What is the United Kingdom Famous For?

When people think of the United Kingdom, many things come to mind. There are the beaches, the castles, the fortresses, the afternoon tea, the Harry Potter books, and more. But what exactly makes the UK so famous?

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea has become a popular tradition in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is a three to four-course meal, including finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones.

It is also widely available at some attractions. The Ritz London, the Savoy, Harrods, The Ritz Edinburgh, and the Mayfair are some of the most prestigious.

The history of afternoon tea dates back to the mid-19th century. During that time, the English upper class ate two meals a day. They also drank strong tea after work.

A private home event was one of the first social gatherings to feature tea. Later, the tea party became a popular social event. Women started wearing gloves and ornate hats, and tea parties began in formal drawing rooms.

Castles and fortresses

Castles and fortresses have long been a part of the British cultural landscape. As a result, they are a popular and fun attraction for tourists. A wide range of castles can be found in the UK, all of which have their own unique stories. While some have a rather dark past, they are still very popular tourist attractions.

Castles and fortresses were built during the Middle Ages to protect the country from invasion. Some were functional fortifications, while others were designed to house people. These structures ranged in size depending on the builder and site. 

Beaches

Stunning beaches are located along the United Kingdom’s coastline. These beaches offer turquoise water and white sand. The beaches here are popular with surfers, families, and adventure seekers.

Another beautiful beach is Bigbury Bay, which has a two-mile-long sand shoreline. There is also the Extreme Academy for water sports enthusiasts. You can take a picnic and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills.

Ruislip Lido is a popular beach for locals. It is a large, golden-sand beach part of the Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. With a miniature train that runs around the lake, it’s a great place for a family day out.

Harry Potter

A visit to the United Kingdom is a must for any Harry Potter fan. There are plenty of sites and monuments to see, from the original novels to the films. And now, thanks to a special exhibition at the British Library, there’s even a chance to see some rare objects.

The first two Harry Potter movies were filmed at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. The castle is an impressive 11th-century medieval fortress and home of the Duke of Northumberland.

You can visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, near London, to get a closer look at the filming locations. This three- to four-hour experience will take you around the movie sets.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is a well-preserved fortified wall in England. The Wall was built by the Roman army in 122 CE. It was commissioned by the emperor Hadrian. The Wall was a symbol of the power of the Roman Empire.

Hadrian’s Wall is the most famous Roman site in England. English Heritage manages the forts that lay along the Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall was designed to protect the Romans from hostile enemies. Originally, it consisted of a deep, wide ditch with guarded gates along each mile. Some forts on the Wall had a cliff face as a defensive feature.