Heading to a tiny island for vacation is nice, but only on an 60-million-acre island can you experience a dazzling array of history, culture and food. That's what Great Britain offers, from fossil hunting to fry-ups and from the ultimate pub crawl to where modern rock music was formed. Thanks to British Airways and VisitBritain, you can receive two free nights at select hotels if you book a British Airways flight. So start planning now—check out these tips on where to go!


Photograph of the Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast (©VisitBritain / Adam Burton)

ADVENTURES AND ACTIVITIES You can relax in the natural thermals spas in Bath and play 18 holes at the home of golf, but if you want to "walk through time," head to the Dorset and East Devon Coast.

Known as the "Jurassic Coast," those 95 miles of coastline have 200 million years of geological formations. There are guides for walking varying lengths of it and even fossil-hunting tours.


Sipsmiths in London (Sipsmiths)/span>

ULTIMATE PUB CRAWL Beer and spirits enthusiasts will be in heaven, because England, Wales, and Scotland each have their own rich histories and traditions. The wealth of distilleries, breweries and pubs allows visitors and natives alike to appreciate and enjoy the beverages. At some, you're in charge—at the Ginstitute in London, you can craft your own bespoke gin!


The Roadhouse in Manchester (Courtesy of Marketing Manchester)

ROCK'S RECENT ROOTS Everyone knows that the Beatles are from Liverpool and that punk started in London, but many other parts of Britain have had a formative part in shaping today's rock scene. At the very heart is Manchester, the industrial city, where The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis hail from.


The fry up at the Hawksmoor, London (Courtesy Hawksmoor)

FOR YOUR BELLY British cuisine has been experiencing a renaissance lately, with gastropubs becoming global trends and celebrity chefs branching out. But many of its most beloved foods and meals, like lamb and afternoon tea, are institutions not to be missed—for instance, is there a breakfast better than the British fry-up, with bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast all on one plate?


Photograph by DeptfordJon on Flickr

LONDON FOR INSIDERS (AND YOU) London will always be a top destination, with landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the British Museum on to-do lists. However, there are many vibrant neighborhoods outside of the main tourist areas—for instance, Shoreditch has lots of street art and Brixton Village has a booming restaurant scene.