The Lake DistrictThe Lake District sits within Cumbria, in the northwest of England, and plays host to a series of expansive lakes and rocky mountains that together form some of the most strikingly beautiful vistas in the country. The landscape is a mix of rolling farmlands, green valleys and heather-covered moors, interrupted here and there by bustling towns and villages. Despite attracting 10 million visitors each year, the Lake District retains its peaceful and pastoral existence and hikers can go for miles and see no other living creatures but sheep and cows.
The Lake District
is the largest national park in England and stretches some 885 square miles (2,292 sq km), from Caldbeck in the north to Lindale in the south, and from Ravenglass in the west to Shap in the east. Each of the lakes within the area has its own character; Windermere, Grasmere and Ullswater are considered the prettiest, but those wishing to avoid the crowds can head for Wast Water, Crummock Water or Buttermere.
The Lake District offers visitors a range of activities, from bird watching, lake cruises and gentle strolls, to mountain biking, water sports and hiking. The region is also home to Scafell Pike, which at 3,209ft (978m) is England's highest peak. There are also plenty of castles, market towns, galleries and museums worth visiting, including Dove Cottage and Wordsworth House, both homes of local poet William Wordsworth.
Some of Cumbria's other famous residents include Robert Southey, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin, all writers and poets who, like Wordsworth, drew inspiration from the land and the lakes. Today, the rugged beauty of Cumbria and the Lake District continues to inspire both visitors and locals alike, and remains one of the most popular regions in England.
LondonWhether you arrive in London via the underground or inside one of the city's ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will immediately be greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the unique vibrancy of this incredible destination.
In its dark and troubled past, the city of London has survived Roman occupancy, sackings from the Celts, Romans, Vikings and Saxons, a Norman invasion, two great fires, the bubonic plague, Nazi bombings, the Spice Girls and Damien Hirst.
But the London of today promises something for everyone. The London Eye lifts visitors high above the river into vistas that stretch tight across the fading skies. Further down on the South Bank, the Tate Modern contains one of the world's most incredible collections of Modern Art, while the city's 30,000 stores and boutiques will exhaust even the most avid shopper, and its 6,000 restaurants are only too eager to demonstrate why Britons revere their chefs as celebrities.
For those interested in exploring the country's heritage, the Tower of London is an excellent starting point. First constructed in the 11th century, the Tower has been rebuilt several times as later monarchs have left their mark. Still one of London's biggest attractions, and a great celebration of pomp that is free to all visitors is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, which happens daily.
As the great dome of St Paul's reflects the colors of the setting sun, London comes alive with an unrivalled nightlife. For those up for something more thrilling than dinner and the theater, London has a vast number of bars and nightclubs catering to all tastes.
Getting Around: London's legendary Tube network remains the quickest and easiest way to get around the city, though it is best avoided during rush hour. The famous red buses are a more pleasant, if slower, way to get around. One-, three-, and seven-day Travelcards are good options for tourists; they can be used on buses and the underground and can be bought at any newsagent. Oyster cards, a reusable, discounted, pay-as-you-go option, are now available to overseas visitors, but they must be purchased beforehand online or from overseas travel agents. The ubiquitous black cabs are excellent but very expensive; minicabs are cheaper but must be ordered in advance. Illegal minicabs tout for business around London's theaters and nightspots; they are often the only option late at night but should not be taken by single women or those who don't know the way home. London's main attractions are fairly close to one another; many are situated along the River Thames, and if the weather is nice, walking or taking a riverboat are good options. Driving is not a good option in central London, as parking is difficult to find and very expensive, and those who park illegally are faced with steep fines at best. A 'congestion charge' is also payable by those driving into central London from Monday to Friday between 7am and 6.30pm. However, driving is the only option for those wanting to explore the countryside. Car rental companies require the driver to be over 25, have a full driving license, and hold a credit card. For more information, visit www.tfl.gov.uk
Nightlife: The nightlife in London is second to none with something for everyone and for just about every kind of occasion, from the pulsating dance floors of some of the world's most famous clubs to the more chilled out and intimate music lounges and bars. Hardcore party animals wanting to strut their stuff will love the clubbing scene, complete with well known local and international DJs, while the countless bars and cosy independent theaters featuring live music acts will blow your mind. On any given night there will be an international or local band playing in at least one of the venues around this pulsating metropolis. The West End in particular is home to many bars, clubs and restaurants and Soho is one of the trendiest and coolest places to drink. This is also where most of London's gay bars and clubs can be found. The perpetually cool Notting Hill and Portobello Road areas still draw large crowds and local areas, such as Camden and Angel up north and Clapham and Brixton down south, boast some fantastic pubs and bars, all with their own unique flavor. Those in the mood for a quiet drink and some conversation should head down to one of the many tradition English pubs scattered around this cosmopolitan city, where they can enjoy some of the finest ales, stouts, ciders, and malt whiskies in the world. Although, many of London's bars these days have clubs and dance floors inside them, transforming them into miniature nightclubs and ushering in a new era of the phrase 'heading down to the pub'. The West End is also known as 'Theaterland' and those in the mood for a Broadway-style theater shows should head down to the Lyceum Theater or the Queen's Theater to catch a show or musical. And while you're in the area, culture lovers can enjoy an evening at Covent Garden watching the Royal Opera or the Royal Ballet, while lovers of classical music can head to the Albert Hall. There is also plenty of fringe theater outside of the West End with young professionals and amateurs performing anything from classic plays to cabaret. Common fringe venues include fully kitted cosy theaters to cramped rooms above some of the city's local pubs. Other non-commercial theaters include the world-renowned National Theater, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Globe Theater and the Old Vic.
Climate: The climate of London is temperate, with modest daily high temperatures during summer (apart from the odd heat wave) and winter lows that seldom fall below freezing. Rainfall is fairly regular, but most often in the form of drizzle, occurring throughout the year. Snow occurs sometimes in winter but rarely settles more than a few millimeters deep.
OxfordHaving spawned the legendary Alice in Wonderland, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Harry Potter's Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Oxford is not only England's oldest center for learning, but the home and inspiration of such famous authors as Lewis Carroll, C S Lewis, J R R Tolkien, and recently one of the key locations in the Harry Potter films. The city's dreaming spires house the famous Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, and whether lazing on one of the college quadrangles, punting down the river or exploring the city's ancient heritage, Oxford promises something for visitors of all ages.
Getting Around: Regular buses operated by different companies link all parts of Oxford to surrounding towns and villages. The city center is largely pedestrian-friendly and most streets are open to one-way traffic; therefore a vehicle is more a hindrance than a help. Parking can be difficult as well. There are several park-and-ride car parks in the surrounding area, which are the best option for those arriving by car. Sightseeing is best accomplished on foot or by making use of a 'round the city' hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Wide-ranging cycling tracks run through Oxford, offering a more active, scenic alternative for seeing the city.
Climate: In common with most of southern England, the weather in Oxford is generally dull and wet. Records have been kept in the town since 1815 and a month has never gone by without some rain, although Oxford is comparably one of the driest cities in the country. The wettest month statistically is October, and the driest March. Summers are usually mild to warm, although there have been occasional heat waves. Winters are mild, temperatures seldom approaching freezing, the coldest month being January with an average temperature of around 38°F (3.5°C). Nights bring frost, and snow falls in late winter and early spring.
The CotswoldsThe Cotswolds region in England personifies country quaintness. With names like Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold, the Cotswold towns and villages have a fairy-tale-like air, with small bridges over shallow rivers, colorful gardens leading up to thatched cottages and Morris-dancing in the town square. Here, life doesn't seem to change much over the centuries, and the inhabitants of its cottages and manors appear to retain a pastoral naivety. It's hard not to feel the rural tranquility, and visitors may well feel as though they've stepped into one of Constable's paintings. Due to their proximity to Stratford-Upon-Avon and Oxford, Cotswold Bed-and-Breakfasts are a popular choice with tourists.
Getting Around: Coach tours can be organized around the Cotswolds, and there are bus and rail links, but the best way to discover the region is to explore by car.
East AngliaFrom half-timbered homes to stately Gothic Cathedrals, across shimmering fens and through lakes and rivers, the East of England is broad and varied, promising something for everyone. The university town of Cambridge boasts exquisite architecture, and a deep heritage, while boat trips through the broads will reveal large sections of unspoilt countryside teeming with wildlife. In the ancient towns of Ely and Lincoln are magnificent Cathedrals, and King's College Chapel in Cambridge is probably the finest example of Gothic architecture in Europe. In rural Norfolk visitors can discover some of the country's finest stately homes such as Bickling and Holkham Hall.
BathThe Romans established the City of Bath in AD 43 and this city, awash with architecture, history and culture, has been welcoming visitors ever since. Many of Bath's great buildings date back from its renaissance in the 18th century when it again became a fashionable spa town and played host to royalty and the cream of aristocracy, who visited the city to 'take the waters'. Today visitors can walk around the old Roman Baths, enjoy the splendor of Bath Abbey or simply take in the breathtaking Georgian architecture of this beautiful city, which somehow managed to escape the ravages of industry and the Luftwaffe. Jane Austen lived and based many of her books on Bath, and on Gay Street, near where she once lived, visitors can find the Jane Austen Center, which displays her life and times. For an authentic feel of life gone by, period decorations and furniture have been reinstated in No1 Royal Crescent, so that the house appears as it might have been as a fine 18th-century townhouse. Though architecturally Bath is something of a period piece, it is also a very modern city; its restaurants and pavement cafés packed full of local businessmen and artisans. The International Music Festival marks the beginning of summer and adds to the city's lively, festive atmosphere and its Theater Royal is one of the country's leading provincial theaters, attracting big names and pre-West End runs.
Getting Around: The compact city of Bath can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Different walking tours, including a ghost walk, are offered, and some are free. But the best way for visitors to see the city and its sights is on one of numerous bus tours, many of which are open-top and offer a hop-on, hop-off service with tickets valid for 24 hours. The city's bus network is also good and connects the city center and its outskirts. A park-and-ride service is available. Taxis are unnecessary in the city center, as walking is often much faster, but they are easy to find at the railway station. There are also several car hire agencies.
Climate: In common with the rest of southern England, the weather in Bath is changeable, especially during the summer months, when a cloudy, cool morning can turn into a hot, sunny afternoon. Generally summer days are fine and warm, but spring is the best time to travel to Bath, when the city's parks and gardens are in bloom and the weather is mild. Winters in Bath are cold and very wet. Snow is rare, but days tend to be frosty.
ManchesterAlthough now best known for its football teams, Manchester was once one of England's greatest Victorian cities and was the birthplace of both rail travel and Rolls Royce. It is situated on the east bank of the Irwell River, in the north west of the country, and is the center of a huge metropolitan area, which now encompasses the surrounding towns of Bury, Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Oldham. Liverpool is just 30 miles (48km) down river. The area has long had a reputation as a drab, industrialized sprawl, but Manchester has succeeded in reinventing itself, becoming a vibrant metropolis with nightlife second only to London. The city boasts more than 50 free museums and galleries, a world-class sports center that recently hosted the Commonwealth Games, and plenty of parks, gardens and other attractions.
The city's architecture is largely a reminder of its central role in the cotton trade and many of the original warehouses can still be seen, although modern-day Manchester is now very different from its heyday as an industrial hub. When the city center was badly damaged in an IRA bombing in 1996, much of the central area was beautifully renovated. Now renamed the Millennium Quarter, it is a marvelous contrast of splendid Victorian architecture and towering glass edifices, including the eye-catching Urbis exhibition center.
Manchester City and Manchester United are two of the biggest football clubs in England and Old Trafford (home to Manchester United) has become a huge tourist destination. For those more interested in arts and culture than football, the new Lowry complex in Salford Quays boasts a fantastic selection of art galleries and theaters. The city also plays host to countless events, concerts, festivals and parades, is home to world-class bars and restaurants, and has plenty of shops and markets. Manchester is also home to the United Kingdom's largest Chinatown, and a vibrant and friendly Gay Village, concentrated around Canal and Chorlton Streets.
Getting Around: Manchester is an easy city to negotiate with a substantial public transport system. The Metrolink Rapid Transit system trams are fast and efficient, while the Metroshuttle City Center buses are free and run on two circular routes, which include all major rail stations, bus stops and Metrolink stops. System One Travelcards offer a variety of options for discounted, unlimited use of public transport. There are plenty of car hire companies and taxis available and the Manchester Airport is only 15 minutes away from the city center. Manchester also has a system of cycling paths, although these can be a bit risky during times of heavy traffic.
Climate: As with the rest of the United Kingdom, Manchester's climate is highly changeable and unpredictable. In general, however, the weather in Manchester is mild, with sunny summers and cold, wet winters. Snowfall is infrequent, but winter days can be frosty and clear. High-pressure systems can sometimes cause very hot summer temperatures or very cold winter temperatures, but these tend to pass quickly. The average temperature in January is around 39°F (4°C), while the average temperature in July is about 59°F (15°C).
South WestThe south west region of England is picture-perfect - fitting the stereotype one has of the English countryside of rolling green hills, wild moors, quaint historic towns and rugged coastlines. It is no wonder that Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge drew inspiration from the area.
The south west is home to some fascinating historical sites, including the legendary Stonehenge and the mysterious Avebury Stone Circles, both in Wiltshire, as well as dozens of slightly younger abbeys and cathedrals (including the Salisbury Cathedral). Since 1970, the Glastonbury Festival has drawn thousands of music lovers to a farm just outside the town of Glastonbury in Somerset to enjoy hundreds of top artists, as well as theater, comedy, artwork and more, all in a Woodstock-style setting. Not only famous for its music festivals and Cheddar cheese, however, Somerset also boasts such sites as the Exmoor National Park and Cheddar Gorge, with its myriad of caves that are well worth exploring.
Devon and Cornwall, on the tip of south west England, boast some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery in the country. The south coast of Devon is known as the English Riviera, and its major town is Plymouth, whose famous naval docks are still home to the Royal Navy. It was here in 1588 that Sir Francis Drake finished his game of bowls before setting off to defeat the Spanish Armada. A few years later, in 1620, the Mayflower left Plymouth for the New World carrying the Pilgrim Fathers.
On the border with Cornwall, visitors will discover the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor National Park where wild ponies and hikers roam freely across a dramatic landscape dotted with tors and pre-historic remains. England's most south-westerly county, Cornwall is a popular destination for British tourists drawn by the beautiful countryside and a craggy coastline pitted with small fishing villages and glorious white sandy beaches.
The south west is filled with fascinating sights and sounds, from small towns to vibrant cities, from stately cathedrals to Neolithic sites, all set in the lush English countryside. The region is a must on any trip to the UK and visitors will not be disappointed.
YorkFrom the remains of a Viking settlement discovered deep beneath Coppergate Street, to the medieval wall surrounding the old city and the splendor of Castle Howard (the setting for TV's
Brideshead Revisited), York is a city steeped in history.
Founded in 71 AD, York is located at the convergence of the Ouse and Foss rivers and was thus a strategic Northern hub, passing through the hands of the Romans, Saxons, Vikings and Normans respectively. The varied history of the city is evident in its magnificent architecture - from Viking ruins and the walled city to York's most imposing building, the Minster. Northern Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral, the Minster took more than 250 years to complete, and is an impressive structure surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Other popular attractions in the city include the fascinating Jorvik Viking Center, the York Maze, the York Dungeons and the Shambles, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cobbled streets. The Shambles area is well worth an afternoon stroll, with its winding narrow lanes, picturesque buildings and quaint shops. Alternatively, a more 'other worldly' way to experience this historic area is on the York Ghost Hunt - a fun and fascinating tour that operates rain or shine through the city streets, in search of York's more illusive residents.
This is not just a city of history, however, and the presence of York University means that it is a lively mix of the old and the new. There are plenty of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants and weary travelers can spend their afternoon in one of the city's excellent tea rooms or coffee shops, while the evenings offer West End shows at North England prices, or some good English pub grub.
Getting Around: As York is highly pedestrianized, the best way to take in all the sights and sounds of the city is on foot. Many travelers also choose to hire a car, and there are plenty of major car rental agencies around, but taxis, buses and trains are all reliable and readily available. Parking tends to be expensive, and the streets can be confusing for new arrivals. There are about 20 bus routes, and the city is separated into zones, with the cost of the journey varying accordingly. Off-peak day passes are available. Hiring a bicycle is also a good option for exploring the city, as it is accommodating towards cyclists.
Climate: Typical of the United Kingdom, York's climate is highly changeable. The summer months (June to September) are usually sunny and mild, though mornings can also be cloudy and damp. Summer temperatures usually range from 64-70°F (18-21°C), with temperatures dropping to around 52°F (11°C) at night. November to January are the coldest, wettest months and although snowfall is minimal, days can be frosty. A popular time to travel to York is in the spring (March to May), when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom.
Newcastle-Upon-TyneNewcastle-Upon-Tyne, or Newcastle as it is more commonly known, has worked hard to throw off its image as a dreary, industrial city and to develop a thriving tourism industry. Clearly successful in its attempts at regeneration, Newcastle has now become a highly popular UK weekend destination, particularly with the younger crowd who flock to its bars, restaurants and nightclubs, intent on having a good time.
Situated on the River Tyne's north bank, the city boasts a 2,000-year-old history and a treasure-trove of architecture, with the most classical buildings listed in the UK. Although the city really only reached prominence in the Industrial Revolution, it has long been a capital and defensive point of the north of England for the Romans and Saxons respectively. The city's origins as a Roman town are still evident in Hadrian's Wall, whose ruins can be seen stretching eastwards to Wallsend.
Today, these Roman ruins and the grand elegance of areas such as the neoclassical Grainger Town in the city center contrast with the ultra modern buildings of the city's new Quayside development. Newcastle's waterfront glitters with chic boutiques, excellent restaurants, stylish hotels and modern art. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the River Tyne to link Newcastle to Gateshead Quays.
The city's modern amenities lie comfortably alongside a myriad of historic sites, parks, traditional markets, galleries and museums, and although it may not yet be on everybody's list of top destinations, Newcastle is a thriving, vibrant city with plenty to offer the visitor.
Getting Around: Newcastle has an excellent public transport system, with plenty of buses, trains and taxis available. It may be worth phoning ahead for a taxi at the weekend, as the city can get quite busy. Newcastle is also home to the UK's first light rapid rail transit system, the Tyne and Wear Metro - a fast and efficient means of transport that operates within the city and connects Newcastle and Gateshead. There are plenty of car rental agencies in the city, though exploring Newcastle on foot is perhaps the best way to take in all the sights and sounds. There are also several cycling paths and bike rental options.
Climate: Newcastle's climate is temperate, and although typical of the United Kingdom, it can be highly changeable. Due to the Gulf Stream, temperatures are usually warmer than in the rest of the UK and as Newcastle is in the rain shadow of the North Pennines, it is also one of the UK's driest cities. Summers are usually sunny and warm, while winters are cold, with some occasional snow.
LiverpoolWhether you take the Ferry 'cross the Mersey, or a stroll down Penny Lane, most visitors will find it difficult to explore Liverpool without a song on their lips. From the twin cathedrals with their striking views over the city to the historical, Grade 1 listed Albert Dock and its Beatles museum, there's plenty to see and do.
An important maritime center and industrial port, Liverpool was one of the great cities of the United Kingdom in the Industrial Revolution and much of its wealth came from its dominance in the shipping of textiles, cotton, sugar and slaves. The city was severely bombed in World War II and has struggled to get back on its feet, seeing waves of prosperity and depression. The 1960s saw the explosion of the Beatles and pop music, while the 1990s saw an attempt to regenerate the rather dull urban center.
Liverpool's waterfront is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city has achieved World Heritage Status, joining Edinburgh and Bath as the only UK cities to carry the honor. Since the announcement of Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture for 2008, millions of pounds have been poured into further development of the city, including the £920 million Paradise Street development in the city center.
Liverpool is a city of diversity and despite its struggles, it boasts the most Georgian buildings in the UK, Europe's oldest Chinatown, a number of striking Victorian buildings and plenty of world-class attractions. The historical Albert Dock was restored in the 1980s and is now one of the city's most popular attractions, housing chic restaurants, bars, shops and museums, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Tate Liverpool. The city boasts two world-class football clubs, Liverpool and Everton, and fans can explore the grounds of their favorite teams. There is also plenty of Beatlemania to satisfy fans, including the International Beatles Week every August, and several Beatles-related museums and points of interest.
The city plays host to plenty of other events, festival and concerts, as well as the world's biggest steeplechase, the Grand National, at Ainstree. There are also several fascinating museums, beautiful parks and gardens, bustling markets and galleries to explore. Whether a Beatles fan or not, Liverpool has much to offer the visitor and it is no wonder that it has become one of the top UK day trip destinations.
Getting Around: Liverpool is well-pedestrianized, and visitors can enjoy many of the city's sights and sounds on foot, but taxis, buses and trains are readily available. An underground system also operates between the city's four main train stations. The Live Smart ticket, which can be bought online, offers free travel on two major bus lines as well as discounted entries into various attractions. The city is relatively easy to negotiate by car, and there are several car rental agencies available. A great way to explore the city and its surrounds at a leisurely pace is on the Mersey Ferry. A regular service links Liverpool's Pier Head to neighboring Birkenhead on the Wirral.
Climate: Liverpool's climate is typical of the United Kingdom; highly unpredictable with a mixture of rainy, sunny, windy and cloudy days. Summers are usually warm and sunny, while winters are cold and wet. Temperatures average around 68°F (20°C) in summer and 39°F (4°C) in winter.
BristolThe River Avon winds picturesquely through the bustling city center of Bristol in the south west of England, and has played a key role in the development of the city as a major English commercial port. Surrounded by charming hilly landscape and the spectacular ice-carved Avon Gorge, Bristol is an interesting mix of history, commerce and culture.
The city contains a mish-mash of architecture spanning over 400 years, much of which has been rebuilt, destroyed, relocated or vandalised over time. The City Fathers seem to have had a constant need to modernise and today, few of the city's earliest treasures remain, particularly after Bristol was severely blitzed during World War II. Although there is little or no remnant of Bristol's 11th-century origins, the city is not devoid of character by any means and there has been an attempt to restore the remaining jewels, evident in the beautiful Queen and Portland Squares. There are still plenty of Georgian and Victorian churches, buildings and monuments to be seen and the city's strong maritime history can still be explored.
Bristol's busy city center contains a number of excellent museums, galleries, parks and churches, including the Bristol Cathedral. The city receives over nine million visitors a year and as one of the current top ten UK destinations, its tourism industry is rapidly expanding. Its thriving music scene is still dominated by trip-hop (also known as the Bristol Sound), which emerged in the city in the 1980s and 1990s, and with two universities, Bristol has a thriving nightlife, plenty of restaurants and shops.
Bristol's green lung has long been the Downs. Over 400 acres of grassland stretch from Avon Gorge to the Victorian-built suburbs of the city and locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy the peace and quiet they offer. A favorite in the city is also the Bristol Zoo and Gardens and the Bristol Clifton Observatory and caves, near the eye-catching Bristol Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The diversity and muddled history of the city make it well worth the visit, and it is also a convenient distance from the nearby city of Bath, as well as the fascinating Stonehenge.
Getting Around: Bristol is an easy city to negotiate on foot, with plenty of attractions close to one another. There are, however, taxis, trains and an extensive bus network available. While the bus service has been criticized in the past, plans for a five-year project to transform it, reducing congestion and improving safety, are in place. There are plenty of car rental agencies available, though the city center can get congested. Bristol is a popular place for cyclists and despite plenty of hills, the city has an excellent urban bike route. The Bristol Ferry Boat is a fun and leisurely way to explore the city; it offers leisure and commuter services on the harbor.
Climate: Bristol's climate is as unpredictable as the rest of the United Kingdom. Situated in the south west of the country and sheltered largely by Exmoor and the Mendip Hills, Bristol is in fact one of the UK's warmest cities. Summers are usually sunny and warm, while winters are cold and wet. Summer days, however, can start out overcast and damp, clearing later, and winter days can be crisp and cold.
DurhamWith a thousand years of history under its belt, dominated by its magnificent Cathedral, the hilly city of Durham in north-east England is picturesque and prominent on the list of the United Kingdom's 'must see' tourist destinations.
Back in 995 AD, legend has it, a group of monks from Lindisfarne (the Holy Island off the north-east English coast) were wandering around looking for a place to settle down and entomb the body of their revered mentor, Saint Cuthbert. They stopped to help a distressed milkmaid who had lost her cow, and the animal was found, resting on a pretty peninsula formed by the River Wear. The spot seemed perfect for their purpose, and they stayed, later starting work on the building of a Cathedral (1093), which still houses Saint Cuthbert's remains. As well as becoming one of England's most influential ecclesiastical centers, the residents of Durham also set about making their mark politically mainly because of the town's strategic position close to the Scottish border. The castle built by William the Conqueror in 1071 saw plenty of military action over the centuries, and stands proudly opposite the Cathedral, now home to a college of Durham University.
Many of the sons and daughters of Durham have made their mark in a variety of fields, from poets and artists to novelists and musicians. One of the modern celebrities spawned by the city is Tony Blair, former UK Prime Minister.
History has molded Durham, and its medieval character has been carefully preserved, making today's city a compact living museum spiced with a wide range of modern facilities. Most of the city center is pedestrianized, life centered on the cobbled Market Place where street entertainers provide amusement and modern shops and restaurants trade happily alongside the old Victorian Market. Along the riverbanks, which border the town on three sides, meandering paths and river cruisers provide a peaceful alternative to sightseeing and shopping.
With 630 'listed buildings' (most in the central city conservation area), Durham is the ideal place to experience 'ye olde England' with all the mod-cons.
LeedsNot very long ago the West Yorkshire city of Leeds was a grim, grey industrial town, which visitors could well describe as the 'dead center' of England, and not just because of its location. In little more than a decade, however, Leeds has enjoyed an economic boom and its transformation has earned it accolades from all quarters; it is now recognized as one of Europe's most successful cities. Along with this has come a tide of tourism, spurred along recently by a 'UK's favorite city' award from Conde Nast Traveller magazine.
Leeds currently attracts an average 1.4 million sleep-over visitors a year, and 18 million more who come on day trips. The reasons they come to Leeds are many and varied, because this is a city with plenty to offer, from its renowned wild nightspots to its cultural events, and its abundant shopping to its fascinating collection of museums.
For shopaholics Leeds is pure paradise, its retail areas like the Victoria Quarter, Corn Exchange, Headrow Center and Leeds Shopping Plaza packed with top quality big name stores. With development ongoing, shopping opportunities are continually getting bigger and better. For culture vultures Leeds offers major national and international theater, dance, opera and music events in a variety of top-class venues, as well as a major art gallery housing an important collection of traditional and contemporary British art.
Among the city's dozens of museums there is the intriguing Thackray, offering a vivid insight into Victorian medical practices; the Amley Mills, housed in an old woolen mill and demonstrating industrial and railway history; and the Royal Armouries, oldest museum in the UK, containing a fascinating collection of ancient weaponry and torture instruments.
Plenty to do and see means there is never a dull moment in Leeds, and at night the action shifts to the hundreds of pubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Some of the live band venues, like The Cockpit, Joseph's Well and The Wardrobe, are internationally renowned; not for nothing is Leeds recognized as one of the UK's clubbing capitals.
Sharing access to the nearby international airport is the neighboring historic Yorkshire city of Bradford, also a vibrant, cosmopolitan city offering plenty to amuse and entertain visitors. Bradford has attractions like the National Media Museum with its Imax cinema, and industrial museum, and a splendid art gallery contained in beautiful Lister Park.
These two complementary Yorkshire cities, with their packed calendars of festivals and events, have become the beating heart of England.
NottinghamThe historic county town of Nottingham, situated on the River Trent in England's East Midlands, is universally known as the home of the world's first 'superhero', the legendary Robin Hood, who robbed the rich to give to the poor. Today historians have cast doubt on whether Robin actually existed, and if he did, whether he did indeed live in Sherwood Forest near the city, and do battle with the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, as the much-vaunted legend has it.
What is not in doubt is that Robin has done much to promote tourism in this ancient city, which boasts another, very real, unique attraction in the form of a system of sandstone caves beneath the city, used as dwellings by Anglo-Saxons and later as the medieval hang-out of thieves and vagabonds, and bomb shelters during World War II.
Above ground Nottingham is a pleasant, busy English town, equipped with an impressively large Market Square and thriving shopping streets around the site of its central Castle Rock, which is now topped with a Ducal Mansion, the original castle having been destroyed. Nottingham is also renowned for its 'watering holes', three of the local pubs claiming to be England's oldest (The Bell, Old Salutation and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem).
From an Anglo Saxon settlement founded around 600 AD, Nottingham developed into an important commercial capital for the region during the Middle Ages, and then went on to become one of England's major manufacturing cities, producing top quality Victorian lace and hosiery. Today it is saved from being just another heterogeneous English county capital by its legends and unique attractions, making it a city well worth including on the itinerary of any tour of the British Isles.
Getting Around: Nottingham's public transport system is currently being upgraded. At present a comprehensive bus network covers the city. The central area is pedestrianized and the major attractions can be covered on foot. Taxis are freely available.
BirminghamBirthplace of the industrial revolution, Birmingham is shaking off its dreary manufacturing reputation to reveal a cosmopolitan world city. Situated in the geographical heart of England, the UK's second largest metropolis is a mixed bag of cultures, dotted with a colorful array of continental eateries, modern shopping arcades, sweeping plazas and vibrant markets.
Birmingham came to life in the mid 1800s as a major manufacturing town owing to the large deposits of exploitable coal and iron nearby. Despite heavy bomb damage during World War II's 'Birmingham Blitz', much industrial heritage is still present in Britain's 'canal city', which has more waterways than amorous Venice. Built over 200 years ago, the canals, which once bore the raw materials that would spawn the industrial revolution, are now principally used for pleasure and provide a moody backdrop to the historic buildings, restaurants and pubs that site alongside, most notably at charming Brindley Place and the Gas Street Basin.
Churning out the likes of JRR Tolkien, Robert Plant, Black Sabbath and The Streets, the Brummies have done their fair amount of creative contribution. An impressive live music scene now illuminates the evenings and an exhaustive listing of events can be found in the free fortnightly publication,
The Fly.A rich bounty of cuisine and culture make up the world renowned Balti Triangle and the curvaceous Selfridges store with its mottled futuristic 'skin' is not to be missed at the Bullring center, a commercial hub that has been in use since the Middle Ages. For a breath of fresh air, head to one of Birmingham's five Green Flag status parks and enjoy the shade of the city's dense oak tree cover. Much of the area now covered by Birmingham's metropolis was originally the northern corner of the ancient Forest of Arden.
Getting Around: The best way to explore Birmingham is on foot as the majority of the city center is now pedestrianized and the canals, which have been cleaned up, make for attractive walkways. The majority of transport used in Birmingham and the West Midlands area are buses. There is no central bus station, but a bus stop can be found on almost every corner. Travel West Midlands is the main operator; a single fare costing between £0.80 to £1.10 and a Daysaver ticket, allowing unlimited bus travel for one day costing £3. An exact fare is required when boarding the bus, as drivers will not give change. Black cabs can be hailed in the street or reached at one of the many taxi ranks in the city center, the main ones situated at New Street Station, Stephenson Street and Digbeth Coach Station. New Street and Moor Street train stations provide rail connections to destinations throughout the UK. For coach transfers to other major towns and cities, National Express is a good bet.
Climate: Birmingham's weather is typically English, if slightly more temperate than the coast. Rainfall occurs all year round but is heavier in winter. Average maximum temperatures in summer (July) are around 68°F (20°C) and in winter (January) around 40°F (4.5°C). Due to its inland location snow does occur in the city center during winter but has become less frequent over the past few years. Tornadoes occur intermittently, the most recent being in July 2005.
