Great Britain's historic links with Antarctica have been renewed as a team of repairmen prepare to head to the ice continent.

A leading group of window and door specialists from Sheffield have been commissioned to visit the pole to perform maintenance work on one of the continent's original research stations.

While not the most immediately appealing of destinations, travelling to Antarctica is most certainly a journey few will ever forget.

The region has remained uninhabited for much of its long history - with all of its few residents being scientists - but one of most endearing stories is that of Captain Robert Falcon Scott.

Captain Scott and his crew became world-famous for their two journeys to the Antarctic shortly after the turn of the twentieth century. His initial trip to the South Pole, the successful Discovery Expedition took place between 1901 and 1904 and was the first official British voyage to the area.

In his second journey to the continent, the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition in 1910, Captain Scott and his crew battled with the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen to be the first to reach the South Pole. After losing out in their fight to beat Amundsen, Captain Scott and his crew tragically died on the return journey.

For the modern traveller, Antarctica still has much wonder and mystery to offer.

The first destination for many cruises and trips is to the continent's Antarctic Peninsula - the region's most visited area. Located about 1,000 miles from the southernmost edges of Argentina and Chile, it features numerous islands and several fascinating attractions.

While not accessible on foot due to it being designated an area of special scientific interest, a view of the fantastic Cierva Cove is possible, where wildlife lovers are likely to catch a glimpse of the region's indigenous leopard seals.

Daring visitors to the land of ice will also likely want to stop off at Deception Island, where one of the world's biggest colonies of chinstrap penguins can be found in the giant natural amphitheatre known as Baily Head.

Britain's history of involvement with Antarctica can also be found on Deception Island in Whaler's Bay, where intrepid explorers will see the remains of the British Antarctic Survey base destroyed by earthquakes in the late 1960s.

Those Antarctic visitors looking for a hot bath would also be well-advised to stop-off at Pendulum Cove for a dip in some of the region's warmest hot springs.

The volcanic Paulet Island is another of the continent's enchanting wonders. Home to not only the largest gathering of adelie penguins on the entire planet but also offers spectacular views from its towering peak.

Finally, Port Lockroy - perhaps the peninsula's most popular destination - is a must-see. Staffed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust during the summer since 1996, the research base in Port Lockroy receives about 10,000 unique visitors every year. For those looking for something to take home to friends and family, a souvenir from the South pole is likely to impress.

A journey to then Antarctic Peninsula takes about two days via boat from Chile, while those with less time on their hands may want to take a one and a half hour flight from the same country.

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