Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.

Fowey (pronounced Foy) in Cornwall has a rich seafaring history dating to the 14th century and remains one of England's busiest ports. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it and the surrounding countryside are easy to walk. Popular Hall Walk circles the estuary. In town, stroll the Esplanade, visit St. Fimbarrus Church, and see St. Catherine's Castle, built under Henry VIII to defend the harbor. Late-1300s blockhouses stand by the harbor, where a chain once blocked unwanted ships.

United by seven bridges, Tyne (Newcastle) is a diverse destination. Once a shipbuilding city, it now offers vibrant nightlife, premium global restaurants, and great galleries. Visit Castle Keep, one of the UK's finest Norman keeps, or The Sage Gateshead for entertainment day and night. With more theatres per person than anywhere in the UK, it offers world-class productions for all tastes.

Shaped from shimmering granite and kissed by the North Sea, Aberdeen blends elegance, energy, and old-world charm. Stroll streets of silvery stone that glow under Scotland's changing skies, then head to golden beaches or the bustling harbor steeped in maritime tradition. Its cultural scene offers art galleries, museums, and music venues, while cozy pubs and stylish restaurants serve fresh seafood and local whiskies.

Invergordon has a tremendous history stretching back through two World Wars. Ideally situated in the center of the eastern Highlands, Invergordon received its name from Sir William Gordon, a landowner of the 18th century. For centuries the estate on which Invergordon now stands was known as Inverbreakie, or "the mouth of the Breakie." The Breakie presumably is the stream which enters the Firth at Rosskeen Bridge, near the old parish church west of the present Town.

With a population of 1,500, Ullapool is a small port town, though large by Scottish Highlands standards. Set on Loch Broom and surrounded by mountains, its whitewashed, black-roofed façades invite a pleasant day of history, local shopping, and hand-dived scallops. From Ullapool, almost any direction leads into spectacular Highlands scenery: a river waterfall, or the coast for a day at the beach.

In Greenock, explore maritime heritage at the Custom House Museum and historic Victorian docks, then walk the Esplanade for River Clyde views or head into nearby countryside for hiking. Nearby Glasgow offers major museums like Kelvingrove and the Riverside Museum, plus Merchant City, live music, and landmarks such as Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow School of Art.

Belfast lies snuggled into the rugged coast of Northern Ireland where the River Lagan flows to the sea. This Northern Ireland capital saw its earliest settlement in the early Middle Ages. At that time, a substantial stone fortress punctuated the horizon. Today, world travelers are eager to view her physical beauty and discover her renewed tranquility. Residents enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shop at trendy stores, and visit pubs lining The Golden Mile.

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside, in North West England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians and nicknamed "Scousers," in reference to the local meal known as 'scouse', a form of stew. In 2004, Liverpool's waterfront was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the city's importance in the development of the world's trading system and dock technology.

Dublin, Ireland's capital and a UNESCO City of Literature founded in 1592, is the birthplace of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and George Bernard Shaw. Lively, cosmopolitan and walkable, it blends medieval castles and cathedrals with elegant Georgian houses. Cruise the River Liffey for views of the Ha'penny Bridge and Customs House, then explore Trinity College, Temple Bar, St. Patrick's and Christ Church cathedrals, museums, and cozy pubs.

Waterford, on the River Suir, is Ireland's oldest city, founded in Viking times. Its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and waterfront give it charm. Highlights include Reginald's Tower, Europe's oldest mortared stone tower and home to the Maritime and Civic Museum; the restored City Hall with the Municipal Art Collection; the Heritage Museum; and the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory, where master craftsmen shape crystal into elegant pieces.

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.