It seems a little sad that most international visitors will make tracks to London and not venture beyond this great capital. There are so many other locations in Britain which are well worth a visit, from ancient monuments that are shrouded in mystery to thriving cities which are home to large numbers of fascinating attractions. Here are three places that are worth a second look, so be sure to rent a car and hit the road during your stay.

Stonehenge

What better place to soak up some of the mysticism of ancient Britain than this stunning monument? It’s located in Wiltshire, a beautiful county that lies to the west of London, and it attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year, but especially during the summer months. Doubt still surrounds the actual meaning of Stonehenge to this day, although there are plenty of opinions on the subject. Even how it was built is something of a mystery.

Stonehenge, England, UK by Rupert Jones

Chester Zoo

The north-west of England is an area that doesn’t always feature on visitor itineraries, but it should. Chester Zoo is close to the border with Wales, and it’s a fascinating attraction that has remained something of a hidden gem to overseas tourists. In the UK it’s certainly not a secret, however; it attracts more visitors every year than the famous London Zoo at Regents Park. Be sure to set aside a whole day for Chester, because there is so much to see and do.

Chester Zoo, England, UK by Nigel Swales

Edinburgh Castle

The city of Edinburgh is the iconic and beautiful capital of Scotland, and it’s home to a large number of superb attractions and landmarks. Towering over them, both physically and metaphorically, is the city’s wonderful castle. It’s located at the top of the Royal Mile, and visitors can enjoy some spectacular views of the whole city from the walls. Be sure to bring a camera with you, because you’ll want to take dozens of images when you get to the summit.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK by Lisa Nichols

David Showell is from the UK and is a regular traveller. He works for www.CompareCarHire.co.uk.

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Here are some of the best places to go walking in the UK, covering everything from architecture to waterfalls and everything in between.

Pen-y-Fan, South Wales, UK / Photo by Ben Gallivan

The Brecon Beacons

Situated in the lower half of Wales, this range of mountains is part of the larger National Park of the same name. They are situated just to the south of the town of Brecon and are hugely popular with walkers. The six peaks range from 2000-3000ft and are easily accessible for less experienced walkers. Paths are also available for those who are looking for more of a challenge. One of the best walks is the ‘Beacons Horseshoe’ which takes in 3 of the peaks and provides some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Further to the east in the National Park is another great walk at Ystradfellte where you can take in many majestic waterfalls; there are plenty of paths available for those wanting to take a leisurely amble around all of the waterfalls.

London

Many people don’t consider London to be the best place to head out for a walk; too much pollution, too many cars and overcrowded? Well you’d be surprised. London is a great place to set out for the day and see the many sights by foot rather than travelling by the underground. First of all, there is the splendor of the many Royal Parks. Hyde Park and Regents Park are two of the largest and you can while away the hours admiring the greenery and lakes (along with the varied wildlife) and spare yourself from the noise of the traffic. Another place worth visiting is the town of Richmond. There is a charming walk besides the river that takes you to the locks at nearby Teddington, on towards Kingston and beyond.

Angle Tarn, Lake District National Park, UK / Photo by Ben Gallivan

The Lake District

The Lakes, as they are commonly known are situated in the North West of England and have become increasingly popular with walkers and now attracts up to 16 million visitors per year. Don’t let this put you off however; the area is vast and although you may not have the various routes and paths to yourself at any one time, there is a likelihood that you will find yourself with plenty of breathing space when you’re out on the trail. Most of the walks are hilly, as the roads take over the routes around the lakes themselves; there are many guide books on the area inspired by the works of Alfred Wainwright who discovered many of the routes in the mid-20th century.

Ben Gallivan is a keen walker based in Wales, UK. He has been hiking for many years and writes for Appalachian Outdoors who stock all the best walking gear as well as products from great brands such as Life Is Good clothing.

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