What's your favourite UK attraction?
TripAdvisor reveals its list of the most talked-about UK attractions in 2012. From museums to galleries and parks, TripAdvisor can reveal the 10 UK attractions with the most traveller reviews written by British visitors.
TripAdvisor spokesperson, Emma Shaw, said: “With wet weekend season upon us and the Christmas holidays right around the corner, it can be overwhelming keeping the children entertained. Take some tips from other visitors and find out which attractions have caused a buzz this year.
"Of the thousands of British attractions listed on TripAdvisor these are the 10 most-talked about, so you can stop researching and start enjoying your day out."
1. The British Museum, London, England
The British Museum is located in West London and like many of the London museums is free to enter. Founded in 1753 the museum is a spectacular building and visitors can see exhibitions on the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans among a whole host of worldly histories. As one TripAdvisor traveller said: “This is one of the world’s great museums.”
2. The Tower of London, London, England
Located in Tower Hill, the Tower of London is a World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in the UK. The Tower of London houses the Crown Jewels which are on display for visitors to see as well as the prisoners exhibition and 500 years of royal armour. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented: “A beautiful example of British history immaculately kept and a fascinating day out.”
3. Warner Bros Studio Tour, Watford, Hertfordshire, England
A behind-the-scenes walking tour, the Warner Bros Studio Tour immerses guests into the world of film-making. The tour features authentic sets, costumes and props from movies including Harry Potter. As one TripAdvisor traveller said: “Whether you enjoy films or are interested in the film industry, this is a must for you.”
4. The London Eye, London, England
Located on London’s South Bank, the London Eye provides the ultimate viewing platform to take in the breathtaking sights of the UK’s capital. Visitors can board a capsule and see London from all angles during a 30 minute ‘flight’ at a maximum height of 135 metres. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented: “In one word - fantastic. Great views all round – literally.”
5. The National Gallery, London
Situated right in the middle of London’s Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is free to enter and its collection of artwork spans the period from about 1250 to 1900. The gallery also regularly exhibits guest collections. As one TripAdvisor traveller said: “Really interesting place to go even if you are not the arty type. To see some of the most famous paintings in the world is awesome.”
6. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels, no less than three military museums and a prisoners of war exhibition among many other things to see. The castle is perched on top of an extinct volcano and is an Edinburgh World Heritage Site. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented: “I went into this castle expecting a solid dose of Scottish history, architecture, artistry, and culture. That it most certainly offers.”
7. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Both scenic and historic, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is one of the most famous streets in the world. Located in the Old Town, the heart of the city, the Royal Mile offers an abundance of shops and restaurants and is also the location for Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse where the queen still stays when she is in the city. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “A lovely street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Perfect for a stroll and loads to see.”
8. The Victoria & Albert Museum, London, England
Located in South Kensington, the V&A is a museum of art and design. It is free to enter and displays collections from around the world from Venetian glass and Chinese art to examples of fashion from the 18th Century to the present day. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “Wow - absolutely overwhelming, eclectic display of artefacts from earliest times to the present day.”
9. The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre, London, England
On at the Lyceum Theatre on London’s Strand, The Lion King is a musical adaptation of the Disney film of the same name. The musical depicts the story of Simba and his epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King of the Pridelands. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “The costumes and choreography are extraordinary.”
10. St James’ Park, London, England
St James’ Park offers 90 acres of open space in London and is the oldest of the Royal Parks in the city, surrounded by three palaces – Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and St James's Palace. Attractions at the park include the Queen Victoria Memorial and the Diamond Jubilee Floral Crown. The world famous Changing of the Guard can also be seen here at just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. As one TripAdvisor traveller commented, “This pretty park is just big enough to stretch the legs or, more likely, to sit and relax away from the bustle of central London.”
For more information about any of these attractions, visit www.tripadvisor.co.uk
*Most talked about attractions were determined using an algorithm that measured highest amount of reviews by travellers from the UK, in the period 1st September 2011 – 1st September 2012.
What are your favourite UK attractions? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam