When you visit somewhere new it’s great to come away feeling as though you’ve experienced life just as the locals live it! This means cramming in as much of the culture as possible into your activities; sight-seeing, food and drink and, of course, the nightlife.
If you are leaning towards the UK for your travels this year, keep in mind the vast differences between each region. A week in London alone will not give you an insight into the whole of the UK.
Here is our guide to five destinations that greatly differ from one another, offering a smorgasbord of UK culture for you to remember long after your return home.
London
As England’s capital city, London is a thriving city for those who love to work hard and play even harder. Take a ride on the London Eye to get a bird’s eye view of the city, or visit Buckingham Palace and really see how the royals live. You can also see all your favourite celebrities in the world-famous Madame Tussauds museum, which has hundreds of waxwork replicas of well-known faces for the perfect photo opportunity.
Edinburgh
Get a taste of Scotland with the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Whether you visit the animals at the renowned Edinburgh Zoo, or wander around the 72 acres of the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, there is something for everyone in the capital of Scotland. With stunning architecture to wow you on every street corner, you can top it all off with a trip to Edinburgh Castle, which sits proudly on its own volcanic rock overlooking the rest of the city.
Brighton
Voted one of the top city break beach destinations, Brighton beach offers a lovely promenade with a throng of cafes and bars to keep you well fed and refreshed. It’s easy to get around in this compact city, with major attractions including the famous Brighton Pier, the historic house of Preston Manor, or Brighton Museum and Art Gallery for a sample of the arts.
Lake District
Experience the beauty of the English countryside with one of the UK’s top holiday destinations, the Lake District. Situated in the North West, this stop-off on your tour will show you just how lush and green the UK can be. Visit the tranquil Lake Derwent, or sample some British heritage at Wray Castle, where famous author Beatrix Potter found inspiration for some of her most well-known tales. You can also visit the Beatrix Potter museum to learn everything there is to know about the children’s author.
Cardiff
A trip to the UK would not be complete without a visit to Wales and its bustling capital city, Cardiff. If you are a Doctor Who fan, enjoy the Doctor Who Experience with impressive special effects and filming with star, Matt Smith. Soak up the Welsh history at the open air, St Fagans National History Museum with over 40 historic buildings, including a Victorian school and a medieval church. There is also a growing reputation here for fine dining, as well as a lively nightlife that will see you through to the early hours.
If you have time to fit all five destinations in, you are sure to get a fantastic overview of the UK and all it has to offer. Make sure you are prepared before you catch that flight though, by exchanging your rand for pounds sterling. You can get great exchange rates, ensuring that you get the most for your money while on holiday. Be sure to pack a raincoat too, as the UK weather can be very unpredictable with glorious sunshine one day, and torrential rain the next.