India has the Taj Mahal, Peru has Machu Picchu and Australia has the Great Barrier Reef, but what does the UK have that competes with these historic, natural and architectural feats?
Following a survey from Snaptrip, the British people have picked their best attractions in the UK. 2,000 people from all walks of life have pitched their British bucket lists in an effort to help encourage people to appreciate what we have on our doorstep. The list has been narrowed down to a top five, so why not have a look and see which of these you can visit on a British Isles cruise?
The best UK attractions
1. The Eden Project
The history of what is now considered to be one of the best attractions in the UK, and certainly one of the most popular, begins in a giant pit. In 1995, the ground on which the Eden Project now stands was nothing more than a working China clay pit. Following funding in 2000, and the start of serious construction, the doors opened in March 2001.
Boasting the world’s largest captive rainforest, the Eden Project is a hub for art, design, nature and education. The dramatic biomes, which house tropical plants, restaurants, an ice rink and many more attractions, are known around the world. Recognised as the Best UK Leisure Attraction at the British Travel Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 and the runner-up in 2016, the Eden Project is without question one of the best attractions in the UK.
2. Stonehenge
Experts have estimated that Stonehenge has stood since 3100 BC following a three-stage construction process. This mystical ring of large boulders has inspired thousands since millennia, with attendance figures estimated to be around 900,000 each year. Surrounding one of the world’s most historical sites are a number of other structures that date back as far as 8500 BC to the Mesolithic period.
4. Harry Potter Studios
Harry Potter is a movie franchise that has taken over the world. There are numerous iconic Harry Potter locations across the UK such as Alnwick Castle (the real Hogwarts), Australia Houses (Gringotts Wizarding Bank) and the third best attraction in the UK, the Harry Potter Studios. Opening in 2012, it is the go-to place for fans of the wizarding world. The studios offer tours of the film sets, the chance to see real props and costumes and a number of special events throughout the year.
4. Glastonbury
It took just 50 minutes for the Glastonbury festival to sell out of tickets in 2017. The iconic music event is regarded as the grandfather of festivals by musicians, the media and the public. Held in the picturesque Somerset countryside, Glastonbury remains high on bucket lists for people not just in Britain, but around the world.
For a week, Glastonbury transforms itself into its own independent state. Away from the outside world, you’re dedicated to the wonders that the festival has to offer and the overwhelming warmth that is shared between the acts and the crowds.
5. The Shard
Standing at 1,106 feet, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and certainly one of the most iconic sights across London’s skyline. Construction was completed in 2013, with The Shard actually becoming a very green building. 95% of its building materials are recycled, while the design has been focused on energy efficiency and as small a carbon footprint as possible.
However, it is the views within the building that help to make The Shard one of the most desirable locations in the UK. If you don’t fancy forking out £14,000 a night for one of the exclusive hotel rooms, you could book a seat at the restaurants and bars for stunning vistas of the capital.
