A UK Holiday

VIDEO Laal Ratty : R&ER : Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

2010-08-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ravenglass Hotels By Vishnu Kumar

2010-08-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

Ravenglass lies between Barrow-in-Furness and Whitehaven. In the 2nd century Ravenglass was an important Roman naval base. Little remains of the Roman port, known as 'Glannaventa', apart from a remarkable bath house, known as 'Walls Castle'. Ravenglass's main street is paved with sea cobbles from its shingle beach. Set on the estuary of the Rivers Esk, Mite and Irt, it is the only coastal village in the Lake District.

The popular Ravenglass & Eskdale Narrow Gauge Steam Railway, known as 'L'aal Ratty', terminates at Ravenglass. England's oldest steam narrow gauge railway, this was built in 1875 to transport iron ore from Eskdale. The station boasts a museum, workshops and the Ratty Arms pub (the old Furness Railway station). A trip along the 7 mile line takes visitors through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District, passing Scafell Pike the highest peak in England.

When thinking of the Cumbria coast line, rarely do we think of Ravenglass.

Ravenglass holds many a hidden treasure and the most impressive being the famous Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. For the train enthusiast this really is the place to be.

If considering visiting Ravenglass accommodation is available in the form of hotels Ravenglass and cottages Ravenglass.

On May 24th 1875 the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway opened (known locally as "L'aal Ratty"). Its sole purpose at this time was to ferry iron ore from workings near Boot to the coast at Ravenglass. The first passengers were carried on November 20th 1876. The line was declared bankrupt in 1877 as problems arose relating to the iron ore and the line finally closed in 1913.

In total the railway runs for seven miles (11.3 kilometres) from the Lake District National Park's only coastal village of Ravenglass in the Western Lake District, through hidden Miterdale, to the grandeur of the Eskdale valley. The terminus at Dalegarth for Boot nestles at the foot of England's highest mountains A trip along the 7 mile line takes visitors through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Lake District, passing Scafell Pike the highest peak in England.

Just south of Ravenglass stands Munster Castle, Gardens and Owl Centre. Muncaster Castle dating from the 13th century is situated one mile south of Ravenglass. Set in beautiful wooded grounds it is home to the World Owl Trust, the finest Owl Centre in the world - housing over 180 birds of around 50 species. Visit Muncaster Water Mill, or the Railway Museum. Muncaster Castle, beloved family home of the Pennington's since the beginning of the 13th Century, displays treasures collected over 800 years.

Ravenglass has many things to see or do so for a family day out its ideal.

Author is an SEO copy writer and a marketing expert.To know more about hotels Ravenglass and cottages Ravenglass visit penningtonhotels.com

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Holker Hall - A Gem in the Lake District By Rod Booth Platinum Quality Author

2010-08-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Holker Hall is the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish and it's open to visitors of all ages: the home has proved very popular as a destination for a day out in the Southern Lake District over the years, for it offers many different activities and attractions - there is something for everyone at Holker, not to mention its proximity to the fantastic scenery and attractions of the English Lake District.

Holker's popularity might also have something to do with the fact that the Hall is located only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the beautiful expanse of Morecambe Bay. Indeed, this area of the Lakes is made up of exceptionally beautiful countryside, and the gardens of the Hall merge into parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.

Holker is a Norse word, meaning a hilly area in marshy land. This quality must have made the site a popular choice for habitation for centuries: and indeed, the records show there was a house here by the start of the 16th century. From then, the Estate has never been sold; it has passed, by inheritance, through the family line right up till the present day.

Holker is on a grand scale. But it is a family home, and the comfort of the Hall is obvious the moment you step inside. Superficially, it now could be described as a neo-Elizabethan mansion, with extensive landscaped gardens. These gardens offer a relaxed counterpoint to the rugged fells in the Lakeland countryside to the north.

There is much to see in the house. To take one example, the long gallery (very much a feature of great Elizabethan houses) was adapted by the Victorian architects and craftsmen who worked on the house in this period. Amongst the furniture in the gallery you'll find some high quality pieces: a Regency mahogany and satinwood desk; an octagonal Derbyshire inlaid black polished table made of limestone; a display table containing a purse belonging to Georgiana, wife of the 5th Duke of Devonshire (whose life was recently the subject of a feature film); and a nineteenth-century English table with an Italian top made up from over 100 different squares of marble; and a walnut cabinet with marquetry from early in the nineteenth century.

This area is also a haven for wildlife. The parkland offers homes for red squirrels, endangered in much of England, and the bird life will provide even the most avid bird-watcher with an exciting day's spotting.

Nearby you can find the attractions of the Holker Festival, Cartmel Racecourse, and some of the most beautiful walking in the Southern Lakes. In addition, you're only a stone's throw away from the attractions based at Lakeside on Windermere: the old "steamers", elegant motor yachts in which you can cruise the Lake, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway, on which you can enjoy a trip by steam train, and the Aquarium of the Lakes, featuring marine life from around the world.

So, whether you want to visit historic Holker Hall, its famous and fascinating gardens, or you fancy a flutter at Cartmel races, or you'd like to try some other entertainment a little further afield, this area of the Lakes offers many opportunities for an entertainment-packed day out which will amuse all the family.

The Lake District Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Lakes hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in the Lakes. Find us at The Lake District Guide

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Grange-Over-Sands - Cumbria - The Town by the Sea By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-08-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

We are sure you would enjoy a town by the sea, correct? We cannot see who would not want to go to a beautiful seaside town such as Grange-over-Sands, which is a part of Cumbria. When we first visited this town, we could not believe our eyes as the scenery was absolutely stunning. We would like to take a moment to tell you a bit about the wonderful features that we came across in this area.

First of all, this town was first developed as a tiny fishing village during the Victorian era. When the railway arrived, this town became a very popular seaside resort. Above the town, you are going to find Hampsfield Fell, which is a limestone tower monument that is sturdy and offers shelter for those walkers that are rain-drenched. In our opinion, we believe it is the best viewpoint out of all the foothill in the southern Lakeland fells.

Around Grange, you are going to find Lindale, which is sitting to the north east and Cartmel, which is sitting to the north west.

As you are in the area, you should visit the country house known as Holker Hall, which was constructed on land that Cartmel Priory once owned. The stables of the Holker Hall is where you will find the Lakeland Motor Museum, which is a must see.

Serving the town, you will find Grange-Over-Sands railway station that is very reliable and has connections to Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston as well as Lancaster, Manchester and Preston. During the year 2003, a public swimming pool, known as the Berners Pool, opened up. It received the RIBA Design award during the year 2004. However, after it went through financial and structural problems, it closed down during the year 2006. It is still awaiting demolition and a new pool is planned in the future.

For a wide selection of Grange-over-Sands hotels just click here

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What To Do When You Stay In Kendal By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-08-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

There are many Kendal attractions, which will help to keep all, entertained when they are visit this town situated in the southern part of the Lake District. Because of its location, the town of Kendal is in fact ideally situated to meet everybody's requirements when visiting the Lake District.

The town of Kendal is situated around 9 miles for Windermere and only around 30 miles from Keswick. Both which have beautiful lakes which one can not only wander around, but also offer you the chance to do some water sports as well.

However, as you walk through the streets of this town you will be astounded by the diversity of the architecture. There are buildings in this town that were designed and built by well-known local architects that date as far back as the 14th Century.

As well as buildings like these, one can enjoy the camp at Watercrook, which was built by the Roman's during their time in occupation of the city. Also, you can visit a number of castles and churches that were built during Norman times. One such Castle that you should consider visiting whilst in Kendal is Sizergh Castle. This is where the Strickland family still reside and whose ancestors originally built the property.

The castle is located close to the town and the original part of the building is medieval but it was then further extended in Elizabethan times. Along with spending time wandering through the building and enjoying the oak panelled rooms and furniture that is on display. You can also spend some time just wandering around the castles gardens, which has two lakes and also a magnificent rock garden as well.

However, for a little bit more fun and excitement and a place that the kids are sure to enjoy is Lakeland Maize Maze. This is to be found at Raines Hall Farm in Sedgwick, which is a short drive from Kendal. Along with the main maze, there are plenty of other mini ones available that will keep the whole family amused. Along with the maze's you will also find that, the farm offers go-karting (indoor track) as well as tractor and trailer rides, plus much more.

If you are looking to try some of the local food and fare that the area produces then a visit to Kendal Market during your time in the town is a must. The main markets are held here every Wednesday and Saturday, but on the last Friday of each month, a farmer's market takes place here. Also during the spring bank holiday, you will find that they arrange a medieval market also. Here you will be offered the chance to try some medieval fare along with watch the jugglers and jesters.

So as you can see from above there are plenty of Kendal attractions that one can enjoy when you stay in the town. But you will also find that because of its location, there are plenty of others you can enjoy further a field, but this will depend on just how long you are staying in Kendal for.

Find a place to stay in Kendal and choose your Kendal hotel or guest house here.

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Water Sports in Lake District By Vineeta M Greenwood

2010-08-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Cumbria is one of the largest county in England and yet least populated. The unsurpassed natural beauty of this wonderful gifted land has made it a constant attraction for serenity seekers. Every year, thousands of visitors make their way to Lake District in search of peace in its tranquillity. The amazing Lake district, Cumbria has so much more to offer than just a sight seeing. The Lake District has a versatile landscape with numerous valleys, mountains and lakes.

The Lakes are obviously the reason this district gets it name from.

These lakes not only ad to the picture perfect charm of this district, they also provide excellent sport activity opportunities to the visitors who want leisure with an added sense of adventure. The major lakes include the Lake Windermere, Lake Derwent water, Bassenthwaite Lake and the Ullswater.

The waters of the Lake District offer a great location for many water sports like Waterskiing, Watersurfing, sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing and you can even hire a boat for fishing. The hot spots for water activities are majorly near the town of Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick.

Low Wood Sports and Activity centre

Low Wood Water sports Centre is situated by Lake Windermere, the largest lake of the Lake District. This water sports centre offers multiple water sports activities including Waterskiing, surfing, Sailing, and Canoeing. You can even hire yourself a self-drive motorboat or a traditional row boat, ideal for fishing or just a trip around the Lake Windermere. Many Windermere hotels are located near this wonderful facility. Some of these Windermere hotels are the Denehouse hotel, the Sawrey house country hotel and B&B.

Derwent Water Marina

The Derwent water Marina is situated near Keswick in Cumbria, an ideal location for all of the water sports and mountain activities. You can get canoes, kayaks, sailing dinghies, windsurfers and rowing boats for hire, an excellent way to explore the wonderful Derwent water. Other facilities include car parking, showers, toilets and changing rooms. Few nearby Keswick hotels include the Linnet hill hotel and the Lynwood hotel in Keswick.

Glenridding Sailing Centre

Glennridding is a beautiful small village only miles away from Ambleside. Glennridding sailing centre is an excellent place for the visitors to experience and learn sailing. Both leisure sailors and the sporty ones can sail across the spacious lake with a variety of boats to choose from. The staff is really helpful one and assures your safety and assistance throughout your stay.The place keeps updating itself with latest and up to date facilities.

If this is the place you are going to sail around in the Lake District then you can book any of the Ambleside hotels only a short distance away.

Vineeta Greenwood is the co-editor of Keswick Hotels Fairy, a part of Hotels Fairy, an independent hotel price comparison website dedicated to Keswick. Hotels-Fairy.com has one of the world's largest hotel databases and compares prices from all the major online booking sites, making it easy to find the best deals on hotels in a matter of seconds.

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History of Lake District Tourism By Rod Booth Platinum Quality Author

2010-08-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

The English Lake District is an area of great natural beauty located in the north of England. The area is famous for its amazing beauty and peaceful landscapes. Its popularity has always been partly due to its rich cultural past involving three famous Lakes poets - of whom more in a moment!

The Lake District is also home to England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake at Wasdale. All of these qualities have made the Lake District one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK.

Back in the late 17th century, walking and hiking breaks in the Lake Districts were mostly enjoyed by people who lived near or in the local area, since they could easily reach the beautiful valleys and mountains the area has to offer.

But things had to change - and they did, when, in 1778, Thomas West wrote his pioneering guidebook about the Lake District, a new development which promoted visitors and brought hundreds of travellers to the area. The popularity of the region grew so much that in the late 18th century the local authority responded by erecting viewpoints and "station houses", which allowed visitors to see and experience some of the Lake District's most stunning views and landscapes.

William Wordsworth wrote his first guide to the Lakes in 1810, a guide that eventually expanded into five volumes and gave people both insight into the area and a valuable tool to travel with. Of course Wordsworth also drew poetical inspiration from the Lake District - more on this in a moment!

In the early 19th century, tourism in the Lake District started booming thanks to the establishment of railway links in areas such as Kendal and Windermere. These railway links made the Lake District much more accessible to working people. To accommodate the huge numbers of visitors, new attractions and facilities were introduced; for example, the steamer boats which allowed people to experience the various lakes by boat made the Lake District an exciting and interesting place for holidays and brought economic growth to the local area.

In the early 1950s the Lake District got national park status so as to help preserve its natural beauty from unhealthy commercial and industrial influences. The M6 built along the east side of the Lakes opened up the area further and brought many more visitors by car; perhaps a mixed blessing, now that around 14 million people visit the Lake District every year!

Interestingly, the Lake District is Britain's second largest tourist attraction, with people coming from all over the world. Even to this day, the steamer boats on Windermere are one of the most successful visitor attractions in the UK!

Tourism adds tens of millions of pounds to the local economy every year. And even though many people now enjoy going abroad on their holidays, the enduring appeal of the Lakes will ensure millions of people continue to visit in the years ahead.

As we mentioned, the Lake Poets - especially Wordsworth - were instrumental in promoting Lake District tourism through their depiction of the glorious scenery. The "Lake Poets" is the collective name for a group of iconic poets who all lived in the Lake District during the late 18th and the early 19th century: William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey.

All three poets drew inspiration from the spectacular landscapes in the Lake District to create some of their most famous works. And all three men were major influences in establishing the Romantic Movement.

Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, in the Lake District, in April 1770. The place of his birth has now been renamed Wordsworth House. From 1779 until 1787 he attended Hawkshead Grammar School; there he had his first experience of writing and reading poetry which he practiced extensively thanks to encouragement from his teachers. He often walked into the countryside and got his inspiration from the Lakes scenery which surrounded him. After his years at the small village grammar school in Hawkshead, one can only imagine how he felt when he departed for Cambridge university.

In 1795 while Wordsworth was staying in Dorset, he met Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. This was the beginning of a stimulating and creative relationship. Wordsworth travelled extensively throughout his life, especially in Europe and the Alps, but always returned to the Lake District; indeed, he passed away at Grasmere in 1850.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born in Devonshire in October, 1772, and Robert Southey in Bristol in 1774. They became great friends at Cambridge, and in 1795 they met Wordsworth, who joined them as the third member of the group known as the Lake Poets - the poetical pioneers of the Romantic Movement.

Between the three of them, they helped revolutionize this period in English poetry, and the Lake District was the perfect backdrop for their inspiration - as it has continued to be to this day, for artists as diverse as William Heaton-Cooper and Beatrix Potter.

Your indispensable guide to The Lake District is the English Lake District

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Kendal in Cumbria - More Than Just the Gateway to the Lake District By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-22T07:25:00.001-07:00

When you think of Kendal in Cumbria, your mind may go to water. It is located near the sea, alongside the River Kent and not far from the beginning of the Lake District. All of which makes this town a great place for a holiday getaway.

As with so many British towns, Kendal is a blend of the historic and the new. The great part about that is that there is something for everyone. And if you get bored with playing tourist, you can get some shopping done or just enjoy the dining or one of the fine local pubs.

There are many historic buildings to see, including two castles and many churches and houses as well. Kendal Castle, a ruin, dates from the 12th century. There is also Castle Howe which features the remains of a castle built in the early 11th century. Castle Dairy dates from the 14th century and is the oldest building inhabited continuously in Kendal.

Holy Trinity is well worth a visit. It is just three feet less in width than York Minster and the largest church in Cumbria. Though used as early as the 13th century, most of the building dates from the 18th.

Besides visiting the main historic buildings, you can also just take a stroll down the many narrow lanes and do your own walking tour of Kendal. Be sure to have your camera charged and ready to go. Every street is another photo opportunity. For a more country walk, there are many paths in the Serpentine Woods nearby the Kendal Castle.

There are many cultural offerings at the Brewery Arts Centre including theatre, music and films. The Abbot hall Art gallery contains many 18th century paintings and sculptures including local landscapes by Turner and Ruskin. There are several other galleries and museums to be explored as well.

If you are looking to get away for a bit, Kendal is a perfect choice. You can even choose to make it your home base as you explorer the Lake district or head to the coast. You will find it hard to tire of meandering down these pretty streets.

To find a hotel in Kendal just click here.

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All You Need to Know About Carnforth - Lancashire By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

Town information- The petite town of Carnforth - Lancashire with its estimated population of 5350 inhabitants is located right in the middle in the towns of Silverdale, Ulverston, Millhead, Kendal, Warton, Capernwray, Kirkby Lonsdale, Over Kellet, Gressingham, Pennines, Aughton, Caton, Nether Ketllet, Lancaster, Galgate, Garstand, Prestin, Bolton-le-Sands, Hest Bank, Morecambe, Heysham, Mercambe Bay and Barrow-in-Furness in the North West Region of England in the Sovereign State of the United Kingdom. Unfortunately there is very little information on the towns history with a mere referral here and there to the towns primary growth and development around iron and railway works.

Claim to fame- The towns' biggest claim to fame is the featuring of the Carnforth railway station in a well-known 1940's film.

Manor Houses- The area is home to two open manor houses namely Warton Old Rectory, a 14th century manor house of which importunely only ruins can be seen. The other is Leighton Hall, a Goth inspired mansion with fully furnished rooms, breath-taking gardens and beautiful nature trails for all to enjoy.

Something for nature lovers- North of Carnforth off A6 lies the Leighton Moss Nature Reserve with it's vast variety of bird life which includes scarce bird species such as the Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and Breeding Bitterns. The reserve is open every day, all year round, from 9am until sunset. Nature trails and hides are extremely affordable with special rates for children, families and visitors by bike or public transport. Special guided tours are held during the month of August by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Wonderful art courses, exhibitions, walkabouts and taster events are hosted by the Reserve on a regular basis.

Something for the kids- A special guardian and child group is held every Wednesday provides hours of entertainment in the for of music, gym, craft and play activities for children from birth to pre-school at the Lady's of Lourdes Parish Hall.

For accommodation in Carnforth check this list of Carnforth hotels.

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Enjoy the Resort Town of Morecambe By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-22T07:18:00.001-07:00

Morecambe is a popular resort town that is found in Lancashire. Originally this town was 3 separate villages; Poulton-le-Sands, Bare and Torrisholme. The area was known as Morecambe and eventually the name was changed. This was the resort spot for tourists from Scotland and Yorkshire in the middle of the 20th century. For a time it hosted the Miss Great Britain contest.

The Eric Morecambe statue is one of the town's most famous landmarks. It was create by graham Ibbeson and depicts one of the town's most famous sons. Another popular landmark is the Victoria Pavilion which has been partially renovated. This pavilion also goes by the name of Morecambe Winter Gardens. Originally it held a grand theater, swimming baths, ball room and restaurant though today none of these are operational.

A great place to stay for those that can afford it is the Midland Hotel. This is an art deco luxury hotel located right on the seafront. The hotel has been completely restored and contains many art pieces and interior design elements by Eric Gill. This hotel reopened in 2008 and now the hotel also contains a swimming pool.

This area is also popular for walkers and birdwatchers as the view across the bay is stunning and the Tern project makes it perfect for birdwatchers. The beach is a great place to spend the day. Walk around the entire harbor or relax on the sand and dip your toes in when you get warm.

There are several art galleries in town that offer works by local artists. You can find silk screens, originals, limited editions, traditional art, modern art, handcrafted frames and much more at the Morecambe Townhouse Gallery or the Bay Gallery. The Bay Gallery tends to focus more on modern art. If you want to view some historic architecture from the area then check out the Heysham Heritage century as this is a longhouse form the 17th century.

To find a hotel in Morecambe just click here.

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The Bay Tourism Association By Pauline Farrow

2010-07-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Bay Tourism Association, formerly known as the Lancaster and District Tourism Association, changed their name in December 2009 and in 2010 hope to welcome a new chapter in the area's tourism trade.

The association has more than 70 members including restaurants and attractions, as well as accommodation and it was thought that the old name was too restrictive as it didn't really say who they were. It was decided that the bay was the key to the area but as well as Morecambe it also represent Lancaster, Carnforth and the Lune Valley.

The main focus revolves around promoting quality in the area and giving visitors a high standard of service.

The Morecambe Hotel and Tourism Association has 40 members and have joined forces with Bay Tourism. At a full meeting of the Morecambe Hotel and Tourism Association on Monday 8th March 2010, it was unanimously resolved that the MHTA joins with Bay Tourism to become one association under the name of Bay Tourism Association. Any member who is already a member of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board will receive free membership of Bay Tourism.

The MHTA was unable to attract funding from outside and public agencies. Joining Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board was one option that was considered. However, Bay Tourism are already members of the L.B.T.B. and do attract funding from them to increase their profile and marketing.

The Bay Tourism Association (BTA) is now the new one stop voice representing all the principal tourism and visitor economic interests of Lancaster and Morecambe, the Lune valley and beyond. It makes sense and the Executive has been enlarged however it is felt that they still need to make the Executive more representative of tourism interests across the region and nominations for certain sectors are being actively sought.

The BTA works closely with Lancaster Chamber and organise joint promotional ventures with other tourism associations in the region. They are also looking to forge stronger links with Silverdale and South Lakes to jointly promote the region. It is recognised as a brand and as the voice of the independent tourism entrepreneur they are invited to contribute to a range of consultancies and business meetings. The £275M plus pa attributable to the visitor economy in this area is generated by their members and as local government agencies face cuts and reduction of services, Bay Tourism have to assume a greater role to promoting and supporting tourism in the bay area.

It is planned to launch a member's privilege benefits card, discuss the benefits or otherwise of the M6 motorway link, organise conference and meetings opportunities and training. And in 2011 they are planning to organise and hold hotel and catering trade fair.

Lancaster and Morecambe hotels: http://www.ashleyhotel.co.uk/.

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Lancashire, England - An Brief Introduction By Raymond Kay

2010-07-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Lancashire is a large English County situated in the North West of England. It is home to around 1.5 million people. It is a County of contrasts with thriving coastal holiday towns, vibrant urban areas and breathtaking countryside. Lancashire is an area with lots and lots to offer visitors to this wonderful part of the country.

Lancashire is perhaps best known for its beautiful and frequently quite spectacular countryside. Visitors are especially fond of the Pendle Hills, the Forest of Bowland and the majestic vista of Morecambe Bay. Quaint villages located across the region just add so much more to visitors pleasure. If you want to take a break from the countryside there are many market towns and villages with lots to offer and each with their own fascinating history. Lancashire is also home to a number of larger towns and cities, including the coastal towns of Blackpool and Morecambe and the towns of Lancaster, Blackburn, Burnley and the City of Preston.

Historically, Lancashire covered a much wider area than it does today. A century ago Lancashire stretched far enough South to encompass the urbanised areas around Liverpool and Manchester and stretched north to include a large area of land on the northern side of Morecambe Bay. However, boundary changes around 40 years ago created a smaller County which is now a pleasing mix of urban and rural areas.

Lancastrians, the name given to people from Lancashire, appreciate the rich heritage of the County. It can trace its history back nearly 1000 years and it is an area steeped in history. The county is symbolised by the red rose, which dates back to the 15th Century War of the Roses, between Lancashire and the neighbouring County of Yorkshire. Lancashire also played an important part in England's Industrial Revolution during the 18th and 19th century. During that time the region grew rich from the manufacture and sale of cotton. Nowadays, Lancashire is known for its diversity, a vibrant mix of the urban and rural.

If you like getting out and about there is lots to see and do in Lancashire. From the seaside towns bordering the Irish Sea to the rolling countryside and market towns and villages, Lancashire is never dull. Its a region that has so much to offer and there is lots to enjoy whether your reason for visiting is business or pleasure.

Raymond Kay is an online writer and researcher. He owns a wide variety of websites such as Pocket Camcorders. He is based in the North West of England.

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VIDEO The Blackpool Tower Tour

2010-07-15T03:45:00.001-07:00

VIDEO Blackpool Pleasure Beach

2010-07-15T03:42:00.000-07:00

Vacation in Blackpool By Maria W.

2010-07-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Blackpool is a seaside town in England, on the coast of the Irish Sea.
It is traditionally part of Lancashire but on April 1, 1998 was made
into an independent unitary authority. It is believed to get its name
from a long gone drainage channel which ran over a peat bog. The water
which ran into the sea at Blackpool was black from the peat and formed
a "black pool" in the relatively clean waters of the Irish Sea.

History

During Roman times, the Fylde, was an area of oak forests and
impassable bogs. The Romans built a road through Preston to a
settlement outside Kirkham fort and this continued westwards, probably
towards a Roman port. In 1602 entries in the Bispham parish baptismal
register mention "de Poole" and "de blackpoole", at that time a
collection of cobble and clay huts spread along the coast near to the
"Pool". In 18TH Century The Fylde coast began to attract visitors from
the landed gentry by the 1720's and in 1735 a cottage owned by Ethart
a' Whiteside became the first 'guest house' used especially for
visitors. The 19th Century saw the rapid development of Blackpool as a
major resort for the industrial working classes of Lancashire and
Yorkshire. The 1970's and 80's brought competition from continental
holidays and from the consequent higher expectations of visitors.
Blackpool adjusted as it has throughout its history, by providing mini
breaks, en-suite facilities, and major indoor facilities such as the
Sandcastle, Sea Life Centre and most recently the World of Coronation
Street.

Place of interest

Blackpool is heavily dependent on tourism. Major attractions include:
# Blackpool Tower, built in May 1894, is a 518-foot-tall copy of the
Eiffel Tower. It was painted gold for its centenary.

# The Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park, near to the South Pier.

# Blackpool Zoo - provides a home to over 1500 animals from all over
the world.

# Blackpool Dance Festival - World famous annual ballroom dance
competition of international significance: home page

# Blackpool Pleasure Beach - Theme park with lots of different
attractions including the tallest rollercoaster in Europe.

# Tower World - A huge complex of leisure facilities, entertainment
venues and restaurants. Included is the famous Blackpool Tower, Tower
Ballroom and Tower Circus.

# Winter Gardens - Large entertainment and conference venue in the
town centre.

# North Pier - The northernmost of Blackpool's three piers. It
includes a small shopping arcade, a small tramway and a theatre at the
end. It was damaged by a 1997 Christmas windstorm

# Central Pier - The middle pier. It includes a large theme park and
shopping.

# South Pier - The southernmost pier. Almost directly opposite the
Pleasure Beach, it houses a large theme park.

One controversial proposal, which has the involvement of the local
council, is to transform Blackpool into a casino resort along the lines
of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, making it the centre point of gambling
in the UK.

Blackpool remains a major summer entertainment venue, specialising in
variety shows featuring entertainers such as Ken Dodd. Outside the main
holiday season, Blackpool's Winter Gardens routinely hosts major
political and trade union conferences, ranging from that of the
Conservative Party and the TGWU with thousands of delegates and
visitors, to substantially smaller gatherings such as the CWU or NUS
conferences.

Museums & Art Galleries

The world famous Waxworks exhibition is situated on Central Promenade
and is open throughout the season from Easter to the end of October.
Famous personalities such as film stars, television personalities, pop
idols and politicians are all portrayed in wax. Why not visit the
Chamber of Horrors and the Anatomy Exhibition for adults where new
figures are introduced every season. Toy and Teddy Bear Museum is
another attraction for visitors.

Shopping

Like other popular cities Blackpool has a number of shopping center
chain. Among them : Littlewoods Extra with a massive range of 40000
products, ranging from toys and clothes to electrical goods and sports
equipment and Marks & Spencer for womenswear, menswear, gifts,
flowers and a wide range of delcious food. Except this two, Bhs Plc,
Clifton Arcade, Hearnshaw Of Fleetwood, Stringer Jw, Woolworths Plc,
Lancastrian Shopping Mart etc., are some famous shoping centers in
Blackpool.

Food & Drink

Blackpool hosts a number of restaurants offering all range of food and
all verities of food from different place of the world. Blue Room,
Cottage, Giggis Taverna, Grosvenor Casino, Galley Café, House of
Spice, Il Corsaro Restaurant are some of the famous restaurants in
Blackpool. Blackpool has a number of night clubs. Among them Barney's,
Heaven and Hell, Flamingo, Gaitety's and Walcot's Bar are some names to
mention.

Education

Blackpool & Flyde College, Blackpool Sixth Form College, Lytham St
Annes High Technical College are some of the famous institutes in their
respective fields.

Sports

From the outset in 1994, the Blackpool Cup has enjoyed an overwhelming
interest. The number of participants and nationalities is still growing
every year. This year, their eleventh edition of the tournament, they
have another huge entry with over 140 teams taking part. Blackpool
Rugby Union Football Club (BRUFC) has enjoyed phenomenal success over
the last six years. Blackpool also has a cricket club.

Hotels & Accommodation

There is a large range of hotels in Blackpool to suit all budget. Here
is a selection of Blackpool
hotels:
# Norwood Hotel

# The Danescourt Hotel ( PLEASURE BEACH)

# The New Guilderoy Hotel

# Cliffs Hotel

# The Woodley Hotel

# The Merecliff Hotel

# Clifton Hotel

# Arandora Star Hotel

# The Carlee

# The Norbreck Castle Hotel

# Middleton Hotel

# The Dudley Hotel

# Warwick House Hotel

# Courtneys of Gynn Square

# Vidella Hotel

# Hotel Elizabeth North Euston

# Revills Hotel

# Viking Hotel

# Glenshee Hotel & Leisure

# Chelston Hotel

# Claremont Hotel

# Warwick Hotel

Tours and Sightseeing

Organised tours in Blackpool have variety in their theme and according
to the theme the contents also changes. The most widely chosen tours
are based on waxworks museum and other sightseeing subjects. These
tours contains place of interests, famous buildings, museums etc.

Transport

The town's tramway was for a long time Britain's only working tramway
outside of museums. Other cities have been rebuilding their networks
since the late 20th century.

Blackpool had two railway terminals with a total of over 30 platforms,
mainly used by excursion traffic in the summer. Blackpool Central,
close to the Tower, was closed in 1964, whilst Blackpool North was
largely demolished and rebuilt as a smaller facility.

Blackpool Airport operates regular charter and scheduled flights. The
airport is actually in St Annes although a proposal to reorganise
Blackpool's borders would see the airport incorporated into Blackpool
Borough.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams
Occupation: Traveller
Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in tde UK as comfortable as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_W.

Seaside Resorts in Lancashire By John L Jones

2010-07-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

Lancashire County is in the north-west of England and has stretches of sandy beaches. This is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Britain, and it also forms a beautiful contrast with the eastern side of the county which has amazing landscapes and picturesque countryside.

Lytham St Annes is the perfect place to go for a seaside vacation when you are looking for calm and peaceful environment. It has world renowned golf courses that even host some championship tournaments. It also has a quaint windmill and a great promenade to walk on. If you are visiting in May, you can even watch the British Sand Yacht Championships that take place here.

Blackpool is another seaside resort that is extremely popular with tourists due to its Blackpool Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower. The resort site has an endless sandy beach and other attractions like walks to Anchorsholme in the north. Stanley Park, with its formal gardens also has a lake for boating along with pretty fountains. If you are looking for culture, visit Grundy Art Street in Queen Street.

Another seaside resort in Lancashire County is Morecambe which has a gorgeous bay which offers water sports as well as other forms of fun. It is more than just a tourist spot. Morecambe is also a wildlife site and has many bird species as well as marine life creatures. It is also one of the largest bays in Britain, second only to the Wash.

The best time to visit Lancashire for some seaside enjoyment is in summer months, specifically from May to July when the weather is better and the sun is out. At this time, you can enjoy the many water sports available and truly enjoy the seaside. Since Lancashire is very popular among tourists, it is a good idea to get your booking in advance so that you can be sure to get cheap accommodations in good places.

If you get bored on the beach, you can also see other things in this beautiful county. You should visit Lancashire Castle which is open to tourists. It has a priory next to it that dates back to Saxon times. Lancashire City Museum will show you the history of the area.

The Bowland Forest and Pendle Hill are a part of the "Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," and they truly live up to their name with their charming contours, valleys, quaint towns, and villages. While here, you can walk around and explore the area, or hire a bike and view even more of the countryside. The county has many natural parks so you can really enjoy your time here if you are nature enthusiast.

If you are headed to Lancashire County for a seaside vacation make sure you plan this beforehand, so you can plan out a way to really see this beautiful county and do more than just spend time on the beach. However, since the beaches are so beautiful no one can blame you if you head no further inland than the hotel.

For great offers on Blackpool holidays go to Ribby Hall

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_L_Jones

Lytham St Annes-Lancashire - A Wonderful City to Explore By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T03:35:00.001-07:00

Lytham St. Annes is an urban area in the district of Fylde in Lancashire, England. This area used to consist of two separate towns; Lytham and St.-Annes-on-Sea, but has since congealed into one. It is an area known for being a seaside resort and also known worldwide for its four golf courses; Fairhaven, Lytham Green Drive, Royal Lytham and St. Annes, and St. Annes Old Links. Much of the architecture is of Edwardian and Victorian design, which many have also been changed into apartments.

Bird watchers will enjoy the Ribble Estuary and its 250, 000 birds that migrate through it every year. There is also the RSPB Discovery Centre with interactive displays, as well as volunteers who are full of information about the Ribble Estuary and its inhabitants. The landmark windmill in Lytham St. Annes, besides being a popular site for visitors, houses an exhibit of the town's history. Lowther Gardens is a popular place to have an enjoyable picnic lunch.

The Lytham Heritage Centre offers exhibits of amateur works by locals, plus historical information, and the Fylde Gallery also has donated art from local residents. For those who desire a relaxing moment, there is a sandy beach where an afternoon stroll may be taken.

Fairhaven Lake is also a wonderfully entertaining spot with row boats, sailing dinghies, water skiing, and motor boats. Of course, there is always shopping to be done at the many stores in the town center.

The Lowther Pavilion offers regular shows, musicals and plays, plus concerts throughout the year. Another yearly event in the town of Lytham St. Annes is Lytham Club Day and the Rose Queen Festival in June, which is filled with entertainment at Lowther Gardens. With continental markets, magnificent gardens, and rich history, Lytham St. Annes is truly a marvelous haven where everyone can find something memorable.

Check here for a selection ofLytham St. Annes Hotels

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About the City of Southport - Merseyside, UK By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

Southport came as a replacement to Blackpool. People who looked for quiet places to spend their vacations soon choose Southport - Merseyside when the Blackpool started getting overcrowded. Southport, located in Merseyside, UK has now gained its fame for being a classic seaside resort.

This place has got everything for its visitors. The people spending their vacations here can now participate in the cultural activities and they can play golf. They can also find exclusive shopping options to spend their money. Abundance of flora and fauna has given a chance to the botanists to examine nature closely and children find themselves indulged in the Theme Park. It is a fact that this place has something for every one.

The model village situated here gives a chance to relax and the visitors often find peace there. The model village provides excellent model houses and building and a railway miniature. The town also offers exotic shopping opportunities and hence the visitors can enjoy a lot of window shopping as well.

Southport suits to all whether you are making a day trip or spending a whole weekend here. This place stretched its hands for everyone and it boasts correctly as the best holiday destination. Whether you are a music lover or an admirer of natural beauty, this place suits you as you can find musical fireworks, air shows, flower shows and lots of international jazz festivals here.

A festival for cultural purposes is never accepted by the tourists unless it has a food and drink event at the festival. The festival at Southport comprises of excellent food and drink events. It makes it very popular among the tourists and visitors and they always enjoy coming to the festival. Golf lovers can also find their desires being met here as they can enjoy the wonderful Golf Open in Southport. With all this available, a tourist can make a memorable trip to this place and collect life long memories from here.

Discover your next hotel in Southport or select somewhere to stay from these UK hotels

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10 Tips For a Perfect Weekend Away in Liverpool By M James Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

you're looking for a weekend away with a difference then perhaps you haven't got the time or the budget to stretch to a weekend abroad, so why not consider a weekend in Liverpool?

Here's what you need to know to have the perfect weekend away in Liverpool.

1. You'll need to know when you are coming, so that you can find out what's going on here. You might, or might not, want to be in town when the Merseyside Derby takes place, or when a certain exhibition is on at Tate Liverpool.

2. Booking your Liverpool city centre hotel well in advance is a good idea. There are many visitors to Liverpool, both on business and for pleasure, on a daily basis, so whilst there are a lot of hotels and other Liverpool accommodation, you won't to miss out on your choice of Liverpool hotel, or be out of the city centre.

3. You're activities might be dictated by time specific events, such as a football match on a Saturday afternoon, or a show or concert one evening.

4. There are many restaurants, bars and cafés here in Liverpool, so you're never far from something to eat, no matter whether you want a fantastic meal in a world class restaurant, or a sit down and a cup of coffee whilst you're out shopping. It might be an idea to book your table in advance if you want to go to a popular restaurant on Friday or Saturday night.

5. Friday Night might see you getting ready to go to a show at the Liverpool Empire, or at the newly opened Liverpool Arena. Whether you enjoy plays and theatre performances, or lavish stage shows from some of the world's most famous entertainers, you'll have an amazing time.

6. Your Saturday could be spent taking a tour of the city, or going on a Beatles themed tour. You won't want to miss out on the fabulous shopping facilities offered by Liverpool One, and the designer boutiques in the city, and the unmissable Bold Street.

7. After a hard day shopping, you'll want to prepare for your Saturday night out in Liverpool. As well as choosing from a great number of places to eat, including Chinatown, why not go to a music venue such as the Cavern Club or the Philharmonic Hall if the idea of exploring Liverpool's incredible nightlife doesn't really appeal to you?

8. Sunday Morning is an excellent time to go the hugely impressive World Museum in Liverpool. With many hands on exhibits, and lots to see and do it really is well worth a visit, whether you bring your children or not.

9. Your Sunday Afternoon could be spent enjoying the Albert Dock and the Tate Liverpool Gallery. There is always plenty to see here, and with many important artworks from some of the most influential artists, including Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollack. If you appreciate art, then you've got to go to Tate Liverpool

10. After a busy Sunday, you'll eventually have to think about heading back home. Liverpool has an excellent transport infrastructure, and with Liverpool John Lennon Airport only 7 miles from the city centre, it's not hard to get to or from Liverpool by air. With a comprehensive train and motorway network, however you're travelling to or from Liverpool, it'll be easy.

Now you know more about what there is to see and do here, and how to plan your weekend, when are you coming to Liverpool?

Make your budget go further in Liverpool, by choosing from one of the Liverpool Cheap Hotels [http://hotelliverpool.net/special-offers.html] such as Roscoe House Hotel. If you're looking at Hotels Liverpool Centre [http://hotelliverpool.net] then find out what you need to know at hotelliverpool.net today, and book your Liverpool accommodation online today.

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Vacation in Liverpool - A City Guide By Maria W.

2010-07-15T03:26:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in the North West of
England. Liverpool is one of England's core cities, situated along the
eastern side of the Mersey Estuary, with the city centre located about
5 miles inland from the Irish Sea. Liverpool has a varied topography
being built across a ridge of hills rising up to a height of around 70
metres above sea-level at Everton Hill.

History

In 1190 the place was known as 'Liuerpul', meaning a pool or creek with
muddy water. Other origins of the name have been suggested, including
'elverpool', a reference to the large number of eels in the Mersey. The
origins of the city date back from August 1207 when patent letters were
issued by King John advertising the establishment of a the new borough
of Liverpool, and inviting settlers to come and take up holdings. In
the 18th century, as trade from the West Indies grew on top of that
from Ireland and Europe, Liverpool began to grow.

The first wet dock in Britain was built in Liverpool in 1715. Liverpool
expanded significantly in the 19th century and a number of major
buildings were constructed. In the 1960s Liverpool became a centre of
youth culture. The city produced the distinctive Merseybeat sound, and,
most famously, The Beatles. In recent years, the city has emphasised
its cultural attractions, winning the accolade of European City of
Culture for 2008.

Place of interest

The infrastructure of Liverpool contains over 2,500 listed buildings.
It is the inheritance of high-minded public spirit since the later 18th
century, largely with Dissenter impetus, that has resulted in more
public sculptures created than in any UK city besides Westminster in
London.

The Anglican Cathedral has the longest nave, largest organ and heaviest
and highest peal of bells in the world.

Architects well represented in Liverpool:

o Giles Gilbert Scott,

o Peter Ellis,

o Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, and

o John Foster

Sir Edwin Lutyens is represented by the completed crypt of his
projected Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built to a simpler design
by Frederick Gibberd.

Some of the famous places to visit are:

o Albert Dock

o Bluecoat Arts Centre

o Cast Iron Shore

o Cunard Building

o Lime Street Station

o Royal Liver Building

o Oriel Chambers design by Peter Ellis.

o The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

o Pier Head

o Quiggins

o St George's Hall

o The Beatles Story

o Town-Hall

o Williamson's tunnels

Museums & Art Galleries

Liverpool has some greatest museum and art galleries. Bluecoat
Arts Centre, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool Life, the
Beatles Story, and Walker Art Gallery are some of them. Besides museum
and art galleries Liverpool possesses some famous theatres. They
represent Liverpool and its culture, and also a good tourist attraction
in Liverpool. Among all the theaters Empire, Everyman, Neptune,
Philharmonic Hall, The Playhouse, Royal Court, Unity are big names to
mention about.

Shopping

Pedestrian shopping areas with boutiques, specialty shops, and
department stores include Church Street, Lord Street, Bold Street,
Whitechapel, and Paradise Street. On the river, Albert Dock also houses
a collection of small shops. For shopping centers Cavern Walks on
Mathew Street, the heart of Beatleland, or Quiggins Centre.

To buy that special piece of Beatles memorabilia, wander through the
Beatles Shop, or the Heritage Shop.

For a huge selection of British crafts, famous places are Bluecoat
Display Centre, with its gallery of metal, ceramics, glass, jewelry,
and wood pieces by some 350 British craftspeople.

Frank Green's is where one can find prints by this famous local artist
who has been capturing the Liverpool scene on canvas since the 1960s.
These art works includes city secular buildings, churches, and street
life.

Food & Drink

For such a world-famous city, Liverpool has yet to host a world-class
restaurant. Listed are the best non-hotel restaurants it has to offer:
60 Hope St., Bar Italia, Far East, Shangri-La, Simply Heathcote's, Tate
Café.

Education

Primary education is available in various forms supported by the state
including Secular, Church of England, Islamic, Jewish and Roman
Catholic. Currently no specific Islamic secondary education is provided.

Liverpool has three universities:

o The University of Liverpool

o Liverpool John Moores University

o Liverpool Hope University

It also has a university college, Edge Hill College of Higher
Education. Liverpool John Moores University is one of the polytechnics
given university status in 1992 and is named after the owner of the
Littlewoods retail group. The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine was
founded to address some of the problems created by trade; today it
continues as a post graduate school and is one of only two institutions
on world that house the de facto standard anti-venom repository.

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, which was set up by Sir
Paul McCartney in 1996, is famous for training the artistes and
technicians.

Sports

In sporting terms, it boasts two internationally known football clubs,
Everton F.C. and Liverpool FC. Liverpool Football Club (often known
simply as Liverpool), an English football club based in the North-West
of England, are the current champions of Europe (2004-2005) and the
most successful English football team.

Liverpool has won five European Cups, and 18 Football League titles on
top of being the English club to have won the most number of UEFA Cups,
European Supercups and English League Cups.

Liverpool Football Club is not to be confused with Liverpool (Rugby)
Football Club, which was formed in 1858 and is now known as Liverpool
St. Helens.

Hotels & Accommodation

The dedicated team at SleepUK can assist and advise on all your
Liverpool hotel requirements. Online and offline access to Liverpool's
accommodation network ensures travelers will be offered the best
possible deal at the time of your visit whether you require luxury
hotels in Liverpool or budget hotels in Liverpool.

Hotels in all categories are opening in Liverpool all the time,
reflecting the city's renewed prosperity and popularity as a
short-break destination.

Or travelers may choose one of the fine hotels in Wirral, the
attractive peninsula between the River Mersey and the River Dee. As
well as some fine hotels, Wirral also boast large areas of National
Trust land, country parks and spectacular coastal scenery. To the north
of Liverpool, in the graceful resort of Southport, famed for the
splendour of its Victorian shopping arcades and promenade, there's a
great choice of hotels to suit every visitor.

Accommodation in the area frequently sells out so be sure to guarantee
your stay by booking online today. Some other hotels, listed here, vary
from affordable to luxury hotels -Hanover Hotel, Park Lodge, The Suites
Hotel, Regent Maritime Hotel,
The Dolby Hotel,
Radisson SAS
Liverpool, Hope
Street Hotel,Aachen
Hotel, Campanile
Hotel Liverpool, The
Feathers Hotel, Thistle
Liverpool, Days
Serviced Apartments Liverpool, Liverpool City Centre
Premier Travel Inn, The Sir Thomas Hotel,
Throstles Nest Hotel.

Tours and Sightseeing

Organised tours in Liverpool have variety in their theme and according
to the theme the contents also changes. The most widely chosen tours
are based on Sports or on The Beatles. These tours contains place of
interests, famous buildings, museums etc. Cavern City Tours is
the most comprehensive tour operator in the city.

Transport

There are three tunnels under the River Mersey: one railway tunnel, the
Mersey Railway Tunnel, and two road tunnels, Queensway Tunnel and
Kingsway Tunnel. There is also the Mersey Ferry, made famous by the
song Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers. In fact the
song is now played on the ferryboats themselves every time they prepare
to dock at Liverpool.

Speke Airport was renamed Liverpool
John Lennon Airport, in honour of the late Beatle John Lennon.

Liverpool has a train system called Merseyrail, the sections in the
city centre are mostly underground. The lines terminate at Southport,
Ormskirk, Kirkby, Hunts Cross, Ellesmere Port, West Kirby, New Brighton
and Chester.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams
Occupation: Traveller
Website: http://www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in the UK as comfortable as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_W.

The Heart of Bridlington By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

If you were a devout follower of the Church in Rome and had gone along to the Pilgrimage of Grace with fellow northerners in the protest of 1586, not just at the Dissolution of the Monasteries but the injustices of rural economic, social and political life you would not have survived. Execution was the end that befell the last monk of the Augustian Priory, now the site of the Priory Church of St. Mary, and the last monk in Bridlington to defy the authority: Henry VIII. The church stands at the heart of Bridlington, a constant reminder to locals of the cost of defying a royal dictate.

A small port grew around the fishing trade at Bridlington Quay where the Victorian discovery of a chalybeate spring, 'iron' waters, thought to be a cure for hysteria and other melancholic conditions, provided the town with a new reputation and drew trippers from all over Yorkshire. The Victorian sea-side resort brought the railway and the railway brought the industrial population to stroll the pier and promenade, the pretty gardens and the extraordinary sandy beach with its striking wooden groynes; they keep the local sand in place.

Bridlington's sea wall protects the town from constant erosion; a feature of the Holderness Coast which is rated as the most serious location of sea erosion in Europe losing around 2 metres of the soft clay cliffs each year. From just south of Bridlington in a 60 kilometre stretch to the Humber, 200 metres disappear each century. There is little to be done but observe the full force of the waves from the North Sea. Visitors climb to Flamborough Head to witness dramatic scenes as the North Sea bites chunks of soft cliff from the land. Bridlington watches, protected by the widest of sands and lone sea wall defence.

For a wide selection of Bridlington hotels just click here.

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Bridlington - East Riding of Yorkshire - Seaside Resort Town By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-07-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Bridlington - East Riding of Yorkshire, Is a perfect seaside resort town for all families to enjoy. This town is getting better everyday with attractions that include Bridlington's own "Eye" big wheel ride. This ride offers fun for all ages of the family.

The spa Bridlington just went through renovations and opened last year in 2008. People come from miles away every year to visit this wonderful spa. There is also a new skate park that has not even been open that long, this park draws the crowds from all around.

There are many family attractions in and around Bridlongton to choose from. You can choose from a selection of funfair and amusement parks along the Bridlington promenade. You can also choose to spend your days at the several museums, and art galleries around the town. There are also numerous places the offer things for children of all ages.

You will also find The Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club is located here. This is one of them towns that people visit and decide that just never want to leave. There are many residents here that have immigrated here from all over the world. Although the population is only around 33, 000 in the highest tourist months.

Bridlington has a well protected harbor on Bridlington Bay, and its beaches and pavilions draw crowds all year long. This town is ancient market town and port. The origins of the inhabitants of the Bridlington area are unknown but can be traced back to ancient times.

This town may have come from poor roots but it has grown into a very well known seaside resort town that draws people from across the world every year to its wonderful attractions. You will find this town crawling with tourist all year round looking to learn more of the history of this town and visiting the wonderful resorts.

To find a hotel in Bridlington just click here.

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Scarborough Yorkshire's Largest Seaside Resort By Steve Allanson

2010-06-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Scarborough spans two extensive bays separated by a promontory on which sits the famous castle. The town is one of England's first seaside resorts and was famous for its spring water cures in the 18th century. The spa link remains to this day in the Spa complex although today entertainment, functions and conferences are more important than "taking the waters". Indeed the spring and its waters are no longer accessible, being buried beneath a modern road roundabout.

South Bay

The south bay is where the town centre stretches down to the seashore and is also home to the harbour and most of the traditional amusement arcades, fish and chip shops etc. The beach is small but sandy and stretches southwards to the Spa complex with it's hotels, entertainment venues, function suites etc. The old pool is no more and is now filled in and landscaped into a fascinating star map best seen from the esplanade above.

The northern end of this bay is dominated by the town centre and the amusements arcades etc. Not to everyone's taste but nevertheless a traditional part of a British seaside town. The harbour itself is a working fishing harbour with regular landings.

North Bay

The north bay is dominated by Peasholme Park where on summers evenings they still reenact WW2 sea battles using models on the lake, and at the other end the Sea Life Centre. This bay used to be relatively undeveloped but in recent years has seen large scale additions of flats etc. The beach has some stretches of sand but also an extensive amount of rocky outcrops - great for rock pooling and hunting for crabs, starfish etc. Beware the tides though - I can still recall being stranded, as a child, on these rocks by the incoming tide (luckily we were carried ashore on the shoulders of some adult and the only loss was an abandoned T Shirt).

The Castle

The town itself is interesting and retains much of its medieval layout. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, theatres etc. At the western end of the town you will find the norman motte and bailey style castle which sits on top of the cliffs which dominate the town, particularly when viewed from the south.
The castle was built by William le gros in the reign of King Stephen, a time of civil war between the supporters of Stephen and those of his rival Matilda. Matilda eventually succeeded Stephen. The castle saw action on a number of occasions in subsequent centuries including an attempt by Robert Aske to take the castle in the reign of Henry VIII. During the more widely known civil war in the 1600's the castle exchanged hands between royalist and parliamentary forces several times finally falling to parliament in December of 1648.

The castle originally had grounds of over 60 acres but coastal erosion over the centuries eventually reduced this to just 16 acres. This was one of the reasons why in the late 19th century the town council commissioned the building of the Marine Drive to link the two bays with a roadway which was to go right around the headland. Eventually finished 9 years late and massively over budget the Drive was nevertheless to prove a huge success both in terms of adding to the attractiveness of the town and preventing further erosion from the wild north sea. Further defenses were not required until 2002 when, with an uncannily similar set of circumstances major defenses were added - although late and over budget.

St Mary's - The Bronte link

Another of the towns significant landmarks is St Mary's, a 12th century church which is the burial place of Anne Bronte of the famous Haworth Bronte sisters. The current building, although very impressive is not wholly original. The towers and much more of the original fell into disrepair after being damaged in the sieges of the 17th century. The present tower was built in 1669 and the church was significantly added to in the 19th century.

Bombardment

During the 1914-1918 war Scarborough was attacked on several occasions by the Kaisers fleet. One one occasion 12 trawlers were sunk by German submarines and in the most famous attack of 1914 over 500 shells were fired into the town by 3 German ships. Extensive damage was caused to the fishing fleet, the town, the castle and the lighthouse. The town was again attacked late in the war when in 1917 a submarine surfaced close to shore and peppered the town with shells.

Scarborough Accommodation

Scarborough's most impressive hotel remains The Grand Hotel which dominates the sweep of the South Bay but there are many more quality hotels, guesthouses, B&B's and self catering accommodation. More details of all this Scarborough Accommodation can be found at Best-Yorkshire-Accommodation.

Steve Allanson is a freelance web designer, management consultant, photographer and author.

Details of Yorkshire accommodation including Scarborough can be found at Yorkshire Accommodation [http://www.best-yorkshire-accommodation.co.uk]

Details of Steve's Yorkshire website design services and free high quality image downloads can be found at Yorkshire Web Design

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Must Visit Attractions During Your Visit to Scarborough By Danny Penrose

2010-06-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Scarborough is one of the top seaside holiday resorts in the UK, it has been welcoming holiday makers for over one hundred years. With such a huge range of activities, attractions and events throughout the summer you can never be sure you aren't missing out on anything.

Taking time out of your holiday to worm your way through the packed tourist information can be boring and frustrating for the kids, in this article I hope to save you that trouble by sharing with you many of the local events and attractions Scarborough has to offer.

Sun Cruiser Open Top Buses - Shoreline Suncruisers run a superb service along Scarborough's wonderful North and South bays. Take in the views and enjoy the wind in your hair as you travel at a steady pace along Scarborough's marine drive. You can board or leave the bus at one of many stop along the route.

Scarborough Pleasure Steamers - Scarborough's Pleasure Steamers - Sailing every day from the lighthouse pier. Enjoy a full hour cruise along the Yorkshire Coast, with fully licensed bars, snacks and entertainment on most cruises. Sail North towards Ravenscar Cliffs, Smugglers Cove, Hayburn Wyke & Scalby Ness. Or sail South towards Filey Brigg, Gristhorpe Cliffs, Redcliffe and Cayton Bay.

The Lifeboat Experience - Daily trips are available on the lifeboat from Scarborough Harbour during the summer.

Naval Warfare - Enjoy this spectacular 30 minute naval battle between a friendly convoy and an enemy raider and submarine. The 20 foot long model warships are all manned by real human beings and fight out an epic battle on Peasholm Park lake which is situated on Scarborough's North Bay.

Scarborough Golf Clubs - Scarborough offers two great courses for your golfing pleasure situated at opposite end of the town. South Cliff golf course and North cliff golf course are both superb venues for the avid golfer. Assuming the other half lets you bring your clubs with you!

Scarborough Indoor Pool - Situated on the North side Scarborough indoor pool has great facilities for all the family and has many different sessions on throughout the day. I strongly suggest you try to obtain a summer timetable from the tourist information before going to make sure the session is suitable for you and your family.

So there you have it, just to name but a few of the attractions Scarborough has to offer. Be sure to check out my other articles for more great info on Scarborough tourist attractions and upcoming events.

For the best available web rates and a luxury hotel Scarborough check out http://www.hacknessgrangehotel.co.uk - One of the finest hotels Scarborough has to offer!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danny_Penrose

Scarborough, North Yorkshire - Famous For Entrepreneurship By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

2010-06-23T09:12:00.001-07:00

Scarborough, North Yorkshire lies close to the coast of the North Sea and has a few claims to fame. For example, in the year 2008 2009 it was named for providing the most creative as well as inspiring initiatives for business entrepreneurship in all of Europe. It also has been named the single best town in all of Britain for its enterprising spirit.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire was actually founded by the Vikings way back in 966 AD and much later the Romans made it their signal station. In fact, many settlements were found here that dated back to the Stone and Bronze Ages. Since then many other settlements came up where present day Scarborough is located including those erected by Vikings.

The town also saw much destruction as well as massacres and so not much of the town survived till it was saved by King Henry II who erected a castle made out of stone. Later, Edward II presented Scarborough Castle to Piers Gaveston though he was besieged as well as captured by barons who took Gaveston to Oxford and executed him.

Scarborough is also home to Alan Ayckbourn who is a famous dramatist and in fact it also attracts numerous artists that work with different media and the town also has many art galleries. Furthermore, each year in September the town plays host to a major jazz festival and in the summer there is the Beached Festival in which rock and pop music dominates proceedings.

Scarborough is full of live and so there are numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. In particular, it pays to visit St Thomas Street that hosts many popular nightclubs and in this street you will also find the new Opera House Casino.

For those who are seeking gastronomic delights the town has numerous restaurants that serve up Italian and Mexican and Indian as well as Thai and even Chinese food; and, of course, you can also the famous chain called Ask that is located here as well.

For a wide selection of Scarborough hotels just click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone