First and foremost, before we get into the how-tos and what to-dos about the annual Kew Gardens Orchid Festival, I want to give a small brief on what Kew Gardens is and what it shows to the public. 

The UK is blessed with gorgeous places offering endless opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast. Sure, sometimes the weather is not in your favour, but if you've got countless national parks perfect for hiking and stunning beaches offering an ideal setting for water sports, the bad weather won't ruin your day. From the scenic lakes of the Lake District to the postcard-perfect beaches on the Isle of Wight, here's where to go in the UK for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re considering a visit to Stonehenge, I advise that you do so after putting a few things into consideration.

Here are 5 things to know about visiting Stonehenge:

It’s popular!

Stonehenge is a massively popular place to visit, with approximately 800,000 visitors per year from all over the world. 

Note: This is an important column from one of our favorite artists and environmentalists, Jason deCaires Taylor (you've seen his work here on Wandering Educators for years). Jason allowed us to republish this article about an incredible new art installation, called Pride of Brexit.

England is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and even those who have visited London and other popular cities in England love to return as often as they can. It's amazing how many new spots you can explore in this country full of rich heritage and beautiful views, and how much you can experience during just one trip. Even though the UK is not that big, there is much to see and do.

The best way to explore England is via a road trip across the country. This allows for getting an authentic taste of local culture, while exploring the nation. Road tripping means you choose the route, what you want to see, and how long you stay in each place.

Here is how to design your perfect road trip around England.

Who doesn’t relish a road trip? And what better place to explore via car than by traversing the UK? While many travelers enjoy taking the train (or flying, if you’re heading up north to Scotland), road tripping the UK is a bucket list experience – one that you’ll utterly adore (and, perhaps, do again and again). 

But don’t settle for a regular road trip – craft your own itinerary to align with your passions and priorities. Here are some suggestions:

I will never forget the summer of '94. Working in London as the MSU Summer London Study Abroad Director, I packed as much theatre as I could into my time there. I danced onstage at Five Guys Named Moe, marveled at the chilling and realistic sound effects in Miss Saigon, bought countless tickets to Hot Shoe Shuffle, and went with my students to as many shows as we could pack in around classes and work. It was GLORIOUS.

London may be an ever-expanding tangle of concrete and gleaming glass but it also harbours wildlife that goes beyond pigeons, park ducks, and increasingly brazen gangs of foxes. From roaming deer and leaping lemurs to wallabies and alpacas, there are surprising creatures in every corner of the capital. Yes, a diverse array of city farms – originated by the band of early 1970s pioneers who turned a disused Kentish Town timberyard into London’s first rural hideaway – are dotted all over the capital.