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.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, stands proudly on top of a range of rocky hills with the sea in the distance. The city is the seat of the Scottish Government and the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh is an easy city to walk, especially the medieval streets of the Old Town, where you can feel the history that permeates it. Edinburgh Castle dates to the 12th century and watches over the city from Castle Rock. The city is also culturally rich, with a wide range of museums and art galleries to explore. The National Museum of Scotland is the best place to learn about the country’s history, while the National War Museum tells the story of Scotland at war from the 17th century onwards. Visit the Scottish National Gallery to see the national collection of Art and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to see more contemporary works. Edinburgh also hosts a number of festivals between July and September each year, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Glasgow offers visitors history, culture and character. Scotland’s largest city has a long maritime and industrial past but is evolving into a cultural, music and food destination. The city center hums with a wide range of performance venues, including the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Theatre Royal, home of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. Most of the city’s world class museums are free to visit while art is everywhere, including on the street, with huge murals decorating and elevating the side of city buildings. The award-winning Burrell Collection will amaze and delight you. Housed in Pollock Country Park, it features more than 9,000 objects that range across 6,000 years, and includes art by Rodin, Degas and Cezanne. The city boasts of more than 90 parks, justifying its sobriquet of ‘Dear Green Place’. Glasgow is also Scotland’s only UNESCO City of Music, with regular live music performances, both large and small. An award-winning food scene that caters to both budget and fine dining ensures there will be plenty to tickle your tastebuds too.