GETTIN' AROUND BRITAIN

If you are going to have a trip to Britain, here's some good advice where to go: these are the most famous place to visit. Starting from the South coast, travel North  and follow this itineraryto gettin' around Britain: enjoy!

MEANS OF TRANSPORT TO TRAVEL IN BRITAIN & ACCOMMODATIONS

The cheapest way to travel in Britain is by coach: coach routes cover most of the country. If you prefer you can also travel by train, but they're more expensive: but if you are a student and if you have an international student identity card, you can travel on most trains at half - price. "Rover" tickets is a good resolution because they're unlimited travel tickets for coaches and trains. You have a lot of choices of accommodations: the better and cheaper are the Youth Hostels Association: they're all over the country.

Here's the most famous cities and places to see .

BRIGHTON

Brighton is the largest town in Sussex and it's on the south coast of England; it became popular when in 1754 Dr. Richard Russell published an article describing the benefits of seawater. The article was so influential that many rich families travelled to Brighton to cure their illnesses. In the 1780's, the Prince of Wales came to Brighton and built a holiday home, that can be visited whenever you want; the wonderful house was built in the Hindu style, with a lot of decorative elements. Inside it was decorated in the Chinese style, a common thing for that time. At the entrance of the Pavilion, this is the name of this house, there is the Museum and Art Gallery; in the King's Apartments and the Queen's Bedroom there are many personal properties of the monarchs who lived at the Pavilion.

Another important thing to see in this beautiful city is the Brighton Aquarium: it was set up over 100 years ago. Here you can see fish from all over the world. This wonderland Dolphinarium has daily shows exhibiting dolphins, seals and sea lions.

Brighton is known for sporting activities, tennis courts, golf courses and bowling greens and also for children there are numerous activities. Brighton has an active nightlife with clubs and bars.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The Isle of Wight is a fantastic place to visit for its many ports and sandy beaches. It is a small island, only 23 miles long, that contains many beautiful sights. Here there are the celebrated multi-coloured sand cliffs of Alum Bay and nearby the giant chalk cliffs called The Needles. Other sights include Osbourne House: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built this house in 1855. Queen Victoria died here in 1901, and the house has not been altered since, for her last wishes. In the centre of this amazing island, you can find Carisbrooke Castle which is one of the massive medieval castle of all Great Britain where, in 1647, Charles I was imprisoned. A small museum showing exhibits of the local history and of Charles I brief imprisonment here. Blackgang Chine is on the southern coast of the island. The dangerous rocks and cliffs on this coastline have caused the destruction of hundreds of ships. The Fantasy Theme Park is located in this small town. With its fairy castle, replica dinosaurs, and jungle trail it is enjoyable for both children and adults.

LONDON

London is situated in the south east of England on the River Thames. It's the political, commercial, cultural and main tourist centre of Britain. Some of its famous sights are Buckingham Palace, the House of Parliament, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square. A part from these, London has fascinating buildings and traditions from every period of its long history; also in this fantastic city, one of the greatest of the world, there are hundreds of cinemas, theatres, concerts and discotheques. You can admire all the art galleries and have unforgivable experiences visiting all the museums. If you're not interesting about this, spend all day doing shopping is another way to live London; after all your visits, take a minute of relax in one of London's parks: they're amazing! It's such a fantastic city with so many things to see that just a few words can't describe its wonderful.  

PLYMOUTH

Plymouth is the largest city in the Southwest. Bombs during World War II destroyed much of the city, but much rebuilding has been done. The city is broken up into three main sections: The Barbarican, with its narrow streets and old houses; the modern central section, with many new buildings fabricated after the war; and The Hoe, the famous park and promenade overlooking the harbour. This city is very important because form here, the Mayflower left from the Plymouth port in 1620: now it's possible to visit the Island House where the Pilgrims spent their last night in England before departing for America.

The Plymouth Gin Distillery is the oldest surviving building in the city. This building is the site that the Pilgrims met at before sailing off to America. Just north east of Plymouth there is Dartmoor National Park, many acres of open country land: it's the perfect area for horseback riding, camping and hiking, a real heaven for who like sports! The Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton describes the history of Dartmoor showing exhibits on early farming machinery, a reconstructed cider press, a selection of old vehicles and many more.

SOUTHEMPTON

Southampton is an historical city with a very famous port. In 1620, the Mayflower set out from here, as did the Titanic in 1912, this one was less lucky. Today the city is very active, has many shops, restaurants and clubs. The city has still its medieval wall, complete with a gate and armorial carvings. If you'd like to know more about this city in the past, you can be satisfied going to the Southampton Maritime Museum where you can find the history of the area. You can admire the famous ships that set off from here; there is also a model of the docks, portrayed as they were in the 1930's. The Tudor House Museum is located in a medieval merchant's house. Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian social and domestic life are the themes of the museum. Fifty different species of the flowers and herbs are grown in the garden: take a look at them!

OXFORD

This is one of the most visited cities in Britain and for good reason. It is a really good place to visit not just for all the brilliant things to see, but also because it has good access to London with a lot of means of transport. You can admire the beauty of Oxford from the moment you come into the city: there are buildings that must be visited. To learn about the Oxford's history, you can stop by the 'Oxford Story'. Here you will learn about Oxford and all the famous people that once lived here. Once you have seen this place, you will have a better understanding of what to see. The first place to go is the Botanical Gardens where you can have a picnic: it's one of the most beautiful gardens of Britain. While you are there, take a visit to the greenhouse. Inside you can see from the dry conditions of a recreated desert or walk through the rain forest complete with tropical fish. Early in the morning or when the sun is going down, punting along the river and you will never forget this walking.

If you start from the Botanical Gardens which is on the outskirts of the city centre and walk back into the city centre you will pass many of the Colleges that make up Oxford University: they are the reason that make Cambridge famous. When they are open, take the opportunity to walk through their gardens; these are among the most well maintained private gardens England has to offer and Oxford is full of them.

A visit to the antique centre but if you want to see it you had better be quick because it rumoured that it is going to close down in favour of some more modern development.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Stratford-upon-Avon is well known because it is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was born on St George's Day (23 April) in 1564, in a small house on Henley Street. He was baptised a few days later at the nearby Holy Trinity Church. Shakespeare attended grammar school at the Guildhall. It is on the ground floor of this building that Shakespeare saw his first play. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway and they had three children. By 1590, Shakespeare was a famous playwright and was able to move his family into New Place, the nicest home in Stratford. Shakespeare died here on 23 April 1616. His tomb can be found in front of the altar of the Holy Trinity Church.  Many visitors come to Stratford to track Shakespeare's life. Shakespeare's Birthplace has changed little since the 16th century. The main part of the house is furnished in Elizabethan style, and a museum of rare books and manuscripts can be found in the east end of the house. Next door is the Shakespeare Centre, which serves as a library and a reception area to the Birthplace. The Guildhall is still used as a schoolhouse, but it is not open to visitors. One mile from Stratford is Anne Hathaway's childhood home. Many original furnishings and heirlooms have been preserved here. Unfortunately, in 1759 New Place burnt down and all that remains is the Great Garden.

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is a famous English city, for its university: King's College chapel is on the list of places to see; It is important for the chapel's great stained glass windows and its vaulting fan built completely of stone. This city include the Fitzwilliam Museum where you can find the Cambridge's history with the collection of paintings, rare books, porcelain, old prints, antiques and oils: it is considered to be one of the finest in Britain. The Bridge of Sighs, built in 1831 has a style imported from 16th Century Venice and is one of the many things that must be seen when you came to visit Cambridge. During the festive season, walking on the street you can hear the typical carol: the well-known songs of the place.

If you really wanna understand a real feel of what this extraordinary city has to offer, you have to spend at least one night in Cambridge. By visiting one of the many pubs at night, you can truly experience what it must have felt like to have been a scholar in Cambridge

NOTTINGHAM

Nottingham is located near the River Trent. The most famous place to visit is the Sherwood Forest, the home of the legendary Robin Hood. For centuries, Nottingham Castle has been the centre of the city; built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Currently the castle is the place of the city's museum and art gallery. When Richard the Lionheart became king, he gave Nottingham castle to his brother John. Around this time was born the legend of Robin Hood and his merry men of Sherwood Forest. This is a legend that today still lives in Nottingham and all over the world.

The Industrial Revolution turned Nottingham into the industrial city it now is. In 1771, Arkwright created and set up his first spinning machine here. Other industries soon followed. Some interesting sites include the Trip to Jerusalem, an inn built in 1760. Nottingham castle is open to visitors. Tours are given here of the caves that lead into the castle rock.

BATH

Bath is the best preserved Georgian city in Britain. One of England's oldest cities, it has been famous since Roman times for its warm mineral springs. Bath also benefits from its location on the banks of the River Avon. The Roman Baths are located in the centre of town. These are the best preserved Roman remains to be found anywhere in England. In the early 18th century, the bath waters were believed to have healing powers. Visitors can find a number of attractions in this historic city. Sixteen of Great Britain's most famous museums are located in Bath. Boats and canoes are available for hire to view the beautiful River Avon. Royal Victoria Park is a prime location for outdoor recreation. Bath is also known for its wide range of antique shops and markets.  The second bridge a wooden one existing in Saxon times seems to have given rise to the nursery rhyme 'London Bridge is falling down' which it did in 1014. In 1176 the first stone bridge was constructed. Houses sprung up on both sides of the bridge and stood until it was pulled down in 1831, making way for a more elegant, classic structure. This bridge was replaced in 1967 as it could no longer cope with the amount of traffic. It is the only bridge in London that can be raised to allow ships to pass.

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool began as a fishing village in the 13th century. The city increased importance in the 18th century through its port when immigration with America began. In the 19th century thousands of British and European emigrants used the Albert Docks of Liverpool to set off to what they called the 'New World': the US. Today the marinas in Liverpool are a major tourist attraction. Surrounding the Albert Docks are many old warehouses that fell into disuse after the shipping trade declined. Recently these buildings became shops, restaurants and museums. The Merseyside Maritime Museum shows the history of Liverpool's ports through working full-size ships still afloat in the port. Tate Gallery is devoted entirely to modern artwork and has merited the right to call it's self the best Modern art gallery in Britain. There is also the Beatles Story: an amazing opera for the Beatles' entire fan. Other places in Liverpool include the Walker Art Gallery, and it includes paintings dating from the 14th century. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral is a unique 20th century circular building. The lantern tower on top of the cathedral contains 25,000 pieces of stained glass.

EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is the Scotland's modul and an important cultural centre. It was founded on Castle Rock by ancient British tribes who used the strategic high position of the volcanic rock. The area didn't become a real town until the 11th century, but it soon grew and in 1532 it was declared Scotland's capital. Today Edinburgh is a lively city and a massive cultural centre. Edinburgh Castle has been the home of Scottish Royalty for many centuries and now it's open to the visitor regularly. Inside there are the Scottish Crown Jewels in the Old Royal Palace the 11th century St Margaret's Chapel; it was built in 1076 and it is the oldest roofed building in Scotland. The city itself is broken up into two sections: the Old Town and the New Town. The narrow medieval streets of the Old Town reach east from Castle Hill to Holyrood Abbey, another beautiful building to see like the Parliament House, St Giles Cathedral, the house of John Knox, and Brodie's Close. The New Town is just north of the castle. It was built in the early 19th century and has many refined streets lined with Georgian buildings. A beautiful view of Castle hill can be seen from Princes Street, even more spectacular at night.

Edinburgh contains many art galleries and museums: the National Gallery of Scotland, in the New Town, a large collection of European and British paintings from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

WINSOR

Windsor is the site of the world's largest inhabited castle. William the Conqueror built it in 1070 and since then almost every succeeding monarch has made some alterations. The castle, set in thirteen acres of beautifully countryside gardens, was built like a little walled town. As you enter the Castle through the Henry VIII Gateway you come upon St George's Chapel, founded by Edward IV in 1475. Inside there are many Royal tombs including those of George V, Henry VIII, George VI and Prince Albert. Upstairs the Castle doesn't miss Queen Mary's dollhouse. This miniature house, given to Queen Mary in 1923, has many special features such as running water, working elevators and electric lighting: the dream of every little girl. If you wanna have a magnificent view of the River Thames, go to the top of the Round Tower. The outside of Windsor Castle is just as beautiful as the inside. The garden contains thousands of wicked flowers.

STONEHEIGH

The most famed prehistoric monument in Britain is the geometrically arranged circle of stones known as Stonehenge. Work first began at Stonehenge somewhere around 2000 BC when a circle of holes was dug. Two sandstone boulders mark this site. Construction resumed between 1700 and 1600 BC when 80 blue stones from the Prescelly Mountains in Pembrokeshire were placed to form two circles. Then, 80 large sarsen stones were put outside these circles to form an outer circle. Placed in the centre of this is a sandstone block that is now called the Altar Stone. Around 1300 BC another circle of blue stone rocks was created. The reasons behind the formation of Stonehenge are not understood, but it is known that the axis is aligned with the sunrise on the longest day of the year, June 21. Some proposed theories on Stonehenge are that it is an ancient burial site, that it is a prehistoric calendar, and that aliens created it. Stonehenge is open to visitors all year round with the exception of June 21st when it closed and heavily guarded by Police. A gate surrounds the stones to protect them from vandalism, so you can get no closer than fifty feet from the circles. Upon paying the admission fee, audio headphones are given that explain the extraordinary stones of Stonehenge.

GLASGOW

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, and sometimes it was definite the 'Second Capital'. It was founded in the 6th century; its founder built a church here and the town slowly grew around it. Glasgow grew always more and by 1450 it was proclaimed a city. The city increased wealth and importance during the Industrial Revolution and now is still famous for iron and steel production. Glasgow's importance began to decline in the 20th century beginning with the Depression in the 1930's. Today the city is a successful centre of modern technology.

Glasgow offers a lot of entertainment across the year. The Royal Scottish Opera, the Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Ballet can all be found here. The Mayfest is a three week long festival where you can see ballet, art, opera and music; but this isn't the unique festival. Other important things to see are: Glasgow Cathedral, built in the 13th century , well-known for its tomb that can be seen in the Lower Church. One of the cathedral's most splendid features is the 15th century stone screen with impressions of the Seven Deadly Sins. In the city centre, on the banks of the River Clyde, is one of Britain's oldest parks, Glasgow Green. The People's Palace Social History Museum can be seen here whenever you want. Don't forget to take a look at the collections of Glasgow's art with work of art from 1175 to the present day.

The Burrell Museum is three miles south of the city in Pollock Country Park. The museum's collection contain elements that was given to the city by Sir William Burrell, an industrialist man who died in 1958. The collection is massive, including silver, bronzes, Oriental jade, furniture, tapestries, prints, needlework and paintings.

LOCH NESS

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lakes in the world. Situated in Highland, Scotland, it has a narrow and prolonged shaped; It is a place of outstanding natural beauty, but it has to be admitted that the world wide fame of Loch Ness owes more to the legend of its famous occupant, the Loch Ness Monster or 'Nessie', than the breathtaking location of the loch itself.