Nestling in the rural heartland of Southern Wales just 10mls/16km from Cardiff, the borough of Caerphilly has a great deal to offer any visitor wishing to take a short break and explore the rich heritage of this fascinating area.

Visit majestic Caerphilly Castle whose fortress sprawls over an impressive 30-acre site, making it easily the biggest in Wales. Often threatened, but never taken, the castle still intimidates the onlooker. Its only sign of weakness is its tipsy tower which out-leans the Tower of Pisa.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the borough provides walks with interesting angles: along the Gelligaer and Darran Valley circular walk discover a Roman Fort, constructed in AD 103 – 111 during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Now the stone fort is covered and protected, but the defences can still be seen as a low broad bank. Countryside rambles take place frequently throughout the year, led by local Rambler Association groups, taking in historical locations and mountain climbs for fantastic scenery. For road and rail links check out getting there.

The Causeway Coast and Glens is a unique region where nature has perfected a landscape of unsurpassed beauty and man has woven a rich tapestry of history, heritage and myth.

This is a place where rugged coastline merges into still, silent glens and unfolds into lush forest parks. Where beautiful beaches beckon. Where rivers wander through rolling lowlands. Where sleepy villages nestle next to busy shopping towns.

An ideal way to experience the region is to take the Causeway Coastal Route, which is seen as The Essential Irish journey. It takes you from the outskirts of Belfast on one of Europe’s most scenic journeys of picturesque fishing villages, rugged cliffs, designated areas of outstanding natural beauty and the Unesco World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway. There are also small circular tours which take in places including Slemish Mountain, the Lower Bann Valley, Island Magee and the magnificent Glens of Antrim. For a start, sample South from Antrim.

Elegant, stylish Cheltenham, England’s Regency spa town, renowned for its stylish shopping, award winning parks and floral displays. The Promenade is one of the best known shopping boulevards in Britain, and home to many top designer names. Each year Cheltenham becomes a blaze of colour as the town competes in the Beautiful Britain in Bloom competition.

Visit the Art Gallery and Museum with its famous Arts and Crafts Movement collection, or the Holst Birthplace Museum, dedicated to the composer of ‘The Planets’. Taste the town’s spa water at the Pittville Pump Room. The festival town of England, Cheltenham hosts a year-round events programme featuring horse racing, cricket, music and literature and science festivals.

From Cheltenham Spa, travel The Romantic Road to the Cotswolds, and let our touring routes reveal this area of outstanding natural beauty, along country roads winding through river valleys and villages of honey-coloured stone.

Do something different! Set on the South coast, Eastbourne's stunning seaside location has quite simply to be seen to be believed.

Explore the charm and elegance of this seaside resort; breathe in the sea air; take a boat trip to Beachy Head; recharge the batteries at an alfresco cafe; stride out on the South Downs on one of three national trails right on the doorstep; roller-blade along 3mls/5km of promenade or simply sit back and enjoy the view - just some of the extraordinary wealth of things you can do.

With a wide choice of accommodation and superb range of places to shop and eat, you will see that Eastbourne is the perfect place to explore both the coast and surrounding countryside.

Between London and the sea to the east, lies the ancient Saxon county of Essex. Traces of medieval times can be found in delightful small towns such as Saffron Walden, Coggeshall and Thaxted. Medieval industries such as weaving and saffron growing created great wealth which led to the construction of many beautiful houses and fine churches. The Romans made Colchester their capital; the Normans left their mark with castles.

With its long coastline, Essex boasts a real maritime flavour. The resorts at Southend, Clacton, Frinton, Walton and Dovercourt offer all the fun of the seaside. Then again, quieter coastal places like Harwich and Maldon offer enormous character and historical interest. Away from the towns much of the coast is remote, undisturbed and of great importance to nature conservation.

But before you check the ‘Order brochure’ box, visit us at Real Essex

Don’t plan your visit to Devon, South West England, without this ‘essential’ guide. Combining vibrant city life, spectacular World Heritage Jurassic coastline and beautiful rolling Devon countryside, Exeter and the Heart of Devon is a ‘must see’ whatever the time of year.

The ancient and beautiful city of Exeter is perfect for a shortbreak with its abundance of top quality accommodation and award-winning restaurants. With more than 2,000 years of history, there are numerous historic attractions to visit.

Discover breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast from the South West Coast Path, Britain’s longest national trail, or explore the region’s many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature reserves and National Parks – perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

To find out more, visit Essential Devon or tick our ‘Order brochure’ box.

Nestled between the Wye Valley and Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean is one of England’s few remaining ancient forests and a unique and fascinating part of Gloucestershire. With a spectacular range of natural beauty combined with an aura of magic and mystery, it has been the inspiration for many artists and writers including JRR Tolkien, Dennis Potter and JK Rowling.

Its 27,000 acres of woodland make it the perfect place to visit for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The forest offers the complete A-Z of adventure and leisure activities, with everything from archery to zip-wiring as well as ever-popular walking, cycling and horse riding. Check our new Forest Activities website for details.

For something a little more relaxing there's the fascinating industrial heritage in museums, mines, caves and steam trains. With superb accommodation and a wealth of fine local food, a true ‘Forest’ welcome awaits you.

Portsmouth, the waterfront city, is home to world class events, miles of sea views and centuries of history.

Enjoy shopping, eating and drinking in this cosmopolitan city or wander through award winning gardens and open spaces. Visit one of Portsmouth’s twelve museums or other exciting attractions, including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the iconic Spinnaker Tower.

Portsmouth is perfectly placed for taking to the water - from exciting Rib rides and sailing races to leisurely harbour tours and cruises. Or enjoy the water from dry land at Gunwharf Quays, Port Solent, Old Portsmouth or Southsea seafront - shopping, open spaces, restaurants and cobbled streets await you.

Take a fresh look at Portsmouth. We look forward to welcoming you!

South West Wales has easy access, a spectacular coastline, unspoilt countryside and a great choice of quality accommodation, thrilling activities, and fascinating places to visit...

The region is a distinctive mix of Britain’s only coastal national park in Pembrokeshire and the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower Peninsula, medieval castles alive with myths and legends, small country villages with cosy pubs and organic food to stylish market towns and resorts. There’s also the friendly city of Swansea, birthplace of Catherine Zeta Jones and Dylan Thomas.

Visit Stoke-on-Trent in the English Midlands, 2h north of London, and discover a surprising choice of attractions. As Britain's pottery capital, there's the Wedgwood Visitor Centre and factory tour which offers great hands-on entertainment. And more than 30 factory shopping experiences including the world-famous names of Spode, Portmeirion, Royal Doulton and Moorcroft selling high quality designer goods including Jasper Conran, John Rocha and Ella Doran. Visit Gladstone Pottery Museum and learn the story of 'The Potteries', and view Flushed with Pride, a gallery telling the story of the toilet!

Explore the £100m redevelopment of Trentham Gardens and the UK's first Monkey Forest where you can walk among 140 Barbary Macaques roaming free in 60 acres of forest. Top leisure attractions include Waterworld, the UK's number one Aqua Park and Alton Towers is only a short distance away. For more information contact Stoke-on-Trent Tourist Information Centre tel 01782 236000 or visit our Visitstoke website.