London is riddled with vintage markets in almost every one of its thirty-two boroughs. The iconic capital of England is famous for its market stalls selling valuable antiques, silverware, porcelain sets, bric-a-brac, and limited edition hardcover classic novels. If you are thinking of buying a flight from Perth to London and want to bring a one-of-a-kind souvenir home from your travels to the capital, below is a list of five vintage markets in London that will ensure you return to Perth with a special memento from your trip.

The United Kingdom has an extensive past filled with history, culture, and art, and is home to some of the most wonderful natural sights in all of Europe. Whether it’s castles, marketplaces, somber landscapes or museums, there’s something there for any type of visitor. In the UK, old traditions are alive and well, and are even actively maintained and honored. Royal traditions and monarchy still have a place in everyday life, and provide a unique and interesting glimpse into the parallels of modern and medieval.

However, the UK isn’t just about the past; lovers of modern day pop culture can still find their fill there. Whether it’s in the music, the literature or the many countercultures that were born there, there’s something to keep even the most eclectic visitor entertained, engaged, and intrigued.

If you plan on visiting the UK, maybe consider some of these sites for your upcoming trip. I promise you won’t regret it. Here are just a few of the coolest things to do on your next trip:

Oxford University
There’s evidence that states that Oxford University dates all the way back to 1096 AD, which actually makes it older than the entire Aztec culture. It’s the second oldest operational university in the world (and the single oldest university within English Academia) and has greatly influenced the entire world of modern-day academia. Many notable figures in human history have graduated from Oxford, including Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, J. R. R. Tolkien, Bill Clinton and Adam Smith.

Though the Oxford University doesn’t have a single, centralized campus, it’s possible to visit the many different college centers throughout Oxford, the Saxon-built town known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires.’ It’s not hard to see that Oxford is a town heavily invested in education and research.

Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is the single largest remaining Roman artifact in the world, spanning from the banks of the River Tyne all the way to the Solway Firth on the west. The wall originally marked the border between the Roman Empire and the Northern Britons, and was built in 122 AD as part of the emperor’s attempt to defend the Roman people from ‘barbarians.’ Though it sits in ruins, it’s not hard to imagine what it looked like in its former greatness, and though now there are tourists and visitors where legionnaires and centurions once marched, it’s still easy to see the awe-inspiring power of ancient Rome.

The region is graced with beautiful, rolling green hills and is one of the best places for a walking holiday in the UK.

Museum of London
At over six million objects, the Museum of London is the single largest collection of urban, historical artifacts in the world. Walking through the halls of this magnificent establishment is like taking a journey through time itself, as the museum is curated with chronology in mind. Starting in the prehistoric era with ‘London before London’ and ending in the 80s with an exhibit on Punk culture, the Museum of London will leave you with a better understanding of where we’ve come from, and hopefully of where we’re headed to as well. This is probably the single best site for understanding the history of England’s illustrious jewel of a city, London.

Shakespeare’s Home
For you literature buffs out there, this stop is an absolute must. William Shakespeare’s home is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, a quaint town within the region of Warwickshire. This is the town where Shakespeare was born, and aside from his home, there are many sites relevant to his life and death. His home, the home of his daughter, the cottage of his wife and the school he attended as a child are all within Stratford-upon-Avon. However, the town itself is so incredibly intertwined with the tradition, and cultural outings and experiences can be found all over the place, ranging from Shakespearean walking tours to local theatre productions. The town is exactly as you would expect it to be, and upon arrival, it feels like stepping into a lifesize production of one of Shakespeare’s many masterpieces.

Warwick Castle
And not too far from Stratford-upon-Avon is the Warwick Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. The Warwick Castle is one of the most recognizable examples of medieval, military construction and is one of the most wondrous castles in all of England. Over the course of history, the castle has changed in ownership many times and has seen many a battle, and thankfully it’s now open as a tourist site, complete with tour guides and informational posts. Medieval armaments and equipments are on display throughout the castle, and the exhibited collection is regarded as second only to that of the Tower of London. Warwick castle (along with a few others in the region) is a must-see for enthusiasts of medieval history and warfare.

Loch Ness
Arguably one of the most well-known sites in all of Scotland, Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in all of Great Britain. Attracting thousands upon thousands of tourists a year, it’s most famous for the supposed sightings of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ (or, Nessie) and serves as a gathering point for those interested in Scottish culture, history and geology alike. Loch Ness is without a doubt one of the most captivating natural scenes in all of the UK, and is definitely a must for lovers of nature and history alike. There are many museums and lighthouses to see, and maybe if you’re lucky you’ll even catch a glimpse of Nessie herself.

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, the single most visited tourist attraction in all of Scotland, was built 900 years ago, however, there’s evidence that humans have inhabited the land it stands on since the Iron Age (2nd century AD). Like most castles, it’s served as a military fortress in countless wars and skirmishes, but now it’s mostly a ceremonial site. However, unlike most medieval strongholds, Edinburgh Castle was used up until the First World War, where it was used as a holding center for prisoners of war. Edinburgh Castle holds a special cultural significance to the Scottish people, and is still emblematic to the spirit of Scotland.

Some of the castle houses have since been converted into storerooms and regimental museums, which aim to help tourists understand the intricate history involved with this magical site.

Portobello Road
Portobello Road in West London is a culturally significant location for art, film and local history, and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. It is also very easy to get to. Just hop in any Taxi in London. Alternatively, you can take the subway, or "tube" as the locals say.

Home to the largest antique market in all of the UK with nearly a kilometer of market stalls. The merchandise varies from antiques to clothing and fashion, household items and fresh produce. With enough searching, anything can be found here at this bustling, lively center. Portobello Road is a great, hip place for people searching for something a bit more trendy. It’s a fun place to spend days in cafes and bookstores and nights at pubs and theatres.

Portobello Road is also home to the Portobello Film Festival and has been since its start in 1996. It happens annually every August, and features independent, documentary, and animation style films in various locations up and down the road.

The UK is a land rich with history and natural beauty. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the amazing things the UK has to offer. And let us know how your trip went!