Regional Sketches
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The North East
Some of the most rugged, and beautiful countryside in
England with three major National Parks. Great for lovers of moors and
dales, and anyone captivated by the novels of the Brontes, or who just
likes peace and solitude.You can tell the emphasis by the number of Back
Packers you see. Also contains some of the countries most majestic and
historic monuments, castles and buildings, including arguably it's two
greatest cathedrals at Durham and York, a city that also houses the
National Railway Museum and the evocative Viking Centre ( smells and all).
The coastline stretches from Hull in the east to Berwick on Tweed and the
Scottish Border in the North.
For a reminder of what City life is all
about and to get back into the "swing" of things drop into the
liveliest city in the North - Newcastle. For spiritual recupercation
afterwards travel North up the coast and visit Lindisfarne ( Holy Island).
Watch the weather and you'll have a great time but don't expect to do the
grand tour in a few days. Yorkshire alone merits your full attention, and
once you're there you won't find it easy to let go.Literally !
The South Coast
Includes London, and the area running along the English Channel. Apart from the capital which is still an experience on it's own, it also takes in counties such as Kent, Hampshire and Dorset which have a higher than average record of sunshine, a very attractive coastline and are some of the most popular seaside holiday areas in England. Resorts such as Weymouth and Bournemouth follow the traditional format, while further East near Southampton is one of the most visited areas, the New Forest. Take in the Solent for great sailing, and visit Portsmouth for a superb display of historic ships. Continental Ferry ports crop up all the way along into Kent, and the Channel Tunnel offers a choice for those who don't mind being under, rather than on, the water, and want a quick day trip to France. Inland you will find Canterbury and the ancient capital of England, Winchester, and you can venture "Far from the madding crowd" in Thomas Hardy's Wessex.
Definitely the place for those who need to be not too far from the water, but also want a ready variety of other diversions and attractions and easy access to London.
East Anglia
Very different from the rest of the country with no major cities or
extremes of scenery but with a particular attraction for people who like
to preserve an independent way of life. Mainly large acres of farmland and
very flat it does have some gems that shouldn't be missed. The countryside
around Dedham in Suffolk was immortalised by the paintings of Constable,
and the Norfolk Broads provide the perfect location for birdwatchers and
those who like to mess around in boats. The concept of cruising holidays
probably originated here. This is one area in the UK where windmills are
still to be seen.
Norwich and Lincoln are interesting old cities but
many would say that the jewel in the crown is Cambridge. Compact and easy
to wander around on foot, the first college was founded here in 1284. The
river is a major leisure attraction, and who knows a future president of
the USA may be standing in the next punt.
It's wild - brooding - romantic - and BIG!!. Moors,
Mountains and Lochs combine to weave a special magic. Scotland is fast
gaining status as an economic equal with the rest of the UK, and has its
eyes firmly fixed on a form of independance, although it has always had
it's own laws, banknotes and educational system.
Edinburgh is the
main tourist magnet, but it would be a mistake to miss out Glasgow, recent
European City of Culture and a lively buzzing centre for all tastes. Once
away from these two the scenery and countryside can soon swallow up the
emotions. Try to visit when some of the traditional games or events are
taking place. The colour and atmosphere can add seasoning to the diet of
scenery.
Again give yourself time. This isn't the place for rapid transits, and to appreciate the places and the people you need to forget what's going on elsewhere, particularly if you intend to venture right tp the North and visit the Islands. If you're one of those sensible people who respect individuality, enjoy a dram, a round of golf and some fancy fishing, and own a good pair of walking boots, you may just have found the perfect holiday area.
Wales
Wales has a readily recognisable National identity
which expresses itself most visibly in the multi language road signs and
public notices. Also an increasing number of people speak Welsh and use it
amongst themselves in day to day life, particularly in the North where the
major tourist attractions are located. This is where you will find the
castles, rugged coastline and Snowdonia, the highest mountain range in
England and Wales.
Pembrokeshire in the West is a favourite holiday
destination for the self reliant who love sea sand and open spaces. Moving
back along the coast South Wales has lost most of the heavy industry ,
mines and shipping trade that built its prosperity, and the area is
searching for a new role.. Look at the capital Cardiff and the nearby
Welsh Folk Museum , and if you can get a ticket to a major international
rugby match get one and GO. The atmosphere, good spirits and pre match
singing of the Welsh National Anthem are things you wont forget in a
hurry.
Don't miss the very special drive from Chepstow up the Wye Valley past the ruins of Tintern Abbey to Monmouth. If you can do it in the autumn when the leaves are turning so much the better. Beyond Monmouth look for another particularly attractive rural area around Ross on Wye (renowned for its book shops) and Hereford.
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© 1998 Europe Today A.S., John Laight.