100 Years of US Presidential Visits to the United Kingdom

Woodrow Wilson rides in a carriage through London in 1918
Woodrow Wilson rides in a carriage through London in 1918 | © Wikimedia Commons

Woodrow Wilson was the first US president to visit London in an official capacity in December 1918. Nearly a century on, and with President Trump’s visit on the horizon, Culture Trip takes a look at other US presidents who made it to the British isles during their time in office.

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson and George V, 1918

In December 1918, Woodrow Wilson was welcomed to London by streets flooded with revelers, no doubt relieved that World War II was coming to an end. The event, which took place on Boxing Day, can be seen in this remarkable video.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower outside Balmoral Castle with members of the British royal family, August 1959

In 1959, Dwight D. Eisenhower had an informal visit with Harold Macmillan in Chequers (the official country house of UK prime ministers) and spent time with the royal family in Scotland.

John F. Kennedy

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip host Queen’s Dinner for John F. Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy, June 1961

As dramatised in what is arguably the most remarkable episode of Netflix’s The Crown, John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie had a private visit with Queen Elizabeth II and Macmillan in 1961.

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon visiting Buckingham Palace with Britain’s royal family

In February 1969, Richard Nixon also came on an informal visit to Britain, where he held conversations with former prime minister Harold Wilson and lunched at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter visiting the UK for an economic summit in 1977

In May 1977, Jimmy Carter attended an economic summit in London, along with heads of state from Canada, France, Italy, Japan and the (then) Federal Republic of Germany to find a solution for the economic crisis that was affecting much of the world at the time.

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II riding horses in 1982

Ronald Reagan made visits to London in 1982, 1984 and 1988, each time he met with Queen Elizabeth II, and Margaret Thatcher, with whom he worked closely on economic policies.

George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush Mrs. Bush arrive at Buckingham Palace

Reagan’s successor, George H. W. Bush, continued working closely with Thatcher, and visited London in 1989.

Bill Clinton

Prince Philip, Hillary Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II and Bill Clinton at Buckingham Palace, 1995

Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton also made a trip across the pond to rub elbows with the royals. In 1994, Bill Clinton was awarded an honorary degree from Oxford University.

George W. Bush

George W Bush and Queen Elizabeth II

Just over a decade after his parents met with the queen, George W. Bush met with Queen Elizabeth II and Tony Blair in July 2001. After the events of 9/11, Bush would conduct four more visits to the UK before the end of his presidency.

Barack Obama

Barack and Michelle Obama are welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II to Buckingham Palace, April 2009

In 2009, Barack and Michelle Obama made their first trip London in an official capacity. Their final official visit in April 2016 marks the last time an American president has visited the UK.

As people gather across the country to protest President Trump’s visit, it will be interesting to see what photos will round out 100 years of presidential visits. Hopefully they amount to more than a comical blimp over the London skyline.

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