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April 30th, 2008 admin
Newport is a city in Wales that stands on the banks of the River Usk and is located roughly between Bristol and Cardiff. The city has a population of 140,100 which makes it the third largest city in Wales. There are many redevelopment plans currently underway for Newport, including a £210 million shopping complex in the city centre called Friars Walk will be finished in time for the 2010 Ryder Cup being held in the City. Also set to be completed in 2010 is a new sports and entertainment stadium, that will be 15,000 capacity and will become the new home to Newport RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons rugby teams.
Transport lines to Newport are provided by Newport high street railway station which provides access to and from the rest of the country and for air travel, the closest airport in Cardiff International Airport which provides access to the rest of the world. Road access comes in the form of the M4 and A48 providing east and west directions and the A467, A4042, and A449 for north and south destinations.
Education wise, Newport is home to the University of Wales, Newport which has two campuses in the city, one in Caerleon and one in Allt-yr-yn. The city also is home to the Newport School of Art is a prestigious art school which is highly regarded in many fields including Documentary Photography.
Newport has many attractions for visitors and residents to enjoy. The Riverfront Arts Centre is on Kingsway Boulevard on the West bank of the Usk, and is home to an art gallery and a 493 capacity theatre which has a mix of drama, comedy and dance performances held there. Newport has two major museums: Newport Museum and the Roman Legionary Museum at Caerleon.In July each year an Arts festival is held in Caerleon and Roman Military re-enactment in the amphitheatre, the largest restored amphitheatre in Britain. The remains of the Roman baths and barracks can be seen at Caerleon.
The city is also know for its night life, containing lots of popular pubs, nightclubs and bars. One of the most famous is T.J’s , an music club where Kurt Cobain apparently proposed to Courtney Love. The spot was also voted by FHM one of the top 50 big nights out in the world. Many large worldwide acts play gigs and concerts in the city’s venues, Newport Leisure Centre and Newport City Live Arena.
The city has many of interesting things to do and see if you want to rent property in Newport.
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April 29th, 2008 admin
This post aims to give a brief rundown of what it’s like to live in Bournemouth, ideal if you are considering the idea to rent property in Bournemouth. Bournemouth is a large coastal resort town in Dorset, England with a population of around 163,444 people. The town is a popular tourist destination as it is situated on the south coast of England. In a 2007 survey, Bournemouth was said to be the happiest place in Britain, with 82% of people saying they were happy with their life.
Bournemouth has plenty of amenities that make visiting or living there an enjoyable experience. For people wanting to study in Bournemouth, Bournemouth University is one of the largest universities in the South of England.
Travelling to and from the town is made easy with Bournemouth having a international airport that is a short journey from the town centre and two train stations providing access to the rest of the country.
The shopping facilities in Bournemouth are great, with the main streets situated behind the seafront on either side of the river Bourne. The shopping streets are mostly pedestianised and have all the major high street shops you would come to expect from any major high street. The shopping area also is host to a wide variety of bars, clubs and cafes. Around a mile west of the town centre is an area called Westbourne, which is home to some exciting designer stores and interior design shops. East of the centre is an area called Boscombe that is another major shopping area which is home to lots of antique shops and markets. To the North of the centre is a out of town shopping complex called Castlepoint, that has lots of large stores that you come to expect on the outskirts of towns.
There are plenty of attractions to see when in Bournemouth, but two of the largest are an aquarium and a Museum.
The Oceanarium is an amazing place to go a see a whole range of exotic sea creatures, from pufferfish to Piranhas. It even has a giant 350,000 litre ocean tank that replicates that Australian Great Barrier reef. The tank is home to tropical sharks, eels, stingrays and some green turtles.
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is one of the most fascinating and unique museums in the world. It comprises art galleries and museum, a licensed café, a shop and a children’s area and is an ideal place for learning, exploring and socialising. It is situated on the dramatic cliff top over-looking seven miles of award-winning beaches and is housed in one of the last Victorian villas in Bournemouth, East Cliff Hall.
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April 28th, 2008 admin
West Cornwall have several festivals throughout the year to celebrate aspects of their cultural and artistic heritage, so while you are enjoying your Cornwall cottage take in these festivals which provide spectacles and entertainment for both locals and visitors alike.
Golowan Festival & Mazey Day
The Golowan Festival - named for Gol Jowan in the Cornish language meaning “Feast of John” - is a recent revival of an ancient festival celebrated in years gone by to mark the arrival of Midsummer. Originally revived as a project amongst some local schools, helping to bring their heritage to the children of today, this has now become a ten-day celebration of music and the performing arts with venues all over Penzance during the second half of June.
The Festival runs for approximately ten days in late June which is a lovely time to come and enjoy a self catering cottage in Cornwall. The culmination of the Festival is over three days of the weekend around St John’s Eve. Summer Fire on the Friday of that weekend is a spectacular fireworks display as a finale to some light-hearted events around the Jubilee Pool on the Promenade.
Mazey Day on the Saturday of that weekend sees the town centre transformed with banners and leafy decorations, the streets closed and street markets, processions and a Serpent Dance featuring walking displays made by the children of many of the local schools in, and around, Penzance. Quay Day on the Sunday is a celebration of the harbour and Penzance’s maritime history with visiting boats welcomed and decorated to add to the festive atmosphere, many stalls and street performers around the harbour, and a fair with traditional rides and entertainment. If you are enjoying a Cornish cottage in the area this is an event not to be missed.
Newlyn Fish Festival
On August Bank Holiday Monday - the last Monday of August, a very popular time for tourists to be enjoying a Cornwall cottage - Newlyn becomes host to visitors from all over the country and further afield for the Annual Newlyn Fish Festival. This celebrates Newlyn’s heritage of fishing and seagoing which have been a vital part of Cornish life since time immemorial.
The Harbour is filled with fishing boats of all types and sizes, as well as visiting boats ranging from modern Naval craft to wooden sailing ships. Many of the boats are open to visitors who can learn much of the hardships of the men who make their living from the sea.
In the main Fish Market, displays of the types of fish to be found regularly landed here can be seen - including shark, rays and skate, as well as the more commonly known fish - and stalls selling fish, fish products and numerous nautical items complete the Market displays. Outside, around the quay are numerous other stalls and entertainments to complete the enjoyment of this very popular event.
Montol Festival
The Montol Festival is an annual celebration held on the eve of the Winter Solstice, which in Cornish is “Montol”. The eve of the Winter Solstice has also been celebrated as the date of King Arthur’s birthday by the Cornish for over 1000 years. At the heart of the Festival are the ancient traditions of Penzance at Nadelik (Cornish language for Christmas) including the singing of Cornish Carols, Mummers’ plays, the Candle Dance and Guise Dancers. If you are celebrating Christmas in a Cornwall cottage near here this is a beautiful sight to see.
During the Festival, people are encouraged to wear the traditional masks and costumes of the Guise Dancers. Guise dancing was so popular in the 19th century that many people compared Penzance to the Venice Carnival as many people would (and still do!) dress in that style. Like the Golowan Festival, the traditions are surrounded by a week long programme of community events - most of which are free. The main event is on Montol Eve itself with lantern parades and a beacon at Lescudjack Castle and the night lighting of the Mock (Cornish yule log) ceremony in Penzance Town Centre attended by the Penzance Obby Oss Penglaz.
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April 18th, 2008 admin
The main draw of a holiday on the Isle of Scilly is that you are going for the peace and beauty and not for things like night clubs and theme parks, but if you are interested in sea based holidays with swimming and sailing, then its ideal. The Islands have been described as having more of a Mediterranean climate than British with the sea being warmed by the Gulf Stream. Here is a rundown of our top 5 things to do while visiting the Isles of Scilly.
1. Museum
Following severe gales in 1962, locals found some Romano-British finds that made them start up a local museum to show off their findings. Initially this started off as a temporary display in a church during one summer. After some fundraising and great support from volunteers, the current Museum was created.
The collections are very diverse that include material from wrecks, romano-british artefacts, stuffed birds, local are and lots more.
To read more about the museum, please visit here.
2. Bird watching
Bird watching is one of the biggest draws to the island as it is one of the best known bird watching locations in Britain. The tourist levels in October rise due to the birdwatchers arriving. The position of the islands means Scilly is one of the first landing spots for a lot of migrant birds, including some rare birds from Siberia and North America.
To read more about Bird watching on the Isles of Scilly please visit here.
Fishing
The Isles of Scilly used to be one big island many thousands of years ago; subsequently, the sea is shallow and mainly sandy between them, but those islands with outside facing coasts drop off into very deep water. There are lots of wrecks, reefs and sandbanks that hold fish. St Marys, the largest island has one of the most varied shores for fishing. There are plenty of flats, doggies, codling, whiting, poor cod, pout, dragonets, various wrasse and Pollack to catch.
To read more about Fishing on the Isles of Scilly please visit here.
Walking
As well as stunning scenery to see on your walks, there is an event that takes place on the Islands called Walk Scilly. The 2007 was a great success and the organisers have decided to hold it again in 2008. This time around they have got twice as many walks organised with routes for all age groups.
To find out more about Walk Scilly 2008 visit here.
St Mary’s Coach Tours
As soon as you arrive on the main Island of St Marys take a walk to ‘Holgate’s Green’. Here you will find the local bus service as well as the various tours. The open top bus tour is very popular, as is the vintage coach ‘Katie’. Both tours are different and it’s worth going on both of them if you are staying on the Islands for several days. There is a ‘take away’ coffee shop nearby which sells ice creams, sandwiches etc. and there are several seats and tables with views over the harbour, so you can sit and enjoy the scenery while partaking of a packed lunch or pasty.
To read more about these coach tours please visit here
For some great alternatives to Days out in Cornwall or Cornwall Day Trips please give the Isles of Scilly a try
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April 17th, 2008 admin
The Melville Hall Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels on Isle of Wight A place where you can escape the strains and stresses of modern day life. The hotel is peacefully located next to the large leafy Los Altos Park well known for its refreshing walks.
Your every comfort is guaranteed at the Melville Hall Hotel. You can relax and de-stress when you choose one of our popular Jacuzzi bedrooms. Whatever you decide to do with your time, you can guarantee that you’ll leave feeling happy, refreshed and energized.
This lovely, family-run hotel was originally built in 1870 and enjoys the best selection of facilities and the best position of any hotel on the Isle of Wight. As well as that there are treatment rooms to de-stress, indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as games rooms for table tennis, pool and a mini putting green.
All guests at Luccombe Hall are welcome to use the facilities at Luccombe Manor Country House Hotel. With magnificent views of the bay, both hotels have direct access to the beach and the old village of Shanklin and yet are away from traffic noise.
The Hermitage is well known as one of the Isle of Wight luxury hotels . Offering a exceptionally high quality of accommodation, in a relaxing, peaceful location combined with friendly customer service. The Enjoy England Quality Scheme have awarded the Hermitage 5 Stars Gold Award - The highest grade for serviced accommodation.
Footpaths abound in all directions and the top of the downs is National Trust land with panoramic views across the Island. Whilst the remote setting offers the ideal retreat for those wanting a restful break.
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April 14th, 2008 admin
The amazing coastline of the west and the spectacular scenery of the highlands - these are the usual places that attract an active holidaymaker to Scotland. One of the best ways of experiencing the awesome scenery is on a camping or caravan holiday Scotland. I’ve made several trips to Scotland and these were the regions and views that always brought me back.
The great thing about this part of the world is that for a place so picturesque and tranquil there are always plenty of things to see and do. Ayrshire is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations for couples and families and offers clean beaches and beautiful waters of the firth of Clyde.
When I go back to Ayr Scotland, these are a few of the things I enjoy doing:
- Hiking - Strong footwear, waterproof clothing, map and compass is advised for all walks as most are by nature off road and over rough ground.
- Whale Watching - In the beautiful plankton rich unpolluted waters around Ardnamurchan peninsula and the Inner Isles.
- Fishing - Good angling is to be had around the coast of Ayrshire and in the Firth of Clyde. Several charter boats operate from Ayr and surrounding coastal towns and they will provide rods and bait if required.
- Golf - Ayrshire and Arran are a mecca for all golfers with over forty quality courses, including three Open Championship courses
This is also without forgetting about the Culzean castle, bustling market towns and award-winning visitor attractions.
As you can imagine for a place as popular as Ayrshire there are many places to stay and relax after a enjoyable day. As a frequent visitor to Ayr I have stayed at quite a few places but the last few times I have been back I’ve stayed at Turnberry holiday park the park is situated on 22 acres of rural parkland offering unspoilt views and is surrounded by rolling hills, local beaches and the famous Turnberry Hotel and Golf Course.
To find out more about caravan holiday ayr, please visit here
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April 9th, 2008 admin
Les Prairies de la Mer
This popular campsite in France is set in the French Riviera and will give an insight into how the rich and famous live. Sheltering in St. Tropez with a gorgeous sandy beach, Prairies de la Mer boasts all the facilities you would expect from a prestige site on the Cote d’Azur and St Tropez gives you an ideal opportunity to explore some of the best shops in the area, as well as some of the best and most exclusive bars and restaurants in France. The site is equipped to an extremely high standard, with two great bars, restaurant, tennis courts and shops.
Set amidst pine trees just off the coast, Lou Pignada enjoys brilliant facilities and even better weather. The forest region you will be holidaying in is an ideal spot for horse and cycle rides with many tracks meandering through some of the most beautiful countryside in France. The resort of Vieux Boucau is just down the coast where it offers the water sports enthusiast some of the best conditions in Europe (surf dudes will be most impressed!)
This campsite is perfect for a family holiday in France. The atmosphere in the bar and surrounding area is very friendly and has a typically rustic charm. There is a TV & games room adjacent. All this overlooks the swimming pool that is equipped with a waterslide.
Benodet & nearby
Camping in France doesn’t get much better than this! The southern Breton region surrounding Benodet is one of the most picturesque parts of France. Each turn of the road presents another picture postcard opportunity. The seaside community/charming river of Pont Aven is also worth a visit as it has for many years been home to famous artists like Gauguin, Bernard and Sérusier.
The site is equipped with a superb aquatic park which has some of the best water slides in the area. Only a short walk away is Luna Park, a fantastic fairground with all the latest rides. The site has a great range of activities including table tennis, boules, archery, gym, volleyball and basketball. Evening entertainment is available including karaoke, Live bands and a disco.
To find out more about Camping in France please click here.
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