In the British Isles, you’re never more than 70 miles away from the nearest shore, a perfect reason to discover this slice of Europe aboard a cruise ship. Comprised of Great Britain, Ireland, and numerous offshore islands (including the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, the Orkney Isles, the Outer Hebrides, and the Shetland Isles), this region is home to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Rich in culture and history, beautiful landscapes, breathtaking castles, and world-class cities, the British Isles offer a varied cruise experience for travelers of all interests.
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Ayr and Troon
Ayrshire has all the ingredients required for a Scottish vacation and, being conveniently placed between north and south, is very accessible. Ayrshire is one of the world centres for golf. There the two Open Championship courses of Turnberry and Troon and Prestwick, home of the first Open Championship. Also try the new 18-hole course of Brunston.
Barrow In Furness
Against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District Mountains, Barrow-in-Furness is a Victorian town built on the iron and steel industry located at the tip of Cumbria in the historic and picturesque Lancashire County. Neighboring Walney Island is home to two noted nature reserves, including an area protecting the endangered Natterjack Toad.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
A busy and bustling city, Belfast is thriving with Irish history. Visit the Ulster Museum with its items from the Spanish Armada wreck anda fine collection of traditional houses at the Ulster Folk Museum. Lose yourself in the awesome beauty of the Antrim Coast. Or hail a taxi and make a run for the Catholic Falls Road and the Protestant Shankill Road, site of "the Troubles."
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority and ceremonial county in South West England. It is England's sixth, and the United Kingdom's ninth, most populous city, one of England's core cities and the most populous city in South West England. It received a royal charter in 1155 and was granted county status in 1373. For half a millennium it was the second or third largest English city, until the rapid rise of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham in the Industrial Revolution of the 1780s. It borders on the unitary districts of Bath and North East Somerset (BANES), North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, and has a short coastline on the Bristol Channel.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales. It is administered as a unitary authority. It is in the historic county of Glamorgan. Today, it is the 14th largest city in the United Kingdom and part of the Eurocities network of the largest European cities.
Dartmouth
Situated on the River Dart in Devon's South Hams, Dartmouth is a thriving town, with its narrow streets, overhanging medieval houses and old quays a haven for yachtsmen and visiting tourists alike, offering fine restaurants, galleries, marinas, antique shops and fine places to stay.
Douglas
Since 1863, Douglas has been the capital of the Isle of Man and its Viking heritage is manifest in the harbor. Gabled buildings with arched windows face wooden boats and tall-masted sailing vessels, and the promenade stretches a full two miles. Bear in mind that this is the home of the world-famous TT motorcycle race and some of the locals always drive as if in training. A wonderful folk museum depicts the old Manx way of life. Cat lovers, take note of the island’s indigenous tailless feline.
Dublin
Most of the city's 18th century buildings have been restored, taking you back to bygone days. Explore monastic ruins and estates and shop for woolens and other local wares.
Dunvegan
Dunvegan is Scottish Gaelic for "small castle," and the town of the same name on the Isle of Skye is home to the oldest continuously occupied residence by the same family, Dunvegan Castle, owned by the Clan MacLeod. Tour this stunning structure, which dates from 1200. Try a long walk to MacLeod's Tables, two flat-topped hills that provide breathtaking views-or view the work of artisans in neighboring Edinbane.
Edinburgh
Steeped in tradition and culture, Edinburgh enchants visitors with its medieval castles and green rolling hills.
Falmouth
From Falmouth, explore the UKs premiere holiday destination. There's everything from great beaches to historic castles, sub-tropical gardens, and the romance of Lands End and Penzance.
Fowey
The southern strip of the Cornish coast holds a string of medieval harbor towns. Some of these appear somewhat tarnished due to various degrees of commercialization, but there are still spots where one can experience the best of Cornwall. The estuary town of Fowey (pronounced Foy) is one.
Foynes
Foynes is a small town and major port in County Limerick in the midwest of Ireland, located at the edge of hilly land on the southern bank of the Shannon Estuary. The city is near to Adare, a famous heritage town, and the city of Limerick. The main gateway to the region is Shannon Airport.
Gijon
This major seaport, the largest city in Asturias, is an industrial and commercial center exporting large quantities of coal and iron. It has steel, iron, chemical, petroleum, glass, and food and tobacco industries. Of pre-Roman origin, Gijon was one of the first places recaptured from the Moors early in the 8th cent. The city flourished under the first Asturian kings. In 1588 the defeated Spanish Armada took refuge there. Of interest are Roman baths; 14th-, 15th-, and 16th-century palaces; a 15th-century church; and several 17th-century mansions.
Greenock
Greenock is on the southern shore of the Firth of Cycle - slightly west of Glasgow. The town has a four-mile waterfront surrounded by hills and is composed of both a bustling industrial area on the lower water side and a residential area with a 19th-century flavor on the higher land.
Greenwich (London)
Greenwich (pronounced 'grenn-itch') is a town, now part of the south eastern urban sprawl of London, on the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Greenwich.
Guernsey
Although governed by England, the tiny island of Guernesey is actually closer in culture, climate and location to France. Victor Hugo lived here in exile from 1855 to 1870 and wrote the masterpiece "Les Miserables."
Holyhead
Located on the scenic coast of North Whales, this popular holiday resort is also a starting point for adventures to Snowdonia National Park and Caernarfon Castle, the best-preserved medieval fortress in Europe.
Hound Point
A lying in the Firth of Forth 1.5miles east of the Forth Rail Bridge, Hound point is a headland on the Dalmeny Estate of the Earls of Rosebery. South Queensferry lies 2 miles to the west and Barnbougle Castle a mile to the southeast. Hound Point is best known for the offshore tanker berth and oil handling facility operated by British Petroleum (BP).
Invergordon
Invergordon is the port for Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and junction of many routes. Over the centuries, Inverness was often the focal point of clashes between Highland chiefs, and the Crown. Today the town is a popular tourist attraction as well as a gathering place for the clans of the surrounding area. Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and perhaps an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage.
Inverness
This charming, historic seaport on the banks of the River Ness has many quiet pleasures to offer. Take a delightful walking tour along the river banks and explore the local galleries, cafes and famous Floral hall. You'll also want to visit Cawdor Castle, of Macbeth fame. Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in Britain - over 22 miles long , a mile and half wide and 750 feet deep. It's is also the home of "Nessie," the Loch Ness Monster. Need we say more?
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Just 10 miles off the coast of Northern Scotland is Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands, an area rich in wildlife and archaeological sites. The Neolithic village of Skara Brae was discovered after a storm in 1850, and the site reveals that Orkneys were inhabited as early as 5,000 years ago.
Leith
Leith is the gateway to Edinburgh, a majestic city dominated by Edinburgh Castle. At one end of the Royal Mile lies Holyrood Palace and Abbey, home of Mary Queen of Scots from 1561-1567.
Lerwick
Besides its dramatic Shetland Islands scenery, Lerwick is close to Jarlshof, an important archaeological site, Scalloway Castle and the island of Foula, the haunt of countless seabirds.
Liverpool
Liverpool is a world city of international renown, with its instantly recognisable waterfront, unique accent and famous sons & daughters. Based in the heart of North-West England, Liverpool is also Britain's favourite day trip destination according to the national tourist board. The waterfront area attracts millions of visitors each year to admire the rejuvenated Albert Dock. The city centre is packed with magnificent buildings and splendid architecture.
London/Dover
Restless, enduring and wonderful, London is Europe's largest city. And surely, if you have the choice to visit only two or three cities of the world in your lifetime, by all means make one of them London. The Romans started it all. The city they developed was "the square mile," - and Londoners still hunt for Roman relics in the Thames. History is everywhere you look in London, yet today the city is as modern and metropolitan as any city on earth. By day, London is buzzing with the frenetic pace of commerce not even Dickens could have imagined. By night, the excitement and glitter of theatres, cinemas, pubs and restaurants beckons throngs of travellers from around the world. But there is another London, a peaceful London of cool museums, quiet tea rooms, immaculate gardens and hushed churches. There is Royal London - ancient pageantry in a modern kingdom - with its palaces, pomp and precise manoeuvres at the Changing of the Guard. And there's outrageous London, the urban gathering ground for Cockney pitchmen, "fringe" theatre and the city's youth, with their own distinctive style. London, this extraordinary city of contrasts, holds a stunning abundance of hidden-round-the-corner surprises. You owe it to yourself to explore them all. Here, then, is the London you'll come to know and remember.
Londonderry
The delights of the Irish countryside in Derry and Donegal are the lure here. Visit the walled city of Derry and see St. Columb's Cathedral and the 19th century guildhall. Or enjoy a private visit to Barons Court, the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn. This estate was deeded to the Abercorns in 1612 and has been in the family since. The majestic mansion was built in 1767.
Lundy Island
A delightful escape from the hubbub of the modern world, three-and-a-half-mile-long Lundy Island is located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. Roads are undisturbed by cars. There's a small village, a Victorian church, even a 13th-century castle. The surrounding waters are home to Great Britain’s first marine nature reserve. On this granite outcropping, there are farms and open moorlands. Seals blanket the eastern shore. Owned by Britain's National Trust and maintained by the Landmark Trust, the island evokes a more tranquil time.
Milford Haven
The staging post for the Plantagenet Dynasty's 1170 conquest of Ireland was right here in Milford Haven, Wales. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through here, along miles of dramatic cliffs, bays and beaches. Explore the monastic settlement of St. David, patron saint of Wales.
Newcastle Upon Tyne
With a 2000 year-old history, and picturesque location in the heart of Northumbria, Newcastle is an awesome sight, with its River Tyne crossed by six bridges, each one with a story all its own - the latest one being Gateshead Millennium Bridge. The main shopping street in the city is Northumberland Street, and most of the top attractions can be seen on foot in the city center.
Oban
Oban is a centre for Gaelic history and culture. As you approach the town you will see McCaig's Tower, a replica of the Colosseum of Rome, built in 1900 by a local banker. Argyll, home of the Clan Campbell, was once the ancient Scottish Kingdom of Dalriada. In mist-shrouded Kilmartin Glen, one of the most beautiful in Scotland, see the ruins of Dunadd Castle, where a weathered rock inscribed with a boar head marks where Scottish kings were crowned until the 11th century. Nearby, stone circles attest to a civilization dating back 5,000 years. Then travel to Loch Fyne, where the present head of the Campbells, the Duke of Argyll, makes his home at Inverary Castle. The 19th century castle was admired by Sir Walter Scott as a fine example of the Scottish baronial style.
Pembroke
Pembroke is the traditional county town of Pembrokeshire in west Wales. Pembroke and its surroundings are linked with the early Christian church. Later this was the site of the Knights of St John in the UK. Monkton Priory has very early foundations and was renovated by the Knights in the last century. There was a Knights' Bath House on the foreshore in Neyland which was demolished unlawfully on Boxing Day 2005.
Peterhead
The breathtaking River Dee runs through Aberdeen, crossed by a variety of delightful bridges. The city's breathtaking architecture and cosmopolitan nature is on display along Union Street, a mile-long walkway with hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafes. The third largest city in Scotland, Aberdeen is nicknamed the "Granite City," as it was built largely of granite. There is no dull gray to be seen here, however.
Plymouth
The port from which the Pilgrims set sail offers a look back into history at the Mayflower Stone and Steps.
Portland,Dorset
Portland is notable for its large, deep artificial harbour which was an important Royal Navy base during World Wars One and Two, though now a small civilian port and popular recreation area.
Portree
On the rugged, mounainous Isle of Skye, renowned for the woolen goods produced from its counless sheep, visit Dunvegan Castle, fortress home of the MacLeod clan for some 750 years.
Rosyth
Rosyth (pronounced Ross-sythe) (Scottish Gaelic: Ros Saoithe) is a large village located on the Firth of Forth on Scotland's east coast, a mile (1.6 km) south of Dunfermline, Fife, and approximately 12 miles (19 km) north west of Edinburgh. It is the port for Scotland's only direct ferry service to the European mainland. The area is best known for its large dockyard, formerly the Royal Naval Dockyard Rosyth, construction of which began in 1909. The town was planned as a garden city with accommodation for the construction workers and dockyard workers. Today, the dockyard is almost 1,300 acres in size, a large proportion of which was reclaimed during construction. The associated naval base closed in 1994, and no Royal Navy ships are permanently based at Rosyth, though there are frequent visitors.
Scrabster
Scrabster Harbour is an important port of the scottish fishing industry. It is located in the North of Scotland at the Thurso Bay (aka Scrabster Bay).
Southampton
Explore the charms of Englands third-largest seaport. Explore Southamptons archaeological sights - modern Southampton is built on the ruins of ancient Roman and Saxon ports.
St Mary's
The Isles of Scilly is an archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous other small rocky islets 28 miles off Lands End - the most South Westerly point of the British Isles. St Mary's is an island of hidden treasures set in a land of contrasting scenery. As you explore the island you will encounter sand dunes, whose marram grass covered moulds are enhanced by a profusion of wild African agapanthus flowers. Walkers will love the profusion and diversity of fauna and flora that can be found in the woodlands, heaths and marshland ecosystems of the island.
St. Peter Port
The chief town of Guernsey in the Channel Islands boasts a spectacular setting and charming streets filled with lovely Regency-style houses. Castle Cornet and the home of Victor Hugo are just a few of the highlights.
Stornoway
The Outer Hebrides lie like a protective arc off the northern coast of Scotland, mountainous islands with dramatic seacapes and far more sheep than people. Stornoway, with its huge fishing harbor, is the capital of the Lewis and Harris islands, famous for its rugged fishermen and the tweed which bears its name. Stroll through the beautiful grounds of Lews Castle which dominates the town. Or visit the Standing Stones of Callanish, a 40-foot prehistoric circle of stones often compared to Stonehenge.
Tilbury
Tilbury is your gateway to London, where history comes to life in daily pageantry. Sample London´s culture at a West End theater or at one of its renowned museums. For sheer spectacle, join the crowd at Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard.
Tobermory
Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late 18th century and is now the main village on Mull. It is a picture-postcard of a place with the brightly painted buildings along the main street to the pier and the high wooded hills surrounding the bay. The village has a good variety of shops, hotels, and other accommodation as well as being the administrative centre for the island. The harbour is always busy with fishing boats, yachts and the ferry to and from Kilchoan during the summer months.
Waterford
Waterford is a large Irish seaport known the world over for its glass industry. Explore the town´s Viking heritage at the 10th-century Reginald´s Tower, now a museum. Visit the glass factory for an inside look at the craftsmanship that produces the fine crystal ware.
