UK Destinations

Belfast

With two airports to choose from – Belfast City (Flybe) and International (bmibaby) – there’s no shortage of ways of getting to this fabulously historic city whose rebirth and regeneration has given it a whole new lease of life. Shaped by its industrial past (it’s where Titanic was built, after all) it’s now stepping out from the shadows as a confident and dynamic 21st Century city.

Must See:
Put heavy industry behind you and seek out the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens; 168 years young and still going strong.

Bristol

Bristol is a thoroughly modern city with an inspiring past, with proud evidence of seafaring and trade all around you down by its ancient dockside. Head for the hills above to once-genteel Clifton to see where it’s really at today – where grand architecture meets downstairs clubs, funky boutiques, cool eateries and some of the South-West’s most authentic old pubs.

Must See:
Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge is a Victorian engineering marvel, particularly seen from above, as the Avon Gorge plunges away spectacularly beneath you.
Places Nearby: Somerset and the south-west coast.

Edinburgh

There’s a magic to Edinburgh that makes it quite unlike any other British city. Add some fine Georgian architecture to a medieval heart, mix-in some truly stunning natural beauty – not to mention some particularly welcoming pubs and bars - and you’ll soon discover why Auld Reekie changed its nickname and became the Athens of the North.

Must See:
The Royal Mile, the spine of the Old Town running between the Castle and Holyrood House, is a must-walk mile for every visitor to the town... but it’s easier done downhill!

Exeter

Exeter has been a jumping-off point for centuries – the Roman’s started the Fosse Way here - and now you can take advantage of its status as the unchallenged gateway to the whole south-west. A quietly prosperous place, it’s home to a thriving music scene and even has its own Symphony Orchestra.

Must See:
Take a deep breath and head down Parliament Street – and hope you don’t meet someone coming the other way, for it’s said to be the narrowest street in the world.
Places Nearby: Glastonbury, Stone Henge, and the Cotswolds.

Glasgow

Scrubbed-up and ready to go, Glasgow isn’t just a proud modern city with a famous industrial heritage. It’s the gateway to some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery just an hour or so up the coast. Stay in town and shop to you drop, share its footballing passion – or take to the hills. The choice is yours. Glasgow’s Miles Better.

Must See:
Culture vultures should venture into the suburbs and take in the awe-inspiring Burrell Collection, which is as noteworthy for what’s inside the building as what’s outside. And then there’s the building itself...

Guernsey

Guernsey is a little different, with a refreshing take on life – from its blue phone and pillar boxes to refusal to join the EU. Its 65,000 inhabitants go out of their way to make you feel at home, and if you find some of the 2% who still speak it, they’ll welcome you in fluent Guernesiais. It’s sunny, too, with an average of 250 hours of sunshine in July alone.

Must See:
Take a trip to some of the outlying islands and islets in the group – Alderney, Herm and Sark, for a taste of island life as it used to be.

Isle of Man

Think Isle of Man and you might think TT – the annual no-holds-barred motorcycle race on the island’s public roads. But dig deeper to find traditional hospitality (and a few ultra-modern tax exiles) right in the middle of the Irish Sea. Its location (equidistant from England, Scotland and Ireland) give its influences a unique flavour... in cuisine, mythology, culture and more.

Must See:
In late may and early June, the island fills for the century-old TT race, and it’s quite a sight. Grab yourself a prime viewing spot... grab a camera... and hold on tight.

London

World city. National capital. Cosmopolitan melting pot. And home to 8 million people and 200 languages. London has it all, from the utmost pomp and circumstance to the most authentic clubbing scene. The best way to see London is to go out and stay out – and with thousands of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants to choose from you could stay out for decades and still not see everything.

Must See:
For an elevated view of the city (and to get your bearings) head straight to the legendary London Eye on the South Bank for a 35 minute ‘flight’. It’s become an icon in under a decade – and you should discover why.

Flight Times:
London City (VLM) - 1 hr 15 mins
London Gatwick (British Airways) - 1 hr
London Heathrow (British Airways, BMI)
- 1 hr 5 mins
London Stansted (Eastern Airways)
- 55 mins

Newquay

Surf’s up! Head to Newquay, on the North Atlantic coast of Cornwall and you’re as likely to encounter bronzed surf dudes as blue-rinsed pensioner bus parties, as the town’s population swells to 100,000 in summer. Drawn by ten long sandy beaches (and a healthy tourist economy to go with it) the town has reinvented itself in recent years – with a lively nightlife and decent eateries to boot.

Must See:
Learn surf lingo, dude, and head to the legendary Fistral Beach, centre of the town’s surfing community and home to many an international surf competition.

Norwich

Aha! If you thought that all Norwich had to offer was a dose of Alan Partridge and a slice of Delia Smith, think again. Norwich will surprise and delight you. It’s said to be one of the top 5 shopping destinations in the UK. It boasts a fascinating 11th Century Cathedral. And is among the country’s greenest cities. There’s also a decidedly different pace of life here, with the Norfolk Broads and the coast a short drive away.

Must See:
Take a short trip to the imposing Norwich Castle, as ordered by William the Conqueror... which has dominated the Castle Mound in the centre of town for nearly 1000 years.

Plymouth

Nautical traditions abound in Plymouth, home to not only one of Europe’s largest natural harbours, but the largest operational naval base in Western Europe. Although wartime bombing took its toll, look further afield for stunning Devon coastline, rolling inland countryside and the warm illumination of 1600 hours of summer sunshine.

Must See:
Reconnect your travelling senses and visit The Barbican on the waterfront – from which the Pilgrims set sail to the New World in 1620.

Southampton

With all the trappings of a major city – it’s the largest on the south coast – Southampton feels very much the regional capital. Once home to the RMS Titanic (549 Sotonians died when she sank), it’s now the UK’s principle point of embarkation for some of the world’s most luxurious liners. With rich history, magnificent sailing and the attractions of the Isle of Wight just a short ferry trip away, it’s the gateway to a region you’d happily get lost in.

Must See:
Grab a rich slice of Anglo-Saxon history by paying homage to the Medieval Walls (and the 12th Century Red Lion Pub which forms part of their structure).
Places Nearby: on the doorstep of the New Forest, Devon and Bournemouth.