Latest England Tours & Travels Articles

Get away from it all with a hotel break in Surrey

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:27:21 +0530

Its location, landscape, heritage and facilities all combine to make Surrey a much visited destination in the south east of England. You can really have the best of both worlds when visiting Surrey. On one side there’s the rolling Surrey hills which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Leith Hill being the highest point in the south of England and the National Trust own no less than 10 properties in Surrey set in their usual spectacular surroundings, a gardener’s paradise. On the other side, should you need to be get to the centre of London, transport links and shear close proximity make Surrey the ideal base.

Weybridge is particularly well situated for visiting the capital when staying in Surrey. Weybridge has all the facilities you would expect from great shops and restaurants to what it is most famous for and that is home to the Brooklands motor racing circuit. The Brooklands motor racing circuit opened in 1907. It made history as it was the first ever purpose built motor race circuit that was banked in the world. In Britain motorists were restricted to a 20mph speed limit and Brooklands was so popular due to the high speeds that could be reached. Sadly the last race was in 1939. Fortunately, this historical motor racing site has been developed in recent years and it now home to many large retail and car companies and most recently, a state of art hotel. Keeping the heritage of this quite unique former motor racing site has been high on the agenda for the new Brooklands hotel. From the original Brooklands racetrack which rolls out before you in riven quartz and honed granite, to the glittering 1930s inspired honeycomb pendants that greet the guests upon check-in. For Brooklands fans, the knowing nod to the legacy of the race circuit that surrounds and runs through the hotel is great to see. If a stay at the hotel isn’t enough then there’s the Brooklands Museum which not only exhibits cars and motorcycles but also aircraft.

Surrey hotels come in forms to suit everyone from country house to state of the art with spas and modern architecture. Even business travellers must think staying in a hotel in Surrey isn’t really a hardship! Even though towns like Weybridge have the following statistics, located just five minutes from the M25 motorway, thirty minutes from central London, seventeen miles from Heathrow and thirty three miles from Gatwick, Weybridge and Surrey feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

So, it’s not hard to see the appeal of Surrey and to see why this beautiful county will continue to attract thousands of visitors each year. The popularity of the “staycation” over the past 2 years hasn’t just been attributed to family summer holidays. With the cost of air fares rising, poor exchange rate and tightening purse strings, going on weekend city breaks abroad are also in decline. A weekend away in a Surrey hotel is cheaper with far less travelling time but most of all the enjoyment of a varied landscape and complete relaxation.

Travel world’s top tourist destination, London – Best of Britain

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:58:06 +0530

There is nothing more enchanting than the lure of a fair weathered European holiday replete with lush green landscapes, plentiful history and action packed hikes and trails to walk. Amongst the charming location s of the fashion rich idyllic continent, London is a must do destination to start the Europe bug. One of the most indulgent locations, London has a sizable variety of the things to do and keep the holiday far from passive. The weather naturally is a boon for those who like to explore on foot.

London is home to a charming milieu of culture and history. It is a fantastic fusion of theatre, music, art, significant historical references and landscapes. To acquaint yourself to any city, its the best to set out on foot! The mighty Thames River makes a perfect background to walk and explore some quaint restaurants by the river.

Londoners certainly love beer, fish and chips! It’s mandatory to head to the quaint pubs of London to get a test of some wonderful dark beer. A lot of these drinking holes have some marvelous history attached to them The Freemasons Arms, Blind Beggar and The Dukes Head are some to look out for.

London is enjoyable place from north to south, from east to west and central. You will enjoy the art and architecture of the bygone. Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London Eye, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey and Madam Tussads are must to go places which are most famous travelling hot spots of London. For most of the places, you can easily get connecting bus and underground tubes which will add excitement in your journey. It is also advisable not to hire expensive guides, as can just get a car hire in London and get information by simple asking.

London is also popular as Education hub and number of students across the world comes here for studies. London is home to many famous institutes like London Business School, London School of Economics and the King’s College. Get someone to make you walk to this prestigious colleges and university which haven’t left their charm.

London has got so many things that requires great amount of time, even months becomes less when you go for London Holiday Tour. There are great shops, art galleries, palaces, historic buildings, theatres, music shows, architectural delights and many more things that make London most popular in the world. The best time to visit London is May to July. During this period of time the weather stays warm, you will get a chance to see number of activities in Parks, Streets and the town. Summer is the best time to visit London unless you are planning for Europe tour to enjoy snowy glory.

Lake District Cottages Close to the Cartmel Peninsular and Morecambe Bay

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:29:20 +0530

Wherever you choose to take your Lake District cottages holiday, nowhere is far away. The Lake District National Park is quite a compact area, but with lots of variation crammed in. From gentle valleys, ancient woodland, our huge lakes which reflect the sky and landscape and of course the soaring mountains and craggy fells are all easy to explore, this along with a host of welcoming towns and villages.

The Cartmel Peninsular - The Morecambe Bay – Arnside
Whilst staying in a Lake District Cottage you will know doubt wish to explore the many lakes, mountains, forests and areas of natural beauty. Lakeland has three peninsulas, each jutting out into the Morecambe Bay. Furthest west is Millom, occupied mainly by Black Coombe, a huge outcrop of Skiddaw Slate facing the Irish Sea. Next, separated from Millom by the River Duddon, is the Furness Peninsular, the largest of the three and with its own little island of Walney. Here you will find the ship building town of Barrow, along with the quaint town of Ulverston. Lastly comes the Cartmel Peninsular, pushing its mass of rolling fells and lush meadows out into the sheltered head of the bay. For me this is a perfect location for a Lake District holiday and is becoming ever more popular, with visitors choosing its peace and tranquility, along with the fine villages; this over the more crowded towns and villages such as Ambleside and Bowness Starting roughly from the foot of Windermere, the Cartmel Peninsular is a rural landscape, a patchwork of meadows, criss crossed with quiet country lanes perfect for cycling. As you head towards the coast, you will come to a clutch of little villages. Cartmel is picture perfect, offering lots to entertain, especially noted for its excellent pubs, wine bar and restaurants. Little Cark in Cartmel is the home of Holker Hall, a fine country house which, along with its gardens, is open to the public. Grange Over Sands overlooks the bay with a fine, mile long, Edwardian promenade. West from Grange and you have Leven and Levens Hall. Famed for the topary gardens this is well worth a visit.

Walks - Cycling - The Bay
The bay is magnificent, a view to rival any of those offered by the lakes from Lake District cottages in this area. On a summers day, when the tide is in, it can flat and blue, when out its sands shimmer like a silver mirror. The sun rise is dramatic and come autumn, the harder light picks out the channels and rivers that snake there way out to the sea. One spectacular sight is when the bay fills with early morning mist. The view is a gossamer sea of white, with the dark fells of Arnside rising up in stark contrast - biblical. Now it must be said that nobody should venture out too far onto the sands. They are dangerous, with fast tides and quick sands. However, there are routes across, where from Grange to Arnside there are regular guided crossings lead by Queens Guide, Cedric Robinson. A lifetime fisherman, Cedric knows the ever changing sands and safe paths. The crossing takes up to some four hours, where you will discover the flat expanse is not quite so, where at points you will have to wade across channels, sometimes near chest high deep.

The Coastal Way & The Arnside Bay Shore
West of Grange from your Lake District cottage and you can pick up parts of the coastal way which is well marked on OS maps. However, for me, one of the best walks in the Lake District is to drive - or catch the little train from Grange - around the head of the bay to the Village of Arnside. Like the villages of Cartmel and Grange, this is a little known gem. A fishing and cockling community, it has some good pubs and little shops along with a fine art gallery. From Arnside you simply follow, and keep to the shore line, walking out along the south side of the bay. You can go for miles and miles, sometimes on shimmering sand or pebbles, sometimes up on the cliff paths, with gorse and windswept woodland. With the changing tide and huge vista, this will rival any lake walk. Back at Arnside is a path - indeed you can drive - to the summit of Arnside Knott. A respectable fell, it is a glorious walk on heather and gorse covered limestone rock, with little woods to punctuate the scenery and magnificent views across the bay, with a perfect backdrop of the mountains of central lakes.

Travelling and Touring Around Lake Windermere

Sat, 29 May 2010 12:58:13 +0530

Strangely, Windermere [town] used to be called Winandermere and before that there were actually three small hamlets [Applethwaite, Birththwaite and Heathwaite] which were combined in the 1800's when there was a greater attempt to encourage people to visit the area.

The railway arrived in 1857, making the area much more accessible to visitors and with this demand grew a wealth of Lake District Hotels. The railway still exists today and brings people from all over the world to this special area of the Lake District National Park. As well as being a sustainable way to travel, most of the Windermere hotels are only a short walk from the station, or at worst a five minute taxi ride.

Lake Windermere is well known as England's largest Lake at over 10 miles long and is also the deepest at 65 metres. There are numerous outstanding viewing points within easy reach either by car, or by short walk. Gummer’s Howe is probably the most famous being situated at the south end of Lake Windermere. You can drive most of the way, leaving only a 30 minute walk to marvel at the panoramic views over Lake Windermere and across to Morecambe Bay. To see the Lakes from a different perspective, Arnside Knott rewards those who take this gentle climb with stunning views of the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay; simply head for the viewpoint. For a more challenging, but still enjoyable walk for most, take the 2 hour round trip to Brantfell and Post Knott. Take the camera, as there are wonderful views of Windermere, the stunning Langdales and maybe even the Lake District Hotel you’ve chosen. Hope for a clear day and always check the weather forecasts before heading out. Suitable footwear is always important, even on these more leisurely walks.

Around Lake Windermere you’ll find an array of villages and hamlets to enjoy. While the drive will be slow around the twisting back roads, you’ll discover Fell Foot Park [National Trust] where you can enjoy an ice cream and hire a boat; Aquarium of the Lakes and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway at Lakeside, both being attractions you can enjoy on a sunny or rainy day; at Graythwaite you can enjoy Graythwaite Hall Gardens, which are particularly impressive in the Spring; head up towards Sawrey and visit ‘Hill Top’, a 17th century farmhouse where Beatrix Potter weaved her lyrical magic. At the north end of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a Mecca for walking enthusiasts and you can take a lake cruise back to your hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere.

You may have found your loved one recently or decades ago, but one sure fire way to keeps those fires a burning is a visit to the majestic Lake District. Everything one associates with romance is here in great excess. Fantastic Lake District Hotels with plumped pillows and crisp linen; Michelin quality candlelit dining; Hand-holding walks offering splendid panoramas; Spa treatments and massages; Evening cruises down the lake; Cocktails on terraces with fell views; Luxury Picnics with champagne and strawberries.

If the Lake District becomes your world for a short break, then coming over the hill and down into Windermere is the start of an incredible romantic adventure. Book a luxury Windermere hotel, unpack and if the weather is fine take the 3 mile stroll to Orrest Head, starting opposite the TIC. The reward for your hand holding efforts will be as breathtaking as that first kiss. Remember to compare the beauty of the views with that of your partner and you can be sure of another breathtaking kiss, or maybe just a sly smile.

To compensate your partner for the effort, treat them to a hot cappuccino or cocktail back at your hotel in Windermere, then change for the evening’s entertainment. A candlelit dinner on a lake cruise is a wonderful way to charm your companion, while enjoying the many sights around Lake Windermere. Marvel at the lakeside houses and envy those with moorings and motor yachts, but enjoy the smooth jazz of the onboard live band and the amaretto that’s helping the shared indulgent chocolate dessert go down.

Cruises on Lake Windermere

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:24:22 +0530

The 10 nautical miles per hour speed limit was put into force on 29 March 2005. This has been a contentious issue for the residents, users and businesses around the lake with everyone having strong views either for or against the speed limit. At first, it was thought that no waterskiing of any nature would be allowed but through working with the Lake District National Park, waterskiing and wakeboarding etc can still be done at a specialist centre on the Lake.

Lake Windermere is of course quieter now but there are people that are still wanting fun to be had on the lake but in a different form. Lake Windermere now has a privately owned 50 foot Sealine Y50 Flybridge motor yacht that can be hired out for Windermere lake cruises and both private and bespoke charters. This has brought the glitz and glamour back to the lake and is bringing some different clientele to the area.

With such spectacular scenery, Lake Windermere attracts thousands of tourists each yeaar from anglers, to canoeists to yachtsmen and dingy owners. The cruises on Lake Windermere are truely worth a go as the magnificent scenery can be taken in fully. Starting from the south of the lake and Newby Bridge is where you will be.
Continuing up the lake and you pass Cartmel Fell, Far Sawrey, Bowness-on-Windermere, High Wray and the lake comes to an end at Waterhead, only a short walk into the centre of the bustling Ambleside. The views are of course sights to be hold all the way down but the most spectacular are towards the north of the lake where the Fairfield Horseshoe, Great and Little Langdale and Coniston Old Man are in view. The Windermere Marina continues to thrive with around 400 boats having mooring there, the largest inland marina in the North of England.

Sailing on Lake Windermere is an excellent way to travel. In the summer moths the roads are blocked continually due to the high number of visitors or when essential roadworks are being carried out . Sailing on the lake is direct, allows the stopping off at the top destinations along the lake such as Bowness, Ambleside and to the many Lake District hotels and makes for a very relaxing journey with not a hint of road rage!

Taking out a Lake District boat charter is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion. Windermere Lake cruises can be taken out for half days, full days or as bespoke charters. High quality food and beverages are served and it makes a very memorable day. A cruise on Lake Windermere is a really nice extra treat for a bride and groom on a wedding day. Special birthday treats and celebrations are great on a cruise. Leisure is not the only reason for a cruise. Business meetings, conferences and crucial pitches can also be taken on a boat. A luxury cruise on Lake Windermere is something different and projects a very good image it can also boost employee’s morals especially in conference or team building situations.

How Keswick Hotels are beating the Recession

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:26:12 +0530

Although the hotel and tourism industry is one of the first industries to see the onset of a recession or economic downturn, they are the first the react. A hotel business is built on statistics of guest numbers, gross profit and efficiency. Hotels are famous for special break offers, vouchers and other such incentives.

Hotels are having to think even more creatively in order to entice guests in these tough times. With so many Lake District hotels offering discounted rates, which one do you choose? A clever marketing department should be looking at quirky offers or adding value which is something that many tourism businesses are heading towards these days. In 2008, the high quality 3 and 4 star Cumbria hotels reported a good year and it is thought that the added value received from such establishments was one of the leading factors.

Of course, it isn’t just leisure guests that need to be lured. With businesses cutting staff and budgets, the business guest is just as important to target. Cumbria is an excellent stop off for business guests from the south on their way to Scotland. Another market is conferencing. Conferencing facilities and packages are offered in most of the larger hotels Lake District now. With most conferences held on week days, it is an excellent market to target. Creative marketing campaigns are springing up such as the Best Western ‘message focussed menu options’ where bread and water is an option if a team has recorded poor performance. This is an eye catching campaign but which saves the business money but helps to improve the performance of their team as the same time.

Short breaks offers for leisure guests have been popular for some time but short breaks are a great way to get away when money is tight. Keswick hotels are popular with leisure and business guests due to its location and facilities. Easily accessible from the M6 motorway, Keswick has some of the most equipped hotels in Cumbria and with such fantastic scenery and walking, it creates a very cost effective break. An area full of activities and stunning scenery is the area of Keswick and Bassenthwaite. There are many Keswick hotels that offer child friendly rooms with excellent leisure facilities on site. These facilities include heated swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, putting greens and some even have games rooms with both board games and computer games such as Wii consoles installed. The practical facilities within these hotels come in the form of flexible meal times for children, the use of complimentary high chairs and cots, bed time books and stocks of essential items such as nappies, baby milks and food and dummies. Bassenthwaite the village itself is one of the most beautiful Lakeland villages and is an ideal base for discovering the woodlands of Thornthwaite Forest and the trails of Dodd Wood. It is the northernmost and only true 'lake' in the Lake District; it is renowned for its peacefulness, accessibility and continually changing scenery caused by changeable weather and seasons.

With hotels keeping creative with their offers, listening to the needs of their guests both leisure and business and keeping up a high standard, it should hopefully keep them in a much better position during this recession.

Bank Holiday Cumbria Days Out

Wed, 26 May 2010 17:50:40 +0530

The August Bank Holiday weekend has always been one of the busiest and most popular Bank Holidays to go away. It is in a prime summer month and also the last Bank Holiday before Christmas. The weekend is one of the last before children return to school and the timing of it is ideal for both tourists taking their first break of the summer or as a short get away for those who have taken a holiday earlier in the summer.

Getting away for August Bank Holiday in the UK is a great idea especially in 2009. The Sterling to Euro exchange rate is still poor and with holidays and prices abroad rising, staying in the UK has been a popular choice this summer. A long weekend is an excellent choice if money is tight and a holiday for a whole week is unaffordable. Another reason could be or if the time off work cannot be had. Staying in a hotel for 3 nights often means a discount or added value can be obtained for example free dinner on one of the nights or a half price third night.

There are late deals to be had in and the Lake District is a good example. The Lake District is a great place to visit for a Bank Holiday weekend as it is easily accessible, has a wide range of locations and places to stay and visit and offers something different from a city break or holiday abroad. With such a large amount of hotels, late availability deals can often be had. Such discounts can sometimes mean that an otherwise out of price range hotel can be booked.

The roads in the UK on Bank Holidays are notoriously busy so staying at home but choosing to go out for day trips can mean major stress not relaxation. A weekend away means the journey can be done at an off peak time and once at the venue, the car can parked up and left until it is time to return home. Many Lake District hotels are situated near bus stops and other good transport links. On the larger lakes there is the choice of water transport in the form of ferry’s and launches to get from one end to another. Hotels in the Lake District also have a huge number of walks from right outside the door. If money is tight, then the Lake District is the perfect destination. What can be cheaper than walking one of spectacular fells?

Green initiatives are high on the agenda for Lake District tourism operators. Tourism businesses are promoting the use of green travel both travelling to and around the Lake District. Incentives for guests are being offered in the form of discounts should a guest travel to the county by train or if a bike is hired for the duration of the stay. As many tourists are more aware now of how much of an effect an airplane journey has on their carbon footprint, staying in the UK is the green traveller’s destination of choice.

Self Catering in the Lake District

Mon, 24 May 2010 18:29:14 +0530

A self catering holiday gives more space for families and allow multiple couples or friends to go away together, splitting costs and creating a good value holiday. Responsibletravel.com reported a 50% rise of self catering holidays compared with this time last year.

Unless there is a special offer on a 5 star hotel rate then that rate is going to be considerable and even with a discount or added value offer, can still be on the steep side. The rate charge of a 5 star, luxury self catering property only changes with the seasons. When filled to its capacity (especially in the case of larger properties) a luxury cottage can be rented for a comparatively small amount per person. Take properties that sleep 10 to 14. In the Lake District, there are some of the most luxurious and distinguished self catering properties available in the whole of the UK. Coupled with the spectacular scenery and the choice and quality of the food and produce, a truly 5 star holiday can be had at a very small cost.

When a large party takes a self catering holiday, it not only benefits the bank balance but it benefits the environment too. The carbon footprint of a self catering holiday is significantly less than a hotel based holiday. Many factors contribute to this, the amount of lights, sheets and towels washed and spa and swimming pool facilities and transportation costs as larger groups can car share. Some self catering property owners and developers are creating more eco friendly properties, for example, installing solar panels, wind turbines, using worming and composting systems.

There are a number of plus points that make a self catering holiday attractive. Here are some examples:

1.The ability to cook yourselves. This is a huge money saving exercise especially for families and larger groups. When in a group, the cooking can be shared and it can actually be quite a fun event. The luxury self catering properties are often better equipped than the guest’s homes with state of the art, contemporary facilities.

2.Storage facilities and space. If having an activity holiday or a family holiday in the Lake District where there are bikes, walking gear or sailing equipment, most self catering properties have the space to store this equipment and space for drying when necessary. This can be very necessary in the Lake District!

3. Lake District cottages are often set amongst fantastic scenery and tranquil locations, allowing complete relaxation.

4.It is the chance to spend time in a property completely different from home.

5.The ability to come and go when you please.

6.The more the merrier for fun and money saving. There is greater interaction compared with staying in separate hotel rooms.

North Yorkshire incorporating Hovingham and York

Sun, 23 May 2010 16:52:06 +0530

The North York Moors are one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. It covers an area of 1,436 km² (554 square miles), and it has a population of about 25,000. The North York Moors became a National Park in 1952, through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949.

Four roads cross the moors from north to south. In the east the A171 joins Whitby and Scarborough. Further inland, the A169 runs between Pickering and Whitby. More centrally, a minor road departs from the A170 at Keldholme and passes through Castleton before joining the A171 which connects Whitby and Guisborough. The most westerly route is the B1257 connecting Helmsley to Stokesley. The A170 from Thirsk to Scarborough marks the southern boundary of the moors area.

There is an east-west main line rail link from Whitby to Middlesbrough in the north and the popular North Yorkshire Moors steam railway runs from Pickering to Grosmont with a link to Whitby. The Moorsbus Network offers an alternative way around the North York Moors, instead of using private cars.

Many visitors to the moors are engaged in outdoor pursuits, particularly walking; the parks has a network of rights-of-way almost 2300 km (1400 miles) in length, and most of the areas of open moorland will be open access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Popular named walks include the Cleveland Way, which circles the moors, and has a section along the coast; and the Lyke Wake Walk, which leads directly across the heart of the moors. The area also offers opportunities for cycling, mountain biking, and horse-riding. The steep escarpments that define the edges of the park on three sides are used by several gliding clubs.

The moors have not changed much in the past 50 years, and are often used as a backdrop to British television programmes and films.The series Heartbeat and the scenes of The Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Goathland. Dalby Forest is also host to many forms of entertainment throughout the year including outdoor concerts.
Hovingham is a large and very beautiful village and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, northern England. It is on the edge of the Howardian Hills and about 7 miles south of Kirkbymoorside, near to the city of York and the market towns of Helmsley, Pickering and Malton.

Hovingham has been home to the Worsley family since 1563. The sixth Thomas Worsley (1710-1778) designed and built the current Hovingham Hall. A unique feature of the Grade I listed building is that it is entered through a covered Riding School, once used for training horses.

The tower of the parish church of All Saints is of Saxon origin. The majority of the present church building dates back to 1860, when it was rebuilt at the expense of Marcus Worsley. An interesting feature is the large 10th-century altar cross.

York is a major tourist centre and only a short drive from Hovingham. If you are visiting for a cultural getaway or a romantic break then visit York and be inspired. Renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster, York is fast developing a flourishing, cutting-edge scene. Delve into the city's vibrant café culture, take time out to enjoy some of the country's most talented street entertainers or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river.

A city of contrasts and exciting discoveries, York is a place where the old encompasses the new and the commonplace meets with the unexpected. Broaden your mind with a visit to world class museums or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests.

Carlisle and Hadrian's Wall

Fri, 21 May 2010 14:27:08 +0530

Carlisle is in fact the largest city in England by area because it includes the towns of Brampton and Longtown as well as many outlying villages including Dalston and Wetherall. In total the city of Carlisle covers an area totalling four hundred and two square miles. The city is traversed by several major rivers, including the Caldew, Eden, and Petteril.

Commercially, Carlisle is linked to the rest of England via the M6 motorway, and to the Scottish Lowlands via the A74(M) and M74 motorways. By rail, it is located on the main West Coast line that runs between Glasgow and London.

Carlisle is an historic city and its origins can be traced back to a 1st-century Romain outpost associated with Hadrian's Wall. The Brythonic settlement that expanded from this outpost was destroyed by the Danes in 875. Thereafter the region formed part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland, until colonised under King William II of England in 1092. William II built Carlisle Castle, which houses a military museum. Carlisle Cathedral, founded in the 12th century, is one of the smallest in England.
Along the City of Carlisle's northern extent is the Solway Firth, which forms the western section of the Anglo-Scottish border, and thus divides the city from Dumfries and Galloway, one of the council areas of Scotland. To the east is the English county of Northumberland; to the south is the district of Eden and to the west and south-west the borough of Allerdale, both in the county of Cumbria.

Carlisle is a great place to visit as the city offers great shopping potential as well as an excellent choice of bars, restaurants and visitor attractions including Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle Castle, The Millennium Gallery and Carlisle Cathedral.

There are plenty of things to do in and around Carlisle including the Border Reivers cycle trail, which covers over a hundred miles of unspoilt countryside with a choice of three circular cycle routes to cater for all levels of cyclists. You could walk in the footsteps of the Legions, along the Hadrian's Wall National Trail and around the beautiful surrounding areas or take a trip on Hadrian's Wall Bus, visiting some of the market towns and villages along the way. You could also choose to relax and enjoy the views from the Carlisle to Settle Railway - the most spectacular railway journey in England.

There are a wide range of activities available within easy reach of Carlisle including a range of watersports at Talkin Tarn, such as canoeing, rowing, wind surfing and sailing. Other activities including horse riding and pony trekking at the Bailey Mill and Cargo Riding Centres, plus fishing on the rivers Eden, Esk and their tributaries are well known for salmon, sea trout and brown trout.

When it comes to places to stay, visitors will find Carlisle offers a wide range of quality accommodation, from friendly budget priced Carlisle bed and breakfast right the way through to luxury Carlisle hotels. Whether you want a peaceful country retreat or a convenient city centre stop over you are sure to find the ideal place to stay.

Bowness-on-Windermere - the heart of the Lake District

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:29:33 +0530

Bowness-on-Windermere is a small town and tourism hot-spot, located on the shores of Lake Windermere and climbing the surrounding fells to gain the best views. You’re likely to travel through the small town of Windermere, to get down to Bowness [as it’s often referred to]. Both Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere have their own town centres, but to a new visitor, the towns appear very much linked, with no countryside between them – a result of the growth of these once tiny villages.

Windermere train station is at the top of the hill and while it’s possible to wander down to Bowness, many simply hop in a taxi or on a bus for the trip down to the Lakeside. You can hop on the car-carrying cable ferry to explore the Western shores of the Lake including the village of Far Sawrey. However, most will happily spend a day in Bowness either taking a boat trip on the lake, shopping or enjoying the local attractions such as the Beatrix Potter Attraction or the Steamboat Museum. There are art galleries galore and there’s even a pitch and putt course down near to the lake.

The railway arrived in 1857, making the area much more accessible to visitors and with this demand grew a wealth of Lake District Hotels and a multitude of natural and 'built' attractions. The railway still exists today and brings people from all over the world to this special area of the Lake District National Park. As well as being a sustainable way to travel, most of the Windermere hotels are only a short walk from the station, or at worst a five minute taxi ride.

In terms of attractions, Lake Windermere is well known as England's largest Lake at over 10 miles long and is also the deepest at 65 metres. There are numerous outstanding viewing points within easy reach either by car, or by short walk. Gummer’s Howe is probably the most famous being situated at the south end of Lake Windermere. You can drive most of the way, leaving only a 30 minute walk to marvel at the panoramic views over Lake Windermere and across to Morecambe Bay. To see the Lakes from a different perspective, Arnside Knott rewards those who take this gentle climb with stunning views of the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay; simply head for the viewpoint. For a more challenging, but still enjoyable walk for most, take the 2 hour round trip to Brantfell and Post Knott. Take the camera, as there are wonderful views of Windermere, the stunning Langdales and maybe even the Lake District Hotel you’ve chosen. Hope for a clear day and always check the weather forecasts before heading out. Suitable footwear is always important, even on these more leisurely walks.

Around Lake Windermere you’ll find an array of villages and hamlets to enjoy. While the drive will be slow around the twisting back roads, you’ll discover:

* + Fell Foot Park [National Trust] where you can enjoy an ice cream and hire a boat;
* + Aquarium of the Lakes and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway at Lakeside, both being attractions you can enjoy on a sunny or rainy day;
* + At Graythwaite you can enjoy Graythwaite Hall Gardens, which are particularly impressive in the Spring;
* + Head up towards Sawrey and visit ‘Hill Top’, a 17th century farmhouse where Beatrix Potter weaved her lyrical magic.
* + At the north end of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a Mecca for walking enthusiasts and you can take a lake cruise back to your hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere;
* + Visit the Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere
* + Consider the Steamboat Museum, again on the shores of Lake Windermere

Brooklands Racing Circuit as a Travel Destination

Thu, 20 May 2010 14:13:13 +0530

The Brooklands motor racing circuit and aerodrome was opened in 1907. It made history as it was the first ever purpose built motor race circuit that was banked in the world. In Britain motorists were restricted to a 20mph speed limit and Brooklands was so popular due to the high speeds that could be reached. Sadly the last race was in 1939 and it was the outbreak of the war that put a stop to any further racing. Brooklands was also one of the first airfields in Britain created by Hugh Locke-King and was also opened in 1907. In 1939 the whole site was handed over to the wartime manufacture of military aircraft. The track was badly damaged due to bombings and was also covered by dispersal hangers and as such the racing never returned.

Brooklands was always the home of revolutionary aviation development until British Aerospace ended producing aircraft in 1987. Today the site is home to the Brooklands Museum; a motoring and major aviation museum, which was founded by the Brooklands Museum Trust that was formed in 1987. The purpose was to preserve the traditions and spirit of the heritage destination that it is today. It is currently used for vintage car rallies, motorcycle and other transport-based events .

Due to its location, located just 5 minutes from the M25, 30minutes from central London, 17 miles from Heathrow and 33 miles from Gatwick, the site has attracted large stores, companies and manufacturers such as Marks and Spencer, Mercedes Benz and Proctor and Gamble. The site is still developing with the latest addition being the art deco inspired Brooklands Hotel. Having only opened in March 2010, the Brooklands Hotel is a must to visit. It is to be located in the middle of the motor racing circuit, it is aimed towards both the leisure and business visitor with 120 spacious bedrooms and luxury suites. Keeping the heritage of this quite unique former motor racing site has been high on the agenda for the new hotel. From the original Brooklands racetrack which rolls out before you in riven quartz and honed granite, to the glittering 1930s inspired honeycomb pendants that greet the guests upon check-in. For Brooklands fans, the knowing nod to the legacy of the race circuit that surrounds and runs through the hotel is great to see.

Destination Windermere - the Largest Lake in the Lake District

Sat, 01 May 2010 16:47:33 +0530

The cruises on Lake Windermere are truly worth a go as the magnificent scenery can be taken in fully. Taking out a Lake District boat charter is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion. Windermere Lake cruises can be taken out for half days, full days or as bespoke charters.

Windermere in the English Lake District is the longest natural lake in England. Set in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, Windermere and its surrounding areas have been a favoured holiday destination since 1847. Lake Windermere is 10.5 miles long and ranges from a quarter of a mile to one mile wide.

Starting from the south of the lake and Newby Bridge is where you will be. Continuing up the lake and you pass Cartmel Fell, Far Sawrey, Bowness-on-Windermere, High Wray and the lake comes to an end at Waterhead, only a short walk into the centre of the bustling Ambleside. The views are of course sights to be hold all the way down but the most spectacular are towards the north of the lake where the Fairfield Horseshoe, Great and Little Langdale and Coniston Old Man are in view. The Windermere Marina continues to thrive with around 400 boats having mooring there, the largest inland marina in the North of England.

Sailing on Lake Windermere is an excellent way to travel. In the summer moths the roads are blocked continually due to the high number of visitors or when essential road works are being carried out. Sailing on the lake is direct, allows the stopping off at the top destinations along the lake such as Bowness, Ambleside and to the many Lake District hotels and makes for a very relaxing journey with not a hint of road rage!

The town of Windermere is located on the east bank of the lake and is in actual fact one and a quarter miles from the lake. With a population of approximately 2,295, Windermere is one of the larger towns in the South Lakes. Many businesses have offices and shops in the town due to its location to the many smaller villages in the area. It has a supermarket, many local independent shops and the flagship Lakeland Limited store right next to the train station.

Surrounding the town and all the way down to the lake are a plethora of Windermere hotels and Lake District hotels. The choice really is endless. Boutique and niche hotels have begun to pop up making Windermere a quality destination suitable for young and old. Windermere has an excellent choice of Lake District restaurants and they really are spoilt with the amount of fantastic local produce. Cumberland sausage, herdwick lamb and fantastic cheeses are in abundance along with artisan bakers and chutney producers. The real ale in Cumbria – the Lake District is second to none and what better drink to go with Cumberland sausage and mash! There are micro breweries in the back of public houses through to breweries where they offer’s tours.

Child Friendly Hotels In the Lake District

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:59:27 +0530

Parents however, want a bit of luxury and do not always want to camp or go self catering. Times are changing and hoteliers are waking up to the idea that families are a large market hardly targeted. There are some hotels that operate strict “no children” policy but many hotels who are quite happy having them stay are adapting rooms and creating fun things for children to do to entice families to stay.

The Lake District is the perfect location for children. Endless activities to keep them occupied for example watersports, walking, Go-Ape, a zoo and the Ravenglass-Eskdale railway. It has long been an area popular with families.

An area full of activities and stunning scenery is the area of Keswick and Bassenthwaite. There are many Keswick hotels that offer child friendly rooms with excellent leisure facilities on site. These facilities include heated swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, putting greens and some even have games rooms with both board games and computer games such as Wii consoles installed. The practical facilities within these hotels come in the form of flexible meal times for children, the use of complimentary high chairs and cots, bed time books and stocks of essential items such as nappies, baby milks and food and dummies.

The Bassenthwaite Lake area encompasses some of the most well equipped hotels Lake District. The lake is one of the largest in the English Lake District situated at the foot of Skiddaw and in such close proximity to Keswick, it is a great location. The lake is 4 miles long and is the shallowest of all the lakes with its maximum depth just 70 feet. For parents interested in bird watching, it is one of the best places to spot an Osprey.

Hundreds of people visit the Bassenthwaite area over the spring to get a glimpse of the Lake District Ospreys. Visitors can get great views of the birds from a Viewpoint in Dodd Wood, only 400 metres away from the nest. The Viewpoint is open all daylight hours, with staff on hand with telescopes from 10am-5pm daily, as part of the RSPB’s ‘Dates with Nature’ Project.

Bassenthwaite the village itself is one of the most beautiful Lakeland villages and is an ideal base for discovering the woodlands of Thornthwaite Forest and the trails of Dodd Wood. It is the northernmost and only true 'lake' in the Lake District; it is renowned for its peacefulness, accessibility and continually changing scenery caused by changeable weather and seasons. When the adults need to get away there’s Mirehouse which is most definitely worth a visit. Alfred Lord Tennyson stayed at Mirehouse whilst writing his poem 'Morte D'Arthur' in 1835. It is a private house but open to the public on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. The grounds and a tea shop are open daily though. Further on from Mirehouse is an open air theatre erected by the Tennyson Society is the location where Tennyson was thought to have written most of that famous poem. All around the lake and the surrounding area is a strong literary feel along with a popular place for artists.

Short Breaks in Lake District Cottages

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:27:15 +0530

The more relaxed stipulations on minimum stays are the case not just at hotels and bed and breakfast businesses but it is now the case for many self catering property owners.

Self catering is becoming more and more popular. The consumer is seeing the many benefits of staying in a self catering property in the UK as opposed to either staying in a hotel or going abroad. Tourism industry members are seeing the profits made from owning holiday homes and the rentals of them. For second home owners, it is the perfect way to make some money out of the property whilst the owners are not using it. In the tough economic time, this is a practice that is being seen more and more to alleviate mortgage payments and running costs. Holiday property owners and companies are also noting that more and more enquiries are for short breaks, typically 3 or 4 nights. Due to this, short breaks in self catering properties are now widely available. They enable extra business in the quieter, off season months and can even generate repeat business for a full week in the high season. Short breaks are great for those who cannot afford the cost of a full week, those who have a small holiday entitlement and families wanting an extra break on top of their main summer holiday.

The Lake District lends itself very well to a self catering holiday. It has some of the quaintest cottages and properties in the UK set in the most spectacular surroundings. Many walkers and adventure enthusiasts prefer staying in a self catering property for many reasons. It is often the case that Lake District cottages are located in a more rural or isolated locations which suits walkers and climbers enabling them to step right out of the cottage front door and up a mountain. In most cases, hotels and bed and breakfast venues are larger properties so are in less isolated locations. Hotels and b&b’s do not suit everyone. Lake District self catering properties allow complete freedom to come and go when you please and the storage areas for bikes, walking and climbing gear for example. Washing facilities are all but always found so washing of gear can be done throughout the stay if required.

When in a group, Lake District cottages are ideal. A trip to a local shop or market can be done stocking up fully for the week ahead, cooking can be shared out and combined, can make for a very cost effective holiday. Although with the large number of quality restaurants and pubs in the Lake District, it is hard to stay in every night! The main point is, you get the choice when staying in a Lake District cottage.

Self catering holidays are an ideal type of holiday when taking a pet away. A self catering property has the space for the dog as many are like home from homes and it enables the ease when feeding and the storing of pet and dog food for example. The Lake District is heaven for dogs with endless walking routes and for the owners, the spectacular scenery coupled with an excellent range of Lake District cottage properties to stay in. Not all Lake District self catering cottages allow dogs, so asking prior to booking is advisable but properties that do allow pets are becoming increasingly more available. Some even let pets go free which makes taking a pet with you far cheaper than kennelling. After all, it is reported that there are around 27 million pets in the UK with 43% of UK households having at least one pet.

Things To Do In London

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:25:11 +0530

Things To Do In London

If you're planning your first visit to London, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions and things to see and do in this massive, vibrant city. Between all of the museums and historical sites that dot the landscape here, it can be difficult to make a definite plan about which places to prioritize during your visit. However, there are a handful of quintessential London landmarks, attractions and sites that you absolutely can't miss during your first exploration of this unforgettable city. Find out a little bit about them - and plan on making them the backbone of your sojourn in London.

Tower Bridge

This impressive bridge has captured the imaginations of visitors and residents alike for years. Watching its two drawbridges raise and lower is one of the most indelible experiences of any trip to London, and you should make a point of stopping by here for that point alone. Snapping a picture of you and your travelling party with this iconic landmark in the background is a wonderful way to bookend any photo album of your visit here.

Buckingham Palace

It seems as if virtually everyone is aware of Buckingham Palace, and you can't "do" London without experiencing the changing of the guards here at least once. Whether you choose to simply take in that experience - or if you opt to take an actual tour of portions of the palace - you are sure to have a delightful time. It has been a prime London location since it was built back in 1702 and continues to draw in thousands and thousands of tourists each and every year.

The London Eye

Although London is the home to several towers, none affords quite the view that the London Eye does. This massive observation wheel will take your breath away as it hoists you impossibly high over the city of London. A round trip journey takes approximately thirty minutes, and the admission fee is most definitely worth it. There's no other way to get a true bird's eye view of the city; on a clear day, you can take in a 25-mile panoramic view. It is an exceptional way to introduce yourself with the city of London.

Trafalgar Square

In many ways, Trafalgar Square is the Times Square of London; in fact, the annual New Year's Eve celebrations are held here, just as they are in New York City. Beyond those festivities, Trafalgar Square is, in many ways, the nucleus of life in London; a visit here allows you to take in hordes of people while checking out many sculptures and monuments. Four massive bronze lions - each which stands over 20 feet high - make for fantastic photo opportunities, and Trafalgar Square is a prime location for people watching as well.

The British Museum

There are so many fine museums in the city of London that it's difficult to choose only one or two to enjoy while here. If you can only afford the time to visit one, though, it has to be the British Museum. With 2.5 miles of galleries, this is a massive complex that houses millions of artifacts, exhibits and other things. So much history and culture can be found within the walls of the British Museum that you will feel as if you've been whisked into a time machine as you roam its venerable halls.

Madame Tussaud's

There are several Madame Tussaud's branches around the world now, but the London branch was the original one and is well worth a visit. The lifelike wax sculptures that make this place so famous offer a welcome break from all of the historical and educational attractions that typically make up a visit to London. At Tussaud's, you can have your picture taken with any number of realistic looking historical and pop culture figures; be prepared for some laughs.

The Tower Of London

As the home of the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London is a natural stop for many tourists visiting the city. With a history steeped in executions, imprisonments and any number of other historical events, the Tower of London is bound to capture your imagination and remind you that this city has a long, fascinating story to tell.