The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy offering four fascinating countries all rolled into one easily accessible and remarkably diverse island nation. Comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK contains more heritage, per square mile, than any other nation in the world. It is also blessed with vast, sprawling areas of picturesque countryside, long stretches of rugged coastline, and some of most the dynamic, multicultural cities in the world. With the quaint medieval villages of the Cotswolds, the impressive architecture of the Canterbury Cathedral, the endless cultural delights of London and Edinburgh, and the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK offers enough variety to satisfy travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are keen to explore massive national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor, the charming seaside resorts of Blackpool and Bournemouth, or the unlimited supply of wonderful British pubs, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your time in this extraordinarily diverse nation.
Located in central southern England, Oxford has one foot in the ancient world and the other firmly in the modern. The city’s picturesque Gothic university buildings are a magnificent legacy of its past, while its cosy pubs and trendy coffee shops are imbued with a lively contemporary buzz. Bibliophiles should head to the incredible Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe, and then to the gorgeous Botanical Garden or the Harcourt Arboretum for a serene reading experience. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Ashmolean, the UK’s oldest public museum, filled with fascinating archaeological relics and art exhibits from all corners of the globe, as well as the Pitt Rivers Museum, home to what is arguably the best collections on anthropology and archaeology. Tolkien fans will delight in the chance to visit the house where he lived.
