2025 No-Fly British Isles & Arctic Circle

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.

The romantic Rhine River flows down from the Swiss Alps and meanders through central and Western Europe until it reaches the North Sea.

The portside neighborhood of Newhaven is just minutes from one of the most charming city centers in Western Europe: that of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. A top destination for travelers to the U.K., Edinburgh is known not only for its nearly fairy-tale appearance, with a castle hovering over the city center, but also for its rich arts scene and long cultural heritage. The center of Edinburgh is divided between two distinct and internationally recognized historic districts. To the north is the Old Town, with its vennels (alleys) and medieval remnants—all still intact if modified over the ages. To the south, it's the New Town, begun around the time of the American Revolution. Both districts demand wandering and exploration. The city counts amid its splendor such attractions as the National Galleries of Scotland and the Holyrood Palace (Queen Elizabeth's official Scotland residence) and Abbey ruins. Other touring options include a trip to the royal burgh of Culross (an important destination in the 16th through 18th centuries), a day in the buzzing city of Glasgow, or a round of golf at St. Andrews, the most famous course in the world.

Invergordon, nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is a picturesque port town known for its deep maritime history and stunning natural beauty.

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

Stornoway, the largest town in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, sits proudly on the Isle of Lewis.

Belfast has emerged from decades of conflict to become one of Ireland’s most intriguing cities. In the 19th century, its location on the banks of the River Lagan made it an industrial center for ropemaking, shipbuilding, tobacco and textiles. And this legacy shaped much of its architecture: Grand Edwardian and Victorian municipal buildings and warehouses are found throughout the city alongside telltale scars of its more recent past. While the legacy of Belfast’s complex conflict known as The Troubles still looms, there are many other sides of Northern Ireland's capital to explore, from the quaint streets of the Cathedral Quarter to the newly regenerated Titanic Quarter, where the ill-fated RMS Titanic was constructed. Belfast is also gathering momentum as an up-and-coming gourmet destination, with a new generation of chefs producing food to get excited about. Beyond the city limits, County Down and neighboring County Antrim have a wealth of things to see and do. Any lingering negative preconceptions will evaporate after a short time in this fascinating and welcoming city.

The capital of and largest town on the 570-square-kilometer Isle of Man in the heart of the Irish Sea, Douglas lies within easy reach of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Cultured yet quirky, the city sits on a vast crescent bay and is the point from which everything else stems on Man. Beginning in the early 19th century, Douglas became a popular holiday resort, with tourists pouring in from the mainland to enjoy its seaside delights. Today, there are echoes of its heyday with horse-drawn trams clattering along the promenade and what appears to be a huge sand castle on the bay at St. Mary’s Isle, actually an 1832 shelter for sailors nicknamed the Tower of Refuge by famous visitor William Wordsworth. Douglas may be best known today as the launching pad for the popular Isle of Man TT motorcycle race, which takes place here every June, and as the birthplace of the wildly successful 1970s pop music band the Bee Gees. While they are often more closely associated with Australia, the brothers' childhood home was at 50 St. Catherine's Drive—a site that is marked by a blue plaque from English Heritage in recognition of its historic significance.

Nestled along the southern coast of Ireland, Ringaskiddy is a thriving village that harmoniously blends industrial innovation with natural charm.

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.

The romantic Rhine River flows down from the Swiss Alps and meanders through central and Western Europe until it reaches the North Sea.

Norway’s enchanting port town of Ålesund offers a quintessentially Norwegian experience with its rugged mountains and captivating fjords.

Trondheim, a historical gem in Norway's heartland, seamlessly melds its Viking roots with contemporary vibes.

Perched on the very tip of Norway, Honningsvåg is a beacon of Arctic allure. As one of the northernmost cities in the world, it serves as a gateway to the enchanting realm of the North Cape.

Tromsø, often dubbed the Gateway to the Arctic, beckons visitors with its enchanting blend of urban sophistication and untouched wilderness.

Leknes, an enchanting gem nestled within Norway's Lofoten Archipelago, beckons travellers with its harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

On the west coast of Norway, amidst rolling mountains and striking fjords, sits vibrant Bergen.

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established 'Queen's Ferry' as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

Embark from the storied cliffs of Dover, where the iconic White Cliffs stand as silent sentinels to England's maritime legacy.