Travelling around the UK is becoming more popular, where people would usually go abroad, they are instead opting to take road trips around the country; camping, in a campervan and sometimes even by train. When considering visiting the UK or travelling within England usually the first place that comes to mind is London, but England has so much more to offer than just the home of the Queen and whether you prefer to spend long days in the museum looking for a piece of history or partying all through the night then each one of our amazing cities will have something to suit every taste.
Firstly we can start with the most obvious location which is London, of course visiting the Queen at Buckingham Palace whilst trying to make a guard break character and smile is probably at the top of your list if you’ve never visited the capital city before, but there is plenty more to the city than just that. Big Ben chimed for the first time on July 11 1859 and this year has been silenced for an estimated 3 years whilst repairs are taking place so if you have been planning to go there anytime soon don’t be surprised if it is silent. Even still there is a lot to see and do in London, check out our London travel blog for more sightseeing locations.
Fun fact: Many people incorrectly assume that the clock tower itself is called Big Ben, but it is the bell which is named this, the clock tower is called The Great Westminster Clock.
If you’re opting to travel to more than one location in your time away then Brighton makes a great weekend away from London as it is only 1 hour and 30 minutes away. If you’re sleeping in your campervan pop top roof then nothing apart from a few miles down the road separates you from the seaside resort. Brighton Royal Pavilion is breathtakingly beautiful and has to be at the top of the list of places to see in Brighton, it was once royal residence and was built in three stages as a seaside retreat for the Prince Regent, George in 1787, after which in 1815 it was extended to include the domes and minarets. Inside it boasts a decor of dragons, swirly carpets and hand painted Chinese wallpaper. Brighton pier is the epitome of a British seaside holiday; sandy beaches, a traditional seaside fair and fresh fish and chips the pier has everything that is needed at a seaside holiday.
Bath is a place with a huge amount of history; whilst you’re there you could to visit the Roman baths complex which was founded upon natural hot springs over 2000 years ago. During July and August the Roman Baths are open until 10pm and can be explored by torch light that cast shadows on the original pavements creating a magical atmosphere which is followed by taking a sip of the spa water giving each visitor the opportunity to get a real taste of Roman Baths which contains 42 minerals and many say also has healing powers. In summer 2016 Bath Racecourse development was completed which has made it become one of the most stylish racecourses in the UK boasting picturesque view across the Roman City.
Moving further north Liverpool is one of the livelier cities, whilst being the home of The Beatles it has more parks than Paris giving plenty of choice for a picnic spot; ten of Liverpool’s Victorian parks are protected by English Heritage. The Liverpool War Museum is home to a wartime bunker that played an important part in one of WWII’s major sea conflicts – the Battle of the Atlantic, the bunker is held in the same condition it was when the doors were closed at the end of the war. Albert Docks is the hub of many different bars, restaurants and hotels, it is where the famous Beatles and titanic hotel boats are situated, if you want to stay in one of these to have a night away from the campervan you will have to book in advance, but it is worth the extra planning.
Just a stone’s throw away from there is Manchester which is the 3rd most visited city in the UK and for good reason it plays host to the Lowry Centre which contains a shopping centre, theatre, art gallery and much more; it is located on the picturesque waterfront and across the water sits The Imperial War Museum and the newly developed Media City where Coronation Street is filmed. From Manchester has over 50 museums which are open to the public, many of them boasting free entry to encourage younger learning, one of the more popular museums; the museum of science and industry contains the world’s first computer and has a floor that is geared towards children being able to look, feel touch and play whilst learning including a bed of nails.
Fun fact: If you laid the London Eye on its side it would easily fit inside the area covered by the intu Trafford Centre 11 times!
Blackpool has an abundance of tourist locations, and whilst it is not quite as glamorous as it once was it remains the perfect location for a break away with the family. The Blackpool Tower is a grade one listed historical building which was built in 1894, it stands at 518ft tall and allows guests to gain a unique bird’s eye view of Blackpool itself, on a clear day it is possible see as far as North Wales, the Lake District and the Isle of Man. The tower isn’t just good for the view it also has a ballroom which has family days to be enjoyed throughout the year such as the Mad Hatters Tea Party. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is an amusement park which has something for everyone; from rollercoaster to shows and Nickelodeon Land for the younger children to enjoy. The Big One based at the theme park is 65 metres tall and is Britain’s highest rollercoaster; it reaches speeds of 85 mph on the drop from the top and is one for the thrill seekers to enjoy, as long as the children are over the height restriction they can ride as well.
Last but not least is Edinburgh, it comes just after London as the 2nd most visited city in the UK, it makes for one of the most romantic city breaks in the UK at any time of the year whether that includes a brisk walk to Arthur’s seat in the winter time or attending the very popular Fringe Festival – the world’s largest arts festival which usually runs for around 3 weeks in the month of August. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and has Edinburgh castle which used to be home to Queen Mary of Guise who died there in 1560. It was also there that her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in 1566.