The United Kingdom truly united several different countries into one realm. The UK is a collaboration of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It also remains a part of the European Union. Most of these areas’ histories cannot be pegged to just one date in origin, however there is one specific event that led to people settling in the United Kingdom. In 6500 B.C., the English Channel officially formed, separating Britian from the rest of Europe. Tribes and civilizations began making their way across the Channel to lay down roots in the UK. The Roman Empire would be just one of those civilizations in 43 A.D. to head on over and conquer the UK. The Romans founded perhaps the most well known city in this area, London.
England serves as the home to Britain’s monarch. Buckingham Palace functions as the Queen’s residence in ornate, golden style. London leaves much to explore for it is massive in size. Getting out of the city, travelers can easily make their way to the classic and idealized English countryside destinations like York and Cornwall. England also holds full bragging rights to being the country for which the Beatles came together and became one of the biggest bands in the world. Liverpool set the stage for the popular group and can be explored today. Aside from a little rock and roll history, the city also holds an 800-year history.
One of the smaller of the kingdoms is Wales to England’s west. The country can be reached easily from London, just 2 hours outside of the Heathrow Airport. Some may call Wales castle country for 400 castles stand tall in the country. Many find themselves in search of one castle in particular in Wales’ capital city of Cardiff. The Cardiff Castle boasts a 2,000-year history, with 12th century Norman touches and Victorian interiors. The town of Cardiff lends even more history for its foundations date back to Roman Times. Swansea Bay is also a popular spot in Wales. Poet Dylan Thomas found inspiration here. The town of Swansea hosts a great amount of parks and gardens. It even holds the largest indoor market in the country.
Heading up north, travelers will find themselves in the land of kilts, red hair, and the Loch Ness monster. Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh remains a popular stop on most travelers’ itineraries. The city houses two towns essentially, the Old Historic Town and the classic Georgian New Town. Both have made their way onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s list. The old town does hold some impressive historical sites. The Edinburgh Castle lives and breaths its antiquity as it looks down to onlookers gazing at the hilltop fortress. Many seek out greenery when swarmed with the chaotic air of the city. The Royal Botanic Gardens give travelers that break for the city, some 40 acres worth.
Of course, Scotland’s lands have been made famous by legend and movies. The Orkney area exudes a mystery, being the northern most part of Scotland and made up of 70 islands. Only 17 are inhabited, making this area worth exploring just for the solitude. However, there are those impressive traces of ancient life this far north. Travelers can stop at Skara Brae, a grouping of Stone Age houses. They remain some of the best-preserved in all of Western Europe.
Travelers can jump on a boat from Scotland and head to Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland and just one of the other counterparts to the United Kingdom. Like most capital cities in the UK, there is of course the Belfast Castle. Those looking for a drive around Northern Ireland can traverse the Causeway Coastal Route. It begins in Belfast and takes travelers through fishing villages and breathtaking beauty. Among the most famous attractions, the Giants Causeway must be seen to be believed.
From the castles of every capital city in the United Kingdom to little touches that make each country its own kingdom, travelers are sure to find something to their liking in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. After all, few people don’t mind taking on the roles of princes and princesses while on vacation.
