MUSIC

IS

The adventure of a lifetime!

FROM GLYNDEBOURNE TO GLASTONBURY,

EXPERIENCE THE WORLDS GREATEST MUSIC FESTIVALS
www.britishcouncil.org

A guide for international students discovering the UK

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Welcome to the UK
As a student in the UK, youll
be working towards great
skills and qualifications. But its
not just about work outside
the classroom, you can have a
fantastic experience too!

and museums. And in the

evenings you can enjoy
the UKs legendary nightlife,
from pubs and restaurants to
nightclubs and comedy clubs.

Across England, Scotland,

Wales and Northern Ireland,
youll find beautiful green
countryside, wind-swept
beaches and snow-topped
mountains.

Whether you want to dance

in the mud at a music festival,
cheer at the FA cup final, or
enjoy snowball fights in winter,
we hope youll have the
adventure of a lifetime when
you come to the UK.

For culture, youll love the

UKs theatres, art galleries

We look forward to
seeing you!

The UK means the

United Kingdom and
consists of England,
Scotland, Wales
(Great Britain) and
Northern Ireland.

Education UK is managed by

Contents
Great UK events to enjoy

Adventure sports

16

UK music festivals

Camping in the UK

18

Shopping and entertainment

Step back into history

20

Travel and transport

22

Enjoy the great outdoors

10

The thrill of the game!

14

British Council
Bridgewater House, 58 Whitworth Street
Manchester M1 6BB

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Blundells School

British Council 2013

The British Council creates international opportunities for the people
of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

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Great UK events to enjoy

Theres so much to tell you about great events in

Ten Tors Challenge, May

Eisteddfod, August

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Great North Run, September

the UK! Weve chosen just a few of our favourites

This is tough: 400 teams of six teenagers meet on

The National Eisteddfod, Waless top cultural festival,

Fancy running the worlds biggest half-marathon?

here, and theres more about fantastic music

Dartmoor, one of Devons great wildernesses, for

celebrates ancient Welsh history and the Welsh

About 50,000 runners start the race in Newcastle

festivals on page 6.

the Ten Tors challenge. Depending on age, they

language with music, literature, culture, dance and

city centre and finish in the coastal town of South

hike 35-55 miles (56-88km) in 36 hours crossing

theatre, and good food.

Shields, with live bands along the way.

Burns Night, 25 January

rivers, streams and bogs on the way.

Scots at home and abroad celebrate the poet

Robert Burns birthday, 25 January, with a

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5

FA Cup Final, May

Edinburgh Festival, August

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Bonfire Night, 5 November

The Scottish capital is completely taken over by

Bonfires and spectacular firework displays light up

ceremonial supper of haggis (a ball-shaped

At the end of the UK football season, the FA Cup

the Edinburgh Art Festival and Fringe as performers

the sky across the UK in early November. Battle, in

sausage of lamb, onions, oatmeal and spices).

Final is played at Wembley stadium. Tickets are hard

entertain the visiting crowds. The 2013 Fringe was

East Sussex, has a torch-lit parade with people in

to find but you can watch it live on TV.

huge: 2,871 shows and 24,107 performers in

fancy dress before the fireworks begin.

Traditionally a piper serenades the haggis as its

brought to the table.

273 venues!
6

London Fashion Week, February

Wimbledon, June/July

Pantomime season,
December-January
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Bristol Balloon Fiesta, August

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tennis event still

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Twice a year, in February and September,

played on grass. Watch top players such as Murray,

Bristol in England is the ballooning capital of

Traditional UK pantomime takes over many theatres

trendsetters flock to Somerset House in London

Nadal, the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova

Europe, and this is spectacular: more than 150

during the Christmas season. Familiar fairy tales are

battle for the trophies.

hot-air balloons of all shapes and sizes take to

reworked to entertain all the family. Look out for the

the skies above the historic estate of Ashton

dame (played by a man), the principal boy (a

Court.

woman), the pantomime horse (two actors in a

to see 50 official catwalk shows and exhibitions

that showcase work from the worlds top

designers.

Boardmaster Festival, August

If you like surfing, skating or BMX biking, the four-day

single costume), and the villain - hes behind you!

Jorvik Viking Festival, February

Boardmaster Festival in Cornwall, south-west England,

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Yorks Jorvik Viking Centre celebrates the 8th

is for you. Every year, Newquay welcomes thousands

Belly Laughs is Belfasts funniest festival, with more

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century Viking invasion of England with

of visitors to Fistral Beach to watch boarders perform.

than 40 acts over 20 days. It celebrates Northern

The last day of the year, Hogmanay, is a huge

demonstrations, authentic costumes and plenty of

Irelands rich comedy heritage. Find out what makes

celebration in Scotland. At Edinburghs big street

chances to learn more about the ancient era.

Belfast laugh.

party, everyone links arms to sing Auld Lang Syne.

Belfast Comedy Festival, September

Hogmanay, 31 December

VisitBritain / Jeremy Burgin / Alamy / Comstock

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UK music festivals
Music is a national obsession in the UK an

Head to Waless Black Mountains for the four-day

obsession that has helped to produce some of

Green Man Festival in August: music, comedy,

the worlds best and most innovative music.

arts, poetry and literature in a stunning location.

Throughout the UK, you will find thousands of live

For eight days in July, Rostrevor in County Down

music events each day from pop, rock and

hosts the Fiddlers Green Festival, with folk,

dance to classical, RnB, metal and jazz. For a truly

blues, country and classical music. Great scenery,

unique experience, why not check out some

free outdoor music and good craic (Irish for fun).

traditional UK folk music? Get ready for fast-paced

fiddles, pounding drums and beautiful vocals.

Glasgowbury, in Derry-Londonderry (City of

Culture 2013) in July, is Northern Irelands largest

One of the best and cheapest ways to enjoy

independent outdoor music. See emerging as

live music is to go to a gig (a small concert in a

well as established performers.

pub or small music venue, usually free or charging

a small fee). Gigs are a great place to check out

BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend in May, is Europes

up-and-coming bands.

biggest free ticketed music event with top names

appearing live. This event takes place in a

Bigger concerts for popular bands and classical

different place each year.

music are usually held in purpose-built concert

halls, football stadia or theatres. Your Students

In June most years, 150,000 fans descend on

Union might host concerts too.

Somerset for the five-day Glastonbury Festival,

a feast of bands, DJs, comedians and

From May to September every year thousands of

performance artists and big-name acts such as

people in the UK set off with tents and backpacks

U2 and Coldplay. Pack your welly boots as well: if

to have a great time at the UKs festivals.

it rains the site is very muddy!

Big, quirky and loud festivals

Manchesters International Festival (June/

Over on the banks of Loch Ness (keep your eyes

July) is a major showcase for new and emerging

open for the Loch Ness monster!) 35,000 fans of

talent, with great music and pop-up events, art

all ages turn up in fancy dress for three days of

exhibitions and shows.

RockNess. The perfect place to dance the

weekend away in beautiful surroundings.

Late in August the two-centre Reading/Leeds

Festivals combine to make a great three-day

Orkney Folk Festival in May has fantastic

rock festival with top bands such as Greenday,

traditional music, ceilidhs (Gaelic dancing), a

Biffy Clyro and Eminem.

fiddlers rally and much more.

V Festival has rock and pop bands appearing in
T in the Park is Scotlands biggest festival. Every

Hylands Park (near Chelmsford) and Weston Park

year in July, 80,000 fans come to Balado in the

(near Wolverhampton) at the same time.

heart of Kinross-shire for three days to enjoy great

acts such as Mumford and Sons and Snoop Dogg.

Epic music performances and fancy dress are all

part of Bestival on the Isle of Wight in

September sees Festival No 6 in Portmeirion: a

September, the perfect way to end the summer.

Getty

festival unlike any other, in a place like no other.

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Perched in an Italianate village above the River

For more great events, go to www.visitbritain.com

Dwyryd in North Wales, its a gorgeous setting for

and www.discovernorthernireland.com, or join

live music, arts and culture.

www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.

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Shopping and
entertainment
To make the most of your experience time in the UK, be
sure to explore all that your campus and city have to offer.
To save money, have a look at the NUS (National Union
of Students) extra card or ISIC (International Student
Identity Card). Many shops, restaurants and theatres offer
student discounts.
Students Unions: Typically the social heart of any
campus, the students union is a great place to meet
friends, eat or grab a coffee between lectures, watch live
music and lots more. Prices are usually low.
Shopping: If youre a shopaholic then youll love the UKs
high streets, department stores, and shops selling vintage
clothes and second-hand goods. You might even pick up
some fantastic bargains!
Cafes and restaurants: The UK is a great place to
discover many world cuisines. Youll find world-famous
restaurants, cheerful cafes serving great food at modest
prices, and street stalls selling mouth-watering snacks.
Look out for early bird deals (usually until 6 or 7pm).
Theatre and dance: The UK has a long tradition of
fantastic theatre and dance with great home-grown and
international actors and artists. You can often find special
offers for tickets that wont break the bank. (See page 18
for more about music festivals.)
Comedy: No visit to the UK is complete without going to
a comedy night and getting to know British humour! Many
top stand-up comedians perform at students unions and
pubs, where tickets are often cheaper.
Pubs: You dont have to drink alcohol to go to the pub (a
sociable destination for adults in the UK). Youll find
non-alcoholic drinks, and many pubs offer food and
entertainment. Choose friendly pubs where you feel safe
and comfortable (ask staff or students at your college or
university for recommendations.)

com, and www.discovernorthernireland.com. You can also

join www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.

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VisitBritain

Find out more on www.educationuk.org, www.visitbritain.

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Enjoy the great

outdoors
Youre never far away from spectacular scenery when
youre in the UK. So pack your backpack, put on your
walking boots and discover what makes the UK such a
great country!
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Snowdonia mountains and coast

Head to the Llyn Peninsula in Wales, one of the UKs

protected Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Fabulous sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs skirt the
sea at the western edge of the Snowdonia National
Park, where you will find Waless biggest mountains.
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Lake District

The 16 lakes and many tarns (smaller mountain pools)

that make up the Lake District are a wonderful
backdrop for walkers, cyclists and boating enthusiasts.
Home to Englands highest peak, Scafell Pike, and the
deepest English lake, Wastwater, the Lake District is
Englands largest national park, full of dramatic views
over lakes and pikes (peaks), with pretty villages.

Mourne Mountains
In Northern Ireland, people sometimes call the Mourne
Mountains a giants carpet that sweeps down to the

sea. This wild and mysterious landscape inspired the

writer CS Lewis to imagine Narnia. With dozens of
granite peaks crowded into a small area, its a great
place to walk, with fantastic views on a clear day.
3

Giants Causeway

Located in Northern Ireland, on the stunning North

Atlantic coast, Giants Causeway is a popular nature
spot and UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to
legend it was created by a giant. The site, made up of
hundreds of basalt columns, was formed by ancient
volcanic eruptions. Now owned by the National Trust,

Cornwall

The south-western tip of the UK, Cornwall is a great

place for a holiday, with rolling green hills, sandy

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the Causeway has wonderful flowers and wildlife.

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beaches, quaint fishing villages, and unspoilt coastline

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with great fishing. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy surfing,

sailing and canoeing.

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Channel Islands

On the five Channel Islands in the English Channel

(Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm and Sark) theres a
mix of UK and French influences, warmer weather,
stunning scenery and intriguing history.

Norfolk Broads
Flat land with tidal shallow rivers and broads (ponds
and lakes), unspoiled villages and lovely waterside pubs

make this a great area to hire a boat or go fishing,

walking and cycling. Norfolk is the UKs best county
for birdwatching.
6

Cairngorms

Scotlands Cairngorms National Park is home to Britains

biggest mountain range, is the perfect place to get
away from it all. Youll find clear lochs and rivers, wild
forests and rugged moorland.
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Scottish Islands

Off Scotlands coasts lie 790 islands, of which only

about 100 are inhabited. Among the best known island
groups are Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and
Inner Hebrides. Youll find friendly people, wild scenery,
great birdlife, dramatic seas and skies.

The Cotswolds

The green and pleasant hills of the Cotswolds, in the

heart of England, are full of tiny winding lanes, quaint
villages and hamlets, and miles of meadow and
woodland, perfect for walking or cycling.

Peak District
At the southern end of the Pennines (the hills known as
the backbone of England) is the Peak District, a great
place to go walking, rock climbing, horse riding and
mountain biking. If you use a wheelchair you can access
old railway trails and hire adapted vehicles locally.

to visit, go to www.educationuk.org, www.visitbritain.

com, www.discovernorthernireland.com, and
www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.
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VisitBritain

For more information about top UK places

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The thrill of the game!

As the London 2012 Olympics showed, the UK is
sports-mad. Whether you want to watch live sport or
get involved yourself, the UK is the place to be.

Football
The beautiful game of football is one of the UKs
most popular sports. Its hard to beat the excitement
of going to a live match and cheering along with the
crowd. For a cheaper way to enjoy the game, why not
watch the match on television at your Students Union
or in your hall of residence with your friends?

Cricket
Typically British, cricket is a hugely popular sport both
to play and to watch, with tense national and
international matches every summer.
Cricket has been played in the UK since 1598, and
today it has a strong following across many UK
regions. While 20/20 matches last for an afternoon or
evening, international Test matches can last five days!

Rugby
The full contact sport of rugby is extremely
competitive, often very muddy, intense and
exciting to watch.
Every year the Six Nations Championship sees Wales,
Scotland, England and Ireland plus Italy and France
compete fiercely to win and to avoid the wooden
spoon (coming last with no wins).

Horse-racing
From the excitement of point-to-points (horse-racing
over fences for amateur riders) to the drama of major
races such as the Aintree Grand National (also over
fences), the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot (where
horses race on the flat) going to a horse race is a day

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out with a difference..

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 VisitBritain

Adventure sports
If youre interested in sports and you want to

can find boogie- and wake-boarding schools too. Or

routes. With snow-capped ridges and spectacular

Cycling and horse-riding

explore the great UK outdoors, then why not try

if you prefer boats, try white-water rafting at centres

views, its a climbing hotspot.

Combine transport with adventure by cycling or

something new and exciting?

around the UK, or sailing on the sea and inland on

rivers and lakes.

The UK has plenty to offer from adrenaline

horse-riding in the UK. There are plenty of marked

paths and bridleways, so its easy to explore

The South West Coast Path (Englands longest

different regions. At many national parks and

adventures to sports courses for beginners. Taking

Mountain climbing

footpath) stretches for 630 miles (1,013 km).

protected areas, such as the South Downs and

part is a great way to make friends and keep fit.

UK mountain climbing caters for all levels with lots of

Its easy to follow, running from Somerset

New Forest, you can hire bicycles and go pony-

options to choose from.

along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to

trekking.

Sea, surf and sail

Dorset.

With 7,723 miles (12,429 km) of coastline from the

Wales Snowdonia region, Englands Lake District

islands of Scotland to the idyllic beaches of

and Northern Irelands Mourne Mountains all offer

Whether you walk for a day or a week,

Cornwall, and hundreds of lakes and lochs, the UK is

climbers spectacular rock-faces.

anywhere along this route will be a stunning

experience and youll get a birds eye view of

the ideal place for water sports.

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Rambling and walking

Education UK, www.educationuk.org, has lots

of information about things to do while you
are in the UK.

Scotland is one of the UKs most popular climbing

the coast. Youll be on the Jurassic Coast, the

Find out more at www.visitbritain.com, and

Many coastal areas offer surfing lessons, from

destinations theres Ben Nevis, the UKs highest

UNESCO World Heritage Site through Dorset

www.discovernorthernireland.com or join

half-day sessions to summer-long courses, and you

peak, plenty of climbing schools and mapped

and East Devon.

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17

Camping in the UK
Sleeping in a tent may not be everyones idea of

and you might want to wear socks, a jumper and

fun, but camping is the cheapest way to holiday in

a hat when you sleep.

the UK and in our opinion, its the most fun!

At other times of year, it can be bitterly cold and
Nothing quite beats sitting round a campfire

you may experience strong wind, rain, fog or

beneath the stars, zipping up in your sleeping

even snow and ice. Camping in such conditions is

bag, and then waking up to glorious countryside

best avoided.

right outside your tent door.

Campsites vary in the facilities they offer; some
Its perfect for students on a tight budget you

have showers and washing facilities, while others

can find plenty of tent pitches costing just a few

are more basic.

pounds per night.

Make sure you camp responsibly, in an area
Before you and your friends begin your camping

where its allowed. Wherever you camp, be sure

adventure, make sure you have the correct

to leave absolutely no rubbish behind and if you

equipment. Youll need essentials such as:

are going alone, make sure you tell someone

where you are.

 Waterproof tent
 Sleeping bag
 Food and water (most campsites offer
drinking water)

Some of the UKs campsites are in spectacular

locations, for example near beaches or overlooking
wonderful landscapes. You could also combine a
walking or cycling holiday with camping, which lets
you discover different parts of the UK.

 Torch

Glamping upmarket camping

 First aid kit
 Map and compass (essential if you are going
to walk or hike dont rely on your phone)
 Sun cream

If you are looking for something a bit different,

glamping is fast becoming one of the UKs most
popular ways to holiday. The idea takes all the
best bits of camping beautiful settings and
being outdoors and adds home comforts with a
touch of glamour.

 Spare clothes and rainwear

Many sites have luxury tents or yurts, sometimes
In the countryside, some shops and pubs do not

with en-suite bathrooms or facilities such as

accept payment by bank card, so take some cash

barbecues. Glamping is a great way to have a UK

with you.

camping adventure, and to celebrate a special

occasion with friends.

The best time of year to camp is from May to

September, when it is warmest and driest. Even

Find out more at www.visitbritain.com and

then it can be chilly at night, so its worth investing

www.discovernorthernireland.com, or join
www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.

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in a sleeping bag that is suitable for cold climates,

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Step back into history

The UK is a true paradise for history-lovers. Across the country
youll discover thousands of awe-inspiring castles, beautiful
churches and ancient monuments. Many are free of charge to
visit and offer great discounts for students. Here are some of
our favourite places to visit.

3
1

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Elegant and historic, Chatsworth House is a stunning country

estate, set in the heart of the Peak District. The house is open
to the public and you can wander around the stately rooms,
painted gallery and family chapel. Chatsworth also has huge
grounds which feature bronze artworks and a 300-year-old
water cascade the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
2

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Stonehenge is one of the

worlds most significant prehistoric monuments a circle of
giant monoliths (standing stones) and hundreds of historic

burial mounds. Scientists estimate that Stonehenge could date

back to 3000 BC. People come to celebrate ancient traditions
such as the summer and winter solstices.
3

Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd

At the heart of north-west Wales stands the iconic structure of

Caernarfon Castle. Edward I ordered the castle built in 1283,
and today it is part of a World Heritage Site. You can walk
along the top of the walls and the twin-towered gatehouse,
see the imposing battlements and the polygonal towers. This
is a place where history comes alive.
4

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburghs beautiful castle looms over the Scottish capital.

Time your visit for the firing of the One oclock gun (cannon)
from the castle battlements. See the royal apartments and the
Great Halls ornate ceiling, as well as the Scottish Crown
Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and weapons down the ages.
5

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Hampton Court Palace was given to King Henry VIII by

Cardinal Wolsey in 1528, and it became the kings favourite

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palace. Visit the amazing Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens and
the Chapel Royal, and then head out into the wonderful
gardens try not to get lost in the world-famous Maze!

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Find out more at www.educationuk.org,

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www.visitbritain.com, www.discovernorthernireland.com
and www.facebook.com/LoveGreatBritain.

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Travel and transport

Travelling around the UK is easy: all the regions have
Inverness

very good transport services, with trains, coaches and

buses connecting cities, towns and villages. You can

Aberdeen

often save money by buying tickets online a few days

SCOTLAND

before you travel, or you can just buy them when you
set off.

Dundee
Perth

You can ask at the information desk at your nearest bus

St Andrews

Stirling

or train station. While youre there ask for a pocket map

Edinburgh

Glasgow

of the routes and a timetable too. And of course you

can check out the information online! Take a

Isle of Arran

look at www.discovernorthernireland.com and

www.visitbritain.com.
Newcastle
upon Tyne

Derry-Londonderry
Carlisle

Newtownabbey

NORTHERN
IRELAND

Student discounts

Sunderland

There are student offers and discounts which you can

Durham

Belfast

use to travel around the UK. If youre between 16 and

Middlesbrough

ENGLAND
Bradford

25 (or older and in full-time education) the Young

Persons railcard can save you a third off rail fares.

York

Many bus and coach companies offer a student

Kingston
upon Hull

Leeds

Manchester

discount if you have an NUS Extra or ISIC card.

Your European adventure begins in the UK!

Liverpool

IRELAND

Connections to mainland Europe from the UK are very

Chester

Caernarfon

Norwich
Leicester

Birmingham
Aberystwyth

straightforward with regional airports as well as major

Nottingham

Derby

Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and

Cambridge

Coventry
Bedford

WALES

international hubs such as Londons Heathrow and

Belfast. There are always cheap flights on offer to

Ipswich

hundreds of destinations, sometimes for as little as

20 one way.

Luton
Oxford

London

Bristol
Bath

Reading

Kingston

Brighton

Southampton
Bournemouth

by Eurostar, the high-speed train direct from London to

Canterbury
Dover

Taunton
Exeter

If youre travelling to France or Belgium you could go

Portsmouth

the heart of Paris and Brussels. If you prefer a more

leisurely journey there are lots of ferry routes to
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland
and Scandinavia.

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Swansea

Plymouth
Penzance

See international students favourite places in the UK at

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