Divine Castles & Goasta – London to London

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton’s maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.

United by seven bridges, Tyne (Newcastle) is an exciting and diverse destination. One would never guess that this once shipbuilding city, is home to a vibrant nightlife, premium restaurants serving cuisine from around the world and fantastic galleries. Visit the Castle Keep, one of the country’s finest examples of a Norman Keep. Or go to The Sage Gateshead for lively entertainment day and night. And with more theaters per person than anywhere in the UK, you will find world-class productions to suit all tastes.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or “the mouth of the Breakie.” The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

Explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors and the rugged Scottish highlands in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick offers hours of entertainment. Set off on your own to get an historic overview at the Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront. Stroll through the numerous galleries and quaint shops looking for unique art, fine hand knitted sweaters made from the wool of Shetland Sheep and beautiful knitted lace. The local-made beer and whiskey is well worth a visit to a pub.

Kirkwall is the largest town and capital of the Orkney Islands, off the coast of northern mainland Scotland. Kirkwall is one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland. Apart from the main historical buildings, there are many 17th-18th century houses and other structures in the local vernacular style. Kirkwall also has the most northerly of the English speaking world’s Carnegie libraries, which was visited and opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in the early years of the 20th century.

Explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors and the rugged Scottish highlands in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick offers hours of entertainment. Set off on your own to get an historic overview at the Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront. Stroll through the numerous galleries and quaint shops looking for unique art, fine hand knitted sweaters made from the wool of Shetland Sheep and beautiful knitted lace. The local-made beer and whiskey is well worth a visit to a pub.

Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.

Founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. The city is located at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the center of the Dublin Region. The city has a population of a million people which is about a third of the total population of the country. It is a major European cultural centre and was the birthplace of many prominent literary figures, including James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and William Butler Yeats, to name a few.

Holyhead stands on the far side of Anglesey, which is technically an island separated from Wales by the narrow Menai Straits. The distant mountains provide an ever-present backdrop, enticing the visitor to investigate their beauty. The rural charm of North Wales is juxtaposed with some unexpected features, for, perhaps to the casual visitor’s surprise, this is an area that has participated in some of the great moments of our history.

Cork’s history began in the 7th century with the founding of a monastery by St. Finbarr on a small alluvial island in the River Lee. The monastery and the settlement were later incorporated in the fortified base the Danes developed there. As a result of war and destruction throughout the following centuries, Cork has no medieval buildings left but boasts a few remains from the 18th century. The central area takes its architectural character from the early 19th century.

Falmouth is a town on the coast of Cornwall in southwest England. It’s known for its deep natural harbour on the Fal Estuary, and beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has interactive galleries and a flotilla of model boats. On Pendennis Point, Pendennis Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII. To the southwest, Trebah Garden has subtropical plants.

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton’s maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.