If you are the kind who fancies the offbeat and quirky, the United Kingdom offers its visitors a variety of enchanting attractions that allow you to delve into the country’s rich history and culture without having to battle crowds and long queues. By hiring a car from Firefly on your trip to the UK, you will be able to embark on a memorable journey around the country without burning a hole in your pocket.
- The Westminster Cathedral
If you are starting your holiday in London, skip the crowds and head to Westminster Cathedral. While most tourists are thronging its namesake, the Westminster Abbey, you will be able to spend time exploring the gorgeous Byzantine facade of domes, exquisite balconies and towers along with its fascinating interiors in relative peace. The best part is, compared to the steep 20 pound entry fee of the Abbey, entry into the cathedral is absolutely free. You may have to pay a small fee to enter the Campanile Bell Tower.
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
The beguilingly beautiful London home of Sir John Soane, the architect of the Bank of England, is a charming little museum housing some great art, architectural treasures and amazing artefacts that he collected from all over the world. Highlights include the Egyptian Sarcophagus and the full set of William Hogarth’s “Rakes Progress”. Open between Tuesdays and Saturdays, entry into this museum is absolutely free.
- 78 Derngate, The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House
Leave the mayhem of London behind, head for Northampton, England to visit the Charles Rennie Mackintosh House. The house’s interiors are regarded as being particularly striking as they were remodelled in 1916 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a master of British art nouveau, for his client, W.J Bassett-Lowke. This structure is considered to be his only domestic project in the UK. This building also has a gallery that hosts some changing exhibits and events on a regular basis. Although entry to the Mackintosh House costs seven pounds per person, entry to the visitors’ centre with galleries, and the Dining Room Restaurant is free of cost.
- Corris Mine Explorers
Closed in the 1960s, the mines of Braich Goch, rooted in the industrial history of Wales are worth a visit. If you are up for some adventure, exploring this mine allows you to venture deep into the darkness and spot things the miners left behind in the form of helmets, lamp belts, cigarette packets and more. Get first-hand experience of the hazardous working conditions of the miners. An hour long trip in this fascinating mine would cost you eleven pounds.
In addition to this, you will also enjoy exploring the town of Cambridge where the Kettle’s Yard art gallery offers a charming collection of modern art. Admission is totally free, but some of the activities are not. The Royston Caves in Hertfordshire, believed to date back to the 14th century, have some unique carvings on the walls and are certainly worth a visit. Admission charges are reasonable at 5 pounds per adult.