Now that you have secured your internship, your next question should be “Where should I go?” While we also recommend jet-setting into mainland Europe, we are here to show you why you shouldn’t forget about the UK. The UK is not just home to a global city like London, but it is also home to ancient world wonders, the epicentre of retail therapy, a dormant volcano, and scenic views that you’ve only seen in movies. So, read on to discover the Top 10 places to visit in the UK during your internship
Where: London
Why:
Since London is where you’ll spend your time during the week, we also suggest that you take advantage of exploring everything this amazing city has to offer. It is one of the most vibrant cities in the world with over 2000 years of history. It offers you Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, to gardens in the sky. London is known for much more than just art, architecture, 13 football clubs, and its many pubs. So, don’t forget to explore this world-class after work or during weekends.
How:
There are many ways to explore London. You can join in the classic Hop-on Hop-off double-decker bus if you’re on a tight schedule and only have a weekend here. We recommend staying away from the tube to maximise the things you see. If you want to see iconic sites like the Houses of Parliament or the Tower Bridge from the famous River Thames, then hop on the many river cruises offered throughout the day.
You can also see London from the sky! The Emirates Airline (which is a cable car and not to be confused with a flight over London with the actual airline!) offers an aviation experience that takes you across the River Thames. If the weather is nice, rent a Santander bike for £2 for the day, or just walk around the city to explore like a local. Regardless of which way you choose, it is certain that London is not a city to miss out on. Capital Placement also organises walking tours of London during the summer to see all the iconic sights, so make sure to join us for one!
Photo by King’s Church International
Where: Windsor Castle
How far from London:
40 km (30 minutes by bus from Paddington Station)
Why:
As one of the Queen’s favourite places of residence, Windsor Castle is the largest continually-inhabited castle in the world. Built around 1070, Windsor Castle showcases the art, history, and luxurious semi-state rooms of some of the most important people in Britain’s history. From William the Conqueror to the current Royal family, Windsor Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting in the UK. Don’t let its age fool you though – you can still find working lifts, electricity, and hot water running through it. Check out this website to book a tour of Windsor Castle!
How:
You can get a direct bus that operates from Paddington in London to the Castle. It will take around 20-35 minutes to get there. The afternoon tickets start around £11.
Photo by Alex Atudosie
Where: Bath
How far from London:
116 miles (187 km; 1.5 hours by train, 2 hours 20 minutes by bus)
Why:
This small and attractive city has 2,000-year-old baths used by the Romans. As its name suggests, Bath has several spas in the city that offer you a great chance to unwind after a busy week at work. So gather a couple of friends, explore the city, and relax with some hot springs and a glass of wine. Besides the amazing spas, you can also check out the Royal Crescent (a 252-year-old Georgian Townhouse) or hike to Prior Park Landscape for some amazing picturesque views.
If you’re a Jane Austen fan, visit the Jane Austen Centre to celebrate the life and works of this beloved author. Although summer is probably the best time to visit the city, if you go in the winter, Bath also has some of the best Christmas markets in the UK and hosts an outdoor ice skating rink at the Royal Victoria Park.
How:
You can get a ticket from a Great Western train which runs from Paddington Station in London to the historic Bath Spa Station. You will, however, have to change trains at Bristol Temple Meads to board a train to Bath Spa. It will take about an hour and a half to get to Bath by train from London and tickets can start around £56 for a roundtrip. If you are travelling by bus, roundtrip tickets can start from as low as £12. From either the train station or the bus stop, the city centre is only a short walk away. If you’re planning on staying the night, you can stay at Apsley House Hotel, which is very close to a bus stop, or you can find a hostel in the city centre.
Melissa Spencer-Gotch on Lambland.co.uk
Where: North Devon
How far from London:
300 km (3 hours by train, 5.5 by bus)
Why:
When the sun is out, the English are too, which makes North Devon the perfect place to visit. With over 15 beaches of crystal clear waters and secret coves, North Devon is the perfect place to surf, paddleboard, or catch some sun rays on the golden sand. Aside from the beach, the city offers other things like funfairs, museums, entertainment, shopping, and great dining.
How:
You can get a train that operates hourly by Great Western Railway. It runs from Paddington in London to Devon. Trains ticket start around £117 return, while bus tickets will cost around £40 return.
Photo by Ivy Barn
Where: The Cotswolds
How Far from London: 80 miles (130 km, 1 hour 40 minutes by train, 3 hours by bus)
Why:
Another place to hit while interning in the UK is the Cotswolds. Known as a place where time stands still, the Cotswolds offer an iconic countryside experience of England. With hiking, horse riding, and vast pastureland, many people visit this place to have a taste of rural life. Additionally, there are several villages closely connected that you can visit all in a single day – like Castle Combe, known for its picturesque city and bridges, or Chipping Campden, which has an old hall market that dates back to 1627. Whatever village you decide to start with, the Cotswolds will offer charm, history, and beautiful countryside unlike any other place in the UK.
How:
Train services are available from Paddington station in London, which will take you down to the Cotswolds and to a station called Moreton-in-marsh. It is a direct train that operates hourly every day. There are bus services available from the London Victoria Coach Station which will take you to Cheltenham near the Cotswolds. Be aware that public transport is limited in that region, but you can get tickets for a tour bus to help you visit all the attractions in the Cotswolds.
Photo by Marcus Cramer
Where: Liverpool
Why:
Known for its football club and the Beatles, Liverpool is one of the most well-known places in the UK. Liverpool not only has a reputation for some of the friendliest people in the UK, but it also has beautiful churches and cathedrals, a vibrant nightlife, lots of great music and festivals, and great food. It even has a couple of beaches! There is Formby Beach, just outside of Liverpool, which is known for its size and hiking trails. Crosby Beach, just a couple of miles outside of the city centre, is the home of Anthony Gormley’s famous artwork “Another Place”, which showcases 100 steel human statues peacefully facing the ocean. With so many attractions, we can’t think of a reason not to visit Liverpool.
How:
Right from Euston Station in London, you can get a train directly to Liverpool. In case you don’t want to go by train, you can get a National Express bus that leaves London Victoria station for Liverpool 4 times a day. If accommodation is needed, consider the Shankly Hotel which is in the city centre and very close to the best attractions in Liverpool.
Trabantos on Shutterstock.com
Where: Nottingham
How Far From London:
200 km (1 hour and 26 minutes by train, 3 hours and 20 minutes by bus)
Why:
Known as the home of Robin Hood, Nottingham offers a rebellious spirit and lots of history. You can walk in the footsteps of Robin Hood himself in the enchanting Sherwood Forest, enjoy a cold one at England’s oldest Inn, or traces the steps of the Mayflower Pilgrims on their way to the new world. Nottingham is sure to give you an experience you won’t forget!
How:
We suggest getting a direct bus from Victoria Coach station in London. If the bus takes too long for you, then consider taking a direct train which departs hourly from St Pancras International in London. Tickets start around £15.80 for bus and around £60 for train, for a round trip. If you are staying the night, consider a cheap hostel, like St. James Hotel which is in the city centre itself!
Alamy on Telegraph.co.uk
Where: Birmingham
How far from London:
190 km (1 hour 20 minutes by train, 2 hours and 40 minutes by bus)
Why:
As the second-largest city in Britain, Birmingham offers a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and some of the best shopping outside of London. Places like the Bullring and Grand Central offer the ultimate retail therapy with over 200 stores and 28 places to dine. There is also New Street, which offers big-time retailers like Apple, H&M, and Jack Willis. Outside, Birmingham can offer you insight into its past through the Jewellery Quarter museum, which serves as a time capsule to demonstrate how trade was done in the past – or Aston Hall, a gorgeous 400-year-old Jacobean mansion that hosted famous people like Queen Victoria and King Charles I. Additionally, Birmingham is quite central – so if you are staying for a few days, you can take advantage of this and visit nearby places like Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
How:
Take a train that operates from Euston in London to Birmingham. If you’d prefer to visit Birmingham by bus, you can take a one ran by National Express, which operates hourly from London Victoria to Birmingham.
Photo by Brooke Bell
Where: Stonehenge
How far from London:
90 miles (145 km; 1.5 hours by train)
Why:
Arguably one of the most famous sites in the UK, Stonehenge is a must-see during your internship. As one of the ancient wonders of the world, Stonehenge offers an extraordinary design and air of mystery about how it got there. It is believed that the 5,000-year-old site originated from Wales, quite a distance from its current location. Additionally, the purpose of Stonehenge is still unknown, with theories of it being an ancient burial site or a place with healing powers. Regardless, what is certain is that Stonehenge will give you a mind-blowing and ethereal experience.
How:
You can take a train that departs from Waterloo station in London. Trains run every hour. Salisbury station is the closest station to the Stonehenge. You can get a bus to help you cover the remaining 12 miles to Stonehenge.
Photo by Adam Wilson
Where: Edinburgh
How Far From London:
400 miles (7 hours by car, 4 hours 14 minutes by train, 9 hours and 30 minutes by bus, or 1 hour by plane)
Why:
With its old-world charm and fascinating history, Edinburgh attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year. Places like the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, St Gilles Cathedral, and Arthur’s Seat are just a few places to see while in this breath-taking city. Additionally, Edinburgh is the source of inspiration for many prominent movies like the Harry Potter franchise, The Da Vinci Code, and The Illusionist. If you are in the UK over the summer, you should not miss the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – you can thank us later.
How:
You can take a direct bus departing from Victoria Coach Station in London to Edinburgh. This bus service operates every day. All major airports in London have flights to Edinburgh and tickets can be bought for as cheap as £50 return. A good place to stay is the Cairn Hotel Edinburgh, which is a 20-minute walk from the city centre.
The UK offers so many beautiful places and sites to see, and thanks to the amazing transportation system, it is all possible right from London. So go ahead, take out your calendars and start planning your grand British adventure today – you’ll thank us later.
What are some of your favourite places to visit in the UK? Comment below!
