Windsor castle, England, UK by gailf548

The Tower of London

Just half an hour from Gatwick airport, the Tower of London is one of the oldest historical monuments in London. Dating back to the Roman empire, this fortress has been the home of royalty, a stronghold against invasion and a prison. It’s open year round, but the crowds are thinnest in the late spring and early summer.

Windsor castle

This is the oldest inhabited castle in the world, and is currently the weekend home of the Queen. Located in Berkshire, the castle is just a 30 minute drive from Gatwick airport, and it’s also near historic Stonehenge for an easy day trip. Because the castle is occupied during the summer, it’s best to avoid the area from June through August, but it’s open to visitors throughout the rest of the year.

Lewes castle

Located in Sussex, Lewes castle is one of the closest monuments to the airport. It’s next to the Babican House Museum, which provides a comprehensive view of Sussex history, and the castle walls provide the best views of the surrounding countryside. Both the castle and museum are open year round, but it may be best to avoid hotter months due to walking and climbing needed to explore the castle keep.

Lewes castle, Sussex, UK by Charlesdrakew

The Royal Pavilion

A palace, not a castle, the Royal Pavilion is home to a museum and beautifully-cultivated garden. The palace sits on a pier filled with carnival-like festivities year round. The best views of the garden are during the spring and summer months when everything is in bloom, but the palace and grounds are open throughout the year.

Arundel castle

Built in the 11th Century, this castle is located an hour away from Brighton in the quaint town of Arundel. The castle towers over the city and provides a stunning view of Arundel and nearby Sussex. Arundel castle is open to visitors only from March through October.

There’s so much to see and do near Gatwick airport that you’re sure to find something to appeal to your tastes. If you’re looking to tour castles, it might be best to book a trip in the spring as there are fewer crowds and most attractions are open at this time. If you can’t make it out during the spring months, however, you can still see many of the year-round attractions that the countryside has to offer. While you explore, be sure to choose a centrally-located hotel that will give you access to all of the attractions near Gatwick airport.

Georgie Little is a guest writer for www.gatwickairporthotels.com where you can find out more about Gatwick hotels.

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1. Calais Town Hall

The Town Hall is located in the centre of Calais is the most-impressive attraction this coastal town has to offer. It has a fantastic design and boasts an elegant clock tower which can be seen from many parts across town, including the Jacquard Bridge as you cross over. In the elegant front garden, artwork is on display throughout the year.

2. Parc Richelieu

A short walk from the Town Hall lies Parc Richelieu, over the Jacquard Bridge. A small park but one that is a perfect setting for a short rest or relaxation period during your walking tour on a nice, hot summer’s day. At the front of the entrance of the park is a War Memorial statue and 5 French flags flying.

3. War Museum

The War Museum in Calais is situated in the Parc Saint Pierre; opposite the Town Hall. This museum offers insights into World War II. For a €6 entrance, there are 20 rooms inside displaying photographs and objects depicting the war, including a series of interesting, interactive displays.

4. Calais Lighthouse

A short walk from Calais’ ferry terminal stands the large Calais Lighthouse. Viewable from the ferry terminal, Fort Risban and other parts of town, the Lighthouse has 271 steps to climb after paying the €2.50 entrance fee. From the top you get a great view over the town and Channel.

5. Fort Risban

After walking from the ferry terminal and past the Lighthouse, you reach Fort Risban after passing the Bassin du Paradis. There isn’t a great deal that remains of the fort that came under siege from Edward III of England’s army back in 1346, but this historic part of Calais is well worth a visit.

6. Monuments

Making up part of Calais’ history are the several monuments and statues located around town. These include Rodin’s bronze masterpiece of the Six Burghers of Calais outside the front of the Town Hall, a Remembrance Monument opposite, monuments commemorating Airman Gilbert Brazy and the Pluviose Monument both located nearby Fort Risban, a column dedicated to S. M. Louis XVIII on the main street walking past the Bassin du Paradis, a War Memorial at the entrance of Parc Richelieu and even a statue dedicated to former mayor, Leon Vincent, amongst others.

7. Fine Arts and Lace Museum

Works from Rodin, including an insight into his famous Six Burghers of Calais monument evolved can be found inside the Fine Arts and Lace Museum which is located opposite Parc Richelieu. Other works inside include Pablo Picasso and Dubuffet and can be viewed from €3 at the door.

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Canals of Ljubljana, Slovenia / xiquinhosilva

Slovenia

Travellers may start their Eastern Europe adventure by visiting this small country situated east of Italy. Caravan enthusiasts often venture to Ljubljana, which has an excellent caravan resort that many campers use as base camp. The fully equipped facility not only has all of the basic amenities, but additionally offers car hire services, a fitness centre, complete with sauna, and wireless internet. The river flows through the medieval town centre filled with Baroque styled architecture and fountains. Take a charter boat ride, canoe or kayak down the picturesque river while enjoying the scenery. During the first century, the Romans inhabited the area and visitors have the opportunity of stepping back in time at the City Museum and exploring life in the ancient city of Emona.

Take a day trip down the highway for 46.5 km (29 miles) and visit the scenic community of Bled, located near the spectacular Julian Alps. The community also has camp sites for those desiring a longer stay. Take a horse and carriage ride around the deep blue glacial lake or up to Bled castle. Visitors enjoy free swimming on the island side of the lake. Gaze in awe at the green forest covered hills and mountains of the area. At Vintgar Gorge, guests journey a wooden bridge path that leads to beautiful pools, rapids and waterfalls.
Visitors enjoy another interesting day trip by travelling 55km (35 miles) from Ljubljana to Predjama. Of all the castles in the country, Predjama may be the most interesting. In the late 1200s, the Luegar family resided here in the Postojna Cave system and built a magnificent fortress extending out from the cave and into the side of the mountain. Learn the legend of the knight known as Erazem who lived a Robin Hood like lifestyle until succumbing to his enemies. The castle offers tours of the fortress and cave system while providing commanding views over the countryside.

Budapest, Hungary / Marco Aurelio Martins Costa

Hungary

From Slovenia, travellers may follow the highway north to Hungary. The vast Lake Balaton offers the perfect location for a base camp. A four star camp resort offers numerous amenities in addition to the 50km lake that provides the perfect location for swimming or other water sports. Located in the city of Sunshine, the campsite is only 7km (4 miles) from Budapest and within two hour’s drive from other amazing sites.

The capital city of Budapest contains numerous beautiful buildings that include the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in the city. Enjoy the amazing architecture and artefacts then climb the lookout tower for an amazing view of the city. Hero’s square contains many different places to visit including the Scechenyi baths, the Budapest Zoo and City Park.

Drive just 69km (43 miles) from Budapest and see Holloko Village, which is one of the country’s World Heritage Sites. This small medieval village, developed during the 1400s, features many of the original buildings. The location also has a number of cultural museums, dedicated to dolls, the post office and the history of Holloko. Residents also display century’s old crafts that include weaving.

Just 91km (57 miles) from Budapest, visitors find the town of Villany, one of Hungary’s important winemaking regions. The community lies nestled in a valley surrounded by the Baranya Hills on one side and the Villany Mountains on another. Here guests have the opportunity of touring the facilities and vineyards of winemaking locations.

Eastern Europe is sometimes a forgotten destination, but is well worth the trip, to explore and enjoy.

This mini-travel guide is brought to you by Caravan Club – who offer travel advice and caravanning news for caravan enthusiasts. If you are planning a trip, check out their caravan sites on www.caravanclub.co.uk.

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Riga’s historical centre is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its amazing houses. The city is known as the most expensive Baltic city and is particularly notable for its extensive Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) architecture, which UNESCO considers to be unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Around Riga you can visit several great places such as the coastal resort Jurmala, the Sigulda castles overlooking the scenic Gauja River Valley, and the Rastrelli Palace at Rundale.

What to see in Riga

• Great Guild Hall and Small Guild Hall
• Symbol of the historical centre – The Dome Cathedral – impressive mixture of romantic, gothic, Renascence, baroque and classical styles. There is one of the largest organs in the world in the cathedral
• The architectural complex Three brothers – three houses are the oldest stone buildings in Riga built in the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries
• St. Maria Magdalena Catholic Church – built in the 13th century
• Sweden Gate – the newest and the only saved as they are of 25 gates of Riga, which used to protect the city from enemies
• St Jacob Church – served both to the Catholics and the Lutherans in the past

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Loket has 3 000 inhabitants and it is located in the Sokolov District in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic. Most people visit Loket as a day trip from Karlovy Vary, but it’s also a sleepy place to ease off the travel accelerator for a few days.

Loket means “elbow” in English. The town is named this due to the town centre being surrounded on three sides by the Ohře River, and the shape the river takes is similar to that of an elbow. The town centre itself features Loket Castle, a 12th century gothic castle. The town centre is a national monument and as such is preserved from modern developments.

There is an annual opera festival in an open air amphitheatre with the castle as a backdrop.

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