Great Britain entices culture seekers from far and wide, and for good reason. It’s a treasure box of art and architecture, abuzz with spellbinding festivals all year long, and the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest authors and playwrights. Literary lovers will want to start in London, where Shakespeare’s Globe still stands on the banks of the Thames. (Did you know? There are 230 theaters in London alone!) Venture up north to Yorkshire where the Brontë sisters made their mark, and of course to Stratford-upon-Avon to step inside the legendary Royal Shakespeare Company. Head to the southwest of England to follow in the path of Jane Austen in Bath, and experience Roman spa culture at the historic Roman Baths, which have drawn visitors to the city for more than 2,000 years and where natural thermal waters still flow.

Centuries of history converge here, where ancient stone castles and grand cathedrals make a great impression. Get a feel for London’s darker past on a tour of its dungeon, and explore the lavish Georgian interior of Apsley House — where the first Duke of Wellington once resided. Great heritage can be found everywhere you travel, including the white towers of Leeds Castle and the distinguished halls of Oxford where intellects have gathered since the Saxon times.

Your day can span the spectrum from curry chips in a local shop to Michelin-starred dining. There’s the soul-satisfying full breakfast and elegant afternoon tea, with plenty of opportunities to sip craft beer, try a dram of whisky, or take a cooking class highlighting locally sourced ingredients. To best experience Great Britain’s local flavor, we recommend taking a food walking tour or wandering among the 150 food stalls of London’s Borough Market (the cheese selection alone is worth the visit). Then go farther out to discover dishes that reflect each region — like a savory Cornish pasty in Cornwall, Devon’s famous cream tea and incredibly fresh oysters from the north coast of Kent.

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but in Great Britain the natural appeal is undeniable. There’s something to admire at every angle, like strolling through the towering topiaries of Levens Hall in England's breathtaking Lake District. Just a two-hour-train ride from London is Cardiff, the Welsh capital and gateway to a wonderfully compact and easy-to-reach country. Wales is now celebrating the “Year of the Outdoors," with its stunning 870-mile coastal path, three national parks (which comprise 20 percent of the land!), 600 castles and Dark Sky Reserves — all waiting to be explored.

No matter how far off the beaten path you go, Great Britain is easy to navigate and filled with friendly locals. After visiting London’s landmarks, wander along smaller lanes to discover whimsical boutique shops and award-winning gastro pubs. Walk among the limestone hills and quaint stone cottages of the Cotswolds, where time seems to stand still. Travel to Scotland, where a year-long Coasts and Waters program is shining a spotlight on its many treasures. From beautiful landscapes — including coasts, lochs and rivers — to industrial heritage to the creation of their national drink, whisky, Scotland's coasts and waters have shaped its culture, stories and way of life.