VACATION DETAILS

North Wales is a land of inspiration, of stunning landscape and beautiful coastline, of unique charm and ancient legend - one of the last unspoiled areas of Europe. From the moment you cross the border, you know that you are in another country with its own language, culture and way of life. North Wales is a magical country that boasts a heritage as rich as its landscape. There’s so much to see and do in North Wales - it’s not just a place to visit, it’s a place to explore, discover and re-visit time and time again. There are four main areas to visit in North Wales - the mountains and coasts of Snowdonia, the North Wales Borderlands in the north east, the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, and the bustling North Wales Coastal Resorts.

Inside Cumbria is Lake District National Park, an area some 30 miles across, containing England's highest mountains (four over 3000 ft), and some of Englands biggest lakes. There is a good variety of places to cater for lovers of animals in Cumbria, from the specialist centres for birds of prey and fishes, to Lakeland's only Zoo at Dalton-in-Furness where tigers and other rare animals can be seen. Food and drink attractions include microbreweries and mills. To the average visitor, Cumbria means the Lake District - mountains, valleys and water, but a large number of remains of once thriving industries still exist.

London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with excitement far into the night, quiet squares and explorable alleyways. Visit this famous city's parks, museums, galleries, monuments, abbeys and churches, skyscrapers and ruins, Georgian squares. Take in such events as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower, or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or even one of the many theatrical productions. Some of the most exclusive shops are found along Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets. An old favorite and one of the world's premier institutions is Harrods - offering everything from Chanel suits and sliced salmon to caviar and even pets.

When the temperature rises in Bath, join the crowds to picnic or laze around in Royal Victoria Park, just below the Royal Crescent, with a duck pond, botanical gardens and a grotto to explore. Alternatively, Parade Gardens is picturesque spot next to the river and in the heart of the city. You can sit in a deckchair and enjoy views of the Weir and Pulteney Bridge. Then there is the more secluded Sydney Gardens Jane Austen often visited. Take a free walking tour around the centre of Bath or hire some bicycles from Avon Valley Cyclery behind the railway station and cycle along the canal. Visit Prior Park - a Capability Brown landscape garden on a hill above Bath with views of the city and a remarkable Palladian bridge. Choose from boat trips on the river and the canal, while the boating station of Forrester Road hires out punts for a quintessentially English experience.

Oxford is home to a world famous university, and most of the colleges and university buildings are located in the centre of Oxford, within easy walking distance. Don't miss the Bodleian Library, which has its own shop, and nearby the Radcliffe Camera, which is not open to the public, but is well worth a view from the outside. Also nearby, in the Broad, is the Sheldonian Theatre, venue for official University functions as well as concerts. The University also owns the Botanic Garden, founded in 1621 as Physick Garden for the study of plants for medicinal and scientific use - peace and quiet from the city just two minutes down High Street.

Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Excursions