May/110
Manchester (England) : A List Of Attractions That Children Will Love
With so many things to see and do in this wonderful city, sorting out the wheat from the chaff is not an easy undertaking. To make this doubly hard, there is not that much 'chaff' in the first place, so deciding on where to take your children on a fun day out in Manchester can end up being a bit of a chore in itself! To make this decision a little easier for you we have compiled a list of a few of the most popular attractions and amenities in the city of Manchester.
One place that is sure to grab the attention of every child is the Legoland Discovery Center situated in The Trafford Center. The Legoland Discovery Center offers loads of activities for children to enjoy, including miniature models of local and national landmarks, a 4-D Lego cinema, a themed interactive rollercoaster ride, a Lego factory, an adventure playground and a build and test center for Lego constructions.
MOSI or the Museum of Science and Industry is one of Manchester's most famous attractions. Situated in the Castleford area, the MOSI has some very interesting exhibitions that will grab the attention of kids of all ages. With a busy schedule of seasonal special exhibitions not only will your children have fun, but they will learn quite a lot too!
Sometimes, rather than deciding on taking your kids to places where they can learn or develop certain skills, you just want to get them to a place where they can wear themselves out by climbing, running and playing with their brothers, sisters or other children. All across Manchester there are many of these indoor play centers that cater for exactly this occasion. Some of the most popular are the Head Over Heels Play Center in Chorlton, the Wacky Warehouse in East Didsbury, and the Land of Play Indoor Play Center in Trafford Park.
Most kids love a day out karting and Greater Manchester has some of the finest indoor circuits in England. Two of the most popular tracks in the area are Daytona Manchester, situated in Trafford Park which caters for children as young as 5 years old; and also Karting2000 which is situated in Gorton, northwest Manchester. Karting2000 primarily caters for older age groups but there are karts for children as young as 9 years old available.
If you are looking for something different, why not take your family on an indoor alpine ski adventure at the 180 meter long Chill Factore indoor real snow slope center located in the Trafford Quays Leisure Village. With the UK's longest real snow indoor ski slope, a beginners slope, a two-lane tubing slope and a magical snow play area, there is so much to do, it will be snow-joke!
More : Play Centre Manchester
Dec/100
Getting the Best From Your Windermere Trip
No matter what kind of holiday you may be searching for, the North West of England has something to offer everybody. No matter whether you love the great outdoors, the sand and the sea, or perhaps the buzz and excitement of a city break, you can see why lots of people pick the North West.
With so much to see and do in Cumbria, you'll have a difficult time deciding on just one area to visit, but it will certainly be worth it when you do. There are many great Windermere hotels that you can choose from, with a broad range of activities and many different facilities in each.
With its wide variety and range of entertainment, Liverpool is often favoured by visitors to the North West. The numerous museums and galleries justify this city's status as a culture capital, and for all those whose requirements may be a bit more up to date, the city which gave us the Beatles delivers fantastic entertainment for all tastes.
Another excellent option for anyone wanting to enjoy a city break in the North West, would be Manchester. Offering an array of fantastic entertainment to suit all tastes, many of the north's best shops, as well as great food and drink thanks to the countless incredible bars and restaurants, Manchester will be the ideal location for those aiming to cram as much as they can into their trip.
Anyone who might be looking for the perfect seaside destination for their getaway, is sure to find every thing they want in Blackpool. With its very own amusement park, 3 piers and also the famous tower, all packed full of exhilaration and amusement, along with its golden seashore, it is the ideal place to go for your summer trip.
Anybody who enjoys their sport will no doubt enjoy a visit to the North West. No matter what you are looking for, there's a great deal to choose from, with a number of the biggest football clubs in the world such as Manchester United and also Liverpool, Rugby League, Ice Hockey, Cricket, and also some of the finest golf course in Europe. So whether it's watching or perhaps taking part, you won't be bored.
If you are searching for something a bit quieter, but nevertheless enjoy getting out and about, the stunning sights and surroundings of the Lakes are not to be missed. With over 200 peaks made famous by the legendary Wainwright, as well as a number of fantastic towns and villages that appeal to all tastes, it is the perfect place to unwind and get a bit of fresh air.
The North West genuinely has a little something for everyone. With beautiful countryside, great seaside resorts, and also city breaks which offer whatever you could want, it is really no surprise so many people pick the North West for their holiday.
Peter Smith is an extremely experienced reviewer of hotels, with over 20 years experience finding the right accommodation for people to stay in.
Sep/100
London Guide – Free Activities And Attractions
Not many things in life are free, but it is possible to experience the sights and sounds of London without it costing a single dime.
The London museums and galleries are the places to start. The British Museum, the most visited of all is free to enter. The National Gallery and its art exhibitions don't cost a penny and the famous Tate Modern and Tate Britain are also free of charge. The wonderful National History Museum delights the young and old, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert all make up London's free museums.
London's main attractions can be seen on foot. The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The London Eye and Tower Bridge are all within walking distance and it costs nothing to look and take photographs.
The Changing of the Guard is one of the most popular London attractions. Every day in summer and every second day in winter, hundreds of people line up at 11.30am to see the Queen's Guards perform their thirty minute ceremony. There is a good view of Buckingham Palace for those who get there early enough.
In close proximity to Buckingham Palace is St. James's Park and along with all the other London parks, it is free to enter. There are even free guided walks where visitors get to see behind the scenes of the upkeep of the park. Hyde Park has the Diana Fountain, free band concerts in summer and Speakers Corner.
Covent Garden is a must on any London itinerary and it doesn't have to cost anything. The licensed street performers put on fantastic shows and visitors can see comedians, acrobats, singers and dancers all for free.
The National Theatre is near Waterloo Bridge on Southbank and while tickets for the performances in the theatre come with a charge, the music and exhibitions held in the foyer do not. This free entertainment is put on before a show, so a quick check of the timetable reveals when to go.
It is free to worship in Westminster Abbey. Evensong is held every day at 5.00pm and tourists can join in, see the beautiful architecture and listen to the choir without having to pay an entrance fee.
TV buffs can pick up free tickets for the latest TV shows being filmed in London. Two handy websites to find out what's available are tvrecordings.com and bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tickets
It is easy to take in the best of London safe in the knowledge that it won't break the bank.
Next : Budget Hotel London
Sep/100
Day Trips : A Cultural Look At Brighton (England)
Brighton may be one of Britain's most popular seaside towns, but it certainly isn't lacking when it comes to culture. The council has invested heavily in the cultural sector and has capitalized on its popularity with London's jet-set. Brighton's reputation for cultural cool is growing.
The architecture in Brighton is stunning. The John Nash designed Royal Pavilion takes centre stage and owes its grandeur to the Prince Regent's own sense of style. Regency influenced streets and terraces can be found all over the city and the towns of Brunswick and Kemp were modeled on Bath and London. As Queen Victoria took the throne, Brighton changed and Victorian churches and hotels began to spring up and mixed beautifully with the existing Regency buildings.
More than fifty festivals take place each year in Brighton, including May's Brighton Festival which is the largest arts festival in England. For 44 years, Brighton has led the way with amazing line-ups and productions. 2010 saw Brian Eno at the helm as Guest Artistic Director and his 77 Million Paintings exhibition broke all previous attendance records. Also in May is the Brighton Festival Fringe with art, cabaret, music, comedy and film events. Artists' work is showcased in The Great Escape and Artist's Open Houses.
For its size Brighton has an enormous amount of museums. From the state-of-the-art Brighton Museum and Art Gallery with its 20th century art and displays to Preston Manor in all its Edwardian splendour on the outskirts of the city, there is a museum for all tastes.
Entertainment is never hard to come by in Brighton and there are three major venues to choose from. Top bands play regularly at the Brighton Centre. The Theatre Royal Brighton invites stellar casts from top West End productions and produces its own shows too. Lastly, for everything from Shakespeare to one-man shows, visitors should look no further than Brighton Dome.
Film buffs visiting Brighton shouldn't miss a chance to see an independent film at the Duke of York's Picturehouse, the oldest working cinema in the country. The Cine-City festival is held in Brighton annually and bears testament to the city's long association with film making. Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia both filmed segments here and film makers once set up studios in the city.
Be it art, film, theatre or architecture, Brighton has enough to satisfy the most ardent culture lover.
Continue : Brighton Hotels
Aug/100
Places To See Around England’s South Coast
When staying in or near Southern England be sure to set some time aside to visit England's south Coast. Southern England is the southern counties of England. The areas that the UK considers to be part of Southern England include South West England, South East England, Greater London and the East of England. So now that we know where we are, here are some attractions and places to visit on England's South Coast:
- Beachy Head: is named after the French Normans term "beau chef" or "beautiful head." One can reach it by scenic footpath. It is famous for its striped lighthouse as well as it 3.5 mile or 6km long cliff path that passes through Cuckmere, Have and Seaford. This is a wonderful hiking opportunity.
- Bramber Castle: is a place to see the ruins of a gatehouse built by the Normans. It is an English heritage Property found on the west side of Bramber Village.
- The Kent Battle of Britain Museum: can be found in Hawkinge. See the Luftwaffe Room, the Aircraft Armaments Room, the R.A.F. room and an art gallery all housed in an old armory.
- The Eurotunnel: crosses under the channel between Coquelles near Calais and Folkestone in Kent. It's the newest and fastest transport system on the English coast, having been completed in 1994. There is a visitor's center in Folkstone. The Exhibition Centre in Cheriton (west of Fokestone) explains the construction of the Eurotunnel.
- Borde Hill Gardens: is in Haywards Heath in Sussex. It's 200 acres of woods and parkland and is a well known botanical garden. It is famous for its year-long displays of colour.
- Romney Marsh: extends along the coast, beginning at Hythe. It is nearly 50,000 acres that is devoted mostly to the growing of flowers. It is an immensely beautiful visit in the spring.
- Mermaid Street: in Rye offers a historical stroll. You will want to see the home of Henry James, who wrote "The Wings of the Dove" and "The Golden Bowl" while living at Lamb House on Mermaid Street. Don't miss The Mermaid Inn, a 15th century pub distinguished by its reputation as a meeting place of smugglers. And then there's the Old Hospital, a triple-gabled, half timbered 15th-16th century building.
When planning to visit England's South Coast, learn as much as you can about the many places to see and things to do in the area. There are many more than could be listed here. The South Coast of England is a wonderful place to visit.
More : Cheap Hotels Brighton
Aug/100
London, England – A Tourist’s Guide
Every visitor to London absolutely must see the following sights and attractions whilst staying in the capital city of the UK.
- Big Ben: the bell in the clock at the north end of Westminster Palace. Big Ben is the largest chiming clock with four faces in the world. It is the largest free standing clock tower in the world.
- The Tower of London: is on the north bank of the River Thames. It was founded in 1066 during the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, from which the castle takes its name, was built by William the Conqueror. It became a prison in 1100 and has been used as one since. The tower of London is a group of building set within two concentric rings of walls and a moat that surrounds it.
- London Bridge: is a bridge that spans the River Thames and connects London City and Southwark in central London. It is the western end of the Pool of London. It was the only bridge over the downstream of the Thames until 1729 when the Putney Bridge opened. The present bridge opened in 1793, one of many bridges at the same site that have been called London Bridge.
- The Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard: London's number one tourist attraction. In 1702 it was built as the London Home of the Duke of Buckingham. The state rooms of Buckingham Palace are open to the public from late July to September. The military groups that guard the royal residences in London are the Queen's Guard and the Queen's Life Guard.
- The London Eye, or the Millennium wheel: is an enormous Ferris wheel that stands 443 feet or 135 metres tall. It is the number one paid tourist attraction in the UK and the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. It can be found at the western end of Jubilee Gardens, in the borough of Lambeth, on the South bank of the River Thames.
- Princess Diana's Memorial: was officially opened in July 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II. It was designed to express Princess Diana's love of children. It is in the southwest corner of Hyde Park.
Today's visitors to London can pick and choose from a long list of things to do and see while visiting England's capital city. The sites on the above list are just a prelude to days and nights of exciting sightseeing in the city of London.
Now Try : Budget Hotel London
Oct/090
Arrivals At Manchester Airport
You have just come off your flight and the first thing you see is a sign for Manchester airport arrivals, what do you do and where do you go.
There is nothing worse than arriving at an airport especially a large airport like Manchester Airport and feeling lost and not sure where to go. Manchester is a large airport and there are flights to Manchester from over two hundred locations around the world. This situation can be easily be solved by doing a little bit of homework before you arrive and prevent any problems for your arrival at Manchester airport. The first thing to check is which terminal your flight is going to arrive into as Manchester airport has three terminals.
If you are getting collected make sure who ever is collecting you knows your flight number and the correct terminal to pick you up from. They will probably park in one of Manchester Airport's short stay car parks, which are all located next to the terminal buildings. The short stay car parks are all only a short walk away and the route is all undercover.
Manchester airport has its own train station, which connects with the centre of Manchester in only twenty minutes. There are connections available to trains travelling to other parts of England and Scotland. The rail service offers a cheap easy and frequent service to the city centre.
Car Hire at Manchester Airport can give you the flexibility and greater independence to get around Manchester and the surrounding areas. It is advisable to book your car prior to your arrival and this will also enable the car hire company to have the care you have requested ready and waiting for you. You will also be able to take advantage of any online offers available.
Manchester Airport has a regular bus service to Manchester city centre, which operate every 10 minutes during the day. You can also connect with other buses to other parts of England and Scotland. The bus is cheaper than the train but can be subject to traffic delays especially at peak times.
As with all airports around the world Manchester Airport is no different and has a taxi service available. The taxis from Manchester operate on a meter basis within the Manchester licensed area and on a set charge for all areas outside by way of a fares chart. If you are worried about the cost just ask the driver what the approximate fare will be.
So with some basic research by the time you see the notice for Manchester airport arrivals you can be organised and prepared for the next part of your journey and also for you flight from Manchester back home.
Sep/090
A Tourist Guide to York, England hotels and historic sights
The historic city of York, England, is one of the highlights of a trip to the UK. With its fine medieval architecture, fascinating history and a long list of attractions its difficult to know what to do experience first. We talk about some of York's top attractions in this article, including its popular ghost walks. Yes, did you know that York is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world. This city is haunted by no less than 140 different ghosts, and with an amazing 500+ recorded hauntings it seems that every room, building or street seems to be haunted in this beautiful city.
York Minster is a fine Gothic cathedral and is one, of not thee, largest in Europe. The English Reformation introduced the first Anglican archbishop and caused the church to loose ownership of much of its land. Under queen Elizabeth I there was a concerted effort to remove all traces of the Roman Catholic Church from the cathedral, and during this period there was a great deal of looting of much of the cathedral's treasures, as well destruction of tombs, windows, and alters.
Here is our list of top attractions for York:
York Minster We have already spoken a little about this magnificent gothic buiding but did you know that it has its own police force? Thats right, after an arson attack in 1829 that destroyed parts of the east transcept and south west tower the guardians of the cathedral were put in place to protect it.
The Shambles This street used to be where the butchers of York made their trade but today is full of little coffee shops and other little curious shops. It is probably the best preserved example of a medieval street in Britain, the second storeys of the fifteenth century houses that form each side of the street lean inwards so far that the roofs on either side are almost touching each other.
Clifford's Tower This is one of the 2 forts built by William the Conqueror following his conquest and was originally designed as an important base for administering the north of England. In the later part of the 13th century, the keep was rebuilt in stone. It was given a quatrefoil plan, of which there is no other example in England. The keep later became known as Clifford's Tower after Roger de Clifford, who was hanged there in 1322.
Jorvik Viking Museum York gets its current day name from the viking invaders that once conquered this city, calling it Yorvik. The Viking Centre is a popular visitor attraction in the UK where you can travel back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of what was formerly a great Viking city.
If you are looking for a hotel in York then you may wish to consider the Guy Fawkes Inn. This York townhouse is the birth place of Guy Fawkes, born in 1570 and made famous in English history for his role as ringleader of the 'Gunpowder Plot', the aim of which was to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, on 5th November 1605. This is why the British celebrate 'bonfire night' celebrations on or around the 5th on November of each year.
Guy Fawkes Inn is in a perfect location for exploring the city of York, located right opposite York Minster. All the rooms in this character townhouse are individual in character, ranging from comfortable twin or double rooms. The restaurant provides a good menu, and make sure you try one of the ales brewed specially for the inn, including beers such as The Conspirator, and the Guy Fawkes Ale.
Karen writes articles about her home town of York at the york england hotels guide where you can find more articles about York, England. It is also a good place to research a york hotel.