Subscribe RSS

Archive for the Category "Attractions"

Hotels Near Theatreland Nov 28

If you are looking to take a holiday for a well-earned break, try visiting Theatreland in London. You can visit more than 3,000 museums or see shows in at least 100 different theatres. When planning on seeing a theatre show, it is ideal to stay at a hotel nearby. As you plan your itinerary and the shows that you would like to see, you can choose a 5 star hotels London for your stay.

Most of the theatres in London can be found in the West End, including The Strand, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Kingsway. This area of London makes up what people call, Theatreland. Many of the theatres have been around since the late Victorian and Edwardian period. London has been home to a wide variety of shows that are entertaining for the entire family to see. Some family friendly shows that have played were Mary Poppins and the Lion King. Some of the most favorite shows that tourists enjoy seeing are musicals. Popular musicals that have played in London include Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You and Cats.

Shows are also enjoyable for friends and family to see together during the holiday seasons. During Christmas, you that will enjoy seeing The Christmas Carol. By visiting London and seeing historic areas, it will make your vacation seem even more magical.

London has small boutique hotels and even charming bed and breakfasts that you can stay in. If you are planning to go to the theatre, some of the hotels even offer theatre tickets as part of their package. For families and friends who are going in a large group (such as 10-15 people), call the hotel to see if they offer special discount group rates.

The Piccadilly Hotels are among one of the luxury hotels London. Near Piccadilly, you have access to easy transportation to get to all of your theatre shows by train. The hotels of Piccadilly are ideal for those on a low budget too. Besides catching a show, when you stay at Piccadilly hotels, you can have fun participating in activities that include roller-skating, horse riding or having fun playing sports at Hyde Park. The hotel often runs special for those who stay at least five days. If guests stay five nights, they will receive their last night free.

There are also a wide variety of a chain of cheap hotel chains that are easy on a tourist’s budget. Other hotels that guests can spend their nights in include the Best Western Premiere, Hyde Park Premiere, Paddington Court Rooms and Park Grand London Paddington. All of these are 5 star hotels in London. Most accommodations include free full breakfasts, broadband internet access and are non-smoking.

You never have to worry about getting too far away from the airport in London. There are five international airports and one large shipping port. Besides being near large theatres, most of the hotels are near tourist spots such as large shopping malls, museums and art galleries.

London has many types of entertainment to offer to both its residents and visitors. With a variety of hotels nearby, a tourist can always feel at home when they come to see a popular show at the theatre or visit other popular attractions.

share save 171 16 Hotels Near Theatreland
York’s History Sep 13

Hotels in York are some of the best in the country, offering fantastic prices in a stunning and picturesque location. York is a walled city situated on the River Ouse perfectly positioned between Edinburgh and London. The city is a fascinating place to explore, rich in history and great landmarks.

There are many great hotels to choose when visiting the city, and several are in prime locations providing you with the perfect base from which to explore. York is often described as quaint and has a very medieval market town feel. With the idyllic cobbled streets and old fashioned shops, you will feel as if you have been transported back in time.

The city was founded in 71 AD by the Romans and rapidly began to expand, in the Middle Ages York became the major wool trading centre. In the 19th century York expanded again, and the railway network became a hub of the area. Although the industries have changed over the years, York remains a thriving city.

Many of the businesses in York are now providing services to the city and hotels provide for the need for accommodation. Due to the increase in tourists to the area the demand for affordable York hotels is higher than ever.

The largest medieval cathedral in England is situated in York and has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a quaint wooden church. Although the church was built into a stone structure, it fell into disrepair and had to be rebuilt in 670 by the Bishop of York. The cathedral as it looks today was started in 1220 and finally completed in 1472.

Many hotels are very close to the old buildings and landmarks ensuring that you in the heart of the city to explore. Many of the incredible buildings which are situated throughout the city have fascinating tales to tell.
The Shambles, which is a very famous street in York, would have been for the butchers to sell their goods to the locals. Along this street, the upper parts of the building are leaning so far inwards that they are virtually touching. Along either side, of the cobbled street are shallow channels where every day the butchers would have washed the blood down the drains.

Deciding on which hotels in York to stay in will often depend on your needs and budget. There are some great, affordable hotels; however, luxury can also be catered for. Throughout the city, the diverse range of different hotels is incredible, and every one of your needs can be met.

York has been used for many films and TVs series over the years due to the stunning scenery that the city has. Once you have visited the city, you will understand what the appeal is, and why they return time and time again. Whether you want to spend a short weekend break exploring what York has to offer, or a longer holiday there are plenty of hotels in York.

share save 171 16 York’s History
Enjoy the last rays of the summer in Rome Sep 13

Rome, known as the Eternal City because of its ancient history and stunning architecture, is one of the most visited and revered cities in the world. It is also one the largest cities in Italy which is just one of the reasons that Rome city breaks have become so popular. Besides its rich history, Rome is brimming with fun summer events, theatre shows and festivals.

Roman breaks during the summer usually include enjoying some of the following special events and fun things to do in Rome and its surrounding communities:

1. For a leisurely, fun evening with friends travel to the Lungotevere, go down to the river bank along the Tiber and enjoy all the fun outdoor bars, restaurants and shops. The breezes from the river, along with a nice cold drink, are the perfect way to spend a summer day in Rome.

2. Visit the Villa Ada Festival, held at the beautiful Villa Ada park, for a lively world music festival. You can listen to the tunes, shop and enjoy eating the offerings sold at one of the many food kiosks.

3. If you love Jazz music, you’ll don’t want to miss the Villa Celimontana Jazz festival, one of the most popular summer destinations for city breaks. This festival is held in a breathtaking park close to the Coliseum. You can sit back and enjoy live jazz concerts every summer evening, while you enjoy a meal under a star filled sky.

4. The Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica is the awe inspiring, archaeological location, which is brought to life during the summer with a variety of arts, comedians, plays and ballet.

5. Go on a walking tour of ancient Rome’s major sights including Colle Oppio with a panoramic view of the Coliseum, tour the Coliseum itself, the Arch of Constantine amphitheatre and Palatine Hill.

6. Enjoy the summer season at Tomes Opera theatre and the Thermal Baths of Caracalla. You can sit and enjoy listening to the Opera from one of the most magnificent locations on the planet, a truly inspiring experience.

7. Nothing says summer on Roman breaks like their Fiesta Celebration. Join in the fun celebrating the Latin American world, visit food kiosks, restaurants, and a wide variety of clubs and enjoy fantastic music by world famous artists.

8. Short breaks in Rome during the summer almost always include a visit to the beach of the ancient village of Ostia or the beaches of Castel Porziano. At night, the area comes alive along the sea strip of Ostia, at one of the many waterfront clubs.

The summer months in Rome are filled with fun, outdoor activities, wonderful food and dancing under the stars. Mini breaks fill every budget, from inexpensive weekend city breaks to treating yourself to luxury and a weeklong stay. You’ll also find several low cost airlines running from the majority of UK airports, making Rome affordable for everyone.

share save 171 16 Enjoy the last rays of the summer in Rome
Historical facts about Manchester Sep 13

Manchester is well known as one of England’s primary destinations for arts, culture, and history. Travellers come here to experience great shopping, famous museums and fantastic entertainment shows. Manchester hotels provide visitors with plenty of accommodation and a full range of amenities. People who want to enjoy a wonderful getaway while experiencing some of England’s finest cultural attractions will love taking in all that Manchester has to offer. If you are interested in Manchester hotel breaks, get to know a few historical facts about this wonderful location before you book your next trip.

Manchester has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in the transportation industry. The first passenger steam railway station in the world was opened in Manchester in 1830. In addition to transporting passengers, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was used to move raw materials and manufactured products between the Manchester mills and the port of Liverpool. Just a few years earlier, in 1824, Manchester was one of the first cities to provide a public omnibus service to its residents.

Manchester was also the site of the first canal built to support the growing coal industry during the Industrial Revolution. The Bridgewater Canal was completed in 1761. It was designed to link Manchester to Worsley’s coal mines. After its completion, a wide network of canals was built to link Manchester to all other parts of England. These developments quickly established Manchester as a growing centre for transportation and commerce.

In addition to industrial advancements, Manchester has always been known as a centre for academics, arts, and culture. Its many museums and theatres are frequented by thousands of travellers each year. Conveniently located hotels and a great public transportation system make it easy for visitors to travel to a variety of cultural attractions throughout the city. There are many different sites and landmarks to see in this part of England. Manchester’s main attractions reflect its industrial background and rich intellectual history.

There are many different museums and historical landmarks that visitors can travel to from their Manchester hotels. The Imperial War Museum North (IWMN), located in Trafford Park, is a great place to learn about conflicts that England has been involved with and the impact they’ve had on the country’s history.

Manchester played a very important role in World War II as an industrial centre for manufacture of weapons, vehicles, and other equipment that was used in battle. Manchester was also home to the Avro aircraft factory, which built many aircrafts that were used by the Royal Air Force. Visitors on short breaks who are interested in military history will find many different landmarks that played a key role in the history of conflict in England.

Travellers who are interested in art history can visit many museums and galleries accessible from Manchester hotels by walking or by taking public transportation. The Manchester Art Gallery has a large collection of famous paintings including Pre-Raphaelite art collections. There is also the Manchester Museum that has been open to the public since the 1880s. There is no shortage of things to do in Manchester for people of all ages. See this legendary city for yourself, and experience its rich historical legacy firsthand.

share save 171 16 Historical facts about Manchester
Spending your October Half Term holidays in the UK Aug 25

After the summer holidays, when the kids are back to school, it is nice to be able to look forward to the October half term holiday. What makes any half term more special is if the whole family takes a short break together in the UK. Whatever the weather, there are destinations in the UK that can provide an exciting holiday.

Devon is a popular destination for families because of the family friendly area. Whether you visit north or south of Devon, there are beautiful beaches to spend the day on and the scenery can take your breath away. On top of that, there are plenty of attractions within driving distance. Visit Paignton Zoo and experience the thousands of interesting animals. Paignton isn’t far from Torquay town which provides a fantastic day out, whether you want to visit the Quaywest Waterpark, Paignton Pier, Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Torquay which is another popular tourist attraction has a vast amount of shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a great day out for the kids, why not visit the Waves Leisure Pool, Huntfun Torquay Treasure Hunt or AMF Bowling; these are guaranteed to keep them busy for the duration of your stay.

Cornwall is another family favourite holiday destination because it is home to fabulous surfing opportunities and intriguing coastal towns. Newquay is the surfing capital of the UK, and spending half term learning to ride the waves is an exciting experience for any child.

Scotland has everything a half term holiday could possibly need. Wonderful beaches, amazing views and beautiful woodlands surround the area so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Visit John O’ Groats, the furthest northern land marked point of the UK, and learn about its intriguing history. Or stay in the south of Scotland, where Culzean Castle is waiting for you to explore.

Whether you choose to visit John O’ Groats or Lands End, north or south, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy over the October half term. Choose from one of the many UK holidays available, all with several holiday parks to stay at to suit you and your family’s holiday needs.

share save 171 16 Spending your October Half Term holidays in the UK
Book Your London Festival Experience Aug 12

There are thousands upon thousands of individuals who book their London festival experience in the UK. However, you have to figure out which one of the London hotels will be best for you. Instead of spending hours trying to find the most comfortable place with the best price, we recommend looking over some of the cheap breaks we’ve found. It’s possible your next stay will be affordable, and one to remember.

Oldfriend Guest House – If you want to experience a bed and breakfast hotel then this is a very inexpensive choice. You can find it located in the heart of Bethnal Green, which is great for transportation purposes. Each one of the rooms has a television, DVD players, as well as Wi-Fi. Take some time to look at the photos these London hotels have to offer. It could be the next choice for you.

Tommy Miahs’ Raj Hote l- Those who don’t mind paying a steady amount for their hotel stay might prefer Tommy Miahs’ Raj Hotel. This choice will offer you a good break from time to time, and even when they don’t it’s still an affordable price for most people. It’s one of the best stops if you only plan to stay in London for the weekend and take in the Field Day festival.

The Old Ship, Urban Inns – If you want a 10 minute walk to the Victoria Park Festivals then consider the Old Ship, Urban Inns. These lavish hotels offer a comforting approach to their elegance and sophistication. Dine within the confines or order room service. It was renovated in 2007 and is still looking as beautiful as ever today.

London Marriott Hotel West India Quay – The LMHWIQ is a little bit further away from Park as opposed to the Old Ship. This might sound like bad news, but at only 2+ miles away you can be there in no time. All you have to do is find a taxi hire or take a walk. Either way it’s a destination that is beneficial to everyone.

Accor All Seasons London Leyton – Another one of the London hotels that offers good deals is the Accor All Seasons London Leyton. When you consider the value to money spent, its well worth every penny. This 139 room is surrounded by several restaurants and shops as well. So, if you’re looking for a centralised location to everything consider Accor.

Those who take the time to look for hotels close to the London Festivals will find plenty options. The one you choose will depend on availability and the overall cost. Each one of the choices today is quite affordable when it comes to averages. If your price range is a little higher then consider other hotels near the Victoria Park Festival like; Apex City or Thread Needles.

share save 171 16 Book Your London Festival Experience
The Beatles and Liverpool Aug 12

Liverpool hotels are a great place to stay when exploring the city and taking a walk down memory lane retracing the steps of the Beatles. Liverpool is world famous as the birthplace of the Beatles and millions of people travel every year. There are many great locations and amazing sights to explore in the city on your short breaks.

Visiting Liverpool is a must for fans of the fab four, with plenty to see and do once you step out of your hotels. The city’s favourite sons will always remain the biggest attraction for Liverpool, and why so many people choose to take a break there every year. Everywhere you look in Liverpool there are reminders and memorabilia of this amazing group.

The Beatles Story is the most popular starting place for all fans and will not disappoint you. This incredible museum is situated in Albert Dock and is packed full of Beatles memorabilia. The museum traces the Beatles days from humble beginnings to the global phenomenon they became. There is so much to see that you should allow several hours to absorb it all.

Leaving the museum and heading towards Albert Dock you will see the Magical Mystery Tour, which is a fun tour bus that will show you the main sights and attractions; this colourful vintage bus will take you back in time. As you pass by Penny Lane and visit Strawberry Field, you will be amazed how everything you had heard comes to life.

Short breaks are ideal for a visit to Liverpool and will give you ample time to explore and experience everything that the city has to offer. Once you have jumped off the tour bus, you may want to take a trip down memory lane and visit the childhood homes of Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon. These two houses will give you a sense of the band member’s humble beginnings.

The Cavern Club has become one of the most famous live music venues due to the Beatles playing over 300 times there. Although when you leave your accommodation, you may think the club is strange being situated deep beneath Mathew Street. However, this unique venue was once an air raid shelter and has a vast amount of history surrounding it.

Mathew Street is also home to other Beatles attractions, including the John Lennon statue that is placed there. Every corner of this area will make your short breaks to the city worth it, as you explore and become involved in the Beatles craze. Beatle mania is everywhere that you look and even if you went to Liverpool not a fan you will leave in awe.

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting the city during the International Beatles week, the hotels will be very busy. Booking in advance is recommended and you will be able to see the huge amount of fans this amazing group still have. Featuring over 200 different live music bands and specialist Beatles events this is the perfect time for a break for all Beatles fans.

share save 171 16 The Beatles and Liverpool
What’s on at the O2 Aug 12

Whether you live in London or head there for a holiday, the O2 provides one of the best entertainment platforms around the world. If you love music, take in a concert at the O2, because it’s definitely an experience all its own. If you’re going to be travel to this part of England soon, here is a quick look at some of the events and hotels near the O2 arena:

The British Pink Floyd.
If you love Pink Floyd and want to hear one of the best tribute bands out there, then go see Brit Floyd during this event. The band has been around for years and will be going on a Greatest Hits tour here in the upcoming months. It’s possible you won’t be able to see them for quite some time.

Iron Maiden
If you want to get down with a little metal music then this Iron Maiden concert will be a fantastic choice. The group has been around for years and now they are coming back to the O2 arena. They might not be here in 2012, so you might want to take advantage of it now.

Here are some of the other events happening at the O2 in the month of August:
* Empire presents BIG SCREEN
* Smirnoff Presents Sensation
* Brad Paisley
* Batman Live- World Arena Tour

When you’re coming to London for an event, it’s a good idea to find hotels not far from the arena. Here are some of the best ones to look at when you visit London:
Canary Wharf Serviced Apartments, South Quay Plaza – The Canary Wharf is located in close proximity to the O2 arena. One of the best features of this choice is the ‘home away from home’ feeling. It is one of the most recommended accommodations in the London area.

Ibis London Excel-Docklands- If you’re on a tight budget and want to keep the accommodation prices down, the Ibis provides an inexpensive approach. It’s about a third the cost of the Canary Wharf, and still provides comfortable sleeping arrangements for anyone. This option also provides a lavish view of the water surrounding the area.

Marriott West India Quay Hotel- If you want elegance and sophistication, the Marriott West India Quay is the perfect choice. This stand-alone hotel is positioned close to the docks and offers an unbelievable view. Most people who have stayed in this location give it a 5-star review. One look at both the interior and exterior; you will see why.

There are several other hotels in the area. Your decision is going to be based on preference, price, and the length of your stay. If you do a little research we know you will find the right hotel the next time you stay in London to go to the O2 arena.

share save 171 16 What’s on at the O2
Enjoy a Trip to Ireland Aug 12

Belfast hotels will ensure that your trip to Ireland is pleasurable and memorable every time that you visit. No matter what part of this beautiful country you have decided on for your hotel breaks you will never be disappointed. Whether you want to be part of a guided tour, or go it alone on a self drive holiday, Ireland is the ideal destination.

Travelling around Ireland can be done very easily and will allow you to see a huge amount of different sights. There is such a huge amount of unspoiled landscapes to enjoy as well as the historical buildings and vibrant cities. Although the countryside is beautiful, you may want to stay for a few nights in the cities.

No matter where you have decided to stay the hotels will give you the opportunity to explore the exciting cities. Belfast accommodation is all perfectly located to ensure that you are close to all of the best attractions. Due to the fact the city is very compact; exploring it can be done easily on foot ensuring that you see everything you want.

Visitors to Ireland are often taken aback by the sheer beauty and incredible landscapes that it offers. The short breaks allow you to see every part of this amazing country and explore the parts that other people may have missed. Every day is another adventure in Ireland, and there is so much to explore, you will want to return time and time again.

Whether you want to be in the south experiencing the vibrant life in Dublin or staying in Belfast there is an area for you. The people in Ireland are incredibly friendly, and you will be welcomed no matter where you are staying in the country. If you are staying in Dublin for your break, there are a huge amount of historical landmarks for you to explore.

Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the River Liffey are all fantastic attractions that can be experienced by jumping on and off a tour bus. The tour buses in Ireland are world famous and will guarantee that you have a fantastic experience as well as a tour of the city. Your guide on board will entertain you as well as share their extensive knowledge of the city.

Although the south of the country is very popular with short breaks, there are many that cover other areas. Whether you want to kiss the Blarney stone, walk the Giants Causeway or enjoy a glass of the finest Guinness you will be able to experience it all.

Visiting Ireland will leave a lasting impression on your mind. With the seducing countryside, amazing hotels scattered around the country and warm friendly people you will never want to leave. Ireland attracts people from all over the world that want to experience culture and mystery all in one place.

share save 171 16 Enjoy a Trip to Ireland
Enjoy a show in London without missing your flight Aug 12

Sometimes taking a flight into or out of London can be a drawn out process. We’ve heard horror stories over the years about individuals waiting as long as 10 hours just because of a layover. The good news is you can find theatre breaks right around the corner. So it’s possible for your London breaks to turn into an adventure while you’re waiting for the flight.

We could go on and on about all the things to do in various London locations. Whether it’s eating at a nice restaurant, taking the kids to a museum show, or even hitting one of the outdoor flower shows; you definitely have plenty of possibilities. However, if you’re not sure what to do while you’re there, have a look at some of the choices below:

Restaurants are probably the best way to kill some time. It’s a great way to curb any of those short breaks and get a bite to eat. Since there are several different food options available, it can definitely be an experience while you’re waiting for a flight.

If you still have time to spare there are plenty of shops as well. Whether you’re just window shopping or you really want to make a purchase, there will be a plethora of items at your disposal. Just remember to go outside the airport or else you’re going to be paying a lot more for everything.

Now, if you’re seriously considering a show because of a long layover, then hit the local theatres. Even though something you want to see might not be in your schedule, there could be something else starting soon. It’s a great way to kill a few hours and be entertained at the same time.

Be sure to check the local museums as well, because they will usually have some sort of show going on throughout the day. This is a great choice if you have the little ones and need something a little more ‘family-friendly’. Then again; if you’re thinking about the art museum it is a great choice, but probably not the best one for children.

Outdoor cafes don’t have shows themselves, but on many occasions there will be individuals providing the entertainment nearby. This is the perfect chance to grab a bite to eat and still be entertained for a small while. If you’re considering this option then it’s a good idea to consider checking the local hotels for happenings around the area.

If you feel a little uncomfortable taking this route then just ask someone. There are going to be plenty of things going on to help you stave off the boredom of your short breaks. Just make sure you are well aware of the time until your next flight. Some of these shows are so great, you could get lost in all the enjoyment. It’s simple – just don’t forget to get back to the airport!!

share save 171 16 Enjoy a show in London without missing your flight