In 2007, a worldwide vote was held to decide on the official Seven Wonders of the World. Sites that ultimately made the prestigious list included the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Colosseum. While the UK’s own ‘wonder’ candidate, Stonehenge, didn’t make the final seven, we still think that the world’s most ancient monument is quite special. With that in mind we decided to produce this infographic to depict the UK’s Seven Wonders.

The list features some of the UK’s most awe-inspiring sites, including natural phenomenon such as the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, which is made up of 40,000 basalt columns that look like giant stepping stones in the sea. We also featured man-made structures, including York Minster, which took over 250 years to build, and the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, Windsor Castle.

For anyone planning a holiday in the UK, it’s clear that when it comes to sightseeing, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The UK is home to a multitude of incredible buildings and historical sites which really need to be seen to be believed!   

If you are thinking of going skiing in the run up to Easter you might be wondering where the best place to head to is. Some of the most popular countries to go skiing at this time of year include Austria, Italy and Canada, but where specifically should you be checking out? Read on for some suggestions.

Austria

If you are fairly competent, Ischgl is a good choice. The principle slopes are high above the actual village with the main lift base at 2,250m and peaking at 2,900. There are runs for all abilities and you should be able to find a good mix of good, hard and powder off-piste. There is also a charming Alpine village, which has a lively après-ski atmosphere and is car-free. Obergurgl has similar altitudes with high points slightly higher than 3,000m and most skiing takes place above 2,150m. You can find the village at 1,930m, which means you can ski to your door. Also in Austria is Mayrhofen, which is a cheaper option than the others. The altitudes are a little lower, but they are great for intermediate skiers as they range from 1,650 to 2,500m. It has the added bonus of travelling up the valley to Hinterux, which has one of the most outstanding glaciers found in the Alps. You can expect traditional Alpine allure whilst being lively in the evenings.

Italy

Italy offers Cervinia, which is sunny and quite high. Most of the runs are between 2,470 and 3,480m although most of them are easy. There is access to Zermatt, which should give experienced skiers more of a challenge. The village itself has a busy main street that is free of cars and quite pleasant. Selva Val Gardena offers something for more experienced skiing with some quite testing terrain to appeal to cross country skiers. Offering some stunning guided winter walks, there are gorgeous vistas in the snowy surroundings not to mention authentic Italian pizzas to warm you up between sessions.

Canada

Banff is renowned for its reliable spring snow due to it being in the Continental Divide. This is a watershed in between the continent's Atlantic and Pacific river systems. Banff's major ski area, Sunshine Village, spans this Divide and has a consistent snowfall record. Banff itself is a lovely bubbly town sitting prettily in its charming setting. There are routes to suit all levels here. Tremblant is very heavily influenced by its French roots and is probably the most accessible of the North American ski resorts if travelling from the UK. With an excellent ski school that guarantees its lessons will improve your skiing; this lovely, traffic-free and colourful resort has a dedicated area for the novice, which sits on the south side of the mountain. It also has a breath-taking 6km long run, named Nansen, where you can test out all your newly boosted skiing skills. Last but not least is Whistler, which is home to the scarily named "Doom and Gloom" and is home to anyone, looking for excitement. It is recommended that you are a competent skier as there are masses of bumps, bowls, chutes and couloirs to negotiate, not to mention steep slopes and long glacial descents. Not surprisingly, it is a renowned thrill-seeker's dream.

The world is so full of amazing natural wonders and immense, beautiful structures that it's hard to decide which is the best. Chosen for their unique stories and fascinating history, these are most certainly five of the world's top sites.

1. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum, which was built in 1633 on the site of some magnificent gardens by the Yamuna River. Part of the reason it is such a special attraction is the sad story behind its origins. It was constructed to commemorate the life of Arjumand Bano Begum, who died at the age of 39. She was married at the age of 21 to Prince Khurram, who, two years after her death during childbirth, set about the task of building a spectacular memorial for her.

The Taj Mahal, set in some of the most stunning gardens in the world, is truly a site to see before you die.

2. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower was built as a show-piece item by Gustav Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair. Eiffel designed the structure to prove that the engineer could have a more fundamental role than the architect. The Eiffel Tower lasted for 40 years as the tallest building in the world.

What makes the tower so special is the lattice metalwork which was originally designed to show the advances in metallurgy for construction. It's the defining feature of the spire and because of the design it can withstand incredibly strong winds. When you are in the tower, you don't feel you are in a building. It's special mostly because it provides visitors with exquisite views of one of the world's most beautiful and romantic cities.

3. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world and in 1987 was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The very first part of the wall was built around 2,000 years ago. It was first designed as a defence barrier against military attacks and stretches over 5,500 miles in total, covering deserts, mountains and countryside. The wall is steeped in rich military history, as well as providing important transport links. It has become a significant attraction due to its historical significance and grandeur.

4. St Paul's Cathedral, London, UK

In 1666, as a result of the great fire of London, the 'old' St Paul's was burnt to the ground. Little remains of the original building because in its place the new St Paul's Cathedral was built by Christopher Wren in the late 17th century. For 500 years, the dome dominated the London skyline and it has played host to many famous events such as the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana. The iconic dome is often seen in images of London and can be found on many postcards. St. Paul's is special to Londoners and visitors as it is a symbol which represents the great history of the city.

5. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids form a very special part of human history. These vast constructions hold a great deal of mystery and intrigue, which is one of the reasons they are so popular and revered. They are thought to be the tombs of some of Egypt's great ancient Pharaohs. How the people of these ancient times constructed structures of such size and perfect symmetry is still in part a mystery.

The city of Edinburgh is renowned for being home to an incredible selection of festivals. Taking place at various points throughout the year, these festivals celebrate everything from jazz music and films, to storytelling and science. Of course, perhaps the most famous of all is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is the world's largest arts festival and sees the city completely taken over during the month of August by thousands of performers.

We were so impressed by Edinburgh and its fantastic festivals that we decided to put together this infographic, which illustrates each of the different festivals that Edinburgh plays host to throughout the year, as well as the impact that the city has on Scotland’s tourism as a whole. It’s clear from the figures that Edinburgh is a hugely popular city to visit, generating over three quarters of Scotland’s annual income from visitor expenditure. And with so many events that provide something for everyone, it’s easy to see why this is!

The image of many of the world's great cities is often defined by the character of its major buildings. New York boasts the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, Paris the Eiffel Tower and, of course, London is famous for Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and its cultural epicentre. It is also the commercial capital and is regarded as an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities study group. Think of Amsterdam and it's probably its canals and waterways that spring to mind.

Canals

Other notable canals added to the makeup of this unique city although they were not constructed to such a rigorous plan. For example, the Zwanenburgwal is a canal in the centre of the city and also a street, which was once home to the philosopher, Spinoza and the painter, Rembrandt. Amsterdammers regard this street as one of the most beautiful in the entire city.

Amsterdam can certainly lay claim to its nickname of 'The Venice of the North'. Its canal-side residential properties and businesses are vital to the vibrancy of the city and its economic output. Plans have been in place since 1999 to extend the canals northbound but as yet, nothing has materialised.

Hidden

For the avid tourist or visitor it's great to take in the major sights but those little gems tucked away from the mainstream often make that vacation so much more special. In this respect, Amsterdam will not disappoint.

Small companies that preserve historic boats offer more intimate trips around the tight canal system in open-air, low-sided boats with the captain giving a running commentary en-route. Cost is by donation only with a tin can being passed around.

Move away from the city centre into the local neighbourhoods and find those restaurants in which local people dine. You'll find 5-star food at much cheaper prices. Delight on a slow-cooked entrée and whatever fish, game or local produce is available that day.

This is a cycling mad country. The main railway station in Amsterdam is home to a six-storey parking facility for bicycles only. To blend in and not wear the badge of 'tourist', you could pick up a bike from a smaller, independent hirer and just enjoy the ride.

For something totally different, a visit to the Brilmuseum is a must. Situated above an old optician's shop, you'll find 700 years of spectacle history located on two floors. See how eyewear fashion has changed over the years and leave this great city with a totally different view.

We wanted to get away for a weekend, somewhere that was no more than two and half hours flying time from Britain, with culture, countryside and good food.

I'd seen pictures of Krakow and it looked quite enchanting. But isn't this one of the most popular places for stag and hen parties? My friend is an old hand at Central European tourism. Drunken tourists don't do culture or the countryside and only eat pizza, she said.

Old Town
It was nearly midnight when we arrived in Krakow. Our modern and comfortable hotel was just outside the main city centre, which is ringed by parks with chestnut trees. My friend's idea was to get up early for breakfast in the Old Town square, before it got packed out with tourists.

In the morning, we meandered through the park into the cobbled streets and out into the square, Rynek Glowny. It was an awesome sight. A covered market hall, known as Sukiennice, or Cloth Hall, stands in the centre of the square and has been functioning as a market for the last 600 years. A single tower, all that remains of the old town hall and called the Ratusz, rises up next to it. The square is surrounded by old palaces and churches.

We had breakfast in one of the cafes around the square and watched the world go by. We heard a bugler play, but he broke off in mid-tune. This was the city's traditional five-note tune, the Hejnal and it is played four times an hour from one of the towers of the Mariacki Church that stands on the square. It commemorates a 13th-century Tartar attack on the city.

The walls on the inside of the Mariacki Church are decorated in an intricate blue and gold pattern, while the altar is dominated by a huge 15th-century triptych. This is not just a Central European decoration, my friend explained, English churches used to look like this before the Puritans destroyed them.

The Castle
We walked to the main courtyard of the city's historic university. It looked like something in Verona that would be perfect for the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. But before I could perform, my friend took me firmly by the hand and guided me up the hill to the Wawel Castle, where there was an even bigger Renaissance courtyard. Polish kings were crowned and buried in this castle. We spent the rest of the day looking at the chapels, pictures, tombs and tapestries.

Walking back down the hill, we wandered towards Kazimierz, once the Jewish neighbourhood of Krakow. Only two of the seven synagogues that survived the Second World War function as religious centres. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the bookshops and cafes and listening to Klezmer music. Then it was back to the Old Town square for dinner. We had the local speciality, roe deer venison – they call it sarna – cooked in exquisite spices.

The Countryside
The next morning, we went down the salt mine in Wieliczka. This was just a 20-minute drive from Krakow and we found that car hire is not expensive. The caverns are huge and the salt carvings beautiful, but this is not a place for the claustrophobic. As we drove south towards the mountains, the countryside seemed flat. Then it opened into forests, moorland and rivers, with the snow-topped Tatra Mountains in the distance. As I contemplated that glorious view over a local lunch of home-made tomato soup, I felt that I really didn't want to go home the next day.

As the current economic climate forces us to become more cost-conscious when booking our annual holidays, increasing numbers of Brits are choosing to forego an escape to warmer climates in favour of a stay in the UK. While the idea of missing out on warm sandy beaches, exotic foods and of course, that much-desired tan, may seem disappointing, the UK actually has a lot to offer in terms of holiday destinations.

Cornwall

Cornwall is well known for its dramatic coastline and beautiful beaches, so is the ideal destination for a seaside holiday. The peaceful Bay of St Ives is perfect for families looking for a relaxing getaway, while Newquay offers something a little more lively. Adrenaline junkies will appreciate the range of water sports on offer, while party animals will be keen to check out the town’s vibrant nightlife. Of course, no trip is complete without sampling some of the local cuisine, and foodies will be pleased to note that there are tons of bakeries and tearooms offering delicious Cornish pasties and cream teas.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire offers an impressive mix of rural retreats and cultural attractions, and is perfect for history lovers with its museums, historical buildings and World Heritage Sites. Those looking to get back to nature will enjoy roaming around the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, or exploring one of its three National Parks. The city of York boasts an impressive range of historic sites, including the gothic York Minster cathedral, Jorvik Viking Centre and Roman city walls, all of which can be enjoyed while staying at one of the many York hotels.

Lake District

For a truly tranquil trip, there is no better place than the Lake District. With a stunning landscape which is home to all kinds of wildlife, the Lake District is a popular destination for nature lovers. Those wishing to explore can follow one of the many walking routes, or even hire a boat and fully experience the lakes in all their glory. The local towns also offer plenty to see and do; families will enjoy visiting The World of Beatrix Potter located in Windermere, while the city of Carlisle is full of restaurants, shops and historical buildings which date back to medieval times.

Edinburgh

Those looking to experience lots of arts and culture would do well to take a trip to Edinburgh during the summer months as the city comes alive with its many festivals. Celebrating theatre, music, literature and film, arts-lovers will be spoilt for choice. Edinburgh is also home to several stunning castles, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle, as well as countless museums, galleries and stately homes.

Jurassic Coast

Stretching from East Devon to East Dorset, the Jurassic Coast encompasses some of the UK’s most picturesque seaside towns, including Lyme Regis and Weymouth. For avid walkers, a trip along the South West Coast Path, which runs the whole length of the Jurassic Coast is a must. Keen explorers can search for fossils on the beach while enjoying the sights of incredible rock formations and cliff faces.

There are some very popular tourist cities and it is easy to see why these 'classic' destinations are so often visited. However, there are many alternative city breaks available. The difficulty comes, of course, in deciding where you want to go, as all these places have so much to offer.

The Classic Destinations

Rome is the classis 'Eternal City', with its iconic sights, laidback lifestyle and great food, it is ideal at any time of the year.

Another wonderful classic destination is Paris. This is another city blessed with beautiful architecture and a rich and varied culture, as well as an air of sophistication. Again, the food doesn't disappoint and it is so accessible to the UK that it is easy to visit just for a weekend.

For those wanting to go further, head for 'The Big Apple'. New York City is the original city that never sleeps and there is so much for visitors to do. Everything is world famous – the museums, the sights, the shopping and the nightlife. There's something for everyone.

Recently, Barcelona has become the city to visit in Spain. Famed for its artists and artwork, it is a cultural Mecca, with Gaudi's cathedral being the outstanding symbol of the city. Barcelona has had a huge regeneration, making it an attractive city with a relaxed attitude and great street life. It is also very easy to get to from the UK.

Another classic city is Prague, which is great for history lovers. It has some beautiful historic buildings surrounded by atmospheric, narrow, cobbled streets. The castle and the cathedral are both fascinating buildings. Prague has become hugely popular amongst UK visitors, as it is both beautiful and reasonably priced with good tourist amenities. 
 

The Alternatives

However, there are now plenty of alternative destinations to challenge the classics.

The southern Polish city of Krakow is a wonderful place. Its medieval centre is a UNESCO site and is overlooked by an impressive castle. This city is wonderful to walk around, thanks to its compact size. It also has some great street life. Accessibility and price make Krakow particularly attractive.

Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, makes a truly unique break. The city is small but it is a great base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and see the volcanoes or enjoy a natural hot bath. Iceland has become more affordable lately and there really is nowhere like it on Earth.

Spain is always popular but aside from Barcelona and the coast, it is easy to forget about other places. Seville is an often overlooked city. It is small, full of history and has a fascinating blend of Spanish and North African culture and architecture.

Istanbul is another city blessed with an amazing location and thousands of years of history. The whole place is a tremendous blend of cultures. You can visit some great museums, travel across the Golden Horn, explore markets and enjoy some traditional food.

Slovenia is a very new country, but its capital Ljubljana has had a long history. This small, beautiful city is ideal for outdoor types because of its access to the Julian Alps, which are ideal for hiking, mountain biking or skiing in the winter months. It has the feel of Italy without the prices and is a great holiday alternative.

The classics are safe and well known. You can be sure of what you are going to get. Alternative destinations, however, are often cheaper but are a slight journey into the unknown that can offer even more adventure.

In recent weeks, it has been hard to ignore the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester, on the football field at least. These two cities have vied with each other for years over everything and neutrals would be hard pressed to choose between them. They are both vibrant cities with history, culture, shopping, nightlife and, of course, football!

Manchester and Liverpool became inextricably entwined when, in the 1830s, they were connected by the first intercity railway. This connection continued with the Manchester Ship Canal. Both cities grew wealthy in the nineteenth century as Manchester's cotton industry thrived and Liverpool became an important port for trade from across the world.

Regeneration

The two cities have had their ups and downs, with periods of intense cultural activity coupled with massive downturns. Recently, both have seen a large amount of regeneration. Manchester was bombed by the IRA in the nineties and this, together with the Commonwealth Games, saw a period of intense rebuilding. Liverpool, on the other hand, saw regeneration after the riots of the 1980s. In 2008, Liverpool was European City of Culture and there were many events to celebrate this notable achievement.

Manchester Breaks

For a city break, Manchester has much to offer. History and art lovers will find plenty of museums and galleries. In the Castlefield area of Manchester, you can find the Museum of Science and Industry which highlights Manchester's industrial heritage. The Manchester Art Gallery is also a great place to visit, not only for what is inside but also for its exterior architecture.

There are theatres in the city, a famous art-house cinema - The Cornerhouse - along with world-renowned nightclubs and a whole range of restaurants and eateries. From Curry Mile in Rusholme to the restaurant in the Midland Hotel (where Rolls met Royce) and everything else in between are on offer to visitors.

One popular area is Salford Quays, now home to many of the BBC's operations, as well as the Imperial War Museum of the North and the Lowry Gallery. If you are interested, there are also two famous football clubs in the city that you could go and see - if you can get a ticket!

Liverpool Breaks

Arriving in Liverpool by train will bring you to Lime Street Station, right in the centre of the city and allows you to experience some great urban architecture - in particular St. George's Hall, a Victorian edifice that resembles a Greek temple.

Other famous architectural sights are of course the Liver Building, which is topped by the famous Liver Bird. Liverpool has two cathedrals. The Anglican cathedral is of a more traditional style, while the modernistic Catholic cathedral offers an interesting contrast.

Liverpool, like Manchester, has some great museums. The Walker Art Gallery has an interesting collection and the Museum of Slavery explores Liverpool's past. There is also a Maritime Museum and a World Museum. For those who want to walk in the shoes of Liverpool's most famous sons, the Beatles, head down to Albert Dock and go to the Beatles Museum.

The Albert Dock is a popular area of the city and many museums can be found there, as well as the Tate Liverpool. In addition, there are bars, cafes and restaurants and hotels, so it is the ideal place to be based as a tourist.

For open spaces, head to Sefton Park. The Palm House is located here, an amazing three-storey greenhouse full of tropical plants. The 285-acre park also has cafes, statues, play areas, a boating lake and a bandstand.

Every year in August, the Scottish city of Edinburgh comes alive with street performers, actors, dancers and comedians. The reason for this is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, which sees venues of all shapes and sizes across the city transformed into performance spaces playing host to a vibrant mix of concerts, theatre shows, comedy and much, much more.

The Edinburgh Fringe began back in 1947 when eight theatre groups decided to turn up uninvited to perform at the Edinburgh International Festival. Each year, more performers would turn up to perform on the ‘fringes’ of the main Festival, until the Fringe became a recognised festival in its own right. It is now a month-long extravaganza of performance, featuring over 2,400 different shows. 

Book early

With literally thousands of people descending on the city during the month of August, it may prove difficult to find a place to stay if you leave it until the last minute. There are plenty of Edinburgh hotels to choose from, as well as hostels and B&Bs, but it’s a good idea to book in advance to make sure that you don’t end up paying more than you planned to.

Plan your itinerary

When there is so much to choose from, deciding which shows to go and see can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the official Edinburgh Fringe website features descriptions about all of the different shows and performances and it is usually updated long before August, so you can do some research before your visit. You can also pick up a Fringe Programme once you arrive at the Festival. It is worth bearing in mind that the performance venues are spread out across the city, so it’s a good idea to plan your route between shows if you know you’ve got a long way to go.

Visit the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile becomes a hive of activity during the Fringe, as this is where most of the performers spend their time between shows by doing some much-needed promotion. Expect to be approached by weird and wonderful people, with hands full of fliers, trying to convince you to come and see their various shows. There are also tons of street performers, from musicians and singers to living statues and magicians!

Go bargain hunting

The costs of seeing several shows per day can add up, so it’s definitely a good idea to check out the Fringe Half-Price Hut. Each day countless half-price tickets are released, which can make a huge impact on your spending! You may have to queue for a little while, but you’re pretty much guaranteed some great tickets. There are also hundreds of free shows which are part of the Free Fringe Festival. 

Take some time to explore the city

A trip to the Fringe usually means a jam-packed schedule, but make sure you set aside an afternoon to explore Edinburgh. The city is full of iconic landmarks and attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Arthur’s Seat, all of which are worth a visit.