UK Destinations

The most romantic cities to explore as a couple.

It doesn’t have to be valentine’s day or an anniversary to want to whisk your other half away on a wonderful adventure. if you’ve decided you’d prefer the thrill of a city stay over the peace and quiet of a seaside holiday then look no further.  The UK has a variety of charming and exciting cities for you to choose from. 

With lots of history and culture to keep you both enchanted and a plethora of restaurants and bars to keep the fun rolling all of these cities provide the perfect place for a memorable and romantic trip away.

London 

Its only right that one of the world’s most iconic cities make the list. As the capital of England it really has it all. An enormous amount for you to both get immersed in. It’s got some of the best restaurants in the country for those special date night dinners but if that’s not your thing there’s also a variety of unusual and quirky foodie spots for you to explore. The list of available attractions is endless but if you’re looking for some of the most romantic ones it has to offer then why not consider taking a trip on the London eye or checking what’s on in the West End. 

By User:Diliff – Taken by user, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=690130

Bristol

Bristol is super trendy at the moment and so is perfect for young couples. You can take a take a hot air balloon over the city, it’s bound to make for a date of a lifetime.  If you’re not that adventurous there’s lots of bars and restaurants to enjoy. The street art adds to the cool atmosphere and if you’re looking to fully explore the home of Banksy you can even get a graffiti guide to show you around. 

By Confusedmiked – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3810832

Cambridge 

A city renowned for its wondrous class and culture, it’s a great place for a couples trip away. This is a city to explore and admire so it’s definitely a great option for those who enjoy blissful strolls and beautiful architecture.

By Ed g2s – Self-published work by Ed g2s, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26159

Edinburgh 

It’s beautiful, it’s fun and its enchanting it’s the perfect couple’s city. As the capital of Scotland you can expect to enjoy much of what the culture has to offer. Its saturated with beautifully preserved little streets and charming architecture for you to explore together. when your done looking around why not sit by Edinburgh castle and watch the sun or grab a pint and some pizza in one of the many unique and beautiful restaurants. 

By Tilmandralle – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6446337

Bath 

Often regarded as one of the prettiest cities in England it has to be recommended for a couples trip. A history lover or not your bound to both enjoy exploring the iconic Roman Baths which have barely changed in centuries. While you’re there basking in the beauty of bath why not head over to Thermae Bath Spa for a romantic dip in the rooftop pool at sunset.

By Thermae_Spa_from_Bath_Abbey_Tower.jpg: NH53derivative work: Simple Bob (talk) – Thermae_Spa_from_Bath_Abbey_Tower.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10187067
By demicaddy, ago

Some of the best places to visit in England:

So you’ve decided to visit England and admire all its famous culture and scenery. Now you have to choose where exactly to visit on your trip. While you may be inclined to go to the famous capital London, which is known for being home to the Buckingham palace and in turn the Royal family, you may actually be hoping to explore the lesser known areas of the country. With that in mind, here are ten places in England that would make for a wonderful trip.

  1. Oxford

As its famed for its prestigious Oxford university, which is said to be the oldest university in the world, you may have heard of the fascinating city before. It’s a lovely city that depicts wonderful scenery and a perfect place to experience some of the fascinating English culture. Anyone who visits is sure to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and beautiful buildings throughout the unique city.

Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net).
Oxford Town Hall. Oxford, United Kingdom.

2. Stonehenge and Avebury

Stonehenge sits as the most architecturally sophisticated stone circle in the entire world and Avebury the largest. Located within Wilture, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and is a very popular place for those who are visiting England to admire. Avebury is also a stone circle but has the additional bonus’ of fewer tourists and fewer restrictions. 

garethwiscombe – https://www.flickr.com/photos/garethwiscombe/1071477228/in/photostream/

3. Bath 

Bath is a beautiful and unique city largely famed for its Roman period baths, Medieval heritage and wonderful Georgian architecture. It’s the largest city within Somerset and has many wondrous sites to admire.

Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA – Bath, England

4. Jurassic Coast

Another World Heritage site with much beauty to offer. It is otherwise known as the Dorset and East Devon coast and depicts 185 million years of geological history where costal erosion has exposed a sequence of rock formation covering the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

By Paasikivi – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27349349

5. Lake district

This beautiful and popular vacation destination is a region and national park in Cumbria, in the northwest of England. Ambleside, Keswick on scenic Derwentwater and Kendal are wonderful market towns where the area can be explored and the traditional galleries, inns and much more can be witnessed.

By Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8165679

6. Cornwall

Cornwall is a popular holiday destination for Brits themselves and with great reason. It sits on the rugged southwestern tip and is home to many beautiful sandy beaches.  A wonderful place to visit to relax, drink great ales and eat locally produced food, all while appreciating the magnificent coastline.

Tom Chambers – originally posted to Flickr as Porthcurno Beach

7. Brighton

Brighton is the nearest south coast to London and so is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the beach and escape the chaos of the city. It would make for a lovely trip for anyone, still featuring much of its original architecture and the breath-taking Royal Pavilion.

By Qmin – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35813629

8. Devon

Much like its neighbour Cornwall, Devon boasts beautiful coastlines that make it a popular family holiday destination. Devon is a charming and enchanting county in southwest England which make it a wonderful place to explore and for a vacation.


Taken and uploaded by Arpingstone (Adrian Pingstone)., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149

With wonderful Roman and Viking heritage to be admired Yorkshire makes for a fascinating place to visit. There are many sites to visit there including Industrial revolution-era cities, medieval abbeys and Norman castles to be viewed.

9. Yorkshire 

By Andy Barrett (User:Big Smooth) – Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=969434

10. London

There’s a reason the city is iconic and attracts visitors from around the world. London has incredible art, food, architecture and fashion; some being considered the best in the world. It’s a city with a vibrant culture and many incredible tourist attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and The British Museum.

By © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35768815
By demicaddy, ago

Wales Pictures

Wales pictures and more.

Do you want to have your pictures posted here? Just tag #visitwales to your Instagram pictures.

By Christopher Caddy, ago

Jersey Pictures

Jersey pictures and more.

Do you want to have your pictures posted here, add #jerseyisland to your Instagram pictures.

By Christopher Caddy, ago

Best places to visit in Wales

Wales is a small and charming country, scattered with beautiful views and rugged coastlines. Welsh people are friendly and warm and the wonderful greenery and breathtaking beaches make it a great option to visit. Whether you’re looking for an atmospheric city, world-class beach holiday, or an action-packed trip wandering the coast and greenery, wales have much to choose from. 

Cardiff City and Cardiff Castle

First to mention is the charming and lively capital city where friendly culture can be fully felt and experienced with many restaurants, bars, and people. With the added attraction of the beautiful Cardiff Castle which has been around since the 11th century, you can too learn much about the fascinating history of the country and culture. Cardiff is a welcoming city with much to experience and the castle is also often open to the public which makes Cardiff a truly inviting city.

Pembrokeshire Coast 

It a beautiful place to holiday and a popular one for the residence of wales too. The remarkable 186 miles long Pembrokeshire Coast Path that overlooks the shoreline makes it a stunning place to visit and also marvel at a variety of wildlife.

Snowdonia 

Snowdonia National Park which sits in North Wales is a beautiful and popular place to visit. With views that can not be appreciated anywhere else, it makes for the experience of a lifetime. Snowdonia is home to peaks that top 3,000 feet and the park are too home to lakes, rivers, and villages so there’s plenty to be captivated by. 

Brecon Beacons National Park 

A stunning park that allows visitors to see and appreciate waterfalls, underground caves, water meadows, and much much more. Get lost in the beauty of the park while also gaining deeper insight into the history of Wales through some of the archeological remains scattered throughout the park. 

Aberystwyth 

A university town that’s also become a popular holiday destination. It sits on the west coast of Wales and allows visitors to access the beautiful seafront and appreciate the remains of an Iron Age fortress that sits on one of the surrounding hills.

By demicaddy, ago

Chris Tudor trails missing- The best free attractions in England: All year-round.

If you aren’t too busy admiring all the landscapes, culture and history that can be witnessed when visiting England then maybe you’re thinking of taking part in some of the excursions that this iconic country has to offer. There are many memerable ones to mention; and here are just a few suggestions of some of the best excursions available in England. Not only that, all those on this list are completely free, so you can bring the whole family along.

The Hands on History museum in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire. 

A fascinating day out that allows for its visitors to explore the international history and even meet a mummy.

By David Wright, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9349101

Chester Cathedral 

Climb to the top of the cathedral tower and wonder at the history that can be seen while discovering hidden spaces all around. 

All-Hallows-by-the-Tower (The capital cities oldest church)

A fascinating Grade 1 listed building that remains remarkable despite being bombed in the second world war. 

By Lonpicman – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AllHallowsByTheTowerChurch.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2986229

National Railway Museum at Shildon

Located in the Vale of Durham lays the opportunity to see and understand Durham’s role in rail locomotion. 

By Hugh Mortimer, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9260036

Tudor Trails Winchester

Visitors can experience trails and tours free of charge and gain a deeper understandin all thanks to its strong royal links.

By demicaddy, ago

Chris – Rail journeys to remember: Scotland

Scotland has so much to offer those who visit, scenic views and wonderful landscapes make it a beautiful and fascinating place for anyone to escape to and explore. That being said while some may enjoy a trip that keeps them on their toes with hikes and trails it’s worth considering railway journeys as a means to see more of the country than would be possible otherwise. If you’d wish to admire the wondrous Scottish landscapes and marvel at the views in comfort or simply see the appeal of being able to see more by means of a train, these rail journeys are worth considering.

Highland Main Line 

This line allows its passengers to view the highland Perthshire hills and rivers. Not to mention it also gives them the opportunity to experience the mountains along the Spay Valley, with the additional benefit of being able to appreciate Cairngorms National Park.

Borders Railway 

A line that allows you to access a part of Scottish history, passing through remarkable mining villages such as that of Gorebridge and Newtongrange.

Far North Lane 

By Sexy Simon – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107132981

A rail journey to remember, one which allows you to follow the North Sea coast and admire distilleries, salmon rivers, golf courses, and the Wick fishing port.

Inverness Kyle Line 

By Sexy Simon – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107132989

Pass through and admire beautiful lochs, mountains, vast moors and forests as you travel coast to coast across the Scottish Highlands.

West Highland Line 

Breath-taking views of lochs and extraordinary mountains to be witnessed while on this journey. Additionally allowing you to travel the Glenfinnan Viaduct just like the wizards are seen to do in the iconic Harry Potter movies.

By demicaddy, ago

Insight for the foodies: A guide to British Cuisine

If you’re going to truly embrace British culture on your trip, it’s only right for you to embrace the cuisine. Food brings so many so much enjoyment and happiness and provides a means by which we can gain even deeper insight into the places that we visit. While you might not instantly associate Britain with food, British cuisine is certainly deserving of some of your time on your visit. 

With so many cultures having found a home in Britain it’s no surprise that multicultural cuisine is widely spread and enjoyed by the vast British public. Understandably this diversity is most noticed in the big cities where it is more densely populated. With this in mind, there’s ample opportunity to experience the unique cuisine that has come about as a result of the mixing of so many traditional cuisines. That being said if you’re looking to experience more traditional British cuisine there are some traditional dishes to be had. 

It is said that British cuisine has come along way in recent years, moving away from its once awful reputation. In modern Britain eating out and eating well are far more common. Traditional British meals can be enjoyed in an array of restaurants, takeaways, and pubs. Some such meals include the iconic battered fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce while the consumption of this meal has decreased slightly it would still be a great shame to visit the UK and not to enjoy its most well-known dish. Other foods widely enjoyed are pasties, scones, pies, cheese, and the traditional Sunday roast dinner. As you can likely tell baked goods are loved in British cuisine and so we really must recommend you take a trip into one of the many bakeries and take advantage of their wonderful freshly baked foods. 

Although you may have had a negative impression of the food found throughout Britain it really is worth you giving it a try and deciding for yourself. Both their traditional foods and those that have come as a result of the cultural diversity are waiting to be explored and enjoyed by you. 

List of English meals:

Bedfordshire clanger1800s (century)[3]Savoury and SweetBedfordshireSuet crust dumpling with a savoury filling one end, sweet filling the other. The savoury filling is usually meat with diced potatoes and vegetables. The sweet filling can be jam, cooked apple or other fruit.
Bangers and mash410 at latest (Roman Britain: sausages)[4][5]SavouryNational[6]Mashed potatoes and sausages, sometimes served with onion gravy or fried onions. Note that while sausages may date to the time given, potatoes are from the Americas and were not introduced to Europe until the 16th century.
Chicken tikka masala1900s (century)[7]SavouryBritish Asian dish.Pieces of chicken tikka in a spiced creamy sauce
Cobbler1800s (century), perhaps earlier[8]Savoury or SweetNational, from British American coloniesFruit or savoury (e.g. beef) filling, covered with a scone mixture and baked
Beef Wellington1939[9][10]SavouryNationalBeef cooked in a pastry crust
Black peasSavouryLancashirePurple podded peas soaked overnight and simmered until mushy
Black (Blood) pudding800BC (in The Odyssey)[11]SavouryNational[a]Blood sausage
Bubble and squeakSavouryNational[6]Fried mashed potato with cabbage; often made from leftovers
Cauliflower cheeseSavouryNationalCauliflower in a thick cheese sauce
Cottage pie,
Shepherd’s pie		1791[12]SavouryNationalMeat, minced or in pieces, with mashed potato crust
Cumberland sausageSavouryCumberlandLong sausage
Devilled kidneysSavouryNational [13][14]
Faggots1851[15]SavouryMidlands
Fish and chips1870 approx.[16]SavouryNational[6][17]White fish fillets in batter (or egg-and-breadcrumbs), deep fried with potato chips
Full English breakfast1861[b][18]SavouryNationalA selection of fried foods such as sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, bread, tomatoes; options include kippers, baked beans
Game pieSavouryNational
Hog’s puddingSavouryDevon, Cornwall
Jellied eelsSavouryEast End of London
KippersSavouryNationalSmoked split herrings
Lancashire hotpotSavouryLancashireMeat stew with carrots, potatoes, onions
Lincolnshire sausageSavouryLincolnshire
Liver and onion/Liver and baconSavouryNationalPictured is liver and onions
Pasty1200s (century)[19]SavouryCornwall, NationalPastry shell filled with meat and potatoes
Pease puddingSavouryNorth EastSplit peas or lentils cooked until soft and thick
Pie and mashSavouryNational
Ploughman’s lunch1950sSavouryNationalTypical British lunch consisting of bread (normally buttered), cheese, onion, and sometimes pickle.
Pork pie1780s[20][21]SavouryMelton Mowbray, NationalCylindrical pie filled with pork and meat jelly
Potted shrimps1800s (century) or earlier[22]SavouryLancashire (Morecambe Bay)Shrimps preserved under melted butter
Rag puddingSavouryLancashire (Oldham)Minced meat with onions in a suet pastry, which is then boiled or steamed.
Stargazy pie1900s (century)SavouryCornwallFish pie with sardines poking out of the piecrust, looking at the stars
Steak pie1303[23]SavouryNationalBeef and gravy in a pastry shell. Can also include ingredients such as ale, kidney, oysters, potato and root vegetables
Steak and kidney pieSavouryNational[6]Beef, kidneys and gravy in a pastry shell.
Steak and kidney pudding1861[24]SavouryNationalSuet pudding filled with pieces of beef and kidney in thick gravy
Steak and oyster pie, See Steak pies
Stottie cakeSavouryNorth East EnglandHeavy flat bread
Suet pudding1714[25][26]Savoury or sweetNationalSteamed pudding made with flour and suet, with meat or fruit mixed in
Sunday roast1700s (century)SavouryNationalRoast beef 1700s,[27] Yorkshire pudding (1747),[28] roast potatoes, vegetables. Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding is a national dish of the United Kingdom.[6]
Roast lamb with mint sauceSavouryNational
Roast pork with apple sauceSavouryNational
Shepherd’s pie, see Cottage pie
Toad-in-the-hole1747;[29] 1788[30] 1891[31]SavouryNational[6]Sausages cooked in a tray of batter
Welsh rarebitSavouryNationalMelted cheese on toast
Yorkshire pudding1747[28]SavouryYorkshire, NationalSouffle batter baked in very hot oven.
Game pieSavouryNational
PanackeltySavouryNorth East EnglandSlow-baked meat and root vegetables
ParmoSavouryMiddlesbroughChicken or other cutlet in breadcrumbs
Scouse1706[32]SavouryLiverpool and other seaports, from Northern EuropeLamb or beef stew with potatoes, carrots and onions, cf Norwegian lapskaus
Apple pie1390[33]SweetNational[c]A pie crust, whether all round or only on top, with a filling of sweetened apple
Bakewell tart1900s (century)[34]SweetDerbyshirePastry shell filled with almond-flavoured sponge cake on a thin layer of jam. Developed from 1826 Bakewell pudding[35]
Banoffee pieSweetHungry Monk Restaurant, East SussexPastry shell filled with bananas, cream and toffee
Battenberg CakeSweetNational
Bread and butter puddingSweetNational
Christmas puddingSweetNational
Eccles cake1793[36]SweetGreater ManchesterFlaky pastry with butter and currants
Eton Mess1800s (century)[37]SweetBerkshire (Eton College)
Eve’s puddingSweetNational
FoolSweetNational
Gypsy tartSweetKent[38]
Cornish Hevva CakeSweetCornwall
Jam Roly-PolySweetNational
Knickerbocker glory1920s[39]SweetNational; possibly from New York[39]Ice cream sundae in a tall glass, often with nuts, fruits, meringue, and chocolate sauce; served with whipped cream and a glace cherry
Lardy cakeSweet
Madeira cakeSweetNational
Mince pieSweetNationalUsually small pastry shells filled with sweet mincemeat; since Early Modern times actual meat omitted
ParkinSweetYorkshire
Pound cakeSweetNational
Queen of PuddingsSweetNational
Saffron cakeSweetCornwall
SconesSweetNationalSmall bread-like cakes often with raisins
Spotted dick1800s (century)[40]SweetNationalPudding with suet pastry and dried vine fruits, usually served with custard
Sticky toffee puddingSweetNational
Summer puddingSweetNational
Sussex pond puddingSweet
SyllabubSweetNationalCold dessert made with cream, alcohol and sugar, often with citrus flavouring
TrifleSweetNationalCold dessert with varied ingredients, often sponge fingers and fortified wine, jelly, custard, and whipped cream, usually in layers
Treacle tartSweetNationalPastry shell filled with thick sweet treacle mixture
Victoria Sponge CakeSweetNational

By demicaddy, ago

Iconic landmarks in Britain worth visiting.

With the fascination surrounding the British royal family, it would be a crying shame not to visit Windsor Castle. The mesmerizing castle has been home to the royal family for over 900 years and stands as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. The castle is open to the public to visit at certain times of the year so you can really admire and appreciate the architecture and history of it all.

Loch Ness is saturated in fascinating folklore and is well worth a visit. It’s the largest body of fresh water in Britain and is a truly breath-taking sight. If that wasn’t reason enough to want to visit there have been many alleged citing’s of ‘The Loch Ness Monster’, otherwise named ‘Nessie’ that have made the site incredibly famous.

One of the most famous landmarks you could visit is the iconic Big Ben. Near the Palace of Windsor, another iconic landmark, the Clock Tower has been called the Elizabeth Tower since 2012. It’s a breath-taking 3.159.ft tall and is definitely worth seeing.

Stonehenge sits as the most architecturally sophisticated stone circle in the entire world and Avebury the largest. Located within Wiltshire, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and is a very popular place for those who are visiting England to admire. Avebury is also a stone circle but has the additional bonus’ of fewer tourists and fewer restrictions. 

One of Britain’s most mesmerizing natural landmarks Cheddar Gorge demands your attention, rising up 450.ft are said to be Britain’s highest inland limestone cliffs. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and unique in its wonderful stalactite caverns which came as a result of Ice Age melt-waters.

Coventry Cathedral has immense beauty and a long and fascinating history. It was almost completely ruined in a bombing raid in the Second World War but thankfully a new Cathedral has been built alongside its ruins a decade later. The history and architecture will be sure to occupy you on your visit. 

We can’t forget the terrifically famous London Eye. The marvelous Millennium Wheel sits on the south bank of the River Thames in England’s capital city: London. With a whopping 3 million visitors annually it’s the most popular tourist attraction in the whole of the UK.  

By demicaddy, ago