According to the 2016 Travelers’ Choice, London, UK, is the most visited destination in the world. It is followed by Istanbul, Turkey; Marrakech, Morocco; Paris, France; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Prague, Czech Republic; Rome, Italy; Hanoi, Vietnam; New York City, New York; and Ubud, Indonesia. In addition to London, the United Kingdom has many other amazing tourist destinations to offer. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, and Glasgow are other major cosmopolitan urban centers. The UK has a rich history, from the Middle Ages through the Victorian era and up to the present day. Below are some of the major castles and nice vacation spots in the UK that are worth visiting in a lifetime.
According to the 2016 Travelers’ Choice, London, UK, is the most visited destination in the world. It is followed by Istanbul, Turkey; Marrakech, Morocco; Paris, France; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Prague, Czech Republic; Rome, Italy; Hanoi, Vietnam; New York City, New York; and Ubud, Indonesia. In addition to London, the United Kingdom has many other amazing tourist destinations to offer. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, and Glasgow are other major cosmopolitan urban centers. The UK has a rich history, from the Middle Ages through the Victorian era and up to the present day. Below are some of the major castles and nice vacation spots in the UK that are worth visiting in a lifetime.
The most popular places to visit in the world
Medieval Castles in the UK
- The Leeds Castle
The Leeds Castle is one of the best places to visit in England. It is situated in Kent. The castle came into existence in 1119 when its construction was completed. It used to serve as a residence for several kings and other aristocrats, such as King Edward I and Catherine of Aragon. The castle is located on an island at the center of a lake that developed from the River Len. The Leeds Castle is an internationally important structure, moreover it is listed as a Grade I building. Additionally, the castle is one of England’s points of interest. It is listed as a heritage site in England and receives about 500,000 visitors annually.
- Bamburgh Castle
It is another important Grade I building in England. Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast of Bamburgh in Northumberland. It has been existing since time immemorial. It must have been the capital of Hen Ogledd, Bryneich, and Gododdin between 420 and 547 CE.
- Warwick Castle
This medieval castle is located in Warwick. It was built into a stone castle in the 12th Century. Its façade, opposite the town Warwick, is a primary example of military architecture of the 14th century. Today the Tussauds Group owns the castle and they have opened it for tourism. Warwick Castle is one of the "Top 10 historic houses and monuments" of Britain.
- Bodiam Castle
This is another Grade I building in England. It was built by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge in 1385 to protect East Sussex against French invasion. It is situated near Robertsbridge. Today it is owned by The National Trust.
- Alnwick Castle
It is situated in Alnwick in the county of Northumberland, England. The castle is the residence of the Duke of Northumberland. Its construction was approved by William the Conqueror. It is also listed as a Grade I building, receiving about 800,000 visitors annually.
- Dover Castle
It was built in the 11th century and is situated in Dover, Kent. The castle is also listed as a Grade I building, being larger than any other castle in England. Additionally, it is also a Scheduled Monument. The castle has many secret tunnels, that made it a key point in the protection of England from invasions throughout history. There is also the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment Museum on the premises. Currently, it is owned by the English Heritage and receives about 350,000 visitors annually.
- Edinburgh Castle
It is situated on a Castle Rock in Edinburgh, Scotland. The castle used to serve as a royal residence between the 12th and 15th centuries. In the 17th century the castle functioned as military barracks. Later, in the 19th century, the castle was recognized as Scotland’s national heritage and efforts to restore it were made. The castle has witnessed important events in Scotland’s history, such as the War of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite Rising. The castle is Scotland’s largest tourist attraction, receiving about 1 million visitors annually.
- Rochester Castle
The castle is situated on the eastern banks of the River Medway. It's prominent keep is among the best keeps that exist today. Rochester Castle used to serve strategically to protect the southeast coast of England from invasion. It witnessed historical events such as the First and Second Baron Wars. Today the castle is a Scheduled Monument and is also listed as a Grade I building. It is open to the public for tours. It is truly one of the best places to visit in the South.
- Carlisle Castle
It is in Carlisle, Cumbria, and lies on the border between England and Scotland. The castle was constructed 900 years ago and has witnessed many historical struggles between the English and the Scots. The castle is open to the public for visits and tours.
Nice vacation spots for holidays in the UK
Apart from the rich medieval history of the UK, which is depicted by its prominent castles, the UK has nice vacation spots that are discussed below.
- London
It is one of the best places to see in England. It can boast many tourist attractions, such as the Tower of London, the National Art Gallery, Buckingham Palace, the Tate Modern, and the Cabinet War Rooms. Additionally, London has world-class hotels, such as Brown’s Hotel and Zetter Townhouse, that offer palatable meals and sumptuous accommodation. It is one of the best England’s points of interest.
- Yorkshire
It is also one of the best places to visit in England. Yorkshire is often tagged as “God’s own county”. It has a rich culture, influenced by the Celts, Normans, Romans, Norse Vikings, and Angles. Yorkshire boasts many castles, such as York Castle and Richmond Castle. It also has several buildings listed as Grade I, notably the Sheffield Town Hall and the Leeds Town Hall. It has the best restaurants and hotels in England, such as Middlethorpe Hall & Spa and Swinton Park.
- Lake District
It lies in the North West England. It is known for its lovely mountains, forests, and lakes. It has influenced the works of famous poets and writers, such as William Wordsworth. Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, is located there. It also has Windermere, which is England’s longest water body, and Wastwater, which is England's deepest water body. It is one of the best places to see in England.
- Cotswold
It is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has gained the status of a National Park. It has got beautiful villages and a rare limestone grassland. It has many interesting places, such as Sudeley Castle, Beverston Castle, Chavenage House, Tetbury Market House, Chedworth Roman Villa, Woodchester Mansion, Newark Park, Owlpen Manor, and much more.
- Snowdonia
It is located in North Wales and has several mountain ranges. It is UK’s third national park, hosting Snowdon, Wales, and England’s highest mountain. Over 6 million tourists visit Snowdonia every year.
- Devon
It is in South West England. It has a comparatively milder climate than the rest of England. It has a beautiful coastline and an admirable landscape, that makes it one of the best tourist destinations in the UK. Tourist love visiting Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks; West Devon Mining Landscape; Cornwall Landscape; North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; Jurassic Coast, and the English Riviera. Devon is one of the best places to visit in the South.
- Chester
It is among best kept walled cities of the world. The city boasts many medieval buildings and many black and white buildings, which were restored during the Victorian Era. The walls of the city are listed as Grade I. Additionally, the city has well-maintained roads, canals, and railways that were constructed during the Industrial Revolution. Victorian Architecture can be observed in the city’s Grosvenor Museum and Chester Town Hall. This is a wonderful place to visit.
- Norfolk
This is a county that lies in eastern England. The county has earned a reputation for its broads, which is a network of lakes and rivers that are navigable. Tourists visit the cool county for boat rides, hiking, and bicycle rides.
- Cornwall
This ceremonial county has a mild climate, a breathtaking landscape, and a unique culture. The Celtic Sea and the English Channel border three sides of the county, enriching it with miles of beaches. The county also has many spectacular cliffs. Other significant attractions in the county are wooded valleys, historic sites, country gardens, moorland, and museums. The county receives nearly 5 million visitors annually.
- Suffolk
It is a county that lies in eastern England. Its main attraction is the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, which has been registered as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths cover the estuaries of the Stour, Orwell, Blythe, Alde and Deben rivers; ancient woodlands, villages, small towns, heathland, saltmarsh, and mudflats. It also covers the coastal towns of Sizewell, Dunwich, Aldeburgh, Bawdsey, and much more. It is surely amazingly beautiful.
- Bath City
It is a heart of English heritage and culture. All the important memories of England’s history are kept in the city. There are ancient Roman Baths, the Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and the Thermae Bath Spa in the Bath City. It has over 80 hotels in the Georgian Buildings that offer tourists accommodation. Visitors have the opportunity to bath in warm spring waters of the city.
