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British Isles summary

Our pages will take you to England, Wales and Scotland, to help you plan your own itinerary.

Webpages

Official Websites for other places

Brief Descriptions

For the Cotswolds, see our dedicated Cotswolds page.

Alnwick

Northumberland: Alnwick the traditional county town of Northumberland boasts historical landmarks such as Alnwick Castle and a central marketplace. The town’s narrow medieval lanes and partially intact city walls add to its charm. Explore the local heritage at the Bakewell Old House Museum and browse the outdoor market for delicacies.

Bakewell

Derbyshire: Nestled along the River Wye Bakewell is one of England’s prettiest towns. It serves as a gateway for hikers exploring the Peak District. Wander through mellow stone buildings quaint courtyards and scenic walking trails. Bakewell is also famous for its mouthwatering Bakewell Tart. Explore architectural gems like Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall or follow the Monsal Trail into the Peak District.

Bamburgh

Situated within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Bamburgh is famous for its Anglo-Saxon ruins Blue Flag beach and the incredible Bamburgh Castle.

Birmingham

It was a hub of industrial activity during the 18th and 19th centuries. Famous for its historic architecture including the Birmingham Cathedral and the Library of Birmingham.

Bridgwater

Records indicate that Bridgwater has existed since the days of the Anglo-Saxons the town’s importance as a port grew significantly during the Middle Ages. During the 19th century when Bridgwater’s dock was constructed the local tourism industry boomed.

Bristol

Bristol’s Broadmead and St. Nicholas Market are part of a pedestrianized shopping district. Street performers and independent shops abound.

Cambridge

Home to the prestigious University of Cambridge and its 31 colleges. Notable for its preserved historic buildings including the iconic King’s College Chapel. The Fitzwilliam Museum houses an impressive collection of art and antiquities.

Canterbury

The charming city of Canterbury has a pedestrian zone around High Street and St. George’s Street. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Canterbury Cathedral and the nearby shops.

Cardiff

The capital and largest city of Wales. Known for its historic landmarks including Cardiff Castle and Llandaff Cathedral. A vibrant cultural hub with theaters museums and lively waterfront areas.

Chelmsford

It’s considered to be the county’s oldest town having prospered as a settlement during the Roman occupation of Britain. The most famous historical landmarks in Chelmsford include Chelmsford Cathedral the neoclassical Hylands House and the 18th-century Shire Hall.

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire: Located on the western edge of the Cotswolds Cheltenham is renowned for its annual literature and horseracing events. Stroll through a mix of modern and traditional architecture explore delicious gastronomy and enjoy manicured parks with rolling green hills. Don’t miss a dip in the heated pool at Sanford Parks Lido or a visit to the art deco brasserie Daffodil restaurant1.

Chester

Chester’s Eastgate Street and Northgate Street are part of a pedestrianized area within the ancient city walls. Visitors can admire the unique architecture and explore the Rows—historic covered walkways.

Chichester

North Street and East Street offer a relaxed pedestrian experience. Visit the Chichester Cathedral nearby. Chichester has been a major market town since Roman times, and this tradition continues today with a vibrant market. Situated near the English Channel and Chichester Harbour, Chichester offers a delightful coastal escape

Colchester

 Located in Essex Colchester is considered to be one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. Nearly 2 000 years ago Colchester – then named Camulodunum – was the first capital of Roman Brittania. It continued to play a prominent role in England’s history during the days of the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans.

Conwy

A medieval walled town in North Wales. Home to the impressive Conwy Castle and the Smallest House in Great Britain. Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Coventry

An industrial city in the West Midlands. Known for its Coventry Cathedral which combines modern and medieval architecture. A city with a rich history and strong connections to the automotive industry.

Cotswolds

See our dedicated page with detailed information about The Cotswolds and its many lovely villages.

Derby

Immerse yourself in Derby's rich industrial heritage, from its renowned Rolls-Royce factory to its magnificent Georgian architecture and innovative contemporary art scene.

Durham

Home to Durham University this city boasts a stunning Norman cathedral and a picturesque riverside. a pedestrianized area around Silver Street and Elvet Bridge

Ely

Be captivated by Ely's majestic cathedral, one of the most stunning examples of medieval architecture in England, and explore the historic city's hidden gems.

Exeter

The heart of Exeter features a pedestrian zone centered around High Street and Fore Street. Enjoy shopping dining and exploring the historic cathedral city without the interruption of cars.

Fordwich

Britain's Smallest Town. While Fordwich in Kent has existed for at least 1,000 years it experienced significant growth during the Middle Ages as a river port.

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city and a cultural powerhouse. Renowned for its vibrant arts scene museums and historic architecture. Home to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Glasgow School of Art. From high-street stores to trendy boutiques, Buchanan Street offers a shopper's paradise.

Gloucester

A historic city in Gloucestershire. Notable for its stunning Gloucester Cathedral and the picturesque Docks area. A gateway to the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean.

Guildford

Guildford’s High Street and North Street are pedestrian-friendly surrounded by historic buildings and modern shops. A Norman castle and a well-preserved high street with historic buildings contribute to its charm.

Harrogate

A Victorian spa town and rural district that contains the medieval city of Ripon, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and four charming but very different market towns; Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Masham and Pateley Bridge.

Ipswich

On the River Orwell in Suffolk the maritime English town of Ipswich is home to cafés galleries shops and parks that line the waterfront. Attractions such as the Ipswich Museum give a nod to the town’s heritage as a maritime centre while local and international restaurants celebrate the town’s modern status as hub for foodies.

Kent

This southeast corner of England is one of the best UK destinations for a day trip or short break, with a multitude of things to do and places to see. Less than an hour from London by train, it's easy to escape the rat race and see what Kent has to offer on your next adventure.

Knaresborough

Medieval streets, stone staircases, ruins of the 14th-century Knaresborough Castle, Courthouse Museum, Allerton Castle the Bebra Gardens and the historic Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag.

Lancaster

Lancaster’s Penny Street and Market Street offer a pleasant pedestrian experience. Explore the city’s history including the Lancaster Castle.

Leeds

Leeds is the biggest city in the Yorkshire region of northern England, with a pedestrian zone around Briggate. The city is built around the River Aire, offering scenic riverside walks and boat trips.

Leicester

A multicultural city in the East Midlands. Rich in history with attractions like the King Richard III Visitor Centre. Known for its diverse cuisine and vibrant cultural scene.

Lichfield

A cathedral city in Staffordshire England. Known for its three-spired medieval Lichfield Cathedral and historic character.

Lincoln

Steep Hill is a charming cobbled street with a pedestrianized section. Explore the medieval architecture and enjoy the views.

Liverpool

A major seaport and cultural hub in northwest England. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Royal Albert Dock and the Three Graces. Birthplace of The Beatles and renowned for its vibrant music scene.

Manchester

From the neo-gothic Manchester Town Hall to the industrial warehouses converted into trendy spaces, Manchester's architecture reflects its history and ongoing transformation. Today, the city has transformed itself into a hub for finance, media, and technology. Home to two top Premier League football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Famous for its iconic Tyne Bridge and lively cultural scene. Home to Newcastle University and historic landmarks like Grey Street.

Norwich

The capital of Norfolk. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture including the Norwich Cathedral. A city with a thriving arts community and a rich heritage.

Nottingham

 Old Market Square is a vibrant pedestrian area perfect for shopping and people-watching. Nottingham Castle, a hilltop castle built by William the Conqueror in 1068, is a major landmark in the city and a popular tourist destination.

Oban

A picturesque harbor town on the west coast of Scotland. Gateway to the Hebrides islands with ferry connections. Offers stunning sea views and fresh seafood.

Oxford

 Home to the prestigious University of Oxford and its 38 colleges. Known for its stunning architecture including the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. A center of learning literature and history.

Poole

A seaside town in Dorset that’s known for its sandy beaches natural harbour and Georgian architecture. Inhabited since before the Iron Age Poole has been an important port for civilisations including the Romans.

Ramsgate

Throughout the 19th century Ramsgate was considered to be one of England’s great seaside towns. In the modern era Ramsgate is still home to the nation’s only Royal Harbour which borders a yacht-packed marina.

Reading

Founded in the 8th century Reading became an important trading centre during the Middle Ages Berkshire’s largest town by 1525 and a major hub of brewing and baking following the Industrial Revolution. Today Reading is a technology and manufacturing powerhouse famous for its cuisine shopping scene and the annual Reading Festival.

Richmond

Nestled near the Yorkshire Dales offers scenic walking trails and historic ruins. Explore the glorious Yorkshire Dale. While walking trails are the main draw of Richmond the town also boasts historic ruins heritage museums and country gardens.

Rye

One of two ‘Ancient Townes’ in East Sussex characterised by narrow cobbled streets lined with medieval half-timbered houses. Located just two miles from the sea Rye played a crucial defensive role following the Norman Conquest though it was an important commercial centre as far back as the Roman era.

Salisbury

Known for Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest church spire in the country and the mysterious Stonehenge  Salisbury offers pleasant walks along the River Avon. The city has a well-preserved medieval town center.

Shaftesbury

Located on a hilltop in Dorset Shaftesbury is most famous for the cobblestones and cottages of Gold Hill which was immortalised in a Hovis advert during the 70s. has a pedestrian-friendly zone around High Street and Silver Street

Sheffield

An industrial city in South Yorkshire. Renowned for its steel industry and innovative manufacturing. Surrounded by picturesque countryside including the Peak District.

Shrewsbury

A historic market town in Shropshire. Known for its timber-framed buildings including the Old Market Hall. Founded in the 8th century, Shrewsbury boasts Saxon roots and a medieval center with over 660 listed buildings.

Southwold

Situated on the Suffolk Heritage Coast Southwold is a charming seaside town with a rich maritime and fishing heritage. Surrounded by waterways on all sides – including the North Sea that laps its award-winning beach – Southwold is almost an island that’s only accessible by one road.

Stirling

A small city with a big history, Stirling is known for historic attractions and spectacular scenery, not to mention shopping, places to eat and exciting events. It's an ideal base for exploring the surrounding towns, villages and countryside.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of William Shakespeare. A charming town with Tudor-style buildings and the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. A must-visit for literature enthusiasts.

Swansea

Swansea Bay offers a delightful mix of sandy beaches, historic castles, and a vibrant waterfront culture, perfect for a relaxing seaside escape.

Tewkesbury

A historic market town in England in Gloucestershire that’s renowned for its 400 or so listed buildings and medieval townscape of half-timbered black and white houses. Riverside attractions include historical landmarks museums and festivals attract visitors year-round.

Wales

Wales offers an extensive range of leisure and tourism opportunities, from traditional cultural events, historical exploration and heritage sites to outdoor activities and sightseeing. North Wales may be small, but our list of attractions are big.

Wells

A small cathedral city in Somerset. Home to the magnificent Wells Cathedral and the charming Vicars’ Close. Offers a peaceful and historic atmosphere.

Whitby

A coastal town in North Yorkshire. Famous for its Whitby Abbey associated with Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Offers stunning views of the North Sea and picturesque harbor.

Whitstable

Savor fresh seafood and explore the unique charm of Whitstable, a quaint seaside town known for its oyster beds, colorful harbor, and quirky art scene.

Winchester

Explore the historic streets visit Winchester Cathedral and enjoy the scenic Water Meadows. The historic capital of England offers a pedestrian-friendly experience along High Street and The Square. Explore the city’s rich history without the noise of motor vehicles.

Map of UK towns