Scheveningen, The Netherlands by FaceMePLS

1) Scheveningen, Netherlands

This beach may not be able to boast the highest temperatures or the most picturesque seafront, but there are plenty of water sports to take part in and a number of bars and restaurants. However, one of the most appealing things about Scheveningen is its location – you can easily have an early morning dip in the sea before visiting Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam or one of the 17th century palaces in The Hague.

2) The Curonian Spit, Lithuania

The natural, largely unspoilt beauty of this Lithuanian beach needs to be seen to be believed! Unfortunately it’s a protected World UNESCO Heritage Site and sadly, as a result, there are certain areas that are a no go for tourists. However, the parts you can access are absolutely worth the journey, and this beach is a truly beautiful place to spend a day.

Curonian Spit, Lithuania by Tobin

3) Pembrokeshire, Wales

While you can never depend on good weather in Wales you can certainly depend on absolutely stunning scenery in Pembrokeshire. If you’re not convinced take it from the National Geographic magazine, which voted it the second best coastal destination in the world. It’s easy to fit in as part of a trip round the UK so there’s no excuse for not seeing the area for yourself.

4) Barleycover, Ireland

Again, this beach may generally be cold, but the beautiful natural surroundings in County Cork more than make up for it. This beach could be the perfect antidote to a hectic weekend sightseeing and sampling Ireland’s famous Guinness beer in Dublin, which is only a few hours away by car.

5) Pupnatska Beach, Croatia

The Dalmatian Islands off the coast of Croatia all boast delightful coastlines and, as a result, trying to pick out just one is mightily difficult. However, Pupnatska beach, on Korčula Island is a definite contender thanks to its sapphire waters, stunning white sand, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

Pupnatska Luka, Korcula, Croatia by Andrea Musi

6) La Rochelle, France

While the South of France boasts some mesmerising beaches, there are plenty of places on the western coast that can give the south a run for its money. La Rochelle is one such resort. What many people will love about a holiday incorporating La Rochelle is the fact that the area is steeped in history. Many holidaymakers will only feel comfortable sunbathing once they are sure they have explored the town and learnt about its rich history.

7) St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, Jersey

Gorgeous views, interesting trails, lovely restaurants… there’s little if anything to fault with this beautiful beach. And, even better, being on an island the size of Jersey means there’ll be another great beach around every turn. So take a wander and you could find yourself your own private piece of beach!

If you are taking one of the many Europe tours available, do make sure to add a beach into your trip. Europe’s architecture, art, culture, food and history are all wonderful of course, but everyone needs time to relax! And what better way to unwind and rest tired feet than on a beach with truly stunning scenery?

Written by Michael Palmer, a passionate traveller and experienced travel writer.

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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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Megeve, France by Leo-setä

Perhaps a beautiful wooden chalet in a rustic alpine hamlet nestled in a picturesque snowy valley is what you are looking for? Unfortunately the most rustic and charming ski resorts are becoming harder to find. They have either given in to the pressures of commercial skiing and grown to become larger ski resorts, struggling to hold on to the idyllic image that once made them popular, or they have rejected this path all together. In the latter scenario this means you are unlikely to be able to get much more than a token bit of skiing in, or won’t see another person all week.

So, which ski resorts  have managed to combine that ‘chocolate box’ scenery with good lift access to quality ski areas, and a fun atmosphere?

Megeve, France

Back in the 1920s, this medieval town became perhaps one of Frances first purpose built ski resorts. Thankfully they had more of an eye for picturesque detail than they did the in the 60s and 70s, so the centre of town really is reminiscent of a fairytale winter destination. The ski area is large, varied and uncrowded, though the lifts system is a little tired in places.

Grand Bornand, France

This historic farming town, also one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva, is amazingly still something of a hidden gem. The classic cobbled town square is the perfect place to grab a sunny coffee and take in the stunning views of the Aravis mountains rising above the eye catching church spire. When you get up onto the mountain things don’t change. The mountain restaurants are all beautiful old farmhouses, and the skiing, on all sides of one main peak, has plenty to keep you entertained for a few days at least.

Grand Bornand, France by Michael McKechnie

Canazei, Italy

This charming village of cobbled streets and traditional buildings is set against the jaw dropping backdrop of the Dolomites. The resort is well linked with the mighty Sella Ronda network of over 433km of pistes, which is the ideal location for those who want to clock up some miles, before settling back and enjoying Italian mountain scenery at it’s best.

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Is Saas Fee one of those resorts that ticks all the boxes? Undeniably it has the mountain charm factor, with it’s car free village centre, good restaurants, family atmosphere and dramatic surroundings. It also has the snow sure factor – most of the 100km of skiing is between 2500 and 3500m. Perhaps the only downside is the limited expert terrain. If you have skied it all, it isn’t far to get to Saas Grund and even Zermatt (which nearly made this list).

Murren, Switzerland by BigJimInDC

Murren, Switzerland

Car free Murren is part of the Jungfrau ski area which includes the slightly better known resorts of Wengen and Grindelwald. Despite having limited nightlife and only a small amount of skiing directly linked to this town, it simply had to make the cut. When you have taken the cable car from town to the Schiltorn, or are looking out across the valley to the most famous of peaks, the Eiger, you will certainly agree.

Alex works for SkiWeekender.com, who specialise in short ski breaks in charming villages of Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and Samoens in the French Alps.

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A cultural hub

As well as being home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse and Presqu’île it is also the birthplace of cinema and plays host to many arts festivals throughout the year. This includes the world famous Biennial Dance Festival and this year, is a particularly special year, as it is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

The Biennale Festival

As lively and bustling as you would expect, Lyon is home to 470,000 people and hosts a number of festivals, cultural events and sporting affairs throughout the year.

Photo by dancetechtv

Lyon’s Biennale Festival features over 50 choreographic works in 30 different venues throughout the city as draws in thousands of visitors to the city each time it visits. For three weeks in September, visitors can enjoy an opportunity to see their favourite up and coming acts in a series of one off performances and recent works.

Biennial acts as a training facility for public art, and is aimed at a broad and diverse audience, from those who are new to dance, to connoisseurs.

A celebration of dance

But clarity of intention aside, the biennial is one of the most ambitious and important dance festivals in the world, and its largeness of scale and intention is splendid to see at a time of ever-shrinking financing for the arts.

The festival has showcased some of European dance’s most famous pieces such as Les Ballets C de la B’s “Aphasiadisiac” and Angelin Preljocaj’s “Snow White”. Set to music by Mahler, costumes for the performance were designed for none-other than Jean-Paul Gautier himself.

“Les Petites Pièces de Berlin,” choreographed by Dominique Bagouet and first performed at the biennial in 1988, went on to become one of the best-loved dance performances of the year, consistently selling out in auditoriums all over the world.

Celebrity spotting

Dance lovers staying at hotels in Lyon can also look forward to a little bit of celeb spotting.

The festival has attracted many famous faces in its 15 years, with the likes of French choreographer Dominique Hervieu who is the creative director and leads the way for the parade which marks the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival.

Last but not least be sure to reserve your hotel in plenty of time, as Lyon gets very busy around this time of year. Tickets sell out quickly too, so book them as soon as you can.

What are your favourite forms of dance?

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-lyon

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Norfolk Broads, UK by Russell Smith

But of course, this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Millions of travellers prefer to find locations which offer a more tranquil way of life, surrounded by beautiful scenery and with plenty of peace and quiet thrown in. For them, one of the most welcoming destinations of all is located in Eastern England, and it remains one of those places in which time appears to have, if not stood still, been meandering along in a sedate manner for many decades.

The Norfolk Broads isn’t a hidden gem or a closely-guarded secret, it’s a vibrant and extremely popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. It’s a location that is something of a rarity in the modern world; somewhere which offers tourists all the up to date facilities that contribute to a wonderful holiday, but in a quiet and understated way that underlines something that East Anglian people have known for centuries – that life is not a race.

Smell the flowers, taste the coffee, enjoy the scenery

Dotted throughout the area are picturesque villages and hamlets that would not look out of place on a chocolate box, and which have changed little over the passing years. The Broads themselves are waterways that provide boat-users with a golden opportunity to soak up some truly spectacular scenery at a pleasantly slow place. Locations such as Horning and Ranworth are stunning, and have become popular bases for tourists from across the globe.

The local pubs and restaurants offer visitors an old-fashioned warm welcome from the moment they arrive. There are plenty to choose from, providing a wonderful selection of Norfolk beers and of course a superb choice of freshly-cooked food. Cromer, a town that’s on the coast to the north of the region, is famous all over the world for the quality of its crab, so be sure to give it a try.

As you might expect from an area that’s well-known for its slow pace, driving around the Norfolk Broads isn’t suitable for boy racers. The roads are fine and allow for easy passage between locations, but you should expect to take it at a leisurely rate. After all, there is some wonderful scenery to take in along the way and, of course, it really isn’t a race!

David Showell is a regular visitor to the Norfolk Broads. He works for www.carhiredirect.co.uk

The post The Unspoilt Beauty of the Norfolk Broads | United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Atomium, Brussels, Belgium by Angus

The historic city of Brussels has a fascinating history and is home to several iconic landmarks. Belgium’s capital is perhaps best known these days as one of the homes of the European Parliament, but it’s important to remember there is so much more to the city than that. And because of its convenient location it can be easily reached by tourists from the United Kingdom, France, Scandinavia and Germany.

One of the more quirky landmarks in Brussels is the Atomium, a highly distinctive structure that’s located in the city’s Heysel Park. It stands at 102 metres high, and consists of nine inter-connected steel spheres. Originally created for the 1958 World’s Fair, more commonly known as Expo ’58, several of the spheres are accessible to the public by escalators, and the views across the city are truly spectacular.

Quirky, Charming, Spectacular

Close to the centre of Brussels at the intersection of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraatand Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat, you’ll find one of the world’s most famous statues. The Mannekin Pis has become a cultural symbol of the city, and dates back to the 17th century. The urinating boy is often dressed in some sort of relevant costume, and it has become something of a must-visit for tourists from all over the world.

Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium by Vase Petrovski

Measuring more than 110 metres in length, the Grand Place is a huge square in the centre of the city. It’s home to the Town Hall and several important cultural buildings, and presents a wonderful photo opportunity for visitors to Brussels. Because of its location in the very heart of the metropolis, the Grand Place is often used as a meeting point for visitors, as well as a collection area for large groups of tourists.

As well as the many historic buildings that are found in Brussels, there are several more modern landmarks which are well worth a visit. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, for example, was opened in 1935, and is a masterpiece of art deco architecture. Sitting at the top of Koekelberg Hill, it’s in a wonderful location and should be on the itinerary of every traveller who comes to Brussels.

David Showell lives and works in southern England, and has visited many European cities. He always likes to hire a car when he’s in Europe.

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Sofia, Bulgaria / antonella sinopoli

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of the cheapest eastern European cities to visit and stay in, and by extension one of the cheapest on the continent. The city displays much of its history in its architecture, starting with the city walls, much of which remain largely intact since their establishment in its 7th century days as a regional capital in the Holy Roman Empire. The frescoes of the St George Rotunda date from the 12th century, while the edifice’s foundations date back to the Roman settlement of 4th century Serdica, the original site of the city. Since then, the city’s older buildings trace its time from Byzantine, Ottoman and medieval Bulgar fortresses through the neoclassical period and into the prefabricated socialist-era apartment blocks.

The city also boasts a large number of classical theatres, which remains the country’s most popular performing art, followed by the combined National Opera and Ballet company, established in 1891. Free hiking and cycling tours are a great way to see the Sofia’s extensive green and mountainous areas without leaving the city limits. Bulgaria is still a very cheap place to visit, and 4 (and sometimes even 5) star hotels are affordable if you book sufficiently ahead of time.

Guimarães, Portugal

An average-sized city in the slightly cooler northern region of the country, Guimarães is a real hidden gem that is begging for travellers to seek it out. Tucked away in a lush, secluded valley in the district of Braga, the city was founded around the 9th century by a local noble who conquered the region for the then-kingdom of Galicia, and since the 12th century been considered the seat of Portuguese nationality and the home of the Portuguese conquistadores. In 2012, Guimarães was named European Capital of Culture, and not without good reason.

Despite its size (only around 190,000 in the greater urban area), the city is home to a large number of musuems, galleries and theatres, principle among which is the Alberto Sampaio museum. Opened in 1931, it contains a huge collection of pieces from the city’s history during the 14th-16th centuries. On the first weekend of August, there is the Festas Gualterianas, in honour of Saint Gualter, featuring fireworks, street performers and musical performances, and the spectacular Battle of the Flowers.

Dorset, England

Of course, if the cost of physically getting across the seas is too much, you don’t even have to pass through customs to have a great holiday on the cheap. The south-west of England has long had tourist centres in Devon and Cornwall, but Dorset is just as calm, quiet and picturesque without facing the same high prices and tailbacks as its neighbours. Even better, if you get yourself a bus pass, you can see most of the county without straying from the public transport system.

This holiday might be strictly for the hardcore hiker, as getting the most out of your stay will rely on your capacity for long walks and creative use of wireless internet if you want to stay tuned in the goings on beyond the hills and beaches. The best place to pick up some tips on where to stay while on the Jurassic Coast is Countryside and Coastal, with its range of B&Bs and hostels.

So don’t panic if your budget is looking fine this summer: just take a look outside of the usual haunts.

Catherine Halsey is based in Edinburgh and writes for a digital marketing agency. This article links back to Skype.com.

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Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Jones

The world is filled with stunning and breathtaking landscapes, but did you know that some of the best are right on your doorstep? If you are anything like me you’ve probably spent your whole life living in the UK but have yet to see all of this small isle’s best beauty spots. From picturesque locations ideal for an afternoon stroll to more challenging hikes set against a fantastic backdrop, here is my run down of the top 7 must-see, must-do walks in the UK…

Tennyson Trail, Isle of Wight (14 miles)

One for experienced hikers, this difficult but rewarding trail is so named because the poet Tennyson loved this challenging, up-and-down walk for the whole 40 years that he lived on the island in the 19th century, describing it as ‘noble down’.

Follow this marked trail and go back in time and you follow in Tennyson’s footsteps and view the scenery that inspired some of his best work, from the forbidding Carisbrooke Castle that imprisoned Charles I before he was executed in 1649, to the towering heights of Alum Bay which is the perfect spot for a lunch break before you head back down to Earth.

Ridgeway and Watlington Hill, Oxfordshire (8.5 miles)

For a more manageable walk suited to newer hikers, the beautiful Chiltern Hills are a hidden gem of the English countryside. From Lewknor village you move to a stunning nature reserve that is arguably Oxfordshire’s finest spot of natural beauty. Continue through the almost deserted Wormsley Valley with nature as your only companion, before heading through a delightful forest and up onto the chalky landscapes of Watlington Hill.

The Roaches, Staffordshire (8.5 miles)

Close to the famous Peak District lies this often-overlooked location, the perfect alternative when you want to avoid well-trodden paths and discover a quieter but no less beautiful area. Similar in length and pace, this dramatic landscape provides a stark contrast between the towering rocky summits and the lush green plains that you will see stretched out for miles and miles before you from the summit, Hen Cloud.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire (10 miles)

The ideal choice for the amateur hiker, this relatively easy hike can be walked in around half a day and then a Hopper bus will take you back to the starting line at Great Malvern for a much deserved cup of tea in this picturesque Victorian spa resort. Following the gently sloping path upwards from St Anne’s Well you will traverse some of the UK’s finest woods and cross a beautiful open plain before reaching the hill’s summit, where a relaxing walk along the ridge will lead you to the bus service.

Malvern Hills, Worcestershire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by TomGough

Coast to Coast, The Lake District (190 miles)

Not for the faint of heart, this 12-day walk is an absolute must for any true lover of the great outdoors. At just under 200 miles this trail is challenging but unmissable, offering breathtaking scenery and a last glimpse at an area of the UK that has not been tarnished by industrial development.  Start at St Bee’s head in the West where the walk is harder but the scenery is all the more stunning, reaching some of England’s highest grounds. Then leave the coastline behind you as you make for the famous Yorkshire moors, following through to an easy but delightful walk across the Eastern side to a grand finale at the historic Robin Hood’s Bay.

Manningtree to Dedham (4 miles)

The perfect beginner’s hike, this short and peaceful trail through the flat, open lands of South-East England starts at Manningtree rail station and passes across the wildlife-rich, rural marshlands of Flatford that was the inspiration behind Constable’s better-known words such as The Mill Stream. Literary walkers will want to stop at the National Trust’s Bridge Cottage on the way to discover more about this great author, before returning to Manningtree.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire (9 miles)

From the idyllic seaside town of Newport this lovely trail takes you up the side of the heather-wrapped mountain Carn Ingli. Continue across open moors and lonely woods in the deserted Gwaun Valley, before doubling back on a different set of ancient paths that lead back down the mountain to Newport.

Preseli Mountains, Pembrokeshire / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Felix O

Have you been on some great hikes recently? Tell us all about it!

Kate Dawson is a keen writer who blogs for Optegra on a regular basis. Optegra are specialist eye care providers who provide many treatments such as cataracts treatment for a number of eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

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