Anyone who ventures to tour London, has to be prepared to feel practically robbed. To begin with, any Tube ride no matter how short, can wind you up 4 pounds poorer. And if you thought you could make up for it by picking a really simple modest meal at a back lane restaurants, your bill is likely to end up looking like something from L.A – only, the pound is worth about twice what the dollar is. London is unbelievably expensive; but you wouldn’t know it to look at it. Everywhere you go, tourists from every part of the world, and the locals too go at it, eating, drinking and getting entertained like they thought things were going at fire sale prices. But there are certain ways of keeping your costs down and to a budget when you tour London. It could be quite an adventure in itself tuning in to the right kind of word-of-mouth.

How meaningful would it it be to tour London without a real taste of authentic Britain? This is actually possible on a budget  – at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – a dark labyrinthine set of bars and dining tables on Fleet Street, set in ancient building from five centuries ago. They say that this was a favorite of Samuel Johnson’s (he ate in the Chop Room out front). You know who Samuel Johnson is don’t you? He was the first lexicographer in English – creator of our first dictionary. It’s pretty cheap here – a poached salmon salad will cost you about 8 pounds, a big old serving of french fries and fried battered fish and peas go for the same; the excellent treacle pudding, served with custard, goes for 5 pounds, and the stellar ale, you could get for less than 2 pounds for half a pint. It’s all really quite old world, and you’ll feel right at home. Some of the guests at the tables look like they could probably afford to spend ten times this on a meal; but there’s something about the atmosphere and the prices that no one can pass up a chance to sample.

Chinese is pretty new to London; somehow, it’s taken it a while for it to take hold here unlike in North America. But now that it’s taken hold, the cooking is often so great, you wonder what took them so long. Consider dropping by at the Bar Shu on Frith Street in Soho. It’s so good here, the reviewers keep going there, and repeating themselves in the magazines they write for. Certainly, some of the items on the menu seem to forget that they are supposed to be on an affordable menu; but if you stay away from the newfangled stuff, all the classic recipes are excellent value. For about 9 pounds, try the dementingly delicious green beans and minced pork – it’s great, it’s spicy, and it’s only tolerably hot. But if you want something intolerably hot, try the hot dried beef with Chinese pepper. It’ll have you reaching for your ale, trying to bring a little life back to your poor overwhelmed tongue. If you would like wine to go with it, it goes for about 5 pounds of glass. This restaurant certainly adds a little spice when you come tour London.

Over by Notting Hill, you’ll come by a cheerful restaurant called Alounak; it’s authentic, and it’s reasonably priced. The portions are generous too; the chicken with berries, saffron and rice is an excellent value at 8 pounds. Or try the lamb kebab for 12 pounds. The authentic coconut and cardamom dessert, Faludeh, at 3 pounds, is spectacular. There are usually lots of Iranians at the tables; that’s a pretty sure sign that the food is the authentic taste.But how about the Spanish Tendido Cero at Old Brompton Road in South Kensington? It lives up to its Spanish name with all the liveliness and music; the anchovies and olive oil go for 5 pounds, the Spanish cheeses go for 7 pounds, and the delicious (if you are not squeamish) exotic black pig goes for 15 pounds. It’s all terribly friendly. And it’s a sure sign the food will tast great.

When considering why vacation lodges in Scotland make such an ideal setting for family get togethers and special get-togethers, the first thing to remember is the wonderful reputation that Scottish hospitality enjoys around the world. The warmth of a Highland welcome is unrivaled, and when you book a vacation lodge in Scotland, you are creating a position in that splendid traditional convention of hospitality.
 
 Of course, across the centuries, there’s been the peculiar occasion when this famous hospitality backfired slightly – such as when the poor unsuspecting McDonalds wined and dined the Campbells one dark and snowy night in February 1692.

 However, these small blips aside, a Scottish welcome is rarely found wanting!

The second sound reason explaining why Scottish lodges are a great choice for your family event is the privacy that they afford. In a hotel, almost unavoidably, your parties will be slightly restricted by the presence of other guests – so if you want to eat, drink and be merry all through the night, you’re likely to rendezvous with a little resistance from the hotel management who will be keen to keep all their clients happy.

 Last, but not least, holding a home party in a lodge in Scotland permits you to benefit from all the smashing cultural, historic and natural assets that this unique country has to give.

Tasty, affordable vacation lodges can be found in most areas of Scotland all year round, so whether you prefer to book your break in the gloriously long days of summer or in the dark and frosty festive period, you are bound to get a lodge that ticks all the boxes on your accommodation wish list.

 Holiday lodges in Scotland supply a perfect environment for family get-togethers.

The town of Maidenhead – Berkshire is within the Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor . Lying along the River Thames and less than 30 miles away from Charing Cross located in London. A populated place that houses numerous commuters who travel from and to London for their work.

Not until the year twelve eighty would, a bridge be positioned to access this location without a ferry. With that bridge the population of the region would grow. Getting a great stage for travellers to rest when they were travelling from London and Bath. The existing bridge dates back to 1777 and cost a mere 19,000 pounds to build.

Also within this place that King Charles would see his kids the final time just before he would be executed. Alterations were made through the nineteenth century, producing the roads easier to travel. Also with the arrival of rail still a lot more individuals had been capable to very easily get to this location.

They met in one from the nearby inns before the execution was carried out. However, there are a number of other points that you can find in this place to do. Purchasing, and consuming within the nearby pubs are only two of numerous choices that you have. As with numerous older locations in the United Kingdom, you may have some fabulous older buildings to look at too.

As with many other locations in England, there have been famous individuals who have lived in Maidenhead Berkshire in the past. The actress Diana Dors would reside most of her existence within this place. Even the writer of Doctor Doolittle, Hugh Lofting, was born in this place.

It is well known the Spice Girls resided here in Maidenhead for about a year prior to they made it big. Additionally, the theatre school has set out some excellent stars too, one of which is popular actress Kate Winslet.

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Cambridgeshire is a county in the east midlands part of England landlocked by the counties of Northamptonshire, Rutland, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire and Bedfordshire. This part of England might not possess any sandy beaches however there is a broad range of other attractions which make this an incredible vacation destination.  In the article below I  explain why tourists should think about a trip to this most beautiful part of the UK.

The English county of Cambridgeshire has exciting waterways, outstanding cathedrals, breathtaking countryside, prestigious stately homes, busy picturesque market towns and the fascinating city of Cambridge. The city of Cambridge is a highly popular visitor attraction which is highly suitable for vacations, or short city breaks, in any month of the year.

Tourist attractions in the immensely photogenic university town include The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, The Folk Museum, The Round Church, The Orchard Tea Garden and Denny Abbey, but most folk travel to the town to take in the sights associated with some of the thirty one university colleges such as Cambridge University Botanic Garden and King’s College & King’s College Chapel. It can take a great many hours to visit all of the university colleges but the most beautiful buildings to meander around are those belonging to Corpus Christi, St John’s College, Trinity College and Magdalene College.

The Fenlands

The Cambridgeshire Fens are a generally marshy region almost at sea-level. There has been a great many attempts at draining the ground some dating back as far as Roman Times. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 17th Century that serious efforts were made. Unfortunately these attempts were a failure and it wasn’t until the Eighteenth Century that the land was drained successfully and the land was turned over to agriculture.

In modern times the intriguing landscape of marshes of salt and fresh water provide a superb environment for leisure and wildlife. Cambridgeshire features some of the least crowded waterways in the country, ideal for narrow boat vacations.

If you want to learn more about the interesting Fenlands then you will discover that the small towns of Whittlesey, Wisbech, March and Chatteris are each home to an excellent local museum.

Cambridgeshire’s Market Towns

Across the countryside are sited pretty small market towns, which, at one time in the past were actually islands. The town of March grew up as a port during the Tudor era and has an incredible history. Other petite island communities included Ramsey, Chatteris, Littleport and Whittlesey. These small market towns feature architecture spanning a few hundred years such as Whittlesey’s Seventeenth Century Butter Cross. A few hours can be passed enjoyable searching the numerous independent businesses, stalls and shops.

Other Tourist Attractions In Cambridgeshire

The list of local tourist attractions is tremendous. Railways include the Wisbech and March Bramley Line and the Nene Valley Railway and there a handful of interesting buildings to visit including Houghton Mill, Lode Watermill, Down Field Windmill and Great Gransden Post Mill.

The county features a small collection of historic religious buildings such as the abbeys of Denny, Spinney, Ramsey and Anglesey, Ely Cathedral and Peterborough Cathedral plus the Old Vicarage at Grantchester and Duxford Chapel. The list of castles, historic houses and stately homes is simply so  huge that there is insufficient room to include it here, it is the same with the listings of museums & art galleries.

If you are currently planning a vacation in Cambridgeshire and are booking hotel accommodation in Cambridge please take a look at our comprehensive bed & breakfast accommodation in Cambridge

Skye is the perfect vacation destination for walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Set amongst a collection of islands called the Inner Hebrides a short break on Skye is a rather unique experience. Many folk visit the Scottish Highlands to enjoy the spectacular scenery and many agree that the Inner Hebrides feature the high-grade and most majestic. In the following article I take a look at some of the reasonswhy Skye is such a excellent place to have a break .

Places To Visit On Skye

Although not actually on the island no visit would be totally complete without a day trip to Eilean Donan Castle. One of Scotland’s most photographed monuments the castle has also appeared in numerous films including the 1985 cult classic “Highlander”. The castle is privately owned but, for an entrance fee, you are allowed to wander about the well equipped castle or take part in a guided tour. The castle is only 15 minutes from the Skye Bridge.

The only true mountain range in Great Britain is The Cuillin which provide demanding opportunities for mountain climbing . In total the jagged Black Cuillins features twelve munros with Sgurr Alasdair being the highest at 992 m (3,255 ft).

The Isle of Skye only has two Corbetts  (Glamaig is the highest) and both are situated in the Red Hills. The Black Cuillin are exposed rock at their tops whereas the Red Hills (often wrongly called the Red Cuillin)  are much gentler having vegetation to the summits .

If you want to go climbing please seek some advice as it can be immensely dangerous, especially if you are ill equipped. Too many people end up in difficulties after a quick change in the weather, always prepare for the worst. You can gain access to the Black Cuillin from Glen Brittle and the Red Hills from Glen Sligachan.

Tourist Attractions include the Talisker distillery, the Glendale Toy Museum, Bright Water Visitor Centre, Colbost Croft Museum, Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles, Skye Museum of Island Life, Giant Macaskill Museum and Dunvegan Castle. The stronghold of the Macleods of Dunvegan and Harris, Dunvegan Castle, is boldly located upon a cliff-top. The Isle of Skye has a mild climate and is much more green than most islands in Scotland and this is made abundantly clear in the fantastic gardens of the castle , you will also find a restaurant and craft shop making it ideal for a day out.

Overlooking the Isle of Raasay, the seaside village of Broadford features several much needed facilities but is also rather nice spot to spend a number of hours. The area has some amazing sea views however the number one port of call should be the petite , but incredibly interesting, Skye Serpentarium Reptile World where you really can indulge in some hands on experience!

Hotel accommodation on the Isle of Skye appear almost everywhere and it isrelatively easy to find one however finding one with vacancies is a different story altogether. It is important to remember that it is a good idea to make reservations as early as possible when you do please take a look at our listings of Hotels on the Isle of Skye .

Banbury a market town in Oxfordshire, England is about sixty five or so miles northwest of London and it is additionally relatively close to other larges cities like Birmingham and Coventry. It consists of a human population of over 45,000 within the wider urban area that is regarded as a part of the town itself. Though the bordering area is mostly countryside the actual town is definitely an essential retail and commercial centre.

Much of the key industry of the town involves the production of vehicle components, electrical products, printing techniques and plastics, among others. It’s also the place to find the world’s largest coffee processing plant, which was built-in 1964. It also has been hosting for the last 10 years as event featuring mock animals and generally known as the “Banbury Hobby Horse Festival.”

It’s considered that Banbury has hosted a human being existence going back to at least two hundred B. C. Though it really begun to take shape through the Anglo-Saxon time. Danish influences ran strong through the place, beginning in the second half of the fifth century. It is name develops from a combination of “Banna” (the name associated with a Saxon leader) as well as burgh, or settlement.

Banbury shows up in the Domesday Book, the Norman property survey conducted by order of William I (“The Conqueror”), the very first Norman king. Then, it was written down as “Banesberie.” The Saxons will be mostly accountable for it’s spot, building as these people did on the western bank of the Cherwell River. The famous Banbury Castle seemed to be built in 1135, though no trace of it now exists.

Over the decades since, Banbury has developed slowly and steadily and it benefited from the actual constructing of the Oxford Canal, which runs through the town. This waterway goes an overall total of 78 miles and ended up being mostly built in order to connect Oxford with Coventry. It’s also a way to link to the River Thames and, hence, to London itself.

Oxfordshire, the actual southeastern England county where Banbury sits, presently has a population of about 642,000 people. The principle city of the county is Oxford, which is also host to University of Oxford, the world’s surviving English-speaking college, first founded in 1096. Nowadays, it is also a centre of commerce, including various well known motorsports companies and the Oxford University Press.

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The convenience of living close to London and the glorious south west offered by Hampshire is one of the diversity few counties can offer. Among the most populous southern English counties, with 1.6 million population and a great place to live and work, Hampshire is a county famous for its countryside,coastline and rich heritage. The M3 and M27 make travelling through the county really easy, so driving from Southampton to London can take less than an hour.
 
Several ways for relaxing during your down time are available from shopping at West Quay to sailing the waters to taking a walk in the New Forest. pop over to Southampton,Gunwharf is an area not to be missed, in Portsmouth and don’t missed the lovely town of Basingstoke. Hampshire offers a variety of scenery that will appeal to those looking for a thriving county, quiet country, or even beach activities. (Places I would highly recommend are Winchester with it’s stunning catherdral~Winchester with it’s lovely cathedral is a place well worth a visit}. (Fordingbridge is a lovely area and is close to the New Forest~Also Fordingbridge, a superb place, amust for all visitors}.

In Portsmouth, Gosport and Southampton you’ll find a wealth of literary, artistic and historical attractions and along the coast you will find nature reserves, country parks and activity centres.

Jump on a Ferry across the the Isle of Wight, It takes roughtly 30 to 45 minutes across the water depending on which port you travel from. As the ferrys are so often, this makes travelling to the Isle’s of Wight a no brainer.

In summary it’s a lovely part of England well worth a visit with all it’s market towns and small villages.

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Bournemouth is a lively, vibrant and amazingly exciting city, despite its unfortunate nickname ‘God’s waiting Room’. The sad reason why Bournemouth is called this is that many folk choose to live here during retirement. However, Bournemouth has an incredible youth culture, with a a high proportion of university students. Of course such a place will be a superb place to spend some time however, there is plenty  more to entertain you. In actual fact Bournemouth is extremely popular with people of various ages, probably the reason why there are so many guest houses and hotels offering bed and breakfast in Bournemouth to choose from.

Bournemouth is situated right on the English South coast, just over one hundred miles southwest of the capital city of London. The largest town located on the south coast, Bournemouth, is renowned for its seven miles of glorious golden beaches and glistening blue sea. It is the city’s stunning locale that made it become an incredibly popular UK holiday destination since the start of the 1800’s. It is virtually impossible to understand that the area in and around Bournemouth was,  in the very early 1800’s, little more than a remote and barren moorland being mainly common grazing with the exception of Sir George Ivison Tapps’. In the year 1809 a public house appeared on the moorland, the Tapps Arms, a few of years after this, in the year eighteen twelve, the first folk, a retired army officer and wife, moved in.

Lewis Tregonwell and his wife purchased a little land where they constructed a few villas looking out across the sea the idea being to let them in the summer for vacations. Lewis Tregonwell also constructed themselves a summerhouse on the land. and also set about planting hundreds of pine trees, making a fantastically sheltered walk leading to the beach, , the Invalid’s Walk as it became known.

Ever since those early days Bournemouth’s popularity, as a coastal resort, has ceaselessly increased, and, the city has become widely known for being a tourist haven for leisure, entertainment, recreation, culture and fun. The best loved places to visit include; the Russel-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, the award winning Central Gardens, Bournemouth Pier and St. Peters Church Graveyard.

If you and your family are in the process of thinking about taking a vacation in the city of  Bournemouth it is incredibly important that you reserve your  accommodation as early as possible as, sadly hotels in Bournemouth tend to be alarmingly busy and are often fully booked months in advance. If you have a large family you may find that apartments in Bournemouth prove to be cheap alternative to Bournemouth bed & breakfast.

Tourists from all over the United Kingdom have been traveling to Brighton for holidays for well over one hundred years due to its location and appeal. European tourists also have been coming to taste the flavors of the British south coast for a number of years. Brighton (also now known as ‘London-by-the-sea’) is the archetypal British beach town, with everything that is expected in a town bearing the title: a grand pier, a beautiful (former) royal palace, theaters, concert halls, and probably the most important, a fantastic beach. Though it is much more than the sum of it’s parts, most people say it is the atmosphere that makes it so special. It attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, and is one of the most culturally diverse places in the UK. There is a nearby university, which ensures that there are plenty of young people around, and there are plenty of people at the other end of the scale too; those who have been visiting Brighton for years and years, since it was but little more than a small, sleepy fishing village. In terms of accommodation, there is something for all budgets and tastes. From bed and breakfasts, hostels, and caravan parks, right up to themed hotels and 5 star resorts. Though always remember that the best place to be is near the beach. If you are looking for the best cheap seafront Brighton budget hotels, then an online search is highly recommended before you travel. Brighton is a city in which anyone can experience a huge range of holiday activities no matter what your age and tastes. Anyone who has been there will tell you, it is a magical city that makes the perfect holiday destination, for anybody!

Sussex is a really idyllic county in South East England bordered by Surrey to the North, Kent to the East, Hampshire towards the West and coastline towards the south. For local Government purposes, it’s split into East and West Sussex. The major geographical feature of both East and West Sussex are the South Downs, set to be a National Park. The South Downs extend about seventy miles, providing magnificent scenery for walking, horse-riding, para-gliding and mountain biking. The scenery is the subject of several a poem including those by Rudyard Kipling, Hilaire Belloc and Francis William Bourdillon.

The county of Sussex is filled with well known towns and villages with a variety of architecture and historical references. Most in-demand places to live in the County include:

Chichester is a cathedral city in West Sussex which is the centre for culture in the region, having a Festival Theatre and numerous galleries. Nearby, Chichester Harbour provides excellent opportunities for watersports. The city was created inside Roman Walls and houses the Chichester Cross in its centre – a one time market site, standing at the intersection with the four main roads of the city. Like Brighton, Chichester is a really thriving shopping venue with a strong cafe lifestyle.

Brighton is a seaside city on the coast of East Sussex. Together with its thriving culture, Brighton is better known for its West Pier, Royal Pavillion, beaches and infamous shopping lanes that are probably the best venue for shopping outside of London. Every May, the town hosts the Brighton Festival – the biggest arts festival in great britain after Edinburgh’s.

Arundel lying in West Sussex, 18 miles East of Brighton. Probably the most visible feature in the town is its restored ancient castle, originating from 1068 throughout the reign of William the Conqueror. Arundel is additionally known for its array of antique shops and as a well known televison venue – it is often previously used to represent Windsor Castle in Doctor Who, The Young Victoria and the Madness of King George.

Midhurst is known as a small market town rated the second best town in England by Country Life magazine. Even with its small size, Midhurst houses the estate of Cowdray Park, one of the most highly regarded polo venues on earth, hosting the international Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup each and every summer. The town contains a Tudor heart with the Spread Eagle Hotel having accommodated Queen Elizabeth I. The town also holds the ruins of one of England’s great houses; although ravaged by fire, the ruins have been completely re-opened to the public after a major preservation project.

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