Lonely Planet Discover Great Britain

Windsor Castle, Oxford Colleges, Stonehenge: icon-rich Britain is a fascinating mix of famous names and hidden gems, which means that when travelling this compact country you're never far from the next stop on your highlights hit-list.

From the soaring ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, via the mountains of North Wales and the picture-postcard landscape of the Cotswolds, Britain's astounding diversity is a major reason to visit. The cities tempt with some of the world's finest museums, shops and restaurants, while cutting-edge clubs and world-famous theatres provide endless nights to remember. Next day, you're deep in the countryside, high in the hills or delighting in salt-tanged shores.

Indeed, a journey through Britain is a journey through history, culture and new experiences. Stroll beside the megaliths of a 5000-year-old stone circle, punt a boat past exquisite Cambridge colleges or see the school room where Shakespeare learned to use a quill. In Bath you can explore a city flush with gorgeous Georgian architecture, then head off to marvel at the aristocratic ostentation of Blenheim Palace. Scotlands Highlands and islands beckon you away from city streets, as do English lakes rich in literary links, and Welsh mountains alive with adventure sports.

In Great Britain variety rules here the countless castles, pubs and stately homes are ringed by lush farmland, snow-covered slopes or wind-whipped moors. Few countries pack so much into such a small space.

Truly one of the world's greatest cities

London is mercurial and endlessly fascinating; you could spend a lifetime getting to know it, then realise it's gone and changed again. Stretching back from the mighty River Thames, its lush parks and historic districts are crammed with extraordinary sights: Royal palaces, towering cathedrals, and remarkable museums and galleries. Add the pick of the world's theatres, restaurants, sports venues and shops, and you'll be very reluctant to leave.