
Stonehenge Ancient Monument
Here you can also visit Althorp. This is the final resting place of Princess Diana of Wales. There hasn’t been a more popular monarch in recent memory. This exhibit celebrates her life and remembers her untimely death.
Throughout the United Kingdom, there are a large number of medieval castles that can be toured. In fact, this is one of the most popular activities to engage in while on a trip to the U.K. With such a chilling history of blood and violence, most of them are thought to be haunted. Each castle has its own unique stories that can be heard by a convincing tour guide.
One such castle is Edinburgh Castle. It is widely considered to be haunted and contains several ghosts. One such character is the headless drummer. Many people regularly claim to hear his drum beating throughout the hallways of this castle. According to legend, he is never seen unless an invasion is forthcoming.
Edinburgh Castle
Besides the headless drummer, another musical ghost supposedly walks the corridors of Edinburgh Castle. He is referred to as the Lone Piper. While tourists walk through the courtyard, they can hear his haunting tunes being played. Reportedly, the Lone Piper was a soldier that was sent below the castle to explore. Once the catacombs and complex passageways were found under the castle, he was sent below to investigate. He played his flute while he walked so that the other soldiers could track him. Suddenly, the music stopped. Others ran in after him, but he was never found. Even if it is just a legend, it’s still pretty creepy to say the least.
Glamis Castle is another well-known castle that is assumed to be haunted. It was also the setting that Shakespeare chose for his play Macbeth. There are a number of ghosts that allegedly walk within these walls. According to the stories, there is a vampire woman with no tongue that is confined to live in the castle forever. Another ghost named Earl Beardie is eternally gambling in one of the chambers. Many children have claimed to see him looking at them in the dark. Besides the ghosts, the monster of Glamis Castle also lives in one of the towers. The Earl of Strathmore once had a deformed child and locked him in the tower. Stories grew and exaggerated him into a monster. Even though that was a few hundred years ago, he somehow is still alive according to legend.
Another neat landmark is Rockingham Castle. According to English lore, the Crown Jewels of King John are buried somewhere on the grounds. While you would think that if they were there, someone would have found them over the last few hundred years, you never know. You might get lucky.
Robin Hood's Tree - Sherwood Forest
What trip to the United Kingdom would be complete without a trip to the amazing city of London? This city truly has something for everyone, with its numerous historic landmarks. While you might get rained on, it’s not as foggy as you’ve heard. This is pretty much a preconceived notion that no longer applies. Some of the most popular and well-known attractions are The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This is actually where Parliament meets and enacts laws for the country of England. If you’re there at the right time, you might even see the Queen herself. The Houses of Parliament also contains the world-famous Big Ben clock tower.
A popular attraction in London is the Tower Bridge. It contains twin drawbridges and has been raising them for over a hundred years. While the new electric-powered motors are a lot faster than the older version, it is still a sight to behold. From the bridge you can witness the HMS Belfast. For those of you that don’t know, it actually opened the battle on D-Day at the shores of Normandy. This is definitely an invaluable piece of history. The Tower Bridge also contains the largest diamond ever found, at a whopping 3,106 carats!
Tower Bridge
Another must-see attraction in London is Buckingham Palace. This is the current residence of the Queen of England. The Palace has a timed ticket system and allows new groups in every 15 minutes. Currently it costs about $55 dollars for an adult ticket into Buckingham Palace. While it may seem expensive, it is worth every penny. It is one of the largest active residences in the world with approximately 660 rooms. Throughout the year, there are various events that you can attend. For complete information on current events, visit the official website.
While there are several ways to get around London, one of the most popular ways is via a bus tour. This also happens to be one of the most fun ways. During a tour, you usually get to ride on the top of a double-decker bus. Knowledgeable guides show you the sights and give you some interesting background information along the way.
Overall, The United Kingdom has a great deal to offer everyone. While you could spend your entire vacation sightseeing, don’t overwhelm yourself. Take some time to enjoy the rich British culture. Relax and enjoy your trip!