Bath

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farleigh Hungerford Castle, located 9 miles from Bath, offers visitors a glimpse of life in the fourteenth century. An audio tour will tell the stories of the Hungerford family, who occupied Farleigh Castle for 300 years. Exploring the castle grounds, visitors will be treated to rare medieval paintings in the chapel, exhibits of past excavations, the chapel gardens and intricately carved lead coffins in the crypt.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle by Nick

Roman Baths

This 2000-year old Roman structure was built around the only hot spring in Britain, extending well under the streets and buildings of modern day Bath. The Roman Bath offers a 2-hour tour with features including the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Bath House and the Museum. The museum boasts artifacts including Roman coins, signet ring gems and the head of the goddess Sulis Minerva. Visitors can dine or have coffee and tea in The Pump Room Restaurant overlooking the baths.

Royal Victoria Park

Royal Victoria Park was opened in 1830 and consists of 57 acres with many attractions that can be enjoyed by all ages. The park includes a large play area for children, an 18-hole golf course and a crazy golf course, a boating pond, tennis courts and beautiful botanical gardens. For refreshments, the park boasts a cafe and numerous ice cream stands.

Royal Victoria Park, Bath by ToNG!?

Bradford-on-Avon

Abbey House Gardens

The Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury offer a beautiful 5-acre wonderland of over 2,000 roses, as well as herbs, irises and tulips. The gardens boast a Celtic knot garden, a laburnum tunnel, a woodland walk that features waterfalls and fish ponds, as well as a quaint tea room overlooking the garden.

Lacock Abbey, Village and Museum

The Abbey was founded in the thirteenth century and was dissolved in 1539. The museum offers the architecture of several time periods, including medieval cloisters and the eighteenth century Gothik hall. After visiting the abbey, take a relaxing stroll through the village and enjoy shopping and dining.

Lacock Abbey, England, UK by Brian Marshall

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park

Voted as the #1 adventure park in the UK, Longleat Safari and Adventure Park will provide a full day of family fun. The park features many wildlife attractions including a meerkat enclosure, cheetahs and a zebra crossing.

Longleat House

The grand Longleat House offers exquisite Elizabethan architecture and opulent gardens. A romantic venue popular with brides and grooms, the Longleat House also offers lodgings to travellers, making it a popular choice. The Old Manor Hotel near Trowbridge is another popular choice for families as the large grounds in which the hotel it finds itseld is ideal for children who need to let off steam . Longleat House features The Green Library with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a grand chandelier, colourful gardens, The Great Hall with sixteenth century features and The Orangery, which overlooks rose-filled gardens.

Longleat House, England, UK by Nigel’s Europe

With much, much more to see in Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, visitors will need weeks to see everything. For visitors with a cultural inclination, Bath is home of the Victoria Art Gallery as well as the Theatre Royal. Bradford-on-Avon offers canal tours and walks, grand historical buildings and the Wiltshire Music Centre.

Jonathan Dedman is a freelance writer based in Canterbury. He loves history and architecture, and can often be found roaming around the grounds of one of the UK’s many beautiful abbeys and cathedrals.

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Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a favourite with cruise ships, and a big draw for tourists looking for a mix of old and new. The Old Town, which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a curious hotchpotch of twisting cobblestone lanes and dramatic spires, framed with old-fashioned iron streetlamps and home to bustling mediaeval markets. The old-fashioned ambience of this beautiful part of the city is juxtaposed by the coffee shops with free Wi-Fi, perfect for a spot of people watching after wandering the Old Town.

Tallinn, Estonia by XisPics

Also part of the Old Town is the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin and the bell tower, which you can climb if you are up to ascending the steps. It’s well worth it if you do manage the climb; the view across the city is spectacular and it’s absolutely free.

Out of the Old Town, Tallinn has plenty to offer in the autumn. If it’s warm, a wander around the Japanese Garden at Kadriog Park is a must, or a visit to The Estonian Open Air Museum in the Rocca al Mare part of the city, where you’ll find a fascinating chunk of Estonian history complete with thatched cottages and traditional Estonian crafts. It’s also a good place for eating al fresco. If a bit of retail therapy is on the cards, Rocca al Mare also houses a huge shopping mall. Art lovers will love the Kumu Art Museum – don’t expect Old Masters though, as this gallery is more for the modern art connoisseur.

To get around the city and see as much as you can, it’s advisable to invest in a Tallinn Card that gives you access to all of the city’s public transport network; buses, trolleybuses or trams. The card also gives you free entry to many of the city’s attractions, including the Open Air Museum and Tallinn zoo.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Autumn and Edinburgh are the perfect combination, offering a period of calm between the frenetic Festival shenanigans and the joyful revelry of Hogmanay. The atmospheric streets of the city lend themselves perfectly to cooler, darker months, and the bounty of pubs and restaurants make Edinburgh the perfect hiding place if the clouds should burst.

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by a_marga

Edinburgh has no fewer than five Michelin-starred restaurants if you want to indulge your foodie leanings, including Restaurant Martin Wishart in cosmopolitan Leith, which serves beautifully presented and exquisitely tasteful French cuisine… but the prices are eye-watering, so it’s definitely a treat.

When the weather is good, make the most of a walk to Arthur’s Seat and the amazing views across the city. For rainy days, there are galleries galore, or the offbeat shopping streets of Stockbridge, which are perfect for finding one-off boutiques, quirky shops and delis. Grassmarket, in the Old Town, is a great place for anyone looking for vintage clothes or individual fashion shops.

Edinburgh Castle has to be top of everyone’s tourist agenda, with its Stone of Destiny and the Scottish crown jewels to see. If you love your art, take your pick from the Scottish Galleries that offer everything from modern art to old masters.

Not into culture? You don’t have to be! You can play at being a spy and head up to the famous Camera Obscura – see what people are up to down below from the vantage point of the rooftop periscope, which was actually Edinburgh’s first ever official tourist attraction. The Edinburgh Pass will get you admission to the galleries, zoo and many other tours and attractions, from just £30, which is well worth it considering that admission to the Camera Obscura alone is £11.50. When you’ve filled yourself full of sightseeing and you just want to put your feet up with a coffee, the Elephant House is famous for being where J.K. Rowling wrote a rather famous first novel…

Stockholm, Sweden

Another must-see for any autumn tour of Europe worth its salt is Stockholm, ‘The Green and Blue City’. Stockholm is actually 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, a little like a Nordic version of Venice. Wherever you go in Stockholm you’re never too far away from water. Although Sweden starts to cool down after August, early autumn in Stockholm is beautiful; the lush green landscape changes to browns, reds and oranges, and although it can feel chilly, the skies are clear.

Stockholm, Sweden by Mark Doliner

If you’re looking for a culture-infused autumn city break, this one’s for you. Not only is the city packed with world-class museums and attractions, but they are mostly accessible on foot, so you can get around a fair few of them on an average short break. The Stockholm Card is amazing value for money and gives you free admission to 80 of the city’s top attractions, as well as free travel on all public transport.

For one of the best views of the city, head to the City Hall and take one of the scheduled guided tours. The view from the tower is worth the effort of the climb. If you’re in the city at the right time, and love vintage, there’s a vintage street market in Stockholm city every two weeks, and a classically designed hidden gem – the Birger Jarlspassagen – is a haven for designer label aficionados and luxury beauty emporia. Take in the picturesque Old Town too, where you can wander the streets hunting for photo opportunities.

For a taste of Swedish history, it’s almost obligatory to pay a visit to the Swedish Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, close to the Old Town. You might just catch a change of the guard! Take in some of the museums too – the amazing Vasa Museum with its preserved shipwreck, the Nordic Museum, which is a museum of cultural history by day and a centre for music and events by night, or the National Museum of Art.

City breaks in the autumn are perfect if you like to explore without trampling other tourists, or get into attractions without heaving queues. The heat is off and you can tour some of Europe’s loveliest cities at your leisure.

Written by Katharina Kraetzer, a blogger who loves to travel in Europe. This summer she will visit Italy and Slovenia.

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View of London from London Eye, England, UK by André Zehetbauer

The British Airways London Eye is simply an opportunity that mustn’t be missed. It is the largest observation wheel in the world and has, somewhat unrealistically, been compared with the Eiffel tower in Paris. From here you can ride in one of the many viewing pods around the huge wheel and see all along the River Thames and across London. The ride takes some time to complete and is a good way to get your bearings in this fantastic city. From the top you can visualize where all of the main attractions are located which makes reaching them on foot far easier. Also make sure to take note of the famous bridges over the River Thames as they were the predecessors of this truly wonderful engineering feat.

The British Museum is another must see place in London and entry here is free of charge-therefore it is perfect for a day trip to London. Thought to be one of the world’s best human history and culture museums and is home to around 8 million pieces the British Museum has something that will interest everybody. Just the building itself is worth seeing with its 44 columns that resemble the temple of Athena Polias and the famous reading room that was redeveloped in 2001. Remember entry is free so you can come and go as often as you like. There is no need to spend all day here, just look at a few galleries and then return another time to view some more.

British Museum, London, England, UK by Ana Paula Hirama

Of course no visit to London would be complete without taking a trip to Buckingham palace. This is the official London residence of the Queen and is also where she chooses to do most of her entertaining. You can see the palace from the Royal mews quite easily and for free and this is where the famous photographs are usually taken from. There is also access to the palace museum for the public, however this isn’t always opened and it is advisable to check before you make the journey. One of the best and most famous parts of the palace is its guards, the life guards, and once a day it is possible to watch the changing of the Queens Life Guard on Horse Guards Parade and outside the palace’s gates. This is an absolutely great spectacle and a real video and photo opportunity not to be missed.

So make sure that you come to London as these are just a few of the hundreds of great things that are on offer, many of which are free of charge.

Autor Bio: This article was produced by Catalita G.  She lives in London and the places mentioned above are some of her favorites. Catalita runs the travel blog Channel Voyager, where you can get more ideas for trips to London (did you know the term in Danish is Rejser til London).

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The Isle of Skye

Skye was recently voted the 4^th most popular island in the world by readers of National Geographic magazine…and with good reason. This jewel in Scotland’s crown is known to be a place of extremes; towering cliffs border beaches which range from black volcanic sand through to white coral sand. Rocky caves and hidden coves await discovery around the edge of Skye whilst inland there is stunning countryside, deep and mysterious lochs and quaint villages with craft shops and some well known restaurants.

Skye is also home to the historic Dunvegan Castle and the famous MacCrimmon Pipers; steeped in myth and legend, the area is synonymous with faeries, ghosts and tales of heroic Scotsmen and women. This is a special place which many people fall in love with and return to again and again. The people of Skye are renowned for their excellent hospitality and their good food!

Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK by New Orleans Bankruptcy Lawyer

The Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran has long been one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and no wonder; this most Southerly of Scottish islands has all that a visitor might expect of Scottish landscapes at their very best. Rugged mountains are juxtaposed with stunning beaches and the southerly part of the island boasts some amazing countryside in the shape of woodlands and rolling green hills – see here.

Arran is only 19 miles long but there’s a lot packed in to those 19 miles and with a number of quaint villages to visit, visitors will find that there are plenty of amenities in addition to quiet countryside locations. The largest village is Brodick which has a ferry terminal as well as a number of shops, restaurants and hotels. Here you will also find the lovely Brodick Castle with its walled gardens and nature trails.

Arran is a wonderful destination for families or for those without children who would like to revel in Scotland’s lovely scenery and perhaps indulge in a spot of fishing or golf.

Glen Rosa, Isle of Arran, Scotland, UK by uplandaccess

The Isle of Mull

Mull is the second largest of the Hebridean Islands and has lots to offer in terms of lovely beaches and an amazing, rocky coastline studded with interesting caves and rocks. One of the loveliest beaches here is Calgary Bay which boasts pale sand and a vast array of protected birds. Here you will also find a number of haunting deserted and abandoned villages. Mull is atmospheric and magical; its closeness to nature and to myth and legend come together to create a place of not only great beauty but also of peace.

Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK by *pascal*

The Isle of North Uist

This tiny Hebridean Island is only 13 miles long but it remains the favourite haunt of Prince Charles when he is in Scotland. The white sandy beaches and the proliferation of beautiful seabirds make this a very special place to visit. There is another island close to Uist, that of Vallay; Vallay can be reached from Uist at low tide and is home to an amazing deserted mansion.

Isle of North Uist, Scotland, UK by Lews Castle UHI

The Isle of Colonsay

This Hebridean gem is no more than ten miles by two miles and yet it is admired by all who visit. With a wealth of outstanding landscape features and some fascinating archaeological sites, Colonsay is a Mecca for those who love the natural environment and history. Stunning beaches border the island and there are a number of arts based festivals here every year.

Isle of Colonsay, Scotland, UK by dun_deagh

The Scottish islands are many in number and they all have something to offer; because some are physically very close to one another it is possible to visit many in one trip. Scotland is unique and each of its islands has its own personality and gifts to offer. Visitors to Scotland’s islands remember the great beauty of the landscape for a long time and with good reason. The views are unmistakable and individual to this special part of the world.

Derek Devlin is a travel writer and lover of his native Scotland and has written a number of articles on the countryside and has even gone on coach tours with https://www.lochsandglens.com/coach-holidays/ of the wee nation.

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Edinburgh Castle

Standing proudly above the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle is chock-full of exciting history and artefacts that will keep the family entertained for hours. Discover the oldest building in Edinburgh, St Margaret’s Chapel, which survived demolition under the rule of King Robert the Bruce. Visit the cavernous stone vaults that held prisoners of war, including a five year-old boy captured in the Battle of Trafalgar. Or stare down the barrel of Mons Meg, a medieval supergun capable of firing 150kg cannonballs at enemies more than three miles away! With a legacy spanning hundreds of years, this is one castle you definitely haven’t experienced before now and it’s well worth a visit no matter what time of year it is. Even if you don’t venture inside, take the opportunity to observe the stunning views of Edinburgh down below the crag.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK by Kevin Gibbons

Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions

Have your mind boggled by five floors of optical illusions, from amazing scientific marvels to the just-plain-weird-and-wonderful! Swap heads or facial features with your family, or make like Peter Pan and play games with your shadow. Stare into the magical eye pictures and see if you can find hidden images in seemingly random patterns, or make sparks fly and shock your friends in the Electric Room. There are even some sweets lying around if you’re peckish, but you may be a little surprised when you try to pick them up! Before you leave, make sure you head up to the Camera Obscura gallery where you can spy on life in the city down below, learn about the fascinating history of Edinburgh, and pick people up in your hands!

Ah Ha Ha Ha

Wandering down the Grassmarket, you may be surprised to notice a bright orange building complete with oversized Groucho nose, moustache and glasses. But it’s no joke…well, actually it is! Step inside the Ah Ha Ha Ha joke shop and feast your eyes upon its even more colourful and crazy interior. With a hilarious range of classic practical jokes, amateur and professional magic tricks, stage make-up, zany disguises and ready-made costumes, there’s guaranteed to be something that will make you laugh.

Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by Lukas Koster

Gorgie City Farm

Find all your farmyard favourites at Gorgie City Farm, located near Haymarket railway station. This real working farm is open seven days a week and is great for children of all ages. Meet Fudge the Jersey Cow, and Red the pony (who’s just short of being a horse!) There are also plenty of sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys and ducks; and, in the Pet Lodge, you’ll find guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, tortoises and even a snake! If you want to learn about the animals, the farmyard staff can tell you all about their feathered, four-legged or scaly friends, including how to care for and feed them. If you’re lucky, you may get to stroke the animals or hold some of the smaller creatures.

Our Dynamic Earth

Ever wondered what dinosaurs would look like today if they hadn’t been wiped out by the meteorite? Or perhaps you’ve wanted to view the galaxy from on board a spaceship? Whatever questions you have about the incredible planet we inhabit, Our Dynamic Earth is the place to find the answers! Experience the sounds, smells and vibrations of an active volcano, brave an icy Polar expedition, step into a sticky tropical rainforest or opt for 4dventure with the 3D & 4D experience that brings you face to face with some of the planet’s most impressive animals. With so many interactive exhibits bringing nature to life around you, this museum is one of the most exhilarating places to learn about the world and is sure to be a hit with all the family!

Edinburgh Zoo

Located only three miles from the city centre, Edinburgh Zoo is bursting with wildlife that will keep the kids fascinated for hours! Meet the UK’s only giant pandas, Tian Tian and Yang Guang; get up close and personal with a mischievous capuchin monkey; admire the patterned fur and majestic manner of a beautiful Amur Leopard; or spy on the tiny but powerful leaf cutter ants as they carry slices of foliage back to their nest. There are plenty of daily talks and opportunities to feed certain animals if you’re looking for an interactive and educational experience. And if you’ve never met a penguin with a knighthood – now you can! Sir Nils Olav, the famous King Penguin, is a highly regarded member of the Norwegian Royal Guard and was gifted to the Zoo in 1913! This year Edinburgh Zoo celebrates its 100th birthday, so it’s the perfect time to pay a visit and get involved with all the fun.

Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland, UK by Nigel Swales

Museum of Childhood

Just because museums are educational it doesn’t mean they can’t be fun, and how can anyone resist the Museum of Childhood which is dedicated to the toys and games of our past? Relive those much-loved memories from days gone by as you explore the objects that once kept you entertained and observe the evolution of toys, from spinning tops to computer games – you’ll be surprised by how many are still in popular use today. And the enjoyment doesn’t stop there; there are over 10,000 children’s books, magazines and comics in the collection, including Treasure Island, the Beano, Bunty, and firm favourites from Enid Blyton; over 2,500 items in the clothing displays, from party wear to school uniform, hats and coats to jewellery and parasols; and a ‘home life’ collection containing all manner of objects geared at family life within the household, like rattles, sweets, medicines and photographs.

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With so much to do, see, and explore; vacationing here with your family is a great way to have a trip you’ll remember forever. Here,  we look at 5 of the best family friendly vacations in Europe; perfect for those that love exploring, and those that love a little bit of relaxing:

1. Italian driving holiday

Road trips don’t have to be for college kids. In fact, you can take your family on a driving holiday and we promise there won’t be any cries of ‘Are we there yet?!’.

Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy by Rome Cabs

The Amalfi Coast in Italy provides one of the most romantic and breathtaking backdrops to a driving holiday, and is the perfect vacation for thrill seekers. Widely considered to be the most scenic stretch of Italian coastline, cruising down these winding roads can make anyone feel like a superstar.

You can stop off at some of the most whimsical hotel locations ever, sample delicious local cuisine, and bathe in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is recommended that you drive this coastal route during the peak of tourist season to get the best vacation possible.

2. Villa in Spain

If you’re still looking for a week of complete relaxation but want to avoid the crowds, why not hire a villa in Spain?

Forgot the main tourist areas, and explore off the beaten track; whilst still unwinding by the pool and spending time as a family. A villa break acts as a great base to explore from, and gives you the freedom and isolation you don’t get in a hotel.

Just be sure to hire a car, and explore some of the hidden areas Spain or the Spanish islands have to offer.

Villas in Spain (Santa Pola Life Resort, Alicante) / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

3. Camping in the Lake District

England has some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and makes for a family friendly vacation spot with a twist. If you love being ‘at one’ with nature, and have a real adventurous spirit, you should consider a camping holiday in the Lake District.

This vacation will provide you with some real, quality ‘family time’; away from all the distractions of modern life. Hire some bicycles and go exploring; go fishing; and eat around the campfire.

There are a plethora of stunning locations to choose from, and so much to do in the Lake District; it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations for people all around the world. You should also look into hiring a car and exploring the surrounding area too!

Red Pike, Lake District, England, UK by Phil and Pam

4. Euro Disney

Children of all ages love theme parks; and children of all ages love the magical world of Disney. So why not hop across the pond, and take your family to Euro Disney?

Situated in the romantic city of Paris; Euro Disney is a mini version of the Florida theme park but offers much the same experience. Your little ones can enjoy collecting signatures from their favourite characters, watch the spectacular shows, and ride some of the great rollercoaster’s.

Whilst over in France, be sure to head to all the sights such as the Eiffel Tower for a once-in-a-lifetime tourist experience.

Disneyland Paris, France by Randal Sheppard

5. Skiing in Austria

If active vacations are more your thing, why not consider going skiing in Austria? This kind of trip is ideal for families that want action and adventure; and not lounging around on the beach.

Whether you know how to ski or want to learn together, this is a great family-friendly vacation with a difference. There are a whole host of locations and slopes, suitable for all ability levels, and there is plenty to do when the skiing is over.

Austrian Alps by Edward Simpson

Europe is home to some wonderful locations for family friendly vacations. If you’re looking for a trip with a difference, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at what you discover.

Core Assets Fostering help vulnerable children to find a safe and happy home with a caring family. Find out more at www.coreassets.com/fostering

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Boats in Norfolk Broads, England, UK by Elliott Brown

Of course, there are a few different ways to cruise the waterways of Europe as well and these can be either an organized river cruise ship with multiple passengers and attractions, a smaller staffed river cruiser where you travel with friends and have the services of a cook and helm to do all the hard work, or a simple self drive holiday where you pick up a boat and do your own thing. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time; however, where you choose to take your river cruise will probably dictate what type of holiday you can book.

The UK is blessed with some amazing waterways and whether you choose to travel on a river or via canal you can visit some of Britain’s best sights and cities. Manchester, Birmingham, York and even London are easily reached by canal whereby Oxford, Cambridge and Stratford on Avon can be enjoyed from the riverbank. Or for those of you who want a real treat, why not look at the Norfolk Broads which is an area of many interconnecting rivers that covers much of the county of Norfolk. Most of these trips are for people who enjoy renting the boat and doing their own thing.

A boat on the Canal in Manchester, England, UK by oatsy40

Then we go to mainland Europe and start in France. Here you can travel through some of Europe’s best countryside and enjoy some wonderful towns and cities. France is blessed with some fantastic rivers that pass through regions that are famous for wine and food. Most of these types of river cruise offer a chef and helm for the boat so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Look for cruises on the Loire to experience some amazing Chateaus and wine tasting or the Garonne to head for Toulouse and top rated restaurants. France is the place to head for if you want the finer things that boat travel offers.

Finally, if you like to cruise in style on a large boat with other passengers, then look toward Germany and the Rhine and Danube rivers. Here you will find a river cruise that can rival any other cruise in the world. The waves are smaller for those that suffer from sea sickness and there is certainly more to see. You cruise along the beautiful rivers and stop off at some of Germany’s best cities and sights. The fact that you have your hotel room with you at all times is another massive bonus.

Boat on Danube river, Budapest, Hungary by Aapo Haapanen

So whatever you look for in a river cruise, Europe has it in spades. There really is no need to look anywhere else. Next time you are thinking about taking a river cruise, make sure you find out what Europe has to offer.

Author: Carlita Morandi who writes travel tips related articles for several websites. She recommends you for Book Airline Tickets on CheapOair. Follow her on Google+.

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The London Aquarium

If you are interested in seeing many different varieties of fish and sea life, the London aquarium is for you. There, you can see exotic fish such as sharks, piranhas, stingrays and many others. Furthermore, rather than just sitting there and staring at the sea creatures through a glass panel, you can take one of the available floating platform walks. For example, taking a stroll over the Shark Walk will let you experience the feeling of having a living shark several inches of glass underneath you. Also, in the aquarium, you can visit the Rainforests of the World that is filled with exotic vegetation, tropical scenery and foreign wildlife.

London Aquarium by mallitch / License: Creative Commons

Pub Crawl

For those who don’t know, a pub crawl involves touring several pubs and having drinks in each one. Because London has so many good pubs, it offers all tourists the opportunity to go on the most memorable London pub crawl where they can experience a big part of the local culture. There are many organized crawls you can choose from, and if you do that in time, you can find one that is quite cheap, and yet, very fun. However, students benefit most from what London has to offer. As a student, you can party all night long with cheap drinks and live music. Student nights in London are never dull because of the many amazing people you can meet. Therefore, foreigners should not be discouraged even if they don’t know anyone- people are friendly and ready for a good party.

Monument Scaling

The Monument was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1667 after the Great Fire of London to show that the city will rise again. Indeed, the monument, which is 61 metres high, offers the opportunity to look at the amazing London landscape. However, here is the catch- there is no lift. You have to go up the 311 spiral steps to the top, however, there is no place to pause or rest. At least when you reach the top, you will receive a certificate that you can show off. The climb and the scenery offer a unique experience that you won’t forget.

Stairs in the Monument to the Great Fire of London by Dave Catchpole / License: Creative Commons

Jason’s Trip

This trip is on a boat that is more than 100 years old, and it takes you through a route that is very picturesque and relaxing. You will start from Little Venice and make your way to Camden. On the way, you will be told about the history of London, the way people lived before and some interesting facts about how the canals shaped London’s history. The trip, which has existed since 1951, will last for 45 minutes. All of the above are just some of the unique things you can do in London. So, keep an open mind and you will have the most amazing time in you can imagine.

Jean-Pierre is an article writer who is currently a student in one of London’s universities.

The post Unique Things To Do In London On Your Next Visit appeared first on Europe Explored.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, England, UK by Elliott Brown

What To Do

There are lots of unique things to do during your weekend away in Cheltenham; here is a pick of the best:

The Screening Rooms

Fall back in love with the cinema experience when you visit this quirky cinema. Complete with a bar and old school screens this is the perfect way to relax.

Montpellier District

The Montpellier district is an impressive shopping area. It boasts beautiful architecture, various shops including brands and quirky independent shops and a wide selection of restaurants. Perfect for a day out of shopping, dining and exploring.

Everyman Theatre

This beautiful theatre hosts impressive plays and musicals all year round. The theatre is a stunning historical building that is worth visiting even if you’re not seeing a play or show.

Prescott Hill Speed Climb

For an exciting day out why not try Prescott Hill Speed Climb. Attend the drivers school and race on the tracks for a day full of thrills.

What To See

Cheltenham Town Hall

Cheltenham town hall is an impressive building that was built in 1902 to provide a place to hold various balls and concerts. Concerts and evenings of dancing are still regularly hosted here but it is worth going to see the building alone even if you don’t attend an event.

Cheltenham Town Hall, England, UK by David Stowell

Holst Museum

This impressive museum is the birth place of Gustav Holst the composer of The Planets Suite. Visitors enjoy viewing the home where Holst was born while the helpful and friendly staff provide interesting and useful information.

Where To Stay

When planning your trip away for the best experience I would recommend staying in a central hotel in Cheltenham. Depending on the type of trip you are looking for a central hotel means you will make the most of your trip, having the best of Cheltenham right on your door step with many attractions within walking distance. If you are looking for a peaceful country retreat there are some beautiful hotels in the countryside in Cheltenham, but be prepared to have to travel to attractions and restaurants etc.

Eilidh MacRae is writing on behalf of Holiday Inn who offer a centeral hotel in Cheltenham.

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Learning the English language is deemed as one of the toughest languages to learn in comparison to other languages and baring this in mind, much time and effort must be put into learning the English language and what better place to learn than an English language school.

Photo by Shane Global Language Centres

Study English Language Courses in Northern England

Northern England is a great place for studying, with thousands of domestic and overseas students choosing to study in the north of England each year. This is mostly due to the appeal and the attractions that Northern England has to offer to the students studying here.

Being an overseas student can be a daunting prospect, one of the most dautnign aspects being not knowing anyone and not being aware of the potential negatives of the area that they are thinking of staying in. Students will be in a completely different society with different cultures and rules, so the area of which an overseas student studies is really important. Big cities such as London can be very overwhelming making it difficult for students to settle in.

The English study courses that are available throughout Northern England are first class, the English Language Schools situated there are renowned for providing students with an enviable level of academic results. The English language schools have excellent, state of the art facilities available that are proving very popular with overseas students.

As well as having a number of private language schools providing learning and qualification to foreign students Manchster also boasts 3 top universities which each pull in students from around the world as well as all over the UK creating a diverse and exciting mix of students throughout the city.

Other than the excellent facilities, attractions, lower crime rates and fantastic people, overseas students studying English as a language will find that the north of England is much cheaper than the south, leaving students with more disposable income to spend on entertainment and having a good time.

It could also be argued that you will experience a more traditional England in the North along with generally a much warmer welcome from your Mancunian hosts.

If you happen to be a sports fan, particularly football the positive aspectsa of studying here will not have escaped your attention, the city now plays host to 2 of the top teams in England premier league; Manchester United and the newly resurgent Manchester City. If football isn’t your thing though you also have Rugy League near by in the form of Salford City Reds, Rugby Union with Sale Sharks and Cricket with Lancashire County Cricket Club, there is literally top flight sport to suit any taste!

In addition to these advantages, there are a plethora of great places to visit in the north of England with cities such as York, Sheffield, Chester,  and Manchester itself. Add to that the sheer beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District and you are simply spoilt for choice.

English Language Course Availability

Whether a student requires business English courses or academic English language courses, there is an option to suit each and every student. Students can specialise in certain areas when studying an English language course at an English language school. Below is an overview of types of English Language courses available for overseas students: -

• Business English Language courses
• General (Academic) English Language Courses
• IELTS – these are taken by students that require gaining a recognised English language qualification

Both business English language and academic English language programs are flexible and recognised and will help to improve the levels of students English, whether that is reading skills/writing skills.

Summary

Overseas students looking to study the English language whether for academic or business reasons should consider studying an English language course in the North of England.

This article was writen by Mark who has many years experience offering language courses from a leading English School, Manchester.

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