Forget the Greek debt crisis and take a chance on a Greek Island vacation.
In such austere times the islanders need as many visitors as possible and you should be able to get a good deal. The Euro remains weak against the English Pound which for British tourists is an added a bonus. My love affair with the Greek Islands You may have already guessed if you have read any of this writer's previous travel reports about the Greek Islands that I love this unique destination. I may have only visited a handful of Greek Islands but that has been enough to form an eternal love affair with the region. Given the time and money I would hope to visit many more of these Islands and with around 1400 to choose from I will definitely be spoiled for choice. Ten reasons to visit the Greek Islands Variety Visiting the Greek Islands is odd. If you visit a country many times you will find other visits there are always similar, even if you travel to a different destination. The Greek Islands are not like that. Each Greek Island has its own little differences and peculiarities. Those islands in the Ionian Islands tend to be lush and green receiving plenty of rain out of season. Others will have a dry climate which will have resulted in a more barren terrain. Whether you are looking for a beach based holiday, one with history and culture or simply one that has a laid back lifestyle, there will be a Greek Island perfect for you. Some are very commercial and lively whilst others have retained traditional Greece traits and charm. Greek Islanders Greek people are lovely. Of course there will be the odd rogue Greek but that is true of people anywhere in the world. However, on the whole, the Greek Islanders will treat you well. They are respectful, friendly, polite and warm. Food and Drink The Greek Islands offer a diverse range of food and drink. For those wanting basic European cuisine there will be appropriate fare available. Traditional Greek foods and Greek food that is a little European is also on offer. Moussaka, Kleftiko, Greek Salads, Ouzo, Dolmades and Souvlaki are as tasty as they sound. Depending upon the Island and its location there may be local fresh fish dishes and Calamari or Squid. Beaches Fair enough some of the beaches in the Greek Islands are better than others. However, one thing is for sure, there is no shortage of beaches. Beaches such as Vai beach on the Island of Crete will be busy in high season but it does have lovely sand. The beaches on the Ionian Island of Lefkas are almost all made up of shingle, pebbles or stones. Watersports Most of the Greek Islanders are very comfortable on and in the water. As an Island people this is hardly surprising. The Greek Islands offer a range of water sports. For example, Lefkas has a world famous wind surfing bay at Vassiliki in the South of the island, due to the winds that regularly blow through this bay. Other Islands such as Rhodes offer boat trips and ferries to other Islands whilst islands such as Zante offer turtle watching boat trips. Scuba diving is available on many Greek Island. Weather Want warm weather but not sizzling hot scorching sun? Prefer to holiday where the sun is so hot the sandy beach is unbearable to walk on with bare feet? Due to the amount of Greek Islands and their varied locations it is possible to find an Island with weather that will suit you. May and September will usually be cooler months but of course the nights will draw in quicker each day. June July and August are usually hot and dry but again it depends which Island you are visiting. Scenery I don't quite know what we expected when we first visited the Greek Islands. One thing for sure though is we did not expect to experience such beautiful scenery; again though it depends on the Island. There are many Greek Islands that have stunning scenery, mountains, lush vegetation and more. Wildlife Well I do not mean the clubbing here. What I mean is the birds, butterflies, flowers, plants and trees that you find on so many of the Greek Islands. The wildlife is diverse and often so different to back home. Nightlife For those that love to go clubbing, dancing, drinking and more whilst on holiday there will be an Island for you. Faliraki on the Greek Island of Rhodes and Laganas Bay on Zakynthos have the reputation of being perfect for those seeking a wild time on holiday. Peace and quiet Alternatively those seeking peace and quiet are also catered for. Even Islands with a lively reputation have pockets of traditional Greece and peaceful havens. Opt for locally owned traditionally run accommodation instead of large hotels. Overall Having initially thought that I may struggle to find 10 reasons to holiday on a Greek Island I now realise I could find many more including;
One thing to bear in mind though, before you hot foot it down to your local travel agents, is that accommodation tends to be over rated in the Greek Islands. By this I mean that, what is rated as 4 star on the Greek Islands, would probably only be a two or three star elsewhere. Take this into account when you book your Greek Island vacation. Now go on. Off you go and book your Greek Island holiday. You lucky devil! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/galleries/The-19-best-Greek-islands/
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The historic city of York, Yorkshire, England, is a mere 38.2 miles from my hometown Kingston-Upon-Hull, yet we had not visited York for more than 20 years. In March 2012 we put that right, with a long weekend break as part of a 60th birthday celebrations. York was a city so familiar to me as a child, teenager and young woman. School trips to York were frequent due to the relatively short traveling distance and the number of museums, galleries and historic buildings to be found all over the city. You may wonder how come we had not visited York in such a long time and the answer is not complicated. Married for more than 40 years now hubby and I have never owned a vehicle; neither of us drives. We walk a lot, cycle although less often these days and use public transport. The privatisation of the railways in the UK played havoc with some regional services. The last time we had visited York we faced either a long bus journey or a train journey that was not a straightforward one. All of this meant that for us, with two rescue dogs sharing our home, a day trip to York was not worth the hassle. By the time we arrived it would almost be time to return. Yet I had a yen to visit York again for some time. So our long weekend break was to be a treat and I wondered what would have changed, if anything in York. There was no change as far as getting there went Works on a local train-line meant that we had to take a coach to a small village called Brough, then walk to a train station in order to get a train to York. We then had to change trains at Doncaster. Ultimately the journey was twice as long as it should have been. It was as well that we were staying over. So did York live up to our expectations? Yes it did, and some. Once we had located our Bed and Breakfast accommodation we decided we would explore York. It is not a large city but we managed to get lost. The old part of the city has ancient walls with a couple of historic gates leading out. Mistaking one gate for another we ended up with a mammoth walk. Once bitten twice shy though and by the second day we had found our "York legs". The bonus with walking a great deal day to day normally is trekking around a city such as York is no problem. There is so much to see as you wander around plus ample numbers of pubs and cafes around. A must see for many visitors to York, including us, is the National Railway Museum. As we walked to the NRM we passed so many other sights. York Minster was so central to our accommodation we used it frequently as a way to get our bearings. After passing the Minster, the famous Shambles is nearby. We first walked past a statue. The statue of Constantine was drawing a crowd of tourists, all angling to take the best shot of it. We had to snap the accompanying sign though which made us laugh. Glancing down the Shambles the familiar overhanging buildings had not changed at all. This is now a shopping area and full of tourists, especially at weekends. A walk past the park, Yorkshire Museum and York Eye eventually led us to the NRM. Although it was March the weather was kind. It was cold and crisp but a beautiful spring day. So we took in these sights before we finally entered the NRM. The National Railway Museum was one place that had changed since our last visit. It is close to the railway station and that has been radically overhauled too. The Museum is just so large. Finally for us, and the many children visiting the museum, the icing on the cake was the Hogwarts Express. It was sited outdoors but many of the engines are indoors; perfect for British weather. We decided on a round trip walk back. This was partially so we could remember where the various attractions are located in York. We passed the Jews or Clifford's Tower which is close to the Castle Museum. Both are well worth a visit. The Castle museum is large and has many displays. The Jews Tower is worthy of a visit more for its historic significance. At the foot of Clifford’s Tower a plaque marks the darkest chapter in the history of York’s Jewish community. "On March 16th 1190 a wave of anti-Semitic riots culminated in the massacre of an estimated 150 Jews – the entire Jewish community of York – who had taken refuge in the royal castle where Clifford’s Tower now stands." If you have enjoyed this virtual walk around York and get the chance to visit do so. The attractions detailed here are just some of those waiting for you to discover. This photo-essay is just a glimpse on many attractions in the historic city of York. In the last couple of years The Yorkshire Museum York has undergone extensive changes. The building is located in a pleasant green area, in the centre of the historic city of York which skirts the River Ouse.
York has so many attractions such as museums, historic buildings, churches, shops and more. The Yorkshire Museum though has to be ranked as one of the city's best places to visit. The museum's official website details, "The Yorkshire Museum reopened on 1 August 2010 following a nine-month £2million refurbishment project. Five new galleries now showcase some of Britain's finest archaeological treasures and many rare animals, birds and fossils, in exciting new displays. Our aim is to make the Yorkshire Museum a must-see destination in a tour around the beautiful city of York. Come and see us this summer and give us your verdict, whether you're a regular user of the museum or a first-time visitor. The refurbishment work has also restored the museum's Georgian building, letting in more natural light and opening up spaces that have been divided up over the years. The museum was opened in 1830 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and was one of the first purpose-built museums in the country." We visited this museum in early March 2012 and were pleasantly surprised. The recent renovations meant that the museum is in pristine condition. There was one exhibition still awaiting completion but there was so much more to see that it did not matter. If you are exploring York you will find that the Yorkshire Museum is close to the York Eye, The Railway Museum, the River boat trips, shops and cafes. Part of the gardens plays host to the York Mystery plays. On entering the museum the main forecourt included an interactive Roman display. Tap on an image and the Roman soldier or villager came to virtual life on a life-size screen and talked to visitors. Fascinating for young and old children and adults alike. Also included in the Yorkshire Museum is a large lecture theatre where when we visited museum visitors could watch a brief film showing the time-line for the history of York. The gardens cover ten acres and reach as far as the York Art Gallery. Historic buildings and remains of ancient walls are surrounded by green areas and flowers. For our Spring visit it was daffodils brightening up our days. The website carries full pricing and opening time details which include. Museum - We are open daily from 10am - 5pm, except for 25 and 26 December, and 1 January, and will be closing at 2.30pm on 24 and 31 December. Gardens - The gardens are open daily from 7.30am, except for 25 December. From late October until late March, they close at 6pm, and during the summer months they open later into the evening. Entry to the garden areas is free. Check out the website for current prices and upcoming exhibitions by following this link. A visit to the historic city of York in Yorkshire, England can leave you overwhelmed with the choice of attractions on offer.
If you have never visited before sifting through what is available can be time consuming. All too soon your visit will have ended and you may have missed some good opportunities. Already we have detailed shopping in York, especially in the area known as the Shambles, and a visit to the National Railway Museum, NRM, but what about organised walks? York is a relatively safe and trouble free city. It is not massive. Bear in mind though that some of the cobbled streets are hard on the feet. You should feel safe and comfortable wandering York's old and its modern streets. Organised walks though enable you to get to your destination, gain valuable information and walk about in the added safety of a small group. Ghost Walks can be fun. There are many such walks tramping around the old town each night. The cost varies as does the route and starting place. Most offer price reduction concessions. Clifford Tower, or The Jews Tower, is a well-known landmark in the City of York, and the itinerary of some ghost walks include this place. However there is a Jewish History Trail which includes Clifford's Tower as well as other places associated with the past Jewish community. Clifford's Tower is actually the Keep of what was York Castle. On March 16, 1190, 150 Jews were under siege in the Tower. In an act of collective suicide the Jews set fire to the Tower. The full history of this event and the tower can be read at Wikipedia Here. The York Jewish trail takes in a Norman house, a Jewish cemetery, synagogue, Jubbergate, a medieval synagogue and Clifford's Tower. Clifford's Tower is visited by many tourists each year. Some simply wander past on their way to the nearby Castle Museum. Others wander up the steps and take photos. It is worth a visit though. Closed during the off-peak season apart from weekends. Check out the current opening times and prices on offer by following this link. [York is a busy tourist attraction most tines of the year. Bear this and school holidays in mind when you plan a visit] The Historic City of York is in Yorkshire England. If you want history look no further. This relatively small city is packed to the rafters with attractions and history. Not that far from this blogger's home town it was a familiar place for day trips as a child. In recent years the visits have been less frequent. The problem is that for a medium sized city there is just too much to see comfortably in one day.
This was rectified earlier this week with a long weekend stay in York. Arriving by train Saturday lunchtime and departing Tuesday lunchtime there were still plenty of attractions left for us to visit next time. That is all to the good as we are already planning a winter break when we can include a little Christmas shopping. To write about York as one long blurb would be too much. Therefore the visit will be split into different reports. This one will detail The Shambles and shopping in York. So what are The Shambles? The Shambles is a very old street in the City of York. The buildings overhang the street and many are lopsided to say the least. It is quaint, charming and more often than not packed with sightseers. A narrow, cobble street runs through the middle but it is traffic free. Surprisingly York was damaged in the World War Two German bombing. Luckily however the City still has many of its original buildings and features. Some have been restored and but for signs declaring this you would not know. The Shambles date back to the fourteenth century. From then until the 1800s butchers shops populated the street. These days they have vanished. These days the shops are more "gentrified" including a hand made chocolate shop, gift shops galore and unusual shops. Close by the market offers a cheaper supply of the usual tourist goods. The Shambles is not a cheap place to shop. According to wikipedia various UK towns have their own shambles. "Shambles" is an obsolete term for an open-air slaughterhouse and meat market. They also got their names from having been the sites on which butchers killed and dressed animals for consumption. The Shambles in Stroud still has the hinged wooden boards attached to the shops, and hosts a regular local market" Well it is much more civilised these days. Pubs, cafes and restaurants abound in the area. The Shambles itself is surrounded by a wide shopping area which includes the usual Marks and Spencers, Banks and the like as well as more unusual shops. As so many of the streets are cobbled they can be hard under foot. Wearing sensible footwear or not is up to you but be warned. If you do not your feet will soon ache. Along the Shambles there is a house that is a small shrine. It is free to enter. It is a shrine to Saint Margaret Clitherow. Inside you will find a traditional Shambles room with dark wood paneling and a low ceiling. A small altar and pray area has been arranged here. In 1586 Margaret was arrested. She was accused of harbouring Roman Catholic priests. It was a time when the holy Roman catholic faith was not allowed in England. In an attempt to protect her children from being forced to testify and probably tortured Margraet refused to enter a plea to the court. For this she was crushed to death. This was the preferred punishment for those who refused to enter a plea at that time in our English history. Wikipedia details how Margaret was killed, "She was killed on Good Friday 1586. The two sergeants who should have killed her hired four desperate beggars to kill her. She was stripped and had a handkerchief tied across her face then laid out upon a sharp rock the size of a man's fist, a door was put on top of her and slowly loaded with an immense weight of rocks and stones (the small sharp rock would break her back when the heavy rocks were laid on top of her). Her death occurred within fifteen minutes; she was left for 6 hours before the weight was removed from her corpse. After her death her hand was removed, and this relic is now housed in the chapel of the Bar Convent, York. After Clitherow's execution, Elizabeth I wrote to the citizens of York to say how horrified she was at the treatment of a fellow woman: due to her gender, Clitherow should not have been executed." If you visit the shrine spare a prayer or thought for Margaret be you religious or not. It is a peaceful place amongst the thronging 21st Century shoppers roaming The Shambles. It was only in the 20th Century that Margaret became recognised for her courage and sacrifice. She was beatified in 1929 by Pope Pius XI and canonised in 1970 by Pope Paul VI along with other martyrs from England and Wales. If you visit the Shambles pre Christmas you will be in for a treat. However at any time of year it is a fascinating place to visit. This writer is very lucky to have the historic city of York within easy travelling distance. York has history by the bucket loads, it also has shopping, a wealth of museums, beautiful nearby countryside, the races, Castle Howard a short distance away and so much more. When you visit York, be it for a day, a weekend or a vacation you will find that there is just so much on offer. Located in the county of Yorkshire, God's Own Country, England, there are the Dales and coastal resorts close by. Take a boat trip down the River Ouse in the heart of York to the Bishop's Palace; experience a flavour of days gone by at the Jorvik, Viking, museum with smells, sights and sounds of the past; visit the quaint shops in The Shambles or check out the Castle Museum which needs a full days' visit in order to do it justice. Around 1,000 years ago York was one of England's leading cities. Its power may have gone but this has been replaced with bags of tourist appeal. Just a few attractions on offer The Castle Museum York's Castle Museum is very large. It includes life-size replicas of days gone by and gives the visitor glimpses into bygone years. These are in the form of sitting rooms, prisons and streets, for example. The museum shows a wealth of history over quite a period of time. Its recreated Victorian Street includes an actual shop that was moved to the museum. Displays around the museum include the sixties and Castle prison. Castle Museum covers a large area and may not suit those with mobility issues. There is a museum cafe and shop. For further details contact: York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY. Telephone: 01904 687687 Clifford's or The Jews Tower As children in 1950s England we tended to refer to CliffordsTower as the Jews Tower. This was because in 1190 the Jewish community of York took refuge in the tower. At that time the tower was made of wood. Some of the persecuted Jewish community taking part in this siege committed suicide. Eventually the tower was set ablaze and those Jews who did not die in the tower were killed when they emerged. This early anti-semitism was very much a sign of the times. When you visit Cliffords Tower there is little to actually see inside but it does offer wonderful views of York. It is also quite a poignant place to visit as you read a little of the history of the Jews and the Tower. Jorvik, Viking Centre When the Jorvik Viking Centre first opened the queues waiting to enter were huge. Boards were placed along the queues indicating how long the waiting time was to enter. It was often more than a three hour wait to enter this unusual museum. During the last 25 years over 15 million visitors have visited Jorvik. Thankfully the waiting time is usually much less these days, however, queues are still the norm. Avoid the school holidays for a more relaxed visit. Jorvik has a full program of events each year. As an example of pricing a standard adult ticket is £10.25 but there are concessions. National Railway Museum At one time the National Railway Museum at York was called the Transport Museum. However, its modern name is fitting, as York played such a huge part in the English history of the railways. With over 300 years of history and over 1,000,000 objects the National Railway museum is popular with both young and old. The bonus is that entry is free but you can leave a donation. The museum is located at Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ. The museum's opening times are: Daily 10.00am - 18.00 Closed 24, 25, 26 December The Shambles The Shambles is not just one street but rather an area of medieval twisting lanes with quaint houses that overhang the road. The upper floors of these houses are close to each other. So much so that people could reach out to each other from the upper floors. There are many unusual shops around the Shambles but just wandering around the old buildings is interesting. The Shambles is always busy with visitors and this means that shopping here can be pricey. York City Walls The ancient city walls are open for the public to walk around. You may find however that some areas are restricted. The wall was built by the Romans in the first century AD. The original walls took a series of batterings over the years and much of them was re-constructed in the middle ages. Walking the walls gives great views and a lesson in history but take care. York Minster Whether you have religious belief or not York Minster is a great place to visit. Having suffered a serious fire some years ago it has been lovingly restored. As well as the Minster there are many churches well worth visiting around York.
York Mystery Plays. When I was a teenager studying at school our class visited the mystery plays at York. Held in the open air, close to the ancient city walls the setting is perfect. Visitors from around the world visit the York mystery plays but England being England remember that it could be cold when you visit. We took outwear but still found that toward the end of the play, as darkness fell, it was very cold. The atmosphere is brilliant though. York Races York races may not be host to the biggest national racing events but they play their part in the racing calendar. Check out upcoming race meetings. Castle Howard Castle Howard, film set of the TV series Brideshead Revisited, is near to York. It is a magnificent stately home with indoor and outdoor attractions. A boat trip on the River Ouse Boat trips along the River Ouse are popular. You can take an organised boat trip and enjoy lunch on board. The excursions usually pass the Bishop of York's Palace. York's tourist Guide If you are considering a visit to York or just want to learn more about this fascinating city check out the link to the tourist guide. Details of local attractions, addresses and prices are available on the site. There is also information regarding suitable accommodation. York has good train service, bus and coach links and is only a 45 minutes drive from the Leeds/Bradford International airport. Finally The attractions briefly detailed above are only a sample of some of the best available in York. Check out The Treasurer's House, Yorkshire air museum at Elvington, York Dungeons, York Art Gallery, Mansion House, Barley Hall, The Ghost Walks and so much more. A great holiday destination Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and really has something for everyone but as always it is imperative that you choose your holiday resort well and consider the best time to visit. The East of Crete tends to have the hottest, driest and sunniest weather and it is not unusual for this side of the Island to experience no rain at all from April until late September. However early in September there can be strong winds. The West of the Island however can become overcast and have some rain at almost any time of year, although on the whole it is still very warm. The West of the Island also has a different feel from the East. There are many small places to visit around the Island, really far too many to mention them all, so I have detailed some of the main resorts and these should fit most peoples requirements. These are all on the Northern coastline of Crete. There are resorts on the southern side but these are not visited quite so often by British tourists apart from day trippers. We took a local bus to Irepetra and loved this resort although it was windy when we visited. My poor suntanned back blistered due to being sandblasted on the beach! Still I would like to stay here if and when we visit Crete again. Ag Nik, Agios Nikolas, has a good bus station with a reasonable timetable. Buses travel all around the Island and are good value. Not far from the bus station just alongside the tiny beach was our favourite taverna. Locally caught swordfish was Hubby's favourite whilst I preferred the Kleftiko. This was lamb in filo pastry. I have eaten this dish on different Greek Islands but it was totally different here in Crete. For those interested in Ancient history there are the remnants of The Palace of Knossos nearby. All in all Crete is a great place to holiday. The locals are warm and friendly and all speak fluent English. The currency is now the Euro. Watch out though. If you visit in high season, or certain resorts, as you may find the night life frightening. Choose the perfect time and place for you. Hints and Tips
Rethymnon had some great shops and places to eat and is a large resort. It has a quarter that has venetian influences and this shows in the architecture. Chania, pronounced HANIA, is a great place to buy local leather goods. There is a large market here which is interesting to visit. Chania is a lively place and was bustling with people when we were there. There is an airport close to Chania. We also visited Souda Bay and for some of our fellow travllers this was there main reason for the visit. It holds a war memorial dedicated to those who lost their life as part of the World War Two battles on Crete. Even though we had no personal links here we found it a sad, peaceful, pretty, quiet and moving place to walk around. As part of this tour we also visited Crete's only natural lake. Lake Kournas had ducks, pedalos, a cafe, some mystery and those dreadful Greek toilets which are two foot plates at either side of a hole in the ground. Still they caused quite a bit of hilarity amongst us tourists. The lake is surrounded by mountains and it was here we saw our only sight of any rain during the whole of our two-week holiday. It was only a brief display of rain splashes and it was still very warm. The Samaria Gorge can be visited by booking a specific excursion here. We decided to give this one a miss. It is a long and tiring day, or so we were told. It involves a coach and bus trip as well as a long, hot walk through the Gorge. However if you want to see fabulous views and experience the flora and the fauna this could be for you. Come prepared though. Animal welfare or lack of it
Animal Welfare in and around the Greek Islands leaves a lot to be desired. I thought long and hard about what image to display here. In the end I opted for the Save The Animals Of Crete, image. There were some dreadful images of half starved dogs that ended up being euthanized. As an animal lover this is one of the hard things I find when travelling abroad, especially in Greece. Dogs and cats tend to live a street life. Some eat reasonably well but they often have no true home. Tourists will feed dogs and cats tit-bits and often buy pet food at local stores. If you do this remember that the animal may not be able to stomach rich tinned pet food. Use your common sense and always take care of your safety. If you are bitten you could be facing Rabies shots or worse. Up to now we have always fared well with the local dogs and usually have one or two following us around. It is not easy as you are damned if you do and damned if you do not, as far as feeding these animals goes. Just follow your heart. This problem is not just a Greek problem but is all too frequently a European one. If you can offer any financial assistance to animal charities fighting this lack of welfare please give generously. http://www.crete4animals.gr/o Never heard of Hull or as local people call this gritty northern city 'Ull? Well that could be set to change as Hull steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight as UK City of Culture 2017. Welcome to Kingston-upon-Hull Kingston-Upon-Hull is situated on the North Bank of the River Humber in the southern area of Yorkshire. Traditionally it was classed as being in the East Riding of Yorkshire until government boundary changes. For more years than it liked Hull, as it is popularly known, was classed as being part of the newly created county of North Humberside. Few liked this new region and although it meant further costly changes back to East Riding of Yorkshire signs the people were happy to comply. Kingston-Upon-Hull may be a fairly large City with more than its fair share of problems but it is a fighter, and so are its people. In recent years access has been easier due to the long awaited construction of the Humber Bridge. At time of completion this Bridge held the record as the world's longest single span suspension bridge in the world. It held this record for about 17 years. Costing locals a small fortune, even today, this bridge has been both a blessing and a millstone. By the time it was completed in 1981 it was too late to help locals as much as was hoped. Ever increasing tolls have also been more than just a pain. However, it has brought visitors and businesses to Hull, many of whom would have bypassed the city previously. When Hull's vibrant Fishing trade died so did many of the local industries. Add to this the severe bombing that Hull suffered during the Second World War and it is easy to see that Hull has not an easy ride during the last 60 years or so. In 2007 many Hull Homes were severely hit with the June floods. In the fifties Hull had the reputation of being the third largest Port in the country but that record was lost years ago as many of the city's docks closed. Hull has hit unfortunate dizzying heights in more than one way as a hit in a "Worst place to live in England" poll, but hopefully those days are gone. So, fighters we are and the 21st Century has seen many changes around the City. The local Council has tried to revamp our active Museum quarter, our sporting heritage, shopping, theatre and more. Further renovations have been underway for our City of Culture year. Famous local people. past and present, include:- Tom Courtney, The Housemartins, Mick Ronson, John Alderton, Norman Collier, Maureen Lipman, Phillip Larkin, Andrew Marvell, William Wilderforce, Joe Longthorne, John Prescott, Alan Plater, Trevor Bolder, Amy Johnson, Roland Gift, Andrew Motion, Keith Devlin, Nick Barmby, Barrie Rutter, Sheila Mercier, Francis Durbridge, Ian Carmichael, Herbert Baker, Thomas Ferens and Maria Gilhooley(aka Waterson). This list has politicians, philanthropists, poets, actors, actresses, rock musicians and more, but is not exhaustive. VISITING HULL AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Hull offers:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38358407 https://www.absolutelycultured.co.uk/ The city of Kingston-upon-Hull is counting down to its year in the spotlight. January 1, 2017, Hull becomes the 2017 City of Culture in the UK. The 2001 UK census revealed that the population of Kingston-Upon-Hull, or Hull as it is more commonly known, as 253,400. This, my home town has had its fair share of problems over the years and has, in the past, been voted one of the worst places to live in England. Its population is decreasing as many people move away, usually South, where the economic climate is more favourable. Yet this relatively small city has always had a good stock of museums and galleries. Most of these are owned and run by the local council and this means that they are free to visit. Hull has developed a Museum Quarter in the Old Town which means many attractions are close by one another. More recent developments have entrance fees and are privately owned but overall Hull Museums and Galleries offer a wealth of interest, and are free to visit and therefore useful for those visiting Hull on a tight budget. If you find yourself in Yorkshire why not stop by and take a look. It may be that you cross the River Humber via the bridge on your way to Leeds, for example. Instead of by-passing Hull make a detour and see what is here. For those holidaying in Yorkshire Hull is only 7 miles from the market town of Beverly and 34 miles from historic York. So one of Hull's best assets is its Museum service Wilberforce House is situated along the High Street in the Old Town area of Hull. Many of Hull's finest buildings were lost in the blitz but pockets of them have survived. The High Street boasts some fine old buildings and pubs, such as Ye Old Black Boy. A fitting name for a pub situated so close to Wilberforce House the birthplace of England's most famous slavery abolitionist but now renamed in politically correct fashion. Wilderforce house has undergone various renovations over the years and the most recent was controversial. In the old panelled rooms some have interactive screens and the like which tell the story of slavery, William Wilberforce and the fight to change the law regarding slavery. However the most recent changes have taken away some of the character of the house. These displays could be displayed more fittingly in an adjoining exhibition room and the history of the house left in tact. The previous alterations saw displays of replica slave ships with full size models of slaves on board. This was a very moving display, and the sound effects and commentary created a great atmosphere. However Wilberforce House is still definitely worth a visit and can be found at:- The High Street, Hull Opening times are:- Weekdays and Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 1.30-4.30pm Bank holidays times may vary. Last admission is 15 minutes before closing. Entrance is free. Nelson Mandela Gardens at the side of the house are a great place to have a picnic lunch. These have been reduced in size as access to other museums was incorporated. The gardens at the back of the house lead down to the River Hull where it is possible to walk along the old walkway. It is fitting that the floating museum the Arctic Corsair is moored on the River Hull, just at the back of Wilberforce House. This once active trawler was no longer needed with the loss of Hull's Fishing trade. However, rather than just scrap it, the Arctic Corsair became a museum manned by volunteers who are ex seamen. To visit you will need to book in advance at:- The Fishing Heritage Museum next to the Hull and East Riding Museum. A short film is shown pre your visit. It is usually open from March to October. General public tours Wednesday 10am - 4.30pm Last tour starts at 3pm Saturday 10am - 4.30pm Last tour starts at 3pm Sunday 1.30pm - 4.30pm Last tour starts at 3pm The old Transport Museum was situated further along the High Street, when I was a child, in a magnificent old building. As part of Hull City Council's revamp of the Museums a new purpose built building was constructed. This opened in phases but was completed a while back. I used to love the old transport museum but find that this new place is very fitting and a great place to visit. It is well laid out and has old trolley buses, trams, trains, carriages, cars, small planes and more. There is an old reconstructed street which has many peculiar items on display, in the shop windows, which were all on sale when I was young. One old shop was taken lock stock and barrel into the museum. The difference to the old Transport Museum of my childhood is that most of the displays in the new Street life are interactive. Children, or adults, can climb on board the old vehicles and signal box which makes for a more interesting and memorable visit. Adjacent to the Wilberforce House Gardens, Street-life is easy to access and a fun place to visit, for all ages. For those less mobile there is a lift for viewing the upper floors. Check out the opening times at:- Street-life Museum of Transport 36 High Street Hull HU1 1NQ England Tel:-01482 613 902 / Fax 01482 613 710 Hulls Maritime Museum used to be situated along Hessle Road near Pickering Park. In 1974 the contents of this museum moved to the old Dock Offices in the Centre of Hull. These offices had been next to an old dock but with the changing times the Dock was filled in and became the Queen's Gardens. Princes Dock across the road was left rotting for years until a large glass and metal shopping centre was constructed over it. Nearby on Monument Bridge there was a statue of William Wilberforce which was a local landmark. This was moved in 1935 due to the increase in traffic around Victoria Square and is still in its new location. It is along Queen's Gardens and next to the College. Town Docks is perfect for Hull's Maritime Museum. It is a beautiful building with many rooms just right for the displays. There are some static displays but this museum does have a full programme of different events throughout the year and some temporary exhibitions. Much of Hull's previous wealth and fortune was made from fishing and whaling. The city has fine artifacts which at least these days everyone can view. The old museum had some old whale bones outside but Town Docks has these on show indoors. The Town Docks Maritime Museum is:- Free Opens Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 1.30pm to 4.30pm Last admission is 15 minutes before closing. There is a museum shop which sells a good selection of prints, cards and the like. You can also pick up a huge selection of information leaflets about other local attractions. Ferens Art Gallery or as it more usually called, The Ferens, is situated just across the pedestrianised square from the Town Docks Museum. Victoria Square used to be a very busy area of town but with the pedestrianisation it is now less busy. Victoria Square has a fine statue of Queen Victoria sitting in the middle, but, unfortunately, it is only over the City centre public toilets. The Ferens is world famous and has a good reputation. It underwent changes in recent years and had a large extension added on to the main building, around the time that Princes Quay was being developed. The Ferens closed for major renovations ahead of the city of culture. It is expected to repoen early in 2017. The Ferens has permanent displays of past masters and modern geniuses as well as those that just baffle the beholder. Frans Hals and Canaletto were amongst the permanent displays along with many maritime artists. The temporary exhibitions have shown artists such as Picasso and Salvador Dali. The gallery has installations at times and interactive exhibitions. There is always a full programme of "hands on" workshops for children during the school holidays. The centre-court downstairs has seen some strange exhibitions over the years. One that springs to mind was a completely wrecked car that was hung from its rear end and dangled over the Gallery. It was an exhibition detailing fragility and our mortality. Well I think it was. The Ferens has had its fare share of controversy over the years and has never shied away from showing exhibits that are a little off the wall or contentious. One such exhibition never saw such a massive amount of visitors visit the gallery before as when the national press condemned it and at one stage the police threatened to close the gallery. With cool marble and wood floors, roman chairs to sit on, and contemplate the art work, the Ferens is a great place to chill and relax on a hot day. Admission to the Ferens, including the Children's Gallery, is free. The gallery is usually open - Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm Last admission at 4.45pm Sunday 1.30pm - 4.30pm Last admission at 4.15pm. The Ferens is open on Easter Monday, May Day bank holiday, spring bank holiday and summer bank holiday. There is lift access for those with mobility issues. There is also a popular cafe that is usually bustling with activity. The address is:- Ferens Art Gallery Queen Victoria Square Kingston upon Hull HU1 3RA The Deep is one of Hull's latest attractions. It is a huge submarium situated near to the River Humber. You can easily walk to it from Hull's Museum Quarter or there is a local bus service. This place is not owned by the council and charges an entrance fee. It may seem quite pricey but it is well worth visiting. The Deep is set out over many floors and if you are into fish, fishing or simply the waters of the world it is a must to visit. Concessions are available. It is easy to spend a half a day or more in here so make sure that you visit early in the day. Princes Dock Street Hull, HU1 2JX, United Kingdom Tel +44 1482 381 000 It is possible to book part of The Deep for conferences and as an unusual place to get married. Hull also has The Spurn Lightship which is a floating museum located in the Marina. Although the visit here may be brief it is interesting. Children tend to love clambering all over this old vessel which worked hard at Spurn along the Humber for many years. I have not detailed the Hull and East Riding Museum as I have not visited this building, since it was the old transport museum. With dinosaur bones and bronze age treasures children should love this museum though. ADVICE
http://www.hullcc.gov.uk/museums Menorca is one of the Spanish Balearic Islands, situated in the Mediterranean sea. It is less brash, noisy or large than its close neighbour Majorca and is a beautiful Island. Having fallen in love with Menorca in 2010, we returned for another vacation in September 2011 and again and again. Our next visit is scheduled for May 2017. One of the largest towns on Menorca is Mahon the Island's capital so I will enjoy a virtual visit with you, until I can walk its streets again. Menorca was once home to the British military. As a Menorcan resident said to us "we do not mind you visiting these days, as long as you go home at the end of your vacation". That said many UK tourists eventually move to Menorca, as its climate is kind and its pace of life relaxing. Ciutadella At the opposite end of the Island, to Mahon, is Ciutadella. This was once the island's capital and has much to offer the visitor. Mahon These days though Mahon is the capital of Menorca. The British invasion of bygone years meant that Mahon's deep waters warranted a change of capital. Mahon is the deepest natural harbour in the world. These days it is just the cruise ships and ferries that benefit from the deep waters. However, tourist boats offer trips around the harbour and beyond. The waters of Mahon contain many interesting sites such as:
Visiting Mahon Mahon is a great place to explore. Its narrow streets have the charm of a bygone time. The people are warm and friendly and you will feel at ease be it day or night. It is hilly in parts so if you have mobility issues plan your visit well. On a Saturday night the local people mingle with tourists as they enjoy the end of their working week. The cafes, bars and restaurants offer something for everyone. We visited Menorca first in October 2010, a little before the end of the tourist season. Menorca closes its doors to visitors on the last day of October. Until May the next year the only flights available are not direct. Take a flight to Barcelona and a boat trip to visit Menorca. Mahon has an interesting fish market and a traditional market held in what used to be a monastery, spectacular views over the Bay of Mahon, shops, museums, a small gin factory and so much more. Mahon Fact: Mayonnaise may have been invented by Duke de Richelieu in France, in 1756 but it was first conceived, created or what you will in Menorca. According to many sources, during the siege of Mahon, there was a shortage of food supplies. The chef decided to whip eggs and oil together, without adding any seasoning. This dressing was then served at a dinner party hosted by Duke de Richelieu. Mayonnaise was named after a battle against the British which was fought and won in Mahon. The name Mayonnaise was therefore from the word Mahon. The currency at time of writing is the Euro. The airport is on the suburbs of Mahon. A bus station located in Mahon offers transport around the island and runs a service to the airport. The times and places visited vary according to the time of year. Most visiotrs hire a car for ease of getting around the Island. You can hire bicycles also. As you will have realised by now I loved Mahon and so did my Hubby. Now this is saying something, as he does not usually like capital cities. I have added a few of my photographs taken in and around Mahon, but not too many. To enjoy your first visit you really need to still have lots to discover. |
Where in the world do you want to go today? One Woman uses personal experiences to show you some of the best places to visit in the United Kingdom and beyond. Enjoy!
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