Trinity Road
Aston, Birmingham B6 6JD, England, United Kingdom

Built from 1618 to 1635, Aston Hall is a grand Jacobean manor house designed by John Thorpe. After being purchased by Birmingham City Council in the mid-19th century, Aston Hall now serves as a museum and public garden. Visitors can tour more than 30 rooms such as Long Gallery, King Charles’ chamber, a butler’s pantry, and servants’ hall. Other impressive sights include the Great Stairs and decorative ceilings. Outside, guests can explore Lady Holte’s Garden. There also is a café and gift shop available. Guided tours are offered, including torchlit ghost tours.

730B Great Western Road
Glasgow G12 0UE, Scotland, United Kingdom

Beneath Glasgow Botanic Gardens are the remains of a Victorian-era rail station that opened in 1896. Part of the now defunct Glasgow Central Railway line, the Botanic Gardens Station operated until 1939, and the line closed in 1964. Today, visitors to the botanic gardens can see the station’s tunnels and platforms, which have been decorated by graffiti artists, by peering through ventilation shafts found along a garden path.

17 Cottown of Balgownie
Scotland AB23 8JQ, United Kingdom

Originally known as the Bridge of Don, Scotland’s oldest medieval bridge crosses the River Don near Seaton Park in Old Aberdeen. Dating to the 13th century, the bridge features a single Gothic arch made of granite and sandstone. Students from the nearby University of Aberdeen are known to take a celebratory jump from the bridge upon graduating as a rite of passage called tombstoning.  

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

Known locally as The Vat, this glacial pothole is believed to have been formed thousands of years ago when a large rock lodged in the riverbed caused the water to carve out the underlying granite bedrock. A loop trail in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve leads to this geological curiosity and its waterfall. The secluded location was used by notorious bandit Patrick Gilroy Macgregor to hideout from authorities during the 17th century.

Castlehill, The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2ND, Scotland

Established in 1835 along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, this museum is the city’s oldest purpose-built attraction. For more than 150 years, tourists have spied on Edinburgh using the 18th-century telescopic lens on the museum's rooftop, high up on Castlehill. The technology was originally produced by the Short family, who were makers of lenses and scientific instruments. The device projects the scene outside into a darkened room (camera obscura means "dark chamber") and onto a screen. It's slightly weird watching people wander around unaware they are being spied on, but the views of Edinburgh are panoramic. In addition, the museum features more than 100 interactive exhibits spread across five floors. Visitors can explore mirror mazes, optical illusions, puzzles, a vortex tunnel, three-dimensional cityscapes, and other hands-on activities.

Clive Steps, King Charles Street
London, England, United Kingdom

Deep beneath Whitehall is where Winston Churchill fought World War II, in a fortified bunker that is exactly as he left it in 1945. During the war, German bombers pummeled the capital, but the British government stayed in the city to plan the fight against Hitler. The chambers open to the public are part of a much larger bunker complex, which once covered 12,000 square meters (129,167 square feet) and included a canteen and a hospital. A slab of concrete was built atop the bunker to protect it from Luftwaffe bombs. Gloomily lit and decorated in shades of brown and beige, this subterranean office complex transports visitors back to the Blitz. Look out for the Pacific Theater charts in the Map Room, with colored pins marking the island-hopping attacks of American troops as they advanced towards Japan.

13–15 Fleet Street
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Opened in 1882, Newman Brothers Coffin Works was operated by Alfred and Edin Newman. The two brothers were known for producing the finest coffin decorations, particularly brass castings of hinges, crucifixes, handles, and other adornments. Their works were included in the final resting places of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, among many others. After closing in 1999, the business was preserved as a historical attraction. Today, visitors can tour the factory and see much of the original machinery, some of which still works.  

31 Market Street
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh's darkest history, using live actors, theatrical sets, and thrilling rides. Areas include the Courtroom, Torture Chamber, and Cannibal’s Cave, among others. Experience immersive 360-degree sets, professional actors, and state of the art themes and special effects. Offering scary fun for all, Edinburgh Dungeon is recommended for children over age 8.

– Information provided by Edinburgh Dungeon

16 Drum Street
Edinburgh EH17 8QH, Scotland, United Kingdom

Gilmerton Cove is a network of seven caverns and numerous passages running beneath the Edinburgh suburb of Gilmerton. Opened to the public in 2003, the hand-carved cave system was not used for mining and its purpose remains unknown. Theories about its origin include it being used as a place for the upper-class to drink or possibly a hideout for religious refugees or smugglers.  

82A Shernhall Street
London, England, United Kingdom

Walking through the maze-like aisles of this warehouse is like walking inside a kaleidoscope made of colorful neon signs. God’s Own Junkyard is a free art gallery of handmade neon signs that are used for film props and photo shoots. Curator and third-generation neon artist Marcus Bracey manages the collection, which includes thousands of signs, props, and figures related to casinos, disco, restaurants, beer, religion, music, games, and more.

Swain’s Lane, Highgate
London, England, United Kingdom

Originally opened in 1839 as one of London’s Magnificent Seven park cemeteries, Highgate Cemetery was designed by architect Stephen Geary. It features Victorian Gothic style tombs, including those of some well-known people such as Karl Marx, sci-fi author Douglas Adams, a blind 19th-century traveler named James Holman, and infamous criminal Adam Worth. After being used to film horror films during the 1970s, the cemetery became a popular place for paranormal, occult, and vampire enthusiasts to visit.

The Queen’s Walk
London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, London Eye—also known as the Millennium Wheel—stands at 135 meters (443 feet) tall on the southern bank of the River Thames. It offers riders incredible panoramic views of London and the surrounding area. In addition, a short 4D movie featuring snow and other fun effects is included with your ticket. As one of the city’s most popular attractions, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance or get a fast track ticket that allows you to skip the long line.

Throughout Manchester, England, United Kingdom

A symbol that began as a representation of Manchester’s hardworking people during England’s Industrial Revolution, the worker bee has become iconic for the city. It was featured on the city’s coat of arms in 1842. Then in 1877, bee emblems were used to decorate the town hall, and in 1912 they adorned the Refuge Assurance Building’s clock tower, which was the city’s tallest structure for many years. Following a 2017 terrorist attack at a concert in Manchester, the worker bee symbol has been revitalized, appearing all throughout the city.

65 Knock Road
Belfast BT5 6LE, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Dedicated to the country’s law enforcement history, Northern Ireland Police Museum features a collection of artifacts dating from the early 1800s to present. Exhibits showcase uniforms and protective gear including riot shields and bulletproof vests as well as weapons such as grenades, bombs, and firearms. Guided tours are available and take about 40 minutes.

Kings Cross Station
Euston Road
London N1C 4TB, England, United Kingdom

Fans of Harry Potter movies, based on the books by J. K. Rowling, will want to check out London’s King’s Cross Railway Station. Featured throughout the series, the station’s Platform 9¾ is where students heading to wizarding school board the Hogwarts Express by magically passing through a brick wall. Located between platforms 9 and 10, look for the sign marking the imaginary platform above a baggage trolley that appears to be going through the wall.

103 Trongate
Glasgow G1 5HD, Scotland, United Kingdom

Automation, lighting, and soundtracks come together to tell historical tales at this kinetic theater, the life work of mechanic and sculptor Eduard Bersudsky. Elaborate mechanisms featuring tiny people and monsters begin to turn cranks and ride gears as the larger components come to life as mechanical creatures who tell intriguing stories from the past. There are usually one or two 40–60-minute shows daily, one aimed at children and another for more mature audiences.   

12–20 East Bridge Street
Belfast BT1 3NQ, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Belfast’s last Victorian covered marketplace, St. George’s Market was built between 1890 and 1896. It served as an emergency mortuary during World War II, and on April 21, 1941, it was the venue of public funeral services for those who were unidentified. The building was restored during the late 1990s, and today it hosts more than 250 vendors selling an array of goods from fresh seafood and produce to antiques and soaps. A variety of street food also is available.

High Street
Stonehaven
Aberdeen AB39 2JQ, Scotland, United Kingdom

Just south of Aberdeen, Stonehaven is a small harbor town known for its Hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, celebration. The music of drums and bagpipes can be heard leading up to the stroke of midnight when bells sound and the fireball ceremony begins. Locals march down the main street as they swirl cages of burning balls of fire in the air. Following the 20-minute procession, the fireballs are hurled into the harbor as the crowd cheers. The ceremony symbolizes the burning of evil spirits as the new year begins anew.     

145 Buccleuch Street
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Have you ever known someone who never throws anything away? Meet Miss Agnes Toward, a shorthand typist who once occupied this typical Glaswegian home with her mother. The two Toward ladies' thrifty and conscientious lifestyle has preserved this four-room apartment as a perfect example of early-20th-century city living. Many Glaswegians lived in similar flats, although four rooms was considered luxurious-most contained two and were known as "room-and-kitchen flats." What's in Tenement House? Well, everything you'd expect, from a clothes wringer to a zinc washboard, a grandfather clock to a rosewood piano. Then there are the odds and ends most folk throw in the trash: domestic bills, wartime pamphlets, newspaper clippings, and homemade jam. The building is administered by the National Trust, which has installed old gas lighting, but otherwise left the Towards' home exactly as they left it.

University of Glasgow
82 Hillhead Street
Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom

Scotland’s oldest public museum, The Hunterian is located on the University of Glasgow campus. It features the collections of 17th-century physician and anatomist William Hunter, brother of John Hunter who founded the Hunterian Museum in London. The Glasgow museum features natural history specimens, ethnographic artifacts, zoological objects, coins, and various oddities. A collection of death masks includes those of Sir Isaac Newton, Voltaire, Charles XII of Sweden, and William Hunter himself, all casted within hours of the person’s death.

The Queen’s Walk
London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

Just north of Westminster Bridge along the south bank of the River Thames, The London Dungeon is a spooky attraction for older kids and adults. Learn about the city’s history as your family goes on an exciting interactive adventure that combines a cast of live actors, storytelling, state-of-the-art special effects, stages, scenes, and two thrilling underground rides. The 30- to 45-minute tour begins by taking a medieval elevator down to the dungeons and torture chamber. Lastly, visitors will face the executioner. Tours are available every 15 minutes and may not be appropriate for children under 10 years old.  

19 Shudehill
Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Disguised as a laundromat on the outside, The Washhouse is actually a hidden bar. To make a reservation, guests must call ahead and ask to book a washing machine. Then when arriving, they must use the provided phone to let the host know they’re ready to wash a load of laundry. When directed, guests enter the bar through a secret door that looks like a washer.   

555 Castlehill
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Honoring Scottish people accused of witchery who were put to death between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Witches’ Well is a cast iron fountain and plaque at Tartan Weaving Mill near Edinburgh Castle. Under orders of Scotland’s King James VI, anyone accused of using black magic was to be killed, and as a result, more than 4,000 alleged witches were burned at the stake or hanged. Most of them females, more women were murdered at this site than anywhere else in Scotland, each victim denied a fair trial. The last hanging took place in 1728.  

Science Park, Queen's Road
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

The infamous RMS Titanic sailed from Cork, but it was actually constructed right here in Belfast at the Thompson Dock, which was once the center of Belfast's world-class shipbuilding industry. The dock has been preserved and transformed into a visitors' center where you can get a glimpse of the Titanic's birthplace and learn all about the doomed ship's history, as well as the overall history of ship making in Belfast. Guided tours are offered seven days a week.

Hathersage Road
Manchester M13 0FE, England, United Kingdom

First opened in 1906, Victoria Baths was a public bathhouse that was closed by the city in 1993 after falling into disrepair. Then after 14 years, the structure was nominated for a BBC reality show called Restoration and won a 3-million-pound grant. Since being renovated, Victoria Baths has reopened as a venue that not only offers swimming, but also hosts community events such as concerts.