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Exploring Britain: Choosing a Theme for Your Trip

Sent by Sue Marchant (United Kingdom) on 16 September 2007
Web site http://suemarchant.co.uk/

Choices can make or break a vacation. If you love the outdoor life and cooking over an open fire, then a five star hotel with a famous restaurant may make you feel uncomfortable. If you like to relax and be pampered, then a walking trip may be the wrong choice. Such likes and dislikes, as well as the high expectations we have of our annual break, require that a long vacation be carefully planned. This applies, in a surprising number of ways, if you choose to visit Britain.


For a relatively small country, Britain boasts an astonishing variety of landscapes and attractions. Its cultural diversity adds spice to cities and towns and its historical monuments reach back in an almost unbroken line into the dawn of human habitation. So, unless you have several months to spare, you won’t be able to explore the whole country during a single trip. Choosing which aspect of Britain to explore will depend very much on your personality, personal history, tastes, and interests. But if you’re at a loss what to see and what to leave for another time, here are some ideas you can use as a basis for planning your trip.


City Lights
Britain has some splendid cities, where history, architecture, and modern life blend into a vibrant mix. London, home to 7.5 million people, seat of the government and the monarchy, is a must for many first time visitors. Watch the Guards change outside Buckingham Palace or take a tour of the Palace of Westminster. Follow the Jack the Ripper Trail and admire the Crown Jewels in the Tower. Most of all enjoy the atmosphere and energy, the museums, theatres, shopping, good food and nightlife that London has to offer.


Other firm visitor favourites are Oxford, Brighton, Bath, Cambridge, York, Liverpool, and Newcastle, which all have their unique charm, history and vibrancy. Oxford and Cambridge, with their famous old universities are steeped in quaint traditions. Wandering the quads and streets of well-kept historic buildings is like a journey back in time. York, with a history going back to the Roman occupation, is equally well preserved, with the stunning York Minster adding to its charms. Brighton and Bath are similar marvels, but of a later era. Regency elegance and excess are both vividly demonstrated in these cities, which grew to prominence in the early 19th century. Liverpool and Newcastle relate closely to the industrial revolution and the Victorian period in particular. Both have splendid examples of the building styles of the era, but are vibrant, busy, modern cities in their own right.


History
If your special interest is history, Britain will give you a wealth of monuments to choose from. Ancient history enthusiasts will find much to interest them. From the stone circles of Avebury and Stonehenge in Wiltshire to the Ring of Brodgar and the tomb of Maeshowe in Orkney, the British Isles hold many ancient monuments. Viking and Saxon remains are generally found along the east and south-east sides of Britain, with York, Northumberland, Canterbury and Winchester a goal for many visitors. Britain’s medieval sites include the Tower of London, Edward I’s Welsh castles or mighty Warwick castle, while Tudor enthusiasts can visit Hardwick Hall or Hampton Court Palace. There are many fine houses and churches dating back to the civil war, reformation and restoration periods, while Bath and Brighton, as well as parts of London, are beautiful examples of the Regency era.


Architecture and Gardens
If architecture and landscape gardening are your forte, look no further than the wealth of stately homes and gardens that Britain has to offer. Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, home of the Dukes of Devonshire, built by Bess of Hardwick with a wonderful landscape garden designed by Capability Brown, should be high on your list of stately homes to visit. Alnwick castle and garden, seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, is equally splendid. Blenheim Palace, Buckingham Palace, Holkham Hall, Powys castle, and Sandringham will all leave lasting impressions.


Gardening is a British national pastime and this is reflected in the many wonderful gardens open to visitors for part or all of the year. Landscape gardens like Stow, Chatsworth, or Stourhead reflect the early 19th century craving for natural looking surroundings and grand vistas from every turn. Powys castle and Hampton Court have retained their formal Barock gardens, while Heligan, Sissinghurst and Hidcote Manor are outstanding examples of the “plantsman’s garden,” with colourful blooms, exotic plants and the most amazing mixed borders.


Films, Books and Music
Film, book and music lovers can create their very own themed trip to Britain. Visit the locations of famous films such as “Miss Potter” or “Pride and Prejudice.” Follow the trail of the Beatles or wander the Malvern Hills in search of inspiration as Edward Elgar once did. Visit the Royal Albert Hall or catch evensong in the beautiful church of St. Martin in the Fields. Retrace the steps of the Bronte sisters in Yorkshire, visit Shakespeare’s Stratford or the Globe theatre, or follow Jane Austen’s characters around the beautiful streets of Bath.


In addition to all these themes, Britain can offer much to the outdoor enthusiast, be it hiking, rafting, cycling or equestrian pursuits. Amateur geologists will find type locations for rocks, minerals and fossils, while visitors interested in archaeology can visit on-going digs. Food lovers will find many Michelin-starred restaurants, while visitors who love a bit of pampering will find high-quality spas and retreats to choose from. Whatever your interests and the length of time you can spend here, Britain will have an attraction that is just right for you and that will make your trip to Britain an unforgettable experience.

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