Making the most of UK hertitage

BEST OF THE MIDLANDS

To sample one of Britain's best beers, a visit to the Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell, Derbyshire is essential. This state-of-the-art brewery has won many awards for its exceptional products, especially its soft and smooth India Pale Ale, Jaipur. Call to find out about their tours or simply pop into the brewery's shop to stock up on their fine beers.

A short trip along the A6 from the Thornbridge Brewery will take you over the captivating Peak District National Park.

Once you hit Buxton, famous for its spas, head out on the 10-mile stretch of the A537 towards Macclesfield. It's an epic winding road that takes you through the very heart of the Park. Be sure to stop off at Britain's second highest pub The Cat & Fiddle (at 1,690ft) and enjoy a pint of local bitter too.

BEST OF THE SOUTH WEST

Champagne and sparkling wine are seen as the sole preserve of the French but Britain has its own respected wine scene.

One of the best of these is the Breaky Bottom Vineyards in East Sussex. Believed by wine expert Oz Clarke to be the most beautiful in the UK, the vineyard is located in a valley on the stunning Downs near the upmarket town of Lewes. Call to arrange a viewing and enjoy a free wine-tasting session.

Afterwards you should head along the A529, a coastal route that offers fine views over the sea. As you come out of Eastbourne look for signs to Norman's Bay, a beautiful and lengthy stretch of sandy beach. You can pitch your tent and enjoy your wine or head off along the coast to the picturesque town of Hastings for the night.

BEST OF THE SOUTH EAST

Spirit lovers should make their way to the famous Plymouth Gin distillery, offering a guided tour and tutored tasting of the company's acclaimed range. You can even distil your own Gin here before settling back into the Refectory cocktail lounge for more drinks.

The following day you can head north on the A386 and into the Dartmoor National Park. Take the B3212 into the wild and rugged landscape around Princetown or north on the A382 to see the bizarre Castle Drogo. Becky Falls, one of Devon's top tourist attractions, isn't far away either.

BEST OF THE WEST

The Penderyn Distillery in South Wales is one of the smallest in the world but is building a formidable reputation.

The distillery was recently awarded the European Single Cask Whisky of the Year by the Whisky Bible for its Port Wood edition. You can pop into the visitor's centre to learn more about whisky-making before buying a bottle, also considering their Brecon Five Vodka, Brecon Gin and Merlyn Cream Liqueur.

A trip to the region also puts the entire Brecon Beacons National Park at your disposal. The roads around here are some of the finest in the UK - don't be surprised to find supercars being tested by the big magazines up this way.