UK Day Trips with a Difference
The UK may be a relatively small country, but it is certainly not short of weird and wonderful attractions. From crooked houses to gnome reserves, there is plenty on offer for people to explore.
Those looking to plan holidays in Britain with unusual activities to keep them entertained may want to consider the Klevedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker in Essex. This fascinating cold war bunker harks back to a time of great political tension. It was designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, potentially even the prime
minister. The collective task of these individuals in the event of a nuclear war was to organise the survival of the population.
Dudley Crooked House credits: Peter Broster
For something a little more light-hearted, holidaymakers can make their way to the Crooked House in Dudley. Pisa may be famed for its Leaning Tower, but this Midlands town has its own tipsy looking construction. Built in 1765, the pub and restaurant was affected by subsidence caused by local mining in the 1800s. This resulted in one side of the building sinking by four feet. Although the walls are crooked, the floors are straight and this creates an interesting optical illusion. Drinkers and diners from far and wide make their way to this bizarre establishment.
On the theme of strange buildings, A la Ronde in Devon is well worth a look. Built in the 18th century for two spinster cousins, it has an unusual design complete with diamond-shaped windows. Inside, it contains many of the mementoes that the sisters brought back with them from their travels around Europe, including a shell gallery featuring nearly 25,000 of these small items.
A la Ronde, Devon – credits: xlibber
An even more eccentric daytrip can be found nearby at Devon’s Gnome Reserve. Set in four acres of woodland, meadows and gardens it is home to over 1,000 gnomes and pixies. Visitors can see these little figures climbing, sunbathing and even fishing.
Another attraction with a difference is located on the plains of Orkney in Scotland. Here lies the grassy mound of Maeshowe, which is a Neolithic tomb dating from around 5,000 years ago. This Stone Age construction contains a complex of passages and chambers and it is best seen at the winter solstice, when sunlight streams into its dark passageways and illuminates the chamber.
Also in Scotland, people can try their luck at spotting the Loch Ness Monster. The term was coined in 1933 by the Inverness Courier, which reported testimony by Londoner George Spicer. He insisted that he and his wife had seen a dragon-like creature. Thousands of people still flock to the area each year to see if they can catch a glimpse of this fabled creature.
The UK is also home to an array of intriguing museums, including the Cumberland Pencil Museum in Keswick, the Stockport Hat Works Museum and the National Lawnmower Museum in Southport.
These are just some of the unconventional attractions to be found across Britain. With a little imagination and research, people can enjoy all sorts of peculiar daytrips.Source
