What puts the GREAT in Great Britain? lastminute lovely Louise gives us her top five picks and she should know, she’s a pom.
1. Tour the oh-so-cute Cotswolds
Tucked away in the gentle hills of England’s south-west, lies the Cotswolds. It’s a chocolate box pretty region with verdant hedgeways, babbling brooks and honey-coloured stone cottages. Visit the bustling villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter and Woodstock for a slice quintessential England. More tea, vicar?
STAY: Regency town Cheltenham Spa is a great base to explore this totally delightful region.
BE INSPIRED: Watch Bridget Jones Diary, Pride & Prejudice and Vanity Fair.
2. Discover Brit-cool in Manchester
Go north and discover what puts the cool in Brit-cool. Home to Man Utd football club, some of GB’s leading music artists, and arguably the best high street shopping in the country, this edgy city has cool written all over it. Do not leave without a night on the tiles, bar hopping the city’s coolest districts: the Northern Quarter, Deansgate and Castlefield.
STAY: Bag a city central pad so you’re in the heart of the action.
BE INSPIRED: Listen to Oasis, Morrissey and The Stone Roses.
3. Be bewitched by Edinburgh
Receiving the UNESCO World Heritage status twice over you’ll be forgiven for being bowled over by the magical beauty of Edinburgh.
The shadow of the medieval castle, cobbled laneways and ancient drinking holes will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time Games of Thrones style. Experience legendary Scottish culture and visit during one of the city’s major festivals: Snog-manay (sorry, I mean Hogmanay) and the Fringe Festival.
STAY: Adjourn to a historical residence in the city’s Georgian New Town.
BE INSPIRED: Read The Heart of Mid-Lothian by Sir Walter Scott, A Good Hanging’ by Ian Rankin and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark.
4. Hike the hills of the Lake District
Great mountains rise dramatically from The Lakes in England’s North West. Don’t be put off by those serious hikers with their walking sticks and thick woolie socks; there are plenty of easy routes to discover why England is called a green and pleasant land. After a days’ activity, snuggle by a fireside and enjoy a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings, smothered in gloriously rich gravy.
STAY: Find your cosy country retreat complete with full English breakfast. Mmm.
BE INSPIRED: Watch The Trip or Harry Potter film series.
5. Relax and unwind in Cornwall
The sparkling coastline of Cornwall is the destination for many Britons on their summer holidays. Located in the most south-westerly corner of GB you’ll find sandy beaches, cute heritage villages, fish and chip dinners and chilly surf. Be sure to visit St Ives’ famous art gallery, sample a traditional Cornish pasty in Padstow and walk the shoreline of the strikingly pretty Mousehole.
STAY: Go coastal and stay in a traditional fishing village.
BE INSPIRED: Read Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier and The Chamomile Lawn by Mary Wesley.
Where’s your fave place in the UK? Tell us in the comments below.
IMAGE CREDITS: various from Visit Britain