UK - England

This royal European island nation has been at the heart of Western culture and development for centuries. At the center of it all is London, one of the largest and most vibrant capital cities in Europe. Whether setting their watches by Big Ben, paying a visit to Westminster Abbey, or taking in the quaint shops and galleries in one of the city's myriad neighborhoods, visitors will find a world of things to see and do. In addition to the attraction of London, travelers and natives flock to cities like Birmingham, Newcastle and Liverpool. History lovers will be enchanted by the numerous castles dotting the English countryside and the Druidic mystery of Stonehenge; knowledge seekers are drawn to Oxford and Cambridge. Other popular tourist destinations include Manchester, Sheffield and Coventry. The coastal areas around Plymouth, Southampton and Brighton are scenic draws, and the natural beauty of the Lake District and the quaint villages in the Cotswolds are the stuff of nature lovers' dreams. Because of its geographic location, England's climate remains temperate throughout the year. Rains are common as are gray and overcast days, which never seem to dampen the spirits of the intrepid English.