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WINCHESTER |
Discover the treasures of this interesting city
with links to King Arthur and the legendary Knights of the Round
Table. With its magnificent Cathedral, museums, galleries,
medieval buildings and tranquil green spaces you'll find
shoppers paradise with high-street names, fashion and
restaurants. In the charming side streets there are a tempting
array of independent outlets, boutiques, gift and souvenir shops
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For over two centuries Winchester was the capital
of England. William the Conqueror thought it right to be crowned
at Winchester and under Alfred the Great it was the centre of
learning and art in the Kingdom with the Cathedral at its heart.
Winchester Cathedral has been a place of worship for over 900
years. Norman architecture remains in the transepts and crypt.
It is the longest Cathedral in Europe and contains the tombs of
the early English Kings, Jane Austen's grave, magnificent
examples of English medieval art and the word-famous Winchester
Bible - one of the loveliest illuminated books in the whole
world.
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PORTSMOUTH |
Portsmouth is fast becoming the greatest maritime
spectacle in the world. For centuries the Royal Dockyard has
been the traditional home of the Royal Navy. Together with its
waterfront bars and restaurants, sailing experiences and the
shopping in a vibrant city centre it IS the place to visit.
Dominating the Portsmouth skyline are the masts of ancient and
modern Navy ships alongside the city tower blocks. But now there
is a new centrepiece on the waterfront the tall 560 foot (170 m)
Spinnaker Tower 2004 which is destined to be a new international
landmark with superb views over the harbour and beyond. |
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Naval Heritage of Portsmouth presents the story of
500 years of the Royal Navy with three magnificent preserved
warships supported by The Royal Navy Museum in the dockyard. The
first, The Mary Rose, was King Henry VIII's favourite warship.
Lost at sea outside Portsmouth for over four centuries its
recovery in 1982 became the world's largest underwater archaeological
operation giving an insight into Tudor life.
Second, the centrepiece of the Naval Heritage area, is HMS
Victory, flagship of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of
Trafalgar. You can take a memorable tour of this oldest
commissioned warship in the world. Thirdly, HMS Warrior 1860
brings Victorian seafaring history to life. Restored to her
former glory this sleek, black battleship portrays life in the
19th century navy.
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WINDSOR
CASTLE |
Seen for the first time, Windsor Castle on the
banks of the River Thames, is an unforgettable sight; its towers
and battlements creating one of the world's most spectacular
skylines. Built for William the Conqueror to guard the western
approach to London, for over nine centuries this Royal Palace
and Fortress has been under the direct control of the Sovereign.
It has provided an awesome background to the great Ceremonies of
State and today gives an unrivalled insight into the life of
England throughout those years. |
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It is still a working Palace and the State
Apartments containing treasures, artwork, armour and lavish
décor are opened as much as Royal commitments allow. In your
visit try to include: the medieval St. George's Chapel (1475);
the burial place of ten Sovereigns; Queen Mary's Dolls House
(1923) an exquisite example of craftsmanship to a 1:12 scale;
and the Changing of the Guard (only at specific times). Guide
books and audio tours are available at the Castle. |
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HAMPTON COURT
PALACE |
For over 500 years Hampton Court Palace has stood
on the banks of the River Thames west of London - a passion of
King Henry VIII. Originally built in the 16th century by
Cardinal Wolsey it was then ceded to Henry who altered and added
to the Tudor Palace. Later Kings rebuilt parts of the Palace
with Sir Christopher Wren designing much of the eastern side in
William III's reign. Until the reign of George III Hampton Court
Palace stayed a Royal residence. Royal journeys from London were
usually made on the Thames. |
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Features include: the Clock Court Astronomical
Clock; the King's Kitchen; the Great Hall; State Apartments;
Haunted Gallery and Chapel Royal. The Palace's magnificent
grounds have landscapes and manicured gardens, parterres, water
features and fountains, orangery and the famous hedge maize
worth making time to see. All facilities available including tea
rooms, coffee shop and gift shops.
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KEW GARDENS |
The Royal Botantic Gardens at Kew south-west of
London are three hundred acres of land containing the finest
plant collection in the world. Originally two Royal Estates,
joined together in the reign of George III, Kew has become a
world famous garden and leading centre for science and
conservation. |
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A haven of wildlife and respite from the bustle of
the city, you can wander through Kew's collection of over 30,000
different types of plants and discover feature gardens, woodland
walks, temples, pools and ponds. Experience the atmosphere of
magnificent Victorian and modern glass conservatories with
plants and climates ranging from rainforest to desert. The
visitor is well-catered for with special facilities, plant
information points, restaurants, shops, galleries and visitor
centre. |
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BATH |
The Georgian City of Bath is sited on the River
Avon in Somerset where ancient hot springs were found. For
almost 2000 years the warm waters have been used medicinally,
therapeutically, and for bathing when the Romans built the
famous Baths and city (Aqua Sulis) there. Modern Bath dates from
the 17th century and in the 18th c, it was a place of
fashionable resort. Famous residents include Charles Dickens,
Jane Austen, Dr. Livingstone, Lord Nelson, Sir Walter Scott,
Gainssborough and Napoleon III. |
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In the magnificence of the Georgian architecture
you will discover many attractions; sip tea in the splendid Pump
Room; stand beneath the great fan ceiling of Bath Abbey; take
the conducted tour of the striking ruins of the Roman Baths, and
much more. You will also find excellent museums, exhibitions and
art galleries as well as souvenirs, antiques, high street shops,
fashion and places to eat. |
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STONEHENGE |
On Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, about 8 miles
(12.5 km)) north west of the City of Salisbury, stand the
ancient stones of Stonehenge. It is the most impressive
prehistoric stone monument in north-western Europe and began as
a circular ditch and bank (a henge) from approx. 3050 B.C. Today
it consists of concentric circles of dressed stones erected
mainly in the Bronze Age although the remains of several great
wooden post circles, banks, mounds and ditches can be dated
between 1800 an 1400 B.C. |
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Marvel at how the stones, some several tons in
weight, had to come by sea, river and land to Wiltshire. Who
devised such an extraordinary project? How were the stones put
up? Why are they there? Discover the many theories and mysteries
about burials, rituals, sun worship, astronomy, religious
activities and links to architects in Mycenac in Ancient Greece.
This is a World Heritage Site of huge importance. There is a
visitor centre with free guided tours, audio tours, souvenir
shop and restaurant.
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SALISBURY
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New Sarum, as Salisbury was first called, was laid
out in squares known as chequers on the meadowland of the
important River Avon. In the middle of the city is a beautiful
14th Century market cross round which poultry used to be bought
and sold. Its chief industries were boot and shoe-making,
farming and engineering - particularly when the area grew in
importance with railway connections to London, the north and
west. Today it is a tourist centre noted for good shopping,
eating, gifts and souvenirs due mainly to its famed Cathedral. |
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Salisbury Cathedral has a dominant spire of 404
feet (123 metres) - the tallest in Britain. Most of the
Cathedral was built in the Early English style of Gothic
architecture with the spire a later addition. The Cathedral has
been depicted by many famous artists over the centuries; notably
Constable. Visitors to Salisbury travel across the high plains
of Wiltshire which are steeped in pre-history and evidence of
early man or through the delightful villages nestling in lush
green valleys to where four rivers meet at this beautiful
Cathedral City.
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STRATFORD-
UPON-AVON |
William Shakespeare, the greatest and most famous
of English writers and playwrights was born in 1564 in the town
of Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire. Thousands of people now
visit Stratford every year to see the house where he was born
and to watch his plays being acted in the Shakespeare Memorial
Theatre. Because of this the town has become an outstanding
tourist centre and place of pilgrimage as well as a busy market
town. His birthplace in Henley Street was purchased as a
National memorial in 1847 and it has its own visitor centre. The
site of New Place, where he retired, and Hall's Croft, his
eldest daughter's house, are well worth a visit as also is
Shakespeare's grave in Holy Trinity Church. |
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The Beautifully preserved Tudor homes and
architecture are typical of Stratford (street across the ford)
and the Warwickshire area. Visitors should look out for period
furniture, exhibitions of costumes, collections, museums, craft
displays, book shops and performances of Shakespeare's work.
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OXFORD |
The City of Oxford on the River Thames 50 miles
west of London is the home of one of the oldest Universities in
Britain - its first College, University College, being founded
in 1249. Among many famous people who studied at Oxford were
William Penn, John Wesley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Cecil Rhodes
and Sir Christopher Wren. Long before it became a university
town, Oxford was a meeting place for scholars and those who
wished to learn from them. Gradually the University evolved from
student and teacher lodgings to Residential Halls and to
Colleges. The visitor will find no two colleges look alike
though well-kept lawns - on which only the Dons are allowed to
walk - and gardens will always be found. Buildings of different
centuries are grouped harmoniously around squares or
"quadrangles" and each College will have a Head's
house, library, porter's lodge, chapel and dining hall. |
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Oxford's University architecture is stunning with
towers and spires dominating the skyline. This thriving City has
grown up around the University, the riverside, excellent travel
links and a powerful motor industry. The City boasts famous-name
shops, numerous specialist outlets for the connoisseur and its
pubs and restaurants will satisfy the visitor's every need. |
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