Mar/110
Sanday, Orkney – A Fly Fisher’s Paradise
Sanday is a beautiful island in Orkney's 'Northern Isles' off the North coast of Scotland. It is an island of unique charm and character. Sanday literally means 'sandy' in Norse. This has given the island some astonishing beaches. You can literally have miles of white sand to yourself, even in high summer. The ocean is clean and clear and divers will appreciate Sanday's incredible kelp forests. The island's wildlife includes large colonies of grey seals containing a high proportion of the UK's entire population of these beautiful animals. Spring and summer see thousands of birds breeding in the fields and you can easily see the chicks of curlew, lapwing, snipe and oystercatcher as skylarks sing overhead. Throughout the year the beaches the beaches harbour countless waders on their migrations - Sanday is a year round bird watching paradise. The island's fly fishing is legendary, boasting some of the largest trout found in Orcadian waters. Visitors often can't believe the fly fishing is free!
Archaeology, from prehistoric times|, up to and including world war two abounds on Sanday. Though not as impressive as its Mainland cousins, Quoyness is still an accessible example of a chambered cairn. 1985 saw the discovery of an amazing Viking boat burial at Scar. On the island you will see farms on strange mounds - these are heaps of waste from continuous habitation of the site over thousands of years. The imposing remains of a Victorian 'model' farm can be found at Stove, complete with a huge steam engine shed and chimney. Derelict or converted kirks and schools evidence former religious fervour and the advent of universal schooling. A former battery at Colligarth and a fine Victorian drill hall and instructors cottage are evidence of the Volunteer movement on Sanday. The B98, a World War 1 German destroyer is still visible in the form of two boilers and turbines on the beach at the Bay of Lopness. You can see the remains of two World War Two air defence radar stations at Whale Head and Lettan at the North end of the island.
The island boasts a thriving social calendar and lots of other things to do. The Sanday Ranger runs events throughout the summer for visitors and locals alike covering our island's amazing natural and archaeological heritage.
There is a complete network of well planned walks that are subtly signposted and have stiles to aid you in crossing fences. You can get a copy of the Walking Guide to Sanday from any post office, shop or hotel on the island. However, the island has highly unpredictable weather - the islander's sometimes refer to this as 'four seasons in a day'! Kettletoft boasts two hotels, an amazingly well stocked general store, a butcher's(!) and a garage. There are also shops at Lady and Roadside.
Sanday, above all, is a getaway. Come here to experience real peace and quiet under big skies. The milky way is astonishing in the dark skies of the Northern Isles. Take a few afternoons to walk our pristine island's amazing beaches and listen to the calls of countless birds and seals. Bring a friend or spouse for the ideal relaxing retreat.
Backaskaill is a wonderful Sanday bed and breakfast run by Jane and Geoff who moved to Sanday to start a alternative to an Orkney hotel focused on providing excellent customer service. Geoff is a qualified chef and offers quality local produce and great, home-cooked cuisine including vegetarian. Well behaved pets are most welcome.
Jun/100
Guest Houses In Blackpool: A Variety Of Options
Blackpool has a century-long history as a tourist destination has endowed it with seemingly limitless attractions and types of accommodation. These varied offerings often pose a problem for visitors who just want a quick solution for where to stay in town. Of course, this variety can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how visitors approach the issue. But guest houses in Blackpool offer just about anything you could imagine, if you know how to look.
Over the years, Blackpool has transformed from an escape for laborers from the region to a world class destination with pleasures both large and small. This destination is constantly evolving to cater to more tastes and lengths of stay. One way to decide on a hotel is by locating yourself closer to the activities that interest you the most.
Lovers of clubbing and night life are often attracted to the area near the Blackpool Tower. Accommodation is plentiful here and the town's night life is within walking distance, not to mention Blackpool Tower itself. It houses a variety of entertainment spots as well.
The South Shore area is the place you want to go if Pleasure Beach suits your fancy. The park offers some of the largest and fastest rides in Europe as well as activities for people of all ages. Being nearby can save lots of time getting to the park, which will help you start having fun right away instead of getting stuck in traffic-a major benefit for anyone, especially families.
Blackpool has a reputation of being a gay-friendly destination. Gay travelers should have no trouble finding accommodation and night life catered to their needs. Several gay-friendly accommodation options are available around the North Station.
Despite its popularity, Blackpool accommodation is still reasonably cheap. Many people plan stag and hen parties here, and some guest houses offer discounts to larger groups. The upside is that individuals often benefit from these discounted rates as well. Before you go, see if discounts will be available when you travel.
Even those who decide to stay a little bit further out from the core attractions can enjoy their visit. The town offers many different ways to get around. Renting a car is an obvious choice, but public buses and trams are also popular among visitors. Visitors may also hire bicycles out and get around that way, which can be a more pleasant way of seeing the sights in the open air. If you are not the cycling type, the town is still friendly to people on foot.
The most important thing to consider is what you want from the trip. Some people want exciting, fast-paced nights, while others are looking for a more family oriented holiday. Others have come to see the natural sights on the coast. Weigh these factors to help you narrow your choices down. You will find that a number of guest houses in Blackpool cater to all of these interests and more.
Want to find out what your options are in terms of Guest Houses in Blackpool? Get the inside scoop now in our complete Hotels in Blackpool review.