The Guide to British Guide Books

The Francis Frith Collection contains some superb photographs of the Towns and cities of England. Images were captured from the 1880s right through to the 1950s, with some wonderful period scenes amongst them.

This guide page is intended to give visitors to Britain, as well as us british a guide to the best of the huge numbers of guide book curerntly available.

Each is shown with a star rating based upon feedback received.

****	The Rough Guide to England Though rail travel is expensive (years of under-investment have made London's chaotic transport system the most expensive in the world, while it is often cheaper to drive across the country than to take the train), England, with its taste for both nostalgia and innovation, remains a very attractive destination. What other country manages to be both deeply conservative and richly multi-ethnic? From Diana memorial shops to the dissected livestock of its "Sensation" art shows, England's appeal lies in its contradictions, "in the tension between its inertia and its adventurousness". "The most reliable and all-encompassing of the many guides to England...an invaluable addition to glove compartment, backpack or suitcase", Daily Telegraph, London, UK. £11.19 from Amazon £13.49 from Country Bookshop
****	Dorling Kindersley Guide to Great Britain This "Eyewitness Travel Guide" to Great Britain offers detailed street finder maps giving access to districts, streets and buildings. Opening times, telephone numbers, prices and hotel recommendations are all covered. The information is revised annually and kept up to date £14.81 from Amazon
****	The Rough Guide to Britain This handbook to England, Wales and Scotland offers accounts of every sight from the Eden Project to Edinburgh's Royal Mile plus coverage of Britain's best hikes, from walks up Snowdon to rambles along the Ridgeway. The informative background includes topics as diverse as Dylan Thomas, the Commonwealth Games and whisky tasting. Reviews of the best places to eat, drink and stay across all price ranges are included as are maps and plans for every region. £11.19 from Amazon £14.39 from Country Bookshop
****	The AA Hotel Guide The book features an improved, larger scale atlas section of London and the "AA's Top 200 Hotels in Britain and Ireland" - a selection recognizing the very best in the guide. There are features on places with connections to famous people - from Mary, Queen of Scots to Charles Dickens - and extra nformation on AA top award winners. The book gives up-to-date details of prices, credit cards accepted and facilities and reservation telephone numbers. £11.89 from Amazon £15.29 from Country Bookshop
****	The "Which?" Guide to Good Hotels Full of descriptive detail, this guide selects hundreds of the best hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs throughout Britain to help you pick your ideal match, whether you are planning a romantic weekend, a business trip or a family holiday. The exciting candidates range from outposts of urban chic and chain hotels to country mansions, rural cottages and gastropubs. All entrants are guaranteed to offer exceptional hospitality, outstanding cleanliness and friendly service. Each hand-picked establishment is rated for quality, standards and comfort after a demanding inspection. The "Guide " refuses to accept payment for inclusion and remains firmly independent. It is fully rewritten every year. £11.19 from Amazon £14.39 from Country Bookshop
*****	Johansens Recommended Country Houses,Small Hotels and Inns 350 of the most luxurious privately owned smaller properties, ideal for 'get away from it all' relaxing weekend breaks, touring holidays and special occasions. The perfect companion to Conde Nast Johansens Recommended Hotels, Great Britain & Ireland guide. Each recommended hotel's entry has three 4 colour photographs, a comprehensive description based on our inspector's annual site visit, at-a-glance amenity symbols and outline location maps. Hotels are ordered by county with detailed indexes and clear detail location maps for ease of navigation. £11.87 from Amazon £6.99 from Country Bookshop 2002 Edition £16.95 from Country Bookshop 2004 Edition
****	The AA Bed and Breakfast Guide Updated and revised for 2004, this guide offers increased national coverage, additional entries and extra information for those with particular needs, such as conference facilities or ground floor bedrooms. All establishments are professionally inspected and rated. The book offers a feature on places with connections to famous people - from Agatha Christie to Dick Turpin - as well as basic contact information, including e-mail details. £8.39 from Amazon £10.79 from Country Bookshop
****	The "Time Out" Guide to London The seventh edition of the Time Out London Guide has been comprehensively revised and updated by a London-based team of writers and researchers. It is packed with up-to-the-minute listings information and informed critical comment on all that London has to offer. £9.09 from Amazon £11.69 from Country Bookshop
****	Michelin Red Guide: Great Britain and Ireland A guide for all travellers and motorists providing detailed information on places to eat and stay in Britain and Ireland. Included are street plans of major towns and cities, practical tourist information and recommended places of interest. £11.95 from Amazon £15.99 from Country Bookshop
*****	The Good Pub Guide With over 5,000 entries and detailed, accurate reports this book can transform holidays, business journeys, days out, Saturday nights out, Sunday lunchtimes, special events.... £10.49 from Amazon £13.49 from Country Bookshop
*****	The AA Pub Guide This guide offers up-to-date details on over 2500 pubs in England, the Channel Islands, Wales and Scotland. Useful symbols denote the quality of wine and accommodation, where appropriate, with lists such as "Pick of the Pubs", "Pub Walks" and "AA Inspected Pub Accommodation" to help you in your choice of watering hole. There is a feature on places with connections to famous people - including those used for film/TV locations - and an introductory feature on beer festivals and events, as well more information on wine and other specialist drinks available. £10.49 from Amazon
*** Motorists atlas - no image	Motorists Atlas of Britain A motorists atlas - what more can you say - usual price £6.99 £2.99 from Country Bookshop
****	Historical Map & Guide: Ancient Britain Historical Maps. Only two maps in this series, comprising Ancient Britain and Roman Britain. Produced in conjunction with the Royal Commissions on Historical Monuments for England, Scotland and Wales. £5.00 from Amazon

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Chris Tradgett