Things To Do & Places To See in Great Britain
Things To Do & Places To See in the UK and Ireland
A UK and Ireland vacation moves between vibrant cities and rural landscapes: one morning you admire art in a London gallery, the next you relax beside a Highland loch or walk a cliff path on the Atlantic coast. Here is what to expect and discover in each country.
England
Start in London to explore the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. Hyde Park offers a large green space in central London, and Borough Market, one of London's oldest food markets, is the place to spend a morning tasting cheeses, pies and street food. Beyond the capital, Bath is a UNESCO listed city known for its Roman Baths and Georgian crescents, Stonehenge brings 5,000 years of ancient history to life, and the Cotswolds countryside and York reward travelers who like hidden gems. With the Eurostar just over two hours from London, it is easy to add Paris and the Eiffel Tower to the end of your trip.
Scotland: Edinburgh & Loch Ness
Explore Edinburgh, another UNESCO listed city, along the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Head north into the Highlands to discover the famous Loch Ness, the peaks of Glencoe and the natural scenery of the Isle of Skye, ride the Jacobite steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and stop at a distillery to match a dram to the region it comes from.
Wales
Wales packs a lot into a small country: Cardiff Castle in the south, Conwy Castle in the north, the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, a hub for outdoor adventure, and Portmeirion, an Italian-style village located on the coast of North Wales.
Northern Ireland: Belfast & the Giant's Causeway
In Belfast, explore Titanic Belfast and take a black taxi tour of the city's murals. Then follow the Causeway Coast to the Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, two of the most amazing sights in Europe, and discover the 17th-century walls of Derry.
Ireland: Dublin & Blarney Castle
Dublin pairs Trinity College and the Book of Kells with the Guinness Storehouse and the pubs of Temple Bar. North of the city, Newgrange is older than the Egyptian pyramids. Travel south to discover Cork and Blarney Castle, then drive the Ring of Kerry through green countryside.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Follow the Wild Atlantic Way north on a coastal adventure to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, past some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the world. Evenings on the Emerald Isle are made for fun: a traditional Irish dinner, live music and new friends at the next table.