Contemporary British musicians

Britain's landscapes have influenced some of Britains' most popular contemporary musicians, such as Paul McCartney, Sting and Van Morrison. 

“Mull of Kintyre 
Oh mist rolling in from the sea 
My desire is always to be here 
Oh Mull of Kintyre.” 

So wrote Paul McCartney in his hugely popular single, Mull of Kintyre, which has sold over 2 million copies since its release in 1977. It reflected his association with this area of Scotland, where he spent a great deal of time after the break up of the Beatles in 1970. The Mull of Kintyre is at the tip of the Kintyre Peninsula on Scotland’s west coast, which contains a variety of landscapes including lochs, forests and sandy beaches, perfect for walking and horseriding. From the Mull, there are wonderful views of the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland and wild moorland.

“You’ll remember me when the west wind moves 
Upon the fields of barley 
You’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky 
As we walk though fields of gold”.

Sting's Fields of Gold from his 1993 Ten Summoner's Tales album has become one of his most famous songs. It was influenced by walking through the meadows of barley that are near his home in Wiltshire. Walking is a popular pursuit in these parts, with many trails over the county, usually centred around major attractions like the Westbury White Horse and Wardour Castle. The Wiltshire White Horse Trail is a 90-mile circular route, which takes in each of the county’s famous eight white chalk horses and links with part of the Ridgeway, a national trail that runs to Buckinghamshire. For cyclists, there is the Wiltshire Cycleway, a 160-mile route that crosses and loops around the county. Horseriding is also very popular particularly across the Marlborough Downs and along wooded river valleys. 

“And all the time going to Coney Island I’m thinking 
Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time.”

Van Morrison's song Coney Island from his 1989 Avalon Sunset album, has many references to the Lecale district of County Down, about 15 miles south of his hometown of Belfast. Downpatrick, St John's Point, Strangford Lough, Killyleagh, Ardglass are all mentioned in this song about touring around this beautiful part of Northern Ireland. Strangford Lough is one of Britain’s largest sea inlets, with dramatic landscapes, perfect for walking, cycling and particularly popular with birdwatchers. Ardglass, with its impressive harbour and Strangford Lough are points on the 666-mile Ulster Way circular walk.

Get your Great British Heritage Pass

For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.

For full details and to order click here