Best of British. Tour Information

Transcription

1 Best of British Tour Information

2 Best of British TOUR INFORMATION You are travelling to Europe a wonderful assembly of diverse countries that have, over hundreds of years, evolved and formulated their individual and often unique customs, styles and quirkiness. We want to (and sometimes have to) fit into the region s natural patterns and irregularities. Much will appear so very different from home and surely it is exactly those very differences that inspired you to go there in the first place! To help you, the following pages contains additional information specific to your tour including brief introductory information regarding the major sites and regions you will be visiting. We would like to wish you a wonderful trip through Europe and a safe return home. Best wishes from the Albatross Team

3 Best of British This information is meant to provide a light overview of some of the towns and regions you will be visiting. Britain Once the centre of an empire that stretched across two fifths of the world's surface, Britain is still adjusting to its modern day role and indeed often still struggles to come to terms with its now diminished role in world politics. Despite this, the British are a proud race and given the actual size of the country, actually still wield much greater power than many larger nations would hope to do. Indeed, economically, culturally and politically, Britain still maintains a world-wide presence - albeit often now in partnership with other nations, especially Europe. The Britain that we know today was formally started in 1603 with the Union of Scotland, England and Wales, with the true Union of Great Britain and Ireland completed in 1803 when the British government abolished home rule for the Irish. For many centuries, Ireland has been a delicate subject for the British and Southern Ireland or Eire achieved independence in Problems continued in Northern Ireland for generations and fortunately it is now (relatively) at peace and welcome visitors and tourists. One of the greatest treasures in Britain is its variety of cultures and heritage. Through its history, not only has this small island nation been invaded by many nations from the Romans through to the Danes and the Normans, but it also benefits from the distinct and separate heritage of its three mainland nation peoples - the English, Welsh and Scots. Since World War 2 Britain has been forced through a major political and economic cycle of evolution and after a bumpy start is now re-emerging as a major economic force, although much of its world-wide political muscle has been lost forever. For a really lively debate try asking a Briton about Europe as Britain s position with regard to Europe has now become one of the most controversial topics in British politics as the nation agonises over her long term political and economic future. Away from the politics and economics, Britain offers visitors an almost unparalleled range of historic and cultural places of interest. From the dynamic heart of London through to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, the dramatic peaks of the Scottish Mountains through to the birthplace of Shakespeare at Stratford-upon-Avon. Whether you are looking to discover Roman remains, Norman cathedrals or Celtic ruins, Britain is unlikely to disappoint. London London has long been established as the political, cultural and financial centre of Britain and offers a truly amazing range of sights and activities. As with some of the other major capital cities in Europe, there is simply so much to see that it is impossible to cover everything in a short overview description such as this, but it is important to cover just some of the key attractions.

4 As the centre of one of the last, and possibly oldest, remaining constitutional monarchies in the world, London offers visitors a window into the rich history of Britain. This is achieved through the wide range of historic royal buildings from the Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square, right through to the current pomp and pageantry of events such as the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour and even the daily changing of the guard at Buckingham and St James' Palaces. One of its star attractions is the giant Ferris wheel the London Eye where you can take in the spectacular views down onto the Houses of Parliament and across London s unique skyline. In addition to this, London boasts some of the best galleries and museums in Europe and is home to some of the best music - both classical and modern, creating a rich cultural background for both visitor and Londoner alike. London is truly one of the most cosmopolitan and lively cities in Europe, if not the World! Stonehenge In the middle of the rather bleak and open fields of Salisbury Plain you will find the remarkable megaliths of Stonehenge. Surrounded by 800 acres of National Trust property, this mysterious, ancient ring of enormous stones still baffles mankind as to its origins and purpose. It has been estimated that the construction required more than thirty million hours of labour. The following is courtesy of Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain and has attracted visitors from earliest times. It stands as a timeless monument to the people who built it. The Stonehenge that we see today is the final stage that was completed about 3500 years ago, but first let us look back 5000 years. The first Stonehenge was a large earthwork or Henge, comprising a ditch, bank, and the Aubrey holes, all probably built around 3100 BC. The Aubrey holes are round pits in the chalk, about one metre wide and deep, with steep sides and flat bottoms. They form a circle about 284 feet in diameter. Excavations have revealed cremated human bones in some of the chalk filling, but the holes themselves were probably made, not for the purpose of graves, but as part of the religious ceremony. Shortly after this stage Stonehenge was abandoned, left untouched for over 1000 years. The second and most dramatic stage of Stonehenge started around 2150 BC. Some 82 bluestones from the Preseli mountains, in south-west Wales were transported to the site. It is thought these stones, some weighing 4 tonnes each were dragged on rollers and sledges to the headwaters on Milford Haven and then loaded onto rafts. They were carried by water along the south coast of Wales and up the rivers Avon and Frome, before being dragged overland again to near Warminster in Wiltshire. The final stage of the journey was mainly by water, down the river Wylye to Salisbury, then the Salisbury Avon to west Amesbury. This astonishing journey covers nearly 240 miles. Once at the site, these stones were set up in the centre to form an incomplete double circle.

5 The third stage of Stonehenge, about 2000 BC, saw the arrival of the Sarsen stones, which were almost certainly brought from the Marlborough Downs near Avebury, in north Wiltshire, about 25 miles north of Stonehenge. The largest of the Sarsen stones transported to Stonehenge weigh 50 tonnes and transportation by water would have been impossible, the stones could only have been moved using sledges and ropes. Modern calculations show that it would have taken 500 men using leather ropes to pull one stone, with an extra 100 men needed to lay the huge rollers in front of the sledge. These were arranged in an outer circle. The final stage took place soon after 1500 BC when the bluestones were rearranged in the horseshoe and circle that we see today. The original number of stones in the bluestone circle was probably around 60, these have long since been removed or broken up. Some remain only as stumps below ground level. Salisbury The cathedral city of Salisbury sits in a valley near the edge of the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. Five rivers flow through Salisbury the Nadder, Ebble, Wylye, Bourne and the Avon. In the city you will find many beautiful public gardens and walkways nearby the river s edge which are a popular spot for the local residents of Salisbury. The Salisbury Cathedral has the highest spire in England standing an impressive 123 metres high. Inside is the world s oldest working clock dating back from AD1386. Enjoy a walk around the manicured lawns and take in the gothic style architecture of the cathedral. In the city you will find many cafes and specialist shops with a large selection in the two main shopping areas the Old George Mall and Crosskeys. Bath A beautiful city in an idyllic setting. Once second only to London as Britain's social capital, Bath has enjoyed a rich history which has now been traced back to Roman times and indeed it is for its rich Roman history that Bath is now most famous. At the centre of the modern city stand the 1 st century Roman Baths which were discovered by sewer diggers in 1880 and have since been developed into a fascinating visitor attraction and serve as proof of Bath's significance as a major Spa town in Roman times. Although much of the other architecture that remains to day is Georgian and dates back to the 18 th century, one of the most awe inspiring buildings in the city is the incongruous 15 th century Bath Abbey which overlooks the remains of the Roman Baths. Today, Bath is a mecca for shoppers and tourists alike with a largely pedestrianised town centre and plentiful out of town car parks. Make sure that you don't miss the impressive Georgian crescents which are some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture to survive in Britain. Best known are the Royal Victoria Park and the Royal Crescent.

6 Tintern Abbey Tintern Abbey was originally founded by Cistercian monks in 1131 AD, in the reign of Henry I. It was the first Cistercian Abbey in Wales and the second in Britain. Between 1270 and 1301 the Abbey was rebuilt and by the end of the rebuilding, around four hundred monks lived in the complex. The Black Death arrived in 1349 and affected Abbey life badly but it continued to operate until 1536 when monasteries were shut down by Henry VIII. Soon, the lead was stripped from the roof and the stone taken for use on other building projects. Fortunately in the 18 th century the site was cleaned up and soon became popular as a well known beauty spot. The famous Wordsworth poem Lines was composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey. Monmouth Situated on the River Wye near the Welsh border is the bustling town of Monmouth. As the birthplace of Henry V. Monmouth you will be able to see many historical sites and buildings around the town. Behind the main square overlooking this historical town is the ruins of Monmouth Castle which was damaged in the English Civil War. The only remaining parts of the castle are some walls, the Hall and Great Tower. To learn more about this castle perhaps visit the Castle and Regimental Museum which has a lot of information and artifacts on display. Take a walk over the preserved medieval stone gated bridge over the River Monmow. Glastonbury Legendry burial place of King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere, Glastonbury was once the grandest and richest abbey in England. Look out for the costumed staff of monks, kitchen maids, pilgrims and even characters from King Arthur's court as they spin tales from the distant past. Glastonbury Abbey is set in 36 beautifully peaceful acres of parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea's staff. Others are convinced that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried in the Abbey grounds. Whatever one believes, the facts are that the ruins are unique and the grounds provide a spot of peace and tranquillity. The new Visitor's Centre, with its award winning Museum, features a model of the Abbey as it might have looked in Liverpool The very name conjures up images of a glorious maritime history, world-beating musical heritage, two of the Premiership s biggest football teams and not one, but two majestically different Cathedrals. Liverpool is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city won the status in 2004 because of its impressive waterfront which, according to UNESCO, represents a supreme example of a commercial port at the time of Britain s greatest global significance. Liverpool is perhaps most famous for its music. If you mention Liverpool, most people will immediately think of the Mersey beat, of the Beatles, and places they made famous such as Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane. The city is the World Capital of Pop, and the Fab Four are, of course, its most famous offspring.

7 A must for Liverpool music fans is a trip to The Beatles Story at Albert Dock, a brilliant tour through the Beatles lives, with fascinating memorabilia and insights from friends and family. To see how the Fab Four were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune, to become the greatest band of all time. Lake District The Lake District is approximately 55 km across and is Britain s first and largest National Park. With more than 3,500 kilometres of rights of way, you can walk, cycle and ride freely over 55 per cent of the National Park. This area of outstanding beauty which boasts mountains, valleys and lakes, has inspired poets and painters over the centuries. The highest mountain is Scafell Pike and amongst the numerous lakes is England s deepest - Wastwater. Bassenthwaite Lake is the only one actually named as a lake. All the rest, such as Windemere, Coniston Water, Ullswater, Derwent Water and Buttermere are meres or Waters. Wordsworth's poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, inspired by the sight of daffodils on the shores of Ullswater, remains one of the most famous in the English language. Out of his long life of eighty years, sixty were spent amid its lakes and mountains, first as a schoolboy at Hawkshead, and afterwards living in Grasmere ( ) and Rydal Mount ( ). Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey became known as the Lake Poets. Ambleside At the top of Lake Windermere within the Lake District National Park is the small town of Ambleside. The base for most hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers ready to explore the luscious landscapes that surrounds. The St Mary s Church is the tallest building in the town with its unusual stone spire, built in the 1850 s in the Gothic Revival style. The University of Cumbria is situated in Ambleside and due to the student population there are a very high number of pubs and bars throughout the town. Grasmere The small village of Grasmere is a popular destination along the Rothay River which flows to nearby Grasmere Lake. The famous poet William Wordsworth lived in Grasmere for 14 years and described it as the loveliest spot that man hath ever found. William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy Wordsworth lived in Dove Cottage for over 8 years, during which he wrote a lot of the poetry that he is remembered for today. If you have a sweet tooth for Gingerbread then you should visit one of the local shops to taste the Grasmere Gingerbread which is made from a secret recipe. Dorothy Wordsworth wrote that she and William Wordsworth both yearned for this gingerbread.

8 Gretna Green In the south of Scotland is the small village of Gretna Green, well known for its runaway weddings since 1754 out of the local blacksmiths shop. People come from all over to elope in this picturesque village with over 5000 weddings a year. If you are lucky you might see a couple on the run to get married. There are relaxing gardens to walk through with sculptures created by local and international artists amongst the beautiful planted areas. One of the most photographed is a sculpture of a couple The Gretna Green Lovers. Glasgow Glasgow s reputation has changed dramatically in recent years largely due to its appointment as appointment as "European City of Culture" in the early 90's. Now, this city is as cosmopolitan and sophisticated as any other in Europe. What the city lacks of the royal history of Edinburgh, it makes up for in atmosphere and the friendliness of its people - undoubtedly helped by its 13,000 student population! Its most impressive landmark is the cathedral which was the only one spared during the 16 th century Scottish Reformation. The city now boasts a wide range of museums and galleries with world class collections, along with a number of elegant parks and gardens. Edinburgh A picturesque city with a great atmosphere and rich history. Now the political capital of Scotland, Edinburgh did not really start to emerge as a key city within Britain until the Enlightenment in the 18 th century. During this time, the city attracted such future luminaries as Sir Robert Louis Stephenson, Sir Walter Scott and Adam Smith, whilst town planners radically changed the appearance of the city as they adopted the symmetrical architectural lines of the then fashionable Georgian era. Today, Edinburgh s Georgian style contrasts with the much older and more chaotic hotch potch of design and architecture. The city itself is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, which sits proudly above the city atop a now inactive volcano. The centre, with its rich cultural heritage and proud Celtic roots is best explored on foot. The Royal Mile is particularly noteworthy as it joins Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, once home to Mary Queen of Scots and still the official Scottish residence of the current monarch. Take time to enjoy the shopping along Princes Street, or try a wee dram at the Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre. Callander Located in the heart of Rob Roy country, set dramatically beneath high, wooded crags is the town of Callander. Often described as the gateway to the highlands. Enjoy this delightful town with its tearooms, craft and woolen shops. Re-live memories of being a child in the Hamilton Toy Collection exhibition on the main street in Callander. The toys here date back to as far as a hundred years old such as trains, cars, bears and dolls.

9 Stirling Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland lies at the heart of the nation's history. Wonder up the cobbled-stoned streets and visit some of the local shops for souvenirs or postcards on Broad Street in the heart of the Old Town. The streets of the Old Town wind upwards towards the castle, 250 feet up on a craggy rock. From here you have splendid views across the countryside to the Wallace Monument built in commemoration of the legendary Scottish hero, William Braveheart Wallace. The sandstone tower stands 67 metres high built in the Victorian Gothic style. New Lanark World Heritage Site This is a sensitively restored 18 th century cotton mill village in South Lanarkshire. Set in an incredibly scenic location, this award winning attraction is absolutely fascinating. The giant mill wheels still sit over the torrential river and the 200 year old terraced houses have been restored offering an intriguing look at the workers family life two centuries ago. Robert Owen, who owned and managed the New Lanark cotton-mills from 1800 till 1825 was a man before his time. He actually dared believe that children should have limited working hours, that Sundays should, if possible be labour free and that the working class could be bettered by having a social welfare system, the beginnings of education and dry roof over their heads. He believed strongly in the importance of the environment and natural history, and argued that a pleasant environment was essential for happy, healthy communities. He wrote of his model village workers: They will be surrounded by gardens, have abundance of space in all directions to keep the air healthy and pleasant: they will have walks and plantations before them, and well cultivated grounds, kept in good order, as far as the eye can reach. (Robert Owen, 1817) As you wander around the preserved village it is easy to imagine how people lived and worked in Owen's time. In the award-winning Visitor Centre you can take the fascinating 'Annie McLeod Experience' ride, where the ghost of a mill-girl takes you on a journey back in time. Here you can also enjoy the amazing garden and get a stunning bird s-eye view of the surrounding natural scenery and the historic village, from the unique Roof Garden - created on the 9,000 square feet of roof of the A Listed mill. York Located in the north of England, York is most famous for its local charm and well preserved city walls along with its wealth of medieval cottages and Georgian town houses. Now one of the most popular cities on the tourist trail, York boasts Britain's largest Gothic cathedral as its centre piece, and it is around the impressive "York Minster" that York unfurls and offers up its impressive selection of historic treasures. A walk along the ruins of the Roman built city walls is a great way to start your visit and later, make sure you stroll the Shambles (medieval shopping street). York Minster itself is worth a visit on its own and the cathedral is reputed to hold half of all of the medieval stained glass in Britain, with the Great East Window alone holding over 100 scenes. Indeed the Great East Window is actually the largest medieval stained glass window in the world!

10 Harrogate The spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire is a romantic destination with beautiful gardens and heritage buildings. The town is known as The English Spa from the Georgian era when they discovered the chalybeate waters which bought a lot of wealth to the town from the tourists in the 17 th and 18 th centuries. You can learn all about the towns spa history in the museum in the Royal Pump Room. The town is also very well-known for Bettys Tea Rooms, which are owned by Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate who makes Yorkshire Tea. Whitby The seaside town of Whitby is situated on the east coast of Yorkshire. The mouth of the River Esk starts here with the harbour where Captain Cook learned his seamanship. Around the town are a couple of historic maritime statues including the statue of Captain James Cook on the West Cliff and Whalebone arch which commemorates the whaling industry. On the east bank is the ruins of Whitby Abbey and St Mary s Church. If fish and chips are your favourites you must try these at the Magpie Café where Rick Stein an English Chef and TV presenter has described them as being the best fish and chip shop in Britain. Due to the abundance of fresh fish supplies there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can try the local catches. Castle Howard The magnificent 18 th century Castle Howard is situated on 1,000 acres in the heart of North Yorkshire. The historic house and estate has been in the Howard family for over 300 years. Inside the Castle you can view the world-renowned collections and amazing architecture. Scattered around the grounds are fountains, statues, beautiful gardens, temples and lakes offering breathtaking views wherever you choose to wander. Take a walk in one of the woodland paths set on 25 acres or around one of the lakes to relax amongst the lush landscape. You really need to visit the castle and grounds to truly appreciate the peace and tranquility here. Castle Howard was also the setting for the famous TV drama Brideshead Revisited Stratford-upon-Avon Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it makes a perfect base for touring the surrounding shire counties of Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Stratford upon Avon is a beautiful town and it is amazing to think that it was set out as a new town in 1196, on a medieval grid system. This is why the streets are straight and why it is easy to find your way around. And even though some of the shops are modern, always look up from time to time and you will find wavy roofs, terracotta dragons on roofs, odd little windows and lots of black and white buildings - painted black and white by the Victorians because they thought it looked neater.

11 William Shakespeare's significance to the town can be found everywhere. William Shakespeare ( ) was born at Stratford-upon-Avon in a house in Henley Street. This is preserved intact. His mother, Mary Arden, was one of the daughters of Robert Arden, a yeoman farmer of Wilmcote. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glover and wool dealer of good standing who held the office of Bailiff of the Borough in Three of Shakespeare s houses are situated within easy walking distance within town. They are the Birthplace, Nash's House/New Place and Hall's Croft. Warwick Castle The castle dates back almost 1,100 years. In 914AD Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, ordered the building of a 'burh' or an earthen rampart to protect the small hill top settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders. William the Conqueror extended it and 200 years later the Castle was re-built out of stone. Over the next few hundred years additions and alterations developed the Castle and it became a seat of great power and contenders to the English throne under the Earls s of Warwick. The last great take over of the castle came in 1978 when the Tussauds Corporation, famous for the Madamme Tussaud s Wax Museum, bought the Castle and started to create one of Britain s best and most popular attractions. You will delve into the secrets that hide in the shadows of the castle as tales of murder, mystery, intrigue and scandal are brought to life by Madame Tussaud s wonderful, lifelike figures. The medieval household is displayed in the Kingmaker attraction, as you watch the Earl of Warwick prepare for his final battle. You can enter the eerie Ghost Tower, descend into the gloomy depths of the Torture Chamber and see Royalty and Dukes prepare for dinner in the Great Hall. Oxford Home to some of Europe s oldest and most famous universities, Oxford has long been an important intellectual base in Britain and some of the most famous writers, including Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis and JR Tolkein are linked with the city. The dreaming spires, honey-gold buildings and a riverside setting are just part of Oxford s unique appeal that, once visited, is unforgettable. Many of the buildings have retained their quaint university character, whilst the university and its students give the city an often hectic atmosphere. The main sights worth visiting are linked to the university and include the quadrangle at Christ s Church, the gardens at Merton College and ancient University College which dates back to As befits a university city, books are important to Oxford, and the range of antiquarian bookstores is quite breathtaking, and the main research and reading library, the Bodleian Library, holds over 6 million books! Pubs are also important to the fabric of student life and they are both plentiful and of a high standard throughout the city. The student natives are to be seen in droves riding bicycles everywhere. Some students say it is both a sensible and economical solution to the traffic and smaller streets. However other local natives have noted it is because the same students can frequent more pubs without fear of the rigorous police "breathalyser"! The Cotswolds This is one of the most beautiful and unique regions in England. The landscape is dotted with delightful villages with their honey coloured houses, stonewalls and thick hedgerows. Geologically the Cotswolds is a limestone mass stretching 150 kilometres from Bath in the south and Chipping Campden in the north. The word 'wold' is old English for 'upland common'. These rolling

12 hills are used mainly for sheep and arable farming. The local breed, 'the Cotswold' can produce a fleece in excess of 10 Kilos. At one time the area had half a million sheep and the wool trade with Europe was significant. Flemish weavers were brought to England and the merchants became incredibly wealthy building numerous fine homes and churches. The villages often have wonderful names such as Upper and Lower Slaughter, Mickleton, Moreton in Marsh, Snowshill, Wotton under Edge. Perhaps the most famous of all are the picture postcard towns of Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water. Windsor The town of Windsor is just south of the River Thames and home to Windsor Castle. The official residence of the British Royal Family, Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and sits overlooking the town. Covering more than 13 acres, the grounds include the fortification, palace and a small town. In the town of Windsor there is a wide variety of shops from small souvenir and gift shops to large department stores, the main area for shops is Peascod Street.