TOP 5 UK TRAVEL EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE OF LONDON

The UK attracts over 31 million visitors per year, but with a capital as large and buzzing with activity as London, unfortunately most of these don't leave the city. While London itself is of course magnificent in its own right, the British countryside is brimming with natural beauty and to venture there is surely the only way to be truly immersed in the traditional and authentic culture of the country.

With hundreds of quaint towns, stunning landscapes and places of cultural and historical significance to chose from, the following should be considered as some of the must-see experiences:

1. BATH SPA & STONEHENGE

Having been built and founded by the Roman's, Bath today still boasts a beautiful old and majestic feel, with what is considered to be some of the finest architecture in Europe. With impressive Roman Baths and nearby natural thermal spring waters, the city was transformed into the country's first spa resort.

Today, the enormous Bath Thermae Spa combines the best of the historical spa with a much more contemporary design and facilities - the highlight of a trip here is no doubt the open-air rooftop hydro-pools that look out across the city. Beautiful museums, quaint shops and Georgian houses also work to make Bath the epitome of English heritage.

An easy drive from Bath and in the middle of a barren expanse, you can find one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge. It is thought that the earliest parts date back to around 3000 BC, when the ancient Britons quarried, chiselled and manoeuvred these vast stones into their mystifying positions. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, this really is a place you must visit once in your lifetime.

Stay at: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath

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2. SCOTLAND'S CASTLES & HIGHLANDS

Despite its relatively small size, Scotland is certainly packed to the brim with treasures.

All journeys should start with the historical city of Edinburgh, a town intimately entwined in the surrounding landscape. Various monuments and its world famous castle are set high atop rocky crags overlooking the surrounding hills and coastline, but the city itself oozes a more boutique cosmopolitan vibe.

From here is it imperative to explore the dramatic landscapes of rural Scotland. From breath-taking coastlines, historical castles amongst mountainous highlands and mystical lakes such as Loch Lomond and Loch Ness, to world-class spas, deer hunting and salmon fishing, wildlife galore and the world's finest whisky distilleries, there really is something in this magical country to appeal to all tastes.

Stay at: Gleneagles Hotel and Spa, or Inverlochy Castle

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3. THE NORTH WESTERN CITIES

The UK’s North West has something for everyone. From the cosmopolitan and cultural-rich major cities, to traditional British seaside resorts and the stunning Lake District, a visit to this area of the country can be as relaxed or energetic as you wish.

Manchester and nearby Liverpool, are the pinnacle cities of the North West – both oozing with culture and cool. Home to some of Britain’s biggest music legends, thriving arts scenes and of course three of the most successful Premiership Football teams in the country, a trip to either of these edgy metropolises is never short of excitement.

And then there is Blackpool, The UK’s most popular family seaside resort. Just as bold and brash as it is beautiful, the waterfront is lined with seaside attractions such as arcades and rollercoasters, to celebrated theatres and chiming trams. This town is the epitome of an old English playground by the sea.

Stay at: The Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester

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4. THE COTSWOLDS & SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY

Considered by many as one of the most enchanting areas remaining in Britain today, The Cotswolds is home to a collection of small towns and villages set amongst the epitome of picturesque British countryside.

Think rolling hills and quaint little historical cottages made from the local mellow honey coloured Cotswold stone, and old English attractions such as model villages, Roman Britain museums, steam railways and outstanding antique shopping.

In the surrounding area and statistically the most popular tourist attraction outside of London, Stratford-upon-Avon is better known as Shakespeare Country. Having been home to The UK's most famous writer of all time until his death in 1616, the town has become somewhat of a shrine to his life and works. And with a number of buildings having been restored to how they would have looked back in that particular period, a visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon really is like taking a step back in time and experiencing the old Britain.

Stay at: Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham Spa

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5. CORNWALL'S COASTLINE

Hands down The UK's number one coastal destination, Cornwall is completely surrounded by beautiful beaches, dazzling seas and picturesque seaside towns and cottages.

During the winter months, the atmosphere is sleepy and laidback, however, as soon as the sun comes out, the coast comes to life with bountiful activity. Enjoying some of the best weather England has to offer, a trip to Cornwall is best spent outdoors on the beach, either surfing, tackling stunning coastal walks or simply just sampling the traditional local delicacies such as the Cornish Pasty, Cornish Ice Cream or just plain old freshly caught fish & chips.

Stay at: The Carlyon Bay Hotel, Golf & Spa

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