The United Kingdom is one of the greatest places in the entire world. When you get the opportunity to visit, you want to take the time to see the best of everything that the region has to offer. There’s a lot to do in the United Kingdom, so how do you know what you absolutely have to fit in during your visit? Here are 5 things you must try when youfirst visit the UK.
1. Visit Stonehenge – The Last Remaining Wonder of the World
England has a lot of history, but you might not know exactly how far back the history goes. Visit one the most complete examples of prehistoric life and the only standing Wonder of the Ancient World by going to Stonehenge. Located in Wiltshire, England, the monuments are estimated to be about 5,000 years old. We don’t know much about the Neolithic period, and most of what we do know comes from this well-preserved monument.
Scientists have been studying it forever, and we still don’t have all the answers. Walk through the giant stone structures and marvel at the accomplishments of our ancient ancestors. How could they have built such complicated buildings with the limited resources and knowledge of the Neolithic period? You can also take a look at the ancient artifacts found in the area. You can even view the remains of an ancient person.
2. Explore the Tower of London
Many of us know t he stories of the corpulent king Henry VIII breaking from the Catholic church to divorce and marry someone else. Once. Or twice. Or three times. When he decided to move on to another wife, previous wives were sometimes subject to his wrath. When someone in this era was a threat to the king, they were locked up in the Tower of London. That’s where many of his wives found their untimely fates.
Walk in the exact same spot where Anne Boleyn had her head chopped off and see the tower where the two young princes were found. You may get an eerie feeling while you stand on the same ground as this amazing history. The tower is known to be one of the most haunted places in the world due to its scandalous past.
Be sure to arrive at the tower early in the morning to avoid the crowds. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. You will also get the opportunity to see the crowned jewels.
3. Play an Instrument – Particularly the Ukulele
Most people connect the ukulele to Hawaii. But the ukulele is a highly popular instrument all throughout the United Kingdom. Some of the most popular ukulele players in the world got their start in the area, and you should try picking one up, learning a song or two and jamming with others! If you want to get a head start and learn online, a great place to do so is Musician Authority. You can look up little venues in just about any city to see who will be playing during your stay. Many popular ukulele songs have also been incorporated in a number of different theater productions too.
4. Visit the Winston Churchill War Rooms
A woman once told Winston Churchill that if she was his wife, she would poison his drink. He famously responded that if he was her husband, he would drink it. This famous prime minister was known for his wit, but he was even better known for being the man who lead the Allied forces to victory in World War II.
Learn more about this British national treasure by visiting the Churchill Museum in London. Go underground into the exact place where Churchill and his army authorities gathered together to strategize in private. A true leader, Churchill even stayed in the bunkers with his men instead of finding more comfortable accommodations.
You’ll learn more about how the British army communicated and planned during the war to end all wars. You even get to try on some of the hats that army officials would wear.
5. See Buckingham Palace
Say hello to the queen at home by visiting Buckingham Palace. It’s a fabulous architectural achievement literally fit for a queen. Located in London, it’s where the queen lives. It’s also where royal events are held. You may be lucky enough to schedule a tour of the palace itself. Of course, certain areas will not be accessible to the public.
If you simply walk past the building, be sure to go when they will be preforming the changing of the guards ceremony. It’s a perfectly choreographed ceremony preformed every day. You don’t need tickets to watch; you only need to come at the right time.
Westminster Abbey is across the street, so you can stop by to see the remains of some of the most famous people in the history of the country.
6. See London At The Top Of The Eye
London has an amazing skyline only comparable to the other great skylines of the world like New York and Tokyo. To get the best view possible while having a great time, try the largest Ferris wheel in the country- The Eye. Go during the day to see the hustle and bustle of the city in the daytime. If you go at night, the Eye is lit up. You’ll get to see the city from a completely different perspective. Be prepared for a long line at any time, but it’s always worth it for the breathtaking views.
The United Kingdom is a beautiful place. If you are lucky enough to visit, you want to catch the best sites around. Eat all of the fish and chips you can at the pub along the way and visit these amazing places.