The peaceful isle of Bute boasts surprisingly varied landscapes for an island of its diminutive size, from rugged moors and fertile hills to sandy beaches. Highlights include the beautiful gardens of Mount Stuart House and the imposing castle at Rothesay.

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.

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.

Holyhead is best known as the departure point for ferries to Ireland, but it’s also the gateway to the enchanting island of Anglesey. This green and ancient land was once a druid stronghold, and the rugged landscape is crowned with some of the most beautiful castles in Wales.

Bantry Bay is one of the most picturesque spots on County Cork’s west coast, sandwiched between the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas. Local highlights include the 18th-century Bantry House, with its elegant gardens and intriguing links to the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798.

The attractive town of Cobh is situated on an island in Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It’s a colourful place with an interesting history; Cobh was the main exit point for thousands who fled Ireland during the famine years, and it was also the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic.