The World Heritage Site “Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast” comprises around 40,000 regularly shaped polygonal basalt columns. They formed around 50 to 60 million years ago through volcanic activity. Here, a striking rock formation and a deep geological history can be discovered together. Footpaths at the Giant's Causeway offer views from the cliffs over the coast and lead close to geological features. Trail conditions may change; check them before your visit. The history of the Giant's Causeway as a visitor attraction goes back at least 300 years.
Landscapes and Trails
In the English Lake District, glaciated valleys and narrow lakes shape a mountain landscape. At the same time, the area preserves agro-pastoral traditions based on local sheep breeds and the communal grazing of upland pastures. Natural features and land use exist side by side here: the view takes in not only lakes and valleys, but also a landscape shaped by pastoral farming. Scotland, in turn, offers landscapes with lochs, islands and mountains; stargazing in the Scottish Highlands is among the visitor experiences on offer.
The United Kingdom's national parks offer walks, hikes and extensive trails for a range of abilities and interests. There are also traffic-free minor roads, bridleways and cycle routes for easy bike rides. Conditions on individual routes may change, so it is worth checking before you plan. One specific route option is the Old Logging Way: the 3.5-mile traffic-free route runs between Aviemore and Glenmore.
Monuments from Different Eras
Among Great Britain's World Heritage Sites is “Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites”. The area preserves ceremonial and funerary monuments from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Stonehenge is considered the world's most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle; Avebury has the largest prehistoric stone circle. The two monuments demonstrate different forms of prehistoric architecture within the same World Heritage Site.
Later architectural and institutional history can also be traced through specific places. The Palace of Westminster remains the seat of Parliament and a major monument of neo-Gothic architecture. Monarchs are crowned, married and buried at Westminster Abbey. The Tower of London is Europe's most complete surviving example of an 11th-century fortified palace; the Crown Jewels have been kept there since the 17th century. The World Heritage Site “Old and New Towns of Edinburgh” brings together a medieval Old Town and a neoclassical New Town. Here, two clearly defined urban areas with distinct architectural characters stand side by side.
Engineering and Industrial Landscapes
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal extends for 18 kilometres. The waterway was built without locks. The aqueduct is a pioneering masterpiece of engineering and monumental architecture by Thomas Telford. A different perspective on industrial history is offered by the World Heritage Site “The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales”, with its six components. These include quarries, mines, historic settlements, gardens, ports, railways and roads. The variety of these elements makes the site legible as a connected industrial landscape, rather than focusing attention on individual structures.
The activities on offer also vary considerably: visitors can go coasteering along the rocky coast of Wales and stargazing in the Scottish Highlands; providers and local conditions vary. Northern Ireland combines World Heritage Sites and Game of Thrones filming locations with striking scenery.
Planning Your Trip
Train connections can also be a factor when choosing a base. Most major cities in England and Wales can be reached by train from London in no more than three hours. Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland can be reached from London in less than five hours. Journey times may change due to timetables and disruptions, so check the connection for your travel day.
Discover More Destinations
Greater London, Yorkshire and the Humber, Northern Ireland, North East England, East of England, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, North West England, East Midlands
