Fascinating historical sites and modern marvels make travelling all the more memorable and exciting, however we often overlook what we have at home in favour of bigger and better attractions. Here, we offer some alternatives to world-famous tourist spots that might just tide us over for now…
Instead of the Great Wall of China…
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Visit Hadrian’s Wall! There are more similarities between the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall than one might think. They’re both made of stone and cross the north of their countries, plus they were actually built at the same time! Yes, the Great Wall might have been built over many centuries, and construction overlapped for only six years of that period, but we’re sure that the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s version would have taken just as long (and also been visible from the moon), if only our island wasn’t so petite. The Great Wall might be one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, but hey, UNESCO World Heritage status is nothing to be sniffed at. Plus, at just 135 kilometres long in comparison to the Great Wall’s 20,000 kilometres, you could walk from start to finish in about a week (instead of around a year and a half). And right now, we could all do with feeling a sense of accomplishment, OK?
Instead of the Colosseum and the Pantheon…
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Visit York! Emperor Hadrian was a busy man! Not only did he build Hadrian’s Wall, but the Pantheon in Rome was also his idea. If Rome is at the top of your city break wishlist and you’re craving some ancient marvels, head to the historic city of York. The city was founded by Romans and while only few examples of their lives still remain (most prominently the York City Walls that you can walk along), this northern hotspot makes for a brilliant all-round break. From cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops to a lively nightlife that can sometimes resemble the spectacles once witnessed in the Colosseum, York will distract you from the allure of Italy for a little while longer.
Instead of the Eiffel Tower…
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Visit Blackpool Tower! Built a mere seven years after the Eiffel Tower, it’s no surprise that Blackpool Tower was inspired by the French original. At the time, Blackpool Tower was the tallest manmade structure in the British empire at a height of 158 metres. The Eiffel Tower stands at almost double (324 metres), but you can’t go ballroom dancing, see a circus show, or admire the wild Irish Sea in the Paris plinth. Who needs the Moulin Rouge when there’s a whole beach of pleasure awaiting you on our west coast?
Instead of La Sagrada Familia…
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Visit Salisbury Cathedral! Gaudi’s gothic masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, has been under construction in Barcelona since 1882, and when it’s finished, it will claim the title of the highest church in the world. In the meantime, why not visit the UK’s tallest cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, which stands at a very respectable 123 metres? In addition to wondering how such a magnificent structure was built in the 13th century, you could marvel at one of the most well-preserved copies of the Magna Carta, and even make a short detour and visit Stonehenge while you’re in the area. I mean, we may as well wait until 2026 when La Sagrada Familia is estimated to be finished now anyway…
Instead of Central Park…
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Visit Hampstead Heath! A miniature castle, an Alice in Wonderland statue, and a place called Strawberry Fields all sound like they should be found in the UK, however these are just some of the draws within New York’s Central Park. The park spans 843 acres and is one of the most recognisable sights in the US, but don’t forget, we have our fair share of sublime green spaces here in the UK – and a whopping 3,000 parks in our cosmopolitan capital alone! One of our favourites is Hampstead Heath, which comes in just a little smaller than Central Park at 790 acres. Like Central Park, it boasts its own impressive building – the stately home Kenwood House – as well as stunning sculptures by renowned artists, a zoo, and swimming ponds. Don’t miss the dreamy, overgrown Hill Garden and Pergola, which boasts fabulous views and photo opportunities, and is completely unique to our heath…
Instead of Disneyland…
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Visit Dreamland! While there is a mega new theme park currently being built in Kent that promises to rival Disneyland, there are a few other places in the UK where you can get your adrenaline buzz in the meantime. Hotspots like Thorpe Park certainly offer plenty of thrills, but our favourite has to be Dreamland in Margate. The funfair is vintage themed and replete with bright neon lights and retro features – brilliant for photos! In addition to the scream-inducing rides, there’s a roller disco and a huge Ferris wheel from which you can see for miles along the south coast. The park also hosts gigs and club nights, but the best part of all has to be the fact that you can wander along the beach eating fish and chips minutes after your visit. Magic!
Instead of Berlin’s bars and clubs…
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Visit Manchester! If there’s one thing that the UK does better than most other countries, it’s a great night out. While the likes of London and Newcastle-upon-Tyne are often regarded as the cities with the best bars and clubs, Manchester – once home of the legendary Haçienda – boasts a rich and famous history of clubbing. The Haçienda might have gone, but there are still plenty of speakeasies, secret bars and epic dancefloors to seek out. We recommend heading to the colourful Northern Quarter and seeing where the night takes you.
