Britain's 7 Great Wonders

There's no shame in a 'staycation.' Actually, it can be just as exotic and truly epic as any trip abroad. Why go all the way the see the pyramids in Egypt when we've got the Stonehenge right in our backyard? The Great Wall of China hardly lives up to 'ol Hadrian. What about the Taj Mahal? It looks unnervingly similar to the Brighton Pavilion, doesn't it?

If you're going to be in Britain this summer, take advantage of the great and epically wonderful sights around the country. There's bound to be at least a few that you haven't seen before.

Britain's 7 Great Wonders

Hadrian's Wall

Britain's Roman defense wall, it was started in AD 122 during the rule of Roman emperor Hadrian. Only 87 miles or so of the mid-section still stands today, a popular spot for hiking and cycling in northern England, connecting the North Sea to the Irish Sea. The easiest access points are from Carlisle and Newcastle.

Brighton Pavilion

An architectural jewel, the Royal Pavilion was built between 1815 and 1823 by John Nash, under the orders of Prince Regent. It's a luxurious mansion right by the sea. It's obvious that India was a true inspiration to the place. You might even say, it's Britain's own Taj Mahal!

Eas a' Chual Aluinn 

Eas a' Chual Aluinn is the highest waterfall in Britain and can be found in Scotland's Highlands. Measuring 200m high, three times the height of Niagara Falls. It's not as easy to get to as Niagara though. You need to hike for 2 miles across bogs to reach it.

Snowdonia

Is a national park in the northern part of Wales and looks like Mother Nature took a slice of the Alps and placed it in England. The region is full of pleasant lakes, castles, waterfalls, mountains. It's an excellent spot for trekking. Climb the highest mountain in Wales via the Crib Goch and you'll be rewarded with views.

Holywell Bay

There are more places to surf in the world than just Oz's Bondi Beach. Take Newquay for example, the surf capital of Britain. If you're looking for a pretty beach with great breaks, Holywell Bay is a great spot. Head there early though, by mid-day on a sunny afternoon you can bet the beach will be full.

Stonehenge

This UNESCO Neolithic and Bronze Age stone monument is famous around the world. It's still puzzling to many how it was built. The surrounding area is one of the most rich archaeological sites in Europe with more than 200 Neolithic monuments. Reach it via the M3 from London. 

Coventry Cathedral

The cathedral stands in the middle of this West Midlands city, built in medieval Gothic style in the late 14th century. It was mostly destroyed by the Germans in the 1940s. Today only the tower, spire and outer walls remain. It's a mere shell of what was once a great cathedral, similar to the way that Rome's Coliseum is a mere shell to what was once a great stadium.

Images: walt jabsco, huygens, formalfallacy, lukeearl, birdies-perch, harry lawford  / flickr cc.