Things to see and do United Kingdom

Widely regarded as Charles Rennie Mackintosh's finest architectural achievement, the Glasgow School of Art was designed and built between 1896 and 1909. The building was unfortunately damaged by a fire in 2014 which led to major renovations that were initially scheduled to last until 2019.

Unfortunately, the Glasgow School of Art is no longer available to visit, following a new and much more serious fire in June 2018. Prior to this event, a one-hour tour was possible.

The superb building on George Square is none other than the town hall: City Chambers. Built in 1888, it is a very fine example of Victorian civic architecture by William Young. In 1923 it expanded to John Street and in 1986 the Custom House on George Street increased its total area to 14,000 square metres. His classicism of great beauty has earned him the choice to embody the Kremlin or the Vatican in film shoots. The banqueting hall, the council chamber and the marble staircase are the highlights of the visit

At the docks, the Tall Ship is a three-masted ship named Glenlee, built in Port Glasgow and launched at sea in 1896. She circumnavigated the world four times, survived formidable storms before being bought by the Spanish Navy and became a sail training ship from 1922 to 1969, then a training school until 1981. Rediscovered in 1990 and fully restored, this ship is accessible from top to bottom and is well worth a visit, before or after the Riverside Museum.

A natural reserve where wild geese, swans and other birds are resting from October to April. Safari organized at 11 h and 14 h each day.

Opened in the summer of 2015, it is the museum of a whole region, in the Clyde Valley. Its diverse collections explore 14,000 years of history in rural areas and small villages in the surrounding area, from prehistory to the mid-20th century. The first men of Scotland, the Neolithic farmers, the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Romans, the Middle Ages, the Victorian era, the World Wars are covered here, through period objects and reconstructions.

In operation from 1839 to 1973 - among the first to open and the last to close - this coal gas plant in Scotland is presented in this attraction that looks back at Biggar's industrial past. Unchanged since its closure, we discover a capital activity of the Victorian era, to light the streets and dwellings. The shovels and wheelbarrows have not moved, and you can also see the machines, some of which are in operation, learning about production techniques and breathing in that particular smell that you no longer know.

The Biggar Puppet Theatre is an institution that extends far beyond Biggar's borders, as it is known around the world and regularly tours internationally. It is also the only institution of its kind in Scotland. For 40 years, the shows have been thrilling the childlike souls of their spectators and inviting them to poetic journeys. These are shows with large puppets, manipulated in the Bunraku style, designed for children, but widely appreciated and appreciated by adults.

A few kilometres after Newbridge, you will find Ellislan Farm where Robert Burns lived. A small museum consists of original poems (one of them was written on a window with the kitten of his ring). Burns, then farmer, was respected by other farmers for his scientific methods and his sense of trade.

The Dumfries Museum tells the story of Dumfries & Galloway from prehistoric times to not so long ago! Fossils, utensils from the early inhabitants, stones carved by Christians, life on a Victorian farm: the visit is a journey into the area's past. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. On the top floor of the museum you will have access to the Camera Obscura (fee: £3.40/adult, £1.70/child), an optical instrument that offers a panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside.

It was in this small, simple, unadorned townhouse that Robert Burns spent the last years of his life until his death in 1796. The interiors give us a good idea of how the Scottish bard lived with his wife, Jean Armour, and their children. We enter the office where he wrote some of his most beloved works, as well as the different pieces of his daily life. The house became a true place of pilgrimage afterwards: Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats all passed through it to gather.

600 works of art by Scottish artists, from the 1880s to the present day, are stored in this gallery and are presented in its temporary exhibitions. There are of course paintings, especially by famous local watercolourists, but also sculptures and very contemporary works. Exhibitions vary regularly: the Scottish Boys, modern Scottish painting... Artists and craftsmen are also in the spotlight in the art centre's shop: a great idea to treat yourself to a unique souvenir! A café is also open on site.

In the centre of the popular Green Park in the East End, the People's Palace tells the story of the people of Glasgow from 1750 to the present day. Major social events are brought to life through paintings, photographs, films, archives and interactive screens. The industrial past and workers' movements are told in detail. The adjacent Winter Garden provides a little trip among tropical plants to chase away the bad weather of certain days.

It was Peter Brook who first drew attention to this warehouse, where the tramways of the agglomeration used to assemble. Its volume as an "industrial cathedral" made him want to put on a show on an equally daring scale, Mahabharata. In 1989, the British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy appropriated the site to create his installation Snowballs. Today, it produces both shows and temporary exhibitions. There is also a café and a charming garden.

Mackintosh would almost make us forget the other great Scottish architects, such as William Adam, to whom we owe this charming 1752 villa. In addition to its lush green gardens with 1,000 rhododendrons, it contains a good number of master paintings. The Italians are well represented, with Francisco Goya, El Greco and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, but there is also the British William Blake, whose work is so inspired. This was the home of the Maxwell family, whose Edwardian lifestyle still lives on in every room.

This visitor centre provides valuable information about the valley's nature reserve and its history. Several species such as badgers, bats and hawks live here and can be observed depending on the season and time of day. His stunts inspired painters Turner and Wordsworth in their art. Dundaff Linn, Corra Linn and Bonnington Linn are some of the places that are accessible. It is reached via several footpaths that criss-cross the area.

Outdoor and interior park for the whole family with a mini-farmhouse where cows, goats, llamas, horses, rabbits… Little train tour of the park, go for children…

This powerful fortress was built facing the sea in the 14th century by the Douglas Dynasty, who repeatedly opposed the crown. James IV and V both besieged and damaged it, as did Oliver Cromwell during his invasion of the country. It was then abandoned to birds and wild flowers. Today, its beautiful red stone ruins are scrolling up the cliffs for splendid views of Bass Rock and a small jump into the site's sulphurous past. It is also a well-known film location for moviegoers.

Craigmillar Castle is nicknamed "Edinburgh's other castle", located just 1 mile from the outer walls of Old Town. Mary Queen of Scotts used it as a refuge in 1566, but a year later its owner, Sir Simon Preston, became the Queen's jailer. Among its points of interest are the splendid view from the tower, but also the almost labyrinthine aspect of the castle, conferred by the multiplication of rooms, or the remains of a pond. As is often the case, a children's quiz makes the family visit more enjoyable.

Dalmeny House was built in 1817 in a Gothic style and belongs to the Primrose de Rosebery family. It houses beautiful interiors decorated with portraits and porcelain, as well as an interesting collection of Napoleonic objects, one of the largest of its kind in Britain. The beautiful backdrop is a large park and the Firth of Forth. Entry to the house is by small groups only, on a guided tour (in English). In high season and to be sure to see the inside of the house, consider booking.

Welcome to the world of the Edinburgh bourgeoisie, at No. 7 Charlotte Square. The Georgian House is a daily newspaper in New Town, in a classic house by architect James Craig. Throughout the plays, we immerse ourselves in the customs of the time, thanks to adapted furnishings and staging. The five families who have lived here in succession have all left their mark, from the Lamont to the Bute. We follow their typical days and those of their maidservants, from the musical education of young girls to social gatherings, including the preparation of refined dishes in the huge kitchen.

The building alone is worth a visit: in a nugget of the Gothic Renaissance of 1890, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery contains some 3,000 paintings and sculptures. It is home to some 3,000 paintings and sculptures, most of which depict the great figures of Scotland's historical and cultural landscape, from Mary Stuart and Sean Connery to Sir Walter Scott, David Hume and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Linger in the superb Great Hall, which precedes 13 galleries, a library and a photo exhibition.

Welcome to this house from the 1600s. First go upstairs to discover what life in Edinburgh was like in the 17th century through an exhibition. Take a pose in a period costume, then, now that you are in the spirit of the place, go to the first floor and its fully furnished apartment. It's as if you've traveled back in time! Admire the sumptuous canopy bed, the upright dining room, the study cabinet.... Voluntary guides or descriptive sheets reveal the secrets of this beautiful residence.

A masterpiece of Victorian architecture, this residence, built for the first Lord Armstrong, is the first house in the world to have used hydro-electric power for lighting.

The unhappy Queen Mary Stuart spent a month here in October 1566. She was visiting her adviser, secret lover and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, in the Hermitage Castle. This beautiful 16th century stone house retraces his life, as tragic as it is fascinating. We discover for example one of his hair, a death mask, and his last thoughts in the Last letter room. It is all very informative, against a backdrop of politics, betrayals, murders and lies.

Kailzie Gardens is the perfect place for a day of naturalist discovery in the Tweed Valley. Wander the gardens and discover the essences that bloom there throughout the seasons: snowdrops, daffodils, hyacinths, but also a colourful explosion of rhododendrons and roses. Admire the wild garden, the greenhouse, the larch planted in 1725 (the oldest in Scotland). Walk on the trails of the landscaped and forested park. Admire the park's ospreys, here under protection and surveillance. Finally, a coffee or snack is a must in the charming park café!

Founded in 2000 by the influential Jay Jopling. White and cubic, of course, White Cube is home to the very best in British contemporary art. Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Gary Hume were all launched here and are regularly exhibited. The collections have expanded to include major international artists in the 5,440 sq. m. space. The gallery comprises three large exhibition spaces, a bookshop and an auditorium. Further address: White Cube Mason's Yard, 25-26 Mason's Yard ✆ +44 207 766 3550

This transportation museum will delight enthusiasts of any motor vehicle! The exhibits have a permanent collection, with some iconic pieces, and collections that change every year. Among the highlights are a 1905 Sentinel steam car, a snowplow made from a World War II American tank, a Rover SD1 used by the local police, a steam tricycle built between 1895 and 1897 by an enthusiast..

Established in 1994, the famous black cabs know London like the back of their hand. So they're ideally placed to show you around the city. Several tours are available, some in the most touristy areas and others off the beaten track. London by night is also available. Tours around London (Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace) are also available. The advantage: you won't have to wait for the other participants in the group, so the tour is fast and efficient. For a typical London experience...

This magnificent contemporary art gallery is housed in a former furniture factory between Islington and Old Street, on the banks of the Regent's Canal. It is run by Victoria Miro, a famous British art dealer. 6,000 m² are dedicated to new and up-and-coming artists from the London and international scene. The space is impressive and well worth a visit, in addition to the renowned quality of its exhibitions. It's the ideal place to make artistic discoveries. And the gallery even has its own garden!

This small city farm in the heart of the trendy, alternative district of Hackney offers playful artistic activities and a privileged relationship with nature through direct contact with the animals. You'll find donkeys, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep and many other surprises. The store sells local produce, eggs from the day's laying, honey... It's an ideal place for a country activity with your children in the heart of London. A little corner of greenery that's good for you!

East London's largest and most beautiful park. Victoria Park is modelled on Regent's Park. It's a romantic park where you can enjoy a stroll. It's also a hotbed of political protest and anti-conformism. The park was a rallying point for radical workers in the 19th^century and a venue for major demonstrations in the punk years. Today, numerous outdoor festivals take place here every summer, including Lovebox, Underage Festival, Paradise Gardens and Field Day.

The magnificent colorful structure housing the UK's largest wholesale meat market was renovated a few years ago after long and heated debate. If you're a meat lover, you'll have to come at around 7am to see the market in full swing: meat, poultry, wholesale game... All in a typical, noisy and bustling atmosphere! Guided tours are available on reservation. There has been a market on the site for over 800 years. Today's market has been extensively modernized. A great local experience.

It's a masterpiece by architect Hawksmoor, a disciple of the great Christopher Wren. Christ Church stands sovereign in a once wretched, outlaw neighborhood. Why such a church in such a nauseating neighborhood? Spitalfields was the Huguenot quarter in the ^18th century, a stronghold of non-Anglican Protestants, and a means for the Crown to assert its religious superiority. Jack London describes it as the haunt of the unfortunate in Le Peuple d'en-bas.

This new immersive attraction from the BBC is based on the BBC Studios Natural History Unit's Seven Worlds TV series. You plunge into the heart of the wilderness world, discovering the history of the universe and other wonders of our planet through huge projections of impressive scale. Each space and projection is set to a text by the famous British writer and naturalist David Attenborough, as well as the music from the series. A breathtaking experience for young and old alike.

Glasgow's gigantic Transport Museum is housed in a beautiful modern space. There are 3,000 items to admire: locomotives, cars, buses, trams, bicycles, skateboards and even a Stormtrooper! You will discover a reconstitution of a street in the city, with shops from 1895 to the 1980s. You will board a train, tram or bus. You will help an interactive firefighter to put out a fire. Between real and virtual, interactivity is everywhere in this immersive museum where you can touch everything.

This short, easy and accessible walk offers superb views. Bruce's Stone stands on a magnificent vantage point overlooking the waters of Loch Trool (north shore). It is named in memory of Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland, and the Battle of Trool, fought in 1307. English soldiers were ambushed as they marched along the shores of the loch. Robert The Bruce's men attacked them by surprise, with stones. The victory was quick and bloody. Bruce's Stone is also the starting point for the Merrick ascent.

Scotland's oldest independent museum, the Museum offers a diverse collection, taking visitors on a journey back in time to before the dinosaurs and into the present day. It holds 36,000 items (not all on display), including fish fossils dating back over 450 million years - its fossil collection is recognised as being of national importance - and archaeological finds from prehistory to the Middle Ages. It also has a number of works of art of local and international importance.

Exeter Cathedral is a beautiful medieval cathedral located in the heart of Exeter. It is one of the most impressive and historic buildings in the city and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century, and over the years, it has been expanded and improved upon by many different architects and craftsmen. It is famous for its Norman towers, carvings, and stained glass windows. Guided tours will show you around all the historical details that make the cathedral special.

This is the family house of Christopher Lloyd, who devoted his life to the development of his flower gardens. The location is peaceful and seems to be taken out of time. The amateurs will appreciate the places, which each visit allows to maintain.

Climb at the top of Plymouth lighthouse, built on Fn Reef in 1759, then moved (stone stone) at the beginning of the th century to its current site. At the top of the 93 steps, the view of the city and its port is worth a visit. Prone to vertige.

Six beach offices are located on the island, in Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Yarmouth. Visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk

In the gardens of the Barony Castle Hotel, a very strange sight awaits visitors: a three-dimensional map of Scotland, made of stone and measuring 50m by 40m. Built between 1974 and 1979 by a small group of Poles, including students, it is the brainchild of Jan Tomasik, a war veteran of Polish origin, born in Krakow. Now in free and open access, it is to be seen if you pass by.

This museum presents over 100 years of aviation history. Montrose Airfield, Britain's first operational military station, is now a museum that tells the story of the men and women who served in the Air Force. It traces the origins of aviation, documents life at Montrose in the last century and features a life-size replica of the B.E.2 aircraft flown by the^2nd Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps at the outbreak of the First World War.

Start by fortifying yourself at the legendary The Head of the River pub under Folly Bridge. On the terrace, you can watch the rowing competitions, the pub being the finish line. Then take the riverbank and follow the Isis River to the right. Iffley Lock, with its stone bridge and weeping willow, awaits you at the end of the road. The city now seems far away. Continue the walk to charming Iffley Village. En route, you'll come across the famous Isis Farmhouse, one of those "old-fashioned" pubs that are worth their weight in gold. When you reach the village, turn around and return to civilization along the left bank of the river, along Christ Church Meadows.

A 5-minute concert room from Gyllyngvase Beach, the programming of beautiful musical surprises.

In East Looe, the streets of the city centre lead to a charming sandy beach. It is not dangerous and covered with soft sand, especially attracting families.

The most beautiful views and the nicest sites around Loch Ness are accessible from the south shore of Loch Ness. This route is less touristy but narrower (only one lane at a time), but it offers magnificent views and allows you to reconnect with the wild side of the Highlands, a little lost in the tourist surf around Nessie. To be admired on the road: Loch Tarff, Glen Morh and Loch Morh and the Falls of Foyers.

The aquarium faces the sea, and is a great place to see sharks, as well as all sorts of colorful fish, octopuses, rays and a host of molluscs. It's not necessarily the most typical activity in the area, but it can be a great activity for the whole family. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, as you'll benefit from discounts and avoid the wait. You can also join a guided group tour. The aquarium is very spacious, so you'll have no trouble spending the whole day there. Ideal when it's raining.

This island is a few miles by boat from Ilfracombe and is a 4.45 km² nature reserve. Puffins are the local stars, but there are also fallow deer, ponies and all kinds of birds. It is possible to stay on site.

It is Belfast's largest Gaelic language arts and culture center, located in a church. It combines theatre and art spaces, a radio station, a souvenir store and bookshop, a café and an art gallery on three floors. Cultúrlann defends and promotes the arts and language of Irish culture. Concerts are often scheduled as well as all sorts of educational workshops and temporary exhibitions. The café is lively. Programming is available online.