The British Isles are endowed with spectacular scenery, wild beaches, rolling green valleys, picturesque fishing villages and vibrant cities. The country is dotted with several pre-historic sites and National Parks like Peak District, the Lake District in the North and the moors of Exmoor and Dartmoor where one can commune with the ‘Great outdoors’. As a legacy of its rich heritage, most British towns and cities are interspersed with historic castles, stately homes, cathedrals and cavernous museums, ample enough to excite even the laziest traveller.

Being the capital city of the United Kingdom , London is the political, cultural, and business heart of the country. With its myriad attractions ranging from the Houses of Parliament, galleries, well-manicured parks, London Eye, museums, thrilling nightlife, delectable restaurants and designer labels on Bond Street , the city is a tourist’s delight. London also has 400 music venues, covering opera to Brit pop. Check out the British Museum, the Tate & National Galleries that house priceless collections of objets d’art. And hobnob with celebrities in Madame Tussad’s wax museum.

A popular destination in the UK is Stratford-upon-Avon that is inextricably linked to Shakespeare, the greatest dramatist ever lived. Whatever the season, whatever the month, there is always a buzz about the quaint little English town with its multitude of music & drama festivals, pubs and actors. English cities like Derby , Bath , Bristol and Salisbury are a heady mix of modernity and old world charm. Another massive draw is the Stonehenge , the famous pre-historic ceremonial site built 5000 years ago.

A mere 4 hours by train from London, the Scottish city of Edinburgh boasts opulent castles and world renowned golf courses like Gleneagles, The Old Course St Andrews, Royal Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield and Turnberry. The country has nearly 800 islands, most accessible by ferry. Popular excursions include Iona, with its ancient monastery, and Skye, romantic refuge for Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Described as Britain’s ‘Great Outdoors’, Wales is unique, with its tranquil valleys and lakes. Cozy market towns and villages pepper the Welsh countryside, while cities like Swansea and Cardiff are cosmopolitan and swanky. Belfast, the largest city in Northern Ireland, with its thrilling nightlife, delicious food, traditional pubs appeals to the young and old alike. Much has happened in Northern Ireland in recent years, and according to a UN report, it has the second lowest crime rate in the world.

The Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney also have their share of visitors every year. What makes them so tempting is the climate, which is the warmest in the United Kingdom. Friendly communities, a rugged coastline and gentle, unsullied scenery make the islands a perfect holiday destination. One of the most dramatic sights on Jersey is the13th-century Mount Orgeuil castle, built on the remains of an Iron Age fort a few miles east of the capital St Helier. Their proximity to France lends the Channel Islands a Gallic flavour. Explore them, you will find traces of French influence in unexpected places! And don’t forget to sample the succulent seafood the islands are famous for. Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney have a well-deserved reputation for fine gourmet dining.