The Clock Tower above Balmoral Hotel at the Waverly Station

You can always keep track of time whenever you visit Princes Street owing to the big clock tower standing on the ex- North British Railway Hotel, at the Eastern side of the Street. This hotel was constructed as a section of the Waverly Station which was Edinburgh’s central terminal with links to Glasgow and other cities in England.

The Clock Tower above Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Michael Coghlan

Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

To come up with the design for this structure, a competition was held in 1837 and it managed to attract a total of 55 entrants. George Meikle Kemp was crowned the winner and he came up with a gigantic Victorian Gothic tower to envelope Sir Walter Scott’s statue. Scott was born in Edinburgh, and was a famous author across English speaking nations, having written novels such as “Rob Roy” and “Ivanhoe.” The construction of this historical monument was complete in 1846.

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Schatir

Nelson Monument, Calton Hill, Edinburgh

This monument was mounted on top of the Calton Hill, from the period ranging 1807-1815, as a commemoration of Horatio Nelson’s 1805 triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar. Its design resembles the shape of the famous telescope that Nelson once owned. In the year 1853, a time ball was erected at the tip of the monument by the same people who constructed London’s time ball at the Greenwich Observatory.

Bank of Scotland, Head Office

The Bank of Scotland, which towers over the Princes Street Gardens, is an attractive spot, particularly during the night when the floodlights are switched on. Most people believe that the Baroque building was constructed as an integrated plan, but it was actually constructed in phases for the duration of over 60 years, starting with Richard Crichton and Robert Reid’s initial building done in 1806. In the 1860s a copper clad dome, relatively similar to the one in Karlskirche Vienna, was added to both the top and the side wings. The face of the monument, seen in the current time, is a tribute to one of its designers, David Bryce, who is credited for adapting the 60 year old building into an entirely new work of art.

Bank of Scotland, Castle and Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Matt Riggott

St. John’s Church Tower

This building was constructed for three years (1815-1818) to the designs of William Burn. It is largely inspired by the Early English and Norman Gothic architecture. However, its design does not resemble those of the Perpendicular Revival Gothic churches of the 1800s which are normally characterized by lofty towers with spires piercing into the skies. Instead, the St. John’s Tower resembles the buildings of the University of Cambridge, Oxford or the Magdalene College.

Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse

This facility was also constructed by different architects during its different stages of development. Work on the building began in 1854 by the architectural designer, George Rae, as a one-storey building. It was later expanded in 1866 and 1882 as it was, on both occasions, deemed too small to serve its purpose. The final work was done in 1900, and it is still what we see today.

Rob loves his camper van and he loves to travel – so visit us here at travelersguidetobritain.com for some top tips from this seasoned travel blogger as he writes from the back of the camper and beyond.

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Pollock’s Toy Museum

If you are visiting London with your children, Pollock’s Toy Museum is certain to be a top attraction for you and your family. Practically any toy that has been on the market for children worldwide has a place at this site. The collections are a fascinating look at the ways kids played in the past. Come to experience a world of porcelain dolls, teddy bears, tinkertoys, board games and more. Elaborate dollhouses and toy theaters also are on display for the littlest ones in your party to explore.

Pollock’s Toy Museum, London, UK by R Sones

Freud Museum

This site was the home of Sigmund Freud after he and his family fled Austria and the Nazis in the late 1930s. Here is where you can see perhaps the world’s most famous analyst couch with its pillows and tapestries. You also can see the desk where Freud spent much time writing his papers. The family’s extensive collection of antiquities also is on display, and the ground’s gardens are worth checking out, too. The house and its furnishings are frozen in Freud’s time.

Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Lots of British and global manufacturing history can be found here, as the site exists as Britain’s oldest continuing manufacturer. Here, you can find church bells, handbells, clock tower bells (think Big Ben) and other varieties made to order. The company’s rich history extends across the pond, as the U.S. Liberty Bell was cast at the site more than 250 years ago.

Churchill War Rooms

Part of the collection that makes up Britain’s Imperial War Museum, this is the wartime bunker where British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government officials took shelter during the London Blitz. You can see where wartime decisions were made and purchase a Churchill coffee mug in the same visit. The Map Room holds maps where you can see tiny pinholes that charted Allied progress. Next to that room is Churchill’s Room, still in existence from its time as his office/bedroom space.

The Black Museum

Better known as the crime museum, this infamous site offers a collection from London’s macabre side. In 1869, a new law allowed law enforcement to start keeping artifacts from criminals for educational purposes. Today, the museum holds weapons disguised as ordinary items, vials of poison, forensic photos and other criminal evidentiary items. The museum, while not open to the public, is open for law-enforcement training and crime lectures for legal authorities. If you are a law-enforcement official, you may be able to gain entry for a tour.

You find more London travel guides online and also accommodation in London from www.holiday-velvet.com.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Bea y Fredi

Belfast is situated on the east coast of Northern Ireland, in the shadow of the mountain range, including Cavehill, which is believed to inspire Jonathan Swift in his famous novel Gulliver’s Travels. Thanks to its location, which is an important place in the mouth of the River Lagan, the city became ideal for shipbuilding in the 19th and 20th centuries. This is a sector that certainly made Belfast famous worldwide as the gigantic cruise ship Titanic was carefully constructed here in the shipyard Harland and Wolff in 1912.

Historical economic success of Belfast is also reflected in the massive, remarkable and impressive buildings, which return us to the era when this city was at the forefront of industrial growth of Britain and Ireland. Belfast architecture has an entirely different appearance in comparison with other cities on the island. The top sights of Belfast include the popular clock tower – Albert Memorial Clock situated at Queen’s Square or wonderful City Hall built in Baroque Revival style.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by William Murphy

The attractiveness of Belfast, however, definitely does not end with its appearance. It is a city full of energy and a paradise for lovers of culture, gastronomy and music. Discover the Queen’s Quarter that is home to the largest university in Ireland. It is full of young people who enjoy student life. Belfast features the vast spaces that are just created for spectacular festivals. The city is well known for its legendary party spirit and atmosphere.

It is also one of the most exciting places where you can dine outside the home, with an impressive and talented young chefs in highly valued restaurants, which in any season stimulates your appetite. It would be a mistake not to mention that Belfast has also its own song. It was sang by Boney M., a world known euro disco band created by German record producer Frank Farian. I am sure you know it!

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Poros is, like the most Greek islands, of volcanic origin. It consists of two parts – a small rocky island Sphairia and much bigger and busier Kalaureia, where is also a vast majority of hotel complexes and beaches. Both sites are connected by a bridge. The first building, which you see when you arrive on Poros, is the white clock tower overlooking the island Sphairia. From its summit, where you can get after overcoming incredible amount of stairs you have a wonderful view over the harbor and the picturesque local countryside.

On the Kalaureia you can then do a little trip to the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. This was built five hundred years before Christ in honor of the ruler of the seas, made of the granite stone, which was imported from the neighboring island of Aegina. In the fourth century, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake, so that today you can see mostly the foundations of that massive structures. Among them is also located Bust of Demosthenes, who was a prominent Greek orator, killed at Poros with a poison. If you are passionate lover of the ancient monuments, visit the small archaeological museum with the exhibition related to the Temple of Poseidon.

But to the Greek islands you mainly travel because of the sea and beautiful beaches, right? They can be found on the southern part of Poros, while the north is dominated by olive and citrus groves. The beaches here are rocky as well as sandy and you can rent a lounger with a parasol on all of them. To achieve perfection, do a short stay in a nice local tavern to taste a delicious moussaka and souvlaki.

Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. The journey from Piraeus port takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €18.

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During the reign of Hungarian kings Kremnica was a free royal mining town. Gold and silver were mined here from the 10th century. Kremnica ducats – one of the most valuable coins in Europe were minted here, as well as Czechoslovak and then Slovak coins, but also for many countries around the world.

Mint in Kremnica is significant because it works continuously since its founding in the 14th century until today, as the only one in the world. Mint in Kremnica offers its visitors the opportunity to see the interesting exhibits of coins, and walk through the old mint from 1881-1889. There is a preserved area with part of the historical plant and machinery.

Mint in Kremnica is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:00. And on Saturday from 9:00 to 11:30.

Admission for adults is € 2.66 and € 1.49 for children. Museum of coins and medals is managed by the Slovak National Bank

Other sights in Kremnica
Kremnica is really rich in historical monuments. The dominant feature of the town is Kremnica Castle from the 13th century and its defensive system. There you can see also St. Catherine Castle from the mid 15th century, Charnel of St. Andrew from the 13th century (Romanesque rotunda with preserved charnel-house) and a small clock tower from the 14th century.

Since 1970, the castle complex is a national cultural monument. Also noteworthy is the Town Hall of 14th century, Mining bastion, the Immaculata sculpture from the years 1760 – 1765, town house dating back to 1441 and the Roman – Catholic parish from the 14th century.

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The first mention of Dupnitsa is from the 15th century. Major attractions include the Art Gallery, Historical Museum of Dupnitsa, the clock tower and the churches in the city. About 7km east of town there is a monastery Resilovo. 14 km northeast, near the town of Sapareva Banya you can find the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Germania. Nearby is also a spa and mountain resort Panichishte, which offers excellent conditions for hiking and relaxing and in winter for skiing.

Dupnitsa is also called The Green and Shady Town because of the huge number of trees in the town. But it is also called The Little Italy of Bulgaria because lots of people left to work to Italy and returns in summer for vacation when the city is full of Bulgarian “Italians”.

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The city was founded sometime in the late of 12th century by rich Saxon merchants. Its strategic importance gradually grew and the fortifications were improved. Sighisoara is well known because of Vlad Tepes or Vlad III the Impaler (known as Dracula) was born here around the year of 1430.

Historical center is located on a hill, and it is thoroughly fortified. From the train station it takes for about 15 minutes to get there. At the courtyard there is the landmark of the city – Clock Tower, a 64m high tower built in the 13th century where is now museum. There is also Dracula’s family house, which is now one of the best (and most expensive) local restaurant.

There is a medieval festival in the courtyard and city events.

What else you can see in Sighisoara?

• Sighisoara Citadel – a 12th Century Saxon edifice, is the historic center of the city. Still inhabited, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site
• Weapon Museum – next to Vlad’s birthplace. Very small, but it contains an interesting selection of medieval weapons (swords, arrows, etc.)
• Covered Staircase – a very old stone staircase with a wooden roof along the whole span. This leads up to the Church on the Hill and the cemetery
• Church on the Hill – contains many frescoes and a crypt. Built on the location of a Roman fort. Located on the side of the hill next to it is one of the Lutheran cemeteries in the city, which contains many tombstones of Germans.
• Bust of Vlad Tepes – Located around the corner from his birthplace, within sight of the Clock Tower

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Màntova is surrounded by the three artificial lakes created during the 12th century. They are Lago Superiore, Lago di Mezzo, and Lago Inferiore. A fourth lake, Lago Pajolo, which once completed a defensive water ring of the city, dried up at the end of the 18th century.

Main Màntova’s sights

• Palazzo Te (1525–1535)
• Palazzo Ducale, famous residence of the Gonzaga family, made up by a number of buildings, courtyards and gardens gathered around the Palazzo del Capitano, the Magna Domus, and the Castle of St. George
• Basilica of Sant’Andrea
• Duomo
• Rotonda di San Lorenzo
• Bibiena Theater
• Church of San Sebastiano
• Palazzo Vescovile (“Bishops Palace”)
• Palazzo degli Uberti
• Torre della Gabbia (“Cage Tower”)
• Palazzo del Podestà (museum of Tazio Nuvolari)
• Palazzo della Ragione with the Torre dell’Orologio (“Clock Tower”)
• Palazzo Castiglioni Bonacolsi
• Palazzo Valenti Gonzaga

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