I've been collecting DK Eyewitness travel guides since middle school, and I love seeing how the series continues to expand and grow. One of the newest incarnations has been the "Where to Go When" editions. Along with the original guide, DK has launched the Americas, Italy (coming in September), and the one I'm currently in love with, Great Britain and Ireland. As with all DK travel guides, "Where to Go When: Great Britain and Ireland" is loaded with colorful photos, hotel recommendations, maps, websites, and cultural information. Though the book helpfully divides Great Britain and Ireland's top attractions seasonally, the guide truly offers enough suggestions to fill up a lifetime of travel through this most enchanting land.
Here are a few of my favorite suggestions for each season:
SPRING
- Experiencing the Georgian charm of Alresford in Hampshire. In addition to the lively Watercress Festival and Eel House, travelers can also pay homage to Jane Austen at her home in nearby Chawton.
- The "bewitching views" of Pendle Hill in Lancashire. This was the site of the most famous witch trial in English history.
- London. Though the editors at DK have placed London into the spring chapter, there truly is no inopportune time to visit what I believe is the world's greatest city. One could spend ten lifetimes exploring London and still have a whirlwind of merriment to enjoy. This guide offers an excellent introduction for first-time visitors.
- Oxford, the city that is in "a class of its own." Three and half of the best months of my entire life were spent here, so Oxford will forever be close to my heart. "Where to Go When" has excellent suggestions for experiencing the best of Oxford, like the Radcliffe Camera, Turf Tavern, Evensong at the colleges, and the Botanic Garden.
SUMMER
- The Isle of Wight. I've always wanted to visit this south coast locale, and the editors at DK suggest doing so in the summer when the temperatures are a comfortable 60-66 degrees. Be sure to visit the iconic Needles.
- The Orkney Islands, off the northern coast of Scotland. If you want to see stone circles, this is the place for you. Both the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness are found here.
- The castles and coastline of South Wales. Just a few of the castles you'll see here are Chepstow, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Laugharne, and Carreg Cennen.
FALL
- Windsor and Eton. In addition to seeing Windsor Castle and Eton College, Hampton Court Palace is just fifteen miles southeast. For history-lovers, the town of Runnymede is of particular significance since this was where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215.
- The Mountains of Mourne on the east coast of Northern Ireland. Explore the beaches of Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park, and the Silent Valley.
- Visit the "bonnie, bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, Scotland where you'll also see Stirling Castle and the ruins of Inchmahome.
WINTER
- Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. DK recommends visiting for the winter solstice. The stones are roped off during other parts of the year, so this is one of the rare opportunities to actually get close to the mystical stones. Salisbury Cathedral, the finest 13th-century Gothic cathedral in Britain, is also nearby.
- York, England. York Minster is one of the most impressive cathedrals in all of Britain.
- Chester in Northwest England. I really love this small city that is practically on the Welsh border. The city has ancient walls which encompass it and contain all sorts of whimsical shops. The large cathedral is also impressive.
I highly recommend "Where to Go When: Great Britain and Ireland" to anyone looking to explore this region in depth. You will never be unable to come up with amazing places to visit and spectacular sights to see.
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