2021 U.K Summer Bucket List

Good morning guys, hope you’re all doing well! I can’t believe it’s August and we’re already one week into the Summer Holidays, where has the time gone? My family and I went to York on Sunday, visiting the National Railway Museum (we had pre-booked tickets) that I will share about with you in another post in one of the upcoming weeks 😀 we would’ve been 10 minutes early to the slot time that we chose, but we got stuck in a long line of traffic, thankfully, when we turned up at the entrance (which wasn’t long after the booked time) – we were allowed in which I was relieved about. All in all it was a fun little day-trip out, I really enjoyed looking around the Museum!

Earlier I mentioned it being the Summer Holidays, so I thought I would do a bucket list post on what you can do to keep yourself/children busy this Summer, obviously making sure to abide by government guidelines so everyone remains safe! Lets take a look…

U.K. Bucket List

Let’s be honest here, 2020 was the year from hell. I hated it, you hated it, we all hated it. Every single person around the world has felt the effects of the pandemic in some shape or form. That’s over 7 billion people affected. But instead of being all doom and gloom I wanted to share with you some of the best things Great Britain has to offer. From glamping under the stars to skiing in Scotland, these are some of the best things to do in the UK.

1. Walk the Seven Sisters Cliffs

An iconic site, the Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs situated in the South Downs National Park. To take in the beautiful landscapes and sea views, hike one of the many available trails. There are a number of stunning view points, with the most popular being Beachy Head.

Hiking aside, you can also go paddle-boarding in the Seven Sisters Country Park, or simply relax on the beach. Seven Sisters is the epitome of rural England with its idyllic countryside and charming villages.

2. Pay a visit to Windsor Castle

As one of the top attractions outside of London, it’s easy to see why Windsor Castle should be on your UK bucket list. Bursting with over 900 years of royal history, Windsor Castle is both the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Open to visitors for most of the year, you can tour open areas of the castle. These include St George’s Chapel, the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, and The Middle Ward and Round Tower. 

3. Explore the Cotswold’s

For open landscapes that will take your breath away, look no further than the rolling countryside and honey-colored towns of the Cotswold’s. Its status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) tells you all you need to know. 

The Cotswold’s is a top UK bucket list item because it is exceptionally pretty. There is nowhere quite like it. Towns and villages of the Cotswold’s ooze with fairytale charm and enchanting tranquility. It also has a strong reputation for its culinary offering, so it’s perfect for avid foodies.

4. Visit the Natural History Museum

A world-renowned museum, London’s Natural History Museum cannot be missed from your UK bucket list. Fun for kids and adults alike, you’ll find unique collections, incredible specimens, and interactive activities. All housed within a spectacular and iconic building.

The museum is free to visit so there’s really no excuse not to go. If you’d like an extra special experience then you can even go ice skating at the Natural History Museum in December each year. Or for the last Friday of every month, the museum holds Lates where you can buy a drink of your choice to take around with you. What’s better than exploring the Natural History Museum?

5. Tour the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a fantastic bucket list destination for Game of Thrones fans. The majority of the popular television series was filmed in Northern Ireland and visitors can enjoy tours of the filming locations.

Even if you aren’t a Game of Thrones fans, many of the filming locations are worth a visit in their own right. From historic castles to rugged coastlines, you’ll find some seriously impressive scenery in Northern Ireland. Whether it’s the Dark Hedges or Cushendun Caves, there are plenty of amazing sights.

6. Learn how the Harry Potter films were made

A magical day out at the Warner Bros Studio Tour, take a step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and learn how the popular films were made. Explore the iconic sets and find out how they made the magic come to life. Open the doors to The Great Hall, explore the Forbidden Forest, and wander down Diagon Alley.

See the incredible costumes and discover the extensive collection of expertly crafted props – from the Sorting Hat to the broomsticks. Find out how the special and visual effects teams made the characters fly, and how the art department created the jaw-dropping sets.

 7. Explore Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is 823 square miles of beautiful scenery. As the adventure capital of North Wales, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether it’s walking the extensive hiking trails or cycling and golf. For more adrenaline-fuelled adventures, try white water rafting, paragliding, or rock climbing.

A hotspot of breathtaking natural beauty, Snowdonia has over 50 lakes and 15 peaks over 3000ft in height. You’ll also find an array of beaches, sand dunes, castles, and railways, as well as a rich cultural heritage with various Roman ruins.

8. Visit the magical Fairy Pools in Isle of Skye

Located at Glenbrittle on Isle of Skye in Scotland, these natural rock pools are famous for their crystal clear spring water. The magical turquoise blue of the waters – fed from a series of waterfalls – are an unusual sight in the UK.

For those feeling brave, you can swim in the enchanting rock pools. But it’s only recommended for the most adventurous of swimmers, as the water is icy cold. A wetsuit is definitely advisable! The Fairy Pools are accessible on foot from a nearby carpark.

9. Soak in the thermal waters at Bath

The beautiful Georgian city of Bath is famous for its natural thermal springs. Rich in minerals, particularly sulphate, calcium and chloride, the waters are known for their healing qualities. It’s for this reason that the thermal springs are seen as a centre for wellbeing and relaxation.

Visit the Roman Baths for a more historical experience of the thermal springs. Or for a more modern twist, pay a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa, which includes a rooftop pool with beautiful views over the city.

 10. Visit Hadrian’s Wall

Built as a defensive barrier to guard the northwestern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. It took over six years to build and is set amongst the stunning scenery of the Cumbrian and Northumbrian landscapes.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore the remains of the wall, including the forts, towers and turrets. Visit the museums to discover the ancient Roman artefacts and learn more about its history. George R.R. Martin even used it as an inspiration for the Wall in the Game of Thrones series.

11. Visit the Eden Project

Located in a crater the size of 30 football pitches in Cornwall, the Eden Project is an educational charity with the aim of working towards a better, greener future. It is home to huge tropical biomes which house beautiful gardens. Discover the tropical plants and waterfalls of the Rainforest Biome or explore the lemon trees and olive groves of the Mediterranean Biome.

Consistently recognized as the Best UK Leisure Attraction by the British Travel Awards, a visit to the Eden Project is great for a family day out. Various events are run throughout the year, including workshops, concerts, and activity days.

12. Explore Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is widely recognized as the film location for the popular television series Downton Abbey. A grand country house in Jacobethan style that is located in Hampshire, five miles south of Newbury in Berkshire. It was designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect who also designed the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

Visitors to Highclere Castle can explore the stately home, along with its expansive grounds and gardens. You can even stay on the estate in one of the two converted lodges, which would make for a perfect country escape.

13. Visit Longleat Safari Park

Longleat is a grand stately home that sits on 900 acres of landscaped grounds. It is home to the UK’s number one safari park, it makes for a great family day out. There are various attractions to keep everyone entertained, including the Jungle Kingdom and Animal Adventure.

A visit to Longleat Safari Park gives you a chance to get up close and personal with a variety of different animals. Watch the giraffes and majestic lions amble past, find yourself face-to-face with the cheeky monkeys, and look out for rhino, camel and tigers.

Aside from the safari park and animals, you can also explore Longleat House and Grounds. Embark on a guided tour through the stately rooms and marvel at the artwork and intricate tapestries.

14. The Roman Baths

Despite being one of the smaller cities in the UK, Bath has an incredible amount of things to see and do. The true highlight, and their namesake, are the famous Roman Baths, which have been attracting visitors to their healing waters for over 2,000 years. You can no longer bathe in the original Roman Baths, but be sure to tour their incredible architecture and follow it with a soak in a nearby spa.

15. Canterbury

Across the globe, thousands travel to the UK just to visit Canterbury, and it has been a must-see for pilgrims since AD 597 – over 1,500 years! Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. There are plenty of sites within it, including the Miracle windows, created in the 12th century and depicting scenes of Archbishop Thomas Becket. There are plenty of museums and other sites to follow it with, the perfect day trip!

 16. Polperro

Many of us visited Cornwall as a child, and have seen much of its beaches and seaside towns. But have you visited Polperro? One of the most picturesque villages of the region, Polperro will transport you to the pages of a fairytale. With idyllic cottages, wild flowers, cliff-side views and delicious Cornish confectionery. It’s a great campervan destination, as there are plenty of campsites to park at, right at the beach. Consider driving the London to Cornwall road trip itinerary as well!

 17. Isle of Wight

A sight to behold, just off the shore, camping on the Isle of Wight is a traditional summer getaway for many. With chalky white stacks, secluded sandy beaches, and timeless villages, it’s the postcard perfect holiday. Catch a show at the Shanklin Theatre, stroll through the Ventnor Botanic Gardens and stick your nose in a good book on one of their countless beaches.

 18. Blenheim Palace

A monumental country house buried deep in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, this is the ideal summer day trip. Fun fact: it is the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England that holds the title of palace. Explore the baroque architecture, enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and then continue your English road trip through Oxfordshire.

19.Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library is one of Europe’s oldest, and the second largest library in Britain. Established in 1602, it’s been a longtime favorite of book lovers and architecture fans. But thanks to the Harry Potter franchise, the Bodleian became one of the must see places in the UK. The library’s Gothic-ceilinged Divinity Room and mysterious-looking Duke Humfrey’s Library were both used as filming locations.

20. London Eye

Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel is a must-have on our UK bucket list. But this top London landmark, located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, with almost 3.8 million visitors annually, is one of the busiest in the UK. The London Eye is symbolic and one of the most romantic places in London. A recognizable piece of London where each capsule is numbered after the 32 boroughs of the city, with the number 13 being missed. There is perhaps no better way to “see the city” than through this panoramic view.

21. Stonehenge

No UK bucket list would be completed without Stonehenge on it.

Stonehenge is one of the most interesting places to visit in England.
Always wondering how the prehistoric monument was built? Learn more during your visit to Wiltshire, England. A popular piece of history and nature visited by many over the years, but never by anyone who has been able to uncover the complete truth of these large circled stones. Built sometime before the Bronze Age, this structure has boggled minds for centuries.

22. Three Cliffs Bay

UK must do. Stunning, spectacular and unique! You will definitely make many photos on the amazing shoreline of sand dunes and three limestone cliffs. Three Cliffs Bay is an open bay area where you can view the sunset from atop stunning rock formations. The stepping stones across the bay are a particular favorite to many.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. If you decide to go to any of these places, whether it be during the Summer holidays or in the near future, I really hope you enjoy it and have a good time 😀 Enjoy the rest of your week and I will see you next Wednesday!