Hey there, travel pals! If you’re anything like me, you love a good adventure mixed with a healthy dose of history. The UK is positively bursting with ancient ruins and modern marvels, and honestly, what could be more exciting than wandering through the remnants of the past, wondering who stood where you’re standing now? Grab a cuppa (even if it’s a bad one—don’t worry, I’ve had plenty), and let’s batten down the hatches for an exciting whirl through the UK’s historical highlights.
Alright, let’s start with a classic: the Roman ruins. You might’ve heard of Bath—a place that’s so charming you might forget you’re still in the UK. The Romans settled here because of its hot springs, and honestly, who wouldn’t? I mean, when I was there, I half-expected a toga party to shoot up at any moment, with people lounging in the baths, sipping on wine. There’s the Roman Baths museum, and it’s utterly fascinating. You can walk around the ancient pools, where you start to feel like some Roman senator in a past life, contemplating your marble statue.
Here’s a cheeky tip: don’t forget to try the infamous Bath buns from the local bakery. That sticky sweetness might be the highlight of your day—just make sure you have a napkin handy. Trust me; once you’re elbow-deep in icing, you’ll thank me.
Now, if you fancy a bit of a hike, just head north to Hadrian’s Wall. This ancient fortification stretches all the way across Northern England, and it’s a delightful mix of glorious scenery and rich history. Plus, there are heaps of slightly ridiculous sheep wandering around, which just adds to the charm.
I’ll tell you a secret: I nearly lost my lunch over the edge of one of those cliffs after being distracted by the beauty of the wall—classic! It’s squeaky clean up there, and there are even sections of the wall that you can still climb. Just please don’t wear fancy shoes. Mud is real, people!
You know how the saying goes: “When in doubt, visit a castle.” Alright, maybe that saying isn’t quite accurate, but it should be! The UK has castles popping up like mushrooms after the rain.
First on the list is the stunning Windsor Castle. It’s the oldest inhabited castle in the world! I remember walking through the State Apartments, feeling a twinge of envy as I imagined throwing extravagant garden parties. “What’s that? The Queen? Oh, I’ll not disturb her while I sip this resplendent cup of Earl Grey,” I thought, obviously being a proper British citizen.
While you’re there, make sure to visit St George’s Chapel. Even if you’re not a royalist, the history and architecture will knock your socks off. Sorry, socks—there’s no way you’re wearing sandals with those sandals this time.
Now, for a bit of cheeky fun, visit Caernarfon Castle in Wales. When I went, I stumbled—quite literally—upon a training ground for knights in shining (but rather battered) armour. They let you have a swing with a wooden sword. I might have gone a little overboard and accidentally parried into a child’s bubble machine. It’s all fun and games until someone loses their dignity.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the mad time we call the Industrial Revolution. A lot of iconic structures popped up during this period that scream innovation and ambition. Take the Canals of Birmingham—the city was once known as the “Venice of the North." You can take a leisurely walk or a boat ride, and all I can say is, if you want to feel like a Victorian factory worker, this is your spot! I did a little tour and learned how the canals transformed the city. Honestly, at that moment, I felt like I was on the set of a Dickens novel, desperate for a good cup of tea to drown my sorrows.
You might want to grab a bite at the Brindleyplace area. Cute cafés and a lack of suspicious substances in your tea? A winning combo if ever there was one.
Moving on—let’s fast forward to the present. If your heart starts racing at the thought of a stunning skyline, then you absolutely cannot miss The Shard in London. Standing tall at 310 metres, this beauty is a sight for sore eyes. I climbed to the viewing platform and, boy, I nearly lost my lunch again—this time from the stunning view rather than dodgy pastries. On a clear day, you can spy places you’ve been and places you still need to visit.
Top tip: book your tickets online in advance to skip the queues. Because let’s be real, who has the patience for that?
Lastly, I must mention the small curiosities that pepper the UK. Ever heard of Gibbs MIll in Worcestershire? Perhaps not! This hidden gem might look like a quaint cottage, but it’s an old mill where people used to get all crafty with fabric. Many a time, I’ve paused to take a pic with the mill wheel, only to have a friendly local chat about how the mill has survived so long—it’s like an Instagram filter that transcends time!
So, after all that rambling, have you thought about how the UK has it all? From Romans to Royalty, eclectic castles to modern skyscrapers, there’s a treasure trove of history waiting just for you. What’s your favourite historical spot? Maybe I’ll find a hidden gem out of it! Cheers to all the adventures ahead!
