The UK is full of quirky and unique experiences well worth taking a staycation for. Whether it’s a glimpse of city heritage or a rural hidden gem you don’t have to hop on a plane to discover something new. Here is our list of some of Britain’s 10 best unique experiences to inspire you.
1. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
Get lost in the plant paradise of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The gardens were rediscovered 25 years ago underneath a bed of brambles and since then, its beauty has been capturing visitors from all over flocking to admire the unique and picturesque woodlands, enchanting paths and wildlife, and intriguing statues. Known as Europe’s largest garden restoration, the whole 200 acres estate is guaranteed to amaze.
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2. The Great Orme, Wales
The Great Orme is Llandudno’s mini-mountain whose beauty is not to be missed. With a height of 207m, you’d be forgiven for finding getting up there on your own two feet daunting. However, you can make that journey a little easier by taking a ride on the Great Orme Tramway. Hop aboard the nostalgic 19th Century tram and marvel at the spectacular scenery as you ascend through the Great Orme Country Park to the summit where you’ll be greeted by showstopping views.
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3. The Postal Museum, London
Discover over 500 years of postal heritage right in the heart of London at The Postal Museum. Wander through the exhibition centre where you can learn all about the iconic role of the postcard or take a walking tour through over 300 years of London postal history. To ramp up the unique experience, take an immersive ride on the Mail Rail which takes up a subterranean tour of everything postal; from those who worked on the train, to what delivering mail was like in yesteryear.
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4. Monopoly Lifesized, London
The world’s most favourite board game has turned lifesized in the centre of London. Get ready to take on the immersive experience as you take on escape room challenges for chances to buy properties, go against your opponents to win control of the city’s water, electric and train stations and even pull off a thrilling heist in Mayfair. Get tactical and cunning in this 75 minutes of fun that’s not to be missed.
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5. Surgeons’ Hall Museums, Edinburgh
The city of Edinburgh has a huge medical heritage with many renowned surgeons throughout history having studied their craft here. Now, thanks to the award-winning Surgeons’ Hall Museum you can discover this rich heritage for yourself. Owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, The Surgeons’ Hall Museums show countless amazing exhibits. From a reconstructed anatomy theatre to the story of Joseph Lister’s antiseptic breakthrough, and the truth behind the gory story of Burke and Hare. This fascinating museum is a must-see for those wishing to learn more about Edinburgh’s unique past.
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6. Chetham’s Library, Manchester
A visit to Chetham’s Library is like taking a step into a literary time machine. Take a tour of the oldest public library in Britain and learn more about the books and items in the library collections, the people who studied in the library, and the significance of the elaborate sandstone building that’s been part of the Manchester landscape for over 350 years. The collections in the library have both national and international importance and the traditional interiors are worth a visit.
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7. The House of Dreams Museum, London
The House of Dreams is a piece of large-scale art from abstract artist Stephen Wright. The colourful house in London’s Peckham area is full of eclectic objects; doll heads, bottle tops and wigs that Wright found and collected from 1998. It’s a fascinating and curious place to visit and one to tick off the unique experiences bucket list.
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8. Maunsell Army Sea Forts, Southend
These giant anti-aircraft tower-forts were constructed in 1942 as part of the Thames Estuary defence network to protect against German attacks. After a full life of fending off German attacks and being used to host pirate radio stations, the Forts now stand abandoned in the Thames and Mersey estuaries. Despite their age and decaying state, you can still see these unique Forts from a distance off of Shoeburyness East beach, or up close on a boat trip from Whitstable in Kent.
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9. Zip World’s Bounce Below Slate Caverns, Porthmadog
Have a trampolining experience like no other at Zip World’s Bounce Below situated at Wales’ Llechwedd Mine. Celebrated as attraction of the year for 2019 and 2020, Llechwedd mine is an underground wonderland perfect to whet the appetite of any thrill-seeker. As well as lots of natural cave formations to marvel at, there are 6 huge subterranean trampoline nets that make up an area twice the size of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral for the perfect giant unique adventure.
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10. Clink Prison Museum, London
The building of the Clink Prison Museum dates back to the 12th Century and is England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. The word ‘Clink’ has become one of the most common synonyms for prison and it’s thought to have come from the sound of blacksmiths hammering closed the cuffs of convicted prisoners. You’ll learn about the heritage of the Clink, as well as what it was really like for the heretics, drunkards, herlots and religious adversaries who were imprisoned in these hallowed halls in the heart of modern day Southwark. It’s not just the sights and stories that will greet you either, you’ll be able to hear and smell it all too.
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