VISITBRITAIN launched the second edition of its fantastic guides featuring the best of its countryside, culture, music, heritage, food, shopping and sport in Britain. Each guide is packed with story ideas and angles, features, top ten listings, quirky facts and useful background information on what to do and experience in Britain.
Did you know Charles Dickens was buried in jelly? Or that you can stay at Royal residence Balmoral? Visitors to Briton can now read about it in the Heritage Guide, which has info and inspiration on big events – like the Queen’s Coronation anniversary this year, and the centenary of World War One next year – as well as info on living it up like Lord or Lady Grantham of Downton Abbey, where you can get spooked out in the nation’s haunted... haunts, how Stonehenge is being transformed and more.
Want to know why Eton Mess is so called, or where fish and chips originated from? Britain’s food history is fascinating, and what’s even more interesting is how it’s evolved. Gone are the days when Britain boasted a noteworthy breakfast and nothing beyond 10am – nowadays you’ll want to lunch and dine at our fantastic restaurants, markets and food festivals, not to mention squeeze in an afternoon tea and a cocktail or glass of our very own wine. Britain’s cultural scene is always providing good stories, whether it’s blockbuster exhibition after blockbuster exhibition, street art being stolen off the wall or else the latest movie bringing the nation alive on the silver screen. Visitors can find out about classical and contemporary art, hidden cultural gems and fab events or the very first UK City of Culture. The Culture Guide also lifts the curtain on the best of theatre and musicals, and tell you how to experience the Britain you’ve watched on TV or imagined from reading books, for real.
For shoppers who would like to dress like the Duchess of Cambridge or maybe get the British look by combining a rummage in a vintage shop with luxury (for less), the Shopping Guide tells you about sample sales and designer outlets. Britain is home to fantastic shops and has nurtured some of the biggest designers in the world – find out about where they started, and who’s next, plus where outside the capital to flash your cash.
Everyone’s heard of The Beatles and, equally, no one can ignore the phenomena that is One Direction. Fifty years apart, but both still making waves on the world’s music scene. Read about Britain’s musical influence in their Music Guide, find out where you can see the best gigs, follow in the footsteps of your heroes, dance at a rock festival or dress up for an opera one, celebrate the centenary of Benjamin Britten and much more.
For those looking to get out of the city to where the stories are limitless – rolling hills or wild waves, serene lakes or dramatic forests – there’s an adventure waiting for you in Britain’s countryside.
The Countryside Guide lists where the celebs like to unwind in Britain, or plan a seaside escape to Agatha Christie and Noel Coward’s old haunt; feel the adrenalin pumping with some of the thrilling activities the outdoors has to offer or else wait till night falls and admire the heavens from some of the darkest skies in the world.
The Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games, the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, and not one but two Rugby World Cups – you’d think after the Olympics Britain might have had its fill of sport, but no – there are plenty more inspiring stories to come. The Sport Guide tell you where to go before the pros, how to enjoy the upcoming big events, not to mention annual highlights like Wimbledon, the Premier League season and... the World Gravy Wrestling Championships. Yes, Brits are known for their eccentricity, so dive into the Sport guide and find out how to join in the action.