Again with Nick, this time in the British capital for a quick review on three of the top plays available in London's theatres. A really good help if you're are to decide what are you going to see there ;)
There are so many great shows to choose from in London’s West End that you’ll be spoil for choice when planning a theatre break. Know your audience and think about the members of your group, and a clear winner is likely to come shining through. 
Ghost the Musical - If you’re travelling with a group of couples then something romantic like Ghost the Musical is likely to go down well. Based on the classic film, this new show is sure to have everyone gooey eyed by the end of it.
Shrek the Musical - Those planning to treat the kids to some theatre will find themselves spoilt for choice when looking for fantastic family friendly shows. Shrek the Musical is popular with both boys and girls, and the kids are likely to be familiar with the story of the loveable ogre and princess Fiona. Little girls will also appreciate the chance to see Kimberly from Girls Aloud in the starring role. 
Funny the topic of this guest post Nick :) I've been in London recently and opted to see the "Mamma Mia" play and liked it very much! Would add it to the good choices for couples, it's both romantic and very happy.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
What to See on a West End Theatre Break
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Two weeks in the UK–my perfect itinerary
I was recently asked for my recommendations for a two to three week trip to the UK, starting in London, and using a rental car as the transportation method. Further interests included castles, haunted things, and long walks on the beach (ok, I made the last one up).
This sounded like the sort of challenge I could get my teeth into. I have, after all, spent a great deal of time living in the UK. Putting together my favourite bits to travel around in itinerary form should be no problem at all.
Then, after accepting this challenge, I was struck by a moment of doubt. Sure, I’ve lived in the UK. But what do I know of the things a foreigner would find interesting about this little island? When you live in the UK, you spent most of your time forming an escape plan, not planning how to see it.
And then I remembered that I’m only half English, and that I spend most of my life wandering around goggle eyed at the world around me wherever I am, and figured I could probably handle this mission. Read on, and see if you agree.
Days 1 & 2 - London
The UK’s capital is one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s been hanging around for over 2000 years on the banks of the Thames, and there is just an incredible wealth of things to see, from historical sights, to amazing museums, to crazy street markets.
It’s a wonderfully walk-able capital, and you can easily take in the major central sights in a day or so, leaving you the second day to explore museums, art galleries, or go a little further afield and take in some of the other sights, from crumbling cemeteries to massive parks. And if all else fails, you will never be short on an incredible pub to while away some time before heading on.
Days 3 & 4 – Oxford & the Cotswolds
One of the stipulations of the original question was the wish to avoid feeling too much like a tourist. Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible in Oxford, as nearly everyone there is either a tourist or a student. I lived in and around Oxford for a number of years, and generally felt like a tourist most of that time too.
Part of the reason for that is that this tiny city is absolutely jam packed with incredible buildings, largely in the form of the Oxford Colleges. These are seriously wealthy establishments, who clearly had no problem flaunting that wealth in an architectural fashion back in the day.
This means that yes, it is full of people wandering around, mouths agape, at quite how pretty the whole thing is. Yes, it’s jam packed with tourists. But for good reason! So strap that camera on and snap away. Then go for a punt on the river, and enjoy some Pimms or a cream tea.
From Oxford you are also well located to take in the incredibly picturesque Cotswolds area – all quaint villages and rolling countryside. The England that everyone imagines England to be like, with country pubs, village greens and cricket ovals. Lovely stuff.
Days 5 & 6 – Peak District and Manchester
From Oxford I’m going to suggest heading “up north”, towards the Peak District national park. Think rolling hills, quaint villages, and beautiful walks. There are also some fabulous country houses to visit, not to mention that on the way from Oxford you can stop off at Warwick Castle – one of the UK’s best preserved castles.
Part of the request I was posed asked about the yarn industry in the UK – and Manchester is certainly no stranger to the fibre industry – in the 19th century she earned the nickname Cottonopolis. Plenty here for the yarn enthusiast in you.
Of course, if fibre isn’t your thing there are plenty of other reasons to visit Manchester, including excellent retail therapy and a variety of architectural highlights. Not to mention the music scene!
Day 7 – York
Not that far from Manchester (England is so quaintly explorable!), the city of York is another of my favourite UK cities. From the incredible Gothic York Minster (a climb to the top is highly recommended) to the winding, tumbled down alleyways of the shambles, to the Viking history - this is a city that just cries out for exploration.
It’s also an awesome place if you’re into ghost stories. There are a whole number of ghost walks that take in the spooky past of York, so if you want an evening of entertainment and intrigue, likely accompanied with a number of fine drinking establishments, an evening ghost walk is a great bit of fun. I’m not a great believer in this sort of thing usually, but I took a tour and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Days 8 & 9 - Edinburgh via Northumberland
From York we’re going to wave farewell to England, and head up to Scotland’s capital city. On the way though, you’ll be passing through some of England’s least travelled, yet stunningly beautiful, landscapes.
I am of course talking about Northumbria. From miles of deserted beach, to crumbling castles, to the Roman equivalent of the great wall of China, Northumbria really has a lot to offer someone looking for a slightly off the beaten track England experience. The rolling landscapes are breath-taking and you’ll find yourself alone much of the time. Worth taking a bit of time to explore, in my opinion.
Then of course, it’s up to Edinburgh, where you’ll not be short of amazing things to look at. From Edinburgh castle, to Arthurs Seat, from fine whiskeys, to Princes Street, there really is enough here for a number of days of entertainment. And if you visit during the Fringe festival.. well.. plan on being entertained for a good many weeks!
Days 10 to 13 - An Irish adventure!
Because the UK is an easily explorable place with decent roads and relatively short distances to drive, it is totally possible to include Ireland in a trip like this if you’re up for it. Alternatively, you could take in the west coast of the UK, including Glasgow, the Lake District, and Liverpool, as well as popping into Wales for the stunning Snowdonia national park. The choice is yours!
If it is Ireland you want though, it’s a short ferry ride from Scotland (Cairnryan to be precise, 2-3 hours drive from Edinburgh) across to Belfast, from where you can spend a few days exploring the Emerald Isle.
I’ve only really explored Dublin and her surroundings, but I certainly saw enough to know that this is a wonderful country for exploring. There’s the Guinness, of course, as a main highlight, but also oodles of Gaelic history and culture to get excited about.
There are also of course the Irish people, well known for their love of a good time! Personally, I’d head on down the coast from Belfast, through Dublin and down to the port of Rosslare, where after three exciting days in Ireland another ferry service will whisk you across to the last of the four countries to make up the UK.. Wales!
Day 14 - South Wales & Cardiff
In Wales you will arrive either at Fishguard or Pembroke – both excellent places to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast national park. Here you will find beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and fabulous opportunities for walking.
You’re also not too far a drive from Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Four capitals in a fortnight – not bad going! Here you’ll find castles, sporting venues and more Welsh based culture than you can shake a stick at. Plus, arrive at the right time of year and you’ll find the Great British Cheese festival in full swing. What’s not to be excited about?
Day 15 Bristol & Bath
From Cardiff you’ll cross the enormous Severn estuary over the impress Severn road bridge and be back in the UK, or Bristol to be precise. Here you’ll find all sorts of interesting items of historical interest, largely running on a nautical theme.
For over a thousand years Bristol has been an important English port. From early explorers and traders, to the dark years of the African slave vessels, to filling Australia with immigrants, it is hard to understate the role that Bristol has played in Britain’s sea faring history. There is, after all, a reason for the expression “ship-shape and Bristol fashion” having a place in the English language.
I can highly recommend taking a trip round the SS Great Britain when you’re in Bristol. Built in 1843, and designed by the engineering genius who was Isambard Kingdom Brunel – the man who almost single-handedly revolutionised both engineering and public transport in the UK.
The SS Great Britain is notable as being the first steamer to cross the Atlantic – setting a record pace for the time of 14 days. An amazing bit of history.
From Bristol it’s on to the Roman spa city of Bath, a world heritage site. Like Oxford, this is a difficult place to be anything other than a tourist, but it is so worth it all the same!
Day 16 – back to London, via Stonehenge!
Our last day of our just over two week whistle stop tour of the UK takes us back to London. No trip to the UK though would really be complete without taking in perhaps our most famous monument – the circle of rocks known as Stonehenge.
Yes – it has a motorway going past it. And yes, you can’t really get up close and personal with the rocks. (They’re just rocks. It’s not hard to imagine touching them). And yes… you’re not going to be having a deeply personal experience.. what with this being one of the UK’s most famous monuments.
But there is something about the place that makes all these complaints just fade away. A circle of rocks, built by a people who had nothing but their hands and some bits of wood to help them out, in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside, hundreds of miles from an actual quarry, is just mind blowing.
Add in the pagan ritualism, the relationship between the rocks and the sun, and the sheer mystery of the place, and you have somewhere that is capable of really capturing the imagination. Worth your time to visit. Plus, while you’re there you can pop into Salisbury and enjoy the cathedral, which boasts the highest cathedral spire of any church in the UK.
And then.. back to London, where this tour finishes!
…and a map of the route for perusal:
View Larger Map
So those were my thoughts for taking in a slightly longer than two week trip in the UK. I’ve obviously missed out a great number of places, as no two week trip can possibly hope to see everything, but I’d like to think I covered a great many highlights of this truly fascinating country.
Whilst you are there, don’t forget to sample some classic English dishes – as summed up in my post on Essential English Food. In the meantime.. if you’ve got any thoughts on this post, do hit up the comments below!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
4 Things to Witness in 2012
Once again with David this time to know all about 4 things to see in 2012, if not in loco at least online :) A big thanks to you David and let's go!
Why not make this the year you realize your travel ambitions by seeing some of the world's most enthralling spectacles? If you commit to witnessing four of the top events, sights and happenings over the next year, you'll finish it feeling wiser, happier and more invigorated. So book your flights, arrange your travel money and dig out your passport!
The London Olympics
This is going to be the big event in the UK's capital city this year and excitement is growing across the nation as preparations for the ultimate sporting occasion take place. You'll need to be fast to snap up the remaining tickets and there will also be large screens around the stadiums for fans to soak up the sporting atmosphere.
Book early for good quality accommodation, as the best is likely to go very fast. Do the same with train tickets and other advance bookings. You could make a week of it and also see the capital's myriad attractions while you’re there, for a genuine trip to remember.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are on many a would-be traveler's wish list and are one of the most spectacular natural spectacles on the planet. There are different places to see the lights, such as Norway, Lapland, Iceland and even the northernmost parts of Scotland at certain times of the year. You can see the lights on land or on cold-water cruises, which are becoming extremely popular.
Marlborough Wine Festival
Why not take in some culture and visit one of the many wine festivals held worldwide to taste the latest creations from the vineyard artisans? The Brancott Estate in New Zealand's South Island is well worth a visit for its three-day festival of wine and food, with fifty wineries on hand to present their latest offerings and hold workshops. The festival runs every year in February and is a great starting point for seeing this beautiful part of the world.
Pamplona Bull Running
This is one of the ultimate Spanish festivals for those who love adrenaline and have no issue with bull fighting! The bull running begins at midday on the 6th July each year.
Thousands of visitors gather in the square to run with the bulls, celebrate with vast quantities of sangria and generally have a good time. Join in at your peril - tourists do invariably get hurt every year for failing to follow safety precautions and keep out of the way of the bulls!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Hidden Holiday Locations, UK
As Maria says, London isn't for sure the only place worthy of a visit on the UK. As you may be guessing the thanks of today goes to Maria for her insights on several cool UK places ;)
Don't be fooled into thinking that London is the only place worth visiting in the UK. Sure, the sprawling metropolis of the capital has all the glitz and the glamor of a dazzling west end theater district, centuries of culture engrained in every street and more shopping, museums, sightseeing tours and sporting activities than you could ever get bored of. But London is not even half the story of the great British Isles.
The UK houses a population over 62 million people and is one of the leading economic and political countries on the world stage. It didn't get this way through accident and a trip to the country will illustrate the thousands of years that have contributed to its success.
With the combined force of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland alongside England, the United Kingdom has a rich and diverse history. The sandy shores of the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales and the Cornish coast in southwest England have for many years been popular holiday spots amongst British holidaymakers. The height of summer can see these tiny coastal retreats turn into hives of activity, with families flocking to the seaside for locally caught seafood, respectable surfing conditions and the chance to indulge in the great British past time of building sandcastles.
England's Lake District and Peak District are vast national parks in the north of the country with glorious panoramas of the British countryside. Sweeping mountains and serene lakes are coupled with some of the greatest country houses in the land. Places such as Chatsworth House and Howard Castle offer an insight into the historical gentry and aristocracy that helped build the country.
Thriving metropolises such as Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle are great for indulging in retail therapy, café culture and nightlife. On the fringes of all these big cities are some real gems of hidden holiday locations. The Warwickshire countryside surrounding Birmingham extends down into chocolate-box style villages.
With quintessentially English stone cottages and old world charm, the villages around Stratford-Upon-Avon and extending down into the Cotswold's hark back to a country that Shakespeare would be familiar with. The Cheshire countryside outside Manchester offers pockets of affluent small towns that still exist around the hub of the medieval parish churches.
The contours of majestic Scotland are often overlooked due to its cold climate near to the top of the northern hemisphere. However, an adventure north of the English border is certainly worthwhile to discover some beautiful scenery and cosmopolitan cities. The beautiful mountains, glorious lochs and natural wildlife are breathtaking and inspirational.
Scottish cities such as Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen are thriving hubs of business, culture and economy. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival during August draws artisans, actors, film and TV professionals and authors to the various facets of the festival around Edinburgh Castle in the middle of the city. During this excitingly busy month, self catered Edinburgh apartments are often a great option for accommodation, giving guests to the city the freedom and independence to explore the delights of the festival and the city at their own leisure.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Five famous and vibrant carnivals around the world
And time for another of David's top lists. This time the top five of carnivals around the world. I know I would love to go to Rio but let me see what more do you have in mind ;)
Visit any of the hundreds of carnivals that take place throughout the world and you can be confident there will be wonderful parades, fantastic music and tasty food. However, while amazing festivals and street parties can be found in every corner of the globe, you may discover the following five are among the very best.
Notting Hill Carnival - The largest event of its kind in Europe, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is a fun-filled celebration of Caribbean culture that takes place through the streets of west London.
Held over the course of the August bank holiday, the three-day party starts with a steel band competition on Saturday and is followed by Kids' Day on the Sunday, where you'll see children decorated in colourful outfits with prizes awarded to those deemed to have the best costume.
However, it's on Monday that the action really takes place, as the epic procession winds its way through the city, culminating at Ladbroke Grove. Performers wear a wide range of vibrant costumes, while soca, calypso and R&B music can be heard for miles around from the dozens of static sound systems that play throughout the day.
The carnival also hosts performances by some of the biggest names in music, Wyclef Jean, Katy B and Jamiroquai among those to have appeared in previous years, so you can be confident there'll plenty of opportunities for you to sing, dance and have fun.
If you've worked up an appetite, head to one of the many food stalls selling Caribbean cuisine, such as jerk chicken, fried plantain and rum punch. Some one million people attend the carnival each year, so you can be sure you'll be in good company when taking in the fun.
Many of the streets will be closed to vehicles during the bank holiday weekend, so using public transport is a good idea. Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate, Queens Park and Latimer Road are just some of the tube stations close to where the action takes place, although it is a good idea to check in advance for any temporary closures or diversions.
There are plenty of cheap hotels in London to choose from so you should have no problem finding suitable accommodation for the event.
Barbados Crop Over - To gain an insight into the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival, you might want to visit Barbados during its annual Crop Over festivities. 
Much like the name suggests, this carnival was designed to mark the end of that year's successful sugar cane harvest and dates back to the late 17th century - a time when the Caribbean island was the world's largest producer of sugar and was under colonial rule.
In celebrating the harvest, workers used to hold feasts and drinking competitions and over the years Crop Over has developed into one of the region's most vibrant and biggest festivals.
Starting in June, the two-month event sees a wide range of musical performances, children's parties and shows take place. However, the highlight for many is the Grand Kadooment closing parade, held at the start of August and a designated national holiday.
This spectacle sees dozens of costumed bands perform in the streets, with the carnival closing with a fabulous firework display.
Quebec Winter Carnival - The Quebec Winter Carnival in Quebec City is likely to be a much chillier affair than Barbados' Crop Over, but you can still have plenty of fun when taking in this Canadian event. 
Attended by around 750,000 people each year, the spectacle is held over a 17-day period in late January and early February so it's a good idea to wrap up warm!
Although the first official Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955, winter-themed celebrations have been happening in the city since 1894, with the locals gathering just before the start of Lent to eat, drink and have fun.
While these still form large parts of the modern-day carnival, it has since grown to encompass a range of other elements, including snow sculpture contests and dog-sled races.
More than 300 shows and activities take place and you can buy a Bonhomme Effigy pass to gain entrance to these for just CAD $12 (about £7.50). These include two Night Parades, held during the second and the third carnival weekends, where colourful floats make their way through the city and each year a beautiful ice palace is sculpted.
Events take place all over Quebec City, so getting to the action shouldn't be too hard. If you want to take in the Night Parades, however, you'll need to take either the 800 or 801 Metrobus to Charlesbourg.
Rio Carnival - Fantastic carnival action can also be found in Rio de Janeiro and like the Quebec Winter event this is held just before Lent, although it tends to start slightly later in the year, either in mid to late February or early March. 
This four-day celebration kicks off 40 days before the beginning of Easter, commencing on Saturday and finishing on Shrove Tuesday.
With two million people taking to the Brazilian city's streets every day of the event, this is the world's biggest carnival so you'll definitely be in good company if you choose to be part of it.
Hundreds of groups of performers, called bandas and blocos, dress up in extravagant themed costumes and dance to the sound of samba music. But while the festival is mainly about fun, there is a competitive element to it with each team out to win the prestigious accolade of having the best float.
New Orleans Mardi Gras - Taking place around the same period of time as the Rio Carnival are the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. 
Although Mardi Gras events have been held throughout the state of Louisiana since the 1830s, it is the New Orleans spectacle that is the biggest and most celebrated version.
Designed as a final celebration before the start of Lent, here parades are held on a daily basis for about two weeks up until the event's close on Shrove Tuesday. Many of these start in the Uptown and Mid-City districts of the city before heading along St Charles Avenue and Canal Street, with float riders often tossing colourful beads into the crowds
You'll also find lots of parties and celebrations taking place in Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, with marching jazz bands putting on great performances.
Another traditional element of the celebrations are king cakes, which are made from cinnamon-filled dough that is shaped into a hollow circle and finished with a glazed topping and coloured sugar, so make sure that you try one of these tasty treats while watching the fun.
With so many wonderful carnivals happening all over the world, you're sure to find a fabulous street party wherever you are.
Once again thanks to David and to the team of travelsupermarket.com for sharing!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Five of the world's best ocean drives
And back with another of David's best off. This time for the top 5 of world's best ocean drives. Must confess David, I'm already tempted to go to England to try that Atlantic Highway - what a view!
Driving alongside the ocean with stunning views of both sea and land can be a pretty amazing experience. Taking in the beautiful natural surroundings from behind the wheel is a great way of seeing the gorgeous scenery and you can make stop-offs along the way to fully appreciate the sights. 
Pacific Highway, Australia - Head to Australia and you'll have the chance to travel the 596-mile Pacific Highway between Brisbane and Sydney. Whichever city you decide to start from, you'll be able to take in fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean while you drive.
The Pacific Highway forms part of Australia's Highway One, a motorway that links most of the country's state capitals, and you will have the opportunity to stop by several busting towns and cities along this route. These include Newcastle, which is home to a heritage area featuring a number of fine Victorian terraced properties, and Port Macquarie, a popular spot for surfers.
If your route ends at Brisbane, make sure you take in sights such as the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and Roma Street Parkland, while if your trip concludes in Sydney you may want to see the city's iconic opera house. 
Pacific Coast Highway, USA - Alternatively, why not visit southern California where you can travel the Pacific Coast Highway? This 123-mile stretch of road also encompasses great views of the Pacific Ocean and while it can be completed in a few hours, you should take your time to ensure you make the most of all the region has to offer.
From your starting point in Monterey, you'll travel through the Big Sur region before ending up in Morro Bay. Among the attractions you ought to stop by are Garrapata State Park, where you can head to the beach and spot sea otters splashing around, Bixby Bridge, the Little Sur River and Andrew Molera State Park. The designated All-American Road ends at Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic cone that is some 23 million years old. 
Seward Highway, USA - Further north in Alaska, you'll be able to take in the Pacific Ocean from a very different perspective. By travelling the 127-mile Seward Highway, you'll see fjords and ice fields from your vehicle as opposed to the golden beaches of California.
Starting in Anchorage, the state's largest city, you'll get the chance to pass through Chugach State Park, Canyon Creek and Bird Creek, an ideal place for a spot of fishing, before coming to the harbour town of Seward.
Once you've arrived, you can go on a charter boat ride along the waterfront, before dining at a number of local restaurants that specialise in fresh seafood, all against the backdrop of the nearby Marathon Mountain, which is an impressive 921 metres tall. 
Pirate Route, Jamaica - If you fancy going on an ocean road-trip in a slightly more exotic climate, Jamaica could be the place for you.
By driving along its so-called Pirate Route, you'll be afforded great views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as historic architecture. Starting from Port Royal, you'll travel clockwise along the A1 and A2 roads where you can see beached freighter ships and the remains of historic forts that protected the country from pirates hundreds of years ago.
At the end of the 380-mile trip, you'll arrive at Kingston, the Jamaican capital, where you can see the remains of a 19th-century jail and courthouse.
Atlantic Highway, England - A little closer to home, Devon and Cornwall can make for a great ocean drive. The section of the A39 road running from Barnstaple to Newquay is known as the Atlantic Highway, so you'll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the shores as you drive from place to place.
One destination you should definitely stop by is Exmoor Zoo. Take the A399 and you'll be able to see a wide range of creatures including cheetahs, kangaroos and penguins. Head back in the car to Tintagel, which according to legend is the birthplace of the mythical King Arthur. Visit the popular Tintagel Castle and you may be able to learn more about the iconic figure.
With your 135-mile trip ending at Newquay, you'll be able to hit several beaches where you can go swimming, surfing or just top up your tan. Of course, you may be tempted to get back in your car and relive the delights of the Atlantic Highway all over again!
Once again thanks to David and also to the cheap holidays team at travelsupermarket.com for sharing this top 5 ocean drives article and photos with us.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Top markets to visit while visiting London, England
Once again with David this time with a tour over London's markets. Also thanks for the nice photos you've sent to accompany your guest post. Now words to David:
If you're planning a short weekend break or a holiday in London, you should be sure to check out the multitude of markets that can be discovered in England’s capital city. Whether you're in need of some serious retail therapy or just want do a little window shopping in the hope of finding something that captures your eye, the range of markets in the city means you should always be able to get a great bargain. Here, we look at 5 of the best London markets to visit:
Old Spitalfields Market - One historic market you should be sure to visit is Old Spitalfields Market. Located in a 19th-century Victorian hall in east London, a range of vintage clothing and antiques can be purchased here. It is also a fantastic place to purchase crafts goods, with everything from handmade wooden toys to Venetian masks available to purchase. 
As Old Spitalfields is open seven days a week, there should be plenty of opportunity for you to take in a trip to the market during a trip to London. However, you should be aware that trading hours will differ slightly between businesses. Reaching the market is fairly easy as it is just a short distance from Aldgate East and Liverpool Street stations.
Brick Lane Market - If you are visiting east London, you should be sure to visit Brick Lane Market. Open every Sunday, this Shoreditch market gives you the opportunity to purchase a variety of second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac, while also taking in lively performances from street musicians and actors. 
Shopping can work up an appetite, so if you're feeling a bit peckish after hunting for bargains, you will be able to tuck into some fantastic cuisine at one of the nearby Asian restaurants.
Borough Street Market - If you're something of a foodie, make sure you head to Borough Street Market. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, here you will be able to purchase a wide range of food including organic and fair-trade produce. 
Thursday could be a particularly good day to visit, as each week sees a chef give a cooking demonstration - who knows, you may be able to get some ideas about dishes you can create with the items you have just bought! Located in the south-east of the city underneath the railway viaducts between Borough High Street and the Thames river, the market's nearest underground stop is London Bridge.
Apple Market - Handmade jewellery and gifts can be found while shopping at Apple Market in Covent Garden. This central London market focuses on domestic handicrafts, so by shopping here you may be able to help support British businesses. 
You will also find a number of cafes and restaurants situated nearby, providing the perfect place to take a breather, grab a drink and get something to eat.
Petticoat Lane Market - Fashionistas on a holiday in London should also head to the Petticoat Lane Market in the east of the city. Not only can a range of men's and women's clothing be found here, but you can also purchase various household goods and with 1,000 stalls to buy from, there will always be plenty of choice. 
The market is open from 10:00 to 16:30 every Monday to Friday, as well as 09:00 to 14:00 on Sundays. However, be sure that you don't make the mistake of trying to find the actual Petticoat Lane when looking for the market as it does not exist!
Located between Middlesex and Wentworth Streets in Tower Hamlets, the market is a short walk from Liverpool Street station. Traders have sold their goods here since the 1750s and it was the location where entrepreneur and multimillionaire Sir Alan Sugar first opened a stall upon entering the world of business in the 1960s.
Near the market there is the famous ‘Gherkin’ building which was named as such because of its unique shape. There are also a number of nearby London hotels which are ideal if you are hoping to stay in the area.
With so many interesting markets to visit, you really can shop until you drop when visiting London.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lake Distric, England
Today, thanks to Jess, we can read a bit about England, more precisely read about the spectacular Lake District region. Absolutely wonderful those landscape photos Jess. Must go there someday :)
Britain isn’t the most common holiday destination for those who like the outdoors. It has a reputation for being damp and rainy. There are no mountains that rival the heights reached by the European Alps and few famous walks or challenging long-distance footpaths. However, there are hidden gems to be found in England, Scotland, and Wales. All three are home to high hills with excellent facilities for walkers and the relatively wet climate means lush green landscapes even at the height of summer.
The Lake District is perhaps the most spectacular place in England. The scenery is world class, with impressive mountains looking down on rolling countryside and gorgeous silver lakes. The poet William Wordsworth ("I wondered lonely as a cloud, that floats on high over vales and hills...") lived there and was constantly inspired by the views around him.
The highest point in England is Scafell Pike (978m), one of the Lake District’s most popular walks. This may seem quite small to mountain enthusiasts. After all, Mont Blanc is 4810m high. However, those who’ve climbed Mont Blanc or another big peak know that it’s a serious undertaking. Getting to the summit is not easy and only very fit and experienced walkers should make the attempt. Scafell Pike can be climbed in a day by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, all the way from the valley floor to the very top.
The mountains of the Lake District are wonderfully accessible. It’s not uncommon for a moderate day walk to include two or three summits. Trails are well marked and generally easy to follow. Car parking and transport links are well adapted for hikers and there is no shortage of bed and breakfast hotels, classic English tea rooms, pubs and restaurants serving up fine food to hungry holiday makers. Towns like Ambleside are more than capable of catering to those who want gourmet dinners
and five star accommodation- for an outdoor sports destination, the Lake District is easily the most 'up market' in mainland Britain. Be sure to try out the selection of local cheeses, ice-creams, and beers.
As the name suggests, this region is home to the biggest lakes in England. These are not just a beautiful feature of the landscape. Lake cruises run on Windermere and Ullswater (two of the larger lakes) all year round. Walkers can cut across the hills and take a steam boat back to their starting point or enjoy a more relaxed day out on board.
English history is everywhere. Dry stone walls criss-cross the hills and valleys and the ancient stone circle at Castlerigg is one of the most spectacular in the UK. There are about 50 stone age monuments scattered across the district and most of them are easily accessible to walkers. The castles at Brough and Egremont offer a flavour of medieval Britain and those who appreciate literature and poetry can visit the country homes of Wordsworth and children’s author Beatrix Potter.
The Lake District is one of only a handful of places in the British Isles where red squirrels can still be found. Lucky walkers might also encounter herds of red deer on the hills. As a destination for those who enjoy the outdoors, it’s world-class.
Jess Spate lives, climbs, and walks in the UK and edits Outdoor Equipment Online, a British price comparison website where you can find rucksacks and other walking gear. She also works as a sustainable business consultant for fountainspirit.com.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Essential English food
Experiencing a nations food is a key part of any travelling experience. Here, therefore, is my guide to some things you will want to try out if you are wandering around England. This isn’t going to be a list of gastronomic delights, rather it’s an overview of your more classic (read: unhealthy) English dishes.
English food had a bit of a reputation, once upon a time, for being a bit, well, shit. Meat and two veg, generally seriously overcooked, with no real flavours or zest. This, I am pleased to report, is largely no longer the case, and usually wherever you go you can find decent food at reasonable prices. What, therefore, are my top five foods to try out when in England?
#1. Fish and Chips.
This has to be one of my favourite English classics. A battered piece of white fish, usually cod, with accompanying pile of chips, smothered in salt and vinegar. Health food, this is not. Tasty, it is. Yoda, I have become.
Even Yoda would probably agree that the setting is absolutely key. For the full experience, you really need to be sitting somewhere near the sea, ideally with the sound of an amusement park nearby. Donkeys may parade in front of you. Seagulls will battle with you for errant chips. If you’re after the full experience, take the portion from the new fangled polystyrene container and let it stew in some old newspaper for a while, absorbing the inky goodness. A tough one to beat.
#2. Pie and Mash.
Well, I never claimed this was going to be a gourmet experience. I like a simple steak and ale pie, with creamy mashed potatoes, although the myriad flavours of pie on offer are quite endless. For an authentic English pie experience, I’d recommend finding a decent local pub in the countryside, and accompanying your pie with a tasty real ale, served in one of those pint glasses with a handle. A handlebar moustache is entirely optional.
#3. Roast Dinner.
Where would a list of English meals be without the classic roast dinner? There is a reason that the French nickname for the English is rosbif, a title dating back to the 18th century, and generally descriptive of the sort of food the English were known for even back then.
So, with over two hundred years of food roasting tradition behind them, you’d think that the English on the whole would be pretty good at roast meals.
And indeed, for the most part, they are. Head to most any pub or restaurant on a Sunday lunchtime, and you’ll be almost guaranteed to have your pick of a variety of roasted meats, ranging from chicken to beef to pork to my personal favourite, lamb. Nuts can also be roasted, if meat is not your particular cup of tea.
And of course, it’s not just about the meat. The trimmings are a necessity, and usually include a good portion of roast potatoes, some roast parsnips (honey drizzle optional), possibly some sausages wrapped in a blanket of bacon, a hint of stuffing and maybe some Yorkshire pudding (roasted batter from what I can tell).
All of this should be happily drowned in gravy, a brown sauce made from the meat juices and thickened with flour. Some people may attempt to foist sprouts upon you, an invention from Brussels that resembles a tiny cabbage. Vigorously resist.
#4. BBQ.
This isn’t a specific dish, as you can put pretty much whatever you want to on a grill over a smouldering pile of coals, but the BBQ is certainly an English summertime tradition. As unpredictable weather is also an English summertime tradition, one never quite knows how damp ones BBQ is going to be. Which adds to the fun.
There’s nothing quite like watching someone standing in the rain, furiously charcoaling some bits of chicken drumstick, whilst everyone else hides inside, bemoaning the lack of English summer, and wondering what this climate change thing is all about.
#5. Bread and butter pudding.
Ah, pudding. That sweet tasty thing you wait throughout the rest of the meal to eat, and then wonder if you are too full to get it down. Also known as dessert.
Bread and butter pudding is an absolute classic English dessert. I had a theory that it came about after the war as a means of using up left over and possibly slightly stale bits of bread, but a hint of research has brought to my attention the fact that is in fact over three hundred years old.
Not bad for what is essentially old bread baked with eggs, milk and cream. Oh and sugar. And raisins. To be served with either custard, cream, or if you are feeling particularly decadent, a heart attack inducing dollop of clotted cream. Lovely.
Those were my top five English dishes. Some dishes did not make the top five list. One that is worth mentioning is the English tradition of afternoon tea, scones and jam, served with Cornish clotted cream. Or, the same, minus the tea and served with Pimms. There’s nothing quite like sitting on a lovely bit of lawn, smothering a hapless bit of scone with a goopy blob of clotted cream and a dollop of strawberry jam.
I know I have missed out on a number of other classic dishes, (giant fried breakfast anyone?). I focused on English, rather than Irish, Scottish or Welsh cuisine. Haggis jumps straight to mind as something you really need to think about having a go at if you are up in Scotland, assuming the thought of sheep offal simmered in its own stomach is something you think you may like. It is, I assure you, far nicer than it sounds. Let me know if I’ve missed your favourite English food off the list!
