Many people do not know that if you take a stroll to St Peters Church in the town centre, you can see the resting place of one Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein.

This book has inspired countless films and documentaries and it’s nice to think that those golden beaches and stunning cliff tops were perhaps frequented at some point by one of history’s most innovative writers.

Perhaps the reason for this is because she married a Woolstencraft – a family synonymous with Bournemouth and when she was laid to rest, was buried under her married name.

If you liked Frankenstein, then maybe Robert Louis Stevenson’s infamous story about Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde will interest you, along with the fact that the author resided in Bournemouth, with a street in the neighbouring town of Westbourne being named after him.

What’s even more amazing, is that even during ill health, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote some of his most popular works during his residence in Bournemouth, including Treasure Island and Kidnapped.

Go a little out of the town towards Wool in Dorset and you can see Thomas Hardy’s cottage, and the area made so famous in many of his novels.

Or perhaps if you like your Vikings, you may like to take a 15 minute drive to Hengistbury Head, a place of oustanding natural beauty, which boasts a magnificant array of birds, wildlife and views, as well as lots of information on the days when the Vikings landed.

If you’re really lucky, you may still find the odd remnant from that distant past as a keep sake, but if not, you can enjoy views of the Isle of Wight and the southern coastline on a sunny day.

Whatever you like, Bournemouth has it, be it quiet pub, bright nightlife, history or casual walks and you can find some wonderful places to stay that will fit most budgets.

Bournemouth has long since been associated with the mature generation, but it is increasingly becoming popular with all ages, be it family, singles, couples or groups.

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The Romans

The Romans first discovered  its strategic importance and built a fort (Eboracum) housing 600 legionnaires. Visit the statue of Constantine the Great just outside the Minster and go underground  at ‘The Roman Bath’ public house to see the original baths.

With the decline and fall of the Roman Empire (c410AD) the Anglo Saxons governed over a ‘golden age’ before they were rudely awoken by the arrival of Ivar the Boneless and his Vikings from Denmark.(c860AD)

The Vikings

Reknowned for their ferocity, they overran the Saxons and settled in the city building their own houses and workshops. Excavations carried out in 1967 revealed these buildings and 40000 artefacts. The Jorvik Centre was opened on this site and you can ‘go back in time’ to visit  Viking York and its inhabitants.

The Normans

After only 200 years in charge, the Vikings were evicted by the arrival of William the Conqueror from France. (1066 and all that) He re-built the fortress and ordered Thomas of Bayeux to construct a new church – the gothic Cathedral of St Peter (York Minster) Completed in 1080 AD and the largest cathedral north of the Alps , it is not to be missed!

Around the same time , they built Clifford’s Tower. It was burned down twice before being re-constructed  together with the existing City Walls between the 12^th and 14^th centuries. Walking the walls is must-do! Visit the famous Bars or gates (Micklegate, Bootham, Monkbar) and experience a panoramic view of the Minster.

Medieval York

The walls protected a growing medieval town  and you can walk along the ancient streets of The Shambles, Whip-ma-Whop-ma-Gate, Stonegate and High Petergate – all leading to the iconic Minster. (Tip: view the Minster and the red roofs of York from the 3^rd floor of Marks and Spencer) The narrow streets can be explored in the daytime (visit Barley Hall and the Merchants Adventures Hall) or at night in the form of one of the famous Ghost Walks.

Victorian York and the Railways

York changed again with the advent of the Railways in the 19^th Century. George Stephenson

 (of ‘The Rocket’ fame) was the engineer responsible for the first station in 1837 and this was replaced in 1877 by the present York Railway Station  – a monument to the industrial revolution.

The importance of York’s railway heritage was recognised by the opening of the National Railway Museum in 1975.It displays a fantastic collection of over 100 historic locomotives which attracts both young and old.

Modern York

The railways made York accessible to millions and good road and air links have helped to develop it as  one of the most important tourist centres in the world. As well as the historical timeline tour, you can go shopping, visit York Races,  take a Boat Trip on the River Ouse , explore the Yorkshire Museum and  Gardens and Castle Museum,  fly high at the Yorkshire Air Museum – and  after all that you can seek refreshment  in the many quality cafes and restaurants.  (approx 500 words)

A weekend break in York is perfect at any time of year. Here are a few hotels we’d recommend

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FUN – If you meander through Cardiff’s cobbled streets and make a note of the amount of bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes, your list will be long. This city is cosmopolitan in every sense of the word, offering something for everyone. If you fancy a sophisticated tipple then stop off at 10 Feet Tall on Church Street; or if you’re more into your pints than your tumblers, then you’ll love microbrewery Zero Degrees on Westgate Street. And you won’t be short on where to soak up the alcohol; head to Fat Cat café in Greyfriars, where you can enjoy scrumptious food in truly plush and luxurious surroundings.

FRIENDLY – With a population of just 327,500, Cardiff has all the charms and friendliness of a town. The locals are notoriously friendly, chatty, and helpful, and will make your stay that bit sweeter. But it’s not just the people that are welcoming; it’s the prices, too. You won’t be ripped off in Cardiff. But that certainly doesn’t reflect poorly on the quality of what you get; Cardiff is a progressive capital city with food, drink and entertainment to match.

FASCINATING – Visit Cardiff and you’ll get a good dose of history. The National Museum of Wales is well worth a gander, as is the much-loved Millennium Stadium, which dominates the city’s skyline. And the architecture is truly stunning, culminating with the historic Cardiff Castle that sits magnificently in the heart of the city centre.

Cardiff’s three F’s say it all – what more could you ask for in a city?

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To get to know a place like Glasgow, you have to tramp around a bit. There are lots of shops, of course – Buchanan, Argyle and Sauchiehall streets are the credit card hotspots. But if that’s all you do then you’ll miss the point – look up! Columns, carvings and reflections – this is Glasgow!

To get your bearings, head for Mackintosh’s ‘Lighthouse’ and see a European city of roof gardens, domes and spires. Nearby, the Merchant City presents Wellington – resplendent in traffic cone topper – guarding the entrance to the Gallery of Modern Art. New ideas and classic style fuse with a decent cup of coffee.

The irreverence of this city is fascinating; a place where shipbuilders fought for their dignity, and where George Square remains a rallying place for the outraged as well as the outrageous. But the pavement cafés reveal the Glaswegians’ optimism and continental heart.

Head towards Trongate and the city centre’s sparkle looks like it could be wearing off. But keep looking up and even the rundown fascias are whispering stories. Above the amusement arcade the recently rediscovered Panoptican Music Hall is getting a facelift. Young Stan Laurel made his debut here in 1906.

The Tron Theatre clock confirms you’re at the ancient Gallowgate, where if you’re lucky they’d just ‘pin your lugs back’ to the door. But if you want your ears pierced these days, or anything else from a tattoo, rare comic or airfix kit – you’re in the right part of town! From here it’s up to the Cathedral and Necropolis – a Gothic paradise where you’ve never seen so many dead Victorians resting in such splendour!

Sip a frothy coffee in an Italian café booth at Dino’s and soak up the patter of weary shoppers and exuberant travellers. But bring a raincoat, eh? Just in case!

For a sneak preview of what you’ll see if you look up in Glasgow, take a peek at Ian’s fabulous snapshots at:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ian.noble001/GlasgowLookUpIanNoble?feat=directlink

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It is Scotland’s third largest city and has in recent years become well-known for its modern art scene.

Literally translated, Aberdeen means – ‘between the Don and the Dee’ and has an interesting mix of dialects, people and beautiful scenery.

From the two bordering rivers to the sport, wildlife and nature available, if you visit Aberdeen you perhaps get to experience exactly what Scotland is about.

You can literally experience everything from mountains and rugged landscapes to the famous white sandy beaches and still get back into the city for some Scottish hospitality from one of the many traditional bars (if you like a dram), and if you’re really lucky, you might even get to hear some fishermen’s tales!

For more information on holiday breaks to Aberdeen, visit our website at www.ukholidaymarket.com

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As dedicated UK holiday-goers, we’ve made it our mission to help all you sightseers, travellers, and visitors get the best out of the UK and all it has to offer.

We hope you enjoy reading all about our own experiences of the UK, from countryside retreats, to bustling city breaks, and would love to hear where you’ve been with your friends, family, or loved one.

For inspiration on where to go, why not take a look in the Gallery for our holiday snaps, and you can even upload your own photos of your exciting adventures – we’d love to see them!

And if you go to the Travel Blog page, you can read up on what UK Holiday Markets’ founder, David Hope, has been up to on his exploits around our beautiful Isles.

Plus, for a look at what British holidaying used to be like, take a peek at the fantastic old black and white photos of David’s family holidays, which you can find in the Gallery!

Have fun!

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