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The United Kingdom offers several places that not only provide a lot of fun for the whole family but also offer great value for your hard earned holiday money.

In case you are on the lookout for a fun place where the whole family could have plenty to do, consider visiting the cities and towns around the United Kingdom. If you happen to travel with children then it is important that you find a location that would amuse them sufficiently long enough for you to enjoy the trip and relax too.

Any holiday could become a nightmare if you do not find suitably amusing things to do or places to go for your children. There are several holiday parks and theme parks in the UK where your children could enjoy the amusements and rides allowing you time to enjoy yourself too. Kids would especially love thrilling rides at places like Great Yarmouth seafront amusement park in Norfolk & adults could relax in cafes located around the area.

One of the biggest advantages of vacationing in the United Kingdom is that all travelling plans could be left until the last moment. By using various public transport available such as trains or buses you don’t even have to drive around the country. With suitable accommodation found all around the UK easily, you can travel around whenever you desire.

Another thing that is becoming a rage in UK tourism is the log cabin holiday. To cater to the demand, holiday resorts in East Anglia Norfolk have begun to feature log cabins that are self-catering in many of the holiday parks.

As well as the holiday parks in Norfolk some of the most serene log cabins have to be those located in the south west around Cornwall and Devon where there are a lot of log cabins. You could explore the Dartmoor tors & the amazing Blackpool Sands Cove. Then you could even do a little bird watching at Slapton Sands. The 180 miles of various walking trails in North Devon are really exhilarating and the Exmoor National park provides a beautiful look at nature. Some of the other attractions of the West Country are Dunsters Medieval Yarn Market and the steam train excursions of West Somerset Railway.

Unless you are escaping to a desert island for the whole of December, Christmas shopping is pretty much unavoidable but if your local shops just aren’t going cut it this year (and you don’t want to rely on the post!), then why not use our guide to head out to the best shopping locations in the UK? Pre-Christmas sales are not uncommon now so search around for some real bargains.

1. Oxford Street, London

Forty million shoppers making their annual Christmas pilgrimage every year can’t be wrong. People come for the lights, the two mile stretch of 300+ shops, the extended ranges in many of the international flagship stores and the massive amount of choice (Selfridges, Top Shop, Nike Town, John Lewis, the list goes on). Although they probably don’t come for the crowds. Oxford Street is one of London’s top tourist attractions and is still one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world.

2. Manchester

England’s unofficial second city has the cooler edge on many of it’s rivals. Not even counting the The Arndale Centre, this city is a shoppers paradise and is crammed full of small niche retailers, vintage/retro boutiques and shabby chic/boho stores many with an original Mancunian style. Perfect if you really stuck for Christmas shopping ideas – just remember to pack the umbrella!

3. Brighton & Hove

Even though it’s a small city, Brighton & Hove has made it high on the list because of it’s amazingly diverse range of shops from chic boutiques, contemporary unique fashions to antiques and original art and jewellery. The more bohemian and trendy shops are located in Brighton’s North Laines. Wander the half a square mile of streets and alleys buying 50s and 60s kitsch, aspirational lifestyle products or french reproduction furniture and then stop for a mung bean burger at one of the many health and vegetarian food outlets. Designer bargains are to be found in the Brighton Marina and the big name stores are located in Churchill Square.

4. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a very aesthetically pleasing shopping location and is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in Britain. People brave the cold to come here and view the sights as well as do their Christmas shopping. The locals take style and consumerism very seriously and as well as being packed with designer names (Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Prada etc) there are plenty of hip and trendy smaller boutique shops.

5. Birmingham

England’s official second city shouldn’t disappoint would be shoppers, it’s an easier place to get your bearings than you might think with most shops located in the newly redeveloped Bull Ring and New Street. Brummies love trendy designer labels but they also love a bargain. They also love unusual architecture (the £40 million futuristic Selfridges building is worth coming to Birmingham to see in itself although, having said that, it might not be to everyones taste!). As well as all the major high street shops including Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, the well-known jewellery quarter should sort you out with all your bling!

6. Spitalfields Market, London

Okay this would be the alternative choice but if you’re fed up with the same old stuff in all the usual high street stores then Spitalfields market with it’s eclectic range of stalls – many with original designs – is definitely worth a visit. Buy your cool cousin an original leather satchel, your mum a vintage brooch, your niece or nephew a trendy printed babygrow or just pick up a slice of wheat-free Christmas cake.

7. Newcastle

If you like your shopping experience to be on a very large scale then this would definitely be the place to visit. The enormous Metrocentre is probably the reason most people travel to Newcastle for shopping as it’s one of largest shopping and leisure centres in Europe. North Easterners also have a fondness for original designs so as well as the usual high street favourites there is also a wide range of independent shops and a popular art and craft market each Sunday on Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond.

8. Bath

If it’s the quintessential English Christmas shopping experience you are after, look no further than Bath. With it’s grand Georgian streets, Roman baths and beautiful abbey, Bath is very easy on the eye and even the most discerning shopper is well catered for. As well as all the familiar big name stores, the town offers a wide range of independent shops and stylish boutiques and a well-organised Christmas Market running from 26th November to 6th December 2009.

9. Dublin

Ok, it’s not in the UK, but Dublin is a fun and vibrant city and would make an excellent choice for an easily accessible Christmas shopping destination. It’s a very compact city with all the shops in walkable distance and most of the shopping centred around the pedestrianised Grafton Street (shops towards the upper-end of the market) and St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre (the usual high street shops). After you finished there head for Temple Bar for trendy and more unusual clothing, music and art stores (and probably also a pint of Guinness).

10. Cardiff

Even if you’re not searching for a rugby shirt or a Welsh Love spoon don’t overlook Cardiff as a Christmas shopping destination. Cardiff is a very friendly city and is now one of the best shopping locations in the country thanks to the new St. David’s shopping centre £675 million extension. Every major store is represented in the very impressive “St. David’s 2″ but if it’s more intimate shopping you are after try the cute Morgan and Castle shopping arcades still with their Victorian and Edwardian features.

A UK hiking holiday could encompass climbing the highest peaks of all four countries in the United Kingdom, giving you an overall view of the area, and a knowledge of the geography and environment in each region. All four countries are popular destinations for holiday-makers interested in hiking and the outdoors, and reaching their peaks is well worth the effort.

Reaching the UK’s Highest Peak in Scotland

Ben Nevis is the highest peak both in Scotland and in the UK, with its highest point being 1344m. Of the eight UK peaks over 1200m, this mountain range is home to three, with Ben Nevis’ neighbours, Aonach Mor and Aonach Beag both falling into this group. This makes the whole region great for a UK hiking holiday, with beautiful mountain ranges covering the area.

Home to the longest and steepest hill in the whole of the UK, Ben Nevis’ western and southern flanks rise about 1200m in 2km. This makes for challenging United Kingdom hiking, if you attempt to ascend the mountain from this angle. The northern side of Ben Nevis sees cliffs dropping 600m, to a corrie containing the Charles Inglis Memorial Hut, a private hut often used as a base for many of the climbing routes.

This igneous mountain range is probably the best place in Scotland if it’s a walking holiday in the UK you’re after, with beautiful scenery as well as challenging peaks for those looking for a more active holiday.

Welsh Walking

Wales is an enchanting area for a UK walking holiday, with many interesting birds and plants populating the country. Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon, is 1085m high, and is known for being one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Shaped like a starfish, Snowdon has six ridges, each with their own characteristics and geological build.

The mountain boasts some of the most spectacular views you will see on your United Kingdom hiking experience, with a number of different scenery types. If you’re willing to engage in some complicated scrambling, you have the opportunity to see glaciated valleys high up near Snowdon’s peak. When standing on the actual summit, you will see ancient fossils, and interesting volcanic rock formations can be found all over the mountain.

Your UK hiking holiday will be even better, with a number of rare species of flowers and insects being found in this region. One of the most fascinating plants is the insectivorous Sundew, which traps its prey on sticky droplets before devouring them. The beautiful and rare yellow four-petalled Tormentil can also be found here, and ravens and white-bottomed wheatears soar through the skies.

Scaling Scafell Pike

England’s highest peak is Scafell Pike, being 978m tall. It is situated in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, an area known for being one of the best UK walking holiday destinations. Being in such a beautiful destination, this mountain can only be great for United Kingdom hiking.

It is a very popular hiking destination on weekends, with a relatively easy route available from Wasdale Head. For a more taxing hike with exceptional scenery, the route from Seathwaite Farm is know for its beauty, and is one of the best trails for United Kingdom hiking.

Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountain range is home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard (849m). Situated in the southeastern region of Northern Ireland, this is among the most famous mountains in the country, and an ideal place for a UK hiking holiday.

The Mournes consist of 35km of dry-stone wall, crossing a total of fifteen summits. The area is scenically very beautiful, and heather, bog cotton, harebell, heath spotted orchids and Marsh St John’s wort are all found in the area. Sheep graze high in the mountain tops, and ravens, buzzards and peregrine falcons patrol the skies. With so much wildlife in the area, it is the perfect place for United Kingdom hiking.

If you visit the United Kingdom you are almost certain to find something that you will like. Despite its small size this island nation once ruled most of the world; at one point in their history there was no place where the sun set on the British Empire. These days the UK is a unique mix of the historical and the modern. Few locations have had as much impact on the world as the United Kingdom so it is worth seeing what all the fuss is about.

Most trips to the UK begin in London. This is the capital city of England and this is where the Queen spends most of her time. Scotland now has its own parliament and Wales also takes care of a lot of its own government, but all major decisions still get made in London. For the visitor the city can mean a lot of things depending on where you go. If you want to see all the historical buildings you will need to give yourself a bit of time. It is worth making the effort to visit the British museum as this has the finest collections of artifacts in the world. If you want something a bit different then visit Camden town. There is a great market here and this is this is where some influential bands began playing; there are many music venues in the area.

If you love the Beatles then you will need to visit Liverpool on the west coast of England. This is an industrial city with its own unique culture which is a mix of Irish and English traditions. The people of Liverpool pride themselves on being unique and they claim to be a lot more down to earth then people in other parts of the country. North of Liverpool is Manchester and this is another area that has a lot to offer the visitor.

No visit to the United Kingdom is complete without making the journey to Scotland. The Highlands offers some spectacular scenery and if you have the time then a trip to the island is well worth the effort. Most visitors to Scotland end up in Edinburgh. The castle in the city is stunning and a lot of entertainment is to be found on Rose Street. The Edinburgh comedy festival is one of the biggest of its kind in the world and attracts people from every corner of the globe.

East of Edinburgh is Glasgow and this city has more of an industrial feel to it. This was once the location of some of the busiest shipyards in the world and this has really affected the local culture. The city is famous for its two rival football teams Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers. It has often been claimed that there is no other city in the world where two sports teams cause so much animosity. Attendance at a football match between these rivals is an experience that few people will ever forget. As well as football Glasgow is also becoming increasing popular as a great place for nightlife.

It is no secret that the city of London is one of the great cultural centers of Western society, and the downtown area is home to a number of world famous art galleries. However, many of the United Kingdom’s finest art galleries are located outside of the boundaries of London. Here are five of the United Kingdom’s top art galleries located outside London that every art lover should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives

Although the famous Tate Britain and Tate Modern museums are located in London, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives are both very fine art museums that stand proudly on their own. The Tate Liverpool museum is well known for its collections of contemporary and modern art and frequently features exhibitions that are on tour from all over the world. The Tate St Ives museum, on the other hand, has more of a focus on contemporary art on display through the museums relationship with Cornwall. An excellent sculpture garden is one of the museums permanent installations, and themed collections from Tate rotate through the museum seasonally.

Royal Museum and Art Gallery

Located in Canterbury in south east England, the Royal Museum and Art Gallery has a stunning collection of top decorative arts and portraits primarily dedicated to collections of historical merit. The Royal Museum also features a permanent gallery dedicated to Thomas Sidney Cooper, an artist famous for his pastoral works.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum

For travelers who have an interest in furniture making and metalwork, the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum deserves special interest. Large portions of this museum are dedicated to items created during the Arts and Crafts Movement, and these collections are considered to represent some of the finest creations of the movement in the world. Rare Dutch paintings and pottery from ancient China and early England are also on display.

Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum is the perfect destination for art lovers who are in search of a comprehensive collection of painting representing artistic movements ranging from early antiquities to Post-Impressionism. Some of most interesting works in the museum include paintings by William Blake, Titan, Ingres and Turner.

No matter where your travels take you in search of art in the United Kingdom, there are hotels available throughout the country to suit tastes ranging from luxury accommodations to a modest hotel perfect for travelers on a budget.

Roo Sadegi is a travel writer based in London’s East End, although he spends much of his time travelling around Europe’s travel hotspots.

Ferry crossings from the United Kingdom to many of the major European countries are very easily accessible and doesn’t cost too much money either. In fact, it’s much cheaper than flying so ferry crossings to your destination will in return give you more spending money for your trip, just one of the advantages of taking a ferry. Not to forget that taking a ferry is much like a miniature cruise in itself.

Other advantages include being able to take your car or bicycle on the ferry and there is plenty of more room for foot passengers. In the United Kingdom alone, there is a variety of different ferry providers that run from the UK to a lot of various destinations. Such places include France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.

If you are planning on taking a ferry crossing to your destination, it is important to remember that everyone who is travelling has their own passport, including children as most companies demand that children have their own passport for travelling. Also, if you are taking the car on the ferry, you will need to bring a valid driving license and any appropriate insurance documents with you.

Although you can bring your car on the ferry with you, you don’t necessarily have to. There is plenty of space for foot passengers and if you are a fan of cycling, then you can also bring your bicycle on the ferry. Remember, Ferry offers UK aren’t hard to come by so get looking and pick yourself up an amazing deal.

Every year parents face the dilemma of keeping their children entertained over the summer holidays, as well as making sure they spend their time off school productively they also want to go away on holiday where they can lounge in the sun whilst the children play on the beach or by the pool.

This situation may be familiar to many but this year it’s been made worse by the financial crisis with many larger families unable to afford the annual trip to the Mediterranean or wherever their annual holidays normally take place. The hassle of flying is now becoming a growing concern for UK tourists especially families with young children, it all makes the checking in and the various added security measures a major stumbling block for your family vacation.

This year however many families are taking advantage of the rare UK sunny weather and vacationing in the United Kingdom. There are lots of activities that could rival many typical package holidays to Greece or Spain meaning that by choosing to holiday in the UK you won’t be compromising on the fun.

For instance there are many beach resorts dotted around the coastline of our island country with many well known seaside towns such as Blackpool, Bognor Regis and Skegness, Skegness can actually provide the traditional British seaside experience in safe European Blue flag awarded beach guaranteeing safe water and beach conditions for children.

Many other popular activities in these resort towns include mountain bike riding, which is great through the British countryside or one of the many dense forests. Further inland there are many rocks and crags waiting to be climbed or abseiled down. Nature hikes to the top of the many hills and mountains in locations such as the Lake District can really give you some great views as well as coming face to face with much of the wildlife and sights the UK countryside has to offer.

The UK has a roaring tourist trade with many foreign tourists flocking to our country every year, as well as the many history-rich castles, ruins and museums there are plenty of new tourist attractions such as the many theme parks like Thorpe Park and Alton Towers hidden away in the English countryside.

It’s because of the roaring tourist trade that there are many hotels and accommodation options throughout the country. In the city there’s plenty of self contained apartment style hotels for those looking to enjoy a city break, or if you’re venturing off into the countryside then there are holiday cottages and caravan parks for those looking for a more peaceful stay.

For many, the suggestion of a holiday at home in the UK prompts visions of rainclouds, and apparitions of boredom.  However, finding an exciting place in which to stay can change all of that.  Make sure you have your UK travel insurance organized before you set off though, as the weirder your accommodation, the more it may come in handy.

Bradford Old Windmill

Secreted away on the hills above the town, you would not find Bradford Old Windmill unless you were looking for it.  Hidden behind the trees, the windmill only functioned for a short period of time in the Nineteenth Century, and stood idle until just fourteen years ago.  Since then however, it has been a fully operational bed and breakfast.  If staying in a windmill wasn’t different enough for you, this particular windmill is proud to offer a selection of weird and wonderful beds to make your stay stand out even more; sleep at the top of the conical tower and you can enjoy a king-sized water bed.

On the floor below there is the option of an enormous circular bed, in which you can never be accused of rolling onto the wrong side again.  Kids would particularly enjoy the Fantail bedroom, which has a ladder leading up to a cabin bed tucked away under the roof.  They’ll feel as if they have their own bedroom, while you can enjoy the television below after you’ve put them to bed.  With the Bradford Old Windmill undisputedly boasting the most bizarre collection of beds in the UK, travel insurance is a must if you are prone to falling out of bed.

The Gypsy Caravan

Caravanning takes on a whole new meaning as you emerge from a traditional showman’s wagon, built in 1934 and once used to transport fairground workers and performers from town to town.  The caravan can be found in Compton Abbas, and looks out upon beautiful views of the Dorset Downs.  Decidedly cosy, the caravan is ideal for an unusual, romantic getaway, taking you back to basics.  With the surrounding Dorset countryside on your doorstep, a stay in the gypsy caravan makes the distant memories of dilapidated caravans and drooping tents a thing of the past.  Though you are not venturing outside of the UK, travel insurance is advisable as with only a small washroom across the courtyard, facilities cannot be guaranteed not to go slightly awry.

The West Usk Lighthouse

Looking out over the Bristol Channel, at the point where the River Severn and the River Usk meet, you will find the West Usk Lighthouse bed and breakfast.  Short and wide, it does not quite match the traditional image of a lighthouse, and nor is it traditional inside, with a wishing well lying in the centre of the spiral staircase.  However, it is a very comfortable place to stay, and with little sound other than the rush of the waves it is a great place to relax.

Perhaps the most bizarre and unexpected thing about a stay in the lighthouse is the selection of flotation therapies on offer – not what you’d expect in a bed and breakfast, or a Lighthouse for that matter!  Whether you’d like to spend a few minutes letting off steam in the infra-red sauna, feel your stresses drift away from you in the flotation tank, or perhaps undergo some empowering personal therapy, you will come back from the Lighthouse feeling like a new person.

Staying in your home country for your holiday does not have to be boring, and your trip can certainly be brightened up with a stay in any one of these somewhat unusual establishments.  Do remember though, particularly when you are staying slightly off the beaten track, that as things can still go wrong even when you stay in the UK, travel insurance is a must.

When summer is upon us, we often think of exploring distant shores. But when the nights draw in and magic of Christmas illuminates the winter nights, many people decide to take a break in Britain. In this article we’ll explore some ideas for Christmas breaks. UK towns, cities and countryside provide some interesting festive propositions for those deciding where to go.

London

The British capital is often well visited because of the vast Christmas lights that go up along its key shopping thoroughfares. Regents Street is a prime example – the lights of which are turned on by a famous person annually. It is true that snow is quite uncommon in London, but last year it broke with this tradition, and the city has more than a dusting of snow in the winter months. The city is certainly an option for those looking for Christmas breaks, UK style.

The Isle Of Skye

Quite possibly the antithesis of old London town, the isle of Skye offers what many people describe as some of the finest coastal and mountain landscapes in Britain. If you choose to come here, you should be aware of the isolated nature of the place; ideal if you have been in a built up area for awhile and need to escape with friends or family. Beaches and wildlife make it a real option for Christmas breaks. UK escapes don’t get more dramatic than this.

Dartmoor

Another isolated yet beautiful spot is Dartmoor, in the heart of Devonshire. More likely than London to get snow around the festive season, it offer a great deal of places to explore with the family or with friends. Christmas breaks in the UK are also about socialising though, and you’ll find plenty of friendly pubs to enjoy food and drink in (many of these are family friendly). If you want more action, you can always escape to Plymouth or Exeter for a more lively experience. But for those who want solitude and pretty English countryside, there are plenty cottages and holiday homes to stay in on Dartmoor.

Christmas breaks, UK style are arguably better enjoyed when you seek out more traditional locations and quaint pubs and villages. A little planning can make a festive getaway extra special. If you go to one of the more remote places, it’s a good idea to make a backup plan for if the solitude gets too much – i.e. find out where the nearest pub is!