10 Best Things to do while in Britain & Ireland

Planning a trip to Britain and Ireland can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Deciding which cities to visit, where to stay, what to see, and how to get from place to place adds up to a lot of research, planning, and potential headaches. And, sometimes, the many resources, web sites, and travel guides available can only make matters more confusing. Let us make it easier for you. Here, we give you the top 10 things that you should do when go to Britain & Ireland on your vacation. These go beyond the usual touristy stuff that you see in guidebooks!

LONDON

London is one of the world’s most exciting and interesting cities. It is filled with museums, historical sites, shops, restaurants, pubs, entertainment venues and churches. It offers some of the best shopping
in the world. This is the most important city to visit on your vacation to Britain & Ireland.

• Enjoy a night out at London’s West End. See one of the amazing shows, including Chicago, Wicked, Billy Elliott, Les Misérables, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera.
• Take a stroll in Hyde Park. It is one of the largest green spaces in London with over 350 acres. Or, how about an afternoon on the bustling South Bank along the Thames.
• Shop ‘til you drop at one of the many markets or shopping streets. Oxford Street is London’s best-known shopping area, with over 300 shops and many of London’s flagship stores. Bond Street offers luxury stores with exclusive brands. And Westfield Shopping Center is Europe’s largest in-city shopping center with over 275 stores. Check out Camden Market, London’s most popular open-air market. For antiques, browse the Portobello Market on Saturdays. Explore the seedy underbelly of Victorian London when you join the Jack the Ripper tour. You get to trace the unsolved crimes of the Ripper. Drop into a local pub to have a pint and sample England’s famous fish n’ chips. How about a truly British treat – enjoy Afternoon Tea at the English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel or the Wolseley.

EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combine a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town. See modern architecture, numerous shops, and a plethora of restaurants, including many offering fresh, local produce. Explore some of the residences of Britain’s royalty—past and present—and
learn about Scotland’s tumultuous history. The city’s main focal point is Edinburgh Castle from where you get magnificent views of the surrounds.

• Take a walk to Arthur’s Seat, the highest point in Edinburgh. Here are the remains of an extinct volcano rise 823 feet. Or, climb Calton Hill. With its upturn telescope and monument to Admiral Lord Nelson, it offers one of the best views over the city.
• Visit the Clan Tartan Centre. Search the database of 50,000 names to find out if your name is associated with a Scottish clan or tartan. You never know, you may have a famous Scottish person in your lineage!
• Travel to the Scottish Highlands and visit Loch Ness, known for its beauty, mystery, and “monster.” Feel history come alive as you learn about figures important in Scottish history.
• Enjoy coffee at the Elephant House Gourmet Tea & Coffee House, one of the best tea and coffee houses in Edinburgh. J.K. Rowling wrote some of her early novels in its back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle. You can also stroll through Edinburgh’s vibrant and historic Grassmarket area, which offers a range of unique and quirky shops.

DUBLIN

Dublin is one of Europe’s oldest cities. However, it offers trendy bars and cosmopolitan restaurants
along with its historical sites. It hosts beautiful urban parks, art galleries, elegant Georgian architecture,
medieval castles, beautiful cathedrals, and numerous museums. Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature dating back hundreds of years, to 800 AD! While at Dublin, take the opportunity also to go on your own Game Of Thrones trip.

• With over 1000 pubs, Irish pubs remain a focus of Ireland’s culture. So, grab a pint and enjoy the craic (crack)—Irish for “fun.” Or how about a pub crawl? Discover traditional pubs and Irish music, or enjoy a drink at the Octagon Bar in the Clarence Hotel.
• Take a stroll in St. Stephen’s Green. This inner-city park was laid out in 1880 by Sir Arthur Edward Guinness, from the distinguished Guinness brewing family. Or how about exploring the many shops along Grafton Street, Dublin’s pedestrian street. It has some of its best shops, performers, and musicians.
• Visit one of the many wonderful museums, including the National Museum, which takes you back to
  prehistoric and medieval Ireland. Then, proceed to the James Joyce Museum, dedicated to the works and life of this famous Irish writer. Lastly, donot miss the National Gallery of Ireland, with its spectacular collection of European and Irish art!

So, are you ready to get on your holiday to Britain & Ireland? Trust us, the best way to get the most authentic experience is to do what the locals do. Make time to head off the beaten path. Discover cafes, shops, galleries, and neighbourhoods that form the heartbeat of that place. Want to know more about Britain & Ireland, visit us at CosmosVacations.in