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Colchester is the largest of all the settlements in the County of Essex in England. The town actually claims to be the oldest one in Britain and is certainly the oldest recorded Roman town in England. Because of its history, there are plenty of Colchester attractions, which one can enjoy whilst visiting the town. In this article, we’ll take a look at some that should be on your shortlist when you visit Colchester.

1.  Balkerne Gate – This is the most complete Roman gateway you will find in Britain and it is thought to have been built in 55 AD. It was originally actually the main way that visitors would enter the town but over time was then transformed into a triumphal arch instead. Then, later, the gateway was merged into the town’s walls then in 465 AD it got blocked up to help improve the town’s defence system. It was rediscovered about a hundred years ago and this is why it has remained in such good condition that you see today.

2.  Charter Market – The oldest recorded market in the United Kingdom has been run here for more than 800 years now. The market was granted a Royal Charter in 1189 by King John and this is where its name originates from. You can still find a market at Charter Market twice a week, on Fridays and Saturdays and there is a wide variety of things to choose from as no two stalls can sell the same items. 

3.  Colchester Castle – This Norman castle is built on the foundations of what was the Roman Temple to Claudius. However, the temple was destroyed in 60AD when Queen Boudica razed the town to the ground in order to get the Romans to leave. The actual stone that was used by the Normans to make the current castle is in fact much of the materials used to build the Roman temple. 

The castle boasts one of the largest and oldest castle keeps in the whole of Europe and inside the walls of the castle there is much to do and see. The castle houses exhibitions, which span more than 2,000 years of British history and there are interactive displays to keep your youngsters busy. Whilst touring the castle you can learn more about Matthew Hopkins the Witch finder General who used it as a jail at the times that the trials were taking place.

4.  Colchester Zoo – One of Europe’s finest zoos and is only a short drive from the town itself. Set in some 60 acres of beautiful countryside the zoo is home to over two hundred different species for you to look at. Along with elephants in Elephant Kingdom, and Chimp World is home to the zoo’s chimpanzees. Plus you will find other parts of the zoo just as enthralling. Certainly, you may well find it difficult to actually get the kids to go home.

Check out this list of Colchester accommodation for your next visit.

The town of Llandudno in North Wales is one of the country’s premier holiday resorts and is found on the northern coast of Conwy. Due to this, there are plenty of Llandudno attractions for the whole family to enjoy whilst visiting this pleasant seaside town.

The town of Llandudno sits between Great Orme and Little Orme. The town faces the Irish Sea on one side and to the other is the estuary of the River Conwy. Between these headlands and the western and northern shores, the town has much to offer tourists.

The Great Orme is over 680 feet high and is home to Tudno Church, Great Orme’s copper minds and you can take the Llandudno Tramway to it.  The hill is also home to a flock of Kashmiri goats whose ancestors were a gift to the Queen Victoria from the Shah of Persia (now Iran). 

As you’d expect, Little Orme is smaller, this only rises 463 feet above Llandudno Bay and is the ideal location to view the Great Orme, Anglesey and even across to Snowdonia. Its cliff face offers bird spotters the chance to see razorbills and cormorants. Further back in time, one of its caves held a printing press that printed various Catholic prayer books. 

In Llandudno, you can visit The Alice in Wonderland Centre which features all sorts of characters from the famous book. The centre was opened, as Llandudno is a place where Alice Liddel the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s book, spent her childhood. 

Another of the most popular attractions in this town is its Pier. The structure was actually designed and built in only one year by James Brunlees and Charles Henry Driver and then officially opened in 1878. If you choose to walk along the pier, you will see a variety of ornately decorated small buildings that are home to a bar, cafe and traditional amusements. There are also gift shops if you’re on a hunt for souvenirs.

In the summer, the pier is where one can get the Steam Packet boat from to sail over to the Isle of Man. Along with the sailing over to the Isle of Man there are organised trips arranged so that you can explore it as well. Over the years, the pier has been extended and now stretches 695 meters out to sea.

Get your Llandundo hotel or guest house from this list.

The city of Gloucester is situated on the River Severn and is the 46th largest settlement in England. When you decide to visit Gloucester,

you’ll find lots of things to see and do in the city and close by.  A short drive from the city and visit the woodlands of the Royal Forest of Dean or looking at the views from atop the Malvern Hills. In the other direction Gloucester borders the Cotswolds and its many quaint and beautiful villages, which you can visit. 

Although historically the city has been a port, the docks got neglected and but have since been extensively renovated. There are plenty of riverside open spaces to wander around or you can visit one of the many shops in the docks area. There are also some lovely bars for you to relax with a quiet drink and maybe some food. One of the warehouses that are situated in this part of the city also houses the National Waterways Museum. Whilst in Custom House you will find a museum that is dedicated to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire. 

Other attractions that are of interest in the city include the Cathedral. This building has been a place of worship for more than thirteen hundred years. If you take the time to expore inside, you’ll be able to see its detailed architectural features and the cloisters are generally thought to be some of the most beautiful in present day England. If you get a sense of deja-vu, you recognize this building from somewhere you almost certainly do as it was used as a set for the Harry Potter films.

Another place that many people like to spend time in when visiting the city of Gloucester is its park. This is located very close to the heart of the city and was probably the first park to be developed. The park has lots of space to keep your children occupied and you to enjoy a picnic on a summers afternoon. The park is host to a number of different events during the summer. You can find out about these online or at the Information Office which is located in a cottage that dates back to Tudor times and will tell you exactly what is happening at the time of your visit.

One more place that may well be of interest to you when you v is Blackfriars. This is the oldest surviving Dominican Priory in England.  Although the friary itself was dissolved back in 1538, the buildings were then bought by Thomas Bell. He then spent money converting the church into a home and the remainder of the building was turned into a factory which made clothes locally. If you time your visit well, you may be able to take one of the guided tours offered by English Heritage.

Check out this Gloucester hotel directory for your next visit.

The Peak district National Park attracts visitors from around the globe some of whom come to get out in the wilds and are happy to stay in one of the Peak district b&bs whilst other come to the area to visit many of the town and villages around the area many of which are home to Peak district luxury hotels.

One of the towns in the area is Bakewell in Derbyshire and it is right in the heart of the Peak District, is a small and extremely beautiful market town. The town is situated on the River Wye and from the historical point of view the five arched bridge which dates back to the 13th century is still open to traffic. Due to increase in traffic over the centuries it was widened in the 19th century.

There is a lot of history to Bakewell that a lot of people don’t know about, the town its self has even been mentioned in the Doomsday book as having two priests a church which signified importance all those centuries ago. The local grammar school was founded in 1637 by the marriage between Sir George Manners and Grace Pierrepont and the school is known as Lady Manners School.

The local church, All Saints Parish of which the majority stands now, dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, with fragments of Norman and Saxon stonework, again like the bridge considerable restoration work took place in the 19th century. The church is low and broad with an octagonal tower giving grace to the beautiful spire.

There used to be in the centre of Bakewell the White Horse Inn, which has been replaced by The Rutland Arms Hotel, with some other various buildings being demolished in 1805, to form Rutland Square.

Centuries ago, these would of catered for coach travellers who passed through the town, and it has always been reputed for the connection to Jane Austin, who was reported to have stayed at this hotel, whilst writing Pride and Prejudice, and that Lambton in the book has been identified as Bakewell.

Another truly great invention happened by accident at the hotel, and that is the famous Bakewell pudding known throughout all of the UK. The story is told, that when the cook misinterpreted the baking instructions, and pored the egg mixture over the jam instead of adding to the pastry what should have been a tart had now become a pudding.

There are numerous shops in the town centre where these puddings can be purchased.

Bakewell in the peak district is at the southern end of the Pennines in Central England, there are thousands of people who visit this beautiful area every year, probably making it the second most popular National Park in England.

There are some really beautiful and interesting places to visit on Peak District holidays especially in and around Bakewell. The area has something for everyone, whether you want a hotel, or a guest house, there are plenty to choose from, who all offer good food and quality Bakewell holiday accommodation.

To fine out more about this delightfull region visit the Peak District tourism blog

Whilst visiting the peak district area, if you pass the sign for Ashbourne, turn the car around and go and visit this beautiful town. The place is one of the finest old market town’s around the area, though it must be said, there are still a lot of other beautiful places around the peak district.

If you are basing your Peak District holidays here, then there is a delightful array of comfortable Peak District holiday cottages for you to choose from , but many get booked well in advance so book early to get the best choice. Also as would be expected the area has a number of luxury hotels if you prefer the more pampered style of holiday.

The town, dating back to the Georgian period, was a highly fashionable and busy place for the wealthy all those centuries ago. Whilst walking around and looking at the buildings, which are truly magnificent, you can imagine, long ago, all the ladies walking around in all their beautiful finery.

With mellow town houses, and resplendent coaching inns, there is a truly unique atmosphere about this small town. Taking a stroll along the main street, you will come across historic alms houses and the 16th century old Grammar School. On a beautiful day, you can also take a walk along the Heritage Trail which takes you around the town.

Being a fair trade town means fair trade products are available in the restaurants, cafes, and shops, and there is still the local market which takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year with tradition going as far back to 1257.

Ashbourne has a wide variety of quality accomodation if you need somewhere to stay. In the central area of Ashbourne, there is the Beresford Arms Hotel, which offers accommodation and breakfasts. It all depends on the individual couple, or families as to what type of accommodation they require.

Outside of the town, there are farms to stay at, or privately run guest houses; some dating back to the 19th century. What ever the choice, there will always be something to suit everyone, whilst exploring this lovely town and the area around.

It must be remembered while visiting or holidaying in or around Ashbourne, right on the door step is the beautiful Peak District which offers something for everyone. For the avid walker, there are some truly amazing and beautiful walkways.

It is always good to have good rambling boots, which are also great for climbing. Walking and climbing are available provided local knowledge and advice has been found.

There are also numerous caves in the area, so if you are felling really adventurous ask about pot holing. There are many, many things on offer around this beautiful area, so it is well worth having a camera at the ready for snapshots of the scenic views and any animals you may come across.

Ashbourne is simply the perfect choice for your Peak District holidays.