Travel Destinations

When you are planning a visit to Bury St. Edmunds – Suffolk, be prepared for events, activities, and absolutely stunning landscape. And, that doesn’t even touch on the breathtaking architecture that has grown up around the Benedictine Abbey in this town that was founded in 1020AD. This is one location where a guided walking tour is a must.

The Abbey gate was rebuilt in 1353 and stands at the entrance to the Abbey Gardens. Bury is also famous for The Green King brewery which is the largest in Great Britain. The Old Cannon Brewery is smaller, but has ale that has made it distinct and unique. You won’t want to miss the Nutshell which is the smallest pub in Britain just off Traverse.

Visiting the neo-classical Theatre Royal is a special treat. Built in 1819, the theatre is the only regency theatre that still survives in the UK. A full programme of performances is ongoing on throughout the year and it is open for public tours. Another great stop will be Moyse’s Hall which was built in 1180 and is the oldest domestic building in East Anglia. The building is open to the public and is beautiful example of early architecture. The Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral was built as part of the Millennium Project. This is a great example of Gothic architecture. But, you can also see St. Mary’s Church that is still actively used and was built in the 15th century. The Church is the third largest parish in England.

In May there is seventeen days of fun with concerts, dance, performances, lectures, fireworks, theatre. For seventeen days the Bury St. Edmunds Festival brings people from around the world for events that include a great jazz, carnival, folk groups and art. The Festival is held in the Abbey Gardens and also be a great opportunity to enjoy the towns ales and local food.

In November the Bury Round Table Fireworks Spectacular is held in Abbey Gardens and is a great night of lights, bonfires, action, rides, carnival, and games. The festival is a fabulous way to enjoy this wonderful town and the people that reside here.

Local businessmen from throughout the region participate in the Wednesday and Saturday market days. You will find local foods, arts, crafts, and ales that will make your visit to Bury a memorable experience. When you enjoy shopping, the town has antique shops, family run businesses, and High Street names residing in the beautiful historic buildings that surround the square.

There are over six hundred acres of parks, gardens, golf courses, riding stables and trails for walking and hiking. You will also enjoy the boat and cycle hire centers. The restaurants, bistros, cafes, and hotels will give you a wonderful chance to find accommodations in beautifully restored Georgian buildings that offer all of the modern amenities.

Right off Risbygate Street you will find the wonderful Heritage Centre that is filled with history and cultural items that span hundreds of years. The Centre offers visitors guided tours or you can take a self-led tour through the centre and linger at interesting displays in the Centre.

When you plan a holiday at Bury St. Edmunds – Suffolk, you will find that there are activities and events throughout the year that will delight you. The galleries and museums house some of the most beautiful works in the world. And, for a person who enjoys a great pub, there is a marvelous nightlife that will welcome you with great local ales, music and dancing.

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Hexham is one of the most important towns in Tynedale and is in the county Northumberland. This is a market town near the Tyne River and its history can be traced back to 674 when the first Abbey was constructed. The crypt of the original Abbey is still present though the current Abbey was finished in the 1800s. Much of the original stonework is form older roman ruins.

Because of its location close to Scotland Hexham featured prominently in the border wars and was actually burned to the ground by William Wallace. The town itself had its own Battle in 1464. There is a famous legend about a nearby cave, nicknamed the Queens cave, as it was though that Queen Margaret of Anjou was robbed when she took refuge in the cave.

A famous building is Moot Hall which is a Grade 1 building and was once a gatehouse. The council office and the Museums department currently reside in Moot Hall though there is an art gallery that is open to the public. Another old building is the Old Goal which is listed as a monument and contains exhibits dealing with the goal history as well as famous local families.

Because of its proximity to the river there were several ferry crossings until the old bridge was built. It took a long time to construct as several bridges were destroyed, the first due to a flash flood. The current ‘old bridge’ was the fourth constructed in that spot and there is a car bridge located just up the river. There are plenty of water activities nearby as there are many tributaries.

A tributary of the Tyne River is the devil’s Water. This water was important in the Battle of Hexham. This water is formed by several streams and bynes and is a lovely spot to visit.

You can easily reach Hexham by car, train and air. Hexham is linked on the main road fining from Newcastle to Carlisle and there are many buses to Newcastle. The Hexham railway station lies on the Newcastle and Carlisle railway. The railway line travels along the Tyne River. You also can reach Hexham by flying into the Newcastle Airport.

Some of the main industries are tanning and leather manufacturing. Tanning and leather craft always tend to shoot up next to each other. Through time Hexham was once home to several master hatters and woolen manufacturers. There were several mills along the river as well as a windmill that is still in use.

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Driving on the winding and scenic Road A537, you will come to the stunning and beautiful market town of Buxton – Derbyshire County. You are entering a town that is going to provide you with a wonderful retreat and excellent time to spend enjoying the theatre and arts and exploring the beautifully kept historic wonders of the town.

No matter when you go to Buxton, there will be an activity or event going on. The Buxton Opera House hosts several events and festivals during the year. The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival spends a week of events, plays and dance extravaganzas that you will not want to miss. There is a fabulous Buxton Festival in July and August that lasts for three weeks. During this great event, there are productions by Handel, rare operas, and spectacular artists that provide stunning music.

The Buxton Festival Fringe is the second largest arts festival in the country, second only to Edinburgh. This festival is a fabulous arts and cultural festival of dance, comedy, music, dance, arts, and more. The Four Four Time Music Festival follows and is a great experience that will add to your enjoyment and fun.

While you are enjoying the activities and events be sure to explore the Buxton Opera House. This stunning building has been completely renovated to its original beauty. The architecture inside and out is breathtaking. Right by the Opera House is the Pavilion Gardens. Wondering through this 23 acre garden opened to the public in 1871, you will find ponds, glass houses with tropical plants, walks, pathways, stunning forests and beautiful places to sit and take in the splendor of the area.

Well Dressing Weekend each summer is unique to Buxton and you will find the carnival, fair, live music, rides, and games a delight for the family who is on holiday here.

Take some time to explore a totally different area when you visit Poole’s Cavern by River Wye. This 300 metre cavern that is made of Limestone was home to both the Neolithic and Bronze Age inhabitants of the region. There are amazing stalagmites and egg shaped stalactites. You will find that wandering through the cavern is an amazing experience.

Across from Buxton Opera House and the Crescent, which you also must see, is the Old Hall Hotel. This beautiful hotel is one of the oldest working hotels in England. Built in 1670, this fabulous piece of history has all of the modern amenities. There are en suite bathrooms, Internet, and wonderful rooms. You can even say in the room that Mary Queen of Scots is thought to have stayed in when she came to St. Anne’s for the healing water.

Built in 1868 another fabulously renovated hotel provides all of the conveniences you expect in a building that provides the historic beauty of the stone buildings. The Palace Hotel has a wonderful restaurant and wine bar that will give you a chance to rest and relax after a day spent exploring Buxton.

There are more than sixteen cafes and coffee shops in Buxton that provide both regional and world class food. You can enjoy evenings dancing or at local pubs and mornings enjoying the home made scones at Hargreaves. The No 6 Tea Rooms offer a world renowned array of fabulous pastries, teas, and lunches.

Before your holiday in Buxton – Derbyshire comes to a close, you will want to visit Parish Church of St. Anne built in 1625. It is located at 29 Bath Road and is still in use. It is a fabulous work of art that is breathtaking to behold. Once you begin coming to Buxton, you will find yourself drawn back again to explore and discover new delights.

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The West country of England has some beautiful areas for any local or foreign visitor to see. Weston-Super-Mare is one such town on the sea that offers a wonderful collection of attractions for any holidaymaker. In the 19th century the town started to look to attract interest away from the local city of Bristol and used its lovely beach-front to build a budding tourist industry.

This beach is most certainly the most prominent attraction in the area and comes to life throughout the summer months, short as they may be within England. The beach is lined by a wonderful promenade with glorious views over the sea. Typically for an English sea-side resort, there are associated sights and sounds of seagulls calling and fish and chip shops teasing their appealing scent. There are also piers stretching into the water as well as small amusement areas with rides and gift shops for the kids.

If you visit the local tourist centre they will have a good long list of potential attractions for you and your family. Whatever the purpose of your visit and whoever you are with, you will find something to enjoy in Weston-Super-Mare. The beach here is the main attraction and, unlike many UK beaches, is full of lovely glowing sand. Along the beach there is a train for the kids and donkey rides and a paddling pool for them to enjoy. There is also an aquarium housing all sorts of wonderful marine like that you would be hard pressed to find lurking within any British waters.

There is also a grand pier stretching out into the sea that provides one of the towns most appealing draws. With a pavilion stationed at the end together with a small fun-fare and numerous little food, drink and gift shop stands, there is a little bit for everyone to enjoy.

On the pier also is a playhouse theatre that shows musical events amongst others throughout the year. The beach is also host to several different festivals of music during the summer months, the pinnacle being the show ‘T4 on the beach’ hosted by the entertainment television channel T4. This draws together huge crowds to take in some of the countries and worlds top musical pop acts and provides a massive tourism boost for the town.

There are also cultural attractions for those with more discerning tastes, such as various museums and art galleries. Top of the list for anyone interested however is the helicopter museum that houses an enormous collection of different helicopters to rival any in the world.

For trekkers and those who enjoy the wild outdoors there are also a number of lovely walks to take along the coastline and into the surrounding countryside. All of these various attractions make it all a very appealing holiday or weekend destination for people the world over.

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The fascinating city of Sheffield – South Yorkshire, England can boast of a current population of at least 535,000 residents living in this attractive metropolitan borough. In and of itself, the Sheffield Urban Area can count more than 650,000 people and the area as a whole has continued to grow apace over the centuries. It has gradually shifted from being mostly industrial in nature to now being economically more diverse than ever before.

Sheffield’s name actually is derived from the name given to the river that runs through its center; the River Sheaf. It came to perhaps its greatest prominence in the past in the 19th century, when it was known for the production facilities and skill of its workforce in producing high-quality steel and the products made from that metal. It is also the city that gave birth to stainless steel, and it experienced much growth during the Industrial Revolution.

Gradually, improvements in iron and steel production (along with competition) in other parts of the globe saw Sheffield lose its primacy in the making of iron and steel by the 1970s and 1980s. This happened to occur at the same time that coal mining as an industry began to diminish in the area and in the wider country, though Sheffield seems to have come through the hard times — especially in this new century — better than most.

This success is made evident through the fact of the diversification of its economy, which has also helped to contribute to a 5 percent annual growth rate over the last several years. The city’s rate of growth actually exceeds that of the wider Yorkshire and Humber region in which it is located, in fact. In terms of monetary valuation, Sheffield can boast of a gross added value of more than 7 million British pounds.

The city is also appreciated for its efforts to carve out as much green space as possible, with over 61 percent of Sheffield consisting of such spaces. A concerted effort by the local city council, and area residents, in directing and carrying out the planting of trees whenever possible helps to ensure that the town will continue to add to its green areas. This helps to contribute to the scenic beauty of the town, which is built on several hillsides.

As far as history goes, there seems to have been human activity of one sort or another since at least the Upper Paleolithic era, more than 12,800 years ago. Most of the actual area of Sheffield, though, are considered to have originated with the Anglo-Saxons and Danes of the second half of the first millennium. By 1296, the burgeoning town had been granted a charter to hold a weekly market. It became known for knife production in the 14th century.

The city sits within the metropolitan county of South Yorkshire and has more than 1. 3 million residents that call the county home. It is also landlocked and has no access to the sea. It is the product of a 1974 reconfiguration of most local governing regions by the national government in an effort to streamline counties and the like. The county is made up of four different metropolitan areas, including Sheffield’s.

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Liverpool is a city with so much to do you will need at least a few days to take in the main points. Depending on what you are after, the city offers everything from great nightlife, to great culture. Much has been invested in the city’s renovation and as a result the city was named at the European capital of culture for 2008. This has succeeded in bringing in additional levels of tourism for a vibrant, buzzing city.

One of the best features of the city from a cultural perspective is the great maritime history and traditions that are there. The city used to be one of the richest cities in the world with one of the busiest ports, where at the start of the 19th century roughly 40% of the whole worlds trade passed throughout the docks of the city.

This wealth was spent on making the city into a great representation of the country. Liverpool is now house to the largest number of grade one and two listed buildings and is home to the greatest collection of different art and artifact’s in the UK, outstripping even London. These are all housed in the 8 galleries and museums that are a must for any visitor interested in art, culture and history.

St George’s Plateau is the cultural hub of the city and is home to the greatest gallery within it. The Walker gallery has one of the finest collections of art outside of the galleries of London, with art spanning six centuries to explore.

The city is also home to the largest Cathedral within the UK and the fifth in the world in the Anglican Liverpool Cathedral which is linked by the cobbled streets of Hope street to the Catholic Met Museum.

If you are a fan of modern art the you need to go to the Tate Liverpool and for those interested in the history of the wealth of the city and its maritime activities its worth checking out the slave museum to find out about the dark side of the city’s success on the seas. For fans of the Beatles, the city offers shrines and tours to learn and see more of their roots and development into possibly the greatest ever band.

Aside from the cultural side of the city, there are other attractions to enjoy. The nightlife within the city is fantastic and boasts some of the most popular spots in the country. Sport also, and in particular football with the rival factions of Liverpool FC and Everton is hugely popular here. The local football derby’s that occur twice yearly between the two teams bring in interest from all over. Moreover, the city has a wonderful range of diverse food outlets to suit all tastes.

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categories: travel,travel and leisure

Southampton is a coastal town and as a result offers a wide variety of things to do. Whether you are coming for a day out or a weeks stay, there is plenty to fill up you days with. The following are just a few of the top attractions in this lovely English city.

For all those who have any sort of interest in theatre and musical productions, the city’s musical theatre offers a wide range of different sorts of productions. From all the regular plays and musicals, some taken straight from the West End, to ballet and stand up comedy, everyone will be able to find something to get involved in.

Southampton has a very rich history in British aviation and the hall of aviation is a must see for anyone interested in planes and their development. Here you can look into the stories of twenty six different companies and track the different planes they have engineered. There is also the chance to visit the history of the great spitfire plane, invented in the city.

The city is also very famous for all of the cruise ships that pass through its water and docks. Some of the worlds most famous ships have made pit-stops in the harbour and you can find some fantastic spots from which to view these magnificent feats of engineering. Also, the city plays host to a yearly boat show that brings in around 850 different types of boat from all over the world and attracts over 100,000 visitors.

Along the same theme, the maritime museum is a superb place to visit to discover the history of the city and all of the great and famous ships that have passed its docks. Most famous amongst them is the Titanic which sailed from the city on the 10th of April 1912. The Titanic Voices Exhibition is a superb way to follow the tragic story of the vessel and you will be able to take a close look at a number of different photographs and artifacts recovered from the ship.

Last of all, if you are looking to get away from all the boats and planes and just relax over a little retail therapy then there are some great places to go. Best amongst them is the Westquay shopping centre which was the biggest of its kind in Europe when opened in 2000. Here you can peruse a huge amount of shops and restaurants at your leisure.

For all other activities to partake in in the city, then take a look at the visitors centre which will offer a full list of available options.

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Jersey is a small Channel Island that offers so much variety in a very small space. If you are taking a trip there then the best time to go in summer when the weather can get very warm. But even during the times of miserable weather, there are always interesting things to do.

First of all, if you are looking for a little bit of relaxation during the spring and summer months then there are over twenty beaches dotted around the island. These beaches are all beautiful and sandy and during the height of summer it can become very warm.

For those who enjoy a bit of physical exercise and getting involved close to nature, there are also numerous lovely walks that you can go on and bike rides to enjoy. Again, this sort of activity is better during the summer months.

If you are with a young family you can never go wrong with the Jersey zoo that has some of the worlds most wonderful and endangered species on display. The zoo is set over grounds of about 31 acres and can be completed in a few hours if you want to see everything. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant on site.

For other days out be sure to visit the Samares Manor with its beautiful grounds and gardens. Take a tour around the manor or get involved with one of the tips through the grounds on a horse drawn van. For those who are interested in nature and beautiful creatures, the butterfly centre is a real treat. Visitors head into an enclosed area and can get up close and personal with hundreds of rare and wonderful butterflies.

There are also many museums on the island for the more cultural amongst us to explore. The history of the island and all its wonderful traditions are depicted in the Jersey museum, with the use of interactive displays and exhibits to capture the imagination. For those interested in the great British history amongst the waves, there is also the maritime museum that offer some insight into Jersey’s contribution to the homeland.

In addition to these there is a military museum which is housed in a restored German bunker and displays both British and German artifacts from uniforms to equipments and various different documents. There are many more museums on offer on various themes for those who wish to visit them.

The beautiful island offers something for everyone.

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A quick look at the town of Oban – Argyll and Bute reveals a piece of classic Scottish town living in a very large local council area. Located on the Firth of Forth, the town has a year-round population of about 8200 people and is the largest of its sort between Helensburgh and Fort William. In the tourist season, Oban’s population can swell to as much as 25,000 people.

Oban also is gifted by its location on Oban Bay, a nearly perfect inlet of horseshoe-shaped proportions. Its weather also is moderated because of its proximity to Kerrera island, which sits in the bay and which is further sheltered by the very large Isle of Mull. The town benefits from its proximity also to a collection of mountains known as the Morvern and Ardgour as well as the Isle of Lismore.

The town is sometimes known as the “Gateway to the Isles, ” and almost 10% of the local population in and around the town speaks Gaelic. There are a number of classic Scottish historical attractions and other sightseeing opportunities around Oban, including a famous Scotch whiskey distillery and a several Scottish castles of some historical note.

Tourists flock to this classic Scottish town for a number of reasons, most especially because it is located so near to the Kilmartin Glen, a region of archaeological importance that has a number of Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts and remnants. Additionally, many tourists go from the town to the Glen and then on to a very ancient fortress nearby to complete their sightseeing day.

Historically, Oban was an important World War II port used by many Royal Navy and merchant marine ships. During the Cold War, the town also played host to the famous “Hot Line” transatlantic cable, which came ashore at a nearby bay called Gallenach. That particular cable was the main means of communication between the presidents of the United States and the old Soviet Union during that time.

Oban is also well known and appreciated throughout Scotland as being the home of one of the country’s most famous and historic Gaelic festival’s, the Mod, which first took place in 1892. The town is also twinned with Laurinberg, North Carolina and is known in this country as being a good example of Scottish living. Oban sits at the western end of the A85, one of the major roads in the country.

The local council area of Argyll and Bute plays host to the town and has a population of nearly 92,000 citizens. When its coastline is added in, it is also one of the largest council areas in the country in terms of that coast. It actually has more such coastline in total than does France itself. Both the town and the local council area are great examples of classic Scottish life.

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Nottingham is a famous town mainly because of its association with the Robin Hood legend. It is also internationally known for its lace making and was the birthplace of several styles of bicycles. Nottingham was originally a section of the Mercia Kingdom in Anglo-Saxon times. Nottingham became fortified after the Vikings seized and conquered the towns and villages in the area.

The castle was constructed of sandstone as this was in abundance in this area. Eventually the settlement grew around the castle until it was large enough for a market square. This market square played an important role to the town for many centuries in the future. A large part of Nottingham’s industry focused on exporting religious sculptures made of plaster.

Nottingham became famous for its lace making during the industrial revolution and the textile industries were very prominent here. As with much of the country the textile industries fell into decline after the Wars. While it was internationally famous for lace it was also famous for having some of the worst slums in the world due to poor town planning.

You can find a range of buildings in Nottingham that are from different architectural periods. Some of the earliest designs are from 110. Some of the famous architects that designed buildings in Nottingham include Alfred Waterhouse, Thomas chambers Hine and Watson Fothergill. The Theatre Royal is a great example of Victorian style and the Albert Hall was built in during the Gothic revival.

The market square in Nottingham is the largest in all of the United Kingdom. A large section of this is taken over by the Council hose which is a site to see itself with its baroque columns and stone statues that guard the square. The ground floor of the exchange is now home to many upscale boutiques and there is more shopping on the streets that lead away from the square.

May visitors enjoy exploring the area known as Hockley Village. This area is a more modern part of town that is considered the SoHo of the city. There are many galleries, art houses, art house cinemas, restaurants and fun independent stores in Hockley.

Wollaton hall is a beautiful Tudor mansion in the western part of the city. This mansion houses the Natural History museum and contains a 500 acre deer park. There are many different sections to explore and you will frequently find yourself surprised at the beautiful old buildings that you come across.

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