The UK is home to some of the world’s most famed and iconic landmarks and activity venues. Visitors of all ages will be able to find something to delight and thrill them at these locations, which span across England, Wales, Scotland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as well.
Here are some of the UK’s very best activity centres to check out the next time you need to research, find and book a fun-filled venue. They’re ideal for educational excursions, family days out, birthday parties, corporate outings, team building exercises, and virtually every occasion in between.
#1: Big Ben
London’s Big Ben is arguably the most iconic landmark in England, and there are few people in the world who wouldn’t recognise it in an instant. The towering clock, housed at London’s Westminster Abbey, holds plenty of dramatic secrets and political intrigue that visitors can learn about on dedicated Big Ben tours.
Remember to snap a picture while you’re there – this is one of the most Instagrammed places in the world, after all!
#2: Kensington Palace
There are few British palaces more well-known than Kensington Palace. Tourists and locals alike should not miss this spectacular opportunity to explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria, the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, and the family home of more than 300 years’ worth of royals including Queen Anne, William III, and Mary II.
#3: The Trafalgar Square Treasure Hunt Trail
What better way to explore London than with an engaging treasure hunt trail? The trails are self-guided and can be downloaded from the Treasure Trails’ website, giving you the chance to investigate this historical city and Trafalgar Square at your own pace. Follow trails, solve clues, and see all the best sights with your smartphone as your guide.
#4: National Football Stadium at Windsor Park
This world-renowned stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland is where the Irish Cup final is hosted. It’s the home ground of Linfield FC and has seen many an unforgettable football match take place on its fields. It also boasts an attached Education and Heritage Centre where you can learn all about the unique story of Northern Irish football.
#5: Nottingham Castle
Explore over 1,000 years of incredible British history at the legendary Nottingham Castle. The site of the magnificent castle is home to many generations’ worth of valuable archaeological and human information, allowing visitors to paint a picture of how life would have been for those living in Medieval times. The castle will soon offer a comprehensive visitor centre to offer even more information about the stronghold and its residents over its aeons of existence.
#6: Lindisfarne Centre
Lindisfarne Centre on Holy Island offers a great chance to discover the history of this hallowed land. Learn more about the Lindisfarne monks and their ancient gospels, fishing, farming and mining practices, as well as the attacks of the Vikings at the dedicated Viking Exhibit. Be sure to check out the famed Exhibition of Island Life as well. It offers fascinating info about the monks’ way of life, including their chocolate and mead-making practices which are still in use today!
#7: Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
Loch Ness in Inverness, Scotland, is said to be home to the fabled Loch Ness Monster of legend. Try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie and discover more about the history-rich area, from the ice age to the current millennium, at this seven roomed, automated walk through exhibit. The interactive tour is suitable for visitors young and old, who can chat to passionate and hopeful ‘Nessie-spotters’ who have set up shop in the area in the hopes of spying the secretive lake monster.
#8: Alexandra Palace Theatre
Run by charity for the benefit of all, the Alexandra Palace Theatre in Greater London is a must-see. It’s a historical landmark, a gig venue, an ice rink, a theatre and an exhibition centre all in one, and it offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment opportunities for all of its eager visitors. Even those who don’t enjoy theatrical productions will enjoy walking in its spectacular attached park and seeing the local sights on foot.
#9: Falkirk Wheel
Sail through the skies of Scotland on the world’s only rotating boat lift. Falkirk Wheel boasts a visitor’s centre, dining opportunities, a gift shop, and iconic boat trips through the equally renowned Scottish canals. You’ll be able to see many of Scotland’s best landmarks while perusing the canals, making this a comprehensive tour that doesn’t require much walking and is perfect for visitors of all ages.
#10: The London Wall
The London Wall is the remnant of the Roman Wall that once protected the Roman city of Londinium against intrusion. This site is rich in local history, having been built in 200AD and forming the shape and size of London ever since. The Wall walk ends at the Museum of London, where even more fascinating royal history waits to be discovered.
There are a number of permanent galleries on offer at the museum, along with rotating galleries and displays that show even more of the region’s amazing artefacts and tales. You can learn about the Great Fire of London, Tudor and Medieval history, and even the story of the area of London before the city was even built – as far back as 450,000 BC.
Explore the UK with us and book an adventure that best suits your interests. There’s so much to choose from!