Great Britain is home to a number of beautiful, historical towns and cities dating back for hundreds of years. Some, like Brighton and Bath, are famous as places to escape to and let one's hair down, others, like Oxford and Stratford, are central to the world's literary heritage. One of the great things about visiting the UK is that all cities and towns are relatively close together - a drive from the South Coast of England to Edinburgh in Scotland can be finished in a day (albeit a long one).

On the South Coast, Brighton UK is a great place to visit. The city is famous for its Royal Pavilion and regency buildings, but more famous for being a party hotspot. There is a pub in Brighton for every day of the year, and around a dozen excellent nightclubs which are open until the early hours; some are even open all night at the weekend. Away from the pubs and clubs, Brighton has the world's most famous pebble beach and a pier resplendent with flashing lights, candy floss and amusement arcades. Shops along the lanes sell everything you could ever need, and plenty more besides.

In Somerset, Bath UK is another city famous for stunning Regency architecture - particularly the perfect crescents constructed to house Britain's wealthy in the 1800s. Approximately 100 miles west of London, Bath is surrounded by some of Britain's finest, rolling countryside and provides a wonderful retreat from the fast pace and bustle of London life.

Near the border between England and Wales, Chester UK is famous as the setting for popular British soap Hollyoaks. Chester is a city of great history dating back to Roman times, when the city of Deva was established there. York UK also dates back to the second Roman invasion. While remnants of the Romans are generally covered with new buildings, some fascinating remains can still be found around the cities.

Oxford UK is home to the first residential university, which set the model for all to follow. The University of Oxford is still acknowledged as one of the finest academic institutions around and leads the way in a number of subjects, particularly the arts. A picturesque and highly cultured city, Oxford has long been a favourite with tourists from around the world. Many first-time visitors from the United States have never seen 600 year old buildings before, and are amazed that they are still in everyday use.

Stratford UK was home to England's most famous playwright - and the bain of many students' lives - William Shakespeare. Properly known as Stratford-upon-Avon, the Warwickshire town holds long-term fascination for tourists from around the world, keen to see where Shakespeare lived.