Treinreis GRAND TOUR GROOT-BRITTANNIË

About the destination: Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

About the destination: Birmingham, Britain's second-largest city, was during the 19th century the focus of the industrial revolution, which makes it very attractive for fans of industrial heritage. Its new cultural openness, materialized in urban redevelopment plans, will enthral all visitor. The history of the city is fascinating and in the new 'Birmingham, its people, its history' galleries visitors can explore the city's global heritage. These galleries are located at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, where visitors can, also, admire one of the best pre-Raphaelite collections in the world. Also worth a visit is the science museum Thinktank Science Museum, which houses 10 thematic galleries full of interactive fun, a digital planetarium and a science garden outdoors. The Selfridges building its one of the city’s most iconic sight due to its futuristic shape. Next to it we find St Martins Church, the church is hundreds of years old and the stunning gothic appearance of the church stands out beautifully next to the ultra-modern Bullring commercial area and Selfridges building, is worth admiring the contrast of the modern buildings with the temple. If you fancy something different, explore the city on one of the canal boats; Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice and offers fantastic landscapes. For more outdoor fun, we must visit Lickey Hills, a range of beautiful hills just outside of Birmingham. Here visitors will enjoy a relaxing stroll surrounded by leafy trees, squirrels and a stunning nature that inspired Tolkien to write the Lord of the Rings. Alongside outstanding museums and galleries you'll find an increasing number of gastronomic choices, cool and lively cocktail bars, and waterside bars and restaurants. Friendly and diverse, Birmingham has become Britain’s new tourism hotspot.

About the destination: Title: Exploring Barmouth: A Gem on the Welsh Coast Nestled on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in Wales, Barmouth is a picturesque coastal town that promises visitors a blend of stunning landscapes and charming British seaside tradition. With its sweeping sandy beaches, dramatic mountain backdrop, and the wooden Barmouth Bridge spanning the Mawddach Estuary, this quaint destination is a treasure trove for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a tranquil escape. Begin your adventure by strolling along the harbor where fishing boats bob in the water and the smell of salt and seafood fills the air. The town's beachfront is a focal point for relaxation and recreation, inviting you to unwind on the golden sands or to indulge in a variety of water sports during the warmer months. The Barmouth promenade is lined with classic amusement arcades, quaint shops, and traditional fish and chip shops, offering a taste of the quintessential British seaside experience. No visit to Barmouth is complete without exploring the Mawddach Trail, an accessible walking and cycling path that follows the old railway line along the estuary. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and wildlife, making it a perfect outing for photographers and nature enthusiasts. For the more adventurous, the town serves as a gateway to the rugged terrain of Snowdonia, where hiking trails lead you to breathtaking vistas and hidden valleys. After a day of exploration, retreat to the town's cozy pubs and restaurants to sample local ales and Welsh cuisine. As the sun sets, the silhouette of the Barmouth Bridge against the dusky sky offers a moment of serenity, capping off a day in this serene coastal haven. Whether you're seeking outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful spot to enjoy the seaside, Barmouth is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing to return.

About the destination: Chester is a very pretty and historic English city on the river Dee in the North-Western county of Cheshire. It's well worth a day trip to see the Roman walls and see the market town. This fine city is also the gateway to North Wales, standing as it does directly on the border with the Principality. Chester has an important Roman, medieval and Tudor history and heritage, and much of it is well preserved. The Riverside area in Chester is a fabulous place to hang out, have a picnic or take a boat ride.

About the destination: Lancaster is a city in Lancashire, England. Lancaster is a small city in the North of England, historically the county town of Lancashire. It has a top university and is a gateway to the Lake District and Morecambe.It is in The Duchy of Lancaster and The County Palatine of Lancashire. Lancaster main attractions are: Ashton Memorial: A folly created for Lord Ashton's wife, upon her death; shortly before completion he gave it to the Lancaster area, so all can see its splendour. There's a butterfly house in Williamson Park, with great views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District.A cafe shop and a kid's play ground make it an ideal day activity. Next to the butterfly house is "The mini-beast exhibit". The park its self has extensive ponds, fountains, hills, trees, orienteering trails and picnic tables to have a quick snack. The local theatre the Dukes put on a annual show in various sections of the grounds, varying stages from; in the round, flat, thrust and prosteaum arch styles. This makes it a brilliant event for all ages. Lancaster Castle: A stunning castle with lots of history. Officialy the Duke of Lancaster's castle who currently is the Queen; there are tours available, from the state rooms, to the official (still in use) court rooms, or a trip in the prison cells and you may even see one of the Pendle Witch's ghost. The annual fireworks display at bonfire night is amazing and a must see for anyone near at that time. A Halloween treat round the Castle, Judges Lodgings and many more blood seeped historic places. Lancaster Maritime Museum Lancaster University: Lancaster University is currently 6th in the UK according to the Guardian newspaper. The InfoLab21 (School of Computing & Communications building) was nominated for a national design award.

About the destination: Situated in Lanarkshire on the west coast of Scotland, Glasgow is a vibrant, fashionable city, with a freshness and style that few other U.K cities can match, Glasgow is famous for it's art & culture. Glasgow has internationally recognized art galleries and museums, the best shopping in the UK outside London and the best nightlife Scotland has to offer. With over 800 bars and pubs to choose from and a massive selection of nightclubs, Friday and Saturday nights see the streets swell with people moving from one entertainment to another. Music fans will love the Glasgow's atmosphere due to the number of festivals and live gigs throughout the city. With a wealth of cultural and entertainment options available, visitors will find Glasgow a city to remember. The city is easily accessible with many train and bus stations dotted around the city centre offering very reliable public transport.

About the destination: Welcome to Mallaig, a captivating fishing port nestled on the west coast of the Highlands of Scotland. This picturesque village is not only a gateway to the Isle of Skye but also a destination steeped in maritime charm and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a seafood aficionado, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, Mallaig offers a unique blend of experiences that will enchant every type of traveler. Begin your Mallaig adventure by strolling along the bustling harbor where you can watch the boats come and go, offering a glimpse into the village's rich fishing heritage. The harbor is also the departure point for ferries to the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye, making Mallaig an ideal stop for island-hoppers. Don't miss the chance to indulge in the local cuisine at one of the seafood restaurants or cafes that line the waterfront, where you can savor freshly caught fish and shellfish with a view of the serene waters. For those keen on history, the Mallaig Heritage Centre is a must-visit. The centre provides an insightful look into the area's past, including the construction of the West Highland Railway Line, which transformed Mallaig from a small crofting township into a thriving port. Speaking of the West Highland Railway, no trip to Mallaig is complete without experiencing what is often described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. The Jacobite Steam Train, famously featured in the Harry Potter films, offers a magical ride through some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do around Mallaig. Hiking trails abound, offering opportunities to explore the rugged coastline, discover secluded beaches, and enjoy panoramic views of the Hebrides. The village is also a starting point for wildlife cruises, where you might spot dolphins, seals, whales, and sea eagles in their natural habitat. As the day winds down, head to one of the local pubs to mingle with friendly locals and experience the warmth of Scottish hospitality, all while enjoying traditional live music that resonates with the soul of the Highlands. Mallaig is not just a stopover; it's a captivating destination that invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the beauty of Scotland's wild west coast.

About the destination: Inverness is the nerve centre and tourist capital of the Highlands. A bustling port city located on the picturesque banks of the Ness River is a fantastic base to explore this Scottish region that contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. But this city is worth a visit in its own right. Inverness is an interesting and attractive city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do; from ancient castles to restaurants to a cruise on Loch Ness or a stroll along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. The castle in town, perched picturesquely above the river, dominates the horizon. The castle’s present day structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. Contrary to the lore, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth murdered King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The beautiful gothic construction is well worth a visit if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the most photographed sites of the region, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern accommodations and amenities one could expect from a major city. There are many lovely riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it’s roaming the streets of the city itself or heading out into the Highlands of Scotland for a day trip, Inverness definitely stands as one of those ultimately must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

About the destination: Capital of the medieval kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh is arguably the most beautiful city in Northern Europe. Still the centre of Scotland’s autonomous administrative establishments, Edinburg has become neither too modernized to be cold nor too large to be unattractive. Medieval alleyways cluster around an imposing castle, elegant 18th century townhouses sweep around lush parks, and culture thrives. Unquestioned centrepiece of the city, Edinburgh Castle looms into view around street corners for miles around. 11th century Queen Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburg, is contained within the castle walls. Walking towards the palace, you’ll pass the medieval dwelling called Gladstone’s Land, and Lady Stair’s House, a 17th century town house containing memorabilia of Scotland’s literary trinity of Burns, Scott and Stevenson. The final lap of the Mile, the city's old quarter, is the Canongate Tolbooth that houses the People's Story Museum and is one of its most recognizable landmarks. For a sweeping view of the city, climb Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano located in Holyrood Park. Calton Hill offers, as well, beautiful views of Edinburgh. But there's more to Edinburgh than sightseeing. For some urban flair check in to Stockbridge, a quaint community full of students, coffeeshops and good pubs. Every August the city celebrates the Edinburgh International Festival, three weeks of the finest music, theatre, opera and dance. Thousands of culture-minded visitors congregate here and the city does its best to keep them happy.

About the destination: Carlisle is an English cathedral and historical fortress city located in the modern county of Cumbria, at the northern end of the Lake District and 10 miles from the Scottish border. The city of Carlisle has a long history going back over 2000 years and still has several landmarks pointing towards this. The Citadel is the site of the county courts and was built in 1810. Although most tourists overlook the city, in favor of the popular Lake District, it does have plenty to offer visitors even if it is just for an hour or so between train connections. The main landmarks are the cathedral and its gardens and the Castle. Carlisle offers easy access to many parts of Hadrian's Wall. The city runs just to the north of this historic landmark.

About the destination: Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.