It can be easy to forget there's much more to the UK than just England. In fact, any true understanding of that island nation requires visits to the Celtic realms of Wales and Scotland.

Cardiff

Capital of the principality of Wales, Cardiff grew up as a port for the shipping of iron and coal from nearby Welsh valleys. Now it's cast off its grim history as a rough seaport to become a green and stately city with pedestrian shopping quadrants, statued squares and a large and well-preserved castle.

Cardiff also features a strong sporting and cultural presence. Sporting events such as the national sport of Rugby Union are played at the new Millenium Stadium. The Welsh National Opera now performs at the Wales Millennium Centre, Wales' palace to arts and culture.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Cardiff International Airport is about 12 miles from the city. It connects with various destinations in the UK and continental Europe.

Direct trains connect Cardiff with London, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham and others as do national coach services.

The city has an effective bus system and the city's flatness make it perfect for cycling. There are also two kinds of taxis - the black and white prowl the streets looking for fares and other colours which have to be booked.

Climate

Typical for the UK though Cardiff's coastal location tends to temper extremes of temperature. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 30°C and winters rarely fall below freezing.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Cardiff hotels
http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/Cardiff/

Events:what's on and what's hot

* St David's Day on March 1st is the national day of Wales. If features a parade* The Big Weekend is probably the most active Cardiff festival. Held on the last weekend in July, masses of people swamp the city hall area to enjoy the carnival events and fun fair atmosphere.
* Mermaid Quay Cardiff Harbour Festival at the end of August features family fun with a nautical theme.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh's rich and storied history has endowed Edinburgh with a beguiling medley of medieval, Gothic Georgian and contemporary styles overlaid with an uniquely Scottish ambiance.

Capital of Scotland since 1437, Edinburgh is crowned with its castle. But for all its history it's a lively place with museums and galleries, night-life,great restaurants and shops, and an scintillating programme of events throughout the year.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Direct flights link Edinburgh with cities in England, Wales, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and various countries in Europe.

Trains connect Edinburgh with a range of destinations from the spanking-new Edinburgh Train Station

Transport around Edinburgh can be summed up in the two words buses and bicycles.

Climate:

Edinburgh has a temperate climate despite its northern location. The weather is generally mild though subject to winds gushing in from the south-west. Summers in Edinburgh are blessed with long days and it's often sunny though rain can sweep in out of the blue. Winters are chilly with short dark days.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Edinburgh hotels
http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/Edinburgh/

Events:what's on and what's hot

*Edinburgh International Festival in August is one of the world's largest and most important arts festivals. The Fringe Festival runs in tandem. There are performances in venues all around the city.
*Also in August is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Bagpipes wail and kilted regiments strut in this Scottish extravaganza.
*New Year's Eve, known as Hogmanay in Scotland, is celebrated with gusto in Edinburgh with concerts, street parties an a large bonfire on the hill.

Glasgow

Over the last 20 years, Scotland's largest city has cast off its roughhouse reputation to become a revitalised centre for commerce, tourism, and culture with excellent parks, museums and shopping. Now the city offers everything from curling to opera and ballet, and from football to art appreciation and symphonies.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Glasgow International Airport is 10 miles west of the city and Glasgow Prestwick Airport is 30 miles to the southwest.

Buchanan Bus Station is the center for all long-distance bus services.
Glasgow's Central Train Station serves Southern Scotland, England and Wales and Queen St Station serves the north and east of Scotland.

Glasgow has a fine public transport system with a subway, trains and buses, and taxis are abundant.

Climate:
The weather in Glasgow is milder than the rest of Scotland owing to its position. It gets the Gulf Stream current up the Clyde Estuary. Plus, the humidity resulting from its location in the Clyde Valley helps to warm the area.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Glasgow hotels
http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/Glasgow/

Events:what's on and what's hot

* January sees the two-week Celtic Connections music festival.
* February is the time of the City of Love festival which celebrates St Valentine.
* Glasgow's biggest arts event is the two-week West End Festival of music in June. June is also the time of the RSNO Proms, a series of classical music concerts.
* Shortly after comes the Glasgow Jazz Festival in July.
* On a more Scottish theme, Glasgow hosts the World Pipe Band Championships in mid-August.