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Visit Glorious England!
Soaked in history and beauty – the British Isles should be considered a priority for any self-respecting traveller. If you have never visited ‘this sceptred isle’ before then there are a thousand reasons to tempt you over – I hope to show you just a portion, in the hopes you may discover the rest.

Avebury henge and stone circles are one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain.
History
England is a fascinating tapestry of history, threads from all our many disparate periods interweave to create the stunningly complex picture you see today. Great Britain became an island around 5600 BC, when it completed its gradual break off from the European sub-continent. And since then the island has been a hub of human history, much of which is still visible, especially as we hurtle through the millennia.
Throughout the country there is still evidence of prehistoric human life, the arcane roots of British history. Nowhere is this better seen than in the Southwest, England’s Neolithic heartland. Here you can see Stonehenge, the most striking of England’s ancient monuments. This 5,000-year-old site is as ancient as the Great Pyramid at Giza and just as mysterious and is complemented by a landscape littered with similarly ancient monuments – like Avebury Stone circle.
Leaping forward, our island couldn’t avoid European history for long as the Romans first invaded in 55BC, before becoming our masters in 87 BC. During there dominion they erected thousands of buildings across the country in their bold classical style. You are never far from Roman history in England, but the best sites include: the roman baths in Bath (I wonder where the town got its name?), which are stunningly well preserved or Fishbourne Palace in Chichester. Or, for the traveller who wants to stray all the way to the Anglo-Scottish border, Hadrian’s wall is a true wonder of this isle.
Despite plummeting into the dark ages after the Roman’s departure, we soon recovered and a whole procession of Kings and Queens sculpted this county into its current shape with varying degrees of grandeur. Now our country is beset with castles – over 1500 in total (in various states of repair!). Some of the best to see today include, Warwick Castle or Dover Castle. Or why not visit Hampton Court, built by Thomas Wolsey before he was executed, and the property was seized by Henry VIII.
Or if you would prefer the relatively modern castles, the royal family currently have 26 royal residences, some of which you can visit such as Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. Or, some of the UK’s most historic and breath-taking homes are open to the public. The National Trust alone owns of 200 stately homes, and there are more still, each one a cornucopia of history and its own miniature tapestry of famous names and events: try Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House or Highclere Castle.

Explore over 800 years of history at Salisbury Cathedral, one of the UK’s most iconic medieval buildings with an award-winning welcome. Discover our original 1215 Magna Carta, one of only four in the world, and explore its legacy in an interactive exhibition
Beauty
Although the surface of England is strewn with sites of historical significance, (many of which are beautiful in their own rights), the landscape of England is also as various and beautiful as any country in the world. And this natural beauty is evident all over! There are 13 national parks in England and Wales, all of which are uniquely stunning. Try the austere attraction of the new Forest, or the Tranquil majesty of the Lake District, or perhaps the mysterious Dartmoor and Exmoor, or the heady Peak District.
We have hardly scratched the surface of the burgeoning history this island represents and could hardly illustrate the wondrous sumptuousness of the place. The marriage of these two cornerstones of tourism is what makes England so special to visit and it really has to be seen to be believed – so visit glorious England!
The Small Group Touring Company operate unique mini coach day tours and extended U.K sightseeing tours throughout Britain.
The Small Group Touring Company
http://www.Welcome2Britain.com
Bill Bryson on Great Britain
Bill Bryson must surely be one of Britain’s biggest fans – and in his latest book From The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island, he sings the country’s praises once more. Here are some of his quotes about Britain we can’t help agreeing with:
‘London is the best city in the whole world.’ (source: Visit Britain Blog)
‘Britain is just about the perfect size for a country – small enough to be cosy and embraceable, but large enough to maintain a lively and independent culture.’
‘There isn’t a landscape in the world that is more artfully worked, more lovely to behold, more comfortable to be in, than the countryside of Great Britain.’
‘The makers of Britain created the most superlatively park-like landscapes, the most orderly cities, the handsomest provincial towns, the jauntiest seaside resorts, the stateliest homes, the most dreamily spired, cathedral-rich, castle-strewn, abbey-bedecked, folly-scattered, green-wooded, winding-laned, sheep-dotted, plumply hedgerowed, well-tended, sublimely decorated 50,318 square miles the world has ever known.’
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Escape London and Explore Britain’s Countryside
London is one of the world’s most exciting destinations, however, the surrounding countryside is brimming with beautiful villages, ancient cathedrals and amazing historical sites. Explore the historic charms and wealth of English culture that lies outside the capital and explore the ‘Real Britain’.
Escape the city in style with one of our coach a ‘small group’ mini-coach guided tours. Follow the River Thames as it winds it’s way through Royal Windsor and Britain’s oldest university town, Oxford. These famous destinations are suitably close to London and ideal for day trips.
Go further afield and discover the delights of Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon, set back upon the banks of the weeping River Avon. Head from there to Warwick and see the countryside unfold before you like a fairytale kingdom from the towers of England’s finest medieval fortress. Soothe your aches and pains with a trip to the beautiful spa town of Bath or discover the remarkable monuments of Salisbury and mystical monoliths of Stonehenge. Let us be your guide to the treasures of the English countryside.
The Small Group Tour Experts
http://www.Welcome2Britain.com
10 Amazing Day Trips You Can Take From London
It’s important (and easy) to travel around England when studying abroad in London.
Studying abroad in London is great: there are an infinite number of possibilities in such a massive city. It can be amazing but it can also be overwhelming, and sometimes you just need to get out of the city for a day. It is also important to remember to explore the other parts of the United Kingdom while you’re abroad in order to truly understand your host country’s culture. Due to my slightly unfortunate class schedule, I can’t take weekend trips, so I have been spending my weekends taking day trips around England, both to see some items on my bucket list and also to discover all the charm that England has to offer.
If you buy a 16-25 Railcard for £30 when you arrive to London, you save 1/3 on all rail journeys throughout the UK for one year. You’ll most likely make up your money within a couple of train trips. I’ve saved so much money because of my railcard and it has definitely encouraged me to take as many day trips around England as possible! Here are ten great day trips you can take around England while you’re abroad, both common tourist destinations and off the beaten path towns. England has something to offer for everyone, and everything is just a train ride away! (the ticket prices listed below are including the 16-25 Railcard discount).
St. Albans Cathedral
St. Albans is a great little town just north of London with some fabulous pubs and a beautiful cathedral. If you’re studying abroad in the fall, you can visit St. Albans near Christmas and go to their fantastic Christmas Market, which is located right next to St. Albans Cathedral (free admission). Grab a bite in the pub called The Boot. It’s incredibly charming and old and has great food. All in all, St. Albans is perfect for wandering and relaxing, especially if you need a little break from the hustle and bustle of London! Return tickets from London Blackfriars and Kings Cross are £7.90 and train rides are about 40 minutes. (Trains that terminate at Bedford call at St. Albans and are much faster than the trains that terminate at St. Albans itself!)
Winchester
Love Jane Austen and green spaces? Head to Winchester to see one of the best preserved medieval Great Halls, Jane Austen’s final place of rest in Winchester Cathedral, and a lovely city with a lot of green space. You can also see some otters at one of the longest running mills in England. It’s the perfect destination on a sunny day-St. Giles Hill, which lies at the south end of the city, offers breathtaking views of the city (and good exercise). If you head to Winchester on a Saturday, wander around the town market. Return tickets are about £22 from London Waterloo and trains are about an hour and a half.
Oxford
Oxford is the oldest school in the English speaking world and definitely one of the prettiest campuses there is. You feel like you step back in time upon arriving at the city. You can visit individual colleges as well as the ones that were used in the filming of Harry Potter. However, opening times listed online are sometimes not accurate and the college visiting hours are short. The best thing to do is make a list of the colleges you want to visit, and just walk to each of them while in Oxford. Also, make sure to bring your student ID in order to get student prices (usually around £1) for visiting the colleges. If you want to visit the famous Duke Humfrey’s Reading Room at Bodleian Library (where they filmed the library scenes in Harry Potter), you need to book a tour ahead of time or at the ticket booth, which will cost about £7. Off-peak return tickets are about £16 from London Paddington.
Cambridge
Kings College Chapel
Fancy seeing what is continually ranked the best school in the world? Cambridge is the place to go. The buildings are extravagant and the famous Kings College Chapel is a must-see. Be sure to check the opening days and times of the colleges you want to visit and bring your student ID for the student entry fees into the colleges that charge admission. Off peak return tickets are £10.90 from London Kings Cross on the weekends. Unlike most cities, the train station is about a mile from the campus, so be prepared for a short walk before you actually start seeing the colleges!
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and full of culture. There is so much to do and see so check out my 12 hour guide on exactly how much Caridff has to offer. You can even extend your trip to a weekend excursion if you find you want to do everything on the list! It is about a two hour train ride from London Paddington and return tickets range from £28 to £48 depending on how far in advance you book!
Canterbury
Canterbury is a medieval town that is home to the famous Canterbury Cathedral from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. It has 1,400 years of history and is the site of Archbishop Thomas Beckett’s murder, England’s most famous murder. Tickets are £9.50 for students and well worth it. Other attractions worth visiting are St. Augustine’s Abbey, founded in 597 by St. Augustine, marking the rebirth of Christianity in Southern England, the ruins of the Norman Castle, and the Dane John Gardens, which date back to 1551. Return tickets to Canterbury West are £19.80 from St. Pancras International.
Bath
Bath is home to the famous Roman Baths and the city looks like it has been untouched since the 1800s. After you see the baths (be prepared for crowds of schoolchildren), grab lunch at one of the several pubs around town (my favorite was the West Gate Public House) and then spend time at the Jane Austen Centre (Bath was the setting of two of her novels), Bath Abbey (right by the Roman Baths), and the Royal Crescent. Jacob’s Coffee House is a great place to grab a cup of tea, or if you feel the need to splurge, Bath has a wide selection of tea houses for afternoon tea! Train tickets to Bath can get quite expensive if you don’t book them far enough in advance, so be sure to plan ahead to get the cheapest tickets!
Brighton
In need of a beach day? Head to Brighton! Wander around Brighton Pier, relax on the beach, and check out the flea market. Go to the Royal Pavilion, built as a pleasure palace for King George IV between 1787 and 1823. It’s a great example of exotic oriental architecture and perfect if you want to add a little history to your day trip! Return tickets from St. Pancras International or London Blackfriars are about £6.95
Salisbury/Stonehenge
If you want to see Stonehenge, Salisbury is the best place from which to do it. The Stonehenge Tour company will pick you up right at the train station and drive you direct to Stonehenge and back, including admission to Stonehenge itself, for £26 (Entrance to Stonehenge is £13 if you can find your own way there and tickets must be booked in advance). The bus also takes you to Old Sarum, the site of the earliest settlement in Salisbury. When you get back to Salisbury, head to Salisbury Cathedral, which has tallest spire in England and one of the tallest spires in the world. Hitler even ordered the Luftwaffe not to bomb Salisbury because they used the cathedral spire as a marker when flying over England. The cathedral, absolutely gorgeous in itself, also houses the best preserved copy of one of the original four copies of the Magna Carta. Train tickets to Salisbury from London Waterloo are £25 and about an hour and 20 minutes long.
Windsor Castle
Fancy a visit to the Queen’s residence? Windsor Castle has been the home of kings and queens for over 1000 years, making it the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Windsor is a great destination if you’re feeling particularly #royal and want to see some of the great treasures from British history and wander through the rooms the Royal Family sometimes lives in! The Semi-State apartments are open between late September and late March, so plan your visit around that time to make the most of your Windsor Castle experience. After touring the castle, walk around the town of Windsor and grab some lunch at one of the pubs across from the castle itself. Return tickets to Windsor & Eton Central Station from London Paddington range from £6.85 to £10.40 depending on when you leave. Bonus: your castle ticket (£17.50) can be used as a yearlong ticket. Just check the website before you go to make sure that the castle and famous chapel are open! And opt for the complementary audioguide.
By Alex Mathews, Davidson College
Article source: By Alex Mathew: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/college-tourist/10-amazing-day-trips-you-can-take-from-london_b_6894136.htm
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We operate small group day tours from London
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Reasons to visit Great Britain in winter
Britain may not be the most obvious choice for a winter break, yet it has a great deal to offer the more adventurous visitor. Of course our weather is ‘challenging’ but as long as you come prepared for rain, drizzle, wind, hail, sleet, snow and even the occasional burst of sunshine, you’ll be fine. So, assuming you have the right gear, what are the positives of visiting our green and pleasant land?
- There are far fewer visitors so you can easily get into places that have big queues in the summer months. This is especially relevant in London, which has so many fascinating museums, art galleries, historic houses, theatres and major attractions like the London Eye. Imagine being able to visit Madame Tussaud’s without waiting in line half way down Marylebone Road or getting a spectacular view from London Eye within minutes of arriving. However, this also applies to places all over Britain. Edinburgh and Belfast, York and Cardiff are all much quieter and more pleasant to get around in the winter.
- Accommodation is much cheaper. You can get some excellent deals at this time of year and lots of hotels, B&B, holiday homes, caravans and camp sites are open to a bit of negotiating if you call and ask what their best price is. (Although make sure to check school holidays such as half-term and Easter.) Rates can often be up to 50% less than in July or August.
- Many attractions have ‘out-of-season’ reduced rates and often lay on special events to encourage people to come along and see what they have on offer. Why not take a train ride through the stunning Yorkshire Dales, over the Ribblehead Viaduct and into the Cumbria countryside on the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway – if you’re lucky you may even get a seat on one of the iconic steam trains.
- Nature provides a beautiful plus to observing her glorious scenery by stripping many of our trees of leaves, enabling you to see through impressively skeletal trees to views that you can’t usually see once those branches are bedecked with green leaves, blossom or fruit. Check out our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a selection of stunning outdoor destinations throughout the UK.
- Outdoor light is very different from other seasons of the year. You can get incredibly clear skies which give an amazing clarity to your photos of those mountains in the Lake District. A misty fog swirls evocatively across a Scottish river. The low-lying sun filters through bleached-out clouds above a deserted moor. Rosy dawn breaks over a the pier in a tranquil seaside town …
- Of course some days you just don’t want to venture far due to heavy rain or strong winds, or one of our infrequent but curiously immobilising snow storms. But then you’ve got a great excuse to duck into one of our welcoming country pubs or cosy tea shops. Britain is made for ‘changeable’ weather and some of our most traditional attractions come in the form of an oak-beamed inn or a quaint cottage art gallery. Or maybe you feel really brave and will just wrap up warm and go for a bracing walk along a Cornish beach or a Midland canal towpath.
- People have more time to chat, to help and show you around. Travel and tourism businesses that are open in the winter rely on visitors like you and really appreciate that you have taken the time to visit their establishment. The important thing to remember is that you need to plan a bit in advance. For example, many National Trust properties are closed in the winter months but their gardens are open, so do check websites or contact the regional Tourist Office for latest information.
As one of our most famous walkers, Alfred Wainwright, said, “There’s not such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.” Now, pack a waterproof, umbrella, sturdy shoes and some warm jumpers and make the most of your visit to Britain this winter.
Article source at Visit Britain Super Blog – click here
We operate a wide range of small group sightseeing tours departing from London. These include Day tours, half day tours, overnight tours and extended tours of England. Private bespoke tours for families and small groups can also be arranged.
The Small Group Touring Experts
http://www.Welcome2Britain.com
Top ten UK landmarks to see before you die: Buckingham Palace, Loch Ness, Stonehenge
THE UK has some of the best tourist attractions in the world, from stunning castles, to Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument, to an indoor rainforest
Take a tour of the Queen’s official London residence [ GETTY]
Holidaying at home? Here’s your chance to start ticking off some of the top 10 must-see attractions, according to a poll organised by Travel site CheapHolidayLand.com Some of the attractions got the same number of votes so, in no particular order…
- Walk up the Mall to see Buckingham Palace – one of the four London attractions to make it into the top 10. Each summer the Palace also opens its doors to public tours until September 28. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace/plan-your-visit
- See the world’s largest indoor rainforests, created in the giant domes of the Eden Project at St Austell, Cornwall. There special summer dinosaur exhibition runs until September 16. edenproject.com


- Ancient Stonehenge is Europe’s best-known prehistoric monument. Don’t miss it! You’ll find it close to Salisbury in Wiltshire and a short drive from Bath. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/directions?lang=en
- Gasp at the Crown Jewels on a trip to the Tower of London and see this year’s special ‘poppy’ artwork there to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One. hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

- Go monster-hunting on a trip to Scotland’s must-see, Loch Ness. This 37 kilometre-long lake is south of Inverness and best-known for sightings of the mystery ‘Nessie’. visitlochness.com/
- Contemplate thousands of miles of the Atlantic Ocean on a visit to Cornwall’s legendary Land’s End. It’s the most south-westerly part of mainland Britain and stunning scenery have helped make it a top spot. landsend-landmark.co.uk/

- See the inspired vision of one of the most recognisable landmarks in Britain, the Angel of the North, created by artist Anthony Gormley and standing watch over the A1 near Gateshead. http://www.angelofthenorth.org.uk

- Hear Big Ben, the world’s most famous clock, striking the hour at the Houses of Parliament, on the banks of the Thames. It’s even possible to arrange a tour of inside through your local MP. parliament.uk/

- Step back in time at London’s Westminster Abbey. A church was first created at this spot over 1,000 years ago. It’s also the site from where the world watched the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge get married in 2011 westminster-abbey.org/home

Built in the Bronze Age around 900 BC, Edinburgh Castle was once home to Mary Queen Scots [ GETTY]
- See stunning Edinburgh Castle, a real highlight of a trip to Scotland’s capital city. Listen out for Edinburgh’s ‘big bang’ every day at 1pm when the traditional canon there is fired. edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
By: Anne Gorringe
Full article: http://www.express.co.uk/travel/shortbreaks/500735/Top-ten-UK-landmarks-to-see-before-you-die-Buckingham-Palace-Loch-Ness-Stonehenge
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Sightseeing Tours of England
The Small Group UK Tour Experts
Small groups leave fewer footprints. Explore England with our Best Value U.K Mini Coach Tour
Our classic Stonehenge and Bath tour just got better. We now include Salisbury Cathedral and a champagne reception at the new fabulous visitor centre and an expert talk about the ancient landscape and most recent theories. (11 hours)’
On this tour you will be travelling with no more than 16 other people – guaranteed! Our purpose-built minibuses have large windows, good air circulation and clear PA systems so that your professional guide can escort you comfortably through our wonderful country. Our itineraries are carefully planned (with many years of experience) so that you discover as much as possible, without spending too much time on the road.
As we travel in smaller vehicles, we normally use the most scenic routes, where large coach are prohibited from travelling. Additionally, as our group sizes are smaller we are able to more time out of the vehicle. We also employ a the very best driver/guides
Explore the Heritage City of Bath Our morning begins in picturesque city of Bath that boast beautiful Georgian neo classical architecture and is also the home to the Royal Crescent, unique Pulteney Bridge and the fabulous Abbey. Join us for a walking tour of this World Heritage city once home to Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Gainsborough, Lord Nelson and Beau Nash or alternatively why not visit the Roman Baths? Afterwards, we enjoy a scenic drive through the leafy lanes of the Cotwold’s to visit the national trust village of Lacock where we stop fo rlunch. (*Roman Baths and lunch not included in the price.) Visit Lacock Village in the Cotswolds |
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Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta Champagne reception and private talk at Stonehenge with local expert We also visit the medieval village of Lacock which has hardly changed in the past 500 years. With its magnificent abbey, half timbered cottages and greystone houses it recently provided the perfect setting for the filming of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. Maybe enjoy lunch in the George Inn Probably the best value small group day tour of England! Book it here: http://www.welcome2britain.com/bath_lacock-salisbury-stonehenge_tour.htm Welcome2Britain U.K Sightseeing Tours |
London enjoys new year firework display
Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Thames in London to watch a spectacular firework display mark the new year.
Rockets flared from the London Eye and the capital’s riverside landmarks were lit up in a display which lasted 11 minutes and featured 12,500 fireworks.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: “What an amazing end to an incredible year.”
About 250,000 were in the city to watch the show, which also involved clips from the 2012 Olympic Games.

Mr Johnson added: “Watched by hundreds of thousands in the capital and millions around the globe, London has proved, yet again, that it can pull off spectacular world-class events in style.”
Many of the revellers had waited hours to secure the best vantage points and fortunately it was a dry and mild night.
Rob Haine, 30, a computer game programmer from Wakefield, said: “The display was mesmerising, it was a joy to witness.
“I got here at 5pm and have been standing the whole time but it was worth it. It was cool that they got the Olympics into the fireworks.”
Sandro Benvenuti, 46, travelled from Italy with his wife and two daughters to see the display.
“We were waiting for six hours but it was fantastic,” he said.
“We have fireworks in Italy but those were much better. They went on for longer and the design and special effects were superior.”
Lynn Shepherd, 53, from North Newbald, East Yorkshire, praised the “electric atmosphere”.
She said: “There’s no trouble here. Everyone is having a good time and it’s the perfect way to finish 2012.”
The Metropolitan Police said as of 3:45 GMT, officers had made 96 arrests across the capital relating to the New Year’s Eve celebrations, mainly for being drunk, public order offences and assault.
More than 3,500 police supported the organisers and stewards of the event in central London, working alongside colleagues from the British Transport Police and other emergency services to keep revellers safe.
‘No major issues’
Chief Inspector John Williams said: “This year has really been one to remember and what better way to top off the success of team GB at the Olympics and Paralympics and the pageantry of the Queens Diamond Jubilee than with a world-class firework display.
“This year saw the viewing areas fill up earlier than ever before with thousands of revellers coming to see in the new year London-style.
“There were no major issues reported to police and the crowds were good natured.
“Officers continue to work through the night to facilitate the clean-up operation, ensure roads are reopened and the area returns to normality in time for the New Year’s Day parade.”
The Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London ran all night.
Following their work during the London 2012 Games, more than 150 Team London Ambassadors volunteered during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
They gave out maps, directed people to the viewing areas and gave guidance and advice on getting home safely.
Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20874115
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