Hidden gems

Bristol, the unofficial 'Capital of the South West', has an independent spirit and a great sense of fun. You’ll find lots to make you smile here, from street art tours and music festivals to night markets and boat bars. And then there are the city’s iconic attractions: engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, plus world-famous events, such as the International Balloon Fiesta and Bristol Harbour Festival.

Cambridge is a city oozing with history and tradition at every turn. The cityscape is dominated by the university, with its 31 colleges and their extensive green gardens, known as the "Backs," spread throughout the city. Throngs of students making their way to class or lounging by the banks of the River Cam, books in hand, as punters lazily float by, enhance the academic feeling of this centuries-old centre of scholarship, along with the numerous fascinating museums and cultural events that take place in the city.

Situated picturesquely on the River Foyle, surrounded by hills and a stone’s throw away from the rugged Northern Coast, Derry is a city steeped in history. The famous Free Derry Corner and the murals of the Bogside and Fountain areas serve as reminders of Derry's tumultuous political past turned mindful present epitomised in the "Hands Across the Divide" monument. Today, 20 years after Bloody Sunday, the 2013 UK City of Culture has a lot to offer visitors in the way of art, culture, gastronomy and entertainment.

Doncaster is an eclectic mix of the urban and the rural, and of the old and the new. World-famous for its horse racing and home to one of the most important race courses in the UK, Doncaster is one of Britain’s oldest cities, featuring an abundance of historic sights, interesting architecture and cultural activities, all in a beautiful countryside setting.

Inverness, the self-proclaimed "Capital of the Highlands," is a city located in the northernmost region of Britain and boasts breathtaking mountain and moorland scenery. It sits on the River Ness, just a short distance from the famous Loch Ness, known for its legendary Monster. The city is home to impressive historic structures and provides convenient access to various outdoor adventures, from lochs and castles to nature reserves and battlefields.

The coast of dreams, ravaged by the Atlantic Ocean and lined by spectacular sandy beaches, where you will find towering cliffs sheltering small rock pools. The sea is teeming with life, and the crystal-clear water is perfectly alluring, whether you are dreaming of a relaxing swim or an adrenaline-pumped afternoon of extreme sports. If you shy away from the surf, you can admire the spectacular views from above as you stroll along the tops of the cliffs or wander back into town and into one of the many delightful gardens.

‘City of Caves’ and ‘Queen of the Midlands’ are two names fondly given to the city of Nottingham, which accurately reflects its hugely diverse nature, rich with cultural heritage and modern day entertainment. A city with a fascinating past and an exciting and buzzing present, Nottingham has everything to offer – from high culture, haute couture and widely acclaimed restaurants to the world famous legend of Robin Hood.

Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere borne from centuries of international trade, Southampton is one of the UK’s leading ports and liveliest cities, combining medieval walls and buildings, modern shopping and entertainment complexes, marinas, culture and nightlife. Explore the city’s rich culture and long history and try the wide range of leisure activities in the surrounding countryside before relaxing to recount the day in one of Southampton’s many harbour-side restaurants, cafés and bars.