Epic British Isles

Copenhagen is one of the easiest European capitals to fall in love with. The sights of old buildings, cobbled streets and the tower- and turret-dotted skyline lend fairy-tale charm - this was, after all, the home of author Hans Christian Andersen. But make no mistake: This is a thoroughly modern city with international clout. Restaurants around the world draw inspiration from the New Nordic cuisine pioneered by Noma and other Copenhagen restaurants, while Danish design from this century and the last is universally admired and coveted. Urban planners flock here to try to work out just how the city remains so livable and yet so functional, and despite its wealth of old buildings, Copenhagen’s not locked in the past; there are also thrilling examples of modern architecture. Copenhagen is a city that’s easy to find things to do and explore on foot or by excellent public transport, where everyone speaks perfect English, the food is fresh and innovative, and there’s plenty of locally brewed beer - which, of course, is best enjoyed sitting by the water on a sunny day.

While the southernmost isles of Orkney closely straddle the northeast corner of the Scottish mainland, historically the archipelago (around 70 islands in all) and its people have had as much in common with Scandinavia as they have had with Scotland. In fact, until the 15th century, the Orkney Islands were politically part of Norway. Today the Orcadians are a fairly tight-knit and cooperative group of Scots—a rich community of artists, farmers, fishermen, and tradesmen. A key attraction for tourists is the wealth of prehistoric sites on Orkney, including standing stones, burial chambers and even Stone Age settlements, such as Skara Brae, inhabited sometime around 3000 B.C.E. In the capital Kirkwall you'll find the Cathedral of St. Magnus—one of only two pre–Reformation cathedrals still largely intact in Scotland. Nearby, the historic town district includes the Earl's Palace, built for the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart, whose father was a bastard son of King James V.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a classic city of England’s north country, where you can visit reminders of some 2,000 years of British history. A short drive outside of town offers the chance to stroll along sections of Hadrian’s Wall, built by Romans as a defence against Scottish invaders. A walk through the city finds a mix of modern and old, with new structures like the Gateshead Millennium Bridge alongside Victorian storefronts, Edwardian marketplaces and remnants of the Industrial Revolution. Newcastle also makes a great jumping-off point for exploring nearby historic towns like Durham and Alnwick, with their impeccably maintained gardens, historic castles and soaring cathedrals.

History was made here when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established "Queen's Ferry" as the place for pilgrims from abroad to start their journey on their way to St. Andrews. Margaret's legacy continues at Edinburgh Castle and at St. Margaret's Chapel which is believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. 

Wander through the ancient town center built around St. Cybi's Church, which is built inside one of Europe's only three-walled Roman forts (the fourth wall being the sea, which used to come up to the fort). Explore the Ucheldre Arts Centre, then relax with a pint or cup of tea at one of Holyhead's charming pubs. 

Cultured yet quirky, the city sits on a vast crescent bay and is the point from which everything else stems on Man. Beginning in the early 19th century, it became a popular holiday resort, with tourists pouring in from the mainland to enjoy its seaside delights. Today, there are echoes of its heyday with horse-drawn trams clattering along the promenade and what appears to be a huge sand castle on the bay at St. Mary’s Isle, actually an 1832 shelter for sailors nicknamed the Tower of Refuge by famous visitor William Wordsworth.

A city of history, humour, individuality, and fierce sporting loyalties, Liverpool wears its soul on its sleeve. From its industrial past, once-grim warehouses have been transformed into chic flats, bars, and restaurants. As the birthplace of the Beatles and other music legends, Liverpool boasts galleries, museums, and cultural spaces to explore. Discover the Museum of Liverpool and bold architectural centers showcasing this ever-changing city's adaptability.

As Ireland's oldest city, Waterford boasts over a millennium of history. The Viking Triangle, the original part of the city, contains several museums, including the stone fortress Reginald's Tower, which showcases treasures such as the Waterford Kite Brooch and a 9th-century sword. Waterford is also famous for its crystal, which has been produced here since the late 18th century, and visitors can take a factory tour or see the oldest surviving Waterford piece, a decanter from 1789, on display at the Bishop's Palace. Outside the city, visitors can explore the castles, gardens and villages of the surrounding countryside.