Posts Tagged ‘united kingdom’
Incredible Bath Vacations
March 21, 2010
The city of Bath, in Somerset, may be just less than 13 miles away from Bristol but it is incredibly different in a great many ways. You will find that Bath is immensely more laid back than its neighbour. With its many open spaces, Georgian buildings and elegant crescents it is an extremely popular place in which to take a vacation.
Bath has been important for at least two thousand years. Due to the hot springs, the only hot springs in Britain, it was a place of reverence for the Celtic population. It wasn’t until the occupation of the Romans that, due to the technical knowledge, the springs were developed to their full potential. To this day the Roman Baths are a popular tourist attraction.
Bath was just a town until the sixteenth century, Queen Elizabeth I granted the town a Royal Charter in the year fifteen ninety, she had visited in fifteen seventy four. By the 18 th century Bath had become an extremely popular resort where good etiquette was essential and Beau Nash ruled the social scene.
It was during this time that Jane Austen, who lived in the city, wrote Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, and where Gainsborough became well known as a landscape artist and portraitist. If you are interested it is possible to learn more about Jane Austen, the city’s most famous resident, at the highly educational Jane Austen Centre.
Bath has a multitude of tourist attractions including; the Roman Baths which I mentioned earlier, Bath Abbey, The Holburne Museum of Arts and The Royal Crescent. The Assembly Rooms is one place you must really get to see and this is where you will find the fascinating Museum of Costume which displays a collection of historical and modern dress.
Many people choose to stay for only a day in the city of Bath but if you want to see the most it is much better to stay for a couple of days and walk around leisurely exploring all the city has to offer.
If you are planning a short break in the city of Bath it is important to know that although there are many hotels and guest houses in Bath finding Bath bed and breakfast can sometime be rather difficult. Because of this it is crucially important to book your accommodation at the earliest opportunity.
Finally I would like to wish that you have a thoroughly enjoyable vacation in the fascinating Somerset city of Bath, England.
If you are looking at taking a Bath vacation please take a look at our listings of Bath bed and breakfast
What to see in York, England
March 13, 2010
York, in England, is a great European vacation stop. Often referred to as the United Kingdom’s “first city” of history, it’s steeped in Britain’s cultural heritage. Anglo Saxons ruled here long before the Romans arrived to invade. After that were the Vikings, who gave it is name, then in the form “Yorvik”. During the medieval period, York became the second largest city in England.
There are many York attractions to visit during your time here. It might be worthwhile to buy the “York Pass” which includes access to over fifty attractions in the region and York City itself. To maximise your use of the pass, make sure you make sure of what you want to see and check the opening times before you commit.
York Minster, the stunning 7th century Cathedral, is one of the most famous attractions. The enormous Church and structures was built with pale stone decorated with amazing stained glass windows, sculptures and an impressive pipe organ. The Yorvik Viking Centre is also interesting, with a reconstruction of a street from 975AD and information about the period.
York also has the Dungeon, Clifford’s Tower, the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, and the attractions of the River Ouse. In the Dungeon, actors create an interactive role play as various historical figures. Clifford’s Tower has create, panormic views of the city. The Hall is the best preserved medieval guildhall in the United Kingdom while, to get a modern view of the city, try a boat trip down the Ouse.
Free York sightseeing options are also available. Some of my favourites include the Art Gallery, which features local and internationally renowned exibitions and a good cafe on the ground floor. The Bike Rescue Project is also interesting, saving some of the bicycles thrown away each week — over sixty, if you’d believe it.
Walking through York’s quaint cobbled streets, you’ll be happily immersed in charming buildings housing interesting shops throughout. There are good views from the city wall, but make sure you get there during the day as the gates are locked after dark. Wandering the River Ouse is also a good way to spend some time; check out the historic bridges — Skeldergate and Lendal — or the new Millennium Bridge.
Visit Top Travel Content Europe for more York Sightseeing advice and travel tips for your European travel this year.