The UK’s favourite holiday resort continues to attract millions of visitors. Families and couples, young and old, Blackpool’s unique appeal is that it appeals to everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrills and excitement, family entertainment and historic gems or beautiful gardens and stunning beaches, Blackpool has it all. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Zoo, the Blackpool Tower, the Illuminations and a packed year-round events calendar all add to the charms of this seaside spot.

Traces of Preston’s industrial past can be seen in its historic Docklands district and steam train railways, while the city centre mixes the old and new, with glass-fronted shopping malls flanked by elegant Georgian townhouses.

Harrogate is also known as "The English Spa." For centuries, visitors have flocked to the mineral hot springs. Today, those springs still soothe the body while the placid RHS Harlow Carr Gardens and Yorkshire Dales national park stimulate the soul. Tea rooms, architecture, and art galleries are the main pastimes in this pleasant town.  With four rail stations for easy transport, travellers can board trains running between Harrogate and York, Leeds, Knaresborough, and London.

Sandy beaches, golden dunes, and coastal promenades make Southport a popular escape from the nearby cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Add in a fairground, a historic pier, and a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the west coast’s most exciting seaside resorts.

Cumbria is a county in the North of England which is famed above all for its natural beauty. Although it is the Lake District which most people will immediately associate with Cumbria, there are a great many other spots of natural beauty to behold, as well as plenty of activities to suit all tastes around the county. Arriving in Cumbria by car, or perhaps hiring a car on your arrival, is virtually essential for seeing the best of what the county has to offer. The Lake District is comprised of around twenty major bodies of water, with a great many smaller ones dotted around. Visitors looking to explore the lakes may be best advised to begin at Windermere and the Brockhole Visitor Centre, where all the required information may be obtained. There are a number of facilities at the centre for all the family to enjoy, including watersports and a children’s adventure playground. Other locations in the area more than worth seeing include Derwent Water, Ullswater and Coniston Water. As well as its Lakeland beauty, Cumbria also has its rugged, mountainous scenery to appreciate. Cumbria is host to every mountain in England over the three thousand feet mark and climbers, adventurous walkers and even mountain bikers are therefore all but spoiled for choice in the locations which they can visit. Cumbria is an area which has witnessed considerable upheaval in a historical sense. Evidence of this dating back to Roman times can still be seen, particularly with the legendary Hadrian’s Wall forming the county’s approximate northern boundary. The path which follows the course of the wall is a great way for walkers with an interest in history to combine both passions. Castles are plentiful in Cumbria, with the impressive Carlisle Castle dating back to Norman times. A visit to Carlisle Castle can be combined with a tour of the historic town, where the ancient features of the county’s main population and economic centre are complemented by the common comforts and conveniences of everyday modern living.

Montreal, c’est si bon! This French-speaking city is considered the cultural capital of Canada, and is a cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois style. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobblestone streets and grand buildings of Vieux-Montréal will give you a taste of European flavour. The Basilique Notre-Dame is a confection of stained glass, and the Plateau Mont-Royal district will delight you with its quaint boutiques and cafés. Dig in to a massive plate of poutine to fuel up for a tour of the epic Olympic Park.

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. And it's an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theatre, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.

Toronto's neighbour Mississauga has more than 480 parks and woodlands for you to explore. Stroll the Waterfront Trail, rent a boat at the marina or spend a day at the racetrack. It's also called Ontario's shopping capital, with everything from shopping centres and outlet malls to picturesque village-style shopping streets.

A cosmopolitan city known as the "cultural cradle of Canada," Winnipeg is family friendly with plenty of charm. It boasts a dazzling arts, theatre and indie music scene, as well as lip-smacking dining options to tantalize every taste bud. Experience nine acres of shopping and interactive fun at the Forks Market or explore Winnipeg’s diverse neighborhoods like the historic French Quarter and Exchange District or the boho chic Osborne Village.

Myrtle Beach is a family-friendly beach destination—which means in addition to great beaches, there’s plenty to do when the kids are sick of making sand castles. Amusement parks, water sports and golf courses are nearby. And family-friendly dining and hotels abound.

As North America’s northernmost large metropolis, Edmonton is a fascinating study in contrasts — a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness. It’s a city that’s never been afraid to do things a little differently, as visitors discover through close encounters with free-roaming bison, a shopping mall that spans more than 48 city blocks, and a dynamic arts and culture scene that embraces more than 40 annual festivals, including the continent’s biggest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival.