Discovering the quirks of the United Kingdom

November 20, 2016

From High Tea to Gardens of Eden,
From delights of Scottish Highlands to districts of Lakes,
From English ‘beaches’ to castles and ancient buildings,
From the hustle and bustle of London, to Shakespeare’s stomping ground,
North to South, East to West, the United Kingdom holds quirks and delights for everyone.

Birds in Hyde Park – walking through the parks always makes me happy in London

The United Kingdom and London in particular will always hold a special place in my heart. Beyond the grey weather the busy streets and the stress there is a warm loving spot filled with lovely memories.

Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland (nearly every year)

I ventured to Scotland countless times and loved every moment. I always imagined if I returned one day I’d end up living in Edinburgh. The people were always so lovely and the city was filled with stunning architecture, history and culture.

Musicians of the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland

My first trip also involved checking out the highlands and was a nice reminder of New Zealand with it’s landscapes.

Wales

Well, you have to give them credit – they are ambitious!

Having gained my ancestry visa from my late grandfather who was Welsh, I’m so pleased that I took the time to go to the city he was born in: Swansea and also check out Cardiff and the Mumbles.

Waterfront in Swansea, Wales

Waterways in Swansea, Wales

Wales is definitely a spot I’d like to see more of, Snowdonia and more of the Gower peninsula were always on my list.

Cardiff Castle, Wales

Millenium Centre (night), Cardiff, Wales

Animal Wall, Bute Park, Cardiff, Wales

England

Beach houses at Herne Bay, England

Ahhh England you crafty little thing, how you weaved your way into my heart and pulled various strings to make me notice you. Somehow words cannot quite describe England enough, but here’s a few pictures to illustrate it’s lovely quirks that made it home to me for most of my adult life so far.

The city of Bath, England.

Buildings in Stratford

The Eden Project Biomes

St. Michaels Mount

London bus

Daffodils in Putney, London, UK

Colombia Road Flower Markets, London

The pathway in Green Park, the parks in London make it livable for someone who misses nature

Road near Regents Park in London

The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel

Glass Art by Dale Chihuly, London

Great Expectations Bookbench. Created by Ivan Liotchev.

Olympic mascot hunting

Snowman making in winter

Regent Street Christmas Lights, London

View over London from New Zealand House

I’d add Northern Ireland to this post, but I squeezed that one into my Ireland trip, which I’ve already told you about! Don’t worry, I do realise it’s part of the UK, not Ireland!

This was no. 29 in my Top 30 Travel Experiences before I’m 30, hold tight for tomorrow, my 30th birthday and last experience to add to the travel list »