Beaumaris Castle is a medieval stone structure built by King Edward I as part of his campaign against the Welsh to conquer north wales. Construction began in 1295, however it was never truly completed due to the conquest more or less being complete and Edward needing funds and resources to conquer Scotland. Nevertheless this stronghold is regarded by many of the most impressive of all the Edwardian castles due to its ingenious design.

Beaumaris Castle, North Wales, UK by Lyn Gateley

The design is concentric and includes effectively 4 lines of defence, cleverly placed arrow slits, water filled moat, murder holes over entrances and a gate next to the sea entrance and tidal dock which would allow boats to come right up to the castle while being secure.

This is truly an awesome sight to behold and really commands certain majesty, drawing many visitors every year to come and see this impressive stone structure. It is a part of the ‘iron ring’ of castles King Edward built to subdue Wales, and Beaumaris is the last and largest to be constructed.

The castle is currently under the care of Cadw, who made it available for the public to visit, there is a gift shop and public toilets for visitors and guided tours around the castle are available. Beaumaris Castle is a wonderful day out for all the family, indulge in the historical wonder of the massive stronghold, and explore its insides to you can appreciate the sheer effort and planning that went into it, then enjoy a picnic on one of the benches in the surrounding lush green park.

Beaumaris Castle has been called by some as the most impressive medieval castle in the UK so it is definitely worth a visit if you visiting or staying in North Wales.

The post The History of Beaumaris Castle | North Wales, UK appeared first on Europe Explored.

Acropolis, Athens by Loic Pinseel

The story leading up to your wedding might feel more like a comedy caper (or, heaven forbid, a disaster movie) than a romance. A marriage is forever, but a wedding is one big day and it requires a lot of planning and hard work to make it as close to perfect as you can get. It may be the most wonderful day of your life, but when it’s over, you can’t help but breathe a small sigh of relief as the pre-wedding chapter of your love story closes! A honeymoon in Greece is the perfect way to let all those nerves and stress and worry drift away as you walk along the soft golden beach at sunset. As you let the waves wash your worries away, you’ll feel a peaceful chapter beginning in your life together.

That’s not to say there will be nothing to do. When you honeymoon in Greece, a potential adventure is around every corner. All you have to do is look! This is, after all, the land where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born from the foam of Aegean sea, the land where the world went to war for the love of Helen of Troy and the land where Perseus risked everything for the love of the princess Andromeda. A honeymoon in Greece will make it the land where you spent your own first days getting used to the feel of being married, letting it sink in that your adventure together is only just beginning. The uncertainty is over—whatever comes next, you will face hand-in-hand.

Of course, there’s more to marriage than the wedding, and there’s more to a honeymoon in Greece than just a vacation by the beautiful Mediterranean sea. Those first few days you spend as a married couple will continue to inspire you for the rest of your life. After all, there will be days when you feel as lost as Theseus in the labyrinth, or as weary as Penelope who waited patiently while her husband was lost as sea. But you’ll remember the beauty and peace of your honeymoon days and remember that you are not alone, that your love story will last forever and that it’s not just in the stories that love conquers all. A honeymoon in Greece is a treasure of the heart, a source of warmth and strength that will last your whole lifetime.

One of the joys of a honeymoon in Greece is the wonder you will experience as you walk the paths that other peoples’ stories have taken. You can walk up the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, the famous temple to Athena. You can visit the island of Delos and see the famous Terrace of Lions, and hear the echoes of years and years of stories at the Theatre of Athens. As you wander this beautiful land and see the spectacular sights, you’ll get a feel for how wide and wonderful the world really is, and you’ll feel once again the joy of being able to face it with the one you love by your side.

A honeymoon in Greece is a joyful experience, the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter in the beautiful, inspiring story of your love. Look into the wonders of this land of stories, and find out… what’s next in your own love story?

Count on us for the best honeymoon in Greece. Hellenic Holidays will plan an itinerary for you that includes all the romantic locations and attractions of your choice.  One call is all it takes to have the perfect honeymoon.  Your dream of experiencing Greece awaits. Call us today.

The post Honeymoon in Greece to Have Your Own Love Story appeared first on Europe Explored.