I spent the last few years exploring the United Kingdom and I want to show you my favorite places so here’s my UK top 10. The United Kingdom is made up of the countries of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. If you want to go back in time and feel like you’re in a fairy tale or a harry potter film, the UK is the place for you.
1. London
It’s easy to see why so many myths and legends were born here. It’s one of the world’s most enchanting places. All right so for our first location, we’re going to go visit, possibly the most iconic city in the world, London, I've traveled more to London than any other international destination. I have to say It’s my favorite city in the world and I just keep coming back. Everything from the double-decker buses to the energy of the Piccadilly circus makes the city feel so alive. There are just so many places to see you can check out the iconic big bend and walk across the ridge to see the Palace of Westminster, there’s the tower bridge, which is possibly the most famous bridge in all of London.
You can go see the stoic guards at Buckingham Palace or take a ride on the London eye. If you haven’t already been to London, I’d highly recommend visiting when you can It’s hard to beat the London atmosphere, there’s no city like it in the world, all right!
2. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
So after exploring London, we’re going to make the two-hour drive over to Stonehenge located in Wiltshire England. There lies one of the most famous man-made rock structures in the world. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Stonehenge like what was its purpose and how was it made? Archaeologists believe it was constructed back between 3000 to 2000 bc. Stonehenge consists of a ring of rocks each being around 13 feet high and weighing nearly 25 tons each It’s unclear what the exact purpose of Stonehenge was. It’s believed that it was used as an astronomical observatory or religious site, either way, it sure makes you stop and think how people thousands of years ago were able to construct this all right.
3. Jurassic coast
So after Stonehenge, we’re going to head on over to the Jurassic coast. While you won’t find any dinosaurs here, you might find some fossils on the beach. The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural world heritage site and It’s become popular with its white cliffs and picturesque beaches that are full of fossils formed over 65 million years ago. One of the most famous spots on the Jurassic Coast is Durdle Door. It’s this limestone arch that goes straight into the ocean, there’s a great beach there and I just can’t think of a better place to spend during the hot English summers. One of my favorite spots on the Jurassic coast is old Harry’s rocks. I remember the first time I saw his picture of this place and I was just baffled by the scenery there.
The old hairy rocks are these sea stacks that are made completely out of chalk, that mark the end of the Jurassic coast in world war 2. The stacks were used as target practice for pilots, so that’s kind of crazy. I just love the combination of the green meadows with the white cliffs and the blue ocean. I mean It’s just hard to beat that scenery.
4. Snowdon, Wales
All right so after the Jurassic coast, we’re ahead up north to visit the country of Wales now Wales is located in the southwest part of Jurassic, It’s famous for its mountainous national parks, picturesque coastline and distinct Welsh Language, one of the most scenic places in Wales is the Snowdonia national park. It’s a region in northwest Wales that is known for its mountains and lakes. The highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon, is located in the park with an elevation of 1085 meters. You can hike up there or you can take the Snowdon mountain railway to the top. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see Ireland across the sea.
5. Isle of Man, Wales
Alright, so after Wales, we’re ahead to the Isle of Man now located in the Irish sea right between England and Ireland lies a rugged island is known for its rural landscapes and medieval castles. While It’s technically not part of the United Kingdom, it has the status of crown dependency and the UK is responsible for its defense and external relations.
The Isle of Man has had an interesting history. Humans have lived on it since 6, 500 bc and in the 19th century it was ruled by Norway, but in 1266 the island became part of Scotland, and now it is a self-governing island. An interesting place on the Isle of Man is Peel Castle. It was constructed by Vikings in the 11th-century street and just sits right on the ocean It’s a pretty cool castle.
6. The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Alright, so after the Isle of Man we’re going to head across the sea to visit northern Ireland, now Ireland is full of just beautiful scenery, dramatic coastal cliffs, and countless castles. Back in 1921 Ireland was split into northern and southern Ireland as a result of the government of Ireland act of 1920. While southern Ireland became a free Irish state, Northern Ireland remained within the United Kingdom. The capital of Northern Ireland is the city of Belfast, which is the birthplace of the titanic ship. One of the most iconic places in Northern Ireland is The Dark Hedges. It’s this road lined with beech trees planted in the 18th century. It was used as a failing location for the game of thrones on the northern coast. You can check out the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, or see the Basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway and there’s just so much history and beauty in Ireland. It makes me want to go there and explore.
7. Isle of Skye, Scotland
All right so for our next location, we’re going to head to Scotland to visit the Isle of Skye. This is probably my all-time favorite place in the UK. You feel like you’re in a fairy tale when you visit there. I was lucky enough to go to the Isle of Skye last summer and It’s about a five-hour drive from Edinburgh. One of the most impressive places on the Isle of Skye is the Old Man of Storr. It’s one of my all-time favorite rock formations. I felt like I was on the set of game of thrones when I was there now to get to the old mana store. It’s about a four-kilometer hike. You walk through some conservation gates and you’ll reach, the famous rock pinnacles. I went for sunrise and sunset and both occasions were breathtaking. When I was there, there were just crows flying around the rock, and some sheep were running around I mean it was just a magical place. So the legend of the old mana store is supposedly a giant who lived there a long time ago and when he was buried, his thumb was left sticking out of the ground.
When you go there, It’s easy to see why It’s one of the world’s most iconic rock formations, It’s one of my all-time favorite places and I recommend everyone to see it at least once in their life, just a few minutes away from the old mana store. There is a breathtaking waterfall called Meatfalls that cascades down to the ocean. There’s a nice viewpoint where you can look at the waterfall. The surrounding sea and cliffs in the area are also stunning. One of the most famous is kilt rock, which is right by Meatfalls. I mean It’s just such a cool area.
There aren’t many waterfalls that fall straight into the ocean. If you’re looking to find some fairies, you may want to check out the fairy Pools. There are these huge blue pools that lie at the base of the black colons. When I was there, there were so many midges. I didn’t dare get close to water, so make sure you bring some bug spray if you want to do a beautiful hike. I’d also recommend visiting the Quiraing. It’s one of the most beautiful areas in the aisle sky. You feel like you’re walking on a giant golf course. I found this crazy vantage point to get a good 360 view of the whole area.
8. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
All right so after the Isle of Skye, we’re going to head over to the nearby Eilean Donan Castle, if you’re driving to the isle of Skye, you will drive right by this. It’s one of my favorite castles in the UK situated on a small, tidal island at the point where the three great sea locks meet the castle was built in the 13th century, I'm so mad at myself that I didn’t visit the castle when I was there. I wasn’t able to check it out. That’s one of my biggest regrets when I visit the UK.
9. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
All right so after the castle, we’re going to head over to one of Scotland’s most iconic locations, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is located at the top of the loch shield. In the west highlands of Scotland, it was completed around 1898. This may look familiar because it was featured in the harry potter films. When I was there, I wanted to get close to the bridge, so I walked underneath it. I was just shaken by how big it was after I hiked to the top to get a good vantage point, so I could see the famous train go across the via duck. Just really reminds you of those harry potter movies, all right.
10. Edinburgh
So after Glenfinnan Viaduct, we’re going to head over to Edinburgh. Now, if you want to go back in time, Edinburgh is a must It’s where jk rowling wrote her to harry potter novels. When I started traveling, this was one of the first cities. I visited It’s a medieval old town with intricate neoclassical buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful gardens. The iconic Edinburgh castle overlooks the city and is home to Scotland’s crown jewels. When I was there, I didn’t go into the castle because I was being too cheap, but one of my favorite places was Calton hill. It offers a beautiful view of the entire city, while we’re still in Edinburgh we’re going to head over to Arthur's Seat now. Arthur’s Seat is located in holy rod park and It’s a short walk from Edinburgh center Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano with an elevation of 823 feet.
When I was there, I wanted to get as high as I could so. I could see all of Edinburgh. I made a hike up and I reached the top. It was just so windy when I was there nearly blew me over after I hiked to the top. I had a good time just hiking, around the holy red park, and enjoying the views of one of the UK’s most iconic cities all right.
Well, that is it for the United Kingdom top 10.