England and Scotland: Historical Cities

Images of grandeur, tradition, and pageantry take over the senses when you set foot in London. A city that figures on the bucket list of every avid traveler, London is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Kew Gardens, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and Piccadilly Circus. Get a peek into history at one of the many museums or catch a ballet performance at the Royal Opera House. Head to Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath for a whiff of fresh air and some soothing scenery. A dynamic cosmopolis, the city is, today, home to people of diverse ethnicities speaking over 300 languages! Get a glimpse of this cultural diversity at Borough Market, London’s oldest and largest food market serving up a gourmet selection of flavors. A shopoholics paradise awaits in Oxford Street and Knightsbridge with boutiques, luxury brands and department stores including the iconic Harrods. Shakespeare fans can head to the Globe Theater to watch a play conducted as it would have been during the Tudor era while Harry Potter fans can lose themselves in the world of magic with a behind-the-scenes tour at Warner Bros Studio!

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bath is all about soaking in history, quite literally! Named after the well-preserved Roman-era baths found here, the city continues with its spa tradition to this day. Take a dip in the natural thermal hot springs while sophisticated period tearooms, retro cafes, quaint taverns, and bistros that dot this historic city welcome you warmly. The city has been home to some famous names – author Jane Austen as well as artists John Maggs and Sir Thomas Lawrence. The alluring Georgian architecture of the city’s buildings has been the inspiration for some of their most famous works and provided the backdrop for many a novel and television program. Soak in the beauty and tranquility of Bath Abbey with its exquisite stained glass windows. Stay at one of the stately Georgian guesthouses or pick a lovely country cottage to call home while in the city. Get your dose of mystique with a drive to the prehistoric site of Stonehenge located less than an hour away.

Step back in time when you visit the charming city of Oxford, home to the world’s oldest and one of the most prestigious English speaking universities. The city’s skyline showcases exquisite examples of English architectural styles dating from the late Saxon period. A breeding ground for literary greats, the city has produced authors such as Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, and the ever-popular Dr. Seuss. Aptly named the City of Dreaming Spires by famous British poet Matthew Arnold, exploring the various college buildings walking down paths trodden over by eager students over the centuries is the best way to experience this varsity town. Wander around the many museums and galleries, most of them offering free admission, for a glimpse of masterpieces by Michelangelo, Picasso, remnants of the extinct dodo, and numerous interesting artifacts from across the world. Take a break at one of the many authentic British pubs in the city, some of which were the favored haunts of Oxford’s most famous alumni.

Cambridge is a university town located along the River Cam in eastern England. With its stunning architecture, cobbled streets and rich history, this city is quintessentially English. The University of Cambridge is at the heart of the town and the area is dotted with college grounds and imposing buildings. Visit various ancient seats of learning such as Queen’s College with its unique brickwork, and Trinity College which was founded by King Henry the VIII. You could also take a leisurely punt on the River Cam, along the College Backs, and take in the impressive architecture of the colleges. This is a city where you come face-to-face with the past at every street corner, whether it is the medieval Round Church of Cambridge or the Gothic King’s College Chapel. History enthusiasts will want to check out Wren Library which houses manuscripts from the 12th and 13th centuries. Cambridge is also home to various museums, including The Fitzwilliam Museum with its fine art displays, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science. There is also the historic Cambridge market, which has been around since the Middle Ages, and lively pubs and cafes to check out. Don’t leave town without sampling local specialities such as the famous Cambridge burnt cream and sticky toffee pudding.

York is steeped in history, right from its rich medieval past to a pre-industrial heritage. The town’s unique character is reflected in its many museums, ancient Viking quarters, Roman walls, medieval churches, and Victorian tearooms hidden within its warren of narrow old streets. The York Art Gallery is a must-visit, along with the grand Gothic cathedral, York Minster, which has some of the finest stained glass windows and bell towers in all of England. Catch a popular pantomime or a Shakespearean classic at the York Theatre Royal, after enjoying jam tarts and fondant fancies over a leisurely afternoon tea. A trip to the old Shambles Market is never complete without a taste of the city’s street food and a glimpse of its late evening entertainment. Whether you relish fish and chips by the beach or gourmet fine dining at a Michelin starred restaurant, York welcomes foodies with open arms.

Known by a variety of unique sobriquets such as Old Smoky for the smoke cloud that seems to perpetually hang over it, the beautiful city of Edinburgh sits perched on a range of rocky hills with the sea in the distance. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city has several cultural and historical landmarks worthy of leisurely exploration. Explore the palace, castle, churches, museums and climb up to Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, for panoramic views of the city. Home to three excellent universities, Edinburgh has a diverse student population that has led to the mushrooming of numerous eateries and restaurants offering varied cuisines ranging from authentic Scottish dishes to exotic Yemeni food and fusion Scottish-Asian delicacies. Stop by the city in summer to soak in the street party ambiance of the annual ‘Fringe’ comedy festival, as well as the many music and literary festivals that happen during this time, or revel in the party atmosphere at New Year during the annual Hogmanay celebrations.

Sitting perched on the banks of Clyde River, the vibrant city of Glasgow invites you to explore its unique neighborhoods. Get a glimpse of the city’s rich architectural heritage as elegant Victorian buildings and impressive mansions rub shoulders with newer, innovative designs that line the riverside. Take your pick of museums with the Riverside Museum detailing the region’s transport history, the Hunterian with its eclectic curiosities, and Provand’s Lordship showcasing medieval treasures. Stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Buchanan Street with its upscale stores or explore the weekend markets of the East End. For vintage finds and second-hand books, head to the West End. Big Feed, Glasgow’s sprawling indoor market is the best place for foodies with plenty of street food vans and trucks serving up flavorful specialties and local beer.