 | About Newcastle Situated on the coast of south west Wales, near the mouth of the River Cleddau, Milford Haven is the largest town in the county of Pembrokeshire. Vikings took shelter here back in the 9th and 10th century, then in the late 18th century the Nantucket Quaker Whalers made it their home for the great whaling fleets of the age, building the city on the American grid system.
Today, as well as being a busy industrial port, it offers a quayside lined with cafés, restaurants and shops and boasts some fine Georgian houses – particularly along Hamilton Terrace. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through the city of which the highlights are the golden beaches of Lindsway Bay and Sandy Haven.
Milford Haven is also your gateway to the wider Pembrokeshire region. The mighty fortress of Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry Tudor, tells the tale of medieval life through its endless passages, stairways and exhibitions and boasts beautiful grounds. Whilst Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers inspiring landscapes of rugged cliffs, beaches, estuaries and hills. |
 | About Lerwick Bustling Lerwick is the capital, and only town, of Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Founded in the 17th century to service Dutch herring fleets, a number of its oldest structures, including the fort, were burnt to the ground many years ago. Today most of its historical architecture can be seen along the waterfront, including sandstone buildings, which date from the 18th century.
Perched on the hillside, over the harbour, the town’s lanes retain their charm. As you stroll the narrow streets, you will discover a mix of shops and restaurants, whilst up on the hillhead stand more recent additions including villas, public parks and the Town Hall.
The Shetland’s have an internationally celebrated musical heritage, in particular, their fiddle playing, which you might get the chance to sample whilst here. They also have a fascinating story to tell through the many, rich archaeological sites that can be found here, with remains dating back some 5,000 years. |
 | About Stornoway Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides – an area renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and stunning scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. The history of Lewis dates back thousands of years and around the island lie myriad ancient stone circles and standing stones, including the famous Carloway broch – a round Iron Age fortification.
Located on the east coast, Stornoway is a phonetic translation of ‘Steering Bay’ – a name given by Vikings first visiting this natural sheltered harbour. This attractive, bustling town was built on traditional trades including fishing, Harris Tweed and farming, and today you can enjoy fascinating insights into these industries in the local museum and the Lewis Loom Centre.
Just west of the town lies the neo gothic Lews Castle. Built between 1847-57 as a country house for Sir James Matheson – who purchased the island a few years previously – it was funded by his Chinese Opium fortune. |
 | About Douglas Set in the Irish Sea between the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is most famous for its annual TT motorcycle road race. But for, most of the year, the island is a tranquil place with a diverse culture inherited from its Viking and Celtic roots.
Douglas became the capital of this picturesque self-governing kingdom in 1863 and you may want to visit the outstanding Manx Museum, which you will find in the town’s centre. Or why not spend your time soaking up the island’s rich history with walks around the settlements and castles that whisper secrets of their past. The scenery is simply stunning. You can walk the glens and mountains of which the island is justly proud or, for the best views of the island’s natural beauty, ride the steam trains. You can even take a horse drawn tram that runs along the 2 mile stretch of seafront promenade.
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 | About Dublin The Irish capital Dublin has undergone an incredible transformation in the last decade with many modern buildings springing up to add to its historical and cultural appeal.
Dublin’s pubs and bars are world-renowned from the city’s oldest, The Brazen Head, to the newest wine bar. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse and Brewery provides an insight into the history of Ireland’s favourite tipple.
Grafton Street is a shopper’s paradise with a stop at Bewley’s historic coffee house a must for people-watching.
The library at Trinity College is home to the eighth-century Book of Kells, with the National Museum housing exhibits dating back from the Irish Bronze and Iron ages. The city’s literary heritage is celebrated at the adjoining National Library with works of famous Irish writers such as Beckett, Joyce, Swift and Yeats collected together. |
 | About St Peter Port A busy port since Roman times and one-time home of Victor Hugo, Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port, is the prettiest town in the Channel Islands with fine Georgian and Regency houses, tumbling terraced gardens, winding streets and hidden leafy alleyways.
The best way to discover the true beauty of Guernsey is on foot, exploring the Ruettes – tranquil, quiet lanes that are dedicated to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
And history lovers will be in their element exploring Castle Cornet, the last Royalist stronghold of the English Civil War and now home to several museums and theatrical events.
Fort Grey was a bastion against Napoleon and is now a fascinating Shipwreck Museum while the German Occupation Museum gives a vivid account of island life during WWII.
When you have finished sightseeing, do leave time for shopping, as Duty Free Guernsey offers some of the world’s best bargains on cameras and electrical goods, jewellery, perfume and wine. |