Southsea Castle Hampshire – One of the most famous landmarks in the Hampshire coastal town of Southsea, Southsea Castle was built at the behest of Henry VIII in 1544. One of what are known as the Device Forts, Southsea Castle was constructed to defend Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent from attack by sea. Funded from money raised by dissolving the monasteries this castle in Southsea is still largely intact today and is a key tourist attraction for visitors to the town. It was badly damaged by fire in 1625 and again in 1640 but was restored to its former glory. The castle came under the control of Portsmouth council in the 1960’s and it was made into a museum for all to enjoy. On a trip to Southsea be sure to visit Southsea Castle.
2011/11/28
2011/11/24
Cromer Norfolk
Cromer Norfolk: An attractive Victorian seaside town in the county of Norfolk, Cromer has a long and unique history, mostly connected with the fishing industry. Well known for its crabs it also boasts fine sandy beaches, an old pier and a working lifeboat. Compact and easy to explore in just a day, Cromer has a pretty church with a tall tower, a small museum, and plenty of gift shops to visit. Though not so popular these days as it once was, Cromer still attracts its fair share of visitors, especially during the summer months when the weather is at its best. Be sure to head down to the harbour early morning and watch the crab boats come in with their catch, and later visit a local restaurant to see what a proper Cromer crab tastes like – delicious!If you are planning to stay for more than just a day in Cromer, you will find a good choice of guest houses and self-catering properties to pick from.
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Southend-on-Sea Essex
Southend-on-Sea Essex: Much more than just a big seaside resort, Southend is a major working town and residential area in its own right. Its impressive Civic Centre and its towering office blocks show evidence of this fact. Despite this Southend-on-Sea is still best loved as a holiday or day trip destination especially for the people of Essex and London. Popular as a seaside resort even in the early 19th century, Southend grew even more rapidly as a resort during Victorian times and its major landmark was built during this period in the shape of its famous pier, constructed in 1889 and still offering visitors the chance of a two and a half mile bracing walk today. In the summer time Southend can get very busy and the beach still crowded as in its heyday, when the weather is pleasant.
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2011/11/21
Clacton Essex
Clacton on Sea Essex
Clacton on Sea Essex – The biggest town on Essex’s Tendring peninsula, Clacton-on-Sea only became established as a town in 1871 when one Peter Bruff developed it as a purpose built seaside resort. Growing around its pier which was the main means of access to the town, Clacton was serviced by the Woolwich Steam Packet Company, whose steamships docked bringing visitors to the town. Still standing today Clacton Pier remains one of the attractions of the town and houses a theatre and amusement arcade. Clacton reached its height of popularity during the 1950’s and 1960’s, and of course most of these visitors arrived by road, the London Road having been constructed during the 1920’s to improve communications to the town and this part of the Essex coast. Butlins was of course a major contributor to the popularity of Clacton, when it opened its holiday camp there in 1938, providing facilities and entertainment for holidaymakers in both fine and inclement weather. Since Butlins closed visitors stay in local hotels or privately owned self-catering accommodation of which there is a good selection in the resort.
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2011/11/18
Chelmsford Cathedral Essex
Chelmsford Cathedral Essex – Located in the county town of Essex, Chelmsford Cathedral is one of the smallest cathedrals in the United Kingdom. Possibly built on an earlier 13th century church it reached its present proportions during the 15th and 16th centuries and is dedicated to St Mary, St Peter and St Cedd. Becoming a cathedral only in 1914, it has a tower with 13 bells. The nave and stained glass windows of the cathedral are later than the building itself, the nave being rebuilt in the nineteenth century and the stained glass windows replaced during the 19th and 20th centuries. Refurbished internally in 1983, the cathedral which is situated in New Street, Chelmsford, received new altar, seats and flooring. The cathedral is within easy walking distance of Chelmsford railway station making it an easy place to visit, it is an ideal destination when the weather is not so good.
Planning a visit? Check out the current weather in Chelmsford here: Chelmsford Weather.
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2011/11/15
Torre de la Horadada Spain
Torre de la Horadada Spain: La Torre de la Horadada is a town located beside the sea, in the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada (population 22,000) in the province of Alicante, Spain. A coastal town which has experienced recent development through tourism. It owes its name to two factors, first, the sixteenth-century watchtower, and second, the place where this tower is located: the Punta de la Horadada (the “pierced” represents the projection of land into the sea which has little caves made by the water, as if it was pierced) La Torre de la Horadada has several blue flag beaches which attract many visitors to the area, these include: Playa de los Jesuitas and Playa del Conde.
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2011/11/09
Blickling Hall Norwich Norfolk
Places to Visit Near Norwich – Blickling Hall: A splendid Jacobean house build during the early 17th century Blickling Hall is one of the excellent places you can visit if you are staying in the Norwich area of Norfolk in East Anglia. Boasting one of the largest collections (private) of rare books in the United Kingdom, Blickling Hall Gardens and Park also has plenty more to attract potential visitors. The gardens in particular are beautiful and can be visited any time of the year, but are definitely best in the Spring when the Spring bulbs come into bloom, pick a day when the weather is sunny to see them at their best. Take a walk through the attractive woodlands or around the lake and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this wonderful place, one of Norfolk’s highlights. Blickling Hall is near to Aylsham, about 15 miles north of Norwich.
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