England Travel » Lake District

Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk Across England’s Northcountry

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:21:18 +0000

Best known as a fellwalker, illustrator and guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright cemented his place in British history by devising the enduring and popular Coast To Coast Walk. The walk -- published in 1973 in Wainwright's guidebook titled A Coast To Coast Walk -- continues to be followed by many adventurers to this very day.

Cutting a path from St Bees on the Irish Sea coast to Robin Hood's Bay by the North Sea, the path takes followers through three separate national parks: the Lake District National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park and North York Moors National Park. It is a fitting tribute to a man who loved northern England and who penned the unforgettable A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.

The Lake District Leg Of The Walk

As most followers of Wainwright's path begin in the west, St. Bees is the traditional starting off point. Upon embarking from this lovely seaside town, one passes through large swaths of the scenic Lake District. Wainwright's original plans dictated specific stages -- one per day -- and the abundance of Lake District hotels helps keep this goal reasonable. Indeed, throughout the Lake District leg of the journey, as a starting-off point one can choose from high end Lake District hotels to more modest accommodations; the choice is entirely up to the traveler.

The Yorkshire Dales Leg Of The Walk

After passing through Lakeland, followers of Wainwright's original path will make their way into the Dales. Keeping the pace is easy to do, thanks to the pleasant assortment of drinking holes and hotels along the way. During the day, walkers will enjoy moorland trails and breathtaking scenery; however, people are advised to take care due to the unceasing forces of erosion that have been chipping away at the region for centuries. Rest up in the evening in order to get refreshed for the next day's vigorous travels.

The North York Moors Leg Of The Walk

Upon traveling through the length of Yorkshire Dales, those following in Wainwright's seasoned footsteps will enter the last leg of their journey: North York Moors. Throughout this region, they will encounter and pass through the Cleveland Way and descend through Glaisdale Rigg. The long days of fresh, country air make for exceptionally sound sleep, and images of the many splendid sights along the way make their way into travellers' dreams. At the end is picturesque Robin Hood's bay, with its east coast fishing tradition and a host of North York hotels of similar scope and quality to the Lake District hotels at the start of the journey. Crisp white sheets and the sea air help to provide a fitting rest for the weary traveller.

Wainwright's enduring legacy is a love of fellwalking and a west-to-east path that offers up the very best of England's north country. It's a once in a lifetime way to see a side of the country that you otherwise never would ... and well worth every step.

By: Max Brockbank

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Choosing Places For Romantic Breaks in England

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:13:41 +0000

If you were in the market for taking your loved one on one of the many romantic breaks to choose from, you may well have a challenging task ahead of you. England offers a variety of landscapes and cityscapes in which to walk hand in hand with your special someone. This article intends to look at the relative merits of a number of locations across the counties of England, that lend themselves to romantic breaks.

London is of course high on the list of possible destinations when it comes to romantic breaks. The city offers a wealth of hotels - and naturally hotels are often an integral part of any break with a partner. As well as this the city also boasts lots of attractions to keep you both entertained whilst you're there.

But for many couples, heading out into the English countryside promises the level of relaxation they want from their romantic breaks. The Lake District is a very popular destination, offering as it does a wide range of hotels and guests houses set amongst its many attractive hills and mountains.

Even if you don't plan to put on your hiking boots and climb one if the various peaks, there is a multitude of activities for you both to try. Romantic breaks don't all have to involve restaurants and gentle strolls - they might also involve windsurfing, or horse riding - or even jet skiing. The Lake District may well provide all sorts.

The countryside of Devon is also well known for being a good place for romantic breaks. It is best known perhaps for the Dartmoor National Park, which boasts one of the last remaining true wildernesses in England. Here you and your partner would be able to stay in a range of pleasant guest houses and bed and breakfasts nestled in the folds of the pretty hills and moorland. Rivers wend their way through the park area, past forests, moorland, ponies and quaint little villages here and there.

Yorkshire is another option that might be considered by those looking for ideal locations for romantic breaks. Here you will also find a great deal of rolling hills and countryside, together with a lot of bed and breakfast and hotel options. As well as the pretty and typically English countryside, where there's a lot of outdoor fun to be had, you'll also find that the coast of Yorkshire offers up some treats too. Whitby and Scarborough both offer history and attractive surroundings.

These are just a few options for those trying to decide upon a destination for romantic breaks - wherever you go, England is likely to provide a suitable place to get loved up.

By: Gino Hitshopi

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Gems of England’s North Country

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:06:09 +0000

Holidays in England's North Country are immensely popular, with good reason - there's something in this gorgeous region for everyone. Whether you prefer spending time outdoors or tend to enjoy historical sites and intriguing tours more, you're sure to find something that captivates you.

The Lake District has long been a draw for those eager to escape the crowds and fast pace of city life, and remains an exceptional area to discover. There is much to do in England's North Country; below, we highlight a few true standouts.

Windermere - Many people erroneously refer to the largest body of water in England as Windermere Lake; in fact, its name translates to mean "Vinandr's Lake," so the word lake is redundant. This sprawling natural watercourse is the centerpiece of scenic Lake District National Park, and is a must see for anyone visiting this part of England. Cruises along the lake are not to be missed; people have been flocking here since the Kendal and Windermere railway extended her in 1847, and it's well worth a day or two.

Ghost Walks In York - When planning a holiday in England's North Country, consider booking into one of York's hotels in order to experience an evening's chill-inducing ghost walk. These walking tours are quite popular in this ancient city, and the well preserved architecture found all around the city makes it a natural place to do this. Guides generally dress up in old fashioned clothes, and ghost tours are conducted in the evening to lend a more mysterious air to the proceedings.

Dove Cottage - England's famed Lake District is well known for its natural scenic beauty, and it almost equally well known for being a popular area for writers, poets and other literary greats to live. There are many fine Lake District hotels from which you can head over to the quintessential Lakes historical spot, Dove Cottage. Once the home of William Wordsworth, it is now open for tours and lends visitors a glimpse into why so many literary greats found this region so alluring.

Grizedale Forest - Another Lakes must-see, Grizedale Forest covers approximately 10 square miles and is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Long, winding mountain bike trails and footpaths allow you to explore this stunning region on your own. Lake District hotels make popular headquarters for people who plan to take advantage of everything that Grizedale has to offer - discover it for yourself.

Clifford's Tower - Get a glimpse of what medieval York was like by stopping by this ancient castle in the centre of town. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Clifford's Tower while learning a bit about why William the Conqueror erected this massive edifice. It's yet another great reason to book York hotels in order to tour this fascinating city.

By: Eoin Evans

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Manchester-An Essential Quick Guide to Manchester England

admin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:15:43 +0000

Manchester is a city located in northwestern England. The city is bordered by the Cheshire Plain to the south and the Pennine Moors to the north and the east. It is home to a population of 437,000 inhabitants. Manchester was thought to have been settled in or before Roman times, and the city’s name is derived from its Roman title: Mamucium. In the 18th century, Manchester’s commercial output developed rapidly and the city became the world’s most important industrial centre and the world’s first industrial society.

Today, Manchester is still a vibrant location, with entertainment and attractions to suit all tastes. For those interested in exploring the city’s history, the area around Albert Square offers some stunning examples of architecture through the ages. Some gems dotted around the Square include: the neo-Gothic Manchester Town Hall, the circular, neo-Classical Central Library and Theatre and the beautiful St Mary’s Church – dating back to 1794. For those interested in less historical pursuits, the area around St Ann’s Square offers visitors plenty of shopping opportunities, as well as the chance to relax in some of the area’s cosy cafes. The Northern Quarter was once the centre of the city’s textile industry, but now its home to Manchester’s more avant-garde and artistic establishments. Whether you’re looking for independent music stores, small clothing boutiques or unusual coffee shops, The Northern Quarter is the place to be seen.

Manchester is a welcoming, modern city that is home to a large number of cultures. Chinatown boasts bustling markets and a large portion of the city’s east-Asian restaurants. The city is also home to a large gay community, with culture and nightlife centring around the Canal Street area. From Manchester, tourists can easily take a day-trip to the picturesque Lake District. This area is England’s largest National Park and it spans 885 square miles. The area was carved out by glacial erosion and it boasts 16 lakes. The Lake District offers visitors the chance to enjoy an abundance of water sports and boat trips.

By: Dara Ward

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