Unusual Destinations of the UK
When you consider the vastness of the UK, with substantial differences in climate and customs of its people, it is easy to understand why exploring the UK would be unlike any other place in the world. The UK has hidden treasures in the sun-baked grounds, rain-saturated forests, and the sea. Below are a few examples of unique destinations you may want to add to your bucket list. The beauty and mysterious nature of these places will spark the imagination of any traveler. Those lucky enough to have hit the jackpot at Lottoland might have the opportunity to explore some of these breathtaking sites.
Gough’s Cave
You’ll find remarkable rock formations of stalagmites and stalactites in Gough’s Cave. The limestone gorge is located in the Mendip Hills in Cheddar, Somerset, under an hour’s drive away from Bristol.
The gorge is 115m deep and 3.405km long. The early inhabitants of the caves are carbon dated and known to have lived there approximately 14,700 years ago. The people were toolmakers and hunters. There is evidence of cannibalism in the caves. It is believed this could be a way of the dwellers honoring the dead. While this is not a proven fact, it is known these people were skilled hunters with no shortage of food. It is also known that great time and effort was spent carving symbols into the bones and creating lasting vessels from them. This leads experts to believe they practiced rituals of honor.
Faroe Islands
Halfway between the UK and Iceland are 18 volcanic islands known as the Faroe Islands. These islands have been settled at least since the Viking’s days. The Faroe Islands are the property of Denmark. The temperatures are usually cool and wet. The summer months will see temperatures of around 12 °C and in winter 5 °C. The summer days are a perpetual civil twilight with very short days in the winter.
The landscape is rocky and challenging. Canoeing and hiking are two favorite activities on these beautiful islands of mountains, valleys, and the sea.
18th-century Painshill Park Grotto in Surrey
This fairy-tail-like grotto is covered in hundreds of thousands of crystals! Painshill Park Grotto dates back to the 18th century. It is located in Surrey, only a short ride from London. On a sunny day, sunlight enters through specially placed openings illuminating the crystals inside. This is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Fingal’s Cave, Island of Staffa, Scotland
The uninhabited island of Staffa is the location of Fingal’s Cave. Hexagonal columns of basaltic rock surround its sides and opening. It is a uniquely beautiful sight. The island is empty, and the quiet gives the cave an eerie feel. On a calm day, you can pass it by boat. It is not impossible to reach the cave on foot.
“Dinosaur Egg Beach”, Porth Naven
The unusual boulder deposits on the beach have made Porth Naven a popular destination. The rocks range from the size of a hen’s egg to three feet or more in length, and all look like smooth eggs of various sizes. It is easy to imagine this sight could resemble a dinosaur nest. The stones are now legally protected by the National Trust due to a large number of visitors to the area.
The Isle of Lewis, Callanish prehistoric stone circle
This stone circle is believed to be over 5,000 years old. Many legends surround them. Some people believe they were used as a sort of astronomical calendar. Folklore of the day claims the stones were petrified giants turned to stone when they refused to accept Christianity.
We encourage each other to explore the world around us. See the beauty not just across the cities of our land, but across the border and around the globe. Look for the unique features of where you are. Appreciate the differences in various places. The world is a universal gift to each of us, which we are responsible for passing on. Embrace it today.
