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Visiting Hadrian’s Wall

Alan — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 07:24:45 +0000

It is hard to believe that Northern England, with its charming a tranquil lifestyle was once part of the huge Roman Empire. The Romans made a frontier in southern Scotland when they invaded Britain but that was soon disbanded and changed to Northumberland.

Then in 122 A.D. the Roman Emperor ordered a wall for defence put up and that the gates to the wall acted as customs points for trade and the wall went almost from on side of the country (east to west) to the other side.

Nowadays much of the wall is either underground, like in Newcastle or roads have buried it along the route. Most have heard about the famous Hadrian’s Wall but what most do not know is you can relive the past along an 84 mile long stretch of the trial by wither cycling or hiking.

There are a number of segments of the wall that are still intact and you can tour on foot along the Wall Path or on bicycle on National Cycle Route 72. For those hiking, a good idea is to start in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and through the countryside to Northumberland which has many rolling hills and peaceful valleys and on to Cumbria and the Lake District where you can end at the mouth of the river in Solway Firth.

This trip would pass you through some of the most incredible scenery in all of England and remember that a camera is a mandatory item on your checklist of things to bring. With the camera in tow you will not miss that shot of all shots at the picture perfect moment. Cyclists can enjoy the trek as well with a trip that puts you close to nature and one picturesque tour that you will not find anywhere else.

Be prepared for some inclines and descents along the way. The National Cycle Route 72 is not a straight or flat shot, with the highest inclines at 200 meters in Halfwhistle’s summit and at Newbrough at 256 meters.

Discovering the magic of Northumbria

Alan — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:12:26 +0000

When visitors come to Britain for overseas, the vast majority tend to head for London or the southern holiday resorts. If you want to discover more about the real England and its fascinating history, you must take a trip to Northumbria.

The North East corner of England has long been considered as very cold, with bleak landscapes and very industrial. Those days are long gone and Northumbria has finally been recognised as one of the most beautiful parts of England. There literally is something for everyone here, golden ‘blue flag’ beaches, rugged countryside and picturesque towns and villages. Whether you are coming for a day trip or an actual holiday, you will never be bored in Northumbria.

One of the first, and most famous, landmarks you will see as you approach the region is the wonderful ‘Angel of the North’ statue. Known affectionately locally as the ‘rusty fairy’, this stands high and proud with its arms outstretched, welcoming visitors and locals alike. This is one of the more modern attractions, as Northumbria as a whole is an area steeped in history.

It’s a little known fact that there are more castles in Northumbria per square mile than anywhere else in England. One of the most stunning examples in right on the coast at Bamburgh. The largest inhabited castle in England stands on rocky plateau looking out over the North Sea and to the Farne Islands. This area has appeared in many films over the years and remains a popular location to this day. Alnwick castle further down the coast is another fine example, and will be instantly recognisable to fans of the Harry Potter films, as the exterior shots of Hogwarts were filmed here.

If you want to go back in time and see how life really used to be on Tyneside, there’s only one place to go – Beamish. This amazing open air museum has won countless awards and attracts visitors from all over the world. There is a rebuilt mining village complete with shops, a mine, a hospital, trams, everything you need to be transported back a century or so.

Northumbria may be one of the most historic parts of the country but there are plenty of modern delights apart from the rusty fairy. The Millennium bridge, or blinking aye, spans the River Tyne from Newcastle to Gateshead and is an outstanding example of modern design. There is much to be admired and enjoyed in this area, and adding the famous Geordie hospitality into the mix gives you the recipe for a fantastic trip

Chester so much in such a small city

Alan — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 04:13:10 +0000

The city of Chester is an incredible place to visit. The city has almost two miles of city walls and this is the longest ancient city walls in England. Chester also boasts a medieval section including many historical buildings. The Eastgate Clock is just one of these buildings and is believed to be the most visited clock by tourists after Big Ben in London. Although the city was originally part of the empire of Rome, it has been influenced by many eras and, whilst investigating the city, one can find these influences throughout the city. However, one of the most visited places in the city is not an historic church or an old fort, it is the Chester Zoo.

Housing more than seven thousand animals of about 400 species (fifty percent of which are on the endangered list), Chester Zoo makes the Forbes list for being one of the top fifteen zoos in the world.

The zoo is the brainchild and passion of George Mottershead who opened the zoo in the 1930’s. After having visited other zoos in the country and feeling that the animals we unfairly caged, Mottershead vowed that his zoo would have no bars. This is the stand out feature of the Chester Zoo and really makes the visit to the zoo that much more personal.

The variety of wild life on display is incredible and visitors can not only see members of the big five, such as lions and elephants, but they can also catch a glimpse of the more shy, not so well animals from around the world such as wallabies, mongooses and marmots.

The Chester zoo is really a fantastic place to fall in love with nature all over again.

Churchill’s Blenheim Palace

Alan — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 05:22:09 +0000

Known for being the home of past Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his birthplace the estate in Oxfordshire is the only non-Episcopal and non-Royal building in the region that is known as a Palace. As if this is not enough, the estate is also an honoured UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Churchill was born at the family estate back in 1874 and today there is an exhibition on permanent display built into the wall’s of the estate that teach visitors everything there is to know about the historical politician who helped end WWII by defeating the Axis powers.

Some of the notable artefacts included in the display are photos that show him inside of the home and letters that were penned by his own hand.

Outside of its historical brilliance, the Blenheim Palace also features breathtaking gardens and a park that the buildings surround. The park is open to visitors every day of the year and is favoured by locals for enjoying the fresh air while walking. There is even a huge lake where many to head for course and trout fishing on a regular basis.

The Pleasure Gardens are open annually as well and are a great spot for families given that there are always special events and activities to take part in. Also, the English Gardens are a treat for those who want to explore and get lost in nature for an afternoon. Other gardens include the old rose garden, several topiary mazes, and plenty of sweet smelling fragrant flowers.

Outside of the gardens and the history tied to Churchill, the Blenheim Palace holds its own charm as it was constructed to honour victory of the French during the Wars of the Spanish succession and many will note that it was designed in the baroque architectural style.

Cheddar Gorge amazes

Alan — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 07:46:26 +0000

Lying in the middle of the Somerset countryside, which has been the destination place for many visitors for centuries, an uncorrupted, ancient, and natural wonder, Cheddar Gorge, amazes people with its marvelous caves. People come for a tour of the village and learn more about this beautiful place.

While you are at Cheddar you must drive along the winding road, which is considered one of the most amazing routes in the country. The view from the road is great. You can see the cliffs of the gorge, reaching up to 500 feet, making them the highest inland cliffs in the country.

You should also see the views from the top of the gorge, which is quite easy to get to. Jacob’s Ladder, with its 274 steps, will lead you up the side of the gorge where you can admire the surrounding view.

If you are interested in an unhurried tour you should try the open top bus, which will take you through a range of spectacular sights – past mill ponds, a dry prehistoric river bed, the famous Horseshoe Bend and The Pinnacles, with three fingers of rock reaching 450 feet. This 300 million-year-old natural marvel will splash your memory with a fascinating experience as you make your way through the valley.

The most popular caves in the Cheddar Gorge are Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave. The former is famous throughout Britain for its beauty and its historic discoveries. Created between 15,000 and 500,000 years ago, it astonishes visitors with its multi-level phreatic caves. The oldest complete skeleton found in Britain comes from these caves. It belonged to Cheddar Man who was buried here 9,000 BC. DNA tests have proven that some of his descendants still live in Cheddar today. Entering Cox’s Cave you come into a magical place, full of colorful calcite formations and mystically mirrored pools which give you a special feeling of being in the middle of some fantasy world of adventure and magic.

Chessington World of Adventures

Alan — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 07:21:24 +0000

Just 12 miles from Central London, located in Surrey, Chessington World of Adventures is a theme park broken into ten themes and also houses the Chessington Zoo home to many animals including lions, tigers, gorillas and others.

The park has 26 rides of which four are roller coasters and two water rides. Most rides are designed for all ages, there are height restrictions but lower than most parks.

The ten themes or lands are; Zoo, Beanoland, Forbidden Kingdom, Land of the Dragon, Market Square, Mexicana, Mystic Ease, Pirates Cove, Toytown and Transylvania.

One peculiar difference at the park is there are challenges and the visitors are invited to take part in these exciting challenges. Some challenges include holding a 45 kilo Burmese Python that is 4 metres long, cleaning the lion’s den, kissing seals, feeding penguins and much more.

Also in the park are food outlets, cafes and many shops so you can enjoy rides, eat good food and get a gift for a family member or friend. Food concessions include McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, hot dogs, Chinese food and much, much more.

The levels of adventure at the park are broken into four groups; Mini Adventurers are for tiny tots; Junior Adventurers for the younger children; Family Adventurers for all the family; and Experienced Adventurers for the older adventurers. Maximum and minimum height restrictions may apply so be prepared for that.

There are live shows at the Zoo to enjoy that are designed for the whole family. Daily activities at the zoo to learn about different animals and their habits are also given at different times throughout the day.

Some attractions that are in the different lands include; Beanoland with an area based on the Beano Comic, Billy’s Whizzer, Roger Dodgems. At the Forbidden Kingdom rides like the Tomb Blaster, The Rameses Revenge that may get you wet. Land of Dragons has the Fury roller coaster. Market Square is home to the Safari Skywaywhere the view of the park is from a totally different perspective.

The runaway train at the Mexicana area will take you through mountains and there is also the Rattlesnake roller coaster. If a boat ride is on the agenda the Mystic East area has a cruise that winds, dips and falls with an exhilarating final plunge.

The Chessington has something for everyone in the family. It is not as extreme as some parks but great nevertheless.

Jane Austen, the birthplace of cricket and Arthur’s Round Table

Alan — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 07:30:52 +0000

St. Swinthun has a rich legend that comes from the fact that it was the capital of England during its ancient times. Of course, this is not counting the fact that it is also the original home of King Arthur’s Round Table, the birthplace of cricket, and also the final stop for Jane Austen and where she lies today.

Even the remains of the Bishop of Winchester were moved from a tomb located on the cathedral grounds despite his dying wishes to a shrine within the sanctum of the cathedral after which it was said to have rained for forty days to show his disapproval. If there is rain on saint’s day, now it is said that 38 days of poor rainy weather will follow.

Outside of the bad weather forecast, the area is quite beautiful when the sky is clear and the River Itchen sparkles in dark contrast against the water meadows adding to the ambience of the Cathedral area. From the Hospital of St. Cross to the medieval almshouse that still offers its visitors a bite of bread and beer the area is full of history that speaks to the visitor.

St. Cross is also fittingly surrounded by mills, land, and plenty of farms although ironically during those days the water was not safe to drink so instead a great deal of beer and ale were consumed in their place. Back then the thirteen men all became Brothers of St. Cross and to this day the Hospital sill offers its doors to older men as it has since it was first built back in 1136.

There are several walks around the area that will help you get a better sense of the area as well as your bearings such as ‘Keat’s Walk’ which was the path he followed when he wrote the famous ode ‘To Autumn’ or the ‘Sunset Walk’ which leads its visitors off of the local areas and into the historical lands of Winchester all the way up to the top of St. Giles’ hill where you can look out over the city sparkling at night.

Manchester, so many reasons to visit

Alan — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:49:38 +0000

Manchester is a popular destination for tourism and business alike. If you have never been, then read further for the reasons why you should go. The Trafford Centre is an all-in-one shopping experience. All kinds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment can be had there. You will never grow weary of going, since there are so many places to visit.

Down town you’ll find both high street shops and boutiques, guaranteeing you will find just what you’re looking for. Whether you are bargain hunting or searching for the one elegant item, you can find it down town.

An aspect Manchester is famous for is museums and galleries. Both the Lowery Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Imperial War Museum are famous locations visitors flock to.

Music is an important expression of culture in Manchester. World class names, such as The Smiths and Oasis, originate from here. This can only mean one thing. It indicates the presence of many places to listen to music, many bands, and even music shops around the town. Manchester is hoping with great music.

As for establishments that present a constant diet of music, check out the likes of the Manchester Academy. Here you’ll find the latest groups contributing to the reality that Manchester is generating a lively culture of music. You can catch Ash, Basshunter, and Bloody Beetroots, to mention a few.

Manchester is famous for the superb choices of excitement in the evenings. Comedians, plays, and bands will provide you with unending entertainment.

Both bars and restaurants provide the range of experiences. You’ll easily find cheap and gourmet, whichever you are seeking.

The Whitworth Art Gallery hosts free entrance and boasts nearly 54,000 pieces on exhibit. One particular unique exhibit, named “Kinderzimmer”, built by Gregor Schneider, was a single huge room with bizarre lighting and vacant, save for a filthy mattress.

It’s true Manchester is industrial, but it hosts a number of parks, lush landscapes, and greenery. Heaton Park provides a de-stressing experience. The fresh air blends well with the three cafes, playgrounds, and animal centre. Additional parks you should see include Wythenshawe Park, Riverside Park, and Queens Park.

A step back in time, Castleton in Derbyshire

Alan — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:40:03 +0000

The village of Castleton in Derbyshire is one of those increasingly rare, hidden away and truly unspoiled places where the English countryside still looks like Tolkien’s Shire, and walking is the preferred method of transportation. Situated on the Peakshole Water, a tributary of the River Noe, Castleton is not on any major motorway. There is good bus service from Sheffield, about a sixteen-mile journey, and from Manchester, a weekend shuttle bus operates to Hope and Edale stations, about a 50-minute trip.

Castleton itself dates from about 1198, and was named after the Norman castle on the hill that overlooks it, but there is evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age, about a mile from the centre of Castleton in the caves at Treak Cliff. Peveril Castle still dominates the village, originally built by William Peveril, the son of William the Conqueror. The present castle was rebuilt by King Henry II around 1157, and is now an English Heritage site, open to the public throughout the year.

The area around Castleton gained prosperity at one time from its lead mining, and though serious mining is a thing of the past, the caverns that existed and were enlarged during those years are a major attraction for tourists. Four of them are open to the public for most of the year. Peak Cavern, also known as Devil’s Arse, is right underneath Peveril Castle and has the largest natural entrance in the U.K. and the second largest in the world, by last reports. Speedwell Cavern can only be visited by underground boat, and boasts a “bottomless pit”; the trip is not recommended for the faint-hearted.

In the village, a visitor will find several good pubs and comfortable accommodations, as well as some excellent shops that seldom ‘bustle’ but simply invite and delight. Walking tours are many and varied, from an easy hike to the nearer caverns to a more strenuous ascent to the top of Mam Tor, where the views are well worth the climb.

Buxton gateway to the Peak District

Alan — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 06:19:35 +0000

According to many, Buxton is the gateway to the Peak District. It is a wonderful place to base a tour of the area. Since the Romans times, perhaps even prior to that, Buxton had been a settlement of some sort. The late eighteenth century is the date to which the most current town dates back to.

The town is not short of places of interest. Buxton itself, as well as the surrounding National park offer plenty to see and plenty to do. You can see the ancient tradition of well dressing in the summer. Buxton has turned to a carnival centre, of late. Many bands playing, and fun fairs are taking place hand in hand with the well dressing event. In the events wells are adorned with intricate designs of flower petals arrangements.

The annual Buxton Festival is held in the summer. During the festival, operas and other music events are held and performed, in addition to other literary events. Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance, as the demand at the time of the event is at its peaks. Fringe activities are also available, thanks to many other festivals in the surrounding areas, Edinburgh. Also available street performers, comedy and puppetry and dance events.

Football fans will find their due entertainment, with Buxton FC who play at the Northern League Premier Division. Other sports fans can watch Buxton High Edge Hitmen speedway team outside the town.

There is a variety of activities also available – you can visit “The Goodies” birthplace town. You can also enjoy hill walking, hiking trails and if you are a rock climber, Rock climbing is also available in Roaches and Stanage Edge.

A large selection of accommodation option is available. But as mentioned before, make sure to book in advance, if you are planning to visit in the busy season.