York and other United Kingdom Things to Do Tips

An ancient fortified city with a wall almost totally surrounding it, York is filled with beautiful and historic buildings from almost every period. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the Minster (cathedral) but other gems abound, be they churches, mansions, commercial buildings, inns, and even graveyards and birthplaces - York was the birth place of Guy Fawkes and the final resting place of Dick Turpin, both villains of some notoriety in British history.
Naturally York is also a superb centre for shopping, eating and nightlife.

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Address: In North Yorkshire.
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Durham, in the North East of England, is one of the smallest Cities in the UK in terms of population. It stands on the river Wear and its castle and cathedral are built on a hill in a loop of the river, a perfect natural defensive position. The Cathedral dates from Norman times and is one of the finest in Europe while the castle must be one of the finest student dormitories in use anywhere - it's used by students at Durham University.
There are some other fine old buildings in Durham's narrow streets and a lively (and lovely) market square, plus two of the smallest and unusual pubs that you'll come across.

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Beautiful mountain scenery, lakes, walks, historic villages and fantastic pubs. The Lake District is one of the UK's most popular tourist destinations and as such the towns can get quite full, as can the most popular (i.e. easy to reach) lakes and walks. There's always somewhere where you can find peace and quiet though, and often it's not too far from those busy places.
For a great variety of eating and drinking, as well as easy access to some of the most interesting parts of the lake district I tend to go to Keswick. Regarded by many as The Lake's premier resort it has a lot of charm about it, despite the crowds. There are many walks that you can do straight out of the town and it's well connected transport-wise too, so you can do one way walks if you like.
The downside to all those lakes? Lots of rain. Come in summer and pray for sun!

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Directions: In the county of Cumbria, in the North West of England
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Norwich is an ancient city with a magnificent cathedral, a wonderful castle, medieval streets, beautiful buildings galore and great shops. It's close to the Norfolk Broads (you can reach it by boat from there) and is an ideal base for visiting many of Norfolk's other attractions.

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Directions: Norfolk, in the part of England known as East Anglia.

What's there to do in the UK if it rains? Well if you're in North Wales there's always Llechwedd Slate Mines near Blaenau Ffestiniog.
There is a lot of slate mining heritage in this part of Wales, and a fair few visitor attractions. Whether this is the best or not, I don't know, but it's the best thing like it that we have ever been to, and it was a truly great day out. I'm oh so glad it rained!

LLechwedd has Britains steepest railway, leading to the underground caverns. Down there in the depths of the mountain you can see the life of a Victorian slate miner - pretty grim. It's entertaining and interesting, not to mention spectacular. The guides were all former slate miners thenselves, and knew what they were talking about.

Above ground there's a small 'village' where you can spend 'old money' (which of course you have to buy!), and this includes a pub that sold the most delicious soup!

There's a gift shop, as you'd expect, selling all things slate. And for that special romantic 'once in a lifetime' moment - you can get married underground in one of the caverns!

Highly Recommended.

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Other Contact: Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaena

If you're an overseas tourist then maybe you'd miss out Hull. It's not what you'd call 'pretty-pretty', but we go there every year and it has enough going for it to keep us entertained.
A city with a seafaring tradition, it's still a major port and has some grand old buildings that display its one-time importance. It's also good for shopping and nightlife, though the latter is probably best experienced in the summer months when you can be outside without the danger of getting frostbite!

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Directions: On the North East coast of England, in the county of Humberside.
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A group of islands in the English Channel, much nearer France than England, they offer a variety of stunning beaches and secluded coves together with some impressive fortifications. The largest of the islands, Jersey, also has a great variety of eating places, some of our favourites. Both Jersey and Guernsey can offer you peace and quiet, as tourist numbers have dwindled a lot recently and neither island seems too bothered about it. "Low key" seems to be their watchword.

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Address: In the English Channel.
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A series of man made lakes connected by rivers and waterways, the broads are stunningly beautiful and a really relaxing way to travel. Sailing or Cruising on the Broads offers a whole new way to see the countryside and is a million miles away from the high-speed way of life to which we're accustomed. Not only that, but mooring up in the middle of nowhere with no light pollution gives you a totally new perspective on the sky too. I've never see so many and such bright stars as I see from a boat on the broads.
Great waterside pubs and inns complete the picture of a perfect holiday - if the weather holds fair!

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Directions: In Norfolk (and partly in Suffolk) in the part of England known as East Anglia.
Website: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/8166/#TL

Maybe not one for you tourists on a tight timescale; Manchester is no York, Cambridge or Canterbury. What it is though is a thriving modern city built on its strong industrial heritage. Manchester has undergone quite a transformation in the last couple of decades and modern glass and steel edifiaces fight for street space with traditional Victorian redbrick. It's an interesting and attractive mix. There's museums galore, including the Granada Studios, home of the world famous "Coronation Street". Add to this fanastic nightlife, fantastic shopping, great culture, great sporting heritage and Manchester's got it all.

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Directions: In the North West of England, formerly in Lancashire, now in Greater Manchester.
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Go shopping in Manchester's 'Trafford Centre'. Is it a shoping mall, is it a tropical paradise? See for yourself!

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