Travelling allsorts

Not far from where we stayed a few years ago, we rented an apartment in a country manor house just outside Grange over Sands, across the bay from Morecambe.  The weather was changeable, of course - rain on some days, warm sunshine on others. However, it was a lovely few days' break, thoroughly recommended. In addition to coastal walks, "things to do" included: Cartmel horse-racing, Lakeland Motor Museum and a Safari-Zoo where we saw hippos and capybaras (see photographs).  Cartmel Horse Racing    Lakeland Motor Museum more of a transport museum as it has bicycles and 'flying machines' too! It's an amazing collection; the photographs below show a 60's Aquacar, exhibits from the Monte Carlo Rally, a Mini and various attempts to produce even smaller cars. There are also exhibits of life from 50+ years ago, including shop window displays, arcade games (mechanical rather than electronic) and a café/milk bar. These are just some of the photographs from the doz...

We've been to Wales before so, obviously, we packed for wet weather. Our plan: visit Portmeirion and Snowdonia and a few relatives who we've not seen for years. Of course, plans are for breaking so we abandoned them and wandered around Anglesey and the North Wales coast. We walked through a woodland where there was a hide for watching red squirrels; we visited Holyhead where there was a small maritime museum; we ran out of time to visit the nearby gardens and manor. Our favourite visit was to Beaumaris Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) details on gov.wales/cadw . Red Squirrel The ‘new’ bridge to Anglesey leads to the famous little village of Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch but we preferred to use the more attractive original Menai bridge. And, as it was our anniversary while we were on Anglesey, we ate at a very nice restaurant, Harry’s Bistro  at Henlly’s Golf Course. Also, there was a family gathering, organised within 48 hours, j...

I've discovered a fantastic house on the west coast of Scotland, sort-of near Inverness. Just looking at the photographs on the website and reading about the facilities in the area made me want to holiday there! Additionally (though not necessarily for me) there are rugged activities, such as mountaineering and kayaking. The dining options look great but it's the house itself that is the draw. It's in a fabulous location overlooking a sea-loch and walking distance to the village & pub. There must be opportunities to see glorious sunsets and the Northern Lights. Inside the house is top quality. It's spacious with high quality finishing and furnishing - and there's even a steam room. It has four double bedrooms so the not-inexpensive costs of hiring for a week can be shared between four couples. Let's face it, if you want cheap, you can find loads of place to 'slum' it! I shall try to find some suitable friends to share this wonderful house in the...

We went to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival again, which we love! Whilst in Bonnie Scotland, we decided to visit the Falkirk Wheel, which had been recommended to us for a day trip. It's an incredible piece of engineering. Set in the middle of nowhere, where two canals attempt to meet (except for a few metres, vertically) so this high-tech lock assists the canal boats, enabling them to continue their journey. Two narrow boats can be loaded each side so that two go up and two go down. There is a charge - quite reasonable - for this service. On site is a café, shop, playground, picnic area, water-based activities and walks. From the wheel, at the lower canal (pictured), there is a footpath to the higher canal where there is also a shortish tunnel that you can walk through (maybe take a torch for this). Take a look at this short video.     The Clyde-Forth canal joins the West and East coasts of Scotland.

There is more to Edinburgh than the Fringe but that's the focus of this short post. Just over a year ago, we were staying about an hour away from Edinburgh and decided to spend a day at the Edinburgh Fringe festival so we went online and looked at what entertainment we might like to book tickets for. We chose Toby Hadoke's Dr Who inspired sequel about life with his step-son. Meanwhile, wandering around the streets and parks of the City (we had good weather), we spotted a number of celebs, including Toby Hadoke, the very funny Tim Vine and 'Ted' from Scrubs. We couldn't get there last summer but look out Edinburgh, this year, we are coming back!

Terry meets Julie at Waterloo Sation every Friday night, Harry Potter met the Weasleys at King's Cross to go to Hogwarts, Paddington Bear was found at one of the other stations but not, definitely not, St Pancras. St Pancras station was chosen as the gateway to Europe and £millions were spent expanding and upgrading it, much of the architecture is award-winning, some of the integrated ideas are innovative as well as functional. As a traveller, clutching my executive class ticket and weekend luggage, I arrived at check-in/passport control - a bit busy but it only took ten minutes to reach the front of the queue. Then the awakening... where were all those spacious areas so prevalent in photographs on the internet? The waiting area was one enormous sardine can! There were very few seats and from what I could see, they were all uncomfortable stone-like structures. That was the moment of realisation - airport departure lounges are not so bad after all, even Luton. That said, the t...

There is a distinct theme of 'funny men' on a trip to the North of England. Staying in Cumbria, you can visit Morecambe, home of Eric whose statue graces the promenade between the road and the beach, which borders the enormous Morecambe bay. There's a well-known anecdote about Morecambe and Wise sharing a bed in their comedy sketches, something like "if it's good enough for Laurel and Hardy then it's good enough for us". Just a few miles across the bay is Ulverston, the birthplace of Stan Laurel. Of course, there is a Laurel and Hardy statue in the town plus a museum, complete with free film shows - a must-see for young children as well as their great-grandparents. Not sure if Mr McGregor counts as a funny man but he can often be seen sitting on a bench outside a cottage close to the home of Peter Rabbit creator, Beatrix Potter. There is a visitor centre dedicated to the world of Beatrix Potter and you can visit her home and gardens at Hilltop, ...

Having visited Lincoln three times this year, I have the impression that it is always warm and sunny there, which probably contributes to how I feel about it as a city. Having said that, Lincoln is so interesting that I'm sure it can be enjoyed on dull weather days. First of all, at the top of the hill, there is a Norman Castle and a splendid Cathedral to visit. Work your way down the quaint and cobbled Steep Hill to the shopping areas, mainly pedestrianised, and to the canal. There is some interesting architecture to be admired along the canal path to the east (left, as you come down the hill) so do this first, just for 100 yards or so, then return along the path and continue under the bridges to Brayford Wharf (a couple of minutes) where you can enjoy coffee, lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants with views of the boats in Brayford Pool. There is a choice of hotels, including Doubletree and Holiday Inn, if you are staying longer than just a day. If you travel to Li...

We've just returned from a Wedding in Bristol, where a few hours were squeezed in visiting the centre with its many shops and a stroll through the park to the relative calm of the River Avon. We were booked in at the Marriott Hotel, which was very central, together with several other Wedding guests. The hotel was mostly excellent except for the dreadful coffee served at breakfast and an endless wait for one of the three lifts. It was next to a multi-storey car park that guests could use at a much reduced rate. The wedding took place at one of the numerous churches that Bristol seems to have. The wedding 'breakfast' at 5.30 in the afternoon was vegetarian or chicken curry followed by unusual flavours of hand-made ice-creams. In the evening, the party moved to The Trinity Centre, a short walk from the hotel, along Old Market Street - not the most salubrious area but well away from housing, therefore noise from the live bands was not a problem! On Sunday, the hottest ...

The London Eye was a spectacular Catherine Wheel and the Thames reflected colours majestically. What else can London offer visitors in the winter months? London is one of the best cities to be in if you are planning a break and can't predict the weather. There is always warmth and entertainment within metres of wherever you find yourself - whether it's Covent Garden , Borough Market , Harrods, a river cruise or other tourist attraction. Here are a couple of favourites: London Transport Museum , Covent Garden (don't let the dull website put you off) London Film Museum . Covent Garden / South Bank If you can't get to London for the Fireworks and you are hosting your own event for family and friends, stay safe! Fireworks: The Law Fire & Rescue Service advice At the time of writing (2012), fireworks are available to buy from 15th October until 10th November and from 26th December until 31st December. Additionally, for Chinese New Year and Diwali, on the ...