Great Britain: land of inspiration. Part1

Although you may think of Britain as England, it is really three countries in one. Scotland in the North, and Wales in the West, were once separate countries. They have different customs, traditions, langu­ages and, in Scotland's case, different le­gal and educational systems, all fought over with the English centuries ago, and even now not entirely resolved. Both the Scottish language Gaelic, and particularly Welsh, can still be heard spoken in each country, but nevertheless English is still their main language.

Britain is a deceptively large island and is surrounded by some varied - and very beautiful - coastline, which is worth explor­ing. Some of the best sandy beaches are found in Devon and Cornwall, where they are washed by shallow Atlantic seas and overlooked by craggy, granite cliffs.

Beyond London, Britain's landscape var­ies from the soft rolling hills of Southern England, through the flatter expanses of the Midlands, to the dramatic hills and lakes of Northern England, Wales and Scotland.

Historical towns abound in the south. Oxford is a world famous university town dating back to the 12^th century. Bath is an elegant spa town built over the remains of a similar Roman settlement.

In the hub of England lies an area steeped in heritage, unspoiled countryside, bijou villages and lively cities competing for attention. This is an area of contrasting landscapes and architectural styles, with meandering rivers and picturesque market towns that have changed little with time. Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Wil­liam Shakespeare, and Cambridge with its architectural glories and peaceful, unhur­ried atmosphere, Nottingham, home to the medieval outlaw Robin Hood and his merry men, must all surely merit a visit too.

Some of the country's most inspiring landscapes await you in the north of Eng­land. It is a peaceful and pastoral region boasting no less than five National Parks. In Cumbria you will find the Lake District, a stunning combination of mountains, lakes and rushing streams that have inspired countless poets, artists and writers, includ­ing Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, who lived in the area. The spectacular views of the Lake District are a magnet to fell-walkers, climbers and watersports enthusi­asts.

Scotland conjures up images of dra­matic mountains, lochs, tartan, bagpipes and fine malt whisky. Scotland is all this and much more besides... it's a land rich in royal heritage, with turreted castles, High­land games and historical towns and cities

Landscapes in Scotland are breathtaking in their variety, and have sustained and in­spired the unquenchable spirit of Scotland.

The soaring Highlands, with deep glens cradling jewel-like lochs attest to the drama and beauty of Scotland's landscapes. Southwards lie high moorland, green rolling hills and scattered abbey ruins of the Low­lands. The Scottish Isles - the Hebrides, the Orkneys and the Shetlands - belong to another peaceful and idyllic world.

If mountains, glens and lochs embody the scenery of the Highlands; clans, tartans and bagpipes, porridge and whisky are its essence.

The cities are just as diverse as the landscapes. Edinburgh, the graceful capi­tal, is dominated by an imposing 12^th cen­tury castle. In contrast is the Georgian Ed­inburgh of attractive squares, tree-lined avenues and elegant shopping thorough­fares (renowned for their classic tartans and cashmere sweaters). The city's rich cultural heritage is highlighted by its spec­tacular International Festival.

Glasgow is the cultural centre of Scot­land and its exuberant festivals are widely acclaimed. ousing some of the finest mu­seums and galleries in Europe, the city is great for culture hunters.