The brief overview provided in this section will hopefully start you thinking about the ‘homework’ that is needed for ‘living abroad’.
London Vibrant and diverse, London has a population of over 11 million people; it is rich in history and character. London offers the opportunity to have the experience of a life-time. However, it can be an expensive city to live in, so unless you have vast amounts of savings, it is necessary to work; those with teaching qualifications are fortunate to be able to undertake well-paid employment.
London also has the advantage of being a good base for European travel due to its easy access to the Continent. It is also a city that has a large visitor population and therefore caters for all types of travellers. Working through Capita can provide the flexibility and money to enable you to both live in London and travel throughout Europe.
Before you start to enjoy the city of London you need to become established. This means that you need to find accommodation, organise yourself for work and start learning how to use the public transport system. It can be a tedious and frustrating time until you find your feet but the rewards of a little hard work in the early days will be worth it.
Reading A twenty minute train ride will transport you from bustling London to medieval splendour. Windsor, on Reading’s doorstep, is another main town in this beautiful area, offering everything from royal history to horse racing. Eton is next door, with its air of tradition, beauty and tranquillity. If you want to stay close to London, but without being right in the thick of things, Berkshire would be the perfect choice.
Luton Luton has great road, rail and air links, a large indoor shopping centre and a lively night scene. The town is also surprisingly 'green' with over 7% of its total area made up of open space.
Essex The ancient Saxon county of Essex on the East coast boasts countless sightseeing opportinities for the visitor and resident alike. Whether you want to appreciate houses, gardens, countryside, coastline, food or cultur, you will find Essex the ideal escape for a relaxing, entertaining and truly memorable stay. Essex has good travel links to London.
Kent Work and live in Kent, the Garden of England. From maritime coast to beautiful, English countryside, Kent is a captivating place. The county is renowned for its picturesque villages, lush countryside, hop fields and orchards. Kent also boasts miles of distinctive historical coastline and charming coastal towns. Many events and festivals are held throughout the county. There are also fantastic European connections by rail or ferry.
Southampton Southampton is one of Britain's most historic ports. it is a vibrant, modern city with plenty of excellent bars, restaurants, clubs and superb venues for music, theatre, film and recreation.
Bristol Bristol, in the county of South Gloucestershire, is South West England’s largest city with a population of 414,000. Although fairly modern, it is easy to stumble on stunning architecture and there is nothing better than watching the world go by from one of its many cafés along the once bustling docks. Bristol is conveniently linked to Bath, the Cotswolds and Wales so if it is rugby, countryside, clotted cream or just good times you’re looking for then Bristol is a great base.
Cardiff Cardiff's rich culture has a divers range of influences, from the Romans and Normans of antiquity to the industrial revolution and the coal industry - which transformed Cardiff from a small town onto a thriving, international city. Cardiff now houses the Millennium Stadium which hosted the Rugby World Cup Final in 1999. The stadium again made sporting history in 2005, when Wales won the Six Nations Grand Slam Championship for the first time in over 20 years. cardiff will also host an Ashes cricket Test match in 2009, and football matches during the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Birmingham With a population of over 1 million, Birmingham is Britain’s second largest city. Recently the city centre development has created a modern and attractive centre, full of eateries and fabulous shopping areas. The convenience of Birmingham to Warwickshire and Coventry will benefit anyone thinking of spending considerable time in these beautiful historic areas.
Wolverhampton Wolverhampton is an attractive city with a lively nightlife. the city is within easy reach from anywhere in the UK and an excellent base for exploring the Midlands being just 17 miles from Birmingham.
Leicester Leicester is a vibrant town with great shops, restaurants, museums and entertainment. Just a few minutes away, picturesque villages and rolling fields provide the ultimate rural retreat.
Nottingham/Derby Nottingham, the legendary home of Robin Hood offers a haven for shopaholics, clubbers, and lovers of cuisinem culture and sport alike. As well as its lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, it is also a great place to discover the past., Neighbouring Derby with a population of 250,000 will appear to those in search of unspoilt tradition and character. ten minutes drive away you will encounter breathtaking country side and a world of historic houses, adventurous attractions and unspoilt villages.
Liverpool Liverpool is a city of international renown, with its instantly recognisable waterfront, unique accent and famous sons and daughters. Liverpool is also Britain’s favourite day trip destination according to the national tourist board. The waterfront area attracts millions of visitors each year to admire the rejuvenated Albert Dock. Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture for 2008.
Manchester Without a doubt Manchester is the shining light of the North. It has an unrivalled nightlife and arguably one of the best football teams playing in the Premier League. Manchester has a population of 460,000 and has a large student population. You cannot help but be charmed by the city and its people. From Manchester, you can be in the Lake District, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales or North Wales within an hours drive.
Preston A warm welcome awaits you in Preston, situated at the heart of the colourful county of Lancashire. Whether you are looking to live it up or to wind down, you will find it all in Preston’s vibrant and exciting cultural centre, in its rich history, exciting attractions and beautiful surrounding countryside. Half an hours drive from Preston and you can be in the Lake District wit its stunning & dramatic scenery.
Wales Wales is a holiday area with long stretches of sandy beaches, craggy mountains and deep valleys. Close by is the Snowdonia National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Isle of Anglesey is an hour's drive away and offers 125 miles of coastline as well as all types of watersports.
Leeds Leeds is one of the most inviting cities in Britain. There are many fine Victorian buildings in a city centre that has recently benefited from major redevelopment. It is a busy place with a large student population, which ensures loads of nightlife and good times. There are many good café bars and excellent restaurants, plus getting around is made easy with an effective integrated bus and train network.
Newcastle Upon Tyne Newcastle is the largest city in the North East of England with a population of 210,000. The city has a Metro system which makes it easy to get around. It is famous for its beginning as a coal export port and in the 19th century became an important steel and shipbuilding centre. These days Newcastle is more famous for its nightlife and is indeed known as the ‘Nightlife Capital’!
Durham with a population of 83,000 is on the outskirts of Newcastle, and is regarded as the most dramatic cathedral city in Britain. It is an intimate university town, renowned for being a picturesque and friendly place.
Sheffield Sheffield has all that you would expect and more from England’s fourth largest city, with the beautiful Peak National Park right on its doorstep. There is fantastic scenery and many walks to enjoy. The top names in rock and pop also perform at Don Valley Stadium and Sheffield Arena. Sheffield was Britain’s first National City of Sport and boasts some of the best international sports venues in the country. |