Great Britain (2nd ed)

The allure of Great Britain's natural beauty, famously refined culture, and storied history has long held sway over visitors.

The country is the number one destination for Americans traveling to Europe; annually, more than 5,000,000 tourists cross the Atlantic to enjoy some of the island's myriad charms, including the rolling moors of Devon and Yorkshire, some of the world's finest museums, dining, and theater in the fabled streets of London, the rich history and stunning scenery of Scotland's islands and highlands, and the stately aristocratic mansions and castles that dot the countryside.

Illustrated with more than 280 vivid photographs and 32 detailed, full-color maps, "National Geographic Traveler: Great Britain" (2nd edition) brings you everything you need to know to plan a trip to this most enticing of regions.

Veteran travel author Christopher Somerville, a native Englishman, guides you shire by shire through the fascinating landscape that is 21st-century Britain. Starting with a detailed introduction to the island's history, food, land, and culture - factors that have clearly shaped the distinctive tongue-in-cheek character of the British people - the book then explores in-depth each of the area's individual regions, including the very distinct countries of Scotland and Wales, covering in detail every corner of this diverse and beguiling land.

From venerable Westminster Abbey and the cutting edge art at the Tate Modern museum in London to Shakespeare's scenic hometown of Stratford-Upon-Avon and John Lennon's boyhood home in Liverpool, it's all here.

In addition, special detailed features give comprehensive information on many diverse topics such as the relaxing parks of London, Thomas Hardy's Dorset, Wedgwood and the potteries, and golfing in Scotland.

The book also offers seventeen guided walks and drives through many of Britain's most scenic and historic regions, including tours of the ancient cities of Oxford and Bath and drives around Snowdonia National Park in Wales and Wordsworth's beautiful Windermere in the hugely popular Lake District. A thorough Travelwise section provides recommendations for hotels and restaurants in all price ranges and in all areas.

Whether you're birdwatching on the islands of Scotland's Inner Hebrides, visiting the famous and impressive Bronze-Age monument at Stonehenge, or gazing upon the famous portraits of storybook kings and queens in the National Portrait Gallery in London, "National Geographic Traveler: Great Britain" has every tool you need to make your trip a memorable one.