Travel within the UK is very straightforward, car rentals are fairly inexpensive,
many low cost flights are available throughout the region, and trains run everywhere.
Each country within the UK has a unique identity.
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TRAVEL TO ENGLAND
England is a relatively small country,
and yet it has made such a grand impact upon the
history of the world. England is the birthplace of the English language, the Church of
England, and the centre of the British Empire. The Magna Carta, issued in 1215, is the
basis of English law which is the basis of many legal systems throughout the world.
England's historic landmarks include Pre-historic Stonehenge, medieval castles,
majestic cathedrals, and the esteemed University's of Oxford and Cambridge. England
scenery varies by each region. The Lake District has beautiful woodlands, lakes and
mountains. Devon is home to the world famous cream tea, picturesque resort towns and
harbors. Cornwall has wind swept scenery, small towns and villages, and tales of
pirates and rogues. Throughout the country you can view ancient forests, sandy beaches,
rocky cliffs and coves, and ancient monuments hinting at England's past.
Travel to London: London is the
capital of England, and the capital of the UK. Evidence suggests that the area of
London has been settled since the Bronze Age. Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Norsemen,
and many others have had an influence in the development of this great city. Visit the
Museum of London to learn about the city's legacy. There are
numerous parks scattered throughout the city. Why not take a visit to Regents Park,
Richmond Park, and St. James Park. A visit to Hyde Park and Speakers corner is
always entertaining. Or simply ride around London on a double decker bus to view
the city. It would take repeated visits to London to do justice to the many
attractions.
London is renowned for its museums. Most museums are free, although it is advisable
to verify. Museums worth visiting include the Museum of London, the
National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the
British Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the
Cartoon Museum, the Foundling Museum, the
Sherlock Holmes Museum, the RAF Museum, the
London Dungeon, National Maritime Museum and
Royal Observatory Greenwich, and many others.
Landmarks include Somerset House, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben,
Buckingham Palace, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre,
The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, Kensington Palace and Gardens.
Shopping locations include Portobello Road (antiques and souvenirs), Oxford Street,
Bond Street (top designers), Soho (bohemian), and many others.
Travel to The City of Bath: The
City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is built in the mouth of an
extinct volcano and is the result of a convergence of three hot springs. These are
the only hot springs found in England. Originally this city was the home of Roman
baths, although some evidence suggests there may be earlier Celtic origins. The city
influences include Roman, Medieval, Georgian, Edwardian, Victorian. Bath was bombed
three times during World War II and many important buildings were damaged. However
all important buildings have now been reconstructed. Places of interest include
Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, the
Circus, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney
Bridge. Don't forget to visit the Jane Austen Centre which
chronicles details of Jane Austen's life in Bath.
Travel to Lynton and Lynmouth: Lynton
and Lynmouth are located in Exmoor National Park. In
Lynton you will find tearooms, cafes, and shops. Below you will find
Lynmouth is a picturesque town with quaint fisherman's cottages. This
area is characterized by sweeping moors, spectacular scenery, and high cliffs. R.D.
Blackmore, who wrote Lorna Doone, fell in love with the area because of its wild beauty.
This area is rich with outdoor activities, beautiful gardens and parks, and the Historic
houses of Hartland Abbey and Arlington Court.
Travel to Nottingham: Nottingham is
located in the East Midlands. Although normally associated with Robin Hood, Nottingham
was the home of Lord Byron and DH Lawrence. Places worth visiting include the
Galleries of Justice, City of Caves, Nottingham
Castle, Newstead Abbey (the ancestral home of Lord Byron), and
Sherwood Forest County Park. Most shopping is located in Old Market
square. Nottingham is also quite famous for its lace making, so stop by the
Nottingham Lace Centre. Stop by the oldest working pub in Britain
(over 800 years old), Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn of Maid Marian Way.
Travel to Plymouth: is the capital of
Devon and Cornwall. This unique city has a rich
maritime history. Plymouth was heavily bombed during World War II due to its importance
then, and now, as a major dockyard for the Royal British Navy. The city
was decimated but was rebuilt into the vibrant modern city it is today. Plymouth port has
great history attached. The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth in 1620 towards the New World.
Catherine of Aragon and Pocahontas arrived in England via Plymouth. Napoleon Bonaparte
arrived in Plymouth, and stayed for two weeks, prior to his exile in St Helena. If you
tire of history, view Plymouth as the modern city it has become. There are many festivals,
museums, modern restaurants, and shopping available.
Travel to Salisbury: Salisbury is an
often overlooked city in England. Salisbury's most famous landmark is Salisbury Cathedral
which dates to 1200 AD. Salisbury Cathedral is considered to be England's finest medieval
cathedral. The Cathedral has extensive Cloisters, a Close, and is home to one of the 4
original copies of the Magna Carta. Nearby is Old Sarum, the site a
settlement dating back to the Iron Age, considered the precursor of modern Salisbury.
Also located nearby is Stonehenge, and Old Wardour Castle
(where some filming for Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves occurred).
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon: Stratford-upon-Avon
is an important market town with the tranquil river Avon flowing nearby. Try catching a show
Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Don't forget to visit Anne Hathaway's house,
Mary Arden's house (Shakespeare's mother), New House
(Shakespeare's home until his death), and Holy Trinity Church (where Anne
Hathaway and William Shakespeare are buried). Visit Harvard House, currently
owned by Harvard University, and learn all about its founder John Harvard. Also try to take
time for a riverside walk along the River Avon, a tranquil way to relax after sightseeing.
Travel to Tintagel: Tintagel is a village
on the Cornwall coast where the Arthurian legends are centered. Tintagel castle is
considered to be King Arthur's castle. Below the castle, at the base of
the cliff near the edge of the sea you will find Merlin's Cave. Nearby
you will find Dozmary Pool, a small lake said to be the home of the
Lady of the Lake. Legend has it that the Round Table of King Arthur is buried at
Bossiney mound, a nearby hamlet.
Travel to Windsor: Windsor, located in
Berkshire, is the home of the largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle.
Although this is one of Queen Elizabeth II principal residences, the castle has been
continuously inhabited since the time of William the Conqueror. Just across the river
Thames, linked by Windsor Bridge, is the college town of Eton. Runnymead
, the location of the signing of the Magna Carta, is located nearby.
Travel to York: York is a walled city,
steeped in over 2000 years of history. Due to its history, York has had a variety of
names, from Eoforwic (during Saxon times), Jorvik (during Viking times),
and finally York. York has been repeatedly voted Europe's favourite city due to the
variety of attractions. It is also considered to be the most haunted city in Europe.
Although the Vikings controlled York (or Jorvik) for less than 100 years, evidence of
their influence abounds. There are many sights worth seeing including the Jorvik
Viking Centre, York Dungeon, the National Railway
Museum, Clifford's Tower, York Minster, the
Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum, and many others.
There are many walking tours with specific themes; ghost walks, snickelway walks
(medieval alleys), walks along the walls enclosing the city, nature walks outside the
city, and even river cruises.
TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND
Scotland is a wild and beautiful
country with brilliant scenery, an ancient history, and interesting cultural legacy.
Scotland's history extends back to almost 10,000 years ago. Due to its history Scotland
has many UNESCO world heritage sites. Visit Skara Brae, on the Orkney Islands, Europe's
most complete Neolithic village and a UNESCO world heritage site. The capital, Edinburgh,
and the largest city, Glasgow, are the most well known cities in Scotland. However the
beauty of Scotland is found outside its cities in the highlands, lochs, and glens.
Travel to Glasgow: Glasgow is the largest
city in Scotland. Prior to the industrial revolution Glasgow was the 'second biggest city
in the British Empire'. Glasgow is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture;
however there are many art nouveau buildings in the city. Much of Glasgow was built using
the famous red sandstone. Glasgow has a vibrant arts scene, a shopper's paradise, and an
ideal location for many excursions into the surrounding countryside.
When in Glasgow spend some time visiting the many art museums including The
Burrell Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre with the rotating
Glasgow Tower, the People's Palace Museum, and St.
Mungo's museum. Visit Tenement House to see what life was like in a
tenement house in the early 20th century. Visit Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's
oldest house which displays life in the 1700's.
Glasgow Cathedral displays spectacular Gothic Architecture. Also visit
the Glasgow Botanic Gardens for a relaxing break.
Glasgow has a vibrant music scene and there are many places to hear remarkable music.
Catch a performance of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Two world class music festivals are held in
Glasgow every year; the Celtic Connections Festival and the International
Jazz Festival.
Glasgow shopping is quite upscale. Virtually every major designer is represented in a shop
in Glasgow. Shopping locations include the Argyle Arcade (jewelry),
Princes Square (designers clothing), De Courcy's Arcade
(an arcade of bohemian shops), and The Barras (a conglomeration of stalls
selling practically anything.
Outside of the city visit Loch Lomand, the largest body of fresh water in Britain.
Cycle or hike the many trails. Taka a bite to eat at The Clachan Inn,
registered for business since 1734. Visit nearby Dumbarton Castle.
Take a day trip to the Isle of Arran referred to as 'Scotland in
miniature'. While there, visit Broddick Castle.
Travel to Edinburgh: Edinburgh is
Scotland's capital, and second largest city. Edinburgh manages to be a modern city
with an ancient past. Old Edinburgh and New Edinburgh have both been designated
UNESCO world heritage sites. Edinburgh is famous for its festivals. There are festivals
of every type year round. The world famous Edinburgh Festival, an assortment of arts
and culture festivals, official and unofficial, is held throughout the entire month of August.
When in Edinburgh see Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse
, Scott Monument, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and St.
Giles' Cathedral. Visit Mary Kings Close to see life during the
medieval period. Visit the Edinburgh Dungeon. Walk the Royal
Mile, visit the Whisky Museum and sample whisky. Visit
Gladstone's Land, a furnished 17th century tenement.
Many notable writers lived and worked in Edinburgh including Robert Louis Stevenson,
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, J K Rowling, and many others.
Visit the Writer's Museum to learn more.
Visit many of the marvelous museums in Edinburgh including the National
Gallery of Scotland, the Museum of Scotland, and the
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Outside the city visit Dunfermline, the ancient capital of Scotland,
and birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. Visit the first Carnegie Library,
the original Carnegie Hall, and Dunfermline Abbey.
Take a trip to Aberdour and visit the captivating 12th century
Aberdour Castle. Visit St. Andrews, the 'Home of Golf'
and St. Andrews University.
Travel to Inverness: Inverness is
advertised as 'the Gateway to the Highlands'. Inverness is an important location for
bagpipe lovers. The most prestigious solo bagpipe competition in the world, the Northern
Meeting, is held in Inverness every September.
When in the city visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery,
and Old High Church.
Book a tour to Glen Affric and Eilean Donan Castle.
Visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of Bonny Prince Charles
defeat in 1746, and nearby Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site.
Visit Loch Ness, you might even see Nessie, and nearby Urquhart Castle.
Several nearby towns near Loch Ness include Drumnadrochit,
Invermoriston, and Fort Augustus.
TRAVEL TO WALES
Wales is a historic land dating to
pre-Norman times. Its stunning natural beauty draws travelers. In Wales you can find
castles, mountains, and beaches. Wales is divided into 3 regions: North Wales, Mid
Wales, and South Wales. There are so many parks, gardens, and reserves it is impossible
to list. There are also many castles to be seen throughout Wales.
North Wales most notable park is
Snowdonia National Park. In this park you can see Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon.
Many hikers hike the mountain and there are quite a few trails. The region of North
Wales contains several medieval castles including Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle,
Beaumaris Castle, and Conwy Castle.
Mid Wales most notable park is Brecon
Beacons National Park. This region is dominated scenic moors, valleys, forests, waterfalls,
lakes, and caves. Outdoor activities abound in this region.
South Wales most notable park is
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This park is noted for is sandy beaches, rugged
cliffs, and colonies of seabird (including Puffins). South Wales is the most diverse
region with beaches, lots of castles, and several large cities.
Travel to Cardiff: Cardiff is Wales'
capital and largest city. Cardiff has become one of the United Kingdom's favourite
tourist locations. Cardiff has a small town atmosphere, a lively music scene, and
active nightlife activities. When in Cardiff visit Cardiff Castle,
Llandaff Cathedral, Castell Coch, The Museum
of Welsh Life at St Fagans, and National Museum & Gallery of Wales.
Shop in the Victorian Shopping arcades. Visit Cardiff Bay,
an area with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Visit Brecon Beacons National Park; outdoor
activities include sailing, paragliding, hiking, climbing, and much more.
Travel to Swansea: Swansea is on the
South Wales Coast. In Swansea visit Swansea Castle, Dylan
Thomas Childhood Home, Oystermouth Castle, the
National Waterfront Museum, Gower Heritage Center,
Mumbles Lifeboat Museum, and many others.
TRAVEL TO NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland is on the northern
portion of 'the Emerald Isle'. Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast is some of the best
scenery in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has rugged coastlines,
waterfalls, castles, and ruins. The Mourne Mountains offer exceptional opportunities
for hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. Bushmill's Whiskey is distilled in Bushmill.
Tours are available and highly recommended.
Travel to Belfast: Belfast is the
largest city in Northern Ireland. The site of Belfast has been occupied since the
Bronze Age, although it didn't become prominent until the Middle Ages. The
Titanic was built in the Belfast shipyards. Also visit
Belfast Castle, Ulster Museum, the Belfast
Mural tour, Saint Anne's Cathedral, and the Botanical
Gardens. Outside the city, make sure to visit The Giant's Ring
, just outside of Belfast, which is over 5000 years old. Also visit Carrickfergus
Castle, a Norman era castle.
Travel to Derry: Derry, also known
as Londonderry, is also called 'the Maiden City' as its walls were never breached
during the siege of the 17th century. Derry is the only remaining walled city in
Ireland. Derry is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in Ireland. Nightlife
in the city is clustered around Waterloo Street where many pubs feature traditional
Irish music. Some walls in Derry date to the 6th century. When in Derry visit the
Tower Museum, St Augustine's Chapel, St
Columb's Cathedral, the city walls, and the Free
Derry Museum.
Travel to Downpatrick: Downpatrick
is the location of Down Cathedral. Saint Patrick is buried in Down
Cathedral. When in Downpatrick also visit the Down County Museum and
the Saint Patrick Visitor Centre.
