Tuesday, September 12th, 2006
Last Saturday I joined a hundred or so UK bound students at a pre-departure briefing seminar in Manila. The four hour programme, organised by the British Council, was packed with helpful information on British culture, student life, cost of living, part-time working, and getting around the UK.
The 300 Peso (around £3.00) entrance fee was well worth it and most of the delegates I spoke to felt they got a lot out of the day.
Delegates also received an information pack including a brilliant pocket guide to life in the UK, which I would recommend to anyone considering travelling to these shores.
The speakers were well informed about life in the UK and their facts and figures were accurate and up to date. The presentation was mostly upbeat and positive about life in the UK, apart from the obvious high cost of living.
IMMIGRATION MATTERS – SPECIAL REPORT
9th August 2006
By Charles Kelly
Immigration Adviser and co-author of
“How 2 Come to the UK to Live Work Study or Visitâ€.
Whilst not wanting to appear negative, I would just like to add a few words of caution to the young students embarking on their new adventure this autumn.
Crime
Street crime and drug related crime can be a problem in the major cities, so use your head. That is, to think, not to do a “Zidane†on anyone who criticises your mother!
Follow the British Council’s guidance on security in their pre-departure briefing pack or visit www.educationuk.org.
Airports
You are particularly vulnerable upon arrival after a long tiring journey. Even seasoned travellers have lost bags during a momentary lapse of concentration. An American friend of mine who had travelled all over the world lost his luggage at Gatwick Airport. He put his bag down for a second whilst searching for change at a train ticket machine. By the time he looked down again his leather bag and flying jacket, which he wore in Vietnam, had disappeared.
Try and get someone to meet you at the airport if at all possible and avoid travelling into central London unless absolutely necessary.
If you are travelling on to another city use the excellent National Express coach service which has terminals at all major UK airports. The coaches can get you to most parts of the country from right outside the airport without the need to take two or three trains or travel into town to pick up rail connections. The service is reliable and cheap and can be booked on line at www.nationalexpress.com.
In general the UK has an excellent public transport system.
Drinking Culture
The British love of alcohol was affectionately covered during the seminar with pictures of one of the speakers in a cosy pub with friends. Fine, there’s nothing quite like a British pub and having a few beers with friends is one of life’s great pleasures. But people from what I would describe as “non-drinking†cultures may be shocked at the level of alcohol consumption in the UK especially by young people.
Here in Makati’s Greenbelt area in the central business district I see hundreds of young people enjoying a glass of wine or bottle of San Miguel beer in the many open air bars and café’s. Alcohol is more widely available than in the UK and yet I have never seen a drunken Filipino causing a disturbance or being ejected from a bar. I have never even seen a drunken Filipino in a bar. You will not find scenes of inebriated Filipino’s spilling out onto the streets of Manila at two in the morning, as is commonplace in city centres in the UK.
Go to any University town on a midweek “student†night, where students are offered cheap alcohol or “drink as much as you like†promos, and you may be shocked by what you see. You will also find where most of their parent’s money and student loans are going, i.e. straight down the toilet!
Alcohol in the Philippines is taken in moderation and is not the primary focus of a night out. At any Filipino party, the food is the main event not the booze. Filipino women do not generally drink, or smoke, and may be surprised at how much young British women drink on a typical night out.
They will be even more surprised by their “ladish†(masculine) behaviour; out-drinking the men and falling down in the gutter unable to stand up after a belly full of alco-pops and Vodka mixers.
Take it easy on the alcohol especially the deceptive mixers which taste sweet and innocent, but are just as potent as a premium strength lager or shot of Whisky.
Until you get to know the local scene, be careful and choose your pubs and company wisely.
Unless you are with trusted friends, NEVER leave your drink unattended. A good friend of mine’s daughter was raped after having her drink “spiked†(date rape drugged) in her local pub.
Clubs
Clubs are a whole different culture on which I am not qualified to write, being around twenty years too old. At the risk of sounding like your boring Dad, my advice is once again “be carefulâ€. Some of the clubs and clubbing districts can be pretty wild places compared to non-western countries.
Mini Cabs
Mini Cabs are licensed taxis which can only be hired from a Mini Cab Office or ordered by telephone. Unlike the famous London ‘Black Taxis’ they are not allowed to pick up passengers on the street.
If you are offered a ride by mini cab driver in the street the driver is most likely an un-licensed illegal driver and you could be in danger. There have been a number of cases where women have been raped by illegal mini cab drivers.
Never get into a mini cab on the street.
Am I trying to scare you? Well, just a little. More to the point I’m trying to open your eyes to some of the less glamorous side of life in the UK. Having said all this, the UK is a relatively safe place with low crime rates. The Police do not even carry guns!
I feel, however, that things are changing. Muggings, stabbings and murders seem more commonplace nowadays and I no longer feel safe at night in many of the areas in which I grew up.
The UK is still a great place
The British are among the most creative and talented people on the planet. Turn on a radio in virtually any country in the world and you are likely to hear a song by a British artist.
Britain has an entrepreneurial spirit that has created world class businesses and made it the fourth largest economy in the world. The UK is a hugely successful nation punching well above its weight.
The vast majority of people in Britain are tolerant and fair minded and welcome visitors and migrants.
Culturally the UK is a rich melting pot and I would recommend anyone to visit or study here.
Have a great time in the UK, have fun, work hard, but be sensible.
For regular immigration updates see http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
If you should have any questions concerning any of the above issues please email Charles Kelly info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or see our website.
About The Author
Charles Kelly is a qualified registered Immigration Adviser and Managing Director Bison Management UK and Overseas Consultancy Services, based in London. They help people with visas, work permit and overseas recruitment problems. The company has helped thousands of people successfully come to the UK and has helped change lives. They also work with businesses which require help employing non EU staff.
Charles is co-author of “How 2 Come to the UK to Live, Work, Study or Visit” was born. It’s a great little guide to working abroad and covers everything you need to know about obtaining UK visas work permits, student places and jobs.
Charles writes a regular column “Immigration Matters”, which is published in four magazines and has a month readership of over 100,000. For all the latest immigration news visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk.
He is planning a series of “How 2 Come to the UK” seminars in the Philippines starting this July.
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Tuesday, July 18th, 2006
Newcastle is often referred to as Newcastle upon the Tyne and situated in Northern England. Newcastle’s climate is moderate, making it an ideal place to visit any time of year. Established in the Roman Era by the Emperor Hadrian and formerly named Pons, Aelius, Newcastle upon the Tyne is a place rich with historical sites to see and recreational activities to engage in. Whether you are seeking fine dining or interesting activities to enjoy, there is no finer place to visit that Newcastle.
Places of interest:
The cultural enthusiast will find no end to the historical sites of interest situated in Newcastle. One of England’s most incredible cities, tourists find themselves longing to return to Newcastle time and time again. Not only is Newcastle full of exciting sites to see, it is conveniently situated near many of England’s popular cities and attractions. Nearby cities surrounding Newcastle includes Bath, Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Nottingham, Oxford, and York. Further, tourists will find Newcastle filled with galleries, museums and historical sites to visit during their stay.
ALDERMANS FENWICKS HOUSE: located at 98 Pilgrim Street, is a historical mercantile town house in the North of England. Its origins are found in the medieval era and prove completely entertaining for the history enthusiast. The Aldermans Fenwicks House is open during regular office hours and tourist can book night time tours if they call in advance.
BESSIE SURTEES HOUSE: situated at 41-44 Sandhill in Newcastle is open to tourists all year round and were originally the homes of wealthy merchants. Existing since the 17th century, the Bessie Surtees House currently stands as the as the site for the North East Regional Office of English Heritage.
DISCOVERY MUSEUM: the Discovery museum at Blandford Square is situated near the Central station, so transportation is available. This museum offers free entrance and shares with tourists England’s rich maritime history in addition to its scientific and technological advances.
MILITARY VEHICLE MUSEUM: found at the Exhibition Park Pavilion, just off of Claremont Road, holds well over 50 wartime vehicles, from WWII and after, as well as antique bicycles, armour, and historical documents on exhibit.
MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES: located at The Quadrangle, just off of Kings Walk in Newcastle, has a number collections, including collections from the Palaeolithic period through the 1600′s. Entry into the Museum of Antiquities is free for both children and adults.
BROWN’S ART GALLERY: Browns Art Gallery at 15 Acorn Road, Jesmond, is filled with gorgeous paintings and pottery, sure to please any tourist. The gallery holds limited editions and offers a picture framing service to the public.
Things to do:
Along with all the terrific historical sites, museums and galleries to visit, tourists will find that Newcastle is chockfull of recreational activities. From theatres to comedy clubs, from cinemas to casinos, tourists travelling thorough Newcastle are bound to find many enjoyable recreational pursuits.
BUDDLE ARTS CENTRE: Buddles Art Centre at 258B Station Road, Wallsend, was established in 1981. Tourists will find a number of events, workshops, and exhibits being hosted at the theatre and should call for a schedule before visiting. The Buddle Arts Centre is open during the hours of their events and other offerings.
THEATRE ROYAL: Theatre Royal at Grey Street, is the perfect stop for all fans of Shakespeare as the theatre frequently hosts the Royal Shakespeare Company.
THE HYENA CAFÉ: is located at Leazes Arcade, Leazes Lane, Haymarket in Newcastle, and tourists will find that this comedy club is loaded with visitors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you’re looking for some comic relief while staying in Newcastle, the Hyena Café is the place to be.
ODEON: located at The Gate Complex, Newgate Street in Newcastle is an excellent site to stop in and catch your favourite film.
THE SIDE CINEMA: is located at 5 Р9 The Side, Next to Side Caf̩ in Newcastle and is open from Tuesday until Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.
ASPERS CASINO: is located at The Gate, Newgate Street in Newcastle, and is a Las Vegas style casino and bar that consists of well over 40,000 square feet of gambling entertainment.
Food & Drink:
After a fun filled day of site seeing and enjoying your favourite recreational activities, you are bound to stir up an appetite. Not to worry, Newcastle is filled with fantastic dining locations and you’ll have no trouble pleasing your palate.
KUBLAI KHAN: 22 The Side in Newcastle, is a Mongolian Restaurant offers visitors a banquet. No reservations are required, so the Kublai Khan is an excellent choice if you’re looking to simply walk into a location and grab an excellent bite to eat.
CHIQUITOS: Chiquitos is located at Warner Brothers Complex in Newcastle and serves Mexican delights. Just opposite the Manors Metro station, Chiquitos serves salsa, nachos, salads, chilli, enchiladas, fajitas, and chimmichangas.
HOT BOX CAFÉ: located at St Mary’s Place in Newcastle, offers some of your favourites from burgers and fries to kebabs and pizza. The Hot Box Café is an excellent place to visit if you’re looking for fresh, cooked to order dining.
BIMBI’S: located on Nelson Street, is one of the best fish and chips locations in Newcastle. Offering an array of fish entrees, and a variety of pies for dessert, BIMBI’s serves your craving for seafood while visiting Newcastle.
NEWCASTLE PIZZA BEACH: is situated on the waterfront, and serves as a fantastic place to grab a slice of pizza while on the water.
Newcastle Hotels & Accommodation:
Newcastle offers visitors a number of different accommodations to choose from. With over 25 gorgeous hotels to choose from finding a place to stay in Newcastle is a breeze. What’s more, every hotel offers its visitors and array of amenities to make their visit both enjoyable and memorable.
Percy Arms Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Newcastle Metro Centre
Holiday Inn Newcastle
Copthorne Hotel Newcastle
Waterside Hotel
Royal Station Hotel.
The Vermont Hotel
Hadrian Lodge Hotel
Cairn Hotel
Whites Hotel
Jesmond Hotel
Swallow Imperial Hotel
Best Western New Kent Hotel
Britannia Hotel Newcastle Airport
Gibside Hotel
Caledonian Hotel
Carlton Hotel
Village hotel and Leisure Club Newcastle
Jurys Inn Newcastle
Premier Apartments Newcastle
Express by Holiday Inn Newcastle City Centre
Horton Grange
Quality Hotel Newcastle Upon Tyne
George Washington Golf & Country Club
Thistle Newcastle
Grey Street Hotel
Entertainment
There is no question that tourists can easily find entertainment in Newcastle. When not touring historical sites or engaging in recreational pursuits, visitors to Newcastle will find that the nightlife in Newcastle is equally inviting. Casinos, bars and nightclubs are readily open and accessible in Newcastle and visitors will never be without something to do in this fine English city.
Newcastle: it’s one of the most splendid places in England. Fine dining, entertainment and a rich history make Newcastle particularly inviting to tourists and visitors return every year to enjoy all that Newcastle has to offer.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Biography
Name: Maria Williams
Website: www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK providers of discounted uk hotels
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Monday, July 17th, 2006
Oxford, UK is a holiday destination to which the traveler can happily return again and again. One could spend days wandering through Oxford’s myriad cultural treasures which boast some of the world’s best exhibits. The winding streets are full of restaurants ranging from inexpensive local fish and chips shops to world class gourmet dining. Opportunities for recreational pursuits abound; all of this in a city which can easily be traversed on foot.
It should be noted that Oxford is a haven for the pedestrian. The center city is virtually car free. Public transportation is highly advised as it is frequent and inexpensive. Visitors who may be used to long commutes in many holiday towns will find that Oxford has literally dozens of interesting locales within blocks of one another and each side street holds its own jewels ready for discovery.
Oxford is a bonanza for the history lover. Museums and storied historical buildings sit on almost every corner. Trip after trip could be made here and there would still be cultural vistas to explore.
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Architecture an arm of University of Oxford. Established in 1683 it is one of the world’s oldest and finest museums. Admission is free although donations are accepted and appreciated.
Sheldonian Theatre. This magnificent structure offers unparalleled views of the city. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built over a four year period from 1664-68. Self guided tours available at a modest cost.
Bodleian Library. Dating back to the fourteenth century and housing more than six million texts, the Bodleian is one of the premiere libraries in the world.
Christ Church. Founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1524, Christ Church is the oldest college in the Oxford University system and serves as Oxford’s Cathedral. The site is familiar to many tourists via its connection to Lewis Carroll and the Alice books and more recently its appearances in the Harry Potter movies. Lines can be long but the galleries and gardens are well worth the wait. Admission.
Museum of the History of Science. This unusual museum is devoted to the history of scientific instruments and its collection of almost 10,000 of these instruments is without peer. Rotating exhibits, many with free admission.
After mornings spent in cultural endeavors, a tourist will find a wide variety of activities to fill the rest of the day. No visitor should leave Oxford without at least a short water excursion.
Have a punt. Located on the Thames River, known as the Isis within Oxford proper, Oxford is home to legendary rowing teams. While rowing is a sport not learned in an afternoon, most people can manage a punt with a short lesson and a little effort. Try picking one up at the Magdelen Bridge Boathouse.
Picnic on the river. The banks of the Isis make for cool and inviting picnic locales and many shops are available for impromptu food purchases to fill a basket.
Self guided architecture tours. Walking the streets of Oxford is a feast for the eyes. Be sure and find the Bridge of Sighs on New College Lane and heads up for the gargoyles which can be found on almost every historic building.
Oxford Covered Market. Don’t miss this walk through center. It features stalls full of items from tourist kitsch to upscale as well as quick eats and groceries. Be advised that skinned animal carcasses hang from many meat market displays.
Hop a sightseeing bus. Although Oxford is totally foot travel friendly those who have only a short time in Oxford might enjoy a trek around town on a bus. This is also a good way to get an overview of the abundance of things to see and do in town. Tours are reasonably priced, easy to hop and make frequent stops.
Alice’s Shop. The small shop is the true inspiration for the shop in “Through the Looking Glass†and the real “Aliceâ€, Alice Liddell, was a frequent visitor.
A quick stop at a pub will leave one refreshed for an afternoon spent on foot exploring Oxford’s side streets. Pubs can also be a fun atmosphere for an afternoon or evening spent watching football or rugby. Multi course gourmet meals of almost any cuisine are also readily available at fine restaurants throughout Oxford.
Eagle and Child. This pub was for years a favorite haunt of both C. S. Lewis and Tolkien and remains largely authentic.
The Exeter Hall. A lively venue further out than most, Exeter offers pool, two bars and a growing reputation for live music.
The Jack Russell. Open to both dogs and children this family friendly bar is also largely handicapped accessible.
Rosamund the Fair. This cruising restaurant specializing in distinctly British cuisine requires advanced booking but offers excellent food and a varied wine list.
Head of the River. This busy outdoor restaurant is a favorite of students. It has heat lamps for cool evenings and a few hotel rooms for evenings spent with beer in hand.
The Navy Oak. Located north of the Ring Road this restaurant may take a little effort to find but a reasonably priced and tasty menu make the hunt worthwhile.
Oxford Hotels & Accommodation
As a university town, Oxford offers lodging running the gamut from bed and breakfast to the most luxurious of accommodations. However, the wise traveler will begin booking early as the city is busy year round and any sort of hotel or self catering establishment can be difficult to find on short notice.
The FEATHERS
Westwood Country Hotel Ltd
The Oxford Hotel
Cotswold Lodge Classic Hotel
A Lakeside Town Farm B & B
Holiday Inn Oxford
Victoria House Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Oxford Kassam Stadium
The White Horse
The Bat & Ball Inn
For those seeking a little nightlife, Oxford has several lively venues including The Zodiac and Oxford Brookes Student Union. Most name acts visiting Oxford will be found at one of these sites. If the play’s the thing try New Theatre located on George Street or the Oxford Playhouse across the way from the Ashmolean. Oxford also has four cinemas with currently popular offerings as well as foreign and art house fare.
Those who make a first visit to Oxford may well find that there are drawn there many times over. History, food and pleasant recreation are all to be found within easy walking distance. Couple these advantages with hospitable people and climate and Oxford becomes a destination of choice for almost any holiday.Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Biography
Name: Maria Williams
Website: www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK providers of discounted uk hotels
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Wednesday, April 26th, 2006
A few years ago, while we were in London, I insisted that we visit the Charing Cross Road since books act like magnets to me. Having no other option, my husband had to agree half-heartedly.
Charing Cross Road is a London street that runs north from Trafalgar Square to St Giles’ Circus and then becomes Tottenham Court Road. Charing Cross Road is not just any street with bookstores, it is the street of bookstores in London, as each town should have one, and if it does, that street gets visited by me to the exclusion of any other sight.
My first impression of the Charing Cross Road, somehow, has to do with the way London’s traffic lights work. This may be because I first noticed their odd behavior while we were in the cab on the way to Charing Cross Road. The lights were red, green, and yellow as in the US, but when the yellow light came up before it turned green, red light remained; so, we ended up staring at red and yellow lights together. Maybe that’s the way things are destined to work on Charing Cross, together!yet apart.
On Charing Cross Road, bookstores stand side by side like wallflowers at a dance wearing different colors. Above them, acting like their chaperones, are old brick buildings. Maybe these are separate edifices, but they look as if they are of one massive structure because their bricks appear to be in similar colors showing the same age and practically the exact wear and tear. As little as I understand from architecture, I think, the long rectangular windows with white tops and tiny sills point to the same style.
If you go to the Charing Cross Road take the tube. You’ll save a lot of money. We could have taken the tube very easily, yet for some trivial reason, we didn’t.
That day, when the black taxicab left us at one corner, the reddish brown Zwemmers’ beckoned us to its large window, boasting art, film, and photography books, but we wandered nextdoor, into the store painted in blue. This was Al Hoda, an Islamic bookstore with quite an impressive selection of books on art and architecture of the Islamic world, plus other books pertaining to Middle-eastern culture.
Next to Al Hoda was Smith and Sons, an old-fashioned pipe and cigar shop in red. We looked through its window and wondered why people would spend so much time and energy, carving fancy figures on elephant tusks just to smoke dangerous stuff from them.
Next was the store where graphic, web, and commercial design books were sold. After that came Shipley Specialist art books and then Silver Moon Women’s bookshop. I wondered why they would erect a separate women’s bookshop. Were we being talked down to as if in a harem or were we being revered? I opted to choose the latter idea, since the books inside were not too different from those at any other store.
After that, adjacent to a shop called “Any Amount of Books,” stood “Henry Pordes Books” with a large white sign covering its whole façade. Next to it stood a used book store “Charing Cross Road Bookshop.” By the way, “antiquarian” and “Second hand books” are the names given to used books. They don’t call them used books.
The most interesting shop to me was the “Scot Centre” selling everything Scottish from books to pipes to tartans. After the Scot Centre, another used book store curved into the Great Newport St. I know all this because I wrote down the names of these stores in my tiny pad. Seeing me do this, some people in those stores gave me their cards and promised a discount if I ordered from them. How is it possible to hassle on book prices?
Inside the Scot Centre, an elderly, knowledgeable gentleman volunteered to enlighten us about Charing Cross’s history. Charing Cross was one of 12 “Eleanor Crosses” erected at the end of the thirteenth century by the grieving Edward I when his wife Queen Eleanor of Castile died.
At each place where Queen Eleanor’s funeral’s procession stopped for the night, Edward built a memorial cross in her honor. Charing Cross was one of them.
Later, this cross was removed and replaced by the statue of Charles I. Much later, a replica of the cross was placed at the rail station. Since most of London was demolished either by fire or by Hitler’s bombers, many authentic looking structures or statues are only excellent replicas of what has been.
As to the name “Charing” there are many interpretations. The word could come from “cierring,” which means turning or bending, referring to the Thames River, but the most romantic one is “Chere Reine” meaning “Dear Queen.” Romantic? Yes, definitely so, for Charing Cross Road is a very romantic place, at least to a book lover like me.
About The Author
Joy Cagil is an author/sr. moderator on http://www.Writing.Com. Her education is in foreign languages and linguistics. Her portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/joycag
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Tuesday, April 25th, 2006
Introduction:
Derby holds a great appeal for those visitors in search of unspoilt tradition and character. In the shadow of the ornate Cathedral tower lies a great multi-cultural city bursting with a wealth of entertainment venues, attractions, parks and shops. Derby is perfect for those in search of a short break, whatever their needs.
Places of interest:
Derby is a busy industrial city, home of the famous Royal Crown Derby Porcelain. Derby sits on the west bank of the River Derwent, close to its meeting with the River Trent. Located in the beautiful rolling countryside of Derbyshire, it is an ideal base for touring the area, exploring the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District National Park.
Derby Cathedral – The Medieval Tower is the second highest in England at 212 feet; its bells are rung regularly and are the oldest ring of ten bells in the world. James Gibbs designed the superb early 18th century classical gold and white nave. Features include the wrought iron screen by Robert Bakewell, Bess of Hardwick’s elaborate memorial and St. Katherine’s Chapel.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery – The Museum, which has a gallery dedicated to the craft of ceramics, also features on Natural History, Egyptian Mummies and Military history. In the town’s history section you will see the Bonny Prince Charlie Room, with wood panelling taken from Exeter House where the Prince stayed in 1745. The Art Gallery has a collection on the work of the local artist Joseph Wright.
Pickford’s House – This is one of Derby’s fine Georgian Town Houses, built in 1770 by local designer Joseph Pickford. In the beautifully decorated rooms, you will find scenes of Georgian domestic life and historic costume displays.
Derby Heritage Centre – This quaint timber-framed building is home to a wealth of historical local information, including photographic displays and books.
Derby Industrial Museum – Situated in the first factory building in England, an 18th century Silk Mill. Here you can learn about the history of railways, coal mines and Rolls-Royce aero engines. There is also a variety of changing exhibitions.
Things to do:
Derby not only offers all the activities associated with a large city but those associated with living in rural England. You can shop till you drop, or enjoy the local countryside and historic monuments. Tourist routes are available to enable you to make the most of any walk or cycle tour you wish to take.
Shop in a traditional department store established in 1864, or one of the well known High Street names in the modern indoor shopping centre, explore the Victorian Market hall, and the colourful crafters market.
Eat in one of the speciality restaurants, coffee or tea shops Derby has to offer. Evening entertainment in the city can vary from a visit to one of the cinemas or theatres, to live music in one of the many wine bars and clubs.
Take the Kedleston Lanes cycle route that starts and finishes in the Riverside Gardens by the Council House in Derby. The route takes you through the lanes north-west of Derby and visits the villages of Kirk Langley, Weston Underwood and Quarndon. Unfortunately this route is not suitable for young families or inexperienced riders.
Discover the beauty and heritage of Derbyshire’s River Derwent by following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. The total distance is 55 miles but it can be taken as a long distance walk or as a series of shorter walks. The Derwent Valley Heritage Way has been way-marked using small yellow and purple disks.
Allestree Park dates from the end of the 18th Century when the present Hall was built. The park is preserved as a Local Nature Reserve because of its wide range of wildlife habitats. A Nature Trail follows an easy, reasonably flat route around the lower part of the Park and the lake shore. The trail is just over 1.5 miles long and should take about an hour and a half to complete.
Food & Drink:
Derby offers an excellent choice of restaurants where you can savour traditional and worldwide cuisine to suit any palate and wallet. There is also a multitude of modern cafes and bars, many hosting live evening entertainment.
Famous for being the ‘real ale’ capital of the UK as the city is home to a great selection of traditional pubs, together with the annual summer and winter Beer Festivals at the Assembly Rooms.
White Derby occupies a prime position in Old Blacksmiths Yard. White has revolutionised Derby’s restaurant scene overnight with its unique mix of exquisite food and drink, sumptuous interior design and exemplary service. White is a truly unique experience.
Lamp and Seam is located in the New Bath Hotel is popular with local business men and women and tourists alike. The Lamp and Seam offers French/English traditional cuisine in a charming setting. Service is friendly and efficient.
The Paddock is a friendly pub located on the outskirts of Derby, where you can find good food, drink and conversation. Traditional pub food is served from a main menu, and special boards offer homemade and favourite dishes.
Bennetts Ltd is a traditional style coffee shop in an elegant setting, with large tables and comfortable padded armchairs. A varied menu is available including toast, teacakes, scones, cakes, sandwiches, salads, hot and cold meals and snacks. Freshly ground coffee and specialty teas are available all day.
Mediterranea occupies part of an older building on Friar Gate and offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in modern casual surroundings. The food is based on the cuisines of the Mediterranean, North African and Middle Eastern.
Hotels & Accommodation:
The city of Derby has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses. As Derby is a base for tourists and business people accommodation is available all the year round. Prices can be found that are suitable for any kind of budget suitable.
International Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Derby
Menzies Mickleover Court Hotel
Derby East Premier Travel Inn
The Priest House on the River
Kegworth Whitehouse Hotel East Midlands Airport
Yew Lodge Hotel – Best Western
Express by Holiday Inn Nottingham East Midlands Ai
European Inn
The Stuart Hotel
Days Hotel Derby
Best Western Midland Hotel
DAYS INN HOTEL DONINGTON(Derby South)
Swallow Hotel Derby
Entertainment
The Assembly Rooms is Derby’s leading entertainment venue, located on the Market Place in the centre of Derby. A programme of Arts and Entertainment, including an orchestral season, comedy, rock and pop events and family entertainment can be found there.
The Guildhall Theatre, also located on the Market Place, provides a blend of professional touring theatre and music events. It also offers a venue for many amateur productions and is perfect for small meetings and exhibitions.
The whole city of Derby has something to offer whatever style of break you prefer. Entertainment, historic homes, parks and good food is on offer. There is something and everything for every visitor regardless of age or budget.
This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.
About The Author
Maria Williams, Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK – providers of discounted uk hotels.
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Friday, October 21st, 2005
“In Dublin’s fair city where the girls are so pretty I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly Malone. She wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow, singing cockles and mussels, alive a live O.”
Dublin on the East Coast of Ireland has come a long way since Molly Malone was immortalized in the famous song and has now become a statue close to the Main shopping area of Grafton Street. Erected to commemorate Dublin’s own millennium, a statue of Molly Malone pensively stares at passers-by on the southern end of Grafton Street. Ever ready for a comic put-down, Dubliners immediately christened the well-endowed Molly “the tart with the cart.”
Dublin is now one of Europe’s premier locations. Ireland in general has embraced the common European community but is still quintessentially Irish. Whether you visit Dublin for business or pleasure make some time to explore this wonderful city. It is both modern and energetic with its old traditions are all around.
Dublin’s coastline, wild willful and rugged, can be explored by bus or train journey from the City Centre. The Irish people’s Celtic heritage thrives in their creative spirit and love of music. The pubs around Dublin are full of life and everywhere you go you will experience the warmth, charm and gentle humor of the inhabitants of this tiny land with a turbulent history.
Dublin founded in the 9th Century by the Vikings is split in two by the River Liffey and hosts great rivalry between the inhabitants on both sides of the river. The two main bridges are O’Connell Bridge and the Ha’penny Bridge, so called because of the toll which used to be charged to cross it. O’Connell Bridge takes you to O’Connell Street home of the historic General Post Office, the first building to fly the Irish flag during the Easter Rebellion of 1916. The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the finest in Europe with one whole exhibit devoted to the works of J.B. Yeats brother of the poet W.B. Yeats. Take a stroll round St. Stephens Green before heading to Grafton Street one of Dublin’s most stylish shopping streets. Grafton Street is home to street artists and musicians and has a wonderful atmosphere.
Take some time to visit Trinity College, the oldest university in Western Europe founded in 1592. The university houses the Long Room home to the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is one of Dublin’s most popular and significant visitor attractions. Dating back to around 800AD, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious manuscripts in the world. Written on vellum, it contains a Latin text of the four gospels in script accompanied by whole pages of detailed illustration. The book has been on display since the 19th century and has the dubious honor of having been defaced by Queen Victoria. A decorated page and a page of script can normally be seen when you visit.
The library contains busts of some of its most famous scholars many of them writers and intellectuals. One of its most famous students was Jonathon Swift who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels”. Swift later went on to become Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral another must visit on your list. St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built in the 12th Century and beautifully restored with money provided by the Guinness Family one of Ireland’s most famous families.
The Guinness brewery was founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and is now the largest brewery in the World. No visit to Dublin would be complete without tasting the “black stuff” first hand. To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. With 300 million pints exported every year, it is no surprise to learn that Ireland is the world’s leading beer exporter. Completed at the cost of IR£30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin’s ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th century fermentation building, it comprises of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass. Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse’s new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew.
If your schedule allows there are some interesting day trips which you can take from Dublin. To the North West is the Boyne Valley. There is historical evidence in this area dating back to 6000 B.C. New Grange passage is said to be the oldest man made structure in the world dating to 3000 B.C. The Wicklow Mountains to the south of Dublin are sparsely populated and enjoy a slow pace of life. The monastic settlement of Glendalough in the middle of the valley dates to the 6th Century.
Founded by St. Kevin this is a powerful, peaceful, beautiful place and well worth a visit. You can take a trip to the Curragh of Kildare for a flutter on the horses. The Curragh consists of 4000 acres and is home to over 60 race horse trainers. It has produced some of the most expensive race horses in the world with prices running into 7 figures.
All in all you will have a wonderful and energetic time in Dublin. Be prepared to walk as it is very easy to get around on foot. And you will need to walk off those Irish breakfasts, with bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, soda bread and pots of delicious Irish tea. Hmmm!!!…..
“Go N’eirigh an bother leat” and have a wonderful time in the Capital of the Emerald Isle.
Copyright 2005 Fionnuala Downhill
About The Author
Fionnuala Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering discount hotels around the world. She is a native of Ireland. http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/IE–Dublin
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Thursday, August 4th, 2005
by Rishi Chandra
London is a very visitor friendly place and traveling around in London is very suitably provided by various forms of transportation. The most common mode of transport is the London Underground (http://tube.tfl.gov.uk) and it operates through out the day [from early morning to late night]. Other forms include buses, taxis etc. The whole city is divided into 6 zones with zone 1 and 2 referred as 'Central London'.
With London's endless choice of theatres, sports and music venues, you won't be short of entertainment. This is the place to be if you're looking for world-class art, exhibitions, music and more. More unbiased information can be found at Visit London (http://www.visitlondon.com/).
Accommodation in London offers a variety of choices from budget low room rate [starting from £30] and to high class luxury rooms [greater than £1000]. The best hotel which I have stayed in is The Ritz (http://www.theritzlondon.com) and the best priced [in terms of location, service and price] is RegentPalace (http://www.regentpalacehotel.co.uk/). More information on the choice of the hotels, price comparison, amenities information, photographs of rooms, online booking can be done at London Hotels (http://www.2pl.com/London/bs-1250300001.htm).
Finding a place to eat in London is a difficult task not because of scarcity of restaurants but because of such a wide variety and number of places. Chinese, Indian and Italian are the most popular cuisines in London. London Eating (http://www.london-eating.co.uk/) provides the easiest way to identify the closest restaurants of the choice of your cuisine. But London is an expensive place in an expensive country. So mind your wallet when going out for dinner. A rough guideline : £5 per person: Sandwich Shop, £10-20 per person: Pub, £15-30 per person: cheap to medium class restaurant, £50-100 per person: very nice restaurant, £100 and above: Savoy or Ritz.
For theatre loving people London offers unmatched opportunities of musicals, plays, comedies. The main theatres are located in Central London and all the information/bookings can be done in Leicester Square area . Online information and booking of theatre tickets can be done at http://www.londontheatredirect.com/.
Copyright © 2005 Rishi Chandra
About Rishi: Rishi Chandra is an online reviewer of London Hotels and Restaurants.
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