United Kingdom Travel Guides

Spend your holiday at Swansea Bay

Emily — Sat, 18 May 2013 15:44:44 +0000

Swansea Bay ©JamesZ_Flickr/Flickr

Situated on the Bristol Channel, more precisely on the Gower Peninsula, the astonishing Swansea Bay is a popular tourist destination. The cities located in the bay are the following: Swansea, Mumbles and Port Talbot. The bay is famous for owning the world’s largest tidal ranges. Swansea Bay is a popular holiday destination for both UK citizens and foreign tourists. There are some great beaches along the bay, including Swansea Beach, Aberavon Beach, Jersey Marine Beach and Baglan Bay among others. All of them have something to offer its visitors. If you are planning a journey to Wales and you are searching for a great seaside destination, I suggest you to spend your holiday at Swansea Bay. You surely won’t regret it.

Swansea Beach

Stretching for 5 miles along the bay, the gorgeous Swansea Beach is very popular among visitors. A long promenade and a coastal road run along the beach. Tourism has been developed significantly in the last years, but the bay has been popular since the Victorian times. Characterized by golden sand, the beach makes a perfect destination for anyone. Families traveling with small children can also opt for this fantastic beach, as there are children’s play areas here, more precisely at Blackpill.

Swansea beach ©Mags D/Flickr

Aberavon Beach

The gorgeous Aberavon Beach stretches for 3 miles and it is characterized by fine sand. As the area is famous for its high breaker waves, the beach is very popular among the lovers of surfing. In 2007 the beach was even awarded Blue Flag beach. One of the highlights of the area is the Kite Trail sculpture which stands at Aberavon seafront. It is considered the largest sculpture in Wales with its 12 meters height and 11 tones of weight.

Aberavon Beach ©alexliivet/Flickr

Jersey Marine Beach

The Jersey Marine Beach is backed by sand dunes. It is a very peaceful beach on the Swansea Bay, as the access is limited. There is only one access by road – the Fabian Way. In the north-eastern part of the beach can be found the golf course which belongs to the Swansea Bay Golf Club. In both eastern and western ends of the beach there are industrial sites. In case you are looking for a quite and peaceful beach, this one is the right choice.

Swansea Bay ©JamesZ_Flickr/Flickr

Baglan Bay

Baglan Bay is dedicated for those looking for those interested in industrial sites. The highlight of the bay is the Baglan Energy Park. It is an awarded energy park (for best practice in regeneration).

The top highlights of the Gower Peninsula

Emily — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:20:54 +0000

Swansea Bay ©kevinzim/Flickr

The beautiful Gower Peninsula is situated in Wales. It is famous for being the first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain. Today it still attracts thousands of visitors. The area includes numerous sights and highlights which are with no doubt worth visiting. For instance there are six beautiful castles on the peninsula and numerous outstanding beaches which drag innumerable visitors yearly. Some of the top highlights of the Gower Peninsula are the following: the Oystermouth Castle, Penrice Castle, Swansea Bay with its gorgeous beaches, Caswell Bay and Langland Bay. Read on to find out more about these fantastic sights.

Oystermouth Castle

One of the six beautiful castles on the peninsula is the Oystermouth Castle. The astonishing Norman stone castle actually overlooks the other highlight of the peninsula – the beautiful Swansea Bay. The ruined castle was built during the 12^th century. It was currently renovated and reopened to visitors in 2011. The castle is a beautiful sight of the peninsula, situated near the village of Mumbles. It is absolutely worth visiting.

Oystermouth Castle ©pikeman180/Flickr

Penrice Castle

Another beautiful castle on the Gower Peninsula is the Penrice Castle. The remains of the castle stand near a beautiful 18^th century mansion, so both the attractions can be visited at the same time. The stone castle used to be a large hexagon-shaped structure. The mansion near the castle was built in the 1770’s and with its wonderful gardens, it is a Grade I listed sight.

Swansea Bay

The famous Swansea Bay makes the perfect holiday destination for many tourists. The bay is very popular due to its beautiful sandy beaches which are the following: Swansea Beach, Mumbles Beach, Aberavon Beach, Jersey Marine Beach and so on. Also popular in Victorian times, the gorgeous Swansea Beach attracts dozens of tourists today, too. If you would like to have a great beach holiday somewhere in Wales, this is the right choice.

Swansea Bay ©kevinzim/Flickr

Caswell Bay

Another popular seaside resort is the gorgeous Caswell Bay. The resort is a perfect destination for the adepts of surfing. There is also a recreational park here the natural environment is picturesque. The western end of Caswell Bay is bordered by the Redley Cliff which is a famous landmark of the area.

Langland Bay

Last, but not least attractive is the astonishing Langland Bay. It is very popular on the Gower Peninsula. The seaside resort attracts numerous tourists each year. It is considered one of the best beaches of the UK for practicing surfing. Other outdoor activities offered to the visitors are: fishing, playing golf and tennis. It is with no doubt a great choice in case you want a memorable holiday.

Langland Bay ©Thomas Guest/Flickr

Tourist guide to the beautiful Inverness

Emily — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:13:28 +0000

Inverness Castle ©Chris Robertshaw/Flickr

Situated in the Scottish Highlands, the wonderful city of Inverness is a great place to visit. The city is home to numerous fascinating landmarks and visitor attractions, including the Inverness Castles, Inverness Cathedral, the Old High Church, the Floral Hall, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and other sights. You can do some great things here which will surely make you a remarkable vacation. Inverness is also home to numerous great hotels and restaurants. If you decide to visit the city, you will surely enjoy your stay. Would you like to find out more about the capital of the Highlands of Scotland? Read the following tourist guide to Inverness.

Inverness Castles

Set on top of a hill, in the heart of the city, the beautiful Inverness Castle is one of the most important landmarks of the city. The castle overlooks the beautiful River Ness, offering great views to visitors. It was built in 1836, on the site of an 11^th century fort, using red sand stone. Today, it is an important visitor attraction in Inverness. The castle can be visited in daylight hours, being a free tourist attraction.

Inverness Castle ©Chris Robertshaw/Flickr

Inverness Cathedral

As one of the religious buildings of the city, the astonishing Inverness Cathedral is another important landmark. Dedicated to St. Andrew, the cathedral was built between 1866 and 1869. Its spires are easily recognizable due to their square-topped look. The spires had never been finished, because they ran out of funds. This is the explanation of the look of the spires.

Inverness Cathedral ©conner395/Flickr

The Old High Church

Another church in the city is the Old High Church. As its name suggests it, it is the oldest religious structure in the city. It is located on St Michael’s Mount and its medieval tower is considered the oldest surviving structure in the city. If you would like to visit a truly remarkable medieval church, you can not miss this one on Inverness.

The Floral Hall

The breathtaking Inverness Floral Hall is a fantastic visitor attraction for the lovers of nature. It is famous for its large collection of astonishing flowers and plants. It actually includes a floral hall, a glass house, a cactus house, several gardens and a café, too. The Floral Hall can be visited April to October every day from 10:00 to 17:00 and November to March daily from 10:00 to 16:00. (May 2013)

Inverness Floral Hall gardens ©fuzzytnth3/Flickr

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

This fascinating museum includes collections relating to Scottish history and the Highlands. The museum houses a collection of Highland contemporary art and crafts. It is surely worth visiting. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is open April to October, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and November to March Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. (May 2013)

The top things to do in Belfast

Emily — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:35:00 +0000

Titanic Belfast ©amandabhslater/Flickr

Northern Ireland’s capital city, the astonishing Belfast is a major tourist destination which is not surprising at all if we think of the deluge of the great visitor attractions and things to do offered by the city. Belfast is considered one of the United Kingdom’s most visited cities. It offers fantastic landmarks and sights, including the Belfast Castle, the City Hall, the St. Anne’s Cathedral, the Titanic Belfast, the Botanic Garden, the Crown Liquor Saloon and so on.

In one of the previous guides I have already presented you the visitor attractions of Belfast. Below I will write about the top things to do in Belfast. There are several activities which can not be missed if you visit this fantastic city. Read on to find out which are these.

Find out more about the tragedy of the Titanic

Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction of the city is the astonishing Titanic Belfast which is dedicated to the worldwide famous ship (built here) which sank tragically in 1912. It is also dedicated to the maritime past of Belfast. It was recently opened, in 2012 and attracted over 800.000 of visitors in its first year.

What could be a better place to find out more about the tragedy of the Titanic than this astonishing visitor attraction? The Titanic Belfast includes numerous interactive and interpretative galleries, including “The Shipyard”, “The Launch”, “The Maiden Voyage”, “The Sinking” and others. Visit this amazing centre and you will have part of a unique experience.

Titanic Belfast ©amandabhslater/Flickr

Have a drink in an authentic pub – the Crown Liquor Saloon

Have you ever been to a traditional pub which has really kept its original look? Well, if you visit Belfast, you will have the occasion to do it. The Crown Liquor Saloon is an extremely popular traditional pub of the city.

Stepping inside the pub is like stepping back in past. The astonishing Victorian style pub offers classic pub food and drinks, including ale. The pub is open Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 to 23:00, Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 to 24:00 and on Sundays from 12:30 to 22:00. (May 2013)

Crown Liquor Saloon ©chad_k/Flickr

Take a photo at the Belfast Castle

The breathtaking Belfast Castle is with no doubt one of the best landmarks of the city. Built in the middle 19^th century, the castle is a true architectural jewel of the city. Besides being a great sight to visit, it offers conference rooms, wedding rooms, rooms for different events, a Cellar Restaurant, the Castle Tavern and a souvenir shop, too. I suggest you not to miss this sight and don’t forget to take a photo in front of the castle.

Belfast Castle ©lyng883/Flickr

Make a religious experience at St. Anne’s Cathedral

The beautiful St. Anne’s Cathedral is another amazing landmark of the city of Belfast. The unusual thing about the cathedral is that it serves two different dioceses at the same time. With beautiful historical artifacts, textiles, mosaics and carvings, the religious building is a must for those who prefer to visit churches. The cathedral can be visited daily from 8:00 to 16:00. (May 2013)

The best May festivals in London

Emily — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:26:12 +0000

Canalway Cavalcade ©garryknight/Flickr

Planning a visit to London this month? Well, you will surely have a fantastic holiday. London is a buzzing city, being home to tens of world famous landmarks, great restaurants, bars, pubs, museums, theatres, shops and malls, good clubs and discos, picturesque open spaces and other sights.

Besides, the city hosts numerous events and festivals every year. May is also a month full of great events. If you love the festivals and would like to find out which are the best May festivals in London, all you have to do is to read the following guide. As a taste of the festivals, some of the best ones are the following: the Canalway Cavalcade, Breakin Convention, May Day at Museum of London Docks, Food Festival at Hampton Court Palace, the Spin London Bicycle Festival and so on.

Canalway Cavalcade

The Canalway Cavalcade takes place between the 4^th and 6^th of May and it celebrates the city’s waterways. It takes place at Little Venice and offers dozens of family-friendly activities. The event can be visited 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00 on Sunday and 10:00 to 17:00 on Monday. (May 2013)

Canalway Cavalcade ©garryknight/Flickr

Breakin Convention

Are you a fan of hip hop? Then you will have to get on Sadler’s Wells between the 4^th and 6^th of May. It presents hip hop and street dancers, DJ demonstrations, freestyle sessions and workshops. The Breakin Convention will be a fantastic event, a must for those who love this type of dance.

May Day at Museum of London Docks

Held at the Museum of London Docks, this festival has something to offer to every member of the family, including the little ones. It will occur on the 6^th of May and it is a traditional style festival. Morris dancing will be just one of the highlights of the event. The May Day at Museum of London Docks will be open from 11:00 to 16:00 and the admission is free. (May 2013)

Museum of London Docks ©ell brown/Flick

Food Festival at Hampton Court Palace

This festival will take place between the 25^th and 27^th of May at Hampton Court Palace. This fantastic food festival is a must for those who love to eat. Michelin star chefs will demonstrate their knowledge and there will be tasting tents dedicated to the visitors. These tents will offer chocolate, champagne and caviar. The restaurant tents will offer different dishes and there will also be a producers’ market here. It will be open 10:00 to 19:00 on Saturday, 11:00 to 19:00 on Sunday and 11:00 to 18:00 on Monday. (May 2013)

Hampton Court Palace ©David Stanley/Flickr

Spin London Bicycle Festival

Occurring between the 3^rd and 5^th of May this year, the Spin London Bicycle Festival is a must for the lovers of bikes. It is actually a bike show which argues that bikes are not only a practical and cheap way to get from one point to another, but they can be fashionable, too. Lots of activities await the visitors, including static bike racing, urban bike exhibition and others. It takes place at the Old Truman Brewery and it is open from 10:00 to 19:00, on the last day from 10:30 to 18:30. (May 2013)

Child-friendly attractions in London

Emily — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:37:19 +0000

London Zoo ©jf1234/Flickr

As spring has arrived, the children want to get out in nature and enjoy themselves. In case you are looking for a great child-friendly destination which suits your preferences, too, I will give you a great tip: choose London. London is a fantastic city, full of astonishing parks, gardens and fantastic playgrounds for the kids. While you rest on a bench after an exhausting day of sightseeing, your kids can play and enjoy themselves. You can also take them to the fantastic London Zoo or other attractions. There are dozens of child-friendly attractions in London which will surely amaze your kids. Choose this fantastic city as your holiday destination and the entire family will enjoy the vacation.

London Zoo

The astonishing and famous London Zoo has a great location, it can be found in the heart of the city, more precisely in the picturesque Regent’s Park. It attracts adults and children at the same time.

The popular zoo is home to over 700 of species of animals living in such themed areas like the Gorilla Kingdom, the Rainforest Life and others. There is a new area named Tiger Territory which was opened last month. Visiting the zoo is surely a great day out with the kids. The zoo is open daily from 10:00. The closing times vary. The price of a ticket is £16.60. (April 2013)

London Zoo ©jf1234/Flickr

Playgrounds

As I already mentioned it, London is home to dozens of spectacular playgrounds, including adventure playgrounds, too. You will surely find at least one playground in every district of the city.

The best thing about taking the kids to a playground is to sit down on a bench and watch the kids burn off all their energy. Some of the best playgrounds of the English capital city are the following: Somerford Grove Adventure Playground, The Princess Diana Playground, Coram’s Fields and others. Some playgrounds even welcome children with disabilities. If you would like to satisfy your children’s preferences, take them to a playground in London! They will surely enjoy it.

Adventure playground in London Zoo ©ell brown/Flickr

City farms

Other fantastic child-friendly attractions in London are its great city farms. If your kids love animals, the best place to take them is one of these farms. Experience rural life and satisfy the kids’ preferences. They will surely love it! Most of the city farms also include play areas, beautiful gardens, perhaps a farm shop where you can purchase farm produce. Some of the city farms of London are the following: Bocketts Farm Park, Belmont Children’s Farm, Crystal Palace Park Farm and others.

Green spaces

London is famous for its breathtaking green spaces, including parks and gardens. You can rest in these wonderful open spaces, practice some great outdoor activities and even admire the animals which live here. The most beautiful parks in London are: Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, St James’s Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, Victoria Park and so on.

Grey Heron in Hyde Park, London ©Global Water Forum/Flickr

Greek Delights

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:15:48 +0000

Rhodes harbor view ©HBarrison/Flickr

Greece is one of those destinations that ticks just about every box imaginable. You’ve got soul-stirring architecture, ancient ruins, gorgeous beaches and vibrant towns and cities. If family holidays are on the agenda, there are more than a few great resorts you could try.

There’s lovely Corfu, a fabulous island with a huge blend of different resorts ranging from lively child-friendly towns to quiet laid-back retreats. There are gorgeous sandy beaches, fun-filled water parks, adrenalin-pumping theme parks and all manners of different watersports. You’ll also find plenty of pedaloes for an hour or so of lazy mooching on the water, and for those who like to get out to explore, there are stacks of boat trips and day excursions on offer – in other words, loads of Greek delights…

Rhodes – a place of diversity

If you fancy a Rhodes holiday, the chances are you’ve got diversity in mind. This is a great place for those who love a bit of everything. You’ve got cracking beaches, great watersports, stunning historic sights and beautiful landscapes for the hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts out there.

Rhodes harbor view ©HBarrison/Flickr

Rhodes has got something else too. For those who like big nights out, Rhodes is home to the vibrant resort of Faliraki – a big, boisterous town with more than its fair share of pubs, bars and clubs.

Relaxing Greek getaway

If however you like your Greek getaway laid-back and easy-going, with a healthy dose of rest and relaxation thrown in to help you fully unwind, Kefalonia could be a great option. It’s a stunning island with dramatic scenery and photogenic beaches, just the ticket for those who like to take things at their own pace. It has a number of superb towns too, some small and tranquil, others with a little more buzz.

Kefalonia harbor ©Matlock-Photo/Flickr

Whatever tickles your fancy, you’ll find a fantastic range of Greek getaways by searching for Thomas Cook deals, which will help to bring the cost down too. What more could you want from your summer Greek delight?

Your tourist guide to Northern England

Emily — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:35:10 +0000

Manchester Cathedral ©edwin.11/Flickr

England is a breathtaking country and so is its northern part. It is home to numerous vibrant cities, five spectacular World Heritage Sites and four beautiful national parks. Visiting Northern England is with no doubt a great choice if you would like to have a wonderful holiday. This part of the country is considered by many a true jewel. From wild nature to huge cities, visitors can find several kinds of attractions here. Below I will present you the best tourist destinations and sights of Northern England. In case you would like to visit this astonishing region, I suggest you to read the following article first. It will serve as a tourist guide to Northern England.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern England and even in the entire country. Why? Well, this fascinating area has hundreds of varied sights. From lively cities to wonderful historic sights, from pristine beaches to natural attractions such as fantastic national parks such as the wonderful Peak District, Yorkshire is a paradise for tourists.

Some of the best places to visit here are the following: York with its stunning cultural sights (including York Minster), Leeds with its wonderful cathedral, Sheffield, Bradford, Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, York Moors and so on. Besides the wonderful visitor attractions, the region has several things to offer its visitors such as spa treatments, visiting theme parks, playing golf or other sports and others.

Liverpool

The astonishing city of Liverpool is considered one of the best urban travel destinations of entire England. It is with no doubt one of the best choices if you visit Northern England. The city owns a large number of landmarks and tourist attractions, including the famous Albert Dock, the interesting World Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, Tate Liverpool, several museums, parks, art galleries and other sights.

Peak District

As I already mentioned it, the astonishing national park named Peak District can be found in Yorkshire. It is a great choice for nature-lovers. The park was the first national park in the United Kingdom and today it is one of the most visited in the world.

Due to its astonishing natural heritage and virgin landscapes, it attracts millions of visitors yearly. On the grounds of the park there are some fantastic towns and cities, picturesque villages, historic monuments and buildings, museums and other points of interest.

Manchester

The popular city of Manchester is a great choice for those who love sightseeing tours. The buzzing city offers fantastic visitor attractions, including Albert Square, the Town Hall, Beetham Tower, Heaton Park, Piccadilly Gardens, numerous museums, theatres, galleries and so on.

East Lindsey

Another option for the lovers of nature is the area named East Lindsey. The countryside of the region and the coastal line drags numerous tourists. The Lincolnshire Wolds is among the highlights of the area, not to mention Horncastle, Louth, Spilsby or Skegness.

The top tourist attractions in Wales

Emily — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:49:55 +0000

As one of the United Kingdom’s countries, the beautiful Wales is an astonishing region. It can be named the “land of the castles” as it is home to numerous fascinating such buildings. Besides castles, Wales is also home to several other visitor attractions, including cathedrals, national parks, museums, gardens and others. Its capital, Cardiff is also a premier tourist destination, including several landmarks and visitor attractions. In case you find this introduction convincing and you would like to make a visit to this wonderful country, I suggest you to read the following guide first. Below I will present you the top tourist attractions in Wales.

Snowdonia National Park

As one of the most breathtaking and most visited national parks of the United Kingdom, Snowdonia is an excellent tourist attraction of Wales.

The largest national park of Wales attracts a large number of visitors yearly with its fascinating natural attractions, including about 100 lakes, breathtaking mountain peaks, moors and even a pristine coastline. The park got its name from the highest mountain of Wales – Mount Snowdon and it awaits its visitors with several outdoor activities.

Cardiff National Museum

One of Wales’ museums, the famous Cardiff National Museum is a very popular tourist attraction in the Welsh capital city. It includes fantastic collections of natural history, art, geology and archeology. Its art collection is considered one of the finest on the continent. A visit to this popular tourist attraction is surely a remarkable experience. The entry is free.

Cardiff Castle

Another attraction of the capital city is the beautiful Cardiff Castle. With 2.000 years of history, the castle is extremely popular among tourists. Visit this extraordinary building and enjoy the picturesque views over the city and its surroundings. There is an Interpretation Centre here which helps you to understand the history of the castle.

St. David’s Cathedral

One of the most important historic buildings of Chritendom, the beautiful St. David’s Cathedral is famous for housing the burial of the patron saint of Wales – St. David. It is a popular place of pilgrimage. There is even a festival named St. David’s Cathedral Festival which occurs every May and June. I suggest you not to miss it.

Caernarfon Castle

The astonishing UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caernarfon Castle is another top tourist attraction of Wales. Gwynedd’s surroundings are homes to several beautiful castles. Perhaps the most beautiful one is the Caernarfon Castle. It is also considered one of the continent’s most beautiful medieval fortresses. There are great displays and exhibitions in the castle presenting its history.

The most romantic destinations in the UK

Emily — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:25:33 +0000

Spring is here and love is in the air…As the temperature gets warmer, everyone thinks of long walks in the green nature, especially the lovers. As an idea for a great spring holiday, I suggest you to visit the UK. It is abundant is picturesque and romantic destinations. Some of the most romantic destinations in the UK are the following: the Cotswolds, Windsor, Anglesey, the Lake District and Edinburgh. Choosing any of these will surely make a perfect romantic getaway for you and your partner.

In case you find this introduction convincing and you are ready to make a journey to the United Kingdom, I think you should read this guide before traveling. It will surely help you with some useful information.

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is actually a breathtaking range of hills considered one of the most romantic destinations of the UK. Situated in west-central England, the hills were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is not surprising at all. Being home to picturesque small towns and villages, the Cotswolds is one of the top tourist destinations in England.

As some of the highlights and most romantic attractions of the area are the wonderful historic buildings such as castles, churches, stately homes and also some beautiful gardens. Walk in these beautiful gardens and discover all of its fantastic sights.

Windsor

The world famous Windsor Castle is with no doubt one of the most romantic sights of the UK. It can be found in the romantic town of Windsor, in Berkshire. Situated in the Thames River, the town attracts dozens of visitors with its picturesque landscapes and wonderful attractions.

Walk in the romantic castle’s gardens or opt for a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. Than visit the picturesque Savill Gardens which is also very romantic, one of the most beautiful of its kind.

Anglesey

In case you associate romanticism with beaches, you can not miss a visit to the less crowded Anglesey Island. It is a wonderful romantic place to visit. Walking along scenic beaches is one of the most romantic activities. The fantastic Newborough Forest also makes a romantic attraction of Anglesey.

The Lake District

As one of the most popular tourist destinations of the UK, the fascinating Lake District also makes a great romantic destination. Characterized by beautiful mountains, astonishing vegetation, wonderful lakes, romantic pubs and great hiking trails, the area is a must for nature-lovers.

The region offers some great options for your entertainment such as exploring the small villages, visiting some wonderful gardens, sailing on the fantastic lakes, trekking, fishing and others.

Edinburgh

In case you prefer romantic sightseeing tours instead of wandering in nature, choose one of the United Kingdom’s most romantic cities – Edinburgh. The historic city attracts thousands and maybe even millions of visitors with its astonishing tourist attractions and unique atmosphere. With beautiful churches and castles, it is a must for the lovers of architecture.