The four home nations that make up our United Kingdom are bound together by historic links. We have, and always will be, better together.

Ballymoney is passed through as part of the Giant’s Causeway tour with its main attraction being The Dark Hedges.

Sat in County Antrim. Carrickfergus sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough.

Passing through Ballymena as part of the combined Game of Thrones and Giant’s Causeway tour, there were two stops, one to see the Caves of the Shadow Creature below Dragonstone and one to see where Arya was stabbed in Braavos.

Bushmills is a small village who’s main attraction is the Old Bushmills Distillery. it is however a popular stop for visitors to the nearby Giant’s Causeway.

Perhaps the most troubled city in the United Kingdom, the history of Belfast is written in conflict between the Protestant Unionists and the Catholic Republicans. The Europa hotel holds the distinction of being the most bombed hotel in the world, and the city is still divided in two be the Peace Line, though there is a commitment to remove the majority by 2023, little progress has been made.

Stretching out from Alum bay, where the famous multi-coloured sand cliffs can be seen, the Needles are a rock formation stretching out into the ocean with a lighthouse at their head.

Sat at the end of the River Medina, Newport is the central hub for transport on the Isle of Wight, most busses pass through and the terminal here is large and busy. The town has a lot of typical shops and a range of restaurants. Nearby Carisbrooke Castle can be found.

Cowes and the smaller town of East Cowes face each other over the River Medina (which can be crossed by the Floating Bridge) Cowes is a quaint tourist town with the Red Jet high speed catamaran back to the mainland whilst East Cowes has the slower Red Funnel Car Ferry.

A city that's a treasure trove of history, culture, and maritime marvels. Nestled on England's south coast, it's a place where the old and the new intertwine in a delightful dance. The city's rich history is etched into every corner, from the ancient city walls that whisper tales of the past, to the bustling port that has welcomed ships for centuries.

Lymington is a port town on the west bank of the Lymington River on the Solent, in the New Forest district of Hampshire, England.

Winchester's location, nestled at the western end of the South Downs National Park and along the course of the River Itchen, offers a blend of city life and natural beauty. It's a city that invites exploration, whether you're wandering its historic streets, enjoying a riverside walk, or venturing into the surrounding countryside.

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is a city that effortlessly combines the ancient and the modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Watched over by the imposing castle, the symbol of the city, Edinburgh combines medieval relics, Georgian grandeur and a powerful layer of modern life with contemporary avant-garde. In Edinburgh, medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, Gothic churches with amazing museums and galleries.

A large village in the new forest, heavily aimed at tourists and offering various crafts, knick-knacks and speciality foods and drinks. Cafes and cosy pubs are easy to find, and numerous stores for unique (for a certain value of unique) gifts line the streets.

Par is a quaint village and fishing port that's steeped in history and charm. Known for its harbour, Par is a hub of activity, with its roots firmly planted in the industrial past. Once a bustling centre for copper and china clay mining, the village has evolved over the years, with the harbour now serving as a distinctive feature of its industrial heritage.

he city's rich history is evident in its Roman walls and the stunning Exeter Cathedral, which dates back to the Norman era. But Exeter isn't just about the past. It's a vibrant, thriving city with a lively arts scene, fantastic restaurants, and a calendar full of festivals and events. And let's not forget its location. Situated on the River Exe and just a stone's throw from the coast, Exeter is a gateway to some of the UK's most beautiful countryside and beaches.

This charming town, perched on the northern edge of Dartmoor, is a treasure trove of historical gems, from its 15th-century chapel of St. James to the imposing ruins of Okehampton Castle, established by the Norman Sheriff of Devon, Baldwin FitzGilbert.

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Nestled in the heart of Gwynedd, Wales, Bala is a charming town that exudes a sense of tranquillity and timelessness. It's a place where the Welsh language thrives, with over 70% of the population speaking it fluently.

Watford, nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, England, is a town that effortlessly blends the hustle and bustle of urban life with the charm of the English countryside. Just a brief journey from London, Watford offers a rich history that stretches back to Roman times, making it a treasure trove of fascinating tales and architectural wonders. From the tranquillity of Cassiobury Park to the lively shopping scene at the Intu Watford Shopping Centre, Watford is a town full of surprises.

Richmond, a charming town nestled in the southwest of London, is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. It's a place where the hustle and bustle of city life meets the tranquility of nature. The town is perched on a meander of the River Thames, offering picturesque views and an abundance of parks and open spaces, including the renowned Richmond Park. This town is steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to the 16th century when King Henry VII built Richmond Palace. The palace and the town became closely associated with Queen Elizabeth I, who spent her last days there. The Georgian terraces that were built around Richmond Green and on Richmond Hill are a testament to the town's historical significance.

What struck me about Woburn Safari Park was its commitment to conservation and education. While there, I attended an informative talk on endangered species, which highlighted the importance of preserving habitats and protecting biodiversity. This experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the ongoing efforts to safeguard our planet's wildlife.

I went along to ZSL Whipsnade near Luton with some friends

I went for lunch in Windsor with a friend on mine, and naturally brought my camera. In between sampling some excellent food and Summer Lightning ale at the George Inn and a well deserve ice cream at Ben & Jerry's I indulged in a little HDR of the landscapes.

Conwy Castle in Wales was built in the 13th century, and spent hundreds of years as a vital strategic and defensive location.

During my visit to Ludlow, I had the opportunity to explore the historic Ludlow Castle. Situated on a hill overlooking the River Teme in Shropshire, this medieval fortress has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.

Newcastle-under-Lyme, a historic market town in Staffordshire, England, is rich in both heritage and modern amenities. Nestled near the city of Stoke-on-Trent, it offers a charming blend of old and new.

Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of the Bard himself, is a place that I've had the pleasure of visiting twice in my life. The first time was as a 17-year-old on a school trip, and the second time was in my mid-twenties with a girlfriend. Both visits were centred around the works of Shakespeare, but there was also plenty of general sightseeing to be done.