Covent Garden Market - London

London Transport Museum in Covent Garden Flower Market

Covent Garden is home to many historic structures and little pieces of history are scattered across this patch of London.  Covent Garden is also home to the London Transport Museum, a museum celebrating and explaining the transport in Britain’s capital city.  Famous for double decker red buses and its underground network, the city of London’s history is More »

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The Best of the UK

The United Kingdom boasts a wealth of attractions for every member of the family. So many in fact, it’s hard to choose just a few to highlight. But if you’re debating how to spend your vacation dollars, you can’t go wrong with any of the following:National Space CentreFor weekend breaks that don't cost the earth, head More »

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New Zealand: Home of Middle Earth

New Zealand is a spectacular country, and because of its diverse beauty and natural wonders, millions of tourists flock here every year. Known as the home of middle earth, the island offers a fantasy landscape like no other in the Pacific Ocean, and from lush pastures to mysterious caves, there is so much to see More »

Tag Archives: Europe

Go West in Ireland

Sligo Abbey, Sligo, Ireland
The west coast of Ireland is the perfect place to lose yourself and take the time to get away from it all. To make sure you take in as much of this beautiful landscape as possible, it’s best to drive along the coast and you can find cheap hire cars available to collect when you arrive at any of the west coast airports. Begin your journey in the north-west at Donegal. Here you’ll discover everything that Ireland is famous for. Starting in the centre of town, visit the recently restored Donegal Castle for an insight into Ireland’s troubled past before discovering ‘The Diamond’ of Donegal in the heart of the town. Here you’ll find a thriving traditional music scene, pubs, shops and plenty of places to eat. With Donegal being at the base of the Bluestack Mountains, it’s the perfect place to stay to explore the rest of the County. Take a drive north to Glenveagh National Park which, with its 16,000 hectares of lakes, mountains and boglands, will quite literally take your breath away. Ireland does spectacular scenery very well. Once you’ve explored Donegal, it’s time to head south on the N15 to Sligo, the county made famous by the poet WB Yeats. Driving here, it’s easy to see why he was so captivated by Sligo as its beauty is truly poetic. On the way down to Sligo, take a detour to Glencar to see the waterfalls here - they are utterly breathtaking and well worth the stop off to visit. If you have time, also stop at Rosses Point just off the N15 and 5 miles from Sligo town. It’s the perfect beach to relax on and stretch your legs whilst drinking in the view across the bay. Sligo town has much to offer too, as well as the traditional Irish way of life which you will be welcomed into with open arms.
Within the town itself is Sligo Abbey, dating back to the 13th century and looming large over the town is Ben Bulben, a mountain which inspired Yeats’ final poem. Heading further west along the coast, take a drive out to Strandhill. Here you can indulge in some surfing on one of the finest points to do so on the Irish coast and then take a hike up Knocknarea Mountain where you’ll find the ancient tomb of Queen Maeve. On the road back to Sligo from here, detour off to Carrowmore to see the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland.
From Sligo, it;s back onto the road, taking the N17 south for 90 miles to Galway. Here in Ireland’s third largest city, you’ll find the cultural heart of the country with many festivals, events and activities available to enjoy. Check the local paper for details of what’s going on during your stay. The city has much to offer if you want to explore its deep history and a visit to the city museum is a good place to start. You should also check out Galway’s cathedral, which dominates the skyline with its large dome. Natalie Likness' love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.

Hidden Gems of Northern Europe

Riga Old Town, Latvia via Snezana Utovka
Home to some of Europe’s most exciting cities and breathtaking landscapes, there is so much to be explored and discovered in Northern Europe. Encompassing seven countries and six different currencies, an essential part of touring Northern Europe is organizing your finances. There are some great exchange rates to be found online, as well as extensive information on the various currencies accepted throughout the continent. From the medieval streets of Lithuania’s capital to the beautiful beaches of Bornholm, we take a look at some of Northern Europe’s hidden gems.

 Riga Old Town, Latvia

Amongst the winding, Kafkaesque streets of Riga’s Old Town you’ll find a multitude of historical and cultural treasures. Begin your exploration at the Town Hall in the heart of the city, where you’ll also find a range of historical and architecturally significant buildings such as St Peter’s Church (the oldest in Riga), the House of Blackheads and the Statue of Roland. When night falls, the quaint idyll of the Old Town makes way for revelry and partying, producing an interesting mix of old and new, beauty and glitz.

Cape Kolka, Latvia

Situated in on the north-western tip of Latvia, Cape Kolka is a picturesque spot where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. This remote, unspoiled location has remained relatively untouched by developers, leaving windswept, white sand beaches and a wild coastline to explore in peace and quiet. The nearby village of Kolka sits on the top of the cape and is the perfect spot from which to explore the sandy beaches, Slitere lighthouse and rugged landscape.

 

Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania

The Lithuanian capital of Vilnius is home to one of the largest medieval towns in Northern Europe. While away the days walking amongst the baroque buildings, intricate spires and meandering lanes, stopping off at one of the quaint cafes or unique shops nestled amid the towns stunning streets. With architecture dating back to the 13th century, a visit to Vilnius provides a fascinating glimpse into Lithuanian life as it was hundreds of years ago.

Bornholm, Denmark

Boasting the title of Denmark’s sunniest spot, Bornholm is a pastoral island situated to the east of the mainland. Home to 30km of stunning coastline, the island is popular amongst tourists from Eastern Europe, but remains relatively unknown by those further afield. Whilst the undiscovered beauty of this glorious island is all part of its charm, it would be a shame to miss the dramatic cliffs, picturesque bike rides and dazzling beaches of Bornholm off your itinerary.
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