Rugged and unspoilt, peaceful and perhaps a little parochial, the Isle of Man is proud to be different. The island has its own government, the Tynwald, which is said to be the oldest continuous parliament in the world, as well as its own language and even its own currency, the Manx pound.

The city of Dublin has something for everyone with great shopping, beautiful Georgian architecture, lovely parks, galleries and museums. Everywhere you go you will be bowled away by the jovial Irish welcome. Don’t miss the chance to sample a local pint of Guinness.

Few British cities can match the historical and cultural significance of Liverpool. The famous docks have been transformed in recent years, and are now home to the Tate gallery and a museum honouring the city's most famous sons, the Beatles.

Fishguard holds the unusual distinction of being the site of the last invasion of Britain by a foreign power; a band of 1,400 French revolutionaries landed here in 1797, and were promptly repelled by the locals. The surrounding countryside is also full of history, with a plethora of impressive medieval castles.

These days Cardiff has a real spring in its step, with striking new buildings such as the iconic Millennium Stadium providing a counterpoint to the city centre's historic castle. Stroll the revitalised waterfront at Cardiff Bay, visit the excellent Welsh National Museum and get to know the rugby-mad locals.

Situated just 14 miles off the coast of Normandy, the sunny island of Jersey blends British seaside charm with a discernible French influence. The bustling capital, St Helier, is the perfect base for exploring the island’s beautiful beaches, wartime fortifications and superb seafood restaurants.

Falmouth has one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, and you can learn about the town’s seafaring heritage at the excellent National Maritime Museum. There are some lovely pubs, cafés and seafood restaurants here, and it’s also a good base for exploring Cornwall’s south coast.

The windswept Isle of Portland is connected to the mainland by Chesil Beach, which curves west for 18 miles along the Dorset coast. The island is famous as the home of Portland stone and is rich in bird life, while just next door is the resort town of Weymouth, with its pretty Georgian harbour.

Rouen has endured a turbulent history: it was here that Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake in 1431, and much of the city was destroyed during World War II. Many cruise visitors head straight for Paris, an hour away by train, which is a shame since there’s so much to see in Rouen, including a beautiful cathedral and the atmospheric Medieval quarter.

Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.

One of the great ports of Europe, Rotterdam’s impressive skyline can be seen from far and wide. With great architecture both ancient and modern, fantastic exhibition and concert halls, theatres, pretty galleries and numerous museums, there is so much to do when you stay here.

Gothenburg, Sweden’s laid back second city, is a delightful mix of cobbled streets, neoclassical architecture and picturesque canals. The old town is full of history, with some interesting museums, and the thriving arts scene has helped to revitalise the city’s previously run-down industrial districts.

Wonderful Copenhagen is the perfect city to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water. Visit the bustling wharf at Nyhavn, enjoy the palaces, galleries and museums, wander through the amazing Tivoli Gardens, and if you have time, make the most of Copenhagen’s gastronomic revolution.

The buzzing city of Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. Many sights will delight; the busy waterfront, the cobbled streets in the Old Town, and the museums, palaces, gardens and galleries. And of course, just 20 minutes away, its archipelago of 30,000 islands offers a totally different experience.

Mariehamn is the capital of the Åland Islands, a Swedish-speaking archipelago that actually belongs to Finland, situated halfway between Stockholm and Helsinki. The gentle pace of island life and the unique blend of Finnish, Swedish and Russian culture makes this an intriguing place to spend some time.

Finland’s lovely capital Helsinki is a maritime city, with the sea on three sides and almost 100 kilometres of shoreline, as well as around 300 islands. Its contemporary architecture and focus on modern design sit surprisingly well alongside its four hundred year history.

The historic harbour city of Tallinn in Estonia is really quite captivating. Just the perfect size to explore on foot, its medieval (and UNESCO listed) town centre, with its cobblestone streets and a busy Town Hall Square, is the perfect introduction to Estonia’s rich history.

The charming UNESCO-listed town of Visby is the capital of Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic. The photogenic cobbled streets and ruined Gothic churches are a reminder of the island’s fascinating history, invaded by both Germans and Danes and decimated by the Black Death in the 14th century.

Riga, Latvia’s charming capital, is a highlight of any Baltic itinerary. The compact Old Town delights with its winding lanes and elegant spires, and the city is also home to one of Europe’s most impressive ensembles of Art Nouveau architecture.

The old Hanseatic port of Rostock was heavily damaged in the Second World War, though attractive enclaves of historic architecture remain. The little village of Warnemünde, a suburb of Rostock, is home to one of the most appealing beaches on the Baltic coast. An excursion inland to Berlin is a popular option, though it's around 150 miles each way.