Thursday 22 July 2010

Kendal in Cumbria - More Than Just the Gateway to the Lake District By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

When you think of Kendal in Cumbria, your mind may go to water. It is located near the sea, alongside the River Kent and not far from the beginning of the Lake District. All of which makes this town a great place for a holiday getaway.

As with so many British towns, Kendal is a blend of the historic and the new. The great part about that is that there is something for everyone. And if you get bored with playing tourist, you can get some shopping done or just enjoy the dining or one of the fine local pubs.

There are many historic buildings to see, including two castles and many churches and houses as well. Kendal Castle, a ruin, dates from the 12th century. There is also Castle Howe which features the remains of a castle built in the early 11th century. Castle Dairy dates from the 14th century and is the oldest building inhabited continuously in Kendal.

Holy Trinity is well worth a visit. It is just three feet less in width than York Minster and the largest church in Cumbria. Though used as early as the 13th century, most of the building dates from the 18th.

Besides visiting the main historic buildings, you can also just take a stroll down the many narrow lanes and do your own walking tour of Kendal. Be sure to have your camera charged and ready to go. Every street is another photo opportunity. For a more country walk, there are many paths in the Serpentine Woods nearby the Kendal Castle.

There are many cultural offerings at the Brewery Arts Centre including theatre, music and films. The Abbot hall Art gallery contains many 18th century paintings and sculptures including local landscapes by Turner and Ruskin. There are several other galleries and museums to be explored as well.

If you are looking to get away for a bit, Kendal is a perfect choice. You can even choose to make it your home base as you explorer the Lake district or head to the coast. You will find it hard to tire of meandering down these pretty streets.

To find a hotel in Kendal just click here.

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All You Need to Know About Carnforth - Lancashire By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Town information- The petite town of Carnforth - Lancashire with its estimated population of 5350 inhabitants is located right in the middle in the towns of Silverdale, Ulverston, Millhead, Kendal, Warton, Capernwray, Kirkby Lonsdale, Over Kellet, Gressingham, Pennines, Aughton, Caton, Nether Ketllet, Lancaster, Galgate, Garstand, Prestin, Bolton-le-Sands, Hest Bank, Morecambe, Heysham, Mercambe Bay and Barrow-in-Furness in the North West Region of England in the Sovereign State of the United Kingdom. Unfortunately there is very little information on the towns history with a mere referral here and there to the towns primary growth and development around iron and railway works.

Claim to fame- The towns' biggest claim to fame is the featuring of the Carnforth railway station in a well-known 1940's film.

Manor Houses- The area is home to two open manor houses namely Warton Old Rectory, a 14th century manor house of which importunely only ruins can be seen. The other is Leighton Hall, a Goth inspired mansion with fully furnished rooms, breath-taking gardens and beautiful nature trails for all to enjoy.

Something for nature lovers- North of Carnforth off A6 lies the Leighton Moss Nature Reserve with it's vast variety of bird life which includes scarce bird species such as the Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and Breeding Bitterns. The reserve is open every day, all year round, from 9am until sunset. Nature trails and hides are extremely affordable with special rates for children, families and visitors by bike or public transport. Special guided tours are held during the month of August by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Wonderful art courses, exhibitions, walkabouts and taster events are hosted by the Reserve on a regular basis.

Something for the kids- A special guardian and child group is held every Wednesday provides hours of entertainment in the for of music, gym, craft and play activities for children from birth to pre-school at the Lady's of Lourdes Parish Hall.

For accommodation in Carnforth check this list of Carnforth hotels.

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Enjoy the Resort Town of Morecambe By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Morecambe is a popular resort town that is found in Lancashire. Originally this town was 3 separate villages; Poulton-le-Sands, Bare and Torrisholme. The area was known as Morecambe and eventually the name was changed. This was the resort spot for tourists from Scotland and Yorkshire in the middle of the 20th century. For a time it hosted the Miss Great Britain contest.

The Eric Morecambe statue is one of the town's most famous landmarks. It was create by graham Ibbeson and depicts one of the town's most famous sons. Another popular landmark is the Victoria Pavilion which has been partially renovated. This pavilion also goes by the name of Morecambe Winter Gardens. Originally it held a grand theater, swimming baths, ball room and restaurant though today none of these are operational.

A great place to stay for those that can afford it is the Midland Hotel. This is an art deco luxury hotel located right on the seafront. The hotel has been completely restored and contains many art pieces and interior design elements by Eric Gill. This hotel reopened in 2008 and now the hotel also contains a swimming pool.

This area is also popular for walkers and birdwatchers as the view across the bay is stunning and the Tern project makes it perfect for birdwatchers. The beach is a great place to spend the day. Walk around the entire harbor or relax on the sand and dip your toes in when you get warm.

There are several art galleries in town that offer works by local artists. You can find silk screens, originals, limited editions, traditional art, modern art, handcrafted frames and much more at the Morecambe Townhouse Gallery or the Bay Gallery. The Bay Gallery tends to focus more on modern art. If you want to view some historic architecture from the area then check out the Heysham Heritage century as this is a longhouse form the 17th century.

To find a hotel in Morecambe just click here.

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The Bay Tourism Association By Pauline Farrow

The Bay Tourism Association, formerly known as the Lancaster and District Tourism Association, changed their name in December 2009 and in 2010 hope to welcome a new chapter in the area's tourism trade.

The association has more than 70 members including restaurants and attractions, as well as accommodation and it was thought that the old name was too restrictive as it didn't really say who they were. It was decided that the bay was the key to the area but as well as Morecambe it also represent Lancaster, Carnforth and the Lune Valley.

The main focus revolves around promoting quality in the area and giving visitors a high standard of service.

The Morecambe Hotel and Tourism Association has 40 members and have joined forces with Bay Tourism. At a full meeting of the Morecambe Hotel and Tourism Association on Monday 8th March 2010, it was unanimously resolved that the MHTA joins with Bay Tourism to become one association under the name of Bay Tourism Association. Any member who is already a member of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board will receive free membership of Bay Tourism.

The MHTA was unable to attract funding from outside and public agencies. Joining Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board was one option that was considered. However, Bay Tourism are already members of the L.B.T.B. and do attract funding from them to increase their profile and marketing.

The Bay Tourism Association (BTA) is now the new one stop voice representing all the principal tourism and visitor economic interests of Lancaster and Morecambe, the Lune valley and beyond. It makes sense and the Executive has been enlarged however it is felt that they still need to make the Executive more representative of tourism interests across the region and nominations for certain sectors are being actively sought.

The BTA works closely with Lancaster Chamber and organise joint promotional ventures with other tourism associations in the region. They are also looking to forge stronger links with Silverdale and South Lakes to jointly promote the region. It is recognised as a brand and as the voice of the independent tourism entrepreneur they are invited to contribute to a range of consultancies and business meetings. The £275M plus pa attributable to the visitor economy in this area is generated by their members and as local government agencies face cuts and reduction of services, Bay Tourism have to assume a greater role to promoting and supporting tourism in the bay area.

It is planned to launch a member's privilege benefits card, discuss the benefits or otherwise of the M6 motorway link, organise conference and meetings opportunities and training. And in 2011 they are planning to organise and hold hotel and catering trade fair.

Lancaster and Morecambe hotels: http://www.ashleyhotel.co.uk/.

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Lancashire, England - An Brief Introduction By Raymond Kay

Lancashire is a large English County situated in the North West of England. It is home to around 1.5 million people. It is a County of contrasts with thriving coastal holiday towns, vibrant urban areas and breathtaking countryside. Lancashire is an area with lots and lots to offer visitors to this wonderful part of the country.

Lancashire is perhaps best known for its beautiful and frequently quite spectacular countryside. Visitors are especially fond of the Pendle Hills, the Forest of Bowland and the majestic vista of Morecambe Bay. Quaint villages located across the region just add so much more to visitors pleasure. If you want to take a break from the countryside there are many market towns and villages with lots to offer and each with their own fascinating history. Lancashire is also home to a number of larger towns and cities, including the coastal towns of Blackpool and Morecambe and the towns of Lancaster, Blackburn, Burnley and the City of Preston.

Historically, Lancashire covered a much wider area than it does today. A century ago Lancashire stretched far enough South to encompass the urbanised areas around Liverpool and Manchester and stretched north to include a large area of land on the northern side of Morecambe Bay. However, boundary changes around 40 years ago created a smaller County which is now a pleasing mix of urban and rural areas.

Lancastrians, the name given to people from Lancashire, appreciate the rich heritage of the County. It can trace its history back nearly 1000 years and it is an area steeped in history. The county is symbolised by the red rose, which dates back to the 15th Century War of the Roses, between Lancashire and the neighbouring County of Yorkshire. Lancashire also played an important part in England's Industrial Revolution during the 18th and 19th century. During that time the region grew rich from the manufacture and sale of cotton. Nowadays, Lancashire is known for its diversity, a vibrant mix of the urban and rural.

If you like getting out and about there is lots to see and do in Lancashire. From the seaside towns bordering the Irish Sea to the rolling countryside and market towns and villages, Lancashire is never dull. Its a region that has so much to offer and there is lots to enjoy whether your reason for visiting is business or pleasure.

Raymond Kay is an online writer and researcher. He owns a wide variety of websites such as Pocket Camcorders. He is based in the North West of England.

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