The Scottish Highlands

Posted on April 19, 2012 by admin

The Scottish Highlands or simply `The Highlands` as they are often referred to, represent the whole of the Northwest of Scotland. Seen by many as the epitome of Scotland, the Highlands are home to some of the UKs most splendid scenery from mountains and glens to lochs and forests. Whether you are headed to the Highlands for a day trip, a weekend break or a three week tour, there are no end of highlights and attractions and however long you are there for, there`ll still be more to tempt you back another time. The Highlands is a place to do and see so many things, from learning about ancient history to skiing in the Cairngorms National Park.

The Highlands include the Cairngorms National Park which is the largest national park in the UK. Home to a quarter of the UK`s threatened species it`s a must for wildlife and plant enthusiasts. The Cairngorms represent a number of landscapes including glens, moorlands, pinewoods, tundra and mountains. Outdoor activities are popular here as well as throughout the Highlands. These include skiing, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, cycling and so much more. The Highlands are home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis, found in the Grampian Mountains. `The Ben`, as it is locally known offers a range of climbing and walking routes.

For those who wish to delve into the fascinating history of the Highlands there are a number of visitor attractions and many grand castles. Highland`s history takes you from Neolithic times to the Vikings and the Picts, through to the emergence of the clans and their famous tartans. The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore portrays the everyday life of Highlanders from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. Castles are of course a defining facet of both the landscape and the history of Scotland. Some of the most popular castles to visit in the Highlands include Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale-esque building and Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed places in Scotland.

With all the mountains, glens and lochs, many people forget that the Highlands boast hundreds of miles of coastline. Much of this is dramatic and rugged but there are also miles of tranquil and surprisingly scenic coastal walks. There are also a great number of sandy beaches including the popular Nairn beach, which offers great facilities for children and miles of unspoiled views.

The Highlands can be explored by train and many lines offer scenic routes which are an adventure of their own. Travelling the area by car is a great way to discover the towns and villages which exist away from the beaten track. 121carhire.com is an option many people use when travelling around the Highlands. Whether you go for the history, the adventure or the jaw dropping scenery, the Highlands offer an unforgettable experience in more ways than one.

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London’s hidden Attractions

Posted on March 21, 2012 by admin

Of course every visitor to London has heard attractions such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey or the London Eye.

But there are of course lots of other places well worth a visit.

Trafalgar Square © HerryLawford/flickr.com

About everybody knows Nelson’s Column on Trafalgar Square to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. But did you know the statue is said to have a spare nose? The nose can be found on the inside wall of nearby Admiralty Arch where you can see a lump of stone resembling a nose, about seven feet above the ground. The nose was indeed placed there by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as part of a campaign against the “Big Brother” society.

Not as famous as Hide Park but possibly the most interesting of all London Parks is Battersea Park just a few miles south of Marble Arch on the south bank of the River Thames. Before 1846 the area was known as Battersea Fields and a popular spot for dueling. The land was formerly also used for market gardens that served the London population.
Besides many varieties of trees you can also see birds such as Herons, Cormorants or Grebes when feeding the ducks on the lake. Some major landmarks nearby are the Battersea Power Station and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Denmark Street, also known as the British Tin Pan Alley is famous for its connections with British popular music. Elton John, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and many other well-known stars wrote and recorded their music here. Today you find a mix of music shops, gardens and jazz cafés in Denmark Street.

The rooms of the Dennis Severs’ House, 18 Folgate Street, were recreated as the fictive home of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers by Dennis Severs between 1979 and 1999. The building is now open to the public. A visit there is not only step back in time but also an extraordinary experience.

And of course London offers a great variety of hotels and guest houses. For hotel reviews of London hotels click here.

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Hidden Holiday Locations, UK

Posted on December 17, 2011 by admin

Britain has some well known holiday destinations such as Brighton and Blackpool but if you are looking for somewhere to take a relaxing break without the crowds there are many hidden holiday locations which have plenty to offer.

Galloway © Ricky Cosmos/flickr.com

If you are looking for a walking holiday in Scotland then the majority of people will go to the Highlands and the Cairngorm National Park. However the area around Dumfries and Galloway has beautiful scenery, woodlands, beaches, secluded coves and offers holiday makers plenty of opportunity to take a hike, go mountain biking, horse riding or just watch the abundance of wildlife.

In East Anglia the area of coastline surrounding Wells-Next-The-Sea is not well known but is perfect for a holiday combining a trip to the beach with some historic houses. The beach at Wells-Next-The-Sea is vast and at one end there is a harbour which is famous locally for crabs and children frequently fish for crabs off the harbour wall. The town itself has many Georgian houses, pubs and parks. The surrounding area has plenty of country walks, water sports, bird watching and countryside parks that are all well worth visiting.

When most people think of Devon they picture the beaches and Jurassic coastline that it is famous for. Not many people would think of taking a holiday to Dartmoor and the beautiful countryside it has to offer. Mountain biking and hill walking are popular pastimes in the area. Horse trekking is also a popular pursuit across the moor. The small village of Buckland-in-the-Moor is a typical Dartmoor village with thatched cottages, a church and a quaint old world feeling.

When holidaying in Wales the majority of people are drawn to Snowdonia and the challenge of walking up mountains. However the North Wales coastline and Gower Peninsular are also great areas of natural beauty with unspoiled beaches, golden sand and plenty of wildlife to see. Just off the coast the Island of Caldey is home to a Monastery of Cistercian Monks. The area surrounding the coastline has many golf courses, pleasant walks and dramatic scenery to visit. There are also many castles along the coast in various states of repair.

Another hidden holiday location is the beautiful area surrounding the Thames Estuary. The Haven Allhallows Holiday Park is located on the banks of the estuary and is home to a holiday park with many facilities available for the young and old alike.

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North East of England

Posted on May 29, 2011 by admin

The North East of England includes the areas of Northumberland, NewcastleGateshead, Durham and Tees Valley. Thanks to extensive transport links and the compact nature of this part of the UK, a range of attractions can be easily explored. From stately homes and gardens to galleries and steam trains, every day can be filled with something wonderful.

Tees Valley is an alluring tourist area. It boasts working museums that reveal the region`s proud railway and maritime heritage, acclaimed modern art, designer shopping and a thriving surfing scene.

Durham Market Place © Mrs Logic/flickr.com

Durham is a beautiful cathedral city that contrasts cosmopolitan galleries and cafes with an amazing history. The rural surroundings from the North Pennines to the Heritage Coast show off outstanding natural beauty.

NewcastleGateshead is a lively location with inspirational music and art, exceptional shopping and divine places to eat. This dazzling contemporary city offers everything within walking distance plus it`s just 20 minutes from the coast by Metro.

Northumberland is the place for exhilaration and relaxation. From the glorious coastline to the rolling Cheviot Hills to Hadrian`s Wall Country, it`s all simply breathtaking. The region is dotted with historic castles and traditional market towns.

For those that like to sample fine ales, the North East of England is the place to visit! Durham has a long tradition of brewing and visitors can explore many pubs and breweries, including The Staples Pub and Micro Brewery near Beamish and the Surtees Arms, voted Durham Pub of the Year. Breweries explain their taste techniques with opportunities to sample local produce.

Coquet Island © Jim Donelly/flickr.com

North East England`s stunning landscapes have been inspiring artists over many centuries. For those interested in exploring some awe-inspiring artwork, there are a host of exciting places to visit in this region. From prehistoric rock carvings at Simonside Hills in Northumberland National Park, to the LS Lowry Trail in Berwick upon Tweed, to the iconic Angel of the North modern sculpture by Anthony Hopkins, the area is brimming with creativity and flare. Newcastle is home to many impressive art galleries and museums, including the Laing Art Gallery and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

There are many guided tours on offer across the region, including boats trips, city tours and countryside tours. Cruises run along the River Tyne and Tees and tour boats sail around Coquet Island to see puffins, seals and rare seabirds and to Farne Island, taking in grey seal colonies.

There is a wonderful range of accommodation to suite everyone in North East England. B&Bs and guest houses range from old farmhouses to cosy seaside cottages while hotels come in the form of boutique city buildings, grand country houses and even castles, steeped in a wealth of history. For those that prefer self-catering, visitors can choose from countryside or coastal cottages, packed with charm and character. There are also a range of caravan, camping and hostel options.

Wherever visitors choose to stay, accommodation can be easily arranged online, in advance or last minute and there is plenty of information available to make an informed choice. For those that like surprises, from North East England to London secret rooms can even be arranged, adding that extra twist to the holiday! Secret hotel rooms are usually offered at discount prices, due to the location being revealed after booking.

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Windsor

Posted on May 8, 2011 by admin

Windsor is a very popular short break destination in South East England and for sure worth a visit.

In Windsor you will find the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is the Queen’s favourite weekend retreat. The castle bursts with nearly a thousand years of turbulent history and every monarch from Henry II to Queen Elizabeth II has been carrying out improvements so that the interior now is as impressive as the past. In St George’s Chapel in the Castle Henry VIII and his wife Jane Seymour are buried and across the river lies Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440.

Windsor Castle © rudolf_schuba/flickr.com

When visiting Winsor Castle you should not miss the impressive Changing of the Guard ceremony and take a stroll through the mighty Winsor Great Park, covering 4,800 acres, where Saxon kings used to hunt and the Queen likes to stretch her legs. It is a perfect place for picnics, walking, cycling and horse riding. A special treat for those with green thumbs certainly are Savill Gardens.

To get stunning views of Windsor and the Thames Valley you should in summer ride the Royal Windsor Wheel.

Special events in Windsor throughout the year are the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May and the Windsor Festival with events and concerts in September.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2011 will take place from May 11th to May 15th 2011. It is the largest outdoor equestrian Show in the UK with more than 3000 horses and ponies taking part. Taking place in Her Majesty the Queen’s private grounds at Winsor Castle the horse show has been running for over 65 years.

A great day out for all the family certainly is LEGOLAND Windsor with its water rides, rollercoasters and amazing constructions.

And for those who seek relaxation there are boat trips on the River Thames and horse-drawn carriage rides on offer.

Winsor also is a paradise for shoppers with high street retailers, designer labels, antiques shops, department stores and of course souvenir shops.

Windsor can easily be reached by car and train from London and is only 15 minutes drive from Heathrow Airport.

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Win one of Three Chonkinfeckle Albums

Posted on April 16, 2011 by admin

Chonkinfeckle, the ukulele duo from Wigan, Lancashire, are holding an Anniversary & Easter Competition and you can win one of three albums.

All you will have to do is answer a really simple question about football and say which album you’d like to have.

Check out the Chonkinfeckle homepage for details. All correct answers given until April 25th 2011 will take part in the competition.

The albums to choose from are “I’m from Wigan me” the debut album with 19 songs about Wigan, its people and history, “The Great Canvey Island Chimney Disaster” with 4 tracks in memory of the great steeplejack and television personality Fred Dibnah or “Road Kill”, the brand new 7 track album about food & drink.

So take the chance of winning one of the brilliant Chonkinfeckle albums which you can also buy directly on the homepage.

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Your Scrap car for Charity

Posted on April 4, 2011 by admin

If you happen to live in the UK you can donate your scrap car to charity no matter whether it is roadworthy or only good for scrap.

Giveacar is a social enterprise with simple goals – to raise as much money as possible for registered charities and to recycle cars to the highest environmental standards.

Scrap Cars © Joost J. Bakker lJmuiden/flickr.com

The service is not only free but also very simple, all you have to do is give them a call or write a mail if you want to get rid of your car. The car will then be picked up and either sold in a salvage auction or disposed of through and authorized treatment facility. The money received will then be donated to a charity chosen by you and you will even be sent a receipt from both Giveacar and the charity.

And if you haven’t got a car, why not donate your scrap motorbike? Since February 2011 even motorbikes are accepted.

Giveacar operates throughout the UK in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
So if you’d like to find out more about donating your scrap car to charity, check out the Giveacar homepage.

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Liverpool

Posted on March 20, 2011 by admin

Liverpool has undergone a planned period of rejuvenation in recent years and is now one of the UK`s top tourist destinations.

Its Pier Head is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city was proclaimed as the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and this is testament to the positive growth that the city has enjoyed.

Liverpool Albert Docks © Friar's Balsam/flickr.com

There are many fine examples of modern culture in Liverpool but its most iconic building dates back to the early part of the 20th century. The Royal Liver Building on the waterfront dominates the skyline and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Other attractions that are on the list of `must see` destinations include the Cathedral, the World Museum Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

As everyone knows, Liverpool was the birthplace of The Beatles and no trip to Liverpool would be complete without hearing of their story and visiting some landmarks that are associated with this world famous group.

A good place to start is with The `Beatles Story` at Albert Dock: This is a museum devoted entirely to the lives of the `Fab Four` and contains many exhibits that chart the lives of the individual members and illustrate how The Beatles came to be. There is naturally a fine collection of Beatles memorabilia here too including some very rare and unique items.

Music is extremely popular all over the city and there are concert halls and arenas with groups and performers covering a wide range of musical tastes and influences.

Lovers of culture can also enjoy Liverpool`s many art galleries and there is a mix of artists and their work here. The Tate Liverpool is home to modern art and there are many fine exhibitions held here throughout the year. If you`re looking for something a little more traditional, then the Walker Art Gallery and the Victoria Gallery and Museum can cater for your needs.

Sports enthusiasts are well looked after in the city and you can enjoy many events including top class football at Liverpool FC`s Anfield Ground or you can cross to Goodison Park and see their neighbours Everton.

Liverpool © Friar's Balsam/flickr.com

Lovers of food and drink will find Liverpool to be a perfect destination: There are many fine restaurants across the City serving a range of cuisine with influences from all over the World and these sit alongside popular and in some cases historic pubs which are well worth a visit. Restaurant recommendations from independent reviewers include The Monro, The Living Room and Blakes.

For those looking to stay in Liverpool, there is a huge range of accommodation from small guest houses right up to luxury five star hotels. More recommendations suggest you may like to consider the Belvedere Hotel, the Dolby Hotel or the Campanile.

Liverpool is a fine city and worthy of its status as a popular tourist destination. Getting here is simple with good road and rail links and the John Lennon International Airport serves many cities across the globe. Once you`ve arrived, there is a reliable public transport system and an abundance of cheap car hire Liverpool airport to help you navigate around this excellent city.

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Inverness

Posted on March 10, 2011 by admin

Inverness, regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland is located in northern Scotland where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth, near the site of the site of the 18th century Battle of Culloden.

The Battle of Culloden took place on 16 April 1746. It was the last battle to be fought on British soil and took less than an hour.

Inverness Castle © andresmh/flickr.com

Inverness is the northernmost city in the UK. By the 6th century a settlement was established and was being granted with the first royal charter by Dabíd mac Maíl Choluim (King DavidI) in the 12th century. A castle within the city was held by the Gaelic king Mac Bethad mac Findláich (MacBeth) and ruled as Mormaer of Moray.

Inverness Castle sitting on a cliff overlooking the River Ness is a red sand stone structure built in 1836 by architect William Burn on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. It today houses Inverness Sheriff Court.

It is said that the first castle has been built in 1057 by Máel Coluim III of Scotland, after he had destroyed the castle in which Macbeth of Scotland, who according to later tradition murdered Máel Coluim’s father Donnchad I of Scotland, had lived. It stood on  hill around 1km to the north-east.

The Cathedral Church of St Andrew, or Inverness Cathedral, is an imposing Gothic style pink sandstone building built between 1866 and 1869 by Inverness architect Alexander Ross. It is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness and stands close to the west bank of the River Ness looking across the river to the city centre and to Inverness Castle.

Close to Inverness Airport and well worth a visit is the Highland Aviation Museum which opened its doors to the public in May 2005. Inside the museum’s main building you find a number of models, life size figures in flying gear, ejector seats and a series of displays. Outside you can find interesting exhibits of post-war British aviation and post-war British military aviation.

Urquhart Castle © foxypar4/flickr.com

About 37km (23mi) southwest of Inverness lies Loch Ness Scotland’s second largest loch after Loch Lomond. Due to its great depth with the deepest point being 230 metres (755ft) it is the largest by volume and contains more fresh water than all lakes in England and Wales combined.

Loch Ness is said to be home to Nessie, monster first sighted in the 6th century by St Columba. In Drumnadrochit visitors can choose between two Loch Ness Monster exhibitions, if they want to know more about Nessie.

Urquhart Castle built on the shores of Loch Ness south of Drumnadrochit is one of Scotland’s best known castles with its history having been a bloody one. From the five storey tower house at the north end of the site visitors have stunning views.

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The Hebrides

Posted on March 1, 2011 by admin

The Hebrides are located off the west coast of Scotland and are divided up in two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

The Inner Hebrides with 36 inhabited islands, including Islay, Jura, Skye, Mull, Raasay, Staffa and the Small Isles, lie closer to mainland Scotland.

Outer Hebrides © inaxo/flickr.com

The Outer Hebrides are more than 100 islands and small skerries with 15 of them being inhabited.
They include Barra, Benbecula, Berneray, Harris, Lewis, North Uist, South Uist and St Kilda.
The Hebrides are probably the best-known Scottish islands and were already settled during the Mesolithic era around 6500 BC. The finest examples of this early settlement are the standing stones at Callanish, dating to the 3rd millennium BC. And the only site in the UK where prehistoric mummies have been found is the Bronze Age settlement of Cladh Hallan on South Uist.

Callanish Stone Circle © dragonstaffuk/flickr.com

The Hebrides are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. Sourrounded by the Atlantic Ocean you can go sailing, sea-kayaking or surfing. The Hebrides are known as a world-class location for surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing and under those waves divers can explore reefs, caves and forest kelps in clear, clean water.
If you are not into watersports you can find much unclimbed rock waiting to be discovered on the islands and you can take part in one of Europe’s toughest adventure-races, half marathons or hill races. If you are looking for inspiration, look to leisure ideas at MyHammer. This UK focussed site is now expanding it's blog and news page to include a wider range of information for it's users. There is also further information available at the local news centre. The Hebrides offer some of the most challenging off-road cycling in Britain as well as gentler road routes.

Puffins © The Welsh Poppy/flickr.com

But the Hebrides also offer great spots for wildlife-watching. You will be able to see inconic species such as the puffin, golden eagle, basking shark, whale, dolphin, otter and corncrake. And you will of course do this in the beautiful landscape of the islands. In summer you can enjoy a beautiful carpet of rare colourful wild flowers, white beaches and turquoise waters and in winter the pounding waves produced by fierce Atlantic storms.
But the Hebrides also offer a variety of cultural attractions such as the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Ceòlas Music Summer School, the Harris Arts Festival and Barra Live. These events attract people to the Hebrides from all over the world and the visitors are assured a warm welcome everywhere on the islands.

The communities are close knit, friendly, relaxed and contented with the rhythm of life than others. The Hebrides are also the true heartland of the Gaels and the Gaelic language and the culture is built on strong religious beliefs.

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