Just 29 things to do in the UK before you die? Yes I know! I could probably write 100 things to do in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but as you know, I like to tease you with just a flavour of what the world has in store for travellers. Check out the list of things to do in the UK before you die and at the end, I’d love to hear about the ones you think should be on the list. Happy reading!

1. VISIT LONDON

I am firmly of the belief that everyone, no matter where you live, should visit their country’s capital. The fact that London is one of the greatest cities in the world makes it very easy to make seeing it one of the things to do in the UK before you die. Tour the amazing historical sights, enjoy the view from either the London Eye or the Shard, visit the museums, enjoy Theatreland or a spot of shopping, dine in a 3-Michelin Star restaurant and dance the night away in one of the world class nightclubs with top DJs.

2. HAVE A CREAM TEA IN DEVON

You will find a traditional cream tea in many places, particularly in the southern and western counties of England, but their spiritual home is in Devon. Why? Because Devon is where they make the best clotted cream, and real cream teas serve this and not just whipped up double cream.

3. VISIT BLENHEIM PALACE

As well as being the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough, a World Heritage Site and one of the best examples of a country house in England, Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. In the millennium poll, Churchill was voted the “Greatest Ever Briton,” so a kind of pilgrimage to his home is one of the most patriotic things to do in the UK before you die. Even without the Churchill connection, the house and gardens are a grand day out.

4. HUNT THE LOCH NESS MONSTER

This is absolutely one of the things to do in the UK before you die. It may be a myth, but who knows? And how bad will you feel if they discover Nessie on the day you are on your death bed and you have to lie there knowing you could have been the one to find her if only you had made that trip to Loch Ness? Anyway, Loch Ness is beautiful, so it wouldn’t be a wasted trip.

5. GO PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is a beautiful city graced by the magnificent architecture of the university colleges. Exploring the exterior and interior of places like Kings College Chapel and Trinity College is wonderful, but viewing them and others from the leisurely punt along the River Cam brings a whole new perspective. Punting is a charming way to spend a sunny summer day – pack a picnic and enjoy.

6. SEE THE DREAMING SPIRES IN OXFORD

If you’ve been punting in Cambridge, then naturally it follows that Oxford is one of the places to see in the UK before you die. Like Cambridge, Oxford is blessed by splendid University buildings which spawn the name “the City of Dreaming Spires.” One of the best ways to see Oxford if your time is limited is on an open top bus tour.

7. SHOP IN THE TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER

Who doesn’t love to shop? One of the best shopping centres in the UK and the second largest, the Trafford Centre is also in one of the UK’s greatest cities – Manchester. The centre is pretty amazing all round. It is very stylish and has a mass of different shops for all tastes. Incredibly, 10% of the entire population lives within 45 minutes' drive of the centre, so you can imagine it gets very busy. The Trafford Centre is also home to the largest food court in Europe and the busiest cinema in the UK.

8. WALK AROUND A STONE CIRCLE

Although appearing elsewhere in continental Europe, stone circles are a much bigger feature in the British Isles. The most famous of the Megolithic circles is Stonehenge. It is incredible, but access is very restricted due to the damage sustained by being open to the public. A very suitable alternative is the Avebury Stone Circle. Although the stones themselves are not of the same immense proportion as Stonehenge, Avebury is the largest stone circle in Europe.

9. SEE A PLAY AT THE GLOBE THEATRE

So Shakespeare might not be your thing, but seeing his work performed on the stage at the Globe Theatre, which is a true construction of the original Elizabethan playhouse, is one of the must-do experiences in the UK. It is magical to enjoy the setting and the play and imagine what it must have been like to have been an audience member back in Elizabethan times. And, you have to stand, just like back in Shakespeare’s day, and the theatre is open to the elements.

10. VISIT PORTMEIRION IN WALES

One of the last things you expect to see in North Wales is an Italianate village, and that’s why Portmeirion is one of the places to visit in the UK before you die. This little place tucked away in Gwynedd features crenulated castle towers, coloured stuccos, brightly coloured friezes, geometric parapets, and formal gardens to create the impression that you really are in a small Italian village on the fringes of the Mediterranean.

11. WALK HADRIAN’S WALL

One of the best walking trails in the UK is the one which follows Hadrian’s Wall. The wall was the most heavily fortified wall in the Roman Empire and marked the border of Roman England with Scotland – a border which differs today. A significant portion – particularly the mid-section – still stands today and can by followed on foot or along the National Cycle Route (number 72).

12. SPEND A DAY ON THE BEACH IN CORNWALL

There are fabulous beaches all around the UK, but I have a soft spot for Cornwall because I spent lovely childhood camping holidays there. Everyone has a favourite beach and for me it is Kynance Cove on the south coast, close to the southerly most point of mainland Britain, the Lizard Point.

13. TRAMP THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

The hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway make one of the best attractions in the UK. Whether you choose to believe you are following in the footsteps of the mythical giant Finn MacCool or that the columns are a freak of geology, the Causeway is a definite must see. The coast is breathtaking and the walk along the cliffs completely exhilarating.

14. TAKE THE FERRY ACROSS THE MERSEY

The Mersey Ferry is a terrific way to explore Liverpool’s exciting waterfront. As well as navigating one of the most iconic British waterways and seeing the famous Liver Birds – the city’s symbol – ferries operate between 3 terminals, allowing you to stop off to visit some of Liverpool’s best attractions, including Spaceport, the U-Boat Story and of course, The Beatles story.

15. HAVE AFTERNOON TEA AT BETTY’S

Betty’s Tea Room is a British institution. The charming café has anchored the afternoon tea scene in the Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate since 1919. As you know, drinking tea is a national pastime, so tea at Betty’s is definitely one of the things to do in the UK before you die. As well as your choice of selected teas, you get to pick from a delectable array of baked goods, pastries and sweet treats to accompany your cuppa.

16. SEE THE STONE OF SCONE IN EDINBURGH CASTLE

You don’t really need a reason to visit Edinburgh Castle as it is easily one of the best attractions of the UK in its own right, but for anyone with an interest in the unification of the UK, and the linked history of Scotland and England, the Stone of Scone has a fascinating history. And, with a Scottish Referendum on Independence looming, there could yet be further twists in the tale in the lump of rock that is said to have been used as pillow by Jacob, as told in the book of Genesis. I’ll let you find out the rest of the story for yourself and won’t spoil it for you. There is a replica of the stone at Scone Abbey, which was one of its original ancestral homes.

17. HAVE A NIGHT ON THE TOWN IN NEWCASTLE

The nightlife in Newcastle is legendary! You need a stomach for plenty of alcohol, hard dancing and few clothes. They breed them hardy in the North East, and in the depths of winter you’ll find the lads spilling out of the football terraces of St. James’s Park shirtless and the girls wearing skirts that just one inch shorter could

only be classed as a belt. Coats and sweaters just don’t make it out of the wardrobe –unless you’re a sissy. The cocktails and dancing will keep you warm.

18. SPOT THE FRENCH COASTLINE

Dover Castle is magnificent and occupies a position that makes it one of the first lines of defence for England. It is also a brilliant place from which to look across the 22 miles of English Channel to the French coastline, which is visible on a clear day (you can see the lights at night). Dover is also the location of another of the iconic sights of the UK – the famous white cliffs. These, however, are best seen from the sea.

19. MAKE LIKE A ROMAN IN BATH

I’d love to be able to say that you can take a dip in the original Roman thermal baths in Bath but I can’t. I can offer you the next best thing: A tour around the

Roman baths and then a visit to the Thermae Bath Spa. The spa has the only thermal waters pool in the UK, fed from the same springs that the Romans and generations of Brits used for centuries. The spa may not be an authentic experience but if you visit the Roman baths, at least you can close your eyes and imagine. And, when you do open your eyes, you get some views from the rooftop pool of the beautiful city.

20. SMILE AT THE ROYAL PAVILION

There have been many acts of folly committed by the British aristocracy over the centuries. Rakish, profligate, less sense than a pair of shoes, the way they have thrown money around has been bewildering. One such result is the Brighton Pavilion. Commissioned by the Prince Regent, who was as mad as a box of frogs and dressed to excess, the Pavilion occupies an exalted position as one of the best attractions of the UK – partly because you would never imagine such a concept in a simple seaside town.

21. HIKE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

One of the most beautiful places in the UK to visit before you die is the Lake District. If ever you need a reason to holiday in the UK, this is it. The Lake District is the UK’s largest national park and also home to the highest mountain in England – Scafell Pike. Nature’s great English playground is a favourite for walkers, hikers, orienteerers and water sports lovers. Of course, you can drive there, park up and simply enjoy the glorious views.

22. TAKE THE ART TRAIL IN GLASGOW

Glasgow has a very strong tradition in art and architecture. The city’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has one of the premier collections in the UK spread throughout 22 themed galleries containing more than 8,000 objects. The museum building itself is a fine example of Glasgow’s architecture and a walking tour of the city is a great way to explore it. Stop off during your visit for refreshments in the Willow Tea Rooms, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of Glasgow’s most famous artistic sons.

23. VISIT CAERNARVON CASTLE

Wales has some magnificent castles and Caernarvon is probably the finest and most impressive. Built in 1283 on the site of an original Norman motte and bailey by Edward I during the English occupation of Wales, the castle is sited strategically at the water’s edge on the Menai Strait, commanding not only excellent views inland and across the water but also the ability to control trade and commerce.

24. SEE THE BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

Although very attractive for kids, paying a visit to the Blackpool Illuminations is one of the things to do in the UK before you die. For 8-10 weeks every autumn (usually from September 1st to 9-12th November), the promenade is aglow with thousands of LED lights in all sorts of shapes and images. A trip to Blackpool also

affords you the opportunity to enjoy the thrills and fun of the rides of the Pleasure Beach and the famous Tower.

25. STAY ON A SCOTTISH ISLAND

It is impossible to pin down which is the best Scottish island to choose for a stay. They are all gorgeous and have their own individual charms. Scottish islands have the rugged, untamed beauty and romance of the mountains and glens of the highlands with the added bonus of some stunning beaches. There are interesting attractions like stone circles and traditional whisky distillers, fascinating festivals and rituals and the outdoor pursuits are in wonderful surroundings.

26. PAY YOUR RESPECTS AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

It is fitting that the newest monument to the fallen of the UK armed forces is a

living memorial. Absolutely one of the places to visit in the UK before you die, the National Arboretum is a very classy, very beautiful, very elegant and very moving tribute to those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. The walls engraved with names and various memorial statues are encircled by as-yet young trees and the serenity of the place is undeniable.

27. TAKE A BOAT TRIP AROUND CARDIFF BAY

A couple of hours on a boat that leaves from Mermaid Quay and takes you along the Welsh Coast into the Bristol Channel and back again, is a great way to see Cardiff. Then, once back on land, it’s a short distance into the city centre to enjoy the delights of the Welsh capital. These include Cardiff Castle, the Doctor Who Experience, the National Museum, and St. David’s Shopping Centre. A trip to Cardiff should be rounded off with a game of rugby at the Millennium Stadium.

28. TOUR THE TITANIC EXHIBITION IN BELFAST

One of the newest attractions of the UK is the Titanic Exhibition in Belfast, fittingly located in the city where the doomed liner was built and actually on and near the slipways where construction took place. The visitor experience takes you through the entire story from conception, the sinking and the finding of the wreck on the seabed.

29. SEE THE PANDAS AT EDINBURGH ZOO

Who can resist these adorable creatures? There are only two giant pandas in the UK and they have a home in Edinburgh Zoo. They are such a popular attraction that although free to see, you have to have a ticketed viewing slot. The big question is, clearly there is a big case of some panda loving going on – but, will they breed soon?

I’ve reached the end of my list of things to do in the UK before you die and hope you all enjoyed it! 

Reference: AWS 

Ibrahim SenCEO of http://SearchGym.co.uk