Boarding the coach at Victoria Coach Station, I was pleasantly greeted by Nick, our tour guide for the day; a very knowledgeable and friendly man. He made us all feel comfortable, as we embarked on a two-hour trip down to Dover. That first half hour of the drive was almost a tour on its own; we passed many of London’s greatest attractions, learning tidbits even I (a proud-to-say-Londoner) didn’t know. Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, the Tower of London, all witnessed from the comfort of my coach seat. Nick produced a calm ambiance around us, making the journey that much more relaxing.

The imposing white Cliffs of Dover, Dover coast, England

It was not long before the view outside my window changed. Taken from the busy, industrial scenes of London, we were now in Kent, the garden of England – a picturesque countryside many London tourists miss out on. Nick filled our ears with history, and soon my anticipation was over. I could see the white cliffs of Dover. The town itself is very Olde England. Quaint shop signs, a seaside view and, most of all, a medieval castle, like a shepherd watching over its flock. We were driven right to the castle gates. Nick stopped to carry out all the ticket malarkey with the box office as we walked as if being pulled by a magnet up to the castle’s entrance, a great arch of white stone carrying medieval magnificence.

A Fascinating Taste of History – Recent and Medieval

We were told to explore the castle and its great tower in our own time before we would be taken down into the tunnels. I walked up inside the great tower and found little beds, little dining tables, everything was almost in miniature. Even though everything inside the great tower is not real artefacts, they have been replicated to exact detail, causing my Dover Castle experience to feel much more authentic. The colours that decorated it were rich and were contrasted by the paleness of the stone walls.

Taking my senses back to the medieval times, I tasted some traditional mead. It was sweet, warm and just what I needed on a cold autumn morning, awakening my taste buds to the whole experience. The gift shop has an array of different wines and meads to try, as well as chutneys (Gooseberry with Elderflower being my favourite). Not only can you buy all the medieval goodies but there are books, children’s toys and many collectors’ items to take back to reality with you.

The imposing towers of Dover Castle in Dover, England

Walking a little downhill to the Secret Wartime Tunnels we were fast-forwarded to the Second World War. Although the first tunnels were built in the Napoleonic times, those above and below them were built during the War and aided the evacuation of Dunkirk. Walking through these eerie tunnels you can see the names of soldiers etched into the stone; the old military operation rooms, plotting rooms with real artefacts and equipment were preserved. Each room had its purpose, told its own story. Walking around everyone is silent; all you can hear are footsteps and the voice-clippings of those back in the day. Every one of us are now in awe of the history being told by the white walls. My favourite fact of the day was that the function all of the equipment down in the tunnels – and there was a lot of it – could be carried out by one normal laptop.

Olde England Charm and Literary Tales in Canterbury

Back in the coach we are driven to the city of Canterbury. As we enter the town Nick tells us about its literary history: The Canterbury Tales, The Marlow Theatre and its connection with Charles Dickens, as well as the history surrounding the Cathedral, which is also connected to Dover Castle by one man named Thomas Becket. We are taken to an old style English pub to eat a quintessential British lunch consisting of fish and chips – the best I’ve had in a long time – before we had two hours to explore the medieval city ourselves.

The magnificent, famed Canterbury Cathedral in the town of Canterbury, Kent, England

The city centre is full of old store buildings juxtaposed with contemporary shops, all providing a blanket around the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. You can enter the Cathedral for just eight pounds and with the great coloured glass windows, medieval tomb stones and immense energy; itis actually worth it, even if you’re not the religious type. One other place I happened to find myself in was the Old Sweet Shop, on the corner of the main high street. Fudge, chocolate, marzipan and all kinds of gummy sweets from ceiling to floor decorated this cute store and it was not long before I found myself spending a little too much on ‘candy.’ One thing that did surprise me was that the shopping rivaled that of London, and you will not hear me say that often, if at all. Feeling rather content and that much more knowledgeable, we boarded the coach again for our journey up to Greenwich.

Another View Just Across the Thames from London Town….

I remember Nick mentioning that this part of the trip was where he found many of us ‘tourists’ fall asleep and, to my surprise, I woke up as we were driving into Greenwich. It baffles me that so many of those that visit London do not travel just the other side of the Thames to Greenwich. There is so much to do, with breathtaking backdrops to accompany it. From Wednesday to Sunday the market is open – home to some of the best Brazilian food you can find except in Brazil, vintage books and clothing, as well as arts and craft collections. There is also London’s only public Planetarium, the National Maritime Museum, and home to Greenwich Mean Time – where east meets west. You can place one foot in the western hemisphere while your other is in the east and funnily enough be in two places at one time.

Usually the coach will drop you off in Blackheath, at the entrance to Greenwich Park, and you can take your time walking through the park, seeing the sometimes forgotten view of London as you make your way down to the Thames, taking in all the sights and history that go with it. However, as this is a very British tour, we had the British weather to back it up – it was raining, heavily. Because of this Nick decided it would be better to get dropped off in Greenwich centre and take us to the middle of the now Greenwich University, a spot from which all the great buildings, the Thames and even Canary Wharf are visible. He narrated the history that tied up all the facts of the day, a nice way to end the trip as there was a continuous flow of the past between the three places we had visited that day.

View of London Tower Bridge from cruise on Thames River, London

It wasn’t long before we all decided to embark on the last part of the trip: a boat on the Thames. We walked the five minutes to Greenwich Pier and before we knew it we were all sitting comfortably in our dry, warm seats watching the bridges of London pass above us. It was a great way to end the day. I had been taken from Olde England and thrown back into modern day London, with a much more cultured view of my city and its history.

- Mariella Agapiou

The London Eye

Before you get on the London Eye, you go through the ‘4D experience’. It’s a fairly cheesy video screening that sees you wear silly glasses, simulate a bird’s flight over some of London’s most recognisable icons and get spat at by various water and bubble-flinging contraptions that are hidden in the room.

It’s fun, but it’s merely a taster. The Eye itself is, for me, a surprisingly fascinating experience. Despite its claims to be the tallest observation wheel in the world, this isn’t true. The Singapore Flyer has an extra 30 metres on it. But the Eye is arguably more impressive – it sticks out more prominently on the skyline, and because the surrounding buildings aren’t as high as they are in Singapore, the views are more arresting.

As you go round, you get a great perspective on London. Everything seems to be in a slightly different place to where I thought it was, while the ring of green around Hyde Park and Green Park to the west is in stark contrast to the dreary sprawl to the south.

It’s the odd things you notice that stick with you. For me it is number of cranes and flagpoles dotted around the city, the uniformity of some of the architecture between the Victoria Embankment and The Strand and the number of buses that plough towards Trafalgar Square at once.

I’m particularly struck by Charing Cross Station. From up high, I get a view that I’ve never seen before – largely because I usually approach it by train. The railway entrance really is striking – it must be one of London’s most underrated buildings.

Thames River Cruise

It’s possible to combine the London Eye with a short river cruise leaving from the jetty just outside the famous big wheel. These cruises are by no means comprehensive, but they do whet your appetite to go exploring further along the Thames. And there really is an awful lot to do and see.

For a start, the cruise doesn’t go to two of the greatest riverside attractions – the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in the west and the maritime heritage and Observatory at Greenwich in the east. They are both superb and frankly, they deserve at least half a day each in their own right.

But there’s so much to sink your teeth into between these two attractions. The South Bank Centre, for example, is home to the Royal Festival Hall – where the London Philharmonic Orchestra is based – and the British Film Institute.

A little further along come the National Theatre – which isn’t exactly an architectural highlight, but does host some top drawer productions – and the Tate Modern. The latter is home to some of the world’s best contemporary art, albeit within the confines of an old power station.

The Millennium Footbridge is a Norman Foster-designed river crossing which offers an unparalleled view of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the reproduction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre comes shortly afterwards. It has the only thatched roof in London, and special permission was required to construct it. No other thatched roof has been allowed in the city since the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Pubs, Boats and the Docklands

If you’re walking it rather than going by boat, then there are a few good pubs along the South Bank and just behind it. One of them is The Anchor, which was once frequented by the likes of Samuel Pepys, Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens. Another is the Old Thameside Inn, which has the replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship – The Golden Hind – outside.

Another seafaring attraction is the HMS Belfast, which was the largest British cruiser in World War II. There’s no need to join the navy to have a look around it now, however – it operates as a museum.

Towards the end of the cruise’s route, you can see how London’s docklands have changed. In 1914, the Port of London was the busiest port in the world, but the old warehouses and dock buildings have been largely converted into (very expensive) apartment complexes, dotted with restaurants and upmarket shopping centres.

Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

To cover all of this properly, of course, would probably take days. And that’s just what’s on the south side of the Thames. There’s plenty more to get stuck into on the north bank. As we cross back under the magnificent Tower Bridge – which still opens to let big ships go through, although not nearly as often as it used to – there’s the Tower Of London to the right. This is a place packed with history; murder, treason and royal intrigue are all on the cards, as well as the chance to see the Crown Jewels. It’s rare to find someone who comes out of the Tower disappointed.

North Bank Attractions

Throw in the Monument, the gardens along the Victoria Embankment, the little back lanes going up to The Strand and the exhibitions at Somerset House, and you’ve got an embarrassment of riches to explore. There’s so much more to London’s riverside than a ride on the London Eye – but a trip on the big wheel and the accompanying cruise are a great way of finding out your options for what to tackle next.

The First Night

My lovely hostess picked me up from the bus station and took me to her local favorite for dinner – the very friendly and unpretentious ‘Jam Street’, on Upper Chorlton Rd. You phone in advance to find out the two or three dishes on offer for the night – usually one meat, one veg and one fish – then drop by for a satisfying meal made with organic ingredients and served in a cosy, home-cooked vibe. I had the spring vegetable stir-fry with parmesean dumplings (delicious), while Maria tried the beef & sweet potato curry (also good although she said could have been a little spicier). A real treasure, the corner cafe with outdoor seating for the warm summer nights, and on our visit the entire cafe joined in singing “Happy Birthday” for one of the regulars, who then dispensed chocolate cake to anyone who wanted some – also rich and tasty.

Exploring the City

In the morning I took the daytripper bus fare – at £3.50 it’s a much better value than £1.95 each way – and ventured into the city to explore. All I really knew about Manchester was the music scene in the 80’s-90’s and some vague idea of a heavily industrial past. Maria pointed me in the direction of the ‘Common’ cafe in the Northern Quarter, so I decided to head there, then wind my way back via Primrose Gardens through the main thoroughfare.

The first thing to strike me on the bus ride into town is the incredible range of dilapidated yet still imposing architecture – the city really wore its wealth on its streets in the old days. A magnificent ornate green-tiled picture palace looks almost in ruins just beside the city university – which also boasts a music school, and some cheap plentiful food choices, from the vegan collective cafe to the burger and chips in the cart along side the park.

A Peek into the Past

A little further along Oxford St and The Palace speaks volumes of the grandeur of the past, in a town built on textiles, glass, and the lucrative transatlantic trade between the Americas, Africa and UK – tobacco, cotton, and slaves. Not only did the suffragette movement begin in Manchester, it was also the first place to start anti-slavery campaigns, and the Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley St has a fine exhibition of the historic and recent events that have shaped the culture, attitude and life of the city.

I stopped in there to check out yet another ornate building, and was rewarded with a well-designed and thoughtful selection of paintings and ceramics – some of the only decorative pieces to feature industry and smokestacks instead of the usual bucolic landscapes, reflecting the realities of life in a burgeoning factory town. The gallery offers activities for kids including the wonderful ‘explorer tool belt’ which promises to turn your child’s visit into a real adventure, along with an interactive laboratory for hands-on creative experiments, free guided tours, a gift shop and cafe. Manchester is renowned for a vibrant cultural life, and was also home to the Women’s art movement, reflecting the local side of the suffragette campaign.

I Continue on Strolling…

I pass through Primrose Gardens (more a bus stand and square than actual garden) with a small and nicely laid out arbor amidst the paving and pedestrians. Turning into Oldham St, I have only the vaguest sense of orientation and am thus forced to keep stopping into the many vintage shops (’Best Vintage’ really is the best, at least for my on-trend Jil Sanders retro 80’s utility jacket, perfect for spring and only £3) and asking for directions to ‘Common’ cafe. I’m heading there partly just to have a purpose and destination in mind, in addition to the reputation it has for a lively atmosphere, interesting décor, good music, food and art. They also have a twice-monthly quiz night, art exhibition and live music all there on Edge St.

Along the way I drift into Junk, a stylish retro vintage store that also offers dressmaking courses and other activities including sustainable fashion under the ‘School of Junk’ imprint; then find myself on Tib St in the marvelously decadent Kiku, stroking handmade silk, brocade and feather corsets and dreaming of a wildly exotic new outfit – and life. The perfect excuse for new hair from the astonishing array of wigs at Paul’s Hair and Beauty World. Oldham St is also home to the Oxfam Emporium and a wide range of music shops.

A few more turns brings me onto Oak St and the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, housed in an inspiring building, formerly the Victorian Fish market and packed with artisan studios and shops where you can pick up a gorgeous piece of jewelery – I loved the perspex range of cut-out birds and animals – ceramics, glass, furniture and painting. I’m highly tempted by ‘a few nice things’ on the corner featuring tailored jackets and bags.

If you feel like a little more guidance and storytelling on your stroll, check out the range of special walking tours provided by New Manchester Walks. Experience all sides of the city and everything from the Industrial Revolution Machine Age, to the Manchester Nobody Knows, choose the Swingin’ Sixties or Old Salford Pub Walk, or a more political angle with Engels and Marx, The Frock-Coated Communists, to Victorian Shock City and the dark side with tales of the Manchester Dead.

If it’s Nightlife You’re After…

There’s a world of post-Manchester possibilities depending on your interests and music style. I would head straight for The Deaf Institute, with an eclectic directional program offering everything for the discerning musical palette, from the Gateaux show – highlighting new French bands – to the Last Harbour (dark dusty mood, gothic archness and deadly strings) with Samson & Delilah and Goldmundo, the ‘now wave’ Phenomenal Handclap Band or El Diablo’s Social Club, ‘one of Manchester’s best underground hangouts for psychedelic disco deviance’ offers to take you ‘to rack and ruin’! More of the ‘Now Wave’ scene is on offer at various venues; Coco Rosie plays the Manchester Cathedral; Four Tet the Club Academy and The Antlers at St Philip’s Church Salford – Now Wave promises to ‘give the past a slip’ with the sounds of the near future.

If ‘dirty analogue house and techno’ is more your thing, get along to be part of The Chapel Experiment on Wilmslow Rd, or Contort Yourself at the Roadhouse on the first and third Saturday of every month with electro-techno-disco-cosmic-acid-bass. The fabulously named ‘Worriedaboutsatan’ can be heard at the Nexus Art Cafe, while Ground Zero Presents Wisp, Global Goon and more at the Music Box on Oxford St. If nothing in the above options can get you out dancing, well I don’t know what else to suggest!

Now you’re on Oxford St, duck into the Cornerhouse for a varied cultural menu, with everything from a cinema showing arthouse, world and new releases, to the small yet excellent magazine range in the bookshop, two cafes, and three floors of art gallery.

The Greenroom is an intriguing showcase of club-nights, music and cabaret, with organic, fair trade and locally produced drinks, some free events and with upcoming attractions including Green Bohemia and Mother’s Ruin, you’ll be glad you stopped by.

A Few Words of Safety Advice

If you feel like it’s a bad idea to go down a street then it probably is, so trust your instincts. Despite the ‘urban regeneration’ program and University located there, I had strict instructions not to loiter in Salford looking aimless or lost – a pity as it’s apparently where much of the darkly brilliant TV show ‘Shameless’ is filmed. So if you find yourself over the river, don’t keep wandering – turn around and get back into town. The University of Salford offers an arts program of exhibitions, literature and music which make it worth the trip. I’m assured that although the unsavoury reputation of some areas may well be deserved much has changed over the past ten – fifteen years. Manchester is still one of the coolest Northern towns – go find out why for yourself!

It is believed that this tower held many prison cells. The White tower held torture chambers within its own crypt. It is said that the Tower Green outside the White Tower was only reserved for royal executions, while the Tower Hill served as an execution chamber for all the other prisoners and traitors.

Over the years, it is believed that this tower is haunted. The tower of London is said to have been intrigued with death, blood and murders for the last 900 years. It has gained the reputation of being the most haunted place in Britain. There have been hundreds and thousands of people who have been executioned on the Tower Hill.

One of the most interesting story recorded in the Tower Hill is that of a keeper of the place known as E.L Swiftie. It is said that “he and his family were sitting for a candlelit dinner in his room in the Martin Tower in the year 1817, when his wife spotted something on the other side of the room. She cried out in alarm and Swiftie turned round to see a cylindrical object resembling a glass tube, filled with bubbling blue fluid. The strange apparition started to move and came round behind his wife, who was sitting at the table. She cried out that it had tried to grab her, and Swiftie let fly at it with a chair, which passed straight through the object. The cylinder then receded backwards and disappeared”.

Not only Swiftie, but a sentry who was on guard in what is now called the “Martin Towe” witnessed “an apparition of a bear coming from out of a Jewel Room. He stabbed at it with his bayonet, which passed through the apparition and embedded in a door, whereupon the bear promptly disappeared”. It is said that the sentry died a few days following the happening, most probably of a shock but he had confided in Swiftie and another sentry of the apparition which he had seen. The sighting of the apparition is dated to the year 1815 or 1816 in the month of January.

It is also said that other “ghostly traditions include the screams of Guy Fawkes echoing through the tower, as they did when he was tortured before being hung down and quartered, the ghost of Lord Northumberland who was executed in 1553, and various other apparitions and shades from its bloody history”.

It is said that Lady Jane Grey, the queen who has reigned only for 9 days, is believed to appear on the anniversary of her death on the 12th of February 1554. She has been seen on the Salts Tower.

Another incident marks that a sentry was said to have seen the ghost of Ann Boleyn (headless one) and tried to hit her with his bayonet, but he fainted in shock.

There has been many cases and incidents regarding the same. Apart from the sentries and the keepers on duty there have been travelers, who have also witnessed such incidents.

To know more about the place

To know more about the place it is very important to visit these towers. The towers of London have remarkable stories to offer and are an interesting place to get to know more about the past and the tortures and the sufferings of these prisoners.

Guided tour are available in the city, you can possibly opt for that. It is recommended not to venture in these areas alone without assistance.

And such is the celebration of Tuareg Festival which has been happening each spring, from last three years, in the hot desert of Sahara. It’s just two hours drive in north of Agadez, Niger, that’s actually in middle of desert- the Sahara.

The Niger’s national government along with the local Tuareg tribal people organizes this Festival Tuareg.

What’s that making it so exciting that you come from half way through world in middle of Sahara desert? Well its these tribal people, and experiencing with them, their own life and living. To have sumptuous, delicious delectable, to hear the music and dance underneath the sky littered with tiny little bulbs of stars. And well there is more to go…

This is a three-day event, in world’s largest desert, on sandy patch earth, here becomes center of the Tuareg world.

Once you arrive at this Tuareg world of Tuared festival, upon its first sighting all you will see is the traditional and customs of Tuareg Tribe.

Men will be seen in head-covering with cheches, with their traditional blue bubu robes that trails to ground. As men and women keep dropping in by Land Cruiser and Camel cruiser for the days of festival, the tribe of Tuareg gets together to meet up, greets, and even trades. The tribe’s women will be seen in plenty all socializing, and reuniting with their family and friends, sighted gossiping around the edges.

This is a semi-nomadic tribe of Tuaregs, which is also called as “the blue men” and tahts because they seem to have blue skin. Hey nope these are no different, but have normal skin like us. Rather this blue tinge on their skin is because of the blue color robes that they wear, uses ground lapis that’s used for coloring their robes, keeps rubbing off on their skin and that’s why these men are men in blue! Tuareg people are known to be initially standoffish when with strangers, but once acquainted, you will be their bosom pal and they are most genial and welcoming of hosts.

At Tuareg festival you can shop till you drop if you like to have the authentic goods, very intricately made handmade local handicrafts as well as Berber silver jewelry. These are damn beautiful and could become a superb piece of décor at home and souvenir to take home as well as some different gift to give.

Well you must have sexy legs of stunning and stupendous models walking on ramp, wearing exotic designer wear, at Tuareg Festival there is another beauty pageant which can match no other in world and that is beauty pageant of camels other then beauty contest that are held. But the most exciting is of camel! Because they have to be judged for their beauty, strength, by a race and how they have been decorated. And that’s fun and very hilarious event, but you ought to see the spirit of competition in Tuareg people, as how they cheer for their camel as if some lover is passionate.

Other then that there are singing competitions, beauty contests, and artistic prowess, while these Tuaregs take all these competitions very seriously as they shout and cheer for their representatives. And such is the enthusiasm which is very much commendable.

The festival craze draws Tuaregs from far away as Mali, Libya and Algeria.

The excitement doesn’t just keeps to day time but heightens with night at night, as day’s scheduled programs are out of way, festival’s central stage gets cleared, where the uniquely North African style of rock and roll shows breaks out, which takes place each night, people reveling till wee hours of dawn.

Feast: That’s the yummy part and all foodies, this will be three day paradise. There is tasty grilled mutton kebabs and aroma filled fresh breads to eat, and don’t miss to try traditionally sugary with mint Tuareg tea which is served as screaming hot to drink. Well the kebabs here are of many types and taste and you will love licking o your fingers.

Like amazing Sahara itself–as its long chains of the sand dunes that keeps shifting with each movement of the sun and its shade–the character and spirit of festival also changes by very hour. That’s the fun and excitement of being at Tuareg festival but it’s with grain of sand!

Next year’s Festival Tuareg has not been officially scheduled, though it occurs in mid-February. The festival will give you a chance to live a life of nomad and have the best time of desert camping but most of all will give you chance to mingle with men in blue and take in your system some grains of sand.

The UK is a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, and parliamentary democracy. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the British Empire seemed to span the globe but since the two world wars it’s power has decreased dramatically. Most of the countries of the British Empire have gained their independence but remain part of the British Commonwealth (which includes Canada, Australia and New Zealand).

Today the United Kingdom is part of the European Union, though not fully integrated many of it’s sovereign powers have been transferred to the European Parliament. However, if you are planning a vacation to Britain you should be aware that the Euro has not been yet been adopted and the national currency which remains the British Pound. The British Pound is fiercely defended by the British people who see it as a symbol of their nationality. Maybe this originates from the fact that the economy of the United Kingdom is somewhat dominated by service sector industries such as financial services, with a strong history in banking and insurance.

Tourism continues to be an important element of the British economy with nearly thirty million foreign visitors a year. The UK is ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world (about sixth) with a massive selection of varied tourist attractions. Many tourists are attracted to the historic attractions, such as the many castles, with the Royal Family providing much of the pomp and ceremony that remains in popular demand. Most of the most famous landmarks and attractions are to be found in London, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and London Zoo.

Scotland is extremely popular with tourists who flock to Edinburgh to visit Edinburgh Castle or one of the many festivals which are held throughout the year. Other popular vacation destinations in Scotland include the city of Glasgow, Stirling (popular for the historically important Stirling Castle) Pitlochry and other towns of the Highlands such as Inverness (now a city) and Fort William. The more adventurous tourists take their vacation in the Highlands and Islands with the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland being some of the remotest parts of the United Kingdom.

Wales is a predominantly rural nation with a number of fine castles and other historic tourist attractions. The capital city, Cardiff, is both an ancient town and young city, thoroughly modern in it’s outlook. Cardiff, a city for around 100 years, has a castle which is claimed to be about 2,000 years old which is well worth a visit. The modern Millennium Stadium and the Wales Millennium Centre are some of the most recent attractions and are venues for some spectacular events. The Doctor Who Exhibition is of great interest to fans of the BBC show (filmed mainly in the city) and they will please to hear that the center is the number one attraction at the moment.

Northern Ireland is recovering quickly from the ‘troubles’ and is very quickly growing in popularity as a vacation destination. For many years there was conflict between those who wanted the region to be returned to the Irish nation and those who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom. Today it is peaceful and places such as Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland’s finest Medieval castle, and numerous beaches such as Portrush Whiterocks Beach proving extremely popular with tourists.

Of all the vacation destinations in the United Kingdom England attracts most visitors. As mentioned London is the most popular tourist destination but places like Blackpool prove very popular with younger visitors. The Blackpool lights, Blackpool tower complex, the pleasure beach and fun fair make for a lively and enjoyable vacation and Blackpool hotels and bed and breakfasts seem to dominate the areas closest to the sea. Other seaside towns such as nearby Southport and Morecambe provide a quieter vacation destination while remaining within easy reach of many interesting tourist attractions.

Whatever your requirements for a vacation the United Kingdom of Great Britain can provide you with your ideal break. Look around online and discover Britain, you are guaranteed to have a most enjoyable time.

Note: wet,wet,wet weather always in United Kingdom , so maybe a pair of ugg boots uk will be one of your choice during your vacation

Centrally located around Brook and Davies Streets and just a few steps from Bond Street, Hotel Claridge is one of London’s most popular luxury hotels. Comprising of 203 rooms including a plethora of deluxe suites, the hotel caters for travelers who require that additional bit of luxury. With room service, a swimming pool, spa and tennis clubs, Hotel Claridge is guaranteed to impress.

Close to the boutiques of Bond and Regent Street, The Connaught is naturally one of London’s finest luxury hotels. Situated in Mayfair and just minutes from Grosvenor Square, The Connaught is a luxury six storey building comprising a total of 92 rooms. All of the bedrooms are fully equipped with a broadband internet connection and satellite television service. The hotel also has its own fully equipped health club as well as both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. With a world class restaurant, The Grill, The Connaught serves as an excellent location for a luxury holiday in London.

Having won the British Tea Council’s esteemed Top London Afternoon Tea Award three times since 2000, The Dorchester is one of London’s most prestigious hotels to holiday in. Unmatched luxury and unrivaled service can be expected at this 250 room luxury hotel. If you can bear to take yourself away from the incredible range of teas and scones, there are numerous top quality restaurants and other amenities just waiting to be discovered.

Voted the Best UK Business Hotel by Conde Nast readers in 2008, The Jumeirah Carlton Tower is one of London’s top luxury hotels, both for business and leisure travel. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, one of the city’s trendiest locations, the hotel is ideal for those looking to explore the finer side of London. With top boutiques like Harrods and Harvey Nichols all within walking distance, the Carlton Tower fits the bill as the ideal luxury hotel to stay in on a trip to London.

If none of these luxury hotel London take your fancy, why not try the Four Seasons Hotel. Situated at the corner of Hyde Park, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring some of the more touristic areas of London. A nine storey building with a free newspapers service, the hotel sets itself apart as one of London’s more luxurious hotels. With a health club, restaurant and gift shop all on site, you will find yourself struggling to leave the fine surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel.

Regardless of where you decide to stay, London has plenty of luxury hotels to choose from, all of them offering a whole host of services guaranteed to match your needs.