One From Each Place: Viking British Isles Explorer

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

We began sailing our Viking British Isles Explorer in London (Greenwich), England. Today, let’s look back with a summary of and my favorite photo from each place

London, UK

Board your cruise and relax in your cabin before setting sail for Greenwich, London. Home to the Royal Observatory, this borough marks the prime meridian for global longitude and sets Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) as the world’s standard. Explore the clipper ship Cutty Sark, a famous historic landmark now transformed into a captivating museum.

Venture upriver to London, where you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, known for its long-standing tradition of artistic and architectural innovation, from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to the captivating West End musicals.

Dover, England

Most famously known for its dramatic white-chalk towering cliffs, Dover is the nearest city to France across the English Channel. Its strategic location as a doorway into England has earned it the moniker “Key to England.” As the port was under constant threat because of its location, the massive Dover Castle overlooking the channel grew over the centuries to become the nation’s largest edifice and remains so today. Dover also served as a bastion and command center during World War II.

Scenic Sailing: English Channel

About 350 miles long, the English Channel separates southern England from northern France. William the Conqueror crossed these waters to become king of England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The most triumphant crossing unfolded on D-Day, when Allied troops landed on Normandy’s shores. The channel’s narrowest point stretches about 20 miles between Dover and Calais. Dover’s famed cliffs can be seen from a distance as a long white strip resting on the horizon.

Douglas, Isle of Man

Douglas, the vibrant capital of the Isle of Man, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled on the island’s eastern coast, Douglas boasts a picturesque promenade that stretches along a sweeping bay, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea. The town’s rich heritage is evident in its Victorian architecture, including the iconic Tower of Refuge, a remarkable sea fort built on a treacherous rock.

Douglas offers a diverse range of attractions, from the Manx Museum, where visitors can delve into the island’s fascinating past, to the Gaiety Theatre, a beautifully preserved Victorian playhouse. The town’s bustling shopping streets are lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, while the nearby Douglas Head offers breathtaking coastal walks and panoramic vistas. With its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, Douglas is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the enchanting Isle of Man.

Holyhead, Wales

Holyhead is a cozy coastal enclave on the isle of Anglesey off the northwestern tip of Wales. This region boasts the greatest concentration of ancient burial chambers and standing stones in Britain. Holyhead is contained within one of the few three-walled Roman forts in Europe, protected on the fourth side by the sea. The historic St. Cybi’s Church lies at the fortress’s center and the excellent Maritime Museum chronicles local seafaring history. Locals are as likely to speak Welsh as English; almost two-thirds of the youth speak this fascinating tongue.

Liverpool, England

Liverpool is celebrated as the “World Capital of Pop;” 56 musicians born and bred here have had #1 singles. Most notably, the legendary Beatles—John, Paul, George and Ringo—hailed from this port city. But it is more than music that has put Liverpool on England’s cultural map. Long an important center for maritime commerce, its storied waterfront is home to many buildings of historic, architectural and cultural significance, including a spectacular trio of palatial, early 20th-century buildings known as the “Three Graces,” and the revitalized Royal Albert Dock.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

A major port heralded for its shipbuilding heritage, Belfast has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance unrivaled in the rest of Europe. The influence of Britain is everywhere in this polished capital of Northern Ireland. Some of its most striking buildings exude Victorian flair and cosmopolitan elegance amid its famous Irish charm. Along the Golden Mile, high-end boutiques are reminiscent of those found in Paris, and the opulent Grand Opera House stands as a hub of Belfast culture.

The Highlands (Ullapool), Scotland

Ullapool enjoys one of the most remote settings in the United Kingdom on the pristine shores of Loch Broom. This tiny town, dotted with distinctive New Zealand cabbage trees, is the largest community for miles surrounded by the stunningly scenic Western Isles, dramatic mountain peaks piercing the sky and unspoiled wilderness. Ullapool’s beauty lies in its tranquility. A launchpad for ferries to the stunning Western Isles, this former herring port village is also a popular gateway for walkers, adventurers and nature lovers.

Scrabster, United Kingdom

Scrabster, a small settlement on the northern coast of Scotland, is a hidden gem known for its picturesque harbor and rich maritime history. As the most northerly mainland port in Britain, Scrabster has long been a vital hub for fishing, trade, and transportation. Its sheltered harbor, nestled in Thurso Bay, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and the vast expanse of the North Sea.

Beyond its practical significance, Scrabster boasts a unique charm with its traditional stone houses and friendly locals. Visitors can explore the nearby Holburn Head Lighthouse, a historic landmark that has guided ships for over a century. The settlement also serves as a gateway to the Orkney Islands, with regular ferry services departing from Scrabster Harbour. With its stunning natural beauty, intriguing past, and convenient access to other destinations, Scrabster is a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic Scottish experience.

Edinburgh (New Haven Harbour), Scotland

Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, despite the fact that the Union of the Crowns moved it to London in 1603. There is no capital quite like Edinburgh, with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and countless medieval treasures, overlooks the city from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile unfurls Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from the Canongate to St. Giles’s Cathedral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of British royalty.

The Highlands (Invergordon), Scotland

Invergordon lies in the mountainous, heather-covered Scottish Highlands amid a patchwork of farmland. The small community celebrates itself with a series of stunning murals painted by local artists; a walking trail leads visitors to them all, passing colorful window flowerboxes along the way. Whisky is another mainstay here, produced in a local grain distillery. This charming port is the gateway to a breathtaking region that provides a fascinating glimpse into the days of warring clans, and into the legend of “Nessie,” the fabled monster of Loch Ness.

Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland

The Shetland Islands are characterized by cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. An incredibly scenic land, this archipelago is one of Scotland’s most remote island outposts. Lerwick is a gateway to some of the Shetland Islands’ most beloved residents—the Shetland pony. These diminutive equines can grow up to 46 inches in height and are distinguished by their short, shiny coat in the summer, and thick double coat in the winter, with a long mane and tail. These delightful ponies can be seen grazing and roaming freely throughout the archipelago.

Bergen, Norway

Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.

See what we have published about our most current sailing of Viking Sky so far: