2012 was a showcase year for the city of London, so why not spend a couple of days looking around the iconic sites that were so effectively shown off to the rest of the world during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic games.

Follow the route of the Jubilee parade, from Buckingham Palace, down The Mall to Parliament Square and take in the gothic revival styling of the House of Commons and the world famous Elizabeth Tower (housing the famous Big Ben bell). Cross the central Westminster Bridge and look out across the Thames where the Jubilee pageant saw 1,000 boats gather for the celebration.

Take a walk around the impressive Olympic Village or visit the world-class National History Museum and Tate Modern gallery. Finish up your trip by booking tickets to a West End show, from high drama and piercing Opera, to sing-along musicals for the whole family. You will not be disappointed by the talent on display in this great city.

Easily one of the most beautiful small cities in the UK, York combines narrow streets and classical architecture with a vibrant café culture not found in many parts of the country. With evidence of a long and fascinating history waiting around every corner of the ancient city, York is the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic weekend away.

Autumn is a great time to visit, as the days shorten many of the city's historic monuments are literally seen in a whole new light, as a variety of coloured hues light up the city for the annual 'Illuminating York' festival (city-wide October 31 - November 3).

Visitors to the city at this glorious time of year will want to head to the amazing gardens at Castle Howard to take in its 1,000 acres of breath-taking forestry. If you're really looking for the most relaxing place to stay, try the 300-year old Middlethorpe Hall & Spa for a touch of old world opulence and state of the art spa treatment.

For those looking for more of a party city, you couldn't go far wrong with a visit to Belfast, the city is quickly gaining recognition for its focus on fun and an abundance of thriving nightspots. Paying a visit during the annual festival of Queen's (October 19 - November 4) will show off the city at its best, as the whole city lets its hair down for a celebration of music, art and film.

If you require decadence at your fingertips, why not base yourself at the Merchant Hotel, which boasts exquisite rooms and a world-renowned cocktail bar. If you have the spare funds, try the £750 Mai Tai - a rum based cocktail, mixed with the finest ingredients.

If you fancy a spot of golf, but don't want to risk the autumn weather, head down to Citigolf, an indoor golf course that gives you the chance to play on some of the world's most famous courses, all simulated from one convenient location. If your swing fails you, head into the bar and restaurant and let your hair down by the city's largest karaoke screen.

An eye-catching showpiece of the city centre is the newly opened Titanic Belfast Exhibition Centre, opened to celebrate the Titanic story in the city where the famous vessel was built. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the doomed ocean liner from her conception and construction, through to her celebrated launch and catastrophic demise on her maiden voyage.

Fancy heading to a city that's synonymous with all things musical? Visit the birthplace of 60s rock and pop and follow in the footsteps of the city's most famous sons by signing up to the famous Beatles tour on the historic Albert Docks. To complete your Beatles trip spend a couple of nights at the Fab Four themed 'Hard Day's Night Hotel'. 

Although Liverpool has much more to offer than just 60s nostalgia, if you haven't visited the city for a while you'll be pleasantly surprised by the regeneration the city has enjoyed over the past five years. The gleaming Liverpool One shopping centre satisfies the locals' famous love of fashion with all of the big named clothing brands. This leads to a revitalised waterfront featuring luxury to budget accommodation and great restaurants featuring a wide range of cuisines.

Catch a premier league football match or indulge yourself in an arts and cultural scene that rivals anywhere in the north of England before hitting the town experiencing some of the country's best nightlife.

Forget what you may have heard about the food in Glasgow. Put to the back of your mind the unsavoury reputation the city has for deep-fried Mars Bars and experience the best of what this city has to offer the culinary world this autumn. The annual Good Food Show (October 30 and November 1) is a celebration of Scottish culinary heritage, using locally sourced produce and featuring demonstrations from world-renowned celebrity chefs. You're bound to walk away with something new to try in the kitchen.

For a true impression of the city, head to the Babbity Bowster, something of a local institution, featuring great ales and wonderful food, also attracting some of the area's finest musicians for a Saturday afternoon hoe-down. If you'd prefer to watch some nationally recognised bands, head to the nearby Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom.

If you like the thought of rolling out of bed and experiencing fine dining, then a stay at One Devonshire Gardens might be in order. Head chef Darin Campbell has earned himself a reputation for creating incredible gourmet treats from local Lanarkshire produce, matched with a wine list that will compliment your meal perfectly.

About the Author: Dale Shaw is a freelance travel writer currently working for Wish.co.uk, helping to promote their range of exhilarating activities including driving days, sky diving and flying experience days and more.

European cities are known for the historic landmarks of their streets. The big capitals of London, Madrid, Paris, Berlin and Athens will always remain popular, however those who have opted for the smaller cities will testify, that they too have their own story to tell. Amsterdam, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Malta and Vienna will offer an experience and history unique to those destinations, while within the borders of Italy you are sure to find more world class historical sites than any other country in the world, think Florence or Venice, Rome or Pisa.

Or if you're interested in stepping off the beaten path, head to the up and coming destinations of the former Yugoslavia, Belgrade, Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik, all fascinating cities with their own story to tell.

Heading to the former Russian states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia and visiting the historic centres of Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga has never been easier, with them now accessible by low cost airlines. You may also be tempted by a visit to Budapest, learning the part the Hungarian capital played as one of the major cities of the Hapsburg and Prussian empires.

Heading to North Africa will give you something different altogether; Tunis, Tripoli, Cairo and Alexandria are surrounded by ancient historical sites within easy reach of the city centre. Similarly, Eastern Mediterranean cities such as Jerusalem, Aleppo, Beirut and Amman offer both modern and ancient history in spades.

Domestic favourites such as Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York, Chester, Bath and Bristol remain popular and have their own unique historic twist. From the industrial heritage of the north west, the palaces and castles of the Scottish capital, the Viking roots of Yorkshire to Roman and Georgian sites in the West county and the historic city walls of Chester.

The more modern cities of New York and Boston still have their fair share of history to enjoy, found in the places such as Ellis Island and the JFK museum.