Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Explore England

West Country
The West Country or South West of England is a marvelous region, contrasting its fascinating landscapes and its golden and sandy beaches around the large coastline with the richness of the history and heritage of each town that comprises this amazing part of the country. The West Country region comprises Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, each of them offering something different for everyone with its own peculiarities.

One of the region main features is its fine weather that combined with miles of fabulous coast line have made of the South West a very popular holiday destination, also offers from picturesque villages to vast golden sandy beaches.The region is mainly dominated by stirring landscapes being the major attractions the wilderness of Dartmoor in Cornwall and the moorland of Exmoor in Somerset.

The region also homes numerous Iron Age forts as Stonehenge and the mysterious Avebury Stone Circles both located in Wiltshire, as well as sites such as Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Tor, and the Jurassic Coast with its renowned fossils remains.

The county of Somerset is one of the most beautiful places in the country with a mix of countryside, coastline and hills, boasting exciting places like the Exmoor National Park, home of a great variety and inspiring landscapes, the rare and unique Exmoor pony and of the red deer. The county town of Taunton offers beautiful views of the countryside and excellent shopping and leisure facilities. The thriving small town of Glastonbury famous for its international pop festival, “Glastonbury Festival” is also home of one of the finest Abbeys in England, Glastonbury Abbey. The unique “Cheddar Gorge”, Britain’s largest gorge in Cheddar City. Somerset also is home to the smallest city in England Wells, nestling in the Mendip Hills has a spectacular cathedral in the centre, which is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England.

Avon mainly as an agricultural area is home of Bristol, a lively city proud of its heritage. Bristol is well known for its maritime heritage and for the stunning views that offers from Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Cornwall, a historic town and place of the legends and associated to King Arthur, boats of amazing coastal scenery and popular holiday resorts, that makes of it a great holiday destination for all the family, as well as a great place to enjoy of a wide range of activities such as surfing, sailing and windsurfing. Cornwall also is home of the Dartmoor National Park an excellent rugged moorland with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors.

Other worth exploring places in the region is undoubtedly Devon, with its glorious coastline, fabulous surfing beaches and hidden coves Devon is a great place for sunbathers, surfers and families. Its maritime history shows the importance of this part of the region as a one the busiest ports in England.

South East
South East region covers the southern part of England, except London, comprising the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Oxfordshire, East Sussex, West Sussex. This region has a mixture of historical cities, tranquil villages, fascinating landscapes and a vast coastal line.

England’s South East has much to offer to the visitors, its great history and heritage still surprise to foreigners and locals with strong royal connections, royal residences, stately homes, castles and fortresses such as Fishbourne Roman Palace in Chichester, 12th-century Canterbury Cathedral and spectacular castles such as Leeds Castle in Kent or Windsor Castle, the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen, as well as beautiful gardens and parks, and the best resort along the seaside.

Kent known as the “Garden of England” is one of the most important counties in this part of the country, offering delightful gardens like the world famous Sissinghurst; farmland, orchards, interesting towns, pretty villages, dramatic coastline and picturesque countryside. There are many things to see in Kent from romantic castles, historic houses and stately castles to starring collections in the Museums. Dover is one of the most popular destinations in Kent, famous for its White Cliffs, within its features includes the Norman Castle, the finest Norman castle in Europe, the remains of the Pharos, and many historical museums.

Brighton considered the most popular of the south-east resorts, famous for its relation with the Prince Regent, who established his residence there and constructed the marvelous Royal Pavilion, one of the most extravagant castles in Europe. Also has splendid 19th-century terraces and crescents, two piers, the 'Lanes' area of antique shops, a museum and an art gallery. Brighton features a vibrant nightlife with many restaurants, pubs and clubs.

London
London is the largest city in England and one of the world’s most exciting cities. Located in the southeast of England, on the River Thames, London is a cosmopolitan city embracing diverse cultures of its population, reflected through cuisine, shops, music and colourful festivals.

Originally established by Romans as Londiniun, London through its history has developed and expanded as one major cities in the world, after to pass some difficulties such as the Great Plague, the Great Fire, the bitter English Civil War and even a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and attacks from the German Luftwaffe during the World War II.

Proudly the city owns a great history heritage and culture and it is well known for its architecture and archeological heritage boasting some of the finest building in England such as the Parliament House or the London’s Bridge, as well as homes the Britain’s national art collections. With over 200 museums, art galleries and theaters, exploring the city is a unique cultural experience. Also offers lively nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes, and the best shopping opportunities in the world with an immense variety of choices from the most renowned designer’s boutiques to major department stores. In few words London has everything to suit all you need to make memorable your visit.

With a population of over seven million, is surprising notice that London has many green space and parks; greater in comparison with any other city in the world with the same size; offering the perfect opportunity for walks, relaxation or sporting activities.

Getting to London is a very easy, with five international airports, receiving thousands of visitors each day, excellent road network and extensive Underground or Tube, train, bus, and taxis services.

North East
The North East region of England comprises the Northumberland with its heather-covered hills, County Durham, the vibrant cities of Tyne and Wear and a small part of North Yorkshire, all of them with its own character, attractions and charm.

North East has a plenty of things to do and see, its history and heritage gives to the visitors a wealth of treasures to discover from coast to countryside. Rich and fascinating heritage North East boasts two World Heritage Sites, Hadrian's Wall and Durham Cathedral. Built by Romans in the years AD 122-30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian, the Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, covering the 84-mile long offers a great opportunity to discover the remains of Roman’s power walking or cycling, places such as Segedunum Roman Fort and Bath House, Arbeia Fort, or Housesteads Roman Fort are the most popular along the wall.

Durham Cathedral is another of the most representative places in the North East and the finest example of Norman church architecture in England.

North East is also noted for the richness of its natural beauty. From the mighty Cheviot Hills to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Durham Dales and Northumberland National Park, or unspoilt coastline with dramatic cliffs are some the most remarkable spots to visit.

York
York is one England’s most treasured historic cities. Located in North Yorkshire, at intersection of two rivers, the Ouse and the Foss, the city of York has built on Viking, Saxon and Roman foundations and still preserves its beautiful medieval architecture and attracts to thousands of visitors each year.

Amongst its historical attractions the most remarkable landmark is York Minster, which is the largest and finest Gothic cathedral in Europe, built between 1220 and the late 15th Century.

Another popular area of York is The Shambles, probably the most famous street in York and the most well preserved street in England. The Shambles represents an important era in York's history, along the street there were medieval butcher shops and still are remains like the hooks used to hang meat. Nowadays the street homes shops, tea rooms and small boutiques.

York also has numerous museums and galleries to visit; being one of York's most famous tourist attractions the National Railway Museum. The National Railway Museum homes a vast array of historical transport material and boasts the largest collection of railway automotives in the world. Other attractions include the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, Richard III Museum, the York Dungeon and the Castle Howard.

North West
The North West of England is a vibrant region, contrasted by beauty of dramatic landscapes around the region and the modernity of its major cities. This part of England encompasses the dramatic splendour of the Lake District, the historical towns of Chester and Lancaster, the industrial heritage of Manchester and Merseyside and the most popular seaside resort of England, Blackpool.

The region boasts splendid architectural heritage and cultural legacy, such as the walled city of Chester with its medieval architecture, Lancaster town and the Lancaster Castle, and many historical, streets and buildings more.

North West region has stunning countryside and coastline, five National Parks and its own magical island. The Lake District located in Cumbria offers starring views of mountains reflected in tranquil lakes and the best opportunity to practice walking and cycling along the mile of footpaths and ways that it offer to discover the fascinating landscapes and wildlife of unspoilt villages.

Manchester and Liverpool, house of the world famous band “The Beatles”, are two of England's most dynamic spots, with stunning old architecture alongside modern museums, art galleries, restaurants and a thriving nightlife.

Chester with its distinct black and white Tudor architecture and Norman Cathedral is the heart of Cheshire, a county rich in gardens and manor houses including Tatton Park with its wonderful annual flower show, a place worth to be visited.

Unfoundedly the North West region has something to offer to everyone.

West Midlands
The West Midlands located central part of England often referred to as “The Heart of England” comprises the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire and the cities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. All of them with something special to offer; from great dining, theatre, shopping, heritage sites, castles, forts.

This region is a mixture of verdant pastoral countryside with the modernity and industrial heritage of its towns; with areas of superb agricultural land famed for orchards and hopfields, punctuated by attractive rural settlements, and a mixture of valleys, rugged hills, peat bogs and moors.

The region is widely dominated by Birmingham City, the major centre of industry and the arts, a diverse city with a fascinating history and great cultural heritage, easily explored by canal towpaths and pedestrian routes. The city hosts major international events and exhibitions and offers award-winning restaurants, superb shops and an exciting nightlife. Bournville built by George Cadbury is famous for its main attraction Cadbury World attracting thousands of visitors who come to try and learn the chocolate’s history. The village is small but with some fascinating buildings.

Coventry is another most representative city in the West Midlands, boasts some fine buildings including the medieval Guildhall of St Mary in Bayley Lane, also famous for Lady Godiva, who rode naked through the streets of the city. Coventry offers in addition of its architecture heritage, beautiful parks and buildings, terrific bars and great restaurants and shopping facilities.

East Anglia
East Anglia is the eastern region of England and comprises Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Essex. This region is a land of heaths, fens, marshes, and inland lagoons known as "broads" but contains a wide range of architecture from small country villages with their timbered buildings to massive gothic cathedrals.

The university town of Cambridge is the largest centre in the region and boasts wonderful medieval architecture, and a deep heritage, also superb museums and art galleries, and the University Botanical Gardens that well known. Its colleges are the famous not only for the quality of the education, also for the richness of the architectural heritage.

Colchester is the oldest Britain town and the original Roman capital, boasts the largest Norman keep in Europe. Colchester’s coast is a popular seaside destination for Londoners with Southend and Clacton offering the usual selection of entertainment.

Norwich is the county town of Norfolk owns a fine Cathedral and the best preserved Norman keep in Britain. The Norfolk Broads National Park encompasses Britains largest wetlands and waterways and has become a popular holiday retreat for visitors hiring houseboats and cruisers to tour these waterways.


Credits : http://www.justuk.org/

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