Wroclaw Gnomes

Day 4. In search of Wrocław’s gnomes

Our day started with a walk around the city's medieval main square (Rynek).  We'd already been enchanted by its beauty during our evening visits to the city's festive Christmas market and now it was time to admire it in daylight. This square was laid out by the city planners in 1241 and it remains one …

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St Andrews Links

Day 3. A day in St. Andrews

From our base at the Altido Vita aparthotel in the Fountainbridge district of Edinburgh it was just a ten minute walk downhill to Haymarket station for our train to St. Andrews (Leuchars station).  We'd pre-booked our tickets (£18.50 standard off peak day return) for the one hour journey and as we were sitting on the right …

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Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh – Leith & Cramond

We began the day with a walk around some of the buildings of the University of Edinburgh starting at the Old College quad located on South Bridge.  It was an overcast morning but the sight of the historic buildings housing the School of Law and the Talbot Rice Gallery surrounding the quad lifted our spirits. …

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Durham Cathedral

Day 2. Exploring Durham Cathedral and University

Sunshine streamed through the windows as we drew back the curtains and it looked as if the previous day's beautiful weather was continuing.  We started the day with a walk through Durham's Market Place where stalls had been set up for the weekly Saturday market.  Being unable to resist a browse through the stalls, we …

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Christ Church College, Oxford

A Walk Around Oxford

We planned a day in Oxford and arrived into the city's rail station mid morning.  Oxford is located mid-way between London and Birmingham both approximately 60 miles (96 km) away and with trains from London Paddington taking from only 52 minutes it makes an ideal day out from the capital. It was a bright, pleasant …

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Exchange Building, Nottingham

Nottingham – A Travel Guide

Nottingham is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the East Midlands’ as the English Kings held court there when they went hunting in its surrounding forests.  It’s famous for the legendary Robin Hood, lace making and much more.  Take a look at my guide of things to see and do in this intriguing city. …

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Brindley Place, Birmingham

Birmingham – A travel guide

It might not be well known, but Birmingham has been referred to as the 'Venice of the North' as it boasts more miles of canals than Venice.  It sits at the heart of England's canal network with around 35 miles (56 km) of waterways. Getting there: As Birmingham is located in the centre of the …

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Donegall Square, Belfast

Day 2. A walk around Belfast City Centre

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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Coimbra, Portugal

Day 6. A day in Coimbra, Portugal

We were interested to visit Coimbra as it was the medieval capital of Portugal for just over 100 years from 1145-1255 when King Afonso moved his court to Lisbon.  The city is also home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Trains from Porto to Coimbra depart from Campanhã station which is on the main north-south …

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Day 3. Visiting the Qatar National Library and Aspire Park, Doha

It was 8.00 a.m. by the time we managed to rouse ourselves from our luxuriously comfortable bed, and on opening the window blinds were pleased to note that weather in the Middle East had returned to normal, following the previous day's heavy rain. After another leisurely breakfast on the Al Terrace balcony we sipped cappuccinos …

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