United Kingdom Castles & palaces, Food + People pictures

• Europe
• World

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, nestled between extinct volcanoes and hills, is almost fairytale in appearance, with its medieval buildings in the Old Town and the wide streets and spacious homes Georgian New Town, and the spectacular castle looking down from its cliff. Edinburgh was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995, which only begs the question: why did it take so long?

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this spacious sandy haven flanked by a miniature railway and an aquarium with Humboldt penguins.

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

A setting in one of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedies, this crenellated castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness.

Explore dozens of elegant rooms, meander through manicured Victorian gardens and watch falcon flying demonstrations at this castle complex.

Gaze up at the iconic limestone cliffs rising from the North Sea in this lively town with a history of explorers.

Discover the creatures that live deep in the world’s oceans and learn about the importance of conservation at the largest aquarium in the U.K.

Watch a game of polo, eat at a famous chef’s restaurant and surf the impressive waves of this scenic bay.

Watch a game of polo, eat at a famous chef’s restaurant and surf the impressive waves of this scenic bay.

Sip on expertly made gin in a historic distillery that has been making spirits for over two centuries in the same spot on Plymouth’s waterfront. 

Whitby’s hilltop church is known for its coastal views, varied architectural influences and sacred history, as well as the famous vampire who stalked the cemetery.

Windermere is the perfect lakeside destination all year round. With the water’s shores so close, the scenery is always fantastic and the leisure activities plentiful. The village of Windermere itself has plenty of shops and nice restaurants to enjoy where you can eat outside and enjoy the fantastic scenery. Several local viewpoints offer visitors panoramic views of both the lake and the more distant Pennines.

Built by the Victorians over 150 years ago, this charming marketplace  is still open for business, with craft, antiques and fresh produce on offer.

Go for a stroll around this scenic loch, known for the ruined 13th-century castle at its center.

Marvel at the picturesque terrain around the sheltered inlet harbor and learn about witchcraft, a vanished castle and devastating floods.

Visit the tower from which the city takes its name to hear wicked tales of frightening ghouls and life in the dungeon.

Bring your board to one of the best surfing spots in the country and attempt to ride the crashing Atlantic waves.

Let nostalgia take hold in a museum of children’s tales and learn about the history of boats in this pleasant lakeside commune.

Combine your visit to this innovative and diverse aquarium with a steam train journey and a cruise on the picturesque lake.

Medieval architecture, galleries, cultural centers, picturesque parks and a lively waterfront make this one of the most attractive cities in southwest England.