Things to do Outside London
London is a fantastic city to visit for tourists because there\’s a plethora of activities you\’ll find there. If you\’re spending more than a week in London, you may want to venture out of the city to find other things to do. Outside London, you\’ll find amazing and historical landmarks just like you did inside the city. This article contains four must see landmarks while you\’re in England. Each are within driving distance from London. You can also take public transportation from London to each site and make it back to London all in the same day. On your next trip to London, make sure to visit Salisbury Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and the Roman Baths.
See the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral was constructed in 1220 AD with a Early English style architecture. It has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom, being 404 feet tall. Tourists can walk up the spire for a fantastic view around the city. Salisbury Cathedral owns the world\’s oldest working clock, which has worked since 1386 AD. Although the cathedral itself makes for a fine visit, most tourists come here to see the Magna Carta.
The cathedral has one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta. In fact, its copy of the Great Charter of the Liberties of England is considered the best condition of the four surviving copies. The Magna Carta was written in 1215 AD and acted as a charter which required King John of England to obey a set of laws instead of acting arbitrarily on his own will. The Magna Carta was an important step that led modern law and republics.
Salisbury Cathedral is about 90 miles away from London or a two hour drive. It\’s also reachable via public transportation. Take the train to Exeter St Davids, where it\’s only a 15 minute walk to the cathedral.
Take a photo with the Queen\’s Guard at Windsor Castle
Built in the 11th century, Windsor Castle was created to be a fort and home. A trip to Windsor Castle should 4 to 5 hours, not including the time it takes to get to the castle from London. One of the main attractions in the castle is Queen Mary\’s Dollhouse, a large collection of dolls, miniature furniture, and scaled down rooms. The Queen\’s Guards are available for photos, but don\’t get too close to them or they\’ll scream at you to step away. The castle is reachable by taking a bus from the Victoria Coach Station. The castle is located in the city of Windsor, which is reachable via the Windsor and Eton Riverside train station. Simply hop onto a train in London. Windsor Castle is currently used as the royal family\’s vacation home when they\’re not at Buckingham palace.
Admire the mysterious Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument built from gigantic stones. Historians know that the architecture of Stonehenge isn\’t a coincidence because the stones aligns with the midsummer sunrises and sunsets. If you plan your visit to London during the Summer or Winter solstice, you\’ll run into the Summer or Winter solstice festivals. Both are fun events with travelers from all around the world attending.
The origins of Stonehenge are unknown. We can estimate that it was constructed sometime between 3000 BC to 2000 BC. We don\’t know why or how it was constructed. Walking around Stonehenge requires a small admission fee, which comes with an audio guide. The guide has more theories about its origins and its history. Stonehenge is likely the oldest site you\’ll visit during your trip, if not the oldest site you\’ll ever encounter.
To get to Stonehenge, simply take the train to Salisbury from which you can take a local bus for 10 miles or grab a cab. Stonehenge is a two hour drive from London.
Learn about the historical significance of the Roman Baths
The Roman Baths structure was constructed over hot springs which formed by rain fall from the Mendip Hills. The water sitting in the baths is actually very dirty. Current tour operators have a stand with salted and cured water, which is safe to drink or take home as a memento. Tourists are welcome to walk around and take photos of this landmark. Long ago, travelers from all around world would seek to cure their illnesses. It was said that blind men could see after taking a dip in the Roman Baths. The Roman Bath house is over 2,000 years old. The Roman Baths is reachable via bus from the Victoria Coach Station.
Looking for things to do inside London? London has many things to do, including free museums! These museums are perfect for budget travelers. See my list of Best 10 Free Museums in London.
London has many things to do, including free museums! These museums are perfect for budget travelers. See my list of best 10 free museums in london – http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-10-Free-Museums-in-London&id=7712232
Author Bio: Looking for things to do inside London? London has many things to do, including free museums! These museums are perfect for budget travelers. See my list of Best 10 Free Museums in London.
Category: Travel
Keywords: england, united kingdom, london, magna carta, salisbury cathedral, windsor castle, stonehenge