In a fit of good news for UK tourism, the staycation is increasing in popularity once again amongst Brits as domestic overnight spending increases. There are a number of different reasons, from the increased expense of international travel to the ease of a good staycation – but the UK’s world-beating landmarks and attractions are an excellent reason to explore ‘home’. Here are five of the best, and why you should make them your next destination.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge’s reputation precedes itself. The manmade stone circle is one of the pre-eminent prehistoric landmarks of the world, setting out a distinctive outline in the Salisbury landscape. It is visited by more than a million tourists a year on average, who flock to the site out of historical and cultural interest in equal measure. Whether a truly sacred site or simply a marvel of prehistoric engineering, Stonehenge is a must-visit UK landmark.
Tower of London
For a full and gruesome history of England’s great capital, book a train ticket to London and head straight over to the Tower of London. Famously home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower is also an area of extreme historical significance. Three of Henry VIII’s wives were executed on the Tower Green; Guy Fawkes was interrogated there following the failure of his Gunpowder Plot; and most famously, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned there. Learn about all this and more, and even get a chance at a picture with a beefeater guard! London is a must-visit in the UK.
Westminster
A short westerly trip along the River Thames will take you from the Tower of London to Westminster, an area of London chock-full with landmarks and attractions. The Westminster Bridge is an iconic river crossing, which offers an unparalleled line of sight to the Houses of Parliament and their clock tower Big Ben. Beyond Big Ben and across Abingdon Street, you’ll find Westminster Abbey, the wedding venue for Prince William and Princess Kate, and the country’s coronation site. Downing St, Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, the Imperial War Museums – it’s all here to be taken in, and all within five minutes of Westminster tube station.
Cotswolds
An easy day-trip from London, Cotswolds is one of the must-visit places in the UK. This is also one of the most instagrammable places in the UK and a great UK destination to relax and enjoy the picturesque landscape and quaint villages. Cotswolds is close to Bath and Bristol and in the north side there’s another popular destination in the UK: Lake District National Park.
The Roman Baths
The Roman Baths are a 2,000-year-old tourist attraction in the south-west, and the sole reason for the name of its location: Bath. These baths are incredibly well-preserved for their age, and tell a powerful story of the Roman occupation at the start of the millennium. While the baths are for viewing only, a new spa environment was opened at the end of the 20th century, enabling visitors to get a taste of the Roman hot spring experience.
