The Wye Valley is perhaps the most scenic region in the United Kingdom. Situated on the border between England and Wales, it consists of dense, green woodland and dramatic limestone gorges. Designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1971, it is the birthplace of British tourism and has attracted visitors from far and wide for over a hundred years.

The River Wye is one of the region’s most popular attractions and winds its way through the idyllic landscape, from Plynlimon to the River Severn, on a picturesque 150-mile journey. In the past, it was used to transport coal, iron and stone and played an important role in the region’s industrial heritage. Nowadays the river is popular with canoeists and water-sport enthusiasts.

The AONB designation covers almost 130 square miles, spanning the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. It one of 40 designated areas found in England and Wales, and exemplifies the region’s beauty. Read the rest of this entry »

Bristol is the largest city in the south-west of England, with a population of nearly 400,000 people. It is situated near the Bristol Channel, and along the River Avon, which runs directly through the city.

During WWII the city was heavily bombed due to its extremely busy port and docks area in the middle of the city. Since then the city has been rebuilt with some buildings having survived the bombings. The ports and docks closed in 1962 when they were moved to the edge of the city on the Bristol Channel. Read the rest of this entry »

Situated in South West England between Somerset and Gloucestershire, through which the rivers Avon and Frome run through, Bristol is the United Kingdom’s ninth most populous city. The city’s prosperous economy owes its existence to the Port of Bristol, British Aerospace industry, Rolls-Royce and its ship-building industry.

Bristol has a population of 400,000, comprising ethnic groups such as English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Ulster, West Indians, Indians, Pakistanis, and others. Though Bristol has a comparatively moderate climate, it is also one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the United Kingdom. Read the rest of this entry »