EmmaDo you often find yourself gazing out of the window, wishing you were paying a visit to a beach somewhere hot and sunny? Maybe you just fancy whisking yourself away to a faraway land to learn about the culture of a different country. Honestly, sounds a lot like myself, maybe I’m just turning this into a ‘self expression agony-aunt diary’, kinda thing.
Nevertheless, we’re all in a bit of a tricky situation at the moment. Travelling abroad is a bit of a risky move, for most of us anyway. However, I believe that this has given us all an opportunity to see the beauty of our own countries! Especially with Autumn rolling around. Here are some places to visit in the UK this (or any) October!
Whitby
I had to put this on my #1 spot because it’s always been on my hit list and I’m 99.9% sure I’ll be visiting there on my next leisurely trip.
Located in North Yorkshire, but right over to the West Coast, the seaside town of Whitby is famous for many things; fishing, beaches steam trains and much more. I’ve heard the fish and chips are good – I’ll have to remember that one and do a comparison with my local favourite
The town is most famously known as the ‘Gothic Capital of the UK’, most famously for being the inspiration of the book ‘Dracula’, you can read more about that here. Not only that, but during the last weekend of October, the annual famous Whitby Gothic Weekend is held here. There is known to be a lot of Steampunk enthusiasts who visit Whitby too, which would explain the steam train!
York
You only have to visit York once and see its iconic architecture to notice the history that seeps out of it. The Capital of my county, Yorkshire, is one that holds a special place in the hearts of many fellow Yorkshire men and women who were bred in God’s Own County, okay I’m getting ahead of myself now.
When visiting York you will find many famous buildings. Such as; York Minster and the City Walls, built by the Romans who founded the city, you absolutely can’t miss them. Another location is The Shambles, which is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley from Harry Potter!
Not only is York a city of its own, but it’s also practically a city lost in time. It’s like it almost belongs on Route 66 if they had a way of teleportation to historic towns! Definitely visit here if you haven’t already, and don’t forget to head on over to Haworth before leaving Yorkshire. This is another one on my doorstep and a favourite local village of mine!
Knaresborough
This is another one on my hit list. It’s actually not too far away from me at all; short of an hour, in fact! ‘Mother Shipton’, is the local legend of a lady named Ursula Southeil, who was supposedly born in the cave way back in 1488. Ursula was known to be what is commonly known as a Prophet and Fortune Teller. It is said that there is a well adjacent to the cave contains water that turns objects to stone!
Along with Mother Shipton’s Cave, you can find Knaresborough Castle. Today, Knaresborough Castle has sadly amounted to a mere ruin, but you can learn about the history here.
Edinburgh
I’ve been to Edinburgh twice in my life, once when I was about 6 years old when I thoroughly embraced the historic culture and wanted to learn more. I hated history at school, but I loved it in my spare time. The second time I went with college when I was about 19, and I was more interested in the alcohol and local open mic nights. Both were great times!
Some iconic places to visit in Edinburgh are, Edinburgh Castle, The Whisky Museum, and The Palace of Hollyrood House. In fact, there are 13 castles in Edinburgh, so take your pick, and don’t forget your woolies!
Stratford-Upon-Avon
As William Shakesphere once said… “I live here”, and apparently he still does to this day! This was a contribution by parents who took a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon quite a few years ago now. But it’s always been a city that’s been on my hit list, and one that’s struck out to me – can’t wait to visit!
The picturesque and very charming Stratford-Upon-Avon (promise I’m not flirting with Shakesphere here) is classed as a medieval market town, just below the city of Birmingham. Visit here if you love the look of Tudor buildings, because they’re traditional here, and the streets are lined with them!
Kent
Now, this one wasn’t one that sprung to my mind, but more on the news reports that claim it is home to the most haunted village in the UK. Pluckley a very historic little haunt, with a church that dates back over 600 years!
It is said that the village itself is known to host 15 known spirits within it, often seen by residents and visitors. Pluckley is also known to be the home of the ‘Screaming Woods’, which I don’t recommend going to, as it is known to be a dangerous place. But you can always research to your heart’s desire!
Nottingham
Like the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon, I was born in Nottingham! I was adopted at the age of 1 though, so I had to turn to Google for this one.
Wow though, I’ve just looked now. The National Justice Centre (I’m a True Crime enthusiast), The City of Caves, and a pub built in 1189 – I have to go here.
Bath
I first learnt about Bath when watching a vlog from The Michalaks – fantastic content creators; unfortunately, they don’t make the same vlogs anymore but I highly recommend it!
Bath is known, not only for the strikingly beautiful architecture of the city as a whole but also for the Roman Baths. The Roman Baths is a world heritage site all of its own. Available for tours of the original building, including parts that are no longer in general operation. Pictures of the place look like a scene straight out of Game of Thrones!
Lancashire
Didn’t wanna put the Yorkshire rivals on here, but I kind of had to, all thanks to the Pendle Witches! As the story goes, back in 1612, a total of 12 witches from around the Pendle Hill area in Lancashire, were executed for the murders of 10 men. They claim to have constructed the murders via witchcraft!
There ain’t much to see on Pendle Hill, it’s basically the picture above. However, you can always pay a trip over when you’re visiting York – kill two birds with one stone and all that (as long as its not 10)… (actually, don’t go killing birds).
Norwich
There are many, many, many histories nestled within the streets of Norwich. I’m going to come back with more once I’ve heard back from a friend who lives there.
One story I can tell you is the tragic one of a ghost called Sara. Sara worked at a Brothel at 19 Magdalen Street. One frantic night she had a disagreement with a customer which lead to her death by strangulation.
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