The Edinburgh Hogmanay (New Year) Party

By Janine Barclay

Edinburgh (with the castle in the distance) at New Year
(c) Robbie Shade

Globally recognised as the biggest New Year street party in the world, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations draw hundreds of thousands of people from all over to party on down as the bells ring at midnight to indicate the coming of a new year.

Coombs Dale in the Peak District: The hidden valley

Above Coombs Dale
© Copyright Jonathan Clitheroe

Many people like getting out on long walks in the country at this time of the year. Conditions are (usually!) cooler than in the summer and the wonderful autumn colours are an added bonus.

The Derbyshire Peaks attract walkers whatever the season. Most of them lie within the Peak District National Park which covers 555 square miles (1,440 km2) of the country, mainly in northern Derbyshire, but also reaching into parts of Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire.

Corfe Castle, Dorset - England at Her Most Picturesque

Corfe Castle, Dorset: village and castle ruins
© Copyright Derek Voller

By Denise Pienaar

Corfe Castle's crumbling remains stand high upon a hill with a delightful medieval village sprawled at its feet. Take a step back in time as you explore this unique landscape and uncover the turbulent history which left the 1000 year old castle a mere skeleton of its former glory but retaining its position of dominance, nonetheless.

Blues Festival in Tenby, South West Wales

Tenby from the harbour
© Copyright David Lewis

Tenby is a walled seaside town in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales on the west side of Carmarthen Bay. Its notable features include 4 km of sandy beaches, the 13th century medieval town walls, the 15th century St. Mary's Church, the Tudor Merchant's House (owned by the National Trust), a museum with art gallery, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, part of Wales' only coastal National Park. 

Blackpool's Attractions

Blackpool 

© Copyright John M Wheatley

Blackpool is one of Britain's most popular seaside resorts. It's lively and loud, with long stretches of sandy beaches, lots of entertainment, and an exciting night life. It's a particular favourite for hen and stag parties.

Several attractions give Blackpool its special appeal.

The Colours of an English Autumn

Woodland Magic, Westonbirt Arboretum
© Copyright Anthony Volante

Autumn is a favourite time for many people, especially those who love the show of rich colours it brings with it. Of course you don't have to go far to the enjoy this seasonal spectacle (everyone has a tree or two near them!), but I thought it might be worth pointing out a few places in England where you're guaranteed a feast for your eyes as the leaves on our trees begin to 'bow out' in style.

Walking in the Lake District

Anyone looking for some serious walking in Britain will head for one of four places: the Lake District, the Derbyshire Peaks (both in England), the mountains of Snowdonia (Wales) and the Scottish Highlands. Click here for an overview of walking in these regions.

Ullswater

© Copyright Chris Heaton

The Best Destinations for a UK Walking Holiday

By Tony Maniscalco

Edge of the Kinder Plateau (Peak District) from the Pennine Way
© Copyright Peter Barr

With worldwide trekking growing ever more popular, it's easy to forget that some of the world's finest walking country and most beautiful peaks are located just on your doorstep. The mountains of the UK may not be able to match the Alps or the Himalaya for size and sheer spectacle, but they provide breathtaking vistas and enjoyable routes for walkers of all levels of experience.

Bath: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Royal Crescent, Bath
© Copyright Oast House Archive

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, Bath is full of beautiful old buildings and oozes elegance and style. It also has great shops, with lots of classy independent boutiques as well as the high street names you'd expect to find in any UK city.

Rutland: Much in Little

Rutland is the smallest county in England. Stone cottages and gently rolling landscapes are its distinguishing features, along with its two delightful market towns - Oakham and Uppingham - and of course Rutland Water, the largest man-made reservoir in Europe. The county's motto 'multum in parvo', meaning much in little, couldn't be more fitting.

Cardiff Castle: An Extraordinary Ancient Castle

By Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Cardiff Castle from Bute Park
Q Copyright D Johnston

Cardiff Castle is an internationally acclaimed heritage site in Wales. With over 2000 years of history, this castle was once a Roman fort, a Norman monopoly and a Victorian Gothic architecture mansion.

Cornwall: South East, West & North Features

Author: Tory Cale

Polruan from Fowey
Q Copyright Louise Lambert

Cornwall, the delightful and picturesque county found in the South West of England is a popular tourist destination. With a population of over half a million, Cornwall is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel and to the east by the county of Devon. Historically, tin mining was important to the Cornish economy, along with fishing and agriculture. These days however, tourism is the main industry in Cornwall – the area is noted for its wild moorland landscapes, picturesque coastline and mild climate. Cornwall is roughly split into three areas – South East Cornwall, West Cornwall and North Cornwall.

Islay: Queen of the Hebrides

By Rob Berry-Smith

There's more to Scotland than the enchanting Edinburgh and the fascinating Glasgow. Further north, the country has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, not to mention eclectic wildlife and rich historic culture.

One place of note is the isle of Islay, Queen of the Hebrides, with its 3,200 passionate residents and 130 miles of largely unspoilt coastline.

Lossit Point, Islay
Q Copyright Mary and Angus Hogg

Many tourists flock to the Scotland's fifth largest Scottish island for its wildlife, particularly bird species. During February, birdwatchers arrive on the island to see a large colony of barnacle geese, while resident birds include the hen harrier, sea eagle, chough, oystercatcher and cormorant. Meanwhile, other wildlife enthusiasts come to Islay to see the working farm of Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve.