The Britain Guide

Whatever you love about Britain – grand stately homes or historic cities, Arthurian legends or thatched cottages – you’ll find it within the pages of this dedicated British travel special. Brought to you by the award-winning BRITAIN magazine, this is your go-to guide to the best of Britain, from iconic sights and hidden gems to seasonal events you’ll want to plan a trip around. Each part of the country has its own mini chapter, with must-see highlights to help you plan a trip. And we’ve visited some of the country’s most beautiful corners to inspire you, from Cornwall’s craggy northern coast to the scenic fishing villages of Fife in Scotland; from the ancient castles of County Durham to the idyllic beaches of the Channel Islands. With all this and more,…

Castle Combe, Wiltshire The Cotswolds is an area of England not left wanting in terms of picture-postcard villages, yet Castle Combe lays claim to being the fairest of them all. The ubiquitous honey-coloured stone is on display in mismatched cottages of every description, yet it is the sheer care that goes into their upkeep that makes this a particular standout. Immaculately tended hanging baskets adorn every street, while ivy and other climbing plants gives the place a pleasingly lived-in quality and echoes the leafy nature of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside. And if the bridge over By Brook isn’t the most quintessentially English view, you can have your money back. The medieval Market Cross marks the centre of village life, with the elegant Castle Inn and the lively White Hart pub…

The Grand, York is an iconic destination hotel combining timeless elegance and contemporary luxury. One lucky winner will win a two-night stay for two, including breakfast and a sumptuous Grand afternoon tea, in this magnificent hotel nestled in the heart of York, one of England’s most historic and vibrant cities. Beyond the imposing red-brick Edwardian facade, the hotel has plenty of grand architectural features, from the sweeping staircase to the high-ceilinged guestrooms, some of which have beautiful original features such as porthole windows. The Grand also boasts a tranquil spa, set in the hotel’s atmospheric former vaults, with a swimming pool, relaxation lounge and an array of treatments on offer. One of the hotel’s standout features is its exceptional dining options. At the Michelin-recognised restaurant Legacy guests can savour a…

Spring St David’s Day St David, the patron saint of Wales, is celebrated throughout the nation with parades of daffodils, leeks and flags of the saint, while Cardiff holds a National St David’s Day Parade. Wales, 1 March St Patrick’s Day Ireland’s beloved saint is remembered with parades, carnivals and concerts, and there’s usually a parade in London too. Northern Ireland, 17 March Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race With 194 years of rivalry, emotions run high at the annual rowing race between the two historic universities. West London, 30 March Grand National One of the most famous horse races in the world sees competitors make two circuits of the Aintree Racecourse. The previous day is all about big hats and high heels for Ladies’ Day. Liverpool, 11-13 April London Marathon…

“When a man is tired of London,” said the English writer Samuel Johnson, “he is tired of life.” No visitor or resident can exhaust London’s attractions. There’s always a museum to explore (estimates number 200, from big hitters such as the British Museum and the Science Museum to off-the-radar gems like those on p.29), a gallery to visit (1,600 at one count, including Tate Britain and Tate Modern) or a shop to browse (Liberty, Harrods, Selfridges). That’s in between trips to the seats of power: the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Try to see every sight and you could be busy. But what many Londoners treasure most is the green space that makes up almost a fifth of the city. Kensington Gardens has delightful tree-lined avenues, ideal for a…

Sir John Soane’s Museum Situated in the heart of Holborn, the extraordinary former house of the architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837) is a must for fans of Georgian architecture. Soane, Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy, was one of the foremost architects of the era. King George III himself funded a trip for Soane to visit ancient Roman ruins across Europe, which influenced him to experiment with Classical architectural forms. Preserved in its entirety from the time of his death (following Soane’s own request that his house be kept open for the education of future generations), this museum is host to an eclectic treasure trove of sculptures, paintings, furniture, antiquities collected on his travels, and much more. Book the guided Highlights Tour, which takes in the museum and Soane’s…