UK's Top Free Attractions
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 14 August 2010
Well you know what they say, the best things in life are free, or so goes the song.
And according to TripAdvisor travellers, it could well be true.
With the school summer holidays in full swing, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, reveals the UK’s top ten free attractions - as ranked by real travellers through the site’s Popularity Index.
"This shows that you don’t have to spend a fortune in the UK to have a good time, and despite its expensive reputation, it also proves that London, boasting six of the top 10 free attractions, can be an affordable tourist destination too if you do your research," explains TripAdvisor spokesperson, Emma O’Boyle.
So let's have a look at their top ten!
1). Imperial War Museum, London, England
This award-winning museum tells the story of conflict involving Britain and the Commonwealth since 1914. See thousands of imaginatively displayed exhibits, from art to aircraft, utility clothes to U-boats. Highlights range from tanks and tours to personal letters and ration books. One TripAdvisor visitor recalls, "Wonderful fragments and recreation of the conditions and scenes from that era, shocking some of it was only 60 years ago."
2). The National Gallery, London, England
Located in the capital’s iconic Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western European painting in the world. Discover inspiring art by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Titian, Vermeer and Van Gogh. As one TripAdvisor traveller comments, "It is amazing that this art is viewable for free, in London this is a must visit."
3). Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
A World Heritage Site, Giant's Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the rugged Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. This intriguing rock formation is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea and has been shrouded in myth and legend for centuries. One TripAdvisor traveller sums it up, "Breathtaking scenery, I could have stayed in this area all week."
4). The Wallace Collection, London, England
The Wallace Collection is a museum displaying superb works of art in an historic London town house. The twenty eight rooms present collections of French 18th century paintings, furniture and porcelain together with paintings by Titian, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Gainsborough. As one TripAdvisor reviewer notes, "Perfect if you really want to feel what it was like to be in a posh London 18th century home."
5). British Museum, London, England
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collections span over two million years of human history and culture, all under one roof. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, Sutton Hoo viking treasures and the Portland Vase. As one impressed TripAdvisor traveller comments, "The best thing in London - all the treasures of the world, and it's FREE!"
6). Borough Market, London, England
This gourmand's delight is London's oldest food market and boasts a mouth-watering range of fresh food stalls under its Dickensian wrought-iron roof. Enjoy browsing, tasting and buying Italian cheeses, Morecambe Bay shrimps, Spanish meats and much more. Atmospheric, lively and mouth-watering this is a definite must for any foodie. As one TripAdvisor user explains, "This place really will really stimulate your senses. Everything is brilliantly displayed with the quality of produce outstanding."
7). RAF Museum Cosford, Shropshire, England
The Royal Air Force Museum houses one of the largest aviation collections in the country -70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars within The National Cold War Exhibition. This unique exhibition reflects the social, cultural and political history of the Cold War era in a fun and innovative way. As one fan on TripAdvisor comments, "We have been three times in the past year and each visit has been wonderful. Free admission and great for a rainy day too."
8). Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland
Arthur's Seat is one of the seven hills of Edinburgh and is the remains of an extinct volcano rise. Arguably the best views are to the west overlooking Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the New Town. As one TripAdvisor traveller comments, "I loved this experience. Quite difficult to get to the top but it's definitely worth it. The views of the sea, the city and the mountains left me speechless."
9). St. James's Park, London, England
This 90-acre park, the oldest Royal Park in London, features a large lake that is a wildlife sanctuary for ducks, geese, swans and even pelicans. Three royal palaces skirt St James's Park, including Buckingham Palace. As one TripAdvisor user explains, "During spring and summer the flower beds are absolutely stunning with large swathes of colour."
10). St Fagan’s National History Museum, Cardiff, Wales
St Fagan’s is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagan’s Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. As one TripAdvisor fan points out, "It’s great to be able to have the chance to appreciate the history of Wales and experience life as it was hundreds of years ago."
