United Kingdom
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Exploring the Belfast Peace Walls and Titanic Experience
Our long weekend in Belfast was drawing to a close but gladly we still had a full day of interesting activities planned for our final day. After a delicious breakfast at the Harrison Hotel we packed up our belongings and we reluctantly checked out of our lovely rooms which had been home for the last…
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How to Visit the Giant’s Causeway on a Day Tour from Belfast
We were up bright and early as we’d booked tickets (£25 each) for a full day excursion on a combined Giant’s Causeway and Games of Thrones tour with McComb’s Coach Travel. The meeting point was outside the Europa Hotel for our departure at 8.30 a.m. The company seemed very organised as we set off on…
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Belfast: The Best Bits to See and Do
We woke to another bright morning and after starting the day with my favourite bircher muesli, fresh fruit and pastries at the lovely Harrison Hotel we were soon ready to walk into the city centre. Belfast is a great walking city as it’s relatively flat and quite compact. It only takes about 20 minutes to…
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Best Belfast Walking Tours to Take for Exploring the City
We woke to a bright sunny morning and after enjoying a delicious continental breakfast at The Harrison, the lovely hotel where we were staying, it was then just a ten minute walk to the Ulster Museum. Entrance to the museum is free of charge but it is recommended that visitors pre-book a timed slot to…
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Weekend in Belfast: Staying at The Harrison Hotel
When considering where to go on holiday in these uncertain times, Belfast ticked all the boxes for us. We’d still be travelling by air, feeling as if we were actually going abroad but with the security of knowing that we couldn’t be quarantined on our return as Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. …
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A Walk Around Abergavenny: Top Things to See and Do
Abergavenny is a Welsh border town located in Monmouthshire, South Wales on the banks of the River Usk. It’s a popular base for touring the nearby Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains and as we were in the area, it was an ideal opportunity for us to explore the town. We arrived on a recent Sunday…
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Explore Symonds Yat and Monmouth: The Ultimate Day Out for Nature and History Lovers
Symonds Yat is a scenic beauty spot spanning the River Wye. It is located mid-way between the market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, both approximately five miles away. Narrow, winding roads lead to the village centre at Symonds Yat East and continuing slightly further there is a large car park where we were able to…
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Travel Guide to Ross-on-Wye: What to See and Do in a Day
Ross-on-Wye is an historic market town sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This scenic part of Herefordshire is only an hour’s drive from Birmingham and is easily accessible, being just off the M50 motorway. The town centre, with its attractive Tudor buildings is centred around the…
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Travel Guide to Tewkesbury: Top Things to See and Do
Our travels took us to the medieval town of Tewkesbury, noted for its well preserved half timbered Tudor buildings and its 12th century Abbey. We started our walk around town at The Cross adjoining the High Street which has a wonderful collection of Tudor buildings including the cantilevered 18th century Golden Key House, the top…
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Top Things to Do in Cirencester: Discover the Cotswolds’ Historic Capital
Cirencester is located 80 miles west of London and is often referred to as the capital of the Cotswolds as it lies in the heart of this beautiful part of England. It was our first visit to this prosperous market town and after finding somewhere to park on the edge of the town, we were…
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Exploring Hengistbury Head, Dorset: A Scenic Coastal Walk Guide
Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland located close to Bournemouth and to the south of Christchurch harbour. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a local nature reserve. There are two large car parks near to the start of the walk situated next to the popular Hiker Cafe. For the less energetic, a…
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How to Spend a Day in Weymouth: Best Things to See and Do
During our stay along the Dorset coast we decided to spend a day in Weymouth which is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Dorset and east Devon coast. After parking near to the town’s marina we admired some of the many yachts moored there on our…
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A Walk from Bournemouth to Sandbanks: A Stunning Dorset Coastline Route
After having recently enjoyed a walk eastwards from Bournemouth pier to Boscombe, we decided it was time to explore the coast along the opposite direction. Our walk commenced at Pier Approach which is the gateway to Bournemouth’s seafront and links the town centre to the beach via the pretty Lower Gardens. Pier Approach has changed…
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Lymington Travel Guide: What to See and Do in the New Forest’s Coastal Gem
Lymington is a Georgian market town located on the western bank of the Lymington river in Hampshire and is surrounded on three sides by the New Forest National Park. The town has a railway station which is on a branch line to Brockenhurst with links to the south coast main line between London and Weymouth.…
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A Walk Around Poole, Dorset: Explore the Historic Quayside and Coastline
Poole is a coastal town in Dorset close to the larger resort of Bournemouth and is noted for its large natural harbour and historic quayside. I started my tour of the town next to the Dolphin Shopping Centre so I had a little look around the shops there before continuing along Poole High Street. This…
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How to Spend a Day in Dorchester: Top Things to See and Do
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset in south west England and on one sunny Sunday morning recently we decided to go along and explore this historic market town. We left our car in the Fairfield long stay car-park which we were pleased to discover offered free parking all day Sunday making this a welcome…
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A Walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe: A Scenic Stroll Along the Dorset Coast
Setting off from Pier Approach on Bournemouth’s seafront we decided to take a circular walk along to the suburb of Boscombe. It was to be a pier to pier walk plus a little more besides. From Bournemouth Pier we set off in an easterly direction along the lower promenade which is known as the Undercliff. …
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How to Spend a Day in Wimborne Minster: Top Things to See and Do
The attractive small market town of Wimborne Minster lies ten miles north west of the seaside resort of Bournemouth in Dorset. Before setting off we’d consulted the Parkopedia website for suggestions on where to park. We find Parkopedia really useful as it offers up-to-date advice and prices. For Wimborne it had recommended the Westfield Close…
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CitySuites Aparthotel Manchester Review
Hotel Review Location CitySuites is located on Chapel Street in the heart of Manchester city centre and just a five minute walk from Victoria Station. For guests arriving by car, discounted parking rates are available at the adjacent Q-Park Manchester and Exchange Square with its Metrolink tram station is close at hand. The aparthotel us…
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Visiting Altrincham and Sale by Tram from Manchester: A Day Trip Guide
Our final day in Manchester and the sun was still shining! After a leisurely breakfast in our cosy suite we gathered together our belongings and checked out of CitySuites, leaving our bags at reception to collect later in the day. Making the most of our weekend tram pass, it was then back to nearby Exchange…
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Exploring Manchester by Tram: Salford Quays, MediaCity & Didsbury Village
We woke to another sunny morning (who says it always rains in Manchester!) and after preparing breakfast in our swish apartment at CitySuites it was just a short walk across to Exchange Square. From a machine at the tram stop we purchased two Metrolink weekend travel cards allowing us unlimited tram rides across the entire…
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Exploring Manchester City Centre on Foot: Top Attractions & Walking Routes
I was so excited to be spending a weekend in Manchester as it’s one of my all time favourite cities and somewhere I visit often. Five long months seemed much too long to be away and as our train approached Victoria station even the sun broke through the clouds to welcome us back. We’d arranged…
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Visiting Kilnsey & Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales: Tips and Itinerary
Kilnsey is a small village located in the heart of Wharfedale and is noted for its impressive limestone cliff. Situated 12 miles north of Skipton and easily accessible from the motorway network as it’s just 25 miles from the M65 at Colne or 40 miles from the M1 at Leeds. Leaving the motorway and driving…
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Staycity Aparthotel Greenwich, London Review
Hotel Review Location Staycity Aparthotel is located in the historic centre of Greenwich and is just a few minutes walk from Greenwich mainline railway station with frequent trains to and from London Bridge taking only 8 minutes. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is also nearby with links from the London Underground at Bank taking 20…