Travel

History, Heritage And Fairy Tales

Posted: 9/30/2011

More visitors are expected to say “I do” to visiting Britain after the wedding of William and Kate. For many, it’s the latest example of the nation’s cherished heritage.

(NAPSI)—A wedding fit for a prince may require a royal guest list, but people of all kinds—from around the world—are expected to visit the U.K. following the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The world’s enchantment with the fairy tale wedding promises to deliver a long-term tourism boost in London and other parts of Britain where the romantic story evolved.

The glamorous wedding is just the latest example of the kinds of pageantry and historical tradition that have long drawn visitors to Britain. From Stonehenge to Balmoral Castle to the future site of the Summer Olympics in 2012, the land of kings and queens offers castles, cathedrals and stunning landscapes rich in centuries of history.

Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare, J.K. Rowling or Beatrix Potter, or visit the recording studios made famous by The Beatles, the British Isles offer a lavish dose of literary and musical legacy.

And there’s no need to go it alone. There’s a tour for “whatever takes your fancy,” as they like to say across the “pond.” For example, CIE Tours International offers excursions that focus on The Beatles, “Braveheart,” Beatrix Potter and “Brideshead Revisited.”

One tour blends England’s historic, literary and scenic regions with Beatrix Potter’s Lake District, the magnificent York Minster, a vintage train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a walk around the walled city of Chester, and an optional stay in London.

Or visitors can marvel at The Beatles’ Liverpool, stately Castle Howard of “Brideshead Revisited” fame, Brontë Parsonage, where the three sisters produced their literary masterpieces, the U.S. historical connections at Sulgrave Manor and other famous attractions. The tour includes a taste of Scotland with visits to Edinburgh and Stirling Castle.

Or you can start your tour in Edinburgh and travel south via the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, York and Liverpool to end in Manchester or extend your tour to London.

While in Edinburgh, visitors will receive tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This is an annual series of drum and military displays performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands and display teams in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. The event takes place annually as part of the wider Edinburgh Festival. Tour goers can also enjoy fine dining and Scottish cabaret.

Visitors are urged to take advantage of these opportunities while they can. After all, it could be quite a while before there is another royal wedding.

CIE Tours offers the 2011 Olde England & Heritage Tour, with prices starting at $1,258. The company has conducted trips through England, Scotland and Ireland for nearly 80 years. In addition to group tours, it also helps construct tour itineraries for individuals.

For more information, call (800) 243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com/FairyTale.