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What To Do For Free Whilst Visiting Cardiff, Wales

 Destinations  1 Response »
Feb 192011
 

One of the top ten cities in , the capital city of and a highly popular tourist destination, is a truly great place to visit. We take you through some of its main attractions that everyone can enjoy for free. Bay has been built around a massive freshwater lake and is the largest waterfront development in Europe. It boasts beautiful scenery, lots of nearby exciting attractions and shops that are great for browsing no matter when you choose to visit.

Right next to Cardiff Bay is the fantastic Wales Millennium Centre. This was only opened in 2004 but it has already become a stunning international arts centre and is a genuinely iconic landmark in Cardiff. It also boasts regular free lunchtime concerts, making it perfect for all the music lovers out there. Concert styles range from everything from opera to folk and they take place in the foyer of what is in itself an extremely impressive building, making it a music lovers paradise.

You could also visit one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings outside Paris at the National Museum Cardiff. The museum is also home to Wales national art collection and there are a few different gallery tours to help guide you round the exhibits. The Evolution of Wales exhibit is definitely worth looking at, and there are some great features and exhibitions on everything from archaeology to natural history and geology. The museum is free to enter and is in the heart of Cardiffs civic centre.

Pretty much everybody loves music, so youre sure to have lots of fun at Cardiffs premier free music festival, Cardiffs Big Weekend. The city is bustling at the best of times, but this event brings thousands more people into the centre, making it well worth a visit. It features performances from the UKs largest traveling fun fair as well as great live music and entertainment. It takes place every year, normally over the first weekend in August and lasts for 3 days.

Continuing its trend of great summer entertainment, Cardiff also caters to the food lovers out there with its Food and Drink Festival. This does exactly what the name suggests and it takes place in Cardiff Bay. It includes stalls full of favorite Welsh produce as well as food and drink from around the world, giving people a great chance to explore new flavors. There are also events taking place such as wine seminars, a Welsh cookery school and workshops for children, making Cardiff a feast for all the senses.

Continue : Riverhouse Backpackers

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VisitBritain Pulls Out Of Fledgling Markets

 Destinations  1 Response »
Feb 162011
 

It seems only yesterday (it practically was) that the British minister was keen to caution the tourist industry that they were losing focus of how to convert ’s 2012 Olympics into long-term success. But as seems to be common in the at the moment, the money to actually act on this call to action simply isn’t there. And the consequence is that VisitBritain, the main agency for promoting British outside of the UK, is drastically reducing its operations. Of 35 existing markets, VisitBritain is axing operations in 14: South Africa, Korea and New Zealand among them. VisitBritain will remain operational in 21 markets, but 30% of jobs are expected to go. With their budget already cut by 34% in autumn, it seems that the losses were inevitable.

VisitBritain is putting all its faith in the success of three big events in the next two years: a Royal Wedding, Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics. But most will surely head on Holidays to Barbados as a sunnier option. It’s not entirely without reason: those 21 offices are in countries that do account for 80% of all foreign tourist income. But focusing on the events in 2011 and 2012 is in complete contradiction to the government’s supposed priorities. After 2012, the UK has nothing of note on offer. And all the time, the UK is having to compete with the fact that people are heading to Dubai Holidays and other paradises that offer something new and equally matured.

VisitBritain is also axing operations in the UK itself: the Regent Street visitor centre will not have its sky-high rent renewed. This creates a vacuum of information for tourists visiting the UK, and how does VisitBritain plan to fill it? Smartphone apps. Now if that’s not chasing a bandwaggon, I don’t know what is. Have VisitBritain never used a smartphone in a foreign country before? Even before you consider that many do not have these devices, (or use them well enough to have them) the data roaming charges and available coverage on these devices are just ludicrous and pitiful, in that order. VisitBritain’s goals are unrealistic. The only miracle that can save them now is a world full of people somehow taking their Tropical Sky Weddings Abroad to Britain, just because the world’s most infamous History of Arts students are tying the knot? Dream on Sire.

 Posted by at 10:51 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

England’s Lake District : Ideas For Things To See And Do There

 Destinations  No Responses »
Feb 132011
 

The North of Englands beautiful continues to attract thousands of tourists each year and anyone who is familiar with the area will be able to tell you why it is truly a special place. A diverse landscape, stunning scenery and the opportunity to participate in a wide range of recreational pursuits make this a popular place to visit for those who enjoy the great outdoors. The area is home to a wide range of accommodation of every type, ranging from luxury hotels to comfy and cosy B&Bs, making this a great destination for a holiday.

So just what is it that makes the Lake District so special? Well the obvious detail to start with are the lakes themselves. The area is dotted with lakes that are home to a wide range of species and these huge expanses of water give the place a feeling of space and tranquility. Some of the lakes are centers for water sports and you can enjoy rowing, canoeing or kayaking or even learn to sail here. If you prefer to take it easier you can simply enjoy a picnic by the side of one of the lakes.

The fells are an obvious reason that people to the Lake District and the area is considered to be the birthplace of modern mountaineering. There is an extensive network of public footpaths and generally unrestricted access to the mountains and fells. The famous Wainwright walking guides plot the various recreational walks and certainly the areas beauty inspired the Romantic poets Wordsworth and Coleridge to put pen to paper.

Outdoor recreational activities are another reason why people flock to the area. The opportunities for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, water sports and rock climbing/abseiling etc are abundant and the natural landscape is perfect for all of these pursuits. Some would say that the Lake District is the UKs biggest outdoor adventure playground! And with lots of cosy pubs and restaurants to try out after a day of activity, theres no better place to enjoy some fresh air followed by a spot of evening relaxation.

For those who enjoy art and culture there are various museums and art galleries in the Lakes area. Famously some of the Romantic poets spent time here and the Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage are a document to this literary past. Wordsworth reportedly wrote his poem I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud whilst staying at Dove Cottage, inspired by the beautiful natural scenery of the Lake District. Another popular museum, especially with children, is The World of Beatrix Potter which is a fun, interactive experience that both children and adults can enjoy.

If you liked this, try : Lake District Hotels

 Posted by at 10:38 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Cardiff – A Classic Welsh City

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Jan 212011
 

The largest city and the geographical, cultural and sporting capital of is (in Welsh Caerdydd). Home to more than three hundred thousand people in the center alone, is also the most popular tourist destination in the country, attracting millions of visitors each and every year. The metropolitan area is populated by over a third of the total population of , around one million people.

If you are visiting Cardiff on holiday or possibly have a few days free during a business trip to see the city then it can be hard finding out exactly where to go and what to do if you are new to Wales. Below is a guide of some great places to go and things to do to enjoy your stay in the Welsh capital.

A great place to start your sightseeing adventure in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle that also contains a Victorian mansion, transformed from a Norman keep that was initially built on the site of one, or possibly two Roman forts. The first Roman fort to be built on the site is thought to have been erected around AD55 and the first Norman fort was built in 1091 by Robert Fitzhamon. The castle grounds cover 8 acres and hold some amazing sights and historical artifacts.

The most popular museum in Wales is the Natural History Museum at St.Fagans in Cardiff. The Natural History Museum is the English name for the attraction which in Welsh is called the Welsh Folk Museum. In 1946 the site was donated by the Earl of Plymouth and then over the course of two years, turned into a museum, finally opening the gates in 1948. The museum displays buildings and exhibits that have been reclaimed, rebuilt and recreated from all over Wales depicting the history of the country and its culture.

One more attraction that every tourist visiting Cardiff must see is the Millennium Stadium. Home of the Welsh national rugby and football teams, the Millennium Stadium is the second largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof, and the second in to have this facility. The stadium was built ready for Cardiff to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup and now, along with football events, hosts Special Stage rally stages of the Rally of Great Britain, music concerts and other events.

Although the three attractions mentioned above are the most popular attractions in Wales, there are so many other things to see and do in Cardiff. You should also visit The Llandaff Cardiff Ghost Walk, Cardiff Bay, The National Museum and Art Gallery, the Wales Millennium Centre and also the Techniquest science museum.

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A Weekend Vacation in London

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Dec 152010
 

is the biggest city in and one of the world’s most exciting cities. Situated in the southeast of , on the River Thames, The city of london remains a cosmopolitan city which embraces diverse cultures of its residents, reflected through cooking, shops, music and vibrant festivals.

With a population that stretches to over seven million, it is surprising to find out that The city of London has a lot of parks and green spaces. In fact, you’ll find that the city contains more communal spaces in comparison to just about any other city of equal size in the world. This provides residents and vistors the ideal opportunity for enjoying sporting activities, walks or relaxation.

Initially established by the Romans, London through its history has developed and grown to become one of the foremost cities in the world.

Proudly the city owns a illustrious past heritage and culture. It is popular for its buildings and archeological heritage giving home to some of the best buildings in England home to such recognized landmarks as the London Bridge or the House of Parliament, as well as being home to the national art collections of Britain. Big Ben is the name of the bell that is located inside of St Stephens clock tower, next to the Houses of Parliament and is considered one of the most well-known landmarks in the .

With over two hundred art galleries, museums and theatres, discovering the city of London is a distinct cultural encounter.

The city of london becomes bustling after the sun goes down, promising music, film, fashion and culinary scenes, exciting night life as well as some of the best shopping anywhere. Your shopping excursion will feature an immense number of choices from the most popular designer’s boutiques all the way to major department stores.

You will discover that a large number of Londoners get pleasure from taking part in pastimes like enjoying a few games of bingo. Individuals play either at one of the best online bingo web sites or at one of the many land-based UK Bingo halls.

In few words London|the great city of London|this great english city features all that you need to make your trip an unforgettable one.

 Posted by at 10:40 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Tourism – What Brighton Offers For Visiting Families

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Nov 122010
 

is one of the UKs most visited seaside cities and its no surprise to fans of the city that it is sometimes referred to as by the Sea. A vibrant and exciting place to be, manages to combine traditional seaside charm with fashionable city life and is a great place for families to visit.

Brighton is an ideal place for the whole family as there is just so much to see and do. The beach of course is a major attraction for families and you can expect to find all the usual seaside amusements on offer such as arcades and fairgrounds. If your children enjoy the outdoor life and the weather is good there are also lots of good-sized parks that are well equipped and near to the West Pier there is a park with a paddling pool good fun for younger children.

The Marina at Brighton is like a small village in itself with a shopping centre and lots of places to grab a bit to eat. There are all kinds of food on offer here and lots of well-known chains so it makes a good place to fill up the kids. The Marina has an indoor virtual golf course and also a bowling alley perfect for bad weather days and there is also a cinema here.

If the weather isnt so good and you are visiting Brighton over the weekend you could take a trip to the Saturday Kids Club at Englands oldest cinema the Duke of Yorks Picture House. The Komedia Theatre is also another great place to visit on a rainy day or any day they have regular comedy shows aimed at children that the adults seem to enjoy too!

The Toy and Model museum in Brighton is a good place for all the family to visit. The range of toys from history and modern times and also from all over the world is amazing and parents will enjoy spotting toys that remind them of their childhood. There is a Sealife centre in Brighton and this one has an underground tunnel that you can walk through as sharks swim over your head. There are also rock pools that children can explore and they are able to handle crabs and starfish. There are literally hundreds of different water species here including rays and turtles.

During the summer season the Volks Electric Railway opens, this narrow gauge railway is the oldest electric railway in the world. The route takes you along the seafront at Brighton from the Pier all the way to the Marina and makes for a very enjoyable journey.

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