Discover Britain

Celebrating the best of our nation, every issue of Discover Britain is packed with features from history to travel. Read about the events that changed history, as well as British traditions and their origins, or be inspired for your next trip with great ideas for where to go and what to see. Whether you’re planning a weekend city break or an escape to the countryside, Discover Britain is your essential guide to getting the most out of your stay.

Welcome!

Discover Britain

Brit Edit • The curated guide to Britain this season

Best British Journeys • From boarding the shortest flight in the world to jumping on a night train in London and waking up on the Cornish coastline – Robin McKelvie rejoices over some of the most memorable journeys you can take in Britain

England’s last boy king • Diana Wright looks back at the life of King Henry VIII’s ‘most precious jewel’, Edward VI, and evaluates the impact his early (and unexpected) death had on the nation

Wonderful Windsor • As the new Prince and Princess of Wales move their family to Windsor, we step inside the grand castle, which has been a royal home for almost 1,000 years

Custodians of the Stones • Photojournalist Jeremy Flint travels to Wiltshire to meet the guardians of one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks: Stonehenge

Over to you... • Matchbox cars, a talented poet, and some very good questions: our pick of our reader letters this issue

Sailing back in time • From Blackbeard to Brunel, a day out discovering Bristol’s colourful maritime and industrial past will not disappoint. And, for a historic trip to remember, why not combine it with a stay in a nearby Tudor castle?

Fun & Games • Martha Alexander talks us through a brief history of British pastimes

The Good Old English Pub • A new book brings together some of the best pubs in England, from the Home Counties to the north, each perfect in its own way for a pint on a winter’s day

A Winter Warmer • Lara Dunn looks at the origin of the annual rural celebration of wassailing and explains how you can join the festivities this year and next

Windows into the past • Diana Wright meets a contemporary stained glass artist to see how she has been influenced by those who came before her in this centuries-old decorative art medium

The VALLEY of the KINGS • Suffolk’s Deben Valley may seem like a sleepy place, but what big secrets it keeps, as Sarah Baxter discovers

Crowning glory • Henrietta Easton takes a closer look at the history of Britain’s four crowns and the role they will play in the coronation of our new King

CROSSWORD & QUIZ