Bath is a city in the county of Somerset, situated 97 miles west of London and it’s easily reached from the capital city as it’s only around 90 minutes by train from London Paddington. Originally a spa town in the Roman era, it’s now a World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance: the Roman remains and Bath’s spectacular Georgian architecture are the reasons for this award.

The Roman Baths at Bath, England, UK by Stewart Robotham / License: Creative Commons

Getting around Bath

The city centre is easily navigable on foot, however, for a first visit you may want to take advantage of the tour buses that circulate amongst the main attracts.

What to see in Bath

One of the most famous sites of Bath, and one of the best examples of Georgian architectural design in the UK, is The Royal Crescent, a curved street of 30 terraced houses dating from the second half of the eighteenth century and a major influence on architecture. It’s been seen on the big screen in the 1998 film “The Duchess” starring Keira Knightley amongst others. It’s not the only crescent in the city – better views are to be had from the slightly less grand Camden Crescent.

The Roman Baths have recently undergone a huge renovation project and feature England’s only hot springs. A must-do is to have a taste of the minerally water while you’re there and if you visit on a summer evening, you’ll be able to experience the beautifully atmospheric site when it’s lit by torchlight.

There is one famous author who is of course a looming presence in Bath, Jane Austen and there’s a whole “Experience” dedicated to her at The Jane Austen Centre. Here you can take tea (don’t leave the city without having a cream tea) and discover how her experience of the city influenced her writing. There’s even a Jane Austen Festival in September.

The Hershel Museum of Astronomy is situated in a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse and celebrates the work of William Herschel, he who discovered the planet Uranus. Not to be missed if you’re at all interested in the history of science and astronomy.

Bath Abbey, England, UK by Clay Shonkwiler

Where to Stay

For a real treat, stay in The Royal Crescent itself with its beautifully presented Georgian interiors plus modern facilities. A more reasonably priced boutique option in a central location in the city is stylish The Halcyon.

Where to Eat

Beautiful little tapas dishes and more substantial evening and lunchtime meals are available at the Same Same but Different cafe – I’m not getting my words confused there, that’s actually the name. For excellent pub grub overlooking the Bath countryside, the Hare & Hounds inn caters for those after just a sandwich and soup, or a three course slap-up meal.

Why Bath?

History is alive and well and living in Bath: you can smell it on the air as well as see it in the streets. If you’re a fan of ultra-modern cities, this one isn’t for you. But if you’ve an appreciation of the past, an interest in architecture and a hankering to walk in the steps of Roman spa-goers, then Bath’s the place to be.

Picturesque City of Bath, England, UK by Karen Roe

Julie loves writing about her travels through short guides on places she visited. She also writes for Fortina Spa Resort, one of the top hotels in Malta specializing in state of the art spa & welness treatments.

The post A Trip To Bath | England, UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Manchester City Hall, England, UK by Iris Chase

Music and Theatre

For both fans of engineering and classical music, Bridgewater Hall is a must see. The state of the art concert hall has paid every attention to acoustic detail, right to its very foundations. To prevent outside noise and vibrations from transmitting through the ground, the floor floats above the foundation on 300 earthquake proof springs. Meanwhile, theatre aficionados can make a stop by the Royal Exchange Theatre, which features some of the best of the old classics as well as a number of new plays (125 premieres in the theatre’s history!) The theatre’s circular stage means guests are never too far from the action, while the building within a building design makes the structure an interesting stop all on its own.

The Manchester Museum is definitely worth a visit, with a palaeontology collection and Eqyptian artefacts on display. For something more niche, the Greater Manchester Police Museum is a brilliant look into policing during the Victorian days, particularly the “Rogues Gallery” which looks at the types of crimes Mancunians were prosecuted for in the past. Football fanatics will also want to stop by the National Football Museum, which holds the title of being the world’s biggest football museum. Visitors will be delighted with the collection, which features, among other things, the first hand-written football rule book and the ball from the 1966 World Cup final.

A Walk Outside

While in Manchester, visitors should be sure to take a walk around the Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens to take in the city’s greener side. This complex of gardens has something on show year round, even in the winter. For somewhere a bit closer to the city centre, Castlefield Urban Heritage Park retains much of Manchester’s Victorian built heritage in a beautifully tended environment. Take a walk to see the canals, wrought iron gates and industrial viaducts.

Looking for a UK experience outside of the everyday treks to London and the countryside? For visitors, this Northern town is a must-see. With the multitude of restaurants, shops and hotels in Manchester, the city is an easy choice for planning anything from a weekend break to a longer stay.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.premierinn.com/en/manchester-hotels.html

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It’s not just young children that benefit from day trips, older children and even young adults will learn something by travelling into London for day trips too. There is so much to do that you’ll never get bored. There are museums, theatres, famous boats and the River Thames, monuments and bridges, not forgetting Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Also, many of these places are free to visit, so no extra money is being spent unnecessarily.

Big Ben & London Eye, England, UK by Adalberto.H.Vega

Children learn about the history of the city of London each day, so why not give them the chance to visit and view the place they are learning about with school trips to London? This will give them a chance to learn more by doing something exciting, such as activities and walks, rather than sitting in a boring classroom all day.

Although children are the hardest to please when it comes to learning, by giving them something fun to do and helping them learn will surely keep them happy. Giving the children something that will help them learn about the history of where they live and that involves lots of activities, for example. Want all of this? Then send them on school tours of London with their school!

Many children don’t often get the chance to travel into London with parents due to work or other commitments. These tours and days out will give children the chance to see what London is all about for themselves and will give them the opportunity to see first-hand what it entails, rather than watching videos and looking at photos.

Getting children to remember what’s being taught is always a struggle, so by giving them the chance to travel to London, have fun and learn, they should (hopefully) remember and appreciate what they are being taught more.

School Trips To Londonare easily arranged through the child’s school, and are reasonably priced for any parent, giving children the opportunity to view London and learn about its history in a more enjoyable way. This also gives them the chance to learn about different methods of transport used in and around the city – a hot topic for young kids, learning about trains, tubes, cars, bikes, boats and buses.

Children like to venture through places they are unsure of, so by giving them the chance to venture to London, you are giving them the opportunity to go on a huge adventure, whilst learning along the way. This gives the child an improved knowledge of their surroundings and history but enjoyment of being somewhere new and exciting.

Have you ever stopped to think about how your child may benefit from school tours of London? Well, giving children the opportunity to travel to London, will allow them to learn, have fun and grow up, knowing that London is not such a scary place to be, and that you don’t have to stay local to have fun or to learn.

Enjoy stress free school tours to European and other worldwide destinations with Voyager School Travel. Call them on +44 (0) 1273 827 327 to know more!

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It seems a little sad that most international visitors will make tracks to London and not venture beyond this great capital. There are so many other locations in Britain which are well worth a visit, from ancient monuments that are shrouded in mystery to thriving cities which are home to large numbers of fascinating attractions. Here are three places that are worth a second look, so be sure to rent a car and hit the road during your stay.

Stonehenge

What better place to soak up some of the mysticism of ancient Britain than this stunning monument? It’s located in Wiltshire, a beautiful county that lies to the west of London, and it attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year, but especially during the summer months. Doubt still surrounds the actual meaning of Stonehenge to this day, although there are plenty of opinions on the subject. Even how it was built is something of a mystery.

Stonehenge, England, UK by Rupert Jones

Chester Zoo

The north-west of England is an area that doesn’t always feature on visitor itineraries, but it should. Chester Zoo is close to the border with Wales, and it’s a fascinating attraction that has remained something of a hidden gem to overseas tourists. In the UK it’s certainly not a secret, however; it attracts more visitors every year than the famous London Zoo at Regents Park. Be sure to set aside a whole day for Chester, because there is so much to see and do.

Chester Zoo, England, UK by Nigel Swales

Edinburgh Castle

The city of Edinburgh is the iconic and beautiful capital of Scotland, and it’s home to a large number of superb attractions and landmarks. Towering over them, both physically and metaphorically, is the city’s wonderful castle. It’s located at the top of the Royal Mile, and visitors can enjoy some spectacular views of the whole city from the walls. Be sure to bring a camera with you, because you’ll want to take dozens of images when you get to the summit.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK by Lisa Nichols

David Showell is from the UK and is a regular traveller. He works for www.CompareCarHire.co.uk.

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There are many sleek, stylish, and homey apartments to choose from in locations to suit the traveller. Accommodation in Cambridge has so much to offer with fully furnished apartments to suit the businessperson, the family, the couples, and the travellers alike. You can find yourself staying in a luxurious apartment with all the space and comfort you need so being away from home is as enjoyable as possible.

Cambridge, England, UK by Anton Ruiter

Searching for the best choice in accommodation can be done easily online these days with plenty of reviews and pictures to give you a guide along the way. Settle for something special with an affordable price tag too. Find yourself and your family at a destination close to the best of the hundreds of attractions the beautiful city of Cambridge has to offer. Whether you are there for business purposes, shopping, site-seeing, or like to visit the restaurants; you can choose a stunning apartment near the places of your choice.

Accommodation in Cambridge comes in all different shapes and sizes. More visitors are opting for the apartment route than ever before, after all; why stay in a small hotel room with limited home comforts when you can have a whole apartment, the size of your choice, and all the home comforts you could desire at your figure tips. They are suited to all types of trips from short-term for a weekend, to the long-term for a business contract. The appealing thing about these apartments is that they have so many amenities and they really are like going home. This means that, regardless of how long you stay; you can relax in a comfortable and enjoyable environment for the best trip possible.

If you’re heading out on business, then this type of accommodation in Cambridge is the ultimate answer for you as you can benefit from being more productive. If you are happy and content in where you are, then you will work better and feel good. This means you could even get home sooner! Prices are great for everyone and the longer your stay, the less you pay.

These choices in accommodation in Cambridge mean that visitors now have the choice to really live in the destination and enjoy the time they are there. You can have space and comfort away from home and choose a location that means you can visit that science park, restaurant, attend that business meeting, or make the most of the public transport. The options mean that you can enjoy Cambridge as it is supposed to be enjoyed and choose somewhere to stay that will really suit you and your party.

Article Summary
You can benefit from all the amenities you could need and the homely comfort you desire with the perfect option of accommodation in Cambridge. Sit back and relax so you can enjoy the beautiful city in every way.

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Canterbury

Canterbury is a wonderful historical place filled with relics of the past and castles. It is home to numerous World Heritage Sites. Read Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and visit nearby Bath, which has been described as one of the most enjoyable and beautiful places in all of England.

Canterbury Cathedral – Location of the first Church of England. The cathedral dates back to 597 AD and was a monastery for Benedictine monks in the 1300s.

Canterbury Cathedral, England, UK by Steve Evans

St. Augustine’s Abbey – St. Augustine’s Abbey is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important ruins in the United Kingdom and provides insight into church history in England.

St. Martin’s Church – St. Martin’s Church dates back to the Roman period in England’s history. It is one of the first churches established by the Romans in England.

Stratford-upon-Avon

If you are a fan of Shakespeare, then Stratford-upon-Avon should be on your list of trips to take while you are in England. Home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, you can see a performance of one of his plays or visit his birthplace. Although Stratford-upon-Avon can be full of tourists during peak seasons, if you travel to Warwickshire on a weekend trip, you may be able to avoid crowds.

Salisbury

Salisbury in Wiltshire is the home of Stonehenge. Although you will not be allowed to walk among the stones in Avebury, you can visit the historic site of the mysterious stones and walk around the area. Nearby Salisbury Cathedral was established in 1258. It is one of the earliest medieval cathedrals in England and has the tallest spire in the country.

Salisbury Cathedral, England, UK by David Merrett

Cambridge

If you are in the United Kingdom to attend school, then you should not pass up the opportunity to visit Cambridge, located north of London in Cambridgeshire. Established as one of the finest learning institutions in the world, Cambridge is easy to visit and walk through. Cambridge University was established in 1209 and serves as the cornerstone for the other colleges of the university, including King’s College, Trinity College and St. John’s College.

Stroll through the lanes of King’s College or visit the ADC Theatre, which is the oldest university theatre in England. If you are interested in World War 2 history, visit the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial. It was established in 1943 to honor Americans who gave their lives in England while fighting the second World War.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is a World Heritage Site and the location of the wall that divided the frontier of England from the rest of the world during Roman occupation. It runs 73 miles from east to west and is home to numerous Roman ruins, including garrison towns and roads.

Hadrian’s Wall, England, UK by

Tintagel Castle

Located on the western coastline of Cornwall, Tintagel Castle is where King Arthur was born according to legend. Explore 13th century ruins of the castle, which was once home to the Earl of Cornwall. Visit Merlin’s Cave and find out more about the story of Tristan and Isolde and their connection to the legend of Arthur.

Rich in history and legend, attending school in the United Kingdom is the perfect opportunity to explore many of the sites that provide the foundation for much of Western History. Other places to visit include Parliament, Kew Gardens, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland and the industrial cities of Midland and York.

Sarah writes for Richmond, the American Uni in London. Richmond’s specialist courses range from international relations too their unique art history masters course. Richmond offer low student numbers and a great student experience.

The post The ‘Must See’ Sights For An International Student In The UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Hit the markets

Nothing captures the buzz and character of London more than its bustling markets. Colourful, cultural and packed full of bargains galore, whether you’re looking to uncover chic gems in the vintage clothes stalls of Camden, sample the sights, smells and tastes of Whitecross Street Food Market or hunt for treasure in Brixton, there are plenty of unique and tempting markets all across London which are at their best during the week, away from the tourist-trapping weekend trade.

London Eye and Panorama, England, UK by Elliott Brown

Soak up the views

Whether you’re a hard-nosed Londoner who knows the Tube map like the back of your hand, or an innocent tourist clutching your guidebook, the chances are you’re often in too much of a rush to really soak up the unique beauty of this city. A day off is a fantastic chance to take a step back and just drink it all in. The London Eye may be one of London’s most recognisable icons but it is also one of the best ways to get a great view of the famous buildings, landmarks and skyline that lie all around you.

Explore the quirky side of life

As well as its glitzy tourist attractions and mainstream entertainment, London really excels itself when it comes to underground culture and off-beat antics and there are plenty of ways to explore this side of the city – you just have to know who to ask. The Alternative London Tour will show you some of the best street art and unique cultural history of East London, while Ghost and Murder Walks can help you uncover the darker sides of London’s spooky underbelly.

London Fields, Hackney, Egland, UK by Charles Hutchins

Hit the park

A day off means relaxing and getting away from the daily grind. Luckily, London is blessed with plenty of green spaces which means you don’t need to travel far to be able to chill out on the grass or enjoy a rejuvenating wildlife walk. If you’re planning what to do with your bank holiday, then a barbecue is often the first thing that springs to mind, but for many Londoners access to a garden comes at a price. But fear not, if sparking up the barbie in your front room fills you with fear, then you can always head off to Highbury Fields in Islington or London Fields in Hackney, two parks which permit barbecues in designated areas.

This article has been produced by FollowUK. The place to follow UK Bank Holidays 2013 dates, not to forget dates for special occasions and important events.

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Since the Olympic torch was put out in London, it seems that those who had enjoyed welcoming the whole world into their iconic city just couldn´t wait to get away. The surge in holiday bookings, especially for the month of September, has been quite impressive. It seems that the masses are following the sun at all costs, even if it means kids have to miss school.

London Olympics, England, UK by Dan Davison

The fun is over, let´s get away

Brits are well known all over the world for enjoying a good party, and when the Olympics took a hold of their homeland in the peak of the summer, they just didn´t want to miss all of the excitement. But the rainy summer didn´t seem all that glamorous anymore, once the Olympic crowds had withdrawn, and September holiday bookings skyrocketed soon after.

According to a survey by Travelex, Brits will take 5.7 million trips in September. On the other hand, the number of people who revealed that they hadn´t taken their accustomed summer break during the school holidays this year amounted to a significant 45%, while nearly 25% mentioned the desire “not to miss the Olympics” as a reason for not having gone away earlier, and 23% added that it was their first time taking their holidays in the month of September.

Ironically enough, a Travelex survey from earlier this year revealed that 1/3 of traveling Brits had booked a holiday to escape the Olympic hullaballoo, and over 10 million altogether were planning to try to avoid the “chaos” by traveling abroad. It would seem that not all of those plans actually crystalized, and the locals did join in with the Olympic spirit after all.

Follow the sun

The top destination of choice for Britons going away in September is Spain, which maintains its unrivalled popularity due to closeness, pricing (one upside of the Iberian country´s economic crisis, in terms of attracting tourism), nice weather, natural beauty and guaranteed fun, both day and night. Next up are Turkey and Egypt, two countries that attract those who are not only interested in sunshine, but who also possess a flair for the exotic.

While the last week has seen some sunshine and high temperatures in some parts of England, the forecast for the coming weeks is bleak for those staying, and convenient for the masses flocking to Costa del Sol and Majorca, as strong winds, courtesy of Hurricane Leslie are set to hit Scotland, and heavy rains are expected all around.

Holidays for all ages

A surge in holiday bookings was in fact expected, as July had been extremely quiet at the offices of travel companies all over the UK. But bookings have greatly surpassed predictions, especially in the over 50s group, whose travel plans are not affected by the school year. According to a survey by Saga Insurance, this age group´s preferred destination for September 2012 is Italy, closely followed by Greece, Turkey and France.

The endless summer

It appears that Brits of all ages will follow the sun, and the fun, whatever chance they get. They partied it up during the Olympics like few nations could, and nearly half of them are partying it up right now on some beach in Benidorm or Ibiza, stretching that summer to make it last as long as they can. Given the choice between Southern Spain´s paella and sangría in the sunshine, and a dreary English rain, who can blame them?

Article Written by L. Toulson on behalf of https://www.theluxurycruisecompany.com/luxury-cruiselines/

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The mistake so many people make is they spend a fortune on a family vacation each year. Chances are Spain and France are top of the list, this is a very expensive option. But what you may not realise is you can spend less money and have a fantastic vacation experience right here in the UK. Explore areas of the country you haven’t visited before. Have you been to Scotland? Have you visited the cobbled streets of Chester? Have you seen the magnificent manor houses in Northamptonshire?

Chester, England, UK by Christopher John SSF

Find A Place to Go

Whenever we planned our family vacations we would automatically head somewhere sunny. While this was a fantastic option when the UK was financially stable, after the recession the air tickets, accommodation and spending for an overseas holiday wasn’t an option.

We gave it some thought and realised that we didn’t know our own country. Actually I think I knew Paris and France better than I ever knew the UK. So we started looking for short-stay apartments Northampton. We found some good options where it was self catering, saving us money and we could drive there instead of fly, an even cheaper option.

Outdoors Experiences

I love the outdoors from adventure sports to hiking and bicycling and always thought I wouldn’t find these things in the UK. I was so wrong which I found out on our holiday to Northamptonshire. After finding some short-stay apartments Northampton, we started looking at outdoor activities in the area.

Once we had arrived and settled into our self catering apartment our outdoor adventure started. There was so much to choose from right on the doorstep from hang-gliding and white river rafting to hiking and horseback riding.

I knew there were places in the UK where you could walk or cycle, these are big activities here, but I didn’t realise there were fantastic adventure sports that I love, I even got to go rally car driving. It was a phenomenal experience and one not to be forgotten.

Northampton market, England, UK by G-Man

Explore the UK

You probably wonder how I could ever consider remaining in the UK a fantastic holiday. It’s always wet and grey here, the weather is unpredictable and I’m not going to go home with a sun tan. While I may not go home from my vacation all bronzed, I guarantee I will be relaxed, I would have had an outstanding holiday doing what I love and I will be back again for more.

If you ever want to find a holiday that isn’t overly expensive, that you can reach by car within a few short hours and enjoy a host of activities, then you may want to consider staying right here in the UK.

Northampton Guildhall, England, UK by Chris Nyborg

Plan Your Trip

The advantage with staying right here on home soil is that you can get away for a short weekend break or mid week break as and when you are in the mood. You can find fantastic short-stay apartments Northampton, pack your bags and get on the road and be there within a few short hours.

The internet is alive with information and you can find all the fun things to do in the area from visiting the famous Silverstone race track to playing golf at one of the golf courses or getting the family involved in a day of paint balling fun.

With so much to do and see right here in the UK, you get to explore all aspects of our country, from the sleepy villages to the bustling cities. Soak up the heritage at the museums or head off for a quiet picnic in the botanical gardens.

Short-stay apartments Northampton are an ideal choice when planning a holiday in the UK. You are central to all the fantastic outdoor activities, magnificent manor houses and museums, so you really can soak up some of this country’s history and culture.

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So you’ll need to decide whether you want to jump on public transport, if possible, take a taxi, get a friend or relative to drop you off or perhaps drive yourself. And if you choose the latter, you may then present yourself with the added headache of finding somewhere to leave your car while you’re away.

Birmingham airport, England, UK by Elliott Brown

If you’re flying from Birmingham airport then there are plenty of options, one of which is the NCP car park which is located just minutes away from the terminal buildings and offers both short and long stay parking facilities and even offers a valet service.

So what are the best ways to arrange airport parking? And what facilities are provided for Blue Badge holders? Read on to find out.

How to arrange airport car parking

If you are considering airport parking Birmingham offers a number of options, most of which are best arranged well in advance, either online by or via the phone. This will not only save the hassle of leaving arrangements until the last minute but can also save you money.

Where to park

If you are getting a lift into the airport then your driver can either use the ‘Drop & Go’ area for a small cost or use the ‘Long Stay’ car park, which is free for 15 minutes.

If you’re only going to be away for a few days then the short stay car park is best. Birmingham airport has three short/medium stay car parks that can be booked in advance either online or over the phone or you can just turn up on the day.

You may decide to take advantage of the valet parking service, especially if you are short on time as this offers the fastest way to check in. Simply leave your car with a member of the valet team who will then make sure it is securely parked and ready again for when you return.

If you’ll be leaving the country for a week or more, then you’ll need to park up in the long stay car park. Although this is slightly further away from the airport than the other car parks, it is still within walking distance and a shuttle bus service is also provided.

For motorbike riders looking for airport parking Birmingham NCP has clear signs for the designated motorbike parking zone within short and medium stay car park number three.

Blue badge holders

Holders of Blue Badges are given up to one hour’s free parking in the ‘Drop and Go’ area and will have to produce their Blue Badge and parking ticket at the NCP customer services desk.

If Blue Badge holders stay for longer than one hour then normal car parking fees will be charged.

AUTHOR BIO

Shirley Jones writes regularly on travel and focuses on the best ways to get to a destination rather than things to do once you get there. If you are considering airport parking Birmingham has a wide range of options and is just one of the many locations of which Shirley has experience.

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