Explore Bustling Cities and Castle retreats with The Great British Travel Guide magazine

The moment I laid eyes on The Great British Travel Guide, it was as if it beckoned me to delve into its pages. Having travelled to various corners of the UK with my family, we’ve always favoured the kind of travel that keeps us on our toes—far from the idyllic lounging on beaches, we thirst for the thrill of exploration. Our adventures span the spectrum, from the electrifying excitement of theme parks to the stately grandeur of country house estates, vibrant city breaks, and the charming simplicity of rural villages.

Immersing myself in the magazine, it was a delight to see how many of the featured destinations we had already explored, each mention bringing forth a flood of cherished memories. The magazine itself is thoughtfully segmented into sections catered to diverse tastes and interests: City Breaks, History and Culture, Into the Wild, And Relax, and Entertainment.

City Breaks, out of the 11 cities showcased, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 7. My favourite city break would have to be London. The city’s dynamic energy and boundless opportunities for exploration have drawn us back time and again, whether as a family or as a couple seeking adventure. Among these visits, one that stands out vividly is our trip during the Christmas season of 2022, a special journey to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday. Striving to make the occasion unforgettable, we indulged in the spectacle of a West End show, “Moulin Rouge,” wandered the festive Christmas markets, sipped exquisite cocktails at Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary, and revelled in the simple joy of meandering through London’s streets, absorbing its unmatched atmosphere. London, with its ability to enchant and entertain, left an indelible mark on our hearts, often becoming a topic of fond reminiscence. This, to me, is the hallmark of a truly magnificent destination—the lingering thoughts and conversations that it inspires long after the journey has ended.

Continuing to the History and Culture segment, this part of the magazine immediately struck a chord with me, as it encompasses many of my favorite UK visits. The first destination it mentions, Stonehenge, holds a particularly special place in my memories. Our visit to this ancient site was not planned in any way, it occurred during a journey from Kent to Cornwall. It was my husband’s aunt who casually mentioned that our route would take us past Stonehenge, igniting our determination to make a detour. There’s something profoundly peaceful about walking among these ancient stones, an experience that’s both calming and awe-inspiring. The beauty and tranquility of Stonehenge are hard to encapsulate in words; it simply must be felt. We lingered longer than planned, which meant arriving in Cornwall well after dark, but the detour was unequivocally worth it.

This magazine section doesn’t stop at Stonehenge; it guides readers through a tour of the UK’s rich historical tapestry with mentions of castles and palaces, many of which I’ve been fortunate enough to explore.

Windsor Castle, Urquhart Castle, Buckingham Palace, Blenheim Palace, and Hampton Court Palace are just a few mentioned, but my adventures have taken me beyond these to other historical gems like Chillingham Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, Warkworth Castle, Dover Castle, Newcastle Castle, and many more to mention.

When asked which castle is my favourite, it’s a question that gives me pause. The allure of castles lies in their diversity; some are majestic ruins whispering tales of the past, while others are lavish residences steeped in opulence. However, if I must choose, Blenheim Palace captivates me the most. Perhaps it was the sheer scale of its estate that left me in awe, or maybe it was the family-friendly atmosphere that made our visit so enjoyable. Blenheim Palace is not just a historical monument; it’s the birthplace of Winston Churchill and offers an extensive array of activities for visitors of all ages. Our day pass, which was converted into a year-long pass, provided exceptional value, though I often wish we lived closer to make the most of it throughout the year.

Into the Wild is the next chapter in our exploration through The Great British Travel Guide magazine, and it resonates with me just as deeply as the historical journeys. This section celebrates the untamed beauty of the UK’s natural landscapes, a testament to the breathtaking vistas that await the intrepid traveler. The magazine spotlights several destinations I’ve had the joy of visiting, such as the Lake District, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Northumberland, Snowdonia, and the wildlife-rich Farne Islands and Kielder. Choosing a favourite among these is no small task, but one experience stands distinctly above the rest.

Our journey last summer to Fort William to board the Jacobite Steam Train was a gift for my birthday, a trip that would take us through the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The drive from Newcastle unveiled a Scotland I had longed to see beyond the confines of city breaks to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The landscapes we encountered were unlike anything I had imagined, with majestic mountains and verdant valleys painting scenes so striking, they seemed lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. The experience was a profound reminder of the natural beauty that defines Scotland, from the serene lochs to the rugged highlands.

One particularly unforgettable moment was our visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a sight of such awe-inspiring beauty it seems almost otherworldly. A short walk from the viaduct leads to a viewpoint where the scenery unfolds dramatically—a loch flanked by towering mountains, a vista so spectacular it commands silence and reverence. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, allowing us to soak in the magnificence of Scotland’s natural landscape. This segment of our trip, like the others highlighted in the magazine, underscores the profound impact that nature’s grandeur can have on the soul, leaving us with memories that linger long after our return home.

Continuing our journey through The Great British Travel Guide magazine” we find ourselves immersed in the section dedicated to relaxation and leisure, aptly named And Relax. This part of the magazine is a celebration of the serene and tranquil corners of the UK, places where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades into the background, and the beauty of nature takes center stage.

This segment of the guide highlights the quintessential experiences of unwinding amidst the UK’s scenic beauty, featuring lakes, rivers, canals, country parks, and stately homes. It’s here that our National Trust memberships become invaluable, granting us access to some of the most breathtaking and historically rich sites across the country. While some of our favourite local spots, such as Gibside, Cragside, and Wallington, are notably absent from the magazine’s selections, the joy of discovery and the pleasure of return visits to these cherished places remain undiminished.

The mention of beaches in this section brings to mind our unforgettable visit to Kynance Cove, a jewel in the crown of Cornwall’s coastal landscape. The memory of the sun setting over the cove, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, remains vivid in my mind—a reminder of nature’s unparalleled beauty. Cornwall had many striking beaches each with its own unique charm.

Finally, we delve into the vibrant and indulgent world of Entertainment and Food & Drink as presented in The Great British Travel Guide. This section is a celebration of the rich tapestry of experiences that cater to the soul and the senses, encapsulating the joy of discovery through the UK’s diverse entertainment options and its culinary landscape.

The guide dedicates itself to showcasing the myriad ways one can immerse in the cultural heartbeat of the UK, from the exhilarating performances in the nation’s theaters to the quiet, contemplative spaces of its galleries and museums. My own experiences resonate deeply with this section, as each visit to a theater or gallery has been a journey into the creative expressions that define and narrate the story of Britain.

Food and drink, the universal languages of comfort and celebration, receive a special spotlight in the magazine. The UK’s culinary scene is as varied as its landscapes, offering everything from the simplicity of a traditional cream tea in a quaint village café to the sophisticated flair of gourmet dining in the heart of London. I love the grandeur of Afternoon Tea and have been lucky enough to sample many – my favourite without doubt was as a special 30th Birthday treat at Panoramic 34 in Liverpool – the food was amazing as was the view!

You cannot visit the Highlands of Scotland without visiting a whiskey distillery. The Glenturret Distillery experience was more than just a tasting; it was an educational journey through the history of whiskey-making, enriched by stories of the people and even the distillery cat who have been part of its legacy. This experience, like many others recommended in the guide, underscores the importance of food and drink not just as part of the travel experience, but as a gateway to understanding the culture and history of a place.

The Entertainment and Food & Drink section of the magazine is a reminder that travel is as much about indulging the senses and engaging with the local culture as it is about exploring new destinations. It invites readers to savor each moment, whether it’s in the thrill of a live performance, the quiet appreciation of art, or the shared pleasure of a meal, making each experience a cherished memory.

This summer my family and I are going on a cruise of the British Isles, I now have a handy guide to help me choose where we are going to visit at each port. I already have my eyes set on The Giants Causeway and Titanic Museum Belfast.