Arcadia England

The UK might be small in comparison in the USA, but it can still be quite overwhelming. Especially when it comes to choosing a destination for a day trip! There are still spaces on the subsidized trip to Brighton, but other than that - where should you go?

Oxford

Oxford was founded in the 9th century but grew in national importance during the early Norman period in the late 12th century when it became home to the fledgling University of Oxford, the oldest university in the UK. The University rose to dominate the town entirely, and by the middle of the 14th century the history of the town was effectively no more than a footnote to the history of the university. Oxford will surprise, inspire and enchant you with its magnificent architecture, impressive yet intimate colleges, romantic rivers, and hidden nooks and crannies. The whole place has a buzz and a vibrant atmosphere which is hard to define.

Liverpool

From early humble origins Liverpool has grown and developed to become one of the most famous cities to visit in the United Kingdom. Liverpool is rich in history, particularly Maritime history. The Maritime Museum is a must see, with its large scale slavery exhibitions.

Unlike some of its rival ports, Liverpool was able to make a successful transition when the slave trade was abolished by Britain in 1807.  Part of this success resulted from it becoming a hub for the large-scale emigration from these islands to the United States.

A visit to Liverpool will help explain Britain’s industrial and maritime trading history. In addition, it will allow an understanding of the sometimes painful way in which Britain has transformed itself from the world’s largest empire into a multicultural nation.

Canterbury

Canterbury has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 9th century when it was an Iron Age settlement and an important center for the local Celtic tribe. During the Saxon period, in 597 AD, the Pope sent Augustine with some monks to convert the Saxons. In 598 Augustine and his monks built an abbey outside the walls of the old Roman town. The ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church can still be seen today.

Canterbury’s skyline is dominated by the stunning Cathedral which is the oldest in England. Although Canterbury is a place steeped in tradition it is also a modern and vibrant city, one not to miss.

Stratford Upon Avon

The town is a popular tourist destination owing to its status as birthplace of the playwright and poet William Shakespeare, receiving about three million visitors a year from all over the world. The Royal Shakespeare Company resides in Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theater, one of Britain's most important cultural venues.

Stratford Upon Avon is a gorgeous day out. Take a picnic to eat beside the water whilst absorbing the history around you.

Bath

Two thousand years ago, with most of the world at their feet, the Romans recognized the unique qualities of Bath and settled here. They chose well. Set in a sheltered valley, surrounded like Rome by seven wooded hills and nourished by Britain’s only natural hot springs, it is a natural haven. An exquisite Georgian city grew from Bath’s ancient roots. The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are among the finest architectural treasures in the world. Indeed, the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

York

York was founded by the Romans in 71 AD. It is also famous for the medieval walls and buildings that still dominate the city. Walking around York is much like stepping back in time. It is perhaps most famous for its Viking connections, with the Danish army that conquered the city in 866 calling the city ‘Jorvik.’ You can learn more about this if you visit the Jorvik centre.

There are plenty of other things to see in York. There is York Castle, and York Minster. And there is the simple joy of wandering the medieval streets.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is a wondrous city. A city of contrasts, the old town sits alongside the new town, a legacy from the days of Auld Reekie – a town so overcrowded and smelly, the rich were forced to leave and establish a new town in bogland.

Edinburgh was one of the historical centers of the Enlightenment, has been at the forefront of many of the world’s medical developments and contains over 4500 listed buildings. Today it is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and attracts countless scores of visitors.

Obviously this is not a comprehensive list of all the amazing places in the UK, but it's a start! Please do contact us if you have any questions about any trips you might be planning.