12 Things to Do on Your Next Visit to the UK

The Changing of the Guards at BuckinghamPalacebe discovered by the curious visitor. It is an
On your visit to the UK a must stop is Buckinghamarchitectural masterpiece as well as a treasure house
Palace to witness the changing of the guard. Theof stained glass. On your visit to the Minster you'll be
soldiers that guard the palace and other locationsboth surprised and awed by its beauty and
perform a traditional drill to change the guards thatarchitecture.
dates back to 1485. To be considered for guard dutyStonehenge
at the palace you have to be one of Britain's finestA visit to mysterious Stonehenge will prove to be a
soldiers. The guards protect the grounds of the palacedelight for all. Dating back to 3000 B.C. the stone
and other locations as well as guarding the Sovereign.structure was used for religious and burial purposes.
The Household division of the guard division isAlthough the monument dates back to the 3rd
responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace. If you godmillennium stones used to construct the circular
to St. James Palace you can have your picture takenwonder. Recent discoveries have shown that the
with one of the guards to show all your friends.monument underwent various design changes and
The JewelleryMuseum in Birminghamadditions throughout the centuries. A visit to
In 1981 the owners of the Smith and PepperStonehenge promises to be thought provoking and
manufacturing company decided to cease operationsintriguing for explorers.
and closed their doors. Inside the factory everythingGlastonbury Festival
remained at is was the last day of business leavingFor those rock and rollers at heart a trip to the
the remnants of a museum in the making. TodayGlastonbury Festival may be a flashback to another
guided tours are given in the museum for thosetime. With its beginnings September 19, 1970, day after
fortunate enough to visit this piece of history. WhenJimi Hendrix moved on to rock n' roll heaven, the
you visit the Jewellery you can see livefestival continues to carry on the tradition. If you want
demonstrations, first hand jewelry making techniques,to meet all kinds of people, of all ages, backgrounds,
workshops and exhibits. The museum offers a rarenationalities, lifestyles, faiths and musical taste a visit to
glimpse into a piece of UK history.the festival is a must. You'll never be the same again!
The London EyeThe Birthplace of Shakespeare
The London Eye is an observation wheel that offersWilliam Shakespeare was born at
riders a 20-mile panorama of the surrounding area.Stratford-upon-Avon and his home is available for
Soaring 196 feet above the city the eye has 43visitors to tour. In a house owned by his father William
climate controlled capsules suitable for 8 riders. The bigspent his beginning years. Today the many homes
wheel is one of the tallest structure in York secondwhere Shakespeare lived out his life are preserved
only to the highest standing structure; York Minster'sand are also available to visitors. The Shakespeare
famous Lantern Tower, which is an additional 40 feetBirthplace Trust maintains the homes to promote the
higher. Expect to pay a small charge to board the eyeappreciation for who they see as one of the world's
but the views will be enjoy of the city will make itgreatest dramatist. A visit to the homes and museums
worth it. The London Eye guarantees to excite andof this great historic figure will be enriching for all.
thrill you at the same time.The TateArtGallery
Barber Institute of Fine ArtsThe Tate Gallery actually comprises four galleries;
If you would like to see the great works of artTate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St.
produced by some of Europe's greatest artists then aIves. The collection is so large they have to spread it
visit to Barber will be a pleasure for you. The Institute, aout over four galleries! Take a trip through these
Robert Atkinson design, was built by Queen Mary ingalleries and you'll be indulging in everything from
1939 and is located at the University of Birminghampainting and sculpture to surrealism and beyond. The
has features an impressive collection of art and coins.Tate Art Galleries have some of London's finest art
The Barber Institute has received many honors overtreasures on display. Plan a visit here on your next trip
the years including a Bronze Medal by Britishto the UK and enjoy some of the finest art exhibitions
Architects. Visitors can listen to lectures, browsethe UK has to offer.
galleries and participate in workshops. A visit here canThe Home of the Beatles
be both pleasing and educational for the fortunateLiverpool is the home of the Beatles and a visit here
traveler.can have you walking in the footsteps of one of the
The Tower of Londonmost successful and influential bands of all time. You
Prized as on of London's oldest palaces, the towercan visit the Institute where both Paul and George
has served also as a fort and prison. Created bywent to school or the College of the Arts where John
William the Conqueror in 1078 it was known as theLennon went. An array of nightlife where you can
White Tower. In the 12th century a moat surroundingretrace the steps of the stars is available. Don't miss
the tower was constructed by Richard theout on this opportunity to visit some of the stomping
Lionhearted. The tower has functioned as a livinggrounds of the Beatles.
quarter, fortification and prison for many royalThe Royal Festival Hall
members. The architecture is fabulous to see and willA fantastic venue where you will sample some of
provide a great exhibit for those who visit.London's finest music is The Royal Festival Hall. The
York Minster Gothic CathedralHall is located on the South Bank Center in London and
A visit to York Minster is to experience a moment inhas everything a sophisticated visitor could desire.
the history of northern Europe's greatest gothicOngoing performances can satisfy your every
cathedral. The Minster is an active Christian communityentertainment craving. Whether you prefer classic
of worshippers where choral music has enriched theopera or the Wizard of Oz the Royal Festival can
souls of visitors for centuries. You'll see evidence ofaccommodate you. There is a wealth of performance
every age from the Roman occupation of York andand visual art and artists at the Festival for your
onwards to the future of this active and engagingenjoyment.
church. York Minster provides a wealth of history to