An American Traveler’s Guide to the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is an exciting place to visit. Samuel Johnson said it best when he said, “Why, Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” Although his statement specifically addressed London, it applies to the entire nation. It has activities to suit every type of traveller.

For those who like historical sites, be sure to visit the Tower of London, Old Sarum/Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, and Bath. The Tower of London is one of London’s best known historical sites, and also one of its most interesting. I did not expect that it would thrill me as much as it did. Be sure to take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters. They are very knowledgeable, and also quite humorous. Salisbury Cathedral is a well-known cathedral that was built partially from the stones of Old Sarum, an ancient castle. It also hosts a copy of the Magna Carta. Make sure to visit the room where the Magna Carta is kept, and find out about its history from one of the knowledgeable staff onsite. Old Sarum is missing most of its stones, since they have been taken for other buildings nearby, but what remains is interesting. You can still see “rooms” of the castle, and it’s easy to imagine its grandeur. Stonehenge is one of the most visited sites in the UK, and it is almost obligatory that you see it. Bath has the rich history of being a site founded by the Romans. The baths would still be fit for use today if the roof had not collapsed. The audio tour is not as good as some of the sites where they interact with you, but the site itself makes up for it.

For those who like shopping, there are endless stores to visit. Thornton’s, Harrod’s, Lush, and any of the endless designer boutique stores that exist are all great places to shop. Thornton’s has real English toffee, which is very different than the American version of English toffee. It is chewy, yet firm, and has a buttery taste. You should ask for the special toffee, because that is what they call this heavenly concoction. Harrod’s is expensive, yet must be seen, since it is the standard of English department stores. It has a stuffy feeling to it, but it’s a pleasant stuffiness. There’s something there that sums up the entire British experience. Lush is a bath store, and they have the best, freshest scents around. Although they have stores nationwide, their London ones are a pleasant, uniquely London experience. And for the other shopping, it seems that every hip designer is required to have a London store for their line. If you have a favorite designer, you are certain to find many goodies in their London store.

For those who are visiting for the culture, the many gardens and parks, the West End, the Underground, the British Museum, and the London Eye are all good choices. The gardens in London are top-notch. Every year, many people visit the UK just to see its flowers. The West End is the London equivalent of Broadway. It is essential that you see at least one show while you are visiting. I mention the Underground, which is their subway system, as a source of culture, because it provides such a wide variety of people and things to see. Right next to a sign for the latest movie, or a chocolate bar, you can see posters for the latest art exhibits around town. The British Museum provides an exceptional look at priceless artifacts and historical treasures. The London Eye is a massive ferris wheel, from which you can view the city.

For the alternative types, Camden is the place to be. The shops here change frequently, but there are several places which have lasted. Cyberdog is a store/club which is very futuristic in nature. They offer lightup shirts, which are their signature product, but very pricy. I purchased a shirt that responds to the volume around you from a 6’6″ man in a miniskirt who painted hair on his bald head and called himself the “lightmaster.” Only in Camden. Slimelight is not far from Camden, and you are guaranteed to see the latest electronic bands there. Resurrection Records has new and secondhand music. Their prices are good, and their staff can help you find what you are looking for. If you are looking for unusual footwear, there are many stores in Camden Market which sell very unique items.

For the macabre, you must visit the London Dungeon and take a Jack the Ripper tour. While there are too many sites to name for the bloodier aspects of London, these two stand out. The London Dungeon is silly and at times irreverent. They have included a statue of Anne Robinson, of The Weakest Link, as one of their horrors. You start the tour alone, but inevitably run into a guide who takes you through the gory history of London. For the Jack the Ripper tours, make sure you do your research. Some tour operators dress up in silly costumes and bill themselves as the “real” Jack the Ripper tour. One I reccomend is the tour led by Donald Rumbelow. He is one of the world’s leading authorities on Jack the Ripper. I almost got to take a tour led by him on the anniversary of Mary Kelly’s death. Unfortunately, he was ill and unable to lead the tour, but an extremely knowledgeable woman took his place.

The United Kingdom is a vibrant, amazing place, and there are many sites to visit there. Pick the things that interest you, and don’t be afraid to try something you thought would not interest you.