Westminster Abbey @ Flickr by vgm8383

Accommodation

As far as lodgings go there is no lack in London and hotels near the Tower might be the best home base, as it is a fine location and jumping-off point for other sights. Club Quarters Grace church is a four-star establishment with free Wi-Fi, large rooms and a fitness center, plus an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast seven days a week. Prices reflect the quality of the hotel and its location, with double rooms starting around $180. The Oakwood at St. John’s is an affordable hotel with apartment-style accommodations, especially handy if you’re planning on a longer stay. Kitchenettes are provided in-room, meaning you aren’t at the mercy of pricy city restaurants for every meal. Enjoy the Wi-Fi and excellent location, close to restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

The Tower of London

Any trip to London would be incomplete without a visit to the Tower, but fans of Tudor history will know that its significance cannot be overstated and it is without a doubt one of the most visited Tudor London attractions. What was once a cherished royal palace in the country’s capitol city became, in Henry VIII’s time, a royal dungeon and execution ground, where two of his wives were beheaded and numerous political enemies were held and sometimes tortured or killed. The Tower is so much more than that, of course; it houses the Crown Jewels, the Armoury in the White Tower and includes fascinating tours led by Yeoman Warders (popularly known as Beefeaters). Get to the Tower as early as possible, because this is an international attraction with the crowds to match.

London Tower @ Flickr by jondejong

Westminster Abbey

The place where all the English monarchs, save two, have been crowned since Edward the Confessor built the church, before dying eight days after its consecration in 1065. Henry VII (Henry Bolingbroke or the Duke of Richmond, to you “Richard III” scholars), Mary I (“Bloody Mary”) and of course Elizabeth I are all buried in Westminster, as well as Elizabeth’s passionate cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, who was beheaded on Elizabeth’s order in 1587. Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII’s mother, and Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife – his “Flanders mare” and his longest-lived spouse – are also entombed here.

Thames River

There are numerous opportunities to take to the river, and it’s a fine way to spend an evening. The Thames was virtually a highway in Tudor times, with important goods and even more important people being ferried up and down, to their riverside homes and back to the palaces. As you sail along where kings and queens have done for centuries, close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself surrounded by the opulence of the royal court taking to the river for a pageant or fireworks display.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

Today’s Globe is a reconstruction of the Elizabethan theater, though it lies only 230 meters from the original site. Using available evidence from the first incarnation of the Globe, the new construction has been built as faithfully as possible. Though detractors are quick to criticize the historical accuracy, for the atmosphere and the experience alone it is worthwhile to feel as if you’ve stepped back into the time of Shakespeare and Elizabeth I. All the world’s a stage, after all.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was one of Henry VIII’s favorite residences and here he and his court indulged themselves in parties, feasts and general revelry. It was built by the great Cardinal Wolsey, who handed it over to his sovereign in one stroke to keep the royal temper happy. The ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s doomed fifth wife, is said to haunt the palace, shrieking as if she is being hauled off to her apartments under house arrest. Tour the gardens and the famous Hampton Court maze for a real treat.

This article was written by contributing writer Adriana Beckett

The post Visiting the Top Tudor London Attractions appeared first on MaiTravelSite

Foto @ Flickr by BMW Car Club GB & Ireland

Avid fans of the sport will have already bagged their reservations for Sunday’s race. There are still tickets available for the Friday practise sessions and the Saturday qualifier. Those taking children to a Formula 1 event for the first time may find the Friday and Saturday programs more manageable.

The culture of Silverstone is not to be sniffed at. Known worldwide as the British base of motorsports, the area is a national sporting treasure. Adults and children can embrace the craze with a half day adult or junior rally experience at Silverstone Rally School. Packages are available for beginners and thrill seekers.

Staying in Silverstone hotels isn’t restricted just to motorsports fans. Attractions in the area include Towcester Racecourse and Sulgrave Manor, both of which make for beautifully British days out.

Just 15 miles south of Silverstone hotels, you will find Milton Keynes’ impressive entertainment complex, Xscape. A day at Xscape is fun for all the family. The centre prides itself on its collection of Play, Shop and Eat facilities.

If you are traveling with the ladies in your life, enjoy a spot of shopping followed by a dainty dinner and a glass of wine at ASK Italian.

The more adventurous among you, and families with teens, can embrace the activity side of Xscape with a friendly bowling tournament followed by an hour at Airkix. Be blown away at this indoor skydiving center. The force within the Airkix tunnel will lift you off the ground before you are taught flying moves and positions.

Book Silverstone hotels online for a fun filled break of sports and adventure!

Note: This is an advertorial post, however I would not share it with you if  I didn’t think it can provide some great ideas

The post A Weekend of Motor Sports in Silverstone, UK appeared first on MaiTravelSite

Art galleries

London is home to a number of world class art galleries.  As well as Tate Modern on the site of a former power station on the south bank of the Thames which specializes in modern paintings, sculptures and other installations, there is also its sister gallery Tate Britain, the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square, itself an iconic and much-visited destination (there is a exit from Charing Cross London Underground station directly into the square). All these galleries are free to visit, although some of them may ask for a voluntary donation or charge admission for special events or exhibitions.

Museums

All the big London museums are free to visit but as with the art galleries some of them charge admission for special exhibitions. They include the British Museum, one of the world’s leading museums with extensive collections relating to British and world history, the Museum of London, where you can learn about the history of the city starting with the Roman occupation of England, the Natural History Museum, and the Imperial War Museum which documents the lengthy history of the British involvement in international conflicts.

Parks

Walk or picnic in one of the London’s many open spaces such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and St. James’s Park. Many also have impressive views of the city’s landmarks and historic buildings.

Churches

 St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey charge admission fees to visitors but it’s free to attend a service (you can also get in free outside these times if you tell them you’re visiting for religious reasons and are insistent).

Music

 Free live music in London spans rock, jazz and folk in pubs to classical concerts in churches such as St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

Lectures

Institutions where you can attend free talks and lectures include the London School of Economics and the Royal Society.

Walks

Many places in London, such as the parks, offer free guided walks. You can also of course go for a walk yourself, for example along the Thames with its iconic skyline.

Public buildings

The Central Criminal and High Courts and Houses of Parliament – where you can watch a trial or debate – are open to visitors, although you may need to queue in order to gain admission.

Sport

While top class football, cricket and rugby is very expensive, there are sports events you can watch in London, notably the University Boat Race on the Thames and the London Marathon.

Architecture

One of London’s main attractions is its architecture, from the Norman Westminster Abbey and Tower of London, through Wren’s seventeenth century St Paul’s Cathedral and modern buildings such as Canary Wharf.

As you can see, whether you’re staying at hotels in Earls Court  or more upscale luxury central London hotels there are lots of free things to see and do in London. Go and experience some of them for yourself and have a great trip to England’s historic and vibrant capital.

Have you visited London? Which of all free sightings do you like best? Any others you think should be in the list?  Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below, and this post too if you think others might find it helpful!

[Photo credits @ Fickr: top anirudh koul; middle Michael Spence]

The post 10 Free Things to See and Do in London appeared first on MaiTravelSite

Wales

From an outdoor activity point of view, Wales has something for everyone. In recent years, a wide range of organised tours have been developed to suit climbers and walkers with or without experience.

The ridge walk of Snowdonia involves no fewer than fifteen 3,000 foot mountains. It has become known as the ultimate weekend challenge, but you may prefer to spend longer – and experience less of the post-challenge muscle ache.  If fifteen looks like too many for you, the range known as Carneddau has just seven 3,000 foot peaks from which on a good day, you can see Ireland and the Isle of Man.  Another five summits await scramblers, in the Glyder Landscape, where the classics such as the North Ridhe of Tryfan or the Bristly Ridge of Glyder Fach can be tackled in a day. And if you really need a challenge, go for the big one – there are three Snowdon summits – just don’t look down!

There are also plenty of less strenuous opportunities to enjoy trekking in Wales through spectacular scenery, taking in geographical wonders, touching on ancient history, and well-punctuated by opportunities for a drink or an overnight stay at any of the cottages in Wales. Find the trip to suit you and your ability and brave the elements.

The Peak District

Most of the Peak District is upland above 1,000 feet, with the high point, Kinder Scout, at 2,087 feet. It’s full of opportunities for outdoor activity, including hill walking, trekking, mountain biking and horse riding. There’s also rock climbing, hang gliding, sailing, fishing, canoeing, bird watching, caving, fell running, and orienteering.  Check out a few of your favourite outdoor activities over a short break, or spend longer and really explore.

There are lots of established trails through the Peak District as well as guided tours covering moors, dales and quiet tracks. To the south of the county, recently created traffic-free tracks include the Trent Valley Greenway and the Mickleover to Eggington Trail. The National Forest also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor activities in green, rolling countryside.

Highlights of the outdoor calendar are the Peak District Walking Festival in April/May, the Peak District Historic Borders Festival in June, and the Autumn Footprints Festival during September.

If you prefer to go it alone, themed walking routes offer fantastic views and fascinating places to visit. The routes generally follow well-defined public footpaths and are suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit. Combine your walking break with a visit to an attraction en route, perhaps one of the area’s splendid houses or castles, a historic garden, limestone cavern or a museum during your Peak District holidays.

Scotland

For a taste of the Highlands, pack up your gear and head on up North to enjoy Scotland. Here you will find Caledonian forest, mythical lochs, and heraldic ruins, summer snowfields and salmon rivers. You can choose from a wonderful range of classic routes. The West Highland Way, is 100 miles from Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, taking in Loch Lomond and Glencoe.  The Speyside Way is more gentle and links the snow-clad Grampians to the Cairngorms National park. Three of Scotland’s finest hill passes, used by Highlanders for centuries make up the Cairngorm Massif, where mystery and legend combine with some thorough and challenging Scottish trekking during your holidays in Scotland!

All this should have inspired you to hang up your working clothes, dust off your boots, waterproofs and navigation aids and leave the rest of the world behind. Trekking, hiking, orienteering and a host of great outdoor activities give you a unique perspective on the British landscape and the centuries of history which have gone before, whilst letting you breathe.

Are you a holliday trekker? Whish is your favourite destination? How familiar are you with the British outdoors, do you have any spots you’d like to recommend?

[Photo credits @ Flickr: blakemjordan, timmo, lostmanproject]

Some of these links might bemaking us some money, however we would not include them if we didn’t think they can help travelers.

The post Introducing the Great British Outdoors – Trekking the Green and Pleasant Land appeared first on MaiTravelSite