10 Interesting Facts about the UK
The UK has long been a magnet for travellers, consistently securing its place in the World Tourism Ranking’s Top 10. Nearly 40 million international tourists visit the UK every year, coming to see its grand palaces and castles, as well as world-class museums like those found in London and rugged natural beauty which can be found in places like the Scottish Highlands. But despite its popularity, how much do travellers really know about the United Kingdom? We thought we’d dive beneath the surface of this well-trodden tourist destination to uncover a few lesser-known facts. Let’s take an academic journey across the UK, uncovering 10 little-known facts that may surprise, intrigue, and possibly even inspire you to explore the UK with fresh eyes.
read more7 Tips for Music Lovers in Sheffield
There’s no denying that the UK knows how to put out some good music. It has given birth to legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. Fast forward to today and it continues to deliver with stars like Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Dua Lipa. Sheffield in South Yorkshire has its own notable music scene with a rather rich history. The city has produced several of its very own influential bands and musicians that include Arctic Monkeys, The Human League, and Cabaret Voltaire. The Warp Records label, which was founded in Sheffield, only contributed more to the city’s reputation as a hub for innovative music. Sheffield continues to offer a vibrant music scene with a variety of venues, festivals, and music-related attractions showcasing both local talent and international artists from around the world.
read moreSeasonal Packing Tips for a UK Holiday
Mastering the art of packing for various seasons is essential to a comfortable and well-prepared trip to the UK. Packing requires a thoughtful approach, especially when navigating the UK’s dynamic changes in weather across its different seasons.
But it’s not just about selecting the proper clothing and accessories; from my time in the UK this past year, 2024 also requires you to be on top of technology specific to the United Kingdom.
Planning a trip to the UK? Here are our seasonal packing tips, so you’re covered no matter which time of year you go.
read moreTravelling With CBD in the UK: What You Need To Know
The popularity of CBD products has surged in recent years as they become legal in more and more countries worldwide. While many travellers are beginning to incorporate them into their wellness routines, it pays to know the legalities and procedures around travelling with CBD products. The thought of going through airport security can undoubtedly give rise to panic in travellers carrying CBD. With that said though, CBD is legal in the UK provided it meets specific criteria and the products you carry comply with packaging and labelling regulations. Whether you are planning to travel to or through the UK, familiarising yourself with the rules around packing and travelling with CBD products will keep you on the right side of the law and help to put your mind at ease.
read moreDiscover Authentic England – Hint: It’s Not London
Somerset County represents quintessential England, with rolling green hills, dramatic gorges, hedgerows, castles, and abbeys galore. Large portions of the county, located in southwest England, are protected areas of outstanding natural beauty.
It’s known for cheddar cheese, apple cider, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, among other things. Throughout the area, there are so many cultural and historic sites to see that it can be quite difficult to choose one over another.
I had long wanted to see the Roman Baths and dip into the hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa. And there were several villages I was interested in that were best reached by car. However, I did not want to drive in the UK, since driving is the opposite of what it is in the US. I began to explore tours to some of these places, including Wells and Cheddar Gorge.
As I researched various tour options and companies, I learned about In & Beyond Bath. In & Beyond Bath is a bespoke tour company founded by Jules Mittra, a retired professor of English history and politics, and a resident of Somerset County.
read moreActivities to Entertain Yourself During a Road Trip in the UK
To really experience the UK requires planning a road trip which will allow you to fully embrace all the rich history, charming villages, iconic landmarks like its many castles, and the varying landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to the rugged coastlines. Of course with any road trip, there is the dilemma of trying to fill the downtime while driving in-between stops. In order to help keep you and possibly your travelling companions entertained during your UK road trip, we’ve gathered some of our top ways to pass the journey time which focuses on immersing yourself in British culture.
read moreIs Glasgow One of the Best Places for Bingo Fans to Visit in the UK?
Since the rise of the online bingo industry, real world bingo halls have bounced back thanks to renewed interest. People are discovering the classic game for the first time ever online and are then going in search of other ways to play.
The UK is definitely one of the best places to travel to for live bingo games, and this is very much a cultural game. The game’s roots can be traced back to the 16th century, but it gained popularity in the UK during the 20th century.
Bingo halls served as social hubs, providing a sense of community and entertainment for people from various backgrounds. The game’s simplicity, coupled with the thrill of anticipation and the chance to win prizes, captured hearts, and it remains a cherished cultural pastime that brings people together across generations.
The question is, though, which city has the best bingo offerings. Many would say that Glasgow is the ideal destination for bingo lovers.
read moreFamous Film Locations to Visit on Your London Trip
It’s often the case when we’re traveling, that certain places remind us of the scenes we saw on the big screen. And chances are, if you’re in London, that it was actually from that film you’ve seen.
Many famous Hollywood blockbusters like Harry Potter and Spider-Man, or cult classics like Bridget Jones’ Diary, Love Actually, and Notting Hill, have been filmed in London. With so many filming locations, it’s easy to stumble across them, though if you’re actively seeking this out on vacation, these epic movie locations around the city are perfect for finding your favourite movie scene location.
read moreGuide to Edinburgh’s Best Free Things to Do and See
They say the best things in life are free, and that definitely holds true for a city like Edinburgh. While many attractions within Scotland’s capital are paid such as visiting Edinburgh Castle, The Real Mary King’s Close, or Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, there are countless ways to enjoy the city for free. So grab your kilt or tartan dress and experience one of Europe’s most visited destinations. With so many free attractions on offer, you’ll have enough money left over to be able to treat yourself to a dram of fine whisky. I now give you some of the top free things to enjoy in Edinburgh.
read moreTips for Visiting Casinos in London
Finding the best British casinos can be a big task as there are so many options available that you can choose from (a bit like scrolling through your Netflix on a Saturday night for longer than the show you end up choosing!)
And while everyone knows that “the house always wins”, casinos have been attracting both fools and the unlucky for hundreds of years now – but they still come, especially to London!
Regardless of which category you fall into, and regardless of your odds of landing that elusive win, we know travelers still hit up casinos for the thrill, so we’ve compiled the most important tips for gambling in London.
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