User:Alijens97/sandbox

= Tourist Attractions =

Houses of Parliament - Located in central London, the Houses of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster were built in 1016 and are the meeting place of the British Government. Tourists are drawn to the clock tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben, which is a popular location for photos. The Houses of Parliament are open to the public for tours, and guests are invited to watch debates and committees of the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Stonehenge - Located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is the site of a historic landmark dating back to 3100 BC. The massive stones placed on and around each other have become a true wonder of the world as it is unclear exactly how they came to be or the exact purpose that they serve. Visitors are invited to walk along a path around the perimeter of the site with an audio guide, and stop by the visitors center to examine ancient objects related to this mysterious landmark.

Edinburgh Castle - Edinburgh Castle has served as a museum as well as fortified castle in its time, and has stood as a beacon of power on the top of Castle Rock since 850 BC. It is home to Scotland’s royal jewels, as well as the National War Museum of Scotland. It boasts an excellent view of the city of Edinburgh, and provides tours for visitors to better understand the architecture and history.

British Museum - The British Museum, home to thousands of years of history from all corners of the world, is located in London. The museum has over eight million exhibits, all of which are dedicated to human history. Some of its most prized possessions include the Rosetta Stone, the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Helmet, an Easter Island Statue, and their large collection of ancient Egyptian mummies. The British Museum is free to the public, and tours are offered.

Buckingham Palace - Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the royal monarch, after it was purchased by George III in 1761. It has been home to many generations of monarchs after Queen Victoria officially made the Palace her family home in 1837. Not only does Queen Elizabeth II currently reside there, but it is also where she conducts all of her royal duties of the crown. Buckingham Palace is open to the public during the summer, and during August and September the State Rooms are added to the tour while the Queen visits Scotland.

Lake District - A region in the Northern part of England, the Lake District is home to England’s largest National Park, and the famous waters of Lake Windermere. Many artists are writers have found inspiration among the nature there, and tourists often travel there to find the same sort of inspiration. Water sports, hiking trails through the mountains surrounding the lake, and on site entertainment and lodging are all available to tourists year round.

Westminster Abbey - This thousand year old building has been the church used by the Royal Family for weddings and coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066. Located just across the street from the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey is a popular tourist attraction for English history enthusiasts. The building is open to the public year round, and visitors can see the burial sites of many monarchs from English history, as well as famous scientists, politicians, and authors.

Arthur’s Seat - Arthurs Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh, Scotland, at 251 meters above sea level, and is an ancient, dormant volcano. It is the site of a large military fort from almost 2,000 years ago, located near Edinburgh Castle. Visitors are welcome to hike to the top of the peak, and are rewarded with a wide view of the entire city.

Snowdonia - Snowdonia is a mountain and coastal area located in the western portion of The United Kingdom along the coast of Wales. It has been a National Park since 1951, and is celebrated for its historic Snowdon Mountain Railway that takes visitors to the top of the highest mountain in the lower half of the country. At the top of Mount Snowdon, views of Ireland can be seen. Tourists are also welcome to other adventures within the park, such as zip lining, surfing, and other water sports.

Tower of London - The Tower of London is the official fortress of Her Majesty The Queen, and is located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has been used as a palace and a prison over the years since its establishment at the beginning of the 11th century. It is currently treated as a museum, and is home to England’s royal jewels. Tours of the tower are available to the public, and are given by Yeoman Warders who form the Royal Bodyguard.

St. Paul’s Cathedral - Located in London, St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican church building whose dome is a famous sight along the River Thames. In addition to daily services, visitors are also welcome to climb the 528 steps to the top of the dome and experience the unique acoustics within the dome before stepping out to the view of the city. Audio guides are available to all visitors, and a small cafe can be found at the exit of the Cathedral, near the crypt.