Britain's Heritage Cities
7 cities have been awarded Britain's Heritage City status because of their fascinating history and heritage. Here's what you can expect from each one:
Bath
Bath has been welcoming visitors for 2,000 years. It's the site of the best preserved Roman baths in the world - even better than in Rome itself. A combination of its Roman past and exquisite Georgian architecture have led the whole City of Bath to be designated a World Heritage Site.
Top attraction: Roman Baths
Canterbury
Canterbury is the latest addition to Britain’s Heritage Cities. Once one of the busiest places of worship in the medieval world, it’s now a leading, 21st century holiday destination - with a full range of luxury hotels, fine restaurants, great shopping, lively nightclubs and welcoming pubs.
Top attraction:
Canterbury Cathedral
Chester
Chester is the most complete walled city in Britain, full of traditional English charm, complemented by modern city life. Excellent boutique shopping, and great bistros, bars and restaurants make Chester a must see. Explore the world famous 2-tiered shopping galleries or walk the walls that surround the city and experience the serenity of the stunning Cathedral.
Top attraction: Chester city walls
Durham
Durham, like the other British Heritage Cities, is a perfect example of how a historic city can live in the 21st century. The narrow, winding medieval streets of the city centre and Victorian markets sit perfectly beside the modern shopping and cinema complexes, and the attractive riverbanks offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
Top attraction:Durham Castle
Oxford
Oxford is known as the 'city of the dreaming spires' - a term first coined by poet Matthew Arnold in reference to the gentle spires and harmonious architecture of the university buildings. Home to one of Britain's oldest universities, Oxford has culture in abundance attracting visitors all year round.
Top attraction: Oxford Castle Unlocked
Stratford-upon-Avon
This small town is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Situated on the beautiful River Avon, Stratford is steeped in literary and cultural heritage. Aside from Shakespeare's home and trinity church where he's buried, Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Nash's House
Top attraction:Shakespeare's Birthplace
York
Winner of European Tourism City of the Year 2007, York is a compact, walled, riverside city packed with over 2,000 years of history. The Romans, Saxons and Vikings have all left their distinctive mark on the city, which is also known as spiritual capital of the North. York is home to York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral north of the Alps as well as countless world-class attractions, museums and galleries.
Top attraction: York Minster
Get your Great British Heritage Pass
For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.
For full details and to order click here