Ijmuiden opens the door to the Netherlands' laid-back North Sea coast and, beyond the dunes and beaches, to the nearby treasures of Amsterdam and Haarlem. From its working harbour and wide seafront, you can explore canal-lined streets, elegant gabled houses, windmills, museums and café culture, all wrapped in the easygoing charm that makes this corner of Holland so appealing.

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.

Portland, a tied island on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, is linked to the mainland by Chesil Beach. This UNESCO World Heritage coastline offers limestone cliffs, bays, rock formations, pirate lore, castles and lighthouses. Highlights include the red-and-white Portland Bill Lighthouse, Durdle Door, a Tudor castle that hosted Olympic sailing, and Castletown D-Day Centre. Portland stone helped build St Paul's Cathedral and the UN HQ.

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.

Reborn as a cool modern city, Belfast blends culture, architecture and cosy pubs. Explore the Maritime Quarter and Titanic District, where the Titanic Museum tells the story of the famous ship built here, alongside SS Nomadic and the Maritime Mile. See the Salmon of Knowledge, tour the Peace Lines and murals by black taxi, then visit the light-filled Metropolitan Arts Centre and lively Cathedral Quarter.

Edinburgh is a dramatic, historic capital built on seven hills, crowned by Edinburgh Castle and backed by Arthur's Seat. Its neoclassical streets, gardens, museums, and Scottish Parliament mix old and new. A cultural hub, it hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe, has strong food, nightlife, finance, and quality of life, and still evokes Scotland's past through its writers, legends, and views toward the Firth of Forth and beyond.

Edinburgh is a dramatic, historic capital built on seven hills, crowned by Edinburgh Castle and backed by Arthur's Seat. Its neoclassical streets, gardens, museums, and Scottish Parliament mix old and new. A cultural hub, it hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe, has strong food, nightlife, finance, and quality of life, and still evokes Scotland's past through its writers, legends, and views toward the Firth of Forth and beyond.

Once a shipbuilding city, Newcastle proudly blends Roman ruins, industrial heritage and innovation. The Angel of the North greets visitors, while Newcastle and Gateshead face each other across the Tyne, linked by seven bridges, including the striking Millennium Bridge. Explore the interactive Discovery Museum and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. With lively Geordie spirit, top restaurants, nightlife, live music, comedy, theatre, clubs and breweries, it's a city full of character.

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.