So first of all, what does it mean when they say Britain? I had this question too. Did they mean England? What about all the other countries that’s a part of the United Kingdom?
So let’s clear this up once and for all. Great Britain is the name of the island where most of England, Scotland and Wales are located. Ahhh, got it now?!
The term “Great Britain” often extends to include surrounding islands that form part of England, Scotland, and Wales, and is also sometimes loosely applied to the UK as a whole. Makes sense now?
Let’s get to it! Here are 10 awesome things to do when you visit Britain.
1. Explore London
Well of course, you’re going to have to take some time to explore the capital city of London and see the sights. There’s so much history here and it’ll take at least a few days to get through the main tourist attractions.
Here’s what you can’t miss: Tower Bridge, Covent Garden, Picadilly Circus, Camden Market, Hyde Park, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Westminster/Big Ben, Oxford Street, King’s Cross and Hampstead Heath.
2. Get your royal on
Something we don’t have in LA, though some celebrities would disagree, is a royal family. Don’t forget to visit Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard, Kensington Palace and Gardens, see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
3. Get out of the city
Once you’re over the hustle and bustle of London, it’s time to get out of the city. If you’re looking for a quaint, charming city to wind down. Head to Sussex and book a room at Ockenden Manor & Spa. This 28-bedroom manor was built in the mid 1500s and has the most delicious food!
4. Treat yourself
While you’re at Ockenden Manor, don’t forget to treat yo’ self and book one of their signature spa treatments! Perhaps a float in a pod or a deep-tissue massage, here’s your chance to relax and decompress.
5. Visit a winery
Head over to Ridgeview Winery for some wine tasting! This award-winning vineyard is family-owned and known for their sparkling wine. My favorites were the Cavendish and Fitzrovia Rosé.
6. Go island-hopping
Wanna go to the hottest place in the UK? Head to the Isle of Wight where they have the warmest temperatures in all of the county. This island is the perfect getaway destination with welcoming people, incredible food and such cool island vibes.
7. Go back in time
While you’re on the Isle of Wight check out Victorian photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron’s work at the Dimbola Museum. This was her former residence and workplace that now houses exhibits her portraits of famous people like Charles Darwin and Alfred Tennyson.
Right outside of the Dimbola is a bronze statue of rock-and-roll icon, Jimi Hendrix. He performed at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, photos of which are available for viewing inside the museum.
8. See nature’s wonders
People from all over the world come to the Isle of Wight to see The Needles, a distinct chalk formation that rises almost 100 feet above the sea. After your done seeing this natural wonder, head over to their tea room for the best scones I’ve ever had, they make it all in-house!
9. Go to the hottest garden
Head to the hottest garden in Britain, the Ventnor Botanical Garden! This super special place has a similar climate to the Mediterranean, meaning lots of stuff grows here that you wouldn’t imagine from all over the world. Definitely worth a visit!
10. Feel like a queen
There are more royal things to do outside of London including a visit to Osborne House. I absolutely loved it here!!!
This was one of Queen Victoria’s holiday homes, if not her favorite. She spent lots of time here with Prince Albert and their nine children. After his death, she spent a lot more time here and lived her last days of her life at Osborne House.
This post is sponsored by Visit Britain, all opinions are my own. Special thanks to Visit Isle of Wight and the generous sponsors that continue to support The LA Girl!
