Newport

The UK is a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing both a fascinating history and dynamic modern attractions. This is a country known for its eccentric and subversive popular culture and for having a music scene that many regard as the best in the world. Witness thousands of years of history – stone circles, castles, thatched cottages and palaces; in these islands the past comes alive. The capital and largest city is London, a truly global metropolis like no other, and many of the country’s other cities have much to offer. To understand their sheer diversity, compare genteel Oxford with brooding Edinburgh, gentrifying Manchester, sports-mad Cardiff, the cultural melting pot of Birmingham or newly thriving Belfast, while remembering these are but the tip of the iceberg. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves, it continues to be hugely influential in the wider world and welcomes over 30 million visitors to its shores each year. Whether you wish to walk in the steps of giants in Antrim, to immerse yourself in Celtic culture at Eisteddfod, to pound the streets of an English urban jungle, to climb, ski or snowboard Cairngorms-style or simply to dream of having tea with the Queen, there is something for everyone in the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom

Even so, the Welsh language is persevering (and making a comeback), but it’s not necessary to speak any to visit. Wales is split into the mountainous and wild northern regions of the Snowdonia Mountains and the island of Anglesey, the central flatter areas that are mainly populated with small towns and villages, and the southern region with the larger cities like the capital, Cardiff, and Swansea and Llanelli as well. The two major national parks are the Snowdonia National Park and Brecon Beacons National Park, both of which are certainly among the most beautiful areas in the entire UK. Natural beauty is a mark of Wales, and there is more than 2700 kilometres of coastline, and a lot of mountains. The island of Anglesey is one of the world’s most important wind-sport venues, and also one of the quietest areas in the UK and is an ideal place to get away from the cities and enjoy nature. The capital city Cardiff is a fantastic city for sightseeing and for history, with the 1000-year-old Cardiff Castle containing Roman, Norman and medieval history. There are stadiums for sports events, huge arenas for music and shows as well as some of the best restaurants and bars in the UK.

Wales

A small town on the Isle of Wight, Cowes is a pretty and quiet little place, apart from when the international sailing festival known as Cowes Week comes into town in August. Picture credit © iStock/acceleratorhams

Cowes

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