Small World Travel

Great Britain

Where to go? In Britain you will be spoiled for choice, as every corner offers something exciting and different for the visitor. Britain is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with its own distinctive landscapes, traditions, history, architecture and people.

From the Channel Islands to London to the tip of Scotland, you'll have a wonderful time exploring Britain.

London:

Look out for London-the colorful capital city with so many exciting things to see and do, it's hard to know where to begin. If you want to visit the most exciting, historic, vibrant, traditional and artistic city in the world, come to London. Pomp and pageantry, parks and greenery, shops and scenery…London has them all.

England's capital city, London, brims with culture and is filled with artistic and architectural triumphs. It is a bustling, growing and varied metropolis with magical museums, great galleries, gourmet restaurants, clubs, nightlife and a diverse range of outstanding theater and music--all waiting for you, all year round.

London has three international airports offering direct flights from the US: Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, which all offer quick and easy transfers to London. Where to stay? Choose from luxury international five-star hotels, more modest guest houses or private-home stays, "boutique" townhouse hotels, apartments offering every amenity, or youth hostels for those on a budget--there's something for everyone.

England:

There is so much to explore in this land of historic cities, dramatic moorlands and gentle rolling pastures, incomparable theater, cathedral cities, country lanes and the quintessential English garden. Each area of England offers something new and unique: Cornwall's quaint fishing villages in the South of England-Shakespeare country in the Heart of England-Cathedrals, castles and gardens in the East of England-Spectacular mountains and lakes in the Lake District-the historic cities of Chester and York in England's North Country.

Where Britain is divided into four separate countries, England itself is made up of four quite distinctive areas--The South of England, Heart of England, East of England, and England's North Country--each offering something unique and exciting: majestic moorland and craggy peaks, lush green fields and fens, wide sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages. But England is not just countryside–there are elegant, refined and historic cities with Roman, Georgian, Tudor and Victorian influences; architectural splendors; university cities; cathedral cities and other vibrant, exciting cities with museums, art galleries, modern trendy restaurants, nightlife and some amazing theater. Whatever quintessentially English characteristic you crave--afternoon tea, cricket on the village green, a walk along the promenade or great theater and shopping--England has something for everyone.

Two international airports at Birmingham and Manchester offer direct flights to and from the US. Or you can fly to London and use the great network of trains and buses, purchase a tour package, or rent a car and drive yourself. Wondering where to stay? You'll find hotels, hostels and hostelries, traditional thatched cottages, city apartments, farms, stately manors and an abundance of charming bed & breakfasts--something to suit everyone's taste and budget.

Scotland:

Scotland is a land steeped in history, whose folklore, legend and romance blend together to provide a spectacular and exciting destination. Unspoiled, wild and dramatic scenery with castles, battlefields and ancient settlements combine with modern, cultured, vibrant cities. For the naturalist, the angler, the hiker or the golfer, the countryside is a delight. Looking for museums, art and culture? Head for the cities: Glasgow or the capital city, Edinburgh, famous for its castle and international festivals. From the rolling farmland and rugged sea coasts in the southern Borders, to the mountains and lochs of the Highlands and the magical outer islands, wherever you travel you are assured of a warm and friendly welcome.

Explore the South of Scotland, with its rugged seacoasts and rolling farmland, where Robert the Bruce, Sir Walter Scott and Robert "Robbie" Burns--Scotland's national poet--lived. There are ancient abbeys, castles, historic houses and 44 golf courses, including Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick. Less than one hour north of Glasgow is the start of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, encompassing one of Scotland's most famous Lochs, Stirling's Old Town, and castle to the Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute in the west. Here the lowlands meet the mountains of the north and west.

Just north of Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth's famous bridge, is Perthshire, Angus, Dundee and the Kingdom of Fife. Here you'll find the "Home of Golf": St Andrews, a beautiful old university town on the windswept east coast.

There are also numerous castles and gardens, palaces, potteries and whisky distilleries around the area, although Dundee is famous for its weaving industry--and Dundee cake. Aberdeen, the "Silver City", due to the sparkling silver granite of the buildings, and the surrounding Grampian Highlands area, offer a series of self-guided car trails for visitors: The Castle Trail, which follows the River Dee--a great spot for salmon fishing--along Royal Deeside to Balmoral, the Scottish summer home of the Royal family; the Malt Whisky Trail featuring seven local distilleries; and the Coastal Trail.

The Highlands of Scotland:

The Highlands offer one of the last wildernesses in Europe. Don't miss the soaring beauty of Glencoe, the windswept heather clad moors or the majestic Ben Nevis--the highest mountain in Britain. John O'Groats is the most northerly town on the mainland. Nearby, there's the Caithness Glass Center at Wick, and Ullapool and the wooded ravine gardens at Inverewe, which despite the northerly location enjoy a mild and gentle climate (you'll find palm trees and other exotic plants growing here). The highland "capital" city is Inverness, on the banks of the River Ness. Follow this down the Caledonian Canal to Fort William and Loch Ness--where you may not see the Loch Ness monster but are sure to enjoy the stunning Urquhart Castle. From Fort William westwards to Mallaig, "The Road to the Isles" passes the Glenfinnan monument where Bonnie Prince Charles rallied the Clans, and runs alongside an impressive viaduct of one of the "Great Railway Journeys of the World"--the Fort William to Mallaig railway.

Wales:

Wales is the land of legend, song, fire-breathing dragons, powerful wizards, sheep, more sheep, and undisputed natural beauty. You'll find standing stones, Celtic crosses, castles, dramatic cliffs and mountains, wide sandy bays and lush green valleys in the Welsh countryside. The heritage and culture of Wales reach back over thousands of years-when poetry and music, art and craft, dance and story-telling all played an essential role. Cardiff, the capital city, is cosmopolitan and exciting--a far cry from the sleepy rural villages. Wales offers something for everyone. Wales is an ancient land, the origins of its people and language go back civilizations--some believe even before the pyramids were built in Egypt 7000 years ago. The Welsh language has been in daily use for centuries; it is the oldest known language and although it is widely spoken and used, don't worry, everyone speaks English. It's a land of nature and legend, with stunning natural and unspoiled scenery from mountains and valleys to forests and parks, and if you are interested in walking, cycling, watersports or just looking for a breath of fresh air, Wales is the place for you.

In an area just 170 miles long and 60 miles wide--about the size of Massachusetts--there are three main regions: North Wales, Mid Wales and South and West Wales. It's easy to get to from the international airports just across the border in England: Manchester to the north, Birmingham to Mid Wales or London to South Wales (London is just two hours east). Take a tour or travel independently by train--there's a whole network preserved--by bus or rental car. Do you have Celtic Connections? Find out how to trace your Welsh ancestors before you go. There are plenty of places to stay, from self-catering cottages, to cozy farmhouses, guesthouses and B&Bs, to grand country manor houses, castles and modern city-center hotels. Take time to explore Wales.

Northern Ireland:

In a country just 85 miles long and 70 miles wide, you'll find a surprisingly wide variety of scenery-majestic mountains, orchards and farmland, lakeland, forests, ancient walled cities and spectacular coastline, including the legendary Giant's Causeway. Belfast, the capital city, offers museums and history, grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens, shopping and, of course, great nightlife. Added to the rich cultural inheritance, you'll find castles and cathedrals, linen and lace, crystal and china, and some of the best golf courses in the world.

Mountains and moors, forests and glens, lakes or loughs, and miles of spectacular coastline…Northern Ireland is only 5,500 square miles, about the size of Connecticut, so you can easily see most of the main attractions in a week, experiencing a little of each of its quite distinctive regions. Northern Ireland--or as it is sometimes referred to as the province of Ulster--comprises Counties Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Antrim and the capital city, Belfast. Each offers its own unique mix of history, culture and stunning scenery.

Take a tour or drive yourself --the country roads are well sign posted with plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy the views, and the only traffic jams you are likely to find are caused by flocks of sheep! The weather can be fickle, but the rain keeps the land a magical emerald green, and, when the wind blows the clouds out to sea, the sky, like the mountain is blue. The air is clean and so sweet, you?ll want to be outside--walking, cycling, pony trekking, sailing, playing golf or just lounging around.

Channel Islands:

Located in the English Channel, this group of a small, independent and self-governed islands have long been a favorite destination of British travelers. Rich in history, culture and island traditions, with beautiful beaches, picturesque fishing villages, castles and forts, the mild and sunny climate also offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from golf to gardens--and there's great duty-free shopping, too.

The Channel Islands are located in the English Channel in the Gulf of St. Malo, actually much closer to France than England. They are easily reached in under one hour from mainland Britain by air, or by ferry if you have a little longer. English is spoken everywhere, yet the French influence is unmistakable, especially in the cuisine.

They are made up of the Baliwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The Baliwick of Guernsey includes the islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm and Jethou. All enjoy a warmer and sunnier climate than mainland Britain and offer plenty of outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling--there are 28 miles of cliff paths with amazing scenic views on Guernsey, several golf courses and superb water sports that can be enjoyed all year round.

During World War II, the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to come under German occupation, and several of the underground hospitals are now museums. There are also plenty of other museums--military and maritime, castles, forts and galleries--each depicting the rich history, culture and traditions of the islands.