Juliana Giebel

Why did you join myguide Britain?
When I first came to Britain as a university student I spent every weekend exploring my surroundings and traveling. I fell in love with Wales in particular that I decided to stay permanently. When a position with myguideBritain arose I knew that I had made the right decision. Not only can I share my passion for this beautiful, stunning and exciting country but I can also use my skills gained at university. Furthermore I can apply my understanding of tourist's needs in a foreign country, which I experienced first hand when working as a holiday representative around the Mediterranean.

What is you favourite part of Britain?
My favourite part of Britain is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, tucked away in the far south-west corner of Wales. In Pembrokeshire life moves slower than elsewhere and the relaxed atmosphere is difficult to ignore. Small towns and villages is what you find here in an area with beautiful beaches and cliff-tops, hills and fields of grazing sheep. Here I love to take part in the many outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, surfing or my big favourite coasteering. This adventure sport has been developed in Pembrokeshire and involves moving along the coast by swimming, climbing and jumping off cliffs and rocks. And afterwards you can enjoy a pint in Britain's smallest city St David's with its great cathedral.

What is your favourite visitor attraction?
The Isle of Skye in Scotland is maybe not a visitor attraction as such but certainly attracts many people from all over the country and further abroad who enjoy the great outdoors. The variety of mountain hikes, coastal walks and stunning views all around makes it the ideal place to unwind and to enjoy what the highland's nature has to offer. Remote and untouched landscapes is what you find here. Getting to the Isle of Skye is just as wonderful, whether you take the train from Fort William to Mallaig over the famous "Harry Potter" bridge and then the ferry to Armadale or whether you drive through the highlands from Inverness - stunning!

What is your favourite British food and restaurant in Britain?
Nothing beats the Blue Anchor. This cosy pub and restaurant is situated in Aberthaw, about 15 miles south-west of Cardiff. As a former Coaching Inn the Blue Anchor opened its doors for the first time in 1380 and the owner is more than happy to share the many stories and anecdotes of its history with you. At the Blue Anchor you sit under low ceilings and beams in the pub or upstairs in the stylish restaurant in front of the roaring fire. The food in the restaurant is extremely good and has won many awards. However, I would recommend eating a pub meal downstairs and trying "Welsh Faggots". This strangely named but yummy welsh dish is liver dumplings served with potatoes and mushy peas.

Where do you like to shop?
York is my favourite destination for shopping. I love wandering around the small alleys and streets and walking over the cobbled pavement. There are many individual boutiques and shops in York which I enjoy browsing around and even window shopping is fun. The Shambles in York is Britain's oldest shopping street.

Your favourite getaway in Britain?
For a romantic getaway nothing beats Thornbury Castle in South Gloucestershire. You really feel like a princess when you stay in one of the four poster suites. You most certainly never want to leave again. All around Thornbury Castle are places to explore and visit as well, you are only an hour's drive from Bath, Cardiff and the heart of the Cotswolds with its enchanting villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-on-Mash and Chipping Camden.

What advice would you give to people coming to Britain?

Take your time and don't think of Britain as a destination where you have to tick the major highlights off your list. The most wonderful historic buildings, quaint towns and stunning sceneries are the hidden gems found off the beaten track. You will naturally come across these when you decide to stay in one area for more than one night.