London
Harwich
Since
the middle ages, Harwich has been a bustling maritime
centre and the town has featured prominently in England
's naval history. Harwich ships and seamen played
a major part in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in
1588, and, during the two world wars, Harwich served
as an important naval base. The old quarter of this
busy town still holds many reminders of its history,
and buildings such as the Electric Palace Cinema:
dating from 1911 and one of the oldest purpose-built
cinemas in England, the Treadwhell Crane and the High
and Low Lighthouses have been carefully preserved.
Southampton
For
centuries Southampton has been a flourishing port.
The Mayflower sailed from here to America
in 1620, as did the Titanic at the start
of its tragic voyage in 1912. The Maritime Museum
has displays on both these ships, and others on the
huge luxury liners that sailed form the port in the
first half of the 20th century. At the head of Southampton's High Street stand the old city gate, Bargate, and
walks can be taken around the city walls. Near the
Westgate, the Tudor House Museum contains exhibits
on Victorian and Edwardian life.
Edinburgh
( Leith )
With
its striking medieval and Georgian districts, overlooked
by the volcanic sill of Arthur's Seat to the south
and Calton Hill to the north, Edinburgh is widely
regarded as one of Europe 's most handsome capitals.
The city is famous for the arts, a pre-eminence reflected
in its hosting every August of England's largest arts
extravaganza, the Edinburgh Festival. An astonishing
range of artistic and historical attractions and a
renowned nightlife attract visitors here from all
over the world.
Glasgow
( Greenock )
Glasgow
shows audacity in everything from the profile of its
new buildings to the range of designer clothes shops
and the wit of its people. Originally a small salmon-fishing
village, Glasgow really rose to prominence during
the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. By
the 1970s, however, Glasgow was a city with a fading
industrial history and little sense of direction.
Since then much has changed. Recent years have seen
the city transform with European City of Culture status
in 1990, refurbished buildings and a reputation for
a vibrant nightlife. |
