Travel Destinations

Anyone who travels a great deal is often looking for unusual places to explore. Tired of large cities with their crowds and noise, they want something different and unusual. Such a place can be found in the hidden jewel of Stamford – Lincolnshire. This extraordinary place can be reached by bus, railway or car.

Located 100 miles north of London, this small town has a population of 18,000 people. It is located off the main traffic areas and is a quiet, peaceful place located on the river Welland. Unaffected by the passing of time one will find the old world still exists in this unique and unusual place.

Walking down the streets, that look much like they did when they were built hundreds of years ago, one feels like they have returned to old England. The buildings, made of the old limestone have not changed and are an adventure to explore. Many movie directors take advantage of this fact to make movies depicting that period.

Medieval history is a fascinating subject and those who are interested in it will find a treasure trove of buildings and historical documents to explore. This architecture has survived wars and many other catastrophes and is still a thing of beauty and strength. A history buff will feel his dream come true when he or she starts exploring this unusual area.

The initial reaction of a tourist visiting is one of shock. They cannot believe that anything could be preserved in its entirety as the many buildings and streets located here. There are 13th and 14th century churches, preserved historical buildings and many other places that might take several days to thoroughly explore.

While the town has retained its old world charm it is very modern in its quality hotels, guest houses, restaurant and pubs. One can enjoy some of the finest food in the world prepared by chefs who are experts in their field. The hotels and guesthouses are modern and delightfully decorated to assure pleasure for their guests.

In exploring the town one is amazed at the beautiful scenery which abounds. Pictures of this wonderful place show greenery, brooks and other views that are breathtaking. A visitor can experience this phenomenon first hand and breath the wonderful clear air that is absent in so many cities today. This is what one will find on a visit to Stamford – Lincolnshire.

For accommodation in Stamford check this list of Stamford hotels.

Lymington – Hampshire is a small town on the southern coast of England that is very close to the New Forest District. It is also close to the Isle of Wight and gets a great deal of tourism trade because of it. There is a ferry that regularly shuttles cars between the island and the mainland.

Based on its location and proximity to the sea, the island, and the New Forest, it has become an area for wealthy tourists. There is a great deal of yachting and sailing that happens around the town. It is also known for its excellent shopping and miscellaneous recreation.

Since the tourism trade is so important, the town’s quality is very well-kept. There is little tolerance for old buildings not up to code. They are often demolished and new, attractive buildings are put in their places. The transportation system is excellent and there is little crime or noise. Many retirement homes are in the area due to those facts. The town keeps an excellent balance of having exciting, fast-paced lifestyles without sacrificing safety or looks.

It started as the site for an Iron Age fort and later became an Anglo-Saxon village. When the English got it back after the Saxon invasion, it was discovered to be an excellent place for salt production. There are natural salt deposits all throughout the area, so the town became very valuable. Common people could not afford rarer spices to season their food and had to rely only on salt. Apart from salt, the port town was good for shipping and for military attacks.

Part of the charm of the town lies in the fact that residents try to keep it quaint, despite the waves of tourists. Streets are still made of cobblestone and old houses are valuable commodities that residents try to keep well-maintained. There are plenty of local legends about smugglers and ghosts to keep visitors entertained.

This town has some of the best sailing in the world–so good that world championships are often held there. It is great for those who love spectator sports, especially because the sailing is so difficult. Many find the races to be extremely exciting. Every Thursday night in the summer, locals race their own boats as a fun tradition.

Overall, it is an extremely active town. It only has one library, but it has numerous golf courses, tennis courts, gyms, racetracks, public swimming pools, sports fields, and boating clubs. There are skate parks and plenty of recreational trails, but only one small theatre and cinema.

Find your next Lymington hotel here.

Before the charter that created Dawley New town in 1963, the area including the communities of Dawley, Madeley, Wellington and Oakengates was used for agricultural or residential purposes. Over the intervening years, the planned new town was named Telford after British civil engineering specialist, Thomas Telford. Telford – Shropshire showed an amazing growth rate, becoming the largest Shropshire community and one of the fastest growing cities in the United Kingdom.

The planned community houses a modern shopping mall, a Town Park and the M54 motorway to facilitate connections to the West Midlands. The town charter was issued in 1963. Office complexes, entertainment venues and schools are all of recent construction and reflect state of the art methods and principles.

Ironbridge Gorge near Telford was original called Severn Gorge. The gorge is formed by the Severn River that borders the southern edge of Telford. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over.

The Iron Bridge is the name given to the first arch bridge made entirely of cast iron. The bridge was built in 1779 to cross the Severn Gorge. It connects the industrial center of Coalbrookdale to the iron ore mining town of Madeley. The building of the bridge allowed better interaction between the sources of iron ore and the furnaces and processing plants.

Near the city of Telford you can find other tourist destinations of interest. Shropshire County boasts The Wrekin. The 1335 foot high landmark is enjoyed by walkers. The Black County, Staffordshire and Shropshire counties are known as the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The 1st Duke of Sutherland was the French ambassador in 1690-1692. The Lilleshall Monument in his honor is located near Telford. Sutherland is believed to be the 18th century’s wealthiest man. His record includes a role in the Highland Clearances. Near this monument, you can enjoy visiting Sunnycroft, a Victorian-era estate completed in 1889 and turned over to the National Trust in 1997.

Telford – Shropshire is known for participation in various types of sports clubs, including amateur leagues, semi-professional and professional clubs. The AFC Telford United Football Club plays locally at New Bucks Head stadium. The city is also noted for teams playing ice hockey, rugby, American football and snookers.

Look for hotels in Telford.

Stansted – Essex is a fantastic location for those visiting London, but hoping for more. Only thirty miles outside of London, and home to one of five national airports, this is a perfect place for sightseeing and more.

Mountfitchet castle is an absolutely must see, award winning attraction. History buffs, adventurers, and those who would love to go into a time machine are sure to adore this place. The history of this location alone is fascinating. It once served as an Iron age fort, a Roman fort, and a Viking and Saxon settlement. In the year ten sixty six, William the Conqueror had a motte and castle built here. People are delighted to learn that they may roam freely about the grounds, and even inside the castle. The smell of wood fires, the roaming animals, and visits to the houses within the walls of this village are sure to take people to a place of long ago. As if all of this is not enough, it is the first part in a three for one bargain.

People of all ages are thrilled by the exhibits at House on the hill toy museum. This is the second part of the three for one deal. There are over eighty thousand toys within the walls of this amazing museum. Lady Diana’s bicycle, countless dolls, and even star wars exhibits can be seen. Imagine reproductions of the crown jewels, Royal memorabilia, and so much more. People will certainly reflect on their own childhood, when seeing toys that they once owned.

Along the path to the museum people will be surprised by the greeters. Lifelike dinosaurs will roar a perhaps not so friendly greeting. Have no fear, these dinosaurs will not harm anyone. It is likely a good idea however, to prepare small children about what is ahead, before entering the path. Young and old paleontologists will also have the opportunity to discover hidden fossils when brushing away the sand that covers them.

This three for one admission deal is certain to be one that people will want to spend the day exploring. This is a great opportunity to check out the terrific local restaurants, or maybe even take along a picnic lunch to enjoy during a break.

There are plenty of hotels, motels, and inns in and around this area. Many have very high ratings. There is something to meet just about any budget, including camping.

Stansted – Essex has terrific transportation, great shopping and much for the entire family to see and do.

Check here for a wide selection of Stansted hotels.

Peterborough Cambridgeshire is located in the Eastern part of England about 75 miles north of London and near the River Nene. The city goes back to a Bronze Age settlement and there is an archaeological site just east of where the city is now. The Romans once inhabited the city as did the Anglo-Saxons when they built a monastery called Medeshamstede which is now known as Peterborough Cathedral.

There are many different historical sites in Peterborough. Of course the cathedral is one of them being partially destroyed and rebuilt starting in 1118. Saint Paul, Saint Peter and Saint Andrew are made in statue form and the look down from their lofty height off the gables of the Western Front entrance. The architecture is typical English Gothic with the three large arches dedicated to the three saints. Inside the church is a painted wooden ceiling that has survived war and many years. Mary, Queen of Scots, was buried under the cathedral being moved once her son, King James I was named King but Katherine of Aragon remains buried under the cathedral. This cathedral was strategically built on a large limestone field.

Petersborough Museum and Art Gallery is in what was once an infirmary. There are displays of the history of the town all the way back to some Roman pottery. The collection of art has works from the 1600′s to the present and there are many temporary and permanent exhibition. The museum is said to be haunted and there are some haunted tours that take place at night certain times of the year.

Other historical treasures include the Burghley House is a country house built by the first Baron Burghley Sir William Cecil. He was Queen Elizabeth I Lord High Treasurer. There is a park all around the house. Longthorpe Tower is a three story high tower attached to a manor house built in the fourteenth century. This has a wonderful collection of art from Europe. Flag Fen is the Bronze Age archaeological site that was found in 1982. It is said that this was a religious area and there are artifacts displayed including what is said to be the oldest wheel found in Britain.

If you would like to take in some activities after exploring historical sites you can go to Nene Park and walk the 3.5 miles of parkland. Here you will find three beautiful lakes and one is a center of water sports that you can participate in. You can either use your own equipment or rent some from vendors around the lake.

Hikers and backpackers love to explore the 3 natural reserves in the area called Castor Hanglands, Bedford Purlieus, and Barnack Hills and Holes. There is an organized bicycling network called the Green wheel where the hub is in the city and spokes radiate all out to areas within and outside of the city.

Peterborough is not all history. You can take a shopping trip to the individual stores along the streets of town or in the 3 major shopping centers. Buy fruits and vegetables at the farmers market and look for craft fairs that pop up all over town especially during the good weather months. You can also find many restaurants that will cater to your every desire with mouthwatering dishes you will never forget. Everything to make a great vacation is in Peterborough so make plans to visit and enjoy.

Check here for a wide selection of Peterborough hotels.

Malvern – Worcestershire is also known as Malvern Spa and Great Malvern. It is a Celtic name that is said to mean “bare hill” and indeed the surrounding area is well known for its hills which are great for walking tours. If you are looking for a weekend getaway spot, then you will find Malvern a charming location.

Malvern – Worcestershire shot to fame in the 18th century as a spa town. With natural springs all over the town it has attracted prestigious guests that came for its health giving benefits such as Queen Victoria. This cemented the town as a getaway location that it has maintained to the current day.

Before it became a booming spa town it was known for its Norman era church of St Mary and St Michael. Fans of architecture will find the medieval tiles throughout the church fascinating. The tiles were made by the monks at the attached monastery and are considered the finest throughout England. The stained glass at the church is also considered to be a challenger to the York Cathedral.

Little Malvern Court Priory Church dates from the 14th century and has some impressive stained glass that has been restored. The glass features members of the royal family from the 15th century.

The Malvern Museum is a gorgeous little museum that is housed in a 14th century gatehouse at the Malvern Abbey. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm, except Wednesdays. Here you will find fascinating archeological finds from the area that date back to the iron age. There are exhibits that showcase life in Malvern throughout different times in history. There is also a focus on natural history, which may have something to do with Charles Darwin’s connection to the town.

A visit to St Anne’s Well in the Malvern Hills is a chance to see the spa town in action. There is an ornate fountain from which pours natural spring water and it is housed in a building that was built in 1815. It makes a charming diversion when combined with lunch at the attached cafe. Further up into the Malvern Hills is the Worcestershire Beacon, which offers views all around the surrounding hills from the fixed telescopes.

Other wells and springs are scattered all throughout Malvern. Look out for Holy Well, Morris Well, Temperance Fountain, Enigma Fountain, Jubilee Fountain, Evendine Spring among others. The green hills around the area are a great place to meander on the weekends for easy to moderate hiking. Malvern – Worcestershire has a great mixture of things to do to keep visitors entertained. It is a superb spot for a weekend mini break and a chance to see some of England’s most beautiful countryside.

For a wide selection of Malvern hotels just click here.

Rye – East Sussex is an area where tourists love to roam. It is full of history but also markets where you can find anything you desire be it foods or antiques and more. The beautiful accommodation’s at any of the areas B and B’s or Guest homes available to rent are places that are exquisite ans also fairly close to areas of interest too.

In Roman times this area was known for iron mining and forging as well as the storage of it. It was also a very known port for the shipping industry as well. In 1249 a building called the Ypres Tower was built by talented craftsman of the time and it can still be viewed today.

There is also a museum located close to Ypres Tower that is home to even more historical artifacts and other memorabilia.

Fishing industries really picked up once the economy started to fall extensively as did the smuggling arenas also. People turned to this lewd act as a means to support themselves and their families in these dire financial times.

Other historic things Rye is know for include a wonderful port for the fishing industries, marketing type town, base for the Navy and a grand center for agriculture.

When visiting you should also see the general market that is loaded full of all types of treasures from antiques, collectibles, flea market finds farmers market produce and much, much more. It is held Thursdays each week at either Ypres Tower or East Street.

You should also venture to the Museum of the Castle Rye the beauty and history within these walls is wonderful for all family members and the relics inside are things all should see. For the nature lovers among you go to one or more of the many natural reserves located here.

There have been many famous residence to come from this area as well. You will find them included here. Some of the historical literary greats include children’s writer Monica Edwards who is most known for her Romney Marsh series, Rumer Godden, Henry James, American writer Conrad Aiken who lived at the Jeakes House and E. F. Benson.

Even Sir Paul McCartney resided here for a period of time while his children where enrolled at the Rye schools within the area. The famous Britain Phillipa Urquhart was a talented actress in her day and lived here as well as the solicitor and Jacobean playwright Mr. John Fletcher.

Visit Rye – East Sussex soon and you will be a part of this amazing locale and all the history and beauty that is filled within it.

Find your next Rye hotel here.

Another lovely city located along the Severn River is Gloucester. This city was first built in 48 AD by the Romans as several sections of a stone wall and Roman coins have been discovered. After the Romans withdrew the Saxons ruled the city and in 681 they built an abbey. Much of the core street layout in the city can be traced to the time towards the end of the Saxon rule.

One of the most notable and well known buildings in the city is the Cathedral. This cathedral was built on top of the foundations of that original abbey. The cathedral is of the Norman style though later additions were made in the Gothic design.

There are four narrow pinnacles on the top which make it recognizable as a famous landmark. There are also four apsidal crypts located in England and one happens to be at Gloucester cathedral. The corridor scenes of the Harry Potter Movies were shot in the cathedral.

Many Tudor houses and medieval buildings can be found when walking through town. These buildings are recognizable by their gables and usage of timber. There is only one public house still standing form this time period as the New Inn contains massive extensive galleries as well as several courtyards. This building can be found on Northgate Street.

Gloucester is fairly easy to reach as it is right on one of the main motorways as well as be in on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. While very large ships cannot travel the canal, coasters and other small craft can use the canal. This spot was very important for travelers as it is at the low point of the river. So if you were traveling from South Wales to London, or vice versa, you would pass through Gloucester.

The aerospace industry has an extensive history in this area as many advancements to jet engines occurred here, such as the turbojet engine. An important aerospace company, the Gloster Aircraft Company was located in Gloucester since before the 1900s. You can view many monuments and sculptures throughout the city that deal with aerospace.

There are several festivals in which you can enjoy as every three years there is the Three Choirs Festival. This festival is the oldest musical festival still going on in Europe. The tall ships have come into Gloucester several times with the latest being in 2010. Each year in August there is also an International Rhythm and Blues festival that brings in a great selection of performers.

Discover your next hotel in Gloucester or select somewhere to stay from these UK hotels