Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site, it is the best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire, and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. The wall was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian, who came to Britain in AD 122. Over the next six years the army constructed a wall 80 Roman miles long (117 km/ 73 modern miles) and some five metres (15 feet) high, from the east to west of Britain.There is more to Hadrian's Wall than a wall. Forts, temples and turrets appear all along its line; museums, reconstructions and visitor centres bring the whole frontier and Roman history to life; and walks lead you through spectacular countryside. Time spent exploring this unique Roman heritage spanning nearly 200 years of history will leave you with an unparalleled sense of awe and wonder.
Canterbury
In 597 Augustine came to Canterbury, to convert the region back to Christianity. In recognition UNESCO granted world heritage status to part of the city, including, St Martin’s Church, St Augustine's Abbey and the cathedral. The Norman cathedral still dominates the skyline as you approach Canterbury; giving 21st-century visitors the same sense of awe as their medieval counterparts. The city was one of the busiest places of pilgrimage in the medieval world and the Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction takes you back to Chaucer’s England and the shrine of Thomas Becket, the murdered archbishop. The Museum of Canterbury completes the story of the historic city with Invicta the engine that pulled the world’s first passenger railway and the locally created characters Rupert Bear and Bagpuss.
Alnwick
An ancient and historic market town, entered through the Hotspur Tower, an original gate in the town walls.Pronounced 'Ann-ick' and sometimes known as 'the Windsor of the North', this is a historic market town of 7,400 inhabitants, with cobbled pavements and is dominated by the magnificent Alnwick Castle. It has a wide range of shops including craft centres and galleries, and a good local theatre, the Alnwick Playhouse. Barter Books at the former Alnwick railway station is the largest second-hand bookshop in the country. Major employers include The House of Hardy, manufacturers of 'the world's finest fishing tackle' (factory tours available). Market day is Saturday. The town has three major annual events: the week-long Alnwick Fair, which begins on the last Sunday in June; the Alnwick International Music Festival, which begins on the first Saturday in August; and the Alnwick Northumberland Gathering, a day of traditional music competitions and events in November.
The Albert Dock
It is a truly stunning architectural triumph. Opened in 1846, it soon became a treasure house of precious cargoes from all over the world. Today redevelopment, costing in excess of 100 million pounds, has transformed it into one of Liverpool's busiest and most cosmopolitan centres and a top heritage attraction. In fact, the Albert Dock is now the largest group of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK and has collected many prestigious national and international awards. It contains excellent visitor attractions, including Tate Liverpool, Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Fingerprints of Elvis, plus shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Hull
It is an historic waterfront city with a proud maritime heritage, offering a contrasting mix of culture, arts, shopping and nightlife. At the heart of the city centre is the architecturally stunning Princes Quay shopping centre complemented by a range of traditional department stores and stylish designer outlets. The Edwardian Trinity Market hall and Victorian Hepworth's Arcade offers a unique retail and leisure experience, within the shadow of Holy Trinity Church.The Museums Quarter in the Old Town links the Streetlife Museum of Transport, Hull and East Riding Archaeological Museum and Wilberforce House, birthplace of Hull's most famous son William Wilberforce – completed by the 1960s sidewinder trawler, Arctic Corsair. Close by is the iconic architecture of The Deep Submarium, an ideal place to survey the waterfront vista and enjoy a panoramic view of the city's skyline. After nightfall, Hull is alive with a buzz and energy all of its own. Soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town in one of many traditional hostelries or experience Hull's very own cafe bar culture; alternatively, take in a show at Hull Truck or Hull New Theatre.
Brighton & Hove
More than the seaside, more than the city, the mix is more than double the fun. Fashionable, funky and loaded with style, Brighton & Hove has everything you could want - a royal palace, elegant Regency architecture, museums with more, laid-back beach life and superb shopping – on the south coast, just 49 minutes from central London.Don't miss the Royal Pavilion, home of King George IV, and probably the most exotic, extravagant royal palace in Europe. Stroll along the Victorian Pier and the beachfront, where stylish bars and cafés spill out onto the curved paving, jostling for space with surfer shops, giant sculptures, buskers, fresh fish and artists' studios. For shopping, try The Lanes, smart and chic, and the bohemian North Laine, both good for antiques and designer clothes.There are museums and galleries galore, special events throughout the year from car rallies to carnivals, and England's largest arts festival in May. For nightlife, there's theatre, music, dance and comedy, lively pubs and bars and around 400 restaurants. And there's a great choice of places to stay – ritzy 5 star seafront hotels, jazzy places with Moroccan style courtyards, minimalist townhouses and traditional B&Bs.
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