Travel blog by web-hotels.com

London Theatre Breaks

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:05:17 +0000

A trip to London is not complete without a theatre trip or two thrown in the mix. With a wealth of brilliant plays and musicals on offer for keen theatregoers, it can be a tough decision to choose just which show to spend money on, especially if you are only in the ‘Big Smoke’ for a couple of days. Here is one recommended musical and one recommended play currently showing at the West End, to make the selection process a little easier.

A brilliant musical currently showing at the Prince Edward Theatre in Soho is Jersey Boys. Telling the rags-to-riches story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Jersey Boys is humorous, shocking, sad and ultimately triumphant as each one of the original Four Seasons stories are told, which takes the audience on a journey that leads to the groups’ worldwide fame. Featuring the incredible back catalogue of the group, Jersey Boys includes classic songs such as ‘Walk like a Man’, ‘Oh, What a Night’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’.

If musicals are not really your thing and you much prefer a straight play rather than a song-and-dance fest intertwined with acting, then the brilliant War Horse is surely one to see. Having recently been turned into an Oscar-nominated blockbuster after Steven Spielberg saw the play at the New London Theatre, War Horse has captivated audiences in recent years with its life-sized and extremely life-like puppetry. War Horse is an emotional tale of a young boy named Albert and his bond with his horse, Joey. When World War I begins, Joey is tragically sold into the war to be used in the cavalry. War Horse tells of Albert’s journey as he desperately tries to be reunited with his beloved horse and friend.

Are you are coming to London to see either of these shows and want to know of any good restaurants nearby? If you are, then a great one to check out would be the elegant Kettner’s, a restaurant which dates back to 1867. With a rich history that includes being the place where Oscar Wilde was arrested, Kettner’s has a modern menu including dishes such as red snapper, risotto and steak, and also features a champagne bar. Another nearby restaurant to try is Orso, and authentic Italian eatery in Covent Garden and within walking distance from numerous London theatres. Using fresh ingredients such as porcini mushrooms and buffalo mozzarella, Orso serves delicious food in an atmosphere that evokes 1950s Milan.

So, you’ve decided on the show you want to see and have booked a restaurant, but you have nowhere to stay! There are a host of great hotels to choose from in the vicinity of London’s Theatreland, and these include the three star Arran House Hotel. Located in Bloomsbury, the hotel is small, friendly and family-run, and includes a quaint rose garden and quiet, clean and bright bedrooms. If you are looking to splash out a little, then the five star St Martin’s Lane in Covent Garden is a perfect choice of hotel. A one-of-a-kind hotel, St Martin’s Lane is modern with interactive light installations in every room and a ‘Light Bar’ that includes ever-changing mood lighting.

Booking a trip to London can be tricky with the amount of options to choose from, and these are just some suggestions to make it that little bit easier!

Alice Bzowska writes for Cheap Theatre Tickets.com, where you can find great deals on War Horse tickets.

Cool Holidays

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:06:55 +0000

If like me you enjoy the fresh air on your face and the exhilaration you get from taking on the slopes, then you will love this list I have prepared. Skiing has long been a favourite pastime of mine and I have been blessed to have experienced some of the greatest pistes the world has to offer. If you get the chance to visit any of these great places, then you will understand why I keep coming back, time and time again.

Get your skis on, we’re going global!

Cortina, Italy

Cortina is situated in the north east of Italy in the Dolomites. The town itself is nestled in the valley and is the most picturesque resort I have visited by far. The winter Olympics were hosted here back in 1956 and since then the resort has remained the number one choice for many skiers. Cortina is regularly used as a backdrop for Hollywood favourites and you will recognise parts of the great mountains from scenes in films like Cliff-hanger, The Pink Panther & For Your Eyes Only.

Aspen, Colorado

They say, once you have been to Aspen you will no longer want to go anywhere else to ski. Never a truer statement made! Once the city of Silver, Aspen has now become the ski capital of the US. If you are a bit of a celeb stalker, then you will absolutely love this place. I swear I saw Kevin Costner there on my last visit! If you happen to be the other half of a ski enthusiast, then Aspen will be a pleasant surprise for you. There are plenty of things to see and do here for any visitor and you can be assured of a luxurious stay with treatment that goes above and beyond the normal pampering.

Soldeu, Andorra

A personal favourite of mine and a place that holds many memories. During the winter months this resort really comes into its own and provides slopes that are suitable to every level of skier. For those who are less experienced Soldeu boasts some fantastic ski schools smaller slopes. I would recommend Soldeu to those who like to mix their skiing with a bit of night life. The little town of Soldeu hosts a lively social scene, so you can be guaranteed of a great time day or night. A great place to make friends for life.

Perisher Blue, Australia

Thinking about taking a trip down under? Let me assure you the slopes go exactly the same way J. The Perisher Blue resort is situated in New South Wales, in the Snowy Mountains and is the largest ski resort south of the equator. With runs for every grade of skier it is a great place for a family vacation. The skiing season extends from June to October with July, August and September being the best months for fresh snow. Even for those who are not big on skiing, Perisher Blue is an experience not to be missed.

St. Anton, Austria

Austria, what a place, well for watches, bankers and skiers that is! By far the most impressive of the many Austrian ski resorts is the St. Anton resort in Tyrol. Tyrol is situated in western Austria and has a long standing history in the ski archives. The beauty of the surroundings here will take your breath away. As recently as 2001, St. Anton played host to the Alpine World Ski Championships, so you can be assured that the runs and slopes here are in great order and well maintained.

Some other must visit Ski resorts are listed below. I’m sure there are lots more out there, but if you can get through this list first then you will be well on your way to a nice global skiing resume.

Alpensia resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea

Mont-tremblant, Quebec Val

D’Isere, France

Zermatt, Switzerland

Las Lenas, Argentina

Matt Beswick runs a digital agency based in London, his clients include a rapidly growing travel company that operates Heathrow airport lounges.

How to Find Discount Deals on Local Attractions

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:03:14 +0000

In the past few years people have begun to understand the value of a stay-cation. While this was something that people often scoffed at, it’s become a very popular option. In fact, people are spending more and more time learning about their local area and enjoying what the cities have to offer. If you’re considering a stay-cation, here are a few tips on how to find discount deals to local attractions.

Sign Up With Local Discount Deal Sites

The first option is to sign up with a discount deal site, such as Groupon. These sites offer deep discounts and you may even find deals that allow children to attend the attraction for free. Sign up for as many sites as possible a few weeks in advance and save all the coupons that come along. As you get closer to your vacation, you can start purchasing certificates at a discount.

Visit the Chamber of Commerce

It’s rare that locals visit their chamber of commerce and that’s a shame. The chamber of commerce is the best place to find discounts and deals for local attractions. Not only that, but the chamber of commerce will also be able to point you in the direction of attractions that offer discounts to locals.

Seek Out Attractions That Offer Local Discounts

There are a number of businesses that offer discounts to locals. In fact, many attractions offer discounts based on where you work. Speak with your employer about any programs that are offered. It may be discounts to a local theme park or free admission to a museum. Either way, this is a great way to score huge discounts. Just be prepared to show proof of residency when visiting the attraction.

View the Websites for Discounts

Last, but not least, visit the websites of the attractions you’re interested in. Many companies offer discount coupons on their website or may offer discounts for signing up for their newsletter. You may even email the company and ask about local discounts.

A stay-cation is an excellent way to save money while still enjoying time with your loved ones. It’s also a great way to enjoy everything your local area has to offer. Best of all, you can probably enjoy the attractions at a lower price since you’re a local. Just be sure to visit your chamber of commerce, ask your employer about discounts and to contact the company directly.

About the Author: Emelina Ranieri loves to travel but often can’t afford the destinations she visits in her dreams. She does enjoy finding deals on local attractions so that she and her family can enjoy their time together – no matter where they end up.

Top 5 Beaches in Lanzarote

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:01:51 +0000

A holiday weekend in Lanzarote is a treat in and of itself but knowing which beaches you can brag about the most to your friends back home; well that’s just icing on the cake! When it comes to beaches, Lanzarote’s got a little something for everyone, from beaches neatly lined with palm trees to black sand beaches to beaches where the surf is excellent. And for the truly daring, Lanzarote even has its share of nudist beaches.

Las Cucharas

Is your idea of the perfect beach holiday one where you can hear the waves crashing, go for quiet walks on the beach, catch up on a good book, or simply reflect as you watch the water and collect seashells? If so, Las Cucharas is definitely not for you. Las Cucharas is what you might call a party beach. There are numerous bars and cafes lining it as well as water sports of all kinds. Since it’s located near the main beach of Costa Teguise, it’s one of the most popular resorts and definitely caters better to those looking to have wild and crazy fun.

Caleton Blanco

Those looking for relaxation, reflection, and romance; Caleton Blanco is calling for you! A collection of small beaches that are somewhat isolated offer the perfect opportunity to get away and enjoy some quiet time alone, or with that special someone. Caleton Blanco has gorgeous white sand beaches and waters so crystal clear it will take your breath away. You still get the exotic feel of being on a tropical island, minus the camera-toting tourists.

Playa Quemada

If you’ve always wanted to see a black sand beach, then Playa Quemada is the beach for you. It’s much more unique than many of the other beaches and is more of a local favorite than a tourist attraction. Playa Quemada doesn’t offer the same things that you would typically find on a beach , such as white sand that sparkles in the sun or breathtaking blue waters, but it does offer the chance to get away from crowded tourist areas and experience something completely new.

El Reducto

El Reducto is located in Arrecife; Lanzarote’s capital. Being in such a major city, your first thought might be that the place must be overrun with tourists. However, while it certainly does get an influx of tourists, it’s not nearly as bad as you might think. El Reducto is one beach where you can spend days at a time and not get bored. There is everything from beautifully lined palm trees to coffee shops to restaurants that will quell any appetite.

Papagayo

Located in the south of Lanzarote, Papagayo is actually a group of several beaches. The golden sand attracts your typical beach-going tourist, and here you’ll find everything from kids splashing around in the water or building sand castles to adults napping, eating, or reading a good book. The Papagayo beaches are perfect for those on a family vacation, except for one small thing. While having a great time is mandatory, clothing is optional.

Photo courtesy of Luc Viatour

To make your beach holiday in Lanzarote that little bit more special why not stay in one of the many Lanzarote villas? The Owners Direct website has a variety of villas Lanzarote for you to choose from so you are sure to find somewhere that is perfect and meets your budget.

7 Must-Dos While in Beijing

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:00:25 +0000

With its mix of hard-nosed communism, ancient classical and encroaching consumerist, China’s capital is dauntingly vast, enchantingly beautiful, confusing, frustratingly addictive and yet still far too undiscovered to many a western traveller. There’s a myriad of options available, here’s some of the best…

The Great Wall of China

Contrary to popular belief, this most Herculean of human accomplishments cannot actually be seen from space but that certainly doesn’t take away from its sheer and utter magnificence up close. Built over hundreds and hundreds of years to keep out would-be invaders from the north (think Genghis Khan and the like) The Wall is a series of structured fortresses that total over 5000 miles and snaking across sheer mountain drops provides some of the most awe-inspiring vistas on earth.

Tiananmen Square

Unfortunately, the name will forever conjure up images of the appalling scenes of the brutal mass quashing of demonstrators in 1989 (something that is not talked about and still pretty unknown by many in China), but the third largest square in the world is a must-see for any visitor. The heart of China’s Central Government, you don’t have to look far to find soldiers of the famous ‘Red Army’. Get up early to see the raising of the flag ceremony.

The Forbidden City

In stark contrast to many of the rather unimaginative communist buildings that it overlooks, the world’s largest palace complex is one of China’s most beautiful monuments to their wondrous imperial history. Built in the early 15th Century, its imposing red walled architecture topped with gold slated rooves is a maze of grandiose, visual treats. Afterwards, head up to Jingshan Hill for a bird’s eye view of the site.

Houhai

An array of numerous old-school tea houses and the like wrapped around a gorgeous lake, Houhai is one of Beijing’s many hidden treasures. Take a sunset rickshaw tour or, if you can handle the sub-zero temperatures, head there in winter to sling on the skates and venture onto the frozen lake – surely one of the world’s most charming ice-rinks.

Olympic Green

Maybe not one for everybody at first glance, but a trip out to the home of Beijing’s 2008 Olympic Games is well worth the effort, if only to see the mind-boggling allure of the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Try and get there just before dusk to see the Olympic Green in its daylight form and hang around for when the sun goes down the lighting of the stadium and the blue-cubed Aquatics Centre make for some smashing holiday snaps.

Eat Peking Duck

It’s the area’s most famous dish. It’s incredible. Crispy duck, fresh shredded spring onion and cucumber, wrapped in pancakes that are lighter than air and dipped in the most divine of sauces – my mouth’s watering just typing this. Wash it down with an ice cold bottle of Tsingtao.

Shop

As China ‘modernises’, high-end stores are opening everywhere. However, there are also so many markets selling very, very decent copies and rip-offs – whether they be watches, handbags or clothes – why pay the extra? It’s all made in China anyway. Quality tailor-made suits can be picked up at a snip too.

XpressPlan is an online web application that makes travel planning fun and easy.

Luxurious Hotels Await You on the Jersey Shore

admin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 09:49:30 +0000

The Jersey Shore has long been recognized as an excellent vacation spot for people living in and around the New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland area. Unlike other vacation spots that focus mainly on the children or strictly on the adults, the beaches along New Jersey’s coastline truly have something for everyone. Whether you want a family-friendly atmosphere or exciting nightlife, you can find exactly what you’re looking for somewhere in the Garden State. If you have been considering taking a relaxing trip to the beach, consider staying in one of these fine Jersey establishments.

The Chelsea

If gambling is your goal and you’re looking for the glitz and glamour of an active nightlife, then you will want to check into the Chelsea. Located within easy walking distance of the best casinos, this sexy hotel is located right on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk. You can gamble at one of the other hot spots in this active city, party the night away, and then lounge around the next morning in this relaxing resort. Top features of the Chelsea include a saltwater swimming pool, two different hotels, and an amazing spa.

Normandy Inn

If a relaxing bed and breakfast is what you’re dreaming of, then consider stopping at the Normandy Inn. Located in the quaint little town of Spring Lake, this hotel was once a summer home for a wealthy family. The luxurious rooms and quaint accommodations are now yours to enjoy, along with a town atmosphere that will take you back in time.

Ocean Place

Located right on the Shore, this Long Branch resort offers views of Sandy Hook National Park, the Atlantic Ocean and the New York skyline. This resort is a vacation unto itself with its incredible beach location, indoor whirlpool and on-site spa. Other features include swimming pools and a private beach. Championship golf courses are nearby, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like boating, biking and water sports.

Sandpiper Beach Club

The southernmost tip of New Jersey is home to Cape May and the Sandpiper Beach Club. This is the oldest resort community in the nation, and it has proudly held on to those roots with its well-preserved Victorian homes, restaurants and charming boutiques. Located right on the beach, the Sandpiper features washers and dryers in every room, private balconies and Belgian linens. Guests can stroll on the beach, jump in the pool and explore this charming and historical town.

The Gables

Privacy and luxury await you at the Gables. A Victorian Inn, this amazing Long Beach Island hotel only features five guestrooms, so you are certain to enjoy some peace and quiet. Visiting the Gables is like stepping back in time with period accessories, marble baths and mirrored armoires. Every room features a fireplace or iron stove, and the library is perfect for just relaxing and letting the stress roll away. The beach is a short walk away, as well as galleries and several shops. When you are looking for a romantic weekend for two, the Gables should be at the top of your list.

New Jersey has so much to offer. The arts, entertainment, fine dining and white sand beaches are all closer than you think. Whether you want a quiet weekend for two, or a vacation that the entire family will cherish, New Jersey has what you are looking for.

Author Travis Peter writes for jerseyshoreguide.net, a consummate exploration of Jersey Shore Information, from the best accommodations to HVAC repair in Sea Isle City.

5 of The Best Beaches

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:09:20 +0000

Death is inevitable and no one knows when it will come to one. The best thing to do therefore is enjoy as much as you can since you have just this one life to live as a human being. You will never know in which condition you would die and there is no necessity for being prepared for since it can keep you waiting endlessly or just grab you by the collar when you want it lest. As such, the only thing that we can attempt to do is to appreciate life and appreciate this earth that we are living in to its fullest before we pass on to another realm. What better way of doing that than visiting beaches?

Beaches are the most amazing places simply because you get the best of three worlds out there. It is the meeting point of the sky which is endless, the water which give life as well as the land on which we live. For as long as one is at a beach troubles seem to be swept far away by the pleasant breeze that the sea brings. Hence, the best way for us to capture the essence of our lives as well as of the world we have been gifted with is to be at a place where the three elements of our lives meet.

There are however, many kinds of beaches. Some are rough; some are gentle while some represent our very lives in extremely metaphorical terms. But, one lifetime is too short a time to visit all the beaches in the world. So, we have 5 beaches which will really make you feel thankful about your human birth and your human capacity for the appreciation of beauty.

Whitehaven beach
The name itself should speak millions to you because truly it is a beach covered with white sand and one which is so beautiful that it makes people wish that they are sent to such a place after they die. It’s a beach worth dying for; a white heaven in itself. This beach is situated in Australia and the mix of sand bars and surf here is just incredible.

Fernando de Noronha
Located in Brazil, this is a tropical beach with all the elements of an exotic beach. Noronha is basically a group of islands out there and generally it is not very crowded. Therefore the beauty is more serene and perfectly intact out here.

Maya beach
This one is in Thailand and it s just awe inspiring. Surrounded by white cliffs on three of its sides and located atop a coral reef this beach is just wow. The water is like crystal and totally unbelievably beautiful.

Navagio beach
It’s a beautiful place if you are looking for something to give you the real feel of the sea. The water is warm, the sand is blonde and the beauty of the limestone cliffs guarding it is just terrific.

Tulum beach
Situated in Mexico, this beach is spicy and gives a once in a lifetime experience.

Image Credit

As you take care of your personal life and work on improving it, go have a look at the world – travel to UK, Europe, AUstralia & other popular destinations of the world. Save money too with online coupons code.

The No Surprise Guide to Restaurants Abroad – 5 Tips for Dining Overseas

Guest Author — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:06:35 +0000

Getting ready to travel abroad for the first time? Great choice! You will likely look back on the decision to take the plunge and do something daring as a pivotal event in your life. After all, traveling to other countries opens a person’s eyes to a whole new way of life. You’re likely to get bitten by the travel bug; most folks who venture overseas once want to do it again and again (an expensive habit, but a truly exciting one!). You’ve got your maps and your guide books, and your itinerary is firmed up, but have you given much thought to dining? American travelers are often surprised by the decidedly different style and customs they encounter at restaurants abroad. This article aims to ease the dining transition by offering five tips that will help travelers from the U.S. prepare for situations they might encounter while dining abroad.

1. Where’s my refill? It comes as a huge – and unpleansant – surprise to many Americans dining abroad that free refills do not exist in most countries. That’s right, you’ve got to pay for an entire new beverage if you want another coke or pretty much anything other than tap water. We in the U.S. are used to getting ounce after ounce of our favorite carbonated beverage for a single, low charge, but this isn’t the case most places. In most nations you have to pay again for every drink you order. Be careful and take note of this; your waiter won’t necessarily mention this as she goes back for round after round, but unless stated otherwise, you will likely end up paying much more than you expected since every refill will cost the same amount as your original drink. Diners beware!

2. And…. where’s my ice? Unless you ask for it, you are unlikely to get ice in your drink in most places in the world. In most countries people just don’t do the ice thing. There’s a chance that your waiter will shoot you down if you request ice in your beverage, but asking never hurts. Just remember that if you really want ice, you should ask for it when ordering your drink.

3. To tip or not to tip? Tipping presents a tricky issue when it comes to restaurants abroad. What is considered a “normal” tip can vary greatly depending on the country. In some places, much to the joy of many an American traveler, tipping isn’t expected at all. But you certainly don’t want to not leave a tip in a place where tipping is customary, do you? After all, you don’t want to give the ole’ U.S. of A a bad name, do you, given that wherever you go you’re an ambassador for the red, white and blue? I advise trying to look this up before you travel. Guide books often speak to this issue, and you can find discussion about it with a simple Google search.

4. Why are you charging me for the water? In many countries if you ask for water you’ll be served bottled water, as opposed to tap water. Bottled water always costs something. In some places it’s not safe to drink tap water, and in some places it’s safe but it’s just not customary. When ordering water, you have to ask for tap water in order to ensure that you get the free stuff (if it’s even available).

5. But I ordered a multi-course meal – where’s my salad? If you’re asking this question and you haven’t yet received dessert, you can relax; the salad is on its way. If you ordered a meal that should include salad but the salad doesn’t arrive right off the bat there’s no need to worry – in some countries salad isn’t served first, but rather comes after the main course and right before dessert (if dessert is in fact being served).

And there you have it! Now you can dine abroad with confidence!

Brad Menzer contributes to the blog for the law firm Heartland Immigration, a US immigration law firm. For more travel tips or for information about US immigration law, contact a Dallas immigration lawyer with Heartland Immigration.

Guide to Enjoying Museums & Travel Tours with Kids

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:37:20 +0000

Getting kids interested in art, history and science at a young age is a great way to develop their minds. Visiting museums and taking tours encourages their curiosity and helps them find connections between themselves and a long distant past. Following a few useful tips can make the trip fun for everyone.

1. Take kid friendly tours. Some museums offer tours especially for families. Others boast tour guides who are especially good with kids. Inquire at the front desk to find a tour that will be the most enriching for children.

2. Let the child lead. Kids don’t always need to go into the same depth of information that adults require. Let them set the pace and place an emphasis on the things that seem to particularly interest them. Bring along a few healthy snacks like carrot sticks and trail mix to keep everyone full, happy and focused.

3. Use photos and videos to make family history. In each new destination pose the family members in a goofy manner and take a memorable shot. Or bring along a special doll or bear that can be photographed everywhere. Kids will make a narrative all about this toy’s special journey. They might even write a story about it!

4. Books open doors. Most children have more fun at museums if they know something about them before arriving. Visiting the birthplace of one of the American presidents becomes a fascinating journey when the child has already read about the President. Many children’s books have been written about historical figures and events and this can really pique the child’s interest. Imagine reading about how Abraham Lincoln studied at night by the fireside and then being able to see that fireplace!

5. Scrapbooking. This is an excellent way to preserve memories. Include postcards, brochures and pictures taken at the site. Encourage the child to write too. This could include reflections on what they liked best about the museum or a favorite exhibit.

6. Allow time for exploration. Don’t try to cram so many attractions in that they blur together. Choose one really great place to explore and allow plenty of time. Consider going back later to really get the full experience.

7. Visit the gift shop. Kids love to get something. It could be a postcard or stickers – perhaps a book. The cost of the item does not have to be significant. It simply needs to be a small item the child will treasure and will help them remember the museum.

8. Schedule fun time. Many museums are located near parks and playgrounds. After spending quiet, grown-up time in a museum, make time for kids to have some unstructured play. This really works off the excess energy.

9. Invest in a child’s camera. It may be a disposable model or an inexpensive digital, but having a camera can be a tremendous treat for children. They’ll be delighted with the pictures they take and it’s enlightening for parents too.

10. Sketching creates memories. Bring along a notebook and some pencils for kids to use at the museum. Encourage them to create their own version of a painting or to capture their favorite room in an historic house. It’s a great way to cement memories and foster creativity

[photo credit]

Joe Hall is a internet obsessed, code poet, geek, marketer, writer, and artist. Joe is the founder of Myrtle Beach Hotels.

Four of the Best Places to Visit in England’s West Country

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:33:34 +0000

England’s West Country is an absolutely fantastic place to spend a holiday. Whether you’re a Brit who just wants to get away for a week or two, or whether you’re travelling from further afield, the West Country is a great holiday destination for all who choose to visit. Blessed with some of the best weather in the whole of the UK, some beautiful coastlines (offering awesome water sports activities), some great national parks, and stunning scenery, you are sure to have a holiday of a lifetime. Below are five of the best places to visit on a trip to the West Country.

The Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project has emerged in recent years as one of the top tourist attractions in Cornwall. Literally a giant greenhouse, the Eden Project houses a variety of Mediterranean and tropical plants. Check out the cocoa and banana plantations, or kneel down to smell the fresh herbs. With a variety of outdoor gardens for visitors to enjoy as well as concerts and festivals held in the grounds every year, this should definitely be on your to-do list.

Torquay, Devon

Torquay is a stylish seaside resort in Devon and one that has managed to maintain a continental atmosphere – something that all visitors will enjoy. This is an excellent destination for families visiting the West Country as not only are Torquay’s beaches family friendly but there are also a variety of activities that can be enjoyed. Visit the National Marine Aquarium and teach your kids about the importance of conservation or take a ride on the steam railway. Kids will love Paignton Zoo and the spectacular natural cave, Kents Cavern, is sure to be fun for the whole family.

St Ives, Cornwall

Cobbled streets, warm summers and a traditional air are what you will find in St Ives. This pretty fishing village in Cornwall is a firm favourite with many British tourists and it’s not hard to see why. Nestled amongst rich coastal scenery the air is clear, the beaches are stunning and the sub-tropical gardens are, well, sub-tropical! If you want to get out and about during your stay you’ll find lots to do in the area. Coastal walks are always fun during the summer months, and kids will love visiting the nearby theme park Flambards Village. Make sure to stay in a holiday cottage if you really want to get a feel for traditional England.

Plymouth, Devon

Plymouth, like much of the West Country is a great place to visit if you love taking part in outdoors activities. Uniquely located near rivers, moors, the sea and beautiful countryside makes almost any sporting activity an option here. Head to Plymouth Pavilion and skate on the West Country’s only permanent ice rink or hire a bike and cycle through the lush countryside. A variety of water sport activities can be enjoyed on both the sea and the river (even scuba diving!) and if that’s not enough why not head to the world famous St Mellion Golf Course? After a long day of activity you can rest up in one of the traditional English pubs and enjoy some hearty pub grub. After all, this is what holidays are all about!

Photo courtesy of Cenz

If you really want to experience traditional England make sure you stay in either holiday cottages Devon or holiday cottages in Cornwall. There really is no better accommodation option for a holiday in the West Country.