Tourism forms a significant part of the economy of the United Kingdom; it is the sixth-most visited country in the world. Fashion, cuisine, tourist places, and art and architecture of the country attracts a million visitors.
The capital city, London draws the maximum number of international visitors of any city. Located on the River Thames, and covering an area of 607 square miles, London is the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom. The Tower of London, Kew Gardens, Palace of Westminster, St Margaret's Church, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square are the major attractions.
One of the major attractions in London is the Big Ben, a 316 feet-long-clock tower, located at the House of Commons of the British Parliament House at the Palace of Westminster. The immense 13 ton bell is the highlight of the tower, and is the biggest bell to be made by the Whitechapell foundation till date. It took thirteen years to complete this unique Gothic construction, and was finished in 1856.
A light on Big Ben is lit to indicate that the Parliament is in session.
There are a number of picturesque gardens in Britain that draw tourists from all over the world. Some of the special types of Britain gardens include cottage gardens, botanic gardens, maze gardens, herb gardens, oriental gardens, water gardens, parks and woodlands. These spectacular gardens in different parts of Britain exhibit various rare species of flowers. The best time to visit these exquisitely landscaped gardens is during spring and summer when they are dressed in myriad colourful colors. Varieties of flora and fauna are exhibited in the staggering number of zoos and gardens of Britain.
British Zoos include some of the best animal enclosures in the world. Almost all major cities in Britain possess a zoo. The Chester Zoo is Britain's largest zoo. All British zoos try to simulate the natural environment of the confined animals. Some animals like penguins are housed in a special micro-climactic zone specially designed for them.
Britain has lots to offer to history lovers and people with a craze to learn about the cultural heritage of the country. There are a number of museums and art galleries in Britain that are a storehouse of breathtaking collections of rare and precious exhibits. Some of the most prominent and widely-visited museums in the country include: Natural History Museum, the British Museum, National Maritime Museum, National Railway Museum, and Science Museum.
The suburbs of Britain are highly favored by the tourists. The Stonehenge and Bath, Windsor, Oxford, Warwick Castle, Stratford and Greenwich receive thousands of tourists every year.
Britain walking tours prove to be the most inviting part of the British tourism packages. Walking tours of Britain are popular amongst tourists who do not want to leave even the remotest corner of Britain unexplored. Arrangements and tours are scheduled in such a way that they cover extensive walks through the forests, rugged mountains, small counties and rural hamlets. Walking tours through the urban areas are also great attractions for the travelers. The walking tours in Great Britain are conducted in the different areas of Scotland, Wales and England.
Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, tourists to Britain often indulge in Britain Island Getaways. Many islands of Britain are excellent destinations to explore exotic locations, discover the magic of romance and rejuvenate the body and mind through specialized spa treatments. Isle of Man, Orkney, and Shetland are some of the most beautiful islands in the country. These islands are highly popular tourist destinations that never fail to mesmerize the visitors with their picturesque sightseeing destinations, historical sites and glorious past.
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