Top 5 Things to do in the UK that are not in London

After living in the UK for nearly 7 years the first thing I get asked is what is there to do in London. I get it, home of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. What is there not to love about one of the oldest bustling cities in Europe.

The thing is there are so many gorgeous places to see outside of London. There are traditions and events to take in that really give you the feel of the UK.

#1 -Punting in Cambridge

If you have never gone down to Cambridge and took part in this age-old tradition you are missing out. Punting down the River Cam and taking in 8 of Cambridge’s 31 colleges is a must do. Punting in Cambridge goes back to the early 1900’s when the river was once used for commercial use.  

The great thing about punting is you can either rent your own punt to wander down the river. Or you can chose one of the many guided trips along the river, giving you a brief history lesson about one of the most scenic areas in Cambridge.  Scudamore’s was the original punting company in Cambridge and now has a fleet of over150 boats. http://www.scudamores.com

#2 Medieval Festivals

What is there not to love about watching age-old traditions take place on castle grounds. Each summer numerous castles in the UK host jousting and medieval feasts. Many of the actors that take part in these events practice for months. Watching trebuchets catapult boulders in competitions and knights on horses going head to head for their glory.

This is truly an experience for people of all ages. As you walk around old castle walls as reenactments of the medieval events takes part it, makes you feel you have experienced traditions going back years. Check English Heritage and National Trust for up to date info.

#3 Waterfall Trails

A detour up to Yorkshire should not be passed up on your vacation to the UK. I mean it rains 300 days a year; the waterfalls in the country are overflowing with beauty.  One of the most memorable trips was through the Ingleton Waterfall Trail just North of Manchester.

The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail boasts some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the North of England. With its fascinating history, breathtaking views and a rich variety of plants and wildlife, a visit to Ingleton Falls is a great family day out or education field trip. Source: http://www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk

#4 White Cliff’s of Dover

Well if you took the ferry over to the UK you might have got a glimpse at one of the fascinating landscapes along the English Channel.  These high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast. The best time of year to visit the White Cliffs is in spring when the green grass surrounding these breathtaking cliffs are covered in fresh flowers.

The best way to see the cliffs is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. You’ll get a great view of the cliffs and also see the chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects like the chalk hill blue butterfly and the pyramidal orchid.

The cliffs also have a special place in our national history and they were used for defense in both World Wars. You can see reminders of this past at the newly opened Fan Bay Deep Shelter a complex of Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk. Source: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of-dover

#5 Royal Ascot

A chance to spot the Queen on her Royal Carriage or in the Grandstands, well this is the place. Royal Ascot is the highlight of the year for anyone the UK. It’s second to none to the Kentucky Derby in the USA.  Ladies are glammed up from head to toe in their finest attire donning gorgeous boutique hats and fascinators. UK Horse racing season kicks off in June or July making this a must visit in the summer.

View fullsize

Royal Ascot is just a few miles from the Windsor Castle and well worth a stop over on your way home with winnings. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to reserve before April for the best seats. Want a more casual experience, visit on family day where there are kids playing in the various parks and people with their packed lunches sunning on the lawn. Source: https://www.ascot.co.uk/Royal-Ascot