|
|
England
& the Channel Islands
 |
England has been described in many ways and at many times;
William Blake (1757-1827) does quite a nice job in his poem
'Jerusalem'.
"And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?" |
Click on the
following links for an overview of the main regions in England:
|
 |
North of England
England’s North Country is as contemporary as it is classic,
from the medieval charms of Durham and York, to the stunning
21st-century architecture of the great cosmopolitan cities of
Manchester, Hull, Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool.
Yorkshire has it all - historic country houses, great gardens,
picturesque villages and towns with their cobbled streets,
colourful cottages and three National Parks. |
If you're looking for even more
serenity, how about 16 lakes surrounded by dramatic fells and
picturesque valleys? This is Cumbria, otherwise known as the Lake
District.
Let history come alive. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, or listen for the chants
of monks drifting through the centuries at Fountains Abbey. Or for a day
of pure fun, hit Blackpool. Wear a silly hat. Eat candyfloss on the
pier. Ride the massive ‘Big One’ rollercoaster.
p
Back to Top
|
 |
South of England
Home
to
London which retains a special cosmopolitan thrill for the overseas
visitor.
Attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big
Ben remain key landmarks but many new experiences such as the London
Eye, soaring above the River Thames, and the Tate Modern, with its
exciting contemporary artworks, have become equally essential viewing.
|
In the South of England, chalk hills, ancient forests, gaunt cliffs and
scenic harbours are the backdrop to ancient sites, historic houses and
beautiful gardens. Reach into prehistory at Stonehenge. By the sea,
explore tranquil beaches, take the ferry to the Isle of Wight or visit
elegant Brighton. Inland, use historic Oxford as a base to explore the
quintessentially English Cotswolds. At Bath, jade green water still
shimmers in the perfectly preserved Roman baths.
p
Back to Top
|
 |
The South West of England
The South West of England is a land of myth and magic. Tales of
smugglers and witchcraft abound and Tintagel is the legendary
birthplace of King Arthur.
Be at one with nature. Walk the wild moors and the high cliffs;
everywhere the ocean calls; memories of golden days spent
sailing, surfing or beachcombing will stay with you forever. |
Famous for its translucent light, the South West is a Mecca for artists.
St Ives overflows with galleries, including the Tate Gallery of the
West. The giant biomes of the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of
Heligan are a beacon for gardeners, as is the sub-tropical island of
Tresco in the Scillies.
p
Back to Top
 |
Heart of England
In the Heart of England is Shakespeare Country.
See that Elizabethan jewel, Warwick Castle; and Birmingham, the
UK’s second largest city, with an outstanding symphony hall and
a buzzy café society. |
Here also is the Peak District. Visit it a thousand times and you’ll
still never tire of its grand vistas and secret valleys.
These natural wonders are counter pointed by the manmade splendours of
Chatsworth House, ‘the palace of the Peaks’, and Hardwick Hall. In
contrast, the lush farmland of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire is
studded with timeless villages.
p
Back to Top
 |
East of England
The East of England has big skies, remote sand flats, historic
towns and villages and bustling seaside resorts. Superb beaches
where you can forget the harsh rush of modern life. Step
straight into an 19th-century landscape around Dedham, where
Constable painted the Hay Wain. |
Be overawed at the massive medieval bulk of Ely Cathedral, rising
majestically from the fens. Drift along ‘the backs’ in a punt and be
intoxicated by the finest view of Cambridge’s ancient, magically
beautiful colleges.
Explore the mysterious reed beds and creeks of the Norfolk Broads
(Neolithic man made lakes) and spy on the teeming wildlife in this
watery paradise. Or feel the wind in your hair - hire a bike or take a
horse for a gallop along the shore.
p
Back to Top
 |
Channel Islands
Life in the Channel Islands revolves around sunshine and the
sea.
Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney are the largest of the islands
with a great variety of different attractions, both man-made and
natural.
The most beautiful beach, though, is three miles from Guernsey,
on tiny Herm. Stroll along it and listen as the soles of your
feet crunch on billions of broken shells. |
You can hear a pin drop on Sark. With its ban on motorised traffic, it’s
a uniquely peaceful refuge from the noise and bustle of the 21st
century.
Part of the attraction, of course, is that climate. Around 2,000 hours
of sunshine every year and plenty of lovely beaches on which to enjoy
them - Guernsey alone has 27. Friendly communities, a rugged coastline
and gentle, unspoiled scenery make the islands ideal for anyone who
wants to ‘get out there’ and explore on foot or by bike. Bowl along the
special ‘Green Lanes’ on your bike and you are ‘king of the road’.
Walkers, cyclists and horse riders take priority!
The islands’ proximity to France means there’s a Gallic touch. Eavesdrop
on conversations in an intriguing Norman-French patois. Buy a baguette
and cycle, French-style, with it in your bicycle basket through streets
whose names betray a strong Gallic influence despite their
overwhelmingly Anglo-Saxon appearance.
On Guernsey walk through the maze of cobbled streets and steep stairways
in St. Peter Port. Or enjoy a performance with the sea and the sky as
the backdrop at Castle Cornet’s open-air theatre. You won’t want to miss
the famous Little Chapel at Les Vauxbelets either. Possibly the world’s
smallest church, with room inside for the priest and a congregation of
just three or four, it is decorated with bits of broken crockery sent
from all over the world. When the sun floods in through the tiny
windows, the interior glitters like a magical kaleidoscopic mosaic.
And wherever you pause to eat, enjoy a sea-fresh lobster or pile your
plate high from a selection of succulent seafood. The Channel Islands
have a well-deserved reputation for fine gourmet dining.
p
Back to Top
|
