Saturday 22 May 2010

Plenty to See and Do on a Durham Cottage Holiday By Peter Hunt Platinum Quality Author

A holiday in a County Durham cottage offers the chance to sample the varied natural and man-made attractions of this lovely area. Without doubt the jewel in the crown of this county is the city of Durham and the impressive cathedral which, together with the nearby castle, has been a World Heritage site since 1987. Thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England the cathedral dominates the old city on a rocky peninsula where the Rive Wear almost bends back on itself.

Following the river upstream towards its source takes you to the bleak yet beautiful northern Pennines. This is a remote and sparsely populated area of moorland and dales, home to an industrial heritage of lead mines and quarries that will fill you with admiration for the people who worked here in this uncompromising landscape.

To appreciate fully the workings of a community in 19th century Durham, visit the Beamish Open Air Museum. With guides in authentic period costume and trams serving different parts of the site it is careful enough to avoid a romanticised view of the past. Another of the North's mighty rivers, the Tees, runs its course through County Durham.

Above the handsome market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, where there is a good choice of holiday cottages Durham Dales attraction Cauldron Snout draws visitors. The river snarls its way over this natural feature, forming what is reckoned to be the longest waterfall in England, only to cascade a few miles later over the aptly named High Force - one of the most spectacular.

Further downstream lies Barnard Castle, a market town with impressive old shop fronts, a cobbled market square and, just out of town, the French chateau-style Bowes Museum, home to a collection of outstanding European fine and decorative arts including works by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto.

Peter has worked in senior positions within the travel industry for nearly 30 years and lives in the Yorkshire Dales. He has a passion for exploring the beautiful island of Britain and believes that staying in a holiday cottage is one of the best ways to really get to know it. To see a selection of holiday cottages in County Durham go to http://www.ukcottages.co.uk/holiday-region-guides/north-of-england/county-durham/ Or, for cottages in some of the other wonderful areas of Britain go to http://www.ukcottages.co.uk.

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Things to Know About Durham, In County Durham By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

The city of Durham, which is located in County Durham, sits in the North East of England. Two of the main attractions there are the famous and popular cathedral and the castle, which was built in the 11th century. The town is also the home to Durham University as well as the notorious HM Prison Durham. The location's population is about 45,000.

It's believed that the area has been settled since approximately 2,000 BC and the current city was reportedly founded in 995 AD. The area is rich in history and it was a popular carpet making and weaving site in the 19th century. It then became a thriving coal mine region until the 1970's. Durham is also famous for being the site of the world's first passenger railway, which was opened in 1825.

The town is known for its hills and the River Wear runs through it. It has steep riverbanks and many forested areas which add to its natural beauty. The complete center of Durham was also designated as a conservation area in 1968. While the cathedral and castle are well known throughout the UK, there are also over 600 more listed buildings within the city center.

Some of the most popular ones include Elvet Bridge, St Giles Church, St. John's College Chapel, Bishop Cosin's Hall, Palace Green, Crown Court, Old Elvet, St Cuthbert's Society, St John's College, St. Oswald's Church, Durham Observatory, and the Town Hall and Guildhall, Market Place.

For sports lovers, Durham has a cricket club and non-league football team. It also has an ice rink for the local Wasps hockey team and a rifle shooting range and rowing club. There are many regattas and races held each year on the river. The Durham Regatta is the second oldest in the nation. There is also a rugby club in town and university sports are also very popular.

For a wide selection of Durham hotels just click here.

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Discovering Durham By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

The current city of Durham can trace its history back to 995 AD. The city holds the final resting places of Saint Bede and Saint Cuthbert in Durham cathedral and was the most important religious site until St Thomas Becket died. Saint Cuthbert was famous as he had healing powers that could cure any disease, even from death and his body was found to be incorruptible.

Durham is found close to Scotland and played an important part in defending England. Durham castle is the only castle to never have been breeched and the most famous battle was the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. Durham suffered more from the abolition of the Church of England then in battles as it was the religious center of the country for many years. Durham relied heavily on the church for economic purposes.

This is a hilly city, and has a bit of a peninsula sue to the presence of the Wear River. The city was supposedly built on seven symbolic hills with the cathedral on the most important and central hill. The most historic area in Durham is the peninsula, which still has regular markets. It also contains Durham castle, administrative buildings for the palatine, the cathedral and the palace green.

Durham cathedral was built in 1093 and is the center of Christian worship. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is perhaps the best example of a Norman cathedral. The cathedral holds many relics from Saints, which can be viewed by the public. Durham castle is built using the motte and bailey design associated with Norma design. The castle was the stronghold for the Kings representative.

The entire center of Durham is a conservation area and has many interesting sites, including the chorister school, Crook Hall, Elvet Bridge, Kepier Hospital, Durham Castle, Kingsgate Bridge, Framwellgate Bridge, Durham Cathedral, St John's College chapel, Church of St Mary-le-Bow, Prebends bridge, Church of St Margaret of Antioch and St Giles Church.

Hotels in Durham

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VIDEO Welcome to the City of Durham

VIDEO Volcanic Ash Sunset on the River Tyne

VIDEO Dawn along the North East coast of England

VIDEO Whernside, North Pennines.

VIDEO The North Pennines and The North Lakes in Winter

Why Visit the North Pennines? By Tom Sangers Platinum Quality Author

The North Pennines is one of the most beautiful places in England. With pristine, peaceful landscape, this area is rich with not only history, but also vibrant natural beauty. North Pennines is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as a result is protected. It is also Britain's first UNESCO European and Global Geopark. The land is decorated with vast moorland views, cascading waterfalls, picturesque dales and villages filled with character and friendly locals.

Every year, the beauty of the landscape is celebrated from High Force on the River Tees, down to the rolling green valley of High Cup Gill, just above Dufton. The North Pennines is graced by the Northern Rocks Festival in which expert geologists lead guided tours through exhibitions and underground adventures.

This area, once dotted with lead mines, is home to much of England's upland hay meadows and heathland, still other parts are blanketed in bog. These different landscapes offer haven and refuge to rare populations of both plants and animals. Species of animals that are rare in other parts of Britain, thrive within the lands of North Pennines. You may be treated to a view of red squirrels, otters and even black grouse, as well as a myriad of wading birds.

The North Pennines is laced with hundreds of miles of trails including scenic bridleways over the beautiful moorlands, where you can enjoy a leisurely ride with your favorite steed., Serene country roads wind through beautiful rolling hills and the long distance walking routes ring with the footsteps of many awestruck walkers. The famous Pennine Way National Trail winds its way through these lands. If you would like to stop and sit a spell, enjoying the nature around you, you may like to try your hand at trout fishing in the River South Tyne or the Derwent Reservoir. The Reservoir, which lies on the border of County Durham, is also a great location for sailing and other water sports.

The stark beauty of the countryside is complemented by the crisp fresh air that fills your lungs and gives you a real sense of being alive. It's not hard to figure out why this area is so popular, nor why it was listed as an Area of Outstanding Beauty. All you need to do is stand on a knoll blanketed with whispery green grass and understanding will come to you. This is the lap of nature at its best, serene and peaceful. The sky reaches to touch the land in the distance and the birds create a natural choir. The beauty of this land, the fresh vibrancy of it, makes it a wonderful place to go to clear your head and strip yourself of your daily stress.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northumberland Cottages who offer Accommodation for Self Catering Northumberland Holidays

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Amazing Sights to See Around Alston - Cumbria By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Alston - Cumbria is a picturesque town nestled in the beautiful South Tyne Valley. Alston remains largely untouched, with its charming cobbled stone streets and stone buildings dating back to the 17th century. Located in the North Pennines, Alston is surrounded by moorlands, hills, rivers and waterfalls.

The town remains rich with history in many of its still standing buildings. St Augustine's Church built in 1869, houses a unique clock brought from the Earl of Derwentwater's home. The High Mill Waterwheel is a popular stop with tourists.

As you stroll along the back streets of Alston, other appealing sights will appear. There are various small shops and galleries where you can find crafts created by local artisans.

The beautiful Pennine landscape, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounds this small market town. Alston sits at the crossroads of no less than five historic trans-Pennine routes. Each route winds through beautiful countrysides and four reach heights of 2000 feet. At the top of these routes, you will have an opportunity for stunning, panoramic views of the North Pennines.

The Sea-to-Sea cycle way, which runs across the North of England, is attracting bikers to this area. Pennine Way, which passes through Alston, is one of the longest walks in England. You can stroll through the peaceful countryside, where you can spend hours viewing the ever changing flora and fauna. You will also have an opportunity to view rare animals from the area.

Other activities include horseback riding or fishing on the South Tyne River or golfing on England's highest golf course. Hartside Pass on the A686, voted one of the best drives in the world, will present picturesque scenery of the Eden Valley across to the Lake District and north over Carlisle and the Solway Firth to Scotland.

Alston - Cumbria is a very special place to visit. The sights that you will see in and around this amazing town will not disappoint you. It is abundant with history and beautiful landscapes; explaining why some have come to visit and ended up making it their home.

Find your next Alston hotel, here.

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Thursday 20 May 2010

VIDEO Windermere-Lake District, UK

Activity Holidays in Lake District By Vineeta M Greenwood

To decide on Lake District as your holiday spot is the best decision you can make. There is so much to explore and the beautiful scenario of the atmosphere will never get you tired of it. If you are an adventure lover and want to experience a whole new expedition, then fun activities at Lake District will never cease for you.

Below is a series of concise information about activity holidays in Lake District that might interest you;

Ambleside

Among the numerous Ambleside hotels, Rothay Manor Hotel is a luxury hotel located just a few miles distance away from the Ambleside centre that is a marketplace often crowded with tourists from all around the world. It is also an ideal place for sightseeing due to its ideal location near Lake Ambleside and Lake Windermere.

Camping may catch attention of you and your family if you are seeking adventure at Lake District. Many Ambleside hotels arrange such campsites but the best campsite adventure is offered by Ambleside Tarn Foot Campsite.

It is a place where you can relax completely, do fishing and take the beauty of nature with every breath. Take your family or spouse and enjoy a complete feel of peace and tranquillity.

Keswick

Located just a few miles distance from many of the Keswick hotels, Armathwaite Hall Equestrian Centre offers riding experience to you no matter you are new to this or experienced. Alongside great areas like Skiddaw Mountains and the Lake of Bassenthwaite, a riding experience will be equally enjoyable to you and the rest of your family.

Among other Keswick hotels that arrange nearby sightseeing and activity holidays, is Keswick Country House Hotel. The hotel arranges rock climbing and hiking on the mountains of the Lake District with the stay package you select. There is also a facility that takes you on a Viking style boating experience, depending on the weather. Other facilities include visits to mines, caves and mountains.

Keswick Climbing Wall and Activity Centre is another gateway to your world of adventure. The climbing is arranged according to the people belonging to different age groups. The climbing is safe and fun to go through. Even if you are totally new to any climbing experience, to help you out they have professionals that can guide you and teach you how to climb.

Windermere

Windermere is all about lakes too. Many Windermere hotels might take you to a whole new expedition of lakes, but Outdoor Activities and Pursuit Centres will outclass them all. Ranging from peaceful activities like fishing boating to highly adventurous activities like windsurfing, this place will serve all your needs. You can learn to sail, experience kayaking, hill walking and climbing all here from professional instructors.

Appleby Manor is one of those Windermere hotels who can cater your requirements of an activity holiday. The hotel takes you around in forms of small groups all around the Lake Windermere. You can experience riding lessons, cub carting, human bowling, Stalwart All Terrain vehicle and Argo Cat.

Vineeta Greenwood is the co-owner of Hotels Fairy, an independent hotel price comparison website.

http://hotels-fairy.com has one of the world's largest hotel databases and compares prices from all the major online booking sites, making it easy to find the best deals on hotels in a matter of seconds.

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Vineeta M Greenwood - EzineArticles Expert Author

Water Sports in Lake District By Vineeta M Greenwood

Cumbria is one of the largest county in England and yet least populated. The unsurpassed natural beauty of this wonderful gifted land has made it a constant attraction for serenity seekers. Every year, thousands of visitors make their way to Lake District in search of peace in its tranquillity. The amazing Lake district, Cumbria has so much more to offer than just a sight seeing. The Lake District has a versatile landscape with numerous valleys, mountains and lakes.

The Lakes are obviously the reason this district gets it name from.

These lakes not only ad to the picture perfect charm of this district, they also provide excellent sport activity opportunities to the visitors who want leisure with an added sense of adventure. The major lakes include the Lake Windermere, Lake Derwent water, Bassenthwaite Lake and the Ullswater.

The waters of the Lake District offer a great location for many water sports like Waterskiing, Watersurfing, sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing and you can even hire a boat for fishing. The hot spots for water activities are majorly near the town of Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick.

Low Wood Sports and Activity centre

Low Wood Water sports Centre is situated by Lake Windermere, the largest lake of the Lake District. This water sports centre offers multiple water sports activities including Waterskiing, surfing, Sailing, and Canoeing. You can even hire yourself a self-drive motorboat or a traditional row boat, ideal for fishing or just a trip around the Lake Windermere. Many Windermere hotels are located near this wonderful facility. Some of these Windermere hotels are the Denehouse hotel, the Sawrey house country hotel and B&B.

Derwent Water Marina

The Derwent water Marina is situated near Keswick in Cumbria, an ideal location for all of the water sports and mountain activities. You can get canoes, kayaks, sailing dinghies, windsurfers and rowing boats for hire, an excellent way to explore the wonderful Derwent water. Other facilities include car parking, showers, toilets and changing rooms. Few nearby Keswick hotels include the Linnet hill hotel and the Lynwood hotel in Keswick.

Glenridding Sailing Centre

Glennridding is a beautiful small village only miles away from Ambleside. Glennridding sailing centre is an excellent place for the visitors to experience and learn sailing. Both leisure sailors and the sporty ones can sail across the spacious lake with a variety of boats to choose from. The staff is really helpful one and assures your safety and assistance throughout your stay.The place keeps updating itself with latest and up to date facilities.

If this is the place you are going to sail around in the Lake District then you can book any of the Ambleside hotels only a short distance away.

Vineeta Greenwood is the co-editor of Keswick Hotels Fairy, a part of Hotels Fairy, an independent hotel price comparison website dedicated to Keswick. Hotels-Fairy.com has one of the world's largest hotel databases and compares prices from all the major online booking sites, making it easy to find the best deals on hotels in a matter of seconds.

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Vineeta M Greenwood - EzineArticles Expert Author

VIDEO Laser SB3 One Design Sports Boat sailing on Lake Windermere

VIDEO Wild Windermere OMRA race 2007

VIDEO The Lake District Windermere