Study reveals the top only-in-Britain activities most loved by visitors from all over the world
A new study has revealed the top 'only-in-Britain' activities most visitors want to experience, with the Buckingham Palace topping the list for many countries, cosy pubs in Wales a draw for others, and the chance to spot wildlife in the Scottish Highlands a strong attraction for some. These are the unique experiences that topped the list:
Buckingham Palace
Nowhere but in Britain can you take a look around The Queen's home, and a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must-do on any summer trip to the capital. The palace is open daily from 2 August to 28 September next year, and you can book your tickets now. If those dates don't coincide with your visit, don't forget there are other royal palaces to experience. Windsor Castle is open daily all year round and under an hour's journey by train from London. The Queen's Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is at one end of the famous Royal Mile in Edinburgh, with stunning gardens to stroll in.
Edinburgh Castle
Scotland's capital is a stunner of a city, thanks to its beautiful architecture and stately gardens – but it wouldn't be Edinburgh without its Castle. The imposing attraction has many a story to tell, a must-visit at any time of the year. If you're lucky enough to be visiting the city during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, you're in for a treat: the Castle becomes the backdrop for almost a thousand pipers, drummers, singers and dancers, celebrating all things Scottish.
Scottish Wildlife
Scotland is home to some beautiful animals, and others like to dip in on their way around the world like the majestic ospreys, who visit the highlands and the borders before going to Africa. A highlight of wildlife spectacle has to be watching the annual deer 'rut', as stags battle for dominance and the chance to mate. The largest herds are found in the highlands and islands as well. The Scottish National Heritage and the Forestry Commission organise trips so you can see nature in action.
Snowdon’s Mountain Train
Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa, as it's known in native Welsh, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a spectacular way to arrive at the 'rooftop' of Wales, where you'll be greeted with breath-taking views and the highest visitor-centre in Britain. Snowdonia is also a great place to immerse yourself in Welsh culture – the area is bilingual, with 62% of the park's population calling Welsh their mother tongue.
Yorkshire's Moors
The northern English region of Yorkshire is beautiful – it has inspired painters like David Hockney, and authors like the Brontë sisters. Explore Haworth and Brontë Country by steam train, and go for a walk in the wild moors. Yorkshire will host the Grand départ of the Tour de France in July 2015.
Fish & Chips By The Seaside
The archetypal British dish is still a winner – and there's nothing like having it made with freshly caught fish on a trip to the seaside. Try it at famous chef Rick Stein's restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall (on the southwestern-most tip of England), where you can eat in or takeaway, or sit on a lobster creel up in Scotland at The Fish & Chip Van on Fisherman's Pier in Tobermory Harbour, on the Isle of Mull.
