Emerald Isles

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions, and countless hidden gems. Photographers often want to head toward central London, near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

London is a fascinating city with storied landmarks, iconic attractions, and countless hidden gems. Photographers often want to head toward central London, near the Westminster Bridge. With Big Ben and Westminster Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other side of the river, it’s the best spot for the ultimate picture of the English capital. Among the lesser-known highlights of London is the British Library, where you may see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark scientific items too. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

Spend the day on the high seas, pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

Legend has it that the enchanted land of St. Peter Port was invaded by fairies once upon a time. For proof, head west to the edge of the island to find a mysterious fairy ring known as Pleinmont, walk around it three times, and make a wish. Aside from local lore, Guernsey is charmed as the second largest of the Channel Islands, ideally situated in the bay of St. Malo, a mere 30 miles from the coast of France and 80 miles from the coast of England. Speaking of England, while Guernsey is considered part of the British Isles, it is not a part of the United Kingdom, as it constitutionally owes allegiance to the English Crown but has its own separate legislature.

While you might think you’ve landed in the Caribbean, the gorgeous oasis of St. Mary’s is very much in England. The Isles of Scilly enjoy a climate that is among the mildest, warmest, and sunniest in the United Kingdom. And very few ships visit, making it an ideal remote getaway. Among the smattering of islands strung off the tip of Cornwall is the thoroughly enchanting St. Mary's, with a population of almost 1,800 and covering an area of about three square miles. It is the largest island of the five and the gateway to the rest of the archipelago. While St. Mary’s is laid back, you can still enjoy an active day, whether you rent a boat or go paddle boarding. Hugh Town, St. Mary’s central hub, holds plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés to spend a leisurely afternoon. Nearby lie three beaches—Porthmellon, Town Beach, and Porthcressa—for a relaxing beach day.

Cobh (pronounced Cove) is a favorite destination among history enthusiasts, especially those who have an interest in the world-famous Titanic. It’s also the gateway to wondrous County Cork, a land filled with rich heritage. A visit to Blarney Castle requires a quick kiss, as here is where the famous Blarney Stone is set on the wall. Whiskey lovers can rejoice, as Cork is the site of the Old Jameson Distillery, a beautifully restored and self-contained industrial complex taking you right to the heart of the cherished whiskey-making tradition. Near Cork lies the picturesque sailing town of Kinsale, with vibrant streetscapes and delicious restaurants.

From the charming architecture of St. Cybi’s Church to the monolithic structures of the Trefignath Burial Chamber, the city of Holyhead in Wales contains a spectrum of landmarks that invite you to explore. Take the South Stack Lighthouse Tour for breathtaking views along the rocky coast. Sitting within the RSPB Reserve, the surrounding heathland filled with wildflowers, various species of birds, and grazing sheep creates a bucolic scene to stir a sense of awe. Along the coast at Breakwater Country Park, discover scenic paths with audio trails, themed walks, and even a gallery in the old brick shed. With plenty of restaurants and pubs near the port, it’s easy to dive into authentic Welsh cuisines, such as Conwy mussels or Welsh rarebit.

Between Ireland and Great Britain in the Irish Sea, there’s a small dot of land called the Isle of Man. Douglas is the capital and your gateway to the incredible treasures that this lesser-known Crown Dependency holds. Not only is the Isle of Man culturally and historically different from its surrounding islands, but it is also linguistically diverse. Among the many languages is Manx, a Gaelic language similar to some types of Irish Gaelic but unique to the island. Douglas’ lovely seafront can be traversed by horse-drawn trams, but if you prefer speed, this town also delivers winding roads made for a thrilling motorcycle adventure. After all, this is the home of the International Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Race.

Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.