1. The Dorset County Show – September

The Dorset County Show held within the outskirts of Dorchester presents a glorification of Dorset’s celebrated and often romanticised relationship with the great outdoors.

Starting life in 1841, this two-day event held during the twilight of summer blends modernity with rural tradition to deliver agriculturally themed activities, events and competitions the whole family can enjoy.

Highlights include a collection of the nation’s finest famers showing off the spoils of their labour in much the same way as they would have over 170 years ago; as well as enough parades packed full of animals and machines to occupy the minds of even the busiest children.

Read more about The Dorset County Show at dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

2. The Great Dorset Steam Fair – August/September

Based on the exhibition of our national heritage, The Great Dorset Steam Fair provides a prism from which we can discover how our ancestors lived and worked during the dawn of the industrial age. Traditionally held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, this extravaganza covers 600 acres of showground and is now regarded as one of the finest of its kind anywhere in the world.

The fair’s scale and scope means its attractions are not solely limited to the steam engines that give the fair its name. Whether you are into food, music, animals, fairground rides or just soaking up the vibe of a vibrant atmosphere, there is something for all ages to behold at The Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Great Dorset Steam Fair by Timitrius

Read more about The Great Dorset Steam Fair at gdsf.co.uk

3. The Larmer Tree Festival – July

Founded in 1991 by James Sheppard, The Larmer Tree Festival has since grown from strength to strength, and is now considered to be among the leading family orientated festivals in the UK; winning the best family festival award at the UK Festival Awards in 2008. A five-day celebration of music and the arts; the festival is situated within the glorious Larmer Tree Gardens- leisure grounds built by Augustus Pitt Rivers during the Victorian age.

Famed for its varied and enticing line-ups incorporating the best of world music, headliners in recent years have included Sea Sick Steve and Irish living legend Van Morrison.

Read more about The Larmer Tree Festival at larmertreefestival.co.uk

4. Camp Bestival – July/August

Taking place at Lulworth Castle, Camp Bestival is run and organised by BBC Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank, who also runs the Bestival festival in the Isle of Wight.

The fact that Camp Bestival won the UK Festival Award’s best family festival in the successive years of 2009 and 2010 after the Larmer Tree Festival, adds weight to the body of evidence proving Dorset is the king of events based on family fun. A point reinforced by the almost exhaustive list of things for children to do at last year’s event. Additionally, the variety of live acts that have performed in recent years also makes attractive reading for music fans.

Camp Bestival by mike george

Read more about Camp Bestival at campbestival.net

5. The Bournemouth Air Festival – August/September

Held over Bournemouth’s idyllic coastline, this air festival revels in showcasing some of the best aeronautical engineering and piloting ability from home and abroad, including the RAF’s world renowned Red Arrows.

However, perhaps the most eye-catching display the festival has to offer are the dusk displays. Here the planes light up the sky just as the sun begins to set.
In addition to the planes are several music venues and exhibition areas, including a Wave 105 sponsored stage at Boscombe Pier that often attracts a host of big names in the world of music.

Bournemouth Air Festival by Santosh Puthran

Read more about The Bournemouth Air Festival at bournemouthair.co.uk

6. Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival – September

Set against the backdrop of a beautifully quaint village, the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival provides a real taste -both literally and figuratively- of Dorset.
The festival is home to over 60 stalls allowing you to sample some of the finest cheeses in the world. If that is not enough to satisfy your taste buds, each cheese can be washed down with the aid of locally brewed ciders and ales that serve a refreshing change to the homogenised pints on sale found in the majority of pubs.

Entertainment is provided in the guise of live music, morris dancing and a Punch and Judy show to ensure that the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival provides one of Dorset’s best and most popular shindigs.

Read more about Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival at cheesefestival.co.uk

7. Kingston Maurward firework display – November

Bonfire night annually provides a vast array of firework displays that jostle for people’s attention. But what sets Kingston Maurward’s display apart from the others is the setting, taking place within the English Heritage registered gardens of a large Georgian house country house.

The fireworks are set off above the garden’s beautiful lake, so that the reflective quality of the water magnifies their effect. The colour and spectacle that this creates instils a sense of awe children and adults alike that lasts long after the display has ended.

8. Bournemouth Christmas Festival – December

Situated in the town’s square, the Bournemouth Christmas Festival offers plenty in the shape seasonal cheer and spirit. Taking its inspiration from traditional German ‘Weihnachtsmarkt’ markets the festival that stretches from mid-November to early January and features delicious German cuisine at its heart. New to this year’s festival is an Alpine chalet style bar that serves a selection of the highest quality German beers and mulled wines.

In addition to food from Germany and the rest of the world, the Bournemouth Christmas Festival offers visitors the chance to buy gifts for themselves and others from a selection of world-class vendors.

Read more about Bournemouth Christmas Festival at
bournemouthchristmasmarkets.com

9. Weymouth Kite Festival – May

There is nothing quite as equally surreal and joyous as seeing a giant penguin or a twelve foot octopus take to the sky, and the Weymouth Kite Festival offers both these things and more in abundance.

Taking place on the May Bank Holiday Weekend every year, the festival takes advantage of Weymouth’s sea breeze to show off a weird and wonderful range of kites that bring delight to the masses of revellers that descend on the seaside town to witness the spectacle.

10. The Dorset Knob Throwing Competition – May

This one may raise a few eyebrows, but the “Dorset Knob Throwing Competition”, situated in the village of Cattistock, is about as Dorset-esque as it gets. For those that don’t know, a Dorset Knob is a hard and dry savoury biscuit made by the Moores Biscuits company.

Besides the throwing competition, Dorset Knobs are used in a variety of competitions including knob darts and knob eating. The Frome Valley Food Festival runs also runs in conjunction with the competition and features a range of locally produced food including meats, cheeses and pies to sample.

Read more about The Dorset Knob Throwing Competition at
dorsetknobthrowing.com

If you have been to any of these events or wish to suggest an experience the list missed, please do so in the comments section below.

Dorset patron and Festival veteran Gavin Harvey pulls on his own experiences to share his opinion on the 10 annual events in Dorset not be missed.

The post 10 Annual Not-To-Be-Missed Events in Dorset appeared first on Europe Explored.

Bath

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farleigh Hungerford Castle, located 9 miles from Bath, offers visitors a glimpse of life in the fourteenth century. An audio tour will tell the stories of the Hungerford family, who occupied Farleigh Castle for 300 years. Exploring the castle grounds, visitors will be treated to rare medieval paintings in the chapel, exhibits of past excavations, the chapel gardens and intricately carved lead coffins in the crypt.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle by Nick

Roman Baths

This 2000-year old Roman structure was built around the only hot spring in Britain, extending well under the streets and buildings of modern day Bath. The Roman Bath offers a 2-hour tour with features including the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Bath House and the Museum. The museum boasts artifacts including Roman coins, signet ring gems and the head of the goddess Sulis Minerva. Visitors can dine or have coffee and tea in The Pump Room Restaurant overlooking the baths.

Royal Victoria Park

Royal Victoria Park was opened in 1830 and consists of 57 acres with many attractions that can be enjoyed by all ages. The park includes a large play area for children, an 18-hole golf course and a crazy golf course, a boating pond, tennis courts and beautiful botanical gardens. For refreshments, the park boasts a cafe and numerous ice cream stands.

Royal Victoria Park, Bath by ToNG!?

Bradford-on-Avon

Abbey House Gardens

The Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury offer a beautiful 5-acre wonderland of over 2,000 roses, as well as herbs, irises and tulips. The gardens boast a Celtic knot garden, a laburnum tunnel, a woodland walk that features waterfalls and fish ponds, as well as a quaint tea room overlooking the garden.

Lacock Abbey, Village and Museum

The Abbey was founded in the thirteenth century and was dissolved in 1539. The museum offers the architecture of several time periods, including medieval cloisters and the eighteenth century Gothik hall. After visiting the abbey, take a relaxing stroll through the village and enjoy shopping and dining.

Lacock Abbey, England, UK by Brian Marshall

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park

Voted as the #1 adventure park in the UK, Longleat Safari and Adventure Park will provide a full day of family fun. The park features many wildlife attractions including a meerkat enclosure, cheetahs and a zebra crossing.

Longleat House

The grand Longleat House offers exquisite Elizabethan architecture and opulent gardens. A romantic venue popular with brides and grooms, the Longleat House also offers lodgings to travellers, making it a popular choice. The Old Manor Hotel near Trowbridge is another popular choice for families as the large grounds in which the hotel it finds itseld is ideal for children who need to let off steam . Longleat House features The Green Library with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a grand chandelier, colourful gardens, The Great Hall with sixteenth century features and The Orangery, which overlooks rose-filled gardens.

Longleat House, England, UK by Nigel’s Europe

With much, much more to see in Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, visitors will need weeks to see everything. For visitors with a cultural inclination, Bath is home of the Victoria Art Gallery as well as the Theatre Royal. Bradford-on-Avon offers canal tours and walks, grand historical buildings and the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Jonathan Dedman is a freelance writer based in Canterbury. He loves history and architecture, and can often be found roaming around the grounds of one of the UK’s many beautiful abbeys and cathedrals.

The post Weekend Escapes: Visiting Bath And Bradford Upon Avon For A Family Day Out appeared first on Europe Explored.

London

Possibly the most famous city in the world thanks to the recent birth of the future King George VII, London has tourist attractions aplenty. Using the underground tube, you can travel the city with ease, seeing landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Shard, and the many shopping districts, as well as have easy access to the bounty of museums and galleries.

Take the family for a walk along the Southbank, a hub of culture that has many attractions standing along the banks of the river Thames. Here, you can go for a ride on the London Eye to see a beautiful panorama of the city, or pop into one of the many waterside art galleries, including the Tate Modern, to introduce the world of art to your children.

The London Eye on the Southbank by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

Bristol

The tenth largest city in Great Britain, Bristol is commonly known as one of the friendliest places in the UK and has plenty of family friendly activities to offer this summer, including a science museum and aquarium. Currently, the city has seen 78 Gromits from the Wallace and Gromit franchise spread across the city (with 2 more in Cheddar Gorge and Paddington station, London). The Gromit Unleashed art project runs until the 8th September and touring the city in search of Gromits is a great way of finding out what else the city has to offer.

In aid of The Grand Appeal charity, you can download the Unleashed app, or head to their website for a trail map to find where the celebrity and artist designed dogs are hiding!

At the Bristol Aquarium by shellac

Snowdonia

For families that are looking to escape and have a holiday that lets them get closer to nature, head for a camping holiday in Wales. The Snowdonia region has a wide range of outdoor activities to keep your family entertained during their holiday, with centres offering kayaking and canoeing hire, rock climbing sessions and organised walks of the region. Home to Wale’s highest mountain, Snowdon, families can head visit the summit either by walking or by the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Whether you want to stay by the sea and have a beach break, or head inland for a countryside retreat, there are plenty of pretty campsites in Snowdonia, as well as some lovely local guesthouses. The picturesque village of Beddgelert is popular amongst visitors due to its many guesthouses, ice cream shop, nearby campsites and idyllic nature.

Snowdon Mountain Railway by Porius1

Cheltenham

On the edge of the Cotswolds, lies Cheltenham, a spa town in the Southwest of England. The town gets busy during the annual literature, science, and music festivals which have plenty of events that are suitable for families and children. The collective festivals’ website will give you a full listing of events and it is also worth checking out their free Sunday Family Fun Day events in Imperial Park.

Outside of the festivals, there are still plenty of fun things to do and places to visit. The Holst Birthplace Museum gives a musically and historically educational day out as you visit the home of the famous composer and see how an English Victorian house was run. Other town highlights include the Sandford Parks Lido, which is the perfect place to go on a hot summer’s day. With slides, children’s pool and paddling areas, the outdoor heated lido will provide a day’s worth of fun for all the family.

Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham, England, UK by Iain Barton

Beth Stubbings works for Holiday Inn Express, a comfortable hotel in Cheltenham. She thinks that Britain is a wonderful destination for your family holiday!

The post Great Destinations For Your Family Holiday In The UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Gorgeous views

If you’re heading into Somerset from the north then one of the first places that you’ll come to after crossing the border of the county will be the small village of Cheddar. While there are some lovely shops in the area, it is the stunning Cheddar Gorge and caves that bring most people to the area. Take time to explore the amazing stalactite caverns and find out where Britain’s oldest skeleton – Cheddar Man – was discovered. Travel up the prehistoric riverbed and gaze up at the wonderful cliffs, formed many millions of years ago.

Cheddar Gorge by Anup Shah

Glastonbury

Just a few miles down the road from Cheddar is the town of Glastonbury, a place where myth and magic can be found everywhere. Take a walk up to Glastonbury Tor and gaze out onto the town and surrounding countryside, enjoy a tour of Glastonbury Abbey and visit Gog & Magog – two oak trees supposed to be the last remains of a Druidical avenue which winds its way up to the Tor. The music festival which has taken the name of the town is held close by near the village of Pilton.

Glastonbury Abbey by Elliott Brown

Coleridge Cottage

Head further into the county and aim for the coast. Arrive at the village of Nether Stowey and you’ll find 35 Lime Street – a cottage that was home to the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge at the end of the 18th century. Some of Coleridge’s most famous works including The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan were penned here.

Coleridge cottage, Somerset, England, UK by Andrew Riley

Minehead

Follow the road further along the coast and you will come to the town of Minehead – a must for anyone who is looking for a traditional seaside holiday filled with days out on the beach and quaint tea rooms. There’s also plenty of attractions in the area including Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre and Combe Sydenham Country Park.

Minehead, Somerset, England, UK by Wsupermain2

Porlock

The chocolate-box village of Porlock won’t fail to charm you and have you checking in the window of the local estate agent to see how much you could snap up one of the wonderful cottages for. Take your time to wander round the independent shops, and perhaps enjoy a walk along the sands to Porlock Weir a few miles down the coast, finishing up with a well-deserved pint of cider in the Ship.

Porlock Weir, Somerset, England, UK by Timkevan

Woolacombe

If you’re in the mood to spend some time on the beach – and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be, then consider a trip to the sands at Woolacombe. You can while away the hours hunting through rock pools, stretching out on the wonderfully sandy beach, eating ice creams, splashing in the surf and of course if you’re brave enough you can always take a dip!

Woolacombe, Devon by Phil Whitehouse

Article contributed by Lauren Belfield, a regular visitor to Somerset, particularly booking her holidays with https://www.holidayparkoffers.co.uk/ or local cottages to really take in all the delights Somerset has to offer on holiday.

The post Discover The Delights Of Somerset During Your Next Holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

St. Ives, Cornwall, England, UK by waterborough

1. Clodgy Point Beach

This scenic beach is just a short walk down the coast from Porthmeor Beach, which does not allow dogs. At Clodgy Point Beach, however, dogs of all sizes are welcome throughout the year. In fact, they are allowed to explore the area on their own, and well-behaved dogs can go off their leads as long as owners are paying attention. Although Clodgy Point Beach is sometimes covered in pebbles, sand is exposed at low tide, which turns the beach into a perfect picnic spot by the cool water. There are occasionally surfers there, but most visitors are those looking for peace, quiet and seclusion away from the crowds.

2. Lambeth Walk Beach

This lovely dog-friendly beach is situated perfectly between Harbour Beach and Porthminster Beach, but it has none of the same regulations when it comes to pets. Dogs are a common sight at Lambeth Walk, and owners can enjoy the sandy shoreline, the lovely sunshine and the refreshing water during the summer or the winter.

3. Porthkidney Sands

You may have noticed by now that many of the dog-friendly beaches in St. Ives are small or only accessible at low tide, but Porthkidney Sands is one very big exception. The beach itself is more than one mile long, and it is incredibly wide. The sand is clean and white, and you can swim in the sea or hike over to the nearby dunes. If you have a dog who wants to get off their lead, run along the water and not feel restricted, this spacious and beautiful beach is the perfect spot.

4. Bamaluz Beach

This charming spot in St. Ives is sometimes called Secret Beach as it only appears during low tide. In the middle of the day, it gets lots of sunshine and is free from crowds. Bamaluz Beach is only accessible by foot via a set of steps next to the St Ives Museum. The area is perfect for dogs to roam on or off their leads throughout the year.

5. Hor Point Beach

Since reaching Hor Point Beach requires a longer walk along the coast from St. Ives, it is often deserted. This is perfect for pet owners who want seclusion and space for their dogs to explore the area. Hor Point can be rocky at times, but there is ample sand during all tides.

Keep in mind that many of the larger beaches in St. Ives are also dog-friendly during certain parts of the year. From November through Easter, dogs are typically welcome at most beaches in the area.

Abi lives in Cornwall. When she is not working, Abi can be found walking her two Labrador dogs along some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches or enjoying her stay in pet friendly cottages, The Cottage Boutique.

The post 5 Dog Friendly Beaches In And Around St. Ives, Cornwall appeared first on Europe Explored.

Stonehenge

Estimated at being over 5,000 years old, Stonehenge continues fascinating scientists today who continue speculating the reasons for the site’s construction. Some suggest the structure served as a means of worshipping the sun, while others believe the location provided a place for receiving healing. The monuments perfect alignment with the summer and winter solstices remains a feature that holds spiritual significance for thousands of Pagans who travel to the location every year. Guests regularly take audio tours and visit the site’s gift shop and cafè. The area also boasts many ancient burial mounds, earthworks and other circular monuments created by early civilizations.

Stonehenge by mari

Avebury

The countryside of this community has what many believe to be the largest stone circle on the planet. The location also has a mysterious stone avenue that may have been used for navigation. Archaeologists date the circle at around 4,500 years old. A 17th century barn houses a portion of the Alexander Keiller Museum, which houses artifacts found around the circle. The Old Farmyard also has a cafè, dovecote and shop. Many also make a stop at the Avebury Manor. Keiller lived in and restored the 16th century estate while investigating the Avebury monument. The occupants welcome guests to tour the home and gardens. Avebury additionally remains famous for the many crop circles that regularly develop in the area.

Avebury by Adam Piontek

Salisbury

The medieval city lies along the banks of the River Avon and features many different destinations of interest. The most celebrated being the stunning English Gothic cathedral that lies in the heart of the community. Surrounded by eight acres of lawns and gardens, the architectural wonder boasts the original Magna Carta, the oldest functional clock and a living water font. Another destination includes the St. Thomas Church, which has a beautiful 1475 painting over the chancel arch that depicts Christ on judgement day. The community also has a famous playhouse that continues offering live entertainment in the present day.

Salisbury Cathedral by Ashley Pomeroy

Lacock

The quaint English community has a number of half-timbered stone houses, a 14th century barn, a medieval church and a 15th century inn. However, the Lacock Abbey remains the most famous landmark in the village. Established in 1232, the estate became a country manor in 1540. The chapter house, medieval cloisters, monastic rooms and sacristy remain intact. More recent renovations include a bake house, brewery, clock house and the 16th century stable courtyard. The community also boasts the Museum of Photography, which commemorates William Henry Fox Talbot. The former Abbey resident invented the negative/positive photography process.

Lacock abbey by Frerix

Castle Combe

Touted as being the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe served as the location for filming the 1966 movie Doctor Doolittle. In recent years, Stephen Spielberg used the community for filming the War Horse. The movie The Wolf Man also filmed here. The village’s main feature is the street that travels from the Market Cross to the By Brook. Here lies a series of old stone houses bearing flower boxes. A stand of mature trees surrounded the homes. There are a number of great hotels in Wiltshire such as the Old Manor Hotel near Bradford on Avon or a range of self-catering options if you prefer to travel with full independence.

Castle Combe, England, UK by Karen Roe

Whether a fan of history, archaeology, or looking to escape the noise and hectic environment of the city, Wiltshire offers much to visitors. Explore centuries old locations and enjoy a walk along one of the many country paths. Relax and have a memorable holiday.

Darren Kyle is a freelance journalist working for the travel sector. He has been interested in the history of sites such as Stonehenge since childhood; when not exploring ancient sites, he can be found reading and of course writing.

The post From Stonehenge To Salisbury, The Crown Jewels Of England appeared first on Europe Explored.

It seemed like a cheery place to live before the zombie apocalypse didn’t it? Just your average road, complete with a local newsagent and ignorant neighbours… But, change happens, and certainly hoards of zombies are an unwelcome change for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost – shame they couldn’t give us a more thorough tour of the area isn’t it?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – King’s Cross Station and Leadenhall Market

Now,  how many of us have wanted to visit King’s Cross Station to see if platform 9 ¾ really does exist? Whether you run into the wall yourself or simply sit back and watch others do it is irrelevant, it’s a must-see for any Potter fan.

However, it’s not just King’s Cross Station that featured in the Harry Potter films. Leadenhall Market, a relative unknown in comparison to King’s Cross Station, features more than one might expect. The curved entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is set at 42 Bull’s Head Passage, which is actually an opticians. This wizarding pub is not only hidden to the eyes of muggles, but leads to the mysterious Diagon Alley and fascinating shops like Eeylops Owl Emporium and Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Platform 9 3/4 by Laura Bittner / License: Creative Commons

A Hard Day’s Night – Various London Locations

The 1964 Beatles film, starring all four members of the Beatles, was filmed across a vast number of different landscapes (around 30), including 15 in London. They include various train stations; Marlyebone station, Crowcombe Heathfield Station, Paddington Station and Taunton Station. Other noticeable locations that featured in the film are Charlotte Street, Les AmbassadeursClub in Mayfair, and the Hammersmith Odeon. So if you’re a Beatles fanatic, get yourself down to London and start touring!

The Italian Job (1969) – Various London Locations

Although the plot of the film revolves around events in Turin, London was actually used for a lot of the film.  Alembic House, 93 Albert Embankment, in Vauxhall is one location used, where Charlie Croker (Michael Caine to you and I) introduces the team members to each other. Other locations used include Harley Street in Marlyebone, Portobello Road on Notting Hill and Du Cane Road, where the Wormwood Scrubs Prison can be found. Neat huh?

Casino Royale – Big Ben, Canary Wharf, Houses of Parliament

It goes without saying that all three of these locations had previous fame before the 2006 Bond film starring Daniel Craig. However, what you might not have known, is that M’s house, (James Bond’s boss to those of you who aren’t familiar with the Bond films) is actually located in Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf is a fantastic place to go and visit, and there are some cracking hotels near Canary Wharf that are well worth the price!

So there you have it; a whole host of London destinations that you may, or may not, have seen on the big screen. Regardless of whether you’re a film fanatic or not, I recommend that you get yourself down to London for a historic and culturally pleasing bit of sightseeing!

Jack McCourt is a 17 year old, writer, with previous experience of published poetry in anthologies. A keen and eager traveller, he is looking forward to experiencing a vast selection of different cultures and lifestyles, both in England and abroad. He Recommends BHRC for last minute London accommodation and attractions.

The post 5 Locations In London Made Famous By The Big Screen appeared first on Europe Explored.

Tower of London

Garrison, jewel house, king’s bed champers, zoo, royal palace, defensive structure, offensive structure, prison and place of execution – this 900 year old structure is a gold mind for lovers of history. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest, and stands as an ever looming example of the Norman Conquest. Discover layers of history as you explore the 27 m tower and all of its different complexes. To truly experience the Tower of London I recommend getting a tour, because guides really do unlock a lot of interesting historic, architectural and cultural aspects of the Tower of London.

Tower of London, England, UK by Garry Knight

London Eye

The London Eye soars 135 meters into the London sky to give viewers 25 mile view of London in every direction. This world famous ferris wheel is one of the best ways to experience London’s skyline, but is a particularly stunning view if you go from sunset to night fall. More than 10,000 people visit on average per day, so plan to deal with crowds. Each capsule holds 30 people per vehicle, so don’t expect to get to intimate at this site. Due to the popularity of this site, I recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Maybe even consider paying for the premium tickets that allow you to skip through the lines.

London Eye at Sunset by Garry Knight

Shakespeare’s Globe

This theatre is based off of the plan of the Globe Theatre where many of William Shakespeare’s plays were first staged. Shakespeare also happened to co-own the Globe Theatre. The original Globe Theatre burned to the ground in 1613, but 400 years later the theatre was rebuilt. Due to the authenticity of design there are no seats for the crowd, so if you catch a show be prepared to stand through the entire performance.  Every year there are seasonal festivals outside of the theatre that can be quite entertaining if you just happen to be in town.

The Globe Theatre, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

Buckingham Palace

You know that we couldn’t skip this internationally recognizable landmark when writing about London. The Buckingham Palace is the famous royal palace where Queen Elizabeth II currently resides. Although the royal family still uses some of the house, a lot of it is open to the public. Visitors can admire different memorabilia of gift to the throne, including drawings from Salvador Dali. The 29 acre gardens are also available to visitors for those who want to take an outdoor stroll in royal style.

Buckingham Palace, London, England, UK by Leonard Bentley

National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square, this gallery offers a huge range of art that dates from 1260 to 1900. Few places in the world exhibit so many important paintings in one place. The admission is free to all, and make sure to check for their extended opening hours. The Gallery is huge, so do not try to see everything in one visit. It is best to pick out a handful of exhibits you want to see then work your way from there. One could spend an entire week with no rest wandering the Gallery and still miss some of the exhibits.

Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

Holly Williford is a travel writer who has gone to several places all around the world. She has just booked a tour to the landmarks of Senegal and South Africa with Palace Travel.

The post 5 Great Landmarks To Visit In London appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Café Royal Hotel

The Café Royal Hotel is certainly one of the most appreciated and most sought-after hotels in London, not only because of its great location near the most glamorous restaurants, clubs and boutiques, but also because of the impeccable services that customers can enjoy here. All the bedrooms and rooms are amazing and the entire hotel has been sensitively restored. The hotel is known for fine dining and for its hospitality, it is perfect for banquets and meetings and it includes an indoor pool, a spa facility as well as a fitness center for guests who want to stay fit while on holiday.

The Café Royal Hotel, London, England, UK by Ewan Munro

The Wellesley Hotel

Another popular five-star hotel is the reputable Wellesley Hotel, which is famous for its heritage and for its exquisite, unique art deco style.
The hotel is luxurious and glamorous, and this is what makes it one of the most prestigious locations of its kind in the city of London. The breath-taking architecture and the art deco themes will surely appeal to tourists, and the overall ambiance is pleasant and comfortable. The rooms are uniquely decorated with different finishes and luxurious furnishings, and all rooms have a great room to the park nearby.

The Ritz

No list of renowned five-star hotels would be complete without mentioning the renowned Ritz hotel in London. The Ritz London is part of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company which operates over 80 luxury hotels all around the world. This one has been operating for more than a century and it has made a reputation for itself through sophistication, elegance and irreproachable services. The great attention to detail and the individually decorated rooms have made The Ritz London the first choice for many stars and celebrities that travel to the capital city of England.

Some of the most popular hotel amenities include an executive retreat, a room perfect for meetings and banquets, high-quality and high speed Internet connection, a fully equipped fitness center as well as exquisite dining rooms for guests.

The Ritz, London, England, UK by Herry Lawford

Summary

There are tonnes of amazing hotels in London and even in the rest of the UK. With the plethora of information available on the internet now it seems silly to select a hotel that you will have a poor experience in. With a simple search in google or one of the many travel comparison sites you can get all the information you need to finding a great deal, even on these extremely fancy 5-star hotels. Never settle for a less than ideal sleeping situation when you’re away from home!

Jimmy Rollins has been living in London his whole life and loves to explore the city. He has built a site, CompareHotelPrices, to help people find hotels not only in London but in the rest of the UK as well.

The post Top 5-Star Hotels In London appeared first on Europe Explored.

Glentress

I’ve heard that Ian Warby has called Glentress “the UK’s number-one mountain bike destination” and as the Cycling Tourist Club’s resident trail expert, he ought to know! Glentress is wonderful for bikers of all levels because it contains a wide variety of beginner trails, intermediate challenges, and even devilish “black runs” for those truly brave souls who like to pedal through some seriously rough stuff so there is something for everyone!

Glentress Forest, Scotland, UK by Estrnc

Fort William

Well, if this place is good enough for the annual Mountain Bike World Cup then I can certainly put my endorsement behind it! This one puts you smack bang in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. There aren’t as many beginner offerings here, but once you get your skill level up, you can’t go wrong with the breathtaking sights and challenges it offers you.

Kirroughtree

This one is in Southern Scotland and is a bit less mountainy as a result, being through forests and country primarily. Still, it contains a few of the UK’s longest biking trails and there are some extremely challenging trails here if you’re of the more advanced type. It also has some wonderful beginner and intermediate trails, although the advanced offerings are the main claim to fame.

On Kirroughtree 7stanes Black route, Scotland, UK by alx_chief

Dalbeattie

There are a couple of beginner and intermediate offerings in Dalbeattie, though I think most people who come here are the brave folks who want to try the Hardrock trail. And believe me, bravery is necessary! The surface of this trail is extremely rocky and even veteran mountain riders constantly make epic spills.

Newcastleton

Right on the border of Scotland and England, this one offers primarily shorter trails. The lack of longer trails may be a disappointment to some, but frankly, I think the absolutely stunning sights make this a worthy stop nonetheless. And really, while you can’t quite “go the distance” here as it were, you can still find plenty of ways to challenge yourself on their famous “Red Route” which is one of the narrowest biking trails in existence right on the side of a cliff!

Newcastleton, Scotland, UK by Mike

The UK offers a ton of exciting opportunities for mountain biking enthusiasts everywhere but I have to admit, some of my favourites are in Scotland. With a nice variety of terrain types, Scotland offers some of the most diverse ranges of mountain biking experiences of any region in the world. Just remember, it pays to have some insurance such as ProtectYourBubble.com mountain bike insurance in case you do have some sort of accident on your adventures!

Laura Ginn is a professional writer and blogger who has recently rediscovered her love of hitting the trails. She has attempted trails in wide variety of locations but constantly comes back to her love for the unique trail offerings in the UK.

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