Discover Medieval England and More on Holiday in Nottinghamshire

By Peter Hunt

Nottinghamshire is synonymous with Sherwood Forest and its most legendary inhabitant Robin Hood. In medieval times Sherwood Forest covered most of Nottinghamshire above the River Trent. It is home to England's most famous tree, The Major Oak, thought to be nearly a thousand years old. Legend has it that Robin Hood hid from his enemies inside it. There is an annual Robin Hood Festival each summer which recreates an English medieval atmosphere and features the main characters from the Robin Hood legend. The week's entertainment includes jousters and strolling players, dressed in medieval attire, and a medieval encampment complete with jesters, musicians, rat-catchers, alchemists and fire eaters.

Nottinghamshire is also well known for the village of Laxton, the last 'Open Field Village' in Europe. It is still farmed by a medieval system with each farmer allotted separate 'strips' in the open or common fields by a manor court. A local visitor centre provides a fascinating glimpse into this unique village.

'Hidden Gem' is often overused but is an apt description for Southwell, however it is probably the least known cathedral in the country. Situated in the heart of rural Nottinghamshire in a delightfully unspoiled small market town with some very fine Georgian houses, Southwell is the smallest cathedral city in England - since any town with a cathedral is automatically a city. The cathedral itself has superb examples of both Norman and Gothic architecture in a building that has suffered little damage over the years.

Close to Sherwood Forest is the National Trust owned Clumber Park. The largest park in Europe, it hosts many events throughout the year, from Easter Egg Trails and Family Fun Days to guided walks and open-air concerts and theatre performances, as well as being an excellent location for walking or cycling. The centrepiece was once a fine country house, now demolished. However almost everything else remains amongst the extensive parklands - the stables, church, 18th century Italianate bridge, follies and entrance. The estate has a large lake, a double avenue of lime trees and a walled garden with unusual and old vegetables grown alongside modern varieties.

Peter has worked in senior positions within the travel industry for nearly 30 years and lives in the Yorkshire Dales. To see a selection of Nottinghamshire holiday cottages go to Holiday cottages Nottinghamshire. Or, for cottages in some of the other wonderful areas of Britain go to UK Holiday cottages.

Have a Brilliant Seaside Break in a Bude Holiday Cottage

By Dipika Patel

The seaside resort town of Bude is a brilliant place to spend a break by the water - and you're sure to have a fabulous time no matter when you choose to travel.

With a spectacular coastline, friendly locals and plenty of things to see and do, you'll find that Bude is the perfect place to take a relaxing UK break.

If you're looking for a great holiday on the water, Bude has plenty to offer visitors. There are two lovely beaches with wide stretches of sand located right in the town itself - Summerleaze and Crooklets - and you'll be able to explore the surrounding areas from your base in north Cornwall cottages.

The National Trust-run Sandymouth beach boasts a striking coastline with dramatic cliffs, while the nearby Widemouth Bay is home to a fine surfing school.

In fact, if you are planning to take to the water during your time in Bude, Widemouth Bay is a brilliant place to base yourself. When conditions are right, the west-facing seafront is an ideal spot to go surfing - and if you are looking for lessons, you'll find that the local leisure facilities specialise in beginner and intermediate tuition.

All the gear is provided - including full-length winter and summer wetsuits, warm boots, hats and gloves in the colder months and the latest state-of-the-art equipment from California - all you need to bring to your two-hour lesson is a sense of adventure!

Elsewhere on the coastline, you may wish to head out on a relaxing seaside stroll, go for a summer swim or build a sandcastle with the kids - there's nothing more enjoyable than spending a holiday relaxing by the water.

In the town of Bude itself, there are plenty of character-filled streets to explore, as well as numerous fine restaurants and welcoming pubs. Tourism is Bude's primary industry and you will find you are welcomed warmly everywhere you visit.

The town's rich history is evident everywhere - some of its buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. You'll find the town is small enough to explore on foot and there are numerous local shops to discover.

While there are a handful of high street names in Bude, the best shops are the family-run establishments and you'll love getting to know the friendly locals as you make your way through the town.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you're sure to have a brilliant time by the seaside in Bude. Start planning your north Cornwall cottage stay today.

If you're looking for cottages to rent in Cornwall, Corncott can help you find the perfect accommodation. North Cornwall cottages are great places to stay year-round - whether you're looking for a romantic holiday cottages in Bude for two or a place for a large group to stay, Corncott is sure to find something to suit your needs.

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

Family Adventure Travel on the Cheap - Go Camping Free Style

By Leo S

Searching for more budget family vacations? Camping can be the right fit for low cost family vacation. No matter what, whether you choose national forests or camping grounds in state parks camping will be a memorable family getaway. One may choose several methods and way while planning camping outing, but most families prefer the free style camping. When I say free style camping that means just get a tent and let the fun ball rolling.

Comparing the cost of RV parks or camp site with bunch of amenities against the expense of free style camping accessories shopping; the expense is less with free style camping. Free style camping needs accessories such as tents, sleeping bags and other camping travel gear for your vacation; the cost is minimal. Also, amenities at camp site will not let you enjoy the real camping experience.

Camping free style gives you an opportunity to spend time together with family and friends. You can have fun talk & singing around the campfire, enjoy the nature in wide open and these all activities you can do staying away from usual routine daily life. Camping combines fun, excitement, adventure including a rare experience of getting close to each other while you are on family vacation.

As described earlier, you'll need to buy the basic camp equipment such as a tent, preferably one that will house the entire family, food, a cooler, ice, sleeping bags, camping stove, as well as the following items: pillows, cleaning supplies, folding table, cookware, utensils, cups, and toilet paper (especially if there are no restrooms around), first aid kit, and board games, fishing gear, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Going back to the shopping area for camping, you will need to get the basic camping equipment such as tents which can house entire family, sleeping bags, pillows, camping stove, frozen food, beverage cooler, cleaning supplies, cookware, utensils, cups and toilet paper if needed. Do not forget to carry first aid kit, games, flashlights, battery lamp and extra batteries. Considering your own preferences do not forget to carry fishing gears and bikes. Regular campers suggest keeping tarp under the tent. Generally tarp prevents water entering into the tent. You can say that tarp serves as a tent floor. These items can be purchased online from Amazon.com or any local store. These purchases are one time investment for all future similar family vacation trips.

In addition, now that you have the basic supplies, you can always supplement your gear with additional items, which you might need for the next camping vacation. You can easily check online websites to find a campsite in your state, as well as the low cost for staying in a national park or forest reserve.

Today's busy life has made hard to have some quality time with family together. Camping vacation gives an opportunity to bring family together without any distraction to tighten the love bond unique way. Whether mom or dad takes kids for fishing or hiking and one of them can have their leisure time alone. Or may be everyone goes together for adventure activities. Trust me; camping reunites the family unique way than any other type of vacation.

Last but not the least; do not forget to carry your camera along with extra batteries to capture all those laughter and memories which you will be able to share over the coming years. I strongly recommend camping for family vacation if you are looking for affordable vacation all together.

Leo S, advisor of the Family Vacations Deals [http://www.grab2travel.com?source=article] & Planning tips guide, prooves that you don't have to be "RELUCTANT" for Budget family vacation. Leo also invites you to get advantage of Travel Tips Blog at Grab2Travel.com to help you save money & time with useful tips!

Enjoy the History and Sights With an Oxford Canal Boat Holiday

By Dipika Patel

No canal boat holiday in the UK would be complete without some stunning views and good old English history. An established town since the 9th century, Oxford plays host to some of the most beautiful buildings in the UK, some of its richest history and most exciting places to visit.

Among the most famous of these is the highly acclaimed Ashmolean Museum. Originally established in 1683, this treasure trove of art and architecture contains some of the most important sights in the UK today. With a state-of-the-art education centre and a lovely rooftop restaurant for a unique dining experience, the Ashmolean in itself could be a full day out during your England narrow boat holiday.

Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy the city of Oxford and imbibe its glorious culture is to venture out of doors. The Botanical Gardens, looked after by the internationally-renowned University of Oxford, display over 7,000 plants, making it one of the widest and most beautiful collections in the UK.

If you are a keen walker and are interested in seeing more of the city on foot, guided walking tours are an excellent idea. If you are a TV addict and love Inspector Morse, why not take a tour of areas used in filming the staple British detective series? If you are looking for something to entertain the children while letting them burn off some energy, the Harry Potter guided tour should tick all the boxes - both for the little ones and for you!

Walking tours are not the only way to explore Oxford's status as a prime filming location. The White Horse Inn enjoys fame not only for its delicious fish, chips and fine ales, but also as the favourite watering hole of Inspector Morse himself. The stylish Randolf Hotel also holds associations with the shrewd detective, boasting the Morse Bar ¬- a charming venue for a civilised drink in the evening.

Not to be outdone by the reputation of the TV character, the Randolf also offers splendid luxury rooms and fine high tea - a wonderful refreshing treat after an afternoon walking tour or wander around the Ashmolean. Adults will love the excellent tea in sophisticated surroundings, serenaded by relaxing live piano playing, while children will love the exciting miniature (and full size!) cakes on offer, as well as the impressive surroundings.

Another classic Oxford activity not to be missed once you have ventured off your holiday boats is its great tradition of punting. Situated on the River Cherwell, punting trips run all day, and whilst you may think another boat trip is not necessary, the unique experience and pleasure of punting will prove you otherwise. The beautiful scenery and peacefulness of the trip are ideal for adults and wonderfully romantic for couples. Children will love the sense of adventure boating through the trees.

Oxford allows you to experience British history and architecture whilst providing the usual modern delights. Shopping in Oxford is a joy - there are of course all the big high street names, but much more exciting are the unique shops on offer scattered through both the main and back streets. The Covered Market is perhaps one of the finest examples of this, offering quaint little food shops, from pies to fresh fish, meat and cheeses to speciality cakes made specifically to requests - you can even watch the latter being made and decorated. You can also buy all kinds of beautiful clothes, bags and souvenirs from your canal boat holiday to delight your friends upon your return home.

Famously the University of Oxford is the most prominent institution in the county, and indeed the stunning buildings it occupies add to its national fame. Many of the colleges are open to tourists, allowing you to see the fantastic architecture so important to the city's identity.

Of course, just as important to the students themselves are excellent pubs that can be found all over the city. One of the most treasured is the Turf Tavern, nigh impossible to find without directions if you have never been, but so worth the enjoyable hunt to get to it.

Canal boat hire is the ideal way to enjoy this stunning city, allowing you to enjoy the ambience from the moment you sail in. From museums to pubs, gardens to rooftop dining, Oxford offers truly unique canal boat holidays in the UK that can be enjoyed by families, couples and groups of friends alike.

No England narrow boat holiday would be complete without trip to the beautiful city of Oxford, so when you are organising your canal boat hire, make sure you add this stunning English haven to your itinerary.

Holiday boats are a great way to travel to and enjoy this picturesque city with so much to offer visitors of all ages - there is no better location for canal boat holidays in the UK.