Of course, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different – as different as pasties, haggis, colcannon and Welsh cakes. As for landscapes, contrast the Scottish Highlands and islands with the Welsh valleys and dramatic coastline. Natural wonders? How about the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland (that’s Game of Thrones country). And England’s variety astonishes visitors, from the romantic Lake District and Cornwall to castles, stately homes and elegant gardens. Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Harry Potter; visit the free, world-class museums and galleries in cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford and Bath, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
TIP: Herefordshire’s Golden Valley looks ‘forever England’. Stroll round picture-postcard villages, such as Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone. At the 800-year-old Pandy Inn in Dorstone, relax over pints of proper cider produced by Gwatkin’s, just down the valley in Abbey Dore.
Offa’s Dyke, the 80 mile long earthwork for centuries marking the border between England and Wales, runs along ridge tops between (formerly) fortified valley towns, resulting in some splendidly scenic walking.
Marvel at four of Britain’s most impressive ruined medieval abbeys.
Discover the story of the Border Reivers and Moss Troopers.
Delight in flower filled meadows and a wealth of birdlife and wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the spacious Borders farmlands.
See Scotland's most distinctive lochs, mountains, moors and castles while touring on the world-renowned West Highland and Kyle Lines on a guided train tour.
The Cumbria Way starts in the market town of Ulverston in the south of Cumbria, to Carlisle on the Scottish Border in the north. It runs for 72 miles, passing through some of the Lake Districts most spectacular scenery.
Carefully designed holiday, touring Yorkshire and Hadrian's Wall by train, including the famous Settle-Carlisle railway.
Walk in England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Visit Belas Knap, one of Britain’s finest Neolithic long barrows.
Stroll through flower-rich limestone grassland.
This is a magical place, with a completely different feel from the rest of Scotland. What's more, the Shetland Isles are experiencing ever increasing popularity thanks to BBC's hit TV series “Shetland” based on Ann Cleeve's gritty, iconic crime stories.
UK destinations don’t come further flung than Shetland & Fair Isle; this six-night fly-drive demonstrates why they are two of our favourite islands.
Explore Northumberland: the most northerly and sparsely populated county of England and for many a best kept secret.
Our most popular wildlife holiday in search of whales, otters and eagles
