Friday 14 May 2010

10 Fun Filled Family Activities in the Lake District By Mairead Foley Platinum Quality Author

Visit the World in Miniature Museum and be enthralled with what you might find! Browse through the 50 plus rooms in the museum and discover the library, dining room and the theatre! The Museum is home to the world's smallest teddy beat and also has a magical wizard's tower that the kids will love! The Museum is located in Carlisle, and to get there take the 44 junction from the M6, the museum is signposted and approximately 1 mile down the A689.

· Enjoy Greystoke Castle Estate which is located 7 miles north of Ullswater. The Centre offers wonderful family activities for children over 12 years of age, from biking on quads, clay pigeon shooting, archery and fishing. Not only that, the centre offers development training for children to improve their motivation, self-confidence and personal development skills! It's important to book well in advance a session at Greystoke Castle!

· Take a trip to Brockhole Visitor Centre - The centre is located between Windermere and Ambleside just off the A591. The kids will love the famous adventure playground and the stunning open spaces of the gardens. The walks to the lakeshore from the visitor centre are superb. With 30 acres to explore, there is so much to see and do! Children under 7 can enjoy tours to learn all about wildlife in the Lake District.

They can also take the Letter Search Trail, which lets children have lots of fun while searching for letters hidden in the gardens, and all the time learning about the Lake District. The centre also has two floors of interactive activities that the children will enjoy!

· Experience Equestrian and Outdoor Activities. Take in a trip to Rookin House which is located in Troutbeck, just 4 miles from Ullswater and offers lots of activities for adults and children alike from horse riding to quads and go karting!

· Visit the Cumberland Pencil Museum at Keswick, the home of the very first pencil! At the museum you will visit a recreation of the Seathwaite Mine, the place of discovery of graphite. The kids will be fascinated by pencil making history, will see the world's largest pencil, take part in the after exhibition quiz and then be able to express their creativity at the "Drawing Zone"!

· Get outdoors and appreciate the beauty of the Lake District. The countless lakes, stunning mountain scenery make the area a perfect place to ramble, discover and explore! A visit to the 10-mile long Lake Windermere (which inspired the famous poet Wordsworth), and the plentiful forests (Dodd Wood and Warriners Wood) make the area a perfect place for family picnics and wildlife discoveries! The Waterfalls and the Cumbrian Coast are other wonderful places to visit, where the cliffs of sandstone meet the sand dunes and the waves come rolling in.

· Visit Grizedale Go Ape.The kids can literally "go ape" at this centre, and swing like monkeys across the rope bridges, take the Tarzan swings and slides, which are all set about the floors of the forest! Grizedale is located 12 miles from Windermere so follow the A590 from Barrow.

· Experience Eden Ostrich World which is located in the scenic village of Langwathby, 5 miles to the east of Penrith. So many animals are housed here, the kids will absolutely love it. From the rare breeds of cattle and pigs to the black African Ostriches, there is something for everyone here. Not only can you enjoy the wonderful animals, there are adventure and play areas, a giant maze, picnic areas and a wonderful arts and crafts centre.

· Take in a tour of The World of Beatrix Potter Centre. This is a superb place for the kids to fuel their imaginations! This attraction is located at the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere and just off Lake Road. A visit to the centre is truly a magical experience for the younger members of the family. All of the 23 "Peter Rabbit" tales are transformed to life in 3D effect. There are plenty of games and activities to be enjoyed at the centre by all the family. Learn all about the life of Beatrix Potter and the characters of the famous tales!

· Visit Honister Slate Mine and be fascinated by the last working slate mine in the UK. All the family will enjoy the guided mine tours, and browsing through the visitor centre. The caverns are majestic and you will step back in time to see how the Victorian miners worked their tools by hand in candlelight! To get there, after Keswick drive on the B5289 for around 10 miles.

Remember that there are many more family friendly activities in this stunning region.

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.

Heading the UK? Visit Novacarhire.com's Car hire UK page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.

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The Lake District, With its Glorious Walks and Wonderful Food By Ian SG Smith Platinum Quality Author

The Lake District was once described by William Wordsworth as the loveliest spot ever known to man, and there is little doubt in anyone's mind that it is incredibly scenic, with contrasts between green pastures and very wild places.

This part of north west England some 280 miles from London got its' name from the 15 main lakes and a host of smaller ones, and it is the largest of the eleven protected national parks in England. The lake District consists of some 880 square miles, each square mile different from the other, and an abundance of natural beauty. Most of it is in private hands and the rest is in the safe hands of the National Trust. There are over 1800 miles of footpaths and it is a naturalist's paradise.

The Lake District has been recorded on canvas and immortalised in the printed word especially by William Wordsworth who lies buried in the village church in Grasmere.

Visitors must go to Ullswater which inspired Wordsworth to write 'a host of golden daffodils' and enjoy the Victorian steamer that goes up and down the 9 mile lake in the summer.

The lake District is also famous for its hotels and cuisine, with Sharrow Bay on the southern shore of Ullswater, and Miller Howe overlooking Windermere to the Langdale Pike

There is so much to do and see in the Lake District it is impossible to write a full description and not cover a dozen pages, so to cherry pick is all that can be done. As can be easily imagined thousands of other people are fanatical Lake District visitors too. This means it is jampacked in the summer holiday months, well certainly the popular spots like Ullswater, Derwentwater, Windermere, so to fully appreciate the beauty and the wilderness it may be best to visit in the spring when the most beautiful flowers are evident, but the crowds are not. Alternatively visit in the autumn when the leaves are turning and appreciate the solitude.

Ian has been writing travel articles for over ten years now. His newest interest is in finding an Outdoor Security Camera, and recently he has been impressed by the Motion Activated Security Camera that will do a great job in anyone's property.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_SG_Smith

Wednesday 12 May 2010

Whisky Regions of Scotland By Harry Young

Just as France has its wine regions, Scotland has its whisky regions. Each one produces whiskies of various qualities which, even to the novice, are noticeable in taste, colour and aroma. Every distillery in Scotland has its own story to tell and peculiar traditions, adding to the romance and mystique of Scotch whisky distilling.

A visit to a whisky distillery is an unforgettable and unique experience, and no matter where you are in Scotland there will be a distillery nearby. A trip round Scotland isn't possible for everyone, so it helps to be informed about the characteristics of each region's whisky, and tailor visiting distilleries to individual taste.

Lowlands

The lowland region covers the area from the border with England and from the Clyde estuary to the Tay estuary. The main feature of lowland whiskies is their dry, light flavour and colour, mainly due to the lighter lowland barley and smaller amount of peat used in the barley drying process. Although they are light, they have a sweet, almost fruity taste and make a great aperitif, perfect for the newcomer to Scotch whisky drinking. Notable lowland whiskies are Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, and Glen Kinchie.

Highlands

This is the largest of the Scottish regions and stretches from the lowland boundary right up to the north coast, and from west coast to east coast, taking in all the mountains, glens and moorland inbetween. It is also the most complex of whisky regions because of the different sub-regions, each one producing whiskies of different qualities.

Northern Highland

Northern Highland whisky tends to be stronger tasting with a complex array of flavours and aromas. Hints of heather and spice mingle with light peaty, smokiness to give a medium-bodied character. Some whiskies even have a very slight tinge of salt, perhaps due to the coastal locations of most distilleries. Notable northern Highland whiskies include Glenmorangie and Brora.

Southern Highlands

Whisky from the southern highlands is typified by its gentleness. The soil in the rolling hills is light and produces similarly light tasting barley which forms the bulk of whisky's taste. It is also very fragrant and flowery, with a soft, sweet taste. Celebrated southern Highland whiskies are Glengoyne, Edradour, and Tullibardine.

Western Highlands

The western highland whiskies are more robust in character than those of other Highland regions. Slightly peatier than inland whiskies, they have well-rounded flavours, and are very smooth on the palate. Notable western Highland whiskies are Oban, Glen Lochy and Ben Nevis.

Speyside

Although Speyside is in the highlands, it is classed as a whisky region because of its high concentration of distilleries. This is the heartland of whisky with two thirds of all Scotland's distilleries, some of them the most famous in the world. Rivers such as the Spey and Livet flow from the Cairngorm mountains and their waters' purity is hallowed by distillers.

Speyside whiskies are light and sweet, elegant and complex. They are not peat-heavy and have only a hint of peaty smokiness. Some Speyside whiskies are household names, such as Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich and Aberlour.

Campbeltown

Situated near the bottom of the Kintyre Peninsula, Campbeltown was once a major centre for Scotch whisky distilling with around 30 distilleries. Now there are only three. Their whiskies have a distinctive full-bodied "maritime" flavour and aroma and are among the less peaty malts. The three Campbeltown distilleries are Glengyle, Glen Scotia and Springbank.

Islands

Among whisky connoisseurs, the "island region" isn't really a region at all. Some argue that it can't be a specific region because some of the islands are very far apart, for example, Arran and Skye, whose whiskies have very different flavours. However, the islands of Mull, Jura, Skye, Arran and Orkney "traditionally" make up the Island malts. All have peaty, smoky bodies and full flavours, but there are marked differences in taste, colour and aroma. Famous island whiskies include Tobermory (Mull), Isle of Jura, Talisker (Skye), Highland Park (Orkney), and Arran Single Malt.

Islay

Islay (pronounced "eye-luh") is so famed and loved by whisky experts it is classed as a region in its own right, although it is nearby the other west coast whisky producing islands. Its eight distilleries distill the strongest whiskies in Scotland and are distinctive by their rich, peaty flavours with hints of the sea, deep colouring, and full bodies. Islay's better known whiskies are Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig.

Sage Advice

Scotch Single Malt Whisky is a very strong alcoholic drink. Once a taste for it has been acquired, the palate becomes more alive to its full, complex flavours, and its smoothness makes it a pleasure to drink. Please enjoy your dram responsibly.

Harry Young works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of Loch Melfort Hotel - a 3-star, 2 AA Rosette hotel on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands. With superb views in a tranquil setting, fresh, local produce and fine single malt whisky and ales, it is the ideal base for visiting highland and island whisky distilleries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Young

Harry Young - EzineArticles Expert Author

Fort Augustus By Niall Buchanan

Fort Augustus is a small village that is in the Highlands region of Scotland at the foot of the world famous Loch Ness. It has a small population of around 400 people but is very busy during tourist season with those looking to see Loch Ness or enjoy the beautiful highland scenery.

There is a selection of restaurants in the town, most run parallel to the Caledonian Canal in the centre of town. The most popular places to eat are the Lock Inn and the Bothy, both are bar restaurants and offer simple but enjoyable food. Look at the daily specials menu on arrival for some of the best bargains such as Venison steak in the summer months.

If you want some fine dining then the Boathouse is the best in the area, it has a fantastic location on Loch Ness. There are plenty of elegant dishes to sample such as Venison Fillet and Scallops with Black Pudding, all sourced from local produce.

The local attractions include several walks around the town and of course Loch Ness. You can take a boat trip out onto the Loch and there are several options available, one of the best is Cruise Loch Ness which takes around an hour. The local guide tells you about Loch Ness and answers any questions you may have about Nessie, There are sonar sensors which show a 3D view of Loch Ness and are ideal for Nessie hunting.

If you get a bus or drive 20 minutes outside of Fort Augustus you will find the picturesque Urquhart Castle. The castle overlooks Loch Ness and is open to the public, the castle is in ruins after it was destroyed during the Jacobite wars of the 18th century. But there is still plenty to see and a short video at the start of the tour provides the historical background of the castle.

Fort Augustus is also one of the stop on one of Scotland's most popular walks, the Great Glen Way. The trail is 73 miles long and runs from Fort William to Inverness taking around 5 or 6 days to complete depending on your fitness. The route runs through the heart of Fort Augustus, you just follow the purple thistles to find the exact route.

If you are looking for accommodation in Fort Augustus then you have a large selection of properties to choose from. The lowest cost accommodation is Morags Lodge Hostel which is a couple of minutes walk from the centre of town. There you can get a bed from as little as £15 a night.

The most popular type of accommodation in Fort Augustus is bed and breakfasts, there are around a dozen to choose from all around the village. The Niaroo is one of the largers B&B's and it is a few minutes walk from the village centre. The Bank House is smaller but has a fantastic location overlooking the canal and with a view of Loch Ness.

There are only 2 hotels in the village, The Caledonian Hotel is the cheapest and they offer good deals on multiple night stays with Dinner, B&B packages available all year round. The Lovat Arms has recently under gone an extensive refurbishment program and it offers luxury accommodation which looks out towards Loch Ness.

If you are looking for a Bed and Breakfast in Fort Augustus or a Fort Augustus Hotel then try Rooms in Scotland for a good selection of accommodation to book online.
The author of this article is Niall Buchanan an internet entrepreneur who runs several affiliate marketing sites such as Rooms in Scotland.

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Niall Buchanan - EzineArticles Expert Author

Fort Augustus - The Loch Ness and Much More By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Fort Augustus is a settlement in the Highlands of Scotland at the southwest end of the Loch Ness. The village's main industry is tourism. Fort Augustus was not always the villages name as until the 18th century it was called Kiliwhimin.

The village was renamed after an unsuccessful Jacobite uprising in 1715. It was after this uprising that a fort was built and the fort was named after the current Duke of Cumberland. The village eventually grew up around this fort.

In the mid 1800s the fort was converted to an Abbey by the Benedictine monks. Much of the old fort is still standing as it was also once turned into a hotel and school. Much of the western wall and gun embrasures can still be viewed.

The Oich River runs directly through the town as do the Caledonian Canal and lock system which is 60 miles long. This canal runs from Fort William to Inverness, There is a flight of five locks from the town of Fort Augustus to Loch Ness. The Get Glen Way also runs through Fort Augustus making this town a favorite stop for hikers and cyclists.

In fort Augustus you can enjoy many spectacular views of Loch Ness. You can enjoy watching the boast on the water or play some golf with the Loch in the distance. The British Waterway Museum in the Caledonian Canal visitor center contains exhibits on the history of the village and canal. Each week during the summer you should visit the village hall for the local ceilidh.

If you want to travel further afield there is plenty to do in the Fort Augustus region. Urquhart Castle and Eilean Donan Castle are all close by and easy to visit. The Isle of Skye and the Skye Bridge is only about 90 minutes away. You can easily use Forty Augustus as a base of operations for your highland visit.

For accommodation in Fort Augustus check this list of Fort Augustus hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Haughtone

Caravan Parks - Escape the Hustle and Bustle of Life and Experience Adventure By Gwen Clarke Platinum Quality Author

Caravan parks in Perthshire will open up your eyes to a world of adventure and exploration, and an atmosphere of contentment, as you experience the true beauty of the Scottish landscape right outside your door. Set in the very heart of Scotland, Perthshire's caravan parks are located all across the county and within reasonable travelling distance of major cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

With a whole host of towns across Perthshire you certainly won't come up short when it comes to potential locations. Perthshire boasts caravan sites in Perth itself, Comrie, St Fillans and many more, so you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

Perthshire offers plenty of sheltered and peaceful caravan parks to suit all family requirements, providing a vast array of facilities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay, away from the frantic pace of life. Enjoy the delights of the Scottish countryside, with its rolling hills and beautiful lochs that in some cases sit right beside the parks.

Perthshire is often described as one of the most desirable holiday locations in the UK, offering something for everyone, and the attraction of the caravan holiday is that it allows a versatility and freedom to explore all that this amazing Scottish county has to offer.

Camping facilities in Perthshire are a world in their own right, offering meandering scenery that is ideal for walking and cycling. There is endless beauty to be discovered around the remote shores of Scottish lochs and a vast assortment of Scottish glens that inspire and overwhelm one's sense of wonder. All this within reach of perfectly situated caravan parks!

Perthshire provides a quintessential experience of Scotland and a caravan holiday is a great way to enjoy all that the captivating landscape has to offer. From the moment you step out of the door of your caravan, you find yourself immersed in the idyllic surroundings and the serenity of the Scottish countryside.

But it is not just the adults who benefit from the awe-inspiring atmosphere of the Perthshire surroundings. Many parks provide on-site children's facilities and activities that run all year round. In the midst of the 'great outdoors', and in the oversized playground that the caravan park provides, children can allow their imagination to run wild and embrace their sense of adventure.

With all the benefits of fresh air, an atmosphere of freedom and an escape from everyday life, caravan parks in Perthshire are ideal for memorable and relaxing family holidays. And since Perthshire's caravan parks cater for all budgets, the opportunity to enjoy the Perthshire countryside is open to all.

With a whole of host caravan parks, Perthshire can offer accommodation for all types of holiday-maker, providing a break that will live long in the memory.

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Camping In Scotland, Oban, A Campsite With A Walled Garden And A Cosy Bar By Peter Lennon Platinum Quality Author

Oban

In a delightful walled garden, complete with a cosy on-site bar

The Camping and Caravanning Club's Oban site is some 13 miles from the town of the same name. Follow the A828 along the coast of Loch Crearan to Barcaldine. Drive through the lovely wrought iron gate into the sheltered site.

Behind the saite is Sutherland's Grove, named after the owner of the house to which this garden originally belonged.

* To the north is Glen Coe which has woodland walks and mountain bike trails.


* The A828 leads to Fort William, a centre for outdoor pursuits. If you don't want to walk up Ben Nevis then visit one of the many tourist facilities or the fascinating museum.


* Take the road south to the Sea-Life and Marine Sanctuary. It has an underwater observatory and seal pup nursery.


* Barcaldine Castle stands above the loch and is reputed to be haunted.


* Nearby Benderloch has a petrol station and a general store. Many forest walks start here.


* Follow a narrow road inland, along the shores of Loch Etive, to the beautiful gardens of Ardchattan Priory.


* Catch a bus from the site to Oban. Visit the Rare Breeds Farm Park and McCaig's Folly. There are many shops and places to eat. McTavish's Kitchen has a Scottish night - complimentary tickets are available for campers. You can tour the distillery and get a wee dram. Ferries depart for the isles of Mull, Staffa, lona, Lismore, Tiree and the Outer Hebrides.


* Head inland along the A85 to Taynuilt for a cruise on Loch Etive, and then on to Cruachan, the power station inside the mountain - entry is free if you cycle there.


* The woods behind have forest walks and cycle tracks.

Oban was the runner-up in last year's Most Improved Park in Scotland awards, sponsored by Calor Gas.

Visitor's opinion:

"The licensed bar is ideal after a hard day's touring."
C Farnworth

Did you know?

The soil of the walled garden was originally ballast on ships coming from Ireland to Oban.

If you want to see seals basking, take a cruise down Loch Etive.

This campsite would be a great inclusion in Scotland motorhome tour. You can explore at your leisure and 'wild camp' if you like or find a wonderful campsite such as this one. If you wish to do this, there are many motor home rental companies throughout England and Scotland who can supply campervans, motorhomes or even large american RVs.

Typically their motorhomes are less than 12 months old and are easy to drive.

If you wish to buy a motorhome, one website with an excellent range of motorhomes for sale is http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk.

This website is also a great resource for finding private campervan hire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Lennon

Peter Lennon - EzineArticles Expert Author

The Ongoing Story of the Loch Ness Monster By Sid Credeur Jr

Loch Ness is located in the North of Scotland and is one of a series of interlinked loch's which run along the great Glen. For many years now this has been the home of likely the most famous lake monster in history the "Loch Ness Monster" or better know as "Nessie". There have been nessie sightings going on in the loch for at least the last 100 years. Through many sightings and media reports the legend of nessie has continued to grow throughout the years.

Loch Ness is a massive loch reaching twenty two and a half miles long and between one and one and a half miles wide with depths in the range of 750-800 ft. It is the largest fresh water body of water in Britain. The loch is thought to have been connected to the ocean at two different points in history lending credence to the fact that large creatures could have become trapped in the loch. The size and depth of this great loch made it extremely difficult to explore even with modern technology. This alone helps to feed the possibility of there being a yet undiscovered creature inhabiting loch ness even today.

The sighting of nessie and various reports have offered an array of photo's and descriptions of the creature through out the years. Many reports have been published and details made public from as far back as 1933 by locals Mr & Mrs Mackay who spotted the creature while driving down the lochside and in 1934 on April 19th which is one of the most well known nessie sightings to date. This sighting was reported by Robert Kenneth Wilson and it was this sighting that produced the "Surgeons Photo" which is now a widely recognisable photo (shown above). This photo has had the most impact on the nessie legend over the last 66 years and brought up many many debates on its authenticity. This photo fueled the idea that the creature in the loch may be a thought to be extinct Plesiosaur. In 1960 Tim Dinsdale is credited with taking what is now considered to be the greatest piece of evidence proving the existence of Nessie. On April 23rd after being on the lake for several days exploring he took a 16MM camera video of the creature moving across the loch and then turning parallel to the far shore and headed down the loch before running out of film. The film was later developed and instantly became proof of some unknown animal inhabiting the loch. This film was further studied by the RAF in 1966 and a conclusion was made that it was not a surface vessel of any kind but some animate object in Loch Ness.

The debate goes on among scientist as to the question of the loch having enough food to sustain a breading population of such large creatures. Some scientist claim that studies done of the loch's food chain show 1-27 tonnes and many say that is simply not enough to feed such a population of creatures. Although other do argue that the large amounts of salmon that migrate into the loch each year along with the large amounts of eels could easily boost these food source numbers and easily sustain a food source over the years for such creatures.

With the amount of sightings from people living on the loch all there lives and visitors abound its hard to deny that there is something very interesting and mysterious about Loch Ness whether that be Nessie or not. The only thing that can be done is to continue to research the loch and take into account the new sightings and stories and keep a close eye out for the piece of evidence that can one day prove the creatures existence.

Does Loch Ness contain the creature everyone has become enchanted with? Does Nessie truly exist and is just waiting to be discovered?

For more information and up to date sightings of Nessie and many other monsters and myths check out http://www.cryptoreports.com

"The Search Continues" - CryPtoReports.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sid_Credeur_Jr

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Take a Trip to Scottish Capital For the Edinburgh Fringe Festival This Summer By Dipika Patel Platinum Quality Author

Although Edinburgh has many attractions the whole year round, visiting the city during its annual Fringe Festival is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.

If you have never visited Edinburgh before, then taking a trip during the Fringe Festival will give you a unique introduction to the city.

Meanwhile, if the Scottish capital is one place you have visited frequently, then it will give you a chance to see it in a whole new light.

Either way, staying in a castle during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is guaranteed to make your break a memorable one and will allow you to share all the fun with your friends and family.

Lasting for three weeks, the vast array of performers who descend on the city is staggering.

Whatever your preference when it comes to entertainment, you are bound to find something that takes your fancy.

Everything from operas and musicals to plays, comedy and street performances are represented by the diverse groups of people who attend each year, with both amateur and professional artists taking to the stage in various venues around Edinburgh.

There is even an international flavour to the event, with performers travelling from around the world to get a spot at the famous festival.

Picking mansions in Scotland for your holiday could be the best way to combine seeing the shows and relaxing.

From humble beginnings back in 1947, the festival's popularity has grown substantially among both performers and audiences alike.

Just eight theatre troupes trod the boards when the impromptu event was held alongside the first Edinburgh International Festival.

More than ten years later, the Festival Fringe Society was born and the event as it is today began to develop.

Organisers still adhere to the initial principle that none of the performers will have their shows artistically vetted, guaranteeing a truly mixed bag of entertainment each year.

The festival is held during August and booking Scottish holiday accommodation ahead of this time is a good thing to do.

With everything from high-brow plays to opera, musicals and comedians, you will be able to find something on the programme that takes your fancy.

Families are also well catered for, with a wide range of child-friendly performances and activities taking place each year.

Once the kids have gone to bed after a day at the festival, you could find a babysitter to take care of the little ones while you pop out to enjoy some of the adult-oriented entertainment on offer.

Although the Edinburgh Fringe Festival could easily take up your entire stay in the Scottish capital, there is plenty more to see besides the performances.

With attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and five national galleries, you may be tempted to book another break in a Scottish castle sooner than you think.

If you're thinking of staying in a castle for your next holiday then look no further than Scotts Castles for a huge range of Scottish holiday accommodation. With a wide selection of mansions in Scotland you're sure to find accommodation that suits your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dipika_Patel

The Scottish Island of Skye - What Makes it a Wonderful Holiday Destination By Tommy McKeown

The Scottish Isle of Skye is a beautiful site to spend your holiday break away from the hectic pace and stress of your normal schedule. The lovely countryside is home to Gaelic culture, and the language is spoken there by many locals even today. Wildlife is abundant on the isle and the geography of the area is known around the world for its rare beauty. If you are trying to figure out where to go on your next trip, you should consider the Scottish Isle of Skye.

The Isle of Skye boasts a rich history and heritage that has been impressively preserved even in modern times. Prehistoric settlements have been discovered by scientists that have been dated all the way to the Bronze Age and even before that. Writings from the late 7th century have been found that mention the island, and it was controlled by the Norse from the 9th to 13th centuries. After that, Clan MacLeod and Clan MacDonald held dominance on the island, and their ancient castle keeps can still be visited. The clan system ended during the late 1700's and landed estates became established.

An excellent reason to choose Skye as your next getaway spot is that there are activities for everyone to enjoy. If you are a nature lover, you will be in for a unique delight. The Isle of Skye's geography is visually astounding. The peaks seen on the island include some of the roughest land that can be hiked anywhere in Scotland. These hikes are certainly worth the work, though, since they lead to breath taking scenes of the countryside and coast. If you are not interested in strenuous treks, you can also find beautiful paths to follow along the ocean and in valleys through the countless lochs of Skye.

Skye is the perfect place to be exposed to Gaelic culture. Dunvegan Castle, Caisteal Maol, and other ruins of castles can be visited. Music is a key part of island culture and festivals are held throughout the year, one of the most popular of which is the Isle of Skye Music Festival. An additional well supported event is the Isle of Skye Highland Games; this is traditionally held on the ninth of August. Feis an Eilein, a celebration of all things Gaelic, is celebrated during two weeks on the Sleat Peninsula during mid-July. People come to the island from all parts of the world to have fun during these special yearly festivities.

There are many accommodations for visitors, with Isle Of Skye Hotels being one of the best options. To arrive to the island, you may take the train to a ferry which gets you across the water to the island in roughly 20 minutes. You can also opt to go by bus or car, but this will take substantially more time. On the island, cars and bikes can be rented.

The Isle of Skye is known as one of the most beautiful trip spots in the entire UK. The isle has amazing natural beauty and a fascinating culture that will certainly be worth your journey there.

Tommy McKeown has just launched Isle Of Skye Hotels, the beautiful Scottish Isle's first hotel comparison website. Click above to discover and compare all the latest hotel deals available on the Isle Of Skye.

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Motorhome Holiday Ideas - Five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Scotland By Michael D. Hall Platinum Quality Author

Scotland has a wealth of natural beauty that is rightly famous the world over. When many people think of Scotland, they think of the Highlands, the Lochs and the windswept, thistle-dotted terrain. Blessed with incredible geography, Scotland is a first-class destination for nature lovers and in this short article we will pick out five of the most beautiful natural environments in the country.

Whereas in England, certain landscapes are designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Scotland they speak of National Scenic Areas (NSAs). These are designated and administered by Scottish National Heritage, an independent public body with the task of protecting Scotland's natural environment from development and preserving its biodiversity.

1. Cairngorms National Park

Rising up from the East Highlands, the Cairngorms mountain range consist of a large plateau studded with rounded glacial mountains. The geology of the area is spectacular, and the rocks found here are the product of volcanic processes dating back billions of years. This makes for stunning rocky escarpments that rise forbiddingly from the surrounding hills. Truly a mystical landscape, the Cairngorms promise to transport the visitor into a place of communion with nature at its most awe-inspiring.

2. Loch Lomond

With a surface area of 27 square miles, the freshwater Loch Lomond, studded with about 60 islands, is the largest lake in the British Isles by surface area. At its deepest, it plunges about 190 metres down. The avid motorhome driver can skirt the lake and simply enjoy the scenery, or for the more active the loch offers a wide range of watersports activities including kayaking, jetskiing, water-skiing and canoeing.

3. Loch Ness

Arguably Scotland's most famous export after whiskey, the legendary Loch Ness is Britain's largest lake by water volume. At its deepest, the loch is 230 metres. Plenty of water in which to conceal an underwater remnant of the Jurassic Age, perhaps. But don't hold your breath for a sighting of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Instead, drive the perimeter of the lake and soak up the incredible natural scenery.

4. The Trossachs

Encompassing the area to the north-east of Loch Lomond and often thought of as the Lake District of Scotland, the Trossachs offer splendid natural beauty in the form of rolling uplands, miles of heather and stunning lakes. It is the picture postcard vision of the Scottish Highlands.

5. The Isle of Mull

The islands off the west coast of Scotland are inhospitable in the winter months, but in spring and summer the weather improves and of all the islands, the Isle of Mull is arguably the most beautiful and unspoilt natural habitat. It boasts a wide range of wildlife including sea eagles and wildcats. The north of the island is mountainous and very wet, while the south is very sunny. Ferry crossings are available three times a day with a return ticket for a motorhome up to 5m long available for around £20.

Author details:
Michael D. Hall is a consultant at erento, the world's largest online rental marketplace. erento lists over 1 million rental items in 2,200 categories such as Truck hire, Motorhome hire, Trailer hire and many others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_D._Hall

Why Holiday in the UK this Year? by Paul Buchanan

Although the recession is gradually losing its grip, it's still a sensible idea to do what we can in order to save our pennies throughout our spending. This can be achieved in various ways, but especially by cutting down large expenses and finding a cheaper way of following through with your plans. Holidays are one such way to cut costs, and it's very easy to still grab yourself the holiday of your dreams without missing out on too much. In fact, you might even just find that heading off to a recession-proof holiday is the best idea you'll make this year.

Holidaying in the UK is a new trend that started when the recession first began to take hold. All across the UK, holidaymakers turned to British cities and towns for their destinations of choice as opposed to shelling out on expensive air fares to exotic locations. While the UK can't exactly be considered 'exotic', it certainly is as cultural and diverse as any other location in the world! Sounds doable now, doesn't it?

There's so much to choose from in the UK that, once you start doing your research on possible destinations, you could find it hard to choose where to go. Do you want to head to the bustling streets of London and experience city life at its most thrilling? Or perhaps you want to head to the Scottish capital Edinburgh to take in a marvellous city steeped in history. Or if you fancy something more relaxed, then a trip to the Welsh countryside, the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands could be right up your alley. There's just so much choice that you'll be astounded you never thought to holiday at home before. Why not visit Manchester and experience the thriving local music scene? You could also head to Nottingham and discover the world of Robin Hood - the perfect way to entertain the kids whilst on a family holiday. If the north is in your sights, the mesmerising city of York is absolutely unmissable and is rivalled by none when it comes to quaint, English streets lined with entertainment and fun.

If you're really hoping to save some money this year, UK breaks are definitely one of the best ways to protect your wallet without missing out on all of the exploration and newness you'd typically get on a holiday. Even if your heart is set on the beach, the south coasts of England in summer never fail to please - so take the plunge and try having your holiday at home this year. If nothing else, you'll at least learn just how incredible, beautiful and culturally diverse the UK truly is.
About the Author

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.