The holidays are around the corner and it’s time to plan where you want to go. If you’re visiting London or living here and spending the holidays at home, you can visit some excellent spots during a day trip. We look at five fun places to visit outside of London.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric stone circles and the most structurally complex. There is much folklore surrounding Stonehenge and how it came to be. One folklore states that Merlin, the wizard of the Arthurian legends, directed giants to place the stones there after bringing them from Ireland. Some believe that Dane invaders erected the stones, while others hypothesise the stones are Roman temple remnants. When you visit this attraction, you’ll learn more about Bronze Age, Neolithic burial, and ceremonial traditions. You’ll also learn about the related monuments and the environments surrounding them.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the beloved tourist spots, as the family residence of British monarchs for over 1,000 years. It’s the world’s oldest still inhabited castle, with over 1,000 rooms and 300 fireplaces. It’s one of the official residences of His Majesty the King and is open to the public five days a week, closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. One of the most popular areas in the castle is where the doll house of Queen Mary is situated. The castle is also a popular royal wedding venue, playing host to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
Shell Grotto
Shell Grotto is one of the greatest mysteries in Kent and a significant cultural treasure. It’s a series of subterranean tunnels and rooms, its walls decorated with over 4.6 million seashells. Most accounts state that James Newlove, a farmer, and his son Joshua, discovered the tunnels in 1835 while digging a duck pond. However, no one knows who created these passageways or the intricate shell mosaics. Today, it’s possible to tour the passageways and caverns. You can see the intricate shell mosaics featuring animals, plants, and abstract shapes up close and puzzle over the mystery and beauty of it.
RHS Garden Wisley
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gained the Wisley garden in 1903 and created a hub of amazing horticultural feats open to the public. The garden is home to some of the largest plant collections and you can visit popular sections including the rock garden, Wisteria Walk, The Glasshouse, and more. A gardening science hub also features three new gardens that double as living laboratories. The RHS is constantly evolving and adjusting its planting schemes to ensure continued exotic appeal to visitors. A large garden centre, welcome building and Wisley Cafe was also added to the experience.
Oxford and the Cotswolds
If you love history and architecture, then be sure to visit the town of Oxford and the Cotswolds villages. Oxford hosts the oldest English-speaking university and features many other architectural feats. These spots include the Great Hall at Christ Church College and the collection at the Ashmolean Museum. Once you’ve marvelled at the historic architecture of this university city, travel to see the traditional village cottages of the Cotswolds. These 14th-century cottages give a fairytale charm as you stroll through the streets of a bustling market town. Enjoy the towns of Burford and Bibury in the Cotswolds while exploring the famous Arlington Row.
Conclusion
There are many historic and notable sites to visit outside of London, and you can even visit more than one a day. When travelling from one spot to the next by car or train, you can always ward off the boredom by playing games such as Big Bass Bonanza Megaways on your phone or simply enjoy scenic walks at the various locations if you’re on foot. Bask in the cultural hubs filled with British history.
