The Torch and Relay have been important since the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece, where a sacred flame burned continually, declaring a sacred truce for the duration. Even today the Olympic Flame is lit from the sun’s rays in a traditional ceremony among the ruins in Olympia.
After a short journey around Greece, the Flame will arrive in UK where about 8000 torchbearers – the oldest being 99 and the youngest 11 – will carry it on its journey, spreading a message of peace, unity and friendship. The journey will end as the last torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on July 27, 2012 in London, marking the official start of the Games.
We trace the journey of the Olympic flame as it is said to travel within one hour of 95% of the UK population and only in 2012 is there chance to join more than 100 communities in welcoming a historic Olympic tradition to Britain.

Land’s End
Located in the entrancing surroundings of Cornwall, Land’s End will provide a spectacular backdrop for the start of the Olympic Torch Relay. Situated at the extreme south-westerly point of the British mainland, Land’s End is a place of the first and the last, and many journeys have started from here to that other extremity on the British mainland, John O’Groats. This distance of 874 miles by road defines the length of many races, walks or charitable events.
Visitors to the area can stand on the cliff tops and experience the pounding surf of the wild Atlantic; on a clear day the Isles of Scilly might even be visible on the vast horizon. Cornwall is a place with an ancient past. Standing stones still dot the landscape a few miles inland from Land’s End, and Roman seafarers came to Cornwall to trade for tin. Later, the rich mineral resources enabled Cornwall to lead the way in the industrial revolution and many of its former mining districts are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Cornwall is transforming into a centre for innovative, knowledge-based businesses, and offers a vibrant cultural life.
Tourism forms an essential part of Cornwall’s economy. The county welcomes visitors, not just for traditional seaside holidays and the vast selection of sandy beaches but to enjoy sub-tropical gardens, adrenaline-filled sports and a marvelous array of festivals and events. On top of this, Cornwall is home to indulgent spas, sublime walks and tantalising restaurants with fresh produce.

Places of Interest
• Nine Maidens standing stones.
• Lizard Peninsula.
• Eden Project.
• Bodmin Moor.
• Tintagel Castle.
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Exeter
Exeter, hosting the Olympic Torch on Sunday 20 May, is an intimate city with fresh air, birdsong and hilltops on the horizon.
Original Roman walls circle the city centre and virtually every period of architecture over the last 2,000 years remains in splendid evidence, especially the centrally-located medieval Exeter Cathedral.
The Historic Quayside and canal are great places to go boating, cycling, walking, bird watching and shopping in antique and craft cellars. The city has a thriving arts scene, fine dining and live music venues.
Exeter is an ideal base for exploring Dartmoor, where you can find exposed granite tors amongst the moors, streams and wooded valleys, with a variety of villages and a rich history. It is also within 30 minutes of the Jurassic Coast, where 185 million years of the earth’s natural history is displayed over 90 miles of coastline.

Places of interest
• City wall – Comprises the remains of a two-mile russet-red wall built by the Romans around AD 55; about 70% is still standing and incorporated into the cityscape.
• Underground passages – Medieval vaulted tunnels built to house pipes bringing fresh water into the city.

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Swansea
Swansea, an ideal base for exploring south-west Wales, is both historic and contemporary with green parks and pounding surf. The city will hold an Olympic Torch evening celebration event on Saturday 26 May.
As Wales’ second-largest city, it has Viking roots and a long, eventful history. From medieval castles to state-of-the-art museum exhibits, from literary haunts to botanical gardens, there is something for everyone in the city. The city centre has a range of top attractions in the award-winning Marina and Maritime Quarter, including the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum and the Dylan Thomas Centre.
For local delicacies such as cockles, laverbread and welshcakes, visitors can head to Swansea Market, the largest indoor market in Wales. With a vibrant nightlife, the Wind Street area is a modern café quarter by day, and by night, is the liveliest street in the city.
Swansea also boasts excellent sporting facilities including the Wales National Pool – and the Liberty Stadium, a 20,000-seat venue which is home to Swansea City Football Club and The Ospreys Rugby Team.

Places of interest
• Worm’s Head, Gower – a limestone promontory said to resemble a dragon, named from old Norse.
• Arthur’s Stone, Gower – a Neolithic tomb capstone linked to Arthurian legend.
• Three Cliffs Bay, Gower – limestone cliffs.
• Swansea Bay and Mumbles Head – promontory and lighthouse. The bay has second highest tidal range in the world.
• Meridian Tower in Swansea Maritime Quarter – the highest residential building (and restaurant) in Wales.
• Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles – Norman Castle.

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The Isle of Man
The Isle of Man, hosting the flame on June 2, is a beautiful island with breathtaking scenery, unspoilt beaches and a relaxed way of life.
The Isle of Man is also the perfect destination for anyone in search of an adrenaline rush. You can visit secret places only accessible by kayak, go 1000 feet up on a quad bike, or take to the air on a trial flying lesson.
The island is highly regarded as a Centre of Excellence and has won the best International Finance Centre award seven times out of the last eight years.
Fairs, festivals and shows, many of which are celebrations of the Isle of Man’s unique heritage and culture, cater to all - from sport, art and music, to theatre and history.

Places of interest
• TT Mountain Course.
• Laxey Wheel.
• Castle Rushen.
• Tynwald Parliament.

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Belfast
On June 6 the flame reaches Belfast - a city of great contrasts: grand Victorian architecture alongside modernist glass masterpieces, traditional pubs alongside contemporary cafes, traditional retailers alongside high street chains and boutiques.
Some of Europe’s best scenery is on Belfast’s doorstep, from the Causeway Coast to the Mountains of Mourne, and some of the world’s best golf courses are can be found nearby. There is also a constant stream of exciting concerts, plays and exhibitions and attractions.

Places of interest
• Belfast City Hall.
• Titanic Quarter – the slipways and docks that built Titanic.
• Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens.
• Culturlann – the Irish Culture Centre.
• Belfast Castle and Cavehill Country Park.
• Murals of West Belfast, the Culturlann Irish Language Centre.

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Chester
The historic city of Chester, founded just under 2,000 years ago, in the year 79 AD will hold an evening event on May 29, to welcome the Olympic torch.A major tourist destination, it retains its original Roman street pattern, the country’s most complete city walls, and Britain’s largest amphitheatre – once the site of gladiatorial combat. Chester boasts medieval, two-tiered shopping streets called The Rows, where visitors can sample an abundance of exclusive stores, and fine restaurants.
Summers are alive with events and festivals, celebrating Chester’s rich cultural heritage. Race meetings at The Roodee, the UK’s oldest racecourse, attract thousands to the city each year. Other key attractions include a beautiful fascinating museums, and one of the nation’s most important zoos.

Places of interest
• The Eastgate Clock
• Chester Racecourse, the Roodee, dating back to the early 16th century.
• The River Dee (including Old Dee Bridge and Suspension Bridge).
• Chester Amphitheatre, used for training and gladiatorial combat in Roman times.
• Chester Castle.
• Grosvenor Park.

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York
York, hosting the flame on June 19, is an exceptional city – inventive, progressive and beautiful, and all on a human scale. York is a place where the old encompasses the new and the commonplace meets with the unexpected.
Renowned for its Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage, York is fast developing a flourishing cutting-edge scene. Visitors can enjoy world-class museums, and with a host of guided walks and boat trips on the River Ouse, there is an exciting adventure around every corner.
York is a ‘Science City’ and a ‘Cycle City’, with UNESCO bids for ‘Creative City’ and ‘World Heritage Site’ in preparation.
Connected and creative, York continues to inspire new ways of thinking , doing and being.

Places of interest
• National Railway Museum.
• National Centre for Early Music.
• Kings Manor.
• York Guildhall.
• Jorvik Viking Museum.
• York Racecourse.

As the Flame travels through these destinations, it marks the first time that the Olympic and Paralympics share a common platform with the schedule running from July to September 2012. Celebrations and events across Britain will mark the flame’s arrival, creating unique local experiences across the UK. The Olympic Torch relay is a must for any 2012 Britain itinerary.

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