A holiday in the British Isles will reward with a sensational contrast of the ancient and the ultra modern. Great Britain has some of the world's most popular holiday destinations. The atmosphere of historic cities, the pleasures of a seaside so different to our experience; the tranquillity of wild natural places, ancient monuments, country houses, castles, fishing rivers, architecture, and spectacular natural wonders. The British Isles have something for everyone in a comparatively compact package.
Although Great Britain technically encompasses England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Aussies tend to include Ireland (Eire) as well when referring to the region.
First port of call for most visitors is London. As the capital city of England and the largest city in the country it covers a vast area, but visitors are usually attracted first to the very centre, the City of London and the West End. It is here that many of the major tourist attractions are to be found; Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Oxford Street, Harrods, Hyde Park and the West End theatres, but these are not, by any means, its only offering. And holidays in Great Britain aren’t only about London.
Think the wilds of the Scottish Highlands, or wild laughter at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, the bars and clubs that gave rise to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. How about a ploughman’s lunch with a warm pint in a country pub, or a 12 course degustation dinner in a Michelin starred restaurant in Bray? Maybe Shakespeare plays at the Globe theatre, or a taste of the craic in a pub in Temple Bar? Perhaps roaming the moors and quaint villages of the Lakes District, or cheering Manchester United as they beat Chelsea in a cliff hanger? Holidays in Great Britain are as diverse and full of opportunity as anywhere in the world.
Also popular as a launching pad into Europe, no matter what the taste, budget or ultimate destination, a British holiday will delight and reward with a lifetime of memories.
British fun facts
The first city in modern history to reach a population of one million was London in 1811
There is only one lake in Scotland, Lake Menteith, all other inland bodies of water are Lochs
The world’s longest railroad station name is in Wales; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch.
My Italy
Friday 18th September 2009
Travel Counsellor: Ruth Walsh
Italy is top of my favourites list. I have travelled there twice a year for many years and never grow tired of it!
Historically it speaks for itself - Roman ruins, baroque architecture, narrow winding cobblestone streets. The very air one breathes reminds us of the past. Every corner has a story!
I have my favourite things to do in Rome. I have my morning cappucino with the locals and try my hand at ordering in Italian. Of course there are the obligatory pastries that need to be tried as well. Then walking to see a particular sight, perhaps along the River Tiber through the ancient Trastevere area and then on to take in the shops and the people.
I have my favourite area of Rome that I like to stay in, a little out of the busy area but close enough to walk to everything. It is called the "Pratti" and has a more "local" feel about it with small restaurants and tree-lined leafy streets. My favourite hotel there is a former Palazzo and has been in the same family for... view full story
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