Edinburgh Definitely Worth a Visit

One of the most striking cities in Europe, Edinburgh has been listed as a World Heritage Site and you can witness visual proof of this yourself, when you visit and see an architectural assortment ranging from Victorian and Georgian buildings to stone tenements and medieval streets. The most captivating and dominating site is Edinburgh Castle, and this demands attention as soon as you enter the city. This dominating structure is built on a huge rock formation and is inaccessible on its three sides.

All about Edinburgh

When you are in Edinburgh, driving or walking through the streets and viewing the architecture and different sights, you feel as if you have travelled back into time and yet you are in the same modern world of today. You get to experience both the ancient and the modern at the very same time. It is the kind of city that you could keep on exploring and still it wouldn’t give up all its secrets.

A large number of people are attracted to the annual Edinburgh Festival, which consists of various official as well as independent festivals. This festival, an important part of the city’s culture, starts from early August and goes for about four weeks. The most celebrated events that take place in this festival are the Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Other than the festival, there are a number of clubs and restaurants and pubs in the city.

As the annual festival is an important part of the city’s culture, many hotels boast offers for this season of the year. Hotels in the city can be categorized on the basis of Location, special offers, and prices. As there are lots of tourists this season of the year, it is always better to do advance online bookings. However, there is an extensive choice of hotels available.

One can find all kinds of hotels in Edinburgh, ranging from small country hotels in the suburbs to the castle hotels that provide a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Some of the hotels in the city are landmarks in their own name. The most prestigious hotel in Edinburgh is the Balmoral Edinburgh Hotel, located on Number One Princes Street. There is also the Caledonian Hilton, which provides a splendid view of the castle. If you want to relax and treat yourself, you can always go to the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. Besides these luxurious hotels, there are also other hotels available for people of all kinds of tastes and budgets.

You can see dance clubs in 15th century buildings, and there are also modern and fashionable stores like Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Mulberry, Harvey Nicholas and Emporio Armani functioning within an ancient structure, thus making the contrast an incredible one. All the vibrancy created by a multi cultured population in this bustling city, and the remarkable blend of ancient and modern, is what makes it truly cosmopolitan and one of the most desirable places to live in the world.

There are a wide range of activities that you can undertake here, like running down the Royal Mile, riding on the double decker bus, mountain bike riding, exploring the castle, shopping on the Multrees Walk, as well as visits to museums and parks (as the weather is moderate and is neither too hot nor too cold).

While walking through the city, besides its historic association, you can find a lot of literary association as writers like J K Rowling, Ian Rankin, Sir Arthur Doyle, Mary Queen of Scots and many others are originally from this city.

Edinburgh is a city that possesses heritage, culture, and entertainment and a lot of history.

About the Author
Open Roads has a variety of travel packages which includes attractions such as the Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh Comedy Festival and exclusive hotels in Edinburgh. Open Roads also has travel packages for other tourist hot spots around the world.

Where to go on Holiday in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands and Islands epitomise Scotland with its picture-postcard scenery; awesome wild places with towering mountains, ancient pine forests and shimmering lochs.

Discover a wonderful variety of contrasting landscapes that will make a lasting impression, from the remote rock-hewn wilderness of far north west Sutherland to the green rolling coastal lands by the Cromarty Firth. Maybe take the ‘Road to the Isles’ via Mallaig and beyond to Skye or appreciate the ‘brooding’ and spectacular natural beauty of Glencoe. Wherever you travel you’re surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and famous landmarks like the Cairngorms National Park, Ben Nevis and Loch Ness.
The Highlands is not only blessed with wonderful countryside, there are also miles of dramatic coastline, with quiet pristine sandy beaches, picturesque sea lochs and a scattering of pretty coastal villages close to clear turquoise waters.

This is a place to really enjoy ‘The Great Outdoors’, with plenty of activities from mountain climbing and white water rafting to gentle family walks and mountain biking for all abilities. This part of the British Isles is also a great place to see wildlife; unsurprisingly wildlife flourishes in this great wilderness and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about on land and sea – take one of the many boat trips on offer for close encounters with seals, whales and dolphins or simply get out into the glens, hills and forests to see eagles, deer and maybe even the elusive pine martin to name but a few.

For a holiday at a more leisurely pace visit the region’s many historical sites, ancient castles, stately homes and fascinating museums, learn about the Highlands rich history and culture, its clans and conflicts, the tragedy of the Highland Clearances and its role in the Jacobite risings. Summer visitors to the Highlands (mostly July and August) may not want to miss the annual Highland Games, which are held across the Highlands and are a unique spectacle of athletic, dancing and piping events which should not be missed.

The Highland region offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of very different and distinctive areas, each with their very own special character and charm. And getting around is easy, with a good road system feeding up from the south to Inverness and from this hub radiating out to all four points of the compass.

Located at the northern end of the Great Glen and Loch Ness lies Inverness, the main population centre in the Highlands; a bustling modern city with excellent shopping and restaurants. From here just to the north is the Black Isle (which is actually a peninsula), wooded and farm land but with a wild east-facing coastline. Close by in Mid-Ross and Easter Ross there are broad uplands and pretty glens with many places of interest including the Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer and down at the coast Cromarty and Portmanhomack which are ideal for Dolphin spotting and boat hire.

Moving further north is the eastern Highland region of Mid and East Sutherland, an area of coast and glens. Visit the historic Highland coastal town of Dornoch, also famous for some excellent golf courses and Dunrobin Castle with its beautiful gardens. Inland attractions include the Falls of Shin Visitor Centre and Ferrycroft Countryside Centre in Lairg. As you travel north up the eastern coast road through the flow lands of Caithness the land opens out revealing dramatic seascapes and rolling moors which merge westwards into rugged peaks until reaching the North Coast of Sutherland and John o’ Groats.

The north western Highlands, which includes Wester Ross and North West Sutherland, has a characteristically bare and rugged landscape in the extreme north west and small local coastal communities. Travelling down the west coast visitors can enjoy striking coastal views and spectacular mountains. There’s plenty to see and do here from boat trips and water sports to cycling and walking.

Skye just off the coast has attracted visitors for decades and is easily reached via the Skye Bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh, as well as ferry services operating from Mallaig and Glenelg (Latter summer only). The island has some of the most majestic mountains and dramatic coastline you will find in Scotland.

South of Inverness to the east is Aviemore and the Cairngorms; mountains, pine-clad slops and wide river valleys, packed outdoor sports centres and plenty of year-round outdoor activities.

At the southern end of the Great Glen the main town is Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe; a major West Highlands touring centre with plenty of outdoor activities and amenities for the holidaymaker and the perfect base for a Highland holiday. Close by is Glen Nevis and towering Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

About the Author
This article was written by Scottish Cottages who specialise in self-catering cottage holidays in Scotland & offers India Guides

A Real Devon Holiday

It’s amazing, and distressing at the time, to discover in the western world you can feel desperately removed and wanting the comforts of domestic heating, lighting, and something, anything that reminds you of being in a house. Deciding to go to Devon by train on a camping holiday in mid march was easy. It was doing it that proved difficult. Arriving the first night, I found myself inside a tent, while outside was nothing but a howling gale. The idea that I would be here for four more days terrified me. I really, really wanted to not be there.

The inclement weather was unrelenting in the morning. There was no car to warm myself in. I hobbled out of the tent in the clothes I had slept in – it was too cold to change. Although I was with three friends who repeatedly told me they loved and cared about me, I felt the need to leave for civilisation immediately. My train booking was unalterable; my mobile phone was out of signal. I did have next months rent in my bank account that I briefly considered spending on a taxi home.

Amidst biting rain and driving winds I staggered out of the forlorn looking campsite to a payphone and meekly called my sister. ‘Please text me as much information as possible to do with getting out of Devon,’ were the essence of my demands.

A series of woeful texts ensued, all with sad and miserable news about £200 flights, cancelled trains, and flooded roads. I felt stranded. Utterly and miserably alone. The final text was simple: ‘Find a pub, get drunk, crawl into tent and sleep.’

No. I was going to fight for my salvation; not give in to the false promise of alcohol. Unlike my attitude to the weather forecast, the idea of topping all this crap with a hangover was enough for me to continue in my quest to get the hell out of Devon.

Yes, I was going to improve my situation and find some Devon hotels
to escape the elements and enjoy my time here. Devon accommodation should be plentiful and easy to find. It’s where people go on holidays; the weather was appalling so there should be plenty of rooms available.

The trouble was I was already in the middle of nowhere, and barely had the energy to get anywhere or do anything because I was already consumed with rage at my stupid decision to be here in the first place.

I walked for a couple of hours before realising finding a Devon hotel and then paying for it would be difficult and regrettable. An hour later I arrived at a pub. It was warm and the beer tasted good. I felt good. My Devon accommodation in the form of a tent felt good. As I tipsily walked out into the softening winds, I remembered my friends back at the campsite. My sister’s kindly advice was beginning to make sense.

Devon holidays are wide and varied with many Devon hotels offering very affordable accommodation during your stay in Devon.

Holiday in Newquay UK

Today, Newquay has become a major tourist resort area in Cornwall. The primary reason for its success as a tourist town is it exceptionally beautiful coastline. The clean white soft and sandy beaches and the clear waters attract a lot of tourists in the summer. The town has everything that a tourist can possibly want. Along the beaches, there are accommodations of all types, from the simple bed and breakfast to the bungalows and luxury hotels.

Once on the beach, there are water activities which can range from simple tanning, sailing, fishing, and yes even surfing. Newquay is the surfing capital of Britain. The occurrence of powerful tall hollow waves and the sleek coastline have made it a surfer’s paradise. Fistral Beach is now a common place where international surfing competitions are frequently held.

Newquay also has something for the children and teenagers. There are horse rides, swimming pools, bowling arenas, tennis, power kiting, and a variety of indoor activities.

For those who want to explore the land, the coast of Newquay offers some of the most spectacular views of the beaches. The water in some areas is turquoise blue and crystal clear. Along the north side, there are tall cliffs with rugged edges. Inland, there are parks and well manicured gardens.

In the summer, music festivals are common and the entire town is packed.

For the individual who can’t sleep, Newquay has a terrific night life. Nightclubs, bars and discos are plentiful. Over the years, the town has built a reputation as the party town of the south, most famous for holding stag and hen parties. In the summer, all over town the music is loud, the people are friendly and the beer is readily available.

Getting to Newquay is relatively easy; one can come via train, bus or air. Newquay may be a small town but when it comes to holidays, you will be pleasantly surprised at what it can deliver.
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Sky Bus – Helicopter to Newquay, Cornwall

How to survive a rainy week in Cornwall with the family

This year my family and I decided to take our annual holiday in England. When I say ‘my family and I’ I of course mean my wife who typically makes all the decisions in the house. My wife grew up in Cornwall and she has always loved the West Country, although I am sure she has grown fond of the Yorkshire Dales and the great shopping that Leeds offers her heart has always remained in the valleys and beaches of her childhood home.

I was happy to go with the decision as I think that ones home country can often be overlooked when it comes to holidays. There are plenty of gorgeous places to visit around Britain that residents of this country have never laid eyes on, and with cheap flights aplenty it’s not just about lack of cash that persuades people to stay ‘at home’ for the holidays.

Resorts around Britain have had to become increasingly competitive to survive the temptation of cheap flights abroad. 5 star hotels, spas and B&B’s in the English countryside have never looked so good and with the ‘green’ glamorisation of camping even roughing it has become a coveted experience. What with bespoke Cath Kidston tents and ‘eco friendly’ lanterns, camping’s gone chic.

I insisted on not camping because I have a bad back and so we rented a cottage instead. We ended up being very glad of this because from the day we got to Cornwall until the day we left it rained like God was trying to launch another Ark.

Yes reader I can hear you now, telling me what did I expect in dear England in summer but do you know what? I had an amazing time! I didn’t have to endure strap lines and sunburn and those ghastly flip flops that would make my back pain even worse, instead I got to spend some quality time with my family and really appreciate my time off from the daily grind of work.

The cottage we stayed in was lovely with a large fireplace and big windows that amplified the sound of the rain making it seem very cosy. We found lots of indoor activities that were great for the kids on Classic Guide’s website and we had some great nights out in the countryside by the open fire when the kids were in bed. You can’t get more romantic than that in my opinion.

In between showers we took fresh walks in the sand dunes at Gwithian Towans and along the cliffs to take in the sea air. We went out for lovely lunches and Cornish Cream Tea’s and spent the evenings playing cards and board games with the kids, something we rarely have time for at home.

I had the best sleep I have had in a long time and didn’t miss the sticky sandy sheets or the urge to have a shower every couple of hours to cool down. I really want to go back next year but obviously dear reader I’ll have to run that past the Mrs.

Sarah Maple. Tourist Information Cornwall when on Holiday Cornwall see Classic Guide.

Where to go when you already live in a holiday destination

I recently returned from a holiday in Somerset. I have a friend who comes from the area and when he asked me how I found it and what I got up to, I smiled and cut straight to the chase, ‘the caves at Chedder Gorge are fantastic!’ At this point he began to smile. ‘Is it really?’ He replied. ‘I’ve never been, it’s for the tourists really.’

Consequently, this got me thinking. I’ve lived in Cornwall for 6 years now and I really haven’t made the most of the county being the prime holiday destination that it is. Take the Eden Project for example; it wasn’t until 2007 that I ventured the 20 miles to the eighth wonder of the world. And even then I have to admit that the draw for me was less than honourable.

I went for the ice skating.

My reasons for this are hard to pin down. One could presume that I am some kind of tourist-related anthropophobe, who simply can’t bear to mingle with those out-of-towners, all dawdling about, licking our ice-creams, and fuelling our economy with reckless zeal. Of course, this is not true. In fact, I believe the reason for mine – and my Somerset pal’s – inability to view our locality through a tourist’s eyes is due to two factors. One is quite simply to do with association, or familiarity to be precise. We associate the surrounding area with what we know well, and so there is a very little inherent excitement at the thought of playing in our own backyard.

But there are plenty of things to do in Cornwall. I know full well that the differences between a Somerset holiday and a Cornwall holiday are so slight (maybe the air temperature’s a little cooler?) yet I’m still subconsciously drawn to such aspects as the different place-names, the higher population, and the unmistakeable feeling of being a visitor.

Maybe my experiences of family holidays as a child have some bearing on this too? When I was nine I visited Disneyworld and wondered what it would be like to live next door. I could come here everyday, I thought to myself as we drove through Miami spilling pretzel crumbs onto the floor of our rented RV. But of course, once you’ve been on the Jaws ride four times it doesn’t take the novelty does begin to wear off.

Therefore I have decided to rediscover my own county. Even a quick browse of Cornwall tourist information highlights some starting points such as Tate St Ives, the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Cornwall deserves this old-friend status, like a schoolmate who reminds you of how you were the wittiest in Geography class. After all, what could be better than being surprised by what’s on your very own doorstep?

Sarah Maple is interested in Devon tourist information and things to do in Cornwall.