Four nations intwined by a rich tapestry of history; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are home to some incredible landscapes, wonderful cities and breathtaking coastlines. A melting pot of cultures and influences from around the world, the United Kingdom attracts 37.9 million visitors every year.

Understandably, over half of them head to London. Steeped in history, the city has a wealth of attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Natural History Museum, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Yet, there’s much more to the UK than just the exciting, fast-flowing capital. The vibrant cities of Birmingham, Belfast, Manchester and Liverpool have undergone significant regeneration and now offer some of the best city breaks in the country for nightlife and cultural events. The Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is for me the most beautiful city in the country for its cobbled streets and architecture.

Then there’s the countryside. The fairytale dream of a quiet village with thatched roofs, blooming hanging baskets and quaint tea shops can be found in the Cotswolds and the Peak District. Wales offers dramatic mountain landscapes in it’s National Parks of Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, whilst further north the Lake District attracts hikers from around the world. Or how about the coast? Cornwall and Devon are as good as anywhere when they have the sunshine, brimming with beautiful beaches and quiet little fishing villages.

Welcome to the United Kingdom.