England – A Hidden Collection of Locations Worth Exploring

Chris Boothman
-
23
England – A Hidden Collection of Locations Worth Exploring

Every country has mainstream tourist attractions and destinations that most folks want to experience when heading there for a vacation or just passing through. Of course England is no different and I am sure we all know that the key landmarks in London and some of the other cities such as Liverpool and Manchester are frequent spots for visitors to explore. However, what about those hidden gems that are ‘off the so-called beaten path’ and rarely get the recognition they deserve, especially on a global scale?

Well, this post is all about sharing a hidden collection of English locations worth exploring. Rather than giving a specific town, village or hamlet in the majestic realms of England’s beautiful landscape, this post focuses on 5 counties that you should take time to experience on your next trip to England.

With the efficient use of public transportation in England or by renting your own vehicle, each one of these should be easily accessible if you fly into London or Manchester. Alternatively, if you are a native of England, why not take a weekend getaway to one of these spots!

Cornwall

Lands End

Located in the South-West corner of England, Cornwall is a beautiful county that offers so much in terms of beautiful landscapes, some of England’s best beaches and quaint fishing villages that are inspiring to walk around.

The idyllic village of Mevagissey in particular is worth exploring if you would like to sample some of the infamous Cornish fudge or if you prefer to try a stereotypical Cornish Clotted Cream Scone, why not head over to either St. Ives or St. Austell and sit outside at one of the local cafes.

Newquay is renowned as offering great beaches and in the middle of summer when the weather is on their side, surfers from around the world hit the waves as this part of England offers the best conditions for this.

Newquay Cornwall

Devon

Torquay

If you are taking a trip to Cornwall, why not visit the neighbouring county of Devon which is equally delightful with some gorgeous seaside towns attracting English tourists all year round. Torquay, frequently refererred to as the heart of the English Riviera, is a beautiful town overlooking the English Channel and offers everything from fishing to a great shopping area.

Newton Abbot

Brixham and Peignton are within 30 minutes of Torquay on the Torbay coast and are great little spots to just wander around and relax. Newton Abbot is further inland and is most famous for the race course that frequently hosts horse racing meets but even if this is not your thing, Decoy Country Park is a beautiful area of parkland where you can have  a quiet lunch before exploring much of the surrounding region.

Devon

Much like Cornwall, Devon hosts a number of beautiful caravan/camp sites and I would highly recommend staying in one of these if you visit during the summer months. If you are from USA, I can guarantee that the campsites in England are nothing like what you would experience in the States. One of our favorite campsites in Devon is Ross Park in the wonderfully named village of Ipplepen, just outside of Newton Abbot and is a great spot to either pitch your tent or stay in a caravan.

Cheshire

Chester

Let’s head north to the county of Cheshire which is home to the historic town of Chester. With so much history and beautiful architecture that has been preserved and maintained over the years, Chester is a popular place in northern England especially with all the attractions available here. Whether you interested in the history that dates back to AD79 or just want to discover some of the ruins from the Chester Walls Walk, there is something for everyone.

The Chester Rows is the main shopping centre but offers a unique experience as all the shop fronts have still maintained the old-fashioned design despite offering modern-day brands.

Chester Town Crier

Of course, Cheshire has much more to offer than just the town of Chester. The county of Cheshire spreads as far north as Warrington and south as far as Nantwich and Crewe. Tatton Park and Gulliver’s World Theme Park are two of the more popular attractions in Cheshire but there is still a plethora of hidden places that are worth investigating as you wander around the rural communities in this part of the country.

Chester

Yorkshire

Yorkshire Dales

Across the Pennines from Cheshire is the beautiful county of Yorkshire. Referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Yorkshire is one of the most picturesque regions throughout England with miles and miles of gorgeous countryside along with various iconic towns and cities scattered throughout the county.

One city in particular that is worth visiting is the historic city of York which like Chester still maintains much of the historic heritage that surrounds this location. York Minster is one of the most popular landmarks in this part of the country primarily because of the beautiful architecture that has been preserved at this cathedral.

Haworth

Take a drive around the Yorkshire Dales or go hiking along one of the multitude of public footpaths that weave through the beautiful landscape if you want to get a true impression of Yorkshire. If you are have an interest in British literature, Haworth will likely be a village you want to explore as it is the home of the Bronte sisters.

Haworth

Cumbria

Lake Windermere

Another beautiful part of England which is frequently underrated is Cumbria which plays host to the Lake District that stretches from the Scottish border to the southern part of this county. Stereotypically known for the gorgeous lakes and fells that make up this part of England, it is a haven for hikers and folks who like to go camping in the unknown wilderness.

Bowness

In the heart of summer, it is a great place to explore whilst at the same time taking time to visit some of the picturesque villages such as Bowness (located on Lake Windermere which is the most popular of all the lakes), Ulverston, Ambleside or Grasmere. Climbing Coniston or Helvellyn offers stunning views over the surrounding area and on a beautiful day (sometimes you are fortunate to have the weather on your side in England) you can see for miles over the Irish Sea. 

If you prefer to visit the likes of Keswick, Penrith or Carlisle these offer more urban settings yet still offer easy access to the rural beauty within the Lake District.

Dream Destinations – Collaboration Part 3

Chris Boothman
-
24
Dream Destinations – Collaboration Part 3

It’s been a couple of weeks since we featured our Dream Destinations Collaboration but for anyone that read either Part 1 or Part 2 you will be delighted to see we are featuring the next part of this series. This is a great way to showcase our fellow travel bloggers favorite destinations around the world that are either top of their bucket lists or they just cannot wait to return their again!

What part of the world do you consider to be your ultimate Dream Destination?

Take a look over this great collection of destinations and let us know which you can’t wait to explore!

DREAM DESTINATIONS 3

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the travelers that have shared their dreams with us and we hope that you all get to fulfil these some day soon!

China – Eat Sleep Breathe Travel

DSC_0110

When I hear the words ‘Dream Destination’ my mind goes wild with all the possibilities. That being said there’s one place in the world that has a certain attraction that I know will steal my heart: Chengdu, China. China has a bunch of incredible attractions that I would love to explore with my camera, but there’s no doubt that my priority would be to visit Chengdu’s giant panda breeding and research centre.

I’ve been obsessed with giant pandas since I was a baby, and have taken every possible chance to see them. The first time was at Schonbrunn zoo in Vienna (where even getting my camera smashed didn’t stop me), then a year later in Edinburgh zoo. I’m also planning a trip to see them this coming fall in Toronto. Basically, if there’s a panda nearby: I’m there!

So spending a day with those cuddly black and white bears would be my personal cloud 9. And to be able to actually hold one? Well I just may die of happiness; assuming I don’t die from the price tag first!

Follow Hannah on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Iceland – Discount Travel Blogger

Myanmar

It has always been my dream to travel the world and I think you all can elate that we could not be in so many places at the same time. It is hard to choose, yet it makes me excited when I’m about to explore a new place, their food, culture, and people.

Bucket list is not really my thing, I know I want to see almost any beautiful places there is in the world that I cannot see in one lifetime. I sometimes make a temporary bucket list just because people asks me, but its not like ticking boxes on that list because I find it so limiting. I want to go wherever I feel like going at a time and not because I have to complete a list.

Although, I’m always mesmerized with real wonders and magical beauty of the world, my dream destination for that matter is in Iceland. Why? I want to gaze up at the bright stars and the dancing Northern Lights at night cuddling with my fiancé. May it be by staying in a nice hotel with a great view of Aurora Borealis or camping out in an open space. I would also like to try out dipping in to the Blue Lagoon, and experiencing a spa in a volcanic field like it. Just like how I want to try floating at the Dead Sea.

Follow Lyndsay on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

India – Don’t Forget to Move

J&C

Although our blog mainly focuses on Latin America, we have a huge bucket list of places around the world that we’re dying to see. Right at the top of that list is India. Everyone we talk to that has visited India says it’s insanely different from anywhere else in the world, and that’s what we’re looking for. From the crowded cities to the peaceful Himalayas, we’d love to explore what we’ve heard is a country rich in culture, natural beauty and spirituality.

Specifically, we’d love to go early in the year to catch Holi, the festival of color. On the first day of the festival locals and travelers convene to douse each other in brightly colored powder. The photos we’ve seen from Holi are absolutely stunning. We’d also love to rent a motorbike and trek across the Leh-Manali highway through the Himalayas, the second highest highway in the world. We’re not sure yet when we’ll be making it out to India, but it’s definitely one of our dream destinations!

Follow Jules and Christine on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

New Zealand – We12Travel

nelsonlakes

My dream destination? Not a hard choice: it will always be New Zealand! Ever since I first stepped foot in the Land of the Long White Cloud I felt it was love at first sight. After my first trip there in 2002 I felt lovesick for nearly 9 years until I finally returned in 2011. And now … I’m still lovesick.

I miss the ever changing landscapes, from tropical beaches to treacherous volcanoes and from the pristine alpine lakes to the kiwi’s on Stewart Island. I miss the amazingly friendly people, always up for a chat or willing to give you a helping hand. I miss the numerous hiking trails, the outdoor life and the nationwide passion for the wilderness. I even miss Fergburger, that served me the best burger ever. Yes, my dream destination is not a hard choice. If you ever get the chance, go to New Zealand, you will not be dissapointed!

Follow Antonette on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

New Zealand – Trips or Treats

Me on the Challenge Course
My dream destination is New Zealand. Born and raised in the landlocked state of Kansas, the landscape is flat with wheat fields and cattle as far as the eye can see. I can appreciate these views now that I live in the city, but we are nowhere close to any ocean or mountains, which makes New Zealand so appealing to me. I love being close to the water, it calls to me and knows how to calm me.

I am a huge foodie and lover of wine. I want to explore the wineries and taste New Zealand in a bottle (or 3). I want to learn about the Maori culture that makes the identity of what New Zealand is today. I want to see the native penguin species, play with dolphins and get stuck in a traffic jam…with sheep.

I would love to cruise through Milford Sound on an overnight boat cruise, all while taking amazing pictures of the EPIC landscape that makes New Zealand so special. Volcanoes, mountains and beaches, what more could you ask for? Oh, and do not even get me started on the accent! Even my dog’s name is Kiwi…

Most of all, what impresses me about New Zealand is the expectation that their citizens are expected to contribute to their society. They seem to truly care about preserving what they have and I can appreciate that. For me, this is truly a dream destination that I hope to make a reality someday.

Follow Valerie on Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Portugal – Heart of a Vagabond

collage

Although very small in size and not very well known, Portugal is one of the most beautiful southern western European countries. With an amazing climate and some of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in Europe, this is a country that stole my heart.

No matter if you love the beach, the mountains, small villages or the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s never a dull moment in Portugal. This is a country both for the budget backpackers and the luxurious travelers thanks to it’svariety in accomodations, restaurants and things to do.

I personally love the laid back vibe of Portugal.I love the fact it’s still not too commercial or over touristy. There’s something very genuine about Lisbon- the capital, Porto the birthplace of the famous Port wine, the golden beaches of Algarve and the peaceful villages of Alentejo.

Portugal is one of the cheapest destinations in Western Europe and it’s still possible to avoid the crowds in here. No wonder this is one of my dream destinations.

Follow Yara on Facebook – Twitter – Google+

Thanks again to all these great bloggers for participating in this great collaboration of Dream Destinations. Who is ready to start traveling? I know we are after seeing all these great spots around the world!

Would you like to feature in a future Dream Destinations post? If so, send us an e-mail to admin@abritandasoutherner and we would be delighted to feature you among a variety of other great travelers!

Walking the Historic Streets of Old Quebec City

Chris Boothman
-
43
Walking the Historic Streets of Old Quebec City

If you are looking for a stereotypical experience of Quebec City, you need to take time to wander around ‘Vieux Quebec’ simply because of its iconic history and what it represents throughout the city. Located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Old Quebec City oozes history, beautiful architectural design and a plethora of distinctive cultures that enhances Quebec’s reputation among visitors.

old quebec city

After spending the morning at the stunning and breathtakingly beautiful Montmorency Falls, we headed downtown Old Quebec to see what all the fuss was about. The first thing that you notice when you approach this part of the city is the towering structure that is Le Chateau Frontenac which really symbolizes all of the old town style. Modern day hotels really don’t have anything in comparison to this magnificent structure.

Parking

Probably the most difficult aspect when visiting Old Quebec is trying to find a parking spot. After driving around we finally came across a parking lot directly across from the Marché du Vieux Port on the Saint-André Quai that offered parking all day for $15. After a brief yet inspiring conversation en Francais with the parking attendant, we walked back up the steep slope to the town center.

old quebec city

Passing by the cannons that represented the fortified boundaries of Quebec City, we took in the awesome views overlooking the St. Lawrence River and a cruise ship that was docked apparently traveling to or from the Netherlands.

Breakneck Stairs

The main part of Old Quebec starts at the ‘Breakneck Stairs’ which I can attest to are a little trickier to walk up and down than they first look. My trip down was ok but later I almost succumbed to the infamous name by tripping over one of the steps.

old quebec city breakneck stairs

Heading down the steps to the Rue du Petit-Champlain, this really is the heart of Old Quebec.

old quebec city

Vieux Quebec Main Street

This part of Quebec is crowded with tourists and locals wandering up and down the street. You can take the local Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec which for just $2 is a bargain, though aside from the experience it really only saves you from climbing the stairs to get to the summit.

old quebec city funicular

We really enjoyed exploring the local souvenir shops, browsing the menus of local restaurants and of course watching the resident Québécois street performers displaying their skills on a variety of instruments.

old quebec city architecture

Old Quebec is also famous for the stunning murals that cover many of the walls around this city. Each one tells a very unique story of the history in Quebec. Combine all of this together and you get that European style feeling that you would typically associate with an old French or Italian village.

old quebec city mural

Old Quebec Cuisine

Testing the local maple syrup ice cream was on our must do list, though for $5 each it was a little on the expensive side but I have to admit well worth it. Maple syrup isn’t the same unless you sample it in Canada! Of course we later sampled another Canadian delicacy, poutine which was equally tasty but didn’t look quite as appealing to the naked eye!

There are so many quaint shops and local residences along the Rue du Petit-Champlain that you just have to take a moment to take in the beautiful architecture.

old quebec city cuisine

After heading back up the breakneck stairs, we continued heading towards Le Chateau Frontenac, which is a good focal point so that you don’t get lost around the streets of Quebec City. On the contrary, I would encourage you to try and get lost by strolling up and down random streets because you never know what you may come across.

old quebec city

We walked to the other entrance of the fortified walls of Quebec City, which is a great spot to climb the walls and walk around, in many ways similar to what we experienced in York, England. Here you can sit on the grass and overlook the majestic city in front of you, a truly relaxing experience as you catch your breath before heading back to explore further.

old quebec city view

Summary

We spent all afternoon in Old Quebec and I think we would both agree that this was the best part of our whole Memorial Day trip. To experience the culture and history throughout this part of the city was a memory we will cherish forever and definitely encourages us to go back and spend more time there.

4 Canadian Delicacies Worth Devouring

Chris Boothman
-
33
4 Canadian Delicacies Worth Devouring

During our recent Road Trip from Boston to Canada, we were not only intrigued by Quebec cuisine but pretty much convinced that we had to try certain Canadian delicacies for ourselves. Canada may be famous for many things but perhaps cuisine is not at the top of your list when you think of the stereotypes associated with the Maple Leaf nation.

Here are 4 of our top Canadian delicacies that you HAVE to try when you visit there next.

Poutine

I was reading an article yesterday that described an experience with a so-called ‘heart-attack food’ and I have to admit that I was able to relate to this pretty well. Before we headed to Quebec, I had several folks tell me that we had to try the delicacy that is ‘Poutine’. Ok, well let’s be honest it’s not really a delicacy, rather it’s a combination of high calorie items that when you see this really doesn’t make it look at all appealing!

Here are the ingredients:

  • Chips/French-Fries – Whether you are from USA or England will depend on what you refer to these as but in this instance a good old portion of chips is the basis for poutine.
  • Gravy – Thick, dark brown gravy is a must as it is piled over the chips.
  • Cheese Curds – Ok, so this part is what really grossed me out whenever I was told that cheese curds are scattered among the chips and gravy.

How does that sound? Delicious….ok maybe not, because I agree that whenever I envisioned this I wasn’t all that fond of trying poutine.

chez ashton canadian delicacies

“Welcome to Chez Ashton – how can I help you today?” – This was the greeting from the server in Old Quebec as we ventured inside the chain restaurant to sample poutine. The pictures on the wall pretty much confirmed my initial impression of poutine.

We ordered a ‘small’ portion of poutine, nothing fancy with the variety of options available such as hot dogs, different gravy flavors etc, instead we just wanted to sample true poutine that the Québécois locals eat on a regular basis.

Poutine

After a short wait, our order was ready and the first thing I noticed was that it actually looked more appetizing than pictures show. But I was still a little apprehensive about those cheese curds that looked even more menacing floating on the gravy. I am sure that everyone who knows me will testify that I generally don’t like sampling weird cuisines, but I was ready to try this today and no one was going to convince me otherwise!

The moment I put the fork to my mouth, my whole opinion about this delicacy changed. Yes, that’s right I will now use the word delicacy to describe poutine because as much as the look and appearance may put you off, the taste of this weird and wonderful combination is AMAZING! The cheese curds really didn’t have that ‘cheesy’ taste, rather they had a little rubbery texture which made it go well with the chips and gravy.

I would definitely recommend sampling poutine the next time you head to Canada. It may not sound or look too appetizing, but please don’t let that stop you from sampling a true Canadian delicacy.

Lobster Roll

Although you may associate lobster with the north-eastern US states, you may be surprised to realize that Canada offers great lobster rolls. Arriving in Quebec City late in the evening, we opted to head downtown to find something for dinner. We read various reviews of spots around Quebec City and finally decided to sample Le Cochon Dingue which is another local establishment popular among the Québécois residents and visitors alike.

le cochon dingue canadian delicacies

I opted for the Fish and Chips and Heather went for the Quebec style Lobster Roll. Both dishes were excellent choices but the lobster roll in particular was something a little different to what you typically find in chain restaurants.

Maple Syrup Ice Cream

After the main course of a lobster roll or poutine, head on down to the Quartier Petit-Champlain to try some maple syrup ice cream which is undoubtedly one of the best dessert options in Canada (though one of my later delicacies in this article may argue otherwise). With several quaint bistros and cafes to choose from, you really are spoiled for choice but we opted for a local establishment that was selling maple syrup taffy outside and with crowds surrounding this it suggested this was a popular option.

Maple Syrup Ice Cream

Although our ice creams were a little expensive at $5 each (Canadian Dollars), they really were a treat with the maple syrup and ice cream combination working like a treat. There is nothing better than grabbing a maple syrup ice cream and then wandering around the idyllic gift shops scattered alog the Rue de Petit-Champlain.

Maple Syrup Doughnuts

What is it about Canada and their love for maple syrup? Well, after spending a few days there you will soon realize what all the fuss is about. Maple syrup really goes well with a variety of dessert options, none more so than the delectable doughnuts that are available from various establishments. Our favorite has to be Tim Horton’s simply because our experiences there have always been nothing but positive. During our trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls last year, we sampled Tim Horton’s for the first time and I think from that moment we fell in love with this place.

tim hortons canadian delicacies

Visiting Quebec City was no different and Tim Horton’s is a great spot to visit for breakfast if you want either a Triple Berry Explosion muffin or particularly a maple syrup doughnut, freshly baked that morning.

Summary

There you have 4 Canadian delicacies that I strongly recommend you should try at least once in your life. Each one is very different and many will say they have a unique taste unlike anything else.

Canadian Delicacies

What have you sampled in Canada that you would classify as a delicacy that you may struggle to find anywhere else?

1...136137138...183Page 137 of 183