Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris, France by Evan Bench

The beauty of these markets is that they sell everything – from meat to fine cheeses and fresh fruit and veg. The stall holders are an attraction in themselves as they call out the deals of the day and offer knowledgeable advice on their produce. And there are different types of markets too – ‘pop up’ stalls which appear for just a few hours on set days of the week, market streets where the vendors have their stalls in front of their shops and the covered or indoor markets. And with 20 different arrondissements (districts) in Paris, each featuring any number of markets on a given day, there are certainly plenty to choose from! Here are some of the best…

Marché des Enfants Rouges

Located in the 3rd arrondissement, this is one of Paris oldest covered markets (it opened in 1628) and as such, it offers a diverse range of foods. It also has the added charm of having plenty of cooked food stalls where you can enjoy a dish of Parisian or even West Indian cuisine!

Marché Raspail

Based on Paris’ left bank, this is perhaps the most fashionable of the markets and it is not unheard of to spot a celebrity or two browsing the goods on offer. With its organic produce and laid back atmosphere, it is certainly one of the most popular with tourists and locals. You’ll find it in the 6th arrondissement.

Marché Raspail, Paris, France by Yuichi Shiraishi

Rue Montorgueil

This is one of Paris’ street markets and is situated in the 2nd arrondissement – so expect to see stalls in front of shops and plenty of cafes mingled in amongst the produce stores.

Saint-Quentin

As the biggest covered market in Paris, you will be spoilt for choice if you have the time to visit. You could easily spend hours wandering around the stalls and shops of this bustling area. Dedicated foodies should get themselves to the 10th arrondissement to experience it for themselves.

Entrance to Saint-Quentin Market, Paris, France by Guilhem Vellut

Be aware that not all markets have the same opening hours and days – do your research carefully to avoid disappointment! Luckily there are plenty of cheap hotels in most districts of Paris so you can be safe in the knowledge you can put your feet up after a hard day pounding the streets and perhaps enjoy some of your purchases as well!

If you live in the United Kingdom and want to sample the delights of the Parisian markets (and bring home some mementos) your best bet is to take the Eurostar direct from London to Paris. Perhaps less stressful (and often cheaper) than flying, you can shop to your heart’s content (of course bearing in mind any restrictions, especially on things like wine) before boarding the train and having a relaxing journey home.

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The year was 1605, and the story has since become embedded in the national myth. Ardent republican and devout Catholic Guy Fawkes, with a band of like-minded miscreants, attempted to assassinate Protestant King James by blowing up the Houses of Parliament. The attempt failed, and Fawkes’ subsequent execution for treason has been commemorated each year since with audacious displays of fireworks and effigy-burning bonfires.

Fireworks in London, England, UK by Dominic Alves

It’s a national performance of pyrotechnics, played out across the country. London – home of the plotters and their political targets – naturally boasts some of the biggest events, both municipal and privately organized. Annual shows include Enfield Town Park and Brockwell Park.

Festivities begin on Friday 2nd November, with a number of shows taking place in West London, with Kingston a perennial favourite. For those south of the river, there will be events in Wimbledon Park and Dulwich Park. Most events kick off between 6 and 8, with entry fees ranging from zero to around £7 for adults.

On Guy Fawkes night itself, Monday 5th, the Battersea Park display promises to be a real highlight of the season. Blackheath and Southgate are among the other regions providing full public displays, with the usual assortment of funfairs and food stalls to keep the huddled masses warm and entertained. Entry to most events is less than ten pounds.

But it’s the post-script to Guy Fawkes night which has the longer history and arguably the more impressive fireworks. Boasting ‘the most dangerous and amazing of all the public fireworks shows in the capital’, the Lord Mayor’s Show has been setting London ablaze since at least 1535, with some version of the event dating back to 1215. The show welcomes in the new Lord Mayor of the city with a combination of explosive-packed barges on the Thames, acrobatic displays, thousands of citizenry and hundreds of floats parading through the streets, and the bombast of a military marching band.

On November 10th, the show is announced open at 11am by a fly-past from an RAF squadron, before the procession makes its way through Bank and Aldwych. Finally, the crowds witness the emergence of the Lord Mayor from a gilded State Coach, having sworn allegiance to the Queen at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Some 500,000 spectators are expected to line the city streets. The fireworks begin at 5pm, launched from a barge situated between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge, with Embankment generally regarded as the best vantage point from which to watch the display.

Looking for a hotel in London this autumn? Consider a stay at the Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park hotel for a central, great value accommodation option.

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Oxford Castle / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Douglas Neiner

This summer in cities and towns all over the UK there will be fanfares, bunting and street parties to join in the momentous landmark as Britain’s second longest serving monarch – Queen Victoria reigned for 63 years, seven months and three days. If you’re planning to celebrate the Jubilee it might be worth joining in with the festivities in one of the Britain’s famous and historic towns.

What about Oxford?

Founded in the 9th century the town has some of the most important history in England. The university is nearly 850 years old and is now one of the most revered educational institutions in the world. The town became the haven of the king during the 1642 civil war; England’s first coffee house was opened here in 1651; and it was in Oxford that Roger Bannister in 1954 became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, which will surely be celebrated in a couple of years time.

As well at the famous landmarks such as St Magdalen Bridge and the historic university buildings, the city will be alive with Jubilee events. The council is encouraging local people to host street parties, but on Monday 4th June the Lord Mayor’s Jubilee Party will be at Gloucester Green from 12 noon until 6pm so decorate your bike, hat, child’s pram or buggy and win a prize!

St Magdalen Bridge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Lisbona

The whole celebration centres on a “1950s then and now” theme, with live music and stalls to keep everyone occupied. At the end of that week on Saturday 9th June is the Diamond Jubilee Mela where you can enjoy live music, dance groups, fashion shows, food stalls, face painting and loads more things for the whole family at Oxford Spires Academy. Tickets cost £3 each but you can contact them for more information here.

A number hotels in Oxford such as The Randolph have special Diamond Jubilee offers with commemorative treats for their guests. Oxford is at the centre of a beautiful county of stunning villages and towns, and if you stay here you can use it as a base of operations for exploring the outlying areas and there are loads of Jubilee events to tickle your fancy.

Bicester Town Centre

On Saturday 2nd June: from 5pm to 10.30pm there is a Beer Festival and Fireworks in Garth Park. The following day on the 3rd there’s a street party which is hoped to be one of the biggest in the country. And on Monday 4th June is the Bicester Jubilee Carnival 10 to 7.30pm which is guaranteed to be a delight for the whole family.

Jubilee Jitterbug at Watlington

On Saturday 2nd June The Hall is the location for a 1950s style dance where a costume is practically mandatory! They do suggest you book in advance, but it will be totally worth it to get your groove on.

Finstock Jubilee BBQ

Also on the Food, music and games sounds perfect, doesn’t it? This fewat of fun must surely epitomise the community spirit of the celebrations when the folk of three villages (Ramsden, Finstock, Wilcote) come together in the true spirit of community.

Big Lunch at Oxford Castle

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Pack your basket and take yourself to the Castleyard and share your food with the residents of Oxford from 12 noon until 3pm on Sunday 3rd June. Break bread with friendly strangers and enjoy the family entertainment.

There are so many things you can do in Oxford over the Jubilee Celebrations, but whatever you choose have a wonderful time.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to The Randolph.

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In each of these worlds, you can try a variety of attractions. Whether you ride lego train, monorail, mini boats, a number of smaller or larger roller coasters, thrill to the fairway, a ride on a pirate boat, undergo a duel with the pirate battle at water, ride on the forest racing hovercraft, compete in a fire truck or watch the acrobatic performances in the form of fairy tales in a mini castle…

Children can enjoy themselves in the pirate water world, visit buildings built from Lego bricks, watch some story in the 4D cinema or visit a mini driving school. The Legoland Billund has also a plenty of food stalls and various restaurants. You also have the opportunity to stay in the Hotel Legoland.

Tickets to Legoland Billund are for 33 EUR for children/day or 37 EUR for an adult/day. Or you can buy the Season Pass for 66 EUR /children or 73 EUR /adult.

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Walibi Belgium was opened on 26th July 1975. It is a medium sized park where all the people from children to older one can find fun. In total there are 50 different attractions. Walibi Belgium is not divided into thematic parts, but into categories according to severity – children, family, for teens and The Big 7 (this is for the bravest ones). There are the roller coasters, free fall, water rides, 4D cinema, and many more. The biggest attraction of the park is the roller coaster “Vampire” and free fall from the 77 meters “Dalton Terror”. The Walibi Belgium has also a plenty of food stalls and souvenir shops. Accommodation right in the park is not possible, but in the vicinity there are lots of accommodation opportunities. There is also the campsite. Otherwise it is a good idea to book tickets over the interent, it will cost you less.

Walibi Belgium is open from late April to early November 10 to 18 hours. Outside the main season is open only on weekends. It should prefer to see the opening hours at the park site. Tickets prices start at 25Eur/person/entrance or you can buy the whole year ticket for 55Eur.

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