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Cheapest Hotels in the UK

May 17, 2012 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

The United Kingdom, a land of art, history, and beauty, is a common destination for tourists many times in the year. Even though it is frequently visited, mostly by citizens of the United States, there can be issues with expense. Of course the traveler will try and save wherever they can, but it is hard to change the price of a flight and traveling without enough money to indulge you is no fun at all. One of the few ways that you can save money is by choosing a hotel that is cheap so you don’t have to break the bank. Below are some of the cheapest hotels in the United Kingdom.

The Danescourt – $14.55 / £10.99 a night during select nights

The Quaint Hotel

At 10 Station Road, Blackpool, FY4 1BE, is a great choice for couples and families looking to have a warm atmosphere to settle down during their trip. There are thirteen rooms at The Danescourt, and home-made meals are served everyday in the dining room. It is very close to Pleasure Beach, Waterworld and Casino. Many people who have stayed there have recommended it to a friend and would stay there again.
Britannia Hotel Stockport – $32.34 / £24.41 a night

The Britannia Hotel Stockport

Found at Dialstone Lane, Stockport, SK2 6AG, is a modern building in the center of a residential district. The hotel is only minutes from the center of Stockport. There are one hundred and eighty seven rooms which all come with a television and a tea/coffee maker. Jenny’s Restaurant is the main Restaurant and it serves three meals

The Kingfisher Hotel – $32.34 / £24.41 a night

The Kingfisher Hotel is country hotel, and can be located at A449, Kidderminster Road Wall Heath, and Kingswinford, DY6 OEN. This elegant hotel has forty rooms each designed with modern furnishings, direct dial telephones, televisions, and radios. The Kingfisher Hotel has a traditional bar and restaurant which has an extensive menu. The hotel also has two gym suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and a steam-room. The Kingfisher Hotel has easy access to the Midlands Motorway and the Merry Hill Centre.

Glen field Hotel – $32.37 / £24.44 a night

This peaceful hotel can be found at North Road, Ullapool, IV26 2TG, and is only a mile away from the center of the city. There are twenty eight rooms that each come with a continental breakfast in the breakfast-room which overlooks quiet and beautiful gardens. This hotel is very close to the many cafes and shops found in Ullapool. This is the perfect place to sit back and relax.

Britannia Coventry Hill Hotel – $38.26 / £28.88 a night

This multi-level hotel is located at Rye Hill, Birmingham Road, Coventry, CV5 9PH, and has many great reviews. There are one hundred and eighty rooms which have complimentary newspapers, safes, and direct-dial phones. The Britannia Coventry Hill Hotel has a bar, lounge, and event space for business meetings. This hotel is very close to the Lady Godiva Statue, Coventry Cathedral, and Coventry University. There is also shuttle service to and home the airport.

These are just a few of the low price hotels that can be found all over the United Kingdom. These places were each selected to because they help save the person staying there money that could be used to enjoy their trip. Now no one will have to pick and choose what they can do because of outrageous hotel prices. Each of them is close to areas where you can sightsee and also grab a meal to remember. Now any traveler can save on their trip.

Diane Magruder is a hotel and resort reviewer and, while she’s in between destinations is a freelance blogger for lakecomo.org.uk where you can look up luxury hotels in Lake Como. If you’re considering a trip to Lake Como, she strongly recommends staying at the town of Tremezzo.

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Top 10 UK Holidays on a Budget

May 8, 2012 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

The word holiday often evokes images of tropical beaches, palm trees and turquoise oceans. This is all very nice but it is also very expensive, and if you haven’t noticed we’re in a recession. Money is tight for many people but this doesn’t mean that you should forgo your summer holiday. There are plenty of great destinations close to home in the UK where you can have a fabulous fun-filled break that will compare to any tropical jaunt – just about.

Here are 10 top UK destinations where you can have a great British break on a budget:

1. The City of London

Seeing as we’re talking about the UK we may as well begin with its principal city: London. Millions of visitors pour into The City of London each year to visit the tourist hotspots, such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Okay it may not be a cheap place to dine out or drink but if you live in the South a short train ride could take you into this monarchist Mecca and there are numerous places where cheap accommodation is available.

2. The Giant’s Causeway

Skipping over the Irish Sea now to Northern Ireland, where you can find the natural wonder that is The Giant’s Causeway. This is a phenomenal rocky site that brings many travellers to this part of the world, and you could ferry or fly there quite inexpensively.

3. The Lake District

For a beautiful British holiday in a picturesque setting you might decide to drive up to the Lake District. As the name cleverly suggests this area is full of stunning placid lakes, plus salubrious greenery. There are some gorgeous cottages, bed and breakfasts and hotels to stay in too, at prices to suit various budgets.

4. Derbyshire countryside

Not many people’s first choice for a holiday perhaps, but Derbyshire is a rugged and beautiful county and full of natural attractions. Curbar Edge is so iconic it featured in the recent film version of Pride and Prejudice, and there are very affordable lodgings available in the area.

5. Manchester

For a city break up North you should consider Manchester. The city is ever-growing and is full of plenty of things to do, from family attractions like museums and recreation parks to cosy restaurants and bars for couples.

6.  Snowdonia

North Wales is a beautiful spot and offers gorgeous countryside and golden sandy beaches. There’s also quite a big hill there, I here.

7. The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is yet another reason not to go abroad for beautiful scenery. It is also somewhere that you can have an inexpensive break and a lot of fun.

8. Cornwall

Whether you love to laze on a beach or get active and go surfing, Cornwall is an ideal location. A drive or train ride and you can be there in a couple of hours, enjoying the best of Southern England. There are some stunning and affordable holiday cottages in Cornwall too, which are great for a few days away.

9. Edinburgh

If you fancy heading north of the border then Edinburgh is a great choice of city to visit. It has history, culture and all the trappings of a modern capital city.

10. Brighton

Fun-loving folks and arty types still head to Brighton in droves to enjoy the pleasures of a liberal coastal town where having a good time is a big priority.

 

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Finding the Best Beachlets in Devon

April 30, 2012 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

Searching for quality accommodation can be stressful when you are looking to visit an area that you are unfamiliar with. Beachlets are a beautiful way to explore the coastal areas Devon has to offer. In our search for the perfect holiday cottages in Devon, we have found that many people look for the same things when it comes to beachlets. When it comes to finding the best beachlets in Devon, there are a few things to bear in mind.

What type of accommodation does the beachlet offer?

From stunning farmhouses to spacious holiday cottages arranged, beachlets in Devon can cater to couples and larger groups. For something extra special, look for cottages that have been converted from the original farm buildings and retain features such as beams, vaulted ceilings and stone walls, which give the cottages charm and character. Some will have glorious sea views and some have views of the surrounding gardens and fields so it helps to research which beachlets will best suit you.

What facilities do your beachlets have?

Most people want to stay somewhere clean, comfortable and well-equipped. Good beachlets are suitable for a stay in any season, being either centrally heated or having log burners or open fires. Look for beachlets that have access to wooden garden furniture and a barbecue, either in their own garden or in the large communal gardens. This will ensure your party can make the most of the outdoors when the weather is fair. If you have small children, it helps to ask if your beachlet will provide items like cots, highchairs and stair gates to save you having to bring half of your home to Devon.

Does your beachlet accept pets?

If you have a dog it’s nice to be able to bring it along with you on a beach holiday to Devon. Always check each cottage or beachlet description to see which ones allow pets and which do not. Look for beachlets within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that has many beautiful walks of varying lengths and levels of difficulty to suit every member of your family including your pets.

What amenities do your beachlets offer?

If you or your family is looking for a little luxury, it is easy to find beachlets with extra special amenities. If the beach is too cold, an indoor heated swimming pool or Jacuzzi spa with views over a bay can provide a spectacular treat all year round. This is a wonderful way to relax the muscles after those country or coastal walks. If you are planning on staying a while, look for a fitness room containing a running machine, exercise bike and rowing machine. If the kids become bored on a rainy day, it helps to find beachlets that contain a pool table, table football and table tennis in a Games Room that will keep both friends and family entertained on holiday. From popular board games to videos and books, the little extras in your beachlets can make all the difference.

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A Day on the Shakespeare Trail in Stratford-upon-Avon

April 18, 2012 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. It is always crowded, at any time of the year, but with the care taken to preserve the presence of Shakespeare, one can still feel him in the streets and buildings of what once was a small, unremarkable town. And, of course, attending a performance of one of his plays brings you into even more direct contact with him.

So without further ado, here’s our guide to the perfect day out in Stratford Upon Avon on the Shakespeare trail:

Start with The Royal Shakespeare Company’s recently transformed theatre which re-opened in November 2010. The new building includes two theatres, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre. Visitors can also experience Theatre Tours, take a trip up the Tower for views of Stratford-upon-Avon, and enjoy free exhibitions. You can also have lunch or dinner in the Rooftop Restaurant and Bar or enjoy a light bite in the Riverside Cafe.

You will, of course, want to see the places where Shakespeare actually lived in Stratford. There are five historic sites in and around Stratford where he and his family lived: Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Hall’s Croft, Mary Arden’s House, and Nash’s House and the site of New Place.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace has been welcoming visitors from all over the world for over two and a half centuries. This fine Tudor house is where Shakespeare’s life began. The Life, Love and Legacy exhibition provides a journey through Shakespeare’s world and sets the scene for your visit to the house itself. This timber framed town house contains both original and replica artefacts depicting the house as Shakespeare would have known it. Period guides, dressed in replica Tudor clothing, welcome you to explore what life was like here in Tudor times.

Anne Hathaway’s House is where the young William courted his future bride Anne Hathaway at her picturesque family home. It is a thatched farmhouse with beautiful grounds and gardens. The cottage is in Shottery, a hamlet within the parish of Stratford-upon-Avon, a mile from the town centre but an easy, pleasant, walk on a well sign-posted footpath. It contains many original items of family furniture, including the Hathaway Bed, dating from Anne’s time.

Hall’s Croft is the luxurious home of Shakespeare’s daughter and her husband, Dr John Hall, an eminent physician. The rooms are lavish and elegant, with many exquisite furnishings and paintings of the period.

Mary Arden’s House in Wilmcote, a few miles to the south of Stratford, is constructed using oak from the nearby Arden forest and stone from Wilmcote itself. The house has an intriguing, fairytale atmosphere with uneven walls, irregular handmade tiles and tiny dormer windows. Outdoor attractions include a dovecote, cowsheds, stables, a cider mill and barns. The outbuildings house a museum illustrating rural life over the last 400 years. So you can see the Elizabethan way of life and interact with the daily domestic routine of a working farm. There is a selection of sheep, pigs and cattle appropriate to the time, and a nature trail.

Thomas Nash was the first husband of Shakespeare’s granddaughter, and a wealthy local property owner. Today, their home, Nash’s House, is a well preserved Tudor building and the ground floor is furnished as it would have been in Nash’s day.

Next door to Nash’s House are the foundations of New Place. This was the house bought by William Shakespeare in 1597. By the late 1590s Shakespeare was an established playwright and had amassed enough wealth to afford a new family home. New Place was the second biggest house in Stratford at the time and it was where Shakespeare lived when he was not in London, and where he wrote many of his plays, and the Shakespeare sonnets. He died here in 1616.

Having seen the houses where Shakespeare was born, lived, and died you can move on to the place where he is buried. Holy Trinity Church is located on the banks of the River Avon, a short walk from the theatre. It’s considered one of England’s most-visited parish churches and the site where William Shakespeare was baptized in 1564 and buried in 1616. You can see his tomb and the curse which he placed there on anyone daring to disturb his bones. His wife is also buried there.

It’s unlikely you’ll have any time or stamina left after seeing the major Shakespeare sights of Stratford Upon Avon, but if you do there are plenty more tourist attractions. These include as the Falstaff  Experience museum, the Harvard House, the brass rubbing centre and trips up the River Avon. Enjoy your day!

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Top 5 Museums in London

February 26, 2012 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

British museum

London is home to over 300 art galleries and museums, raging from the very modern to the traditional. Due to this level of diversity, someone visiting might be a bit overwhelmed with the abundance of options. To help with this I have prepared a small guide of the top five museums that London has to offer. My hope is that this will give you at least somewhere to start.

All London museums are always free to enter, however some of the special exhibitions charge a small fee. Pick up a London Pass and receive free entry to all charging exhibitions, free audio tours and free museum guidebooks.

The British Museum | London Bloomsbury

The British Museum is a wonderful place to begin; it is a museum of human history and culture. Within its walls are more then thirteen million artifacts from all corners of the globe. Each year over four million people visit its vast galleries and collections.

Established in 1753 the museum was based on the private collection amassed by the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. There has been some intense controversy within the collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, which some believe should be returned to their countries of origin. Make sure you give yourself enough time, because the museum itself is the largest in the world with over 2 miles of exhibition space.

Science Museum | London South Kensington

The London Science Museum is a major tourist attraction for quite a few very good reasons. The museum houses over 300,000 items, including such famous items as Stephenson’s Rocket, the oldest surviving steam locomotive (Puffing Billy), the first jet engine, a reconstruction of Francis Crick and James Watson’s DNA model, a working version of Charles Babbage’s Difference engine. You will also find hundreds of interactive exhibits perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Another new attraction is the IMAX 3D Cinema, which shows science and nature documentaries, and the Wellcome Wing, focusing on digital technology.

Natural History Museum | London South Kensington

Within the walls of the Natural History Museum in London’s South Kensington are over 70 million items belonging to the five main collections: Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Paleontology and Zoology. Not only is it a museum, but it is also a world-renowned centre of research, specializing in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and putting them into a classification. Many of the specimens collected by Darwin reside within this museum along with many other great collections that still to this day hold great historical as well as major scientific value. However, the museum is famous for its collection of dinosaur skeletons, most notably the large Diplodocus cast dominating the large central hall.

Horniman Museum | Forest Hill, South London

The Horniman Musuem is a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The museum specializes in anthropology, natural history and musical instruments and is in possession of over 350,000 objects. The most well known exhibits are its extensive collection of stuffed animals. It also has a modern aquarium as well as a Victorian aquarium, which in its day had to have seawater brought up from Brighton on the train. The musical collection includes approximately 8,000 musical instruments.

The National Gallery | Trafalgar Square, London

Located on the famous Trafalgar Square in London is the National Gallery, home to over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900s. One of the most famous pieces is the “The Virgin of the Rocks” by Leonardo Da Vinci. The building itself was made into a museum because at the time there was a lack of museums in the country. Due to it being a National Gallery, it is free to the public, however occasionally there are special exhibitions that require a small entrance fee.

Duke Dudley is a travel writer from Portland, Maine. He recommends 1-800-Fly-Europe for your future flights to London.

Thanks to LineFT for the photo from Flickr!

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5 Romantic Places to Visit in London

August 7, 2011 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

Hyde Park Horses 1

A romantic place to visit in London is a question which a lot of couples have pondered over. Going somewhere memorable with that special someone is something that a lot of people seek and this isn’t an impossible task in London because this beautiful city is full of romantic spots. Choosing to visit to any one of these special romantic places with your special someone is a must:

 

Highgate Cemetery

 

Strolling with your partner in the midst of graves is probably the last thought while planning a romantic trip with your partner, but there is something special about Highgate Cemetery which makes it a perfect spot for lovers as well as tourists. This is one of London’s greatest cemeteries and it is brimming with wildlife, cultural and historic attractions. There are lots of great features to watch out for here such as catacombs, chapels, Victorian buildings, Karl Marx’s gravestone, etc. which make this experience memorable in its own way.

 

Waterbus trip to ‘Little Venice’ of London

 

Take a trip with your partner on a waterbus and serenely glide through London’s ‘Little Venice’. There are plenty of cruises along the Regents Canal and you can either opt for these or you could take the waterbus from Browning pool. ‘Little Venice’ is an island in London which is the hub of elegant architecture. Take a romantic trip down the damp and dark Maida Hill tunnel and travel to the lively Camden Lock if you are in the mood to shop for clothes or small trinkets or even to have a meal.

 

The London Bridge

 

Just like how you cannot leave Italy without seeing The Eiffel Tower, so also a trip to London just isn’t complete without a trip to The London Bridge. This bridge is not just a great spot for tourists but happens to be equally good for lovers as well. Of course the height of romanticism would be to visit The London Bridge at night with your partner. The glistening lights from the bridge against the wonderful backdrop of the starlit sky are bound to fill you with wonderful memories that would last a lifetime.

 

Hyde Park

 

If you are looking for a romantic place to visit in London then a visit the Hyde Park followed by a trip to the Serpentine must feature on the cards. From there just hire a rowing boat for two and enjoy complete privacy away from throngs of tourists. Enjoying drifting in the waters and spending some quality time with your partner is after all the entire objective of a romantic getaway.

 

Convent Garden flower market

 

Don’t just buy roses and bring them to your partner, why not bring your partner to them? The two of you would be having a wonderful time strolling around and seeing what this wonderful and colorful flower market in Columbia Street has to offer. Flowers have been the symbols of love and romance since time immemorial which is why after visiting this lovely market you would be left wondering why you didn’t visit this place before.

 

TravelReflex’s Writer: this article was written by elijahbitson

 

Thanks to Rankeelaw for the photo from Flickr!

 

 

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Leeds on a budget

July 28, 2011 in United Kingdom by TravelReflex Team

 

Nestling in the heart of Northern England, Leeds is a great city to visit. On the doorstep of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors which are both great territory for many outdoor pursuits including rambling and mountain biking. But if you are more of a city slicker then there are plenty of free attractions in Leeds to make your stay one you won’t forget.

 

Art

Based on The Headrow, in the heart of the city centre is The Henry Moore Institute. The Institute established by the famous Yorkshire sculpture and artist in 1977 to encourage the appreciation of art, in particular sculpture. Art fans can then take a short walk to the Leeds Art Gallery, which houses a fantastic collection of 20th century British art, and often has some exciting temporary exhibitions.

 

If that’s not enough a short walk on the University of Leeds campus is the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, which bills itself as “an oasis of calm and inspiration – just minutes from Leeds city centre!”. This hidden gem, which is often overlooked in favour of its city centre counterparts, shows both innovative temporary exhibitions and display treasures from the University Art Collection. The collection includes wonderful examples of European and British art dating back from the 17th century right up to modern day pieces.

 

As well as these great galleries, Britain’s newest art Gallery, The Hepworth is nearby Wakefield and offers free entry. Despite the gallery only opening in May it has already been widely acclaimed.

 

History

For those whose passion lies in history rather than art there is a lot for you in Leeds too. In the heart of the city centre is Leeds City Museum, on Millennium Square. With four floors of galleries, Leeds City Museum is a great destination for rainy days with attractions including the ‘Leeds Tiger’ and Nesyamun, the Leeds mummy. You also have the chance to get your hand dirty by digging for fossils in the Life on Earth gallery.

 

Leeds is also home to The Royal Armouries the national collection of arms and armour. The amble collection is spread over theme-galleries: War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting, and arms and armour of the Orient. All this for and no admission fee, a great way to spend an afternoon.

 

Across the other side of the city lies Kirkstall Abbey, a fantastic medieval Cistercian abbey and one of the most complete examples in Britain. Across the road from Kirkstall Abbey there is the Abbey House Museum, where visitors can experience the sights and sounds of life in Victorian Leeds in the year 1880.  A journey through the carefully recreated streets and houses is a great day out for all the family. Both of these attractions are set in wonderful green parkland along the banks of the River Aire, perfect for a picnic.

 

Wildlife

Moving a little further out from the hustle and bustle of the city centre is RSPB Fairburn Ings, a fantastic free day out (£2 car park charge) for both adults and children. There are three trials that take visitors through a variety of habitats giving visitors a chance to see wildlife such as willow tits, lapwings and redshanks as well as a variety of ducks, swans and geese. In addition there is the opportunity for pond dipping as well as regular fun events throughout the year and the site is dog friendly too.

 

Compromising a number of different habitats and feeding zones another popular wildlife reserve is Rodley Nature Reserve, which is designed to bring wetland wildlife back into the Leeds area. There is a fantastic visitor centre which incorporates informative displays which give insights into the biodiversity of the Reserve including a ‘living’ freshwater tank and a nest box camera.

 

As you can see there are plenty of free fun days out for all the family to enjoy in and around Leeds all year round. So there is no excuse for not getting out and exploring the city, who knows, perhaps you will find your own gem out there. This was a guest post by One UK, who a letting agency who specialise in apartments in Leeds.

 

Other Days Out

 

As well as the days out already mentioned there are plenty of other things in and around Leeds. For example one of the popular attractions is Temple Newsam, a historic house and it’s gardens. Whilst you have to pay to go inside the house itself, the wonderful parkland is free to visitors, including the wonderful walled garden. Also in the ground is Europe’s largest working Rare Breeds farm with over 400 animals, although there is a small fee of £3.30 (adults) to enter the farm. One of the other large park’s in Leeds is Roundhay Park, which includes large lakes that are perfect for walking around on a sunny afternoon. Housed on the park is Tropical World, again which has a small fee of just £3.30, and is the largest collection of Tropical Plants in the UK outside Kew Gardens. Despite the great plant life the most popular attraction is the Meerkat enclosure.


 

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