This snapshot, taken on
03/10/2010
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Things to do

Visit Britain and be inspired

Unique, traditional, cutting edge, refreshing, imaginative, surprising - Britain is all this and much much more. Whether you're looking for inspiration, action, relaxation or want to discover Britain's hidden treasures, explore Britain your own way...

Art, culture & heritage

Thermae Bath Spa is Britain's original and only thermal bath spa set in the busy city of Bath, England © Britainonview / Jon Spaull Source:VBimages - 21974131

Spa towns

The Romans discovered the healing benefits of natural spa waters thousands of years ago. We’re lucky enough to have so many mineral-rich springs in Britain we continue to indulge ourselves today. Why not go with the flow and enjoy the therapeutic waters of one of Britain’s best spa towns?

Heritage

Tower of London

Tower of London

Built on the Thames by William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower of London is a magnificent...

HERITAGE

Sunlight shining down along the rugged and jurassic coastline at Durdle Door in Dorset Source:© Britainonview / - Britain on View

Britain’s World Heritage Sites

Did you know that Britain has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These range from sites of natural...

Heritage

Windsor Castle Source:Oliver Mallich

Queen Elizabeth II

In 1952, the Queen ascended the throne following the death of her father King George VI. By...

HERITAGE

Stonehenge Source:matt crawford

Stonehenge

World Heritage Site Stonehenge is one of the most important prehistoric monuments in the world....

SECRET BRITAIN

Glamis Castle Source:Alastair Diack

Most haunted places in Britain

Did you know that half of all adults believe that ghosts might exist? It’s no wonder then that so many people come to Britain and visit one of the thousands of sites that are said to be haunted. And here are our top 10.

SECRET BRITAIN

Competitor at the SPMK World Bog Snorkelling Championships, an annual race of 2 lengths of a 60 yard trench cut through Waen Rhydd peat bog in Powys, Llanwrytd Wells, Powys, Wales © Britainonview / Andy Sewell

Quirky British events

Traditional celebrations are a feature of British life. Some are straightforward and some are just plain weird.

 

Leisure & entertainment

Sports

Barclays Premier League, Chelsea Vs Machester City, Stamford Bridge Source:Crystian Cruz

Football in Britain

The Barclays Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world with great goals, silky-smooth skills, and tough tackles on display every week.

Sports

St Andrews Old Course Source:Lluis Ribes Portillo

Golf courses & events

Fancy a round? What better way to relax than with a game at one of Britain’s great golf courses? Here are 10 of the best.

CHEAP & FREE BRITAIN

Visitors Centre at the bay, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales © Britainonview / - Britain on View Source:VBimages - 21964877

Free Cardiff

Cardiff is fast becoming one of the most fashionable cities in the United Kingdom. But even within the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city, it’s possible to visit a wealth of fascinating attractions for free.

CHEAP & FREE BRITAIN

Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, St James, London, England © Britainonview / - Britain on View Source:VBimages - 21956069

Free London

Many visitors to London are pleasantly surprised to discover that Britain’s capital offers an impressive number of totally free museums, attractions, entertainment and events.

Celebrity chefs

Jamie Oliver Source:Coyright Scandic Hotels

Jamie Oliver

Not content with single-handedly saving British school dinners and giving deprived kids a leg up, Jamie Oliver has opened some of the best restaurants around.

Top 10s

FOOD & DRINK

British cheeses Borough Market Source:© Steve Silverman

Regional foods

Our top 10 local dishes represent only the tiniest taster of our islands’ bountiful...

Food & Drink

Lyons' Tea sign at Teacosy, Brighton Source:© steviecat

Tearooms

Join us for a teatime trip around Britain’s best places to savour a cup of the brown...

Food & Drink

The Bell at Sapperton Source: (c) guettier

Gastropubs

These no-nonsense food establishments with a clear emphasis on good food can now be found...

Food & drink

The view from the beer garden at the Applecross Inn © oldtimer, Flickr Source:© oldtimer, Flickr

Best beer gardens

What better way to celebrate the start of summer than with a golden draft or two in a...

Parks & beaches

SIGHTSEEING

Peak District rocks Source:Paul Wilkinson

National parks

There are 15 National Parks in Britain and they contain some of the nation's most beautiful and inspiring landscapes. They attract around 100 million visitors every year who flock to enjoy the leisure opportunities the parks provide.


SIGHTSEEING

The beach towards the pier, Bournemouth, Dorset, England Source:© Britainonview / - Britain on View

Beaches

With summer fast approaching it’s time to break out the bucket and spade and head for the coast. Britain has some of the most spectacular, charming and gorgeous beaches in the world.

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Autumn Events

Culture 24: Places to go

Things to do
  • Itineraries
    • Ben Nevis view from Corpach © Britainonview / - Britain on View
      Walking up Ben Nevis

      Britain's highest mountain features on many people's hit list and while the walking and summit views make it a worthwhile outing, it is not a...

    • River Wye Source:Anguskirk
      Walking the Wye Valley

      The Wye Valley Walk follows the beautiful river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to Rhayader in Powys, criss-crossing the border between...

    • Eilean Donan Castle at night Source:Allan Gourlay
      Scotland's history & heritage

      Taking you through the West Highlands of Scotland, this captivating itinerary allows you to relax and indulge your senses while experiencing the...

    • View over Oxford spires from Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford © Britainonview / Pawel Libera
      Heart of England by car

      On the lookout for everything English? From cosy tea rooms to superb medieval architecture you will find everything in the Heart of England.

    • Wast Water in the Western lake District Source:Barry
      North England by car

      Come and take in some of the prettiest towns and villages and the most inspiring scenery England has to offer, from wild mountains to wooded...

  • Sightseeing
    • Canterbury Cathedral Source:Spiterman
      Canterbury Cathedral

      Canterbury has been a key location for the Church of England for nearly five centuries and you'll find many important religious buildings and...

    • Kew Gardens, London Source:Roger Quayle
      Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

      Kew Gardens has made continual contributions to botanical and environmental science since 1759, helping conserve unique collections of plants...

    • Major Oak in Sherwood Forest Source:Chris Guise
      Robin Hood

      A brilliant archer, Robin Hood lived a life of adventure, stealing from the rich to give to poor and hiding out in Sherwood Forest. Take a Robin...

    • Durdle Door, Dorset Source:© lovestruck. (Flickr)
      Dorset and East Devon Coast

      The Dorset and East Devon Coast, also known as The Jurassic Coast was the first ever site to be inscribed as a 'natural' World Heritage Site. It...

    • Blenheim Palace Source:Chris Guise
      Blenheim Palace

      The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace near Oxford is a perfectly preserved 18th-century residence set in a 2,100-acre park...

  • Events
    • Minack theatre on the coast of Porthcurno, Cornwall Source:Eve Saint-Simmons
      The Minack Theatre

      The Minack Theatre showcases a summer season of 18 plays in Britain’s most beautiful and original theatre.

    • 'Night Glows': hot air balloons at night Source:Nic Wise
      Bristol Balloon Fiesta

      From 6-8 August, the small market town of Brecon in Wales plays host to the world-famous Brecon Jazz Festival.

    • Notting Hill Carnival participant wearing a spectacular red and gold feathered costume, Notting Hill, London © Britainonview / Jon Spaull
      Notting Hill Carnival

      Enjoy Latin flavours at Festinho 2010; a laid-back Brazilian music festival in the Oxfordshire countryside from 27-29 August.

    • Brazil Brazil performing onstage Source:Andy Philipson Copyright:2010
      Festival Brazil

      Festival Brazil brings a dynamic programme of music, visual arts, dance, literature, debate and performance to London.

    • Main stage at the festival Source:Tom Bamber
      Music festivals

      With the summer festival season well underway, it's time to pack the tent, put on your denim shorts and wellies and MAKE SOME NOOOOISE!

Did you know?
The first Glastonbury Festival in 1970 cost £1 including free milk from the farm
Deck Chair