A Day Out at Barton Country Farm Park near the Kennet and Avon Canal

Barton Country Farm Park is a beautiful park that stretches from Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon to the Avoncliff aqueduct. The Barton Country Farm Park is sandwiched between the river Avon below and the Kennet and Avon Canal above.

Find out more about Barton Country Farm Park

Castles in Cornwall

By Thomas G. Craven

There are quite a lot of castles within the boundaries of what is modern-day Cornwall. Much of the reason for this is geography - Cornwall has a lot of coastline (just short of 300 miles) and this means potential avenues of attach from the sea. This meant a lot of coastal defences have been put in place over the years. The south coast of Cornwall faces the English Channel and attacks from Europe; the north coast faces the Atlantic and invasions across the Irish Sea.

Not all of the castles in Cornwall are coastal however, there are a few (generally older castles) that are built to protect different aspects. These include Norman installations to protect river crossings and Iron Age hill forts to protect the population and act as a defensive refuge, which are generally found on hill top locations.

Because the wealth of Cornwall has never really been in agricultural land, there are not as many Norman castles as some other areas of the country because that was the primary driver for installing these defences.

St Mawes Castle
St Mawes sits on the north east side of the Carrick Roads, partnering Pendennis castle on the opposite side. It is a clover leaf shape and was built by Henry VIII as part of the coastal defences aimed at preventing attack from France and Spain.

Carn Brea Castle
Carn Brea was built in the 14th century, although the hill top site near Redruth has been occupied since about 3700BC. The current building is a stone twin towered fortress, probably originally a chapel or hunting lodge. It has been altered and extended over the intervening years.

St Michael's Mount
Located in Mount's Bay and owned by the National Trust, St Michael's Mount is probably Cornwall's best known landmark. The castle sits atop a small island that is accessible by causeway at low tide. Originally a religious site it was held defensively several times before becoming a true castle when Henry VIII seized it as a result of the dissolution of the monasteries.

Tintagel Castle
The castle at Tintagel is probably best known for its link with the Arthurian legend as the birthplace of King Arthur. However, the current castle at the site near Camelford is the remains of a fortress built by the Earls of Cornwall, started by Reginald in 1145 and expanded in the 13th century.

Launceston Castle
The castle is located to protect the Tamar River crossing, and there has been defensive structures here since medieval times. The stonework you see today is mostly 13th century, built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall (who was also responsible for the expansion of Tintagel).

Pendennis Castle
Situated on Pendennis Point, this castle guards the Falmouth bank of the Carrick Roads and the entrance into Falmouth Harbour. As with St Mawes it was constructed around 1540-45 by Henry VIII as part of a chain of defences along the south coast of England.

Restormel Castle
Situated near St Austell, Restormel Castle was originally a Normal fortification, and it's beautiful round shape is a reflection of that, although the current stone walls were again a later addition of the 13th century.

St Catherine's Castle
Located at Fowey, St Catherine's was built to defend the harbour and was a part of the south coast castle chain commissioned by Henry VIII. It's a small artillery fort, now in ruins, and is located on the tip of a rock headland.

Chun Castle
An Iron Age hill fort originally created between 3000 and 2000 BC, it is notable because it is made of two concentric rings of the native granite rock. The occupation of this site near Penzance in west Cornwall, goes from this period through the Roman occupation of Britain into the Dark Ages.

This is not an exhaustive list of the castles of Cornwall, more minor or iron age remains can be seen at Bossiney Castle, Bottreaux Castle, Caerhays Castle, Cradinham Castle, Castle Dore, and the castles of Helston, Maen, Pengersick and Tremanton.

Thomas Craven is a freelance writer in the travel sector. He is currently writing for hotels in Cornwall on a range of Cornish subjects.

Oakham and Horshoes

By Simon Haughtone

Oakham resides to the west of one of the largest man-made European lakes, Rutland Water. The town is on an incline and is in the Vale of Catnose. Oakham is part of Rutland. Oakham is the headquarters of the unitary Rutland County Council District Council.

The main tourist attractions are Oakham Castle and All Saints Church. It is possible to see the spire of All Saints Church from several miles away. The tower was built in the decorated gothic style in the 14th century. The majority of the rest of the exterior was designed in the perpendicular gothic style. The oldest part of the church is the south doorway which

dates bake to the early 13th century. The columns inside are beautifully decorated with animals, figures, birds, foliage and various scenes from the Bible.

The only part of Oakham castle that is still standing is the great hall. Surrounding the great hall is the inner bailey used for defense. The hall was constructed between 1180 and 1190. Much of the architecture is Romanesque. The hall was used as the Assize court until 1970. It is licensed for weddings and is occasionally used as the Crown court and Coroner's court. The outer bailey, currently called Cutts Close is a park with bandstand.

It was tradition when royalty passed through Oakham to leave a horseshoe as a forfeit. Royalty left horseshoes in Oakham for over 500 years. Today when royalty visits they present a commemorative horseshoe, over 200 hang n the wall in the great hall. The oldest horseshoe on the wall is from King Edward IV in 1470. The horseshoes are hung upside down to stop the Devil from sitting in the hollow.

Oakham is easily accessible as it has a railway station that has trains traveling to Birmingham, Leicester, Peterborough and Stansted Airport. It is also possible to reach Stamford, Corby, Uppingham, Melton Mowbray, Nottingham and Leicester by motorway.

Look for hotels in Oakham.

Things to Do and Entertainment During August, Around Torquay and Paignton

By Gregory Greene

South Devon in August has always been a special place to be or spend a well earned break or holiday during the summer months. Like many holiday resorts and locations in the UK, Torquay and Paignton were both first established and made fashionable as holiday destinations as far back the Queen Victorian era.

Since then the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham also known as the "English Riviera" (which was coined from the name French Riviera, the holiday area of the south coast of France) has gone from strength to strength as a South Devon holiday resort area. For this area it is no surprise as this part of the Devon coastline has some amazing and breathtaking scenery, with many local attractions that are both new and historic, scattered throughout the area will give you plenty to see and do.

If you're a tennis fan and enjoyed the summer coverage of "Wimbledon" in London, you will be in for a real treat as the "Torbay Open Tennis Championships" starts on the last day of July and carry on for a week into the beginning August. This is a historical event as it was first staged back in 1887 and is now one of the country's leading tennis tournaments and is hosted proudly by the Torquay Tennis Club.

The beginning of August also sees the "Cockington Fayre" at Cockington Court and Country Park in the typically quaint Devon village of Cockington, just on the outskirts of Torquay. It's largely a traditional old English country fayre, with side stalls with local produce, as well as arts & crafts, there is also music and dance, as well as displays by exhibitors. The fayre will also feature traditional "Morris Men Dancing" dressed in all of their regalia. As well as all of the attractions at the fayre there will also horse carriage rides, art galleries, a medieval church, cafe selling freshly made dishes plus a 460 acre award-winning Cockington country park with lakes and woodland to explore, so it makes a great family day out.

Next on your list of things to do and see in early August should be the "Torbay Steam Fair" at Churston Ferrers, situated just on the edge of the town of Brixham and this year the Steam Fair see's itself having its 25th Anniversary. This is another good family orientated event with much to experience, the fair is largely aimed at showing off all the wonderful working steam engines, vintage, and classic cars, old trucks and lorries by their loving owner's. There are also military displays, market stalls, a range of local cider's to sample and for the children there is entertainment from Como the Clown, pony rides and also a beautiful birds of prey display and you can even handle some playful parrots. One thing is for sure there is plenty for all the family to see and do around Torquay and Paignton in August.

Gregory Greene is writing on behalf of "H and H Caravans" of Torquay in South Devon, for a great choice in Paignton Caravans or when you are looking for the best Holiday Park Devon with a relaxing atmosphere near the sea.

Ghosts of Chillingham Castle

By Jackie Reynolds

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, UK is said to be the most haunted castle in the UK and not surprisingly since the castle houses dark dungeons and macabre torture chambers. This ancient fortress dates back to 1246, when the Earl Grey lords built this remarkable building and where the Earl Grey ancestors have resided for centuries.

The castle is presently the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield Bt., his wife The Hon. Lady Wakefield and their family. The family claim it is the most haunted castle because of the many ghosts which frequently haunt their home.

The most notable ghostly apparition is the 'blue boy' (or 'radiant boy') who is said to haunt the castle's Pink Room. Many guests, whilst occupying the room, have heard terrifying wailing sounds soon to be followed by a halo of blue light appearing above their bed.

Although that particular haunting ended when a gruesome discovery during renovation work revealed the bones of a young boy and a man who had been bricked inside a wall. It was intended that no one should ever hear their piteous cries for help, as the wall was built 10 feet thick.

This was not the end to the hauntings in Chillingham Castle. The owners have also witnessed a much more sinister energy which wanders the halls...the terryfying spectre of the once evil torturer - John Sage.

JOHN SAGE - A GHOST OF EVIL PAST

When nightime falls around Chillingham Castle, one of the most feared sounds to be heard on occasions is that of 'something' slowly dragging its foot as it wanders the corridors. It is believed to be the spirit of former Lieutenant, John Sage who earned the nickname 'dragfoot', when in life, his leg was injured by a spear during his final battle in the ongoing wars with his Scottish neighbours.

After his injury he was desperate for a position of work and was proud to be given the title of Chillingham Castle torturer by the castle owner Edward Longshanks (1200 AD). Sage was a monster of a man and his gruesome work would give him immense satisfaction for the next 3 years, where he would go on to torture at least 50 of his Scottish enemies per week.

Sage would revel as the Scots were captured and tossed into the castle's dungeons. These poor souls would wish they had perished on the battlefield, as Sage was renowned for carrying out the most hideous tortures in history. One torture device came to be known as one of the most feared...'the cage'. This apparatus would trap its victim and then be placed over a blazing fire - roasting the captive for hours, whilst Sage sat studying his enemy - writhing and screaming for their death.

Sage's insatiable thirst for torture would eventually lead to his downfall, when one day his lover Elizabeth Charlton paid him a visit. During their sexual liaison, Sage decided to place Elizabeth on one of his other torture devices - 'the rack'. Sage then began strangling her during the height of her sexual pleasure, but he went too far and accidentally killed her.

Elizabeth's father (a Border Reiver, clan leader and outlaw), upon hearing of his daughter's death, warned the now almost penniless Longshanks, if he did not have Sage killed he would join in an allied attack with the Scots against the Castle.

Longshanks' dwindling resources due to the war and the fact that the Border Reiver's were a powerful force gave him little choice but to put Sage to death. He was hanged on the grounds of the castle on 'Devil's Mile' (aka, Devil's Walk) before a crowd of jeering onlookers.

As Sage's body still twitched with life, the crowd set about him - slicing pieces from his body, including his nose, toes, and testicles. A rather 'cutting' fate, some may say, for one who's greatest rapture was the sight of an ungodly end.

http://www.worldmysteriesandtrueghosttales.com

The Three Magpies Pub On The Kennet And Avon Canal

The Three Magpies pub is a beautiful oldie worldie pub just a short walk from the Kennet canal towpath. If you stop at the Foxhunter Wharf at bridge 149 there is a short quiet road to walk down. Or you can stop at bridge 148, but this is a far busier road, not ideal for families with young children. Both ways are about the same distance for walking, about 4 minutes from the bridge.

The Three Magpies pub is brilliantly situated for the boater, because it is close to the Cean Hill Locks, so you can either have a hearty meal the night before you go through the locks, or you can enjoy a relaxing meal at the end of a long day after completing the course of 29 locks. J.M. Pearson & sons Ltd says “Five to six hours being considered a good performance for clearance of the flight” and that deserves a well cooked meal in anybody’s book.

The Three Magpies does indeed cook a very good meal, serving food at both lunchtimes and evenings. The menu is nothing out of the ordinary, but the food is cooked well and there’s plenty of it. They pride themselves on quality of their food and value for money and they do deliver on this claim.

The pub has a very friendly atmosphere and the décor is an interesting style of displays of collections. The eclectic appearance reminded me of an antique shop in Lechlade-on-Thames. With so many interesting nick-knacks on every surface with space, it does give you something to look and chat about whilst you are waiting for your meal to arrive.

See if you spot the fish tank in the rafters in the dinning area. It does spark off conversations of the practicalities of having a fish tank so high up. It’s also great for pulling the leg’s of the fishermen in the crew who still have yet to catch a fish bigger than one swimming in the tank.

The service at the Three Magpies is very good, we were very quickly seated and given menus, and we didn’t have to wait long for food to arrive. A speedy meal is important for a hungry boat crew.

The beer too was very good, serving Wadworth beers and ales, which of course is locally brewed.

The Three Magpies has a camp site adjacent to it, so the pub can get busy during the evenings, but you can ring ahead to reserve a table to avoid disappointment. It is always advisable where possible to book a table when you are on a narrow boat holiday, because pubs can be a good hour apart and in a slow moving narrow boat, you can’t nip to the next pub in five minutes like you can in a car.

The Three Magpies has beautifully kept gardens both at the font of the pub and in the beer garden. And on warm sunny days it is lovely to sit in the garden and watch nature going about its business whilst you enjoy a pint. There is also an old fashioned public telephone box close to the pub if there are any calls that you need to make. Mobile phone signals are not always great along the Kennet canal.

The Three Magpies is a pub on our recommended list on the Kennet and Avon waterway, and well worth visiting; if not for dinner then just for a drink and a rest. The pub is warm and friendly, and it’s a family friendly pub, which offers great value for money with great quality food.

A boaters guide to the Kennet and Avon Canal

The Tea Emporium at Ironbridge - A Proper Cup of Tea

By S. Roberts

Do you find it difficult to find a cafe that makes a good cup of tea? I like a fully flavoured cup of tea and I always find most cafes produce rather weak wishy-washy tea. Either they don't use a good quality tea bag or they don't allow the tea to infuse or they make it in your tea cup - which never tastes as nice as a cup of tea that has been brewed in the teapot.

We recently had a trip to Ironbridge, Telford, visiting all of the museums in the local area. There are ten award-winning Museums spread along the valley beside the wild River Severn - still spanned by the world's first Iron Bridge. At lunchtime we found a small cafe in the heart of Ironbridge called 'The Tea Emporium'. The cafe is in The Square, a stone's throw from the actual iron bridge itself. The cafe was small with an oldie world charm befitting to the setting of this historic town. The cafe had a limited number of tables inside but also had a few tables outside, ideal on hot summer days.

I was pleasantly surprised when I read the menu to find that they offered a selections of teas which they not only served in the cafe, but which they also sold for you to take home. Incidentally, they also take orders for their tealeaves over the phone. The teas were listed with their brewing time and a description of their flavour. I instantly knew that I was going to be served a very good cup of tea that I would enjoy.

I selected the Grandma's Household Tea that was described as being suitable for drinking at any time of the day, the brewing time of which was 4 minutes.

The tea was served in a small individual glass tea pot which has a small fix basket like compartment wherein the tea leaves were. Because the teapot was glass you could see the tea inside and I could see the dark richness of the colour as I waited patiently for four minutes.

This cup of tea was really fantastic. Both my grandmother's enjoyed a quite strong cup of tea, fairy dark in colour with a distinct taste, and Grandma's household tea really did capture how I remember a cup of tea at Grandmas to taste. It made my visit to the cafe rather nostalgic.

It seems fitting that in such a historic place where the Victorians were blasting Iron in huge furnaces, and mining coal, producing fine pottery and wall tiles to embellish buildings that I should find a good old fashioned cup of tea, after all it was the Victorians that made tea drinking so popular in Britain.

I have an interest in Good tea because I myself hand knit tea cosy to sell, to keep everybody's teapot piping hot.

S. Roberts writes for http://www.teacosyfolk.co.uk where each tea cosy is designed uniquely for the tea cosy folk range. Vist http://www.teacosyfolk.co.uk to view the tea cosies.

Thomas the Tank Engine - Tips on Attending A Day Out With Thomas Live Event

By Jay Eichler

For parents with young children who love Thomas the Tank Engine, attending a "Day Out with Thomas" event is a must. Day Out with Thomas events in the United States and Canada are held at various tourist railroads and railroad museums around the country and are held on certain weekends. The organization that licenses Thomas & Friends in the United States, HIT Entertainment, has created full-scale replica Thomas the Tank Engines, which are brought to the location for the weekend. You and your family can then ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine as the train travels through the countryside. This is the 16th year of Day Out with Thomas events, and Thomas is scheduled to visit 45 cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Each year, a new theme to the event is created. For 2011, the theme is Leader of the Track Tour 2011. There are also other child-themed activities at the event site which are held throughout the weekend, each event being a little different. Some other activities include face painting, pony rides, amusement park rides, picture taking with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt, petting zoos, bounce houses and magic shows.

Getting Ready for the Event

The Day Out with Thomas Events have become wildly successful, and as such are well attended. Many times, the train ride tickets are sold in advance online, so it is strongly recommended that you go to their website and purchase tickets many days before the event to ensure that you are not shut out. Depending upon the location, Thomas may run hourly or half-hourly. If for some reason you are shut out, at some locations the host railroad may be running their regular excursion schedule with their own locomotives, and you may be able to ride on that train. (Be advised though that your child may not like this option!)

Another thing to consider is to purchase the "Thomas gear" for your child to wear and/or bring to the event. Most kids love to go to the event wearing a Thomas T-Shirt, engineer cap or sweatshirt.

These items can easily be purchased online in advance of the event, so your child may wear or bring these with them while they attend. There is also good reason to do so, as explained below.

A word of warning - these items and many other Thomas items are usually available for sale during the event. Depending upon the location, there will either be a special tent set up as a gift shop, or they will have a special "Thomas section" inside the gift shop. Generally, the items available there will be marked up considerably for the event. A T-Shirt that might normally sell elsewhere for $12.00 may be listed for sale at the event for $25.00. Your best bet is generally to order merchandise beforehand, and maybe just purchase a small souvenir at the tent for your child.

Overall, A Day Out with Thomas is a great event that your child or children will always remember. For more information on Thomas & Friends products for your child, please be sure to visit us at http://www.ultimatethomas.com

Things to Do During the Easter Holidays

By Jenny Oneills

Easter holidays offer a nice break between the winter and the summer holidays. Many people love to relax and get ready for the coming spring. One idea is to take a trip to the beach. Even during the cooler spring months of March and April, a stroll along the beach is relaxing. The crowds are usually much smaller than during the summer months. When no on the beach, it is a good time to walk the shops and see what they offer. Many vendors have great sales this time of year. Getting out of the city and getting to the beach is something you can enjoy.

London is a great place to be during the Easter holidays. You can go to Easter services at Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral. You will also find orchestral and choral music throughout the holy week in both locations. For an Easter egg hunt, consider Kew Gardens. You can also enjoy a trip up on the London Eye to catch the views of the London skyline and surrounding counties. You will find some museums offering discount or free admittance. You and the entire family can find many things to do on the holidays.

You might consider a trip to a theme park or two over the Easter holidays. If Lancashire is close to home or somewhere that sounds different, you should visit Camelot Theme Park. You will find knights battling and wizards dueling. Another option would be Chessington World of Adventures. With a mixture of roller coasters, rides, and wildlife, this theme park offers fun for people of many ages. It is a popular destination any time of year. The best part is that it is only a short distance outside of Central London. It is a good place to go if you do not want to leave the City.

If you want to get away from the house, but do not have a great deal to spend, consider taking a stroll among the hundreds of woodland sites available across the country. They are free and accessible from anywhere. Many of these sites offer activity packs for the children to keep them occupied. Another cost effective option is museums. Most museums are open free. They range from natural history to science and history. These are just a few of the options you should consider when thinking about your Easter holidays. What do you want to do?

Jenny Oneill is a freelance travel writer who is currently researching the best places for Easter holidays

Tourists Attractions and Transport in Nottingham

By Jonathan Clarke

Nottingham is a city that is located in the Eastern Midlands region of UK. It was an important city during the industrial revolution and is famous for its laces and bicycle all over the world. This city also prospered in the textiles also. Due to this rapid development the city has some of the largest slums in the country.

Tourist Spots in Nottingham:

The city of Nottingham has a large influence of theatre and music. There are many galleries and museums which are present in this city to illustrate this:

Green's Windmill and Science Centre:

It is a science museum that was founded by the famous mathematician George Green. This museum has a working model of windmill that attracts many tourists. This museum is situated in the center of the city.

Nottingham Industrial Museum:

This museum is famous for its collections that date back to the time of Industrial Revolution. There are many plans and models which are located here that highlight the brilliance of this age.

Transport Facilities in Nottingham:

This city has East Midlands Airport which is situated on the outskirts of the city. This airport is highly busy one and handles around a million passengers annually. This city is also well connected by the rail and road networks. The M1 motorway connects this city with all the major cities of United Kingdom. There are many railway services which operate from here. East Midlands Railway Service operates the major railway services to the important towns of the country. Besides this Cross-country and Northern Rail also provide their services on selected routes. This city is only amongst the six cities of England which have a light rail transit system as a means for the public transport.

You can travel by train Nottingham to Paris by taking one ticket from Eurostar. You can also grab some of the latest Eurostar breaks deals and offers.

A Great Day Out at Llys-Y-Fran Country Park and Reservoir

By Sam K. Ward

There a wide variety of things to do for the whole family at Llys-y-Fran Park and it has long been one of Pembrokeshire's favourite days out with lots of activities from fishing and boating to cycling and horse riding.

Llys-y-Fran is set within the rolling hills and countryside of Pembrokeshire, West Wales UK and is operated by Welsh water and the reservoir features a 100 foot high dam that supplies the nearby town of Haverfordwest with most of its water supply.

Here are just some of the activities on offer:

Walking- From a short stroll to a long 6 ramble around the reservoirs circumference there are plenty of stopping points to admire the countryside. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead.

Information Points - There is a main information point at the restaurant and many others situated around the park to tell you the stories behind the dam's construction, the reservoir and the abundance of wildlife you will see at Llys-y-Fran.

Fishing - Fishermen and Anglers are very welcome at the reservoir from enthusiasts to beginners. It has one of the finest trout fisheries in the region and all the equipment you need can be hired at the Llys-y-Fran shop will stop. Tuition is also available on site but you must have a rod license which is available from a post office. Anglers can thank fish by fly ledger one or even than hire a boat and fly fish.

Cycling - Bring your bike with you (a small charge applies) or hire a bike and helmet from the shop and cycle around the dam and reservoir. The track is undulating in places and demanding in others, so if you wish to bring an off-road cycle please feel free to do so.

Adventure Playground - The playground caters for children of all ages. There is also a playground for much smaller children next to the restaurant.

Sailing and Rowing Boats - Rowing boats are sometimes available for hire with life jackets included. There is also a launching facility if you wish to bring your own sailing boat, windsurfer or canoe, however, you must have proof of third party liability insurance before a permit for this type of activity can be issued.

Restaurant And Gift Shop - Llys-y-Fran boasts a fine restaurants and tearooms with lovely views overlooking the reservoir and a sun patio where you can sit and just relax if you just want to enjoy the spectacular views of the 100ft dam and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Special Events - Occasionally there are special events at Llys-y-Fran such as the speed hill climb, a fast paced race by classic cars up the steep incline of the dam. Entry is usually free.

All in all, Llys-y-Fran country Park and Reservoir offers a great day out in the heart of Pembrokeshire and they are open 365 days a year from eight in the morning till dusk.

If you are looking for accommodation, then B&B Pembrokeshire is only 3 miles from Llys-y-Fran.

Sam K. Ward. is an freelance article writer and has an interest in travel and accommodation in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. If you would like to know more about accommodation near Llys-y-Fran country Park and Reservoir, visit Forlan Bed and Breakfast Pembrokeshire.

A Visitor's Guide To Whitby Located On The North Yorkshire Coast

By Paul D Teasdale

Whitby is an ancient fishing port, nestled within steep cliffs, and located on the North Yorkshire coast. Upon the East Cliff you can find Saint Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey, also referred to as Saint Hilda's Abbey, both of which look out high over the town and offer some spectacular views. You can visit these magnificent monuments by taking Whitby's famous 199 steps up the side of East Cliff. These steps are accessible from Church Street down in the town.

Whitby is a maze of narrow streets some of which are still cobbled. Smooth paving stones run parallel through the cobbles where cart wheels would have once run. The east and west sides of the town are joined by a swing bridge which is over 100 years old. Opened in 1909 the bridge still operates to this very day in order to let boats and ships pass through.

You don't need to walk for far through the town before you come across the term "Whitby Jet". Whitby Jet is a gemstone formed from the remains of fossilised trees dating back to the Jurassic period. It is only found within a seven and a half mile stretch of the Yorkshire coast that's centred around Whitby. When mined the Jet is carved in to jewellery and ornaments, and although it's totally black, when polished it produces an excellent shine.

Whitby has also been made famous by the Victorian author Bram Stoker who created the Gothic novel Dracula having based parts of his novel in Whitby. This has led to Whitby Gothic Weekend which is currently held twice yearly. It's claimed that Whitby Gothic Weekend is now one of the most popular Gothic festivals around the world and attracts people from far and wide.

Other notable visitor attractions in Whitby include a scale replica of Captain Cook's ship Endeavour. The ship makes regular sailings throughout the year providing trips around the beautiful Yorkshire coastline. If sailing is not your thing then why not catch a ride on the steam bus. Built in 1931 by Sentinel Waggon Works, and called Elizabeth, the bus has a huge chain running from the steam engine at the front to the wheels at the rear to provide drive. It was one of the very last buses to be propelled this way before drive shafts took over.

A trip to Whitby isn't complete without visiting the Magpie Cafe. This large black and white building, originally a Merchant's House built in 1750, is located in the historic harbour. The Magpie Cafe tends to stand out from other cafes in Whitby as, due to its popularity, large queues build up outside as people wait for a table to become available inside.

Paul Teasdale is a born and bred Yorkshire lad. Read this article and others at Paul's website which is dedicated to promoting all things Yorkshire. Please visit Discover Yorkshire to find out more.

10 Reasons Why The Races Make For A Fun Day Out

By Robert Berry-Smith

Going to the races is something special, but yet there are still a number of people who've never experienced the thrills and spills it has to offer. Here are 10 reasons why a day at the races is a must for all.

1. One of the most fun aspects of the day will be having a flutter on a horse or two. Some people, even novices, choose to study the form guide in the paper, while others might ask a friend for advice or just pick a name at random. Either way, placing a bet and enjoying banter with the rest of the group you're with is all part of the excitement.

2. Another reason the races are fun is that your horse might actually win! Over five or six races, you stand a relatively decent chance of backing a winner and certainly someone within your group is likely to have success. Let's hope it's you!

3. Even if you don't win, the energy and excitement during each race is enthralling - especially if you manage to get down to the finishing post. Scream, shout, cheer - let go and have fun.

4. However, day doesn't just rest on the races, as there's much more to make your day out special. For instance, you could be lucky enough to spot or even hobnob with a celebrity. Many top famous folk enjoy the racing, while some even own horses.

5. You won't feel out of place either, once you've got dressed up for the day. Whether it's a glamorous dress and shoes or a new suit, this isn't going to be your average day.

6. Because of the fun and high-fallutin' nature of the event, the races makes for fantastic corporate entertainment. Your clients will have a day to remember, which bodes well for your company's relationship with their business.

7. For the reasons mentioned above, the races are perfect if trying to woo a prospective client, too. It could just give you an edge over your competitors and help you secure the contract.

8. If you're booking a stag party, then why not do it a little differently with a day at the races? It's perfect if you want to invite older guests, such as the father of the groom, and it paves the way for a great evening, too.

9. It's not just the lads that should get to enjoy a day at the races. Whether it's a hen do or just a gathering for the girls, many racecourses have special Ladies Day meets, where glamorous outfits are as much the focus as the races themselves.

10. But really, a day at the races is perfect for all occasions. It could be a birthday, a couples gathering or a once a year treat - whatever the occasion, you can enjoy top days out at courses all over the country.

So, if you're on the hunt for fun days out, whether it's for stag parties, birthdays or any other occasion, why not give the races a try?

Why not visit LoveTheRaces.com for more information and everything you need to know about the races. If you're struggling for hen party ideas or need somewhere ideal for corporate events entertainment, they'll help you discover the perfect outing.

Visit Regal Windsor Castle on Your Thames Boating Holiday

By Dipika Patel

If you'd like to journey to a historical location as part of your UK boating holiday, you're sure not to be disappointed with a Thames boating holiday incorporating a trip to Windsor Castle.

The world's biggest and oldest castle to still be inhabited, the structure is one of the Queen's official residences and has been standing for almost 1,000 years. You can reach the fortress on a boating holiday in the area and experience the grandeur of the castle with your own eyes. Look out for the flying flag - if you spot it, it indicates that the Queen is in residence.

Travel to Boveney Lock on the River Thames for a central location from which you can easily call in at other places of interest on your way to the castle, such as Royal Windsor Racecourse and Eton - home to the renowned public school. The lock was rebuilt in 1898 closer to the Buckinghamshire bank. Why not moor your boat for a while and go for a walk through the sprawling land of Dorney or take in the lake behind the bank? You might prefer to moor up at Windsor Marina and explore the yacht club's facilities while the experienced harbourmaster keeps an eye on your vessel.

Next, take a leisurely stroll through Hythe Marina Village and stock up on supplies for your England boating holiday - and if you're looking for some entertainment, you might consider heading to the riverboat-accessible racecourse to take in some spectator sport. The track holds flat horse-racing 26 times a year from April to October and also puts on a variety of theme nights, so why not make an evening of it at one of only two courses in the UK to be shaped like a figure of eight?

After an evening of fun and frolics, why not discover more of the local area? Moor your boat further down the river to take a look around Eton, on the opposite bank of the river and connected via the Windsor Bridge. The village was once part of Buckinghamshire but was transferred to Berkshire in 1974.

As you travel down the waterway, marvel at the authentic examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture that help give Windsor its historical appearance. If you explore the town, you'll find it is split into two sections. The Old Town is hundreds of years older than the New Town and is where you'll find the Great Park - a 5,000-acre expanse that was formerly the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle and is home to many deer.

There's so much to explore on a boating holiday to the region, but you're sure not to want to miss the area's most famous attraction - the castle. If you opt for a walking or bus tour of the royal borough you're sure to see the monument. But if you'd like to venture inside, a Blue Badge tour could be the best option, as your guide will accompany you throughout and provide plenty of background information.

You'll receive an audio guide if you choose to explore the fortress, although you might like to pre-book to see parts of the castle that are not usually open to the public, such as the Great Kitchen and medieval Undercroft.

On a guided walk around the castle, you'll be shown exquisitely furnished rooms such as the State Apartments, which house art works by masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough. Although more than 100 of the castle's rooms were destroyed by fire in 1992, they were later restored in 1997. Poke your head around the entrance to St George's Chapel - an excellent example of Gothic architecture - and call in at George IV's private apartments (the Semi-State Rooms) if your visit takes place between October and March. And don't miss the chance to see the most famous dolls' house in the world while you're there - Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

Another point of interest - especially for fans of photography or antique relics - is the Drawings Gallery, which regularly displays material from the Royal Library. Among the exhibitions shown in the gallery was the work of Marcus Adams, a royal photographer who photographed four generations of the royal family between 1926 and 1956.

If your visit takes place during summer, why not take a walk around the grounds? A number of bands take to the gardens in the warmer months, providing the perfect musical accompaniment for leisurely afternoon strolls.

With so much to see in Windsor, make it the location of your next boating holiday and mess about on the River Thames.

A Thames boating holiday could be a great way of exploring Windsor and its surroundings. And with boating holidays widely available you're sure to find something to cater for your needs. Check out Le Boat for a wide selection of UK boating breaks and a range of England boating holiday options.

Surrey - One of England's Most Overlooked Regions

The United Kingdom of Great Britain is a rich tapestry of diverse countryside, cities and cultures making it one of the finest vacation destinations in Europe. Whether you visit England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can be sure that, whatever your tastes, you will find plenty to keep you entertained for at least a week or two. While cities such as London and Edinburgh prove the most popular places to visit there are plenty other places which are well worth a visit and one of the most often overlooked regions in England, with regards to vacations, is the county of Surrey.

Surrey is a county situated in the South East of England less than an hour away from the nation's capital, London. Due to the close proximity to London the county is highly popular with commuters and while this has increased the population, and the cost of living, it has, surprisingly, had little impact upon the countryside. While Surrey is often overlooked in favour of the capital, and the nearby counties of of Kent and Sussex, this is to the great advantage of the adventurous tourist.

Many visitors are attracted to England because of its rich and influential history and places like London benefit from having a huge selection of world class visitor attractions and many historic sites and buildings. While Surrey is unable to offer such prestigious tourist attractions as many other parts of England it is home to a vast range of historic buildings, many of which are of extreme importance.

Dotted across the county are numerous fascinating structures including a fine selection of windmills including Almer's Mill, Hungry Corner Mill and Mugswell Mill. Many of the religious buildings can be dated back many centuries and even as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries. Wherever you travel in this part of England you will not get too far before you happen upon a small village or hamlet most of which feature a row of pretty old houses, a village green, the local pub and, of course, the local church. These are great places to stop for a bite to eat and it is often worth investigating the church as many feature ancient architectural delights, fascinating graves and wonderful stained glass. As well as the multitude of churches there are a number of priories which are also worth visiting. Worthy of a special mention are the remains of Waverley Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey in the UK.

If you prefer to visit more stately houses then Surrey does not fail with a huge range of historic houses and stately homes such as Clandon Park, Hatchlands Park, Loseley Park and Polesden Lacey. If, like many, you enjoy visiting English castles then you are also in luck as Surrey has a few castles of interest including the 13th-century Farnham Castle Keep and the earlier Guildford Castle Keep.

There are plenty of other things to see and do in the wonderful county of Surrey. The countryside is often breathtaking and there are a number of beautiful parks and gardens such as the Busbridge Lakes which features a variety of waterfowl and gardens. Also worth a visit are the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley. Museums in the county include the Army Medical Services Museum and the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, as well as Guildford Museum.

One final reason for choosing to take a vacation in Surrey, mentioned earlier, is that you are within forty five minutes to an hour away from London. This allows you to base yourself in the countryside while taking daytrips to England's most famous visitor attractions. Other places to visit near to Surrey include the popular town of Canterbury however you will find a great many places to visit in the county town of Guildford and the town of Dorking which can act as an excellent base for a vacation exploring the surrounding countryside which features such popular places as Box Hill and the North Downs.

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Ironbridge-Shropshire - An Industrial Heritage Town

By Simon Haughtone

Ironbridge-Shropshire is located right on the Severn River. The town was named after the iron bridge that spans the river. This bridge was built in 1779. This is a new town and began to be built up about 40 years ago. This area is marketed as the starting point of the Industrial revolution. While this area was important for the industrial revolution it did not start in one spot but many places.

The bridge was built but the grandson of Abraham Darby, the man that detailed how to smelt iron incorporating coke in the process. This bridge made it possible to connect the two areas of the town. The Severn Gorge has many industrial links and much of the hotel and accommodations have been built up for travels to visit the gorge and the bridge. There are many excellent examples of Victorian villas and Georgian homes that were built by the prosperous mining, barge owners and ironmasters.

The town became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986 and is a main tourist area in Shropshire. Much of the old industries are no longer operating though the Merrythought teddy bear company is still producing bears. The town has many small shops, cafes, pubs and a Post Office. Just outside the village is the Ironbridge Institute which offers studies in industrial heritage.

The Ironbridge Power Station is a heritage site that consists of two power stations fueled by coal. When it first was built this power station was considered a super station. It was near a cooling water source and the railway lines, making it an excellent spot for a power station. The station was designed to merge as seamlessly as possible with the natural surroundings.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum trust runs 10 different heritage sites. These sites include many museums, tile works, iron works, the bridge and much more. If you are interested in origins of main industries then visiting this town is a great educational journey.

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Driving Days - Making Car Fanatics' Dreams Come True

By Patrick McAleenan

The advent of driving day experiences has given motoring enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity to make their dreams come true. However, many are still oblivious to the exciting experiences available from gift experience pioneers.

You can give your favourite car fanatic amazing driving days to remember with high octane motorsport experiences. There is a stunning range featuring everything from Ferrari driving and Rally driving to classic cars and go-karting.

Experience the mind-blowing power and acceleration of some of the world's finest supercars, including Aston Martins, Lotus', Lamborghinis, Porsches, and Ferraris and more - all located at a number of the nation's best-loved and most historic motor racing tracks.

For an extra special occasion, why not go that extra mile and purchase a heart pumping ultimate Formula 1 driving day. Allow them to strap themselves into an F1-style single seater racing car for the ride of their lives. They will experience just how the pros do it - inches off the ground, experiencing the super-responsive steering and earth-shattering power of these incredible machines.

At the other end of the spectrum, your special recipient may wish to hark back to the days of true motoring bliss, with classic sports car driving days. Classic car driving experiences give them an opportunity to relish true motoring thoroughbreds. Whether they're taking them around the track or out on the open road, these classic sports cars have plenty of life left under the bonnet and timeless good looks to boot.

Perhaps you'd like to arrange an enjoyable family day out? Enjoy fast and furious go-karting action at a wide selection of karting tracks across the country, offering outdoor Grand Prix racing for all above the age of eight.

Red Letter Days provide high quality adventure & activity gifts for every occasion. Our wide range of driving days will solve any present buying dilemma. Purchase an activity gift voucher to give someone an unforgettable gift.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds

By Andy Williams

The great thing about the Cotswolds is the variety of activities on offer. Whether you're visiting as a group of friends, young family, or a retired couple, there is something for pretty well anyone. And many of the activities are free! No-one charges you to wander across some of the best countryside in England or take your mountain bike for a trip round the Gloucestershire country lanes. I've lived in the area for all of my life and I hope that this top ten gives you some inspiration to come and visit the area and enjoy everything that's on offer.

Westonbirt Arboretum. One of the most popular paid for attractions in the Cotswolds is the National Arboretum in Westonbirt. Lying a few miles SW of Tetbury its home to a fantastic range of trees and shrubs landscaped in 600 acres with 17 miles of footpaths - walk them all and you'll deserve a meal out at one of the typical Cotswold pubs in the area.

Sudeley Castle. Dating back over many centuries, with royal connections and based just outside Winchcombe (which itself was once the chief city of Mercia), Sudeley also has an extensive range of gardens, so a great day out whatever the weather.

Walking. Where do you start? There are so many walks across the Cotswolds, from the ever present Cotswold Way to the challenges around the River Wye there is something for everyone, and many of the published walks give details of pubs and tea shops to take in on along the way!

Mountain Biking. Again, there are many choices across the area, some of my favourites have been in the North Cotswolds riding across some of the higher ground around Blockley or Beckford - it can be hard work to climb to the top of the escarpments but the views are worth it.

Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. This is being developed along the old route from Cheltenham to Stratford-On-Avon. It currently runs for about 10 miles from Cheltenham to Toddington a few miles north of Winchcombe. There are a range of steam and diesel engines in operation, and if you're keen you can even have the chance to drive one of them. Be sure to watch out for specific events throughout the year including their Santa Special, Paddington Bear event and their dining trains.

Historic Manor Garden. This is the sort of garden that you can enjoy if you aren't a gardener. With fantastic borders and a series of outdoor 'rooms' each with their own particular feel, even those of us without green fingers can enjoy a few hours here.

Shakespeare's Stratford. Many people base themselves in the North Cotswolds so that they are close to Stratford and all that it offers, whether it is a tour of the houses associated with the famous bard or the opportunity to see one of his plays if Shakespeare's your thing there is enough to keep you interested for many days in Stratford.

Cotswold Wildlife Park. For those of you with children one of the most popular animal attractions is the Cotswold Wildlife Park situated outside Burford. It is home to many wild animals many of which are not behind bars (although the lions thankfully are enclosed). There is also a good play area for the children to work off excess energy if there's any left after walking round the animals.

Authentic pub with a real log fire. No trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without a trip (or two or three) to one of the many authentic pubs in the area. Many offer a variety of real ales and in the winter months open log fires. Some offer a choice of meals in the bar or a more formal affair served in the dining room and if you're eating during the day, don't forget to find a garden and a good view.

Bourton-On-The-Water. This is one of the most visited and well loved villages in the Cotswolds especially with young families. The river runs though the centre and ducks swim along its route. For the youngsters there's the Model Railway, Model Village, Dragonfly Maze, Birdland, and the Cotswold Motor Museum. With the perfume exhibition, tea shops and local pubs there is plenty to keep everyone happily occupied for many hours.

And Finally... don't forget that for some things you need to be here at the right time, for example, The Rococo Gardens in snowdrop season, the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse (March), Badminton Horse Trials (May), Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill (Spring Bank Holiday), Kemble Air show (June), Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo (July), Cheltenham Festival of Literature (October) and the Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum (November / December).

Anna Phillips represents Jigsaw Holidays, specialists in supplying Cotswold Cottages and character properties as part of your Cotswold Holiday.

The Museum of Madame Tussauds

By Christopher Liu

It was during her childhood that little Marie Grosholtz learned to become an artist and sculptor. Having honed her talent with the employer of her mother, she created her first wax figures in 1777 at the age of sixteen. The employer of her mother was an artist, physicist and physician Philippe Curtius. At the age of Twenty-four, the young woman married and became Madam Tussaud. Recognized for her talent in France, it was in England that the artist became famous. In London, Marie Tussaud has her own wax statue, a beautiful portrait.

The history of Madame Tussaud

Marie was a Marianne, a figure of the French Revolution. Her early accomplishments as an artist-sculptor hinted her ideas, her commitment. After participating in the exhibition projects of his mentor, the doctor Philippe Curtius, she began to make her own works by immortalizing writers and philosophers, in 1777 Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau in 1778. The rebel was sentenced to the guillotine, but through her artistic talent, she was fortunately spared. Her sentence proved very strange indeed she had to make death masks for beheaded. She had immortalized the faces of her friends died for the revolution.

In 1794, Marie inherited the figures of his mentor Philippe Curtius before becoming Madam Tussaud a year later. For her husband Francois Tussaud, she gave birth to two sons. The artist continued her work and decided to exhibit her collection in London in 1802, accompanied by her eldest son. Because of the war, she found herself sheltered in England where she continued to present her masterpiece in exhibitions. Permanently installed across the channel, Marie Tussaud chose London as the final destination. No more traveling exhibition in 1835, she then opened the Baker Street Bazaar to display her collections. The artist presented the figures of the revolutionaries and their murderers, staged in what would be called House of Horrors.

A multinational museum

In 1884, more than thirty years after the death of Marie Tussaud, the museum which displayed her works was moved to Marylebone Road, its current location. In 1926, after a fire that ravaged many works, the company Tussauds Group is created. After having pasted figurines melted by the flames, the museum was undergoing a veritable revolution. It became one of the most important tourist attractions of London. The company Tussauds then set out to conquer the world. Officially known as Madame Tussauds, wax museums are multiplying in the largest cities in the world such as Amsterdam to Las Vegas via New York and Hong Kong and Shanghai and Washington and Berlin and Los Angeles recently. A hugely successful multinational company, the Tussauds Group was bought out several times. In 2007, the buyer called Merlin Entertainments, which has invested one billion pounds.

In Hollywood, actors and film legends are immortalized at Madame Tussauds. Some of the cinema stars have their wax statue in several cities, like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nicolas Cage, Whoopi Goldberg and Marilyn Monroe. At Madame Tussauds, the singers also have right to glory. The legends as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Madonna compete with young stars like Britney Spears or international Beyonce. Politicians are not forgotten by history when they are at Madame Tussauds, the example of Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, John Kennedy. Certainly, being chairman of a country deserves a statue, without political considerations.

The Nicolas Sarkozy, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Adolph Hitler have their figures in at least one of wax museums. In London, at the site of Madame Tussauds, the statues of more than 400 personalities are exhibited in the Hall of Fame. Usually, celebrities lend themselves gracefully to the opening of their statue in a wax museum as Madame Tussauds. There are some exceptions particularly among politicians who are more reticent. At Madame Tussaud's, the value does not expect the number of years. It's more than true for personalities from the world of film, song and sport. Roles of teenagers like Harry Potter or Troy Bolton from High School Musical have brought Daniel Radcliffe and Zac Efron in the temple of celebrity wax. Young champions such as Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton or footballer Wayne Rooney will access to glory soon.

To perform a full tour of Madame Tussauds, it takes about two hours. Through various events, visitors do not see the time passing. When you are hurry, you can go directly to your favorite star and be photographed with her. Simply place like a statue. More than a house of fame, the museum Madame Tussauds is not limited to offer entertainment. It opens a window on history by featuring characters from another generation.

Christopher Liu is professional Internet Marketing Director based in Singapore who has helped several hundreds web masters to have their web sites rank top 10 in major search engines. He has written many PDF manuals all of which helping his readers to target their best niche key words. Many of his manuals on the topics of Search engine ranking software and top 10 ranking can be downloaded from his web site.

Picnic Under the Table

What is Romance? There is no hard and fast rule, what feels romantic to one person my not feel romantic to another. However a common feeling is that when something is romantic it is something that you do as a couple, something that is done without sharing it with others - such as a romantic dinner for two.

However when you go out for a romantic dinner on Valentines day, you tend to find that every man and other half are also trying to have a romantic dinner for two as well.

This Valentines Day have yourself a real Valentines dinner for just two, by having lunch in secret - have a Valentines Picnic under the table. Yes under the table!

Just image how romantic it could be...
In a nice warm clean room with some essential oils burning away on the side fragrancing the air, drape a clean quilt cover or two over the table so that the covers touch the floor like a cosy little tent. Throw in some big cushions to lean on and to make yourselves comfortable on. You can illuminate your picnic area with a small lamp, or candles. If you do choose to use candles, use small tea light candles in a glass vase so that you don't cause a fire hazard. You could sprinkle a few rose petals about for that overtly Valentines feel. Then all you need is your favourite picnic foods. Eating with cutlery under a table is quite tricky with limited space, so go for finger foods.

Why would picnicing under the table be romantic?

The thing about romance is that you tend to remember romantic days when they stand apart from other days. Think back over the years to your most memorable Valentines Day - why was it so romantic?

A picnic under the table is very unusual unless you're five years old and because of this, it will be a day that stands apart from other days. So it will be remembered for being unusual, and remembered because you didn't quite fit under the table properly and you legs were sticking out, and because it was difficult to eat under there and so on.

A Valentine's date under the table will also evoke memories and feeling from childhood, when life was carefree and simple, a time when you felt playful and safe. Bringing back these warm feelings on you Valentines date will also make the time feel romantic.

Last but not least, it will show a wild and wacky side of your nature to your Valentine and they will love you for it.