luni, 31 ianuarie 2011

Visiting Ardrishaig!

Where is Ardrishaig located?

Ardrishaig is a village situated on the west coast of Scotland, in mid-Argyll, south of Lochgilphead and west of Glasgow.


What is there to see in Ardrishaig?

There are lots of amazing places to visit in and around Ardrishaig. The village is surrounded by castles, beautiful parks and historical standing stones. The amazing scenery that characterizes Scotland is a delight for the eyes, too, and you can also get involved in various nature-related or sporting activities.

About 17 miles, from Ardrishaig, there is the Carnasserie Castle Ruin, which is part of the National Trust for Scotland - the admission is free and the experience is priceless, as former visitors say.


Inveraray Castle and Tarbert Castle are also worth a visit...


As well as the well-known Archaeological museum - Kilmartin House Museum of Ancient Culture and the Kilmartin Church!


Other nearby must-see attractions, are: Achamore Garden...

Arduaine Garden...

Crarae Garden...


And Kilmory Woodland Park!


In conclusion, as you can see for yourself, in the photos, and as I said in the beginning of the post, there are lots of amazing places to see, while visiting Ardrishaig, so...don't forget your camera!

What's the best way to get around in Ardrishaig?

Well...to easily get around, and, considering that the attractions are quite distantly apart, in my opinion, driving is the best way to get around in Ardrishaig.

Where to stay in Ardrishaig?

As in most of the locations in Scotland, there are various pleasant accommodation choices in Ardrishaig. You can find some hotels on Ardrishaig Hotels.

vineri, 28 ianuarie 2011

Visiting Templepatrick!

A few starting words about Templepatrick...

Templepatrick is a village in Northern Ireland, situated within the Antrim borough, in Antrim County. It is popular for winning the Best Kept Village award, in '91, and for being home of the historic Church of Ireland and Presbyterian churches.



What is there to see in Templepatrick?

Well...as you can see in the photos, first of all, breathtaking sights, beautiful sunsets and wonderful estates. However, that's not all you can see in this amazing place, attractions being spread all over the area within it lies.

Among the most popular and favorite tourist attractions, found all over the Antrim area, there are the beautiful Antrim Castle Gardens, Patterson's Spade Mill, believed to be Ireland's last surviving water-driven mill of its kind and the historic and breathtaking Ballycastle area, these being only a few of the wonderful things to see, while visiting Templepatrick.

What kind of clothes to pack, when visiting Templepatrick?

Well...the weather in Northern Ireland depends on the "mood" of the Atlantic Ocean, meaning that, the people living here, experience mild winters and cool summers. July is normally the warmest month of the year, with temperatures varying between 17 °C and 20 °C. The coldest periods of the year, are of course, during winter.

So, if you're visiting Templepatrick in the summer, mostly pack t-shirts and shorts, but be sure to also throw in some long-sleeved shirts and long pants, for when the weather gets "crazy". If you're visiting during winter, pack a lot of warm clothes, especially if you're traveling with the little ones.

What's the best way to get around in Templepatrick?

Besides driving, there are not exactly any options left. The village used to have a railway station, which was opened in 1848, but was closed for passenger traffic in 1981. So...the best way to get around in Templepatrick would be by car.

Where to stay in Templepatrick?

There are many wonderful accommodation choices, here, in Templepatrick. You can find a bunch of them on Templepatrick Hotels.

These being said, you're all set for your trip to Templapatrick! Have fun and maybe we'll here some traveling stories when you get back!

joi, 27 ianuarie 2011

Visiting Donnington!

Hey! In this post we're going to talk about Donnington, so let's get started!

Donnington is a village in Shaw-cum-Donnington, north of the town of Newbury, in Berkshire, England, and it is best known for Donnington Castle, which dates from the 14th century, and which was built by Richard Abberbury the Elder, son of Thomas Abberbury.










What is there to see in Donnington, besides Donnington Castle?

Well, within Donnington, besides Donnington Castle and its surrounding scenic sights, there aren't many attractions left to visit, but that hasn't stopped people from continuously visiting, the area surrounding Newbury boasting with appealing attractions, such as The Living Forest, which houses hundreds of colorful butterflies, animals, lizards, birds and plants, perfect for nature-lovers, The Desmoulin Gallery, a contemporary art gallery set in one of the oldest buildings in Newbury, which is the Granary, or St. Nicholas Church, a magnificent 16th century structure, which, throughout its history, was used as a hospital, prison and stable.


How to get around in Donnington?

Your best bet is to rent a car!

Where to stay in Donnington? Check out Donnington Hotels.

miercuri, 26 ianuarie 2011

Visiting Cumnock!

 About Cumnock...

Cumnock, or Old Cumnock, is a town located in the south west of Scotland, in east Ayrshire. Its name comes from the Gaelic "comunn ach", and means "the place of the confluence", referring to the confluence of the River Nith and the Afton Water.

Cumnock, much a lot like Cairndow, is not a major Scottish destination, with spectacular attractions. It is a "quiet" oasis, where history-enthusiasts and nature-lovers can explore and discover its hidden charm.

The area surrounding the town is sprinkled with castles, battle sights, caves and scenic sights - perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and adventurous walks.























How to get around in Cumnock?

Renting a car to use, while staying here, is definitely the best choice you can make!

Guys, one more thing:

So...be careful how you drive! :-)






Where to stay in Cumnock? Check out Cumnock Hotels.

marți, 25 ianuarie 2011

Visiting Cairndow!

A few starting words about Cairndow...

Cairndow is a small village situated in southwest Scotland and it is best known today for oyster farming and for the Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens, one of its most popular attractions. The village is not exactly a major destination in Scotland, being more of a hidden "jewel". In the past, it was associated with an inn, and it was not really known as an individual location, significantly developing with the creation of the Clachan Hydroelectric scheme.

What is there to visit in Cairndow?

Well...this small village doesn't have many "spectacular" attractions, but that hasn't stopped people from visiting, large number of tourists and nature-lovers coming here, every year. The amazing scenery, the colorful grass, and the fresh air are major people-drawers, most visitors describing Cairndow as an oasis of relaxations and tranquility.



   



In conclusion, if you're looking for a "wild" vacation destination, Cairndow is not your thing. People come here to "charge their batteries", to take in the beautiful Scottish sights, or to spend a romantic vacation with the loved-one.

However, you know what they say: "It doesn't matter where you are, it matters with whom you are." So, although, Cairndow is a quite place, nobody's stopping you to book a hotel room and start partying with your friends, if that's what you want to do.

Where to stay in Cairndow? Check out Cairndow Hotels.

luni, 24 ianuarie 2011

Visiting Blackpool!

A few words about Blackpool...

Blackpool is a seaside town, located in Lancashire, England, and it is famous for its landmarks, and for its most popular attraction - the Pleasure Beach theme park.





Why is Pleasure Beach considered Backpool's most popular attraction?

The theme park has more than 100 rides and attractions, for family fun, varying from adrenaline-pumpin' ones to ones dedicated to children, such as the more leisurely cruises around Alice's Wonderland. The park stretches on 42 acres and it is also considered one of Britain's top tourist attractions. (For the park's opening times/hours and for more info about the rides, you can check out the Blackpool Pleasure Beach official site).

Is there more to say about Blackpool?

Well, besides the Pleasure Beach theme park, the seaside town is also known for the Blackpool Tower, which was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, rising at more than 500 ft in the air, the Illuminations, which is an event that lights up the town, with laser-shows, neon lights, fiber optics and other light-related technological "wonders", its most favorite attractions also including the local zoo, and the Blackpool trams, which are popular among visitors and locals, alike.

Although, Blackpool is not as spectacular as the other much larger cities in the world (for ex. Paris or New York), it's precious Pleasure Beach and local attractions are enough to draw numerous people here, annually, and, from what I've read in their reviews, good times are guaranteed!

Where to eat in Blackpool?

To get an answer to this question, you can check out the restaurants, cafes and pubs, offered on the official Blackpool tourism site.

Where to stay in Blackpool?

There are dozens of pleasant options (which you can customize, depending on travel date or preference) on these sites: Blackpool Beach Hotels or Blackpool Hotels Pleasure Beach.

Let's review: you have your travel tips, and suggestions on where to stay! You're all set up for your trip to Blackpool. There's only one last thing to be said: don't forget your tooth brush, guys! Have fun visiting Blackpool and... maybe share the experience with us when you return?

vineri, 21 ianuarie 2011

Visiting London!

Hey, this post is all about London, so let's get started!

A few words about London...

London is a vibrant, noisy, multicultural city, it is the capital of England and the UK, and it is home of four World Heritage Sites, among which we find the Tower of London, among it's most famous landmarks also being Buckingham Palace, London Eye and Trafalgar Square.

What is there to do for fun in London?

Well....tons of things. For starters, if you're visiting with the family, you can stop at the ZSL London Zoo, if you're a sports fan, you can take a tour of the Wembley Stadium, if you're in the city with your sweetheart, you can try a ride on the London Eye (you should try that at night - very romantic), you can meet your favorite celebrity, face-to-face, at Madame Tussauds, visit the London Dungeon (if you dare)...and the list continues. It only depends on your preferences. (you can get more info on London's official tourism site)

What area should you choose to stay in London?

Well...London is a beautiful city and it doesn't really matter what area you choose to stay in.

You can try the Canary Wharf - a more "business" area of London, preferred by those in search of starting a business in London, home to many of UK's premier office spaces and tallest buildings. (For hotels in/near London Canary Wharf, try London Canary Wharf Hotels)


You can also try the hotels near London Marylebone station (which you can find on London Marylebone Hotels), located in central London, to get an easy access to many other of the city's areas, during your stay, or the hotels in the London Tower Bridge area (see London Tower Bridge Hotels), for an amazing view over one of the city's most appealing attractions.

                                     (right across the Marylebone station)

                                               (London Tower Bridge)

There are also the hotels near the Tower of London (which you can find on Tower of London Hotels), another London major attraction, as well as the hotels in the wonderful Marble Arch area (check out London Marble Arch Hotels ), which gives you easy access to the home of the Marble Arch monument, designed by John Nash, originally intended to be the entrance to the Buckingham Palace.


                                                     (Marble Arch)

Let's not forget about Trafalgar Square, one of the most beautiful areas in London (for hotels near Trafalgar Square, you can check out Trafalgar London Hotels) and one of UK's most famous squares, and Leicester Square (you can find hotels near Leicester Square on London Leicester Square Hotels), one of London's busiest spots, the center of the city's cinema land and home of "Theatreland", where we find the Shakespeare fountain and statue and Tom Cruise's handprints.

                                                  (Trafalgar Square)

                                                  (Leicester Square)

Other popular areas to stay in, while visiting London, are: Hyde Park (you can find hotels near Hyde Park on Hyde Park London Hotels), one of the city's finest historic landscapes, Wembley (you find hotels in/near Wembley on Wembley London Hotels), an area preferred by the sports-enthusiasts, sitting between the entrances of Wembley Stadium and Wembley Arena, or the famous Piccadilly Circus area (you can find hotels on Piccadilly Circus London Hotels).

                                                       (Hyde Park)

                                                (Wembley Stadium)

For an easy access to other London parts, while staying in the city, you can also try the hotels near Paddington Station (which you can find on London Paddington Station Hotels) or the hotels near Waterloo Station (which you can find on London Waterloo Station Hotels).

                                    (2 min-walk from Paddington Station)

                                    (Waterloo Station from London Eye)

                                                 (Piccadilly Circus)


How to get around in London?

There are many ways to get around in London, depending on budget or preference. However, the main getting around options are by tube/underground, by DLR (Docklands Light Railway), Airport Express, tram, overground or by National Rail. You can also drive, walk or ride the bike.

If you need additional info about how to get around in London, you can check out the getting around tips on London's official tourism site or the article about the transportation in London on Wikipedia.

Ok...you have your London travel tips and suggestions on where to stay - you can now officially start planning your trip to London!

Have fun and guys...Don't forget your tooth brush!