Ten Hot Tips to Help You Achieve a Happy and Safe Seaside Holiday Vacation

By Keith Pritchard

No matter how long you have been waiting for that long-awaited seaside break, and how much preparation is done beforehand, the success of your holiday lies not only in what you pack in your luggage. Here are ten important points to remember whilst you are away to help ensure a safe and successful, seaside holiday vacation.

Before we begin my 10 Hot Tips, let's remember what may be the most obvious safety precaution to take because so many people do need reminding! Avoid excess exposure to the sun as you will burn more quickly by the sea due to higher ultra violet light level. If you ignore this oft-repeated medical advice you may well very soon suffer with sore skin, which can be extremely uncomfortable. You may also soon dehydrate, leading to headache and nausea. Worse still, you will expose yourself to the risk of skin cancer.

OK, so here then is my main list of other things you might like to bear in mind to help things run smoothly, ensure you are made welcome at your holiday destination, and in some cases, even prevent disaster.

*Arrival: When you arrive at the coast, if the road is in any way busy, do always keep up with the main flow of traffic, concentrate on the road, and don't suddenly pull in without notice. By doing so you will avoid being 'cut up' or honked at by locals, who frustrated by congestion caused by a constant stream of 'Sunday Drivers' need to get on with their daily business.

*Excitement: Try to curtail excessive noise at your holiday cottage due to excited children, a dog in unfamiliar surroundings and so on. If you decide to have a barbecue, don't smoke out the neighbours. Have a word with them first if possible, just in case they any windows open or washing drying that you can't see. They'll be pleased to meet you and make you so much more welcome for taking the trouble.

*Shoes: Wear sensible shoes when crossing rocks, loose shingle or sand; broken and sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries to arise by the seaside.

*Flags: Beach safety flags should not be ignored: Red Flags means danger, don't enter the water, Chequered Flags indicates that the area between them has been designated for craft-use, such as wind surfing, kayaks and surfing. Avoid swimming there. Red and Yellow Flags indicate swimming zones where a lifeguard is present.

*Seagulls: It's always a temptation to feed the birds, especially by throwing the seagulls a few spare chips. Do refrain from doing this though as incoming gulls seeking titbits can be very frightening to small children and the disabled who can't always frighten them off. Partly tame seagulls can also become a nuisance by tearing open bin bags in the search for food, thereby creating a health hazard.

*Tides: Never try to guess the time of the tide. If you swim offshore, venture along rocks, or plan to walk any distance out onto open sands, always seek and heed advice about the wisdom of so doing before you set out. Locals will respect you for it as their relatives or friends, working on the lifeboat, or as coastguards won't be called out, possibly putting themselves in danger, unnecessarily.

*Fishing: Be careful not to discard fishing line on the beach. By so doing you'll prevent sea birds from becoming entangled and suffering tortuous death.

*Wildlife: Seals, that may often appear quite tame, are wild animals. When they hauled out ashore or swimming near the tide line they will sometimes lunge towards humans if provoked. Also do not pursue dolphins in a speedboat; your propeller could slash them causing both the animals and yourself great distress.

*Dogs: When walking your dog on a cliff top, always use a leash. It's commonplace for seagulls to mob unattended canines and for the dogs to chase after them. Say no more.

*Souvenirs: Be aware that if you take pebbles off many beaches to decorate your garden pond or garden, you may breaking local by-laws and face a heavy fine! This has come about since people began moving van loads of stones to garden centres for easy profit, to the potential detriment of natural coastal defence.

So, there's my list: the ultimate 'do and don't' guide to a successful seaside holiday!

I hope it's helpful.

Have fun!

This item is provided by, Keith Pritchard, Professional Photojournalist of 30 years standing.

Please visit: SEA SAFETY and SURVIVAL

Cromer Crab - A Taste of North Norfolk

By Kerry Samantha Miller

If you are staying at any one of the main hotels in North Norfolk, there is a good chance you will have Cromer crab on the menu at some stage. This is the seafood delicacy that Cromer is particularly famous for and there are many fishermen from the resort who make a living from catching the crustaceans.

A classic North Norfolk seaside resort, Cromer has a splendid beach, a broad promenade and a traditional pier, with seaside shows at the end of the pier during the summer. Cromer was developed as a resort by the Victorians and is now a place to visit either on a hot summer's day or to enjoy a bracing stroll in the middle of winter too.

Many North Norfolk hotels are open all year round, so finding a place to stay shouldn't be too difficult, even in the low season.

Cromer has all the usual shops where sticks of rock, buckets and spades and rock pool nets can be bought and you can also purchase some famous Cromer crabs from outside the homes of the fishermen. Usually cleaned and dressed in their shells, they can be enjoyed at home or with a picnic on the sand.

Cromer crabs are fabulous, they tend to have a greater proportion of white meat to brown, and their flesh is ever so slightly sweeter than that of other crabs. It can be found on menus of pubs and restaurants and in particular on menus of Norfolk luxury hotels.

You can also try to catch one of these tasty crabs yourself. Every day, scores of people make their way down to Cromer Pier armed with crab bucket, bait, hook and line in the hope of catching a crab. You can join many of the adults and children with their lines hanging over the side of the pier, all waiting in anticipation of hoisting up a crab. Children can be seen proudly showing off their catches but as is the custom, these crabs are then thrown back into the sea.

But if crabbing is not for you, then simply sit and relax on the pier and have an ice cream or a pot of tea.

However, any weekend break Norfolk wouldn't be complete without sampling Cromer crab.

Kerry Miller is a keen traveller who has stayed in many North Norfolk Hotels including Norfolk Luxury Hotels

Why Stay In Glastonbury, Somerset, England?

By Merv Baggs

Is it because of the Myths and Legends associated with the town?
Is it because of the oldest above ground Christian Church in the world - Glastonbury Abbey?
Is it due to the fact that Glastonbury Tor has stunning views of the Somerset Levels?

Or because of the famous Glastonbury Festival that attracts performing artists like Sir Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey, David Bowie, Artic Monkeys, Radiohead and R.E.M?

Read on to be inspired and find more interesting facts to stay and visit Glastonbury Town in Somerset, England.

Glastonbury is a Town in Somerset, near to vibrant and historic Bristol and Bath. It has a population of over 8000, which is ever increasing. Glastonbury has always been a tourist honey pot attracting visitors from England, Wales and Scotland but also many worldwide visitors from America, France, Italy, Spain and further a field, Australia.

Tourist attractions include:

Glastonbury Abbey
The oldest traditional above ground Christian Church in the world. Can be found in the magical Avalon. Many myths surround the Abbey including the visit of Joseph of Arimathea who could have brought the Holy Grail to rest at the Abbey and the plantation of the Glastonbury Thorn. Other Myths include King Arthur's remains and Pilgrims visits. The Abbey is a grade I listed building owned by the Church of England.

Glastonbury Tor
Managed by the National Trust, a teardrop shaped hill with St Michaels Tower situated on top, over looking the Mendips and Somerset Levels. It is believed to be the Avalon of Arthurian Legend. Some believe the Tor was occupied throughout human prehistory as many artifacts have been discovered. Famous Glastonbury Tor - The Tor has been mentioned in many fictional pieces including Stargate SG-1, The Da Vinci Code, Camelot 3000, Conquests of Camelot (Computer Game) and many more.

Glastonbury Lake Village
An Iron Age Village on the Somerset levels (Population 100), just miles from Glastonbury. Many artifacts have been recovered including fragments of pottery, bones and jewellery of the finest craftsmanship. After it was abandoned in 100AD due to the increasing water levels of the local area.

Glastonbury Festival
Also know as 'Glasto' a famous festival of contemporary performing artists. It is the largest Greenfield music festival in the world boasting an average of 150,000 people in 2005 including over 385 live performances. The festival is organised by Michael Eavis, the festival takes place east of Glastonbury at Worthy Farm between Pilton and Pylle. Shepton Mallet is the nearest Town. Volunteers are paid to run the festival with free entry, transport and food. Glastonbury Festival runs every year except the fifth year in the last weekend of June for three days. Many famous acts include T REX, Massive Attack, Carl Cox, Blur, Pulp, Robbie Williams, R.E.M, Fun Loving Criminals, Al Green, David Bowie, Lily Allen, Cold Play, Rod Stuart and Sir Paul McCartney and controversial artist Jay-Z for 2008.

There are many reasons to stay and visit Glastonbury whether your 16 or 70 years old. The mystical magic of Glastonbury Town awaits.

Bellevue Glastonbury Modern friendly Glastonbury Bed and Breakfast

Visit Hunstanton Cliffs to Experience the Norfolk Coastline at Its Best

The famous red and white striped cliffs at Hunstanton in Norfolk, UK, are an eye-catching attraction. And during a visit to the cliffs you can have fun discovering the history and nature of the area, either by scrambling at the base of the cliffs for fossils or taking a leisurely stroll to view the old buildings perched on the cliff top.

Why are the cliffs striped?
The stripes in the cliffs are caused by layers of different-coloured rock. The main layers are:

• Carrstone. This is the brown layer and consists of sandstone - sand cemented together by iron oxide (rust). In places where the cement is stronger, the rock is darker and less crumbly. There are no fossils in this layer apart from a little fossilised wood.
  
  
• Chalk. The red and white chalk is made of limestone. Limestone forms in warm tropical climates, which suggests that Hunstanton's climate was once warmer than it is today! The colour of the red chalk is due to iron staining.
  
  

Collecting Fossils
During the Cretaceous geological period, between 135 and 70 million years ago, the cliffs were under the sea, and are rich in fossils formed from the dead creatures which fell onto the seabed.
Fossils are found in the chalky layers of Hunstanton cliffs. The safest way to find them is by cracking open the rocks away from the base of the cliffs, where you are unlikely to be hit by a rockfall! All of the following types of fossils have been found at Hunstanton:

• Coccoliths: microscopic plants.
  
  
• Bivalves: similar to cockles and oysters.
  
  
• Belemnites: similar to cuttlefish.
  
  
• Ammonites: similar to nautilus.
  
  
• Brachiopods: similar to clams.
  
  
• Echinoids: sea urchins.
  
  
• Shark's teeth.
  
  

Caution: Rocks may fall out of the cliffs at any time, and hammering the cliffs could cause a major rockfall. So only look for fossils away from the base of the cliffs. Use a proper geological hammer and protect your eyes, as an ordinary hammer could splinter, or rock splinters could damage your eyes.

Other Attractions of the Cliffs
The cliffs are colonised by fulmars - birds which look like gulls but are in fact petrels. You will see pairs of these birds on their nests scattered along the entire length of the cliffs or circling in the air nearby. It is advisable to keep your distance from them as they may vomit a thick oily bile on to you if they feel threatened!
Also, look out for the historic buildings perched on the cliff tops. These include St Edmund's Chapel. This building, now in ruins, was erected in 1272 in memory of St Edmund who landed at Hunstanton in 855 to be crowned King of East Anglia. Edmund led an army against Viking invaders but was defeated, captured and martyred. The area around the chapel is now called St Edmund's Point to commemorate this event. Edmund later became the first patron saint of England.

You will also see the Coastguard Lookout Tower at St Edmund's Point. This box-like building with its viewing platform on the first floor was built in 1907. It was a Marconi listening post in both World Wars, used for gathering military intelligence from wireless signals, and is now a private residence.

Near the Lookout Tower is the imposing Hunstanton Lighthouse. A lighthouse has been here since 1665, but the present lighthouse was built in 1840, although it ceased operations in 1922 and became a private residence.

After looking at the historical remnants on the top of the cliffs, cast your gaze across the Wash to the Lincolnshire coast to see a sign of the future. Looking out to the mouth of the Wash you will be able to see the wind farm offshore from Skegness, generating electrical power for thousands of homes.

The cliffs stretch between the town of Hunstanton and the neighbouring village of Old Hunstanton, and are part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Put them on your itinerary to experience nature and history set against the stunning backdrop of the north Norfolk coastline.

For more about attractions in the Hunstanton area of Norfolk, see Hunstanton Directory and NorfolkCoast.net.

Brodick Castle - A Place to Explore During a Scotland Holiday Stay

By Dipika Patel

If you are planning a getaway to the Isle of Arran in Scotland, you won't want to miss a trip to historic Brodick Castle. Dating back to the late 16th century, this red sandstone structure is currently owned by the National Trust for Scotland and has been the site of a stronghold in this area since the fifth century AD.

Located at the foot of Goatfell Mountain, Brodick Castle is open to the public on select days from April until October. Inside, you'll find a collection of artwork formerly owned by 18th century author William Beckford, as well as numerous paintings, porcelain and furniture owned by the castle's previous residents. You can also pay a visit to the picturesque surrounding gardens, which are open year-round from 09:30 GMT to sunset, as well as the castle's unique walled garden, the Bavarian Summer House - which dates back to 1845 - and the ice house, where ice would be packed underground during the winter months to be used in the summertime.

During your stay in Scottish holiday homes, you'll want to take some time to explore the Isle of Arran. The island has something to offer everyone, whether you're keen to hike the diverse landscape, cycle the coastline, play a round of golf, explore its centuries-old history or simply relax with friends over a delicious meal in one of the many fine local establishments.

Despite its small size - measuring ten miles by 19 miles - the Isle of Arran boasts a unique terrain, including stunning coastline, a mountainous interior and lush green forests and rolling hills. Situated in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre, it is one of Scotland's most southerly islands and is the perfect place to take a weekend break. You may want to pay a visit to one of the island's pretty coastal towns or get back to nature in its remarkable terrain - the choice is yours!

However you plan to spend your time on the Isle of Arran, you're sure to have an enjoyable and relaxing getaway when you stay in holiday homes in Scotland.

If you are looking to rent holiday homes in Scotland, Scotts Castles can help. We specialise in helping you find large holiday homes in Scotland.

Guide to Seaside Breaks in Suffolk

By Sarah Quinlan

Everyone loves a day at the seaside, packed to the brim with fresh air, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, sea-views as far as the eye can see and traditional, home-made food such as the classic fish 'n' chips - so why not opt for a Seaside Break in Suffolk where the whole family can enjoy these benefits every single day of the holiday?

Please read on to discover some hotels that are perfect for your Seaside Break in Suffolk.

The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh is a lovely, sea-facing coastal hotel complete with views across the sea, of the River Alde and the surrounding marshlands. The hotel's decor consists of cool sea-blues and sunshine-yellows, and the restaurant serves fresh, local produce - sampling the seafood is a must!

For more excellent sea-views, The Ship, Dunwich is a great base for your coastal break. Once frequented by smugglers, this inn is just moments from the beach and has a large garden, comfortable and traditional furnishing complete with log fire, bedrooms for hire both at the inn and in the nearby barns, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and - of course, a great selection home-made food and real ales.

Seaside Breaks in Suffolk

One great value-for-money option comes from the Best Western chain of hotels in the form of The White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh. Overlooking Aldeburgh's famous shingle beach, there are 38 cosy bedrooms to choose from, a well-stocked bar and the choice of dining in the informal beach-facing bar or the traditional oak-panelled restaurant. The White Lion is cost-effective, ideally located and oozing with seaside charm, making it the perfect choice for group or family bookings.

For adults who perhaps want to reminisce about the family seaside holidays they took as children, or are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern, city-living into complete peace and relaxation, Warner Corton Coastal Resort, Lowestoft offers half-board, chalet accommodation for adults only and provide a full programme of entertainment and leisure facilities in the lovely town of Lowestoft.

Two great hotels in the charming seaside town of Southwold - home of Southwold Pier - are The Swan Hotel, Southwold and the Crown Hotel, Southwold.

The Swan is peaceful retreat with a timeless style, yet comes complete with every luxury and facilities of the modern world, and the Crown has a lively yet informal atmosphere and was awarded 'Suffolk Dining Pub of the Year 2009' by The Good Food Guide.

For more Seaside Hotels in Suffolk please visit us at the Suffolk Hotels Guide - the best place to find hotels and accommodation in Suffolk.

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