Anyway, here goes…

Bamburgh Castle by James West

Bamburgh Castle, Northumbria

Britain is home to a number of famous castles, but few can claim to be quite as impressive as Bamburgh Castle in the north-east of England. This giant building is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country and takes pride of place of the Northumbrian coastline. Bamburgh Castle was once home to the kings of Northumbria and is still a place of fascination to historians and archaeologists who can often be seen digging for artefacts and anything else that provides information on the long history of the castle. This historical landmark should be visited by everyone.

Fishing Cove, Cornwall

Fishing Cove is a secluded a beach as you will ever find – this despite being several hundred metres from a car park! The small beach is a place loved as much by seals as it is by skinny-dippers and naturists and is the perfect place to enjoy a sunny summer afternoon. Fishing Cove, would not doubt be one of the most popular places in Cornwall, were it not for access. The pathway down to the beach is steep and can be slippery but well worth tackling to experience the golden sand.

Dunster Castle, Somerset by Chilli Head

Dunster Castle, Somerset

Dunster Castle is much like something out of a fairytale with turrets and towers aplenty overlooking beautiful Exmoor. The castle itself is made all the more picturesque by the medieval town that surrounds it and the National Collection of strawberry trees that must be seen (but not eaten). Regular events are held at the castle and you can choose to take a tour around the grounds and inside the vast building itself, tracing more than 1,000 years of history in the process.

The Temple, London

London is home to the majority of Britain’s most famous attractions, but many hidden gems also populate the city streets; one such attraction being the Temple, a building which is hidden in plain sight between Fleet Street and the Embankment. Both an ancient church and a base for members of London’s legal profession, the building was named after the Knights Templar. The Temple is eerie as it is wonderful.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Denis Egan

Anglesey is an island joined to the Welsh mainland by two bridges, so it’s easy enough to get on and off. To the mainland side, there’s the wonderful scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. You can climb its highest peak, Mount Snowdon (1,085 metres above sea level), and get back down again in one day. There’s even a restaurant at the top, and a railway that goes right to the summit, for when you’re not feeling very energetic. And, to the west of Anglesey, there are regular fast ferries to Ireland, so you could even include a trip to Dublin in your holiday.

So, what about Anglesey itself? There’s a wealth of things to do and see when you stay on the island. If you and your family love wildlife, there are few better places to visit in the British Isles. Birds and marine life around the coast are spectacular and varied. Seabirds, like razorbills and guillemots, nest on the rocky shores each year. And, there’s even a colony of the parrot-like puffin, one of the most charismatic of birds. You might experience the amazing peregrine falcon. If you’re lucky enough to see it dive on its prey, you’ll witness the world’s fastest animal in action.

The island’s coasts are rugged, but between the rocky outcrops there are stunning beaches. It’s more about adventure and exploration than sunbathing. But, when the sun shines, you’ll enjoy an unspoiled beach experience, unmatched by any tropical paradise.

Cycling is the best way to get around the island, both for your enjoyment and to preserve the tranquillity of Anglesey. You can hire bikes locally, and there are designated cycle routes all over the island. It’s the ideal way to enjoy Anglesey’s scenery and nature.

Along the way, you’ll find children-friendly pubs. These are great places to stop, quench your thirst, and have lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. If rumours are true, you might even bump into William and Kate at the Beachcomber Café, in Benllech.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

If history is your passion, Anglesey has a very interesting past. It wasn’t always so peaceful, as the tale of Beaumaris Castle tells. This is a near-perfect example of fortification, and for good reason. Beaumaris Castle was part of the “iron ring” built by King Edward I, designed to keep the unruly Welsh in his firm grip.

And, the attractions of Anglesey don’t end there. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities, from the creative arts to horse riding along the shores. And, there are plenty more sporting opportunities as well. Anglesey attracts surfers from far and wide, but there’s golf and sea fishing to be enjoyed as well.

There’s really no excuse to be bored on the island. Anglesey offers so much, your only problem will be deciding what to do. No wonder William and Kate made it their home, it’s remote and quiet enough, yet buzzing with life and fun.

Written by The British Travel Guide

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Tryfan, Nant Ffrancon Valley, Snowdonia, Wales, UK by Stuart

Named after the 1,085 meter tall Snowdon peak which can be found within the park’s boundaries, the park is a popular destination in the area. Originally known as the Great Throne, Yr Wyddfa is filled with legends that have been formed throughout the ages. In the old days, the region was part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd which was considered by many to be the heart of Wales.

There are a total of nine mountain ranges that can be found within the park’s boundaries. As a result, more than 52% of the area is covered by ragged rocks and mountain peaks; some as high as 915 meters above sea level. You will also find more than sixty kilometres of coastline within the park; some of which are sandy beaches.

The Snowdonia National Park is currently inhabited by more then 26,000 people. Most of the residents of the park speak Welsh. Those numbers soar as more than six million visitors make their way to the park every single year. Since there are a number of places and ways to sleep within the park, many visitors choose to visit the park for longer than just a simple day trip.

Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia National Park, Wales, UK by Les Haines

One will notice is that in the centre of the Snowdonia National Park, there is a region which has not been included as actually part of the national park. This hole as some refer to it includes the prosperous town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The town’s main industry is its thriving slate quarry. The town was purposefully left out of the development of the park so that it could continue to grow in the future.

You could spend more than a week just visiting the park and seeing the many sites throughout. You will find ancient castles and ruins that date back to the earliest known settlements in the region. There are also several archaeological sites that can be found within the park’s boundaries.

Known for its beauty and splendour, the Snowdonia National Park is one of the most visited locations in the United Kingdom.

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