Europe Explored » shapes and sizes https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 In Praise of the British Guest House https://europeexplored.com/2013/01/10/in-praise-of-the-british-guest-house/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/01/10/in-praise-of-the-british-guest-house/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:32:00 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=12896 The United Kingdom is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and one of the reasons for this is the diversity that the country offers. It provides a wonderful combination of ultra-modern attractions and magnificent historic buildings, a fact that ensures there is something for everyone to see and do. Whether you prefer […]

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The United Kingdom is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and one of the reasons for this is the diversity that the country offers. It provides a wonderful combination of ultra-modern attractions and magnificent historic buildings, a fact that ensures there is something for everyone to see and do. Whether you prefer a heritage-rich tour of London or a stroll among the picturesque countryside of Scotland, the UK is the place to be.

Guest House
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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The Best Choices in Accommodation in Cambridge https://europeexplored.com/2012/11/05/the-best-choices-in-accommodation-in-cambridge/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/11/05/the-best-choices-in-accommodation-in-cambridge/#comments Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:02:54 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=12067 When going away you need a place to stay that can adhere to all of your needs in the location, attractions, and even peace and quiet. Business trips no longer have to be a daunting time away from your home, and family time can be in a home with a bit of a change of […]

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When going away you need a place to stay that can adhere to all of your needs in the location, attractions, and even peace and quiet. Business trips no longer have to be a daunting time away from your home, and family time can be in a home with a bit of a change of scenery. You can relax and enjoy an experience that is more than a stay in a dingy hotel room.

There are many sleek, stylish, and homey apartments to choose from in locations to suit the traveller. Accommodation in Cambridge has so much to offer with fully furnished apartments to suit the businessperson, the family, the couples, and the travellers alike. You can find yourself staying in a luxurious apartment with all the space and comfort you need so being away from home is as enjoyable as possible.

Cambridge, England, UK
Cambridge, England, UK by Anton Ruiter

Searching for the best choice in accommodation can be done easily online these days with plenty of reviews and pictures to give you a guide along the way. Settle for something special with an affordable price tag too. Find yourself and your family at a destination close to the best of the hundreds of attractions the beautiful city of Cambridge has to offer. Whether you are there for business purposes, shopping, site-seeing, or like to visit the restaurants; you can choose a stunning apartment near the places of your choice.

Accommodation in Cambridge comes in all different shapes and sizes. More visitors are opting for the apartment route than ever before, after all; why stay in a small hotel room with limited home comforts when you can have a whole apartment, the size of your choice, and all the home comforts you could desire at your figure tips. They are suited to all types of trips from short-term for a weekend, to the long-term for a business contract. The appealing thing about these apartments is that they have so many amenities and they really are like going home. This means that, regardless of how long you stay; you can relax in a comfortable and enjoyable environment for the best trip possible.

If you’re heading out on business, then this type of accommodation in Cambridge is the ultimate answer for you as you can benefit from being more productive. If you are happy and content in where you are, then you will work better and feel good. This means you could even get home sooner! Prices are great for everyone and the longer your stay, the less you pay.

These choices in accommodation in Cambridge mean that visitors now have the choice to really live in the destination and enjoy the time they are there. You can have space and comfort away from home and choose a location that means you can visit that science park, restaurant, attend that business meeting, or make the most of the public transport. The options mean that you can enjoy Cambridge as it is supposed to be enjoyed and choose somewhere to stay that will really suit you and your party.

Article Summary
You can benefit from all the amenities you could need and the homely comfort you desire with the perfect option of accommodation in Cambridge. Sit back and relax so you can enjoy the beautiful city in every way.

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Moving to London? Here are Four of the Finest Neighbourhoods https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/16/moving-to-london-here-are-four-of-the-finest-neighbourhoods/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/16/moving-to-london-here-are-four-of-the-finest-neighbourhoods/#comments Sun, 16 Sep 2012 21:05:57 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=11342 If you mention London to people from outside the city, the chances are they will think of wide avenues lined with historic buildings and all within a stone’s throw of the River Thames. It perhaps goes without saying that this is only a small picture of a large urban sprawl that is home to a […]

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If you mention London to people from outside the city, the chances are they will think of wide avenues lined with historic buildings and all within a stone’s throw of the River Thames. It perhaps goes without saying that this is only a small picture of a large urban sprawl that is home to a vast number of neighbourhoods that contain buildings and streets of all shapes and sizes, not to mention a cosmopolitan cross-section of residents.

Wandsworth, London, England, UK
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

Hackney, London, UKA 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

St John’s Wood, London, UKLeafy, 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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5 Sights to See in Cologne, Germany https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/04/5-sights-to-see-in-cologne-germany/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/04/5-sights-to-see-in-cologne-germany/#comments Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:50:44 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8226 If you live close to London, and within travelling distance of London Gatwick Airport as I do, the option of a cheap, short return flight to Cologne, Germany is a good option for a long weekend. After a recent trip with friends to Cologne, here are 5 sights worth seeing in the city: 1. Visit […]

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If you live close to London, and within travelling distance of London Gatwick Airport as I do, the option of a cheap, short return flight to Cologne, Germany is a good option for a long weekend.

After a recent trip with friends to Cologne, here are 5 sights worth seeing in the city:

1. Visit the Cathedral (Kölner Dom)

A trip to Cologne cannot be completed without visiting the Cathedral. This historic landmark in the centre of the city attracts 1000s of tourists every single day. Standing at over 140 metres tall, there are 533 steps to the top. These are accessible for a €3 fee. Be warned though; the staircase is narrow and winding, with those coming down passing those on their way up. And there’s no lift.

Cologne Cathedral, Germany
Cologne Cathedral / Pedro Szekely

The Cathedral is situated outside Cologne’s central train station (Köln Hauptbahnhof/ Köln Hbf); easily accessible to tourists. During this recent trip I embarked on, a train ticket from our nearest train station was just €11.10 for a group of five of us to get to the central station. And yes, the trains were on time.

2. Visit the Zoo (Kölner Zoo)

If you’ve made a trip to Cologne with your family and children, then a trip to the zoo is on the cards for you. A day pass sets you back just €15, while students and children get in for cheaper.

Cologne Zoo is the largest zoo in Germany; there are thousands of animals and species in the surroundings. This is home to Northern Europe’s largest elephant park as well as a large aquarium.

3. Visit the No. 4711 Shop

Eau de Cologne perfume originated in this city on way to becoming a very famous, well-known toiletry. If you’re going with a lady friend, or are a lady for that matter, a trip to the forty-seven eleven shop is a must. Bottles of the Cologne come in all shapes and sizes here.

The 4711 shop we stepped into during our trip had a running tap by the door. This allowed us to take in the very strong, distinctive smell of the perfume.

4. Cross the Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke)

The Hohenzollern Bridge crosses over the river Rhine. A bridge that survived World War II, today is home hundreds and thousands of love padlocks. Attached to the fence between the sidewalk and tracks, there are padlocks in all colours and sizes, firmly secured with the names of many couples.

Certainly the most romantic gesture I’ve come across by a train track. A visit to this site with your partner awaits. Secure your padlock onto the fence and throw your key into the river, joining the many couples who have previously visited:

Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge, Germany
Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge / Jiuguang Wang

5. Visit the Local Bars

Cologne is popular amongst beer lovers. The city has its own locally brewed beer, going by the name of Kölsch. Thirteen different breweries produce their own Kölsch. During our time in Cologne, we tested Gaffel, Früh and Dom Kölsch to name just a few.

Being a Brit use to drinking a pint of beer, the sizes were a little disappointing in Cologne. The majority of time we were served in 0.2L glasses that made you feel like you had taken just a sip when you reached the bottom. At around €1 a glass it also worked out a little pricier than what we are use to paying back home (even in London!).

Another recommendation when trying the beer… buy yourself a barrel. Just like we did one evening:

Photo of Barrie Smith pouring Gaffel Kölsch from his barrel
Photo of Barrie Smith pouring Gaffel Kölsch from his barrel


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Utena – one of the oldest settlements in Lithuania https://europeexplored.com/2012/01/19/utena-one-of-the-oldest-settlements-in-lithuania/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/01/19/utena-one-of-the-oldest-settlements-in-lithuania/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:30:34 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6041 Utena is located in the eastern part of Lithuania and is considered one of the oldest settlements in the country. The city’s name has been firstly mentioned in the year 1261. There are four rivers flowing through the city – Vyžuona, Krašuona, Vieša and Utenele and you can find here also two lakes – Dauniškis […]

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Utena is located in the eastern part of Lithuania and is considered one of the oldest settlements in the country. The city’s name has been firstly mentioned in the year 1261. There are four rivers flowing through the city – Vyžuona, Krašuona, Vieša and Utenele and you can find here also two lakes – Dauniškis and Vyžuonaitis.

Vilnius, Lithuania
Illustrative photo of nearby city of Vilnius – if you have actual photo of Utena, please let us know. Author: F H Mira

Utena today is mainly an industrial city with food and clothing factories. Especially famous is the local beer Utenos. Most of the streets, squares and public parks have been renovated in recent years and Utena becomes a favorite travel destination for those looking for both the quiet and sporty recreation. In 2007, despite its industrial orientation, was proclaimed the second most pleasant city to live in an international competition in the category of cities with ten to fifty thousand inhabitants. Utena have several extensive parks and many opportunities for recreation.

About 5 kilometres north of Utena you can visit the village Sirutenai where you will find Museum of Bells and Arts, which was founded by a local sculptor. Despite the efforts of the Soviets to destroy all the chapels, crucifixes and churches here at the roads they survived until today. You have to see 300 bells of all shapes and sizes.

Not far from Utena you can find another village Dusetos, which is known for the annual horse races on the frozen lake Sartai.


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