Places to Visit in the British Isles: 4 Favorite Adventures

A cruise to the British Isles and Ireland means castles, cathedrals, pubs and historical city explorations of course, but there’s also plenty of room for off-the-beaten-path adventures, unexpected discoveries and cultural immersions. Here are some unique places to visit in the British Isles that open the door to explorations beyond the typical attractions.

Isle of Man: Coastal Hike | The picturesque Manx countryside and coastline are best explored on foot and this guided hike explores the best of both. The beginning of the hike takes you through the remote village of Cregneash, which is known for its idyllic white-washed cottages and small crofts. Your British Isles adventure continues on a grassy coastal footpath eventually leading to breathtaking terrain above the cliffs – panoramic views from Black Head and Spanish Head. A short, steep descent brings you to a lovely stretch overlooking the Calf of Man. Finish the invigorating hike with a stop at a local café for refreshments.

The Outer Hebrides: Adventure Boating | The Outer Hebrides are located off the northwest coast of Scotland, but the 130-mile-long string of islands is a world unto itself. The stunning loch-and-moor landscape that gives way to tranquil beaches and aquamarine waters is even more stunning by boat. Board a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) on this Stornoway excursion for some thrills as your captain zips along the stunning Uig coastline. You’ll cruise past islands, remote sea caves and arches – and even an aquamarine lagoon that is home to basking seals, dolphins and a plethora of seabirds. Toast to the day’s adventures with a dram of scotch back at Miavaig pier…you’ll be telling stories about this excursion for weeks to come.

Dublin: Become Irish for a Day | Dive into the heart of Irish culture during a visit to a family farm outside of Dublin where you’ll meet the extended family for a day of cooking, conversation, song and dance. Immerse yourself in the local life with a wide selection of activities – peat turf cutting, Gaelic speaking, hurling (similar to field hockey), sheepdog working, jig dancing, bodhrán drum beating and more. Regardless of what you choose, you’ll definitely be staying for lunch – a hearty and nourishing event. But the highlight of the day still awaits: traditional Irish ceili – where lively instruments, mad music, ancient songs and spirited dancing all come together to create an atmosphere that could only happen here in the Emerald Isle.

Scottish Highlands: Photography Expedition | Designed for professional photographers as well as serious amateurs, this unique excursion from Invergordon is the perfect opportunity to explore and photograph one of the most picturesque and photogenic areas in the United Kingdom. Your driver and expert guide, Keith Hart, is a professional photographer with more than 30 years of experience exploring and photographing the Highlands. He has a passionate interest in the Highlands, its people, places and wildlife, plus an enthusiasm for sharing his love of this remote and beautiful area. Keith will take you to just the right locations to get those very special shots. As far as places to visit in the British Isles, the Scottish Highlands tops many travel lists. And what better way to celebrate your adventure than with an excursion that helps you capture the essence of this beautiful corner of the world?

Explore more places to visit in the British Isles and start planning your cruise to the British Isles now.