England and Scotland--#6 travel destination in the world

June 9, 3:32 PMSt. Louis Budget Travel Examiner GeGe Mix

London is a cosmopolitan city known for its historic landmarks—Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Hyde Park and the famous “speakers corner. “Musts” for visitors include the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, shopping on Oxford Street, visiting legendary retailer, Harrods, riding the “tube” and taking in a production in the highly regarded West End theater district.

The British Museum houses the famous Rosetta Stone, and the National Gallery has an astounding collection of works by masters including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Madame Tussauds is always a favorite stop for  visitors; and be sure to take the London Eye, the world’s highest observation wheel. It will provide you with spectacular views of over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks in just 30 minutes.

Away from Europe’s largest city, the British countryside gives way to quaint villages, narrow winding roads and lush landscapes and gardens. Favorite stops are the honey-colored villages of Cotswolds, Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, and enigmatic Stonehenge.

Scotland is a golfers’ paradise and home to St. Andrews, the course where golf was born. Enthusiasts can book a tee time online for any of the St. Andrews courses.  Be sure to bring your handicap certificate with you if you intend to play. For men the maximum is a 24 handicap; for women it’s 36. And, bring your wallet. Greens fees for the Old Course, which hosts 40,000 rounds a year, are approximately $208 based on the current exchange rate. Other less expensive, less challenging courses also are available at St. Andrews.

Almost as remarkable as the golf links is St. Andrews University, dating to 1410, it is the third oldest university in the United Kingdom. Only Oxford and Cambridge are older.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are in driving distance of St. Andrews, and worth a visit.  Edinburgh, the capital city,  is rich in history and landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. Glasgow is a great stop for shopping and enjoying a lively music scene.

For more info: www.justuk.org

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