Whether you’re a first time visitor or a returning traveler, Great Britain has many exciting spots to check out. Considering visiting these 4 places during your next vacation to England, Scotland, and Wales.
Bonus Tip: Make the Most Out Of Your Vacation to Great Britain
To gain the most flexibility possible, consider getting a car hire in the UK. Don’t rely on public transportation or rideshare apps, both of which can slow down your trip. Make sure you get the chance to do everything you want during your trip to Great Britain!
Related: Five reasons why Americans should travel abroad
1) Visit the Edinburgh Zoo – Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh Zoo is located in Scotland’s capital city. It’s been open since 1913 and has captivated both locals and visitors ever since. A lot of guests come for the only giant pandas found in the UK, which arrived at the zoo from China in 2011.
Another popular exhibit is the daily penguin parade. During this event, guests can watch Rockhopper, Gentoo, and King penguins stroll around the park with their keepers.
The Edinburgh Zoo is truly an entertaining visit, as there are almost 1,000 rare and endangered animals to see. Plus, this is a visit you can feel good about making. Your money will be going towards a good cause, as the zoo is dedicated to the conservation and research of animal life.
2) York Minster – York, England
The York Minster is a Gothic cathedral located in England’s North Yorkshire area. It’s almost 800 years old, as its construction began in 1220. Recently, the East Front of the cathedral has been restored. It features the largest area of medieval stained glass in the world. Visitors from all over the world have come to see its architecture and learn about its impact on the area’s Christian population.
After a visit to York Minster, you can stop at one of the six nearby locations of Bettys Tea Room Cafe. Bettys Tea Room Cafe offers a homey and authentic dining experience. Here, you can enjoy a variety of items including French-style macaroons, smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream and jam.
3) Snowdonia – Northwestern Wales
Snowdonia is the largest national park in Wales. The National Park Authority does everything possible to preserve the area’s natural beauty and the surrounding cultural heritage, as the area is also home to several villages. At Snowdonia, you can cycle and walk along recreational routes.
You may spot some rare wildlife such as:
- Rainbow leaf beetles, or Snowdon beetles
- Feral goats
- Ravens
- Osprey
- European pine martens
If you’re looking for a little extra adventure, Snowdonia is home to the world’s fastest zip-lining wire. It’s also a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and brush up on your Welsh, as around half of this area’s population speaks this Celtic language!
4) 20 Forthlin Road and 251 Menlove Avenue – Liverpool, England
These two spots are the childhood homes of the Beatles’ Paul McCartney and John Lennon. The homes are now managed by the National Trust and are ready for visitors to come see in person. These are great places to check out for both music lovers and history buffs. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see firsthand where the Beatles wrote and rehearsed some of their earliest songs.
Afterward, you can check out the Cavern Club. It was here that the Beatles put on some of their first performances in the 1960s. Today, it has a solid lineup of resident acts, cover artists, and special guests. Most of the time, admission to this club is free. The door charge on Thursday nights, Friday nights, and weekends is super cheap, never exceeding £6.
Adventure on!
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Snowdonia is incredible and a great place to hike and trail run in the summer. It can, however, be challenging in the Winter. I believe an ultra race called Dragon’s Back runs through Snowdonia and is a grueling test of endurance. Winter conditions can make it even tougher!
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I’ve been to the U.K. once, and honestly I didn’t like it. Mainly because London was one of the most expensive cities ever. Looking at York Minister thought, it looks like quite a good time.
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