As the most visited city in the United Kingdom, London is also one of the most visited locations in the world, ranking third in terms of visitors. It provides travellers with an inconceivable number of attractions to choose from. No matter how long your vacation or business trip in London lasts, you’ll always have a reason to return and spend a few days exploring the city’s sights and attractions.
While London is a fantastic destination, there are many more intriguing sites to visit in the United Kingdom that should not be missed. A little longer stay in London can serve as a jumping-off point for exploring all of these places with a corporate chauffeur service after you’ve finished your business trip. You will discover that there are numerous points of interest in the vicinity of London that may be visited in a single day during your vacation/business trip itinerary.
Stonehenge
First and foremost, you must see the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, not only because of its historical significance, but also because of its magic and mysticism, which aids the imagination in believing all of the credible and incredible theories about the origin of this megalithic place, which was built in three phases more than 5,000 years ago, although the circle that we can see today would date from 2,000 BC, and which, of course, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is also a highly interesting permanent exhibition that describes the history of the monument and displays relics, materials, and artefacts discovered in the surrounding area, all of which is free to visit. A reproduction of Neolithic houses, where you can see what residences were like 4,500 years ago, as well as demonstrations of ancient domestic duties such as grinding grain with a stone grinder, producing rope, and so on, is also available.
Kew Gardens
There are thousands of different plant species in Kew Gardens, which is a major botanical garden and greenhouse located around 15 kilometres from London and home to thousands of different species of plants.
While strolling through the park, you’ll come across a variety of themed gardens, water ponds, museums, and historical monuments. The Beehive, the Water Garden, the Arboretum, the Azalea Garden, the Temperate House, the Pagoda, the Palm House, and the Rose Garden are just a few of the features of the park.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampstead Court Palace is a historic building in southwest London on the banks of the River Thames that was built by Henry VIII in the early 16th century and is considered one of Britain’s most important historical monuments.
Aside from that, it is well-known for the stories of alleged ghosts that are said to haunt its hallways, such as the mythology surrounding Catherine Howard, one of Henry VIII’s wives who was sentenced to death by the monarch after being convicted of infidelity.
The Cumberland Art Gallery, which contains works by artists such as Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Holbein, the Chapel Royal, which is notable for its ostentatious decoration, and the Great Dining Room, which was used to prepare two banquets a day for approximately 600 people, can all be found on the first floor.
At the conclusion of the indoor tour, make sure to take a stroll through the exquisite grounds surrounding the Palace, which include the world-famous labyrinth.
Windsor Castle
It was built in the 11th century following the Norman invasion and is today known as Windsor Castle, which is the oldest royal palace in Europe.
Most notable are St. George’s Chapel, which is a jewel of Gothic art; the State Apartments, which contain luxurious objects from various periods and works by artists such as Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Holbein and Van Dyck; Queen Mary’s Doll House; and the spectacular gardens that surround the castle.
Bath
This lovely city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is most known for its 2,000-year-old Roman baths, which were built around natural hot springs.
Despite the fact that the Romans were the first to construct these baths, it was not until the 18th century that Bath began to grow on a bigger scale, becoming a popular destination for the upper classes of London.
You may also take in the sights of Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, Prior Park, and various museums, in addition to the Roman baths.
Canterbury
In addition to being one of the most attractive and well-preserved mediaeval cities in the country, it is also famed for its Canterbury Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Archbishop Thomas Becket was assassinated there in 1170, the location became even more well-known throughout history.
Despite the fact that the Cathedral is the primary attraction, it is worthwhile to pay a visit to St. Augustine’s Abbey and stroll along the city’s main streets.
Read also: Magical Places Around London That You Can Explore After Your Business Trip