Great Brit 8 Getting Started
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This document provides an overview of travel in Great Britain, including when to visit, costs, and tips for traveling responsibly. It notes that while the weather is unpredictable, the best time to visit is May through September for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Costs are high compared to other countries, but careful planning and budgeting can make a trip affordable. Public transportation is encouraged over renting a car to avoid traffic and emissions. Some recommended pre-trip reading includes humorous and insightful books about the British landscape, identity, and cities.
Great Brit 8 Getting Started
- 1. © Lonely Planet Publications 19 Destination Great Britain What is it that makes this damp little island moored off the northwest coast of Europe such a fascinating place to explore? For starters, Britain is a land for all seasons. Summer or winter, spring or autumn, there’s always something to engage your imagination, be it the summer solstice at Stonehenge or the New Year street parties in Edinburgh. There are over 5000 years of history to engage with, from the Stone Age village of Skara Brae to the space-age domes of the Eden Project, and from the stark simplicity of a Welsh chapel to the pomp and cir- cumstance of Buckingham Palace. There are castles and cathedrals by the score, medieval monasteries and aristocratic mansions, and a roll-call of picturesque places with endearingly odd names, such as Lydiard Tregoze and Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Britain has given the world Shakespeare and soccer, the Beatles, James Bond, Monty Python and the programmable computer, not forgetting traffic lights, milky tea and the world’s least scary police. These cultural contributions are celebrated in a collection of fascinating museums and art galleries that range from world-class institutions like the Tate Britain and the Victoria & Albert Museum, to delightfully dotty local curiosi- ties – where else but Britain would you find the Pencil Museum and a dog-collar museum? Then there’s a geography textbook’s worth of scenic landscapes, such as the rolling hop fields of Kent with their conical oast houses; the honeyed stone cottages and hedgerow-lined country lanes of the Cotswold hills; the soaring, silver-grey sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire, scabbed with yellow lichen; and the jagged, rock-girt peaks of the Isle of Skye. Whatever the weather, there’s a diverse menu of adventure activities to choose from, including some of Europe’s best surfing, scuba-diving, sailing and hiking; plus less-strenuous pastimes such as trainspotting at York’s National Railway Museum and whale-watching off Scotland’s west coast. As you travel around the region, what are the issues of the day that you’ll hear Britons chatting about in the pub, at the bus stop and on the train? The national obsession with the weather has always seemed baffling to outsiders, who have often found it difficult to discern any difference between the mild winters and soggy summers. But in recent years the normally benign British weather has turned savage. Is it climate change in action? People are talking about an increase in summer storms and torrential downpours, and how 2007 saw the wettest summer, and 2008 the dullest August, since records began. There have been tornadoes in London and Birmingham, and many parts of the country, notably Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Gloucestershire and south Wales, have suffered devastating flooding. Instead of looking forward to the summer sun, many now fear the summer floods. Napoleon famously described Britain as a nation of shopkeepers, but today it has become a nation of homeowners. In the 1950s less than 40% of Britons owned their own homes; today the figure is more than 70%, and it’s the ambition of many to get a foot on the property ladder as soon as they can afford it. Wherever two or more Brits are gathered together, the conversation will soon turn to the subject of house prices. Encouraged by the belief that prices can only go up, by banks offering loans for 125%
- 2. © Lonely Planet Publications 20 D E S T I N AT I O N G R E AT B R I TA I N lonelyplanet.com of a house’s value, and by TV channels clogged with ‘property porn’, thousands of Britons have sunk their savings into bricks and mortar. But at the time of going to press, Britain was under a cloud in more ways than one, with recession looming on the horizon. The global credit crunch that began in late 2007 has seen interest rates rise, mortgages FAST FACTS dry up and house prices tumble – possibly by as much as 30% by 2010. Population: 59 million Those who bought into the get-rich-quick, property-owning dream in the Area: 88,500 sq miles last few years are feeling the clammy grip of negative equity, and tens of (230,000 sq km) thousands of homes are being repossessed. The economic crisis has seen a backlash against the investment bank- Inflation: 5.2% (October ers, chief executives and hedge fund managers whose actions are seen by 2008) many as the cause of the credit crunch – ordinary people suffer while the Unemployment: 5.7% ‘fat cats’ walk away with millions in their pockets. Financially speaking, (August 2008) Britain today is one of the most unequal societies in the developed world. Head of State: Queen Back in 1970 the average chief executive of a FTSE 100 company was Elizabeth II paid around 10 times the earnings of the average employee; today that multiple is well over 100 times, and the wealthiest 10% of the population Per capita GNP: get 40% of the income. The popular mood is now in favour of increased approximately £23,500 regulation of the financial sector. (US$41,000) Britain’s unexpected success in the 2008 Olympics – taking fourth Average annual rainfall place in the medal table with 19 gold (the Paralympic team came in in southeast England: second place overall, with 42 gold) – prompted a surge of interest in 550mm cycling, rowing and sailing, and increased expectations for the London Average annual rainfall Olympics in 2012. The London Games will ensure the arrival of large in northwest Highlands: numbers of overseas visitors (and their money), a raised profile for British 3000mm tourism, new housing and sports facilities for the capital, plus increased Male life expectancy (posh fitness and improved health for the entire nation. Or so say supporters. part of Glasgow): 82 Detractors claim that the billions of pounds being spent are unlikely to be recouped, and local groups protest that a nature reserve, garden al- Male life expectancy (poor lotments and even popular sports venues are being bulldozed to make part of Glasgow): 54 way for the Olympic Park. But before the Olympics take place, one of the government’s most controversial policies will grind into action. In 2009 the government will begin issuing biometric ID cards to British citizens. Supporters claim the cards will help combat crime and illegal immigration, and will make it easier to prove your identity to banks, the police and government agencies. Anti–ID card campaigners say the policy is an infringement of personal privacy and civil liberties, and that the unified database un- derlying the scheme is an IT disaster waiting to happen. Whatever the outcome, Britain is already one of the most spied-upon societies in the world, with 4.2 million CCTV surveillance cameras – about one for every 15 people. Something to think about as you travel around the country – Big Brother is watching you!
- 3. © Lonely Planet Publications 21 Getting Started Here’s a handy slogan to remember while you’re planning your trip: travel in Britain is a breeze. Granted, it may not be totally effortless, but it’s easy compared with many parts of the world. In this compact landscape you’re never far from the next town, the next pub, the next national park or the next impressive castle on your hit list of highlights. WHEN TO GO Any visitor to Britain will soon understand the locals’ obsession with the weather. Extremes of hot or cold are rare, but variability is a given. The key word is changeable: the weather can be bad one minute, great the next. It wouldn’t be unusual in April, for example, for the morning to be warm enough for T-shirts, lunchtime to be cloudy, the afternoon see a downpour and drop in temperature, and the day polished off by an overnight dump of snow. Despite apparent randomness, there is a seasonal pattern. Temperatures For more weather are higher in summer (June to August), and there’s normally more sunshine, facts and figures, see though July and August, along with the winter months, are often the rainiest Climate Charts, p987. months of the year. Conversely, winter (November to February) may enjoy fantastic clear spells between bouts of rain or snow, while spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October) can often produce the finest weather of the year. There are also north–south variations: southern England might be chilly, while northern Scotland enjoys a heatwave. Or vice versa. Be prepared for anything and you won’t get a surprise. With all that in mind, May to September is undoubtedly the best period to travel in Britain. July and August are busiest (it’s school holiday time), especially in coastal towns, national parks, and historic cities like Oxford, Edinburgh and York. In April and October you take a chance on the weather but avoid the crowds, although some hotels and attractions close from mid- October to Easter, and tourist offices have limited hours. Overall, the least hospitable months for visitors are November to February. It’s cold in the south, very cold in the north, and daylight is short. In Scotland, north Wales and the hills of northern England, roads can sometimes be closed by snow. Reaching the islands off the Scottish mainland (and occa- sionally other parts of Britain) can also be a problem as high winds disrupt ferry services. For winter visits, London and the big cities are an exception – they’re busy all the time, with such a lot to see that the weather is immaterial. Besides, you’re almost as likely to have a damp day in June as you are in January… COSTS & MONEY If you’re a global traveller, whatever your budget you’ll know that Britain is expensive compared with many other countries. But don’t let that put you off. If funds are tight you’ll still have a great trip with some forward plan- ning, a bit of shopping around and a modicum of common sense. A lot of stuff is cheap or good value, and some is completely free. The following gives some guidelines; for more details see the Directory (p982) and Transport (p996) chapters. For midrange travellers, basic hotels cost around £50 to £120 for a double room, except in London, where doubles in midrange hotels start at around £80, and around £150 in London gets you something pretty decent for the night, although you could easily spend more. When it comes to eating, a
- 4. 22 G E T T I N G S TA R T E D • • T r a v e l l i n g R e s p o n s i b l y lonelyplanet.com decent three-course meal with wine in a smart restaurant will set you back about £25 to £35 per person. In London this jumps to about £60, although if you choose carefully you can still get a great meal (with a glass or two of wine) for around £30. Of course, you can go wild at somewhere outrageously posh or trendy, and not get much change from £150. Backpackers on a tight budget need £36 a day for bare survival in London, HOW MUCH? with dorm beds from £18, basic sustenance £12, and transport around £6 See also the Lonely unless you prefer to hoof it. Planet Index, inside front Whatever your bracket, extras in London might include clubbing (£6 cover. to £12, up to £25 at weekends), a pint in a pub (£2.80 to £3.50) or admis- B&B £25 per person sion to museums and galleries (£10 to £20 a day, though many places don’t charge). CD £12 Out of London, costs drop; shoestringers need around £30 per day for The Guardian (newspa- hostels and food. Midrangers will be fine on £60 to £85 per day, allowing per) 80p £25 to £35 per person for B&B accommodation, £12 to £18 for lunch, snacks Restaurant meal £25 per and drinks, £15 to £25 for an evening meal. Admission fees are the same for person everyone – work on around £10 per day for general admission costs. Travel costs depend on transport choice. Trains can cost anything from Large latte £2.30 £10 to £50 per 100 miles, depending when you buy your ticket. Long- distance buses (called coaches in Britain) cost about half the train fare for an equivalent journey. Car drivers should allow £12 per 100 miles for fuel, plus around £5 per day for parking. Rental costs £25 to £60 per day, depending on model and duration. TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY Britons share their compact and increasingly crowded island with around 33 million cars, vans, buses and lorries – that’s more than one vehicle for every two people. Traffic congestion and carbon emissions are serious problems that are only now beginning to be tackled head-on. In the past, the government’s response to overcrowded roads has been to build more of them; today, politicians have been forced to look at other approaches. While London has its congestion charge, Sustrans (www.sustrans.org.uk) – a group focused on sustainable transport – is busy creating a national network of cycle routes; and Worcester (p494), Peterborough (p413) and Darlington (p653) have been chosen as show- case sustainable transport towns, with government-funded projects to promote cycling, walking and public transport as realistic alternatives to car use. Although a car can be useful in some parts of the country, notably the Scottish Highlands, if you don’t want to contribute to – or get caught up in – British gridlock, then think about using public transport rather than hiring a car. And think twice before taking a domestic flight within Britain – remember it’s a relatively small geographical area. Taking the London to Edinburgh route as an example, if you add on travel time from the city COSTS FOR KIDS Taking your children into museums and historic sites can be absolutely free, half-price, or just a bit cheaper than the adult cost, so we’ve detailed kids’ rates (as well as adult prices) throughout this book. At camp sites and self-catering hostels, children usually pay about 50% to 75% of the adult rate. At hotels, children aged between two and 12 years old usually get 50% to 75% discount. Kids under two usually stay free of charge, while over-12s (or over-16s at some places) attract the full rate, on the assumption that growing children need a bed and will probably eat as much as their parents.
- 5. lonelyplanet.com G E T T I N G S TA R T E D • • R e a d i n g U p 23 DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… Travel in Britain is not like crossing the Sahara or exploring the Amazon. Anything can be bought as you go. Our advice is to take only what you absolutely need, which may include the following: rain jacket comfortable shoes small day-pack (for carrying that rain jacket when the sun shines) a taste for beer that isn’t icy cold listening skills and a sense of humour centre to the airport (one hour in London, 15 minutes in Edinburgh), and check-in time (say one hour, minimum) to the flight time (one hour), then the 4½-hour train journey actually looks pretty good (and you don’t have to queue for check-in and security, either). READING UP There’s nothing like a good book to set the mood for your own trip. The choice of books about Britain can be daunting, so here’s a list of our fa- vourites to add an extra dimension to your planning or help you penetrate that famous British reserve a little while you’re on the road. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson, although based on travels in the 1970s, is still incisive. This American author really captures the spirit of Britain three-and-a-half decades ago. When he pokes fun he’s spot on, so the locals don’t mind. The English: A Portrait of a People by Jeremy Paxman examines the evolution of English national identity in recent years, through the sharp and often cynical eyes of Britain’s favourite blunt Yorkshire- man and TV news presenter. Coasting by Jonathan Raban records a journey around Britain in an old sailing yacht, and is a brilliant and very readable meditation on the people and culture of this island nation. London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd is the definitive description of Britain’s biggest city as a living, breathing organism. The Thistle and the Rose: Six Centuries of Love and Hate Between the Scots and the English, by Allan Massie, takes a historical perspective on the often stormy relationship between Britain’s two largest coun- tries. Adrift in Caledonia by Nick Thorpe is an entertaining and insight- ful tale of travelling around Scotland by hitching rides on a variety of vessels, from canal barge and rowing boat to steam puffer and square-rigged sailing ship. On Borrow’s Trail by Hugh Oliff retraces the journeys through Wales made by 19th-century writer George Borrow, combining a rich synopsis of the original observations with modern photos and colour illustrations. Two Degrees West by Nicholas Crane describes a walk in a perfectly straight line (two degrees west of the Greenwich meridian) across Britain, wading rivers, cutting through towns, sleeping in fields and meeting an astounding selection of people along the way. Great British Bus Journeys by David McKie is a wry and witty trav- elogue showing that ‘unknown’ towns and villages can be just as fascinating as tourist hot spots.
- 6. 24 G E T T I N G S TA R T E D lonelyplanet.com TOP 10 G R EAT N B R ITA IN England her lan ds MUST-SEE MOVIES Predeparture planning is no chore if it includes a trip to the cinema or a night on the sofa with a DVD. Our parameters for a ‘British’ film? Anything about Britain. Anything that gives a taste of history, scenery or peculiar cultural traits. For more info on some of these and other titles, see p76. 1 Brief Encounter (1945) Director: David Lean 2 Whisky Galore (1949) Director: Alexander Mackendrick 3 Under Milk Wood (1972) Director: Andrew Sinclair 4 Educating Rita (1983) Director: Lewis Gilbert 5 My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) Director: Stephen Frears 6 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) Director: Mike Newell 7 Trainspotting (1996) Director: Danny Boyle 8 Bend It Like Beckham (2002) Director: Gurinder Chadha 9 Atonement (2007) Director: Joe Wright 10 Hot Fuzz (2007) Director: Edgar Wright RAVE READS Travel broadens the mind. Especially if you read before you go. For a taste of life in Britain through the ages, try a few of these novels – from past classics to contemporary milestones. For more details on some of these (and other great books), see p73. 1 Oliver Twist (1837) Charles Dickens 2 Wuthering Heights (1847) Emily Brontë 3 Tess of the D’Urbervilles (1891) Thomas Hardy 4 The Rainbow (1915) DH Lawrence 5 How Green Was My Valley (1939) Richard Llewellyn 6 Greenvoe (1972) George Mackay Brown 7 Behind the Scenes at the Museum (1995) Kate Atkinson 8 Last Orders (1996) Graham Swift 9 White Teeth (2000) Zadie Smith 10 The Falls (2003) Ian Rankin TOP OF THE POPS British popular music is probably the most popular in the world. Britain has produced hundreds of internationally famous bands and artists from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to the Kaiser Chiefs and the Arctic Monkeys. Here’s a lucky dip of typically British chart-topping pop and rock from 1960 onward. 1 You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield (1966) 2 Honky Tonk Women by the Rolling Stones (1969) 3 Won’t Get Fooled Again by The Who (1971) 4 Anarchy in the UK by the Sex Pistols (1976) 5 Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division (1980) 6 House of Fun by Madness (1982) 7 Wonderwall by Oasis (1995) 8 Wannabe by the Spice Girls (1996) 9 If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next by the Manic Street Preachers (2000) 10 The Dark of the Matinee by Franz Ferdinand (2004)
- 7. © Lonely Planet Publications lonelyplanet.com G E T T I N G S TA R T E D • • I n t e r n e t R e s o u r c e s 25 INTERNET RESOURCES The internet is a wonderful planning tool for travellers, and there are millions of sites about Britain. Before plunging into the cybermaze, try these for starters: A Nice Cup of Tea… (www.nicecupofteaandasitdown.com) Light-hearted look at a quintes- sentially British pastime. Backpax Magazine (www.backpaxmag.com) Cheerful info on cheap travel, visas, activities and work. BAFA (British Arts Festivals Association; www.artsfestivals.co.uk) Listing over 100 festivals around Britain: opera, theatre, literature, comedy, classical, folk, jazz and more. BBC (www.bbc.co.uk) Immense and invaluable site from the world’s best broadcaster. DirectGov (www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople) Information and advice for travellers with disabilities, including interactive map showing wheelchair-accessible toilets, parking etc in 100 towns around Britain. eFestivals (www.efestivals.co.uk) News, confirmed (and rumoured) artists, tickets and updates from the lively world of rock, pop, dance and world music gatherings. Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) Loads of travel news, features, accommodation reviews, and the legendary Thorn Tree bulletin board. UK Student Life (www.ukstudentlife.com) Language courses, and where to go outside study time. Visit Britain (www.visitbritain.com) The nation’s official tourism website; accommodation, attractions, events and much more.
- 8. © Lonely Planet Publications 26 Events Calendar Countless festivals and events are held around the MAY country throughout the year. Below is a selection of biggies that are worth tying in with your travels, FA CUP FINAL early May and some of the smaller – and, frankly, more bi- Gripping end to venerable football tournament, zarre – events that are also worth catching. In addi- held in Wembley Stadium, London. For more, tion, many towns have annual fairs or fêtes; many see (p68). of these are listed in the regional chapters. BRIGHTON FESTIVAL May JANUARY If it’s art, you’ll find it at Brighton’s lively and in- novative three-week feast (p226), which covers UP HELLY AA last Tue of Jan everything from music, theatre, literature and the Shetland Islanders (p969) honour their Nordic visual arts to a children’s parade, pyrotechnics and heritage by dressing up as Vikings and burning performance poetry. a longship. CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW late May FEBRUARY Blooming marvellous. See p174 for more. JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL mid-Feb BATH INTERNATIONAL Horned helmets galore, plus mock invaders and MUSIC FESTIVAL mid-May–early Jun Viking longship races in York (p549). Top-class classical music and opera in Bath, plus jazz and world music, with art-full Fringe SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL Shrove Tue attached. See p335. It’s football, Jim, but not as we know it: day-long match, 3-mile pitch, hundreds of players, very few COOPER’S HILL CHEESE-ROLLING rules. See p462 for details. COMPETITION late May Simple concept, centuries old: a big lump of MARCH cheese is rolled down a very steep hill, chased by hundreds of locals. The winner keeps the CRUFTS DOG SHOW early/mid-Mar cheese. Losers may have broken legs. See p262 Highlight of the canine year. Top dogs abound in for more. Birmingham. See p480 for details. GLYNDEBOURNE late May-Aug UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE Mozart is the mainstay of this world-famous late Mar/early Apr opera festival, held annually since 1934 in coun- Traditional rowing contest (p174) on the River try-house gardens near Lewes, Sussex. See p223 Thames, between the teams of Oxford and for details. Cambridge Universities. JUNE APRIL DERBY WEEK early Jun GRAND NATIONAL 1st Sat in Apr Horse racing and people-watching abound at the The most famous horse race (p598) of them all, Epsom racetrack in Surrey (see www.epsomderby with notoriously high jumps in Aintree, Liverpool. .co.uk for more details). CHELTENHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL COTSWOLDS OLIMPICKS early Jun late Apr/early May Since 1612 the locals of Chipping Camden One of the largest jazz gatherings in the country; have competed in events such as shin-kicking, big names, up-and-comings, concerts and funky sack-racing and climbing the slippery pole. See club-dance evenings. See p264. p257.
- 9. lonelyplanet.com 27 ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL Jun LATITUDE FESTIVAL mid-Jul Classical music held in Aldeburgh, the spiritual More than just a music festival, this relative home of Benjamin Britten (1913–76) – one of newcomer to Britain’s festival calendar (www Britain’s best 20th-century composers – see p422. .latitudefestival.co.uk) packs in poetry, literature, comedy and drama, too. Held in Henham Park, TROOPING THE COLOUR mid-Jun Southwold (p423). Bearskins and pageantry in London’s Whitehall for the Queen’s birthday parade (p175). BUXTON FESTIVAL mid-late Jul Relaxed and eclectic mix of opera, music and ROYAL ASCOT mid-Jun literature, this renowned festival (www.buxton More horse racing, more people-watching, plus festival.co.uk) is one of the largest of its kind in outrageous hats; find out more at www.ascot the country. .co.uk. SESIWN FAWR late Jul ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL mid-Jun Three-day rock, folk and beer bash in Dolgellau. Successful revival of the 1960s rip-roaring hippie Fast-growing and free. See p759. happening; see p296. ROYAL WELSH WIMBLEDON LAWN TENNIS AGRICULTURAL SHOW late Jul CHAMPIONSHIPS late Jun National agricultural and cultural gathering; see Two weeks of rapid-fire returns; see p175. p736. FARNBOROUGH AIRSHOW late Jul GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL late Jun Established in 1948 as a showcase for the best The village of Glastonbury is practically syn- of British aviation, the world’s largest air show is onymous with the Glastonbury Festival (www held in Farnborough, Surrey. The air show ranges .glastonburyfestivals.co.uk), an often mud-soaked from traditional WWII aircraft to cutting-edge extravaganza of music, street theatre, dance, cab- technology, with thrilling aerobatic displays, fly- aret, carnival, ecology, spirituality and general all- pasts and simulated aerial dogfights. See www round weirdness that’s been held on and off on .farnborough.com for details. Piltdown Farm, near Glastonbury. COWES WEEK late Jul/early Aug PRIDE Jun/Jul The world’s longest-running yachting regatta – Formerly Mardi Gras and Pride in the Park, and dating from 1827 – is a spectacular display of occasionally EuroPride – Britain’s major gay and world-class yacht racing and a highlight of the lesbian festival, held in London. society calendar; see p295. JULY EDEN SESSIONS Jul/Aug The famous biomes of the Eden Project (p382) HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA early Jul are transformed into Cornwall’s most spectacular Premier rowing and social event. No hippies here. live-music venue, where a 6000-strong crowd See p252. bops along to a line-up of the best of British rock and pop. T IN THE PARK early Jul Open-air pop, rock and dance music. Scotland’s AUGUST answer to Glastonbury; see p823 for details. NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD early Aug WORLD MOUNTAIN BIKE BOG The ancient bardic tradition continues; a festival SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIPS early Jul of Welsh language, music and literature at its most Bogs, bikes and snorkels; the name says it all. powerful. See p755. Henley it ain’t. See p737. There’s another leg to the event in August, see p28. THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL early Aug Britain’s premier, and the world’s oldest, choral INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD mid-Jul festival (www.3choirs.org), held once every three Lively mix of cultures from Wales and far beyond; years at the cathedrals of Gloucester (p267), see p755. Hereford (p499) or Worcester (p494).
- 10. © Lonely Planet Publications 28 lonelyplanet.com EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Aug to snorkel through the mire. Crazy, but the crowds Three weeks of pageantry and soldierly displays. love it. For details, see p795. BIG CHILL late Aug EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL Most head here to recover from summer’s FESTIVAL Aug/Sep excesses; an eclectic and relaxed mix of live music, World-class arts gathering, overshadowed only by club events, DJs, multimedia and visual art. Held its own Fringe. See p795. on the deer-park grounds of Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire; see p502 for more information. GREEN MAN FESTIVAL mid-Aug Set near Crickhowell, this festival is an old-school gathering of campfires and late-night guitar SEPTEMBER strumming, featuring the best of the UK modern BRAEMAR GATHERING 1st Sat in Sep folk scene plus international acts from the alterna- With more than 20,000 people (including the tive world. See p731. royals), ‘gathering’ is an understatement for this NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL late Aug famous Highland knees-up. See p899 for more London’s most colourful festival is a multicultural information. feast of music, dancing and costumed street pa- rades that celebrates the city’s African-Caribbean OCTOBER community. See also p175. HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW early Oct READING FESTIVAL late Aug Birmingham’s top show-jumping event. No long This three-day rock and pop extravaganza is a faces here. See also p480. true original, from the glory days of 1970s prog rock and heavy metal to the 1990s appearances NOVEMBER of Kurt Cobain and the Stone Roses. Recent years have seen the festival turn more mainstream, but BONFIRE NIGHT 5 Nov unpopular bands can still expect to be sent pack- Bonfires and fireworks across Britain fill the ing amid a hail of hurled plastic bottles. skies in commemoration of Guy Fawke’s failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (a terrorist attempt to LEEDS FESTIVAL late Aug blow up Parliament). See also Frenzied Pyromania Dubbed the ‘Reading of the North’, and pretty (p223). much the same type of thing; a rock-music extravaganza (see p522). DECEMBER WORLD BOG SNORKELLING NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 31 Dec CHAMPIONSHIPS late Aug Get drunk and kiss strangers as the bells chime Following July’s filthy cycling event (for more in- midnight. The biggest crowds are in London’s formation, see p27), now it’s the swimmers’ turn Trafalgar Sq and Edinburgh’s Princes St.
- 11. © Lonely Planet Publications 29 Itineraries CLASSIC ROUTES HOORAY FOR HIGHLIGHTS One to Two Weeks / London to Cambridge This is an unashamed tour of Britain’s top tourist attractions. Yes, some can get crowded, but it’s for a reason – they’re stunningly scenic or rich in history. Start with spectacular, irrepressible London (p130), then visit ancient cathedral cities Winchester (p281) and Salisbury (p311). Next is classic, pre- historic Stonehenge (p315); and onwards to Bath (p330) for Roman remains and grand Georgian architecture. Loop over to Cardiff (p669) for fantastical castles and nautical heritage, and cruise through the rural Cotswolds (p253) to reach the university town of Oxford (p239) and Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon (p487). Then strike out north to the Lake District (p611) and over the border to Edinburgh (p779) for its historic castles, new parliament and more tartan than you can shake a kilt at, before heading to the Isle of Skye (p937) for Scotland’s most stunning scenery. Heading south again, stop in at York (p542) for its glorious cathedral and first-class train museum before finishing at Cambridge (p401), another ancient university town, for more sightseeing and maybe a gentle punt on the river. Without stopping much you could do this 1300-mile jour- ney in a week and Isle of a half. But pause to Skye drink in the culture SCOTLAND and history, not to mention the EDINBURGH occasional beer in a country pub, and three weeks Lake becomes a much District better option. York ENGLAND WALES Stratford- Cambridge upon-Avon Oxford Cotswolds CARDIFF Stonehenge LONDON Bath Salisbury Winchester
- 12. 30 ITINERARIES •• Classic Routes lonelyplanet.com THE GRAND TOUR One to Two Months / London to Cambridge (The Long Way) This is a trip for those with time, or an urge to see everything. So brace yourself, and let’s be off. From London (p130) aim for Canterbury Cathedral (p206), then head down the coast to hip and happening Brighton (p223), and across to historic cities Winchester (p281) and Salisbury p311) and the delightful New Forest (p291). Travel via prehistoric Stonehenge (p315) to Westcountry gems Bath (p330) and Bristol (p320). Next to Wales, via stunning Chepstow Castle (p697) and energetic Cardiff (p669), to the coastal paradise of Pembrokeshire (p707). Retrace to the Brecon Beacons (p724) and through book-mad Hay-on-Wye (p732) to reach the cosy Cotswolds (p253), charming Oxford (p239), spectacular Warwick Castle (p485), and Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon (p487). Continue north to Chester (p584), then divert into north Wales for the grand Conwy Castle (p751) and Caernarfon Castle (p770); and equally stunning mountains of Snowdonia National Park (p756). Then ferry across the Mersey to Liverpool (p588) and to Manchester (p572) for a taste of city life, followed by a change of scenery in the Lake District (p611) and a journey back in time along Hadrian’s Wall (p655). Hop across the border to Scotland, via the tranquil southern Uplands countryside and border towns (p827), to good-time Glasgow (p809). Then trek to Ben Nevis (p914), from where it’s easy to reach for the Isle of Skye (p937). Time to head south again, via Loch Ness (p918) and Stirling Castle (p866) to Edinburgh (p779), through the abbey border-towns of Kelso (p831) and Jedburgh (p833), to reach World Heritage Site Durham (p649) and the an- cient Viking capital of York (p542), ending with a final flourish in beautiful Cambridge (p401). This energetic pack-it-in loop is over 2000 miles. If you don’t want to hurry, just leave Isle of Skye Loch Ness out a few places. Ben Nevis With even more SCOTLAND time, you could Stirling Castle EDINBURGH expand the trip to Glasgow Kelso include Devon and Jedburgh Southern Uplands Cornwall, Norfolk Hadrian's Wall Durham and Suffolk, Mid Lake District Wales or the east York coast of Scotland. Liverpool Conwy Castle Manchester Caernarfon Castle Chester ENGLAND Snowdonia National Park WALESupon-Avo-n Stratford Warwick Castle Cambridge Hay-on-Wye Pembrokeshire Cotswolds Brecon Beacons Oxford Chepstow Castle LONDON CARDIFF Bath Canterbury Bristol Stonehenge Cathedral Salisbury New Forest Brighton Winchester
- 13. lonelyplanet.com ITINERARIES •• Classic Routes 31 PASTORAL PLEASURES Three to Four Weeks / New Forest to Outer Hebrides Britain may be small, and crowded in places, but there are some beautiful national parks and rural areas to enjoy. First stop, the New Forest (p291) for a spot of walking, cycling or horse riding, or simply relaxing, then to Devon (p352) and Cornwall (p373), which tempt with wild moors, grassy hills, and a beautiful coast of cliffs and sandy beaches. The Cotswolds (p253) promise quintessential English countryside, with neat fields, clear rivers and endless pretty villages of honey-coloured stone – all glowing contentedly when the sun is out. Head west again, to Wales, through the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons (p724), and down to the heavenly sea and sky of Pembrokeshire (p707). Then go north to scale the stunning peaks of Snowdonia National Park (p756), with mountains for walkers and steam trains for all the family. Then it’s back to England, through the valleys of the Yorkshire Dales National Park (p531) and over the mountains of the Lake District (p611), to Scotland where two new national parks await: the glorious combination of Loch Lomond (p851) and Trossachs National Park (p869), and the mountain wilderness of the Cairngorms (p908). That may be wondrous enough, but Britain’s pastoral pleasures are crowned by Scotland’s famous Highlands and islands, where jewels include peaks, such as Ben Nevis (p914) and Torridon (p934), while out to sea the lovely islands – Isle of Arran (p842), Isle of Islay (p855), Isle of Jura (p857), Isle of Mull (p861), Isle of Skye (p937), Lewis (p945), North Uist (p949), South Uist (p950) and others – bask in the afternoon sun. This is a tour to recharge your bat- Lewis teries and fill your lungs with fresh North Uist South Uist Torridon air. The main route Isle of Skye Cairngorms is around 1300 Ben Nevis National Park Isle of Mull miles, plus another Loch Lomond & 300 miles if you Isle of Jura Trossachs National Park Isle of Islay visit all the islands. Isle of Arran Allow three weeks, SCOTLAND or a month if you Lake District don’t rush. Yorkshire Dales National Park Snowdonia National Park WALES ENGLAND Cotswolds Brecon Pembrokeshire Beacons Devon New Forest Cornwall
- 14. 32 I T I N E R A R I E S • • R o a d s Le s s T r a v e l l e d lonelyplanet.com ROADS LESS TRAVELLED URBAN ODYSSEY One to Two Weeks / Bristol to Manchester If you want to dig under Britain’s skin a little, take this ride through some of the country’s less well-known and revitalised cities. Kick off in Bristol (p320), once a poor cousin to neighbour Bath, today with fierce pride, a rich historic legacy and a music scene that rivals cool northern outposts. Next stop Birmingham (p474), a city that oozes transformation, with an attractive waterside, energised museums and a space-age shopping centre. Continue north to dynamic Leeds (p521), the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’, a mecca for shoppers, clubbers and drinkers. But don’t dawdle. Down your pint. We’re off again – to culturally restyled and famously to-the-hilt party town Newcastle-upon-Tyne (p640). Still want more? It’s got to be Glasgow (p809). Sign up here for pubs and clubs, some truly electric venues, fabulous galleries and – only in Scotland – slick but unpretentious bars. Pausing for coffee and toast, head next for Liverpool (p588). The Beatles are done to death, but there are lively current music venues and rich trade-port heritage – plus a rather famous football team. Finish in Manchester (p572), self-styled ‘Barcelona of Britain’, a long-time hotbed of musical endeavour, with thriving arts and club scenes, galleries a go-go, dramatic new architecture and – oh yes – another well-known football team. In theory you could do this 725-mile street trip in a week, but Britain’s cities may tempt you to linger SCOTLAND longer. Better to allow at least 10 Glasgow days. Two weeks would be even bet- ter. Don’t say we Newcastle- upon-Tyne didn’t warn you… Leeds Liverpool Manchester Birmingham WALES ENGLAND Bristol
- 15. lonelyplanet.com I T I N E R A R I E S • • R o a d s Le s s T r a v e l l e d 33 RURAL RETREATS Two to Three Weeks / Norfolk to Fife For some of Britain’s best-known national parks and natural beauties, see p31; this fabulous jaunt takes you through less-frequented (but no less scenic) countryside. Surprisingly close to London sit the tranquil counties of Norfolk (p424) and Suffolk (p416), their coastlines dotted with picturesque harbours, shingle beaches, salt marshes, bird reserves and the occasional old-fashioned seaside resort. Inland lie rivers and lakes, pretty villages and endless miles of flat countryside perfect for gentle cycling. Next is Wiltshire (p311), best known for Stonehenge and Salisbury but also a rural delight of quiet country lanes and tranquil villages, plus the hills of the southern Cotswolds – low-key and less frequented than their northern counterparts in Gloucestershire. Between England and Wales lie the farmlands and cider orchards of the Marches (p436), while over the border loom the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales (p722) – big, wild and rarely on tourist itineraries. Then it’s back to England and the North York Moors National Park (p561), with heather-covered hills and delightful dales. Not far away, the Northumberland coast (p662) is fa- mous for empty beaches, dramatic castles and delicious crab sandwiches. Inland sit the wild and empty big-sky landscapes of the hills atop the Cheviot (p661) and Northumberland National Park (p660), blending into the undulating hills, green valleys, stately homes, ruined abbeys and ancient border towns (p827) of Scotland’s southern Uplands. For a final fling, cross the Firth of Forth to reach the ‘kingdom’ of Fife (p873), with lush rolling farmland ideal for cycling and a delightful coastline peppered with quaint harbours, perfect for an after-lunch stroll. You could see these ‘hidden’ parts of Britain in two weeks if you don’t stop much, cover- ing about 1000 SCOTLAND miles. Allow three Fife weeks if you plan Northumberland to wear your hiking Southern Cheviot Coast boots, or want to Uplands Northumberland National Park relax over tea and North York cake, and catch a Moors National Park little local flavour off the beaten track. Norfolk Cambrian Mountains Marches Suffolk WALES ENGLAND LONDON Wiltshire
- 16. 34 I T I N E R A R I E S • • Ta i l o re d T r i p s lonelyplanet.com TAILORED TRIPS BRITAIN ON LOCATION Love the movies? Here are a few places where you can visit the set. Britain’s best-loved film hero Harry Potter gets around – locations in the films include Gloucester Cathedral (p267), Oxford University (p241), Alnwick Castle (p663), North York Moors Railway (p565) and Glenfinnan (p936). In Scotland, landmark Hitchcock thriller The 39 Steps features the Forth Bridge (p805); the comedy Whisky Galore was set in the Outer Hebrides (p944); Edinburgh (p779) is the scene for tartan-noir masterpiece Trainspotting; while Dunnottar Castle (p898) was the backdrop for Zeffirelli’s Hamlet. In Wales, the Dylan Thomas classic Under Milk Wood was filmed in Fishguard (p718) in Pembrokeshire, while some of Lara Croft’s un- Outer Hebrides Glenfinnan feasibly epic Tomb Raider adventures were shot Dunnottar Castle in Snowdonia National Park (p756). Forth Bridge In northern England, quirky Little Voice was Edinburgh filmed in Scarborough (p557); Calendar Girls in Alnwick Castle North York Moors Railway the scenic valleys of the Yorkshire Dales (p531); and Sheffield Yorkshire Dales Scarborough late-’90s hit The Full Monty in former steel-city Chatsworth Snowdonia Lincoln Cathedral Sheffield (p519). National Park Gloucester For the latest film version of Pride and Fishguard Cathedral Prejudice, Austen power comes to Derbyshire; Oxford the stately home of Chatsworth (p473) plays University Darcy’s family abode, while dramatic Peak District outcrops provide a perfect spot for the heroine’s love-lost contemplation. For The Da Vinci Code Lincoln Cathedral (p448) stood in for Westminster, and visitor numbers doubled overnight. BRITAIN’S WORLD HERITAGE Unesco’s World Heritage Sites have great environmental or cultural signifi- cance. There are around 700 sites globally, and around 20 in Britain – together making up a great itinerary of highlights and unexpected treasures. Obvious contenders include the Tower of London (p161), the historical maritime sites of Greenwich (p170), the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge (p315) and Avebury (p318), and the Roman-Georgian city of Bath (p330). Less obvious, but just as valid, sites include the industrial heritage of Blaenavon (p697) and Ironbridge Gorge (p506), the mills of Saltaire (p527) and the waterfront of Liverpool (p588), while the coast of Dorset (p297) and East Devon (p357) is Orkney Islands one of the few natural sites on this list. In the south of England there’s Blenheim Palace (p251) and Canterbury Cathedral (p206), while the north boasts Fountains Abbey (p554). In Wales, the Edinburgh castles of Caernarfon (p770), Conwy (p751), Beaumaris New Lanark (p773) and Harlech (p765) together form one site, as Hadrian's Wall Durham Castle & Durham Cathedral do Durham Castle (p651) and Durham Cathedral (p650). Fountains Abbey In Scotland, sites include Edinburgh’s Old Town (p781) Beaumaris, Conwy & Saltaire Liverpool and New Town (p790), New Lanark (p825), and the Caernarfon Castles Harlech Castle neolithic sites of the Orkney Islands (p952). Ironbridge Gorge Blenheim Palace Recent additions to the list include Hadrian’s Blaenavon Bath London Canterbury Wall (p655) and the landscape and industrial Avebury Dorset & East Devon Stonehenge Cathedral heritage of the coast of Cornwall (p373). For more Cornwall Coast details see www.ukworldheritage.org.uk.
- 17. © Lonely Planet Publications lonelyplanet.com I T I N E R A R I E S • • Ta i l o re d T r i p s 35 BRITAIN FOR KIDS ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ Travel through England with offspring in tow needn’t be arduous. Certainly not if you visit some of these places. London (p174) justifiably tops nearly every list – with a mesmerising choice of kid-friendly attractions. Bristol has Explore @ Bristol (p321), an interactive science museum bursting with hands-on exhibits, while Cardiff has a fairy-tale castle (p671) and up-to-the-moment Techniquest (p674). For more battlements, there’s Warwick Castle (p485) in Warwick. Knights in armour? You bet. And children of a ghoulish disposition can creep around the dungeons. It’s a short distance, but a leap across centuries, to the National Space Centre (p443). Highlights include zero-gravity toilets and germ-devouring underpants. Kids love it. And it is rocket science. Hungry after crossing the galaxy? Cadbury World (p477) in Birmingham is a lip-smacking explora- tion of chocolate production and consumption. Just make sure those samples settle in tiny tum- mies before you reach Alton Towers (p493), Britain’s Dundee finest theme park, with a stomach-churning selec- Glasglow Edinburgh tion of roller coasters and other thrills. The ultramodern Glasgow Science Centre (p814) is a bounty of discovery, complete with interactive science mall, and Dundee offers Sensation (p889) National Space for more hands-on, and heads-in, activity. Alton Towers Centre Finish at Our Dynamic Earth (p789) in Edinburgh, Cadbury World Warwick Castle a special-effects marvel recreating the planet’s Cardiff London history from the Big Bang to teatime. Bristol GREAT BRITISH GRUB Eat and drink your way from Land’s End to John o’Groats with this selection of the best of traditional British foodstuffs. Cornwall (p373) is home to the Cornish pasty – any local bakery will sell them – while the dairy farms of Devon (p352) are famous for their clotted cream; you can enjoy a Devonshire cream tea at pretty much any tearoom in the county. Kent (p204) grows the hops that give English beer its flavour – sample a pint of real ale at the Thomas Becket (p210) in Canterbury before heading to London (p130) to track down that classic delicacy, jellied eels. Moving up through the Midlands (p436), you might fancy a nibble at a Melton Mowbray pork pie (p92) on your way to Wales, whose national cui- sine is famed for tasty saltmarsh lamb, raised on the Gower Peninsula (p704) and laver bread (p89). Heading north, you soon reach the home of Lancashire (p600) hotpot and Yorkshire (p515) pudding. Dufftown Classic British fish and chips are best enjoyed at the seaside – the Magpie Cafe (p568) in Whitby claims to serve the best in Britain. Scotland’s most famous dish is, of course Whitby haggis (p92), but there are plenty of other Yorkshire Scottish specialities, such as Cullen skink (p92). Lancashire And no visit north of the border would be com- Midlands plete without sampling a single malt whisky – Dufftown (p903) is at the heart of the Speyside Gower Peninsula London Canterbury distillery region. Kent Cornwall Devon
- 18. © Lonely Planet Publications THE AUTHORS 1012 The Authors DAVID ELSE Coordinating Author; History; Food & Drink; Environment; Outdoor Activities; Directory; Transport; Health; Language; Glossary As a full-time professional travel writer, David has authored more than 20 books, including Lonely Planet’s England and Walking in Britain. His know- ledge of Britain comes from a lifetime of travel around the country (often on foot or by bike), a passion dating from university years, when heading for the hills was always more attractive than visiting the library. Originally from London, David has lived in Yorkshire, Wales and Derbyshire, and is currently based on the southern edge of the Cotswolds. David is married with two young children – often found on the back of their dad’s tandem whenever the sun shines. DAVID ATKINSON Cardiff; South Wales; Mid Wales; North Wales David Atkinson is a full-time freelance travel writer based in Chester, England. He previously co-authored Lonely Planet’s Wales and was subsequently asked to judge the 2007 National Tourism Awards for Wales. He writes about all aspects of travel from green issues to family journeys, and his stories appear in the Observer, the Weekend Financial Times and the Daily Express. David spent his early childhood holidays in Wales and returned after several years working overseas to find the new Wales is greener, chic-er and more compelling than ever before. He is now busy inspiring his two-year-old daughter with a sense of hiraeth (the longing to come home to Wales). More details at www.atkinsondavid.co.uk. JAMES BAINBRIDGE Channel Islands James can trace his history through the pages of this book, having grown up in Shropshire and studied in Glasgow before doing a Dick Whittington and heading to London. He has lived in Australia and Canada, and contributed to Lonely Planet guides ranging from Africa to India, but he always returns to England’s ‘green and pleasant land’. His trip to the Channel Islands was surpris- ingly eventful, as he found himself in the middle of a democratic revolution on Sark. A lifelong fan of British festivals, James co-authored Lonely Planet’s A Year of Festivals, which features hundreds of worldwide events, including England’s Glastonbury Festival and Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling Competition. LONELY PLANET AUTHORS Why is our travel information the best in the world? It’s simple: our authors are passionate, dedicated travellers. They don’t take freebies in exchange for positive coverage so you can be sure the advice you’re given is impartial. They travel widely to all the popular spots, and off the beaten track. They don’t research using just the internet or phone. They discover new places not included in any other guidebook. They personally visit thousands of hotels, restaurants, palaces, trails, galleries, temples and more. They speak with dozens of locals every day to make sure you get the kind of insider knowledge only a local could tell you. They take pride in getting all the details right, and in telling it how it is. Think you can do it? Find out how at lonelyplanet.com.
- 19. lonelyplanet.com THE AUTHORS 1013 THE AUTHORS OLIVER BERRY Cumbria & the Lake District A born and bred Brit, Oliver has been seeking out England’s more eccentric corners for the last 30-odd years, and it was an absolute pleasure to do a bit more exploring for this book. Having worked on several previous edi- tions of the England guide, for this book Oliver clambered down into the murky slate mines of Honister, tackled the trails of the Cumbrian fells, and stuffed himself silly with tattie hotpot, Grasmere gingerbread and Bluebird ale. When he’s not out on the road, Oliver lives and works in Cornwall as a writer and photographer. FIONN DAVENPORT Northwest England; Northeast England Dublin-based Fionn has been visiting and writing about northern England for about a decade, which is a good thing considering that this is his favourite bit of the country – mostly because the people remind him of the folks across the puddle in Ireland. When he’s not traipsing around Newcastle or Manchester – or watching his beloved Liverpool FC at Anfield – he’s juggling his commitments to Irish radio and TV, where he doles out travel advice and gives out about globalisation fatigue. And when he’s not doing that, he spends most of his time wondering where he’d like to go to next. BELINDA DIXON Southwest England Belinda was drawn to England’s southwest in the 1990s to do a post-grad (having been impressed there were palm trees on the campus) and, like the best Westcountry limpets, has proved hard to shift since. She spends as much time as possible in the sea, but can also be seen and heard writing and broadcasting in the region. Personal highlights for this latest Lonely Planet adventure are sitting in the stone circle at Avebury, rigorously testing the new wave of Cornish cuisine and exploring utterly exhilarating Exmoor. PETER DRAGICEVICH London After a dozen years working for newspapers and magazines in New Zealand and Australia, Peter could no longer resist London’s bright lights and loud guitars. Like all good Kiwis, Peter got to know the city while surfing his way between friends’ flats all over London. Now, living an even more nomadic life as a Lonely Planet writer, London is one of three cities that he likes to think of as home. He has contributed to nine Lonely Planet titles, including writing the Thames Path section of Walking in Britain.
- 20. © Lonely Planet Publications THE AUTHORS 1014 T H E A U T H O R S lonelyplanet.com NANA LUCKHAM Southeast England; The Midlands & the Marches Nana spent most of her childhood in Brighton, aside from a few years in Tanzania, Ghana and Australia. After university, she worked as an editorial assistant in London and a UN press officer in New York and Geneva before becoming a full-time travel writer. Now based in London, she spends most of her time on research trips in exotic faraway climes. Hence, she jumped at the chance to rediscover her home region of the southeast and relive her university days in the Midlands, during which she developed a new-found enthusiasm for the old country. ETAIN O’CARROLL Oxford, the Cotswolds & Around; East Anglia Travel writer and photographer Etain grew up in small-town Ireland. Regular childhood trips to England were tinged with the excitement of eating gammon and pineapple in motorway service stations; examining the countless sparkly pens in swanky Woolies; and meeting all those cousins with funny accents. In between were the trips to the chocolate-box villages, stately homes, massive castles and ruined abbeys. Now living in Oxford, Etain’s childish awe has become a long-term appreciation for the fine architecture, bucolic countryside and rich heritage of her adopted home. Work often takes her far away but she cherished the excuse to traipse around her own back yard searching for hidden treats. ANDY SYMINGTON Central Scotland; Highlands & Northern Islands Andy’s Scottish forebears make their presence felt in his love of malt, a debatable ginger colour to his facial hair and occasional appearances in a kilt. From childhood slogs up the M1, he graduated to making dubious road-trips around the firths in a disintegrating Mini Metro and thence to peddling whisky in darkest Leith. Whilst living there, he travelled widely around the country in search of the perfect dram. Now resident in Spain, Andy continues to visit several times a year. NEIL WILSON Destination Great Britain; Getting Started; Events Calendar; Itineraries; The Culture; Yorkshire; Edinburgh; Glasgow & South Scotland From rock-climbing trips to Yorkshire, to weekend getaways in York and Whitby, Neil has made many cross-border forays into ‘God’s own country’ from his home in Scotland. Whether hiking across the high tops of the Yorkshire Dales, savouring Britain’s best fish and chips on the Whitby waterfront, or worship- ping at the fountainhead of Theakston Ales in Masham, he’s never short of an excuse for yet another visit. Neil’s a full-time travel writer based in Edinburgh, and has written more than 40 guidebooks for various publishers.
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