I've only ever been to the UK on a layover. One of the reasons is that there's just too many choices!
Here we go!
1. Chester, Cheshire. This is an adorable old town. Founded in 79 AD, this is one of those old looking, old feeling towns. They have a Roman Amphitheatre, castles, cathedrals and all that old world charm you can handle. I've heard they have city baths as well. Never forget, parts of the UK are full of thermal baths.
But, let's just look past the medieval walls, the ancient shopping and dining areas and go to something that you wouldn't think of. The Zoo.
That's right, Chester Zoo. This place is 128 acres of exotic. They have rhinos, penguins, giraffes, Sumatran Tigers, and even African Elephants. I know it might sound silly, but I don't think of a small town like Chester having a globally populated zoo. At any rate, tickets start at around $40 and it sounds like a really good time.
This town also has small hotels and other accommodations, so you can stay for as long as you want and not have to rush.
https://visitcheshire.com/locations/chester
https://www.myirelandtour.com/travelguide/city-tours/england/chester-city-tour.php
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186233-Activities-Chester_Cheshire_England.html
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chester-castle-agricola-tower-and-castle-walls/
2. Bath, Somerset. You've probably heard of this one. It's famous for it's healing thermal baths. It's pretty self explanatory. What you may not realize about this city is that it's always pretty much been a playground for the rich.
In a lot of old towns that have a lot of old buildings, you have the wooden structures that we're all used to seeing as medieval housing and businesses. But in Bath there are a lot of over the top stone and columned buildings. Really royal class stuff. It's just a different view.
The real reason to come to Bath is to be pampered. That's the core of it all. There's wineries, spas and all kinds of pampering. However, the architecture is also a huge draw. Between the royal crescent, the circus, abbeys and churches and cathedrals and the baths themselves, Bath will take you back as far as the Romans.
If you like beauty, Bath is really something else. Everywhere you look is old world charm. Just be prepared to pay for your pampering!
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/bath-england
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g186370-Bath_Somerset_England-Vacations.html
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/428/
https://www.visitbritain.com/en/destinations/england/bath
3. The Costwolds. Now, you may have an amazing sense of humor as do I and watch Jeremy Clarkson on various television programs. One of my favorites is called "Clarkson's Farm" on Prime Video that deals with life in this very region.
This is that ancient place where everyone wants calm, quiet, and nothing to ever change. Most of the tiny villages with their little churches and falling down abbeys; little pubs and tiny guesthouses are willing to have visitors, but don't move in.
This is that region that would be a great place to take a fall road trip; maybe summer. You'll find everything I mentioned with a lot of rolling fields and farms. It's just the getaway for someone like me, with too much stress. I would only hope that there would be places that my cell service didn't work at all.
https://www.visitbritain.com/en/destinations/england/cotswolds
https://activeenglandtours.com/stories/a-2025-guide-to-visiting-the-cotswolds/
https://www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/
https://www.cotswolds.com/clarksons-farm/
4. Whitby, Yorkshire. We've made it to the shore. This little seaside town is picturesque to say the least. They have all the stuff that you'd want to see along the shore and more. They have great restaurants, cozy accommodations, a deteriorating church on a hill, a scenic historic train ride, old buildings, small town feel and even some whale bones.
There's just a lot to make you feel cozy and at home in this village. The cliffs provide amazing views, the historic sites are plentiful and according to everything I see, they have amazing sunsets. They have a harbor with a ton of fishing excursions you can go on. There's a lot going on for such a little place. Take the time to learn about this one and enjoy the calm and beautiful that comes with it.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g186345-Whitby_Scarborough_District_North_Yorkshire_England-Vacations.html
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/
https://www.yorkshire.com/whitby/?srsltid=AfmBOorPrpNac7fUiZGqjj410L0jhS2-b0hhnsMM9Skn5OLoS3nmAlda
https://www.timeout.com/whitby/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-whitby
5. Lavenham, Suffolk. Probably the country's best kept medieval village it has a lot to offer for someone who really wants to see that old world. When you read the history of this small town, you hear terms like the Norman Conquering and the Tudors. There's a lot of history running around here.
If you're thinking it would be fantastic to visit such a place, but you can't do that in your life right now; no worries. There are over 300 preserved medieval buildings in this town and they're protected whether it be by UNESCO or other historic societies. It will pretty much always be there.
The people of Lavenham love their town and want to share it. They have cozy and unique accommodations, great food, all kinds of tours, and even some spas. They want you to come, so you should. It's a small beautiful place to get away to and they even have a crooked house. It's medieval and one of a kind, so go see it.
https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk/
https://www.visitsuffolk.com/destination/lavenham
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Lavenham/
https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/blog/top-must-dos-in-lavenham
https://www.crookedhouselavenham.com/
There you are. If you thought you should only look at the choices that are placed before you like London, Manchester, and Liverpool; think again. You're hearing this from the woman who tells teenagers about jobs their guidance counselors would never tell them about. Always look for that off the beaten path place to spend some time in. The truth is, you can't see every square foot of the world. It's impossible. So, instead of letting the masses tell you where to spend your time; find some gems for yourself.
And if you want to learn about the unusual and how to get around New York City, check out my Adventures for Anyone YouTube Channel! Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-kindred-280078341/
https://www.instagram.com/ninakindred1/
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