Lonely Planet Best of Great Britain

Windsor Castle, Oxford Colleges, Stonehenge: icon-rich Britain is a fascinating mix of famous names and hidden gems, so much so that when travelling this compact country youre 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 picturepostcard landscape of the Cotswolds, Britains astounding diversity is a major reason to visit. Its cities tempt with some of the worlds finest museums, shops and restaurants, while cutting-edge clubs and world-famous theatres provide endless nights to remember. Next day, you can be deep in the countryside, high in the hills or delighting in briny 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 first 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 heritage, and Welsh mountains alive with adventure sports.

In Great Britain variety rules - 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 worlds greatest cities

London is mercurial and endlessly fascinating; you could spend a lifetime getting to know it, then realise its 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 worlds theatres, restaurants, sports venues and shops, and youll be very reluctant to leave.