Beyond queens, castles and quaint countryside, Great Britain offers a plethora of unexpected experiences and surprising things to see. Here are nine of the best of them.
LOOKING FOR ORIGINAL STREET ART? YOU’LL FIND IT IN BANKSY’S BRISTOL
Incredible street art can be found across some of the edgiest urban areas around the globe. But the city of Bristol in the southwest of England (where street artist Banksy was rumoured to have been born) is brimming with some of the best.
LOOKING FOR A TOWN OF CHARMING CANALS? YOU’LL FIND IT IN BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER IN THE COTSWOLDS
Did you know Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire is also referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’? It could have something to do with all the lovely little bridges that cross the village’s romantic River Windrush…
LOOKING FOR A SUNNY SEASIDE ESCAPE? YOU’LL FIND IT IN PLYMOUTH – BRITAIN’S OCEAN CITY
Plymouth in Devonshire offers some of the most outstanding sailing and cruising areas around the South West coast of England. The port city is known for its maritime heritage and historic harbours but also serves up some pretty spectacular sunsets!
LOOKING FOR AUTHENTIC CUISINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD? YOU’LL FIND IT IN THE FOODIE HEAVEN THAT IS LONDON
Great Britain is so much more than high-tea (although admittedly they do it very well!). Across the island – and specifically, its capital London – an impressive epicurean scene is emerging. You won’t have to wander far to find cuisine as good as anywhere in the world in this global city.
LOOKING TO HEAD OUT ON SAFARI? YOU’LL FIND IT IN HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK IN KENT
There are plenty of things to do in Canterbury, however, wildlife spotting is certainly among the more unusual! Nonetheless, those who visit Howletts Wild Animal Park will get the opportunity to observe more than 390 exotic creatures, including the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, tigers, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county.
LOOKING TO CAPTURE A #BIKESOFINSTAGRAM MOMENT? YOU’LL FIND IT IN QUAINT CAMBRIDGE
Picturesque Cambridge is perfectly-sized for exploration by bicyclists. A multitude of local stockists provide hire services, and the city is dotted with amazing sites dedicated to those who’d like to experience the eastern English city on the River Cam on two wheels.
LOOKING FOR A HIP PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK? YOU’LL FIND IT IN A VINTAGE DISTILLERY IN NORWICH
Ten Bells in Norwich creates the kind of classic cocktails, craft beer and cask ales you’d find served in some of the world’s sexiest watering holes – however, it has been open since the 1700s! Today, the pub continues to offer over 100 spirits and whiskeys – as well as gin-tasting tours.
LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO VIEW THE NORTHERN LIGHTS? YOU’LL FIND IT IN UNTOUCHED ULLSWATER, IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
The UK’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site is approximately three hours by train from London but feels a world away. While there are a number of lakes in the region, the one which gives the district its name (Ullswater) is particularly popular for its natural beauty – a calm oasis surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
LOOKING FOR A TROPICAL PARADISE? YOU’LL FIND IT IN THE ISLES OF SCILLY
Fringed by sandy white beaches, covered in lush greenery and surrounded by crisp turquoise waters, this archipelago off the Cornish coast in southwest England would not look out of place in the Mediterranean or Caribbean.