Touring holidays give us a chance to explore some of the less well-known corners of this green and pleasant land as well as the more famous ones!

Take a tour by boat, for example - the ultimate stress-buster!

Our canals were the work of 18th and 19th century engineers - men like James Brindley and Thomas Telford: artists as well as engineers. More than 2000 miles were dug, entirely by hand, to make a web of canals that provided much needed transport to all corners of the nation. Since the coming of the railways and better roads, the canals have become peaceful backwaters - ideal for lazy days by the water, travelling at no more than 3 miles an hour!

Or perhaps you would prefer to let the train take the strain?

Orient-Express offer a wide choice of day excursions and short breaks in the UK, with destinations for every occasion. Take a journey on The Royal Scotsman, regarded as one of the world's great travel experiences. Or enjoy the Grand Tour, a week long journey throughout the UK.  This epic seven-day tour will encompass grand cities, dramatic castles and remote regions.

Perhaps you would prefer an escorted tour, with someone in the position of driver, navigator, answerer of questions and general guide/translator of menus/ protector from the oddities of British life and all round oracle. This is an excellent way to see Britain at its most intimate level, as on an escorted tour you can reach hidden corners and secret locations which only someone with local knowledge could find. Or perhaps you prefer to travel independently. 

The choice is yours....