Things to see and do United Kingdom

In the heart of the botanical garden, the Ulster Museum is a superb museum not to be missed. Although walking through the museum is a bit like trying to find your way through a maze, it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Northern Ireland's past, in all its extraordinary diversity and richness. Glass and steel walkways allow visitors to move around the central atrium and to view some of the exhibits, as well as the museum from different angles and dimensions depending on the location and the floor they are on. Collections include archaeological pieces from the Stone Age to the late Middle Ages, Irish paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, a natural history gallery with many stuffed animals, objects from the world's cultures... The fossil of the dinosaur Edmontosaurus is undoubtedly a masterpiece, the mummy of Princess Takabuti of Thebes (the first mummy to be exhibited to the public outside of Egypt in 1835), 2,500 years old, is also a must-see and fits into the theme of life and death in ancient Egypt. The section on the Troubles will fascinate anyone who wants to know more about this terrible period. It will also prevent you from making the slightest mistake in discussing the subject during your stay. The "stop and think" panels are very well laid out and allow questions to be raised and debates to be launched. This part is organised in chronological order and offers a new vision of the conflict, different from the one relayed by the media.

The Ulster Museum is a lively and interactive museum, full of re-enactments and videos, and with many dynamic scenographies. Everyone can find an interest, a subject that fascinates them, whether it be history, art or science, and one can easily spend several hours there. One can easily spend several hours there. One can move from one era, field and century to another, like a journey through time. Everything about Northern Ireland is brought together in one place and the bridges between the subjects are particularly pleasing. After discovering the history of the country in the first floors, we discover Northern Ireland and its significant events in painting through the paintings of great masters of the country. This is a great museum to do with children, as each part of the museum has a specially designed room where they can handle objects, experiment and have fun.

You can't miss this castle if you follow the A837 and the North Coast 500. Its ruins, at the end of Loch Assynt, have an undeniable romantic appeal. The remains as much as the site are worth a stop, and a car park is just the place to be. There are information boards with some of its secrets. Built in 1597 by the McLeod clan, it is the former prison of the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 and is linked to a dark history of betrayal. Burned down in 1745, it was never rebuilt and has remained as a haunted ruin?

Like all self-respecting British cities, Bath has a public gallery displaying a wide variety of artworks from many different periods. Created in 1900 to celebrate Queen Victoria's jubilee, it is housed in a beautiful listed building. Over 1,500 pieces are on display, including numerous paintings dating from the ^18th century to the present day. Turner and Gainsborough in particular are featured, but there are also more modern artists. The gallery also offers courses and lectures, as well as private tours.

Opened in 1913, this 33-hectare zoo is home to more than a thousand animals from 170 different species. Its two giant pandas, the only ones in Britain, arrived from China at the end of 2011: Tian Tian ("Honey"), the female, and Yang Guang ("Sunlight"), the male, are its main attraction. Koalas are also very popular, and there are many other fascinating specimens such as chimpanzees, penguins, Asian lions, Sumatran tigers, zebras, rhinos and many others.

Built in 1665 to defend the bay of Bressay, the fort was rebuilt in 1781 and then modified during the Victorian era. Unfortunately, only the ramparts remain today. In good weather, take a walk along the small cliffs of the Knab, at the southern tip of the town, or to the loch of Clickimin, just west of the town. On a small island in this small lake, connected to the shore by a dyke, is a perfectly preserved circular brooch dating back to the Iron Age. The lake is frequented in particular by tufted ducks.

These two impressive ruins were the residences of the Bishops of Orkney from the 12th and 17th centuries respectively. The medieval Bishop's Palace is a sturdy building with beautiful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace was a model of refinement in its time. Its Renaissance architecture, its turrets and vast rooms make one imagine the splendour of its former days. Today, they provide a beautiful glimpse of their past grandeur.

Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnolin Welsh) is the highest continuous waterfall in Wales and one of the most visited sites in the region. Magnificent viewpoint, where the river Llugwy rushes into an impressive chasm.It is accessible year-round, but be aware that during the summer months, when there is less rainfall, the waterfall may be less spectacular. It is particularly recommended that you visit in the spring or fall, when the water level is at its highest.

In those days, it was said that two trips to St David's were worth one pilgrimage to Rome. Thousands of people came here, making St David's a major pilgrimage center in the country. The Bishop of Gower's architectural ambitions were high, making the complex a model of medieval refinement. Between 1328 and 1347, he transformed this former building for servants and animals into an immense palace. Built behind the cathedral between the ^13th and ^14th centuries, this imposing palace was once reserved for the nobility and clergy. It bears witness to the importance of this stopover on the road to Compostela. Now in ruins, it remains no less impressive. The palace is built around a central garden. The east wing was devoted to the bishop's private quarters, with his bedroom, small reception room and kitchens at the far end, linking the apartments with the south wing, which was more devoted to public reception areas. The room adjoining the hall was probably used to accommodate important visitors to St. David's. The west wing was probably used as a dormitory for less important visitors. Numerous architectural details come to light during the visit, testifying to the building's former splendor: finely ornamented windows and arches, corbels sculpted in the shape of faces or animals, arcade decoration... Today in ruins, it remains an impressive monument.

In the northeast of the city, there is an old Roman amphitheatre discovered in the 1960s. Far from being as grandiose as the ruins of Caerleon, the "Cavea" (semi-circular terraces distributed by radiant stairs) is still 46 metres long.

The Romans established their presence in Carmarthen in 75 AD. This amphitheatre, the westernmost in the Roman Empire, is also one of the seven still visible in Britain! Objects from various excavations in the area can be found at the Carmarthenshire County Museum in Abergwili.

This beautiful ensemble consists of the monastic remains attached to St Mary's Priory Church. Built in 1070 by Benedictine monks, it is now used to organize private events. However, we can linger in front of its facade, and in particular the beautiful window, known as Geoffrey's window. Traditionally, the site has been linked to Bishop Geoffrey of Monmouth, author of The History of the Kings of Britain, which relates the arrival of Christianity with the Celts, the departure of the Romans and the legend of King Arthur. The three sculpted heads below are those of the Knight, the Angel and the Miller. This trinity represents that of the government of the city, the Church and the business world. The panel on the left represents the coronation of King Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, in Caerleon. The central panel depicts Geoffrey writing his book and wearing the Benedictine black habit. On the right panel is King Vortigern listening to Merlin tell him the legend of the red and white dragons, the origin of the Welsh flag.

In the small village of Tongwynlais stands the neo-Gothic style Coch Castle with its pointed roofs. In the middle of the woods, Castell Coch is the result of a whim of the architect William Burges who transformed the ruins of a 13th century building into a magical castle worthy of Walt Disney's most beautiful films.

Castell Coch was the summer residence of the wealthy Bute family, who also owned Cardiff Castle. The massive towers with their conical roofs house exuberant apartments, decorated with decor inspired by nature, legends and mythology.

Erected in the image of the former bishop's apartments that were in the same place, this establishment has as its subject the main religions throughout the world. The idea is to show their similarities and differences through the study of certain themes and the support of numerous cult objects, thus inviting more open-mindedness. There is a Zen garden, carved Islamic calligraphy, Christian stained glass windows and Hindu statues.

GoMa, as it is called in Glasgow, is the second most popular modern art gallery in Scotland, after the one in Edinburgh. We meet David Hockney, Sebastiao Salgado, Andy Warhol and Scotsmen like John Bellany and Ken Currie. The building itself dates back to 1778 and a statue faces it. It is the Duke of Wellington, on whose head a traffic cone is placed. This local tradition, which is several decades old, almost died when the town hall wanted to raise the monument. The man with the cone is one of the city's proudest.

The Common extends north of Southampton. The inhabitants are walking there, cycling or simply enjoying this huge green oasis 15 minutes from the city centre. 

Located in the heart of West Belfast, Colin Glen Forest Park is the city's green lung (100 ha), comprising woodland and meadow, waterfalls and ponds set around a river and undulating ground rich in biodiversity. Small paths lead to both sides, with explanations on the vegetation, birds and fauna related to a wet environment) along the way. Legends and myths are rooted in these woods along the river. An interesting idea for a walk with children.

Belleek pottery has been in operation since 1857 and cultivates the same craftsmanship that is the key to its success around the world. Belleek baskets are a collector's delight, hand-woven and decorated with fine painted flowers. The Belleek porcelain trademark is recognizable and is often admired in museums in Ireland. A visit to the pottery allows you to observe the craftsmen at work in the exercise of their meticulous work and to understand the different stages until the finished object, on sale in the store.

Opened in 1996 as a rugby museum, it became the World Rugby Museum in 2007, thanks to its collection of over 25,000 objects. You can take a full tour of the stadium, and also discover the Wall of Fame, which features all the rugby stars who have played here and gone down in history. The museum is located close to Heathrow airport, making it an ideal attraction for both arrivals and departures. Exhibitions and conferences too.

There really remains very little of the castle: The tower, built in the th century, and the structure of the lobby of which one can see the three windows and the chimney.

The best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the country, built around 90 AD and now covered by grass. The arena was oval in shape, with eight entrances. Up to 6,000 spectators gathered on the stands more than 2,000 years ago to watch gladiatorial battles. The remains of the baths built for the soldiers who arrived around 74 AD consisted of rooms for hot and cold baths, exercise rooms, an open-air swimming pool...

Much less well known than St Paul or Westminster, Southwark Cathedral is a splendid building, practically hidden by the trees and tall buildings that surround it. A very fine example of English Gothic architecture, built in the 13th century, it has been rebuilt and restored several times, including the central nave, rebuilt in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. On the left, do not miss the 15th century keystones. Shakespeare buried his brother here in 1607, a monument is dedicated to him.

This is one of the few museums of American decorative arts established on British soil. The objects on display bear witness to the way of life of settlers across the Atlantic from the ^17th to the ^19th century, and the visit aims to build bridges between these two civilizations. Founded in the 1950s by two Bath-based Americans, the museum is housed in the magnificent Claverton Manor, which is well worth a visit in its own right. Also worth seeing are the sumptuous gardens, including the American Arboretum.

The current Anglican cathedral replaced the old building, which dated from 1776 and was destroyed. The reconstruction took place in several stages, from 1899 until 2007, when a stainless steel spire was added to the bell tower. Meanwhile a Celtic cross (the largest in Ireland) was incorporated into the pediment and dedicated to the victims of the First World War. It is also the burial place of the Unionist Edward Carson (1854-1935), one of those who worked for peace. The monument is in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter and gave it its name.

A collection of toys, dolls, costumes and equipment provides a fun and educational insight into the lives of these children from the Victorian era... And the adults' eyes on them! We also talk about school, daily life, sports clubs, leisure and holidays. More recent objects, vintage, also play on the nostalgic fibre of visitors, children in the 1980s or 1990s.

It also functions as Salisbury City Council's reception. Here you'll find information on family attractions, activities, parks, historic sites, museums, events, independent stores, accommodation, restaurants, bars, directions, maps and much more.

Located below Cave Hill, Belfast Castle was built in 1870 by the third Marquess of Donegall in the style of the Scottish barons' houses. It also offers a splendid view on the city and the lake of Belfast by its height (100 m above the sea). The Shaftesburye family, thanks to a marriage, then inherited the site which was offered to the city in 1934. In Italian Renaissance style, it has a magnificent exterior spiral staircase where newlyweds now come to have their picture taken.

The Calanais Standing Stones are among the best preserved prehistoric sites in the country. These stones were erected around 3,000 years before our era, in the shape of a cross around a circle of 13 monoliths. In the centre stands a 4.8m menhir, next to which a tomb was added generations later. Although we do not really know what happened here, some archaeologists have put forward the hypothesis of an astronomical observatory. The Callanish visitor centre aims to interpret the history of the site through its small retrospective exhibition.

In a beautiful listed building, this collection gathers works from the Renaissance, several of which are Gainsborough. Paintings, porcelain and sculptures are present in particular and were gathered by Sir William Holburne. Temporary pay exhibitions are also available.

Sea life Brighton, with its Victorian architecture, opened its doors in 1872 and claims to be the oldest aquarium still in operation today. At the time, it was the largest in the world, and today you can still come and meet some 3,500 marine creatures, from the most colorful fish to sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and many more. Awe-inspiring! A must-see attraction for families and when the weather's not on your side. Which is often the case in England.

From the original castle that saw all the kings of England, William the Conqueror to Henri VIII, there is nothing left if it is the bridge. The main entrance and the walls were reconstructed in 1908 and the English-style gardens now occupy the space where the building once stood. The oldest part of the monument dates back to the th century, although it was also damaged and restored. In 1875, the first municipal museum outside London was inaugurated here. Today there is an exhibition on the history of the city and an art gallery with many paintings. Occasional events are sometimes put in place and some days are also open to the public.

This beautiful columned building dating from 1832 houses Scotland's largest museum of medical science. We owe his emergence to the architect William Playfair, also father of the National Gallery of Scotland, who was a great collector of utensils related to medicine. Surgical instruments, cabinet of curiosities, pathological specimens, odontological exhibition: the immersion in the history of the treatment and exploration of the human body is impressive.

L'info en + Petit Futé: The museum offers a guided walk on the theme "Blood and guts". It is an invitation to discover the history of medicine in Edinburgh on foot. It takes place every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, departing from the museum. Your guide will introduce you to the medical history of Edinburgh, with its intrigues, rivalries and key discoveries. Walk in the footsteps of anatomists, surgeons and doctors, go where they worked, operated and conducted their medical research. This tour is an opportunity to soak up little-known accounts by iconic writers and frightening stories including chloroform teas, grave robbery and anecdotes about Britain's first serial killers, the infamous Burke and Hare. Visits are in English and, like the museum, are not recommended for sensitive souls.

The Writers' Museum packed its suitcases full of books in Lady Stair's House, a narrow medieval house in the Royal Mile (1622). It traces the lives of three famous Scottish writers: Robert Burns (1759-1796), Robert L. Stevenson (1850-1894), and Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Through manuscripts, paintings, portraits, personal effects, engravings and photographs, their paths are retraced. The top floor features a superb Ballantyne press, on which Sir Walter Scott's first edition of Waverley was printed.

The Glasgow Tower offers a stunning panoramic view. Just the figures alone make you dizzy: it rotates 360°, it is referenced in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest fully rotating self-supporting structure in the world, it is 127 m high... Before climbing, you will discover the history of the tower and all the adventures and feats of its engineering. Climbing to the top of the tower takes just over 2 minutes. People prone to vertigo will be able to try the geolocated augmented reality experience on iPad.

The Donkey Sanctuary is an animal welfare charity. It was founded in 1969 by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen MBE, and since then, it has grown to become one of the largest animal charities in the UK, providing care and protection for donkeys around the world.

The Sanctuary is set in over 500 acres of countryside, and it is home to over 7,000 donkeys from all over the world. Visitors to the Sanctuary can enjoy the park for a free admission and explore the beautiful grounds, which include a visitor center, a nature center, and several walking trails.

The Singleton of Glen Ord is the miraculous meeting between the barley of Black Isle and the water of White Burn. The Glen Ord distillery, set in a green setting, tells the story of its whisky and its particularities through an exhibition (with multilingual translations) and guided tours, ranging from the simplest with tasting, to those for the most passionate and expert: with tutored tasting live from the casks, with tasting of 6 different whiskies... The bar, accessible to all, overlooks the barrels and is beautiful.

The Beauly Priory is currently a ruin, but these remains, on the riverside, are a very pleasant visit for those who love religious heritage and mystical places, full of history and haloed with a certain magic. This priory is one of the three priories founded in Scotland around 1230 by the Valliscaulian order. This little-known order of monks originated in Dijon. He advocated poverty, chastity and obedience. Today, the walls of the abbey church remain, housing beautiful funerary monuments.

Rogie Falls is an impressive waterfall, which can be overlooked from a wooden and rope bridge. The waterfall is famous as a spot to watch the salmon as they swim up the Black Water River. In addition to the magnificent waterfall, several walking routes - including one of 1.5 km, to be done in one hour, with a slight difference in height - are accessible from the car park for a discovery of the rich forest landscape of the surroundings, but also beautiful viewpoints and panoramas of the waterfalls and the surrounding nature.

Annandale Distillery is one of the few distilleries in the South of Scotland. The site was bought in 2007 by enthusiasts, who wanted to bring it back to life. In 2018-2019, they released their very first single malt. It was an immediate success, as it was named in 2020 "Best Single Cask, Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 10 Years and Under" (Jim Murray's 2019 and 2020 Whisky Bibles). The distillery can be visited. It also has a beautiful store and a very pleasant café, The Malting Coffe Shop, where it is good to settle.

Falkland Palace is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace. It was the country residence of the Stuart kings. You will follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots in the royal apartments. The rooms have been recreated in their former splendour. You will discover that the castle is full of secrets, fascinating stories... and there is even talk of a treasure. The formal gardens are superb, as is the landscaped park, and the tennis court, one of the oldest in Britain, is a curiosity to see.

The Tate St Ives, little sister of the London Tates, was inaugurated by Prince Charles in June 1993. The quality collection features works by local and regional artists including Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. Also on view are temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists, with works regularly borrowed from the London head office. The museum has several floors and the galleries are lit by bay windows with views of the beach and the sea. The building itself is worth a visit. Inside, each room studies a specific theme. The Tate St Ives, like the Tate Modern in London, plays on pedagogy. For example, it is a perfect link between the artists of St Ives, the rest of the English artists and international artists such as Mondrian, Matisse or Braque. The elaborate scenography draws interesting parallels and also connects St Ives with the great artistic and historical periods. In the end, all these artists were friends: Hepworth helped Mondrian to move to London. Many also came to Cornwall and fell in love with the landscapes of this enchanting region. Don't miss the paintings of Alfred Wallis, a Cornish fisherman and artist. We love this naive, authentic art. Many artists have been inspired by this fisherman who paints to return to a certain form of simplicity in art. The Tate St Ives, is really a beautiful artistic stop not to be missed in the heart of this city of art and culture.

Wooden house of the th century. You can't visit the inside, but the outside is worth a look.

This aquatic zoo is a great complex both indoors and outdoors. Sharks, octopus and fish of all kinds are discovered.

The Russell-Cotes family moved to Bournemouth to take advantage of the climate and, in love with the area, built this authentic house with its breathtaking water views. It houses a fine art gallery featuring Victorian paintings and oriental objects. Its intimate atmosphere, interesting collections, period-style decor and gardens make it a must-see in the city. In fine weather, enjoy a cup of tea on the terrace.

Don't make a detour, but if you pass through it, it's a square tower built in the th century, originally as the governor's fortified residence and then as a gun powder warehouse. Massive and not very elegant.

Discovered in 1835, this cave, divided into several rooms, houses mosaics of shells (oysters, cockles, mussels) probably more than 2,000 years old. In all, more than 4.6 million shells. It is a mysterious place, made of small underground passages and different spaces that will fascinate lovers of history and unusual places. Its origins and use are still more or less unknown, but its charm is real and the magic works easily, it is a must in Margate!

This is the place to go to get a full understanding of Shetland's history, northern heritage, uniqueness and rich heritage. The visit brings to life the place names, landscapes and buildings you come across as you cross the islands. It is very instructive and retraces the whole of the archipelago's past, without omitting any of its highlights, whether they concern the first Picts, the Vikings, the arrival of the telephone or the ferries...

The West Hill funicular leaves from Albion Lane, at the junction with George Street, and climbs through a tunnel to St Clement's Caves and Hastings Castle. The East Hill one leaves from Rock-a-Nore Road, at the Fishermen's Museum, and climbs up the outside of the hill, offering spectacular views. In fact, it's the steepest funicular railway in England. It's a not-to-be-missed landmark of the city, with its old Victorian-style carriages, a little old-fashioned but charming. Once at the top, you're treated to spectacular views over the region.

Close to the seaside, you can begin by visiting the ruins of the fortified castle which dominates and those of its priory. We also have this rocky promontory of beautiful ocean views.

3 km north of Wells lies a series of natural caves carved out by the River Axe. Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen here, one of which is the source of the legend of the witch turned to stone, which will no doubt be told to you during your visit. Other attractions include an archaeology museum, dinosaur reproductions, mini-golf, a 4D cinema, a Victorian arcade and circus performances on weekends and vacations. These caves make a great family visit.

It is one of the most famous Hop Gardens in Kent, a hop plantation. You will see entire fields of climbing plants, organized around the Oast Houses, or hop dryers in Molière's language. The Whitbread Hop Farm ones have been developed. It is the largest collection of Victorian houses in the world. This place was one of the main suppliers of hops to London breweries in the 19th and 20th centuries. Beer making will no longer have any secrets for you after this fun and original visit.

Here you can watch dishes from lions, racoons or sea lions. Amateurs will enjoy the watch of falcons. Others overlooks the snow leopard, European eagle, python, as well as 14 reproductions of grandeur dinosaurs: …, ptérodactyles, vélociraptors…