Queen Elizabeth II, London, English tea – I, and many other people like me, think of these first when the UK is mentioned. But do you actually know anything else? It is an island nation made up of 4 constituent countries - England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The United Kingdom of Great Britain is one of the few monarchies with such a long history.
I would like to point out a few reasons why I personally think it's worth visiting:
1) Fish and chips - there's nothing more British than this dish. By the seaside, with a flock of seagulls overhead. Extremely cheeky creatures that would steal even from your plate/hand. Still, the view, the light breeze and the fish and chips are worth the risk.
2) Stonehenge – this incredibly magical place, created by who knows whom and for not very clear reasons. Whether it was a temple where ancient deities were worshipped or a sacred place where high-ranking citizens were buried is unclear. It's worth noting that it has an incredible atmosphere and is a symbol of mystery, strength and endurance. We can safely say it is one of the most photographed places in the world.
3) Afternoon tea, or tea in general – the British are famous for drinking tea. It's a drink that is constantly present in their homes. Tea is as important to the British as coffee is to other Europeans. And what does drinking tea mean? For us it means we have a cold, a sore throat or something similar. In the UK, tea is drunk all the time, regardless of the weather or the time of day.
4) Edinburgh – Everything in this fairytale place is worth seeing in person – from the cobbled streets to Edinburgh Castle, which has become a symbol of the Scottish capital. The whole city is steeped in history. Its old town is home to the most famous street, the Royal Mile, which connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
5) York - its central part is surrounded by fortress walls; in the past this was also the main part of the city. A city with a rich heritage and many stories of ghosts haunting various buildings. It lies where the rivers Foss and Ouse meet. An astonishing number of landmarks are gathered in one place. One of them is York Minster – it's very impressive, and remarkable works of art can be seen inside. The city center is almost entirely pedestrianized, which is a huge advantage for tourists and locals who want to stroll undisturbed by traffic.
There are many more remarkable places, customs and cultural landmarks that are not to be missed.
Combined with the practical knowledge you can gain through NGB Consult's programs, the UK is a destination that shouldn't be missed!