One of the best places to visit in the Springtime, the Lake District in the North West of England is the country’s largest National Park.
Wholly located within Cumbria, the Lake District is best known for its fells and peaceful lakeside villages and towns, and becomes a popular destination in the Spring for its cottage stays and mild climate. What, then, are some of the best things to see on a trip to the Lake District, and what are some of the best activities to participate in?
Things to See
One of the main attractions of the Lake District are the lakes themselves, which can be walked around and crossed by boat; among these, Lake Windermere and Lake Derwent are typically the most popular. You can also explore the local towns around the District, which include Grasmere and Ambleside. Other sights to see include the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, the Honister Slate Mine, and Moot Hall in Keswick.
Ambleside is also home to Hill Top, a working farm once owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter. Keswick provides access to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, while Grasmere includes Dove Cottage, home at one time to the English poet William Wordsworth. Carlisle, Cumbria’s county town, is worth visiting for its Gothic cathedral, and is a good place to start a trip. Muncaster Castle and the World Owl Trust are similarly recommended for trips.
Activities
Perhaps the most popular activity in the Lake District is fell walking around the area’s rocky peaks - there are about 214 fells in the Lake District, which can be navigated alone or as part of guided tours - recommended if the weather isn’t great. Boating trips can also be taken out across the Lakes; look into the Ullswater Steamer and the Keswick Launch for more information. When not climbing or walking, you can also take in local pubs and food markets, while staying in stone holiday cottages in the Lake District.
Family activities around the Lake District notably include the Go Ape adventure centre in Grizedale Forest, as well as the World in Miniature Museum in Carlisle, and the Greystone Castle Estate in Ullswater. The Cumberland Pencil Museum also comes recommended, as does Eden Ostrich World in Langwathby, and the Bowness on Windermere Treasure Hunt.
Things to Remember
You can arrive at the Lake District by train from Windermere and Carlisle, and can approach by road via the M6 - flights also arrive at Blackpool, where you can connect to trains and buses. If deciding to go fell walking and climbing, make sure that you have an up to date map, as well as the proper footwear and clothing for bad weather.
Even in the Spring, you can still experience a lot of rain and wind, so check the weather forecast before heading out. Visitor information centres can be found in most large towns. It’s better to book in advance to beat the rush for Spring accommodation; check online for reservations, and decide whether you want to stay within a larger town, or in a more remote location.
Author Bio
Rob James is a well seasoned traveller. He has visited many places around the world, but the British countryside is his favourite place to be. Rob can be found blogging about his travels and things to do that he has discovered along the way.
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When traveling to Lancashire the best kept secrets to a good time are spread out throughout one of the most beautiful areas of the United Kingdom.
Although they tend not to be such well kept secrets if you live here, the beauty of visiting Lancashire is that you can have a rewarding experience discovering these places. If you are on vacation or traveling for business in the county of Lancashire here are some gems that you should not miss.
Astley Hall
Not really a best kept secret as far as fame is concerned; but it is a place you cannot miss when traveling through Chorley or any of the surrounding towns. In addition to being a sight that would put “Downton Abbey” in its place, Astley Hall is a museum and art gallery as well. T
he Hall hosts many cultural events and programmes throughout the year. Built during Elizabethan times it is said Shakespeare was once a visitor, as was Oliver Cromwell. The architectural enthusiast will marvel at the plastered ceilings and the four wings added on to the home by each family who resided there.
The Ribble Steam Railway
Located in Preston this trip back to a time when railways were king can relax the most harried traveler. There is a museum that has a gift shop that visitors can find great souvenirs for young and old alike. It has been open since 2005 and there is an adjoining museum and workshop.
Gawthorpe Museum
Another venerable Elizabethan Manor situated in the heart of industrial Lancashire. This jewel still has original plaster-work ceilings and natural wood paneling that has to be seen to be believed. Art lovers will be impressed with the paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.
Riley Green Marina
Taking a complete departure from museums, how about an outdoor adventure? The Riley Green Marina rents canal boats for the intrepid vacationing family. They will teach you canal boat navigation including at least six trips through locks.
There is also the choice of taking a canal boat lunch or dinner cruise aboard their canal boat restaurant. Enjoy a sumptuous meal while traveling through the Withnell Fold Nature Reserve passing by the Houghton Tower.
Brockholes Nature Preserve
Located in Preston in an old quarry the habitats of many different birds and other wildlife are here. Visitors can observe the area while walking along the river or one of the preserve’s lakes.
They have hides where expert animal watchers and families can observe their favourite animals undetected. Then take a break in their fine restaurant by the lake.
The Gallery at the Wharf
Located along the Leeds and Liverpool canal in Burscough, it is the permanent home of the Arts and Craft Guild of Lancashire.
Arts and crafts enthusiasts will enjoy the art, photography, ceramics, glass, and wood made items in the gallery. They hold three different exhibitions for new artists each year. There are many boutiques and restaurants nearby when it’s time to take a break from the gallery.
The Lancashire Museum
Why not start here when you visit the town of Preston. It is Lancashire centric. The evolution of the area from prehistoric times to the present day is shown and it will interest young and old alike. It did receive the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award for 2012 so make a stop here with the whole family.
Lancashire County is a beautiful area that has many famous and not so famous attractions like these mentioned above. If you want to vacation, drive through or hold a business conference there is something here for you.
This article was written by Barton Grange Hotel. Visit their website for information on Lancashire based venues for conferences.
Scotland is enriched with natural beauty which magnifies in the morning sunshine. Lush green surroundings, topped with beautiful weather gives it a heavenly view which soothes our eyes and calms the mind. Tired of the hustle, noise and pollution of the cities, people travel to Scotland in search of tranquility and peace. And with its close proximity to nature, this country never ceases to enthrall, amaze and enrapture its visitors.
As they say, its not the destination but the journey that counts. You can travel Scotland through all modes of transportation as it has well connected roads, comfortable trains and extensive airways. Car would be the best way to see the real beauty of Scotland. Exotic highlands, Atlantic coastline, Isle of Skye are among few places that cannot be missed. Therefore hire a cab or motorbike and go on to a beautiful journey that would mesmerize and re-energize you.
#1 Glasgow to Oban
While Glasgow would definitely be part of an extensive tour to Scotland, the extended journey to Oban is too beautiful to be missed. Heading North-west to Loch Lomond, way along the A82 road would take you to your destination.
You’ll get plenty of clicking opportunities along with beautiful roadside cafes where you can enjoy coffee amidst beautiful surroundings. Your first stop would be at Loch Lomond along with the Trossochs national park where you get plenty of tracking and biking opportunities.
Thereon, heading through A85, the path gets divided onto roads above the coastal region of Oban. In Oban, you can enjoy various water sports and also use some trekking opportunities.
#2 Tarbert to Isle of Islay
This path would give you a grand view of Array Mountains. Coming over from Tarbert, head to the B842 road which would take you to a village called Carradale. This village would be your first stop where you can enjoy the adventure sports like trekking or just relax and enjoy the ambiance.
Furthermore, you need to turn north on the A83 and head to the Loch Tarbet. This is one of the preferred Loch amongst the Locals where you can get plenty of opportunities to interact with them.
#3 Scottish Highlands
If you feel that you have traveled and seen all of the beautiful mountain ranges in the world, then Scottish Highlands would totally put you in awe. Covered in lush green plants, beautiful flowers and topped with exotic weather, these highlands is serene, quiet and beautiful.
While biking is one of the best techniques to savor its beauty, you can equally enjoy it via car ride. There are many centers which provide bikes for hire so, if you have hired a cab and feel like enjoying a bike ride then you can hire a bike for a day or two and set forth on a beautiful journey.
#4 Glasgow to Fort William
Voted as one of the best Roads in Scotland, this A82 road takes you to some of the most regarded tourist destinations such as Loch Lomond, Fort William, etc. You can visit these tourist places while enjoying the scenic views along the way.
This road further takes you to the Scottish highlands which are the scenic paradises in themselves. It is highly recommended to hire a bike or a bike taxi along this way as the weather is pleasant enough to give you a good view and the roads are safe enough where you can enjoy bike rides.
#5 Isle of Arran
This place would give you one of the best mountain biking experience ever. The roads are wide enough that provides safety and you do not need a car to explore the crystal view. Upon moving south from A84, you’ll reach your first stop at Whiting Bay.
Night can be spent at various Bed and Breakfast which would also re-energize you for a Coastal trip ahead along the Isle of Arran. In addition, if you want to enjoy lavishly and get a first hand experience in Scottish tradition then Scotland Holiday homes should be your dwelling option. They are beautiful, well built and located admit beautiful Scottish landscapes.
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Wondering what to do in the Scottish Highlands besides spotting “Nessie”?
The Scottish Highlands is one of the most pristine and unspoiled regions of the United Kingdom and it’s a fantastic destination to travel for a bit of an adventure! Besides outdoor pursuits, wilderness camping and hillwalking, other popular things to do in the Highlands of Scotland include:
1. Explore the Prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, the Midhowe Broch stone settlement and the Standing Stones of Stenness in the Orkney Islands.
2. Take a whisky distillery tour in Oban or the isle of Islay
3. Boat ride to the isle of Staffa to see the magnificent basalt columns and sea caves
4. Take a scenic drive through the Highland coastline
5. Day trip to isle of Lewis to the see the circular stone fort at Carloway and the beautiful beaches at Bhaltos.
6. Shop for traditional hand-woven “Harris Tweed” knitwear in the Isle of Harris
7. Walk along the scenic West Highland Way
The West Highland Way, or known locally simply as “The Way”, is one of the longest and most popular hiking routes in Scotland. The Way is a little short of 100 miles long and runs from Fort William to Milngavie (just outside of Glasgow).
Hiking the entire route takes several days (4-5 days), though you don’t have to do the whole route to enjoy the experience. The most popular section of The Way is from Inveroran to Kinlochleven, which passes through the famous “Devil’s Staircase” (the highest point along the route). Another popular section on The Way is from Balmaha to Rowardennan. Most of this section runs along the beautiful Loch Lomond, which is a popular spot for boat rides during the summer months.
The vast majority of people walk The Way during the summer (July/August), though if you want to avoid the infamous flies (midges) is best you do it in early May.
8. Tour the Culloden Battlefield Site
Culloden Battlefield is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands and a must do whether you’re into history or not. Touring the battlefield and watching the film re-enactment of the Culloden battle at the visitor’s center offers an interesting (but somber) insight into highland culture, the English empire and the Jacobite uprising.
Another great thing about visiting Culloden is that it’s easily accessible from Inverness. It takes no more than 25 minutes by bus from the centre of Inverness.
9. Day tour to Loch Ness
A trip to the Scottish Highlands would not be complete without visiting the site of the mythical “Loch Ness Monster”. A tour of Loch Ness is one of the most popular things to do in the Highlands of Scotland and, while many people feel is a bit of a tourist trap, it’s totally worth visiting it if you’re staying in or around Inverness.
Whether you believe in the Loch Ness monster or not, Loch Ness is beautiful and it’s surrounded by imposing Highland mountain scenery. There are also the ruins of castle (Urquhart Castle) overlooking the lake, which offer stunning lake views.
If you’re staying in Inverness, you’ll find many tour companies offering coach tours to Loch Ness for around $20, though if you can it’s best you hire a car and drive there yourself (it only takes around 30 minutes).
Alternatively, you could catch a citylink bus or Rapson’s bus from Inverness city centre with direction to Drumnadrochit or Fort William.
10 .Walk the Highlands Ring of Steall
The Ring of Steall (Mamore range) is without question, the most spectacular hill-walk you can do in the entire Scottish Highlands. If you’re looking for a true highland hiking experience, the Ring of Steall route will not disappoint since it boast fantastic trails and impressive climbs.
Walking the Ring of Steall is truly a rewarding experience and you get to walk past ridges, waterfalls and mountain summits over 3000ft. The wire bridge crossing over Nevis Gorge is another highlight of this walk as it offers stunning views of the Steall Falls.
11. Take a nostalgic ride on an old steam train
If you’re traveling with kids or are looking for fun things to do in the Highlands of Scotland, you won’t want to miss taking a ride onboard the Strathspey Steam Railway in Aviemore.
The steam train runs between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill and offers nice views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey along the way. Round-trip tickets cost roughly $19 and the entire trip takes a little over 90 minutes.
12. Visit Scotland’s most famous castle
Castles are a top attraction in the Highlands of Scotland and none are more acclaimed than the famous Eilean Donan Castle. This castle has appeared in many movies such as Highlander – starring Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert.
It’s not difficult to see why so many age-old movies have been filmed at the castle since Eilean Donan Castle represents the perfect example of Medieval castles. Eilean Donan is also located in what is, unarguably, the most picturesque area of Scotland.
You can visit Eilean Donan Castle anytime of the year and explore the main areas and artifacts of the castle and, of course, enjoy the magnificent views of the three lochs.
If you have access to a car, you could simply drive there and pay the $10 admission fee, or you could alternatively book a bus tour to Eilean Donan Castle with a tour operator (i.e. the Hebridean Explorer, Haggis Adventures and Timberbush Tours) from Inverness, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
13. Discover the live of a highlander back in the 1700’s
You can’t leave the Scottish Highlands without learning how people in the Highlands lived centuries back. One of the best places to go in the Highlands of Scotland for an interesting insight into traditional Highland way of live is at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore (nestled within the Cairngorms National Park).
Besides seeing old farming tools, you can wander around the folk musuem site and see old buildings such as an old-fashioned sweet shop and blackhouses.
14. Spend a few days at Rothiemurchus Estate forest
The Rothiemurchus forest is Scotland’s last remaining Caledonian Forest left in the country and one of the best places in the Scottish highlands to spot and photograph wildlife…deer, sea hawk, Scottish crossbill, capercaillie and the crested tit call this forest home.
Besides wildlife viewing, the forest is a popular destination in the Scottish Highlands to enjoy fun outdoors activities because of the Rothiemurchus Estate. This place offers a ton of outdoor activities such as camping, quad trekking, archery, jeep safaris, clay shooting, horseback riding, ranger-led walks, tubing, canoeing and pony trekking.
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Tourist Places in England
While London boasts a huge number of attractions, there's more to see in South East England than the tourist sights in the capital city of London.
Below it's list rounding up seven places you can't miss seeing during your travels in Southeast England:
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the United Kingdom and it’s definitely one of the must see things in South East England.
The Historic Dockyard is located not far from the city center of Portsmouth (just 30 mins walk) and entrance to the dock includes touring the HMS war ships (“Iron Ship” Warrior and Nelson’s Victory) and visiting the onsite museums (the Royal Naval and Mary Rose museums) where you get to learn cool stuff about the navy life.
Another great thing you get to do at the Historic Dockyard is go on a cruise of the harbor, which is also part of the admission price to the site. The harbor cruise lasts about 50 minutes and allows the best view of the war ships.
Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes
If you’re a war buff, you won’t want to miss the chance to see the hideaway where Churchill's code-breakers were able to hack into Germany's Enigma machine and Hitler's personal super-code machine.
Bletchley Park is located roughly 70 minutes drive northwest of London and not only offers a great opportunity to learn about the famous WWII code breakers but also see reconstructions of the “Colossus” machine (the world’s first digital computer), the bombe machine (used by the British to decipher the Enigma) and other Enigma decoding machines.
During your visit to Bletchley Park, you’ll also get to see memorabilia belonging to Churchill, vintage cars that were used in the film “The Eagle Has Landed” and a scale model of a German WW II U-boat.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is billed as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and it’s without a doubt, one the most interesting things to see in the South East of England. Windsor Castle is located just 40 minutes drive east of London and it’s easily one of the most stunning castles you will visit anywhere in Europe.
Walking the grounds and interior of Windsor Castle really gives an idea of how vast, grand and lavish the castle truly is.
Things you’ll see during your visit to Windsor Castle include the Round Tower (oldest part of the castle) and the State Apartments, which include the king’s bedchamber, dressing and dining room.
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
While visiting the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth, you also cannot miss seeing the spectacular Spinnaker Tower, which is located in Gunwharf Quays (just a short walk down the road from the dockyard) .
The Spinnaker observation tower is 360ft tall and its three viewing areas allow you to get fantastic 360 degree views over the city of Portsmouth, the sea and the harbor. Besides enjoying the views, you’ll also be able to enjoy cool visitor experiences at the tower such as abseiling and walking barefooted across a glass floor.
Winchester Cathedral, Winchester
The Winchester Cathedral is located right in the heart of the city centre of Winchester and it’s easily one of the most stunning churches you can visit in England. The cathedral boasts a 900 year-old history as well as the longest nave ever built on any Gothic cathedral in Europe.
The minute you step inside Winchester Cathedral, you can appreciate the jaw-dropping high ceilings and the stunning stained glass windows. Touring the church also includes seeing the crypt, the library and the gallery above the nave, which are home to the famous Shaftesbury Bowl (the only Saxon glass of its kind in England) and the Winchester Bible (oldest and best preserved 12th century English bible).
National Motor Museum, Hampshire
If you’re a James Bond fan, the National Motor Museum should definitely be at the top of your list of things to see in the south east of England. The National Motor museum is located in the village of Beaulieu (30 minutes drive south of Southampton) and boasts the largest collection of James Bond cars and gadgets you’ll ever see anywhere in the world.
Besides seeing the cool cars on display another thing that makes the National Motor Museum such a great place to visit is the New Forest. The museum is nestled right within the beautiful New Forest national park, which offers nice opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities (horse riding, picnicking, cycling, fishing, walking, kayaking, camping, etc).
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Waddesdon Manor is one of the most beautiful examples of French architecture you’ll see in the south east England region and it's totally worth seeing. The manor was built in the late 19th century and it’s one of the grandest residences owned by the Rothschild family.
Cool features about the Waddesdon Manor include staircase-towers modeled after the Chateau de Chambord and the Proserpina fountain taken form the Palace of the Dukes of Colorno in Parma Italy.
During the tour of the residence you get to see interesting memorabilia belonging to the Rothschilds, as well as visit the outdoor aviary and wine cellar. In all, seeing this stunning National Trust property won't disappoint!
By the way, Waddesdon Manor is located not far from Milton Keynes so it’s a good idea to plan a visit there when visiting Bletchley Park.
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