Introducing Great Britain 9
Introducing Great Britain
The back roads of Great Britain are a refreshing
antidote to the bustle of its world-famous cities.
Though it is possible to zoom along motorways
from London to Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow or
Edinburgh in a few hours, it’s the smaller roads
away from these urban centres which lead into
the true heart of the country. Here, through
castles and ruined abbeys, and mining, farming
and fishing villages, the rich history of Britain’s
regions is waiting to be discovered. Take time to
appreciate the landscapes, from the Scottish
Highlands to the Yorkshire Dales and the watery
Fens. Britain’s rural hills and fields, lined with
stone walls and hedgerows, are quietly beautiful.
The rest is stunning, from the Kent coast to the
Welsh mountains. Follow the back roads to find
the farmers’ markets, pubs, festivals, gardens and
wildlife that form the heart of the country.When to Go
The itinerary for each of the drives
offers suggestions on the best times
to visit. Some regions are known for
their gardens, others for their seasonal
produce, still others for outdoor
activities from surfing to climbing.
Festivals and events can make for an
unforgettable experience, so check
with local tourist boards and consider
these when planning your trip. The
weather varies by region. July and
August generally guarantee the
hottest, sunniest weather but, for
fewer crowds, April to June and
September to October are a better
bet. Summer’s other advantage is the
long hours of daylight, especially in
Scotland where darkness doesn’t fall
until 10 or 11pm. Scenery is another
factor – spring can be magical with
bluebells, daffodils, colourful blossom
and the brightest greens. Autumn
brings red and gold to the trees and
purple heather on the moors. Winter
may be wetter and colder, but off-
season rates are cheaper and most
attractions are open year-round.
Left A quiet back road through the ancient and
pristine forests of Argyll, Scotland
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Britain’s
climate is moderate year-round and
seldom drops below freezing. Snow is
rare, except in mountainous areas.
Average winter temperatures are 5–
10°C (40–50°F), while summers
average 18–25°C (65–77°F), although
they can rise to over 90°F (32°C). In
general, temperatures in the north are
a few degrees lower than the south.
Spring comes first to the southwest,
with gardens in Devon and Cornwall
budding out in February and March.
The western coast is usually rainier
and warmer than the east.Above The pretty market town of Ashbourne in the Derbyshire DalesTimes to Avoid
As mentioned already, July and
August are the busiest times to visit –
when British schools are on summer
holiday and when the majority of
foreign tourists arrive. Prices are
also highest and traffic is heaviest,
especially around popular coastal
resorts. Throughout summer, biting
insects known as midges are common
the western Highlands of Scotland.
November–March has the rainiest,
coldest weather and days are shorter,
especially the further north you go,
with dusk falling as early as 4pm.New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
Good Friday (Fri before Easter)
Easter Monday
May Day Holiday (1st Mon in
May)
Spring Bank Holiday (last Mon
in May)
Summer Bank Holiday (last Mon
in Aug)
Christmas Day (25 Dec)
Boxing Day (26 Dec)Public Holidaysmusic and the arts. Some traditional
celebrations date back centuries and
involve clog dancing, inter-village
football and other bizarre sports.
Famous events include the Hay
Festival of Literature (May), Cambridge
Folk Festival (Jul), and Highland
Games, held in Scottish towns Jun–
Aug. Across the country, bonfires
blaze and noisy fireworks flare into the
sky on Guy Fawkes’ Night (5 Nov).Festivals
Many festivals and events, in villages
and market towns, centre around
regional produce from apples to
oysters to cheeses to wines, craft fairs,