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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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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Food Arrangement / Luke Harris

As you enter Fossgate from the City Centre, you will find J. Bakers on your left hand side. J. Bakers is a modern bistro which has been in business for 7 years offering great quality food using locally sourced ingredients. It also features on the Top 50 Restaurants outside of London list, so is well worth a visit!

Further down the street, there is a branch of Loch Fyne, the established seafood restaurant. This is housed in an old ironmonger’s building and has been refurbished beautifully inside. Loch Fyne offers a great variety of food, even if you are not a fan of seafood! It is well worth looking out for one of their current offers, like their Fyne Dine Menu. At under ten pounds for 2 courses, you are getting great value for money in a lovely setting by the River Foss.

If you are looking for a livelier place to dine, then look no further than El Gaucho Argentinean Steakhouse. As the name suggests, El Gaucho specialises in a variety of steaks cooked especially to your liking, from char grilled fillet to grass-fed sirloin. The restaurant caters well for vegetarians too, serving a variety of pastas and salads. This is a busy, friendly restaurant and well worth a visit.

For a more relaxed dining experience, there is the Blue Bicycle which is a modern European restaurant situated on the Foss Bridge overlooking the river. The Blue Bicycle serves fresh, interesting food in a quaint restaurant setting. With their rustic tables and ambient decor, the Blue Bicycle is a perfect place for a quiet evening meal. The menu consists of good quality seasonal produce and homemade desserts and is changed regularly making it always worth a second or third visit!

If you are a fan of Asian cuisine then a visit to Khao San Rd is a must. This is a fairly new restaurant in the area, its good reputation has spread quickly making it a popular restaurant. It has an authentic Thai feel to it and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The menu is varied and exciting, offering a wide range of Thai food from deep fried soft shell crab to Thai grilled sirloin steak salad. The restaurant also has a takeaway menu offering 10% off the restaurant menu price so you can take home and enjoy!

Fossgate is also home to other restaurants including; Melton’s Too, Masons Bistro, The Mumbai Lounge and many more, offering a huge range of food and drink to cater for all tastes. There are also a few historic pubs along the route including The Bluebell and The Red Lion which are worth a visit for an after dinner drink or two!

Author: Abbie Woodward writes on behalf of the Love My Vouchers Lifestyle blog, the UK’s discount and voucher code blog that helps you visit the UK on a budget.

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St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall

Sitting atop a tidal island of the same name, St. Michael’s Mount is a great place to visit for anyone staying at campsites in Cornwall. As you can see from the pictures, it bears more than a slight resemblance to Mont St. Michel in Normandy, France because of its remote location. However, it is linked with the coastal village of Marazion by a narrow causeway composed of granite, much like the island itself. The castle is where Lord St Levan currently resides.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

Stokesay Castle, Shropshire

For anyone wanting to go camping in the uninterrupted beauty of rural Shropshire, a visit to Stokesay Castle is well worth doing. Its origins as a dairy farm go back all the way to the 12th century, and it’s has the honour of being the oldest manor house in the whole of England. If you thought that there was very little to do in Shropshire, this castle will prove you wrong.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Chris Walsh

Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire

Within a short distance of many top campsites in the nearby Yorkshire Dales, this castle lies within the popular market town of Skipton. Built in 1090 by Norman baron Robert de Romille, it has stood for over 900 years and remains in great condition. Having been under the ownership of the Clifford family from the 14th century all the way until 1676, today it’s a popular tourist destination as well as a private residence, which can be put down to the immaculate way in which it has been maintained.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Afshin Darian

Leeds Castle, Kent

Although you’d think it was in the large Yorkshire city, Leeds Castle actually lies just to the east of the small village of Leeds in Kent. It dates back to 1119, having previously been the site of a manor house as early as the 9th century. Leeds Castle enjoys a good reputation as a local tourist attraction, which is largely down to its striking looks.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marc Evans

This article was brought to you by UK camping experts Pitchup

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Christopher John SSF

The city was established by the Romans as a first-century military base. It had a larger fortress than those built in York and other parts of the country, which suggests that Chester was meant to be the capital of Roman Britain. In any case, it was certainly a very important place, and some evidence of Roman Chester survives to this day. These include the remains of Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre, and central Chester’s main street plan, which follows the same pattern that was laid out by its Roman pioneers.

Chester’s medieval past is more immediately visible today. This was a violent period in the city’s history, and the impressive wall surrounding Chester is evidence of this. First the Saxons, then the Normans built up its fortifications. The Normans further strengthened the city by constructing the castle, and they also carried out much of the early work on the cathedral. Today, Chester has one of the most complete city walls in Britain. Apart from a short section, the wall is virtually intact. It creates a certain feeling of calm within, and walking around the city wall is a fantastic ways to see Chester from a different angle.

Whatever aspect of Chester’s long history you’d like to learn more about, the city works hard to bring it to life for you. There are plenty of activities and attractions for children and families. These recreate moments in history, to help better our understanding of Roman and medieval times.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Christopher John SSF

Walking through Chester’s streets, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s entirely built in the middle-ages. The shopping streets are dominated by black and white timber-framed buildings. They create a unique atmosphere. In reality, some of Chester’s buildings are medieval, but most are the product of Victorian reconstruction and revival. Authentic or not, it doesn’t really matter. The city’s streets have a wonderful charm to them.

Shopping in Chester is especially famous for what it calls the Rows. You won’t find anything else quite like these in Britain. The lower two floors of these typical black and white houses are usually commercial in purpose. The bottom floor is below street level, and there are steps leading down to the shops there. The first floor is above street level, and shops are accessed via a walkway. You’ll find all the big high street names in Chester, but the design of the Rows is much better suited to smaller shops. As a result, Chester has a thriving independent retail sector. It’s not just the atmosphere that’s unique, many of the shops are too.

When you’ve had enough of history and shopping, you won’t have to walk too far before finding somewhere to sit and have a bite to eat. Cafes and restaurants are all over the city. Sometimes they’re tucked away in quiet little courtyards, so look out for the signs. It’s also worth getting a map when you visit Chester. It’s a compact city, but it has some hidden gems. If you don’t know where to look, you might miss out on something special.

Written by www.globaltravelblog.co.uk

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