Question for our U.K. friends. I need some recommendations for cool places to visit that are NOT so...?

Question

obviously "touristy." I don't want to do the same old crap that everyone who comes to England does, i.e., Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, etc. Yawn...

My mom is from England, so I'm trying to get in touch with my roots, so to speak. I'm in my early 40's, so I'm not into the club scene. Love cultural attractions, architecture, shopping, arts, quaint villages, history, etc. I've never been to England, and I would probably spend about a week there if I go.

Answer 1

Scenic melancholy, short of going to Ireann, Devon and Cornwall, South West of England, deems a visit of two to four days. It may take a better half of a day traveling from London by coach. Do check the weather this time of the year.

On the way to Devon and Cornwall, drop by Lovell Telescope and Arboretum at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, for a spot of picnicking.

Picturesque stone cottages and piratey harbours makes for scenic coastal villages and country sides of St.Ives, Penzance and Newquay.

North coast west of Cornwall, lies St Just Heritage Area, accords an expansive view of the North Atlantic seas with visually imposing mining artifacts, ancient stone circles and pre-historic field systems. Did some painting and astronomy a while back. A splendid spot of change from the City though mind you, it can be a tad windy by the coast.

Around are decent family pubs, museums, fish and chip shoppes providing an interesting array of fish, from cods, marlins to shark meat.

Fancy rambling and horseback riding? Helford River is noted for its oyster beds, sailing boats and wooded banks, and through the woods to Frenchman's Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier.

Ruby Country in Devon has wooded trails crossing flowing rivers, though the South Downs by South of England are equally if not more attractive. Don’t forget to bring along your wellies.

Answer 2

I get what you mean. I'm an Australian who lives in London, so I've probably done more travel than most English!! ;)

In London: go to the East side. Hit Shoreditch and Old Street. You can see the grittier side of London life. It's very "alternative" and you'll find great food. Plenty of independent art galleries in that area. Add to this the fact that it is sandwiched between Liverpool St (the financial district) and Brick Lane (where all of the curry houses are).

Also in London: go to the Hampstead Heath area. It is absolutely massive and there is plenty to explore. Outside of the park there is a real village atmosphere with the smaller shops and cafes.

Outside of London: Go to Gloucester, Gloucestershire and see the Cheese Rolling. Massive rolls of cheese are rolled down a VERY steep hill and crazy people go tumbling after it. Ambulances leave the scene like taxis. You'll get to see some countryside on the way.

Castle: Go and see Bodian Castle. It's near Robertsbridge (there's an overland train to there). It has some spectacular countryside nearby, so bring your walking shoes and enjoy it. The castle is spectacular in a fairytale style with a beautiful moat around it.

Answer 3

If your mum came from England then you should try and go back to her home town. I would avoid London and fly into Manchester and see some of northern England. If you want old there is Chester and York, more modern (ie Victorian) try Bradford or Liverpool (you don't have to do the Beatles trail but the Maritime Museum is superb). And you won't get anything better than the North Yorkshire Moors if you are looking for countryside you don't get anywhere else.

Answer 4

Annapolis, Md. is about an hour from Washington. it really is a outstanding colonial city perfect on the water, with homes and homes courting decrease back to the 1700's. there are a spread of historic hotels and B&B's to stay in. visit the Naval Academy, the position John Paul Jones is buried. bypass the Chesapeake bay for the historic cities of St. Michaels, Easton, Oxford and Chestertown. there are a spread of 1700's homes and estates, from early american to Civil conflict eras. Newport, RI, for the historic mansions equipped by the Vanderbilts and different wealthy households. Take between the abode excursions to adventure the impressive artwork and antiques and the opulence of those estates; there's a historic seaport besides. Santa Fe, NM for the community Indian lifestyle. you could visit the pueblos and participate in between the Indian gala's. The Spanish project lifestyle is stunning, and there are a spread of human beings artwork museums and historic web pages, courting decrease back to the unique Santa Fe path.

Answer 5

Hi, well, I currently live in Durham, on the north east side of the UK and you might really enjoy visiting the city http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/ the Cathedral is wonderful, yes it does get a lot of tourists, but it's still a remarkable place to visit and just walk around. http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/
Durham is also a really quaint town to shop in, there are cobbled streets and lots of little interesting shops tucked away down alley ways. it has nice restaurants and coffee places, and if the weather's nice you can walk by the river near the university.
I hope you have a lovely visit

Answer 6

I'm English and i like Stratford upon Avon(shakespeare) and York(York minster)both places are have alot of history.There are lots of places that you could go to but sadly a week would'nt be enough. Have a nice trip.