The post Three Quirky English Towns to Visit This Year appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Glastonbury, Somerset
Whilst the nearby music festival has made the name of this town famous, many people don’t visit the town itself. All along its winding high street, you will find stores dedicated to magic, witchcraft, healing, Druidery and a range of other new age spiritual pursuits. Many of the residents of the town are fully committed to this lifestyle, and most of the cafes and eateries specialize in organic, vegan whole foods. If you’re in Glastonbury, don’t miss the sacred well just out of the centre of town, and make sure to take the (fairly steep) walk up to the ancient St Michael’s Tower on Glastonbury tor.
Totnes, Devon
There is a certain rebellious spirit which characterizes Totnes—when an international coffee chain tried to move into the town, locals blocked the planning permission, in favor of their small, local and independent cafes and restaurants. You will find a range of amazing independent shops, selling everything from handmade shoes to organic wild rice. If you’ve had enough of shops and cafes, check out the river walk which starts at the train station and goes towards Dartington Hall. It’s particularly beautiful in spring, when the flowers are blooming.
Lewes, Sussex
This town is not far from the city of Brighton (famed for its own independent spirit) and it boasts some of the best independent cafes in the UK. Check out the walk around the ancient fort, or go further afield and strike out onto one of the paths which lead to the Sussex downs.
These three towns are definitely worth a visit, for their great food, independent spirit and access to amazing walks.
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]]>The post Three Things To Do In Leeds, UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Get Arty
Leeds has several significant art galleries, including the Leeds Art gallery, where you can see classical and more modern works on display, and the Tetley, which hosts more contemporary, experimental works. There is also a street art trail to follow if you’d like to see the city whilst experiencing some art at the same time.
Taste The City
Leeds has been named ‘Foodie Capital Of The North’, in recognition of the range of small eateries, street food options, classic pubs and Michelin starred restaurants it has. Everywhere you go in the city, you can expect to find excellent food made with love and care. Visit Kirkgate Market (the UK’s biggest indoor market) for some fantastic street food options, where you can eat almost every cuisine in the world!
Explore The Countryside
Within easy access from Leeds are the Yorkshire dales and the stunning coastline. Take a bus, train or drive to places such as Staithes (a small fishing village on the coast), the Howardian hills, or any of the small market towns which dot the Yorkshire countryside.
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]]>The post Best Travel Destinations for “Lord of the Rings” Fans appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Hobbiton Movie Set Tours- Matamata, New Zealand
Theres no place better to feel like a Hobbit than the set of “Lord of the Rings. This set is a significant filming location and is a must visit on your next trip to New Zealand. This is a great place to explore the inner world of Lord of the Rings on the lush green pastures that New Zealand is known for.
Hobbitenango – Antigua, Guatemala
This theme park is a wonderful place to explore whether or not you’re a Lord of the Rings fanatic. The park offers exceptional viewpoint of volcanic mountains, that offer amazing photo ops. Each statue is unique to the trilogy. Make sure to pose in front of the big hand for the ultimate Hobbit photo!
West Midlands, United Kingdom
For our last destination, head to the UK, just between England and Wales, where the author. J.R.R Tolkien grew up, and where by most of the scenery described in the series is inspired. Visitors can explore the “Tolkien Trail,” including the small hamlet of Sarehole, which inspired most of “Middle Earth” as described in the series.
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]]>The post 3 of the Best Wild Swimming Spots Around Cornwall, UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>St Ives, Cornwall
The town of St Ives boasts three separate, sheltered beaches. Easily accessible from the town, you will find people in the waves here year round, although in winter wet suits are advised. The best thing about swimming here is the proximity to some great cafes and restaurants, so you can refuel after your dip.
Coverack Cove
This small, sheltered bay stays shallow for ages, so it’s a great place to swim with kids or those who feel less confident in the water. The water can get a little choppy when the wind is up, so bear this in mind before setting out.
Bedruthan Steps
This beautiful beach is visited by many people each year, who are wanting to swim in these stunning waters. Take care of tide times and make sure you check these before you go, as the water comes far up the beach and can cut off some access points.
(@explorewithsimone)Cornwall has some seriously special coastline and is the perfect destination for anyone interested in wild swimming in the UK.
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]]>The post 3 Things To Do In Oxford, UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Visit The Pubs
Pub culture has always been a big part of being a student or resident in Oxford, and the city boasts many excellent and ancient pubs. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, or settling down with an evening pint, keep an ear out for interesting conversations, as these are big social hubs for many undergraduates at the university.
Colleges Tour
If you want to see the university’s beautiful and ancient buildings, book on to a colleges tour. You’ll be taken around the quads (grass courtyards), around some of the internal buildings and will have a chance to ask your tour guide questions about the history of this prestigious university.
Visit the Ashmolean Museum
Oxford may be a small city, but size doesn’t stop it from boasting some of the UK’s best cultural sites. In the Ashmolean, you can see the Alfred jewel (dating from Anglo-Saxon England), stunning Greek and Roman pottery, and more contemporary fine art.
Once you’ve finished visiting these sites, don’t forget to take a stroll along Oxford’s famous canals. This compact city has so much to offer, so if you haven’t visited already, make sure you book a trip there.
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]]>The post 3 Must-Sees In Edinburgh, Scotland appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>As well as these natural and cultural sites, there are plenty of fantastic cafes and restaurants across the city, offering a wide range of cuisines. If you haven’t visited Edinburgh before, make sure it goes on your ‘to-visit’ list.
Climb Arthur’s Seat
How many other cities can boast an extinct volcano in their center? Arthur’s Seat may not rival the mountains in the Scottish Highlands in terms of height, but this mound does take a while to climb. The views from the top make it all worth it. Gaze out across the city, or look out to the Firth of Forth and the hills beyond.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
This huge building dominates the center of Edinburgh. Once home to kings and queens, nowadays it’s open to visitors who can explore its stunning interiors whilst learning about it’s important history. It has a great vantage point over the city, so is another great spot to catch some amazing views from.
National Museum of Scotland
This incredible museum holds artifacts from all over Scotland, some dating back to pre-history. There is also contemporary art on display, and if the rains are threatening, seek shelter in the charming museum cafe. Don’t miss the characterful Lewis chess men, ivory carved chess pieces dating to the medieval period.
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]]>The post The Best Bookstores for Travelers in London, England appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Foyles
No exploration of London’s book scene would be complete without a visit to Foyles, an iconic chain with seven locations around the United Kingdom. Their flagship store on Charing Cross Road has been a literary mainstay for over 100 years, offering a vast collection of gifts, toys, and books throughout a beautiful and spacious 5-story building. For a light meal or a cup of tea between chapters, be sure to stop by The Café at Foyles on the 5th floor.
Daunt Books
Tucked into the Marylebone neighborhood of London’s West End is Daunt Books, an independent shop specializing in travel and non-fiction. While its curated selection is certainly nothing to overlook, what really sets Daunt apart from other bookstores is its architecture. The building’s Edwardian-style construction features oak galleries that appear to go on for miles, while expansive skylights brighten up the space for easy reading.
Skoob Books
For those who prefer their books pre-loved, Skoob Books in Bloomsbury is a sanctuary of secondhand treasures just waiting to be read. The store carries a wide variety of genres and its knowledgeable staff are all too happy to help shoppers find what they’re looking for amidst a sea of over 50,000 uncatalogued titles.
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]]>The post 3 Pubs In The British Countryside For Walkers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Warren House Inn, Devon
The Warren House Inn is settled in a remote part of Dartmoor and is the highest pub in Southern England. It is also famous for having a fireplace with a fire that has been burning continuously since 1845. As well as offering great pub food and local ales, it offers incredible views of the moorland that surrounds it. There are many routes that walkers can take from this pub, and the Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound is about 3 miles away.
The Prince of Wales, Somerset
This pub is about a 20-minute drive from Yeovil, and is situated at the top of Ham Hill. Somerset is famous for its flat plains, and as Ham Hill is one of the only significant hills in the area, the views from the top are spectacular. There are multiple ways to climb Ham Hill, and once at the top, walkers will find the Prince of Wales to be a friendly (and dog-friendly) pub that serves good food.
The Miners Rest, Bristol
The Miners Rest is found in Long Ashton, on the very edge of Bristol, and is one of the friendliest pubs in the area. Walkers can reach it by walking through Ashton Court from the center of Bristol, and there is a regular bus back into town. The pub sits at the top of Long Ashton and has amazing views of the valley below and the ridge of Dundry in the distance.
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]]>The post Three Incredible UK Towns Built On The Coast appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh is a small town found on the Northeastern coast of England. It is a site of great historical significance, and boasts one of the most intact medieval castles in the UK. The castle overlooks Bamburgh Beach, a beautiful sandy beach that is perfect if you want a less busy day on the coast.
Boscastle, Cornwall
Boscastle is a small Cornish fishing village on the Northern coast of England. It has several great pubs, as well as a very popular ‘Museum of Witchcraft and Magic’. Boscastle is situated right on the South West Coast Path and has incredible walks both directions. Tintagel, the supposed seat of the legendary King Arthur, is within walking distance and is a must-see for visitors to this wonderful area.
Lynmouth, Devon
Lynmouth is a village in North Devon that is also situated on the Southwest Coast Path. It is also the start or endpoint of the Two Moors Way, a hike which takes walkers across Devon from Wembury on the South Coast to Lynmouth or vice versa. Lynmouth also has a funicular railway which takes you to and from the town of Lynton, and both towns have an array of lovely pubs and cafes to visit.
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]]>The post Cheap Travel Routes Around The UK appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bristol to Glasgow
Travel from the southwest of England to the southwest of Scotland, all without any changes. This journey, available through companies such as Flixbus and Megabus, can take up to 13 hours, so bring plenty of snacks and entertainment. The coach seats are comfortable enough, but it’s unlikely that you’ll get a full night’s rest on board, so plan your departure and arrival times carefully.
London To Manchester
You can get coaches from pretty much any UK city to the capital, and many coaches depart from London for other major cities each day. London to Manchester via train can be expensive, crowded and noisy. The journey via coach can take five hours, but there is no need to change and the price will be at least a third cheaper than the train.
Brighton to Birmingham
Travel between these major cities with ease via Flixbus, Megabus, or the National Express. Tickets can cost from as little as $20, making the coach an easy and affordable way to see the UK.
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