Connect with us

Travel

Top 5 Travel Destinations in United Kingdom This Summer

Published

on

Cornwall steam railway

Cornwall Steam Railway, photo taken by J D Mack

This is another article in United Kingdom travel series. It is vacation time again as the summer season is coming very soon. This is also the time when most of the travel and hotel agencies would be coming out with schemes and special offers to attract more tourists. In this article I will also suggest you ways to make your trip cheaper.

Which destination will you chose for your summer holidays?

I have been to London many times during my educational trips. It used to be my base station from where I traveled to most of the parts of the United Kingdom. In this guide I will be covering the full length and breadth of the UK from East to West and from South to North in two separate trips. Try If you are lucky you might get some good deals to grab online that will make your trip even cheaper. I would recommend you to go through Expedia travel vouchers and browse through the coupons and vouchers that suits you well.

Starting from London I will move in the South west direction to a seaside town of Weymouth where I will explore world heritage Jurassic Coast and award winning sandy beach. From Weymouth I will make a turn to North West to another seaside resort town of Woolacombe which is famous for blue flag and premium seaside beach. Continuing the zig zag trend, I will move towards south west to Cornwall where I will have a seaside train ride as well as a ride on the steam train through beautiful landscaped countryside.

1. Weymouth

Weymouth is a beautiful seaside town with its award winning beaches and world heritage sites and picturesque traditional harbour. The place is livelier in summers when the sun is up and sky is clear, the beach sand shines and the water sparkles in the ideal sunny day. The water is crystal clear and the place was chosen for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for conducting sailing events. There are ample of sports facilities available like kite surfing, wind surfing, diving and sailing. Each area is marked with flags indicating whether it is safe to swim in that area or not.

weymouth beach
Weymouth Beach, photo taken by Elliott Brown

Weymouth beach is perfect for families and couples and offers a lot of other things to do like amusement, rides and snack stands. Arriving at the beach is very easy, large number of buses and shuttle services ply on the road between various holiday resorts and the beach. You may also come by your own vehicle, but finding parking space can be difficult and time consuming.

White sand on the beach is amazingly soft, the beach is clean although you may find cigarette butts. I went to the right end of the beach near the viewing tower and amusement, the sand is even more softer and beautiful. I really enjoyed walking along the esplanade, and I was surprised later as the sun was settled we had a light show. There are variety of snacks available at various snack stands, but if you wish to save money you can bring your own lunch or snacks and have a nice homemade food at the sea shore.

Jurassic Coast
Jurassic Coast, photo taken by Rach2k

Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast is another special thing about this place. It is England’s first natural world heritage site. The Jurassic Coast which is an offshore bar consists of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs, spanning the Mesozoic Era, documenting 180 million years of geological history. The oldest rocks along the coast can be found at Exmouth and are as old as 250 million years whereas the youngest are at Studland Bay at around 65 million years old. The site shows excellent examples of landforms, among them is the natural arch at Durdle Door, the cove and limestone folding at Lulworth Cove and the Isle of Portland. Chesil Beach is a tombolo (a deposition landform in which an island is attached to the mainland by a narrow piece of land such as a spit or bar).

Moving from Weymouth to Woolacombe takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes on a 170Km long journey. Woolacombe is not one of the well known travel destinations in UK, but it has started receiving tourists recently, most of them stop by to see the Woolacombe bay. Plymouth and Bath have been more popular destinations in the region.

2. Woolacombe

Woolacombe was voted the Best British Beach in the Mail On Sunday and also holds the ‘England for Excellence Gold Award’ for best family resort. Although not much popular, Woolacombe’s profile is as strong as any other popular summer destination. Woolacombe can be best reached by road. The roads are largely very rural and quite narrow which may become very congested during summer as people queue up to get into one of the two large car parks which are situated close to the beach.

Woolacombe Beach
Woolacombe Beach, Photo by Gary Huston

Its three mile long golden sand beach has won both the blue flag and Premier Seaside Beach award. It is voted one of Britain’s best beach and lies between Morte Point and Baggy Point. There are four beach within a five mile walk. And all can be very crowded in the summer making it difficult to find a parking space which is £5 for a whole day.  It would be better to walk to the beach from the beautiful streets enjoying the beautiful view. Try to book a hotel near the beach so that you do not have to walk much. You may be lucky to grab few appropriate deals through travel vouchers and coupons.

I was saddened to hear the news that the beach lost the blue flag status recently in 2012 due to water quality issue. However, it still retains many other awards. You stand at the beach looking at the Atlantic Ocean waves touching your feet, behind you lies the highlands that surrounds you from the rest of the sides, creating a very beautiful scenery.

The beach is also famous for various sports activities like kite surfing, wind surfing etc. The beach also provides a designated area for dogs. I found a little kid there who was making a sand castle, it was fun to sit with her and help. When the sun had settled down and it was dark, we went up. Walking back to my room, I saw the sand castle intact, and the waves striking the coast even harder. The sound of the waves were louder which can make anyone happy specially me who loves sea and beaches.

Continuing my journey, I am heading to another seaside place Cornwall. The place not only has beautiful sand beach, but also has picturesque landscape and beautiful coastline which can be explored by train. One of the reason of coming here for me was riding in the trains here.

3. Cornwall

Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall passes through some of the most beautiful places, From mesmerizing coastal views to green countryside, clear river crossings to densely wooded valleys and the almost moon like landscape of the Cornish china clay industry.

Cornwall Steam Railway
Cornwall Steam Railway, Photo taken by J D Mack

I felt travelling in this train was very off the beaten tourist path, and I am glad I did, the train passes through beautiful town, small villages, historic mountains and bustling cities, it is a vital link for the locals, but the way it passes through is so stunning that it has gained popularity as a tourist train.

There are six lines of Great Scenic Railways of Devon and Cornwall mainly Maritime Line, Looe Valley Line, Tarka Line, St Ives Bay Line, Atlantic Coast Line, Tamar Valley Line.

Train Fare:
Looe to Plymouth £5.40
Liskeard to Newquay £5.80
Truro to St Ives £6.30
St Austell to Looe £7.60
Falmouth to Plymouth £9.50
Penzance to Plymouth £9.50

These fares are applicable for adults, children between the age of five to fifteen may take ticket for half price, and children under five years can enjoy the ride for free. Also if you take GroupSave option, four people in a group would be able to travel for the price of two adults Off Peak Day Returns on First Great Western trains.

Cornwall also has steam trains running through beautiful countryside. I went to Bodmin which is the prime station and junction of Cornwall’s steam railway. The station was beautifully revamped to give a look of 1950s. The main station building is old by centuries and was constructed by Great Western Railways in 1887. Again there are a number of steam railway lines on different routes which are quite small but good enough to spend time and admire the beauty of Cornwall sitting in the vintage train, a unique experience. Various lines are Launceston Steam Railway, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Lappa Valley Steam Railway, and World of Model Railways.

Refreshing views, clear sky, warm sun, clear water, soft and warm sand in West England is what makes it a great destination for spending your summer vacation. My trip to western region ends here, returning to London and from their I will move towards north exploring the spectacular Lake District and beaches in the extreme north UK; Durness, Scotland.

4. Lake District

The Lake District is also commonly known as The Lakes or Lakeland as there are a number of lakes in the mountainous region. Lying in the North West England, this place is a combination of picturesque forests, lakes and mountains, Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England is also situated here. The place is famous world wide and has its associations with the early nineteenth-century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth and the other Lake Poets.
Lake District UK
Lake District, photo taken by Steve Pyke

Lake Derwent is one of the most visited lake in the Lake District. It is a very picturesque lake surrounded by lots of woodlands and fells sloping down towards the water. I walked around the lake little bit which is an 8 and a half mile long walk and tried my hand at boating. There are many companies ready to provide you the boating experience. There is a pastureland overlooking the lake where the sheep and lambs play. I took some delightful photos of them grazing and at play. It is hard to tell if the lake is more beautiful from the lake level or viewing it from above when hiking in the area. Either way, it’s a treasure and worth visiting.

Once you are there you can have your packed meal, or buy a snack. You may visit the National Trust shop, take a boat trip or hire a row boat. Perhaps the ducks and geese along with the sheep and lambs catch your eye. If you wish to, you can even buy bags of bird food.

Catbells Lakeland Hike is easily reachable from Keswick and is famous for its views over Derwent water. The hike might take nearly two hours up and down and may be even three if you would stop everywhere like me to take photos. To reach up catch the Keswick Launch across to Hawes End and climb up Catbells over Skellwith Bank, there are little steep climbs and easy challenges but the view from the summit is probably one of the best in the Lakeland for so little effort. If you still feel energetic at the summit you can walk further  up on to Maiden Moor and come back down different views. When you come down arrive at Hawes Gate  and walk back to catch the Keswick launch, along the Lakeside.

Moving further north I will enter Scotland, another kingdom in the United Kingdom. Durness  is a village and in the north-west Highlands of Scotland. Famous for its Smoo cave and unspoilt beaches backed by cliffs.

5. Durness

Durness is famous for Smoo cave, when I reached there I had not expect this cave to be as awesome as it was. It was really easy enough walk down to it as their is a wooden fence to hold on to and steps. There are flood lights which still makes it look great even if the weather isn’t that good. There is a huge cavern and you can imagine living there centuries ago. The second cavern leads to a tremendous waterfall full of cold sprays making it almost impossible to take a photo of it. During rainy season, the caves are wet and  you may find water dripping through the roof at various points.

Durness beach
Durness Beach, photo taken by Lluís Ribes Portillo

Durness beach is  fantastic sandy beach with stunning black rocks embedded in the sand, beautiful bluish green sea and rocky cliffs. The place is very photogenic and can make a day promising! I walked all the way along the length of the beach and then I moved up at the end to a lighthouse from where the view is even more spectacular. The beach accompanied by a waterfall at the edge of the bay makes it even a better place for those who loves natural photography.

Sango bay in Durness made me just take my camera out when I saw rock formations sticking out of the stand. Pristine golden sands with the projectiles of Rock on them gave the experience of being in totally another planet. Huge waves crashing on the shore and on the rocks creating splash of waters formed so many rainbows. I have not seen so many rainbows before all at once. The place is really cold in winters and you may expect the right time to go there only after May, if it is not raining.

Indeed it was such a long tour. I did not complete this journey in one single trip, but in two consecutive summers. I tried to merge my trip into one so that I could help you decide which one or two locations would you like to visit this summer. Coming back to my base location London, I finish the tour of Top 5 Summer Destinations in UK. Let me know which one of the place would you like to go this summer. Subscribe to my updates an follow me on my path.

Continue Reading
Comments

Travel

Discover extraordinary places and enjoy unique experiences

Published

on

Tenerife spain canary

Exploring extraordinary places and having unique experiences are pleasures everyone wants to enjoy. There are many wonderful places to visit around the world, accessible with the right preparation and proper support. These destinations offer exceptional tourist services, are within your reach, and are waiting for you to discover them!

Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. It allows you to discover new cultures, stunning landscapes, and moments that remain etched in your memory forever. If you are planning your holidays or a delightful weekend getaway with your partner, family, or friends, you’re surely considering all the options available to you. There are many excellent tourist destinations worth visiting.

Exploring unique destinations like the beaches of Tenerife, luxury villas in Sardinia, and The Mora Resort in Zanzibar are wonderful options to consider—not only for the breathtaking views but also for the high-quality services you’ll find there.

The unforgettable beaches of Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is famous for its extraordinary golden and black sand beaches, formed by volcanic activity. It’s a paradise for sun and sea lovers, as well as those seeking adventure and water activities. From surfing at Playa de las Americas to diving in the crystal-clear waters of Los Cristianos, Tenerife offers a wide range of experiences to suit all tastes.

There are some Good Tenerife beaches that you’re sure to fall in love with as soon as you arrive. All you need to do is plan well, check your possible routes, and, for added convenience, hire the services of a reliable taxi agency to take you across this coastal haven.

With access to transportation, you can visit any of the wonderful and paradisiacal beaches in this magnificent corner of the world. Simply coordinate the itinerary with the taxi you hire and get ready to enjoy one of the best experiences of your life—it’s certain to be a great help.

Luxury villas in Sardinia

Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean, is known for its stunning landscapes and exclusivity. The villas Sardinia offer a unique accommodation experience, combining modern comfort with the island’s natural beauty. These luxury villas, many located on the famous Smeralda coast, boast panoramic sea views, private pools, and direct access to private beaches.

These villas are the favourite spot for affluent individuals seeking tranquillity, beauty, comfort, and adventure all in one place, where you can spend unforgettable days surrounded by opulence in a setting full of style and sophistication—everything you deserve on your holiday.

To find the villa you want, it is advisable to seek the help of a good estate agency to assist you in finding a rental property for your holiday. Fortunately, there are excellent options for luxury villas in Sardinia that you can check out on the recommended portal and book straight away to ensure your perfect holiday spot.

The Mora Resort in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Mora Resort, located right on one of its most stunning beaches, offers luxurious experiences and relaxation in a paradisiacal setting. This resort blends traditional Zanzibar architecture with modern amenities, set in a unique and welcoming environment.

Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, and boat trips, while exploring the rich marine life and coral reefs of the area. In addition, the resort offers spa and wellness treatments, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate in a tranquil and beautiful setting. The cuisine at this resort is another highlight. Its restaurants offer exquisite fusions of local and international flavours, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday, Zanzibar is an excellent option, and The Mora offers an unforgettable stay to make your trip even more special.

In conclusion, whether you’re seeking relaxation on the golden sands of Tenerife, indulging in the luxury of Sardinia’s villas, or immersing yourself in the paradise of Zanzibar’s The Mora Resort, these exceptional destinations promise unforgettable experiences. With the right preparation, each journey will leave you with lasting memories, making your travels truly extraordinary.

Continue Reading

Travel

Enjoy a luxury holiday in Zanzibar

Published

on

zanzibar island

On the coast of Tanzania lies Zanzibar, a dream destination that promises an unparalleled and exotic experience for tourists seeking relaxation. If you’re considering visiting this stunning location, there’s no better way to do so than by staying at the luxurious The Mora hotel.

In Zanzibar, The Mora hotel can be found on the beautiful Muyuni Beach, where it stands out for offering an environment full of comfort, exclusivity, and luxury. This five-star resort is ideal for those looking to enjoy a unique and comfortable lodging experience in a paradisiacal setting.

At this prestigious hotel, you’ll find a wide range of services and entertainment activities suited to all ages and preferences. With private pools, gourmet restaurants, a luxury spa, evening entertainment, a kids’ club, and much more, The Mora proves it has something for everyone, making it an essential destination if you’re exploring Zanzibar.

The Mora: an unmatched luxury experience

The Mora resort Zanzibar is strategically located on Muyuni Beach, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, white sands, and turquoise waters. Here, guests have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury, combining elegantly designed and comfortable rooms with stunning panoramic views of the sea.

The Mora also offers an extensive and diverse dining experience. In its restaurants, you can savour exquisite local cuisine as well as eclectic international dishes. Additionally, you can enjoy your meals in the elegant dining areas of the restaurants, by the pool, or on the beach.

Beyond the unmatched luxury and comfort of The Mora, the hotel also provides a wide array of activities and entertainment. For water enthusiasts, there are various aquatic sports such as paddleboarding, diving, and snorkelling. Meanwhile, those who prefer land-based activities can enjoy a wide variety of cultural excursions.

Promotions and benefits

The Mora offers various options to suit different budgets without compromising on comfort or luxury. Additionally, you can always find The Mora promotions on their official website, including exclusive plans for families and couples, as well as discounts for special days and early bookings. Although prices may vary by season, there will be options available that offer greater affordability.

Furthermore, The Mora is known for its exceptional customer service. Once you arrive at the resort, the staff will be available 24/7 to handle any requests and resolve any doubts or issues that may arise.

Moreover, The Mora is not only distinguished by providing a luxury experience and extensive amenities but also by its strong commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of numerous ecological practices and support for the local community’s development.

What to Do in Zanzibar

If you decide to stay at the stunning The Mora hotel, the next step is to explore everything Zanzibar has to offer. Among the key places to visit, Stone Town stands out as the island’s historic and cultural centre, where you can admire its breathtaking monuments and buildings.

Simultaneously, Zanzibar is an ideal destination for all water activities enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that you can partake in a wide range of aquatic activities, such as diving in the beautiful nearby coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, relaxing sunset cruises, or visiting the turtle aquarium. You’ll also find an extensive range of majestic beaches to suit all tastes. Muyuni Beach, where The Mora is located, is one of the standout options. However, you can also find other beaches like Kendwa and Nungwi, which offer a livelier environment, or Paje and Jambiani, which provide a more tranquil setting.

In conclusion, choosing The Mora for your stay in Zanzibar ensures an unforgettable luxury experience amidst one of the most breathtaking settings on earth. With its exquisite accommodations, diverse dining options, and an array of activities designed for relaxation and adventure, The Mora offers everything you need for a perfect getaway. Coupled with its commitment to sustainability and exceptional customer service, your stay at The Mora will not only be a lavish retreat but also a meaningful contribution to the local community and environment. Embrace the magic of Zanzibar and let The Mora elevate your holiday to new heights of comfort and elegance.

Continue Reading

Europe

Barcelona and Athens: cities that will leave an everlasting impression

Published

on

Barcelona house real estate

Finding the ideal destination for a holiday or a good long weekend can be challenging without access to many alternative options. Luckily, there are cities that need no introduction to know that they hold the solution; such is the case with Barcelona, in Spain, and Athens, in Greece, which you should always have at the top of your list of potential places to visit. 

Barcelona, a city you’ll never forget

Barcelona is where you can find everything to make the most of your time and live unique experiences. Just go online and search for a city guide of Barcelona to review everything and start planning your trip.

The help of a good website

Tourism blogs and websites are an excellent alternative to virtually explore Barcelona and learn more about places to visit, public transport schedules, dining options, hotels and accommodations, and other useful information to make your visit more enjoyable.

The key lies in planning

With good planning, you’ll not only find splendid places to spend wonderful moments but also save money and get great recommendations to make your trip and stay enjoyable.

Park Güell: a must-visit

Barcelona stands out for its incredible attractions, among which Park Güell shines. Just read more about this interesting place to fall in love with it and make this visit mandatory.

What is Park Güell?

It’s one of Barcelona’s most emblematic places, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Originally conceived as a housing development and later converted into a public park.

Architectural and natural elements

The main entrance is flanked by two modernist pavilions, with a staircase leading to the famous hypostyle hall and a central square with a panoramic view of Barcelona. Additionally, it features over 17 hectares of gardens, viaducts, and winding paths, integrating architecture with the natural landscape.

Cultural Heritage

Park Güell is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage and is classified as a Cultural Interest Site of Spain.

Athens: a journey to the past

Another city that will surely surprise you with its cultural and historical legacy is Athens, Greece, where you can enjoy impressive Hellenic ruins. It’s advisable to visit an Athens travel guide on the internet before you go to learn about everything and better organise your visit.

Historical richness

With over 3,000 years of history, Athens is the cradle of Western civilization and is home to ancient monuments such as the Parthenon, the Agora, the Acropolis, and many Greek temples.

Mediterranean cuisine

One of the main attractions of this city is its cuisine, which offers a delicious culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.

Hospitality

Athens is known for its friendliness, and it is well-equipped to cater to tourists from all over the world.

The Acropolis of Athens

While in Athens, you have to visit the Acropolis, where masterpieces of Hellenic architecture are concentrated for you to marvel at their grandeur. Keep in mind that it is a highly visited site, so you should book now to secure access for your visit.

Beautiful architecture

Acropolis means “high city,” as it is located on a rocky outcrop in the city centre. Here you’ll find several iconic buildings from Athens’ golden age (479 – 431 BC), such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena.

Central location

Reaching the Acropolis is easy from any point in the city, so you won’t get lost. From there, you’ll have panoramic views of the city spreading out at your feet.

In conclusion, Barcelona and Athens stand as timeless destinations offering an enchanting blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether exploring the iconic landmarks of Barcelona or delving into the rich historical tapestry of Athens, these cities promise unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking adventure and discovery. With careful planning and the aid of modern resources, embarking on a journey to these vibrant metropolises ensures a truly memorable escape.

Continue Reading

Trending