United Kingdom
Once the beating heart of the greatest empire the world has ever known, the UK is still, in many ways, the centre of it all. It remains one of the world’s major players in terms of art and culture, finance and business, innovation, creativity and travel bliss. There are countless wonders to discover in the evocative English countryside, the hidden history of Wales’ many castles, Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and the charm and troubled past of Northern Ireland. And not to forget the metropolis itself, London, a multi-layered and diverse patchwork of cultures, languages and people, and one of the most exciting and influential cities in the world.
Aberdeen
Known as the Granite City because of the locally quarried stone, Aberdeen, the capital of northeastern Scotland, is one of the most distinctive cities in Great Britain. Surrounded by magnificent scenery, it mixes rich history, beautiful granite architecture and traditional industries with a flurry of leisure and entertainment amenities. It has a vibrant arts scene, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and one of the most buoyant economies in the country. Scotland’s third largest city truly has something to offer to everyone.
Belfast
Having survived almost three decades of conflict and division, Belfast is now emerging from its chrysalis with a newfound freshness and vibrancy. Carrying a deep sense of its history, yet boldly striding into the future, Belfast is an exciting juxtaposition of old and new. Stroll by the River Lagan and see the birthplace of the infamous Titanic, visit the famous political murals in a black taxi or kick back with a traditional music session in one of this lively city’s beautifully preserved old pubs.
Birmingham
Birmingham, the second largest city in Britain, served as inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien to write the celebrated work of fantasy fiction “The Lord of the Rings”. The city is renowned for its dining scene that will satisfy the most demanding palates and, thanks to the many attractions, tourists are sure to keep busy. With world-class shopping centres all fashionistas will leave the city with a smile, and when the night falls there is an exciting nightlife to discover.
Blackpool
Known for its “Kiss-Me-Quick” hats, sticks of rock and the ubiquitous fish and chips, Blackpool has all this and more. With miles of golden sands, stunning Victorian architecture, a host of entertainment for young and old alike and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District right at the doorstep, Blackpool enjoys a scenic setting and easily maintains its status as the unofficial entertainment capital of the North.
Bournemouth
With 11 kilometres of sandy, white beaches, Bournemouth is one of the country’s premier resort towns. Located on the south coast of England, it offers visitors the best in water sports, yachting, beach life, nightlife and shopping. Bournemouth is renowned for its university, specialising in the fields of journalism, archaeology and health. Discover the beauty of this English city and join the countless cultural events such as the Bournemouth Air Festival or Bournemouth’s Arts by the Sea Festival.
Brighton
Just a short distance from London, on the southern coast of Great Britain, lies the charming resort town of Brighton. Heralded as one of the world’s hippest and most cultural, this seaside city never fails to mesmerise visitors with its unique architecture, pleasant festivals, galleries, museums, drama, arts, music, spectacular outdoor activities, sprawling beaches and so much more.
Bristol
Welcome to Bristol! The unofficial Capital of the South West has an independent spirit and a great sense of fun. You’ll find lots to make you smile here, from street art tours and music festivals to night markets and boat bars. Then of course there’s the city’s iconic attractions – engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ss Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge – and world-famous events – the International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival. Oh, and have you met Pirate Pete?
Cambridge
Oozing history and tradition at every turn, Cambridge is one of the most pleasant and beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. The cityscape is dominated by the university, its 31 colleges and their extensive green gardens, or ‘Backs’, spread throughout the city. Throngs of students making their way to class or lounging by the banks of the River Cam, books in hand, as punters lazily float by, enhance the academic feeling of this centuries-old centre of scholarship, along with many fascinating museums and numerous fairs and cultural events.
Cardiff
Cardiff, Europe’s youngest capital city, is famous for its castle, art, dragons, river, Victorian arcades, parks, rugby, music, university, bay and Brains beer. A more diverse list you could not imagine, so whether you are an art lover or rugby fan, enjoy historical castles or modern architecture, like listening to philharmonic orchestras or new bands in pubs, Cardiff really does offer something for everyone.
Derry
Situated picturesquely on the River Foyle, surrounded by hills and a stone’s throw away from the rugged Northern Coast, Derry is a city steeped in history. The famous Free Derry Corner and the murals of the Bogside and Fountain areas serve as reminders of Derry’s tumultuous political past turned mindful present epitomised in the “Hands Across the Divide” monument. Today, 20 years after Bloody Sunday, the 2013 UK City of Culture has a lot to offer visitors in the way of art, culture, gastronomy and entertainment.
Doncaster
Doncaster is an eclectic mix of the urban and the rural, and of the old and the new. World-famous for its horse racing and home to one of the most important race courses in the UK, Doncaster is one of Britain’s oldest cities, featuring an abundance of historic sights, interesting architecture and cultural activities, all in a beautiful countryside setting.
Durham
Not without reason, Durham is regarded as a historical city with a fascinating history. With its numerous Heritage sites, Durham is considered by many the spiritual capital of northern England as well as one of its most beautiful and unspoilt medieval centres. The medieval city sits atop a craggy hill encircled on three sides by the River Wear. Its panoramic view of the Cathedral and Castle is a relict of the Norman conquest and described as ‘one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe’.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s enchanting capital of Edinburgh is a city of striking contrasts. Perched dramatically on an extinct volcano, the world-famous Edinburgh Castle is visible from almost any point in the city, a constant reminder of Edinburgh’s long and fascinating history. As you explore the city’s striking architecture, tranquil green spaces and exciting attractions, you will soon understand why it has served as inspiration for so many authors and poets.
Exeter
Located in the beautiful county of Devon, this small but perfectly formed city has preserved many of its historic features while enjoying all the amenities and vibrancy of a modern cosmopolitan hub. Exeter is a perfect base to explore the surrounding English countryside dotted with pretty villages, quaint old pubs and tearooms serving the famous Devon cream tea. All of this comes with the added bonus of being only a short journey to the nearby coastal resorts, fishing ports and sandy beaches of the English Riviera and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the 21st-century magnet of Great Britain, with an energetic, yet sophisticated vibe. Formerly Britain’s major centre of industrial prowess, it has been rapidly transforming into a booming hub for art and culture in the past decades and prides itself on a never-ending stream of up-and-coming musicians and a thriving nightlife. Glasgow is also home to many excellent modern Scottish restaurants dedicated to preserving their Scottish heritage, and some of the best shopping in the country.
Inverness
The self-proclaimed “Capital of the Highlands” is Britain’s northernmost city, and is surrounded by some of the world’s most breath-taking mountain and moor land scenery. Straddling the River Ness, just a stone’s throw from Loch Ness, home of the legendary Monster, it houses some outstanding historic buildings. Inverness offers easy access to a huge choice of outdoor activities and visitor attractions, from lochs and castles to battlefields and nature reserves.
Jersey
The southernmost and largest of the Channel Islands – Jersey – has much to offer with its fine blend of English and French influences. Quaint fishing villages dot the island’s coastline: St Aubin, for example, boasts marvellous sandy beaches and a collection of dramatic craggy coastal walks. Festivals play a big a part in island life and barely a month
Leeds
As the heart of the scenic Yorkshire region, Leeds is doubtless one of England’s favourite destinations. This city offers a shop-till-you-drop city centre and a pulsating night life, as well as historic locations, cultural events and a spectacular surrounding countryside that will leave you breathless.
Liverpool
Named European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has something exciting to offer to anyone: from a passion for football and music (it holds a Guinness World Record as the World Capital of Pop), to stunning architecture and an important maritime heritage. What’s more, the people of Liverpool feel a burning love for their city, and they’ll be excited to share it with you.
London
London is the cultural, political and economic heart of Britain, famous for its world-class museums, galleries, royal palaces, shopping destinations, West End theatre shows and award-winning restaurants. Whether you want to stay in a 5-star luxury hotel and sip Champagne on the London Eye, or find a cheap hostel and stroll around one of London’s beautiful Royal Parks, you’re sure to find something that suits your budget and interests.
Manchester
Official partnerKnown as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, with a unique character all of its own. Manchester welcomes visitors with its fine traditions of culture, music, sport and top class events. Its vitality is expressed through its fascinating history, interactive attractions, magnificent architecture and most of all, the spirit of its people – ensuring that there’s always something to do in the Greater Manchester region.
Newcastle upon Tyne
During the last decades Newcastle upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle, has developed into a prominent city in terms of technical innovation and culture. This makes Newcastle one of Great Britain’s most vibrant cities and a wonderful holiday destination with great shopping hot-spots and an even better nightlife. United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverside, Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south bank) form a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination.
Newquay
The coast of dreams, ravaged by the Atlantic Ocean and lined by spectacular sandy beaches, where you will find towering cliffs sheltering small rock pools. The sea is teeming with life, and the crystal-clear water is perfectly alluring, whether you are dreaming of a relaxing swim or an adrenaline-pumped afternoon of extreme sports. If you shy away from the surf, you can admire the spectacular views from above as you stroll along the tops of the cliffs or wander back into town and into one of the many delightful gardens.
Nottingham
‘City of Caves’ and ‘Queen of the Midlands’ are two names fondly given to the city of Nottingham, which accurately reflects its hugely diverse nature, rich with cultural heritage and modern day entertainment. A city with a fascinating past and an exciting and buzzing present, Nottingham has everything to offer – from high culture, haute couture and widely acclaimed restaurants to the world famous legend of Robin Hood.
Oxford
Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world (and the second-oldest in continuous operation on the planet), Oxford is more than a celebrated microcosm of academic scholarship: there’s the splendid architecture, hefty literary heritage, and plenty more to fill an eventful few days.
Southampton
Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere borne from centuries of international trade, Southampton is one of the UK’s leading ports and liveliest cities, combining medieval walls and buildings, modern shopping and entertainment complexes, marinas, culture and nightlife. Explore the city’s rich culture and long history and try the wide range of leisure activities in the surrounding countryside before relaxing to recount the day in one of Southampton’s many harbour-side restaurants, cafés and bars.
Worcester
Combining history, shopping, culture and sports, Worcester is a modern town surrounded by the picturesque English countryside. Maybe you have heard about the famous Worcester Sauce and the British composer Sir Edward Elgar, both originating from here. Whether you are just passing through or staying a few days, Worcester will entertain you with a real good time both day and night.
