Hadrian’s Wall

Posted on August 31, 2010 by admin

Hadrian’s Wall was built in AD122 during the rule of Emperor Hadrian and it took three legions more than 6 years to build it.

With a length of 73 miles (80 Roman miles) it is the largest ancient monument in northern Europe and spans England’s peninsula between Wallsend near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the east and Bowness-on-Solway in the west.

The wall that used to be 15 feet high and up to 10 feet thick was not built to keep the Scots out as popular stories tell, but is believed to have been some sort of customs post to enable the Romans to keep track of population flow between the north and the south of Britain.

Visitors of Hadrian’s Wall Country will find something to suit every taste and every budget. There are 14 major Roman sites, forts and museums and numerous milecastles and turrets to explore. But of course there are interesting non-Roman places in Hadrian’s Wall Country too and throughout the year many events take place to entertain both visitors and locals.

If you enjoy walking you can walk along the wall over the whole distance. The walking trail has a length of 84 miles and leads through rugged moorland, rolling fields and urban landscape.
But there are of course circular walks and shorter trails too to suit all abilities and they also take many sights along the way.
Plenty of accommodation and help with baggage transfer help you enjoy the walk.

And if you don’t fancy walking why not explore the Hadrian’s Cycleway with a length of 174 miles that goes through the entire World Heritage Site. It is clearly signposted and takes the cyclists to the major Roman sites and other attractions located just a short distance from the main route.

For children there are many hands-on activities in places such as Arbeia or Segedunum. At the Roman Army Museum they can learn all about how to join the Roman army and there are special family events at Corbridge, Chesters, Housesteads and Birdoswald. And even though the Stephenson Railway Museum at North Shields is not Roman, train-loving children (and adults) will love it.

When you walk along the wall from east to west, you can get a first impression of how Roman life used to be at the Segedenum Roman Fort, Baths & Museum. Newcastle offers great shopping and dining facilities and a thriving arts scene.

In Corbridge you will not only find the remains of a garrison town but also boutique shopping.

From Haydon Bridge you can easily get to Houseteads Roman Fort and Sewingshields Wall, Turret and Milecastle. Houseteads is the most complete Roman fort in Britain and you can enjoy stunning views from the walls of the fortress. When you walk along the barrack blocks you can imagine how life must have been at Roman times.

From Bardon Mill it is not far to Northumberland National Park or Roman Vindolanda. Another base for visiting Northumberland National Park is Gilsland. From there you also get to Birdoswald Roman Fort and to the remains of the Roman river crossing at Willowford with Thirlwall Castle nearby.

Brampton not only used to be the headquarters of the Jacobites but still is a good place to stay.
Carlisle is a thriving city with not only great shopping facilities as well as art and culture but also remains of the past. Carlisle Castle has welcomed visitors since Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobites.

Sitting on the stunning Solway Firth (an Area of Outstanding Beauty) is Bowness-on-Solway. Gazing at Scotland the area is a heaven for wildlife.

A starting point for the C2C (coast to coast) cycleway is Whitehaven.

Bird lovers will love St Bees Head as it is home of the largest seabird colony of north-west England. A cliff top path leads across the sandstone cliffs.

From Ravenglass with its bath houses you can easily get to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and to Muncaster Castle.

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Dartmoor

Posted on August 26, 2010 by admin

Dartmoor is an area of moorland in the centre of Devon in the South West of England.

It covers 368 square miles (954 square kilometres) and is protected by National Park status.
In the granite upland of the moor there are over 160 exposed Tors and it is the largest area of granite in Britain covering 241square miles (625 square kilometres). The highest point on Dartmoor and in Southern England is High Willhays, 2,037 ft (621 m) above sea level. The second highest is Yes Tor, 2,031 ft (619 m), and the probably best known is Haytor or Hay Tor, 1,499 ft (457 m).

Dartmoor is remarkably free from human interference and on of the few real wildernesses in England. Archeological finds show though, that settlers have already been there during the Neolithic and early Bonze Age. It is believed that during this period larger populations have moved onto the moor because many granite tools and buildings have been found. There are also many menhirs and stone circles and other monuments like the Beardown Man on Dartmoor. The Beardown Man ist standing 3.5 metres above ground and probably another metre of stone is buried under the ground.

No wonder that many myths and legends are associated with the moors and even the Devil himself is said to have appeared there once.  The moors are believed to be the home of pixies and other monstrous creatures like headless horsemen and a large black dog. Even the stories of famous writers such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie are based on the moors.

Walking on Dartmoor is excellent as it is offering vast open spaces and breathtaking views. Other activities famous with visitors are fishing on one of the rivers, cycling and pony trekking, and even for archaeologists Dartmoor still has a lot to offer.

As the moors are used by the British military for manoeuvres too you should check first, because this can affect walking areas. Click here for more information.

The Okehampton army base also is home to the Museum of Dartmoor Life and the Dartmoor Railway Ltd. serving a 15.5 mile (24.9 km) long railway line.

And besides wilderness there are also many gardens such as Stone Lane Gardens at Chagford or the The Garden House at Yelverton. The latter will be particularly interesting to fans of Alan Titchmarsh as he recommends paying it a visit.

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey and the Powdermills Pottery at Postbridge are of interest to those who fancy art and crafts. Every year in June a craft fair is also held at Bovey Tracey, the pleasant town on River Bovey.

Dartmoor is of course also famous for Dartmoor Prison. Built from 1806 to 1809 it held French and American prisoners of war and became a criminal prison from 1850. For a time it housed many of the more serious criminals. Most of the buildings still date from the late 19th century but 3 wings have recently been refurbished.

Dartmoor food is also excellent. You can get goat’s cheese, Dartmoor meat, pasties, cakes, honey, cream teas and if you want fish & chips too. And why not try the Dartmoor beer or cider. Some of the food you can get on traditional farmers markets in the area. Dartmoor also offers great shopping facilities and in beautiful boutiques you can buy works of art, books, wooden toys and much more. Of course outdoor specialists can be found here too to fully equip you.

So don’t hesitate, Dartmoor is waiting to be explored.

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Brighton

Posted on August 23, 2010 by admin

Brighton is a very popular seaside resort in East Sussex and the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove, formed from the previous towns of Brighton, Hove, Portslade and some other villages.

And as every proper coastal resort Brighton of course has a pier too. Work on the pier began in 1891 and it was opened in a grand ceremony on May 20th 1899. By 1901 the building of the pier with its minaret corner towers housed dining, smoking and reading rooms and a concert hall. By 1911 the concert hall had become a theatre attraction. 21 years later a big wheel was added and Brighton Pier grew in length and width. After WW2 business was booming and day sea trips from the pier became very popular until 1960.
In 1984 new features were introduced. There now are a traditional fish & chips restaurant, new food outlets on the forecourt, free deck chairs and free admission to the pier. When you visit Brighton Pier you should also pay the funfair a visit. The roller coasters and bumper cars are fun for all family. Numerous side-stalls are selling everything from ornaments, jewelry to tarot card readings.

Brighton Beach is the most popular beach in England not only with tourists but many day trippers, locals and even business people. The best place to do sunbathing is right by the pier as there are parking facilities and stalls and shops offering food and drink. But sunbathing is not the only reason to visit Brighton Beach. It is also popular for its many restaurants, attractions, pubs and clubs on the beachfront. And the popular hotels on the sea aren’t far away either.

Along the inland edge of the Brighton Beach to Black Rock runs Volk’s Electric Railway, which is the world’s oldest operating electric railway created in 1883.

A must-see attraction not only in Brighton but within the whole of the UK is the Royal Pavilion. When you approach it you probably wonder if you are somewhere in India because its exterior is about as non-English as could possibly be.

The Royal Pavilion was built in 1787 under command of the Prince Regent with the architect being the famous Henry Holland. It was originally known as ‘Marine Pavilion’ but was redesigned between 1815 and 1823 b y John Nash when the East was pretty much in vogue with royalty. In 1850 the Queen sold the pavilion. The inside of the Royal Pavilion is very Oriental and luxurious taking on a Chinese theme. Some of the chandeliers contain of crystals in the shape of lotuses held by a giant dragon. It is almost beyond belief and worth a visit.

Rooms you should see, once you are inside, are the Music Room, which was built because of King George IV’s love for music, the Banqueting Room, with its elegant artwork showing various scenes from China, a huge banquet table and a beautiful huge dragon Chandelier hanging above the diners heads, and the Great Kitchen which is a steam-power kitchen and a state of the art system in its time, King George IV was very proud of.

The Sealife Centre might be the world’s oldest aquarium as it dates back to 1872. Its interesting architecture seams to fuse Victorian style designs with modern day high-tech. It hosts over 150 marine species and 57 unique displays. Interesting is the underwater tunnel where you can see sharks, turtles and other fishes float above your head. The Sealife Centre for sure is a great adventure for all the family.

Another very popular building besides the Royal Pavilion is Preston Manor. It was initially built around the 1600s and over 20 rooms over 4 floors can be explored. Do note that it is closed between October and March. The old Manor House makes you feel like stepping back into the early years of the 20th century. There are also the 13th-century parish church of St Peter, a fascinating pets’ cemetery and walled gardens.

In the narrow streets of ‘The Lanes’ you can imagine what Brighton was like during the Middle Ages, even though some of the buildings have been modernised. It is the oldest area of Brighton and offers superb shopping facilities. There are little shops as well as fashionable new boutiques and charming restaurants and cafés.

Rather weird but certainly worth a visit is the Booth Museum of National History. It contains a large collection of British creatures, including birds, butterflies, whales, skeletons and more.

If you happen to come to Brighton in May you will certainly enjoy the Brighton Festival which officially is the second largest arts festival in Britain and usually held over a few weeks in May. It offers music, dance and theatre from artisans all over the world.

It is believed that Brighton is one of the top five cities that tourists want to visit during their stay in the United Kingdom.

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Visit Cornwall

Posted on August 20, 2010 by admin

Cornwall, the county in the very south west of England almost is an island of its own as it is separated from the rest of the country by the River Tamar.

Cornwall has the mildest and sunniest climate in the United Kingdom with spring coming early and autumn lingering long. And if that isn’t reason enough for a visit there is a lot to see and do in Cornwall too.

With almost 700 km Cornwall has the longest coastline in the UK with more than 300 beaches. On the Atlantic coast you find not only golden sands but also famous surfing beaches. Or you enjoy the gentle beaches of the Channel coast with hidden coves and tranquil creeks. And as Cornwall is surrounded by water you are never more than 16 miles from the sea.

But Cornwall has more to offer than only a stunning coastline, the landscape in the country simply is magnificent. The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Beauty consists of 12 separate geographical areas including 10 stretches of Cornish coastline, the Camel Estuary and Bodmin Moor.

Camel Estuary is famous for its tidal river valley which provides essential habitats for its wildlife.

Bodmin Moor is famous for its rolling moorland and the tors, overlooked by the summits of Brown Willy (1377 ft), Cornwall’s highest point, and Roughtor. Bronze Age settlers had been the first farmers in this area and as Bodmin Moor is one of the great unspoilt areas in the South West of England much of its prehistoric and medieval past can still be found. There are the stone circles that make up the Hurlers at Minions and Dozmary Pool where, according to the legend, the Lady of the Lake received King Arthur’s sword Excalibur.

Not only in Bodmin Moor but also in the rest of the country there are stone circles, castles, a rich maritime heritage and remains of Cornwall’s long mining history.

Ten of the mining districts are now inscribed as World Heritage Sites. Geevor Tin Mine is the largest preserved mining site in the UK and visitors can explore the narrow 18th century tunnels where men spend their time extracting tin under harsh conditions. The best way to discover Cornwall’s mining heritage is by bicycle on the cycle route leading through the mining districts of Camborne, Redruth and Gwennap. And at St Agnes you can see the impressive engine houses in cliff-top locations.

And speaking of the Cornish past, also the Cornish language should be mentioned. It was the universal language of the population of Cornwall from 1300 to 1900 and has a certain revival since then and plays an ongoing part in the past, present and future.

Also the maritime heritage is of importance to Cornwall and to learn more about it you should visit the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. There you can discover the world of shipwrecks, see the very first submarine, experience the history of diving and much more.

Truro is not only the only city in Cornwall and its capital but also the centre for trade and commerce. It is the shopping capital of Cornwall but also the magnificent Truro Cathedral with its elegant beauty and soaring spires is worth a visit. Inside the cathedral you can enjoy the tranquility and see the stained glass. Guided tours are available and there are also a shop and restaurant facilities. Other fine examples of architecture in Truro are the Coinage Hall, Assembly Rooms, Passmore Edwards Library, Princes House, the Mansion House and the fine Georgian architecture of Walsingham Place and Lemon Street, whereas the County Court building is an example of modern architecture.

Truro also is famous for its flea markets held regularly in the Hall for Cornwall foyer. And during the annual Cornwall Food and Drink Festival you can see arts and crafts at the Made in Cornwall fairs. The three day event celebrates the Cornish cuisine with cookery demonstrations by Cornish chefs.

On the popular Lemon Street Market you can find numerous specialist shops, art galleries and cafés.

When visiting Cornwall you will soon find out that many towns and villages are named after saints, which referring to early Celtic Christian missionaries. St Ives is one of them and has been declared Best Family Holiday Destination in the Coast Awards 2010. It offers a mix of adult and child friendly attractions and things to do and also has a unique art scene.

There are many galleries, craft and clothes shops in the maze of narrow cobbled streets and alleyways.  From one of the top restaurants around the harbour you can have a look around at the fishing boats and after a good meal you can visit the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and the Tate St Ives with its changing exhibitions. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the roof top café.

You can also watch the surfers at Porthmeor Beach or visit Steeple Woodland Nature Reserve offering 40 acres of woods, open heath-land and areas planted with young trees around Knill’s Monument above St Ives.

St Agnes is a beautiful village full of character and you can take a stroll down Stippy Stappy past quaint Sea Captains Cottages to the ruined harbour and beach. You can wisit the Parish Museum and the craft shops and galleries and choose form one of the excellent pubs and restaurants. After that you can walk the costal footpath to visit the ruins of the Wheal Coates Mine.

A good way to explore Cornish towns and villages with all the family is by going on a Treasure Trail. You get out and about, whilst solving a mystery and have great fun. There are 39 Treasure Trails in Cornwall.

St Austell is larger than Truro and at St Austell Brewery the famous beer is produced. The china clay industry used to be St Austell’s main industry and today you can visit the fascinating Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and the lunar style landscape of the China Clay Works behind the town. While in the area you should also pay the famous Eden Project, including the world’s largest greenhouse, a visit.

Falmouth is famous for its harbour which is one of the deepest in the world and for being the start of finish point of round-the-world record-breaking voyages. While being in Falmouth you should visit Falmouth Arts Centre at Church Street.

From Penzance you can easily get to the Isles of Scilly by ferry or helicopter. There are also Georgian and Regency buildings in the town. Some other interesting features are the Egyptian House, the Union Hotel and the Branwell House, where the mother and aunt of the famous Brontë sisters once lived. Of interest are also the seafront with its promenade and the open-air seawater JubileeBathing Pool which is one of the oldest surviving Art Deco swimming baths in the country.

A famous tourist attraction in Cornwall is Pendennis Castle. The 450 year old castle was one of Henry VIIIs strongholds and a military base in World War 2. In the Discovery Centre with hands-on activities visitors of all ages can come to grips with history. The underground defenses complete with smells and sounds are open to visitors. And there also a keep, built in the 16th century, can be explored with lofty battlements and a mighty Tudor gun-deck.

One of Britain’s best loved landmarks of course is Land’s End with its natural beauty and stunning scenery. In this unique location you can explore the cliff top trails an experience the natural splendour.

While being in Cornwall you should also visit St Michael’s Mount which is now open to the public. Being an island for most of the day you can walk across the causeway to the island when the tide is low. At other times the ferry boats run regular services. St Michael’s Mount has been a priory, fortress, a place of pilgrimage and the home of the St Aubyn family from 1659. In 1954 Lord St Levan gave St Michael’s Mount to the National Trust, but still lives there.

Cornwall is famous for its Cornish Pasty, Cornish fudge, ice cream and clotted cream.
And even though Cornwall can be seen as the home of pasties, cream teas and saffron cake you can also get fresh seafood, fine meat early soft fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cider and wine. Cornwall really has become a gourmet haven.

Due to its mild climate Cornwall also has some of the most beautiful gardens to visit anywhere on the British mainland.

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Wigan

Posted on August 17, 2010 by admin

Wigan the town in Greater Manchester historically is a part of Lancashire and stands on the River Douglas.

During classical antiquity Wigan was the territory of the Brigantes, an ancient Celtic tribe that ruled much of northern England. During the 1st century the Brigantes were subjugated in the Roman conquest of Britain and the Roman settlement of Coccium was established where Wigan lies. After the Romans had left in the 5th century, the Saxon in the 7th century founded a village in Wigan that in the 13th century grew into a town.

In 1779 the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was completed as far as Wigan and the town, like many others in the north of England, was transformed by the industrial revolution. Coal mining increased and the cotton weaving industry boomed.

Today the town is world famous for the Wigan Pier on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It used to be a coal loading staithe, probably a wooden jetty, which is believed to be demolished in 1929. George Formby, Sr. possibly was the one who invented the name Wigan Pier and also brought it to popular attention. Wigan and its Pier became famous in 1937 when George Orwell wrote his book ‘Road to Wigan Pier’, which painted a pretty grim picture of poverty and unemployment and was not very popular in Wigan.

In the 1980s Wigan Pier was redeveloped and now is a popular location for visitors and locals. A must-see for visitors at Wigan Pier is the mighty Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine, which was built in 1907.  Trencherfield Mill was a cotton spinning mill standing on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Every Sunday visitors can see the steam engine providing 2,500 hp and being one of the largest working examples of its type.

Also very popular with the visitors of Wigan are the Kittywake Canal Cruises which depart from the mooring at Wigan Pier. So after a visit to the Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine you could go on a cruise and you will certainly find that a ride on a canal barge is a great experience for the whole family. See www.kittywake.co.uk for further details.

If you want to find out more about Wigan and its people you should visit the Museum of Wigan Life, which was opened in April 2010. Besides other things you can learn something about how the Romans lived in Wigan.

Also worth a visit in Wigan is the Drumcroon Gallery in the town centre. Different exhibitions are held throughout the year and the visitors can even engage in practical activities to experience art themselves.

Another sight you should visit in the town centre is the Wigan Parish Church also located in the town centre. Even though it is unknown when it was founded, it is the oldest church in Wigan. It probably was built in the 11th or 12th century. Most of what you can see today though was erected between 1845 and 1850. Most of the stained glass also is from the 1800s but there are also a few pieces of Medieval glass.

But Wigan not only offers industrial sights and museums, it also is a pretty green city with many parks. On of the most popular is Mesnes Park.

For visitors who seek entertainment Wigan offers several large events throughout the year. There are a food and drink festival, the Woods Festival, which is a literary event and the famous Wigan Jazz Festival which takes place every July. The festivals and events are often attended by famous guests.

Wigan is a good starting point for trips to Manchester or Liverpool and has excellent links via road or rail to both cities.

For more information on Wigan you can visit the Tourist Information Centre at 62 Wallgate, just opposite Wigan Northern Western Train Station, or click here.

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Belfast

Posted on August 14, 2010 by admin

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and its largest city.  Settlement goes back to the Bronze Age but it didn’t become a major urban centre before the 18th century.

Because of the fact that Belfast Lough has always been a save haven for shipping and the fact that a fresh water river flowed into the Lough settlement started that early. Four hundred years ago Belfast has already been a bustling seaport. As trade increased and ship building became an industry the town grew and in 1888 was granted city status by Queen Victoria.

Thanks to the waterfront Belfast grew from a small town to a big city of over 450,000 people by the beginning of the 20th century. Many impressive buildings were erected to demonstrate the civic pride of the Victorian city fathers. But Belfast not only had the largest shipyard in the world but also the largest linen mill. And City Hall, which was built to celebrate the city’s award of city status, was finished in 1906 on the site of the old White Linen Hall. Also located in Donegall Square is the Linenhall Library designed by Sir Charles Lanyon. He also designed the Lanyon Building at Queen’s University and many other Victorian buildings in Belfast.

Like most old cities, Belfast was divided up in quarters and still today remnants of these old quarters exist.

The Cathedral Quarter is not only the oldest but also the closest to the waterfront and dominated by the beautiful Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Anne’s. In the cathedral you can see mosaics designed by Sir Charles Nicholson and executed by Gertrude and Margaret Marin, the largest Celtic Cross in Ireland and mosaics and stained glass on Celtic themes. In the Cathedral Quarter also many of Belfast’s oldest buildings can be found. It is the city’s main tourist and cultural area.

Queen’s Quarter close to it, is a lively area of its own charm and character with the university being its heart. Here academia, entertainment, culture and commerce fuse and create a very unique neighbourhood.

The Titanic Quarter is only relatively new in name and located in the old shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff. Here not only the ill-fated RMS Titanic, but so many great liners were built to sail across the oceans of the world. SS Nomadic, Titanic’s little sister, which served as a tender ship at Cherbourg, has returned to Belfast and is being restored. Plans are made to commemorate the centenary of Titanic’s launch and departure from Belfast in 2012. Exhibits then will tell visitors the story of Northern Ireland’s maritime history and the Titanic.

The Gaeltacht Quarter is where the Celtic heritage of Belfast is celebrated with the Irish language, music, myth and folklore. The name of Belfast is derived from the Gaelic Béal Feirste which roughly translated means ‘the mouth of the sandbank’. And here, in the quarter along the Falls Road, the historical legacy is most potent and vibrant.

The only bar in the UK owned by the National Trust is the Crown Liquor Saloon in Great Victoria Street. It was designed by Joseph Anderson in 1876 and was made famous as the setting for the film ‘Odd Man Out’ starring James Mason. The restaurant panels in the bar were originally made for the Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic.
The two giant cranes Samson and Goliath stand out against Belfast’s skyline at the Harland and Wolff shipyard which now is the location of the world’s largest dry dock.

Another must-see of Belfast is the Grand Opera House which was completed in 1895. During the Troubles it was bombed several times, was listed in the 1970s and has now been restored to its former glory. Eisenhower, Montgomery and Alanbrooke attended a gala performance here to mark the end of World War II.

Due to the special micro-climate of Belfast that is created by the surrounding mountains it is easy to grow plants and many parks and gardens can be found in the city. One of the most popular is Botanic Gardens in the Queen’s Quarter. Its Palm House was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon and built by Richard Turner in the 1830s. It is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear and cast iron glasshouse. Other attractions in the park are the Tropical Ravine, rose gardens and the concerts and music festivals being held there.

After all the sights and parks the city also offers superb shopping facilities. Most of the great shopping finds are within walking distance of each other. Whether it is high street or budget shopping, the city offers a great variety for every taste and pocket.

Belfast also is a very family friendly city and there are a vast number of things to do and places to go for the entire family. You can get entertained, amused and even educated as children love to investigate and explore things.

Belfast also offers a wide range of accommodation styles with something for every taste from luxurious five star hotels to comfortable hostel accommodation.

From England and Scotland there are direct sea crossings to Belfast and you can also get there easily by plane from Europe.

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Cardiff

Posted on August 11, 2010 by admin

Croeso i Caerdydd (Welcome to Cardiff) might be the first thing you hear when you get to Cardiff, the Welsh capital with its unique attractions.

Cardiff made a city in 1905 and capital in 1955 is the most popular travel destination of Wales with more than 12 million visitors each year.

Two theories exist on about where the name Cardiff or Caerdydd comes from. Both theories agree that “caer” means “fort” or “castle” but although “dydd” means “day” in modern Welsh, it is not quite clear what it means in this context. It is believed that “dydd” or “diff” either is a corruption of “Taff” and means the “fort or castle on the river Taff” or is linked to Aulus Didius Gallus, a former Roman governor in the Region, and means “The Fort of Didius”.

Due to the fact that Cardiff lies at the centre of the three river systems of Taff, Ely and Rhymney, the first residents could easily control trade and movement along these rivers and had the power over a large area. The Romans took advantage of this location too and set up a fort on the site of Cardiff Castle about 55-60AD. Besides the Romans also the Vikings and Normans came to Cardiff and in 1091 Robert Fitzhamon started work on the castle keep which still today is the heart of the city.

The castle originally built of wood was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. In the 15th century the Welsh army of Owain Glyndŵr destroyed the town and the castle. In 1423 Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, restored the castle and also erected the octagonal tower, now known as Beauchamp’s Tower. In the 19th century the castle and walls were restored by William Burges who was employed by the third Marquis of Bute.

The Glamorganshire Canal linking Merthyr Tydfil with Cardiff and the Cardiff docks was built in the late 19th century and it then was possible to take advantage of the huge coal reserves in the area. Cardiff became the biggest coal exporting port in the world reaching its peak in 1913, with more than 10 million tons going through it.   As the port grew the population of Cardiff also grew and sailors and workers from across the world settled there and helped create the multi-cultural character of Cardiff.

If you want to learn more about Cardiff and Wales you should visit the National Museum Cardiff housing the national archaeology, art, geology and natural history collections of Wales as well as one of Europe’s finest art collections, including one of the best collections of Impressionist works.

The Norwegian Church is one of the landmark buildings of Cardiff Bay’s waterfront and children’s author Roald Dahl was christened there. The former church for Norwegian sailors today is used for cultural events. Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre tells visitors about how the city’s docklands had been transformed into Cardiff Bay which is now a centre for culture and entertainment.

St Fagans National History Museum stands on the grounds of St Fangans Castle and is one of the world’s best open-air museums. Visitors here can see more 40 original historical buildings from different parts of Wales.

In 2004 Wales Millennium Centre opened and has become one of the world’s most important arts and cultural destinations. It is not only a centre for performing arts but also a cultural landmark. Another modern sight is the Millennium Stadium of Cardiff. Used for major sporting and cultural events it is one of the UK’s top stadiums.

Cardiff also offers splendid shopping facilities. In the city you do not only find the designer brands and high street names but also individual and independent shops in either Edwardian and Victorian arcades or modern shopping centres.  In the city you also find the best international restaurants of Wales and the UK and a huge choice of pubs, bars and nightclubs.

And if you want to take some food home you can easily get it on one of the UK’s best farmers’ markets with a great choice of organic, fair-trade and local products.

You can easily reach Cardiff from anywhere in the UK and it is only two hours away from London by car or rail.
The city itself can easily be explored by foot, but you can also take a bus or hire a bike.

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Edinburgh

Posted on August 8, 2010 by admin

Edinburgh is the capital and after Glasgow the second largest city in Scotland and located in the south-east of the country.

It lies on the east coast of the Central Belt, along the Firth of Forth, near the North Sea and people have settled in the area from at least the Bronze Age.

The beautiful and enchanting City of Edinburgh also is a surprisingly green place with many wide open spaces where you can have a picnic or simply relax.

The City of Edinburgh offers not only the medieval Old Town, the Georgian New Town but also award winning modern architecture and superb shopping facilities.

The oldest part of Edinburgh Castle is St Margaret’s Chapel and dates back to the 12th century. About 1510 the Great Hall was built by James IV and the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century. After WW1 the National War Memorial was erected. The ancient stronghold on top of the craggy remains of an extinct volcano is at the heart of the Scottish capital.

Inside the castle you can find the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous siege gun Mons Meg, the National War Museum of Scotland and the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland and I of England.
Not only guided tours but also audio guide tours in eight languages are available and if you want a special souvenir from Edinburgh Castle you can purchase some specially designed jewellery in the Crown Jewel shop.
As you can certainly imagine the view of the city from the castle is great.

Other viewpoints of the city are Calton Hill with the unfinished Athenian acropolis and the Nelson Monument, Arthur’s Seat and Corstorphine Hill and also the Braid Hills and Blackford Hill which also offer a great view of the Forth.

The Royal Mile leads down from the castle to Holyrood Palace and minor streets lead downhill on either side of it in a herringbone pattern.  As there was not much space, the buildings were built up high and the closes and wynds are pretty narrow.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland and was founded as a monastery in 1128. At one point it also was the residence of Mary Queen of Scots. The Royal Apartments and the new Queen’s Gallery, hosting changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, are open to the public when the Queen is not in residence.

In this medieval Old Town St Giles’ Cathedral is located. It is the High Kirk of Edinburgh and has been an important religious focal point for about 900 years and sometimes is regarded as the mother church of Presbyterianism.
It is said that four massive central pillars of the church date back from 1124, but as the building suffered a great fire in 1385 and was rebuilt after that, there is no evidence to it.  Due to its many monuments and the sheer size St Giles’s Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction, especially during the annual Edinburgh Festival in summer which centres on the Royal Mile.

Sir George Gilbert Scott designed St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral which was built in 1879. It is one of the world’s great neo-Gothic buildings and its three spires (the main spire is 270 ft high) forming a powerful ensemble dominate the West End skyline. Highlights of the interior are stained glass by Paolozzi, Rood Cross by Robert Lorimer and Oldrid Scott’s high altar. The organ by ‘Father’ Willis 1879 was rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison of Durham.
The Royal Museum of Scotland was built between 1861 and 1888 and designed by Captain Francis Fowke who was also responsible for the Royal Albert Hall.

In the museum visitors can see artifacts from around the world and of many fields of interest such as geology, archeology, natural history, science and art. And even the stuffed body of sheep Dolly or one of Elton John’s suits can be seen here. The wing which houses the whale skeleton is closed for renovation and will reopen in 2011.

In 1766 22-year-old James Craig won a competition to design the New Town. It had become necessary to have more space for living as the Old Town was too crowded by then. One of the main streets of the New Town is Princes Street which has become the main shopping street in Edinburgh and only few Georgian buildings survived on it. Charlotte Square at the west end of George Street was designed by Robert Adam and is said to be one of the finest Georgian squares in the world.

St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church is one of two elegant new town churches built according to the plans of James Craig. Today it is open daily for worship and also hosts chamber and choral music. During the Edinburgh Fringe up to 4 concerts a day are held.

Also worth a visit is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery providing a unique visual history of Scotland.

And if you seek peace and quiet after all these sights you should pay the Royal Botanic Garden a visit. Here you can relax in a sunny afternoon or learn about trees, ferns plants and other flora from around the world.

And when you are in Edinburgh you should also discover the surrounding countryside of East, West and Midlothian. The area is not only magnificent but also perfect for walking.

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Kent, Garden of England

Posted on August 5, 2010 by admin

Kent is a county in the south east corner of England and rightly renowned throughout the world as the Garden of England.

You can easily visit Kent as it is just 35 minutes from central London on Southeastern’s new high speed rail link. And even once there you can visit much of the county by train.

In Kent you do not only find the Blue Flag awarded beaches of Thanet but also the iconic landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover.

The Isle of Thanet include the popular sea side resorts of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs where you can have all the fun of a traditional seaside holiday, with rock pools, funfairs, Punch & Judy, sandcastles and ice cream. But if you think that is too boring you can do sports like surfing, kayaking, jet skiing or kite surfing. Or discover more about marine life on Seashore Safaris.

In Margate you can find both, a seaside resort with traditional seaside fun and entertainment you might remember from childhood holidays and the high energy-sports like kit-boarding, surfing or jet skiing. In Margate Old Town you will find the 16th century timber-framed Tudor House and the mysterious Shell Grotto in Grotto Hill. There the underground rooms and passageways are covered by 2000 square feet of shell mosaic. No one ever found out who built it, when or why. Margate has also had many famous visitors such as The Beatles, Laurel and Hardy and Status Quo. They all stayed at the Winter Gardens dating back to the 19th century.

Ramsgate boasts with the award-winning sandy beach and the only ‘Royal’ Harbour in the country. Along the waterfront there are lots of little cafés and pubs and you can sit outside people watching or dreaming about going on a cruise with one of the yachts sitting in the marina. The town centre also offers great shopping facilities. Well worth visiting also are the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum and the RAF Manston History Museum not far from the town.

In the little lanes of Broadstairs you can find tiny flint houses, fishermen’s cottages and small shops. On a relaxing walk along the promenade you can see charming gardens and try some delicious homemade ice cream. And a cliff top stroll leads you to beautiful beaches and bays.  Viking Bay is Broadstairs main beach and has a small harbour as well as children’s amusements.

Deal is said to be the prettiest seaside town in Kent and Henry VIII liked it so much that he built three castles there. You can walk along the unspoilt promenade and the newly restored Pier, tell the time at Timeball Tower, and try the restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy a meal of locally caught fish. In the maze of the narrow streets and alleyways smugglers tried to escape King George’s men and in one of the friendly small shops you for sure find something special to take home.

For those who seek traditional seaside magic with candyfloss, ice cream parlours, cafés, pubs and fish and chip bars Here Bay might be the right destination. The beaches are lined with brightly coloured beach huts reflecting the character of this seaside town with its Victorian architecture and beautiful seafront gardens.  Here one of Kent’s largest Carnivals will take place on Saturday 14 August 2010.

Folkestone offers the historic Old High Street and Bayle, the centre of the ‘Creative Quarter’ as well as twenty –first century shopping and leisure activities. The award-winning Lower Leas Costal Park boasts with landscape gardens, beaches, the biggest children’s adventure playground in south east England, outdoor theater and walking and cycling trails. Also worth a visit are the Battle of Britain Museum and Memorial at Capel, the Brigade of Ghurkas Visitor Centre at Shorncliffe and the antique shops in Sandgate.

Above the historic Cinque Port town of Hythe St Leonard’s Church, famous for its ossuary, stands like a small cathedral. On High Street you can find restaurants, antique dealers, small family-owned shops and old buildings. The Royal Military Canal, once built as a defence against Napoleon, leads across the Romney Marsh to the Sussex border with walks, cycle ways and picnic places.

You should also take a steam train ride on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. It is the world’s smallest public railway (one-third full scale) and operates on a 14-mile route.

Maidstone the county town at the heart of the Garden of England is surrounded by orchards, hop gardens and picturesque countryside attractions such as Leeds Castle and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Maidstone itself offers its rich history, arts culture, great shopping and entertainment facilities. Must-sees are also the Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery with the Earth Heritage Gallery, the Maidstone Carriage Museum housed in the stables of the Archbishop’s Palace and the Maidstone Millennium Park. A collection of historic buildings in the Museum of Kent Life tells you all about rural life in Kent.

The wild and desolated Romney Marsh has always been inspirational to artists and writers and really is a green paradise. More than 100 square miles of unspoilt wooden hills, meadows gazed by sheep, broad sands and shingle beaches welcome the visitors with the thirteen medieval churches.
To see it all, you can go aerial sightseeing over Romney Marsh which once used to be smuggler’s country.

Some of the best-preserved medieval houses of Great Britain you find in the ancient town of Sandwich. There you can step back in time and experience the old traditions. Every evening at 8pm the curfew bell from St Peter’s Church is rung. And when you wander around the historic streets you should visit one of the numerous tearooms for your afternoon tea.

Rochester Castle is one of the finest Norman buildings in the country and the ancient Rochester Cathedral is England’s second-oldest cathedral. In the historic town many buildings that featured in the works of Charles Dickens can still be seen. The wide pavements, ornament lamp posts and historical buildings in Rochester allow you to step back into Victorian times. Many lively and colourful events take place in Rochester every year.

When you are in Kent you should also visit elegant Leeds Castle, a treasure house of furnishings, Deal and Walmer Castle and of course Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover as well as Canterbury Cathedral.

And if you think Kent hasn’t enough to offer you can still go on a day trip to France.

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Lake District

Posted on August 4, 2010 by admin

The Lake District is one of Britain’s most popular holiday destinations and famous for its lakes and mountains.

It is England’s largest National Park with its highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and its deepest lake, Wastwater.  And if you want you can just walk up a fell and enjoy the stunning view. This alone will certainly help you get a different perspective on life. But there many more things you can do.

Did you know that despite the name Lake District, only one of the lakes contains lake in its name? It is Bassenthwaite Lake, the rest are meres, waters, tarns or reservoirs. The features of the Lake District are a result of glaciations. This is how the U-shaped valleys were formed. Many of them now are filled with the lakes that give the park its name.

Due to the Lake District’s connections with famous writers such as William Wordsworth and the Lake Poets the area became a popular travel destination. Even though the roads improved at that time the numbers of visitors to Keswick dramatically increased when the Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith railway line was built. This is how the small market town became a busy tourist centre with lots to see. And about 1.5 miles south east of Keswick visitors can find the Castlerigg Stone Circle standing on a natural plateau with a 360 view over the surrounding fells. This stone circle composed of 38 free standing stones dates back to the Neolithic period 4000 to 5000 years ago. It is not yet clear whether it was used for social gatherings or religious ceremonies.

Bowness on Windermere is a place with easy access from the M6 or A590 and offers accommodation for all budget levels and many things to do. Before the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, it was a small fishing village. But with the railway the influx of visitors began and many Victorian Guest Houses still date back to that time. The village offers a wide range of shops, cafés and restaurants and the famous Beatrix Potter Attraction. In high summer it gets very busy. By the lake you can hire all sorts of boats and also go on a lake cruise with the vessels Swan, Teal & Tern being buit in 1938, 1936 and 1891.

Or you go on a cruise with one of the Ullswater Steamers which operate on the lake form more than 150 years. You can combine a cruise with a walk in the area. Here you find more information about the Ullswater Steamers: www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

There also is canoeing and kayaking for all levels in the Lake District depending on whether you fancy tackling the rapids on the river Brathy or a serene paddle on Coniston Water.

Another water based activity is fishing in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District as it offers some great fishing opportunities. You will find peace and quiet away from the crowds. Some of the fish to be found in the area are pike, carp, tench, bream, chub and grayling.

If you are interested in seeing what the Lake District from above without having to climb a mountain, you can enjoy the stunning view from a hot air balloon or a helicopter. Both are really spectacular ways of discovering the area.

And as it often rains in the Lake District here are also things you can do when the sun isn’t shining.

You could pay the Aquarium of the Lakes at Lakeside a visit and take a look at the fascinating freshwater marine life. You can even get there by steam train on the Haverthwaite Steam Railway.

The Blackwell Arts and Crafts House was designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott between 1898 and 1900 and a great example of Arts and Crafts movement architecture. The recently restored building is open to the public 7 days a week.

In the Cars of the Stars Museum in Keswick you can see not only James Bond’s vehicles but also those of the Flintstones and many others. A must-see for car enthusiasts. More information you find here: www.carsofthestars.com

Another museum situated in Keswick is the Cumberland Pencil Museum housing not only the first ever pencil but also the world’s largest pencil. The museum also offers a lot for kids to do, so it would be a perfect day out for all family.
Or visit the World Famous Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston on the south west of the Lake District. Stan Laurel was born there in 1890.

And when the sun is shining again why not go for a nice walk? The Lake District has something to offer for everybody. From short and easy walks to moderate and guided walks. A pretty long walk would be the Cumbria Way, a 70 mile walk from Ulverston in the South of Cumbria to Carlisle in the North right through the centre of the Lake District. Here you get more information: www.thecumbriaway.info

This was only some of what the Lake District has to offer. Get on your way and experience this beautiful region yourself.

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