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. The city’s heritage that can really entice and captivate visitors, with cobbled streets that speak thousands of years of history and whisper the words of the literary giants who walked there before.
Liverpool has evolved so much over the centuries, from a centre of world trade and maritime industry to a hub of culture. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Royal Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the wild west coast of Scotland lies this pretty port, named ‘The Little Bay’ in Scottish Gaelic. The waterfront is backdropped by handsome buildings that hint at the town’s fascinating past and its fishing heritage, and when you explore a little further you’ll find there’s much more to discover.
Surrounded by the ocean, Belfast boasts atmospheric forests, rugged coastline and craggy castles and fantastic seafood – and is famous for its wonderful shellfish. Amidst its majestic Victorian buildings, shop in stylish boutiques, sip a Guinness, or take a scenic stroll in Barnett Demesne park.
Although not the capital, Glasgow (tours from Greenock) is Scotland’s biggest city and has a unique edgy vibe that has made it a world-renowned destination. European City of Culture in 1990, it’s a haven for shoppers, music enthusiasts and art-lovers, and its Victorian and Art Noveau architecture make it a delight to explore.
In Cork (tours from Cobh or Ringaskiddy) you may hear the locals refer to the city as the ‘real capital of Ireland’. The country’s second city was the European Capital of Culture in 2005 and plays host to a thriving festival and Irish music scene. In nearby Blarney you can experience ancient Irish folklore to the max by kissing the famous Blarney Stone. Be warned, you may head home with a newfound gift of the gab.
The ancient Norse town of Kirkwall is the gateway to the spellbinding 70-island archipelago of Orkney. A visit to Orkney is a trip through 6,000 years of history. Founded in 1035, Kirkwall is still beautifully preserved today, and is a bustling centre full of twisting wynds (lanes), shops, bars and cafés.
Ancient sites abound in the north of the British Isles. Stornoway, the main town on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, is renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and stunning scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. But it is also home to ancient stone circles and standing stones, including the famous Carloway Broch.
Found on Holy Island, just off Anglesey, the Welsh town Holyhead is home to spellbinding scenery. Get ready to explore a treasure chest of homegrown wonders. Discover prehistoric geology, centuries-old churches and magnificent monuments, old and new.
Invergordon is the perfect place to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness monster in nearby Inverness. Heading to the busy fishing village of Scrabster on the far north coast of Scotland you will feel on top of the world. A visit to Dunnet Head, the most northerly mainland point of the British Isles, is close by and offers spectacular views of the Orkney Islands from sheer cliffs that drop over 300ft into the Pentland Firth.
British and French influences combine on Guernsey to create an island with a charm all its own. The capital and cruise destination St Peter Port is a vibrant city full of fascinating history and great food, but for a picturesque escape, hit the road and head out of town. The island’s rolling countryside offers beautiful bays, sand dunes, pink granite rocky headlands, small settlements and wraparound sea views.
See the spectacular cliffs and scenic harbour, and soak up the tradition of Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port. Situated in County Donegal on the wild and rugged northwest coast, Killybegs is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the world's longest defined coastal touring route covering 2,500km of beautiful coastline.
Take a deep breath and savour that fresh sea air as you reach the untamed natural beauty of the Faroes, this group of islands offer steep mountains, idyllic villages and a unique light. The capital Torshavn, meaning ‘Thor’s Harbour’, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world and has an enchanting harbourside village known for its colourful houses with their mix of painted and grass roofs.
Lerwick is in the Shetland Islands – located more than 100 miles off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Today most of its historical architecture can be seen along the waterfront, including sandstone buildings, which date from the 18th century.
The breathtaking beauty of the British Isles will leave a lasting impression on any visitor – many of the Scottish islands are uninhabited and wild, and are full of ancient monuments that are testament to the area’s Neolithic ancestry.
Take a look at some examples of our curated shore experiences, offering you the chance to try something new, connect with local culture and discover a different side to the British Isles.
