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 London
is the largest urban area and capital of England and the United Kingdom. An
important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its
founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many
important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English
Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. The city's
core, the ancient City of London, still retains its limited mediaeval
boundaries; but since at least the 19th century the name "London" has also
referred to the whol e
metropolis which has developed around it. Today the bulk of this conurbation
forms the London region of England and the Greater London administrative
area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.
London is one of the world's leading business, financial, and cultural
centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media,
fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city.
London boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster,
Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the
historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The
city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its
popularity has increased over the years due to economic growth.
London's diverse population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures,
and religions, and over 300 languages are spoken within the city. As of
2006, it has an official population of 7,512,400 within the boundaries of
Greater London and is the most populous municipality in the European Union London will be hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics.
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 The
City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it has been
described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is
situated within the south west of England and is a unique city; its h ot springs, Roman Baths, splendid
Abbey and Georgian stone crescents have attracted visitors for centuries.
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Set in rolling Cotswold countryside, just over 100
miles west of London, it is a beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.
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Bath and its stunning surrounding countryside offer’s tourists a
multitude of fantastic places to visit from stately homes and gardens to the
impressive Stonehenge.
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Very easy to navigate on foot, the city of Bath, boasts a unique
and diverse range of restaurants, independent shops, businesses, theatres,
pubs and a wide range of city tours.
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The City of Bath has a long and colourful history, with many famous
visitors and residents which is why Bath is one of the most visited cities
in Europe. The world heritage city of Bath is simply a fantastic adventure.
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Oxford
is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the
English-speaking world.
Buildings in Oxford reflect every English architectural period since the
arrival of the Saxons, including the mid-18th century Radcliffe Camera, the
hub of the city. Oxford is known as the "city of dreaming spires", a term
coined by poet Matthew Arnold in reference to the harmonious architecture of
Oxford's university buildings.
A walk dow n the long sweep of The High, one of the most striking streets in England; a mug of cider in one
of the old student pubs; the sound of May Day dawn when choristers sing in
Latin from Magdalen Tower; students in traditional gowns whizzing past on
rickety bikes; towers and spires rising majestically; the roar of a cannon
launching the bumping races; a tiny, dusty bookstall where you can pick up a
valuable first edition -- romantic Oxford is still here.
At any time of the year, you can enjoy a tour of the colleges. Just don't
mention the other place (Cambridge), and you shouldn't have any trouble.
Comparisons between the two universities are inevitable: Oxford is better
known for the arts, Cambridge more for t he
sciences.
The
city predates the university -- in fact, it was a Saxon town in the early
part of the 10th century. By the 12th century, Oxford was growing in
reputation as a seat of learning, at the expense of Paris, and the first
colleges were founded in the 13th century. The story of Oxford is filled
with conflicts too complex and detailed to elaborate upon here. Suffice it
to say, the relationship between town and gown wasn't as peaceful as it is
today. Riots often flared, and both sides were guilty of abuses. Nowadays,
the young people of Oxford take out their aggressiveness in sporting
competitions.
Ultimately, the test of a great university lies in the caliber of the people
it turns out. Oxford can name-drop a mouthful: Roger Bacon, Sir Walter
Raleigh, John Donne, Sir Christopher Wren, Samuel Johnson, William Penn,
John Wesley, William Pitt, Matthew Arnold, Lewis Carroll, Harold Macmillan,
Graham Greene, A. E. Housman, T. E. Lawrence, and many others. Women were
not allowed until 1920, but since then many have graduated from Oxford and
gone on to fame -- Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher both graduated from
Somerville College.
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 Exclusive
to The Cotswold
Experience, this is a ‘feel the
wind in your hair’ day, which is easily customizable to your taste. If you
prefer exploring at your pace with insider ‘off the beaten track’ places to
visit programmed into the SatNav, and would like to discover the charm of
the Cotswolds at a natural speed, this is for you
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