Find a hotel

Sydney
Phuket
Las Vegas

Holiday Travel - Bakewell In The Peak District

The Peak district National Park attracts visitors from around the globe some of whom come to get out in the wilds and are happy to stay in one of the Peak district b&bs whilst other come to the area to visit many of the town and villages around the area many of which are home to Peak district luxury hotels.

One of the towns in the area is Bakewell in Derbyshire and it is right in the heart of the Peak District, is a small and extremely beautiful market town. The town is situated on the River Wye and from the historical point of view the five arched bridge which dates back to the 13th century is still open to traffic. Due to increase in traffic over the centuries it was widened in the 19th century.

Un beknown to many people is the history of Bakewell and how old it acually is. recorded history dates back to the first century so it was a very important village even back then. The local grammar school was founded in 1637 by the marriage between Sir George Manners and Grace Pierrepont and the school is known as Lady Manners School.

The local church, All Saints Parish of which the majority stands now, dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, with fragments of Norman and Saxon stonework, again like the bridge considerable restoration work took place in the 19th century. The church is quite squat and wide in design but is complimented by the octagonal tower with its spire.

There used to be in the centre of Bakewell the White Horse Inn, which has been replaced by The Rutland Arms Hotel, with some other various buildings being demolished in 1805, to form Rutland Square.

Centuries ago, these would of catered for coach travellers who passed through the town, and it has always been reputed for the connection to Jane Austin, who was reported to have stayed at this hotel, whilst writing Pride and Prejudice, and that Lambton in the book has been identified as Bakewell.

Another truly great invention happened by accident at the hotel, and that is the famous Bakewell pudding known throughout all of the UK. Folklore has it that the cook mixed up the ingredients and instructions resulting in the egg being poured over the jam instead of being mixed with the pastry, the result of which was naturally a pudding.

There are numerous shops in the town centre where these puddings can be purchased.

Bakewell in the peak district is at the southern end of the Pennines in Central England, there are thousands of people who visit this beautiful area every year, probably making it the second most popular National Park in England.

The area around Bakewell has some delightfull and interesting locations you can visit if you are in teh Peaks on holiday. The area has something for everyone, whether you want a hotel, or a guest house, there are plenty to choose from, who all offer good food and quality Bakewell holiday accommodation.

To fine out more about this delightfull region visit the Peak District tourism blog

What To Do When You Visit Keswick

Keswick is located between Derwentwater and Skiddaw. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the north of the Lake District. Because of this, there are a wide variety of Keswick attractions that visitors to the town can enjoy. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Keswick.

The market town of Keswick was first granted its market charter back in 1276 by Edward I and even today, a market still takes place in it every Saturday. Many years ago, when Keswick was first starting to be settled, it was based around Crosthwaite, which is now at the western edge of the town. Originally built in 553 AD, Crossthwaite Church was initially called St Kentigern. In more recent times, the co-founder of the National Trust, Canon Rawsley, was vicar of the church between the years of 1883 and 1917.

Today you will notice that much of the land that now surrounds the town of Keswick is actually owned by the National Trust. This is one of the reasons why the town and the surrounding area has not altered greatly throughout the intervening years. As well as there many attractions to be enjoyed in the town itself there are plenty of others in the surrounding area and below we look at a few.

1. Ashness Bridge – This is one of the most photographed locations in all of the Lake District. From this location you have views across Derwent Water to the town and then to Skiddaw. If you can try and visit this location first thing in the morning or last thing during the day when the sun is rising or setting. You'll get a spectacular photo opportunity here.

2. Castlerigg Stone Circle – There are any of these to be found in locations around the British Isles and is one of the most accessible. This is the most popular stone circle in Cumbria and it traces its roots back to around 3,000 BC. By why the circle was built is still unclear today but many people have come up with many ideas. Some believe it is a burial site whilst others believe it was built to be used as an astronomical observatory. One of the main reasons that people enjoy visiting here is the sense of tranquility and peace that is all around you.

3. Derwentwater – This is a 3-mile long lake situated close to Keswick and probably the best way to enjoy it is by either hiring a rowing boat or hopping on one of the motor launches. The tours on the launches are run by Keswick Launch and take you to Ashness Gate, Loddre, High and Low Brandelhow, Hawes and Nichol End. If you want to see the lake from it's shores, there are a wide variety of well marked paths for you to enjoy.

In this article, we have taken a close look at some of the more popular Keswick attractions that people to the town enjoy. However, there are plenty of other fascinating and interesting places for one to visit as well as things to do whilst staying in Keswick.

Find a hotel

Sydney
Phuket
Las Vegas

African Family Safari Experiences Memorable

African safari holidays

If you are thinking that it is time to plan a major family holiday, and if any of your children were fans of the movie, “The Lion King,” then an African family safari can be an adventure that the whole group can enjoy. However, you will have to seek out an African safari tour operation that has both the experience and the inclination to cater to family safaris.

Some of the family-friendly services that are offered by African safari tour companies are baby-sitting, special menus to appeal to the kids, and specially trained guides for the family. Some family safaris will even make arrangements to have special children’s activities, such as a bush treasure hunt, African-inspired crafts like bead-making, or bedtime stories told by authentic African storytellers.

Parents who might be concerned about exposing their children to malaria can choose to take a family safari to one of the malaria-free game reserves that are located in South Africa. Another splendid option is to embark on a self-drive African safari through the countries of Namibia or South Africa. In those areas, the roads are in excellent condition and the family can travel at a stress-free pace.

One of the challenges that parents might encounter during a safari is convincing a youngster, who loves to cuddle up with his favorite stuffed lion at home, that the mother lion preening her cubs cannot be petted or even approached. This can be one of the more difficult things to get across, especially for children who have never been on wildlife safaris.

Even with the challenges that are bound to come up, a safari for families is not only possible, but also great fun. As long as family wildlife safaris are undertaken safely and are conducted under the watchful supervision of an experienced safari guide, who knows how to handle and cater to the children in the group, they can be an experience that will provide lifelong memories.

Many parents who have never considered taking African safari holidays with their children in tow might be surprised to learn that family safaris are one of the most popular types of vacations for children, from the ages of four to eighteen. There are many African safari tour operators, African tourist bureaus, and adventuresome parents who have successfully undertaken various Africa safaris with their children and claim that is was the experience of a lifetime for the entire family.

When parents spend a bit of time upfront in choosing the family safari destination and in selecting the safari travel guide they will be depending on, the likelihood is excellent that the vacation will be a grand success for everyone. If you have friends or acquaintances who have been on a safari for the whole family, then ask them for their insights and for contact information of the safari guide they would recommend.

Carlisle Vacations: Things To See And Do When You Stay in Carlisle

The city of Carlisle is the largest of all settlements that you will find in Cumbria, England. The building has many different functions: it houses the administration for both the city of Carlisle and the entire county of Cumbria. It is also the host for the University of Cumria’s main campus. A vacation in Carlise is ideal for anyone who wants to find out more about this ancient city.

Actually getting to Carlisle could not be any easier. The city is well linked with the rest of the country. The M6 motorway provides easy access to the South of England whilst the M74 motorway provides good links with Scotland. However, actually getting around the city itself in a car can prove quite eventful especially when the rush hours are in full flow.

If you do not intend driving to the city then there are regular train services that come directly in to its railway station. Trains not only arrive from London, but also from Newcastle, Leeds and Glasgow. However, the train that comes from Glasgow does come via the town of Dumfries.

When you actually arrive in the city for your vacation, there is plenty of things for one to do and see whilst staying there. Carlisle is famous for both it’s castle and the cathedral.

Since it was built over nine hundred years ago, the castle has marked the western edge of the city and is close to the border between England and Scotland. Since it was first built, it has been witness to many conflicts and sieges and yet today you can explore the chambers, stairways and dungeons that remain. It is in the dungeons you will discover the legendary “Licking Stones” that the thirsty Jacobite prisoners which were being held in them would lick desperately to obtain moisture to help them stay alive.

Carlisle cathedral dominates the city’s sky line and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, which has been the case since it was founded in 1122 AD. Not only is beautifully decorated but a visit down into the crypt and you will find a display which looks at more than a 1,000 years of Christian history relating to the county of Cumbria.

For those looking to liven up their visit to Carlisle, you should time your trip to coincide with one of the regular race meetings. Carlisle racecourse can be found just on the edge of the city. When the weather is with you, you’ll find the views of the surrounding countryside breathtaking. Throughout the year top quality horse racing events take place with the National Hunt ones taking place between September and April and the flat races taking place between April and August.

Carlisle vacations are ideal for those who are looking for a quiet romantic time away with their partner. But they are also the place for families who are looking for a little adventure and fun during their Carlisle holiday.

Simple Tips to Save Money on Your Paris Break

You can’t afford a luxury trip to Paris? Reconsider, read on for tricks on how to get a luxury vacation for a three star price.

The single most important thing for a cost-effective vacation is pick you time. Times to avoid in Paris: Christmas, September/October when there are large trade shows. If looking for a luxury hotel: check if rates are cheaper at weekends or in August, when traditionally when anyone who is anyone leaves Paris.

Try to time your departure so that you leave late at night having had a full day in Paris: your hotel will hold your luggage even if you have to check out in the morning. Another day in Paris without an etra day's hotel bill! Sleep on the plane its the best thing to do on them.

Don’t go alone: preferably take a couple of friends and share a room: you will normally pay the same for two adults as one and the third person is much less than half the tarrif for two.

Don’t hire a car . A car is a waste of money in Paris. The city is compact and predestrian friendly and the underground train system (Metro) will take you everywhere. If you are hiring an auto for the remainder of your vacation, arrange it so that your hire period begins as you say au revoir to Paris.

Use the internet to find the best deals on hotels. Don’t just book with the first site you find though. Try five or six especially if you are looking for smaller, boutique hotels. Not all travel websites list all hotels.

Its worth knowing that most art galleries and museums open only 6 days and are often closed on a Monday or Tuesday. If you are in town for those two days then double check which days your “must see” sites are open to avoid disappointment.

Don’t use taxis to hop around town: use the Metro for longer trips or walk: Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world and most of the major sights and shopping areas are within easy walking distance.

A new development in inner city transport is the Vélib program (”vélo Liberté” or Freedom Bikes) by which it is possible to rent a bike for a very modest price. The first 30 minutes is free (plus a Euro1 daily fee payable by credit card) and prices rise raipidly for longer rental: designed to encourage you to drop off the bike and pick up a new one as you require: what a great reason to stop at cafe or two…

Paris is a wonderful city and who doesn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musse d’Orsay, Notre Dame Church. Make sure you make the effort to make it to top stared restaraunt at least once on your visit.

Choose a Paris Luxury Hotel for your next European vacation and really see a different side of that wonderful city. A central Paris hotel will help you spend most of your time in the city of romance not commuting from a remote suburb. Choosing the right Paris hotel can be the difference between an average trip and memories that will last a lifetime.