United Kingdom Archives - Europe Travel Catalog

Top Tips For A UK Tour

By Larry Solomon December 3, 2014 December 3, 2014 Western Europe

TAKE A COACH TOUR

A coach tour of the UK is a unique way of getting around the regions that make up the United Kingdom. Though it is not as fast as taking trains or flights, it is affordable and gives you an opportunity to explore the most famous places closely. There are many private coach companies across the UK, and you can choose one that best suits your tastes and budget. Enjoy fantastic rides past the English countryside through to the gorgeous cities and to through scenic coast routes. Coach tours are a great way to see the UK; they may take a few days and may include stopovers in hotels and famous sights.

STAY IN UNIQUE AND INTERESTING ACCOMMODATION

One of the ways of making your tour of the UK more exciting and unforgettable is by staying in unique accommodations rather than ordinary hotel rooms. Fortunately, the UK boasts of a remarkable number of interesting accommodations ranging from Iron Age round houses with thatched roofs to towering windmills and tree houses. Whatever your imagination may be, unique accommodations in the UK go beyond the ordinary. Some of the quirky accommodations include Wanderlust Gypsy Caravans in Cumbria, Clay windmill in Norfolk, Log House Cabins in the Cotswolds, Chapel Studio in Sommerset and Safari tents in Devon.

TAKE A SELF DRIVE TOUR

A self-drive tour is a great way to explore the amazing regions of the UK. The UK has numerous attractions in the cities, the countryside and along the coast. Enjoy scenic rides across the inspiring English countryside, stop over major cities, soak up in history and culture, and do not forget to stop over a village and enjoy local cuisines and drinks. The UK has a great network of well-marked roads, which makes it easier to travel from one region to the next. A self-drive tour of the UK gives you an opportunity to explore at your own pace and change your routes whenever you wish. If you want to save on accommodation then you can even do it in a campervan like one of these Spaceships and drive to your hearts content wherever you wish!

Contact Great British Trips for more info.

STAY IN LUXURY GROUP ACCOMMODATION

Teaming up with friends and relatives and staying in luxury group accommodation gives you an opportunity to live like royalty in the UK. The UK boasts of a stunning selection of large holiday houses some originally castles or manor houses deep in the countryside. Forget your tiny city apartment and enjoy the finer things in life in luxury group accommodations. Most of the luxury group accommodation offer spacious well-furnished rooms, manicured gardens, gym, tennis courts, swimming pools and well-equipped kitchens.

VISIT STONEHENGE

Stonehenge is a mysterious arrangement of rocks and is a source of numerous debates, assumptions and one of the most famous sights in the world. UK has numerous monuments, castles, parks and other attractions but nothing quite compares to Stonehenge. A visit to these fascinating rock arrangements is a highlight of any UK tour. Visit the iconic Stonehenge, join in the debate, and at the same time let your mind jog in finding meaning to these extraordinary rocks.

Different Options For A UK Break

By Larry Solomon December 2, 2014 December 2, 2014 Western Europe

A COTTAGE BREAK IN SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The mist shrouded purple mountains that constitute the Scottish Highlands are steeped in legend, mystery and history. It is a land of breathtaking unspoilt natural beauty with mysterious lochs, stunning glens and spectacular islands.

A cottage break in the Scottish Highlands is one of the best options for a UK break, as it rewards you with jaw dropping scenery ranging from rugged peaks to enchanting beaches. You can choose your cottage holiday in bustling destinations such as Inverness, beautiful Oban or a private spot along the unspoilt beaches along the coast.

The Scottish Highlands are perfect for any kind of holiday including adventure, romantic, family and even group holidays. There is a lot to do in the Scottish Highlands for everyone such as fishing, hiking, walking, mountaineering, climbing, cycling, island hopping, ancient castles and exploring sleepy villages. A cottage in the Scottish Highlands serves as a comfortable base to pursue all the outdoor activities.

VISIT STONE HENGE

The Stonehenge rock arrangement is one of the most iconic ancient attractions in the UK and a source of heated debates among individuals, scientists, archeologists and historians. It is a pre-historic structure in Wiltshire, whose origins continue to baffle many. It is more than just a monument and serves as a reminder of the past and history of the area and a tribute to the artisans who built it centuries ago. Stonehenge has survived the test of time, harsh elements of weather and human activities, take time to marvel at this amazing structure during your UK break.

A GALVANISING GOLF BREAK

Golfing breaks in the UK are popular amongst many travelers and locals alike due to the immense variety of fabulous courses all across the country for every level of golfer. There is an admirable variety of courses ranging from the classics such as St Andrews and East Lothian to enviable Ryder Cup Venues such as Belfry and Celtic Manor.

Whatever your handicap, budget or taste, taking a golf break in the UK is always rewarding and relaxing for families, couples and even groups. You can find different kinds of accommodation near the course of choice and even if you choose to travel to different courses during your break, getting around in UK is easy. Some of the best destinations for golf breaks in UK include Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

EXLORE THE HAUNTED CITY OF YORK

The human mind is always trying to discover everything that seems out of the ordinary. York is a spectacular destination with incredible Tudor Style buildings, shops, boutiques and the famous Minster. People say it is the most haunted place in the whole of the UK due to its ancient architecture.

The Minster is a massive Gothic cathedral and the largest of its kind in the whole of northern Europe. Its soaring towers on either side give the cathedral an almost castle-like appearance and its magnificent image is visible across the whole city of York. Inside the Abbey, you will witness amazing architectural work that may have taken artisans years upon years of hard work.

3 Countries that Have to Feature on Your European Bucket List

By Larry Solomon November 30, 2014 December 4, 2014 Southern Europe, Western Europe

Europe is a vast continent, and with so many countries offering different experiences for the discerning traveler it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to decide where to go.

If you have endless time and resource available then you could spend your years visiting every single one, experiencing the sights and people of each country, whilst picking out your favorite. However, if you want three that will satisfy your every need and offer you a trip of a lifetime then these three countries will not disappoint as you tick off boxes on your European bucket list.

Italy

Think of Italy and you think of the ancient historic sites, the wonderful food and wines, and the beautiful landscapes of incredible beaches, rolling hills and great lakes. It is all of these characteristics and more that make this a destination that should feature on your bucket list.

Not to be missed are the cities of Florence and Rome which are jam packed full of incredible attractions such as the Coliseum and Roman Forum in Rome and the Ponte Vecchio and Statue of David in Florence.

Away from the cities, in the Tuscan countryside you can cycle through the vineyards and soak up the postcard perfect views whilst stopping occasionally for a glass of locally produced wine. Top things off with a stay in one of the regions stunning luxury villas like these and your trip will be complete.

Spain

Spain oozes charisma and charm with its passionate people and vast number of great destinations for the traveller. In the south, the cities of Seville and Granada with their Moorish architecture and flamenco soul are perfect for a cultural city break. The coastal city Barcelona is great for a city/beach break in the summer and northern San Sebastian serves up a gastronomic treat.

The beaches of the Costa Del Sol offer the holiday maker some great hotels and resorts perfect for relaxing in the sunshine and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada even provide opportunities for skiing!

Spain really does have everything and is often cheaper than other European destinations such as France and Italy.

UK
The UK may not be known for its fine weather but that shouldn’t put you off a visit as there is still plenty to enjoy come rain or shine! Brilliant London is just as you imagine it to be with its iconic red buses and black cabs and wonderful sites such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Many people come to the UK and only visit London and if you do this then you are most certainly missing out. In the north of England, the historical city of York with its magnificent minster and old cobbled streets will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

Lovers of the outdoors should head to the Lake District where the countryside is simply stunning. Then you have the quaint villages of the Cotswolds where you can sit back in a beautiful cottage (check these out) and explore wonderful countryside and enjoy village life.

In Scotland, the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow each have their own personality with plenty going on and some wonderful restaurants. If you are lucky enough to visit Wales as well then head to the lovely seaside town of Aberystwyth.

The Best Winter Travel Destinations in the UK

By Larry Solomon November 27, 2014 November 27, 2014 Western Europe

While most venture to the United Kingdom in the summer months when the weather is at its driest and sunniest, those that do not fear rain nor the damp chill of winter travel to the United Kingdom in the off-season, looking to explore the top attractions and the off-the-beaten track secrets of one of the world’s most famous nations.

If you happily adopt the contrarian approach to tourism, and are looking to explore the best winter travel destinations in the UK this year, the following article will contain some inspiring ideas that will help get your trip planning off to a roaring start. Let’s start by looking north…

Cairngorm National Park, Scotland

While most think that the British Isles are a perpetually rainy and foggy place come winter, a quick trip through the mountains of Scotland will prove this assertion dead wrong. By taking advantage of a cheap car rental Edinburgh Airport UK, you can get your journey to this sublimely beautiful range in the Scottish Highlands off to a quick and financially efficient start.

One of the more exciting things one can do in the Cairngorms is to go skiing or snowboarding, as the heights of its peaks will frequently get buried in copious amounts of snow while lowland areas get drenched in the rain that ones more commonly associates with this part of the world.

If you aren’t the active type, there is plenty to do here besides gazing up at the lovely peaks, as this region has plenty of museums and castles one can comb through, as well as a number of distilleries where one can sample some of the hooch which has made this corner of the UK world famous.

Isles of Scilly, Cornwall

Located off the coast of one of the United Kingdom’s most southerly territories, the Isles of Scilly is the warmest spot in the entire nation, with daily mean (not daily highs, but the average of low and high temps) temperatures in January sitting around seven degrees Celsius.

For those sick of cold winter weather elsewhere in the British Isles, this archipelago is the perfect place to seek relief, as this is a place where locals count flower blossoms on New Year’s Day, even as most others huddle in their homes further north with a steaming pot of tea at the ready.

While the weather is usually mild here in winter, it can be rough when storms push in from the Atlantic, but for those that can find beauty in waves that crash violently upon the seashore, it might prove to the perfect cure to the hectic day to day grind present in cities on the mainland.

Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales

Of all the countryside scenes that the United Kingdom boasts, few are quite as famous as its moorlands, as these moody grasslands are a magnet for those that love the power of introspective thought in such a starkly beautiful place.

You’ll find plenty of places to do just that in Brecon Beacons National Park, but if going for a thoughtful stroll across a grassy highland isn’t enough to capture your imagination, perhaps the fact that this part of Wales is one of the last roaming grounds of the Welsh mountain pony will.

Other highlights here include ancient Celtic and Roman ruins, and the remains of old castles and churches, whose exploration are all tempered by the sharp but never overpowering nip of the chilled air of upland Wales, which is just chilly enough to affirm the fact that you are alive and are actively engaged in the art of living.

The Scottish Isles At Their Best: Top Reasons To Visit The Shetland Islands

By Larry Solomon November 14, 2014 November 14, 2014 Western Europe

Off the northern coast of Scotland are a series of lonely yet ruggedly beautiful isles with many beautiful attractions for you to see, giving you plenty of reasons to visit the Shetland Islands.

Its various natural attractions and historical sites will definitely leave you wanting more, as the scenery found here is considered by many to be the pride of the United Kingdom. There are also other destinations to be explored throughout Scotland, which is why you should be excited to see the rest of this great nation once you visit Shetland.

Shetland’s wild landscape is home to a lot of beautiful gardens, along with native plants and gorgeous wildflowers growing through its windswept countryside. One of its famous gardens is the Da Gairdins i Sand which is found in the western portion of the archipelago. Its 7 acre garden is home to a lot of rare plants and exotic specimens, making it a must see. There are also paths that will lead you to magnificent coastal views here.

Another country garden is Nonavaar. This well kept garden is surrounded by drystone walls, and once inside this garden, you will be in awe with its trees and bushes that grow along its ponds, terraces and lawns. As a treasured garden in the Shetlands, not is it a worthwhile attraction due to its precious flowers and plants, but also because of its outstanding greenhouse and vegetable garden.

Another tourist destination that you shouldn’t miss is its natural reserves, where you can see various birds and animals living in the area. One of these natural reserves is the Noss National Nature Reserve, which boasts soaring cliffs that support many species of nesting seabirds. During summer, its steep rock faces are flocked to by huge colonies of sea birds, which is why the locals refer to it as ‘seabird city’. If you walk along the coastal paths and if it is your lucky day, you might see porpoises offshore or giant skuas.

Other than the Noss National Nature Reserve, you should see the Sumburgh Head which should be included in your top reasons to visit the Shetland Islands. It is set to open in Spring 2014, though some parts will still be restricted. Even still, you shouldn’t miss this place because you get to have the privilege of observing the breeding practices of various seabirds. Aside from that, Sumburgh Head is a great place to see whales and dolphins, especially orcas and minke whales.

Shetland has a lot of natural attractions, but there’s more to see here than just that, as it also has many historical sites. If you want to learn more about this island chain’s history, then the best place to learn is at the Shetland Museum and Archives, where you will find out more about its people, whose stories will truely fascinate you. The museum’s collection includes laces that has been made since the late 19^th century as well as traditionally made boats. Other museums that are definitely worth visiting in the Shetlands are the Crofthouse Museum and the Tangwick Haa Museum.

When you travel you always expect something exciting but there’s no need to worry this when venturing to obscure places such as the Shetland Islands. It is not as popular among other European destinations; nonetheless, don’t underestimate its natural attractions and tourist destinations because they certainly hold plenty of appeal for those that love nature and close knit communities. Don’t miss seeing its beauty: plan your trip to the Shetlands already!

How to save money on a trip to London

By Larry Solomon October 8, 2014 October 8, 2014 Europe Travel Catalog, Western Europe

The British Museum should be the core of your plans if you want to save money on a trip to London…

Boasting all sorts of historic attractions of global significance, and a culture that is difficult to match elsewhere, London is certainly on the bucket lists of many travelers. Unfortunately for many these days, the capital of the United Kingdom is also a very expensive place to visit (much like the rest of Western Europe), with restaurant meals, hotels, and transport coming in as much more pricey than other destinations around the globe.

However, there are ways to save money on a trip to London so that you won’t end up on a one-way track to bankruptcy by coming here on holiday. To help you maintain the health of your bank account, here are three tips that will keep more of your cash where it belongs: in your pocket.

1) Get an oyster card

Whether it is a trip to museums, the Tower of London, or a trip to one of the most salivating food markets in the city, it is practically unavoidable that you will be depending on the Tube or the double-decker buses to get where you need to go. While public transit costs can add up quickly, getting an oyster card will mitigate this expense, as fares for this paperless payment method are discounted.

2) Rent a local loft

Prices of hotels and even hostels have you tearing your hair out? Welcome to the priciest aspect of a trip to London. While many resign themselves to biting the bullet in this respect, a better value option has emerged in recent years, as many have begun to turn their backs on pricey accommodations in favor of rental lofts.

Services like Housetrip allow you to track down an apartment that fits your tastes and your budget, while inserting you within a local neighborhood in London, rather than in some highly impersonal hotel zone. This accommodation option also allows you to cook in instead eating all your meals out, compounding the value and savings realized by staying in an apartment rather than a hotel or hostel.

3) Take full advantage of its museums

While it’s easy to fixate on all the cash that you will be forking over to eat respectable meals out and the costs of many tourist attractions, one thing that is incredible about London is the fact that many of its museums are free or charge to attend.

The best known of these is the British Museum, which is one of the world’s foremost authority on the artifacts in human history, containing over 8 million pieces in its collection from civilizations all over the world.

Others that are free or have free days also include the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the V&A, all of which are world class institutions in their own right.

Tag: United Kingdom