Explore Discover Great Britain

Awe-inspiring landscapes. Mouth-watering cuisine. Show-stopping culture and history at every turn. There’s nowhere quite like Britain, and if you’re looking to escape the everyday, you’ve come to the right place.

Explore map prints history you can touch as you wander the ornate halls of stately homes and trace the footsteps of clans and kings in Edinburgh. Find stories you’ll share, of ground-breaking creative works at the Liverpool Biennial or grand Old Masters in London’s National Gallery.

Rediscover views you’ve missed as you roam landscapes immortalised in postcards, film and poetry for centuries, from the sparkling waters of the Lake District to Cornwall’s golden beaches. And taste traditions you’ll savour, like the scent of fish and chips and the sweet aroma of scones at afternoon tea.

From places you’ve dreamt of to locals you’ll remember, Britain has all you need to escape the everyday.

 

- Bath.

• The Romans took advantage of the area’s natural hot springs by building the majestic Roman Baths, now a UNESCO heritage site. You can experience the mineral-rich waters for yourself at Thermae Bath Spa - don’t miss the spectacular views of the city from the rooftop pool.

• The city’s map prints elegant Georgian architecture is best appreciated on foot. Take a free walking tour to take in the Royal Crescent (one of Britain's most beautiful streets), the spectacular Bath Abbey and the historic Theatre Royal.

• Bath is a must-visit if you’re a Jane Austen fan. Visit the Jane Austen Centre to learn more about the enigmatic writer or dress up in your finest Regency regalia for the annual Jane Austen Festival in September.

 

• Did you know? Bath has more museums in a square mile than any other English city. Take your pick from No 1 Royal Crescent, Holburne Museum or the Fashion Museum.

 

 

 

- Belfast.

Belfast is a rising star, emerging from years of political unease to take its place among the UK’s must-see destinations.

A visit will swiftly be rewarded with welcoming locals, superb pubs and restaurants, and top attractions including the atmospheric Crumlin Road Gaol and walking tours of Belfast’s famous murals.

The city map prints has historic landmarks such as Belfast Castle and Belfast City Hall, plus a unique blend of traditional and modern culture.

The birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast’s industrial heritage has shaped a richly cultural city.

Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a British capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreats of Northern Ireland.

 

- Canterbury.

• Visitors flock to the incredible Canterbury Cathedral, which houses the famous shrine of medieval archbishop Thomas Beckett.

• St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church are also spectacular historical sites, and together with the cathedral form a UNESCO heritage site.

• Don’t miss the award-winning Canterbury Tales attraction, where the sights, sounds and smells of Chaucer’s medieval England are recreated.

• Nearby Herne Bay and the surrounding countryside offer plenty of opportunities to explore Britain’s natural beauty.

• Set in 90 acres of beautiful parkland, the kids will love a trip to Howletts Wild Animal Park which is home to exotic and endangered species including gorillas, lions, tigers and elephants.

• Check out VisitCanterbury for things to see and do in the historic district.

• This cathedral city in Kent is less than 1 hour southeast of London by train.

 

 

- Edinburg.

In the 12th century (c. 1130), King David I, established the town of Edinburgh as one of Scotland's earliest royal burghs, protected by his royal fortress, on the slope below the castle rock. ... Edinburgh was largely in English hands from 1291 to 1314 and from 1333 to 1341, during the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Edinburgh Castle is built on an extinct volcano. The Royal Mile is actually one mile and 107 yards long. Edinburgh was the first city in the entire world to have its own fire service. Edinburgh has 112 parks and more trees per head of population than any other city in the U.K.

Edinburgh Castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries. Queen Margaret (who was later made a saint) died here in 1093. The chapel built in her honour by her son, King David I, is Edinburgh's oldest building. St Margaret's Chapel still hosts weddings and christenings today.

 

 

- Glasgow.

• Glasgow is home to more than 20 museums and art galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum, a radical space designed by Zaha Hadid that reveals the history of transport in the city. Many of the city's major museums are free, while those looking to get out and discover Glasgow's incredible street art can take a tour of the Mural Trail with an expert local guide.

• The work of eminent architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is dotted all over the city. You can dine in style and delve into the history of his work at Mackintosh at the Willow, which features a restaurant, tea rooms and a visitor centre.

• Style Mile, the area between Buchanan Street, Argyle Street and the Merchant City is packed full of independent boutiques and vintage fashion venues, while Sloans Market and Merchant Square Craft Market are a must for shopaholics.

• The vibrant Finnieston area is the city's hippest new foodie quarter, with quirky bars, independent restaurants and a cool, laid-back vibe.

• Make sure you visit People Make Glasgow for a more detailed glimpse of city life.

• Just over one hour’s drive from Glasgow you’ll find Loch Lomond, a first hint of the Highlands and an area designated a National Park for its epic splendour.

• You can travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh in under an hour by road or by train. Frequent flights to Glasgow from London take one hour and 25 minutes.

 

- Liverpoool. 

It was most famous as a port during the late 19th and early 20th century. It is the birthplace of the famous rock group The Beatles. It is also famous because of its football teams, Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. People from Liverpool are called Liverpudlians or Scousers.

Liverpool is a place with a few positives in statistical terms, like good technology and low house prices, though due to negative factors in its statistics like extremely poor employment and high insurance premiums it still falls in the bottom portion of the table of Uswitch's best places to live in 2015.

 

 

- London.

• Marvel at the city’s many iconic buildings and palaces, immerse yourself in culture at one of the 170 museums and relax amidst the natural beauty of the Royal Parks. 

• Take a spin on the London Eye to experience spectacular views of the city's skyline and get a unique perspective on iconic London landmarks like Big Ben, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Hungerford Bridge. 

• The world's foremost fashion destination, London is a shopper’s paradise: from flea markets and vintage shops to luxury department stores like Selfridges and Harrods, the options are endless.

• Many famous films have used the city as a backdrop, follow in the footsteps of James Bond or Harry Potter with a guided tour.

• Londoners love to eat. Tuck into innovative fare on the city’s trendy street food scene or treat yourself to something really special at one of London’s many Michelin star restaurants.  

• Did you know? There are more than 230 theatres in London. Watch a musical in the West End or head to the Globe Theatre to tour Shakespeare’s playhouse, reimagined as it would have been in Tudor times.

• Don’t forget to check out VisitLondon’s city highlights.

 

 

- Newcastle.

• The cities of Newcastle and Gateshead face each other across the River Tyne, in North East England, coming together at the dazzling Quayside.
   
• Awash with restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and must-see tourist attractions including the award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Angel of the North, a steel sculpture by Sir Antony Gormley.
   
• Learn about the city's past at the Discovery Museum or head across the river to the BALTIC gallery, a hotspot for modern art lovers.
   
• It’s a great starting point for exploring the Roman remains of Hadrian’s Wall, the ancient defensive barrier that in its entirety once ran 73 miles from coast to coast.
   
• Newcastle and Gateshead are en route to Scotland. By train, it’s just a 1-hour 30-minute journey north to Edinburgh.
   
• You can reach Newcastle from London by train in under 3 hours.

 

 

- Oxford.

• A visit to Oxford, which dates back to Saxon times, is a trip into the brains of a nation. Tour the hallowed halls of the university and follow in the footsteps of Prime Ministers, poets and the one and only Harry Potter.

• Several scenes from the Harry Potter movies were shot here, some in locations you can visit. For instance, you can get a guided tour of Oxford University’s Bodleian Library – which will be familiar to fans as Hogwarts Library.

• Take a tour of the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology - the first purpose-built museum in England, which opened in 1683. Or wonder at the anthropology collections at the incredible Pitt Rivers Museum.

• Did you know? To the city’s east, you’ll find wooded wonderland, the Chilterns – a popular spot for a country getaway.  To the west lies the idyllic Cotswolds and to the north, the spectacular Blenheim Palace.

• For leisurely sightseeing, take a trip on a punt (a traditional flat-bottomed boat) or if you prefer to stick to dry land, take a hop-on and off bus tour. If you're opting to travel by car, make sure to check out Park and ride which makes sightseeing a blast. 

• Fashion lovers (and bargain hunters) flock to nearby Bicester Village, a designer shopping outlet selling big names brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike and UGG at discount prices.

 

 

- Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to a fantastic selection of ships that have played a key role in history. Perhaps most striking of all is Admiral Lord Nelson's ship the Victory. Take a fascinating tour of its decks, see the place where Nelson was killed in battle and journey back to the terrifying world of naval warfare in the 18th century.

• At the heart of the city is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can explore Lord Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory and tour Queen Victoria’s battleship, HMS Warrior 1860.
   
• You can also visit the Mary Rose Museum, home to King Henry VIII’s ill-fated flagship, and learn about British naval history at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
   
• For top views of the city, you can ascend the 170m (560ft) high Emirates Spinnaker Tower.
   
• You can reach Portsmouth by train from London in around 1 hour 40 minutes. 

 

 

- Sheffield.

You might have heard Sheffield being called the 'Steel City'. It gained an international reputation for steel production in the 19th century, and its population boomed during the Industrial Revolution. Innovations developed in Sheffield include stainless steel and crucible (where the theatre gets its name from!)

 

 

 

- York.

• Like stepping back into the middle ages, the overhanging timber-framed houses and traditional shopfronts of The Shambles makes it one of the UK’s most historic (and picturesque) streets.

• You can’t miss York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe and also one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in the world.

• York – then called Jorvik – was once the capital of a Viking territory. You can head back in time to learn more and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the time at the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre.

• Uncover 300 years of railway history, climb aboard restored locomotives and browse some of the 1 million train-related artefacts at the National Railway Museum.

• The surrounding area is packed with unique attractions. Explore Castle Howard, one of England’s most impressive stately homes, or marvel at the weird and wonderful Brimham Rocks, an amazing collection of wind-weathered rock formations.  

• You can reach York from London by train in 2 hours. Or from the city of Leeds, it is just a 20-minute train ride.