Posts Tagged ‘England’

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Enjoy spectacular views on the North Yorkshire Moors

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

We have visited several luxury Country House hostels in North Yorkshire in the North of England and trust that the following will help in your hunt for appropriate exclusive Country House hostels in this gorgeous agricultural part of Britain.  This area of the country has numerous old English market towns and hamlets found within the countrywide Parks of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. 

The following Country House hotels all have our personal recommendation:-

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – found by the brook Wharfe at Bolton Abbey Nr Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales.  The hotel belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.  A friendly welcome awaits-your baggage will be taken for you from your vehicle to your bedroom that will be fantastically designated.  We stayed in a room in the first part of the hotel which had a pony racing theme.  Fires burn in inclement weather in the entrance hall and the lounges.  The Michelin starred cafe serves beautiful wine and food and there is also a brilliant brasserie for informal dining.  The spa is found across the road in what seems to be a converted barn and contains a little gymnasium.  The staff are very charming providing a top ~ first ~ first-class service with nothing being too much trouble.  Having borrowed an umbrella and wellington boots which are provided by the hotel by the front door for your private use we took a short walk by the river Wharfe in the snow to the ruined Abbey and then crossed the river by way of the stepping stones.  Returning to this fantastically allocated Country House Hotel we enjoyed tea and scones in front of a roaring fire in one of the lounges.  If you’re visiting the Yorkshire Dales you have to stay at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – you will not be disappointed.  Incidentally dogs are tenderly welcomed the hotel having two resident dogs who will appreciate sharing your biscuits! 

Lastingham Grange – located in the attractive hamlet of Lastingham a few miles from the market town of Pickering where the North Yorkshire Moors railway is found.  This Country House Hotel has been owned and run by the same family for a few years with many guests returning time after time.  Set in several acres including beautifully maintained gardens you can walk out of the front door of the hotel and within a 5 minute walk be on the North Yorkshire Moors enjoying spectacular views.  We were tenderly greeted upon arrival and taken direct to our room which was well elected.  We enjoyed tea and scones in the lounge which had a roaring fire-the Darjeeling tea is the best we have tasted.  Dinner was unusual with the food being of a high standard as was the highly personal service – it was like staying in someone’s home.  You can’t fail but to chill in this classic Country House Hotel.  Dogs are welcome. 

Alan Hope and his other half Anne have stayed at numerous other exclusive Country House hotels in Britain.

For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out Big Ben facts.

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South of Abbots Way sits Harford Moor

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Given countrywide Park status in 1951, Dartmoor is sat in the south of county Devon, southwest England, and covers an area of 365 square miles.  Nearly half of the park is swampland, a paradise for wildlife and those wishing to escape the rigours of city life. 

Dartmoor Forest, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1307, is a former royal hunting ground and makes up the majority of the region.  The grass and heather moors are covered with hefty granite boulders scattered amongst the rolling hills.  Wild ponies graze among the barren hills ; regardless of running wild, all have human owners and are gathered annually each autumn. 

approximately 10% of the moor is wood, much of it running along the tranquil stream valleys.  Stone circles and burial chambers are testament to Dartmoor’s important and enigmatic past.  Indeed, Dartmoor is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes.  It was in the small village of Grimspound that Sherlock Holmes found himself investigating the hound of the Baskervilles. 

Dartmoor was one of Europe’s largest tin mining areas back in the 12th century.  The stone built houses of the miners can still be found along plenty of the regions streams and brooks. 

abbot’s Way runs across the southern part of the moor, racing across wild country and moorland bogs.  The area is believed to be named after the monks who are thought to have used this trail when travelling between Buckland Abbey and Buckfast Abbey.  Man’s presence over the ages is clear in this barren land.  Shed circles going back to the Bronze and Iron ages remain today. 

South of abbots Way sits Harford Moor.  The Middle Ages drew tin miners from far and wide seeking riches under the surface.  Today visitors are drawn by the massive badlands and wildlife.  A medieval cross adorns Harford Church, one out of many in the area which once served as signposts for those travelling across the moors. 

Becky Falls woodland Park first opened to the public in 1903.  Some of the most enjoyable walks in England’s southwest can be had here amongst the delightful waterfalls and great granite. 

To the west is Upper Plym Valley and a lovely array of plants and wildlife.  The tracks in these parts are rather simpler to navigate than many others in the moors and provide much of interest on the way.  The spectacular moorland view is interspersed with deserted tin mines dating back over a century and various prehistoric relics including stone and hut circles.

Journey around the world by visiting famouswonders.com and while you’re at it, also check out Coast of Cornwall.

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Bath England inspires novelist to write two of her novels

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

There are numerous fine visitor destinations in the United Kingdom and none are way more honored than the town of Bath England.  The hot springs established the city as a trendy place to be for the well to do, keen to cure their ailments with the spa waters.  The Romans had built their baths and church to milk the springs.  Today, visitors can see the baths and find out about them in the museum. 

From the time of Elizabeth I, tourism came to Bath Britain and really took hold in the 18th century.  The city is noted for its Georgian design with its most prominent example being the Royal Crescent, a residential road that sweeps gracefully with its sublime homes.  The crescent is close to Royal Victoria Park, where hot air balloons are launched each summer, filling the sky with a blaze of color.  The park contains a botanical garden, youngsters’s play area, crazy golfing course, bowling green and lawn tennis courts. 

The creative life of the city is thriving with 5 theatres of international reputation.  The Bath global Music holiday is respected and presents standard and latest classical music, jazz concerts and world music.  The 17 day event includes some outdoor performances with free admission.  The Bath Literature holiday is another favorite on the Bath England annual events calendar.  It has attracted top selling writers, such as Terry Pratchett, Joanna Trollope and Margaret Atwood. 

Museums are bounteous and sundry and include the Bath Postal Museum, on the site of the Post Office that operated from 1822 – 1854.  It tells the story of the post office and the English post box.  There are displays about the famous Penny Black stamp and there’s a replica post office from the Victorian age.  The Museum of Costume presents exhibitions and has an enduring collection of costumes, going back to the 18th century.  The museum is in the historic Assembly Rooms, where the town’s society gathered for balls and conferences.  The building contains impressive pieces of art and a beautiful set of 9 chandeliers. 

The Herschel Museum of Astronomy honors the work of William Herschel, who discovered the planet Uranus and was a resident of the town.  Bath’s most noted resident {however ,} is author Jane Austin and she is remembered at the Jane Austen Centre and by an Austin themed town walk.  Bath England inspired the novelist to write two of her books, including scenes from the town in them.

If you find this article useful, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit and have a look at England travel information.

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Lower Slaughter Manor is in centre of the village

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

We have visited several Country House hotels in the Cotswolds in England and trust the following will help in your search for a luxury hotel in the Cotswolds which is a beautiful part of England with countless old English market towns and towns. 

Broadway is a little city in the Cotswolds whose high street has a number of antique and gift shops and homes built of Cotswold stone.  The Lygon Arms can be discovered in the high st and is one of many personality Country House Hotels in close proximity to Broadway in the Cotswolds in Britain.  The cafe has a Michelin star and there are spa facilities.  You may be warranted of a hearty welcome with roaring log fires in the winter months.  This is a real 5 star hotel in the Cotswolds. 

Chipping Camden is a tiny city in the Cotswolds again with a superb high st where you’ll find The Cotswold House Hotel is a fine five star hotel in the Cotswolds in England offering service of the highest standard with exquisite food served in both the restaurant and cafe.  This Country House Hotel has been designed within in a modern theme but full of personality with no expense spared. 

Lower slaughter is a small Cotswold hamlet with the trout filled river Eye running thru it.  Lower massacre manor is in the centre of the hamlet next to the church.  It is one of 2 Country House hotels in this Cotswolds village in this tranquil part of England.  Personal service of the highest standard is provided.  Enjoy afternoon tea in front of a blazing log fire in the winter or on the front lawn in summer.  Wonderfully decorated and furnished Lower slaughter manor is a luxury hotel close to the Cotswolds town of stow on the Wold here in England. 

Please don’t hesitate to telephone us on 01562 631682 for further recommendation about a luxury hotel in the Cotswolds.

Do you enjoy reading this? If yes, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit in the world and have a look at history of British Museum.

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Country House Hotels in North Yorkshire

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

We have visited several luxury Country House hotels in North Yorkshire in the North of England and trust that the following will help in your hunt for acceptable exclusive Country House hotels in this stunning rustic part of Britain.  This area of the country has numerous old English market towns and towns located in the state Parks of the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. 

The following Country House hotels all have our personal recommendation:-

The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – located by the brook Wharfe at Bolton Abbey Nr Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales.  The hotel belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.  A warm welcome awaits-your baggage will be taken for you from your vehicle to your bedroom that may be fantastically allocated.  We stayed in a room in the original part of the hotel which had a pony racing theme.  Fires burn in inclement weather in the entrance hall and the lounges.  The Michelin starred restaurant serves wonderful wine and food and there is also a superb restaurant for informal dining.  The spa is located across the road in what appears to be a converted barn and has a small gym.  The staff are very friendly providing a top ~ first ~ first class service with nothing being too much trouble.  Having borrowed an umbrella and wellington boots which are supplied by the hotel by the front door for your private use we took a short walk by the brook Wharfe in the snow to the ruined Abbey and then crossed the river by way of the stepping stones.  Returning to this fantastically appointed Country House Hotel we enjoyed tea and scones in front of a roaring fire in one of the lounges.  If you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales you must stay at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel – you will not be disappointed.  Actually dogs are tenderly welcomed the hotel having two resident dogs who will appreciate sharing your biscuits! 

Lastingham Grange – found in the pretty town of Lastingham a few miles from the market city of Pickering where the North Yorkshire Moors train line is located.  This Country House Hotel has been owned and run by the same family for a number of years with many guests returning time upon time.  Set in several acres including beautifully maintained gardens you can walk out of the front door of the hotel and within a 5 minute walk be on the North Yorkshire Moors enjoying impressive perspectives.  We were warmly greeted on arrival and taken directly to our room which was well appointed.  We enjoyed tea and scones in the lounge which had a roaring fire-the Darjeeling tea is the best we have tasted.  Dinner was memorable with the food being of a high standard as was the intensely private service – it was like staying in someone’s home.  You can’t fail but to chill in this typical Country House Hotel.  Dogs are welcome. 

Alan Hope and his better half Anne have stayed at numerous other exclusive Country House hostels in England.

For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out National Gallery of London England.

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Bristol Has More Bang For Your Buck

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Since before the years of the Merchant Venturers, Bristol has been a essential and thriving centre of business enterprise, not only as the gateway to theSouth West but to international trade with a extensive and busy docks complex at Portbury and Avonmouth, near to Bristol, importing thousands of motorcars everyday, twelve million tons of freight employing more or less 5000 workers.  For this reason it has always been simple to find cars for sale in Bristol.

Bristol has always been soaked up in History from the days of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and before, to the original trial flight of Concorde engineering at its best, adapting and enduring through good times and bad, holding the test of time encompassing ingenuity, commitment and passion symbolised by the development of the latest Bristol Space Planes project.

The recent recession has hit Bristol just as hard as any metropolis around the earth but in Bristol and the west country, organizations have joined together to exchange ideas and offer up support and assistance to any business enterprise fighting the recession.  You can find some of these Bristol businesses in any good business directory for Bristol.

You can find numerous different extensive Bristol guide online with Bristol business directories, employment in Bristol, Bristol properties for sale and community pages.  These types of internet site allow people to become connected with different people dwelling in the area.  Whether they are looking to meet someone special with Bristol dating pages or to try and arrange to eat at Bristol restaurants with a helpful restaurant guide Bristol.

Bristol also has a bright music and liberal arts scene with venues like the Colston Hall, Hippodrome and the charity St George’s concert hall. There are numerous nightspots and minor gigs taking place every night of the week. Last, but not least, the Old Vic Theatre Company and the very sucessfull Theatre School.  As a result of all these events taking place, many individuals from outside the area come to find accommodation in Bristol.  There are a full range of hotels in Bristol to opt from and they will meet most people’s budgets.

Shopping in the city of Bristol has just got more stimulating with the opening of the Cabot Shopping centre in the middle of Broadmead, including the lead names in designer shops and eating places with car parking for just £1.00 an hour. With all that Bristol has to offer up it would be a marvelous idea for anyone to come and visit the metropolis.

 

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Discover Cape Cod New England

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Cape Cod is a narrow peninsula that stretches seventy miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. It is connected to the mainland by

a pair of bridges that span the canals. Cape Cod is approximately one and a half hours drive from Boston. There are many

quaint seaside villages and harbours here, fresh water lakes, and miles of beautiful scenic beaches!

The climate of Cape Cod is mild, making it a great holiday destination all year round. Typically, the sea remains warm

enough to swim in right up until the middle of autumn. Cape Cod along with the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

have miles of beautiful beaches. Most beaches are open to the public, however there are some beaches that require season

permits.

The islands of Cape Cod are readily accessible from the peninsula, and are great destinations for day trips. These islands

were some of the first colonies formed by the English, and started out as whaling or trading posts. Now these islands are

some of the wealthiest regions, with vast estates owned by some of the richest families in the country.

Cape Cod is one of the few places that the North Atlantic Right Whale can still be found, as they are one of the most

endangered species on the planet. What better way to see one on your holiday than taking a whale watching cruise!

The Olde Kings Highway has been named one of the most scenic roads in the US. It runs the length of the Cape, and has many

great boutiques, antique shops, and craft shops located up and down it.

Cape Cod features some of the best fresh seafood in the whole of New England, from clam chowder to fine fresh lobster, be

sure to sample them at one of the many restaurants on the Cape!

All in all Cape Cod makes a great destination for your holiday to New England!

Most beaches are open to the public

href=”http://famouswonders.com/white-cliffs-of-dover/”>the white cliffs of Dover.

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A place compelling people to return again and again

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Perhaps what stunned me more than anything was the quantity of foreign tongues I heard about town.  Keswick was more cosmopolitan than I had imagined.  It had moved with the times, but retained plenty of its old values.  Many well known retailers are present, but Keswick maintains deep roots to traditional past.  

as tempting as Keswick is however , it is not the main attraction in this part of the world.  That title goes to a place of surprising natural beauty which has provoked artists and poets for centuries, compelling them to return again.  

Derwent Water lies just outside Keswick town centre in the north of Lake District national Park, England.  Its picture postcard looks have captivated audiences for centuries.  Hire a boat and view the lake from a different viewpoint.  It’s dotted with enticing tiny islands craving to be explored.  Boat hire is cheap and great fun for all of the family.  

The journey approaching Derwent Water incorporates an array of green, gentle hills parted by deep, lowly valleys.  As I travelled northwards from Windermere along the A591, the clouds suddenly broke and bright sunlight flooded the valley, chasing away dark shadows settled over the massive ground.  The valley seemed calm and content.  

Rydal Water passed serenely by ; the road ran adjacent to the north shore of the lake.  Across the water, families picnicked beside the grassy banks ; parents and children paddled in the cool, shallow waters.  

The route complicated towards the mass of Helvellyn and its 950-metre peak.  Its large presence a draw for hikers and walkers attracted to the Lake District across the year.  I remember conquering the peak myself one summer’s day many years ago on a faculty trip, staying over in Patterdale.  I looked in awe, in the same way as when visiting as a kid.  

Lake Thirlmere was reminiscent of some of Canada’s great lakes, if a little smaller.  Enveloped by tall trees, temporary openings offered a tantalising glance of a wonderful stretch of water.  As the road snaked next to the eastern coast, several tiny boats were visible cruising the open water.  

The elevated mountain road broke from the undulating hills and offered a glimpse of Keswick.  The entire city sat snug amongst the light knolls, guardians of the town.  

For centuries, those hills and mountains have overlooked Derwent Water and its neighbouring city of Keswick, evolve from medieval beginnings.  Modern touches are evident thru, but Keswick will always retain its traditional roots.

Where do you want to travel in the world? For an idea of where to go on your next vacation, visit famouswonders.com. While you are on the site, also take a look at Imperial War Museum history.

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Lakes In England and activities to participate in

Friday, November 27th, 2009

Located at the guts of Lake District national Park, Lake Windermere is England’s largest expanse of freshwater. 

it is also the ideal place to welcome in a new day during the warm summer months. 

It was 4:00am and my ship rocked gradually below the parting night sky.  The brightest stars were still faintly visible to the eye. 

The moon’s cheerful face was going to greet the sun and hail another beautiful day, these 2 celestial chums never some distance from each other in the heavens. 

I fixed my fishing rod to the side of the boat and gawked up at the last coals of stars as they faded from view. 

there was something liberating about the night sky ; a yearning to explore further afield washed through me. 

As my mind drifted, the sun began to climb above the horizon.  Soon, a fantastic array of color spread throughout the morning sky. 

As the sun rose higher, its first-light began to flicker on the open water, like gems dancing at the new dawn. 

Daybreak was met with the attractive song of the skylark, nature’s most classy alarm call. 

I peered thru the morning mist and scanned the perimeter of the lake.  I was still alone, without any other person to witness morning’s glory. 

I sensed a fabulous feeling of solitude.  Secluded on my boat, I was the sole person alive sufficiently lucky to observe this new light. 

A gentle breeze puffed its way across the lake, drawing ripples in the water. 

As morning complicated, the mist cleared to bare the  Naked mountains that form the backdrop to this exquisite picture. 

The occasional being might be seen around the edge of the lake including a man and his dog, drawn from their slumber to enjoy the new day. 

I had lost my personal audience with Lake Windermere, but there had been always tomorrow.

Ever wonder about the most famous places in the world? Visit famouswonders.com to see the most popular places in the world and also take a look at Tate Modern England.

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Holiday rentals in England – A credit crunch busting alternative?

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Summer holidays can be an expensive prospect, but taking advantage of available English vacation rentals can help keep your budget under control no matter where you want to spend your holiday time!

Unlike hotels, which can charge per person per night, renting an apartment is a great way to save money as many owners charge on a per unit basis. You can experience greater levels of privacy that you might not also find when staying in a traditional hotel, and there is also the added benefit of being about to prepare your own meals at your convenience, taking full advantage of the self catering facilities and storing costly items like drinks in your own fridge rather then paying for room service or the mini bar.

As a summer holiday destination, England offers practical advantage for many tourists, many of whom might not immediately think of having a break there. Thanks, in part, to the Gulf Stream, many areas of Great Britain, most notably the West Coast of England, benefit from a superb summer climate and tourists can enjoy a variety of activities beside the seaside including swimming, sun bathing and surfing from the area’s many beaches, not to mention exploring England’s many museums and art galleries.

Those looking to take an extended vacation of a month or more can soon find considerable savings if they successfully negotiate the price with vacation rental owners, while another tip is to explore traveling and sharing a large property with a group of friends in order to maximise the saving on holiday accommodation. Couples on a romantic breaks in the countryside might also find that choosing to rent a rustic cottage and enjoying the peaceful seclusion actually helps to bring them closer.

Vacation rentals in England are available in almost every part of the country from quality Brighton apartments where to can enjoy this charming seaside town to rustic West Country holiday rentals which offer the opportunity to explore the likes of Devon and Cornwall. You and your party are limited only by the limits of your budget and imagination, and can be sure to get a fantastic deal no matter what area of the United Kingdom you seek to find your vacation rental space in. Holidays homes are available to rent through private agents as well as direct through the owner.

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