With thousands of miles of coastline, the British Isles are made for cruising. By cruise, you can see beautiful coastal areas punctuated by chalky cliffs, lovely bays and windswept headlands, backed by rolling green countryside or the mountains of Wales and Scotland.
The British Isles include Great Britain – England, Scotland and Wales – as well as Ireland and about 6,000 smaller islands: the Isle of Man, the Hebrides, the Orkney Isles, the Shetland Isles, and the Channel Islands, to name a few. With all these islands quite close to each other, most British Isles cruises are port-intensive, with someplace new to explore each day.
You can cruise the British Isles at any time of year, with distinct differences between the seasons. Spring is the time to see the countryside in full bloom, with mild weather and few crowds on shore. Summer’s long days bring the peak season and the warmest weather. In fall, the countryside glows with oranges and red foliage. Winter brings the coolest temperatures, but compensates with Christmas markets other seasonal events.
The irregular coastline lends itself to mid-size and smaller ships from mainstream and luxury cruise lines. Itineraries range from 14-night circumnavigations of the isles to quick 3-night excursions you can add to a longer European vacation. In addition to London and Southampton (home port for many ships), popular ports include:
Belfast, Ireland. Titanic Belfast is a major attraction next to the slipway where the liner was built. Or, take an excursion to the Giant's Causeway, a collection of basalt columns said to be the work of giant named Finn McCool (but more likely formed by an ancient volcano).
Edinburgh, Scotland. Filled with history and culture, Scotland’s capital is overlooked by imposing Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile extends toward Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official Scottish residence.
Orkney, Scotland. A group of islands off Scotland’s northeast coast, Orkney offers wonderful archaeological sites and abundant birdlife. The capital, Kirkwall, has a cathedral founded by the Vikings, a whiskey distillery and shops full of locally made arts and crafts.
Newcastle, England. Newcastle and Gateshead face each other across the River Tyne, linked by a series of seven dramatic bridges. Pedestrians can stroll across the Millennium Bridge to enjoy the cultural attractions on both sides.
For more ideas about cruising the British Isles, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
Follow & like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
The British Isles include Great Britain – England, Scotland and Wales – as well as Ireland and about 6,000 smaller islands: the Isle of Man, the Hebrides, the Orkney Isles, the Shetland Isles, and the Channel Islands, to name a few. With all these islands quite close to each other, most British Isles cruises are port-intensive, with someplace new to explore each day.
You can cruise the British Isles at any time of year, with distinct differences between the seasons. Spring is the time to see the countryside in full bloom, with mild weather and few crowds on shore. Summer’s long days bring the peak season and the warmest weather. In fall, the countryside glows with oranges and red foliage. Winter brings the coolest temperatures, but compensates with Christmas markets other seasonal events.
The irregular coastline lends itself to mid-size and smaller ships from mainstream and luxury cruise lines. Itineraries range from 14-night circumnavigations of the isles to quick 3-night excursions you can add to a longer European vacation. In addition to London and Southampton (home port for many ships), popular ports include:
Belfast, Ireland. Titanic Belfast is a major attraction next to the slipway where the liner was built. Or, take an excursion to the Giant's Causeway, a collection of basalt columns said to be the work of giant named Finn McCool (but more likely formed by an ancient volcano).
Edinburgh, Scotland. Filled with history and culture, Scotland’s capital is overlooked by imposing Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile extends toward Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official Scottish residence.
Orkney, Scotland. A group of islands off Scotland’s northeast coast, Orkney offers wonderful archaeological sites and abundant birdlife. The capital, Kirkwall, has a cathedral founded by the Vikings, a whiskey distillery and shops full of locally made arts and crafts.
Newcastle, England. Newcastle and Gateshead face each other across the River Tyne, linked by a series of seven dramatic bridges. Pedestrians can stroll across the Millennium Bridge to enjoy the cultural attractions on both sides.
For more ideas about cruising the British Isles, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
Follow & like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
