Things to see and do United Kingdom

Created in 1862 by Osgood Mackenzie, this garden is a festival of colors on 20 hectares which will delight the amateurs of the kind. It is in itself a feat, because it was born on desert land, where nothing (or so little) was supposed to grow. It is a garden both surprising by its location and of an almost unequalled richness... Passion obliges! One can admire rhododendrons from the Himalayas, eucalyptus from Tasmania and a vast collection of plants from New Zealand, Chile and South Africa. These rare varieties from all over the world thrive in a microclimate provided by the Gulf Stream. In addition, you can see Scotland's iconic wildlife: red squirrels, deer, otters, seals and golden eagles. With a bit of luck, the sea eagle will also be there! This subtropical garden is not to be missed.

Inverawe House: 5 minutes walk from the Visitor Centre, this house is a museum space that will plunge you into the middle of the ^20th century, with objects to touch and experiments to conduct. Very interactive, it has won awards for its original and playful approach.

Sawyer Gallery: The site hosts artists in residence, it is also a place of contemporary art and therefore exhibitions, with new items every year, and also meetings with the creators.

To eat: Inverawe Garden also has a restaurant and a café(Bothy café). Everything is fresh and local, imported "from field to fork": a good excuse to stay a little longer in this corner of paradise!

Dunrobin Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and its style is particularly rare and refined. Some even see it as the country's most accomplished nobleman's residence. It was the seat of the Earls of Sutherland and the Sutherland clan, and traces its origins to the Middle Ages, but suffered much deterioration, notably at the hands of the Jacobites in the 18th century, so that the building we see today was largely shaped between 1835 and 1850. Charles Barry was the architect and was not at his trial run, since the prodigy already had the Parliament of Westminster on his CV. He set about making it into a palace worthy of the name and it is now the largest castle in the Northern Highlands, with some 189 rooms. Its appearance is reminiscent of the work of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the gardens of the estate are based on the French model and were inspired by Versailles. The interiors were badly damaged in a fire in 1915 and it was Robert Lorimier who took it upon himself to bring them back to life, which he did with undeniable good taste. A museum part exhibits safari trophies brought back by the family on their travels, but also archaeological relics from the Pictish period.

Its gardens, of all beauty, are to be discovered, all the more so as they offer the most beautiful view of the castle. From April to September, you can enjoy bird of prey shows in these same gardens. This is included in the entrance ticket. They take place at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

This museum is an architectural marvel, with its imposing façade and neo-Gothic details. It is one of London's finest museums in terms of architecture. Built by A. Waterhouse in the neo-Romanesque style in vogue at the time, it opened in 1881, but its origins date back to the ^18th century. The collections, initially donated by private collectors, include an important collection bequeathed by naturalist Sir Hans Sloane. The collection was further enriched by gifts from botanist Joseph Banks, gleaned during his voyage of exploration in 1768. In 1856, Sir Richard Owen directed the transfer of the British Museum's natural history collections to this museum. After the untimely death of architect Francis Fowke, designer of the Royal Albert Hall, Alfred Waterhouse took over the design of the new building. Owen and Waterhouse collaborated to create sculptural ornaments depicting animals and plants, celebrating the diversity of nature. Inside the main gallery, dinosaur skeletons will captivate you. Other rooms feature land and sea mammals, birds and reptiles. One section of the museum deals with human biology, and on the second floor, the evolution of man is explored.

One of the museum's main attractions is the diplodocus skeleton nicknamed "Dippy", which stands majestically in the main hall. However, since 2017, it has been replaced by a blue whale suspended underwater, offering an immersive experience.

Completed in 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia is the last of a long line of 83 royal ships dating back to Charles II in 1660, built at Clydebank, near Glasgow, and is 126 metres long with a capacity for 250 guests and 240 crew. In service from 1954 to 1997, it was a floating embassy for the Royal Family, which travelled some 2,014,278 km during 696 visits abroad and 272 to the United Kingdom. After 44 years of good and loyal service on the seas, he is demobilized and moored in the port of Leith. He is not ordered a replacement and the mastodon becomes one of Edinburgh's flagship attractions. On the programme: the highlights of the ship's history, the control room, the admiral's apartments, Her Majesty's bedroom and her Rolls Royce, which she took everywhere. One also immerses oneself in the underside of diplomacy and protocol, walking through the many lounges and reception rooms, but also the terraces where the Queen liked to relax.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was recently awarded a prize as one of Scotland's top tourist and cultural attractions, according to the National Tourist Board's website. No doubt this is due to the historical and cultural interest, but also to the possibility - oh so attractive for admirers of British royalty - of having tea in the "Royal Deck Tea Room" ... You can also spend a night in the luxury hotel located in the nearby ship, the Fringal.

Discover the fantastic city of London on board a modern panoramic bus. There are 2 tours. The Red tour includes a personal guide who will make your trip unforgettable with live commentary in English and good humor. If you don't speak English, don't worry, the Blue tour offers recorded commentary in French (or several other languages). Headphones are provided free of charge when you board the bus, and all you have to do is select channel 2. Off you go!

Home of the Dukes of Argyll, this romantic neo-gothic castle is the fruit of the genius of William Adam and Roger Morris. Built between 1745 and 1790, it stands on 6.5 hectares of gardens in the centre of a 24,000 hectare estate. Its great beauty earned it the right to serve as the setting for an episode of the Downtown Abbey series. In addition to its finely furnished and ornamented rooms, it contains more than 1,300 weapons. You will admire the rich State Dining Room and the Tapestry Drawing Room. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy a snack in the elegant, traditional tearoom.

This botanical garden is a perfect outing in good weather and rainy weather, as you can enjoy a tropical climate in the greenhouses. Lovers of plants or neophytes, everyone will find, in the rarity, multiplicity and beauty of the specimens presented material to be amazed. It is still one of the most beautiful collections in the world! Guided tours are available and explanatory panels provide a wealth of fascinating information, both on amazing natural phenomena and on conservation work.

Glasshouses are a visit in the tour. Their access is not free, unlike the rest of the park, but they are worth discovering. There are 10 of them, each corresponding to a climatic zone and specific species. 10 rooms, 10 climates (hot!), 10 floristic universes! We discover with happiness, a splendid garden of water lilies, an incredible collection of orchids, carnivorous plants, succulent plants... The design of the premises is also interesting, since the greenhouses were built between 1834, in a pre-Victorian style, and 1967, with a more classical and wise simplicity.

Exhibitions are also presented in free access, in the building that hosts you. You will be able to discover photo exhibitions, artists' exhibitions and interactive playgrounds working to raise awareness of the environment. Finally, the Garden offers regular thematic activities throughout the year.

King George II started the construction of this gigantic fort to quell any future uprising. The buildings of its garrisons, its artillery and its weapons plunge into an extraordinary martial atmosphere, on this splendid citadel inspired by Vauban. Still occupied by the army to this day, the 1km long rampart surrounding the fortifications, the historic barracks, one of the only two dog military cemeteries in the country, and the Highlanders Museum, one of the oldest regiments in Scotland, are all worth a visit.

Its rectangular silhouette has dominated Loch Dunvegan since the 14th century and its beautiful walls were rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries. Seat of the MacLeod clan, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country. A visit is a must to appreciate its elegant interiors. The gardens surrounding the building are magnificent. Take advantage of your visit for a "seal trip" and embark on a seal watching cruise or a short observation cruise.

Founded in 1794, this distillery is one of the only ones you will find in the city centre of a very touristic destination, which makes it a must-see during a visit to Oban. Its production site has never really expanded for lack of space and the techniques are faithful to the principles of this fascinating industry. The £12 tour is particularly complete and informative and includes a first tasting of the whisky, directly from the cask, and a second one, once the product is bottled. You will discover the 14 year old, which goes remarkably well with ginger and dark chocolate. This single malt no longer has any followers in the world, thanks to an identity between sea and land, which is found in its iodized, fruity and slightly smoky flavours. Two other visits are proposed to the most passionate: the "Exclusive Distillery Tour" of 2 hours, with discovery of the warehouses and tastings, and the "Distillery Manager's Tour & Tasting" with the site manager.

The site is also very pleasant to visit even without a guided tour, with a shop where you can bottle an exclusive whisky yourself, and engrave your bottle to make it unique. Upstairs, the bar area offers an exhibition on the history of Oban and its distillery, and plunges you into the atmosphere of an old rigging. Here you can taste the Oban whisky of your choice or try the cocktails. Why not the old fashioned Oban: Oban 14, syrup, bitter and ice cubes? Or the Oban Hot Toddy: Oban 14, honey, spices, hot orange juice?

The Serpentine Gallery comprises two exhibition spaces located within a 5-minute walk of each other, on either side of the Serpentine Bridge in the heart of the Royal Park in Kensington Gardens. The Serpentine Gallery, established in 1970, and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in 2013, present exhibitions of art, architecture and design. Internationally renowned artists and designers are a must-see. London's favorite contemporary art gallery!

Serpentine North Gallery, West Carriage Drive, W2 2AR.

It is probably the most spectacular castle in the area. Depending on your desires and budget, you can take a simple tour of the gardens, as well as access the tea room for a snack in the old kitchens. The landscaped park and the view of the building are an enchantment in themselves. Of course, a visit to the castle - guided tour or self-guided tour with documentation - is recommended, as its interiors are superb and reveal fascinating stories.

Completed in 1224, this historic cathedral dedicated to the Holy Trinity did not suffer from the wars of independence, but was damaged by fire in 1270, 1390 and 1402. Its influence on the region was immense and its architecture among the most elaborate in the country. Now largely in ruins, its splendid west façade, the Stone Bishop statue in the nave, the Pictish cross and the largest tombstone in Scotland, five metres high and dedicated to the Anderson family, can still be appreciated today. Guided tours take place in July and August.

The remains of this noble cathedral bear witness to a much larger building, which was the epicentre of Catholic Scotland in the Middle Ages. Abandoned after the Reformation, it fell into disrepair and ruin, so that many of its stones were reused for other buildings. It was not until 1826 that some attention was paid to its preservation and attempts were made to perpetuate it. The St Rule's Tower at its heart is older than it is and was part of the early 12th century church that preceded it.

Lovers of literature, history and fine stone will all find themselves here in the splendid gothic house that Sir Walter Scott fashioned in his own image. As Sheriff of Selkirkshire, he had to spend time near the Selkirk court when he was not living in Edinburgh. For a time he was content to rent a house from a cousin in Ashestiel. In 1811, he bought a small farm near Melrose. He renamed it Abbotsford and began converting the place to his liking. To begin with, the idea was not to build a gigantic palace, but simply to enlarge the existing building and acquire more land. In a few years, with the money from his success, he went from 44 hectares to 567 and planted many trees. From 1817 onwards, he called upon several architect, designer and artist friends to create more and more new pieces. George Bullock, James Skene, Edward Blore were among them, but it was the very famous William Atkinson who made the biggest contribution. Scott quickly revised his plans upwards and took advantage of a long visit to London, between 1819 and 1820, to discuss with him the destruction of the original farmhouse, in favor of the colossus that we see today. By 1824, the bulk of the work was completed and David Ramsay Hay, who later redecorated the Palace of Holyroodhouse for Queen Victoria, was responsible for the magnificent interiors. Three new walled gardens were also created. The author saw them as chapters in a novel and defined them as his antidote to long hours at his desk. After his death in 1832, Abbotsford was opened to the public. A modern visitor center traces the life and work of the genius writer, before you can walk in his footsteps to his writing room, library, drawing room, armory, reception room and chapel.

As French-speaking visitors, you will be delighted to find audio guides in French (at no extra charge): each room has its own terminals and its own set of explanations, always striking and astonishing... which will allow you to grasp all the magic of this "castle of enigmas", as Walter Scott had named and conceived it.

Not to be missed when visiting the Borders!

You can now stay in Abbotsford. The Hope Scott Wing has opened and offers 7 rooms for up to 15 people, and activities to live a few days in the manner of the great Scottish writer!

This colourful house in the Royal Mile is unmistakable with its red and ochre facade. A visit to Scotland's capital city only takes on more meaning once you open the doors. Edinburgh's past is revealed here from prehistoric times to the present day, through models, descriptions, mannequins and objects of yesteryear. We discover the capital in all its facets: a city of art, culture and ideas, power, trade, contrasts, pomp, history and stories. We can understand the dark hours of the city, between politics, religion, war and alcohol issues; but also its pride: its prosperity, its architecture and its great figures. Lovers of history and rare objects will also appreciate the medieval relics, the numerous porcelains, the beautifully chiselled silverware - including specifically Scottish pieces such as a quaich or thistle-cups -, the pottery with their reconstructed workshop, or the original manifesto of the Covenantaires. Each district is detailed, from Old Town, where Canongate formed a separate village, to New Town, where the original plans of architect James Craig can be seen. An important section is devoted to the port of Leith, a veritable highway of the colonies and the Orient. Petit Futé 's "coup de coeur" goes to the curiosity cabinet, a reminder that fan devotions are not just for pop stars. Amongst other things, we discover a piece of oatcake cooked by Robert Burns' wife, a golf ball that once belonged to Robert Louis Stevenson...

Founded in 1138 by David I, Jedburgh Abbey is one of the four great abbeys built in the Borders in the Middle Ages. It is also one of the best preserved and its influence was such that it owned as many as twenty churches in the surrounding area. Its location close to the border, however, did not bring it luck and it was a prime target during the many conflicts with England, such as the wars of independence. We still appreciate the quality of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture despite the damage of time.

The specialist in tailor-made tours in London. Golden Tours opened its doors in 1984 and since then, thanks to the quality of its services, its competitive prices and the vast choice of attractions on offer, it has become a benchmark throughout the UK. You can buy tickets on their website or in one of their stores. Prices are attractive for all major attractions in London, including the bus transfer to the Warner studio for the Harry Potter Tour. For some attractions, remember to book well in advance.

Piccadilly Circus, at the crossroads of fifty major thoroughfares, is one of London's most important nerve centers, and many dread the constant flow of people and cars. Built in 1819 to link Regent Street to Piccadilly, this road junction is shaped like a circus, which is why it's now known as Picadilly Circus. Directly connected with Shafestbury Avenue and its famous theaters, but also with Haymarket and Coventry Street (from Leicester Square), Circus is an important crossroads in the city, a must for all visitors. In fact, it's best appreciated for its glittering neon signs, a real tourist attraction recognizable at a glance, and a little sister to New York's Times Square. Once you've seen the square, don't hesitate to leave the main thoroughfares for the calm of the adjacent side streets. The sculpture above the fountain opposite Piccadilly, known as Eros, does not represent the god of Love, but an angel of Charity. It was erected in 1892 in memory of Lord Shaftesbury, a famous politician and philanthropist. A little anecdote: it's not made of bronze, but of aluminum, a rare and new material at the time. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the square, and listen to the talented musicians performing in front of the fountain...

Historic residence of the Baron of Cawdor, this castle is particularly known to the general public thanks to the character of Cawdor's thane, present in Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth. The events in the story, however, predate the construction of the building, which dates back to the end of the 14th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 16th century and was subsequently renovated and enlarged. The tour reveals its rich interiors, filled with precious decorative elements and beautiful paintings. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful.

A mecca for tourism, history, heritage and mystery, Stonehenge is on the bucket list of many visitors to the UK. It is surely Europe's best-known prehistoric monument. Immortalized in literature and film on numerous occasions, it is a Unesco World Heritage Site that still holds all its secrets. Indeed, there are still many questions as to why these enormous monoliths were placed there in the first place, and what techniques were used to move them. Recent renovations have seen the grassing over of a road that had spoiled the site's charm, and the construction of a new on-site museum that will tell you all you need to know about the site. While you can't get within 5 metres of the stones to ensure their preservation, you can admire them from the path around them and soak up their mystical beauty. Immerse yourself in this atmosphere and step back in time to the Neolithic era with the help of the excellent commentary on the audio guide, which will take you around the stones following the different orientations of the sun. A timeless experience.

Don't forget to book your visit online to guarantee admission. A shuttle bus from the modern visitor center can take you to the stone circle, 2 km away. Alternatively, you can take a walk and soak up the sights.

The site's history dates back some 5,000 years. Stonehenge was a Neolithic place of worship and burial, consisting of a ditch and an embankment. 4,000 years ago, the bluestones were brought down from the mountains of south-west Wales, and 500 years later, they were installed at the center of the circle of standing stones we see today, which originate from the Malborough Downs, some 30 km away. The site may have become a Druidic ceremonial place, but its origins are Celtic.

When the Celtic people, of Indo-European origins, arrived in Europe in the first millennium BC, Stonehenge was already abandoned. The Greek writer Ephoros describes the Celtic people as one of the four most remarkable barbarian civilizations, along with the Libyans, Persians and Scythians.

Reputed to be curious, intellectual, creative and resistant to any organized system, they undermined all the states of antiquity, without ever creating one themselves. Their favorite literary form was poetry, transmitted orally.

A must on this site: come on a solstice day when the sun is aligned with the axis of the megaliths.

Covent Garden is one of the most touristic places in the capital, lively day and night. Everything is organised around the covered market, where stands, shops and cafés mix. The name "Covent Garden" comes from a former garden that belonged to Westminster Abbey. The site was used as a fruit and vegetable market for as long as it was before the Earl of Bedford had halls built by architect Inigo Jones. It was "thanks" to the 1666 fire, when other markets were destroyed, that the place became the largest market in the country.

The Real Mary King's Close is a collection of alleys and underground dwellings that were in the heart of Old Town in the 17th century. They took the name of one of the daughters of the lawyer Alexander Close who owned several properties there. In the 18th century, they were partially demolished and buried during the construction of the City Chambers. It was from that moment, in the bowels of the city, that the maze entered into the darkest mysteries and legends of Edinburgh; and this, for 400 years. Archaeologists' research has made it possible to understand how some poor families have found refuge there in the face of the capital's overpopulation. It was also here that the plague patients were isolated so that they would die hidden from everyone. The evocation of the disease is then an opportunity to disentangle the true from the false and to fight many preconceived ideas. Ghost stories are legendary, such as that of a little girl named Annie who was seen by a medium and to whom many visitors still bring gifts today, or those of the many victims of the legendary murderers Burke and Hare, whom they reportedly hid before selling them to hospitals. Reopened to the public in 2003, The Real Mary King's Close lifts the veil on dark hours and cursed destinies, in a gloomy universe that does not leave anyone indifferent. The visit lasts one hour and makes sense thanks to actors in costumes for a successful immersion.

The nerve centre of London, it is the busiest place in the capital and it is also in this London artery that all the major retail chains have their shops, attracting every day a crowd of onlookers, tourists and Londoners who come here to buy the latest fashionable clothes. And even more so during the sales! Close to Oxford Street, Bond Street, Old Bond Street, New Bond Street and Regent Street are not to be outdone with chic boutiques (Chanel, Prada, Versace...), art galleries and auction houses.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a monumental aqueduct, almost 40 meters high and 300 meters long, spanning the torrential River Dee and carrying the Llangollen Canal in a long cast-iron tank, supported by bold yet lightweight pillars. This innovation has enabled the company to expand its transport capacity. In the past, horse-drawn boats crossed this suspended waterway, carrying coal, lime and iron from the mines and quarries of the Llangollen valley to Ellesmere. Crossing it today is truly impressive!

A pioneering masterpiece of engineering andmonumental architecture. Completed in the early ^19th century, this aerial canal-bridge was built by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford (1757-1834), and is popularly known as "the canal in the sky" by locals. A pioneering work in terms of its technological choices and architectural boldness, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2009. It bears witness to the unique production capabilities of the British steel industry at the time.

This magnificent structure features a cast-iron and wrought-iron shell, set as if by magic on tall, slender pillars of elegant architecture. The Pontcysyllte canal bridge(Traphont Ddŵr Pontcysyllte in Welsh) represents a civil engineering feat of the Industrial Revolution. Its construction in a single reach, without any locks, despite a difficult geographical environment, makes it a remarkable example of artificial waterway construction, which has inspired many other projects around the world.

Today, its vocation is essentially tourism. The bridge-canal is now equipped for river tourism and is a tourist destination in its own right. Its canal, filled almost to the brim with water, can be crossed by boat (via Llangollen Wharf), while its narrow, bolted, cantilevered sidewalk allows passage on foot or by bike. Either way, it's a vertiginous experience!

What's more, the Trevor Basin Visitor Centre is right beside the aqueduct. It houses a collection of historical artifacts dating back to the construction of the Pontcysyllte Canal Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy a video recounting the history of this impressive structure, as well as a children's activity area and gift store.

Trafalgar Square stands in the heart of London. The square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, fought in 1805 off a Spanish cape near the city of Cadiz, between British forces led by Admiral Nelson and Napoleon's imperial fleet. Admiral Nelson distinguished himself by using new tactics that revolutionized naval combat. To celebrate this historic event, the square was built between 1829 and 1841 by architect John Nash, who sadly died before the work was completed. The square is regularly used for sporting and political gatherings. Statues of George IV, Henry Havelock and Sir Charles James, as well as superb bronze lions, can be admired in all four corners of the square. Don't miss the famous Nelson column, which dominates the square. Although the fourth plinth has remained empty for many years, it has recently been used by a number of artists. The latest commission is Yinka Shonibare's Nelson's Ship in a Bottle, inaugurated in May 2010 and depicting the admiral's warship in a bottle. Day and night, Trafalgar Square is never empty, as it's where most of the night buses converge, and thus many of the city's night owls. It's also where Londoners and tourists used to feed their pigeons, until Ken Livingstone passed a law banning the practice. Don't joke - you could be fined!

A masterpiece of architect Christopher Wren, who was responsible for its reconstruction after the Great Fire of 1666, the current cathedral is in fact the fifth cathedral built on this site since the construction of the first church dedicated to Saint Paul in 604. It was the first Anglican cathedral in 1534 and its choir has served as a reference for all Anglican churches in the country. The restoration of the cathedral was decided shortly before the fire and finally it was its reconstruction that began in 1675 and was completed in 1710. Wren has already proposed restoration plans and he sees the end of the work when he is almost 80 years old, in other words it is his life's work. He is buried there. The plan of the church is in the shape of a cross, you enter through the vast nave which opens the view on the dome and the choir. The architecture is largely inspired by the Italian Renaissance and the Baroque. Its majestic dome stands proudly in the middle of La City, its white stone sparkling in the sun. Wren had in mind a dome that could be seen from far away, but he also wanted the interior paintings to be visible from the cathedral floor. He therefore built two domes, an interior, of which only the concave part can be seen, and an exterior, of which only the convex part can be seen. This dome is accessed by an endless staircase leading to a gallery, the Whispering Gallery. Its name comes from a resonance phenomenon that makes it possible to hear a whispered whisper on the other side. Another series of steps and a staircase later, you will reach the second gallery, the stone gallery and finally the gold gallery, this time outside the cathedral and offering a 360° view of the capital. The effort (530 steps all the same) is worth it, especially in good weather, because you are overlooking the city centre. The cathedral rises 110 m, or 365 feet. Finally, discover the basement of the cathedral which houses the crypt, a pantheon of the nation's great men. In the centre of the crypt is the tomb of Admiral Nelson, decorated with a crown carved from the wood of the mast of L'Orient, a French ship destroyed at the Battle of Abukir. In the painters' corner are the graves of Turner, Reynolds and Lawrence, as well as monuments dedicated to Constable, Van Dyck and William Blake. At the far east end, the chapel of the Order of the British Empire was built to pay tribute to the veterans of the First World War.

How can we talk about the human being and the extraordinary technological progress he has made over more than 2,000 years? How can we evoke and list all the inventions that have emerged thanks to human ingenuity and inventiveness? This remarkable museum addresses these and many other questions through its 5 floors. The collections are fun, intelligently presented to interest both children and parents. Models, reconstructions, original machines, games, everything is done to dissect, explain and analyse the world around us. As soon as you enter the museum, you will be drawn into the Energy Hall, dedicated to energy, and its very beautiful collection of engines and old machines, splendours of the past of the industrial revolution. The next room changes the horizon and makes you relive the conquest of space. Don't just stand there with your head in the stars and continue with the birth of the modern world and the discovery of inventions that have changed our daily lives over the past two centuries. On the first floor you will find rooms dedicated to the history of agriculture and the discovery of materials, with the presentation of objects in iron, glass, plastic... On the upper floor, spaces dedicated to telecommunications and different types of energy, the history of combustion, the history of mathematics, and that of maritime engineering. Finally, the 4th and 5th floors are dedicated to medical technology and the art of medicine.

St James's Park is London's central park, with its 23 hectares and lake dotted with ducks, geese and pelicans. It's London's oldest royal park, surrounded by three palaces: Westminster, St James's and Buckingham. Close to this royal attraction, it's an ideal spot for a relaxing break or country picnic amid lush vegetation, pelicans and squirrels. The vegetation is lush, sun loungers are available for a fee in summer, and classical music concerts are held regularly.

This attraction opened in 2012 in Watford, 20 miles north of London: a visit to the studios where the eight episodes of the Harry Potter saga were turned. Public enthusiasm is ensured with the visit of the trays and behind the scenes, filled with costumes and accessories. The course is complemented by comments on the secrets of shooting, or the realization of special effects. One is a tower in the Grande Salle, or behind Dumbledore's office. 

The Houses of Parliament are held in Westminster Palace. Here, the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the United Kingdom sit. Originally created by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, the building has long been used as a royal residence, even if no monarch has lived there since the 16th century. The oldest part of the palace, Westminster Hall, dates back to 1097. The rest of the building dates back to the 19th century because, in 1834, a gigantic fire destroyed the medieval palace, sparing only Westminster Hall, the 13th century crypt and the cloister of the St. Stephen's Chapel. The four-storey palace has more than 1,100 rooms. It is one of the jewels of neo-Gothic architecture designed by the architect Sir Charles Barry, who was largely inspired by the Tudor period. It is within the Westminster Palace that you can also discover The Clock Tower, home to Big Ben. The tower was renamed The Elizabeth Tower in 2012 following the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebration. After visiting the Houses of Parliament, you will understand how the United Kingdom Parliament works, how the House of Lords is organized and how the House of Commons is organized. Decorated with picturesque anecdotes, the place is pleasant to discover, the nerve centre of the United Kingdom's political power, still cluttered today with protocols and many traditions. The bright red rooms reserved for the Lords contrast with the bright green rooms of the deputies.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's best-known natural landmark and one of the island's most popular tourist attractions. It's a world-renowned natural wonder, featured on the cover of many guidebooks to the region, that won't disappoint. Come early to avoid the crowds.

The legend: "When the world was created and fashioned out of a shapeless mass, this is what was left of it: remnants of chaos." The words are those of novelist William Thackeray. For the early Irish, this sorcery had only one explanation: it was the work of a giant, Finn McCool, commander of the King of Ireland's armies. Finn was a very powerful man, capable of incredible feats of strength. His greatest rival was the Scottish giant Benandonner. To fight him, Finn invited him and built a road so that his enemy could not avoid the fight. But when the latter arrived, the Irishman realized that he was far bigger and stronger than he was. He asked his wife for advice. She disguised him as a baby, and when Benandonner entered, he saw the enormous child and imagined the size of the father. He took fright and ran back to Scotland, destroying the pavement behind him...

The site: a spectacular modification of the coastline following a basalt eruption several million years ago, now frozen into 40,000 columns. It's impossible not to stand in awe of this imbrication of stones as black as lava and as ochre as Tuscan slab, stretching out over the sea. At once rust-tinted steps, salt-capped thrones and columns marbled by the forces of the sea, all carved and adjusted by a master surveyor whose essence is not human, it's hard not to marvel at these otherworldly places and the dizzying cliffs that surround them. It makes you feel very small in the face of such a strange and impressive natural wonder.

Visiting tips: in high season, the site is very busy, so avoid it between 11am and 3pm. Admission includes parking, an audioguide and entry to the visitor center, where you can learn more about the history of the site and the phenomenon. If you find the ticket a little expensive and don't plan to stay very long, park further up or down the road and then walk back around the visitor center to the Causeway Hotel side: pedestrian access to the site itself is free. Another option is to follow the Causeway Path hiking trail, which follows the entire coastline of the region and takes 2-3 days to complete. Of course, you'll have to walk on the basalt columns, have fun climbing them and enjoy this unique and magical place. But to fully appreciate the scale of the site, take the elevated path that winds its way along the cliffs just above the Giant's Causeway, and get a real sense of the extraordinary nature of the phenomenon.

Visitor Centre: the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre is ultra-modern and ecologically responsible. With its glass walls, basalt columns, state-of-the-art interior and green roof offering 360-degree views of the coastline, it's a must-see. A shuttle bus can take you from the Visitor Centre to the Giant's Causeway, but walking is recommended.

Opened in its current form in 2006 by merging older collections, the National Museum of Scotland houses 16 galleries, 8,000 objects and a complex whose architecture is both Victorian and ultra-modern. Here, as in any general museum, you will find the traditional sections devoted to anthropology, world cultures through time and natural history: Egyptian priest's sarcophagus and mummy, Assyrian mural fresco, dinosaur skeleton and stuffed animals, a few sculptures, paintings and many others... Science and technology also have a voice with the oldest colour television on the planet and the body of Dolly the Sheep.

The most fascinating part of the tour is undoubtedly the one that presents in an exciting way the whole history of Scotland, from its origins to the present day. The visitor's aesthetic pleasure and imaginary escapades into the past are encouraged by the scenography of the plays and their didactic approach. With many treasures of national heritage, one travels alongside the country's first inhabitants, the Picts, the Vikings, the Scots, many anonymous people, but also Scottish heroes, such as Mary Stuart, whose superb harp and a replica of the tomb can be discovered; Robert Burns, a renowned poet, whose handwritten letters can be read; and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the accursed prince of the Stuart cause, whose travel silver can be admired.

Known to Londoners as the "Wobbly Bridge", the Millennium Bridge celebrated the year 2000. Winner of a competition organized by the London Corporation (which manages the City of London), this pedestrian bridge is the work of Sir Norman Foster, the great architect of contemporary London. However, the 320-metre structure was closed to pedestrians as soon as it was inaugurated, due to oscillations caused by the large number of pedestrians (over 2,000). Since this event, the Millennium Bridge has been humorously nicknamed the "Shaking Bridge" and, following this incident, hydraulic control installations were installed to monitor the bridge's swaying movements, which were reopened in January 2002. Since then, no swaying movements have been observed. Phew! This pedestrian-only steel suspension bridge links Southbank to the City on the opposite side. Thousands of pedestrians, tourists and residents alike, use this magnificent footbridge every day to cross the Thames and reach St Paul's or the Tate Modern. This utlra-photogenic bridge, in perfect alignment between St Paul's and the Tate, was immortalized in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It is destroyed by the Death Eaters in a particularly spectacular opening scene. This iconic scene has brought yet more visitors to the Millennium Bridge. Get your cameras ready and come at sunset time.

From the Scottish Dene meaning deep valley, Dean Village, first known as Water of Leith Village, was a community of millers first mentioned in 1128. At the beginning of the 18th century, eleven mills were maintained here and the baxters of the bakers' guild conducted a flourishing trade. Nowadays, the district is appreciated for its setting below the city. Follow the Water of Leith Walkway or join the Gallery of Modern Art via the Dean Path, cutting through the picturesque Dean Cemetery.

This is a great place to discover whisky. Several tours are available, in 50 min, 90 min and 90 min + dinner. In addition to the guided tour, there are one or more commented tastings. You will learn to savour and identify the contents of your dram, the traditional whisky unit, in a room housing the world's largest private collection. No less than 3,400 different bottles are pampered there and it is a delight to walk through it to contemplate its old labels.

Created in 1433, this hilltop park offers panoramic views over the Thames, the Docklands and the City. Punctuated by historic buildings such as the Royal Observatory, where the Greenwich meridian runs and which serves as a reference point for calculating time around the world, it has always maintained a strong attachment to royalty. It was badly damaged during the Second World War. Today, it has been restored to its original form and is a must-see for visitors to Greenwich. Greenery, calm and pleasure.

The garden. Kensington Gardens adjoins Hyde Park to create a complex more than 7.5 km long. The garden was originally the Kensington Palace garden chosen by William III and Mary II for their London home. But it was Queen Caroline, George II's wife, who, in 1728, gave the garden its present form by creating Lake Serpentine. It remained closed for much of the 18th century and gradually reopened for high society. It was after a series of improvements commissioned by Queen Victoria that the Italian gardens and the Prince Albert Memorial were created.

Peter Pan. The character invented by James Matthew Barrie is present in the form of a sculpture that all children will think of greeting each other with the promise that they will never grow up.

Albert Memorial. Located south of Kensington Gardens, this memorial is commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate the memory of her beloved husband Prince Albert of Saxony Coburg-Gotha. It is based on Sir George Gilbert Scott's plans in the neo-Gothic style. Prince Albert is depicted sitting surrounded by allegorical sculptures: four groups depict Victorian industrial arts and sciences (agriculture, commerce, technology and industry) and four groups illustrate the four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa and America), each continent being adorned with an animal (the bull for Europe, the elephant for Asia, the camel for Africa and the buffalo for the Americas).

In the 1970 s, it was the hot and shady district of London, with its clubs clubs, its porn bookshops and its peepshow-shows (we can still see some of the "vestiges" of this time, mainly west of Wardour Street). The 1990 s saw Soho revival: Gay neighborhood around Old Compton Street, trendy restaurants and bars make Soho a place to get out in the evening.

It is Bath's flagship attraction, inherited from the Roman occupation. In the 12th century, the King's Bath was built there around the spring. The place became again a place to visit and cure for the benefits it was found. In the 18th century, mineral water began to be consumed and the Pump Room was built for this purpose. It was not until 1880 that the Roman remains were discovered and exhumed. The visit is a true journey through time and the ostentation of ancient elegance. Beware, there can be a lot of people in summer!

Opened in 1846, the dock was one of the first in the world. Up to years, Albert Dock was a dilapidated site, its entrpôts rotting and the shore was abandoned. The dock has since been refurbished and has become the pride of Liverpool and has a real tourist success. The Albert Dock waterways are now navigable and its warehouses have many bars, restaurants, shops and museums. These include the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which commemorates the city's commercial activities and its sad role in the slave trade, the Liverpool Life Museum, which presents the cultural diversity of the city and its characteristics, the Tate Liverpool, modern art gallery and The Beatles Story.

This interactive, immersive gallery is located in the heart of the capital, just off Hyde Park. Step inside and prepare for an unforgettable multi-sensory journey through extraordinary canvases. You'll be invited to explore each gallery at your own pace. A café-bar awaits you within this dreamlike experience, where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink, as well as a dedicated boutique. Stroll, marvel and enjoy a fabulous artistic immersion during your visit.

After Buckingham Palace, it is the second royal place in England, one of the main official residences of the royal family, which still comes here very regularly, usually at Easter and for a week at the end of June. The castle is located in the Thames Valley, west of London, in the city of Windsor in Berkshire. Built 900 years ago by William the Conqueror, 40 km from London, to defend its western access, Windsor Castle has been a royal residence since the 11th century. It was redesigned and enlarged many times: cloister, porte Henri VII, Saint-George chapel founded by King Edward in 1475... King Edward III of England made this chapel in Windsor the cradle of the Order of the Garter in 1348. You can admire many paintings and family portraits and an important collection of armour and weapons. As an anecdote, on 20 November 1992, an important part of the castle - including the Saint-George hall - was damaged by the fire. The fire broke out in the private chapel and caused significant damage to the northwestern part of the building. As the building had not been insured, several royal residences were open to the public in order to raise the 40 million pounds needed for repairs. Since then, the best craftsmen in Great Britain have worked on its restoration, and the work accomplished is superb. It is here that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, in the St. George's Chapel. Another unforgettable event.

The most famous and perhaps the most beautiful of Cambridge's colleges. The main attraction is the superb Perpendicular Gothic chapel, featuring Rubens' Adoration of the Magi, a spectacular fan vault and ^16th-century stained glass windows. It's one of the most spectacular examples of late Gothic architecture. A splendid alchemy of stone, wood and stained glass. It was founded in 1441 by Henry VI.

This immense 166-hectare park was designed by John Nash in 1811. Nicknamed "the jewel in the crown", Henry VIII used it as a hunting ground until 1646. It was John Nash who modified its appearance, creating sumptuous terraces, a lake and a canal, lined with villas, of which only 8 were finally built out of the 56 planned. In the early ^20th century, Queen Mary's Gardens was added. Regent's Park features over 400 varieties of roses, fountains and sculptures... You'll find a sports course, one of the largest outdoor sports facilities in London, with a soccer pitch and a cricket pitch, among others. Also within the park is London Zoo, home to a collection of 755 species of animals, making it one of the largest collections in the UK... To the west, the dome and minarets of London's central mosque can be seen on the horizon. Primrose Hill, just to the north of Regent's Park and a little higher up, offers a beautiful view of the whole of London. The park is also crossed by the charming Regent's Canal, which you can wander up and down. One of London's most pleasant parks, it's the perfect place for a picnic when the weather's right. As soon as the weather warms up, the English come out to stroll and laze in the sun. Regent's Park is also home to the famous Open Air Theatre, which presents classic plays in a bucolic, original and poetic setting.

Glen Coe: the object of all reveries and the showcase of Scotland to the world, the Glen Coe Valley has not finished marvelling. Of volcanic origin, its biscornuous mountains make it a magnificent region, often considered, rightly, as the most beautiful glen of the country. It stretches for 16 km and is entirely covered by the A82. To the east, it is preceded by the immense Moor Rannoch and its endless moorland expanses. To the west, it flows into Loch Leven, in the small village of Glencoe. It is a sanctuary adored by nature, hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Much of the area is owned by the National Trust and it is recommended that you drop by the visitor centre or visit their website (www.nts.org.uk) for route ideas, or even guided walks organised by localrangers. The West Highland Way passes through here and climbs the famous Devil's Staircase, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for hikers for its great beauty, but also its challenge. Further west, the Three Sisters are among the most photographed peaks in the country: Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh. Stop at the parking lots for breathtaking views. However, it hasn't always been time to party in the glen, far from it. The year 1692 is forever remembered as the darkest day in its history. At the end of the Glorious Revolution, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, who were devout Jacobites, were slow to swear the new oath to King William, but they did so anyway. Some time later, while they were billeted with men of the Campbell clan under Scottish hospitality, they received royal orders to execute their hosts. On the morning of February 13 and after several days at their table, they slaughtered 38 of the MacDonalds and left 40 women and children to freeze to death after burning down their homes. This dark event became a major fact of Scottish history and clan culture.

Glen Etive: South of Glen Coe, the huge Glen Etive is less well known than its neighbour, but this tends to change since its appearance in the final scenes of James Bond: Skyfall. It can be reached before the eastern entrance to Glen Coe from the A82. Almost 20 km long, it offers the best of Lochaber: magnificent mountains, waterfalls, forests, beautiful wildlife, a few hiking trails, before ending on the banks of the romantic Loch Etive, which flows to the outskirts of Oban.

Not every capital city in the world can boast of having a volcano right in the city centre. Edinburgh has two. While Castle Rock is less impressive and has been covered by the castle, Arthur's Seat is a 251-metre giant that gives a real highland flavour to anyone who climbs it. The origin of its name is a mystery and many like to think that it is linked to the legendary Celtic king, although this remains unlikely. At its feet, the vast plateau that ends in 46-metre cliffs facing Queen's Drive is called Salisbury Crags. Together they form Holyrood Park, a 260-hectare park created in 1541 by James V on the grounds of a former royal hunting reserve. The most direct route to conquer Arthur's Seat is on its eastern slope, but the most popular trail is probably the Radical Road trail from the west, a few steps from Holyrood Palace. Built on the initiative of the writer Walter Scott, this small construction site was intended to give work to idle weavers and to make walkers appreciate the natural and heritage heritage heritage of the site. Along the way, one can see St. Margaret's Loch, an artificial lake where geese and ducks paddle, and the ruins of St. Antony's Chapel. Once up there, the view is spectacular. At one glance, one embraces Old Town, New Town, the Firth of Forth and the Lothian. Allow about 2 hours for the hike, good shoes and enough to cover yourself.

St. Giles' Cathedral has become an icon of the Edinburgh skyline because of its crown-shaped bell tower. The first stones still visible were laid in the 12th century, but most of the building dates from the 15th century. It is the most important place of worship of the Church of Scotland in its capital. It is dedicated to Saint Giles, a Greek hermit who lived mainly in France between the 7th and 8th centuries. Protector of lepers and the lame, he was particularly popular in the Middle Ages, so much so that he became the patron saint of Edinburgh. Inside, don't miss the central pillars, the oldest witnesses of the place, nor the stained glass windows which are impressive. Also worth seeing are the stained glass window dedicated to the poet Robert Burns, the statue of John Knox and the quotation that sums up the character's commitment: "Give me Scotland or I die", the authors' "corner" and the organ. The Thistle Chapel, built in 1911, has a richly decorated ceiling and carved woodwork of great aesthetic quality. For example, an angel can be seen playing the bagpipes. It is also possible to gain height with paying guided tours on the roof (beware, they are quickly sold out!). Volunteer guides are also present to tell you all about the secrets and beauties of the building. Masses are always celebrated in the building (on Sundays at 8, 10, 11.30 and 8 pm) and concerts are regularly organised.