The United Kingdom and Ireland remain among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With their rich history, incredible architecture, thriving food culture, beautiful country landscapes, big city skyscrapers and being a global financial hub, it’s easy to see why so many tourists flock there every year. However, there is so much more to these countries than meets the eye. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, an airline which connects South African travellers to these destinations, shares some of the UK and Ireland’s best-kept secrets holidaymakers have to add to their itinerary.
London
A trip to the UK is not complete without a stop in England’s capital city London. Although, popular among tourists and a must-add to any travel bucket list, the city is so much more than Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and West End. The city is also home to a number of not-so-obvious spots travellers should definitely explore while there. When visiting the trendy market in Camden Town, take a stroll through Little Venice – a series of street-lined canals which, as the name suggests, is reminiscent of the popular Italian city. London is known for its massive market culture. The Columbia Road Flower Market is a must-visit, not only for the over 50 vibrant stores selling every sort of flower you can imagine but for the array of cafes, busking musicians and independent shops in the area. Leadenhall Market has proven to be just as magical. This covered market has a beautiful ornate roof that has glass windows and curved beams. The beautiful market is also one of the oldest in London’s history, dating back to the 14th century! Harry Potter fans are also encouraged to explore the city through a walking tour where guides show off the city by various landmarks used in the film series.
Edinburgh
If you’re a first-time traveller to the Scottish city of Edinburgh, you’d be forgiven for immediately exploring sites like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. However, the dynamic city has so much more to offer. Families flock to Dynamic Earth – an interactive science museum that tells the story of the planet earth from its creation to the current day. With a variety of interactive exhibitions, talking holograms, live museum guides, things to touch, videos, themed rooms, and interactive exhibits, it’s no wonder the exhibition is one of the city’s most popular. For those who want to take it a little easier, afternoon tea at the Colonnades at the Signet Library is the perfect way to wind down after a long day of exploring. Other hidden gems include Craigmillar Castle, Jupiter Artland, a contemporary art and sculpture park and the several weekly markets around the city. With so much more to offer, a trip to The Edinburgh Museum will help you unpack everything there is to know about this majestic city.
Manchester
The British city of Manchester is incredibly big on sport and, as a result, fans from all around the world visit the city where live matches remain popular. The city, which is known for its remarkable architecture, is home to some of the most beautiful libraries in Europe – and the Portico Library is considered a true hidden gem. Built between 1802 and 1806, the library was originally intended to be a meeting place for local businessmen. Today, it is home to thousands of books, most of which were written in the 19th century. If you’re looking for a little adventure, a trip to Manchester isn’t complete without searching for the Ancoats Peeps. Created by artist Dan Dubowitz, the suburb of Ancoats plays host to a number of small, brass peepholes. Look through them to discover previously walled-up areas in buildings. With no signage or trails, finding them is part of the fun!
Dublin
Dublin is known for being a small city with a whole lot of character. With its beautiful architecture, green parks and foodie culture, the city is increasingly popular with tourists from across the globe. Dublin is home to one of the world’s most popular beer brands, Guinness – and a trip to the city isn’t complete without experiencing the history of the iconic brand. An old fermentation plant in the St James’s Gate Brewery has been converted into the seven-storey Guinness Storehouse, devoted to sharing the company’s history and showcasing how the beer is made. Temple Bar, an area once riddled with a rotten reputation, has transformed into a vivacious, trendy neighbourhood filled with quirky boutiques, beautiful parks and the famous The Temple Bar Food Market. Make sure you add the Malahide Castle, the National Botanic Gardens and some of the city’s thriving live music venues to your itinerary as well.
