South East :

South East England consists of many counties such as Berkshire, East Sussex, the Isle of Wight, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, West Sussex, Surrey and Oxfordshire. With a population of over eight and a half million, it is a region containing eight cities and other major settlements. The River Thames runs through the area and is commonly known as the Thames Valley.

In the South East England, there are many large sporting events that occur such as the Royal Henley Regatta, the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot. It was host to rowing, as well as part of cycling road race of the 2012 Olympics.

With most locations being in close proximity to London, the South East England is a great area for city workers to live without the bustle of the city.

South West England:

The South West of England is one of nine official regions throughout the UK, and consists of various boroughs. These include Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol and the Isles of Sicily. It contains a population of five million people and is often known to locals as the West Country or Wessex.

This region is bursting with culture, being home to National Parks Exmoor and Dartmoor as well as historic landmarks such as Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast. It is home to the production of cheddar cheese, at the Somerset town of Cheddar, the landmark of cream teas and of Cornish pasties. This region hosts worldwide known events such as Glastonbury Festival and the Eden Project.

With strong transport links to London, the South West is ideal for commuters seeking an area filled with life as well as added country charm.

East Midlands:

Being home to counties such as Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire the East Midlands is one of the fastest growing populations in the UK. It is currently home to 4 and a half million people which has increased drastically from 2001.

The area is home to several region programs as broadcast by the BBC. These include East Midlands Today which is recorded in Waltham. Classic game shows such as Catchphrase or Family Fortunes were devised and created in this studio.

The East Midlands is home to many cultural events such as Download Festival at Donnington Park and the British Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit. The Peak District resides here, and is the second most popular National Park in the world. If you want to visit somewhere that is on the cultural rise, this is the place to go!

Scotland:

After being declared its own country within the in 1707, Scotland as we know it today has a population of over five and a half million people. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and was used in the 18th century as the largest powerhouse in Europe. This is the cultural activity that achieved its status. Glasgow is the largest city in the country, with the population of 600,000 alone.

With Scotland being home to Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Castle, it became the northern border of the Roman Empire. The Romans used Southern Scotland briefly to start their invasion of Britannia.

Scotland has produced a various selection of influential people who have made large contributions in their industries. Actors such as ex James Bond Sean Connery, Tilda Swinton and Richard Madden were all born on the Scottish borders.

Surrey:

Situated outside the borough of Greater London, Surrey's boundaries have changed a lot over time. Places such as Lambeth, Wandsworth and Southwark were all part of the county until 1889. In present day Surrey is split into eleven districts including Woking, Surrey Heath, Epsom, Guildford, Runnymede, Reigate, Mole Valley, Tandridge, Spelthrone, Waverley and Elmsbridge. These collections of counties equate to the population of one million people in the Surrey district.

Throughout time, Surrey has been home to many literary icons, including playing a huge part in the English Renaissance theatre. One of the first poems documented “The Owl and the Nightingale” was written by one Nicholas of Guildford, who specifically mentioned Surrey in the text.

With economic ties with London, Surrey provides residents with the security of London but with a rich tapestry of history.

Wales:

Wales is a separate country that is a part of the United Kingdom. It is situated to the east of England and is bordered by the Irish Sea on the north. With a population of three million, Wales provides residents with 1,680 miles of breathtaking coastline and mountainous scenery. It is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest point throughout the British Isles.

The country holds celebrations for their patron saint Dydd Santes Dwynwen, more commonly known as St David's Day. On the 1st of March, Welsh citizens celebrate by holding parties and concerts and exchanging cards with loved ones.

The country has produced many well known actors, artists and entrepreneurs. Designers Mary Quant, Julien Macdonald and Laura Ashley were all born and raised in Wales, with their collections going on to be extremely sought after all over the world.

Northern Ireland:

Northern Ireland is the north-east island within Ireland. It is the only part of Ireland that is a part of the United Kingdom, separating itself from the Republic of Ireland. Of 1998, Northern Ireland became self-governing, sharing some of its policies with the Republic of Ireland. However, other areas are at the British Government's discretion. Historically there has been a lot of conflict between North and Southern Ireland with both religion and politics. When the protests turned violent, the British Government intervened with the Good Friday agreement which was a large progression towards civil terms between the two regions. With a population of nearly two million, Northern Ireland's industry is booming, especially in business, tourism and investment.

The region is home to many famous personalities such as ex-football player George Best, actor Liam Neeson and singer/songwriter Van Morrison. In sports, Ireland tends to be represented as a single team, except for in football, where Northern Ireland competes separately.

Glasgow:

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and has a population that sits at just under 600,000. It is one of the leading business cities within Scotland, one of the top ten financial centres in Europe's and the 57th most liveable city in the world. The town will be host to the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

When it was founded, Glasgow was only a small rural settlement, with strong links to the River Clyde. In modern day, it is now one of the largest seaports throughout Britain.

The city has a very well known music culture, being home to venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the SECC and the Glasgow Cathouse. It is rumoured that Oasis were discovered and signed after a gig that they played in the King's Tut Wah Wah Hut. With bands such as Texas and Franz Ferdinand boasting Glasgow's profile, the city has become a booming cultural centre.

East London:

East London is an unofficial sector of London that compromises of the north-eastern section of the city. This section was originated in 1720 and was referred to as “That Part Beyond the Tower.” In modern days, it is considered to include all areas situated east of the city of London but north of the River Thames. It includes various boroughs such as Hackney, Barking, Waltham, Newham, Havering and Tower Hamlets.

This region is growing substantially, with places such as Canary Wharf now being one of the biggest business districts in London. Additionally the area is one of the biggest financial centres and homes the One Canada Square, the second tallest building in the UK. Another area of East London, Stratford was re-developed for the 2012 Olympics, where 370,000 visitors passed through for events such as water-polo and basketball. The restoration has been maintained since the event, with the town becoming a tourist hot spot.

North London:

North London is the area described as the northern part of London. As the region is not official, it tends to cover different areas under different circumstances. Sometimes this term is used to differentiate the districts on the north of the River Thames. However, sometimes it is used to separate these districts from Central, West and East London. According to the London Plan, the area consists of Barnet, Camden, Hackney, Islington, Westminster, Enfield and Haringey. Being home to these towns’ means that North London owns a large majority of the rail network. Accumulatively, the area has a population of just over one million residents, over one eight of London's whole population.

North London is home to premier league football clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. With this and the booming attraction of Camden Town, the north is easily becoming one of the largest tourist attractions of the capital.

Windsor & Maidenhead:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is situated in Berkshire, South East England. The district is home to iconic landmarks such as Windsor Castle where the Queen still takes residence and Eton College, the school to both Prince William and Harry. It also hosts many tourist attractions such as those at Legoland and Ascot Racecourse. The borough contains many local towns such as Ascot, Cookham, Datchet, Sunningdale and Wraysbury.

The borough sits under Conservative power, with two “safe” seats being occupied by Theresa May (for Maidenhead) and Adam Afriyie (for Windsor). These seats have been held the Conservatives since 1874.

With a current population of one hundred thousand people, the small region is home to many modern day celebrities. Terry Wogan, Carol Vorderman, Michael Parkinson and Rolf Harris have all either lived or were born within the Windsor and Maidenhead borough.

Stockport:

Stockport is a large town in the south east of Manchester and is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport. The land is home to where the rivers Goyt and Tame join to create the River Mersey. During history it is referred to as being a busy and culturally important marketing place, due to its links with the river. It currently has a population of approximately one hundred and thirty thousand.

The town is known for being home to the Stockport Viaduct, a large brick bridge made of 27 arches. This was constructed to carry the mainline railways in the West Coast Mainline. This allows for trains to go from Manchester to , over the River Mersey. At the time of construction, this was the biggest railway construction to be made. In present day it still has a status of one of the biggest brick structures in the world.

Woking:

Woking is a large town that shares its name with the surrounding district, based in Surrey. As it is so close Greater London, it comes under the commuter belt with frequent transport links to London Waterloo and Charing Cross. The population of the town has been growing due to it’s proximately to London, currently standing at just under one hundred thousand.

The town is home to several public pieces of art, such as the Woking Martian. This is a monument that celebrates H. G Wells' novel “The War of the Worlds” which was written in the Woking area. The Hawker Hunter is another statute, in the form of a jet fighter plane. This was the last one built, used to promote the previous family complex. Woking is also home to “The Lightbox,” an architectural centre that embraces the history and art culture that surrounds the town.

Wakefield:

Wakefield is a large city, and the centre of the Wakefield borough, in the district of West Yorkshire. The town is based on the River Calder and is primarily an urban environment, home to retail developments and warehouses. With a population of seventy six thousand, the town has been growing in popularity since the early 18th century.

During the Civil war, the town became the centre for a major battle for the War of the Roses. The battle was against Henry III of England and Richard Duke of York. It was a rival for the throne that was determined by the outcome of the battle. The Duke of York was killed and his army was slaughtered as a result. After this, Wakefield grew to be a vital market town, using the River Calder as a port for trade connections.

Fife:

Fife is a well known historic county based in Scotland. It used to be one of the largest kingdoms, known as Fib, and is still commonly referred to as a kingdom by locals. Fifers, the name given to residents of the county, have accumulated to become the third largest population in Scotland. The county is made up three major towns; Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline.

Fife is the legendary home time of the patron saint of Scotland, St Andrew. In his time, he set up the University of St Andrews, one of the only remaining ancient universities in the United Kingdom.

Golf was invented within the county at town St Andrews. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club is still based there and oversees the rules of the game today.

Fife provides residents with historic significance as well as an administrative centre for a strong working environment.

Walsall:

With a population of sixty seven thousand, Walsall is a town mainly used for industrial purposes, based in the . The town is based only eight miles from Birmingham and six miles from Walsall, making it ideal for commuters to the cities.

Walsall is known worldwide for its football club Walsall FC. The team was formed in 1888, going on to win their first game against Aston Villa. The team are currently playing in League One.

In recent years, the town has undergone several redevelopments to modernise the area. Renovations include a £174 million contribution to the Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall College and the construction of Waterfront South development. £500 million was plugged in to ensure high- speed fibre optic broadband was available for all businesses nearby. The town has been able to offer more job opportunities since the completion of the Walsall Transport Package which included a multi-million pound supermarket development.

Stafford:

Stafford is a small country town based in the County. With it being in close proximity to both Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent, its population has grown due to its appeal to commuters. Stafford's current population stands at around 122,000, the fourth largest within the county.

Stafford is home to many historical buildings including the Elizabethan Ancient High House. The building is situated in the town centre and is the largest timber-framed town house left in England. The house has now been converted in to a museum with various exhibits during the year.

The town is also home to its own castle, originally constructed by the Normans. This was re-built four times to ensure it was a secure fort for the town. The ruins have now been incorporated in to a visitors centre with hands-on artefacts and audio visual displays.

Wigan:

Wigan is a town situated in the Greater Manchester district. It is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan with a population of 97,000. The town is the administrative centre of the Borough, creating a large amount of jobs in the close proximity.

George Orwell contributed in to making the town famous. In his book “The Road to Wigan Pier” he addresses poor working and living issues to the locals during the 1930s. However, he did speak positively of the Wigan Pier. The pier is a wharf that still stands today on the Leeds and Liverpool canal. It owned a collection warehouses that bought a cultural centre to the town.

Wigan is home to a lot of history with it first being documented in the 1st century. It was originally home to the Celtic tribe, the Brigantes. They ruled a majority of northern England until the Romans conquered.

Avon:

In a Bristol travel to work area, Avon was an official county in the west of England. Avon received its name from the River Avon which runs through the entire county. Historically the area was made from parts Gloucestershire, Bristol and Somerset. However, in 1996 the county was dissolved and split in to four authorises: the City of Bristol, Bath, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Even though the county no longer exists, the area name is still used for general purposes. The area is populated by around 1.08 million people.

With the abolishment of the county of Avon came the press that followed the reasons for it. The BBC produced a documentary called “The End of Avon” which was broadcast in 1996. BBC Somerset re-launched another regional programme called “Inside Out West” that looked in to why Avon refuses to be completely dissolved. Companies and organisations still use the county on their postal addresses, as well as a part of their business names.

Tamworth:

Tamworth is both a district and a town in the Staffordshire borough. It includes areas such as Belgrave, Fazely, , , , , and . The borough is known for being one of the very few in the country without a parish. With a population of 76,900 and an area of 11.91 square miles this district is an ideal living area for workers in Birmingham, Stafford and Wolverhampton.

Tamworth is home to its own castle that provides significant Medieval, Tudor and Victorian history. The landmark has been featured on TV Series such as “Most Haunted” after many reports from workers of the castle being haunted. Stories include momentary blindness, the revelation of “The Black Lady” (a nun who was believed to have lived there during the 12th century.) However, Tamworth Borough Council and its employees do not accept any responsibility or validate any stories and accounts of haunting in the castle.

Newbury:

Situated on the rivers Kennet and Avon, Newbury is a small parish town in West Berkshire. Even though the area’s economy has grown in recent years, the town has strong transport links to London Paddington and Reading.

Newbury is known over the country for its racecourse. The course is over 100 years old and combines heritage with events. The first ever race was recorded in 1805, however the racecourse was not an established landmark for another 90 years. In 1905 the course held its first nine day racing event, organised by John Porter. Worldwide famous jockeys such as Gordon Miller and Fulke Walwyn have ridden winning races here.

The town centre is home to many original 17th century buildings. These were built to sustain the booming cloth trade of the time. Jack of Newbury is rumoured to be the first factory built in England. This was then renovated into the Newbury Coat, an infamous suit tailor.

Sutton Coldfield:

Sutton Coldfield is a Royal town that is known as an affluent, middle class area in Birmingham City. Situated in the West Midlands, the town lies 8 miles from Birmingham and borders districts such as , Tamworth and Lichfield. Sutton Coldfield is most appealing as a residential area for those who work in Birmingham city centre, with a population of 95,107.

The town’s name is believed to have originated from being south of Tamworth, as Sutton means “South Town” in Old English. “Col” is usually associated with charcoal. With many charcoal field burners being active in the area, it is believed to be dedicated to this.

The area is home to Sutton Park, a 2,224 acre urban park. As it is one of the largest parks in England, it is used for many events such as the Great Midlands Fun Run. The park has its own nature reserve and a site of specific scientific interest.

Wisbech:

With a population of 31,000, Wisbech is a small market town in the Cambridgeshire borough. The town has a and an inland port, used for trading purposes. The River Nene runs through the town and is separated by two bridges. Regardless of its size, since 2011, Wisbech has become the largest town in Cambridgeshire.

Wisbech is home to its own castle, which was originally built by William I to fortify the town. When the Tudors reined the area, they made it in to a notorious prison. It was used to capture political prisoners among Catholic priests. Many of the inhabitants were rumoured to have died due to insanitary living conditions. John Feckenham, the last Abbot of Westminster and Gunpowder Plot participants Robert Catesby and Francis Tresham were all kept prisoner here. The castle was rebuilt twice, once in the mid 17th century and then again in 1806 by Joseph Medworth. Remains can still be visited today.

Bridgend:

Bridgend, translating to mean the Head of the Bridge on the Ogmore, is a large town situated in the Bridgend County Borough in Wales. The town sits 18 miles away from Cardiff and 20 miles east of Swansea. The Rivers Ogmore and Ewenny pass through the town. They are protected by bridges, which gives the town its infamous name.

With plans for substantial redevelopment work including pedestrian walkways and a new business park, Bridgend has seen a population rise over the recent years. Their 8.2% increase over the past ten years is more rapid than major cities such as Cardiff and Swansea.

Bridgend is home to plenty of punk rock, heavy metal and indie rock bands. The growth of this industry had made it a predominant part of the South Wales music scene. Bands such as Bullet for my Valentine, the Automatic and Funeral for a Friend have started their music careers by playing at venues in Bridgend.

Dartmouth:

As a small town in Devon, Dartmouth currently has a population of only 5,512. It is a popular tourist destination due to the Dartmouth Royal Navy College, Dartmouth Castle and the Dartmouth steam railway. The town banks the River Darf, a thin tidal rai that run from Totnes. Boat cruises are provided to travel up and down the river (Totnes to Dittisham to the Greenway Estate) as well as to other tourist destinations such as Torbay and Salcombe.

The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta is an infamous yearly event, hosted over 3 days at the end of August. The regatta involves traditional races accompanied by fun fairs, markets and Red Arrows air displays. This is sponsored and funded by the Royal Navy, with a ship usually being present on the event.

West Bromwich:

First mentioned in the doomsday Book in 1086, as Bromwic or broom village, West Bromwich is town in the borough of Sandwell, West Midlands. The town lies 5 miles from Birmingham and within close proximity to the A41, London to Birkenhead road. West Bromwich is the largest town in the Sandwell County with a population of 75,405.

The town is notorious for its football team West Bromwich Albion, also known as West Brom. The team was one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888, spending their career in the top ranks of English football. During 1919-20 they were champions of England and they have won the FA cup five times. The team have been playing in their home town, the Hawthorns, since 1990. In that time, they have won the Football League Cup and have spent nine consecutive seasons in the highest flight of the top division. Their next season, starting the August 2014, sees them still playing in the Premier League.

Torquay:

Coming 4th in Trip Advisor’s top 10 Traveller’s Choice awards, Torquay is a small seaside town based in Torbay, Devon. With a population of 65,000, Torquay lies 18 miles away from Exeter and 28 miles from Plymouth. Its neighbouring town is Paignton, who share the fishing port, Brixham, with them.

Torquay is known primarily as a fishing and agricultural town. However, since the 1800s, the town has been known as a seaside resort. This was introduced by the Napoleonic Royal Navy who came to visit whilst anchored at bay. Through word of mouth it became one of the best places to visit in Victorian society. It was reported to be nicknamed as the English Rivera due to its long-lasting hot climate.

Torquay is home to infamous writer Agatha Christie. The town now host an “Agatha Christie Mile” tour which guides tourists through her life and work.

Lewisham:

Lewisham is a large industrial district in South East London. As identified in the London Plan as being one of the major centres of London, Lewisham holds a population of 284,000. The district is home to a young age range, with one in four residents being under 19 years old. Ages over 60 are only represented as one in eight. The district plans to become larger to gain metropolitan status along with fellow boroughs Bromley and Croydon.

The district is made up primarily of commercial areas, making it one of the largest in South east London. In the 1970s, Lewisham opened its first shopping centre. Today the centre is home to over 70 high street stores, such as Marks and Spencer and BHS, over 330,000 square feet. There is also a parade of shops on the adjacent high street and a local market that hosts various events during the year.

Horsforth:

Hosforth is a small civil parish town in the City of Leeds borough in West Yorkshire. The town lies to the north west of Leeds city centre and has a population of 18,928. In the 19th century Horsforth was considered to have the largest population of any village in the United Kingdom. The town has strong transport links between Harrogate and Leeds for commuters to the cities.

The town was first mentioned in scripture during the Domesday Book in 1086. Horsforth’s name is said to derive from the Old English “hors” or “horsa” which translates to horses, plus a ford. This is believed to refer to the River Aire that runs through the town. It was once used to transport woollen goods to and from Bradford and Shipley. A ford was constructed during this time period which was later demolished and replaced by a footbridge in the 19th century.

Widnes:

With a population of 53,000, Widnes is a small industrial town in the Halton district in Cheshire. The town lies on the River Mersey, where the estuary narrows and forms the Runcorn Gap. Widnes is 8 miles from major town Warrington and west of Speke in the city of Liverpool. Widnes is home to two train stations both of which provide commuters with transport links to Liverpool and Manchester. Northern Rail provides more long distance services to places such as Stockport, Norwich and Nottingham.

Throughout history the town was described as homing small settlements on moor and marshland. During the 19th century, Widnes used its remote location to build chemical factories. The town became a major industrial hub for the Northern UK. The town homed people seeking asylum from Ireland, Wales and Poland, giving them jobs in the industry. To this day, Widnes is still a major manufacturer of chemicals.

Dagenham:

Located 11.5 miles from Charing Cross and 9.5 miles from central London, Dagenham is a large suburb based in east London. The area has now been included as a part of Greater London and is primarily a residential area. There have been reports of a decline in industrial activity including the closure of Ford Dagenham, a major automotive factory.

Dagenham was once home to many affluent manors but only one survives today. Valence House dates back to the 13th century, surrounded by its own moat. The house has now been converted in to a local museum which displays an array of artefacts and archives from the people of Barking and Dagenham. In addition, there is a collection of mementoes, family papers and portraits of the Fanshawe family, who lived in an adjacent manor house. The Fanshawe family rose to prominence with nine generations serving as Remembrancer to the Crown, including Queen Elizabeth I.

Waltham Forest:

Waltham Forest, not to be confused with Epping Forest, is a borough based in North East London. The borough is home to many different surroundings such as built-up urban areas, inner-city characteristics and much more affluent residential plots. Reservoirs, playing fields and parks take up one fifth of the borough's square miles.

Eton Manor was the northern location for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park during the 2012 London Olympics. This hosted the wheelchair tennis events with over 10,000 spectators visiting the area. Waltham Forest hosted other events such as synchronised swimming and water polo. Primarily they were used for training purposes.

Since creating the Arts and Craft Movement, Waltham Forest has been home to many artists. This varies from modern day movements such as the Northern East London Independent Artists (NEIA) to musicians such as Lethal Bizzle and East 17.

Selby:

Situated only 14 miles away from York, Selby is a large town in North Yorkshire. With a population of 13,000 the town has the largest populous in the surrounding area.

The town of Selby is traditionally documented as the birthplace of King Henry I in 1068. It was an area in which the King's family flourished at Selby Abbey. They ensured the construction of several parishes, one of which is the largest in Britain. After this, it is believed that the Abbey was inhabited by the Washington Window, the ancestors of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

In the present day, Selby is expanding to become a more industrial town. New houses and shops have been built including modern flats and apartments on the river front. This has created an increase in job opportunities as well as a higher quality of living.

The Isle of Lewis:

With a total area of 683 square miles, the Isle of Lewis is the largest island of the Western Isles in Scotland. The island is mostly made up of uninhabitable mountainous land. Three quarters of the population live in the flatter, more fertile land of Stornoway. The mountainous area is home to various fauna such as seals, red deer and golden eagles. There are a number of conservation areas to protect these species.

Lewis filled with rich history with the earliest archaeological remains dating to over 5,000 years ago. There was a small settlement for farmers and their herds. However in the 9th century the Vikings created a settlement after raiding from the sea.

From the Isle's rich culture of myths and legends, traditions are very much the fore-front of today's society. The Gaelic language, Sabbath observance and peat cutting are still the most important practises.

Enniskillen:

Enniskillen is the largest town in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The town sits near enough exactly in the centre of the county. It has a population of 13,599 which classes it as a “medium town” by the Northern Ireland Statistic and Research Agency (NISRA).

The town is home to many visitor locations, attracting a large number of tourists to the area. Set in a 1200 acre woodland estate, National Trust properties Castle Coole, Floreance Court and Crom Estate reside. The entire nature reserve homes ancient artefacts which ooze historical significance.

Enniskillen provides Lakeland Seaplane tours in remembrance of Ireland’s first seaplane operation. The tours are located at St Angelo Airport where the company has access to over 300 square miles of unrestricted waters. This service is the first and only one in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Their flights attract a range of people from tourists to wedding transportation to historical tours.

Stansted:

Famous for being home to Stansted Airport that sits 2 miles away, Stansted Mountfitchet is a village based in the Uttersford district, in Essex. The village has a population of 5,533 and borders Hertfordshire with fellow village Bishops Stortford.

Stansted Airport is the base for a number of major low-cost airlines such as Ryanair who fly customers out to over 100 destinations daily. It is the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom after Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick. The airfield was opened during the Second World War as a bomber base and maintenance depot. It is now used solely for commercial purposes.

The village provides tourists with many significant landmarks. As claimed by the owners, the House on the Hill Toy Museum is the “largest toy museum in the world.” The museum was opened in 1991 and holds over 80,000 toys. The village also is home to a working windmill that is open to the public once a month.

Hartlepool:

Hartlepool is a town in the North East of England, bordering on the North Sea coast. The town is in close proximity to Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Durham. Being home to its own borough includes small villages such as Elwick, Greatham and Seaton Crew. Hartlepool shares strong economic links with Teeside or Tees Valley by sharing its postcode, fire brigade and police service.

During the Middle Ages the town developed due to its links to the harbour and it served as an official port to County Durham. A railway link was installed so that coal could be transported from South Durham to the centre of Hartlepool. Further expansion was implemented with additional railway links and a new port. Since the Second World War the town has been struggling from an economic decline. The 1990s saw the town benefit from major investment projects which improved the town's prospects.

Westminster:

The city of Westminster lies on the north bank of the River Thames. It is home to many regal tourist landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. The district is known as a substantial residential area, with a population of 223,858. Statistics show that a proportion of residents are from the London working class background. Many hotels, large Victorian homes and barracks make up the majority of properties in the area.

The historical richness of the district originates from the Thorney Island on which the Abbey was built. Westminster Abbey was the traditional venue for coronations of all kings and queens of England. During the 13th century, the Palace of Westminster became the royal residence from its original base in Winchester. In later years the palace homed members of Parliament and law courts. In modern days, it is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Tiverton:

With a population of 38,331, Tiverton is a major town in the middle of Devon. The rivers Exe and Lowman run through the town and provide scenic views for residents. It is believe that the town’s name derives from “Twy-ford-ton” and “Twyverton” meaning a town of two fords. Historically the town was called Twyford.

Human occupation dates back to the Stone Age, with many of the first flint tools found in the area. However, it was during the Iron Age that the town became more industrialised when fort Cranmore Castle was constructed. The remains still stand on top of Exeter Hill and can be visited by the public. A Roman fort was also found in the north of the town. Other castles were created in later periods such as Henry I’s Norman Tiverton Castle which was then remodelled in the 13th and 14th century.

Cobham:

In the borough of Surrey, Cobham is a small village 10 miles away from Guildford. On the River Mole, the village provides many commercial services along the high street, a number of private schools and the National Trust Painskill Park.

The village is an ancient settlement whose origins trace back from the Iron Age and Roman periods. The name is believed to derive from Coveham or Covenham, meaning a settlement in the curve of a river.

Cobham’s best known landmark is the River Mole. With its red brick water mill constructed in 1822 and other on site Middle Ages mills, tourists flock to the area. Throughout time, the mills have received substantial damage from a Canadian tank collision in World War II and demolition in 1953 to alleviate traffic congestion. The mills are now protected under the Cobham Conservation group who have restored many damaged areas.

Newcastle-under-Lyme:

Newcastle-under Lyme is a market town based in the Staffordshire County. With a population of 75,082, the town is a part of Stoke-On-Trent and North Staffordshire.

Newcastle’s market, known to locals as The Stones, has been operating on the same High Street since 1173. Traditionally the market was held on Sundays. This was changed to Saturdays under John of England and then to Mondays by Elizabeth I. In recent times the market is open six days a week. 80 various stalls showcase their goods on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Tuesday the market is exclusive for antique sellers and Thursdays for the sale of bric-a-brac.

There are many notable residents that lived in the area. Founder of the “modern circus” Philip Astley, singer and songwriter Jackie Trent and novelist Arnold Bennett were all born and raised in Newcastle, attending local school Brampton House Academy.

Felixstowe:

Felixstowe is a seaside town, dating back from the Edwardian period, in Suffolk. The town’s name originates from the nearby Port of Felixstowe which is still the largest container port in the United Kingdom. The town prides itself on its great days out for tourists. There are many seafront amusements, scenic walks on the promenade, shopping facilities in the bustling town centre, explorations through the Edwardian gardens, bird watching at the nature reserve and uncovering history at the fort and museum.

During the summer months the town hosts many festivals. In late June, the Felixstowe Book festival takes place over various locations in the area. From writing workshops to children’s storytelling to poetry readings, the festival is perfect for anyone interested in local and international literature. There are additional evening events such as vintage tea parties and ceremonies to commemorate First World War veterans.

Port Talbot:

With a population of 37,276 in 2011, Port Talbot is a town based in the county of Neath Port Talbot in Wales. The town is served by the South Wales Main Rail Line providing strong transport links to major cities such as Swansea, Cardiff and even London and Manchester.

The Passion of Port Talbot, a play that was broadcast nationally, was led by actor Michael Sheen in 2011. The modern retelling of the Passion of the Christ started at the National Theatre, Wales. On Good Friday the cast paid tribute to the baptism of Jesus on the local seafront. On the Saturday, scenes were performed over various locations of the town such as the Aberafan Shopping Centre, the Castle Street underpass and the seaside social. On Easter Sunday the play resided by the beach, where 13,000 residents came to watch on the small resort.

Erith:

Primarily made up of suburban homes, Erith is a district in South East London in the Bexley borough. It lies within close proximity of Bexleyheath and Dartford. Since 1961, the district has undergone many modernisation redevelopments. This includes a curved river based high street with three buildings of architectural and historical significance. Erith is most appealing to commuters due to its strong railways links to central London and Kent.

The Museum of London’s Archaeological Service conducted work in Erith which shows the area was once a forest of oak, yew and alder. However, by the Bronze Age a lot of this landscape had given way to poor weather conditions. Their work also uncovered the presence of pre-historic settlements as well as farmstead dating from the first century. The district was then silenced until the Anglo-Saxon invasion. They colonised and claimed the area as a part of Kent.

Camborne:

In the west of Cornwall lies a town called Camborne. With a population of 20,845 it is a part of a conurbation compromising of Pool and Redruth. Through the entire Camborne-Redruth urban area the population stands at 55,400, making it the largest settlement in Cornwall.

The town lies in what used to be one of the richest tin mining areas in the world, homing the Camborne School of Mines. The School of mines relocated several times and is now based as a specialist department in the University of Exeter. Before the mining boom of the later 18th and 19th century, the town was only a residential area. Even though there are still a considerable amount of engine houses remaining, they only mine small amounts of tin in comparison to 150 years ago. The town was home to many industrial companies such as Holman Bros which was Cornwall’s largest manufactures. They were most famous for creating submachine guns during the Second World War.