Southampton, home of Titanic's ill-fated departure, has a long maritime history: Henry V's Agincourt fleet sailed from here, as did the Mayflower, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary began their maiden voyages here. Today it's Northern Europe's cruise capital, with a charming old city, the Sea City Museum, green spaces, Tudor remains, and a walkable centre. Guildhall Square is the hub for culture, food and drink. Nearby: Stonehenge, Salisbury, and the peaceful New Forest.

Portsmouth, also known as Pompey, is home to historic ships HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose at the Historic Dockyard, which also has the Royal Navy's first dry dock and is a top UK visitor attraction. But Portsmouth is also a cosmopolitan university city with a Premier League football team, a great seafront, shopping, restaurants, pubs and bars. It is home to the Spinnaker Tower and has featured in films and TV including Tomorrow Never Dies, Mr Bean and EastEnders.

St Peter Port, Guernsey's picturesque capital, offers white sand, clear water, sunny summers, floral streets, stone churches and painted boats. Its cobbled lanes, castle and 800-year history invite strolling and views. Nearby are the Guernsey cliffs and the car-free island of Herm. It's also a foodie haven, from beach huts to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Falmouth, on Cornwall's coast, blends sandy beaches, seaside charm, community spirit and a modern arty edge. Recently named the UK's best town to live, it's a lively university town with galleries, independent bookshops, bars and restaurants. Its maritime past lives on at the National Maritime Museum and Prince of Wales Pier. Nearby, the Lizard Peninsula offers dramatic coastal walks, fishing coves and the Lizard Lighthouse. Finish with a Cornish cream tea.

Fishguard, perched on a clifftop in North Pembrokeshire, is a picturesque market town rich in history and local charm. Visit on Saturday for food, crafts and produce, or browse the high street's shops. Famous for the 1797 French invasion-the last invasion of Britain-the peace treaty was signed in the Royal Oak, which still stands in the market square. Enjoy kayaking, walking trails, cycling, boat trips, cafes, Welsh cakes, and the 100-foot Last Invasion Tapestry in the town hall.

Liverpool is inseparable from The Beatles, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. A major music city and UNESCO City of Music since 2015, it also boasts football pride, maritime heritage and a vibrant culture, with a big regeneration led by Tate Liverpool. Don't miss the waterfront, the Three Graces, Scouse, the parks and Crosby Beach.

Set on the rugged Inishowen Peninsula at the mouth of Lough Foyle, Greencastle offers a taste of coastal Donegal at its most atmospheric. This small fishing port is a lovely place to enjoy fresh seafood, breezy sea views and a welcoming Irish pace of life, while nearby beaches, harbour walks and historic sites add to the charm of a visit.

Dundee is a great base for exploring Fife and Angus year-round. The West End, especially Perth Road, is lively, with cafés and bars. Dundee Contemporary Arts has raised the city's profile. Cobbled streets may reveal the 1888 Tay Rail Bridge, and Magdalen Green inspired artist James McIntosh Patrick. The Beano and The Dandy began here in the 1930s, and City Square has statues of Desperate Dan, Dawg, and Minnie the Minx.

Dundee is a great base for exploring Fife and Angus year-round. The West End, especially Perth Road, is lively, with cafés and bars. Dundee Contemporary Arts has raised the city's profile. Cobbled streets may reveal the 1888 Tay Rail Bridge, and Magdalen Green inspired artist James McIntosh Patrick. The Beano and The Dandy began here in the 1930s, and City Square has statues of Desperate Dan, Dawg, and Minnie the Minx.

Dundee is a great base for exploring Fife and Angus year-round. The West End, especially Perth Road, is lively, with cafés and bars. Dundee Contemporary Arts has raised the city's profile. Cobbled streets may reveal the 1888 Tay Rail Bridge, and Magdalen Green inspired artist James McIntosh Patrick. The Beano and The Dandy began here in the 1930s, and City Square has statues of Desperate Dan, Dawg, and Minnie the Minx.

Dover, England's main cross-Channel port, is 21 miles from France; on clear days Calais is visible. Romans used its natural harbor and built a lighthouse; later the Normans built Dover Castle, used militarily until 1958. Tunnels beneath the castle served in the Napoleonic wars and WWII, and were once planned as a nuclear refuge; they're now open to the public. The port is at Western Docks, 2 miles from town, 85 miles from London, with trains taking about 90 minutes.

Southampton, home of Titanic's ill-fated departure, has a long maritime history: Henry V's Agincourt fleet sailed from here, as did the Mayflower, and the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary began their maiden voyages here. Today it's Northern Europe's cruise capital, with a charming old city, the Sea City Museum, green spaces, Tudor remains, and a walkable centre. Guildhall Square is the hub for culture, food and drink. Nearby: Stonehenge, Salisbury, and the peaceful New Forest.