Friday, 26 August 2011

Places to visit in the UK


Fancy a local holiday? Here are some options:
Blackpool
Visitors first flocked to Blackpool in Victorian times and it’s been known as the archetypal English seaside resort ever since. Bold, brash and beautiful, Blackpool is Britain's playground by the sea. It's Britain's most popular seaside resort packed with wall to wall family entertainment.   A short drive away from major cities in the north of England, it’s a great base from which to explore. Landmarks such as the Blackpool Tower and the Winter Gardens are fun for all the family. The Pleasure Beach theme park features everything from exhilarating rides to dancing water shows.  
Edinburgh
Edinburgh - Scotland’s capital city, and one of Britain’s most exciting tourist destinations. There are 2 sides to Edinburgh – the historic Old Town with the medieval Edinburgh Castle and cobblestone alleys, and the elegant but classic Georgian New Town. The combination of these 2 parts of the city, along with it's vibrant events and celebrations such as Hogmanay and the Festival Fringe is what gives Edinburgh its unique character. Together, they create a dynamic and fascinating city which truly captures the magical spirit of Scotland. The city is home to 4,500 listed buildings – the highest concentration in the world – and is also a modern, dynamic city of art and culture with its museums, galleries, universities and festivals.
Edinburgh
Brighton
Brighton is more than the seaside, more than the city and the mix is more than double the fun. Fashionable, funky and loaded with style, Brighton & Hove has everything you could want from a trip to Britain - a royal palace, elegant Regency architecture, museums with more, laid-back beach life and superb shopping – all this on the south coast of England, just 49 minutes from central LondonDon’t miss the Royal Pavilion, home of King George IV, and probably the most exotic, extravagant royal palace in Europe. Explore the intricate maze of twisting alleyways and hidden squares in the 17th century Brighton Lanes. The bustling criss-cross streets of the North Lane make a great hunting ground for unique retro, vintage and kitsch finds. And bargain hunters will love the weekend markets and Brighton Marina for discount shopping at factory outlet shops. 
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, Europe’s youngest capital and one of the fastest-growing cities and tourist destinations in Britain. Cardiff's recent redevelopment has resulted in world-class sporting and entertainment venues that must be visited.  Add to this excellent shopping, diverse restaurants and plenty of art, history and culture, and Cardiff is an ideal holiday destination to keep all the family happy. Cardiff has a growing reputation for fine dining. This is down to great local chefs, and even better local produce – Welsh lamb and beef, fresh seafood and organic vegetables. In the city’s Brewery Quarter you’ll find a range of great restaurants with an endless choice of cuisine.
The Seven Sisters
The New Forest National Park is celebrated for its ancient woodland and heathland first given protection by William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago. Ponies graze on wild heaths speckled with purple heather and wild deer flit beneath gnarled oak and beech trees. To the east of the New Forest lie the South Downs, an area stretching 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head. It’s best known for its famous rolling downlands that lead to the white, sheer cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. The name is said to pay homage to seven sisters who individually owned a house in the area.  The sight of extensive white walls is incredible, formed by nature over millions of years.  The last scene in the film Atonement was also filmed here. 
Southampton
Southampton was once a place of pilgrimage in the C12th with it being on the route to Canterbury. King Henry II had a castle in Southampton and having landed in Southampton from France in 1170 after the murder of Thomas Becket (Archbishop of Canterbury) journeyed to Canterbury to make his own pilgrimage as atonement for his role in Becket's death. Henry II's castle survived until the C17th but the castle mound can still be seen at Castle Way. Its outer bailey wall still stands as does the magnificent castle vault and the remains of the castle hall. Read more about visiting Southampton.
Tudor House, Southampton
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