Of course, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different – as different as pasties, haggis, colcannon and Welsh cakes. As for landscapes, contrast the Scottish Highlands and islands with the Welsh valleys and dramatic coastline. Natural wonders? How about the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland (that’s Game of Thrones country). And England’s variety astonishes visitors, from the romantic Lake District and Cornwall to castles, stately homes and elegant gardens. Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Harry Potter; visit the free, world-class museums and galleries in cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford and Bath, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
TIP: Herefordshire’s Golden Valley looks ‘forever England’. Stroll round picture-postcard villages, such as Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone. At the 800-year-old Pandy Inn in Dorstone, relax over pints of proper cider produced by Gwatkin’s, just down the valley in Abbey Dore.
In contrast to the more crowded sections of the South West Coast Path, the part along the North Devon and Somerset coasts is not only quieter but of quite a different character. We've created a magical combination of the best coastal walking with Exmoor itself, cosy villages and some striking literary connections.
Experience the unspoilt land and memorable wildlife of the Hebrides from Mull to the Uists. The unspoilt nature of the Inner and Outer Hebridean Islands offers some unique wildlife-watching experiences and this week-long self-drive holiday offers you the chance to enjoy Scottish wildlife in a beautiful, natural island environment.
An ascent of 2100ft Kinder Scout is an essential rite of passage for anyone who takes their walking seriously. It is here that, in 1932, ramblers met in a “mass trespass” to claim their right to leave those smoky conurbations and walk unhindered on open moorland, an act that would lead eventually to the creation of the National Parks.
This is a magical place, with a completely different feel from the rest of Scotland. What's more, the Shetland Isles are experiencing ever increasing popularity thanks to BBC's hit TV series “Shetland” based on Ann Cleeve's gritty, iconic crime stories.
Offa’s Dyke, the 80 mile long earthwork for centuries marking the border between England and Wales, runs along ridge tops between (formerly) fortified valley towns, resulting in some splendidly scenic walking.
Fly to Barra in the Outer Hebrides where you can land on a sparkling sandy beach. Even the terminal building has a seaview and serves homemade scones and fresh coffee to passengers - air travel will never seem the same again. What’s more this small island makes for a perfect escape for a few days with plenty to explore.
Our most popular wildlife holiday in search of whales, otters and eagles
