The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Zaian

Located, as its name suggests, near the shore, this area of Edinburgh offers a great variety of interesting things to see and do. There are a many great gastro pubs, and very fine restaurants along the shore, all of which offer fresh locally caught fish. The Loch Finn restaurant is particularly good, serving some of the best fish in the area, as cooked by expert chefs. Also good is the Shore bar, a high class Scottish pub, with a modern feel and a very family friendly atmosphere.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the key tourist attractions in Edinburgh, and it is located in the Shore area. A fascinating ship, and a great feat of engineering and naval architecture, the royal yacht has a bold and interesting history, and has housed many very famous celebrities, not the least of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The tour offers a great insight into this famous Royal residence, and is well worth the time if you are interested in history.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Robert Breuer

If you are looking to do some shopping while you are visiting Edinburgh, there is no better place to do it than the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, which offers various different shops and boutiques, arranged across a series of floors. From Topman, to Dorothy Perkins, to Pizza Express, the shopping centre has every modern convenience, and is a fantastic place to get some quality retail therapy in. There is also a cinema and a gym, so if you aren’t much of a shopper, but your partner is, then you have other options to keep yourself entertained, while your other half satisfies some consumer urges.

There are many interesting attractions which spring up during the summer months in Scotland’s Capital city, be sure to make the most of them by finding yourself a good hotel. Edinburgh festival hotel deals are available at most hotels, some offering a few days, some a week, and some the full four week duration of the festival at discount rates. Accommodation tends to fill up fast during the summer months, and it is not unusual for unwary tourists to find themselves with nowhere to stay if they don’t act fast and make sure to book well in advance, so make sure you don’t make this mistake, and that you plan your holiday well ahead.. The City of the Edinburgh offers a fantastic array of different attractions, and The Shore area is no exception. So whether you are looking for a short break or a longer stay, make sure to include The Shore in your travel itinerary.

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London Booster, Olympics 2012 by Saltdeanbeach

Here is a look at four of the many National Hospitality Houses that can be founding London during the 2012 Olympic Games:

Czech Republic House

This National Olympic House, situated at Islington’s Business Design Centre, has done an exceptional job of representing the finest in Czech culture. The House boasts an array of entertainment options, including an indoor basketball court and live performances from some of the country’s most popular bands. The restaurant serves traditional Czech dishes like goulash, and the House showcases some fine examples of Czech art and photography. One of the biggest draw-cards attracting Olympic visitors to this National House has undoubtedly been the installation by Czech sculptor David Cerny; it takes the form of a red double-decker bus with robotic “arms” that allow it to perform push-ups!

The Czech House has attracted an average of 4000 visitors a day during the Olympics, proving that even a small nation can celebrate the Olympic spirit in a really big way.

Italy House

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London has been serving as the venue for Italy’s Olympic National Hospitality House. This Olympic House, “Casa Italia”, is a hub of gorgeous Italian cars and fashion models. The venue offers beautiful views of the river Thames and Westminster, and the public has been treated to a “Made in Italy” expo, featuring the most exquisite Italian products, including national cuisine and wine. This display of national hospitality reportedly cost Italy around £1.1 million – an investment that will certainly pay off should Rome win the upcoming bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games!

Jamaica House

As the home of celebrated sprinter Usain “Lightning” Bolt, Jamaica is one proud Olympic nation, and where better to showcase national spirit and talent than the massive O2 Arena? Jamaica House has been bringing this London venue alive with the sounds of traditional reggae music, in celebration not only of the Olympics but also the nation’s 50th year of independence! Musical performances and Jamaican comedy events have all been a part of the National House’s offerings, and guests are also encouraged to visit “Messenger – the Bob Marley Exhibition”, a tribute to the legendary Jamaican musician that will be on display at the O2 until late October.

Needless to say, this National Hospitality Olympic House was the site of great joy and celebration following Jamaica’s success in the 200m final!

Team GB House

It’s hardly surprising that one of the most exclusive Olympic Houses of 2012 has been that of the host nation, Great Britain. The Team GB House can be found right at the heart of the Olympic action – on the eighth floor of One Stratford Place, situated in the “gateway” to the Olympic Park, namely Westfield Stratford City. Unlike its international counterparts, this Olympic House is not open to the public, but is rather a retreat for the UK’s Olympic athletes, their friends and family, and Olympic officials. It’s also been the site of the team’s press conferences.

There are dozens of other Olympic Houses waiting to be explored before the Games draw to a close, so if you’re in London, be sure to get out and about and experience international culture, cuisine and talent!

Nicky Warner is an enthusiastic blogger who is keen to visit as many of these Olympic Houses as possible while she’s lucky enough to be staying in a central London property.

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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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Millions around the world watched on TV on April 29 when Kate Middleton made her way from The Goring (one of the most luxurious London Hotels) to the Abbey to marry Prince William. That historic day will have increased interest in visiting the building. Westminster Abbey has in fact been used for coronations and other royal occasions for centuries, so William and Kate were continuing a rich tradition.

Westminster Abbey was founded some time before AD624, and housed a community of Benedictine monks for its first few years. The present church was built in 1245 by Henry III, who was later buried there. The Abbey stood to be destroyed during the reign of Henry VII, for that fate befell most abbeys in his time. But he decided to grant it cathedral status, and spare it from being pulled down. Again in the 17th century it came under threat when it suffered damage at the hands of Puritans, but it survived mostly intact. Around 100 years later, the Abbey’s two western towers were built to a Gothic Revival design. It’s the history surrounding that makes it so unique and special, something even the finest of Dubai Hotels can re-create.

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It is an important religious building, also known as The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, which saw parts of the King James Bible and the New Testament translated, as well as, more recently, the New English Bible.

Westminster Abbey has been used for the weddings of most of the royal family in recent times, the exception being Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, married the Duke of Edinburgh at the Abbey in 1947. And it was only appropriate that Prince William, now the Duke of Cambridge, chose the Abbey to host his wedding this year.

Westminster Abbey has also been known as one of the sights of London for its use as the burial place of most of the Kings and Queens of England. Besides royalty, many of England’s finest poets are buried here, including William Blake, Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, John Milton and Alfred Lord Tennyson. The Princess of Wales’ funeral was held there on September 6, 1997, watched by a huge TV audience around the world.

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But where should you go and what should not be missed? There is so much to do you can’t cram it into one trip. Well to help you along here are my top five recommendations.

1) Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837 and is the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Though much of it remains private the state rooms are open to public view during the summer season. It will also play host to the Royal family during the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, where they will stand on the balcony and wave to well wishers immediately after their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by shining.darkness

Read more about Buckingham Palace here.

2) The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster Abbey, as it is also known, is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs. It is a place steeped in history and one that is well worth a visit – though don’t forget it is closed to the public when hosting special events so don’t try and sneak in to see Will and Kate tie the knot!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hyougushi

Read more about Westminster Abbey here.

3) The Tower Of London and Tower Bridge
Another one of the City’s iconic buildings find out all about London’s grizzly past (and watch out for ghosts!) at the Tower Of London and the nearby Tower Bridge. The Tower was founded by King William the Conqueror in 11th Century and has served as, among others, a royal palace, fortress, prison and place of execution. The crown Jewels are also stored here and the ghost of Anne Boleyn, beheaded in 1536 for treason against King Henry VIII, is said to walk around the tower carrying her head under her arm.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Edwin Lee

4) London Eye
If you are lucky, and get to the wheel during a clear day you can see up to 50 kilometres far. It provides you a great view of Westminster and Buckingham Palace. This attraction is very popular among tourists, so during the visit you should count with the long queues, but also a strong inspection of you and your bag.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martie Swart

You can read more about London Eye here.

5) Wembley Stadium
Ok, football may not be for everyone but if you are a sports fan the Wembley Stadium – the home of English football – should not be missed. The iconic twin towers were demolished in 2000 along with the rest of the aging stadium and have been replaced with a state-of-the-art 90,000 capacity arena. There is though a museum detailing the history of the ground and English football in general, well worth it.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Martin Pettitt

6) Endless Museums – for free
Even if you saved cash by booking your accommodation at Hotels.com and were savvy with your tourist cash. If your wallet is still a little light then don’t fret, there are endless other things that can be done for free. Not least London’s excellent collection of Museums such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and the National Gallery – all with free entry. There are also endless parks and green spaces dotted across the city if you are lucky and visit London on those rarest of days – hot and sunny!

7) Trafalgar Square & Nelson’s Column
Trafalgar Square is located in Westminster and commemorates the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place in 1805. In the middle of Trafalgar Square stands Nelson’s Column, which is surrounded by fountains and four huge bronze statues of lions. Trafalgar Square is the vibrant heart of London and the best starting point for exploration of its central part.

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