Britain & Ireland's Most-Visited Attractions

Located in central London, The British Museum is the United Kingdom's most popular museum, attracting close to 6 million visitors per year. First opened in 1759, it now stands as one of the oldest museums on the planet. Within its walls, you can find some of the most important artefacts of human history.

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Some of the museum's most popular pieces include two large stone figures from Easter Island and the Benin Bronzes (a selection of sculptures from the West African Kingdom of Benin). And, most controversially of all, The Elgin Marbles (a series of marble architectural decorations taken from the temple of Athena, in Greece). The marbles were created between 447 and 432 BC, and are frequently a source of friction between the Greek government and The British Museum. While Greece was their original home, the British Museum say that they helped avoid their certain destruction in the 19th century — while Greece was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

First established in 1824, and located in Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery has been a beacon of culture in Central London for over 200 years. The first inception of The National Gallery was found at 100 Pall Mall, in the townhouse of its founder — John Julius Angerstein. As the gallery began to grow, it was decided that it would need to be moved to a larger premises. The building at Trafalgar Square became the gallery's official home in 1983. William Wilkins was the original building's architect, and it has since undergone an array of alterations and extensions.

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Today, The National Gallery is home to over 2,300 paintings. These include works from some of the arts most famous names, such as Vermeer, da Vinci, Monet, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and van Gogh — encompassing the primary genres of painting found in Western Europe. The gallery's permanent collection is broken into eight rooms or 'movements', including Impressionism, Romanticism, Rococo, Baroque, High Renaissance, and Early Renaissance. The oldest painting of the collection is Virgin and Child Enthroned by Margarito d'Arezzo, which dates back to 1263.

The National Gallery hosts workshops, family events, and one-off exhibitions throughout the year. While the main collection is always free to enter, there may be a fee for the specialist exhibitions and events.

Located on the northern banks of the River Thames, The Tower of London is home to some fascinating, and chilling, stories of England. Throughout its time, it has been a royal palace, treasury, mint, armoury, and even a zoo, the Tower is perhaps most renowned for its role as a notorious prison, where monarchs and nobles, including Henry VIII's ill-fated wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, met their tragic ends.

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The main attraction here is the Crown Jewels, featuring the world's largest diamonds, and protected by their live-in guards the Yeomen Warders, more commonly known as Beefeaters. The Tower is also home to a somewhat more important resident, a flock of ravens. It is said, that should ravens no longer live within the grounds, the British Kingdom will crumble. To avoid such a fate, there are spare ravens kept in the aviary — with their wing feathers clipped to make doubly sure!

You are free to wander through the tower however you please. But, you can also be guided by one of the Beefeater guards, which is included in the admission fee. This is a more rewarding experience, especially if it's your first visit. They have all the tower knowledge you need, and make sure you get to see its highlights.

During the infancy of marine navigation, of which Britain was at the forefront, there became a greater need to record such things as accuracy and timekeeping, as well as the measurement of longitude. In 1674, King Charles II set up a Royal Commission to maximize Britain's seafaring potential. One of the people involved was Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul's Cathedral and renowned astronomer, who brought forward the idea of creating an observatory. On the same day that Wren decided on Greenwich as the home for the observatory, King Charles II appointed John Flamsteed as its first 'Astronomer Royal'.

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Using recycled material, the observatory, often called Flamsteed House, was built by Flamsteed and his two servants at the site of the ruined Greenwich Castle for a total cost of £520.45. Over the next 42 years, as the Astronomer Royal, Flamsteed oversaw the development of the observatory, to house ongoing extensions and ever more sophisticated instruments. During his tenure, Flamsteed took over 50,000 observations of the moon and stars.

Today, the main attraction of the Royal Observatory Greenwich remains Flamsteed House. This is the redbrick building, with its distinctive red ball that slides up and down the weather vane. The ball is set to the top at 12:55pm each day and is dropped at exactly 1pm. This allows vessels on the Thames to coordinate their chronometers — A device used to measure time, developed to maintain accuracy despite movement or changes in temperature.

The iconic dome of St Paul's Cathedral has graced the London skyline since 1710. The site was once a pagan place of worship and has been a religious sanctuary for over 1,400 years. The structure we see today has survived the Blitz's Luftwaffe of World War II, and, before London's skyscraper boom of recent years, it stood as the tallest building in the city until 1963.

An earlier version of St Paul's Cathedral was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. And, under the guidance of one of the world's most revered architects, Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral was rebuilt to its current glory. In 1981, St Paul's Cathedral was the location for the wedding of Charles, the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.

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The highlight of a tour of St Paul's Cathedral is the magnificent dome that sits on top. Having been inspired by the Vatican's St Peter's Basilica, Christopher Wren replaced the cathedral's former tower with what is today regarded as one of London's most recognisable landmarks. As you climb towards the dome, 527 spiral steps in total, and take in the breathtaking views of London, the genius of Sir Christopher Wren comes to the fore. There is a touching monument to Wren in the crypt below the cathedral, as well as a memorial to around 300 historic figures from Britain's past, including Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

Edinburgh Castle, standing proudly over Scotland's capital for almost a millennium, serves as a powerful symbol of national pride and testament to the country's captivating history. Over the centuries, the castle grounds have played diverse roles, functioning as a royal residence, a prison, and a fortress. Impressively, the castle has weathered 26 sieges without ever being breached. Today, it stands as one of Britain's most cherished tourist destinations. During its time as a royal residence, Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James VI in the royal palace. The grounds are also home to Edinburgh's oldest building, St. Margaret's Chapel, named in honour of Queen Margaret.

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Approaching from the top of The Royal Mile, a road connecting Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle, you enter the castle through the expansive courtyard known as the Esplanade. Built in 1753 as a platform for Edinburgh Military events, the Esplanade in more recent times plays host to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo every August, featuring military music and marching performances. From here, pass through the castle gatehouse, guarded by statues of Scottish heroes Robert of Bruce and William Wallace (Braveheart).

Within the castle grounds, notable attractions include the Argyle Battery, one of the five cannon firing stations, the One O'Clock Gun (fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday, with a resounding cannon blast), as well as St. Margaret's Chapel, the Grand Hall, and the Scottish National War Memorial.

Located in Edinburgh city centre, the building that houses the National Museum of Scotland dates back to the mid-19th century. The museum was founded in 2006, when the Royal Museum and the Museum of Scotland merged. The architecture of the building seamlessly blends the old with the new. Designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Robert Matheson in the 1860s, the building's modern section was completed in 1998.

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The National Museum of Scotland is made up of an extensive array of artefacts covering a wide range of fields. These include archaeology, natural history, Scottish history, science and technology. Some of the museum's most well-known pieces include the taxidermy remains of Dolly the Sheep, the world's first cloned mammal, as well as numerous displays from the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman empires. The museum acts as a safeguard for Scotland's cultural legacy, as well as showcasing some of the world's most fascinating recordings of its history, science and culture.

Take a look behind the scenes of one of the biggest film franchises of all time — Harry Potter. Located about 20 miles northwest of London city, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London invites you to explore Diagon Alley, the Great Hall, Platform 9¾, the Hogwarts Express and the Forbidden Forest, amongst many other sets where the eight Harry Potter films were shot. Featuring astonishingly detailed sets and a host of animatronic characters and creatures, this tour is at the cutting-edge of its genre.

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First opened in March 2012, the studio tour has become a popular attraction for both the British public and fans across the globe ever since. And, it's not just fans that are left astonished, anyone who joins along with friends and family is said to become a fan during the tour — there's magic afoot! While some areas are a mainstay of the tour, such as Professor Sprout's Greenhouse and Diagon Alley, others are seasonal, including Dark Arts and Hogwarts in the Snow. It's always best to check the official calendar to avoid disappointment.

Shaped like a giant pint of the black stuff, this most popular of Dublin attractions towers over the surrounding neighbourhoods. The site of the brewery itself is massive, at a staggering 26 hectares. However, it will be the old grain storehouse that you visit. The building was constructed in 1902 and was the St. James's Gate Brewery's fermentation plant - where yeast is added to the brew. Designed in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture and classed as one of the first skyscrapers in the British Isles. In 1997 the building was redesigned to become the tourist attraction we know today, the Guinness Storehouse.

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Opened in December 2000, Guinness Storehouse has become the most visited attraction in Ireland. To date, they have welcomed over 20 million visitors. Over the years there have been numerous investments made to ensure that the tour features the most cutting-edge technology available to explore the past, present and future of St. James's Gate. At the end of the tour, at the top-floor Gravity Bar guests are greeted with a delightful panorama view across the Dublin cityscape with a complimentary well-earned pint (providing the guest is 18 or over). The Guinness Storehouse is a favourite memory for a lot of people on their tour of Ireland.

The self-guided tour will take you through the history of the brewery and the brewing process spread out over 7 floors. The visitor experience uses audiovisual and interactive displays to tell its story. The experience will take about 90 minutes.

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular and frequently most-hyped attractions on any of our Ireland tours, and the views will not disappoint. Rising to a height of 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long, these sheer vertical cliffs hold a steady, undulating line against the tireless advance of the Atlantic below. A better view of the sea and setting sun on any Ireland tour you will not find.

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Another thing you will not find is the visitor centre; at least, until you get close, you won't find it. Designed very cleverly to blend into the local landscape, this extensive attraction is all but invisible as you approach the cliffs themselves. Inside, it is large, modern and informative.

You can also climb the O'Brien's Tower, a 19th century lookout tower with a viewing platform. Please note that entrance to the tower is limited each day. To get different perspective of the Cliffs and maybe even the best views in good weather conditions, you can visit the Cliffs by boat.

First built over 5,000 years ago, and taking an estimated 1,000 years to construct, experts are today still unsure of the exact reason why Stonehenge was built. While they know it was used as an astronomical clock, the time and effort afforded to its construction tells them there must have been something more meaningful to the Ancient Britons who placed it here. Around 3000 BC, the first stage of Stonehenge's existence was created. With 56 chalk pits, used to house cremated remains, laid out in a ring formation of over 330 feet in diameter. Some 500 years after this, the huge sarsen stones used as the iconic trilithons (the two large vertical stones, and the one horizontal stone they support) were put in place, having been somehow transported from over 20 miles away.

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Today, close to the site of Stonehenge, you find the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. Here, you can get a detailed audiovisual breakdown of the site's development, as well as its solar alignments. There are also displays featuring items found at the site over the years, including antler picks (used to dig out pits)and arrowheads. Best of all, there's a 360-degree projection of Stonehenge, showing the changing of the seasons and the midsummer sunrise as seen from the inner circle of the site.

Windsor Castle overlooks both the towns of Eton and Windsor (The wealthiest town in Britain, and home to more than 250 multi-millionaires). The site of the castle was originally chosen by William the Conqueror in 1070, with its construction lasting until 1086. It was built to guard the Western approach into London. In 1992, during what Queen Elizabeth II called her 'annus horribilis', or horrible year, a fire broke out in Windsor Castle and burned for 15 hours — destroying 115 of the castle's rooms. To cover some of the cost of the rebuild, the Queen started to pay income tax in 1993, making her the first British monarch, since the 1930s, to do so.

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Having been the home of 40 monarchs, Windsor Castle is both the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. It is open throughout the year to the public, and offers a fascinating look into the day-to-day lives of British Royalty. Highlights of the tour include the ceremonial rooms, especially the Grand Reception Room, which uses real gold to decorate its walls and ceiling, and is adorned with stunning chandeliers. A favour with both kids and adults alike is Queen Mary's Dolls' House — a present to Queen Mary in 1924, the miniature rooms feature art, books, furniture and even running water and electricity!

On the castle grounds, you can also explore St George's Chapel, the final resting place of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. And, on Thursdays and Sundays, there's also the chance to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Forming the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, The Roman Baths have lured visitors to their warm waters for almost 3,000 years. In 863 BC, according to legend, Prince Bladud founded the city after his pigs were miraculously cured of leprosy from the mineral-rich mud of the hot springs. There is evidence of human settlements here dating as far back as 8,000 BC, but it was the Romans who turned the baths into a social haven during the 1st century AD.

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The Roman Baths today stand as a testament to the Roman architecture of the time, and one of the most popular historic sites in Britain. From the reception hall, where you can pick up your personal audioguide, you can make your way onto the terrace overlooking the Great Bath. The terrace is decorated with statues of Roman emperors and British noblemen dating from 1894. The Great Bath is a 5-foot-deep pool of hot spring water and is lined with 45 sheets of lead.

The Terrace and the Great Bath are just the tip of the iceberg though. The rest of the site extends below the modern-day streets and squares that surround it, and are a treasure trove of ancient Roman artefacts. A series of CGI reconstructions and projections show you how the baths would have looked during the peak of its popularity. As a haven for relaxation and leisure, the Romans even installed saunas, changing rooms and plunge pools that are still visible today.

For a exploration of Bath on foot, check out our our Bath City Walking Tour page.

Set amidst a pit of reclaimed china clay, The Eden Project in Cornwall, England is a labour of love designed to promote environmental awareness and protection. The project is made up of two large domes, one that is designed to house a Mediterranean environment and the other to simulate a rainforest — the largest of its kind on the planet. There is also an outdoor botanical garden that plays hosts to an array of plants and wildlife. You find flora and fauna that's both native to Cornwall and the rest of Britain.

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The idea for the Eden Project has been in pipeline since 1996, with its visit centre eventually opening in 2000. The full site opened in March 2001, and has been a massive attraction for the British public and visitors from across the globe ever since. The Eden Project has been used as the location for multiple TV shows and films through its time, including the James Bond film Die Another Day and The Bad Education Movie. Since 2002, the development has played host to a series of music concerts known as the Eden Sessions. Acts that have headlined the show include, Lionel Richie, Elton John, Amy Winehouse and Oasis.

Muckross Estate, the focal point of the Killarney National Park, was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. Its grounds became Ireland's first national park and. Over time, it has expanded to encompass nearly 25,500 acres of lakes, mountains and native oakwoods and yew woods. This includes the highest mountain range in Ireland, called MacGillycuddy's Reeks.

The jewel in the crown of the park is its majestic lakes, Lough Leane (the lower lake), Muckross Lake (the middle lake), and the Upper Lake. These lakes make up a quarter of the park's area and continue to draw admirers in huge numbers ever since the park first opened. Hidden behind Dinis Cottage you can find the place, called Meeting of the Waters, where these three lakes meet.

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Killarney National Parks & Lakes are located a short distance from the town of Kenmare on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Ireland's longest circular route covers some staggeringly beautiful scenery, including lakes, beaches, glens, castle ruins, off-shore islands, mountains and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean to the west. A journey around the Ring of Kerry is a must for any first-time visitor to Ireland.

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In a car or bus, the Ring of Kerry's 180 km can provide distractions enough to fill a day, but there is no shortage of places to stay overnight and, depending on your interests, you can certainly find plenty of interesting diversions to make it a trip of two or more days. If it's your first time driving country roads in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry would not be an advisable place to start. Even the most seasoned of Irish drivers can struggle here. Sometimes the road will be so narrow as to barely fit one car, add the endless amount of tour buses passing up and down the road and you'll have a front row seat for some very skilled manoeuvring.

The Skellig Ring, a shorter and less travelled route, is an extension of the Ring of Kerry. This hidden gem is just as quaint as the famous Ring, but without the tour buses. If you can't get enough of the peninsula, you can explore the heartland as well with it's windy roads that cut through the hills.

According to Gaelic mythology, the causeway was built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool) so that he could reach Scotland and fight with his Scottish rival, Benandonner. As with all great rivalries, the outcome varies depending on whose version is being recounted.

More scientific data suggests that the spectacular formation is a result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption around 50 to 60 million years ago. The 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed through the cooling and contracting of the resultant lava.

In 1693, the causeway began to enjoy international acclaim; Sir Richard Bulkeley, of Trinity College, mentioned the phenomenon in a paper presented to the Royal Society of London. In 1739, Susanna Drury really kick-started the global love affair with Giant's Causeway through her watercolour paintings, which were later engraved in 1743.

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One legendary status which is not disputed, though, is the Causeway's immense pulling power as a tourist destination, with 750,000 visitors making the trip annually. Here, tourists can enjoy not only the geological feature itself, but also the modern and impressive Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience.

Ireland's most prestigious university is arguably its most attractive too. Covering no less than 16 hectares, the college buildings and grounds are a poetic tribute to the best of Victorian architecture. Receiving its charter from Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College remained exclusively protestant until 1793. Today, such prejudices and exclusions are long gone, and Trinity enjoys a global reputation as a leading institution for learning, teaching and research.

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The Old Library building at Trinity College is home to the Book of Kells, which is the most richly decorated of Ireland's medieval illuminated manuscripts. The book contains the four gospels in Latin. Some of the dyes used were imported from as far as the Middle East. When you are visiting the Book of Kells exhibition, take some time to admire the Long Room. Its oak bookcases hold 200,000 of the library's oldest books.

A striking Victorian building located in the heart of Glasgow City, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a literal treasure trove of art and history. The building's sandstone exterior is of a Spanish Baroque style, and was first opened in 1901, during the height of the British Empire, and was originally known as the Palace of Fine Arts. After a three-year refurbishment, the Kelvingrove was reopened to the public in July 2006 by Queen Elizabeth II. This refurbishment included the addition of a basement extension, a new restaurant and a new, easier-to-follow layout. A Spitfire British Army plane was also added to the ceiling above the life gallery, a particular treat for kids and military buffs alike.

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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is broken into two sections, East: Expression and West: Life. In the East section, you'll find art pieces ranging from the French Art, Dutch Art, and Scottish Colourists movements. This area also takes a deep dive into Scotland's own identity within art history. Highlights of the East section include Salvador Dalí's' Christ of St John of the Cross and James Guthrie's Old Willie. In the West section, there are historical and natural artefacts ranging from Ancient Egypt to Scotland's Wildlife. Sir Roger, a ten-foot elephant statue acts as the West section's centrepiece. The East and West sections are divided by the Centre Hall which acts as both the reception and the home of the museum's centrepiece, the concert pipe organ. First put in place in for the Glasgow International Exhibition held here in 1901, the organ has held pride of place ever since.

Dublin Zoo is one of the world's oldest zoos, established in 1831. From its humble beginnings, of just a handful of tigers, elephants and lions, it has become home to over 400 animals, from across 100 species. Over its 193-year history, Dublin Zoo has grown to become one of Ireland's most beloved and popular attractions. Located within Dublin City's Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo spans 69 acres broken into several habitats including the South American House, the World of Primates, the African Savanna and the Kaziranga Forest Trail. There is also an area known as Family Farm, where you can pet and feed sheep, goats and pigs, ideal for smaller family members.

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The main mission of Dublin Zoo is the conservation of both local and international animals. It engages in breeding programs to conserve endangered species and plays an active role in gathering and sharing information on animal welfare and behaviour. Dublin Zoo hosts several special events such as animal feeding sessions, seasonal celebrations and zookeeper talks.

Thanks to protests from animal rights activists, aimed at improving animal welfare and housing in Dublin Zoo, the Irish government granted 15 million to the zoo for improvements. Since then, the themed areas have been developed and the roaming areas for animals have increased. Today, you can witness zebras, giraffes, elephants, penguins, snakes and an array of other animals enjoying life in Dublin Zoo.

The angular edifice which houses The Titanic Experience is so evocative of the transformation which Belfast has undergone in recent years that it has become almost as iconic as the ill-fated ship to whose short history this attraction is dedicated.

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An extensive multimedia tribute to the world's most famous ocean liner, The Titanic Experience is located at the top of the slipway from which the ship made its first and only descent into the Belfast Lough and the waters of the Irish Sea beyond. Opened in 2012 for the centenary of the ship's launch and tragic demise, the museum has rapidly become Ulster's most visited tourist destination, outstripping even The Giant's Causeway.

Cleverly put together, the attraction encapsulates more than simply the scale of the ship, more even than the scale of the disaster which befell it; drawing on all the sights, sounds and smells of the age, the museum recreates all facets of this most fascinating period of history, bringing to life the experiences not only of the passengers but also of the ship workers who realized this vision of early twentieth century engineering.

First established in 1670 as a medicinal plant haven, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has evolved into a vibrant sanctuary for over 250,000 plants from across the globe. Located just one mile from the centre of Edinburgh City, the botanic garden stretches across 70 acres of stunning landscape. Lovingly known locally as "The Botanics", its highlights include the Alpine Houses, the Woodland Garden, the Chinese Hillside and the Scottish Native Plants Collection in the Heath Garden.

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The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is free to enter and is easily accessible to all. It is only closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Each season gives the garden a new look, from the snowdrops and Chinese witch hazels of Spring, to the Himalayan blue poppies and yellow-pink Golden Jubilee roses of summer. The autumn ushers in carpets of vibrant pink Guernsey lilies, regal purple crocuses, and crimson flag lilies, while winter may bring a less colourful atmosphere it is contrasted with the burnt-orange branches of scarlet willow trees.

Overseeing a strategic junction, linking the Lowlands to the Highlands, has ensured that there has been a fortress of one kind or another in this location since prehistoric times. The area surrounding Stirling Castle has witnessed two of Scotland's most important battles. The first was William Wallace's victory over the English army in 1297 at Stirling Bridge. And, the other, which saw Scotland mark its nationhood, was Robert the Bruce's triumph at Bannockburn in 1314.

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Atop Stirling Castle, you can see why it has played such a crucial role in Scottish history. Views extend to the rising Highland to the north and the River Forth below — the main route taken by invading troops as they made their way into Scotland's heartland. For a detailed lesson on the castle and its past inhabitants, which include Mary, Queen of Scots, and numerous Jameses (from whom the term "Jacobites" was created), you can head for the Castle Exhibition.

From the defensive boundaries of the castle, you'll be able to take in the stunning Forth Valley in all its glory. From here, you can tour the Great Kitchens, the main courtyard and the Royal Chapel. At the Royal Palace, you can view the famous hand-woven Stirling Tapestries, depicting the unique atmosphere of Scotland's royal court in the 1500s.

Glasgow Science Centre was first opened to the public in June 2001, with Queen Elizabeth II officially opening it one month later. It has since become one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. The Glasgow Science Centre building, located in the ever-changing Pacific Quay region of Glasgow City, comprises three main structures: the Science Mall, the Glasgow Tower, and the IMAX cinema. The largest of the three, the Science Mall is set across four floors and is home to over 250 science exhibits.

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On Floor 1 there are numerous interactive exhibits that focuses on an informal learning approach for kids. Floor 2 features the My World of Work Live interactive exhibition, that aims to promote careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Floor 3 is all about the human body, and invites visitors to consider things such as their own health, bodies, and general wellbeing. The Ground floor is where you'll find the ticket desk, a gift shop and a café.

The other two buildings of the Glasgow Science Centre are an IMAX Cinema and the Glasgow Tower. The IMAX Cinema is the largest cinema screen in Scotland and the 4th largest in the UK. The theatre has a seating capacity of 370 and showcases Hollywood Blockbusters and science-based documentaries. The Glasgow Tower is the tallest freely rotating tower on earth, and it is accessible via the ground floor of the Science Mall.

Situated five miles north-west of Cork city, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour of Ireland itinerary. It is best known for the famous "Blarney Stone" which visitors are encouraged to kiss, in accordance with a tradition that spans the centuries. Those who kiss the Blarney Stone are said to magically receive the "gift of the gab", — or as we call it in Ireland... a load of old Blarney.

Built over 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy, one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Blarney Castle has attracted millions of visitors who continue to flock here hoping to be gifted with the power of persuasive and elegant speech. Visitors can now explore the castle's stunning gardens and interior, including the winding staircase and dungeons.

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During the mid-17th century Irish Confederate Wars, the castle was besieged by British forces led by Oliver Cromwell's commander, Lord Broghill. It was eventually captured after heavy bombardment, resulting in its partial destruction.

While not the largest or most imposing of Irish castles, Blarney Castle has a certain charm and elegance that's hard to forget. You can also look inside the adjacent Blarney House, a stately mansion built during the 18th century and the nearby Blarney Woollen Mills, an Irish heritage shop famous for its wool garments and a fantastic café!

First launched in Scotland in 1953 and officially retired in 1997, this regal yacht was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II. So much so that it is said that she shed a tear during its decommissioning ceremony. Today, the moored yacht stands as Leith's most well-known attraction and consistently ranks among Scotland's top places to visit.

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The yacht is accessed via a walkway from the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, which features photographs and exhibits detailing the history of the vessel. A self-guided audio tour allows guests on board to explore all five levels of the yacht. Every inch of the ship, from the lower-deck engine room to the impeccably appointed 1950s royal apartments and the captain's bridge, has been preserved to a meticulous level of detail and care.

The British Royal family have welcomed such guests as Grace Kelly, Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela onboard the yacht during its time at sea. In August 1981, the yacht took Prince Charles and Princess Diana to the Mediterranean, for their honeymoon. You can in conclude your tour with a regal treat at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Gaze across the waters, as you indulge in freshly-baked scones and traditional British tea.

Take an in-depth look into the history of Scotland's national drink — whisky! Located in in the centre of Edinburgh City, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites its visitors, whether they're whisky connoisseurs or novices, to learn the production process that brings Scotch from grain to glass.

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First opened in 1988, The Scotch Whisky Experience was bron as a result of 19 separate Scotch whisky companies putting funds together to give international visitor one single location, where they could find out about the fascinating world of Scotch whisky. Although it is not a working distillery itself, it acts as the ideal first stop on a whisky tour of Scotland — a way to find out about its processes and history. 90% of all Scotch whisky companies are now represented at The Scotch Whisky Experience. It also welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, with 80% of these being made up of international travels.