Top 7 Practical Guides for Touring in the UK

More than 4,000 B&Bs, guest houses, farmhouses and inns are inspected and rated by the the Automobile Association's inspectors to produce this full-colour, regularly updated guide. Symbols highlight the best breakfasts and

Which? is a UK organization and publisher similar to Consumer Reports in the USA. Their annual Good Food Guide, based on reviews submitted by members and subscribers from all over the UK, has become a classic and is absolutely reliable. Organised geographically, with a special section for London, and an appendix for late entries, it describes food, decor, prices, ambiance, even who's cooking behind the scenes, with thoroughness and authority. A great book to have on the road if you want to sit down to nice food with regularity.

The British public has relied on this informative guide to more than 5,000 pubs for years.Independent and comprehensive, it includes yearly updates and loads of reader reports. This guide points you in the direction of good country pints, friendly neighborhood boozers and smart urban bars with big wine lists. Information about facilities, atmosphere, quality and cost provides real insight into a British institution.

Ever since the Real Ale Movement began, several decades ago, the number of small local breweries, pubs with microbreweries and pubs that regularly feature a guest selection of cask-conditioned ales has expanded dramatically. This is a county by county guide with details of beers on tap (or on the pump as they say), the ambiance and food served. Travelers can find out where to find old recipes using malt, barley, wheat, ginger and several kinds of hops. The book highlights independent microbreweries, directs readers to the most original beers and features tasting notes.

The Automobile Association (AA) is practically the last word in roadmaps of the UK. This clear, easy to read and very accurate map book labels pages with their geographic location so they are easy to find. There's a huge index that includes airports and tourists sights as well as towns and villages and, in 2007, the 21st edition included information on where to find speed cameras! There are 103 town, city and port plans, locations of hospitals and emergency rooms, "Jam Busting" maps and guidance to the best, wide secondary routes. A real drivers' map book.

The subtitle of this book is "From the Greatest Collections to the Smallest Curiosities." That about sums it up. Wherever you are in the UK, you'll be able to find the nearest museums and galleries that interest you and enjoy enthusiastic and insightful guidance to what they contain, how to visit them and more.

...England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This beautifully written guide illustrates the great diversity of the National Trust's stock of places, buildings and landscapes. It includes irresistible photographs that will have you rushing around the UK to see for yourself. Written by Lydia Greeves, it has an introduction by the Prince of Wales. Described as the National Trust's bible, this year's edition highlights many new properties including John Lennon's Childhood home, Mendips and William Morris's Arts and Crafts home, The Red House.