For a number of popular destinations in the UK, we have identified the Britain's Finest luxury hotels that are located nearby. We have categorised these popular destinations into airports, top attractions and places of interest.
Aberdeen Airport has one main passenger terminal and 2 terminals dedicated to North Sea helicopter operations. There is also a small terminal used primarily for oil company charter flights.
Argyll Forest Park was established back in 1935 and was the first Forest Park to be open to the public in Britain. This magnificent stretch of rugged hill country with its mountains, glens, lochs and woodlands, is considered by many visitors to be the finest of them all. The Park can be reached by car ferry from Gourock to Dunoon, or by the A82 along the western shore of Loch Lomond.
Arnside and Silverdale on the Cumbrian coastline encompasses stunning and varied scenery from forests, woodlands and meadows to limestone pavements and the sands of Morecambe Bay. The area covers Arnside Park, Gait Barrows and Warton Crag Nature Reserves and the Leighton Hall Estate.
Based north of Bedford in the village of Thurleigh, Bedford Autodrome is owned by Jonathan Palmer the former Formula One driver. Selected as an official training site for the London 2012 Olympics road cycling teams. The tracks are designed using the latest techniques to provide a smooth and quiet surface.
Belfast City Airport is to the east of the city centre. In March 2006, it was decided to rename the airport in memory of the late Belfast footballer George Best. Passenger totals are now well over 2 million a year and increasing.
Belfast International is the 11th busiest airport in the UK in terms of passenger numbers. It is also known as Aldergrove, after the village of that name lying immediately to the west of the airport; Operating transatlantic flights as well as those to the UK and major European cities. The airport operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Birmingham airport is the fifth busiest airport in the UK, and handles over nine million passengers a year. It presently offers many domestic flights in addition to destinations across Europe and some flights to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and North America.
The Black Mountains are a group of hills, which lie within the Brecon Beacons National Park and are composed of red sandstone. The highest mountain in the group is Waun Fach at 811m. Walkers will enjoy the wide-open spaces, dogs must be kept on a lead as sheep and ponies roam freely. Buzzards are a frequent sight riding the thermal currents.
Unspoilt countryside on the Devon-Somerset border, renowned for its variety of flora and fauna. The area provides excellent cycling, walking and horse riding trails, with historical landmarks dating back to the Iron age. Explore pretty villages across this rural landscape, unspoilt by mass tourism.
Bodmin Moor is of one the last great unspoilt areas in the South West. Dominated by dramatic granite tors, which tower over the sweeping expanses of open moorland. Bodmin Moor has provided inspiration for writers, poets and sculptors and generated folklore and legend passed down over the generations.
England: 1400’s – for almost 30 years a vicious civil war raged across England. Many thousands of people laid down their lives as two families, the House of York and the House of Lancaster fought for the throne of England. Each believed they had the better claim to the throne.
On 22 August 1485, in the heart of rural Leicestershire, two armies faced each other; neither side could have known how important this fight would be. This decisive Battle of Bosworth would witness the death of the King and the birth of a dynasty that would last for 122 years. It was the last time that an English King was killed in battle.
King Richard III had ruled the land for only two years and one month when he found his claim to the throne challenged by Henry. Henry started the day as the Earl of Richmond and ended the day being crowned nearby, becoming Henry VII.
Brands Hatch Motor Racing Circuit offers two track layout configurations, the shorter Indy layout and the full Grand Prix circuit and is currently host to many British and international events. In September 2012 Brands Hatch is to be the base for the Road Cycling events of the 2012 Summer Paralympics.
Brecon Beacons National Park is situated in mid-Wales. The Park can be reached in an hour from Cardiff and less than three hours from London and Birmingham. The spectacular and distinctive upland formations cover an area of 1347 sq km (520 sq miles) and are officially recognised as one of the most important geological landscapes in Europe.
Bristol International Airport is the main commercial airport serving the city of Bristol and the surrounding area. Passenger numbers are now over 3.8 million a year. Flights operate to the USA, the UK and major European cities.
The British Museum houses one of the greatest collections of human cultural history. Established in 1753 and orginally based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. More than seven million objects from all continents, illustrate and document the story of human culture from its beginning to the present. The Museum charges no admission fee, although charges are levied for some temporary special exhibitions.
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. Originally The Palace was a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham, today it is The Queen's official residence.
Located in the Lincolnshire Wolds, Cadwell Park is now primarily used for motorcycle racing events such as the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, held on the August Bank Holiday weekend each year. The Park has also been used for feature clips from the motoring program Fifth Gear.
The Cairngorms mountain range holds 5 of Scotland's 6 largest mountains. They are part of the coldest and snowiest plateaux in the British Isles and contain an ancient woodland.
The Cairngorms National Park includes unique mountainous areas, rivers, lochs and glens. It is also home to 16,000 people and 25% of Britain’s threatened wildlife species. The Park is the largest in Britain covering approx. 3,800km and attracting thousands of visitors each year. There are plenty of activities for the more energetic including mountain biking, canoeing or climbing. The area also has a rich cultural heritage with castles, fortified houses and estates.
The Cambrian Mountains are distributed among three counties - Powys, Ceredigion & Carmarthenshire. The rivers Severn, Wye, Elan, Irfon, Tywi, Cothi, Teifi, Ystwyth, Rheidol, and Twymyn all have their sources here. This area is one of the few remote places left in Southern Britain and one of the few places where one can escape from the sound of traffic. The Cambrian Mountains are a "living landscape"; their natural beauty is the result of interaction between natural forces and human activity.
Renowned for its natural beauty, Cannock Chase was designated an AONB in 1958. The smallest in mainland England, the unspoilt 26 square miles of Staffordshire countryside is home to beautiful forests, heaths and parklands, providing ample opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Canterbury Cathedral is both a holy place and part of a World Heritage Site. Pilgrims and visitors have made their way to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages. Visit the Cathedral Library, which contains about 30,000 books and pamphlets printed before 1900, and an expanding collection of some 20,000 books and serials published in the 20th and 21st centuries. An immense wealth of stained glass can also be seen throughout Canterbury Cathedral.
Cardiff International Airport handles around 1.9 million passengers a year. Due to its elevation of 220 feet, Cardiff International Airport has the second best weather record in the UK (after Glasgow Prestwick Airport), so travellers can depend on the reliability of the services to and from the airport.
Carrickfergus Castle is a striking feature of the landscape from land, sea or air. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, but remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in the whole of Ireland. It has seen over 800 years of military action right up until WWII. Located 10 miles north of Belfast City Centre it greets visitors with its strength and menace.
Chester Cathedral dates back to 907. For the first 530 years of its existence it was Saint Werburgh's Abbey The cathedral is unusual in having a modern stand-alone bell tower buililt in the cathedral grounds in 1974 to house its thirteen bells, Chester Cathedral is home to two choirs; The Chester Cathedral Choir, and The Nave Choir, the oldest Cathedral voluntary choir in the country.
Chester Zoo is home to 500 different species of animals and award-winning gardens. There is a wide range of shops, cafes and ice-cream kiosks located around the Zoo; also comprehensive guidebooks are available that can help you make the most of your day, as well as providing interesting information about the animals. Chester Zoo offers a fun and stimulating day out for everyone, no matter what age.
A large natural harbour and wetlands on the English south coast, between Chichester and Hayling Island. A site of Special Scientific Interest and Special protection area the site holds substantial ecological significance and is home to an abundance of marine and birdlife.
A chalk valley and escarpment, the Chiltern Hills stretch 660 square miles across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, overlooking the Vale of Aylesbury. The beautiful landscape incorporates an array of picturesque towns and villages, including Amersham, Chesham, Henley on Thames and Tring.
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1985, the 167 square kilometre area extends across the Welsh Dee Valley with the range of hills providing spectacular views across northern Wales, including Snowdonia, the Cheshire Plain and Peak District.
One of England's most rural landscapes, the naturally protected Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire downs stretches from Salisbury to Shaftesbury incorporating an array of wild open spaces, ancient woods and dramatic chalk cliffs. A delight for walkers and cyclists with miles of trails, charming country pubs and historic churches.
The Cumbrian Mountains are situated in the Lake District National Park, a great area for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and climbing. They are approximately 56 km wide and include many of England's highest peaks, with 25 summits above 457m and Scafell Pike reaching 3,210 feet/978 metres.
Dartmoor became a National Park in 1951. A diverse range of landscapes and heritage is waiting to be discovered, from deep wooded gorges, heather-covered moorland to beautiful lake-like reservoirs. There are also remains of medieval abbeys, ruined castles, ancient churches and bridges.
Dedham Vale is on the Essex-Suffolk border and incorporates the valley of the River Stour between Manningtree and Dedham. Part of an area known as Constable Country, made famous for the paintings of John Constable.
Drayton Manor Family Theme Park is one of the oldest Parks in the country, built in 1949 and set in 220 acres of lakes and parkland. Thrill seekers will enjoy rides such as G-Force, Apocalypse, or Cyclone. Offering a variety of rides for young and old alike, an ideal venue for a great family day out.
Covering over 100 square miles of East Devon countryside, alongside neighbouring Blackdown Hills. Amid bountiful cultural heritage and biodiversity, the landscape includes eighteen miles of heritage coastline, and stretches across the south coast from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.
Step back in time with a walk along the Victorian boardwalk of Eastbourne Pier. Witness the original 360 degree Victorian projector, Camera Obscura as it gives a magical view of the seafront, originally built in 1901 and now restored to its former glory. An amusement centre, Sports bar and restaurants will provide a fun packed day out for all the family.
The Eden Project is a large-scale environmental complex near St Austell and one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. It took 2½ years to construct and was opened to the public in March 2001. Including two giant, transparent domes, each emulating a natural biome, that house plant species from around the world.
Edinburgh airport now handles over 8 million passengers per year and is officially Scotland's fastest growing airport offering many domestic and international destinations for travellers in the Edinburgh region. The Airport has good facilities for children, business travellers and the disabled.
Edinburgh Castle receives over one million visitors a year. No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a walk around the Castle where you can also enjoy magnificent views of the City. Over one thousand years of history sit on top of the famous Edinburgh rock making it unequalled in the whole of the British Isles.
Exeter International Airport is located 5 miles east of the city centre, with the first flight having departed on Coronation Day in 1937. Today there are over 40 destinations worldwide served by the airport with over 800,000 passengers each year. The airport serves both scheduled and charter flights.
Exmoor National Park is situated across Devon and Somerset, with magnificent landscapes of rocky headlands, steep wooded ravines and plunging waterfalls. Exmoor is one of the smaller National Parks measuring 693 km² (267 sq. miles), however the central plateau of open moorland is remote and spacious.
The Firth of Forth is the estuary of Scotland's River Forth, where it flows into the North Sea between Fife to the north, and West Lothian, the City of Edinburgh, and East Lothian to the south. There are a large number of towns that line the shores and numerous industrial areas. The Kincardine Bridge and the famous Forth Road Bridge and Forth Bridge carry traffic across the Firth.
The Flamingo Family Fun Park is an amusement and entertainment centre for all the family, with rides and activities to suit all ages, including a rollercoaster, dodgems, boating lake and a range of rides for smaller children. There is an amusement arcade adjacent to the park with over 300 modern machines.
Flamingo Land is one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions with over 1.4 million visitors a year, a great day out for all the family. With wild rides, wild shows and wild animals. Be amazed at the fantastic kinds of animal life, from the most powerful and fierce to the most rare and endangered species.
An area of peat moorland and fells in north-east Lancashire as well as the detached Forest of Pendle, home to the famed Pendle Hill. The ancient royal forest is separated from the rest of the AONB by the Ribble Valley.
Galloway Forest Park, spread out over 300 square miles, is Britain’s largest forest park. It boasts a host of features including mountains, seashores and a huge variety of plants and animals. For the more energetic there are 120 km of walking trails, 200km of cycling routes, hundreds of miles of open access for horse riders and all supported by three visitor centres.
London Gatwick Airport handles approx 31 million passengers a year and is the UK's second busiest airport. There is only one runway on which 70 airlines fly to over 200 different destinations worldwide. The airport provides a wide range of facilities including those for business, children and the disabled.
Giant’s Causeway became the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ back in the 1700s with coastal scenery that is beautiful and awe-inspiring. A historic site combining myth and legend together with the reality of isolated ruins and kelp walls which bear testament to a life of subsistence farming and fishing endured by past generations.
Glasgow Airport is the busiest Airport in Scotland serving over 150 destinations with 100 airlines carrying over 9 million passengers a year. The airport lies eight miles to the west of Glasgow city and is within easy reach of the rest of Scotland. Principal access is off junction 28 of the M8 motorway
The Grampian Mountains are one of the three major mountain ranges in Scotland, composed of granite, gneiss, marble, schists and quartzite. Extending southwest to northeast between the Highland Boundary Fault and Glen Mor, occupying almost half of the land-area of Scotland. The range includes Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles at 1,344 meters above sea level.
Guernsey Airport is the only airport on the island of Guernsey, situated approx 4 miles from St Peter Port, the capital of the island. Facilities include a cash point, bank, restaurant, cafeteria, bar, duty free shop, newsagent, gift shop, tourist help desk and VIP lounge.
Hadrian’s Wall was buit in AD122 over a period of six years. According to one of the Roman Biographers, it was built to separate the Romans from the Barbarians, which it did admirably for over 250 years. Hadrian’s Wall is designated as one of The World Heritage Sites, with its outstanding universal importance to humankind both natural and cultural.
Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport, with 4 terminals, 2 main runways, plus a cross-wind runway. London Heathrow serves 90 different airlines to approximately 170 locations worldwide and handles roughly 64 million passengers a year. The airport provides a wide range of facilities including those for business, children and the disabled.
High Peak in the Derbyshire Peak District has some great places to walk and climb with stunning views of the countryside. It also offers a wide variety of places to stay and enjoy the surrounding area.
Covering 560 square miles of south-east England, the attractive landscape is home to rural farmland, woodland, historic parks and picturesque villages. Stretches across Sussex, Kent and Surrey it is the fourth largest AONB in England.
The Highlands and Islands Airports consist of 10 airports in northern Scotland. Inverness is the hub airport that serves the outer islands. These airports provide an essential link to the mainland for all that live on these islands and of course for visitors to the area.
Hope Valley is situated in Derbyshire and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The present church dates back to around the 13th century and contains a carved oak pulpit dated 1652. There are a selection of small shops to cater for everyday goods. Explore the surrounding countryside, an ideal base for a relaxing break.
A small AONB located between the Yorkshire Wolds, North York Moors National Park and the Vale of York. The area is renowned for its unusual Jurassic limestone, a rich variation in landscapes, diversity of flora and fauna and concentration of historical heritage, including medieval castles, monasteries and country halls.
Ilkley Moor is an expanse of moorland lying directly above the pleasant spa town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire. The peat bogs rise to 402 m (1,319 ft) above sea level. It is famous as the inspiration for the Yorkshire county anthem "On Ilkla Moor Baht'at". There are glorious views across Wharfedale, rocks and crags and a tarn, along with mysterious prehistoric rock carvings.
Inverness airport is the main gateway for travellers to the north of Scotland with a wide range of scheduled services throughout the UK. Visitors are able to explore the immediate Highland areas or can go on to fly to the Orkney and Shetland Islands from Inverness Airport. Over 558,000 passengers travel through the terminal per year.
Isle of Man Airport is situated north-east of Castletown on the south coast of the island. The Airport offers flights to 15 UK cities and over 700,000 passengers fly from the airport each year. There are two ATMs in the main entrance lobby, and a currency exchange bureau opposite the arrivals entrance. The Skylines Travellers Store on the first floor sells a full range of newspapers, periodicals, books, gifts, confectionery and tobacco. The Café Oasis offers casual dining, refreshments and snacks.
Jersey Airport is situated approximately 5 miles west of the island's capital, St Helier. Featuring one of the most dramatic take-offs in the UK, the end of the runway is a few hundred metres away from the cliffs, which overlook St Ouen's Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island.
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is a very special place for the residents of Glasgow and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Depicting their lives throughout the generations. It is the most visited museum in Scotland with around 1 million visitors each year and also the largest civic museum and art gallery in the UK, with collections of international importance.
Kensington Palace was once a favoured home of some of Britain’s most famous kings and queens. Parts of the palace remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family today. The gardens are modelled on a Tudor Garden at Hampton Court and are a perfectly-kept example of formal English gardens.
Kent Downs stretches from the edge of London to the White Cliffs of Dover and includes Greensand Ridge. Surrey Hills AONB is adjoined to the west while the North Downs Way footpath runs the length of the area.
Kew Gardens covers 300 acres and is a leading centre of botanical research, a training ground for professional gardeners and a popular visitor attraction. Kew has one of the most comprehensive plant collections in Britain, despite unfavourable growing conditions, such as, atmospheric pollution from London, dry soils and low rainfall. Two out-stations have been established, at Wakehurst Place in Sussex and Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent.
The Lake District National Park is the largest in England, covering 885 square miles. You can walk, cycle and ride around the beautiful Lake District to your heart’s content. With more than 3,500 kilometres of rights of way there’s so much to choose from. Why not try a guided walk or an event from pond dipping to bird hide secrets.
Land's End is a rocky promontory on the far western tip of Cornwall, England. Situated at the end of a peninsula, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is the most westerly point of mainland Britain. The area around Land's End is renowned for its natural beauty, and it is a popular tourist destination.
The Lee Valley Regional Park is 26 miles (42 kms) long with something different to offer everyone. It is the perfect place to visit if you enjoy the outdoors, whether you want to participate in sport, outdoor recreation, countryside or wildlife activities. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, around with 150 sighted annually. Thirty-two species of mammal and over 500 species of flowering plant have been recorded throughout the valley.
Leeds Bradford Airport is located between Leeds and Bradford and easily accessible from several major motorways and public transport services. It is a major northern gateway, with flights to many UK and European destinations, and over 2 million passengers a year pass through its doors.
Legoland Windsor has lots to do for children of all ages, from gold panning to car racing and much more. The park has some spectacular models made entirely of Lego bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland, thrill seekers won’t be able to get enough of the Adventurers’ Wave Surfer or the Jungle Coaster in Adventure Land.
A range of low hills, running alongside the North Sea coast in Lincolnshire, the 560 square kilometres AONB is sparsely populated and provides beautiful, unspoilt country landscape to visitors.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located adjacent to the estuary of the River Mersey south-east of the centre of Liverpool. One of Europe's fastest growing airports. Take advantage of Tax Free Shopping and the many other facilities on offer, with awide range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, there's something for everyone.
LLyn Peninsula extends for 30 miles into the Irish Sea, delivering wild and rugged coastlines and a haven of wildlife, attracting hillwalkers and water sport enthusiasts. Sandy beaches dot the area's southern coast and Cardigan Bay, with pretty seaside towns of Criccieth, Pwllheli and Abersoch, while the ancient pilgrimage site of Bardsey Island is found at the tip.
The Loch Ewe area has several picturesque villages on its shores and stunning scenery, making it ideal territory for those who enjoy walking, cycling or just sitting enjoying the views. With a variety of accommodation options from hotels on the loch side to campsites, there is something to suit all budgets.
Loch Leven is famous for its historical links with Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here in 1567 on Castle Island and for its celebrated brown trout fishery. It is Scotland’s largest lowland freshwater loch with a huge waterfowl population. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful and dramatic mountains in Scotland, Vane Farm Nature Reserve is situated here and is a wonderful introduction to the area.
Loch Lomond is an ideal holiday location for touring the highlands and lochs of Scotland. There is a wide variety of accommodation to suit all needs. There is so much to do in the area from boating, cannoeing to fishing, walking, climbing and cycling. The Loch has 37 islands and is the largest lake in Britain.
Loch Ness is a large, deep freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 km (23 miles) southwest of Inverness. Best known for the alleged sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Boat cruises operate from various locations along its shores giving tourists the chance to look for the monster. At Drumnadrochit there is a Loch Ness Monster exhibition centre, which contains information on the legendary creature.
London City Airport is a single-runway airport, and principally serving the financial districts of London. Located on a former Docklands site it is the fifth airport serving the London area. Inside the terminal there are 26 check-in desks plus an extra 5 self-service kiosks. Unlike other large airports travellers benefit from the quick turnarounds and the short pier, enabling travellers to check-in as little as 15 minutes before takeoff.
The British Airways London Eye is located on the banks of the River Thames and offers unrivalled views over London - it is also the world's tallest observation wheel at 135m high. The London Eye is the most distinctive addition this century to the world's greatest city and attracts over 3.5 million people a year (an average of 10,000 a day). Passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40 kilometres in all directions, in complete comfort and safety.
London Zoo is home to hundreds of wonderful reptiles, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. Set in 36 acres of gardens, there is something to keep everyone entertained. The Zoo is currently undergoing a massive renovation project aimed at replacing cages with enclosures, which recreate the animals' natural environments, giving a better lifestyle to the animals and a more realistic experience to visitors.
Longleat is set within 900 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland. Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. Longleat Safari Park remains one of the country’s leading wildlife attractions.
Lough Neagh is situated in central Northern Ireland and is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Very large numbers of wintering wildfowl can be found here. Used as a source of water for Belfast also for fishing and sand extraction. There are many opportunities to take part in land and water based recreational activities.
London Luton Airport is located in Bedfordshire some 35 Miles north of London and has become a fully equipped international airport which serves approximately 7.5 million passengers a year. Catering for all passengers, with facilities for business executives, families with young children and travellers with disabilities or special needs.
The Malvern Hills offer an array of activities from a short walks to hand gliding, with over 4500 acres of open countryside to enjoy. This eight mile ridge has been described as a mountain range in miniature and contains some of the oldest rocks in Britain and has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Malvern Hills is renowned for its scenic countryside and contrasting landscapes, woodland, wildlife and biodiversity. The area has been a designated AONB since 1959 and covers 105 square miles across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire in the West Midlands.
Manchester Airport opened to airline traffic in June 1938. It is located on the boundary between Cheshire and Manchester in Greater Manchester. The airport provides direct flights to over 200 destinations worldwide by over 95 airlines. Manchester is the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the biggest outside of London, in terms of passengers per year.
A range of limestone hills in Somerset, south of Bristol and Bath and the lakes of Chew Valley provide a stunning landscape of steep slopes, plateaus, gorges and outcrops. Rich grassland and woodland provides habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.
The Mountains of Mourne are the most picturesque mountains in Ireland. With twelve peaks, beautiful forests and glorious sandy beaches this area provides an ideal location for hill walking, mountain biking, climbing, horse riding and much more. Internationally recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The National Gallery houses Western European paintings from 1250 to 1900 and entry to the main collection is free. The National Gallery has grown to be a collection of international renown since its foundation in 1824, shaped mainly by its early directors and by private donations.
The National Portrait Gallery opened to the public in 1856 and houses artwork of historically important and famous British people. The collection includes paintings, caricatures, drawings, photographs and sculptures. As well as its permanent collections The Gallery exhibits contemporary work, stages exhibitions of portrait art by individual artists and hosts the annual BP Portrait Prize competition.
The Natural History Museum is home to over 70 million items consisting of five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology. The Museum is home to the largest and most important natural history collection in the world and is well known for its dinosaur skeletons.
The National Exhibition Centre is the busiest exhibitions centre in Europe, with up to four million visitors each year and staging more than 180 exhibitions each year. There are 21 halls totalling 200,000 square metres (two million square feet). Renowned for large-scale international trade fairs with an active interest in helping smaller specialist shows develop, providing advice, support and essential services to organisers.
The New Forest has numerous attractions that offer all types of activities for most types of taste. The outstanding natural beauty, wildlife, numerous museums, galleries and incredible gardens mean that you may have to stay a little longer than you originally thought! With many miles of car free cycle tracks you can get up close to the real forest.
The New MetroLand is Europe's largest indoor funfair, offering 12 major attractions all under one roof including The New Rollercoaster, Wonderful Waveswinger, Swashbuckling Pirate Ship, Beautiful Balloons Ferris Wheel, Disco Dodgems and more. Visitors can wander through the funfair into the malls of the MetroCentre, where you can shop till you drop at over 300 leading stores.
Newcastle Airport is located about 6 miles (11 km) from Newcastle city centre. The CAA recently named Newcastle as the fastest growing regional airport in the UK, handling over 5.19 million passengers a year. Destinations in Europe, the Middle East and North America are served from Newcastle Airport by charter and scheduled airlines.
Bordering the Yorkshire Dales, the area covers a total of 233 square kilometres. Sparsely population, with just one main own, the area is popular with walkers as two long distance trails, the Six Dales Trail and Nidderdale Way, cross the area.
The Norfolk Broads has a rich history with unique wildlife and many wonderful places to visit. A great way to explore the Broads is by water, as much of the history of the Broads revolves around the way the rivers have been used over the years. Over two million people visit the Broads every year, exploring by land or water or a combination of both.
The Norfolk Coast covers 450 square kilometres of coastal and agricultural land covering a diverse range of landscapes from coastal marshes and cliffs to sand dunes. The area contains two National Nature Reserves, Blakeney Point and Winterton Dunes, the Heritage Coast, a SSSI, and pretty seaside towns of Blakeney, Wells Next the Sea and Sheringham.
171 square kilometres of coastal landscape stretching from the border of Exmoor National Park to the Cornwall border at Marsland Mouth. The area is renowned for its diversity of landscape and dramatic coastal scenery which includes the Hartland Heritage Coast, North Devon Heritage Coast and the internationally famous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The North Downs is a ridge of chalk hills that stretches about 100 miles from Hampshire through Surrey and Kent. They have been designated as having two Areas of outstanding Natural Beauty - The Surrey Hills and Kent Downs. There are many small villages and winding lanes in the dry valleys.
The North Harris Mountains provides an environment for many outdoor recreational pursuits such as climbing and walking. Home to an important population of breeding birds, used for grazing and to a lesser extent some agriculture. The North Harris Mountains are collectively owned and managed by the island' s residents.
An area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark, the North Pennines is the second largest AONB in Britain. Renowned for its moorland scenery, deep dales, heather, rivers, meadows and picturesque villages.
North Wessex Downs covers 1700 square kilometres of countryside, west of London across the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. The area is a site of scientific interest and forms part of the Southern England Chalk Formation.
The North York Moors cover a broad area stretching from the Vale of York and the Vale of Mowbray across to the Yorkshire Coast with its popular seaside resorts of Whitby, Scarborough and Filey. It is famous as the location for the filming of the popular TV series "Heartbeat". A large part of this area has also been designated as one of England’s National Parks.
Covers 40 miles of North Sea coastline from Berwick upon Tweed to the River Coquet. The landscape is sparsely populated and includes sandy beaches, sand dunes, cliffs and islands, notably Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle and the villages of Alnmouth and Lindisfarne.
The Northumberland National park is located at the very top of England but right in the centre of Britain. It boasts the breathtaking rolling moors and grasslands of the Cheviot Hills, in which is found the Upper Coquet Valley with its landmark Simonside Hills and the beautiful villages of Harbottle and Holystone.
Set in the grounds of Oulton Hall historic house, Oulton Park Circuit is known as 'The Goodwood of the North'. The Park regularly plays host to rounds of the British Superbike Championship, British F3/GT Championships and British Touring Car Championship. Driving experiences, track days and private testing can be arranged during the week.
The Peak District was Britain's first national park, established in April 1951, covering 555 square miles. It is popular for cycling, walking, climbing and caving together with for its breathtaking landscapes, bustling market towns and outstanding cultural and historical heritage.
The Pembrokeshire Coast is Britain's only truly coastal national park and boasts a spectacular landscape of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, wooded estuaries, wild inland hills and a place of sanctuary for wildlife. Pembrokeshire is internationally important for many of its coastal, marine and lowland heath habitats, and of national importance for other habitats such as its ancient, semi-natural oak woodland.
Pleasure Beach Great Yarmouth – East Anglia’s most popular tourist attraction, occupying a nine-acre seafront location. The main park itself has over 20 large rides as well as crazy golf courses, water attractions, kiddie rides and awe-inspiring white knuckle classics.
Quantock Hills is England's first area of outstanding natural beauty, consisting of an array of heathland, ancient parklands, farmland and oak woodlands, lying west of Bridgwater in Somerset.
The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park encompasses mountains, moorland, forests, woodland, rivers and lochs. For many, the attraction of the park lies in the peace and quiet, the magnificent views and the wide range of activities and facilities. It is also home to a rich variety of animal and plant life.
Regent’s Park is the largest outdoor sports area in London, with nearly 100 acres available for sports fans of all abilities. The Park covers 410 acres and was designed in 1811 by renowned architect John Nash and includes stunning rose gardens with more than 30,000 roses of 400 varieties. It is open from 5am until dusk all year round.
The Roman Baths are situated below modern street level and have four main features, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and finds from Roman Bath. It is one of Britain’s best known, most spectacular and most frequently visited ancient monuments. Collections include coins, tokens and medals, including items from Bath’s Saxon Mint and Georgian Bath and social history items from Bath.
The Royal Academy of Arts is the oldest fine arts institution in Britain, famous for exhibitions acclaimed both in Britain and overseas. More than a million people each year visit the exhibitions, one of the most recent famous ones being Monet in the 20th Century. It is also home to a fine permanent collection and the oldest fine arts library in Britain.
Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful and historic building, an international symbol of Christianity and a world-class heritage attraction. Unique amongst medieval English cathedrals, built within one century with no substantial later additions. Salisbury Cathedral and the Cathedral Close are visited by over 500,000 people a year, some as tourists others attending some of the many events taking place.
Salisbury Plain chalk plateau in central southern England, famous for its rich archaeology, including Stonehenge, is one of England's best-known landmarks. The Plain has several military institutions, arable land and a few small areas of beech and coniferous woodland. The Plain has featured in the writings of William Wordsworth, Thomas Hardy, William Henry Hudson and A.G. Street and in the paintings of Constable.
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. It is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. With its rocky and rugged paths, The Pike is very often covered by mist, however lower paths are well defined and gentle. The fantastic views are undoubtedly amongst the best England can offer.
The Science Museum has over 300,000 objects in its care, covering the entire history of western science, technology and medicine. With over 40 galleries including thousands of interactive exhibits with many permanent displays. There are over 1.6 million visitors per year making The Museum one of the top ten tourist attractions in the UK.
Sherwood Forest is the legendary home of Robin Hood and ecologically important home to some of Europe’s rare trees and heathland. Discover this ancient patchwork of woodland, heath, farms & settlements, which have survived down through the ages to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Covering a quarter of Shropshire the AONB is located in the south of the county, extending to the Welsh border, encompassing 800 square kilometres of land. Historical attractions include Ludlow Castle, Offa's Dyke and Stokesay Castle.
Silverstone Circuit is a motor racing circuit near the village of Silverstone in Northamptonshire, England. It is best known as the home of the British Grand Prix, which it first hosted in 1948 and which has been held on the circuit every year since 1987. The circuit is also home to the BRDC International Trophy, formerly one of the premier non-Championship F1 races in the calendar, today awarded to the winner of a race for historic F1 cars at the annual Silverstone Classic meeting.
Located just 2kms from the village of Snetterton on the A11. Host to races including the British Superbikes, British Formula Three Championship and British Touring Car Championship. During the week the circuit offers driving experiences and can be hired out for private testing and track days.
Established in 1951 as the third national park in Britain, Snowdonia stretches 827 square miles, including 37 miles of coastline, across the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy. The mountainous range is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and is home to the highest peak in England or Wales.
The Solway coast covers two areas of coastline along the Solway Firth in northern Cumbria, renowned for its coastal scenery.
Somerset House is an 18th century building, which houses the celebrated collections of the Courtauld Institute of Art, Gilbert Collection and Hermitage Rooms. Until the nineteenth century Somerset House reached the waters edge, but this was changed with the building of the embankment though the southern face of the building still features boat moorings. In the winter the central courtyard is home to an open-air ice rink. At other times, an array of fountains display vertical jets of water rising to random heights.
South Devon AONB covers 337 square kilometres renowned for its coastal scenery, undeveloped coastline and panoramic views incorporating 97 km of the South West Coast Path. The area also includes two national nature reserves, several sites of special scientific interest and four areas of conservation.
The South Downs has much to offer, with an abundance of stunning scenery, high-adrenalin activities such as paragliding or mountain biking, or more relaxing activities like walking or horse riding. The South Downs extend about 70 miles through East Sussex, West Sussex, and part of Hampshire with many parts having been designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Southampton Airport is located in Eastleigh near Southampton. Statistics suggest that Southampton airport now handles in excess of 1.8 million passengers a year. In 1936 the first test flights of the Supermarine Spitfire were conducted at the airport, a near-full size sculpture of a Mk V Spitfire has been erected at the road entrance to commemorate the event.
The Sperrin Mountains have a special charm, especially for walkers. With windswept hills, sparse highlands and lush river valleys, stretching from the western shoreline of Lough Neagh in County Tyrone to the southern portions of County Londonderry. There are numerous beautiful places to camp or village hostels to relax. Although sparsely populated, it’s amazing how many people visit this area.
St Paul’s Cathedral dates from the 17th century and is one of London’s most visited sites. Its impressive dome was inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome. It rises 108 metres to the cross at its summit, making it a famous London landmark. St Paul's is often used in movies as part of an establishing shot to place the viewers in London. The cathedral is open to the public, though there is a charge for non-worshipping visitors.
Stansted Airport is a large passenger airport with a single runway and hub for a number of major European low-cost airlines. Stansted International Airport has one terminal. There are three boarding piers, one connected to the main terminal by a pedestrian bridge and the other two by a people mover system. Stansted has a railway station below the terminal building, with rail services to London every 15/30 minutes.
Stonehenge was constructed in three phases and required more than thirty million hours of labour. It is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain and has attracted visitors from earliest times. There has always been intense debate over quite what purpose Stonehenge served. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 in a co-listing with Avebury Henge monument.
Strangford Lough is a popular tourist attraction noted for its fishing and the picturesque villages and townships which border its waters. About a third of the Lough is intertidal - best seen from the huge expanses of sandflats exposed at the northern end at low tide. At high tide this area is covered in shallow water. It is also a conservation area with abundant wildlife recognised internationally for its importance and a winter migration destination for many wading and sea birds.
The Suffolk Coast covers estuaries of the River Alde, Blyth, Deben, Orwell and Stour, incorporating salt marshes, heathland, mudflats and shingle beaches. There are three National Nature Reserves and many Sites of Special Scientific Interest and three long-distance footpaths, notably the Suffolk Coast Path.
A 422 square kilometres stretch of countryside, south of London, covering parts of the North Downs, Blackheath Common and Greensand Ridge in Surrey. Designated in 1958 the area borders other scenic countryside areas, Kent Downs AONB and South Downs National Park.
Tamar Valley AONB, designated in 1995, straddles the Cornwall-Devon border and covers 75 square miles of the lower River Tamar. The AONB incorporates the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape as well as several ancient towns, Launceston, Tavistock, Callington and Saltash.
Tate Britain is one of the family of four Tate galleries which display selections from the Tate Collection. It is the world centre for the understanding and enjoyment of British art and works actively to promote interest in British art internationally. Tate Britain exhibits British art from 1500 to the present day including major works of art. Study days, courses and conferences are available, designed for anyone who has an interest in the history of modern or contemporary art.
Tate Modern is the national gallery of international modern art, located in London. Created in the year 2000 from a disused power station, it houses the national collection of British art from the year 1500 to the present day, and of international modern art. The gallery is a very popular destination with Londoners and tourists alike. Entry to the collection displays and some temporary exhibitions is free.
The Deep is a public aquarium dedicated to increasing people’s enjoyment and understanding of the world’s oceans and so far has welcomed over 2 million visitors from the UK and abroad. Hands on interactive, audiovisual presentations and living exhibits tell the story of the world’s oceans. You can see fourteen species of shark, huge marine dinosaurs, moray eels, rays and hundreds of other stunning sea creatures. Behind the scenes a team of dedicated marine biologists look after all of the animals in The Deep’s collection as well as carrying out vital research into the marine environment.
The Fens are unique with an atmosphere and character all of their own. They stretch from Cambridge to Lincoln and from King’s Lynn to Peterborough, boasting nearly 1 million acres of beautiful black soil and wildlife-rich water. As well the flowers, horticulture, water and wildlife, they are full of history and heritage, with the Fens towns providing vibrant centres for live and performing arts.
The Lowry is set in a magnificent waterside location at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays in Greater Manchester. The welcoming building is designed to reflect the surrounding landscapes and flourishing waterways, in its glass and metallic surfaces. The Lowry aims to give everyone access to new areas of creativity and to embrace its broad community with the layout encouraging visitors to explore and enjoy the variety of facilities housed within it, throughout the day and evening.
The Needles is one of the Island's most famous landmarks. Every year, nearly half a million people visit to view these jagged chalk stacks, lighthouse and the unique multi coloured sand cliffs. On the outermost rock is the Needles Lighthouse, which was manned until 1997. It first became popular with tourists over 200 years ago, and in Victorian times the area attracted large numbers of visitors who travelled from the mainland by paddle steamer.
The Pennines are a mountain range in England stretching a total length of approximately 250 miles and constitute the main watershed in northern England, dividing the eastern and western parts of the country. It is a relatively sparsely populated region and is widely considered to be one of the most scenic areas of Britain. Famous with walkers, the Pennine Way, is a path that takes you from the South to the North Pennines.
The Trossachs is an area of outstanding beauty and has inspired many famous people from Sir Walter Scott to Queen Victoria who spent many happy times on holiday in the Trossachs. They form a major part of Scotland's first National Park, which include Argyll and Loch Lomond and the towns of Callander to the North, Aberfoyle to the West and Balloch, the gateway town to the National Park. The Trossachs are incredibly beautiful whatever the season and you will leave in awe of the magnificent surroundings and beautiful landscapes.
The Wash is found on the east coast of the UK, running from just south of Skegness to Hunstanton. With its bleak, yet beautiful landscape of saltmarshes, mudflats and open water, this is one of the most outstanding coastal wetlands in Europe and one of Britain's most important winter feeding areas for waders and wildfowl. The Wash has a number of other habitats of conservation significance, including saline lagoons, shingle structures and dune complexes.
Thetford Forest attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year. Located in the heart of East Anglia, the forest is a patchwork of pines, heathland and broadleaves. At 19,500 hectares it is the largest man-made lowland forest in the country. Thetford Forest Park is open to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders with numerous picnic areas, way marked walks, cycle routes (graded for novices up to black extreme difficulty trails), bridleways and educational facilities.
The Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns. It has a 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. The Tower is the most impressive and best-preserved medieval castle in any European capital and is designated as a World Heritage Site and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum illustrates the way of life and the traditions of the people of the north of Ireland. Almost 50 exhibits have been acquired by the Folk Museum depicting the story of life in early 20th century Ulster. The Transport Museum is one of the finest in Europe and displays Ireland's largest and most comprehensive transport collection. Permanent exhibitions of international acclaim also include Titanic and X2 Flight Experience.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, known as the V & A, is part of a family of museums consisting of The Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green and The Theatre Museum in Covent Garden. It is the world's greatest museum of art and design, with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity. A programme of changing exhibitions run throughout the year in addition to the Museum's permanent collection covering a broad range of subjects from design and fashion to photography and architecture. The V&A has lots of exciting free events and activities for families.
Wester Ross’s varied and beautiful scenery is full of wildlife including dolphins, whales, eagles and buzzards, as well as thousands of deer. There are 13 freshwater lochs ranging from 25-320 metres above sea level, surrounded by heath and blanket bog with intricate shorelines and islands. Driving around Wester Ross is an adventure on its own, with its many single-track roads, huge mountains and stunning scenery.
Westminster Abbey, is a mainly Gothic church, on the scale of a cathedral. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs. Since the coronations in 1066 of both King Harold and William the Conqueror, all English and British monarchs have been crowned in the Abbey. There has been a place of worship on this site for well over a thousand years and The Abbey is famous throughout the world attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
Windermere Lake Cruises, winner of the 2003 Cumbria for Excellence Award - Large Tourist Attraction of the year, operates on England's largest lake with the central point being Bowness on Windermere. A number of cruises can be taken, all offering something different, enabling you to take advantage of the attractions on-route and the wonderful views of the lake from its shoreline to the high tops. During the summer season evening cruises and Jazz / Buffett cruises are also in operation.
Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. Visitors can walk around the State Apartments, extensive suites of rooms at the heart of the working palace. Within the Castle complex there are many additional attractions, including the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary's dolls' house, and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel. For part of the year visitors can also see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid interiors in the castle.
An internationally protected landscape between the borders of England and Wales, known as one of the most dramatic and scenic landscapes in the country. Centring on the River Wye the area covers parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, and is recognised for its limestone gorge scenery, woodlands and wildlife. The pretty town of Ross-on-Wye is the areas only town.
Yatton is a village and civil parish within the unitary authority of North Somerset, which falls within the ceremonial county of Somerset, England.
York Minster is the largest Gothic church in England and was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. From the Central Tower you can enjoy excellent views over the city or visit The Foundations Museum under the Minster, which shows how the present building was constructed on the site of a Norman Cathedral. Two million people visit York Minster every year, whether as tourists or pilgrims.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage. Covering an area of 1,762 square kilometres, the National Park is located in the north of England, and straddles the central Pennines in the counties of North Yorkshire and Cumbria. A favourite destination for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders alike and for those who want to explore the lovely villages, Whether you want peace and solitude, invigorating adventure or merely the chance to relax and explore the charming villages, The Yorkshire Dales is a place for all seasons with something for everyone.
