A Historian’s Haven: London

A wise person once said that one cannot fully understand the present until one understands the past – and never has a truer word been spoken. To fully comprehend the world in which we live in, it is important to know where we were and how we got here. It is only when studying the development of society that we can understand society itself.

It is for this reason that London, the capital city of England, is such an enduringly popular tourist destination. When searching for historical knowledge, the hundreds of years of past are wrapped within the walls of this great city – the foundation of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen. London is a significant historical city, particularly for those interested in politics and monarchy. In many cases, if something has happened in history, it either happened in London or the inspiration was taken from events in the capital.

London is now a thriving metropolis, teaming with the latest avant garde fashions and a night life to satisfy even the most debauched night club goer. Yet behind the current glare of fashion, beauty and the high life sits a bloody and torn history of London, that helped shape the fabric of the world today. This is a city that has suffered, seen horrific acts and witnessed some of the most crucial decisions in history. It is therefore a historian’s haven, and long may it continue.

To try and list all of the sites of historical significance in London would be akin to attempting to count the grains of sand upon a beach. There is, however, a key highlight that should be included in any sightseeing tour of this fascinating city.

The Tower of London, in the centre of the city, is a Medieval fortress, royal palace and prison – although perhaps best known for the latter. Having been built by William the Conqueror in 1077 and used as a stronghold for the monarchy ever since, it has served equally as a royal residence and a royal prison. The most celebrated monarch of all time, Elizabeth I, was once held in the tower on suspicion of treason. With nearly 1,000 years of history, no visit to London would be complete with a trip to the Tower.

Dublin: The Fairest of Them All?

Once upon a time, Dublin was the hub of the Irish Republican Army and their struggle to free themselves from the clutches of the British. It was the rallying point for the likes of Podraig Pearse and Eamon De Valera, the capital of Ireland and the scene of some of the most disturbing struggles for freedom in the history of the world. Now, it is a city where drunken stockbrokers go for a stag weekend and the “craic”.

The image of Dublin as, essentially, party central is not incorrect. There is no doubt that the capital of the Republic of Ireland is a brilliant place to have a night out, enjoying the fun – or “craic”, as English and American tourists like to say, while the Irish shy away from this phrase – of the notorious Temple Bar and sampling the world famous Guinness. Yet Dublin is so much more than that, a fact rarely appreciated by the weekend crowd who see it nothing more than a larger night club.

Dublin is one of the most charming cities on the face of the planet, and deserves a little more credit than the booze-fuelled weekends it is becoming synonymous with. As well as the moving stories of the Easter Rising in 1916, where Ireland battled with Britain to be free from their oppression regime, there city has hundreds of years of history dating back to before Christ.

The city is also a hub for fans of literature. Over the years, the city has been the home of many world famous writers, including Oscar Wilde and Dracula author, Bram Stoker. In fact, one can visit the house and street where Dracula, the forerunner to the vampire fiction of today, was actually written.

Dublin is also host to distilleries and museums celebrated that favorite Irish past-time: drinking. Factories and museums of Dublin’s two most famous exports, the stout drink Guinness and whiskey, can be visited and enjoyed. Each tour of the distillery ends with a tasting session; thankfully, a taxi rank is located outside for convenience of the less than sober visitors who must find their way home!

Simply, look beyond the night life and one soon discovers a Dublin of historical and cultural significance… all of which can be taken in with a night on the town, of course.

An English Town in France

The port of Calais in northern France is arguably one of the most disputed territories in history, with an almost constant war for possession being fought between the English and French for nigh on 500 years. Throughout its history, Calais has swapped hands many times, before finally being settled as a French territory in the 20th century.

However, the city remains undeniably English in many ways; one cannot wipe away years of history with one simple treaty agreement. While on mainland France, Calais is also connected by the Channel Tunnel and rail links to England. For many people living in Southern England, it is actually easier to pop over to Calais – France – than it is to visit England’s second city, Birmingham.

Calais has become famous over recent decades as the natural watering hole of the booze cruise day tripper; visitors from England, with its high alcohol taxation, flock to the more affordable Calais and buy as much alcohol as can feasibly be transported. This constant use by visiting English day trippers has kept much of Calais predominantly English; particularly close to the port, signs and road directions are given in English as well as French, and English food is readily available.

However, should one get the chance to venture beyond the warehouses of alcoholic plenty in Calais, there is more to see of this city. While it is easy to have a general perception of Calais as a somewhat dank and miserable industrial area, if penetrated a little deeper, it becomes charmingly French in style and custom. The problem is, many day trippers are keen to get their booze and get home, thus never bothering to see what else the city has to offer.

The main square and meeting area in Calais is as French as any southern town, with charming architecture and stunning floral arrangements dotted around. The town is full of adorable little French shops, selling stunning French cheeses and coffee; both of which would make a wonderful addition to the alcohol usually purchased by a booze cruiser. So the next time you plan a stop in Calais to stock up the wine cellar, why not book ferry or tunnel crossings a little further apart, and enjoy this town and it’s Anglo-French history for awhile.

It’s Nice To Be In Nice

On the south west coast of France, there is a city that’s name should tell you all you need to know. Nice (pronounced nee-ce) is one of the stars of the French Rivera, a glittering gem of glamour and money, akin to the likes of Cannes (famous for its film festival) and Monaco. Even though the pronunciation of Nice means it is not actually being described as pleasant, it is nevertheless a popular holiday destination for tourists from across the world. It is, it would appear, nice to be in Nice.

Nice itself is a bustling city with a sea front. The architecture is primarily white washed, as the temperatures of the region can easily top 40 degrees Celsius in summer, and stay warm throughout the year. Nice is also famous for its palm trees, many of which dot the pavements and sidewalks, as well as along the main beach and promenade.

The city has become an increasingly popular destination, due in no small part its place on the budget flight map. Return flights to Nice can, if booked in advance and at the right time, cost as little as £40. Considering the city itself is stunning, this is all the more advantageous as Nice can also serve as a gateway to France and Italy due to its geographical location. The main airport in Nice is a tourist attraction in itself, with huge sumptuous views across the blue ocean and wide, open glass buildings that maximize on the view.

Unlike many Western tourists destinations, Nice also has the bonus of being a relatively cheap place to stay. To go with the budget air travelers, many budget hotels have sprung up around the airport, making it a perfect place for a quick, cheap, fling in the sun. Flights from the UK to Nice take around an hour and a half from the London airports, making it convenient, too.

Essentially, Nice has it all. It has all the charm and promise of a French city, but without extravagant prices. Getting there and staying there is cheap, and with around 20 flights to Nice departing from the UK every day, it’s easy to travel there, too. Have yourself a nice holiday, that won’t break the bank, in Nice.

Roman Holiday

Every few years, a news organization or broadcaster attempts to compile a list of places that people should try and see before they die. Always, without fail, the Italian capital of Rome appears on these lists. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, having made its mark as both the hub of the Catholic faith but also a fun and trendy place for backpackers and city break tourists to visit. It is this crossing of the boundaries that makes Rome unique, and perhaps explains its place in the ‘must see’ lists.

Rome is a city of endless wonders, with historical buildings and monuments stretching thousands of years into the past and a night life that would put any European city to shame. It is a busy, bustling vibrant city that sparkles with modernity; but all of this is found in an ancient, stunning setting. Visiting Rome is an experience quite unlike any other due to this dual purpose of combining the oldest of civilization with the new.

It is impossible to talk of Rome without mentioning Vatican City, the home of the Catholic faith. Vatican City is a country within a country and is located in Rome itself, with strict boundaries policed by the Vatican City keepers, the Swiss Guard, vehemently. If while visiting Rome you decide to enter Vatican City, it is worth remembering that rules of decency are particularly strong in this home of one of the most conservative faiths; shorts and skirts are not allowed, so plan your attire ahead of time. The Vatican City is home to one of the most stunning buildings ever built, St. Peter’s Basilica, and is also the host to mass religious worshipping around the time of the Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas.

Rome itself is not to be outdone on stunning architecture and history, with many amazing sites of interest dating back to ancient times. A particular highlight for any visiting tourist is the Colosseum, a huge Roman amphitheatre in the centre of the city.

Coupled with the chance to visit some of the most exciting and stimulating bars and clubs Europe has to offer, Rome is a city that one should indeed visit before you die.

Pompeii: History Cloaked In Ash

The town of Pompeii is one of the most visited areas of Italy; a city not in need of any more tourist traps. But unlike other tourist destinations in the country such as Rome or Florence, there is no buzzing night life or historical thrills to be gained at Pompeii. For Pompeii is a city covered in ash, a moment frozen in time, and many visitors describe it as an extremely moving experience.

Pompeii’s history begins in AD 79. Along with sister town Herculaneum, Pompeii became victim to an eruption by a nearby volcano – Mount Vesuvius. When Vesuvius erupted, the residents of Pompeii – never having seen such a site before, and unfortunately thousands of years away from being able to check what they were seeing on the internet – were unsure what to do. While some residents attempted to escape the town, many did not. When the ferocity of Vesuvius continued uncontrollably, Pompeii – and any residents still inside – was buried in volcanic ash, preserving it for centuries to come. Modern historians estimate that Pompeii was buried in up to 60 foot of ash.

The site, over time, has been excavated, though Pompeii has never returned to full public use. Due to some of the horrors found within – bodies were not present, but the ash-solid casings of them were, often curled on floors in horror – the site has long been declared a sacred place.

Modern Pompeii still has the body casts of the unfortunate residents who did not flee in time, along with numerous other artifacts from the exact day that Vesuvius erupted. The ash coating preserved everything almost perfectly, providing a unique snapshot from a moment in history.

Although a sobering experience, over 2.5 million tourists visited Pompeii in 2008. It is best reached by bus or shuttle from Rome, though can be travelled to across the Bay of Naples. There are numerous and daily sightseeing expeditions to the area, and for any Italian tourist, it is an absolute must. And just in case you were worried; Vesuvius has been silent and dormant since 1822.

New York, New York: So Good They Named It Twice

With many cities across the world, there is an association which is at least in part designed to represent what that city is said to be about. These associations serve as a useful hook for travel writers and marketers of the city, and many have become so ingrained in the public conscious it is hard to disassociate the city from the words.

The main association with New York City is that it is the city that never sleeps. This is largely attributed to the fact that the city is a bustling, thriving metropolis, the hub of the Western world with powers that not even sunset can conquer. For any tourist looking for variety and spice, this so-called sleepless city is the answer to your prayers.

New York city has the ability to cater to almost everything a tourist could desire, with the only exception being large open spaces and clear air (though this can be found a few miles from the city itself in upper New York state). If arts and literature are your thing, there’s the famous Broadway and its associated shows; many of which features stars of stage and screen that are household names.

There is also a bustling, throbbing nightlife, as well as some of the most respected restaurants in the world. New bars and clubs are opening constantly across the city, meaning that no matter how many times you visit, there will always be something new and exciting to see and do.

The city is also packed to bursting with art and historical museums, including the world renowned Guggenheim museum of art. There are also architectural triumphs to visit, such as the Statue of Liberty and the famous Empire State Building. And on a different level, but still a popular tourist attraction, there is also Ground Zero; the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, where the two World Trade Centre buildings used to stand.

With all that to see and do, you may find it is not just New York itself that doesn’t have time to sleep!

The Package Holidayers Delight: The Algarve

The Algarve is a region of Portugal, famed for its tourist scene and the local fishing. The region is renowned for its sardines; they are a local delicacy, and available to be enjoyed almost fresh from the ocean. A popular tourist pastime in the Algarve is to sail out with a fishing ship and catch their fish, then take it to one of the numerous dockside cafes and have it cooked immediately. These trips are relatively inexpensive, and can be a fun day out for all the family.

The Algarve is a tourist haven more than it is a Portuguese home. The area is populated by masses of huge hotels, each whitewashed building seemingly higher and more impressive than the last. The landscape is dominated by lagoon-deep swimming pools, bars, clubs and restaurants. The region is also famed for its beaches, which can become crowded during the peak season, but are always fun to visit due to the last amount of watersports available.

The enjoyment of the Algarve begins the moment the plane lands. The main runway leading into the nearest airport, Faro, is built right off the sea and until the last moment the runway itself isn’t visible. This has lead to more than one panicked passenger, who – incorrectly but understandably – assumes the plane is ditching in the water.

The Algarve is not an ideal destination for people who want their holiday to involve sightseeing or visits to historical sites. Most of the region was primarily Portuguese residential homes until the tourist boom, and there is very little in the way of historical places to visit. There are a few charming churches to visit, which also serve the purpose of providing welcome relief from the scorching sun. However, the area is best suited to those who are in search of the proverbial S-holiday: sun, sand and sea.

Visiting the Algarve is a wonderful beach resort holiday, and it also has the benefit of being relatively cheap. This is the land of the package holiday, and even in high season – traditionally from June through to September – the prices tend to remain reasonable. This makes the Algarve an ideal destination for a cheap week in the sun, any month of the year.

Step Into A Different Time On The Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is an area of the county of the same name. It is mostly an interconnected area of rivers and waterways set among grassy lands. The area is renowned for its scenery and its laid back style of life, which harks back to a time that has long been forgotten.

The most popular way to navigate the Norfolk Broads is by narrow boat. These long, thin boats – as the name would suggest – are an ideal way to move along the Broads, which are narrow themselves. No previous experience is required to pilot a narrow boat, and a quick lesson at the start of any holiday from the hiring company is sufficient. The boats move particularly slowly, which only adds to the relaxed feel that permeates all of the Broads.

As you are moving along slowly, there is plenty to see along the rivers. There is a startling amount of natural wildlife and birds, most of which are used to the passage of boats and thus do not scare away. A holiday on the Broads is an ideal place for any twitcher, as there is a huge amount of birdlife in the area, all in their natural unspoiled habitat.

Unspoiled is a key word when describing the Norfolk Broads, as much of the area that the rivers pass through is protected. While the occasional industrial estate or engineering plant can be seen in the distance, most of the views are of the fields and natural fauna. There are also windmills dotted along any route, most of them disused, which provide a stunning photograph opportunity for any amateur photographer.

The real bonus of a holiday on the broads is being able to get on and off as you please. Many pubs, villages and towns have moorings right on the river, and one can just pull up, park and disembark for a day on dry land. The holidays are also inexpensive, as narrow boats come with their own accommodation – this ranges from basic bunk beds to luxury narrow houses beneath the waterline. For a gentle, relaxing and surprisingly affordable holiday, the Norfolk Broads of England is the place to go.

Enjoy A Scottish Fling in Edinburgh

It is unlikely that, when planning a holiday or even a city break, the nation of Scotland springs to mind. There is an unfortunate association with Scotland and bad weather, and while Scotland does get the worst of the UK weather systems it is nevertheless a charming place to visit. During the summer months in particular, the weather can be just as pleasant as in the south of the union.

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is not known as a destination for a city break – but it should be. The things that attract people to city breaks in cities such as Rome, Amsterdam and London are all available at Edinburgh.

There is a thriving night life, in terms of both a night club scene and a restaurant and bar scene. Edinburgh is well priced for a night out, compared to some of the more traditional city break destinations. There is plenty to see and do around the city, as well; Edinburgh Zoo is world famous for its animals and reptile enclosures, and it is a fun day out for any family or even a couple interested in seeing some of the world’s most exclusive animals.

Edinburgh is also home to a great many historical sites. Above the city on a hill sits Edinburgh Castle, a Scottish stronghold for centuries and a place rich and full of history. The Castle has been preserved and makes for an interesting and fun day out, where it is possible to both learn and absorb the history and indulge in playful games if you have children with you.

The city is also near to some of the most stunning golf courses in the world, making it ideal for an extended leisure break that can incorporate a quick round on the greens.

As Edinburgh is a capital city, it is fairly expensive to stay in, but no more so than any of the other European capitals. The main airport, Edinburgh International, deals with flights from both within the UK and international destinations. Edinburgh is an accessible and interesting place to visit, and deserves a place on the city break map.