Luckily, Britain has a lot to offer holidaymakers, so here are some great ideas for activities and sights in the south of the country.

Explore the south-west

Salisbury in Wiltshire is home to the spectacular Stonehenge and you don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate this impressive monument, which is perhaps one of the most instantly recognisable collections of standing stones in the world.

Stonehenge, England, UK by mari

There are also some fantastic towns and cities to explore in the south-west. Bristol offers museums, art galleries, an aquarium, the impressive harbourside and the Bristol Blue Glass Factory and Shop, where you can watch skilled craftsmen blowing glass – and even have a go yourself.

Alternatively, head to Bath and check out the city famed for its historic Roman baths and spas. The city is home to the only hot spring in the UK and natural water still flows through the bathing complex the Romans built around it all those years ago. You can spend the whole day there and feast on a three-course lunch, as well as being pampered in the thermal baths.

Cornwall

Cornwall is a popular holiday destination in the UK and there is plenty to enjoy. If you’re lucky enough to get some nice weather for your holiday, try some of the many watersports on offer, such as canoeing, surfing and body boarding. There are activity centres dotted all along the coast, so you can easily find something near you.

Be impressed by historic buildings

If you’re looking for a rainy day activity, visit some of the many impressive historic houses, castles and cathedrals in the south-east. If you’re in Berkshire you can’t miss an opportunity to check out Windsor Castle, which was famously almost destroyed by fire in 1992.

Canterbury Cathedral – one of the most famous buildings of its type in Britain – is also well worth a visit and this World Heritage Site is a truly impressive example of gothic architecture at its best.

Canterbury Cathedral, England, UK by Steve Evans

Enjoy a day at the races

Visit Plumpton Racecourse in Lewes, East Sussex, which is open for events all year round and hosts 16 days of jumps between September and May. Check out the competition and place some bets, or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy watching the races.

Poole

If you’re heading south a visit to Poole is a must. This lovely coastal town is home to a stunning harbour and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the sea. Nature-lovers can head out to Brownsea Island, which is home to the red squirrel, while Adventure Wonderland boasts the largest natural maze in the south and is ideal for those of you with young kids.

Catch fireworks in Plymouth

If you head down south in mid-August you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch the British Fireworks Championships. Explore the city during the day before gazing at the spectacular evening show, which will take place on Plymouth Hoe on August 14th and 15th.

British Fireworks Championships in Plymouth, England, UK by Adrian Lilburn

This post was written and contributed by freelance web writer, James Midrun, who has helped many an avid blog reader to find fantastic short breaks in the UK, as well as helping families to enjoy family fun in Skegness!

The post Top Things To Do Down South In The UK! appeared first on Europe Explored.

When you chose to visit Italy, if you can manage to free up a single day during your trip, then you have to visit the popular lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. It is possible to visit all three of them in a single day if you plan ahead.

Murano, Italy by Alex Proimos

Murano Island is known as Glass Island. It was back in 1291 when glass production began on Murano. There are kilns dedicated to blowing glass all over the island and many different shops dedicated to selling the art. The most famous of the glassworks on Murano is that of Venini whose works are features in modern art museums all over the world. There is also a museum on the island that is dedicated to glassblowing. You will also find the 8th century Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato.

It is said that the Island of Burano is perhaps the most beautiful of the lagoon islands. Since back in the 16th century, the island of Burano has become known for the lace work done by the island’s artists. There is a museum on the island dedicated to lace and you can even see how it was woven centuries ago.

The island of Torcello is of course the most romantic of the three islands. The island is practically uninhabited which means you will be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the island. It is also home to many archeological finds that are just waiting for you to explore. There is the Devil’s Bridge which is known as Ponte del Diavolo and comes complete with an amazing local legend. In the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta you will find an awe-inspiring mosaic of the Universal Judgment. The island is also home to the Estuario Museum which houses artifacts that date back to the Medieval, Byzantine and Roman periods.

The post Murano, Burano and Torcello islands – Famous Lagoon in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.