A view of Porto, Portugal by Sunny Ripert

The entire province that Porto is located in is an important commercial center for the country. Today you will find many fine buildings that span the centuries and include cathedrals, churches, mansions and so much more. Nearby, along the river Tâmega, you will find some of the finest mansions in the country, many of which can be dated back to the 17th century and beyond.

Along the banks of the Douro River, you can find the Caves do Vinho do Porto. There are several wine cellars which house more than 50 different types of wine. You can take guided tours throughout the cellars and even have the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines.

Many people chose to stop by and check out the 13th century Sé Catedral which houses many finer artifacts from across the centuries. Then there is the nearby Torre dos Clérigos which is a bell tower that was completed in 1763 and features 225 steps to the viewing level. The 19th century Palácio da Bolsa was the former home of the nation’s Stock Exchange but today stands as a beautiful example of some of the finest workmanship of the era.

There are many great locations throughout the region to experience the culture and history of Portugal. There is the Museu de Serralves which is a contemporary art museum that showcases an amazing collection of art from some of the best Portuguese artists of recent times. The Museu Municipal Abade Pedrosa is a museum dedicated to the medieval times and has a number of important artifacts from the era.

Porto Cathedral, Portugal by Gabriele Margapoti

You may also want to check out the Antiga Cadeia da Relação prison which is now home to the Portuguese Centre for Photography. The Edifício do Instituto do Vinho do Porto is the institute responsible for ensuring the quality of Douro wines.

For some rest and relaxation, you can stop by and visit the Jardim de São Lázaro gardens which were developed back in 1834 or the Jardim do Passeio Alegre gardens which date back to 1870. For the ultimate treat though, spend a day at the Termas de São Vicente hot springs where you can get that much needed rest and relaxation you have been searching for.

Just do not forget that you cannot leave Porto without visiting the Citânia de Sanfins ruins. This 15 hectare archaeological site is the location of some of the most important findings on the entire Iberian Peninsula. You will see ruins from both the Neolithic as well as the Palaeolithic Eras. There are roads and buildings as well as baths that can be dated back several thousand years.

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Photo by Mike Cattell

This diversity is also reflected in the range of accommodation options that are available. As you might expect, there are hotels of all shapes and sizes across the country, from independently owned seaside palaces to international chains that are familiar to all. In addition to the hotels, there is an enormous number of self-catering properties to be found in all regions of this beautiful nation.

One of the more intriguing options, however, is one that most overseas visitors rarely consider, despite the fact that it has become something of an institution to UK-based travellers. The traditional British guest house offers travellers a comfortable room in a more homely location, and is generally far cheaper than a conventional hotel, a fact that comes as very welcome news to those who are on a tight budget.

Head to the seashore

Guest houses have been around for many years in the UK, and are especially common in seaside towns. Over the decades, a large number of British people have stayed in them, enjoying extremely affordable holidays in the process. Although the number of guest houses in Britain has dropped in recent times, there are still a great many to be found in places like Blackpool, Scarborough and Brighton.

One constant you’ll find in almost all of them is the opportunity to start the day with a traditional fried breakfast. Even if you wake up feeling as though you’re not hungry at all, the aroma of sizzling sausages and crispy bacon will soon have your taste buds tingling with anticipation. Not many guest houses offer an evening meal, but in the morning it’s a different story altogether.

Visitors to London have the widest choice of accommodation options of all, and although there aren’t many guest houses in the centre of the city there are some in the outlying suburbs. The extensive rail, tube and bus networks ensure tourists who stay away from the middle of the capital can still get to the major attractions and landmarks in no time at all.

Jamie Anderson works for https://www.anycarhire.co.uk/ and is a big fan of the British guest house.

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Wandsworth, London, England, UK by Herry Lawford

There is a steady influx of newcomers to the city every year, including a sizable proportion of new residents who are planning to make London their new home. If you’re thinking of joining them, here are four neighbourhoods that are well worthy of inspection. They are located in four very different parts of the metropolis, and each one of them has its very own individual character.

Wandsworth

Located relatively close to the centre of London, the south-western suburb of Wandsworth is an attractive neighbourhood that has managed to retain something of a village feel to it. The area that lies closest to the river is home to some extremely swish (and expensive) houses and flats, so there may be parts which are only affordable to some. There are also some close-knit communities consisting of narrow streets in which everyone seems to know everyone else – one of the many charms of the borough.

Hackney

A jewel in the crown of the famous East End, Hackney is one of those rare places which are genuinely loved by many of its residents. This area is, and always has been, a veritable melting pot of communities from various parts of the world, and it’s this congregation of cultures which gives it a wonderfully bohemian feel. East London has always been known for its celebration of diversity, and in Hackney this is evident everywhere.

Photo of Hackney, London, UK by Ewan Munro

St John’s Wood

Leafy, dignified and elegant, the north-western suburb of St John’s Wood offers residents a quiet and relatively tranquil existence amid wide avenues and beautiful parkland. There’s something wonderfully continental about the neighbourhood, and the existence of a recognisable café culture among the pavement eateries merely adds to the atmosphere. For commuters, the fact that the centre of London is only a short tube ride away adds to the convenience.

Photo of St John’s Wood, London, UK by Xakaxunknownx

Chiswick

One of those neighbourhoods that feature a healthy mix of residents from all walks of life, Chiswick is popular with locals and visitors alike. In the area around Chiswick Bridge, you’ll find plenty of people enjoying walks along the edge of the Thames on a summer afternoon, and many more making the most of the hospitality offered by the various pubs that are located throughout the neighbourhood.

David Showell was born and brought up in London and still lives in the south-east of England. He works for https://www.carrentals.co.uk/.

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“Dove Cottage”, home of William Wordsworth, near Grasmere, England by Strobilomyces

Slate

As you wander around Ambleside and Keswick, two of the most popular towns with visitors, you will notice that a large number of the buildings are constructed from slate and many more have slate roofs. Indeed the slate cottage is one of the characteristic Lakeland dwellings, featuring on many postcards and is a sought after place to stay – you will notice many bed and breakfasts and holiday lets housed in slate buildings. It is of no coincidence that these slate houses occur so frequently in Lakeland towns and villages; within the surrounding mountains there are deposits of slate, which were mined extensively in days gone by. While there may not be many slate mines still open in the Lake District, you are able to visit that at Honister Pass where you are able to take a guided underground tour and can purchase various slate mementos from the shop there.

Stone

Another typical style of Lakeland house is that of stone, again quarried locally, which has had its walls white limewashed to prevent damp – it does rain considerably in the Lake District, so be prepared when you visit. A good example of this type of home is Dove Cottage in Grasmere (a short drive from Ambleside), which was home to William Wordsworth, one of England’s finest poets. As with many properties, including those let to buy, you will notice that slate also makes an appearance on the roof and chimney stack of this cottage, as well as on the floor of the downstairs rooms. A guided tour of the cottage, including what was Wordsworth’s study, provides details of features in each room and is well recommended.

Times gone by

Following your trip to Grasmere, you might like to drive on to Near Sawrey, to visit the home of another famous literary person from Lakeland, Beatrix Potter. The 17th century farmhouse of Hill Top was bought by Beatrix with some of the money she made from the sale of her first books. Holidays to the Lake District as a child inspired her work and she went on to write many more tales of animals after purchasing Hill Top Farm. The site is now owned by the National Trust and visitors can see the interior, complete with the same furniture and possessions, as when Beatrix lived there until 1943. It is worth spending some time in the grounds, as the cottage garden is full of flowers, herbs and fruits typical of its time. The house and gardens can be considered to be a time capsule of the era.

In harmony

There are many more towns, villages and properties with historical interest that you might wish to visit while in the Lake District, each with its own character and style; those discussed here are merely a selection to get you started. Wherever you choose to go, your journey through Lakeland will demonstrate how well the buildings here blend into the surrounding countryside and this factor certainly contributes to the beauty of the area. Features such as dry stone walls, hedgerows and narrow lanes help with the continuum between settlements and the natural environment, but tight building regulations within the National Park have helped to preserve the landscape.

Claire Harrow regularly travels throughout England visiting the many beautiful historic towns and villages where local buildings often reflect locally available stone and construction techniques and styles that go back generations giving them a truly unique appeal.

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Churnet Valley railway

Just a short drive away from Alton, the railway is located in Cheddleton Village. From Cheddleton Station, the route passes through some of the most glorious spots and boasts breathtaking panoramic views including nature reserves and limekilns. The trip finishes at Kingsley and FrogHall station.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Dominic Sayers

Blackbook Zoological Park

Located in Winkhill, the zoo is a fantastic opportunity to observe and get up close with some of the world’s rarest species. This is a great day out and very popular with children of all ages. The staffs at the zoo are very accommodating and friendly and can cater for large groups as well as families.

Photo by admin

Carsington Water

If you still fancy a little bit more exhilaration after the theme park, then why not get down to Carsington Water. Here you can indulge in the various aqua pursuits such as wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and power boats. There is also a newly installed outdoor climbing tower for the equally adventurous.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Loz Pycock

Historic Buildings

For those keen on history, you will find many great examples to feast upon. Located in Bakewell, Haddon hall is a fortified medieval house which dates back to the 12th century. It was the setting for the film Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly and has been owned by Lord and Lady Edward Manners since 1567. Also there is Croxden Abbey which houses some beautiful unspoilt remains which used to be home to the Cistercian White Monks in the 13th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Rob Glover

Dimmings Dale

A perfect way to round off the day would be to embark upon the wonderful setting that is Dimmings Dale. Very close to Alton and the Alton Towers theme park, the land is owned by the Forestry Commission and boasts scenery that is second to none in the area. Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and you will feel like you are in another world. The water features are unique and will provide plenty of opportunities to take those all important photographs. Mountain biking is another to enjoy the area and the Dale has many bridle ways which the keen cyclist can utilise to further enhance their enjoyment. Once you are a little worn out, then take a break and relax at the Rambler’s Retreat where you can rest your feet and enjoy a cup of tea and cake.

All in all, Alton is a fun filled and extremely interesting place to visit and there is as we have seen something for everyone!

This collection of places to check out in and around Alton was written by Alton Towers Breaks, offering hotel stays in and around alton towers!

View Places to Visit in Alton (Which Aren’t the Towers) in a larger map

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Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by mat’s eye

The main street in Castell’Arquato is known as Via Dante and anyone visiting the town will have to make their way up the street if they plan on reaching the castle. On your way up, you will pass a number of nice restaurants and shops. After you have climbed halfway up the hill, you will come to the Palazzo del Duca whose fountain was built back in 1292. Near the Palazzo you will find a tower from the 16th century that dominates the skyline.

Once you get to the top and before you can ever make it to the castle, you will come to the Palazzo Pretorio and Piazza Municipio which dates back to the late 1200s. During the months of July and August, the Enoteca Communale offers music and free wine tasting on Thursday nights.

Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna, Italy by Benjamin Claverie

The Rocca Viscontea di Castell’Arquato is the castle in the center of the town. It is a masterpiece to say the least. You can wander through the courtyards and even visit the fortress museum. However, if you want to see the surrounding countryside around Castell’Arquato, you will need to pay a small fee to climb the stairs to the top of the castle’s tower. But before you leave the town, make sure to stop and rest in the park just outside of the castle before making your way back down to the lower parts of Castell’Arquato.

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