The British Isles and Ireland

Steeped in history and royalty, the English capital is considered to be one of the most progressive and exciting cities in the world.

Recognized as one of the leading art museums in the world, this 19C gallery houses superb masterpieces from mid-13C to the 20C.

One of the leading museums in the country, this remarkable 19C gallery exhibits superb examples of British art from the 16C onwards.

Home to England's Crown Jewels, this 11C castle has served as a royal prison throughout its long and fascinating history.

Immense in its size and wealth of exhibits, this must-see museum spans all cultures, tracing the turbulent history of the human race.

A famous university city full of highly respected colleges, medieval architecture, thriving culture, and lush countryside.

Massive and stunning, the chalk cliffs of Dover can be walked to enjoy their majestic scenery, best viewed from the lighthouse.

With 425 galleries and over 4 million works spanning 5,000 years, this awe-inspiring museum is a treasure trove of history and art.

As well as being a leading botanical research center, these exquisite 18C gardens are home to over 30,000 of plant species.

A treasure trove of exquisite ornamentation and architectural genius, this abbey has served the British monarchs since the 10C.

Stretch 135m into the sky, this Ferris wheel features glass-enclosed pods and offers spectacular views over all of London.

Since 1167 Oxford's educational excellence has been giving rise to its phenomenal history, culture, and social atmosphere.

Dating to prehistoric times, Canterbury remains today a destination of "pilgrims" seeking history, culture, and fun.

Look for the City of London signs if you wish to explore the heart proper, but in any case you will fall in love with these streets.

A lavish 18C palace, the official London residence of the British royalty features galleries and superbly preserved decor.

Housed in a former power station, this gallery focuses on leading international modern art with permanent and temporary exhibits.

Well-known for its wealthy residents, this lively neighborhood offers its visitors shopping, great eating, and fun activities.

Erected 5,000 years ago, the famed Stonehenge remains a mystery and might have been a burial site, a temple, or something else entirely.

Luxuriously designed and decorated, this Baroque palace boasts lavish decor and equally exquisite surrounding grounds.

This marvelous walled city offers a wealth of history at every turn, with a beautiful cityscape laid out around its two rivers.

A breathtaking 13C Gothic cathedral, boasting a treasure trove of medieval stained glass and a wealth of architectural curios.

Rise early to explore as much as you can of this rich and fascinating historic center, roaming its streets and visiting the pubs.

Featuring comprehensive exhibits on British railway history, this museum houses numerous locomotives and strives to predict the future.

These 12C-14C walls are wonderfully intact, following the original Roman fortifications and boasting four unique gatehouses.

With masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, and Boucher, as well as 18C-20C decor and fashions, this nice museum is a cultural gem.

Completed in 1728, this Baroque English mansion is a magnificent residence embellished further by the equally grand gardens.

An ancient market with as many as 25 butcher shops, this charming narrow-laned street is truly enjoyable to explore today.

Built in 1755, this Georgian townhouse is an excellent example of York elegance, complete with furnishings, art, and rich decor.

The exhibition takes you through the Viking city of Jorvik as it existed in the 10C, based on ongoing archaeological finds.

Set in a 18C prison, this museum houses numerous historic collections allowing you to experience town and prison life during the 18C.

Full of energy and history, this medieval city is a beauty with its many landmarks, winding cobbled streets, and a formidable castle.

Made famous by the legend of Robin Hood, this city is home to several industries, many excellent museums, and nice historic sites.

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is spirited and fun-loving with its strong maritime history still preserved in its cityscape.

Held in a building designed partly for its stained glass, this eclectic collection also includes Chinese, Islamic, and Gothic art.

Admire the numerous landmarks in this historic center, interspersed with Victorian, Modernist, and many other architectural styles.

A 13C cathedral blending several architectural styles, yet retaining a lovely Gothic presence and an array of ornamentation.

Embodying the architectural style associated with the famed Charles Mackintosh, this reconstruction of his house is a gem.

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is known for its rich history, idyllic setting, and spirited cultural life.

Surrounding the Loch Lomond and countless other lakes, this national park boasts majestic wild mountains and beautiful forests.

Housed in an exquisite Spanish Baroque palace, this museum hosts over 9,000 items spanning arts, natural history, and weaponry.

Not only a school, this Mackintosh-designed institution houses one of the largest collections of Mackintosh works in the world.

Book a tour or explore independently the various architectural gems designed or inspired by the famed Mackintosh.

Housed in a gem of modern architecture, this center is rich with scientific displays, interactive exhibits, and other attractions.

Visited by Queen Victoria in 1866, this vista has amazing views of Loch Tummel, Schiehallion, and even the Glen Coe hills.

Set in the heart of the Trossachs region, the large loch is strikingly beautiful and offers seasonal excursions on a steamboat.

Located in a Neoclassical building, this contemporary art museum includes works by Warhol, Salgado, Hockney, and many others.

An 18C mansion surrounded with beautiful grounds, housing works by Goya, El Greco, and William Blake among other artistic gems.

Primarily designed by Mackintosh in 1901 and built in the 1990s, this house serves as a exhibit center for promoting progressive art.

Centered around the Kibble Palace, these botanic gardens feature an arboretum, lush parkland, and beautiful glasshouses.

Designed in 1604, this formal walled garden at Edzell Castle reflects the beauty of Renaissance landscaping.

A hanging valley through which the Tail Burn waterfall carves its way into the Moffat Water 60m below, riddled with hiking paths.

Designed by Mackintosh, this building houses the Center for Architecture and Design, displaying rotating exhibits on the subject.

A 19C cemetery dotted with beautiful stones and monuments, the Necropolis is known for its peaceful atmosphere and lovely scenery.

Tracing the history of transport in Scotland, this museum exhibits historic vehicles, ship models, locomotives, engines, and more.

One of the largest towns in Scotland's Highlands, this busy town boasts museums, warm locals, and access to stunning nature.

With strong roots in Scottish strategic history, this city also serves as an excellent base for day trips.

Ireland's illustrious capital is known for its literary traditions, an upbeat pub scene, and a wealth of cultural and historic sites.

Wander through the central streets, admiring elegant Georgian townhouses, visiting local pubs, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

This library holds a historical collection of manuscripts, rare books, and artwork from Western, East Asian, and Islamic sources.

Home to over 14,000 items, this marvelous museum exhibits an array of international artwork, from Irish, to Flemish, Spanish, and other artists.

Ireland's largest library is a book-lover's dream with the famed 9C Book of Kells on display, and the lavish Long Room reading open.

A stunning expanse of karst landscape, the Burren is part of Ireland's six national parks, offering breathtaking views and great hiking.

Older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, this Neolithic monument is full of carvings, archaeological findings, and mythological links.

An enormous visitors center dedicated to Ireland's famous pint of Guinness, this museum traces the history and process of beer making.

Commemorating the Irish soldiers who have perished during the WWI, this tranquil garden offers a wonderful afternoon stroll.

Learn all about the history and making of Irish whiskey at this modern interactive museum, followed by a whiskey tasting.

A well-hidden gem, this lovely 18C church is fairly busy and boasts an array of notable decorations, from stained glass to artworks.

A hub of religious learning since its establishment in the 5C, this ancient settlement stands in ruins with few monuments still extant.

History and myth saturate this site, where archaeological findings and historic monuments trace its significance well into prehistory.

With its history stretching to the 11C, this church features elaborate crypts that host well-preserved mummies, some dating to the 12C.

A great place to enjoy the city bustle, catch some local buskers, or just hunt for souvenirs, this shopping street is a must.

Offering free entrance, this wonderful gallery houses a wealth of modern Irish artwork, as well as a selection of French pieces.

Retaining its original lush decor, this 18C public library is home to a wealth of manuscripts and still functions as a research hub.

Full of history and medieval ambiance, this small city offers much to its visitors, from churches, to a castle, to memorable streets.

The capital of Northern Ireland is a vibrant industrial metropolis with a rich cultural scene, as well as a tumultuous history.

Full of charm, colorful shops, and notable landmarks, this town is famed for its proximity to many historic and natural attractions.

Dotted with shops, restaurants, traditional shops, and quaint attractions, the town's central streets offer something for all tastes.

A superb example of 19C neo-Gothic architecture, this cathedral boasts some notable decorative details, as well as rich stained-glass.

Set in the Killarney National Park, this 15C abbey is nicely preserved, featuring a peaceful courtyard with a large yew tree.

Visit the 19C mansion to admire its pseudo-Tudor architecture and explore the lush grounds comprising the estate, as well as the adjacent lakes.

Take a tour of this 15C keep, learning all about medieval fortifications and enjoying the marvelous surrounding landscape.

Ireland's most spectacular natural treasures await on this 179km road, including lakes, mountain passes, historic sites, and more.

Ireland's second-largest city, this vibrant metropolis is full of historic sites, cultural monuments, and wonderful local food.

Explore this beautiful peninsula by foot or car, enjoying its breathtaking landscape and visiting some of the nearby attractions.

The birthplace of the exquisite Waterford Crystal, this vibrant city is full of museums, historic relics, and beautiful churches.

Take a tour of the famed Waterford Crystal factory, learning about its history and witnessing the production of fine glassworks.

Established in the 11C, this 18C church site is a marvelous architectural feat, full of decorative elements and notable relics.

Explore streets lined with historic buildings, visiting local shops in search of souvenirs and enjoying the bustle of the center.

Tracing the history of Waterford since the 18C, this museum exhibits historic furnishing, silverware, artworks, and other gems.

Established in the 18C, the estate offers its visitors a well-preserved history house, as well as beautiful grounds for wandering.

Full of history and medieval ambiance, this small city offers much to its visitors, from churches, to a castle, to memorable streets.

Erected in the 11C as part of city fortifications, this historic tower now houses a rich museum on Viking settlement in the area.

A stunning expanse of karst landscape, the Burren is part of Ireland's six national parks, offering breathtaking views and great hiking.

Older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, this Neolithic monument is full of carvings, archaeological findings, and mythological links.

Established by the Romans in the 1C, Bath remains a spa destination with its 18C atmosphere surviving amid a modern ambiance.

Set out through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, seeking the scenes of Jane Austen prose among the 18C backdrop.

This superb example of residential Georgian architecture offers an impressive visit with its sweeping and grand design.

This collection of Americana includes decorative and folk arts, maps, and textiles, exhibited in the atmospheric Claverton Manor.

As the first townhouse built as part of the Crescent, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the lifestyle of the 18C English gentry.

Established in the 18C, this wonderful estate boasts a fully appointed Palladian mansion and exceptional gardens.

Erected 5,000 years ago, the famed Stonehenge remains a mystery and might have been a burial site, a temple, or something else entirely.

Adjacent to the Crescent and inspired by the Roman Coliseum, these 18C Georgian townhomes are an excellent example of urban design.

This museum houses a highly regarded collection of decorative arts, a variety of oil paintings, sculptures, and period artifacts.

Originally built in the 15C, thi elaborate Gothic abbey is home to a wealth of architectural and cultural curios.

Once the social center of Bath, this 18C Georgian manor is well preserved, exhibiting and array of historic apparel.

The port city of Bristol always amazes with its history, culture, and its round-the-clock spirit of activity.

Since 1167 Oxford's educational excellence has been giving rise to its phenomenal history, culture, and social atmosphere.

At the site of the 1C Roman bath, this Georgian museum offers an excellent history of this local 2,000-year-old spa tradition.

This limestone gorge offers staircase climbs to fantastic views, as well as caves where Britain's oldest human skeleton was found.

Known for its towering cathedral, medieval charm, and proximity to Stonehenge, Salisbury is a treasury of history and good spirit.

Steeped in history and royalty, the English capital is considered to be one of the most progressive and exciting cities in the world.

Recognized as one of the leading art museums in the world, this 19C gallery houses superb masterpieces from mid-13C to the 20C.

One of the leading museums in the country, this remarkable 19C gallery exhibits superb examples of British art from the 16C onwards.

Home to England's Crown Jewels, this 11C castle has served as a royal prison throughout its long and fascinating history.

Immense in its size and wealth of exhibits, this must-see museum spans all cultures, tracing the turbulent history of the human race.

A famous university city full of highly respected colleges, medieval architecture, thriving culture, and lush countryside.

Massive and stunning, the chalk cliffs of Dover can be walked to enjoy their majestic scenery, best viewed from the lighthouse.

With 425 galleries and over 4 million works spanning 5,000 years, this awe-inspiring museum is a treasure trove of history and art.

As well as being a leading botanical research center, these exquisite 18C gardens are home to over 30,000 of plant species.

A treasure trove of exquisite ornamentation and architectural genius, this abbey has served the British monarchs since the 10C.

Stretch 135m into the sky, this Ferris wheel features glass-enclosed pods and offers spectacular views over all of London.

Since 1167 Oxford's educational excellence has been giving rise to its phenomenal history, culture, and social atmosphere.

Dating to prehistoric times, Canterbury remains today a destination of "pilgrims" seeking history, culture, and fun.