The county of Dorset is the quintessential rural English idyll. No holiday in Dorset would be complete without fossil hunting at the world famous Chesil beach, visiting The Cobb pier at Lyme Regis, and of course, experiencing the landscape of Thomas Hardy’s novels.

Jurassic Coast (with a Durdle Door on the left side), Doset, England, UK by Tom Maloney

Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast encompasses every kind of coastal wonder – sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, sand dunes, natural rock arches (a visit to the gravity-defying arch at Durdle Door is a must), rare wildlife and fossils galore (Lyme Regis, Chesil and Charmouth beaches top the list for ammonite seekers)… You could happily spend an entire holiday never straying far from Dorset’s shores, but leave time to explore Dorset’s inland charms as well.

Idyllic hamlets with timber-beamed country inns and chattering streams set against a backdrop of rolling green hills make Dorset the perfect antidote to the city and an excellent choice for a rural getaway. It’s easy to see why the Dorset Downs are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A walk up Eggardon Hill, crowned with the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort, affords king-of-the-castle-views across the Dorset countryside and out over the Lyme Bay coast. Visit in September to see the skies over Eggardon Hill alive with colour at the annual Eggardon Kite Festival.

Eggardon Hill, Dorset, England, UK by G1MFG

There is plenty to see and do in Dorset all year round. History lovers will be spoilt for choice. Dorset is home to the iconic Corfe Castle ruins, Maiden Castle (Britain’s largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort) and ancient towns such as Dorchester where Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings jostle for space.

Corfe Castle, Dorset, England, UK by David Bunting

But Dorset is not all about the past. There are plenty of activities rooted very much in the 21st Century to keep the most adventurous of souls entertained. On land, zorbing, llama trekking, rock climbing and jeep safaris are guaranteed to get the blood pumping. There are ample opportunities for getting out on the water in Dorset too, and sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing will get the pulse racing. You can even experience Dorset from the air, a hot air balloon ride over one of the picturesque towns of Sherborne, Blandford Forum or Shaftesbury will give you a buzzard’s-eye view of the rolling landscape so vividly described in Hardy’s novels.

There are endless places to visit with the family, including the Dinosaur Museum and Burngate Stone Carving Centre, where you can try your hand at stone carving, making Dorset a firm holiday favourite with the kids too. With a holiday cottage in Dorset as your base, you’ll never be far from a slice of history, or a slice of the action.

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From its literary tradition of vampire hunting to the modern scars of communism and the Cold War, Romania is a destination that prefers to wear its heritage on its sleeve. Here’s a look at some of the must-see attractions for anyone considering a Romanian adventure.

1. Biertan Fortified Church

The village of Biertan is home to one of the largest medieval strongholds in all of Transylvania. Venture through the picturesque vineyards and the quaint cobbled streets to discover the dramatic 15th century fortified church at the village centre.

It was considered an impressive stronghold in medieval times and it’s easy to see why, with towers, gates and three tiers of 35-foot-high defensive walls. Today it’s an awe-inspiring destination for history lovers, architecture connoisseurs and sightseers alike.

Biertan Fortified Church, Romania by Otto Schemmel

2. Bran Castle

Few people can think of Romania’s heritage without mentioning Bram Stocker’s iconic legend, Dracula. Much of this story comes from the iconic architectural creation known as Bran Castle; formerly a Teutonic Knights stronghold with the edifice constructed atop a rock some 200ft high.

Interestingly the famed Irish author never visited Romania, yet for lovers of his iconic text, Bran Castle remains central to the plot. From 1920 to 1957 Bran served as a royal residence but today is a fascinating museum displaying art, furniture and weapons within 60 timbered rooms.

Bran Castle, Romania by Florin73m

3. “Cetatea de Balta”

This fascinating mix of traditions and cultures makes it a must see location on any Transylvanian getaway. It’s also located a stone’s throw away from the beautiful village community of Cetatea de Balta, with stunning surrounding landscapes and a distinctive old-world charm.

Cetatea de Balta, Romania by Alina Musat

4. Corvinesti / Hunyad Castle

With imposing towers, spires and walls, the great Corvinesti Castle is a true showcase of gothic architecture and style. Built by the Anjou family on the site of a former Roman camp, the castle acted as a working fortress well in the mid-4th century before being transformed into the residence of Iancu de Hunedoara, a Transylvanian ruler.

Visitors should leave plenty of time to visit the fascinating Knights’ Hall, marvel at the drawbridge and explore the 50 rooms filled with authentic medieval art.

Corvinesti Castle, Romania by Todor Bozhinov

5. Rasnov Fortress

Situated in the scenic Carpathian Mountains, the Rasnov Fortress is a must-see attraction on any Romanian getaway. First built to ward off the invading Tartars, the Fortress has served for centuries as a place of refuge and relief for extended periods of time. It was also home to schools, chapels and outbuildings, making it a fascinating snapshot of Romanian village life.

Visitors can also learn more about the fortress’ fascinating military history, including its single surrender in 1612. In the last decade the old fortress has undergone a makeover and today functions as a museum with plenty of interesting artefacts.

Rasnov Fortress, Romania by L.Kenzel

Written by: Sheryl Lovenkrandz – a freelance blogger who loves to write about travel and accommodation.

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Hill-walkers will face far more difficult climbs for much less scenic reward – these really are some of the most spectacular views to be found in this part of the country.

Shropshire Plain, UK by Dpaajones

Legend has it that The Wrekin was the work of giants who still live somewhere below the surface. The name derives from the Celtic ‘wre’ and ‘ken,’ translated as ‘most conspicuous hill.’

One-time capital of the ancient British Cornovii tribe who recognised the value of its strategic position, The Wrekin rises 1,335 feet above the northern panhandle of Shropshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Cornovii’s iron age hill fort stretches almost 20 acres across the summit.

For history lovers

Just a few miles from The Wrekin, one of the largest remaining examples of a Roman settlement exists at Wroxeter, where ‘The Old Work’ is an eight-metre high wall that once formed part of the fourth largest city in the province.

Originally part of a basilica in Viroconium – built beside the old Roman road of Watling Street – the Wroxeter Roman City was once home to 5,000 people in the 2nd century AD.

Extensive remains still visible today of this early feat of architectural engineering include parts of a market hall and tavern, and an underfloor heating system which once graced the communal bath-house.

For walking enthusiasts

Shropshire offers some seriously superb walking country, with over 3,500 miles of rights of way to choose from including Offa’s Dyke and the Severn Way.

From September 7th to 9th, the Oswestry Walking Festival offers five separate walks over varying distances, including the 12-mile Oswald’s Ring, nine-mile quarry and Offa’s Dyke, and a four-mile trip to the old hill fort and Hengoed.

Visit www.oswestrywalkers.co.uk for further information.

What else to see

Stokesay, Shrewsbury and Ludlow Castles, the Seven Valley and Telford Steam Railways, the Ironbridge Gorge Museums….there’s plenty for everyone in this most picturesque and diverse of counties.

For smaller visitors, the Hawkstone Park and Follies offers a fantasy land of cliffs, chasms, caves, labyrinths and woods – sharp-eyed youngsters will recognise many of the scenes from the BBC’s TV series Chronicles of Narnia.

The park’s Feather Falconry gives kids a chance to experience a nature lesson up close with owls, hawks and falcons, and a medieval weekend here from August 25th to 27th will take them back in time to experience life as it was in the 12th century.

Nicki Williams is a copy writer for Gear-Zone – on-line, outdoor specialists in walking and hiking footwear, wet weather clothing, and down jackets

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From the fabulous Fountains Abbey in the north of the county to the mysterious Kirkstall Abbey in the west and Beverley Minster in the east – strangely there is no South Riding – the heritage of centuries survives here in all its glory, nestling amongst amazing scenery famed for its wonderful walking country.

Fountains Abbey by Joccay

World Heritage Site

The area around Fountains Abbey has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site, such is its beauty.

If the 12th century Cistercian Abbey itself isn’t enough, there’s the somewhat spooky Serpentine Tunnel, the Temple of Fame in the water gardens, and the Fountains Mill, which until the 1920s was a going concern and which now houses an interactive exhibition where visitors can have a go at grinding their own corn.

Rievaulx Abbey in the north of the country was the first abbey for the Cistercian monks in the north of England.

At its peak, Rievaulx housed 150 monks and another 500 lay brethren, but the Great Plague wiped out many, and by the time of the dissolution of the monasteries only 23 remained.

The new owner, the Earl of Rutland, destroyed much of the architecture, but what remains of the church, refectory and chapter house still makes a spectacular sight.

Kirkstall Abbey lies in the West Riding, just outside Leeds.

Set in stunning parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall is an early example of monastic life, and today is one of the best preserved abbeys in the whole country.

Mount Grace Priory in the north is another of Yorkshire’s well-preserved pieces of ecclesiastic architecture, and is a prime example of a Carthusian monastery where the monks spent their time as virtual hermits – the foundations of 23 cells can still be seen and one has been reconstructed to show how the inhabitants might have lived in the 14th century.

Most Beautiful Building in Yorkshire

Beverley Minster in the east was originally founded as a monastery well over a thousand years ago, and the church that remains today dates from the 13th and 14th centuries.

Rich in sculptures and carvings as well as history, Beverley is a cathedral in every aspect – except in status. Yorkshire historian and author J.E. Morris described it nearly 100 years ago as “the most beautiful building in Yorkshire.”

The spectacular ruins of Whitby Abbey in the North Riding were used as a backdrop for parts of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

This is one of the most atmospheric ruins anywhere, overlooking the brooding North Sea above the town.

Whitby Abbey by Mrs Logic

Nicki Williams writes for Gear-Zone, specialists in outdoor clothing and walking footwear, where you’ll find all the top brands including Rab, The North Face, Berghaus, Scarpa, Merrell and Brasher.

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Photo by admin

You can find there a number of endemic species of plant. The rock is also a home to sea gulls and falcons. If you manage to get onto the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the countryside. Peñón de Ifach is widely popular among climbers who test their strength and abilities here. The number of tourists is regulated due to the protection of site.

Otherwise, the resort of Calpe looks, of course, like any other local sandy beach resort with crystal clear Mediterranean Sea. You can try a wide range of water sports here. You can also visit The Old Church (Iglesia Antigua) here which was built in 14th century and is located just in the town centre.

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It is the oldest monument in the town and the only example of Gothic-Mudéjar architecture in this region. Another interesting sight is the fortress Torre de la Peca, which was built in the 14th century as part of a defensive fortress. Tourist attraction can also be the district Arabal formed by narrow streets and white houses. Do not miss Paternina street, which is adorned with dozens of flowering pots and houses with colorful mosaics. On the hill above the town is the Shrine of St. Salvatore, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

Calpe is one of the liveliest resorts on the Costa Blanca. It holds a lot of interesting cultural events. History lovers should not miss the Archaeological Museum or the Museum of the festivities. However Calpe is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Spain, you still can find cheap restaurants here and the access to the beach is free.

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Already in 740, Salzburg’s monks founded a settlement at this place called Cella Bisontio, which ensured them prosperity mainly in salt trading. Local people were moving the salt on mules through Hochtor to the south, where they changed it with the wine. Hochtor is a place lying now on the high Alpine road Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, which was completed in 1935 and begin at Bruck, about 4 km from Zell am See. In 1348 the village acquired the right of market town, but the real boom came up with the railway which was built here in 1875. This developed a tourism and mountaineering here.

Zell am See is the capital city of the Zell am See district in the Salzburger Land (the Austrian state of Salzburg). It is situated at an altitude of 757 meters and has around 9700 permanent residents. The town is surrounded by massive mountain giants, reaching heights of about 3000 meters above sea level. This stunning surroundings not leave visitors rest and certainly not hiking lovers. Winding streets full of shops, restaurants and Zell am See hotels offer pleasant atmosphere. Also history lovers can admire many sights in Zell am See.

The oldest building is a tower Vogturm built probably at the end of 10th century. Tower is also sometimes called Kastnerturm, according to trader Johann Kastner, who bought the tower in 1866. In its interior there is now a small museum of local history Heimatmuseum. A major monument of Zell am See is also a parish church of St. Hippolyte from 11th century, which was rebuilt several times over the centuries and in 1770 to its current Baroque style. Inside the church there is a Gothic altar and the frescoes from the 13th and 14th century.

City Hall can be found in the Rosenberg Castle, built in the late 16th century. It has the four corner towers and a circular central tower. The town is located not far from the another castle Prielau from the 15th century, which currently operates as a luxury hotel.

Nearby mountain Schmittenhohe (1965 meters high above sea level) is also a popular tourist site. You can climb up on your foot, a hike will take about 3 hours, or take a lift and then enjoy the view of the snowy peaks of the Hohe Tauern. They are around 3000 meters high – e.g. Grossglockner and Großvenediger. Mountain Schmittenhohe is ideal starting point for hiking and in the winter it is a great place for skiing.

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It is the most important architectural monument of Greek art on the Italian mainland. Greek colonists lived in Paestum already in the 7th century BC and called the town Poseidonia. Archeological discoveries confirm that the city was an important center of learning, full of temples, roads and rich buildings. It was founded by the Romans around the year 40 BC. At this time Paestum belonged to the prosperous cities of the Roman Empire.

In the Middle Ages Paestum (or Capaccio – as it was called) was abandoned for unknown reasons (historians are leaning toward the theory that it was due to malaria). The archaeological work that was carried out in 18th century (for an initial focus of Pompeii and Herculaneum) again showed this glory to the world and the city has enjoyed rediscovery. On 9th September 1943 the beach at Paestum became a landing place for the 36th American Division. Heavy fighting took place in the city nine days before the German were pushed to the north.

Thanks to archaeological discoveries, Paestum became a frequent tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy history together with a great opportunity to swim in the sea. The real tourist boom occurred after World War II, even though the city has undergone a difficult period of war. The city began to develop a robust tourism industry, which attracted visitors from all over the world. But not only the sea and monuments attracted to Paestum. It is also delicious cuisine and Nature (Paestum is located in the middle of the Cilento National Park).

Paestum has its own atmosphere and charm. You can sit in the numerous restaurants offering fish specialties in pizzerias and cafes. Come to Paestum and see that you will be very nice surprised!

You can also visit nearby Napoli, Pompeii or Capri island.

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Floriana has beautiful parks and squares and boasting the representative buildings occupied by the government ministry. But it is more appropriate for the serious history lovers, since it lacks a lively bustle streets of Valletta.

The main entrance to the fortifications of Valletta is City Gate, just behind that is the Republic Street, which stretches across the peninsula to its furthest end, to Fort St. Elmo, which is now a military museum. On the Republic Street there are major historical sights, most shops and the only two cafes in the city. Beautiful churches and palaces are in contrast with the military look of the city. Rising and falling streets are lined with houses that are decorated with beautiful bay windows and balconies.

What to see in Valletta?
When you go to Valletta, you should not miss its sights that are definitely worth seeing. Among the most interesting of them is one of the oldest buildings in town – Grandmaster’s Palace from 16th century. Today it houses the Maltese parliament, president and museum. Today it houses the Maltese parliament, president’s office and museum.

Another major attraction is fortification Fort St. Elmo, that played an important role in defending the island. It is now home to a voluntary army and a location of the National War Museum. St. James Cavalier is the strongest fortification of Valletta, now there is a cultural center with a cinema, theater and concert hall.

Memorial to victims of the second World War II we can see in the Lower Barracca Gardens. Another baroque building is the Co-Cathedral of St John, which dates from 1573 – 1578. Discreet Manoel Theatre building dates from 1732 and is the cultural heart of the island. One of the dominant features of Valletta is a the Church of Our Lady of Mount Caramel. This church was founded in 1573. The Upper Barracca Gardens offers a beautiful view of Grand Harbour, the marina and the “Three Cities” on the opposite shore of the Gulf.

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