UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

The following are the heritage sites, grouped into recommended gateway cities. This may help in planning on the logistics (travel and accommodation) of your journey.

BRISTOL (BRS)

Bristol, a vibrant maritime city in South West England, is defined by its fiercely independent spirit and rich engineering heritage. It is celebrated as a Lonely Planet “Best in Travel” destination, famously known as the birthplace of street artist Banksy. Visitors can marvel at Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge or explore the SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. The bustling Harbourside offers a mix of contemporary art at the Arnolfini and local history at M Shed. With its hilly Georgian terraces and legendary “trip-hop” music scene, Bristol remains a top-tier cultural hub.

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape (alternative to Cardiff)

CARDIFF (CWL)

Cardiff, the spirited capital of Wales, seamlessly blends 2,000 years of history with a modern, high-energy waterfront. At its core stands Cardiff Castle, a Roman-founded fortress transformed into a Victorian Gothic fantasy. Nearby, the Principality Stadium serves as the city’s sporting soul, especially during the electric atmosphere of the Six Nations rugby. The revitalized Cardiff Bay offers a cultural counterpoint, home to the striking Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd. Visitors can wander through elegant Edwardian shopping arcades, explore the open-air heritage of St Fagans, or retreat to the sprawling green heart of Bute Park.