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Visit the UK’s most unusual tourist attractions

By Sally - Silversurfer's Editor Jun 12, 2014

From museums to natural landmarks, historic architecture and the weird and wonderful Britain’s attractions are among the best in the world.

The range in choice is enormous – points of interest around the United Kingdom offer the opportunity to learn about science, mythology, natural history, archaeology and everything in between.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s anything but ordinary, pay a visit to one of the UK’s most unusual tourist attractions. All over the country there are interesting and unique destinations that will peak your interest and offer something a little different to the everyday.

Finding the best of unusual Britain

With hundreds of attractions both big and small all over the United Kingdom, there’s no shortage of choice when you’re planning a day out. From local history to archaeology and art, Britain’s most unusual attractions cover an impressive array of subjects – in the big cities you can find entertaining excursions and museums, while in rural communities you have the chance to visit historic sites that have inspired legends and draw visitors from around the world to see these strange wonders with their own eyes.

For inspiration, guides like Offbeat Attractions are an excellent starting point and can give you an idea of some of the more popular destinations off the beaten track. AOL.com has also made it easy to browse what’s out there and worth a visit with its list of the weirdest tourist attractions in Britain.

Attractions in Scotland

Hundreds of years of history and architecture make Scotland a hub of unusual attractions. You can find out more about some of the most interesting and historic sites at Visit Scotland. Some highlights include:

  • Rosslyn Chapel – Founded in the mid-15th century, this famous chapel outside Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders is the stuff of legends. It’s featured in famous books like Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code and has inspired theories on everything from the descendants of Jesus Christ to Freemasonry and the Knights Templar.
  • William Wallace Monument – Standing in tribute to one of Scotland’s most famous historical figures, the William Wallace Monument in Stirling stands as a testament to the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge.
  • Glasgow Science Centre – The unusual architecture is an indicator of what’s waiting inside at Glasgow’s Science Centre. From live science shows to interactive exhibits, you can get hands on with the weird and wonderful here – a perfect choice for a day out with the family that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Attractions in England

England has no shortage of unusual attractions, both historic and modern, to delight visitors from at home and abroad. Browse the most popular spots online at Visit Britain. Some highlights include:

  • Stonehenge – Named one of the 7 wonders of the world, and with good reason. Located in Wiltshire, construction of the site began in 2600 BC and in its history has baffled historians and archaeologists alike. Some of the most popular theories about its purpose include a sun worship temple, healing centre and giant calendar.
  • The Gnome Reserve – Set on four acres of gardens in Devon, take a walk through the more than 1,000 gnomes and pixies that reside in the North Devon Gnome Reserve. Each one is individually hand-made and painted and on entrance visitors get their very own hat and fishing rod to fit right in and offer some great photo opportunities.
  • The Crooked House – Dudley’s Crooked House was first built as a farmhouse in 1765, and began its unusual lean in the 1800s after it was badly affected by subsidence as a result of local mining. After being reinforced in the 1940s, the Crooked House is safe and here to stay as a quaint local pub and eatery well worth a meal and a picture.

Attractions in Wales

Famous among other things for its stunning natural scenery, Wales has a few mysteries of its own to offer visitors. You can search for attractions by region online at Visit Wales if you need a little inspiration before you go. Some highlights include:

  • Quay House – Find Britain’s smallest home in Conwy North Wales. The tiny bolthole was a home from the 16th century through to 1900 when its last owner, a 6ft tall fisherman, became too big to stand upright. Inside there’s room for just a bed, cabinet, stove and water tap, but benefits from a stellar location – right next to Conwy Castle.
  • Portmeirion – Find a little slice of the Mediterranean in Wales. This village features brightly-painted buildings and spired built around a central piazza by architect Clough Williams-Ellis. Visitors can gain access for a small fee, or alternatively, there are a number of rooms to rent overnight for an unusual stay in an unusual village.
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Sally - Silversurfer's Editor

Mother of three grown-up daughters I am the ultimate multi-tasker and am passionate about my role as Silversurfers Website Editor and Social Media Manager. Always on the lookout for all things that will interest and entertain our community. Fueling fun for the young at heart!

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