Outside London, seven
places known worldwide as prime attractions. Each has a different
appeal, and each in a different part of the country.
Bath
Bath
came to prominence as ‘Aquae Sulis’ in the Roman times.
It was a fashionable spa resort some 2000 years ago, and rediscovered
its ancient glories in the 18th century. Much of its beauty dates
back from the latter period, fine Georgian architecture dominating
the modern cityscape. The original Roman Baths and Pump Rooms remain
open to visitors.
Cambridge
Home to England’s second-oldest university, dating back from
the early 13th century. The individual colleges are the attractions
of interest in the city, including the oldest, Peterhouse (1284),
16th-century Trinity College, and King’s College, whose chapel
is considered as one of Europe’s finest late-medieval structures.
The Cotswolds
Covering some 2000 sq km or 800 sq miles primarily in Oxfordshire
and Gloucestershire, this area is famed for its villages and beautiful
rolling hills. Highlights include Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water,
Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh, part of whose attraction
is the distinctive honey-coloured stone used in their construction.
The Lake District
England’s best known national park occupies a huge area of
Cumbria, and as its name suggests, there are a number large bodies
of water. But mountains also feature in this spectacular landscape,
among them England’s highest, 978m or 3208 ft Scafell Pike.
Visitors come to the lakes for walking and outdoor activities
Oxford
Known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford grew
around England’s oldest university, whose origins date back
to the 11th century. Among the 36 colleges in the city centre are
Christ Church, with an excellent Art Gallery, Trinity College and
Balliol. ‘The Oxford Story’ hosts a multimedia introduction
to the city, with the help of a ‘dark ride’ through
800 years of history.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Once home to William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Stratford attracts
visitors in their millions. Attractions include Shakespeare’s
Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, former home of his wife,
Mary Arden’s House, home of the playwright’s mother,
and the Holy Trinity Church, where he and his family lie buried.
York
Northern England’s most visited city contains a number of
attractions. Foremost is massive York Minster, northern Europe’s
largest Gothic cathedral. The City Wall almost completely surrounds
the central area, and The Shambles is one of the world’s best
preserved medieval streets. |
