A mini-tour of London
What better way to cruise London’s streets than in a chauffeur-driven retro design classic — smallcarBIGCITY (http://www.smallcarbigcity.com/) operate tours of London in a fleet of vintage Minis.
Archery in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Round up your merry men and unleash your inner Robin Hood in Nottingham Forest, the hideout of Britain’s most infamous outlaw. You can learn archery all over the UK but there’s something extra special about hitting the target in this ancient, mysterious woodland. Into the Blue (http://www.intotheblue.co.uk) organizes lessons for up to 12 people.
Ghost walks, Edinburgh
Brave one of the most haunted cities in Europe and take a tour of Edinburgh’s dark alleys and underground chambers. In the city of real-life body snatchers Burke and Hare you’ll find scares aplenty. Try the Real Mary King’s Close (http://www.realmarykingsclose.com) for a good mix of history and horror or for all-out blood curdling mayhem try City of the Dead (http://www.blackhart.uk.com) — the only tour in Edinburgh to have access to the lair of the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist.
Summer music festivals, UK-wide
Summers in Britain sing with literally hundreds of sizzling music festivals from the gargantuan Glastonbury to small boutique festivals specializing in everything from folk to funk. Ravers boogie on down to dancefest Creamfields (http://www.creamfields.com/news/creamfields-2011-early-bird) while folkies flock to Cambridgeshire (http://www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk/) for the ever popular Cambridge Folk Festival (http://www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk). Take your pick from these and hundreds more but be sure to book early. For full festival listings check out the efestivals website: http://www.efestivals.co.uk.
Festival of Britain 60th anniversary, London
It’s been 60 years since the original Festival of Britain, the enormous celebration of art and culture that yanked London out of its post-war blues, took place. And now it’s back. Between April 22 and Sept. 4.
Open Air Theatre in Regents Park, London
Regents Park Open Air Theatre (http://openairtheatre.org) has something of a magical air. Tucked in a leafy grotto within this elegant Royal Park the outdoor stage twinkles with fairy lights and echoes with the applause of appreciative audiences.
Coasteering on the Pembrokeshire coast
Britain has given the world many sports, but none use the natural beauty of Britain quite like coasteering. Here's how it works: pick a stretch of British coastline, preferably one with craggy cliffs, foaming swells and sea caves. Next, don a wetsuit and, with the help of an expert guide, climb, swim, jump and abseil your way along. For more information, check out the Celtic Quest website: http://www.celticquestcoasteering.com.
Summer Season events, UK-wide
The ‘summer season’ in Britain is chock full of events where high society come to mingle, gossip and wear fabulous hats! In May, visit the blooming beautiful Chelsea Flower Show, a favorite with the Queen.
Football stadium tours, UK-wide
Football, cricket, rugby, golf: Name a sport and there’s a good chance the Brits invented it. Sit in the dug-out at Old Trafford, tour the players’ dressing room at Liverpool FC or discover Celtic’s fascinating history. And if you want to re-live the triumphs and tragedies of English international soccer, visit Wembley Stadium.
Markets, UK-wide
Whether you're after vintage clothes, unusual antiques or organic food, you're bound to find a bargain. In London, try the famous Portobello Road Market for antiques, fruit and veg, great clothes, jewelry and household items; Columbia Road for a riot of plants and fresh flowers or Spitalfields for cool clobber. In Wales, Cardiff’s beautiful old Victorian Market is a must for collectors of specialist records and books.
Luxury shopping, London
If its luxury goods your after, look no further than London where iconic shops like Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges jostle for custom. New Bond Street, Old Bond Street and Mayfair — popular with celebrities on a spree — are home to big names including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
Go Ape, UK-wide
Go Ape courses are located all over the country and combine tree climbing with zip wires, canopy walkways, swings and balance beams.
Hiking in the Lake District
Rugged peaks, sparkling lakes and some of the UK’s most enchanting countryside await you in the Lake District, a landscape that’s inspired poets, painters and writers for hundreds of years.
James Bond style speedboat tour on the Thames, London
You’ll even spot the real life British Secret Service HQ and go on Bond’s journey to the 02 arena that he makes by boat in The World Is Not Enough.
See top UK film locations, UK-wide
Don't just take our word for it: Filmmakers, cast and crew have filmed some true classics here from Harry Potter to Braveheart and Pride and Prejudice to The King’s Speech.
Dine in the dark at Dans Le Noir, London
Dans le Noir is advertised as a ‘sensory culinary experience’ — it’s also a bizarre and hilarious one.
A Night Out
Ministry of Sound, China White, Funky Buddha, KOKO, Movida, Boujis, Café De Paris, Maya and Vendome are amongst the most popular spots in the city of love. And if you’re serious about sound try Digital nightclub (http://www.yourfutureisdigital.com/newcastle/); they play quality dance music from house to drum and bass through one of the best sound systems in Europe.
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London
The magnificent neo-gothic turrets of the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras lay empty for nearly 20 years. But this iconic, romantic and theatrical building is now set to reopen as the spectacular St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London. With Marcus Wareing, one of Britain’s top chefs, at the helm of the restaurant and a bar, in the jaw dropping former ticket hall, serving classic cocktails, it’s the must go nightlife destination of 2011.
Live music, Manchester
Try small venues like Band on the Wall, the Deaf Institute and the Night and Day Café for the best fresh talent and be sure to explore the Northern Quarter with its independent shops, cool bars and clubs.
— Compiled by Mariam Nihal with input from
www.visitbritain.com
