Let's
take a quick look at what's on offer !
Put away your pre-conceptions. We're not a society wedded to the past and struggling to come to terms with present day realities, virtual or otherwise. Europe is changing rapidly. The process is sometimes painful but never boring, and you need to be here to see for yourself. There's so much to appreciate however that you need to make your choices carefully, and be prepared to venture beyond the traditional tourist trails, rewarding though they may be.
If you feel more at home in the bustle of the City take a look at examples such as Birmingham. Once the heart of the industrial Midlands and now revitalised , with internationally renowned arts facilities, a historic jewellery quarter, and within a few minutes walk of the city centre a restored canal basin with traditional, brightly painted barges. All just half an hours drive from Shakespeare's birthplace. Or what about Glasgow ?. Close to the traditional and classical attractions of Edinburgh , this was once famous for its ships and the men who built them. Recent European City of Culture , it is now a vibrant and attractive place with an atmosphere that owes much to its new hi tec industrial base.
Throughout Northern Ireland, Scotland ,Wales and England you'll find similar examples where communities are managing to combine history, and pride in their past achievements, with a developing modern outlook firmly based in the present. Places such as Hull, Swansea, Liverpool, Gloucester, Cardiff and Bristol where redundant docks have been converted into bustling marinas and living industrial museums. And don't forget the shopping. No trip to the UK would be complete without collecting the bargains to be found , particularly in the line of quality knitwear, clothing and gifts. Follow the example of our fellow Europeans who regularly trip over the ferries from the continental mainland for buying sprees in London and the coastal ports.
One reason for that may be that unlike some of our cross channel
neighbours we don't close during the middle of day or on Mondays, leaving
our visitors to wander about like lost souls.
If
your inclination is towards the contemplative we probably have more to
offer in the way of variety of scenery and sheer old fashioned charm that
anywhere else in the world. Get away from the motorways and the major
roads, and you can still find the quiet places that reflect images of long
ago, and where life moves to a slower rhythm. Chaucers pilgrims have long
since gone their bawdy and irreverent way, but in the trees , fields and
mountains it's still possible to imagine the whistle of the archers arrow
, and the smell of the wood smoke from the camp fires. Take your time,
don't be distracted , and go home with a feeling for what the land is
really all about. Not the pressure, the noise, the excitement, but the
timelessness.
Lovers of all types of activities are as well catered for here as anywhere. For instance, where else but in the Lake District could you expect to combine water skiing with watching a sheep dog trial all in one day. Agricultural shows, hill walking and some of the best fishing, golfing and sailing in the world are just a few of the options available. Fancy a day at the races? Don't miss the thrills of the fences at the Cheltenham Gold Cup or Grand National if you're an early spring visitor, or the elegance of the flat racing at Ascot and the Epsom derby in the summer. Hope for a hot dreamy day and enjoy strawberries and cream alongside the Thames at the Henley Royal Regatta ,or on the tennis courts at Wimbledon. Don't worry. Somewhere near you something worthwhile will always be happening.
The UK has more sites that fall under the heading of "must see", "must go" than anyone could hope to visit and appreciate in a lifetime of holidays. Quite apart from the castles, stately homes, museums, art galleries and cathedrals, every village or hamlet has a church, each one different, and many dating back to Norman times. A standing record of the nations development from a tree covered land inhabited by hunters, through the agricultural age and the turmoil of civil and foreign wars, to the first industrial revolution and the present day. To offset the high cost of repairs and general upkeep many of the buildings are now in the care of the national Trust, most of them are open to visitors and some even offer accommodation. The cathedrals and churches have a particularly hard time raising funds in a world where the needs of the body take increasing precedence over those of the spirit. Take time to look inside, and leave something in the collection box.
As far as pre planning is concerned the UK has a very well developed network of tourist information centres starting with individual countries such as Wales and England, and going down through the regions to individual cities and towns. An increasing number are now "on line" and those that aren't will be only too willing to provide you with all the leaflets , brochures and timetables of events that you need. If you don't want to book ahead there should be no difficulty in finding somewhere to stay. Accommodation, from the simple to the superior, is easy to find and rarely full. Try some of the older roadside Inns and old coaching houses that are common in most small towns and villages. Forget the squeaking stairs and enjoy the atmosphere.
Finally. Don't try to see too much. Be selective, pre plan and use your time wisely.
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© 1998 Europe Today A.S., John Laight.