Bargain Breaks

April 9, 2010

The History of Bristol

Filed under: UK City Guides, UK Holidays — admin @ 2:37 pm

In Anglo-Saxon times, Bristol was known as Brigstowe which means ‘place by the bridge.’ This nickname indicating that Bristol was a place to meet by the river is perhaps fitting because of the prosperity the city would come to experience due directly to its proximity to water. As ports in nearby Ireland and South Wales began to develop, Bristol’s short distance to these locations made it an important English port.

By the 14th century, Bristol was exporting to countries as far away as Iceland and Spain and trading goods such as wool and leather. It was a hub for manufacturing and shipbuilding and was the departure point for many explorations to the Americas. While Bristol started as a quaint seaside trading village, it quickly developed into the third largest city in England. Population increase did not resume until the 17th century because of the emergence of The Black Plague in Bristol in the mid 1300s.

The 17th century was a time of growth for Bristol and indeed most of England, primarily due to the American colonies. Unfortunately, the history of Bristol becomes a bit tarnished at this point with the city’s inclusion in the slave trade, transporting Africans to North America to work on the cotton and rice plantations. It is said that Bristol had a part in forcing more than 500,000 people into slavery.

The slave trade remained the driving force behind the success of Bristol into the 18th century. The city supplied England with many valuable imports such as sugar cane, rum and cocoa. By the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, Bristol had become Britain’s second largest city. New industry in the city caused a surge in building, with the construction of new homes and hotels in Bristol skyrocketing. Because these changing times resulted in a plethora of new industry for the area, the docks began to degenerate at a steady pace. The people of Bristol quickly forgot the important role the docks had played in their history.

Beginning in the 1970’s, the city saw a renaissance in resurrecting the docks as an important centre of heritage. Today Bristol is the cultural hub and leads the area in employment and education; it ranks as the sixth biggest city in the country. In 1982, Bristol welcomed Britain’s first media centre, the Watershed. The Watershed helped bring further development to improve the impoverished neighbourhood. With the construction of Pero’s Footbridge as well as a number of stores, shops and hotels Bristol residents and visitors look again to the docks as the heart of the city.

Edinburgh Castle: From Castle Rock to National Attraction

Filed under: UK City Guides, UK Holidays — admin @ 2:36 pm

Built atop Castle Rock, a long-extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle looms majestically over the surrounding countryside. The first known settlement on Castle Rock was founded in about 850 B.C. by Bronze Age hunter-gatherers. These first residents built a small settlement atop the massive rock formation; these primitive early dwellings developed over time into a fort-like structure that supported and offered protection to its inhabitants. Castle Rock offered many advantages for its residents, including a clear field of vision on all sides and defensible high ground in case of an attack.

The first historical mention of the fortress at Castle Rock was likely during the second century in Ptolemy’s works, where the site was referred to as Alauna, or “rock place.” It is thought that the Romans may have traded with the indigenous people in the region during that period. According to legend, Ebraucus built Edinburgh Castle; a mighty ruler, Ebraucus reigned over Briton from approximately 996 to 957 B.C. The castle itself was referred to as the Castell of Maidens or Maiden’s Castle until sometime in the sixteenth century, when it became commonly known as Edinburgh Castle.

Numerous conflicts have been fought in and around Edinburgh Castle including the First and Second Wars of Scottish Independence, which lasted for a combined fifty-nine years and spanned the period from 1296 A.D. to 1357 A.D. with only a three year respite between the two conflicts. Edinburgh Castle played an important part in these two wars as England and Scotland fought for control of the strategically important fortification. At various times during the Wars of Scottish Independence the castle was held by the famed Robert the Bruce, Edward I, Thomas Moray, and William Douglas.

In the fifteenth century, England’s King Henry IV lay siege to Edinburgh Castle, but was forced to withdraw due to lack of supplies. Not long after the siege William Crichton, the Keeper of Edinburgh Castle, attempted to consolidate his power by ridding himself of his major rivals, the sixteen-year-old William Douglas and his still younger brother David. Crichton accomplished this by luring the two Earls of Douglas for the infamous Black Dinner where the teenagers were promptly accused, tried, and beheaded in a sham trial. This action led to another siege of the castle, this time by supporters of the young men, but the siege was soon dispersed. The next major conflict for Edinburgh Castle took place in 1745 during the Jacobite Rising; while the city of Edinburgh was taken by the Jacobites, the castle repelled the attack.

Today, Edinburgh Castle is a favourite destination for tourists; its rich history and unique defensive structure make it a popular attraction for students of architecture, military history, and ancient Scotland. It also houses the National War Museum of Scotland, which contains a wide range of relics and artefacts including medals, uniforms, and other significant military items. A number of quality hotels in Edinburgh offer exceptional amenities to their guests, and several Edinburgh hotels are within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and other major attractions within the city.

London’s Biggest Football Stadiums

Filed under: UK City Guides — admin @ 2:35 pm

Londoners take their football seriously, and five of the 15 largest stadiums in English football by capacity are located in the city. The stadiums are in order: Wembley Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, White Hart Lane, and The Boleyn Ground.

Wembley Stadium
The home of the England national football team, Wembley Stadium holds up to 90,000 and is the largest stadium in the United Kingdom. The venue also acts as the country’s national stadium and it is the second largest stadium in Europe. Wembley is owned by the Football Association, the ruling organization of football in England.

Emirates Stadium
Emirates is the home of the Arsenal football club in the Premier League, and it has a capacity of 60,355. Also called Ashburton Grove, this is the largest club stadium in London and it is the second largest venue in the Premier League after Machester United’s Old Trafford. Emirates is also the third largest stadium of any kind in London after Wembley and rugby union stadium Twickehnam.

Stamford Bridge
Home to Chelsea F.C. in the Premier League, Stamford Bridge can accommodate 42,055 fans. The venue is the ninth largest football stadium in English football in addition to ranking as the third largest in London. Stamford Bridge, or “The Bridge” as it is known by fans, ranks seventh in the Premier League and it is located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, west London.

White Hart Lane
With a capacity of 36,310, White Hart Lane is the fourth largest stadium in London and the 13 largest in England. The stadium is the ninth largest in the Premier League, and is home to the Tottenham Hotspur football club. The venue also hosts the England national team and England under-21 football play. A new 58,000 stadium is planned that will located to the north of White Hart Lane.

The Boleyn Ground
Home to the West Ham United football club, The Boleyn Ground (Upton Park) can hold up to 35,303 spectators. The stadium is the 14th largest in England and the ranks 10th in the Premier League. Located in Upton Park, East London, this stadium was formerly home to Charlton Athletic F. C.

Football fans travelling from outside the city can usually find a cheap hotel in London near the game stadium. Spending the night in the city can lessen the stress caused by the mad rush so often associated with big matches.

The UK’s Longest Rivers

Filed under: UK Holidays — admin @ 2:34 pm

Rivers have been an important part of life and culture in the UK since prehistoric times. Long relied upon for navigational purposes, the rivers of the UK are also much loved for the recreational activities that they have to offer. There are many significant rivers in the United Kingdom; by learning a little about the five longest ones, you can gain some insight about the history of this region.

1. The River Severn – With a length of 354 kilometres, the River Severn is the longest river in the UK. It rises out of the Cambrian Mountains in mid Wales from a lofty peak of approximately 610 metres, then flows along through several notable counties including Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. It is believed to have been named for Sabrina, a mythical nymph who perished in the river. This is fitting enough, since the Severn has been the site of many disasters throughout history.

2. The River Thames – Since it’s the longest river that’s entirely in England – and because it passes through central London – the River Thames is the most famous waterway in the UK. At a length of 346 kilometres, it is a close second to the River Severn and rises in Gloucestershire before ultimately winding its way into the North Sea. It is believed to have been inhabited by people since at least Neolithic times.

3. The River Trent – The 297-kilometre long River Trent is notable because it flows north, which is atypical of most rivers in the UK. It rises in Staffordshire, winds through the Midlands and joins up with the River Ouse at Trent Falls before emptying into the North Sea.

4. The River Great Ouse – Rising in Northamptonshire, the River Great Ouse gets its name from a Celtic word that most likely means “water.” Its 230-kilometre course has changed significantly over time, making it a fascinating river to study. The River Great Ouse flows through Buckingham, Bedford and Ely before entering the Wash at King’s Lynn.

5. The River Wye – Since it forms parts of the border between England and Wales, the 215-kilometre long River Wye is exceptionally important in terms of geography. Discount hotels can be found along its length, especially in places like Builth Wells, Ross-on-Wye and Tintern. People enjoy salmon fishing and canoeing on the slow-flowing River Wye; by booking a nearby discount hotel, you can partake in those and other fun activities.

March 25, 2010

Lunch in London

Filed under: Food and Drink, UK City Guides — admin @ 11:29 am

Lunch in London offers a wide range of possibilities from the finest dining to an inexpensive yet satisfying meal. The cosmopolitan city’s diverse population is clearly evident in the restaurants available with food from practically every corner of the globe represented.

At the higher end of the scale, you could stop for lunch at Hush Restaurant in Mayfair. Co-owned by Roger Moore’s son Geoffrey and the latter’s lawyer Jamie Barber, Hush caters much to the jet set crowd from Geoffreys days at the Le Rosey international school in Gstaad. One can choose to eat in the Brasserie or The Silver Room, and private dining is available in La Cave. While there you may see one of your favourite celebrities, or bump into an unrecognizable member of the aristocracy. The food here is definitely for those that prefer gourmet cuisine and that’s also reflected in the prices.

Another eatery owned by Moore and Barber is Shumi, an Italian restaurant with a touch of Japanese influence. Expect lots of originality here rather than the normal Italian fare that one would find at a more conventional, and cheaper, establishment. Shumi features plenty of seafood on the menu with more of an emphasis on northern Italian cuisine.

One of London’s best known high-end lunch spots is Café at Sotheby’s on New Bond Street in the renowned Sotheby auction house. The food here is gourmet European, and the dessert menu is exceptional.

For cheaper but still excellent food, you can try The Chippy in Soho. As the name implies, this joint offers traditional fish and chips. The food here is fresh and hot, and the servings are generous. Best of all the prices here will accommodate a range of budgets.

For something more exotic, there is Sagar Restaurant in Covent Garden that specialises in South Indian vegetarian food. The menu here has a lot to offer, and the prices are reasonable. Customers can choose spicy or mild dishes, so you do not have to worry if you are not accustomed to Indian food.

If you are near Chinatown, you could have lunch at Leong’s Legends, which offers both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese fare. The place is usually crowded as the food is good and the costs affordable. Leong’s is famed for its soup dumplings, which are stuffed either with pork or crab.

For visitors staying in London hotels, you can usually find a great place to have lunch without having to travel at all. Many hotels in London offer great restaurants that are popular not only with guests but with Londoners in general. Nearly every hotel will have at least one place for lunch, and the high end hotels will usually offer excellent lunchtime options.

London’s Most Iconic Buildings

Filed under: UK City Guides — admin @ 11:27 am

London’s architecture has often been featured in film and on the glossy covers of the world’s most popular magazines. Visitors to the city will definitely want to see the most iconic buildings and landmarks during their stay.

Probably on the top of the list of well-known London landmarks is Big Ben. The giant clocktower is actually part of another famous building – the Palace of Westminster – where the Houses of Parliament meet. The best views of both Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are from across the river Thames. Big Ben’s massive 13-ton bell strikes each quarter of an hour and a light in the clocktower informs the public when the House of Commons is meeting.

Not far away, Buckingham Palace is the official home of Britain’s Royal Family and the head of state. A popular gathering spot for tourists who especially like to congregate during the Changing of the Guard, the palace also is frequently featured in news coverage. The royal residence has 600 rooms, a colorful garden, and is adorned with the Royal Standard. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of the monarch or other members of the Royal Family.

The historic Tower of London is located on the river Thames downstream to the east of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Built originally as a fortress, the ancient building has served as a palace, prison, royal mint, jewel house, library, bank, arsenal and astronomical observatory.

Very near the Palace of Westminster – right beside it in fact to the west – is Westminster Abbey, one of the country’s most important churches. A beautiful examples of London’s old architecture, Westminster Abbey also has served as the location of the coronation of every Britsh monarch since the time of William the Conqueror.

An example of a more modern iconic building in London is the O2 Millennium Dome. Built to commemorate the turning of the millennium, this site is located precisely on the Greenwich Meridian, or at 0 degrees longitude. A massive structure, 02 has both its fans and critics and is one of London’s major venues.

Visitors can find many London hotels located quite near to the city’s most iconic examples of architecture. There are, of course, many famous buildings and landmarks that have not been mentioned – St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower Bridge, the Canary Wharf Tower – to name a few. Indeed, London has much to offer both in terms of old and modern architecture. From some of the taller hotels in London, one may even be able to glimpse at some of the more famous sites. Google Earth offers an easy way for users to familiarise themselves with the city’s many landmarks.

The World’s Most Unusual Hill Tribes

Filed under: World Travel — admin @ 11:26 am

So many parts of the world have become homogenised that finding unique or unusual cultures has become more difficult than ever. One of the most thrilling aspects of travelling is meeting new, different types of people; if you’re eager to encounter a few for yourself, you should consider heading to northern Thailand. There, you’ll find some of the most unusual hill tribes in the world.

There are dozens of different hill tribes in northern Thailand; the majority of them migrated here from the Asian interior within the last 100 years or so. A few of the most unique tribes include:

  • The Hmong Tribe – There are approximately 124,000 Hmong living in northern Thailand today. Although many of them have converted to Christianity, a decent percentage of them hold on to their traditional animist beliefs. Polygamy remains a mainstay of this tribe, but they are probably best known for their astonishingly intricate embroidery. Nomadic by nature, they are a true treat for any intrepid traveller to come into contact with.

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  • The Karen Tribe – With more than 300,000 members, the Karen tribe is one of the most populous hill tribes in northern Thailand. Like the Hmong, the Karen people still largely practise animism. One of the most intriguing things about the Karen hill people is their traditional weaving. Weaving has been an integral part of their culture for centuries, and tribe members are adorned with bright, dazzling examples of woven clothing at its finest – all of which is made without the use of modern machinery.

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  • The Padaung Tribe – When many people think of unusual hill tribes, the long-necked women of the Padaung tribe often come to mind. Brass rings are used to displace their collarbones, giving their necks the appearance of being impossibly long. Despite this anatomical oddity, the people of the Padaung tribe are remarkably attractive and have one of the most interesting cultures of any of the other hill tribes in the region. By seeking them out, you can see the long necks of female Padaung tribe members for yourself.

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  • The Akha Tribe – One of the most accessible hill tribes in northern Thailand – and one of the most unique – is the Akha tribe. Thanks to their location in the Chiang Rai province, it’s not terribly difficult to find a last minute hotel nearby. The approximately 50,000 members of the Akha tribe have steadfastly resisted assimilation, making them among the most pure tribes in the area – and also the most impoverished. Book last minute rooms and track down the people of the Akha tribe in order to learn more about their compelling oral tradition: Members can recite the names of their ancestors going back many, many generations.

    • A Romantic Boat Trip Along the River Seine

    Filed under: European City Breaks — admin @ 11:24 am

    There are many different ways to see and experience Paris. The City of Light is one of the most romantic places in the world, and if you’ll be visiting as a couple, a boat trip along the River Seine is a natural choice. What makes a journey down the Seine so charming? Read on below to find out.

    Float Beneath Ornate Bridges

    Several small islands can be found in the River Seine. For centuries, a series of stunning bridges have linked the islands to the mainland – and to one another. Crossing these bridges on foot is nice, but passing underneath them is positively thrilling. From the city’s oldest bridge – the Pont Neuf – to the intriguing Pont Alexandre III, you’ll have the opportunity to see a whole other side of the city, while learning a few interesting historical facts along the way.

    Bask in the Shadows of Unforgettable Landmarks

    Drinking in a view of the Eiffel Tower while cruising down the River Seine is one of the best ways to remind yourself that you are, indeed, in Paris. Several of the city’s most intriguing landmarks can be viewed from the River Seine; you and your partner can snuggle close while checking them out. Along the way, you can snap pictures of one another in front of famous sights like the Grand Palais and the Louvre, with the glittering Seine forming a mesmerising backdrop. A boat trip down the Seine is one of the most unforgettable ways to acquaint yourself with this magical city.

    Enjoy French Cuisine in Style

    Lunch and dinner cruises on the Seine are exceptional ways to combine a delicious culinary experience with topnotch sightseeing. Holidays in Paris can be downright hectic; there are few better ways to slow down the pace than boarding a leisurely dinner cruise down the city’s famous river. As the two of you sit across from one another, you’ll be able to nosh on sumptuous French fare while talking about the day’s highlights. In the background, famous landmarks will drift past and you’ll be glad you chose to enjoy a special boat trip while in Paris.

    Drift Below the Stars

    An evening cruise on the Seine is an especially romantic way to enjoy your time in Paris as a couple. As the sun sets, you’ll float past some of the most well-known hotels in Paris and will be able to see the city in a whole new light. Eventually, the stars will come out and you will clearly see why Paris is such a magical place. Booking such an excursion is easy to do, and many popular operators are located near a variety of Paris hotels. Kick up the romance of your Paris sojourn with a Seine boat trip.

    March 16, 2010

    Liverpool’s Liver Birds

    Filed under: UK City Guides — admin @ 4:44 pm

    Most great cities adopt official symbols that are designed to represent their ideals and goals, while reflecting their personalities. It’s not uncommon for major cities to use various animals as their symbols, and birds are immensely popular choices. The city of Liverpool, however, was never content with selecting a symbol that could inadvertently be used by another city; it was determined to choose one that clearly reflected it’s own unique personality and flair. A series of interesting events through the history of Liverpool resulted in the city adopting the Liver Bird as its official symbol – but you won’t find Liver Birds anywhere in nature.

    The Origins of the Liver Bird

    The Liver Bird – in which “Liver” rhymes with “driver” – is believed to have made its first appearance all the way back in the year 1207. That’s when King John granted the city of Liverpool its City Charter. The seal on that charter featured an eagle that is believed to have been the original inspiration for the Liver Bird. The seal was lost during a siege in the year 1644, however, and subsequent recreations rendered the bird as more of a cormorant than an eagle.

    Several years later, in 1797, the College of Arms granted official arms to the city of Liverpool. A bird was featured on the official documents and was described as being a cormorant with a sprig of laver, a kind of seaweed, in its mouth. Historians believe that this is where the Liver Bird got its name. To this day, most people agree that the Liver Bird is a cormorant; more importantly, it is a strong symbol of the city of Liverpool. One saying insists that, “If the Liver Birds fly away, Liverpool would cease to exist.”

    Where To Find Liverpool’s Liver Birds

    When staying at hotels in Liverpool, make it a point to head over to the Liver Building on the River Mersey. There, the city’s most famous pair of Liver Birds are perched atop the building’s two towers. However, there are two other, lesser-known Liver Birds in Liverpool – and they are within walking distance of several Liverpool hotels. One can be found on the Mersey Chambers office building, which is just across from the Church of Our Lady and St.Nicholas. The other Liver Bird – a small stone one – can be found inside the Merseyside Maritime Museum, where it was placed after being removed from the original St. John’s Market.

    London’s Best Gastro-Pubs

    Filed under: UK City Guides — admin @ 4:43 pm

    With the popularity of gastro-pubs at an all-time high in London, there’s never been a better time to explore everything that they have to offer. Since the term – and the concept – was coined back in the early 1990s, gastro-pubs have become staples in virtually every London neighbourhood. There are plenty of great reasons for this phenomenon; after all, what’s not to like about a place that combines exceptional – sometimes even gourmet – food with the drinks and conviviality of a pub? If you’re planning a holiday in London and want to experience the best gastro-pubs that it has to offer, hit at least one of the following:

    1. Bull & Last, Kentish Town – Unlike many gastro-pubs in London, you’re going to need to make reservations if you want to experience Bull & Last. With a limited number of bar stools and tables that are only available for those with reservations, this place is unquestionably exclusive. Still, making the extra effort to visit Bull & Last is well worth it. Dishes like slow-cooked pig cheeks up the ante – and the charcuterie is made on-site – proving that a pub can most definitely offer gastronomic delights.
    2. The Harwood Arms, Fulham – The Harwood Arms distinguishes itself in many exciting ways. For one thing, its menu largely revolves around game, which isn’t something that you’re going to find in most typical gastro-pubs. An emphasis is placed on seasonal produce, as well, ensuring the freshness and quality of the dishes that are served. Whether you try out something from the four-course grouse menu or if you just stop in for a pint and a bit of dessert – buttermilk pudding with toasted cobnuts and victoria plums is a perennial favourite – you’re bound to be mesmerised by The Harwood Arms.
    3. Cadogan Arms, Chelsea – Since it’s located in Chelsea, there are many hotels in London within walking distance of the Cadogan Arms – which is a good thing, since you’ll probably need kip after tucking into the amazing food there. A fillet of delectable pan-fried trout is just one thing that you can sample when you head to the rear dining area of this dual-purpose pub; the front serves as a drinks-only area. After sampling the roast vine tomato soup or splurging on the decadent crème brûlée, the experience of dining in many hotels in London will pale by comparison.
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