England Attractions

Castle Keep and New Castle
City/Region: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Originally known as Monkchester, Newcastle only got its present name when Robert Curthose, son of the infamous William the Conqueror, built his 'New Castle' on the site of the Roman Fort, Pons Aelius in 1080. Used as a point of defense, the Castle was originally built of wood and timber, but was later rebuilt in stone and today, visitors can explore the remains of the Castle, as well as the Castle Keep built later on the same site by Henry II.
Address: St Nicholas Street, Castle Garth
Phone Number: (0)191 232 7938
Website: www.museums.ncl.ac.uk/keep
Hours: 10am Monday to Saturday and 12pm on Sunday, last admission 4.15pm, close 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Admission: £2.50 (adults), under 18s free when accompanied by adult.

Barber Institute of Fine Arts
City/Region: Birmingham
Praised by The Observer as 'one of the finest small art galleries in Europe', the vivid red walls of the enchanting Barber Institute of Fine Arts are adorned with some of the most celebrated art from the 13th to the 20th century. Browsing the robust artworks, visitors are treated to the timeless talents of the old masters and modern pioneers such as Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Degas. Offering a fascinating collection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures, history enthusiasts can also venture into Byzantine times at the coin gallery which hosts one of Europe's finest collections of Byzantine coins. The Barber Institute's Gallery Shop is a worthy stopover for some souvenirs and gallery related literature.
Address: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston
Phone Number: (0)121 414 7333
Website: www.barber.org.uk
Transport: Bus 61, 62 and 63 leave the city center for Corporation or Navigation Street, from where commuters can walk to the gallery. Trains leave New Street Station for University Station regularly and take approximately 10 minutes
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Closed on Good Friday, 24-26 December and New Year's Day
Admission: Free

Madame Tussauds
City/Region: London
Madame Tussauds is the most famous wax museum gallery in the world, with more than 400 life-sized models of stars, famous politicians, royals and sportsmen, as well as the most infamous criminals the world has known. Inside the Museum the 'Spirit of London' ride will take you through the city's history, introducing you to those figures that have shaped the London of today, while The Chamber of Horrors challenges visitors to enter and be terrified. Also at the site is Tussaud's Auditorium, one of the biggest in the world, ready to amaze visitors with its views of the universe.
Address: Marylebone Road
Phone Number: (0)870 999 0046
Website: www.madame-tussauds.com
Transport: Baker Street underground station, or buses 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139 and 274
Hours: Off-peak, open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm. Peak, open daily 9am to 6pm.
Admission: Online booking is £22.50 (adults) and £18.50 (children), cheaper after 5pm

Tower of London
City/Region: London
The Tower of London is perhaps as famous for its traditions as its imposing structure. It is guarded by a special band of Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, and dotted with several large, black birds - the Ravens. Legend has it that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will befall England, and to this day the birds are protected by Royal decree. The Tower's history dates back to the 11th century, and each new Monarch has played a role in its growth and development. It also houses Britain's crown jewels, a spectacular display of some of the world's finest gems and workmanship. The Tower is next to Tower Bridge, another famous London landmark.
Address: Tower Hill
Postal Code: EC3N 4AB
Phone Number: +44 (0)844 482 7777
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Transport: Tower Hill tube station, or buses 15, 42,78 or 100
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm; Sunday to Monday, 10am to 5.30pm
Admission: £16.50 (adults), £9.50 (children under 16); concessions and discounts for advance/online booking available

Houses of Parliament
City/Region: London
Originally built for Edward the Confessor more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, remained the principal residence of Britain's monarchs for the next 400 years. Thereafter it became the administrative center of the country. In 1834 the great fire burnt everything except Westminster Hall, and the present Gothic building was completed in the 1840s. It is perhaps most famous for the clock tower, St Stephens, which is commonly, but mistakenly called Big Ben, after the name of the bell inside. Although Parliament is closed to visitors during session, it is still a popular attraction to tourists for its exterior architecture.
Address: Westminster
Postal Code: SW1A 0AA
Phone Number: 0870 906 3773
Email Address: hcinfo@parliament.uk
Website: www.parliament.uk
Transport: Westminster underground station
Hours: Open during summer recess, see the website for details.
Admission: £12 (adults), £5 (children)

Tate Modern
City/Region: London
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, which has been transformed by Swiss Architects Herzog & de Meuron into a spectacular new modern building, the Tate Modern is Britain's new National Museum of Modern Art. It showcases an exhaustive collection from 1900 to the present day, including works by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol, as well as exhibitions by contemporary artists. There is also an exceptional roof café, which affords spectacular views over London and an impressive gift shop.
Address: Bankside
Postal Code: SE1 9TG
Phone Number: (0)20 7887 8888
Website: www.tate.org.uk
Transport: Southwark or Blackfriars underground stations, bus or the Tate Boat on the Thames
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday 10am to 10pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 December
Admission: Free for entry to the permanent collection; admission is charged for major temporary exhibitions

National Gallery
City/Region: London
The National Gallery has an imposing and regal façade stretching across the northern side of Trafalgar Square, and houses over 2,000 paintings from every major European school of painting from the 13th to the 19th century. It was opened in 1938 at its present location, which was chosen for its situation between London's wealthier West End and poorer East End, as a 'gallery for all'.
Address: Trafalgar Square
Postal Code: WC2N 5DN
Phone Number: (0)20 7747 2885
Email Address: information@ng-london.org.uk
Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Transport: Charing Cross rail station, or Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Embankment underground stations. Numerous buses also service Trafalgar Square
Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm; Wednesday until 9pm. Closed on 1 January, 24, 25 and 26 December
Admission: Free for entry to the permanent collection; admission is charged for major temporary exhibitions

British Museum
City/Region: London
With more than 6,000 historical objects from all around the globe, the British Museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities, including the Parthenon Frieze or Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone and the Roman Portland Vase dating from the 1st century AD. In 2000 the great court was reopened with an incredible glass roof covering two acres, and stairwells leading down to the Reading Room, which has been completely restored.
Address: Great Russell Street
Postal Code: WC1B 3DG
Phone Number: (0)20 7323 8299 or (0)20 7323 8000
Email Address: information@britishmuseum.org
Website: www.britishmuseum.org
Transport: Russell Square underground station
Hours: Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 5.30pm; Thursday and Friday 10am to 8.30pm; closed 24, 25 and 26 December, 1 January and Good Friday
Admission: Free, although charges may be levied for some temporary exhibitions

London Eye
City/Region: London
At 443ft (135m) tall, and weighing more than 250 double-decker buses, the London Eye is the most spectacular new addition to London's skyline. With incredible views of most of London's major attractions, and an opportunity to put the city's geography into perspective, it is a must see for all visitors. Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality.
Address: Thames South Bank
Postal Code: SE1 7PB
Phone Number: (0)870 990 8883 or (0)870 5000 600 (bookings)
Email Address: customer.services@ba-londoneye.com
Website: www.ba-londoneye.com
Transport: Westminster, Waterloo or Embankment underground stations, or bus RV1, 211, 77 or 381
Hours: Daily October to May 10am to 8pm, June and September 10am to 9pm, July and August 10am to 9.30pm
Admission: Various, see website for details

Shakespeare's Globe
City/Region: London
Situated on the bank of the Thames, just 656ft (200m) from the site of Shakespeare's original Globe theater, this fantastic recreation will transport visitors back to the time of the very first productions of Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night. The reconstruction took a total of 10 years to complete; at a cost of over £40 million and now houses a professional theater company responsible for regular productions of Shakespeare's famous plays. Adjacent to the theater is the Globe Exhibition, presenting graphic information about the reconstruction of the theater and bringing to the fore the life and works of Shakespeare with interactive displays and live demonstrations. Visits to the exhibition include a tour of the theater.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside
Postal Code: SE1 9DT
Phone Number: (0)20 7902 1400, or (0)20 7401 9919 (box office)
Email Address: info@shakespearesglobe.com
Website: www.shakespeares-globe.org
Transport: Mansion House underground station, with a ten-minute walk over the Millennium Bridge
Hours: Theater tour and exhibition: daily 10am to 5pm (10 October to 17 April), 9am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 5pm (18 April to 9 October). There is no access to the theater during performances; visitors will then be taken to the Rose Theater, Bankside's first playhouse
Admission: £10.50 (adults), £6.50 (children); concessions available. Performance tickets range from £15 to £30 (£5 standing)

Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Gallery
City/Region: London
No visit to London would be complete without experiencing the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, but now visitors can actually get a peek inside during the annual summer opening of the State Rooms, and see some of the Queen's private art collection at the newly opened Queen's Gallery. Originally the town house of the Dukes of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has served as the official London home of Britain's monarchs since 1837. Look to see whether the Royal Standard (not the Union Flag) is flying, which indicates that the Queen is in residence.
Address: Buckingham Palace Road
Postal Code: SW1A 1AA
Phone Number: (0)20 7766 7300
Email Address: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Website: www.royal.gov.uk
Transport: Green Park underground station
Hours: Various, see website for details.
Admission: State Rooms: £16.50 (adults), £9.50 (children under 17 years); concessions and combined tickets available. Queens Gallery: £8.50 (adults), ££4.25 (children under 17). Advance booking advised

Harrods
City/Region: London
Harrod's, which proprietor Mohamed Al Fayed calls his 'Palace in Knightsbridge', promises one of the most extravagant and luxurious shopping experiences in the world. With 22 restaurants, and a wide range of departments and services across its seven floors, it is easy to see why this is the shopping choice of London's social elite. With its prominent position on Brompton Road, Harrod's is hard to miss, especially at night, when the entire façade is illuminated with a grand total of 11,500 light bulbs.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
Postal Code: SW1X 7XL
Phone Number: (0)20 7730 1234
Website: www.harrods.com
Transport: Knightsbridge underground station
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 11.30am to 6pm (Browsing only between 11.30am and 12pm on Sundays)
Admission: Free

Camden Market
City/Region: London
Camden Market is one of the most exciting shopping experiences London has to offer. Even if you're just browsing, the market is definitely worth a visit with its huge variety of food, antiques, bric-a-brac and clothing stalls, bars, nightspots and crowds of people ranging from the beautiful to the bizarre. Although the punk scene in London has gone underground, it still seems to flourish here, and you're sure to bump into some interesting characters.
Address: Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road
Postal Code: NW1 8AF
Website: www.camdenlock.net
Transport: Camden Town and Chalk Farm underground stations. Numerous buses also pass Camden Lock
Hours: The market is open daily from 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free

Greenwich
City/Region: London
This is the home of the Greenwich Meridian, which splits the globe into East and West and is responsible for setting the world clock on zero degrees latitude. Greenwich has a host of attractions including Greenwich Market with its variety of arts, crafts, food and bric-a-brac, Sir Christopher Wren's Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum. Greenwich Park is beautifully landscaped and is ideal for a picnic lunch. The famous tea-clipper, the Cutty Sark, was damaged by a fire in May 2007 and has been closed to the public.
Phone Number: (0)870 608 2000
Website: www.greenwichengland.com
Transport: Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich, Cutty Sark underground stations, or a Thames boat
Hours: Greenwich Market: daily 9am to 5:30pm; National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich: daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December
Admission: National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen's House all free

London Dungeon
City/Region: London
Take a trip through London's dark and gruesome history, meet Jack the Ripper and see what became of his victims, or see the chaos and destruction caused by the great fire of London. The London Dungeon brings history's most notorious killers and evildoers back to life in an experience definitely not for the faint-hearted. Beware: some of the exhibitions have a nasty way of coming alive and jumping out at the unsuspecting visitor.
Address: 28-34 Tooley Street
Postal Code: SE1 2SZ
Phone Number: (0)20 7403 7221
Website: www.thedungeons.com
Transport: London Bridge underground station
Hours: Opening times vary throughout the year so visitors should check the official website. Closed on Christmas day
Admission: £21.95 (adults); £16.95 (children 5-15 years); other concessions and group tickets available

St Paul's Cathedral
City/Region: London
The great dome of St Paul's Cathedral has been a distinctive landmark on the London skyline for centuries. Built in 1673 by Sir Christopher Wren, after the previous St Paul's was burnt to the ground during the Great Fire of London, it is the greatest of several cathedrals dedicated to St Paul that have occupied the site for more than 1,400 years. The crypt at St Paul's is one of the largest in Europe, and it houses more than 200 tombs, including those of Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Wren himself. The Cathedral has hosted many significant ceremonies in London's history, including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and most recently the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Address: St Paul's Churchyard
Postal Code: EC4M 8AD
Phone Number: (0)20 7246 8357
Email Address: visitsdepartment@stpaulscathedral.org.uk
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk
Transport: St Paul's underground station
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 4pm. Note that the Cathedral may be closed to visitors at any time due to special services or events, so it is always advisable to enquire beforehand
Admission: £10 (adults); £3.50 (children 7-16); family and group concessions available

Piccadilly Circus
City/Region: London
One of London's best known, but most overrated sights, Picadilly Circus is at the junction of Picadilly, Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue and is surrounded by neon advertising and fast-food restaurants. However with its Tube station, Picadilly Circus is a good starting point for shopping in the West End, being near to Jermyn Street, Saville Row and Bond Street. London's Theaterland is centered on Shaftsbury Avenue and Soho and China Town are also within easy walking distance.
Transport: Piccadilly Circus underground station

Brighton
City/Region: London
Brighton is unquestionably England's most spectacular seaside resort town. Made popular in the 18th century, when the Prince Regent (later King George IV) chose it as the site for his holiday palace, the bizarre and fantastic onion-shaped Brighton Pavilion, it is still famous for its frivolous entertainment venues and enviable nightlife. An eclectic combination of Regency and Victorian architecture gives Brighton a unique air, with winding village lanes crammed with antique and jewelry shops and its flamboyant East Pier stretching out over the sea sparkling with thousands of lights from its funfair and amusement arcades.
Website: www.brighton.co.uk
Transport: Train from London Waterloo (one hour)

Canterbury
City/Region: London
The historical cathedral city of Canterbury, with its narrow streets and walkways, is best explored on foot. It is the home of Christianity in England, and has been the ultimate destination for pilgrimages in England for centuries, as described in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The famous Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most impressive and evocative in England, it was here of course that Thomas à Becket was martyred in 1170. Visitors can explore the ruins of the original abbey of St Augustine, who brought Christianity to England more than 1,400 years ago, or visit the Canterbury Tales Pageant and meet some of Chaucer's famous characters. For an insight into the cities of medieval England climb the original West Gate Tower, which is still intact, for breathtaking views across the city.
Phone Number: (0)1227 378 100
Email Address: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
Website: www.canterbury.co.uk
Transport: Train from London Waterloo (90 minutes)

Leeds Castle
City/Region: London
Set atop a lake in a picturesque valley in Kent, with imposing battlements and a 500-hectare Tudor garden, Leeds Castle has been described as 'the most beautiful castle in all the world'. Once a residence of British Queens and a playground for King Henry VIII, it has been open to the public for 25 years, revealing the majesty of a bygone age. With so much to explore, Leeds Castle requires a full day for visitors to tour the castle, get lost in the maze and picnic in the gardens or dine in one of the restaurants and tea rooms.
Address: Maidstone, Kent
Phone Number: (0)1622 765 400
Email Address: enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk
Website: www.leeds-castle.com
Transport: Coach, bus or train from London
Hours: Grounds: Daily 10am (last ticket sold at 3pm, gates close at 5pm). Castle: 10.30am to 4pm (last admission at 3.30pm). From 21 March to 30 September opening hours are extended by two hours in the afternoon
Admission: £15 (adults), £9.50 (children 4-15). Concessions available

Windsor
City/Region: London
The charming town of Windsor sits on the River Thames, 20 miles (32km) west of London, and is dominated by the magnificent Windsor Castle, the world's largest and oldest occupied castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror almost a thousand years ago and has been lived in by English monarchs ever since; although Buckingham Palace is the Queen's best known residence, Windsor is her favorite and is where the Royal Family spend their weekends. Highlights in the castle include the wonderful State Apartments, and the Waterloo Chamber, built to commemorate the British victory over Napoleon at Waterloo. St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the world and contains the tombs of numerous English sovereigns including King Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, Charles I and King George V. Many of the castle's rooms contain priceless works of art, including works by Rubens, Holbein, Van Dyke, Rembrandt and Lawrence, as well as fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armour. The 500-acre (200 ha.) Home Park, sits at the back of the castle and includes the site of Frogmore, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were laid to rest. Beyond is the vast expanse of Windsor Great Park, a popular place for walkers. Over the river from Windsor is Eton College, the world famous school founded by Henry VI in 1440, and today you can still see students walking around in their tails.
Phone Number: (0)20 7766 7300 (ticket sales and Information office)
Email Address: bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk
Website: www.royalcollection.org.uk
Transport: Train from London Waterloo or London Paddington
Hours: Generally open daily from 9.45am to 5.15pm, last admission at 4pm (March to October) and from 9.45am to 4:15pm, last admission at 3pm (November to February). See website for closed dates.
Admission: Castle: £15.50 (adults), £9 (children under 17). Concessions available

Hampton Court Palace
City/Region: London
Situated on the banks of the Thames, 14 miles (23km) southwest of London, Hampton Court is perhaps the most spectacular royal palace in England and makes a great day-trip from London. The palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 1500s, it later became King Henry VIII's principal residence and remained the center of royal and political life in England until 1737 where many important events took place. Visitors can see King Henry VIII's Great Hall, King William III's State Apartments, designed by Wren and completed in 1700, and the unmissable Tudor Kitchens, which remain largely unchanged since the 16th century and no doubt used to cater for raucous banquets. The palace is probably most famous for its grounds and the famous maze, which has entertained children since it was planted in 1705.
Address: East Molesey, Surrey
Postal Code: KT8 9AU
Phone Number: (0)870 752 7777
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Transport: Train from Waterloo (35 minutes), or by the underground; for a more scenic ride take a boat along the Thames from Westminster, Richmond or Kingston
Hours: 10am to 4.30pm daily. Last admission at 3.30pm, last entry to the maze at 3.45pm
Admission: £13.30 (adults), £6.65 (children). Concessions available

Stonehenge
City/Region: South West
No other site in England presents the viewer with such grandeur and mystery, nor sparks the imagination so much as this circle of stones in Wiltshire. Writers, adventurers, historians and conquerors have all tried to answer the question, 'Who built Stonehenge?' resulting in tales and fables of Druids, Merlin and King Arthur, ancient giants roaming the countryside and a highly evolved prehistoric race of men. Yet the question of who, or indeed what, managed to drag several 20-ton stones more than 240 miles (386km) from North Wales, across steep hills to be aligned with mathematical and astronomical precision 5,000 years ago remains unanswered.
Address: Two miles (3km) from Amesbury on A303 and A344/A360 junction
Phone Number: (0)1980 624 715
Website: www.stonehenge.co.uk
Transport: Stonehenge is just off the A303, 20 minutes from Salisbury
Hours: Daily 9am to 7pm (June to August), 9.30am to 6pm (16 March to 31 May, and 1 September to 15 October), 9.30am to 4pm (16 October to 15 March), 10am to 4pm (Boxing Day and New Years Day). Closed 24 and 25 December
Admission: £6.30 (adults), £3.20 (children); other concessions available

The Eden Project
City/Region: South West
The Eden Project's aim is to examine the ways in which human beings interact with their environment, with a special focus on the plant world, in order to develop new ways of sustainable development by spearheading new conservation methods. Owned by a charity called the Eden Trust, the project consists of several specially created conservatories, the largest in the world, built into a giant crater in Cornwall. The Eden Project is more than a theme park, as it presents visitors with an opportunity to explore the plant kingdom, and examine our dependence on it.
Address: Bodelva, St Austell, Cornwall (four miles/six km to the east of St Austell, signposted from the A30, A390 and A391)
Phone Number: (0)1726 811 911
Website: www.edenproject.com
Transport: Buses run daily from St Austell, Newquay, Falmouth and Truro; a combined bus/admission ticket can be purchased on the bus
Hours: From 4 November till 16 March open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 4.30pm, Friday and Saturday till 9pm and until 6pm on Sunday. From 17 March till 3 November open daily from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 4.30pm. Closed 24 and 25 December
Admission: £14 (adults), £5 (children 5-15); various concessions available

Salisbury Cathedral
City/Region: South West
The city of Salisbury is dominated by the spire of its famous cathedral, the tallest in England at 404ft (123m). Started in 1220 the cathedral was completed by 1258, the Spire added a few years later. Built to reflect the glory of God in stone and glass, this majestic and awe-inspiring church has been a setting for many great occasions over 775 years. The grounds of the cathedral contain many notable houses open to the public. Mompesson House is a perfectly preserved 18th century home and Malmesbury House was once the sanctuary for King Charles II, fleeing the Battle of Worcester in the 17th century.
Website: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
Hours: Daily from 7.15am to 6.15pm. From 11 June to 24 August open till 7.15pm, except Sundays
Admission: Cathedral: entry by donation

Sudeley Castle
City/Region: Oxford
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past. The Castle was once home to Queen Katherine Parr (1512-48), following her marriage to Sir Thomas Seymour, and Lady Jane Grey. Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth I all visited Sudeley. King Charles I stayed here and his nephew, Prince Rupert, established his headquarters at the Castle during the Civil War. Following its destruction by Cromwell's troops, Sudeley lay neglected and derelict for 200 years. However, its romantic situation and ruins attracted many visitors, including King George III. In 1837 Sudeley was bought by John and William Dent, successful businessmen from Worcestershire, who began an ambitious restoration program; the castle is still home to their descendants. Within the Castle's apartments are a range of historic possessions dating from the Civil War and an important art collection including paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Turner, Reynolds, Claude and Jan Steen. The romantic 14-acre grounds are worth a visit from March to September and are the setting for outdoor Shakespeare performances, concerts, and other events in summer.
Phone Number: (0)1242 602 308
Website: www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Transport: A 10-minute walk from Winchcombe and nine miles (14km) northeast of Cheltenham
Hours: Castle open daily 10.30am to 5pm (31 March to 28 October)
Admission: £7.20 (adults), £4.20 (children)

Warwick Castle
City/Region: The Cotswolds
Warwick Castle's origins date back to before 1066, and although not used as a Royal residence, but rather as the seat of the Earls of Warwick, its history is tied inextricably to the throne through the influence held by the castle's lords. Today, the castle is owned by the Tussaud's Group, which has refurbished most of the original grounds, and used the castle as a setting for an historical wax pageant, which includes the 'Royal Weekend Party' and 'Kingmaker' attractions.
Address: Warwick, Warwickshire
Phone Number: (0)870 442 2000
Email Address: customer.information@warwick-castle.com
Website: www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Transport: Bus and coach services from London and Stratford
Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm (April to September), 10am to 5pm the rest of the year. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Closed 25 December
Admission: £16.95 (adults), £10.00 (children)

Alton Towers
City/Region: The Cotswolds
Alton Towers is the UK's premier theme park aimed at the thrill seeking young-at-heart and can be a welcome excursion for those who have overdosed on the culture and tranquility of the Cotswolds. Rides with names such as 'Nemesis', 'Black Hole', Submission' and 'Rip Saw' are definitely not for the faint-hearted, but the park does cater for the whole family with an adventure land and farmyard for younger visitors. For those exhausted by the day's antics, Alton Towers operates its own Hotel, and there are plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat.
Address: Staffordshire
Phone Number: (0)8705 204 060
Website: www.alton-towers.co.uk
Transport: Train to Alton Towers Station; bus or coach
Hours: Most days 9.30am to 5.30pm; closed in winter until 1 April. The Waterpark is open daily 10am to 6pm and until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Admission: There are various prices for different attractions, as well as specials, and visitors should see the website for details.

University of Cambridge
City/Region: East Anglia
Resort Name: Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest in the world and is made up of 31 Colleges, each being an independent institution with its own property and income. The oldest College, Peterhouse, was founded in 1281 by the Bishops of Ely. Both Charles Darwin and John Milton were students at Christ's College, founded by the mother of Henry VII in 1505. The largest and perhaps most famous college is Trinity College which was founded by Henry VIII. The college's masterpiece is Christopher Wren's magnificent library where the likes of Sir Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, Tennyson and William Thackeray studied. There are also many museums around the University but most visitors come here to walk around the wonderful buildings, take in the history and admire the wonderful architecture.
Phone Number: 0871 226 8006 (Cambridge Visitor Information Center)
Website: www.visitcambridge.org
Transport: All Colleges are within walking distance of the city center
Hours: The colleges and museums have different opening times, see website for details

Norfolk Broads
City/Region: East Anglia
Resort Name: Norwich
Much of the area east of Norwich is criss-crossed with a series of navigable inland waterways, known as the Norfolk Broads. It has become a popular holiday retreat for visitors hiring houseboats and cruisers to tour these waterways, which wind through quaint towns and offer fantastic fishing for keen anglers. There are many companies willing to rent boats to holidaymakers.
Website: www.norfolkbroads.com

Holkham Hall
City/Region: East Anglia
Resort Name: Norwich
Holkham is home to the Earl and Countess of Leicester and has been owned by their family since 1609. The formidable 18th century Palladian Hall is the center of a 25,000-acre estate on the north coast of Norfolk. Within the house are some magnificent state rooms including the vast Marble Hall, which features a magnificent art collection including paintings by Rubens and Van Dyke. Visitors can also view the old kitchens that catered for the family and their enormous entourage. Within the old stables is the Bygones Museum, which displays fascinating exhibits from times gone by including a history of farming. The park surrounding the hall is popular with locals and tourists alike, as is Holkham beach, which attracts sunbathers and swimmers on warm days.
Website: www.holkham.co.uk
Hours: 12pm to 4pm on selected dates, see website for details.
Admission: Hall only £8 (adults) £4 (children), Hall and Museum £10 (adults) £5 (children).

Blickling Hall
City/Region: East Anglia
Resort Name: Norwich
Blickling Hall is a splendid early 17th-century house owned by the National Trust. It is one of England's great Jacobean houses and is built in red brick with a gabled façade and elegant corner turrets. Its remarkable long gallery has an outstanding plaster ceiling and houses a superb library containing 12,000 books and throughout the house are a fine collection of family portraits, including works by Gainsborough and Reynolds, as well as textiles and good quality furniture. The ghosts of Anne Boleyn and Sir John Fastolfe (the inspiration for Shakespeare's Falstaff) are said to haunt the house and grounds. The breathtaking garden offers variety and color throughout the seasons, with spring bulbs, magnolias, particularly dramatic displays of azaleas and rhododendrons, plus herbaceous borders and stunning autumn tints, a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon. There are miles of attractive lakeside and parkland walks, and interesting features such as the sunken garden, dry moat, temple and orangey.
Address: 15 miles (24km) north of Norwich, Norfolk, signposted off the A140
Phone Number: (0)1263 738 030 or 0844 800 1895
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-blicklinghallgardenandpark
Transport: Accessible by car, bus and train
Hours: There are various opening times throughout the year for different areas of Blickling Hall, see website for details.
Admission: Â₤8.27 (adults), £4.09 (children); garden only £5.45 (adults), £2.72 (children)

Roman Baths
City/Region: Bath
The Romans were the first to capitalize on the only natural hot springs in Britain, but it is believed that they were a local attraction long before the building of Rome. These ancient baths were once considered the finest in the Roman Empire, but in the middle ages fell into disrepair. It was not until a visit by the ailing Prince George in 1702 that the baths once again became a popular healing destination. Over the course of the city's redevelopment in the late 18th century the Roman ruins were rediscovered and restored. Today visitors can see the seven ancient baths and view the Georgian splendor of the Pump House where the musty mineral waters can be sampled by the strong of stomach. The magnificent centerpiece is the Great Bath. Lined with lead and filled with hot spa water, it once stood in an enormous barrel-vaulted hall that rose to a height of 131ft (40m). For many Roman visitors this may have been the largest building they had ever entered in their life.
Address: Stall Street
Phone Number: (0)1225 477 785
Email Address: romanbaths_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk
Website: www.romanbaths.co.uk
Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm (January, February, November, December); 9am to 6pm, last entry 5pm (March to June, September and October); 9am to 10pm, last entry 9pm (July and August)
Admission: ₤11 (adult), ₤7.20 (child 6-16) - around ₤1 more in July and August. Other concessions available. Prices include a personal audio guide

Longleat
City/Region: Bath
Longleat is regarded as the best example of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. The magnificence of the House itself is matched by the splendor of its surroundings; a spectacular mixture of landscaped parkland, lakes and formal gardens. In 1949 Longleat became the first stately home in England to open its doors to the public and a few years later opened the first safari park outside Africa - visitors can drive through eight enclosures where a wide range of animals can be seen, including: elephant, rhino, giraffe, monkeys, lions and tigers. Longleat has become one of the UK's most popular family tourist attractions. It has been the home of the Thynn family for more than 450 years and is currently lived in by the eccentric 7th Marquess of Bath, Alexander Thynn.
Address: Longleat is on the A362 Warminster - Frome road
Phone Number: (0)1985 844 400
Email Address: enquiries@longleat.co.uk
Website: www.longleat.co.uk
Transport: 20 minutes south of Bath by road
Hours: Various, see website for details.
Admission: Separate tickets are available for all 12 attractions at Longleat, but a passport allowing access to all is £23 (adults) and £15 (children) and is much better value for money. Longleat House: £10, Safari Park: £11

Berkeley Castle
City/Region: Bath
Berkeley (pronounced 'barkly') is a perfectly preserved 840-year-old castle with a keep, dungeon and splendid staterooms with the original tapestries, furniture and silver. It was most famously the scene of King Edward II's gruesome murder in 1327. It is believed that Edward was deposed by his French consort, Queen Isabella, and her paramour, the Earl of Mortimer. The castle also played an important role in the English Civil War (1642-1649). The oldest part of the castle was built in 1153 by Roger De Berkeley, a Norman knight, and has remained in the family ever since. The surrounding meadows, now the setting for pleasant Elizabethan-style gardens, were once flooded to make a formidable moat.
Phone Number: (0)1453 810 332
Email Address: info@berkeley-castle.com
Website: www.berkeley-castle.com
Transport: 40 minutes from Bath by road. Take Exit 14 off the M5, the castle is signed from the A38 between Bristol and Slimbridge
Hours: Various, see website for details.
Admission: £7.50 (adults), £4.50 (children). Family tickets and group concessions available

Stratford-Upon-Avon
City/Region: Oxford
The quaint and picturesque country town, Stratford-Upon-Avon (which, as its name suggests, rests on the banks of the River Avon) is the historic birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visitors can explore Shakespeare's birthplace; Mary Arden's House, where his mother lived before marrying his father; his wife, Anne Hathaway's cottage, as well as the school Shakespeare attended. Stratford-Upon-Avon is within easy access of the Cotswolds, set in the beautiful, rural Warwickshire countryside.
Website: www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk

Building of Bath Museum
City/Region: Bath
The fascinating story of Georgian Bath is encapsulated in the only museum in the city about the city. The Building of Bath Museum is the natural place to start a sightseeing expedition. It is housed in the Gothic Countess of Huntingdon's Methodist Chapel, built in 1765 and renovated in 1984 by the Bath Preservation Trust. Inside visitors are treated to a unique exhibition, which describes how Bath developed from a small provincial spa to the most fashionable resort in Georgian England. Using models, maps, paintings, reconstructions, live crafting demonstrations and hands-on exhibits, including a touch-screen computer, a visit to the museum is an informative and entertaining experience.
Address: The Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, the Vineyards, the Paragon
Phone Number: (0)1225 333 895
Email Address: amanda@bathmuseum.co.uk
Website: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/bath
Transport: 10-15 minutes on foot from Bath bus and train station
Hours: 10.30am until 5.00pm; last admission 4.30pm. Closes for winter.
Admission: ₤4 (adults); ₤2 (children 6-18); concessions available

Herschel Museum of Astronomy
City/Region: Bath
Distinguished astronomer William Herschel used a telescope he built himself in this delightful Georgian townhouse to discover the planet Uranus in 1781, securing his place in history as one of the greatest astronomers of all time. His observations, and telescope constructions, doubled the known size of the solar system in his time. Visitors to the museum can view his workshop, the original kitchen, and the music room in the Herschel house, where William lived with his sister, Caroline, at the end of the 18th century.
Address: 19 New King Street
Phone Number: (0)1225 446 865
Email Address: admin@herschelbpt.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk/museums/herschel
Hours: February to mid-December; 1pm to 5pm on weekdays (closed on Wednesdays), 11am to 5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
Admission: ₤4 (adults); ₤2.50 (children under 15). Concessions and student prices available

Fashion Museum
City/Region: Bath
Bath's comprehensive fashion museum brings alive the story of fashion over the last 400 years from the late 16th century to the present day. The huge collection is fetchingly displayed on hundreds of dummies, providing a chronological journey through changing styles over the centuries. Visitors can listen to an audio tour or take a conducted guided tour through the ages.
Address: Bennett Street
Phone Number: (0) 1225 477173
Email Address: costume_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk
Website: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
Transport: The museum is easily reached on foot; otherwise Lansdown buses 2 and 9 from the city center stop nearby. A round trip sightseeing bus stops at the adjacent Assembly Rooms
Hours: Daily. March to October, 10.30am to 5pm; November to February, 10.30am to 4pm.
Admission: ₤7 (adults); ₤5 (children up to 16); under 6 free; other concessions available

Jane Austen Center
City/Region: Bath
Bath's best-known resident, period novelist Jane Austen, is celebrated in this permanent exhibition which showcases her life and work. Bath was her home between 1801 and 1806 and her love and knowledge of the city is reflected in her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, which are set in Georgian Bath.
Address: 40 Gay Street, Queen Square
Phone Number: (0)1225 443 000
Email Address: curator@janeausten.co.uk
Website: www.janeausten.co.uk
Transport: Park & Ride bus to Queen Square (center is close to the bus stop). The Round the city sightseeing buses stop outside the center
Hours: Daily 9.45am to 5.30pm (summer) and 11am to 4.30pm (winter).
Admission: ₤6.50 (adults); ₤3.50 (children 6-15); children under 6 free; other concessions available

Bodleian Library
City/Region: Oxford
Chief among Oxford's many academic and architectural attractions is the unique Bodleian library, which is spread throughout several buildings across the city. The central core of this collection of buildings is set in Radcliffe Square and includes the historic Duke Humfrey's Library, dating from the 15th century, and the gothic Divinity School with its magnificent vaulted ceiling, which is open to the public. Only members can use the reading rooms of this library, which contains a copy of every book printed in Britain since 1610, and no books are ever loaned out. Guided tours are available to view the main buildings.
Address: Central Bodleian site is off Broad Street and in Radcliffe Square
Phone Number: (0)1865 277162
Email Address: tours@bodley.ox.ac.uk
Website: www.bodley.ox.ac.uk
Hours: Tours from the quadrangle, Broad Street, depart 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm Monday to Saturday.
Admission: Standard tours cost £6

Ashmolean Museum
City/Region: Oxford
The Ashmolean Museum houses a fascinating and extensive collection of art and archaeology covering four thousand years of history, ranging from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome to the 20th century, and including sculpture, ceramics, musical instruments and paintings. It is the United Kingdom's oldest museum, founded in 1683.
Address: Beaumont Street
Phone Number: (0)1865 278 000
Website: www.ashmolean.org
Hours: Closed until November 2009. Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. (From June to August the museum stays open until 7pm on Thursdays). Closed 1 January and 24-26 December
Admission: Free

Christchurch Picture Gallery
City/Region: Oxford
Christchurch, one of Oxford's most renowned university colleges, possesses an important collection of about 300 paintings and 2,000 drawings, mainly by the Italian masters. Works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Rubens are to be seen here, along with examples from Van Dyck, Frans Hals and Hugo van der Goes. The entire collection cannot be displayed at one time because of space constraints, but the exhibition changes every few months. There are also displays of 18th-century glass and Russian icons.
Address: Entrance in the Canterbury Quadrangle, Christchurch College
Phone Number: (0)1865 276172
Website: www.chch.ox.ac.uk
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm (1 May to 30 September). Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, Sunday 2pm to 4.30pm (1 October to 30 April). Closed Easter week and 20 December to 6 January
Admission: £3 (adults), £2 (concessions)

Carfax Tower
City/Region: Oxford
The photo opportunity afforded from the top makes it worthwhile climbing the 99 stairs of the Carfax Tower in the center of Oxford's shopping district. The tower top is the best place from which to view the 'dreaming spires' of this architecturally beautiful city. The tower is the only remnant of the 14th-century St Martin's church, demolished in 1896 to improve the traffic flow at the junction of Cornmarket and Queen Streets. On the first floor a display depicts the history of the church, while information boards on the tower top identify the landmarks and spires in the panoramic view. On the eastern side of the tower is a clock with two figures that strike the quarter hours.
Address: Corner of St. Aldate's, Cornmarket Street, Queen Street and High Street
Phone Number: (0)1865 792 653
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 3pm November to February and from 10am to 4pm March to October
Admission: £2 (adults), £1 (children)

Botanic Gardens
City/Region: Oxford
The oldest Botanic Garden in the country, Oxford's bountiful botanical collection of more than 7,000 species of plants has been growing for four centuries. It was founded as a 'physic garden' by the Earl of Danby in 1621, but today its biodiversity is renowned as being greater even than that of a tropical rainforest. One does not, however, have to be a horticulturalist to enjoy the beautifully planted walled garden, exotic greenhouses, herbaceous borders, rock and water gardens that make up this botanic feast.
Address: Rose Lane
Phone Number: (0)1865 286 690
Website: www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk
Hours: Daily from 9am. Closing time varies between 4.30pm and 6pm depending on the season
Admission: £3 (adults), concessions available

Hadrian's Wall
City/Region: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
In order to separate the Roman Empire in Britain from the 'Barbarians,' in AD122 Emperor Hadrian ordered the building of an impressive wall. Taking approximately six years to complete, the Wall stretches for roughly 80 miles (120km) from South Shields to Ravenglass, passing through present-day Newcastle. Dotted along the Wall are several forts, temples, turrets and milecastles and visitors can explore these fascinating 2,000-year-old remains, as well as the surrounding countryside. Hadrian's Wall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Phone Number: (0)1434 322 002
Email Address: info@hadrians-wall.org
Website: www.hadrians-wall.org
Admission: Free

Peak District
City/Region: Manchester
The Peak District was England's first national park. This beautiful region sits in the central and northern parts of England, largely within picturesque Derbyshire. Diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and a rich historic heritage combine with busy market towns and thriving cities such as Sheffield and Manchester. With over 22 million visitors annually, the Peak District is a major UK tourist destination, and the Peak District National Park is the second most visited park in the world. The District is generally divided into three main areas, each with its own distinctive topography. White Peak in the south is characterized by its limestone landscapes with a blend of flat plateaus and gentle valleys, while the South West Peak is a mix of hay meadows and moorland. The most sparsely populated area is Dark Peak in the north, where dramatic gritstone plateaus, craggy edges and ridges contrast with deep valleys. The whole region is rife with quaint towns, majestic historic homes, old mills and museums, as well as plenty to please the outdoor enthusiast, including top-class rock climbing, caving and fly fishing. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Bakewell pudding in Bakewell, take a leisurely hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view, mountain bike in the Hope Valley near Charleston or travel back in time in an impressive country manor. It is not hard to see why the Peak District is so immensely popular and it is well worth spending some time exploring its many treasures.

Urbis
City/Region: Manchester
Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Urbis is a unique and interesting concept - an exhibition center of city life across the globe, created as part of an urban regeneration project. Featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating exhibitions, the uber-modern glass building, sometimes described as a 'glass ski slope,' is an immediate Manchester landmark and visitors are drawn not only to the exhibits, but to the building itself. The gallery on level one hosts different exhibitions, while levels two, three and four house permanent exhibits and displays. Levels five and six house Le Mont Restaurant, providing incredible views of the city, as well as fine dining, and there is also The Social, a restaurant and late night venue that features live bands, DJs and more.
Address: Cathedral Gardens
Phone Number: (0)161 605 8200
Email Address: info@urbis.org.uk
Website: www.urbis.org.uk
Transport: Accessible by train, tram, car or on foot
Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm
Admission: Free

Old Trafford
City/Region: Manchester
Nicknamed the Theater of Dreams, Old Trafford is home to one of the premier English football clubs, Manchester United and since 1878, has been the heart and soul of the club. More than 200,000 visitors come each year to marvel at the home of the likes of Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, and share in some of the Man U magic. Guided tours of the stadium run every 10 minutes and the award-winning museum is chock-full of fascinating trivia, memorabilia and interactive exhibits, guaranteed to delight fans and perhaps even win over a few new ones. The Red Café, in the North Stand of the stadium, is open daily and serves up delicious food for those needing replenishment, while the Megastore in the East Stand sells every conceivable type of Man U branded item.
Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford
Phone Number: (0)870 442 1994
Email Address: tours@manutd.co.uk
Website: www.manutd.com
Hours: Guided stadium tours daily 9.40am to 4.30pm; Museum daily 9.30am to 5pm
Admission: Museum and tour: £11.74 (adults); £7.83 (children). Concession available. Advanced booking is advised

Tate Liverpool
City/Region: Liverpool
The Tate Liverpool is home to the biggest collection of modern art in the UK outside of London, and a browse through its exhibits is an afternoon well spent. Situated in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock in a converted warehouse, the gallery has an impressive collection of 20th and 21st century works of modern art selected from the Tate Collection that are exhibited through regularly changing themed displays. There are also several temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and the gallery also hosts various events and educational programs throughout the year. Some of the artists on display include JMW Turner, Kenneth Noland, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Antony Gormley.
Address: Albert Dock
Phone Number: (0)151 702 7400
Email Address: visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk
Website: www.tate.org.uk/liverpool
Hours: Daily 10am to 5.50pm (April to August). Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.50pm (September to March) and Bank Holiday Mondays in this period
Admission: Free. Admission charged for special exhibitions

BALTIC Center for Contemporary Art
City/Region: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
The BALTIC Center for Contemporary Arts is a unique and fascinating collection of ever-changing exhibits, set in an old flourmill on the south bank of the River Tyne. The biggest gallery of its kind, the Center allows visitors to explore the innovative and unusual world of top contemporary artists, both local and international. The BALTIC Center also plays host to various performances, activities, talks and visitors have an opportunity to interact with the latest artist-in-residence. Some of the Center's past, present and future exhibitors include Sam Taylor-Wood, Wang Du, Susan Hiller and Keith Haring.
Address: South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays
Phone Number: (0)191 478 1810
Email Address: info@balticmill.com
Website: www.balticmill.com
Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm, Tuesdays 10.30am to 6pm. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing
Admission: Free

Castle Howard
City/Region: York
Award-winning Castle Howard is one of York's most striking attractions. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, the Castle took 100 years to build, outliving several architects, craftsmen and three earls, to become the setting for the popular TV series, Brideshead Revisited. The spectacular estate comprises of acres of farmland and exquisite gardens, while the interior is a treasure trove of paintings, furniture, sculptures and more. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour, but historical costumed guides are available to answer questions and share information about the history of the house, the Howard family and the collections. Regular guided tours are also available and the Castle frequently plays host to a range of exhibitions, lectures, events and dinners. The Castle also has a gift shop, cafés and a plant center.
Phone Number: (0)1653 648 444
Website: www.castlehoward.co.uk
Transport: Accessible by public transport. Visitors using public transport are entitled to a discount on their admission fee with presentation of a valid travel ticket dated the day of visit
Hours: Gardens daily 10am to 6.30pm, till dusk in winter. House opening times vary, see website for details.
Admission: House and gardens £11 (adults), £7 (children 4-16 years). Concessions available

York Minster
City/Region: York
For over 1,000 years, York Minster has been a principal place of worship for the York area. The largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, this impressive building is open to the public and visitors can enjoy the peace and beauty of the church, including its many stained glass windows, the well-known Rose window, fascinating ancient remains beneath the church in the Undercroft, and spectacular views from the top of the tower, 275 steps up. Audio tours are available. York Minster also boasts its own gift shop, as well as a restaurant/café.
Address: Deangate Street
Phone Number: (0)1904 557200
Email Address: info@yorkminster.org
Website: www.yorkminster.org
Transport: Accessible by train, coach or car
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm (9.30am November to March) and Sunday 12pm to 3.45pm. No admission for sightseeing on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or Sundays before 12pm. Early services start at 7am daily
Admission: £6 (adult); children under 16 free. Concessions available

Jorvik Viking Center
City/Region: York
Set on a 'Viking Dig' archaeological site, the Jorvik Viking Center is a fascinating exploration of the Viking presence in York over 1,000 years ago. Between 1976 and 1981, the York Archaeological Trust excavated thousands of Viking era objects, including wooden houses, alleyways and fence lines, all part of the ancient center of Viking power in England, Jorvik. Shortly after, the center opened its doors and swiftly became a popular tourist attraction in the city. With over 800 items on display, informative exhibits, reconstructions of the excavated Viking village (including authentic smells and sounds!) and 'Viking' guides, the center offers visitors the chance to experience what life was like in 975AD. A highly popular event is the annual Jorvik Viking Festival in February, where Vikings roam the streets of York once more. Enjoy weaponry displays, hands-on activities (including shield building and excavating), re-enactments of Viking boat burials, guided walks, an evening of ancient tales and songs, and more.
Address: Coppergate
Phone Number: (0)1904 543400
Email Address: jorvik@yorkarchaeology.co.uk
Website: www.jorvik-viking-center.co.uk
Transport: Accessible by car, bus or train
Hours: 10am to 5pm (summer), 10am till 4pm (winter)
Admission: £8.50 (adult), £6 (children 5-15 years). Concessions available

York Dungeons
City/Region: York
Not for the faint-hearted, the York Dungeons present a fascinating journey back in time and visitors are guaranteed a ghoulish, grisly experience that will be hard to forget. From the plague-riddled streets of 14th century York, to the Labyrinth of the Lost and its ghostly Lost Roman Legion, adventures with the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin, to the Pit of Despair, Witch Trials, and the real Viking story, visitors can certainly expect the unexpected. Be tried and convicted in the Judgement of Sinners trials, witness hangings and marvel at the life-like waxworks on display. The tour is not recommended for those of a nervous disposition and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Address: 12 Clifford Street
Phone Number: 0871 360 2049
Email Address: york.dungeons@merlinentertainments.biz
Website: www.thedungeons.com
Transport: Accessible by train, bus or car
Hours: Various, see website for details.
Admission: £12.95 (adults); £9.95 (children). Concessions available

Museum of Science and Industry
City/Region: Manchester
It may not seem like everybody's cup of tea, but the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry is a truly fascinating and varied collection of exhibits, displays and more, for visitors of all ages. Fifteen different galleries crammed full of all sorts of items are housed in the key historic site of one of the world's oldest railway stations, Liverpool Road Station. Some of the permanent exhibits include Underground Manchester, where visitors can meander through a reconstructed Victorian Sewer system complete with authentic sounds and smells, the Xperiment interactive science gallery, the captivating Collections Center with anything from antique microscopes to Star Trek memorabilia, and the Air and Space Hall. The Special Exhibitions gallery plays host to several touring exhibitions annually. The Museum also houses a shop, café and restaurant, as well as several picnic areas.
Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield
Phone Number: (0)161 832 2244
Website: www.msim.org.uk
Transport: Bus 33 from Piccadilly Gardens; also accessible by train, tram or car
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December and 1 January
Admission: Free. Admission is charged for special exhibitions

Bridgewater Hall
City/Region: Manchester
Situated on an arm of the Bridgewater Canal, the world-class £42-million concert venue Bridgewater Hall holds over 250 performances a year and is home to one of Britain's longest running orchestras, the Hallé Orchestra. This architecturally striking building can house just under 2,500 audience members and the main auditorium is centered around a remarkable 5,500 pipe organ. The Hall plays host not only to classical music, but has also seen a range of artists such as the legendary James Brown, indie artist Badly Drawn Boy and guitarist John Williams. Bridgewater Hall is also home to the award winning Charles Hallé restaurant, as well as the Stalls Café Bar.
Address: Lower Mosley Street
Phone Number: (0)161 907 9000 (bookings)
Email Address: admin@bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Website: www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk
Transport: Accessible by car, bus or train
Hours: Bookings Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (8pm on concert nights), Sunday (concert nights only) 12pm to 8pm. Closed on non-concert Sundays.
Admission: Concert prices vary

Chatsworth House
City/Region: Manchester
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of Europe's greatest private houses. It is set on the River Derwent in the Peak District National Park. The estate comprises the 16th century house, a 1,000-acre park, a farmyard, miles of free walks and spectacular gardens. Dubbed the 'Palace of the Peak', the house contains a treasure trove of antiques and impressive art works, some dating back 4,000 years; 30 of the magnificently preserved rooms are open to the public. Wardens are on hand to provide information and answer questions, while an audio guide is also available. The manicured gardens boast a yew maze, sculptures and several impressive fountains including the Cascade, a 24-step waterfall that drops 600ft (183m) down the hill towards the house. There is a well-stocked farm shop selling locally produced and home grown items, as well as the farmyard children's shop, the Carriage House shop, Orangery shop and garden shop. There are several restaurant options to choose from, and picnicking in the grounds is encouraged. Chatsworth House has appeared in the recent film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and the house plays host to several exciting events throughout the year. It is well worth allocating several hours to explore this fine historic estate and its gardens, while those on a tighter budget can enjoy the dramatic surrounds of the park for free.
Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire
Phone Number: (0)1246 565 300
Website: www.chatsworth.org
Transport: Chatsworth is a 1.5 hour drive from Manchester
Hours: Open March to December anually (see website for details). House open daily 11am to 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm, garden open daily 11am to 6pm, last admission 5pm
Admission: £11.50 (adults), £6.25 (children). Entry to the park is free. Prices vary according to areas visited, as well as inclusion or exclusion of gift aid donation

Beatles Story Experience
City/Region: Liverpool
For Beatles fans, The Beatles Story Experience is an absolute must. Set in the trendy and historic Albert Dock, The Beatles Story allows visitors to trace the development of the Fab Four, from their early days playing in Hamburg to the mass hysteria of Beatlemania, the eventual break-up of the band and their ensuing solo careers. Eighteen different features, as well as the Living History audio tour with the voices of Sir Paul McCartney, Beatles producer Sir George Martin and band manager Brian Epstein, continue to delight fans and win over new ones. See George Harrison's first guitar, view the world through a collection of John Lennon's signature round lens glasses, explore the Yellow Submarine and enjoy a recreation of the stage at the Cavern Club on Mathew Street where The Beatles played over 290 times. As well as the Beatle Story Experience, Liverpool also boasts several other Beatles related tours and sights that are well worth exploring, including a Magical Mystery Bus Tour of famous Beatles sights such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, Paul McCartney's former home at 20 Forthlin Road, the famous Cavern Club and the Mathew Street Gallery that houses the art work of John Lennon.
Address: Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock
Phone Number: (0)151 709 1963
Email Address: info@beatlesstory.com
Website: www.beatlesstory.com
Hours: Daily 9am to 7pm. Closed 25-26 December
Admission: £12.25 (adults); £6.35 (children aged 5-16 years). Concessions available

Merseyside Maritime Museum
City/Region: Liverpool
The fascinating Merseyside Maritime Museum traces the history and development of the city of Liverpool as a major port. The Museum houses a range of collections, from an exhibition on the tragic and brutal Transatlantic Slave trade in which Liverpool played a major role (soon to become a separate museum), to artworks reflecting Liverpool's maritime past, artifacts from the Titanic and the Lusitania, maritime archives and more, including access to the quaysides opposite the museum and two historic vessels.
Address: Albert Docks
Phone Number: (0)151 478 4499
Website: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed from 2pm on 24 December. Closed on 25 and 26 December, and 1 January
Admission: Free

Speke Hall
City/Region: Liverpool
On the edge of an industrial estate and just minutes away from the Liverpool Airport, the half-timbered black and white Speke Hall is a piece of history tucked in amongst modern-day Liverpool. Once on the brink of ruin, this purportedly haunted 450-year-old Tudor house is now a popular Liverpool attraction and is also the departure point for tours to the neighboring former home of Sir Paul McCartney. Speke Hall boasts beautifully restored rooms, lovely gardens, and spectacular views of the Mersey basin and the North Wales hills across the high bank of The Bund. Speke Hall is also a popular venue for events such as weddings and it plays host to various concerts, particularly over the summer. Guided tours by costumed guides are available and tours of the roof space are also available on selected days. The Home Farm is about five minutes from the house and has a visitor's center, shop and good restaurant.
Address: The Walk
Phone Number: 0844 800 4799
Email Address: spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-spekehall/
Transport: Accessible by car, bus, bicycle or train
Hours: Various according to season, see website for details
Admission: £6.81 (adults), £3.44 (children).

Bristol Zoo Gardens
City/Region: Bristol
The Bristol Zoo Gardens was founded in 1835 and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Spread over 12 acres, the zoo has been an immensely popular Bristol attraction since its inception and is a fun-filled experience for young and old alike. The zoo focuses on conservation and scientific research, as well as entertainment, and some of the fascinating exhibits include Gorilla Island, the Zona Brazil, Bug World, and the Monkey Jungle. The zoo plays host to various exciting events and programs throughout the year and visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the covered picnic area, or a snack at the Pelican Restaurant. The Terrace Theater offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with some of the zoo's smaller inhabitants in Animal Encounters, running every day on the hour from 12pm to 4pm in peak season and 12pm to 3pm off-peak.
Address: Clifton
Phone Number: (0)117 974 7399
Email Address: information@bristolzoo.org.uk
Website: www.bristolzoo.org.uk
Hours: Daily from 9am to 5.30pm in peak season, closing at 5.00pm off-peak
Admission: £10.88 (adults); £6.81 (Children 3-14 years. Concessions available

Bristol Cathedral
City/Region: Bristol
In roughly 1140, the Abbey of St Augustine was founded by Robert Fitzhardinge. Over the years, the Abbey was altered, eventually becoming the model of the Hall Church style in England. When the Abbey was finally dissolved in 1539, the Nave was demolished and rebuilt, and became what is now the landmark Bristol Cathedral. The original Abbey Gatehouse and the Chapter House, which dates back to 1165, remain and visitors can enjoy the beauty and peace of this ancient holy site and its surrounds. The Cathedral also hosts free music recitals at certain times of year. Public guided tours of the Cathedral are available every Saturday at 11am.
Address: College Green
Phone Number: (0)117 926 4879
Website: www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk
Transport: Accessible by car, train or ferry
Hours: Daily from 8am until after Evensong.
Admission: Free

Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
City/Region: Bristol
The Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery is an impressive collection of exhibits, objects and artwork, housed in a beautiful Edwardian Baroque building. As well as the permanent exhibits of regional, national and international artifacts, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and has a variety of different periods of artworks on display in its galleries. From natural history to the World Wildlife Gallery, decorative arts collections and archaeological displays, the Bristol City Museum and Gallery has something for everyone. The museum and gallery also plays host to various special events, workshops and children's activities throughout the year.
Address: Queens Road
Phone Number: (0)117 922 3571
Email Address: general.museum@bristol.gov.uk
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free

Durham Cathedral
City/Region: Durham
Celebrated, together with Durham Castle as one of Britain's first World Heritage Sites, the Durham Cathedral is one of the finest examples of a Norman building in England. An icon of northeast England, the Cathedral was voted as the nation's best-loved building in a nationwide BBC poll held in 2001. Renowned for its immense architecture, ancient history and deep religious roots the Cathedral is a must see for any visitor to Durham.
Address: Palace Green
Phone Number: (0)191 386 4266
Website: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
Hours: Daily, except during special services and events
Admission: Entry is free, although donations are requested. There are small charges for viewing the treasury, Monks' Dormitory and The Tower

Durham Heritage Center
City/Region: Durham
Durham's colorful local history museum is housed in a medieval church, offering some interactive fun and exhibits detailing the story of Durham from ancient times to the present day. Exhibits include fascinating items like the 'Death Chair', used to carry sick boys from Durham School to the infirmary in days of yore, and a chilling recreation of a cell from the notorious Northgate gaol. The Heritage Center also has a brass-rubbing center and offers an audio-visual show of the history of the town.
Address: St Mary le Bow, North Bailey
Phone Number: (0191) 384 5589
Website: www.durhamheritagecenter.org.uk
Hours: Daily 11am to 4.30pm (July to September) and open weekends and Bank holidays from 2pm to 4.30pm for the rest of the year
Admission: Small entrance fee charged for exhibitions

Fowlers Yard Creative Workspaces
City/Region: Durham
A row of stables along the River Wear close to the historic heart of Durham has been converted into a set of creative workspaces, where local artists can be seen at work. Visitors can watch crafts like woodcarving, glasswork, painting and textile arts in progress.
Address: Backsilver Street
Phone Number: (0)191 301 8245
Website: www.fowlersyarddurham.co.uk
Admission: Free

Crook Hall
City/Region: Durham
Durham's beautiful Grade 1 listed medieval manor house of Crook Hall, dating from around the 13th century, is a short distance from the town center and one of its most popular attractions. The house and magnificent gardens are open to the public, and cream teas are served in a pretty courtyard in summer, or in front of a roaring log fire in winter. Most visitors are intrigued by the 17th-century Jacobean room in the house, allegedly haunted by the ghost of the 'White Lady', niece of a former resident of the house.
Address: Frankland Lane, Sidegate
Phone Number: (0)191 384 8028
Website: www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
Hours: 11am to 5pm on various days throughout the year, see website for details.
Admission: £5.50 (adults); £4.50 children. Concessions available

Durham Castle
City/Region: Durham
Few buildings in the world can claim to have been in constant use for more than 900 years, but Durham Castle is one of them. It was originally built in the 11th century opposite Durham Cathedral to protect the Bishop from the 'barbaric' northern tribes, after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over the centuries the core of the ancient castle remained intact, but there have been numerous renovations and extensions. The castle's aspect today is imposing. The Great Hall is one of the largest in Britain, created by Bishop Antony Bek in the 14th century. Since 1840, when the Bishop moved elsewhere, it has housed a college of Durham University. Visitors are welcome on guided tours, lasting about 45 minutes.
Address: Palace Green
Phone Number: (0)191 374 3800
Website: www.durhamcastle.com
Hours: Tours usually take place at intervals on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons during term time, daily during university vacations. Call ahead to check as events may result in cancellations
Admission: £5 (adults), £3.50 (children under 14). Family passes available

Armley Mills Industrial Museum
City/Region: Leeds
The Armley Mills Industrial Museum was a working cloth mill until 1969 when the City Council turned it into an award-winning industrial museum. Exhibits trace the history of textiles, clothing and locomotive manufacture in Yorkshire. Particularly interesting is a section devoted to the 1920s silent movie projectors, operating water wheels and the huge spinning mules that were in use in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Address: Canal Road, Armley
Phone Number: (0)1132 637 861
Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/armleymills
Transport: Bus 5 from Leeds Railway Station
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm (last admission 4pm). Open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
Admission: £3 (adults), £1 (children accompanied by an adult)

Thackray Museum
City/Region: Leeds
There is surely no more interesting day out than a visit to the Thackray Museum, which tells the story of medical advances through the ages. A recreated Victorian street, complete with sights, sounds and smells, highlights the lives, ailments and treatment of a bygone era in vivid clarity, and visitors can also step inside the human body in an interactive gallery. The museum was the vision of Paul Thackray, a former director of a medical supplies company, and since its opening in 1997 has become one of Britain's best museums.
Address: Beckett Street, Leeds West
Phone Number: (0)113 244 4343
Website: www.thackraymuseum.org
Transport: Bus 11 from Vicar Lane travels to St James's Hospital, which is alongside the museum. Bus 41 and 50 from The Headrow and the St Peter's Street coach station also serve the museum
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm. Last entry 3pm. Closed 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st December and 1st January
Admission: £5.40 (adults), £3.90 (children 5-16); other concessions available

Leeds Art Gallery
City/Region: Leeds
In the heart of the city, the Leeds Art Gallery offers a feast for art lovers, its collections covering everything from traditional prints, watercolors, paintings and sculpture as well as weird and wonderful contemporary works. The gallery is renowned for having the best collection of British art outside of London. Adjoining the Gallery is the Henry Moore Institute with the acclaimed sculpture study center, and program of sculpture exhibitions.
Address: The Headrow
Phone Number: (0)113 247 8256
Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery
Hours: Daily at various times, see website for details.
Admission: Free

Royal Armouries Museum
City/Region: Leeds
This fun, living museum contains five themed galleries (covering War, Tournaments, Self-Defence, Hunting and Arms & Armour of the Orient), filled with interactive displays, dramatic interpretations, action scenarios and some exciting exhibits. This is more a cross between a theme park and a museum, bringing history alive in many unique ways, from watching gunmakers ply their craft to demonstrations of falconry and horsemanship.
Address: Armouries Drive
Phone Number: (0)8700 344 344
Website: www.royalarmouries.org
Transport: Can be easily reached on foot from the main station or anywhere in the city center
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Admission: Free, but there are charges for some activities and events

Abbey House Museum
City/Region: Leeds
The entertaining Abbey House Museum is contained in the gatehouse of the picturesque ruined Kirkstall Abbey (dating from 1152). Abbey House allows visitors to walk around the streets of 1880s Leeds, while the upstairs section features galleries detailing the history of Kirkstall Abbey and the social history of the area.
Address: Abbey Walk, Kirkstall
Phone Number: (0)113 230 5492
Website: www.leeds.gov.uk/abbeyhouse
Transport: Bus 33 or 33A from Central Bus Station
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 12pm to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm (closed Mondays). Last admissions at 4pm
Admission: £3.50 (adults), £1.50 (children 5-16); concessions and family tickets available

Ducal Mansion (Nottingham Castle)
City/Region: Nottingham
Towering over the city center of Nottingham is a magnificent 17th-century mansion, built on a sandstone outcrop on the site of the original medieval castle erected by William the Conqueror in 1067. The Castle building now houses the city's fine art collections, and a small museum charting the history of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment. The art galleries include interactive displays and the artworks are presented in a vibrant, interesting way. The well-kept grounds of the castle are used for a full calendar of events, from historic pageants to an outdoor theater season. There is also a medieval styled children's playground and picnic area.
Address: Friar Lane, Off Maid Marian Way
Website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/sitemap/leisure_and_culture/museumsandgalleries/nottinghamcastle.htm
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm (March to September), and 10am to 4pm (October to February)
Admission: £3.50 (adults), £2 (children). Tickets also valid for the Museum of Nottingham Life, Brewhouse Yard

City of Caves
City/Region: Nottingham
A system of man-made caves carved into the sandstone beneath the city of Nottingham has been developed into a modern award-winning attraction. Anglo-Saxons, whose lifestyle is depicted with dramatic presentations for visitors who come to explore Nottingham's 'underworld', originally inhabited the caves. Over the centuries the caves have been put to various uses by the locals, in times of war and peace, and were saved by local inhabitants in recent times when developers almost built a modern shopping center over them. Now guided tours take visitors through the caves and through the ages, from the mystical 'Enchanted Well', through a working medieval tannery, the Victorian slums of 'Drury Hill' and a World War II bomb shelter.
Address: Entrance on the upper level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Center
Phone Number: (0)115 952 0555
Website: www.cityofcaves.com
Hours: Monday to Friday 11.30am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm
Admission: £5.50 (adults) £4.25 (children)

Brewhouse Yard Museum
City/Region: Nottingham
The Brewhouse Yard Museum, housed in five 17th century cottages in central Nottingham, depicts the social history of the city during the past 300 years. Visitors can experience life in a reconstructed Victorian home, various shop settings, and browse through a row of 1920s enterprises like an ironmonger, doctor's surgery and a cobbler. The museum is continually changing its displays, telling the history of the area through sight, sound and touch.
Address: Castle Boulevard
Phone Number: (0)115 915 3600
Website: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/sitemap/leisure_and_culture/museumsandgalleries/brewhouse_yard.htm
Hours: Daily 10am to 4.30pm
Admission: £3.50 (adults), £2 (children). Tickets also valid for Nottingham Castle

Lace Market
City/Region: Nottingham
Nottingham's Lace Market Center is situated in the heart of a protected heritage area of the city which has undergone exciting regeneration in recent years, the old Victorian warehouses in the area having been turned into stylish residential units and trendy bars or restaurants. Once a thriving local industry, lace was manufactured on a large scale in Nottingham after the invention of a framework machine in 1589. At the Lace Market Center visitors can find out all about lace-making and its impact through a series of exhibitions, demonstrations, and audio-visual presentations. There is also a lace shop and coffee bar at the center.
Address: High Pavement
Phone Number: (0)115 989 7365
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm
Admission: £2.95 (adults), £1.95 (children)

Sherwood Forest
City/Region: Nottingham
Accessed by the A614 highway, Sherwood Forest makes a great getaway close to Nottingham city. Rather reduced from the green splendor it evinced in the days of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is nevertheless as ecologically important and interesting as it is historically. Around 500,000 visitors a year come to enjoy the Sherwood Forest Country Park, wandering the family nature trails, admiring the huge ancient oaks and teeming insect and bird life. A major attraction is the mighty Major Oak, still flourishing in the forest after 800 years. It is also the site of the popular Robin Hood Festival held annually in summer.
Address: The visitor center is at Edwinstowe, Notts
Phone Number: (0)1623 824490 (information)
Website: www.sherwoodforest.org.uk
Hours: Daily 10 am to 5pm. Some facilities and visitor center closed weekdays during winter

Cresswell Crags
City/Region: Nottingham
A short distance from the M1 motorway near Nottingham is an ancient limestone gorge, honeycombed with caves, where archaeologists have found traces of Ice Age inhabitants who lived here up to 50,000 years ago. Cresswell Crags is a rare site, featuring Britain's only known Ice Age rock art. At the east end of the gorge visitors can find out its archaeological significance at a museum and education center, before exploring the area.
Address: Visitor Center: Crags Road, Welbeck, Worksop
Phone Number: (0)1909 720378
Website: www.creswell-crags.org.uk
Hours: Museum and Education Center: daily 10.30am to 4.30pm (February to October); 10.30am to 4.30pm Sundays only (November to January)
Admission: Free, but donations accepted

Balti Triangle
City/Region: Birmingham
Any visit to Birmingham is not complete without visiting the city's curry capital and sampling its unique Balti fare. Originating from the large Kashmiri population, the Balti dish was officially discovered in 1976. The word balti means 'bucket' and refers to the round-bottomed pan, similar to a wok, which the dish is served in. A mouth-watering stir-fried curry with an amalgamation of aromatic spices, fresh herbs and tantalising masalas, newcomers should forget their knives and forks and mop up the sauce with a wad of aromatic Nan bread. Located in the Sparkbrook area ten minutes from the city center, the Balti Triangle boasts over 50 restaurants dedicated to Eastern cuisine and a smattering of shops, ranging from Asian clothes and fashion to exotic foods and of course Bollywood merchandise.
Address: Sparkbrook area

Selfridges Store
City/Region: Birmingham
A Birmingham landmark, the Selfridges store at the Bullring Market boasts a stylish design proving that contemporary architecture can thrive outside trendy London. Designed by Future Systems' architects, the knobbly silver façade was inspired by Paco Rabanne's chain mail dresses. Constructed with concrete, which was then painted a glowing blue and adorned with 16,000 polished aluminum disks to create a mottled outer skin, the contemporary construction cost just over one million US dollars to build. Transforming Birmingham's urban fabric, the store draws 1000s of visitors each week who come to witness its bizarre design and to browse the designer goodies inside.
Address: Upper Mall East, Bullring
Website: www.selfridges.co.uk
Transport: Bus or train to Moor Street Station or New Street Station
Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
City/Region: Birmingham
Boasting the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and drawings in the world, the breathtaking works of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne Jones can be found at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The spectacular Waterhall gallery of modern art is littered with impressionist masterpieces and is not to be missed on any trip to Birmingham and the same can be said of the Greek, Roman and Ancient Near East gallery, which never ceases to please. With fine art from the 14th century onwards and an impressive collection of archaeological finds, documenting 400,000 years of history visitors will be suitably satisfied. The Edwardian Tea Room provides a cosy space to discuss what you saw and serves warm beverages, light snacks and scrumptious cakes.
Address: Chamberlain Square
Phone Number: (0)121 303 2834
Website: www.bmag.org.uk
Hours: Various, see website for details.
Admission: Free

Museum of the Jewelry Quarter
City/Region: Birmingham
Take a journey back in time at the Museum of the Jewelry Quarter. Housed in an original jewelry making factory dating from the early 1900s, the enchanting family run firm of Smith and Pepper provides a window into the ancient craft skills that made Birmingham the center of the British jewelry industry. The factory is presented exactly as it was left when abandoned in 1981, after 80 years of jewelry making, even down to the coffee cups. The museum also uses state of the art technology to unravel the history of jewelry making in the Midlands to newcomers. Over 100 jewelry shops line the streets of the Jewelry Quarter and are a popular attraction for bargain hunters and shoppers looking for a special purchase.
Address: 75-79 Vyse Street, Hockley
Phone Number: (0)121 554 3598
Website: www.bmag.org.uk
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 4.00pm (summer); Tuesday to Saturday, 11.30am to 4.00pm (winter).
Admission: Free

Bullring Markets
City/Region: Birmingham
Acknowledged as England's Best Outdoor market in 2008 by the National Association of British Market Authorities, the Bullring Open Market is renowned for its extensive range of fabrics and fresh produce. The market took the illustrious prize on account of its promotion of healthy eating policies and ongoing support of low-income families. Each year more than six million people visit the Bullring Markets, the Indoor Market, housing 140 unique stalls, best known for its fresh fish section. For a good dose of bric-a-brac meander through the smorgasbord of antiques, vintage clothing and cheap trinkets at the Rag Market, which is reminiscent of London's market culture.
Address: Bullring Center
Website: www.bullringmarkets.com
Transport: Bus or train to New Street or Moor Street Station
Hours: Indoor Market open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm. Open Market and Rag Market open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm

Drayton Manor Theme Park
City/Region: Birmingham
A short drive from Birmingham city center, the Drayton Manor Theme Park offers an exhilarating alternative to shopping and sightseeing. Loaded with more than 50 rides and pale-faced thrills the English media has lauded the park as having 'Britain's scariest rides'. Visitors can drop 177 feet (54m) from the world's first stand up tower, watching the ground race up from below, take a watery plunge in a rescue boat down a slippery 180° platform, fly around one of the parks two swirling rollercoasters or tackle the rapids with friends at Splash Canyon. Family fun at Drayton Manor Theme Park has not been short-circuited either as a plethora of children friendly rides and entertainment from Dragon's Tale to Circus World is provided.
Address: Near Tamworthon on A4091, close to Junctions 9 and 10 of the M42
Phone Number: 0844 472 1950
Website: www.draytonmanor.co.uk
Hours: Various, see website for details.
Admission: £23 (adults), £19 (children). Concessions available

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