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The Top 3 Most Historical Cities in the UK

The UK is known for its fascinating historical sites, which can be found across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. If you are planning a trip to the UK, you should definitely consider adding some of the UK’s most historical cities to your must-see list.

There are a wide range of historical cities to choose from, so to narrow down your choices, here are some of the most popular historic locations in the UK.

Oxford

Visit Oxford, one of the most historical cities in the UK

Oxford is the home of the prestigious Oxford University, which is the second oldest university in the world, just behind the University of Bologna in Italy. Even if you’re not attending lectures, you can still wander around the university, explore the gardens, brush up on your reading at the Bodleian Library, and admire the Radcliffe Camera building.

A trip to Oxford isn’t complete without a trip the Oxford Castle, which was built in 1071. You can take in the castle’s beauty from the Saxon St George’s Tower, the oldest building in Oxfordshire.

If you want to squeeze in a trip to the capital while you are visiting Oxford, it is just a short train ride away. In London, you can enjoy plenty more historical sites, sightseeing hotspots and, of course, shopping.

Durham

Visit the historical cathedral and castle of Durham

Durham is known as the jewel of the northeast for a reason, as it is home to the magnificent Durham Cathedral, a popular UNESCO heritage site. This Norman building is home to the shrine of St Cuthbert, which was constructed between 1093 and 1133.

Durham castle sits at the heart of the world heritage site. This beautiful structure was built in the 11^th century and is now home to the students of University College, which is part of the prestigious Durham University.

Away from the world heritage site is the picturesque Crook Hall and gardens, a medieval manor first constructed in 1217. Both the building and the five acres of English gardens are a sight to see. You can stroll through the gardens every Sunday to Wednesday while enjoying a spot of tea in the Georgian drawing room.

Chester

Visit the historical walled city of Chester in the UK

Chester is located in the northwest of England and is known for its ancient wall, which encloses the city. It’s one of the most historical cities in the UK, since the walls are the oldest and longest-standing barricades in all of the United Kingdom.

However, instead of being used for protection, the locals use the walls as a relaxing promenade spot.

Since the Middle Ages, Chester has been known as a bustling market town and still is to this day. If you are a shopping addict, you should wander through the many shops near Watergate and Bridge Street where you can pick up something for yourself or a loved one back home.

In Chester, you will find the world’s oldest racecourse, which was established in 1539 and is still in operation. If you are lucky, you may get tickets to a race even or even a concert. However, keep in mind that if you go in the colder months, you definitely need to wrap up warm, as rain is basically constant during winter.

Now you’ve got some inspiration, you can start planning your historic city trip to the UK. You may also want to start on your packing list, as you need to make sure that you have the right clothes for the unpredictable UK climate (which is mostly cold).

July 21, 2021

How to get Free Accommodation in Exchange for Work in the UK

Budget Tips

If you have hopes of travelling to the United Kingdom, but are worried about accommodation costs, you may want to consider applying for jobs that offer free accommodation in exchange for work in the UK.

There are plenty of organisations which provide you with a steady job along with safe and clean digs in various parts of England, Wales and Ireland. To help you understand more about the process, here are examples of how to work in exchange for free accommodation in the UK.

Become a Petsitter

Combine your love of animals with your love of travel and become a Trusted Housesitter

There are plenty of people in the UK who are looking for trusted housesitters to stay at their place for free in exchange for watching their pets. For animal lovers who are responsible, reliable, and looking for a great way to travel around the UK with free accommodation, you can get started with the petsitting network, Trusted Housesitters. It’s the #1 platform where you can find tons of different options, from a chic flat in London, to a seaside countryhouse in Cornwall. A basic membership starts at just €99 for unlimited housesits worldwide, which is well-worth the cost when you think about how much accommodation in the UK can be!

Volunteer with a charity

Volunteer with an organization that offers free accommodation in exchange for work

Volunteer with an organisation that offers free accommodation in exchange for work

One of the most rewarding ways to earn your stay is by volunteering with a charity. There are various programmes that offer charity fundraiser roles that involve door-to-door charity fundraising to help fund the chosen cause.

Companies such as Wesser provide charity fundraisers work that helps them earn £10 an hour plus commission, along with free access to shared accommodation. This typically consists of a large four to five-bedroom property with various communal living areas which cater to the staff’s every need.

Work in hospitality

Some hospitality sectors in the UK offer free accommodation in exchange for work

Another great way to earn and live while travelling in the UK is by working in the hospitality sector. This could include working in a hotel as a live-in staff member who takes on the role of a receptionist or even a hotel manager.

In the UK, there are a variety of seaside and lake and holiday camps that hire seasonal workers in the spring and summer months. These jobs typically offer fair pay along with free accommodation in a cosy cabin or even a quirky tepee.

Become a live-in nanny

Become an Au Pair and get free accommodation in exchange for work

If you enjoy travelling and love kids, why not become a live-in nanny in the UK? There are plenty of vacancies available in this field. This will provide you with work in exchange for free accommodation which will definitely be a lavish and unique experience in the UK, as the majority of employers will be extremely wealthy.

There are also financial benefits of becoming a nanny, as on average, they earn upwards of £350 per week. This works out a lot cheaper than rent and can also fund your meals, as you will likely be given extra pocket money for food for you and the children. You can also use the remainder of your earnings to fund the rest of your travels.

Work on an organic farm

Work on an organic farm in the UK in exchange for free accommodation

If your dream is to travel and stay in picturesque locations, you should consider volunteering on an organic farm. This will involve living and working in the farm, where you will get involved in jobs such as picking grapes or even milking a cow or two.

One of the most popular organisations is WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which offers global opportunities for like-minded people looking to work, stay and learn all about farm life. Workaway is another great company which allows travellers to find free accommodation in exchange for farm work, while also offering the freedom of travelling like a local.

Now you have all the information you need regarding work in exchange for free accommodation in the UK, have you decided which route is right for you? Whatever you choose, it is important that you first check your visa eligibility to ensure you can legally work in the UK.

It is also vital that you thoroughly research the company you are planning to work for by looking at reviews and asking around for personal recommendations. This will ensure that your experience will be completely legal, safe and enjoyable.

February 24, 2021

The Best Scenic Drives in the UK

Off the Beaten Path

Are you dreaming of getting out and going on an adventure? After the year we’ve had, it’s worth taking the time to think about how we’ll make the most of any holiday time we get.

Should you be planning a getaway, look no further than hitting one of the many scenic drives in the UK. While Great Britain might not be as vast as the US, with its epic Route 66 and Skyline Drive, there are still some truly breathtaking road trips to uncover.

If you feel ready to get behind the wheel and see some very familiar countries from a whole new perspective, read on for some inspired scenic drives in the UK.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

The Scottish Highlands near Aultbea

The North Coast 500 is a captivating scenic drive around some of Scotland’s most awesome sights. It takes in an impressive 805km along the coastline of Inverness and follows an anti-clockwise circular route through Caithness and Wester Ross up to Wick and Aultbea, before moving west to Poolewe and Gairloch. Along the way, you’ll see castles, ruins, and beaches before looping back to Bealach na Bà and across to Inverness again.

This scenic drive takes anywhere between four and seven days and covers winding back roads, so be ready to climb some highlands.

The Atlantic Highway, England

Tintagel Castle on the Atlantic Highway in England

For a route that runs from coast to coast, try the Atlantic Highway located in England in the UK. This 275km route runs along the A39 from the Devon border at Bridgewater to Land’s End.

This four to five-day UK scenic drive is perfect for nature lovers as it takes in Exmoor National Park along the way and is well worth a visit if you’re itching to get out for a hike. There’s plenty for beach lovers and surfers too, as Bude and Newquay are home to surf schools, while Land’s End looks out to where the Celtic Sea meets the English Channel.

The Black Mountain Pass, Wales

Enjoy the lowlands of the Brecon Beacons before the hairpin turns of the Black Mountain Pass in Wales

This one-day scenic drive covers an epic mountainous route through the Brecon Beacons. It starts in the north at Llandovery before heading through Herbert’s Pass then down into the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen.

This is a scenic drive suited to robust motors and confident motorists as there are several narrow roads and hairpin bends that need some masterful driving skills to navigate. It’s worth it for the captivating scenery, however, and is the perfect adventure holiday.

The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Set aside three to five days for this 195km scenic drive from Belfast to Derry/ Londonderry. This coastal journey is filled with castles and whiskey distilleries, beaches and UNESCO sites.

Take a detour to the Dark Hedges while traveling the Causeway Coastal Route

The famous Dark Hedges near the Causeway Coastal Route

Some of the highlights to look out for include Carrickfergus Castle and The Gobbins, a dramatic cliff path that features bridges, caves and coastal views. There’s also The Dark Hedges, an avenue of trees that featured in Game of Thrones. It’s close to the route and well worth a detour if you’re a fan of the show. You can then head to Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle before arriving in Londonderry.

Whichever scenic drive you choose, you’re sure to see the UK in a whole new light.

January 26, 2021