On my first day after settling in at a great little hotel, I hit Sandbanks Beach. The weather was perfect with lots of sun and no hint of rain – a perfect beach day not to be wasted! Before snuggling down with a good book and a plush towel I hit the raked golden sand for a vigorous walk down the long three mile beach. I feasted on incredibly fresh fish at a nearby restaurant for lunch – yum!

Day two was for the garden tour (when in England . . . !) The Bennetts Water Gardens were a feast for the senses. Known for its amazing display of blooming water lilies, the picturesque beauty reminded me of a Monet painting. From there it was on to the Compton Acres Gardens overlooking the spectacular harbor below. I especially enjoyed the Japanese and Italian gardens and all the other variety of garden styles n display there. A delicious lunch at the Harbourview Cafe rounded out a perfect day.

A highlight of my trip was my Wareham River Cruise. We cruised around the harbor and along the River Frome up to the notable market town of Wareham. I was lucky with another warm summer day with no wind. The views of the woods along the shore and water life all around were very pleasant.

There was an hour of shore time in Wareham, so I took the chance to pick up some wooden souvenirs for my relatives back home. I also scored some adorable jewelry for myself! I only wish we could have spent another hour or two in town to shop and maybe stop for a pint and chips in one of the fun looking watering holes I passed.

My last day was spent back at the beach and in the water. I signed up for some windsurfing lessons and was surprised at how difficult it was at first. After an hour or so I managed to get the hang of it and spent another two hours trying to get better at my new sport. (My arms and shoulders will thank me in the morning, I am sure.)

Poole was a lot of fun. I never thought of Great Britain as a beach destination but I was wrong. Heck, maybe next time I want to see some great museums, I will consider Honolulu!

Check here for a wide selection of Poole hotels.

As a World Heritage Site, Sidmouth not only has been able to maintain its quaint charm, but also became a resort mecca during the Georgian and Victorian periods of the 18th and 19th century. As a result of modernization, the magnificent mansions and villas that were constructed during that time were turned into hotels which guests from all over the world now enjoy.

Located 15 miles (24 km) south of Exeter, the largely elderly population boasts a variety of trades still constructed as has been done for centuries. For those with a fetish for history, rich culture, and country charm, it is hard to beat the offerings here.

To continue to draw new visitors and old, Sidmouth continues to hold the annual Folk Week in August of each year, albeit smaller than it was originally. Musicians and artisans from around the world continue to be drawn to the area for the event and visitors marvel at the variety of entertainment and display area set up in the Blackmore Gardens as well as in The Ham on the outskirts of town.

The town of Sidmouth is located along the River Sid on the Jurassic Coast. It is located between Peak Hill and Salcombe Hill in Devon County and is part of the Devon County Natural Beauty Preserves. As a result, one can not only find exposed stones from the Jurassic Period, but from the Triassic as well.

Regardless of when one opts to visit there are many activities to keep one entertained. The Manor Pavilion is an arts center that boasts amateur and professional production and the Radway Cinema ensures that the latest movies are available for entertainment viewing. Additionally, the Sidmouth Town Band, which has been in existence for over a hundred years, continues to play nightly concerts in the park.

The area originally became well-known as a preferred retreat when Edward, Duke of Kent brought his family to stay in the area. He is only one of many renowned individuals who have stayed in the area during the years. Fortunately for today’s visitors, many new innovations have only enhanced the pleasure of a stay at Sidmouth – Devon where activities can be found to suit any taste. For those seeking a different kind of get-away it should certainly be at the top of the list.

For accommodation in Sidmouth check this list of Sidmouth hotels.

For example, the world’s first savings bank, now a museum, was founded by the Rev. Henry Duncan at Ruthwell in 1810. Scotland’s first penny newspaper the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, was founded in 1843.

Given the vital role that agriculture plays in the regional economy, it’s no surprise that the first successful milking machine with pulsators was invented by a Mr Nicholson of Bombie farm in Kirkcudbright. The inventor then went to work for J. R. Wallace and Co. In nearby Castle Douglas, where the machine was developed for sale to the public. No wonder that the world’s highest-valued ram and bull were sold in the area during the late 20th century! The region is ripe for such agricultural achievements.

J. M. Barrie’s relationship to Dumfries is only one of the many surprises awaiting visitors to this charming city in southwest Scotland and its surrounding countryside. The region is known for an impressive combination of agriculture, woodlands, light industry and tourism. Dumfries and Galloway offer many splendid opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, fishing and other outdoor pursuits as well as local history with global connections. What’s more, the residents are a well-read lot quite versed in local lore.

Six years later, the first academic lectures in Great Britain (possibly in the world) for the nursing profession were given at the Crichton Royal, Dumfries in 1854. These occurred six years before Florence Nightingale, considered the mother of modern hygienic nursing, began to teach her methods for germ control and patient care.

Another Dumfries inventor was Patrick Millar of Dalswinton. He designed the “Carronade, ” an armament that later helped repel the French Navy. Millar also introduced the threshing mill and drill plough to Scotland.

Speaking of military machines, the world’s first submarine was made in a factory at N. E. 1, Cochrane, Newbie, near Annan in the region. And while we’re underwater, let’s not overlook the contribution of James Anderson of Dumfries, who was the first man to lay transatlantic cables in 1866. On top of the water, Dalswinton Loch near Dumfries was the site of the world’s first steamboat voyage in 1788. Scotland’s famed bard Robert Burns was reputed to have been a passenger on the vessel’s lone voyage.

After these urban centers, there’s no settlement in the region with a population greater than 4,500. In fact, the region’s total population density is 60 people per square mile, compared to the Scottish average of 168 per square mile. Makes getting to know your neighbors a lot easier, doesn’t it?

For a wide selection of Dumfries hotels just click here.

As is often the case with historic British towns, Kings Lynn grew around a Benedictine Abbey which was established there in 1095. The area was owned by Bishop De Losinga and it is he who bestowed market rights on the town. An annual fair plus weekly markets were allowed and these still run today. The annual fair starts on Valentines Day and runs for two weeks.

In the 12th Century Bishop Turbus a church was erected in the honor of the patron saint of sailors, St. Nicholas, and Kings Lynngrew to become a large and very important town with a population of around 5 500 residents. Salt, wool and grain were exported from this port, while timber, pitch iron and fish came in from Scandinavia by sea and this may have proved its downfall.

Plague was sweeping Europe and came into England because of trading routes, many outbreaks of these decimated populations of British people, with the first outbreak in 1348 killing half the residents of Kings Lynn. Fire was also a problem, but Thatched roofs were banned way back in 1572 and the last outbreak of the Black Death was recorded in 1665.

Trades people and religious order built guildhalls in the town and the St. Georges was one of the first built in 1406. This was made into a theatre in the 20th century, and in the 13th century the first stone wall was built to protect the town.

Being a magnet for pilgrims and religious orders the then Bishops Lynn, got Thoresby College in 1500, this was completed in 1510. However by 1537 King Henry VIII was on the rampage regarding the Catholic religion and he took over the town, renamed it Kings Lynn, closing down a swathe of friaries, Priories and Abbeys, and the rest as they say is history.

One of the most significant landmarks of this town is the Greyfriars Tower. This is a piece of the religious history of Kings Lynn. It is remarkable in that wear and subsidence have made the tower lean.

This tower is the only part left surviving of a medieval Franciscan priory, and is also known as the Leaning Tower. It was decaying at a very rapid rate due to weather and subsidence, but has been restored and stabilized. It also features in the BBC’s series of important restorations.

Look for hotels in King’s Lynn.

For the most exquisite and resourceful customers, the right choice is obviously represented by high class hotels. These luxury locations offer everything that a customer may need and at the highest quality possible. The prices are very high, but this is not an issue for those that have a large budget.

There are people that cannot afford the prices of luxury locations, but still need a high standard of quality and service. For these people, there are some accommodations that offer perfect quality and some additional features at prices lower than the first ones which gives you what you want at a price you can afford.

For those regular people, there is a wide choice of cheap and moderately cheap hotels. These hotels might not have the same level of quality like the first ones and the offered service could be questionable. Curious or not, these are the accommodations that sell all their places before others.

A last type of accommodation that is perfect for young travelers are hostels. These places are really cheap and are designed for people that travel alone and prefer cheapness before quality or any additional services. This is not a place to go with your family, since the rooms are usually shared with other people.

By seeing the most popular locations for lodging, you can make an idea on what could be right choice for you. Your final experience may depend on this initial choice. There are many San Diego accommodations to choose from and each one is especially developed for a particular type of customer.

Discover the best Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts to go to on your next vacation. Or check out the Solana Beach hotels that you have to choose from. Head online for the help you need today.

The town’s history stretches back to the Romans and the later Norman occupation, so there are a lot of historical sites that are worth seeing. On of the most substantial is Abergavenny Castle, which was constructed in the 11th century CE. It’s strategic location between England and Wales made it the site of many battles, and during the English Civil War, the castle underwent massive structural damage from slighting.

Along the River Usk, this castle now mainly functions as the home of the Abergavenny museum, which stores artifacts from throughout the ages. There are pieces from the Roman fortress Gobannium (for which the town is known), in addition to pieces that go from the Mesolithic era through the Victorian period. Raglan Castle, Skenfrith Castle (12th c. CE), and White Castle (13 c. CE).

The nearby former Monmouthshire psychiatric hospital and memorial (to honor the thousdands dead during the hospitals tenure from 1850 till 1950) serve as another tourist stop, as does St. Mary’s Church, and the Market sites. St. Mary’s has a history that goes back to the 12th century, but has undergone destruction, rebuilding, restoration, and reimagining as the centuries and religious wars took their toll. It is, despite the constant plans of renovation, a thriving and healthy parish.

In terms of other activities, there is a Leisure Center, which is well-equipped for sporting people and the Wernddu golf course within a mile of the town. There are cycling paths, sailing at Llangorse Lake, pony rides in the Llangenny Valley, and a racetrack at Chepstown.

Gifts won’t be hard to come by in Abergavenny either, for there are a large number of giftshops, fashion shops, home goods stores, as well as boutiques devoted entirely to the arts. The market, of course, is the main draw for local and travelling shoppers, and is held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but if you’re looking for the schedule of a specialized market, check with your hotel for their separate schedules.

Lastly, the accomodations in Abergavenny are varied and of high quality. The main hotels are The Angel, The Swan, and the Abergavenny Hotel. Other smaller inns like the Kings Head, Kings Arms, and the Bellmont Inn are also very accessible. There are bed and breakfasts all throughout the town and camping sites just outside of the town itself. These fine accomodations should make a stay in Abergavenny an enjoyable and interesting one.

For accommodation in Abergavenny check this list of Abergavenny hotels.

Hexham is very close to the Scottish border and figured prominently in the border wars. The town was actually burnt to the ground by William Wallace. The Duke of Somerset was famously executed in the marketplace and there was a Battle of Hexham in 1464. The Queen’s Cave is outside of Hexham and there is a legend around this cave as supposedly Queen Margaret of Anjou was robbed when taking refuge here.

Moot Hall is a famous building in town as this was once a gatehouse and is listed as a Grade 1 building. Today the Hall is home to the Museums department and the Council offices. The ground floor holds an art gallery. Behind the Hall is the Old Goal and is a monument. Today is houses a museum with information about the goal as well as local notable families.

You can visit the old bridge as this was built even though there were several ferry crossings available. It actually took four different tries for the bridge to be built as one bridge was washed away in a flood and several others were plagued with building problems.

A tributary of the Tyne River is the devil’s Water. This water was important in the Battle of Hexham. This water is formed by several streams and bynes and is a lovely spot to visit.

Two main industries that developed side by side are the leather and tinning industries. Throughout time Hexham has been home to several master hatters and two woolen manufacturers.

Hexham was well known for its leather manufacture and tannin was also an important industry. The town also had several master hatters and two different woolen plants. Below the bridge you could find corn water mills and a still working windmill. The town still has a flourishing market as well as a place to sell farm animals and cattle.

Look for hotels in Hexham.

You cannot visit Hastings and the surrounding area, without finding yourself in the little village of Battle. In the year 1006, this was the site of probably the most dramatic battles of British history and would change England irrevocably. It was here that the Norman conquest of England came to a bloody end with King Harold II of England being convincingly defeated by Duke William of Normandy, who is now better known to the world as William the Conqueror.

Today you can visit the site of the famous battle and walk in the footsteps of the Norman and English soldiers. There are tours of the area where the battle took place that can relive the bloody day vividly for you and you will walk away and expert on British history. Following the victory Battle Abbey was constructed and the town grew up around it.

Another important historical site in Hastings is Hastings Castle, which was the first Norman castle built in England. A few miles from Hastings is Pevensey Castle, with its ancient history that is said to go back 16 centuries to Roman times when it was originally constructed as a Roman fort. Following the Norman victory, the new king’s half brother Robert took over and built a castle here incorporating some of the remains of the Roman fort into the design.

Nearby is Herstmonceux Castle, which was built in the 15th century by an ancestor of the actor Ralph Fiennes. This is the type of castle that you think of when you think “medieval” – with a moat to complete the picture. Surrounding the castle there are stunning Elizabethan gardens, which can be enjoyed in the warmer months.

A fun and fascinating attraction at Hastings, is to investigate the old St. Clements smuggler’s caves. In years gone buy the tunnels here were chiselled into the cliffs to store smuggled contraband that came across the channel from the continent. This is a spooky adventure that will have kids and adults alike mesmerized.

Hastings – East Sussex is a corner of England that is positively brimming with historical interest both within the town itself and in the near by area. There is plenty to fascinate visitors of all ages and is the key to developing a strong understanding of some of the highlights of British history.

Discover your next hotel in Hastings or select somewhere to stay from these UK hotels

There are many different historical sites in Peterborough. Of course the cathedral is one of them being partially destroyed and rebuilt starting in 1118. Saint Paul, Saint Peter and Saint Andrew are made in statue form and the look down from their lofty height off the gables of the Western Front entrance. The architecture is typical English Gothic with the three large arches dedicated to the three saints. Inside the church is a painted wooden ceiling that has survived war and many years. Mary, Queen of Scots, was buried under the cathedral being moved once her son, King James I was named King but Katherine of Aragon remains buried under the cathedral. This cathedral was strategically built on a large limestone field.

The Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to explore the past of the town and see some of the artifacts found from the Roman era. The art ranges from pieces of the 1600’s and up to today. You can enjoy the permanent and some temporary exhibitions. The building used to be an infirmary and it is said to be very haunted. The museum gives haunted tours and you never know what you might see during those tours.

There are even more historical sites around the city. The first Baron Burghley was Sir William Cecil and he built Burghley House a few miles from the city. He was the Lord High Treasurer of Queen Elizabeth I. There is a magnificent park that surrounds the manor. Another manor house is attached to Longthorpe Tower, a 3 story tower that was built back in the 14th century. This is also an art museum with very interesting works from artists all over Europe. Go back to the beginning to Flag Fen, the Bronze Age archaeological dig in town. The artifacts include what they think is a wheel being the oldest one every found in Britain and there are others including religious artifacts that give believe that this was once a religious setting.

If you like to hike or participate in water sports you will want to go to Nene Park. Here you will find 3.5 miles of hiking area and three lakes one of which many water sports can be enjoyed. You can rent water sport equipment or bring the equipment you already have.

Hikers and backpackers love to explore the 3 natural reserves in the area called Castor Hanglands, Bedford Purlieus, and Barnack Hills and Holes. There is an organized bicycling network called the Green wheel where the hub is in the city and spokes radiate all out to areas within and outside of the city.

Peterborough is not all history. You can take a shopping trip to the individual stores along the streets of town or in the 3 major shopping centers. Buy fruits and vegetables at the farmers market and look for craft fairs that pop up all over town especially during the good weather months. You can also find many restaurants that will cater to your every desire with mouthwatering dishes you will never forget. Everything to make a great vacation is in Peterborough so make plans to visit and enjoy.

Look for hotels in Peterborough.

The Cathedral is a notable building and was built on the foundations of that first abbey. The cathedral was built mainly in the Norman style though later additions used gothic design. The cathedral is topped with four pinnacles making it a famous landmark. The crypt found in the cathedral is one of four apsidal crypts found in England. If you have seen the Harry Potter movies then you have seen a small section of the cathedral as the corridor scenes were filmed here.

There are four narrow pinnacles on the top which make it recognizable as a famous landmark. There are also four apsidal crypts located in England and one happens to be at Gloucester cathedral. The corridor scenes of the Harry Potter Movies were shot in the cathedral.

You can reach Gloucester by several ways at it is on the M5 motorway. The city is part of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal and small boats and coasters can transverse this waterway. Due to its location on the lowest bridging point of the river it was an important spot for those travelling from London to South Wales.

Gloucester has been involved in the aerospace business and many developments occurred in the area. The first flight of a jet aircraft using a turbojet engine flew here. And The Gloster Aircraft Company has headquarters and airfields outside the city. There are several sculptures and monuments celebrating the aviation history of the city.

Every third year you can attend the Three Choirs Festival which is one of the oldest musical festivals still being held in Europe. There are plenty of venues for music and entertaining and the Guidhall and Leisure Center have plenty of facilities. There is also an International Rhythm and Blues Festival held at the end of July/beginning of August.

There are several festivals in which you can enjoy as every three years there is the Three Choirs Festival. This festival is the oldest musical festival still going on in Europe. The tall ships have come into Gloucester several times with the latest being in 2010. Each year in August there is also an International Rhythm and Blues festival that brings in a great selection of performers.

Look for hotels in Gloucester.