By Robert Selwitz

Sometimes a second look is the best choice when deciding on a vacation destination. While many are driven by the need to see as many of the world's nearly 200 countries as they can, others pick places they've earlier enjoyed or locations that are key to subjects they find particularly fascinating.

Great Britain overflows with these options. And many U.S. travelers already opt to explore these paces on their own. But for those who want to have itineraries and details handled by a third party, or whose vacation time is limited, recently opened U.K. Countryside Tours has joined the roster of firms offering innovative programs covering a broad spectrum of interests.

For those excited by visiting the United Kingdom's finest gardens, there are tours that concentrate on such must-sees as London's Chelsea district, Hampton Court and the annual Royal Horticultural Society exposition. There are also visits to the landscapes conjured up by the legendary Capability Brown, contemporary sculpture parks, and a grand swath of classic English country homes and gardens, many of which are rarely accessible to the general public.

The company also coordinates visits to Thomas Hardy's birthplace, the cottage home where Jane Austen lived at the end of her life, the Pennine moors, and the setting for Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights." Also fascinating is Chatsworth House, the massive baroque palace at the heart of the Peak District National Park, which inspired Jane Austen's Pemberley, so pivotal to "Pride and Prejudice."

Then there is a huge range of historical events whose locations bring their stories to life. This is particularly true for the saga of the Mayflower. In 1620 the ship set sail from Plymouth, England, carrying 102 English separatists seeking a new life in the New World. But there's a huge backstory to this voyage, and almost everyone loves seeing the places that were essential to making the voyage possible.

For instance, visit Scrooby, the northern English village where you can sit in the same pews and explore the churches where future Pilgrims worshiped. Equally intriguing is the manor home of William Brewster, where secret prayer meetings were held for years prior to the Mayflower's departure.

Other stimulating ventures include an in-depth look at Cambridge. Home to one of the world's most famous universities, this is where many of the world's greatest writers, thinkers and scientists lived and studied.

One definite highlight is following in Charles Darwin's footsteps, visiting Cambridge's Christ College that he attended. Here you can view some of the plant and animal specimens he collected on the HMS Beagle during his voyage that visited the Galapagos Islands and examples of his correspondence now housed at the University Library. And for the perfect wrap-up, participants can savor a dinner in Christ's College.

Along with experiencing Cambridge University grounds, libraries and architecture, there's also the opportunity to "punt" (power a flat-bottom boat via a long pole) on the River Cam.

Countryside also explores a sampling of the rich architectural trove that comprises England's stately homes. These include the aforementioned Chatsworth House, where 15 generations of the Cavendish family have lived. And nearby lies Haddon Hall, originally constructed during the 13th century, considered to be among the most fascinating and well-preserved homes to survive from the Middle Ages.

For a complete change of pace, visitors love the strolls and lore surrounding the real Sherwood Forest and the likely mythical Robin Hood. The tour here is led by a skilled impersonator who brings to life the tales of Robin's struggle on behalf of common people.

Incidentally, fairly nearby is The School of Artisan Food, where travelers who'd love to upgrade their culinary skills are welcome to take short courses. Based on the Welbeck Estate in North Nottinghamshire, the school's courses include instructions on making cheese, butter, sourdough bread and chocolate.

Serious history buffs will enjoy an in-depth look at life during the Saxon era that bridged many of the centuries between the end of Roman rule in parts of Britain and the beginning of Norman dominance. Stops include the Hastings battlefield, the British Museum — home to the seventh-century Sutton Hoo Viking treasures excavated in Suffolk in 1939 — and the British Library, where "Beowulf" manuscripts and the eighth-century Lindisfarne gospels are housed.

There will be a visit to Tamworth, the ancient capital of Anglo-Saxon Mercia, to see the Staffordshire Hoard, the biggest collection of Anglo-Saxon jewelry ever discovered.

The tour also includes a look at Stamford Bridge, site of the first major battle of the 1066 invasion, and Jarrow, home of Bede's monastery to see one of England's first stained-glass windows as well as the oldest complete Anglo-Saxon church in England.

Also intriguing is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, dating to the sixth century and the site of one of the earliest Viking raids; the 13th-century York Minster; and the renowned Durham Cathedral. Massive Durham — featuring Romanesque and Norman architecture — is one of Europe's greatest churches.

WHEN YOU GO

British Tourism: www.visitbritain.com/us/en

U.K. Countryside Tours: www.ukcountrysidetours.com www.schoolofartisanfood.org/page/contact-us

A visit to Cambridge, England, might include punting down the River Cam. Photo courtesy of Robert Selwitz.

Robert Selwitz is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.