UK
Posted February 9, 2010 by Joyce Wan
The imminent arrival of spring seems like the perfect time for a visit to the Emerald Isle. The beautiful city of Newry makes an ideal spot for a family break, as there’s something for everyone. Its wonderful streets are full of historic buildings, and it has a reputation as one of the best shopping cities in Northern Ireland.
Stay
Canal Court Hotel – This luxurious four-star hotel overlooks Newry’s scenic canal, and is just a quick hop to the city’s well-known shopping districts. The impressive façade hides a multitude of equally impressive rooms – even the standard rooms are delightfully spacious and beautifully decorated. The Serenity Spa makes a wonderful retreat for guests who need to unwind after a long day traipsing around the city. Room rates start at about £150.
See
Newry Canal – This mid-18th century canal still sees lots of traffic along its length, but these days, it is more likely to come from picnicking families and eager cyclists then barges ferrying goods around. The canal has not been used commercially since the 1930s, and wildlife has since reclaimed much of it. The broad towpath is now part of the National Cycle Network, and the sturdy granite locks are still in great condition.
Shop
The Quays – Newry is renowned for its fantastic shopping, so why not pay a visit to one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city while you’re there? There’s a rather large cinema on the premises for those of you who prefer not to walk around spending money all day. The sheer multitude of shops in the complex can make a person rather hungry, so thank goodness there are also several cafes and restaurants onsite for when you need some fuel.
Check here for Newry travel information
(Photo:geograph.org.uk).
Posted January 28, 2010 by Joyce Wan
Stonehaven’s the place to go if you want an out-of-this-world break but haven’t the time or inclination to venture too far from home. Tucked away on the northeast coast of Scotland, this town may be small in size, but it more than makes up for it with a multitude of beautiful attractions and cultural events. It also boasts a famously photogenic harbour that has been the proud subject of many photographs.
SeeDunnottar Castle – This may be one of the most spectacular ruined fortresses you’ll ever see. Dramatically perched on a rocky headland, parts of the castle seem like they are about to slip into the raging sea at any moment. It has seen and survived many dark chapters in history since its construction centuries ago. These days, visitors to the castle can approach it via a scenic coastal path along the cliffs, where they can also enjoy views of the many puffins and gulls that currently call the ruins home.
StayThe Ship Inn – Located right beside the harbour, this homely little hotel offers guests wonderful views of Stonehaven’s scenic waterfront. With only eleven rooms, you can be sure you won’t be jostling for space at the breakfast table with other guests. A hearty breakfast is included in the price of the room, and the attached restaurant offers up a selection of fresh, tasty dishes with a home-cooked feel. Room rates start at £60, including breakfast.
PlayVictorian Heritage Trail – Queen Victoria’s unmistakable profile on signs leads visitors to attractions along the trail. Take in sights that she herself would have enjoyed, such as the charming Old Royal Station in the little town of Ballater. Stop by the two distilleries along the trail and quench your thirst with a glass of tasty single malt.
Check here for Stonehaven travel information.
(Photo: scotlandbybike.com)
Posted January 27, 2010 by Joyce Wan
If you’ve spent the last month staying in and getting over the excesses of the recent holiday season, then February is the perfect time to get out and face the world again! There are several lively festivals to kick off your year in style, and a plethora of fun events are happening around the country this month.
14th February – Chinese New Year celebrations, London Chinatown
The start of the Chinese New Year falls on Valentine’s Day this year, so those of you feeling a bit sick of lovey-dovey couples will have something more interesting to look at instead. There will be music and acrobatics performances, and expect to bump into fantastically colourful dragons and lions as they dance around Chinatown. The events close with a spectacular fireworks display, traditionally used to scare away evil spirits.
15th – 21st February – Jorvik Viking Festival, York
The tranquil town of York gets transformed into a Viking battlefield this week. Watch big hairy men dress up as warriors and engage in skirmishes during this entertaining historical festival. For less bloodthirsty folks, there is a craft market selling Viking wares, textile demonstrations and a beard contest!
16th February – Pancake Race, Olney
You won’t find a more entertaining way of celebrating Shrove Tuesday than in Olney, there the tradition of pancake racing originated more than 500 years ago. Competitors dress up in old-fashioned ‘housewife’ outfits – including skirts, aprons and headscarves – and then race more than 400 metres through town, while carrying a frying pan and pancake. The winner is then first to arrive at the Church, and tradition dictates that she must then toss her pancake in the air.
(Photo: bbc.co.uk)
Posted January 12, 2010 by Joyce Wan
Amsterdam seems to have a slightly sleazy reputation, but a visit to this picturesque city reveals some wonderful surprises. The many parks and museums make the city a perfect place for a family holiday. Amsterdam is also well known for its cutting-edge fashion brands, and the wide range of shops available makes it a fashionista’s dream destination.
Shop
Barrio – Hidden behind the busy Kalverstraat, this interesting little store has a bit of everything. It’s a fashion boutique and a music store, and even has a hairdresser operating in one corner. Step in, and emerge a brand new person – you can have your haircut while browsing through their varied magazine selection, and then get dressed up in new clothes and shoes!
Stay
Blue Wave Houseboat – Amsterdam is famous for its’ many scenic canals, so why not stay on one? This floating home is a much more unique option than staying in one of the numerous chain hotels in the city. The terrace provides a great view of canal life, and the interior has been comfortably renovated. There is a large double bed, a cosy kitchen and dining area, and free Wifi too! Rates are around £140.
Eat
Restaurant Greetje – This modest restaurant near the Rembrandt House combines classic French and Dutch culinary traditions to come up with an interesting, yet unpretentious menu. Put aside any fears of fashionable ‘fusion cuisine’ with miniscule courses – dishes here have a reassuring, home-cooked feel to them. Ambitious diners are encouraged to try the Grote Begin (Big Beginning) – a platter of several hot and cold courses, such as wild boar ham, stingray terrine, and smoked beef.
Check here for flights to Amsterdam.
(Photo: onlyinholland.com)
Posted January 7, 2010 by Joyce Wan
The writer Samuel Johnson put it best when he wrote ‘…when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’ There is so much to see and do in this capital city that it is simply impossible to cram it all in during a short visit. A thoroughly cosmopolitan city, you’ll be able to eat your way through the world’s cuisines, or shop from London’s very own up-and-coming designers, without venturing too far.
See
Southbank Centre – This large complex encompasses the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Expect to see a diverse range of cultural events happening side by side – from blockbuster art exhibitions to spoken word performances by little-known writers. Where else do you except to find punk legend Henry Rollins performing only steps away from the London Sinfonietta?
Shop
Camden Market – Almost as many tourists come to Camden Market to gawk at its colourfully outfitted denizens as to actually shop. The sprawling market is best known for its many stalls selling ‘alternative fashion’ – need an all-latex jumpsuit, a Gothic Lolita headpiece or huge Doc Marten boots? You’ll be able to find all these here, and much more besides. The restaurants, cafes, and food kiosks are all just as varied, offering up organic, free-range, vegan brownies, to deep-fried chip butties, to spicy Thai noodle dishes.
Stay
St James’s Hotel and Club – Splash out for a room at this elegant townhouse hotel - smack in the centre of town yet hidden in a quiet street, it almost feels like a secret that no one else knows about. The newly renovated rooms show a painstaking attention to detail, featuring silk wallpaper, beautiful Murano glass chandeliers, and highly polished fittings. It is a relief falling into the wonderfully soft bedding after a long day exploring the city. Room rates start from around £290.
Check here for
flights to London.
(Photo: thelineofbestfit.com)
Posted January 5, 2010 by Joyce Wan
Betws-y-Coed is the kind of ridiculously picturesque village you usually only see in magazines. About thirty minutes by train from Llandudno, it has mossy green woods, impossibly clear streams, cute little stone cottages, and a couple of impressive waterfalls. While the village offers its own attractions, it also makes a great starting point for those of you wishing to explore the rest of Snowdonia National Park.
StaySwallow Falls Hotel – Located about a mile away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, this 19th-century coaching inn also offers a YHA hostel, and a campsite in the warmer months. Stunning mountain scenery surrounds the hotel grounds, and guests have the added advantage of right across the road from the spectacular Swallow Falls. A hearty breakfast (included in the price of the room) is served in the attached tavern, and the pub by the entrance offers cheap, unpretentious meals. Room rates start at £60 per night.
SeeSwallow Falls – Also known as
Rhaeadr Ewynnol, Swallow Falls is one of the country’s largest waterfalls. There are a series of steps and some viewing platforms built beside the waterfall, to provide visitors with views of the falls without having to get their feet wet. Follow the river Llugwy downstream through some verdant woods, and discover half-hidden old mines and other treasures.
EatBuffet Coach Café – Set in an old wooden train carriage beside the train station’s single platform, the Buffet Coach Café offers comfort food in a comfortable setting. The menu offers unpretentious dishes – home-cooked soup, baked potatoes, sandwiches, fish and chips. For those with a sweet tooth, the hot chocolate comes in a satisfyingly large mug, overflowing with cream, marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles. The homemade teacakes are delicious, especially with a dollop of local butter.
Check here for flights to Llandudno.
(Photo: snowdoniaguide.com)
Posted December 24, 2009 by Joyce Wan
The fairy lights and tree ornaments may be safely tucked away for another year, but that doesn’t mean that January has to be a bleak, boring month. There are plenty of exciting events around the country, and you won’t have to put up with jingly Christmas music at all. If ‘losing weight’ wasn’t one of your New Year’s resolutions, then lucky you, there are more reasons for you to stuff yourself this month too!
1st January – Hogmanay, EdinburghEdinburgh’ raucous New Year’s celebrations are world famous. This year, the city has organised a week of events bookending the actual day. On the day, expect to see a colourful carnival lighting up the city’s streets, with a street party afterwards to see in the New Year. There will also be choir concerts, dance performances, and a giant puppet making its way through the city centre.
6th January – Farewell to Christmas, Geffrye Museum, LondonCelebrate Twelfth Night at the Geffrye Museum in East London with music and feasting. There will be a bonfire in the garden, with holly and ivy being burnt. The museum also provides mulled wine and cake, with a bean and pea hidden in the cake. The two people to find the bean and pea will be made King and Queen for the day. Admission is free.
25th January – Burns Night, ScotlandHeld to celebrate the life of the poet Robert Burns, Burns Night suppers combine poetry and feasting, culminating in a fun filled night for all. Guests may be served haggis, cock-a-leekie soup, and dessert such as Tipsy Laird or cranachan. Burn’s most famous work ‘Auld Lang Syne’ will often be sung to signal the end of the supper.
(Photo: unique-events.co.uk)
Posted December 17, 2009 by Joyce Wan
Need a holiday on a nice sandy beach with clear turquoise waters close by? There’s no need to hop on a flight to the Mediterranean, just get a train or
flight to Woolacombe, on the north coast of Devon. This pretty seaside town is filled with hordes of tourists in the summer, but visit during the colder months, and you’ll have the beach all to yourself.
PlayWoolacombe Crazy Golf – There’s a regular-sized golf course in Woolacombe, but this miniature version is infinitely more fun. The small size and unusual courses also make it a great destination for a family day out. The courses here feature tiny versions of landmarks around the area, with many of them made from the local stone. Make your way around North Devon in a couple of hours, as you putt the little balls into cute little cottages, over little bridges, and through Stonehenge.
StayThe Woolacombe Bay Hotel – Set in its own expansive grounds, this sprawling Victorian building has a wealth of personality that isn’t found in more modern hotels. The hotel has retained many beautiful period features, while still managing to cleverly incorporate modern amenities throughout. Choose from a choice of sunny rooms facing the sea, or quieter rooms overlooking the village itself. The entrance leads out to a stretch of golden sand, where you can explore rock pools or learn to surf. However, with a luxurious spa and health club in the building, there’s no need to leave the comfort of the hotel should the weather get too chilly. Room rates start at £95 per person per night.
EatMortehoe Shellfish – This unpretentious restaurant in nearby Mortehoe is geared towards seafood lovers. Customers are encouraged to dig in wholeheartedly with their hands – there’s no time for fancy cutlery here when you have such wonderfully fresh shellfish at your fingertips. The food is served with minimal preparation, although sauces are provided on request. If you’re undecided, then the seafood platter might prove to be the best option – a whole lobster, dressed crab, prawns, salmon and a mountain of other fruits of the sea, served on a gleaming platter.
Check here for flights to Woolacombe.
(Photo: northdevon.com)
Posted December 15, 2009 by Joyce Wan
You don’t need to go too far to escape to paradise, only as far as the coast of Devon. The tiny spit of land known as Burgh Island is less than a mile from the mainland, and easily accessible by foot during low tide. Despite its proximity, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to a quieter, more elegant age during your stay there, away from the trappings of modern life.
StayBurgh Island Hotel – This sprawling hotel has been carefully restored to its original Art Deco glamour. The rooms – with names like Josephine Baker, Noel Coward and Gertie Lawrence – allude to the many illustrious guests who have left their mark on the place. Each room has been decorated in authentic 1930 style, with gorgeous unique features offering a strong dash of individuality to each one. It’s easy to imagine yourself being a fabulously witty Art Deco era ‘personality’ while lounging around among the plush silk and velvet furnishings. Room rates start at around £300 per night per night.
PlayThe Mermaid Pool – Relax and have a splash around this seawater rock pool and pretend you’re a mythical mermaid. The rocks ringing it protect the pool from the rougher tides of the sea nearby, and help keep the water warm and clear. The newly restored wooden diving deck offers opportunities for fun and games, or just sit and admire the sea creatures which make the pool their home.
EatThe Pilchard Inn – Run by the Burgh Island Hotel, this ancient smugglers’ inn offers a more informal dining experience compared to the black tie atmosphere of the hotel’s restaurant. The food itself is as elegant as that served in the main restaurant, except you won’t feel out of place here if you happen to be in jeans and a t-shirt. The majority of ingredients come from a twenty-mile radius of the island, with seafood and local game playing a starring role. The winter menu features luscious Bigbury Bay oysters, juicy duck breast, and vividly pink organic salmon.
Check here for flights to Burgh Island.
(Photo: thurlestoneholidays.co.uk)
Posted December 10, 2009 by Joyce Wan
The port of Whitby may have been the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s atmospheric
Dracula, but the only pain in the neck you’ll feel will be from spending too much time gazing up at the impressive ruins of Whitby Abbey. The town itself has an air of cheerful industry, and yet is tranquil enough to make an ideal place for a short break.
EatMagpie Café – This laidback restaurant is housed in a beautiful building by the port. Lauded by none other than Rick Stein himself, the Magpie Café showcases the best of the town’s local produce. Seafood features heavily, and the menu’s standout dishes are their fish and chips – the haddock is fried with skin on, making for a juicy, tender bite under the crispy deep fried batter.
SeeWhitby Abbey – Even without its roof and open on all sides to the elements, the ruins of Whitby Abbey are still a stunning sight to behold. Towering over the surrounding countryside, the magnificent structure is visible from most points in town. On a dark, moonless night, it is easy to see how its looming silhouette inspired Bram Stoker’s famous novel, and the reason why Whitby is a must-visit destination for present day Goths.
StayBroom House – This gorgeous former farmhouse has been carefully converted into a comfortable, six-bedroom guesthouse. The rooms are furnished in a very comfortable country-chic style, making guests feel right at home. Located right on the edge of the North York Moors Park, it makes a great base to start exploring the expansive Moors. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the steam train that runs through the bottom of the garden! Room rates start from about £40.
Check here for flights to Whitby.
(Photo: nymcam.co.uk)
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