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.

Ideas For An Extended Easter - Royal Wedding Holiday

By Harvey McEwan

While many special 'Royal Wedding deals' offered by travel agents will have been snapped up by organised travellers, it's not too late to organise your own special getaway.

The excitement generated by the Royal Wedding in 2011 has been twofold in the UK. While many people seem to be excited about Prince William and Kate Middleton's impending nuptials, the extra bank holiday that has been granted on their wedding day means that people across the country will also get to enjoy another day off. What's more, the placement of the holiday directly after Easter weekend means that it creates two consecutive four-day weekends, timing that has convinced many to take an extended Easter break.

So if you're thinking about taking a longer holiday over Easter thanks to the Royal Wedding, you're not alone. And while many special 'Royal Wedding deals' offered by travel agents will have been snapped up by organised travellers, it's not too late to organise your own special getaway, whatever your budget.

If you're keen to spend your Easter-Royal Wedding break abroad but can't afford to go too far, Barcelona and its surrounding attractions could offer the ideal solution. A long-held favourite with British holidaymakers, Barcelona is not Spain's capital but is perhaps its most culturally vibrant city. If you're interested in art and architecture, you'll find the unique buildings of Antoni Gaudi - which include the iconic Sagrada Familia and the serene Parc Guell - fascinating. What's more, the city is also home to galleries dedicated to Spanish maestros Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro, while its many world-class restaurants and bars will keep travellers merry throughout the night.

Alternatively, if your prefer to spend your holiday time outdoors, Barcelona does not disappoint. Amazingly, it has a vast beach right next to its city centre. The area, known as Barceloneta, has in the past been associated with the very poorest elements of Catalan society but has been regenerated since the 1992 Olympic Games. Today, it's a favourite with locals and tourists alike and is home to some of the area's best seafood restaurants. Of course, the extended length of this year's Easter weekends means that you'll also have plenty of time to explore the sights around Barcelona too. Indeed, it's the perfect opportunity to rent a car and drive to the beach at nearby Sitges, visit the celebrated Salvador Dali museum in Figueres or travel north to the Pyrenees, which overflows with spectacular hiking trails and mountain scenery.

If you can afford to go a little further, New York City could provide you with that breathtaking holiday you've been dreaming of. New York is beautiful at the end of April, with the severe winter weather having eased off and the balmy days of summer yet to come. What's more, the tourist rush isn't yet in full swing so its main attractions - like Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Staten Island Ferry and Central Park - won't be as packed as they will be in July and August. And while there's plenty to keep visitors to New York occupied for a week or more, make sure you make the most of your extended break and explore the city's surrounding areas too. Popular trips include those to Long Island, the beaches at Jersey Shore and even neighbouring cities Boston and Washington D.C.

For those that can't afford to stray far from home during the Easter break, rest assured that there are plenty of holiday options within the UK. If you live in England, for instance, a trip to Scotland won't require a visa but culturally, you'll be in a different country altogether. Luxury weekends in Edinburgh promise plenty of indulgent fun for people who love city breaks, while country lovers won't be able to get enough of the stunning scenery offered by the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Moreover, golf lovers shouldn't miss a trip to one of the country's many excellent courses, for which hotels in Edinburgh, Fife and Aberdeen provide convenient accommodation all along the east coast.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

Celebrate the Royal Wedding in Bath

By Thom Sanders

Unless you have been living on the moon for the past six months you will have heard of the forthcoming royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton which will be taking place on the 29th of April this year. Due to it being such an important and glamorous event cities and towns all throughout the country will be celebrating and putting on many different events.

One city that will be putting on numerous events to mark the royal wedding will be Bath in the South West. Many people will be flocking to the city to take advantage of its royal roots and it's very well organised festivities throughout the year.

Bath's Fashion Museum is hosting several special tea parties leading up to the royal event, visitors to the very popular and interesting museum will be able to learn all there is to know about royal wedding dresses through the ages. The tea event will also include free entry to the 'What will she wear?' exhibition, featuring some of the most glamorous and expensive wedding gowns and dresses to have been seen in the city.

Numerous venues in and around the city will be hosting traditional royal themed garden parties; traditionally these events include plenty of Earl Grey tea and rich and fruity wedding cake.

Past visitors to Bath will more then likely have visited the wonderful museum based at the city's architecturally famous Georgian building 'The Crescent'. The Georgian museum will be holding an exhibition between April and May which will give people the chance to explore everything they ever wanted to know about weddings during the Georgian period.

Bathcertainly has a lot of royal connections and links that date back to its very beginning. Legend has it that the city was first founded by an exiled prince that was cast from his kingdom as he had a form of leprosy. As the story goes he bathed within the natural springs that surfaced from the area and was cured. By means of gratitude the king began building what is now known as Bath.

Another connection between royalty and the city of bath is that the first ever king of England's coronation took place within the cities abbey. Visitors to the city can view the 'Edgar window' in the abbey that shows and depicts the event along with a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

As you can see Bath is the ideal choice of location to enjoy and celebrate the royal wedding this year with plenty going on over the period.

Thom Sanders writes on behalf of the Royal Hotel Bath, the best choice of Bath Hotel for your Short Breaks Bath.

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