#dog-friendly bar harbour main

[dogtrotting]

5 Dog-friendly Outdoor Adventures in Ontario, Maine and Upstate NY

[niccymo]

The ‘Spice of Life’✨ Legacy Challenge

Sometimes playing the sims can get a little stale, and somewhat repetitive, especially The Sims 4. I know I can get stuck playing the same stories over and over again, so I decided to create this challenge to add a little excitement and variety to my, and hopefully your, game-play!

After all, variety is the spice of life!

Gen 1: The Wild Child

You’re a sim who loves to get down, go on adventures and spend time with other sims! You can be a bit of a handful for some sims, but that’s okay! You’ve been wild since the day you were born and you wouldn’t want to be any other way. You have about a million things you want to do in your life time and you’re gonna do them all!

Aspiration: Friend of the Animals

Traits: Dance Machine, Adventurous, Outgoing

Generation rules / goals:

Join the secret agent career and get to the top of it before your sim becomes an elder

Once your sim is an elder have them start a new job, keep them on their toes!

Complete the Friend of the Animals aspiration

Master the Dance & Pet training skills throughout your sims lifetime

Have five animals in your sims house-hold at one time (these should be cats, dogs, raccoon, foxes, etc.) - you don’t always have to have five but you should at some point

Have you sim have at least 10 friends and having a falling out with one of them and become enemies

Have a best-friend that is NOT your partner / spouse

Have your sim go out at least once every weekend to either the club, the bar or somewhere else they can dance! They’re a dance machine remember!

Your sim can have as many children as you like, but keep in mind that they have a lot of animals in the house

You must have at least one child in order for them to become heir, they can be adopted or biological, it doesn’t matter!

Go on at least two family vacations, one of these must be to Mt. Komorebi

Have your sim be a very relaxed parent, no rules, no pressure to get good grades, etc. (Parenthood is needed for this but if you don’t have it that’s okay just do your best without it!) 

Gen 2: The Money Maker

Your parent was the coolest! but you always wished there was more structure in your life. You’re a perfectionist, and truth be told a little materialistic, but that doesn’t make you a bad person! You love to hangout with friends, playing video games and chatting about the latest Sci-Fi movies. From the time you were a child you knew you wanted the best things in life and were determined to work your butt off to get them! 

Aspiration: Mansion Baron

Traits: Perfectionist, Geek, Materialistic

Generation rules / goals:

Have your sim start working as a teenager to save up for their future house

Complete the Mansion Baron inspiration

Reach the max level of the Business Career in either the Investor or Management branch (although the Investor branch makes a bit more money!)

Master the video gaming skill throughout your sims lifetime

Have your sim start their own club once in their teens with ‘Play video games’ as the main activity. Keep this club going throughout your sims life and try to have a club meeting once a week 

Make your sim go to GeekCon whenever they can, once they have kids bring them along as well!

Have a hobby that can make you money - kind of like a side job. Whatever skill you choose (painting, flower arranging, etc.) master it

Once your sim completes their Mansion Baron aspiration have dinner parties once a week - Your sim is materialistic and they want to show off the nice house they’ve worked so hard for!

Once your sim becomes an elder have them retire and focus only on hobbies and relaxation (only once they’re reached the max level in their career though)

Gen 3: The Tree Hugger

You grew up in a wealthy household with pretty much everything you could have wanted. You had a great childhood and your admired your parents work ethic, although you knew that when you grew up you wanted to do something more meaningful for the world than investing. So you packed up your bags as soon as you hit young adulthood and moved to Evergreen Harbour

Aspiration: Eco Innovator

Traits: Green Fiend, Vegetarian, Good

Generation rules / goals:

Your sim should be a vegetarian as soon as they hit their teenage years

As a teen your sims should also start their own garden and begin working on their gardening skill

Your sim should complete the Eco Innovator aspiration within their lifetime

Master the Gardening skill throughout your sims lifetime

Master the Juice Fizzing skill throughout your sims lifetime

Join and reach the max level of the Civil Designer career

Your sim should live as sustainably as possible for this generation, this includes owning a bee box, having a dew collector and recycling with the home recycling machine

Have your sim marry someone as Eco-friendly as you bonus points if it’s Knox lol

Have an at home, eco friendly wedding in your sims backyard / yard. Having the wedding cake be a honey cake, get creative with it!

Adopt an animal that’s not a typical pet (raccoon, fox, etc.) your sim found this little buddy while dumpster diving and bonded instantly

Gen 4: The Undecided

You grew up with a parent and grandparent who accomplished great things; they were sims who worked hard and stuck to their guns. You have always been..well a bit different. You can’t even decide what you want for breakfast, let alone pick a career or spouse. This makes you jealous of others like your parent and grandparent who you believe have their life together.

Aspiration: You must change your sims aspiration 3 times during their life but never complete one, not even their childhood one.

Traits: Non-committal, Jealous, Erratic

Generation rules / goals: 

Join and quit scouts as a kid; get about halfway through before you quit

Have your sim join at least two jobs as a teenager. They can join and quit more if you like

Get your sim to level 5 of at least three skill during their lifetime before they quit those as well

Change your sims career multiple times, making sure they never reach the top of any career

Get your sim married, and divorced...twice. It’s up to you whether you sim ends up finding someone to stay with. However, your sim must have only have one child from all of their relationships.

Have your sim have an affair during one of their relationships. It’s up to you whether the partner finds out about this or not

Your sim must lose their relationship with the Gen 3 sim (their parent) after a big fight over Gen 4′s jealousy issue. Your sim should never speak to that parent again

Your sim must never be best friends or true lovers with anyone; they are non-committal and that means no matter how much they care for another sim they feel somewhat unsure about every relationship

Gen 5: The Vampire Groupie

Your childhood was less than ideal, although your parent loved you they had a lot of their own problems and that left you pretty lonely at times. Your solace was a particular vampire movie about a sim who falls in love with a vampire. “That could be me,” you though, “That WILL be me.” So when you become a young adult you take everything you have and leave in search of your dream life in Forgotten Hollow, the only problem with your plan is that you’re just a bit squeamish... okay a lot

Aspiration: Master Vampire

Traits: Romantic, Family Oriented, Squeamish 

Generation rules / goals: 

Your sim should watch a lot of movies as a child and teen. Of course your sim loves that particular vampire movie that definitely doesn’t rhyme with Highlight, but really they love all movies

As soon as your sim becomes a young adult move them into Forgotten Hollow

Meet and start a relationship with a vampire of your choice; you can put a sim from the gallery in your game or date Caleb Vatore, Lilith Vatore, or even Vlad Straud if you want!

I think this goes without saying but your sim should be turned into a vampire for this generation lol

Complete the Master Vampire Aspiration

You can have any career for this generation, it doesn’t matter!

Master the Vampire Lore skill throughout your sims lifetime

Master the Pipe Organ skill throughout your sims lifetime

Start a ‘Vampire Club’ with only other vampires present, you can use this club to do any kind of vampire activity - however, since you left your old life behind, these sims are your only friends

Your sim is squeamish so they personally choose not to drink other sims blood unless absolutely necessary, this means your sim must grow and sustain a garden full of plasma plants

Once your sim obtains a plasma fruit (and two garlic) they can prepare a Sunlight Reversal Cocktail if they like, that way they can go into the sun during the day; this isn’t required though

Your sim must have at least three kids. One of these children should NOT be a vampire. This will be the heir. If all of your children are born vampires you can use a mods to make them human. I recommend MC Command Center, which you can find here: https://deaderpool-mccc.com/#/releases

I also recommend this mod: https://modthesims.info/d/589300/child-vampire-manifestation-v1-9.html which basically makes it so that child vampires can perform any vampire actions, just like teens, young adults, etc.

Gen 6: The Beach Bum

Your parents are absolutely wonderful, but are weird. In fact, you’re convinced that you’re the only sane one out of your whole family. You love them but who in the right mind would want to live the life of a vampire? You knew early on that the vampire life was not for you, and thank goodness you just so happened to be the only sibling born human! I guess you can thank those recessive genes. You want to live the Beach Life, spending your days out in the sun and working to conserve the beautiful island of Sulani!

Aspiration: Beach Life

Traits: Child of the Ocean, Loves the Outdoors, Free Trait / You can pick your sims third trait!

Generation rules / goals:

Your sim must move to Sulani as a young adult and spend their whole life there

Reach the max level of the Conservationist Career

Complete the Beach Life aspiration

Befriend as least one mermaid - your sim can become a mermaid to if they want but it’s not necessary

Marry someone who already lives on Sulani as well

Have your sim live in a house on the beach at least once during your their life

Complete the sea shell collection

Spend ALOT of time outside; fish, ski-do, tan on the beach - your sim loves the outdoors and the Sulani sun, anything they can do outside they will

Keep a close relationship between your sim and their parents & siblings - even though they don’t love the vampire life they love their family

Gen 7: The Tinkerer

You’ve always been a homebody, hanging out in your house on the computer and tinkering with things in the home. Your parent was always nagging you to go outside and play as a kid. As soon as you were old enough to hold a wrench you were fixing things. You knew when you became a young adult you wanted to go to Foxbury Institute and learn to program and create robots!

Aspiration: Computer Whiz

Traits: Genius, The other two traits can be anything you choose!

Generation rules / goals:

* For this generation I ABSOLUTELY recommend this mod which shortens university. It just makes it sooo much easier to complete a degree: https://modthesims.info/d/646803/shorter-university-degrees.html *

Your sim should spend a lot of time inside as a kid, using the computer, reading books, playing video games

Have your sim complete the Whiz Kid aspiration as a child

Master the Logic skill throughout your sims lifetime

Master the Robotics skill throughout your sims lifetime

Master the Handiness skill throughout your sims lifetime

Once your sim becomes a teenager they should be the one who fixes ANYTHING broken within the household

In order for your sim to attend Foxbury Institute for a Computer Science degree your sim must have certain skills (such as computer programming, robotics, etc.) since it is a distinguished degree. You’ll need to work on these skills as a teen to have a chance to be excepted there. If you don’t feel like having your sim work on those skills as a teen your sim can attend Britechester University but they should still work on the robotics skill!

Complete the Computer Whiz aspiration

Graduate university with a degree in Computer Science

Live in a modern style house in any world

Gen 8: The Believer

Your parent has always been a technological genius, creating artificial intelligence. But you’ve always known that science wasn’t needed for there to be fantastical things in this world. No one else in your family believes your crazy ideas about alien but hey, you once heard that your great grandparents were vampires, so it could be possible! Sure you’re a little erratic but you’re determined to prove the existence of aliens, and befriend them. How will you do this? Well by becoming an iron pumping, rocket building astronaut of course!

Aspiration: Bodybuilder

Traits: Athletic, Self-Assured, You can pick your sims third trait!

Generation rules / goals:

You sim must join and reach the top of the Astronaut career

Your sim must live in Oasis Springs

Have your sim complete the Body Builder aspiration - astronauts have to be strong after all!

Master the Rocket Science skill

Your sim will unlock a rocket when they reach level 10 of their career (the rocket can either be the Apollo Rocket - unlocked though the Space Ranger branch of the astronaut career, or the Retro Rocket - unlocked through the Interstellar Smuggler branch. You can choose which rocket you want)  but honestly who wants to wait for that, so as soon as your sim gets to level 5 of their career use cheats to unlock the rocket and start building!

Once your sim has completed their rocket you must level up their Rocket Science skill to level 10 and then install the Wormhole Generator upgrade. This will allow you to travel to Sixam and meet aliens!

Your sim must befriend and marry an alien they meet on Sixam. If you don’t like that particular alien you can either come back to Sixam or open CAS and edit them, either is fine.

Have your sim have a baby with their new alien spouse. Only have ONE baby.

If your sims baby is born NOT an alien you can use cheats to make them one. MC Command Center can be used for this and is linked above for Generation 5

Gen 9: The Star of Sixam

You’re an alien and you’ve proud of it! You loved listening to your alien parent tell stories of your home world and knew that when you grew up you wanted to make your relatives on Sixam proud. The best way to do this is of course to become the most famous alien musician the Sim world has ever seen!

Aspiration: Musical Genius

Traits: Self-Assured, Perfectionist, Music Lover

Generation rules / goals: 

Your sim must NEVER wear their disguise unless absolutely necessary - they are very proud to be an alien and they don’t see any reason to hide that

As a child your sim should complete the Artistic Prodigy aspiration

Master the Violin skill throughout your sims lifetime

Master the Piano skill throughout your sims lifetime

Your can have your sim master the Singing skill throughout their lifetime if you want, but it isn’t necessary

When your sim becomes a young adult move them to San Myshuno, where their musical dreams can really take off!

Have your sim busk for money in San Myshuno at least 5 times

Have your sim reach the max level in the Musician branch of the Entertainer career

Your sim should marry or be with someone who is also musically interested - you can enter CAS and cheat this or create your sims partner

It doesn't matter how many children your sim has for this generation, but the heir should NOT be an alien - you can use MC Command Center to make them human if you need to

Gen 10: The Apprehensive Actress / Actor  AKA the Final Generation!

You grew up in a VERY artistic household, with parents who were both interested in music and one parent who made a huge career of it. You love acting and knew your parent was ecstatic when you started showing interest in acting as a teen. Unfortunately you don’t really like the idea of being famous...

Aspiration: Master Actress / Actor

Traits: Loner, Good, Creative

Generation rules / goals:

Your sim is an artistic child, however we aren’t gonna worry about completing the Artistic Prodigy aspiration as a child because we did that last generation - you can do it if you want though!

When your sim becomes a teen they should begin working on their acting skills

Your sim should reach the max level of the Acting career

Have your sim master the Acting skill

Your sim should marry someone non-famous in a private ceremony with only those sims (or family and close friends if you like) present

Your sim should maintain as good a reputation as possible - they are still a good sim, they are just a bit anti-social

Once your sim finished the acting career and has achieved the Global Superstar rank they should retire

Your sim, now retired from acting moves to one of two lots in Brindleton Bay that have NO neighbours

They should spend the rest of their life making money off of artistic projects such as knitting, painting, etc.

Have your sim leave the house only when necessary to avoid the paparazzi, and if they do go out they must wear a disguise

Your sims spouse can have any career, but they should NOT be famous in anyway

It is up to you whether you decide to have your sim have children and continue the family :)

Well we’ve come to the end of the challenge!! I just wanted to say if you decide to play this challenge or even have taken the time to read it, THANK YOU SO MUCH! It means the world to me to be apart of this sims community ❤️

If you decide to play this challenge on your tumblr pleaseee use the tags #spicechallenge or #spice of life challenge. That way I can see what you do with this challenge, that would be amazing 😊❤️

[brajeshupadhyay]

Whether, like Plumber Manor in Dorset, they’ve been owned by the same family for hundreds of years or are a cherished new project such as Caer Beris in Wales, manor hotels have a family at their hearts.  Packed with history, these hotels pride themselves on delightfully old-fashioned hospitality with generous meals, antique furniture, gardens to wander in and countryside to admire.  There are famous ones, including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, and Gravetye and Cowley Manors, but there are plenty of others to discover, and some of them have superb deals this year. Lympstone Manor, Devon  Lympstone Manor in Devon has a Michelin-starred restaurant and 21 bedrooms in the main house, with high levels of indulgence that include a resident artist and a vista of the River Exe Stunning: Pictured is one of the bathrooms, which features two freestanding gold baths and a marble double sink  When chef Michael Caines bought this Regency mansion near Exmouth in 2017, part of the appeal was the surrounding farmland which he thought would make an ideal terroir for English sparkling wine. More than 17,000 vines were planted, and the first vintage is due in 2021. In the meantime, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and 21 bedrooms in the main house, with high levels of indulgence that include a resident artist and a vista of the River Exe. New this year are equally luxurious shepherd’s huts that sleep up to five guests. Doubles from £560, including breakfast and lunch (lympstonemanor.co.uk).   Ockenden Manor, West Sussex Sussex treat: Ockenden Manor, near Cuckfield, serves afternoon cream tea with scones and finger sandwiches  Tucked into the countryside near the South Downs, next to the boutique-filled village of Cuckfield, parts of this mansion date from the 16th Century. If you want to delve into the oldest part of the hotel, ask for the Master Timothy suite, which has wooden panelling, reading nooks and an adjacent room for children. Downstairs is given over to a bar, drawing rooms and a restaurant which overlooks a semi-wild garden; its wine list reflects the burgeoning Sussex vineyard scene. The former walled garden now houses a spa with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool; there are also a handful of suites, allowing guests to drift between their rooms and treatments. One-night Spa Break Getaway costs from £143pp for dinner, B&B with £25 voucher towards a spa treatment from Monday to Friday (prideofbritainhotels.com). Buckland Manor, Worcestershire Chef Will Guthrie raids the nearby Vale of Evesham for produce both in the restaurant and for hampers to take on picnics around Buckland Manor and beyond  There are 15 rooms, some of them with four-poster beds and views of church spires. Distinctly more family-friendly than many Cotswolds hotels, there are interconnecting rooms as well as special menus for children  Domesday mention:  The manor house has ‘Domesday Book history and plenty of modern-day appeal’ A manor house with Domesday Book history and plenty of modern-day appeal. The 15th Century timbered hall provides the backdrop for afternoon tea in winter, although in summer it spreads out into the gardens. The beautiful village of Broadway is a gentle hike away, so are the gardens at Snowshill. There are 15 rooms, some of them with four-poster beds and views of church spires. Distinctly more family-friendly than many Cotswolds hotels, there are interconnecting rooms as well as special menus for children. Chef Will Guthrie raids the nearby Vale of Evesham for produce both in the restaurant and for hampers to take on picnics around the hotel and beyond. Two-night stays from £315pp, including B&B plus one dinner and a National Trust card worth £127 (bucklandmanor.co.uk). Plumber Manor, Dorset Generations of the Prideaux-Brune family have lived at Plumber Manor in Dorset since they built it in the 1600s – and it shows A textbook West Country manor house, from the long driveway surrounded by fields to the mullion windows framed by roses. Generations of the Prideaux-Brune family have lived at Plumber since they built it in the 1600s and it shows, with resident black labradors, proper family portraits and a collection of classic cars. There are six bedrooms in the main house, ten others in a restored stone barn. Spread over three dining rooms, the menu is classic country house, strong on cheese souffle and peppered beef, followed by home-made puddings. B&B from £155. For a three-night minimum stay, dinner, B&B is from £137.50pp per night (plumbermanor.co.uk). Manor House, Wiltshire The 14th Century ivy-clad manor house in Wiltshire is filled with stained-glass windows, beams and a Michelin-starred restaurant There are 21 rooms in the main house and 29 cottages around the grounds, some of which are dog-friendly With its charming honey-stoned houses, Castle Combe is often described as England’s most beautiful village, and it has caught the eye of many a Hollywood director. It has a 14th Century ivy-clad manor house – in the same honey-coloured stone to match – filled with stained-glass windows, beams and a Michelin-starred restaurant. There are 21 rooms, including the delightful Lordsmeer suite in the main house and 29 cottages around the grounds, some of which are dog-friendly. There’s an 18-hole golf course and a glorious Italianate garden, and the Bybrook river meanders through the grounds. B&B doubles from £250 (exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house). Titchwell Manor, Norfolk A hotel that catches the posh but gently boho North Norfolk vibe beautifully; this Victorian building is too close to the beach to have any airs and graces, but there’s a lot of breezy charm. Meals are served in an expansive conservatory and there are 26 rooms, some with hot tubs. Owned by the Snaith family, it is managed by their son Eric, who also runs Norfolk’s smartest fish and chip shop in nearby Thornham. Family-friendly, it’s also a stylish bolthole for birdwatchers; there’s an RSPB reserve next door. B&B from £140. A two-night walking break including dinner, B&B plus a packed lunch on one day costs from £265pp (titchwellmanor.com). Longueville Manor, Jersey  Longueville Manor, Jersey, puts food and wine at the centre of its appeal This Relais & Châteaux hotel may put food and wine at the centre of its appeal, but there’s much more on offer.  The 30 rooms and suites are cream and serene, generously sized and with French-accented luxury.  For extra privacy, there’s a two-bedroom cottage in the grounds, alongside tennis courts and a spa. The hotel also has its own yacht. Longueville became a hotel in 1949 and is now in the third generation of family ownership.  There’s a fine cellar, with more than 5,000 bottles, a forager on staff to supplement the extensive kitchen garden and honey from hives dotted around the grounds.  Doubles from £225, room-only (longuevillemanor.com). Aynsome Manor Hotel, Cumbria Aynsome Manor Hotel, Cumbria, has 13 bedrooms, some in the beamed eaves of the building, all with the sort of views that will have you pulling on your walking boots For those who like the wilder side of Cumbria, here is a handsome, good-value manor near Cartmel, now run by the second generation of the Varley family. There are just 13 bedrooms, some in the beamed eaves of the building, all with the sort of views that will have you pulling on your walking boots. Guests eat in the dining room rather than a restaurant and the food aims to make the flavours sing with minimal fuss. The menus are set-price and a bargain at three courses for £30. B&B from £90 per night (aynsomemanorhotel.co.uk). Caer Beris Manor, Powys The Southwick family bought Caer Beris Manor in Powys last year and spent lockdown continuing their renovation programme  Lord Swansea built this mock-Tudor mansion, surrounded on three sides by the River Irfon, in 1896 on the foundations of a 13th Century castle. It was bought by the Southwick family last year. There are 22 rooms spread across the estate, ranging from suites to single rooms. The family spent lockdown continuing their renovation programme and have created picnic areas throughout the grounds, which also hold orchards and an otter hide, while there’s trout, salmon and grayling to fish for. The 1898 restaurant sources its ingredients locally. Mains start at £16. B&B from £90 (caerberis.com). Manor House, Argyll and Bute Manor House, Argyll and Bute, is ‘delightfully gentle’ with just 11 rooms and spectacular West Coast views The Scots don’t do manors in quite the same way as the English – fortified castles were more their thing. This hotel is one of the exceptions, and it’s delightfully gentle with just 11 rooms and spectacular West Coast views. It was built for the Duke of Argyll in 1780, next to Oban’s harbour. Staying here is a superb introduction to the Inner Hebrides, from the freshly caught seafood in the restaurant to sunset views from McCaig’s Tower behind the hotel – although watching from the Nelson bar at the hotel with a fine whisky in hand is nearly as good. Sailors can use the hotel’s own mooring. Double B&B from £224 (manorhouseoban.com). The Manor at Sway, Hampshire Pictured is one of the bedrooms at The Manor at Sway, Hampshire, where ‘William Morris mixes with a touch of modern design’ All the space and grace that the Edwardians could muster comes into play at this hotel on the southern edge of the New Forest, where William Morris mixes with a touch of modern design. It’s a great car-free option as it’s near the railway station and there are wonderful walks into the forest and heath to explore from the hotel. There are just 11 bedrooms and a restaurant serving local produce. Dishes include local pork with black pudding, crisp ham and charred baby gem lettuce, while puddings include lemon curd tart with basil. Doubles from £189, including dinner, breakfast and afternoon tea (themanoratsway.com).  Moonfleet Manor, Dorset Room with a view: Moonfleet Manor, a Georgian mansion in Dorset, overlooks the magnificent Chesil Beach Not just for adults: One of the lounges at the hotel, which is child-focused, with play areas and picnics If you want to get your child manored up, head here. Overlooking Chesil Beach and part of the Luxury Family Hotel group, it’s thoroughly child-focused. There are interconnecting rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, including a pool, and in a Covid-made-fun way, picnics are available for every meal including breakfast. The South West Coastal Path runs alongside the back garden. In the Georgian mansion, there’s a playfulness that adults will appreciate too, with high teas and grown-up meals and, above all, Snoopy, the venerable hotel spaniel. Two nights from £329, including breakfast and dinner for two. Children stay free but are charged for meals; two hours of childcare a day is included from September 7 when the creche reopens (moonfleetmanorhotel.co.uk). Long Crendon Manor, Buckinghamshire Long Crendon Manor in Buckinghamshire has bedrooms with original features, a bakery, farm shop and florist  Not a hotel as such, but you can stay in this manor, which is stacked with beamed charm. Parts of the main house date from the 12th Century. It’s still a working estate, with ducks and geese in the orchard that creates the cider, and Gloucester Old Spot pigs that provide the morning bacon. Head into the courtyard and there’s a bakery, farm shop and florist. The farm shop cafe serves lunch and it’s walking distance from two pubs in the village. B&B doubles from £145 (longcrendonmanor.co.uk).  Rothay Manor, Cumbria This small foodie hotel in the heart of the Lake District is owned by Jamie and Jenna Shail, who have bought significant flair and rolltop baths to the low-slung white house near Ambleside. Eight of the rooms on the ground floor are dog-friendly; first-floor rooms have balconies. Its main restaurant has three AA rosettes and five courses start from £70 a head, but there’s also a more casual restaurant. B&B from £221 (rothaymanor.co.uk). The post Give your British mini-break some real style and book a stay in one of these 14 grand houses appeared first on Shri Times News. from WordPress https://ift.tt/3ld1rKb

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/08/give-your-british-mini-break-some-real.html

[gertsenoakley8-blog]

Yacht Charter in Croatia

Croatia is positioned on the Adriatic Sea, opposite Italy, in the Northern Mediterranean. With a background returning over a thousand years, it initially appeared on the political map of Europe in 1992, following the separate of Yugoslavia after a bloody civil war. Climate - The environment is common of the Mediterranean and also offers pleasurable vacations throughout the year. The best season for cruising in Croatia is early summer with great winds in May as well as June generally from the S/SE. Early mornings have the tendency to be tranquil with the wind enhancing later in the afternoon to around 15 - 20 knots. The months of July and August see calmer conditions which is ALRIGHT for those that don't mind car. Summer temperatures balance between 26 to 30 ° C and also the sea temperature level in summer season has to do with 25ºC. Sailing Location - Beginning in the north The Brioni Islands - Officially the summer home of President Tito, these islands were closed to the general public. Today they are open but the facilities are a little bit review, as little loan was spent on their maintenance complying with the death of the President. The group of islands consists of 2 larger ones and also 12 smaller ones. They were offered National forest condition in 1983. The biggest island is Veli Brijun, just is 2km from the shore. It is really environment-friendly being covered with plants. Cres & Losinj islands - Covering virtually 400 square km, Cres is the second biggest island in the Adriatic. It is organized with Losinj as well as an additional 28 smaller sized islands. The harbour of Mali Losinj is said to be the most lovely in the entire Adriatic. Cikat bay, which is popular for its coastline as well as excellent windsurfing, is the traveler centre. While the community of Veli Losinj is much quieter. Cres Community is also prominent and is similar to an Italian village due to the fact that for numerous centuries it was ruled by Venice. The island of Susak is well worth a check out. The population talk their own language, which is not conveniently comprehended by various other Croats. And also the women commonly wear a colourful outfit, a brief, multicoloured outfit, red tights as well as a white blouse. Krk is the largest island in the Adriatic, covering 405.78 square km, and also is additionally among the most heavily populated islands. It is really busy with vacationers being by bridge to the mainland. It is not one of the most stunning or the greenest of the islands. The main communities are Baska, Krk town itself, Malinska, Omisalj, Punat and Vrbnik. Krk Community is renowned for the Basilica of St. Mary. Rab island is among the greenest islands in the Adriatic and probably among the most enchanting. It is has beautiful sandy beaches as well as is covered with pine forests. Rab Town, the primary resort, is full of medieval structures, constructed under Venetian guideline in the 13th century. The old town wall surfaces are still visible in some areas. Pag is the second lengthiest island in the Adriatic. It has little in the way of vegetation due to strong wind of Bora. Even with https://tablecherry43.asblog.cc/2018/11/25/sungold-tomato-and-maple-jam/ has a lot of appeal. It is popular for its shoelace making as well as the Pag Community is wonderfully preserved. Primosten, on the coastline, is one of one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coastline and flaunts the best of Croatia from the other day, stroll the narrow, patched roads of the old town centre set on a tiny, uneven peninsula as well as today, the Farmhouse all evening disco is just a 10 minute taxi away. The Kornati islands - 140 islands compose this archipelago and also it covers a location 300 square kilometres. Most of the area is a National Park, assigned so due to it countlesses coves and also crystal clear blue waters. It was defined by astronauts as having the bluest water in the world seen from space.It is truly attractive. George Bernard Shaw said of the island group "On the last day of Production God preferred to crown His job, and thus produced the Kornati islands from tears, celebrities and breath." Most of the area comes from individuals of Murter island who concern look after the olive groves, wineries and orchards. They in remain cottages during the farming season but there is no permanent populace. Hramina is an exclusive marina on Murter Island with great facilities consisting of an option of dining establishments. Dugi Otok is the home of the large, gorgeous bay at Telescica. The small angling town of Sali here is well-known for summer occasions commemorating neighborhood folklore with a fun donkey race as well as a procession of lit up watercrafts. Brbinj higher up on Dugi Otok is a peaceful, protected quit bordered by yearn timbers and also olive groves. The city of Split is a UNESCO world heritage site well-known for the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian. See Skradin on the mainland and venture up-river to the famous waterfalls at Krka. Brac is the largest island in Central Dalmatia and the 3rd biggest in the Adriatic. It is likewise among the sunniest with 2,700 hours annually. Brac is renowned for its agricultural products, figs, olive oil, nectarines, wine and also other fruits. However the main export is the renowned Brac stone where numerous buildings on the planet have actually been created, including the home to the presidents of the United States of The U.S.A., The White Residence in Washington DC Bol is said to have the most beautiful beach in the Adriatic. Various other hotels consist of the Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Milna, Sumartin, Supetar as well as Sutivan. Hvar is the fourth biggest island in the Adriatic and also is also sunnier compared to Brac. There is nevertheless enough rain to keep the island environment-friendly as well as to preserve the lovely areas of lavender, marjoram, rosemary, sage as well as thyme along with the vineyards. In the springtime Hvar scents like a herbalist shop. The lavender oil is the island's major export. The main hotels are Hvar Town, Jelsa, Stari Graduate, Sucuraj and also Vrboska. Hvar boasts the nation's oldest public theater dating from 1612. Vis - At 24 miles from the mainland this is the most westerly of the larger Croatian islands. Vis is the oldest established town in Dalmatia founded in 397 BC. The island was major base for British troops during World War II. After 1945 it was shut to the public the Yugoslav armed force and reopened in 1990. Several of Croatia's finest wines are generated there, such as Plavac and Vugava. The two main towns are Vis Town and also Komiza. Vis is specifically peaceful and relaxing. Bisevo is house to the renowned Blue Caves as well as this is the ideal snorkelling area Korcula is recognized for its thick forest. Marco Polo, the famous adventurer, was born upon Korcula, as well as his house still there. Korcula called "Little Dubrovnik", Vela Luka as well as Lumbarda are the main hotels. On the mainland, Ston, is among the most gorgeous prepared communities you are ever likely to see. It is famous for its lots of cultural monuments and excellent defensive walls. The regional dining establishments offer tasty dishes of oyster and other fresh fish and shellfish. Invest the mid-day on it's sandy coastline lined with olive trees. Mljet is 23 miles west of Dubrovnik and is the southerly the majority of the bigger islands. The western half of the island is a National Park and also over two-thirds of the island is forested with. Inning accordance with legend, Odysseus loved the island as well as remained there for seven years. You will discover many excellent anchorages and also sandy coastlines on the southern coast, the very best which is Saplunara The Elafit islands - Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan - In old times these islands were house to a big deer populace and take their name from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer. There remain in reality 6 islands in the group and it is deemed one of the most expert seafarers originated from here. Once again the islands are very lovely and are a should visit. Lopud is little bit greater than two hills which are linked by a gorgeous valley. Comply with the walkway through to the bay called Sunj, a rounded white sand beach ideal for a swim. Dubrovnik is an immaculately managed 13th century strengthened city. Old wall surfaces surround the old town enclosing an interesting mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque style. Tall parapets and towering spires increase substantially from magnificent squares loaded with colourful bars, markets and dining establishments. The entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site. Food and Wine - Croatian cooking is usually Mediterranean with fish, shellfish, fresh vegetables as well as olive oil taking centre phase. Selections of fish include pet dog's tooth, gilthead, grouper, mackerel, sardines and also sea bass. You will certainly find cuttlefish, octopus and also squid, lobsters, mussels, oysters as well as shrimps. These exist barbequed or in stews and risottos. The regional smoked ham is great. Lamb is additionally extremely regarded, particularly baked on an open fire. There are some interesting regional meals, some found on specific islands, to be looked for or avoided. Take Vitalec as an example - lamb's offal covered in lamb digestive tract as well as spike-roasted, not everbodys suggestion of culinary paradise. Areas with a numerous supply of fresh water, the Neretva valley, Trilj and also the Cetina basin, are well for their frog, eel and also river crab dishes. Pag and also Dubrovnik generate premium quality lamb's cheese. Pag's is referred to as Paski-Sir, a hard, distinctly flavoured cheese. The special flavour comes from the approach of rubbing the cheese with olive oil and also ash prior to leaving it to develop; additionally, the lamb consume a diet plan that includes several wild herbs such as sage. Dalmatian desserts ready too. One of the most typical active ingredients consist of almonds, eggs, honey, local fruit, dried out figs and also raisins. Try Orehnjaca, a pleasant bread with walnuts or poppy seeds. Palacinke are pancakes generally served with jam or delicious chocolate. Dalmatian wines have actually been concerned extremely since ancient times. Famous wines include Babic from Primosten, Dingac and also Postup from the Peljesac Peninsula and also Plancic from the island of Hvar. There are likewise great regional brandies as well as liqueurs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnVOKWq57l8

[gloriousgardendonut]

Gap Year Trip 2018 - Ireland continued

Week 2 - Summerfields campsite in Schull is a tiny and quirky campsite, a back garden really, we shared it with 2 vans the first night but had it all to ourselves the second night. May seems to be quiet on the campsites, yet all the main sites on the Way seemed busy, we wondered if summer would be more difficult to do the route. It took a lot of focused and considerate driving along the route and you don't get anywhere fast on the smaller roads, it is probably much more difficult in busier seasons. We'd planned to have a meal and a few beers in a local pub in the evening we arrived in Schull, but as none of the local pubs were adhering to the recently repealed 'dogs in pubs law' we got a big fat no at each of them. Luckily my daughter had contributed an Aldi shop as a gift on our departure and so we had lots of stuff in tins and packets back in the van to create a gourmet meal - tuna pasta is great when you're tired and hungry, it's also cheap. Next day we decided to head out on foot and did a 6 mile circular walk around Schull, first along the lovely coast and then back across the hilly back roads. Interestingly there seems to be a lot of property development or new building happening in some of the remote areas. Many properties were opting for big picture windows, well you would if you had the view here. It made us realise though that before central heating, these old properties would have relied on small windows and thick stone walls to keep that wild Atlantic wind out, they probably also shared with their livestock as well, probably similar to me with my sheepskin throw when it's a bit chilly in the van. As the sun came out we finished the day with a BBQ and a few beers - news from home was that the UK was expecting a heat wave and that temperatures would soar to compete with Ibiza, unfortunately,top temperatures bypassed Ireland and our Way remained The WILD Atlantic and chilly Way! Next day we soldiered on to Dursey Island in the drizzle and wind to experience the only Cable car in Ireland, I was a little unsure at first if Simon would brave it but as it was the only route onto the island he agreed to give it a go despite his fear of heights. With a 600 foot drop into Dursey Sound and the wind picking up Simon reluctantly faced his fears and boarded the cable car. His face was a picture for the first few minutes as fear set in and I must admit I felt a bit nervous too. We weren't sure which was worse, the rickety cable stanchions, the flimsy sliding doors or the jolt forward as you went through the stanchion that gave you a sense that you were about to fall into the water below. We survived though, the island was wild and remote but beautiful. We only stayed a short time but in that time managed a short walk with the dog held tightly. A sign at arrival on the island said 'dogs will be shot if off the road'. The woman operating the cable car assured us dogs are not usually shot. With a live dog and feeling a sense of achievement we caught the cable car back and continued on our way. We arrived next at Sneem Aire for the night and after pitching up walked into the village for a few well earned beers in the local hostelries. Sneem has an abundance of pubs and restaurants but is very small, there seems to be places like this along the route, yet other small villages with very few if no facilities. Next day being a bit behind time we had to cut across the Dingle Peninsula - a place we had visited previously when staying in Killarney but didn't have time to revisit on this trip. The WAW is long and whilst there is a South to North route or vice verse, there are also lots of off-shoots around coves and peninsulas, if you were a purist it would take a lot longer than three weeks to complete every little bit of it. Whilst we tried to take in all the key signature points, we quickly realised we had to miss lots of bits too, this didn't matter as we felt that every area we visited had something spectacular to offer and we encountered dramatic views all along the way. So onward from the dramatic scenery of County Cork and Kerry we caught the ferry that crosses the River Shannon from Tarbert to Kilrush and a short drive onwards we arrived at the seaside town of Kilkeel. We had planned another free night at a Brit Stop located next to the sea near Diamond Rocks Café. When we arrived the place was very busy with Bank Holiday weekenders and we'd hoped to use the café, but it closed as we arrived so instead we headed off along the long sandy beach to the town for a few provisions. The town is made up mainly of bars and as it was bank holiday weekend so plenty of people were partaking of the liquor and the atmosphere seemed lively. Back at the van the view was fantastic, just a little wall between us and the sea and the Atlantic waves crashing against the rocks. All seemed well and slowly over the evening the day trippers started to leave the car park. By 11pm we were the only vehicle in the car park. But something felt wrong, I could see Simon was watching vehicles coming and going with curiosity and knowing him well knew he was beginning to get twitchy. He had noticed a car coming very close to the back of the van and looking at it, then a van circled us twice. I got out and they drove slowly away. As Bradley Walsh always says on 'The Chase' always trust your gut. Our gut was telling us we were being watched but we were unsure if it was the campervan or the expensive bike on the rack either way we felt unsafe where we were. We were isolated really at the end of the beach road and an easy target, had there been other Brit Stoppers we'd have felt safer but there wasn't, so at nearly midnight we decided to pack up and move on. This meant us driving on unlit and bendy roads unsure of where we were headed. Luckily part way through the night we found a marina car park and pulled in there. Anyone who drives a campervan will know, that when you put the bed down at night loads of 'stuff' gets chucked in the front seats especially for us as we have a dog cage in there with a dog in. Packing up in the night meant our pull out bed had to be put away to accommodate the dog and cage, so at the marina where there were other vans with people in bed, we realised we couldn't get the bed out as we'd have made too much noise. So with Simon spread across the front seats and a gear stick prodding in his nether regions and me in the back seat sat up but sliding off the seat every two minutes into a dog cage, sleep was difficult. By 5:30 we couldn't stand the discomfort any longer so got up and moved on towards Galway. Interestingly one of the main signature points of the WAW are the Cliffs of Moher, which are supposed to be spectacular and a must see. During our night relocation we initially drove up to the cliffs visitor centre in the hope we could park there and get to see them the next morning. Unfortunately, we found the centre was cordoned off for improvement work and temporarily closed, this meant no overnight parking and us missing out on what is considered one of the best parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. We decided however that we could tick off we'd been but only as far as the car. Next day we did wonder how close to the edge we were on that precarious little road in the dark! So having been but not seen the cliffs we headed on to Galway in search of 'something' that would give us back a sense of normality. Most of the West of Ireland goes through small villages and towns, were facilities are limited out of 9-5 hours, we were also into the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday so felt going into Galway would be fruitless for refreshments or supplies but maybe a very good way to see the city and its architecture without competing with traffic jams and busy city folk. Indeed it delivered that, Galway at 5:30 in the morning in a campervan is a beautiful city it has the famous bay of course, but also a marina, historic buildings, parks, and quant shopping streets. But most relevant to our predicament at that point in time was not history or culture but a modern day retail park and those big beautiful Golden Arches we spotted from a distance. Our faces lit up when we realised that despite the hour we were about to partake in breakfast McMuffins, hash browns and lashings of tea - ah thank goodness for Micky D's! Fully refreshed we left Galway and headed to our next campsite stop - Eco Beach near Clifden. Martha and the Muffins van singalong over, we settled in to 2 days of relaxation. This campsite is wild, remote and on the beach - perfect for kicking back. We spent two days, walking the dog on the beach, reading, talking and just looking out at the sea. Oh and one mile down the beach at Claddaghduff is Sweeney's Bar, where we had a Guinness and the best Seafood Chowder for lunch. Also of note was that we were allowed 'inside' with our dog, renewing our faith in Irish dog friendly pubs that had been dashed in Schull. As well as the beautiful sweeping beach you can cross a causeway to Omey Island famous for its last permanent resident being a stunt man on James Bond films and for a horse racing meetings on the beach. Whilst at Eco Beach, Simon managed a peaceful cycle ride around the local area, whist I felt inspired to paint a water colour of the bay sat at the back of the van. Next we headed further along "those twisting, turning, winding roads of Galway and Mayo" (Saw Doctors van singalong) ....to Westport, having lunch on the pretty harbour and then on to Achill Island and camping almost on the beach and next to the local surf club. Surf was definitely up and we headed straight out for an almost horizontal walk along the windy beach, bracing as it was the views again were spectacular, Clare Island in the distance, some of the steepest sea cliffs in Europe either side of the bay and Slievemore mountain lurking magnificently in the background. After a van tea, we spent a few hours curled up just looking out at the bay and what made us smile most were the mummy sheep pottering along with their little lambs in tow. Next day we headed out for a 7 mile loop walk along an ancient track under Slievemore Mountain to visit the 'Deserted Village' An archeological area dating back to the Neolithic period 5000 years ago, the village itself has 80 plus derelict cottages and pasture land dating back to Medieval times. It is a tranquil but haunting site. Stepping inside one of the buildings with the remains of its thick stone walls you could imagine the shelter they brought to a hard working and isolated community on the wild Atlantic hillsides. We were grateful arriving back in Achill for a pot of tea and a slice of Banoffee Pie at the Beehive Craft and Tea Shop. So another week almost completed on our Ireland trip. Whilst this week has been amazing and we are having the time of our lives, there hasn't been a day when I haven't thought about and missed Barney. You see, van life, hills, beaches and adventure were his thing and not having him by my side is difficult. But I do now have Skyler and luckily he is loving this life too and proving to be a wonderful companion, although he keeps us on our toes with his energy and spirit. But what's most interesting is that when I feel sad about Barney he seems to know and comes to snuggle up to me.

[itsyokythings-blog]

My Five Acres. Travel. Adventure. Yoga. My Five Acres. Travel. Adventure. Yoga. - Travel. Adventure. Yoga.

You might have heard that Canada is an expensive country to visit and that Vancouver is at the top of that list. But it is possible to do Vancouver on a budget! Read this post by a Vancouver local to get creative ideas for free things to do in Vancouver — that are tons of fun too.

This is a guest post by Lesley from Freedom56 Travel. She is an aspiring nomad who currently makes her home in Vancouver.

1. 3. 5. 7.

With a dizzying array of indoor and outdoor activities to try, Vancouver is a playground for locals and tourists alike. If your wallet is fat, there is no end to the exciting restaurants, events and parties awaiting you in this world-class city. 

But, maybe your wallet’s a little slimmer or you prefer to spend your time more sustainably? Or maybe you’re saving for a life of nomadic adventure, like I am? The good news is, there are plenty of fun things to do in Vancouver that cost very little or are completely free.

Grab my suggestions below for budget Vancouver fun, from free yoga, to great game nights, to extreme hiking!

Read on to discover the best…

Free Things to do in Vancouver

Pin this for your Vancouver adventure.

Also don’t miss these posts:

Vancouver Bike Routes to enjoy the city → 17 things to do in Vancouver in the summer → 11 best things to do on Vancouver Island →

1. Test Your Mettle in Vancouver’s Mountains

BCMC Trail

Free, open June–September, daylight hours

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One of the best things to do in Vancouver is to get outside into the extraordinary nature surrounding the city.

You might have heard of the Grouse Grind, that famous Vancouver hiking trail where locals secure bragging rights for the fastest time and post sweaty selfies at the top, high-fiving their friends. 

But have you heard of the BCMC Trail? This 4.5km trail offers a less busy, less touristy alternative to the Grouse Grind with the same potential for sweaty selfies and high-fives. Both these hikes are very challenging and steep, so only suitable for fit and experienced hikers with proper shoes!

Open from June to September, the BCMC (BC Mountaineering Club) Trail starts off at the same place as the Grind, which is easily accessible using the local bus. 

The BCMC soon diverts to the right onto the Baden Powell trail. This trail is well marked and leads you to the same destination as the Grind — the Grouse Mountain Chalet.

The BCMC trail is a more technical route than the Grind, with more roots and rocks to navigate, but the terrain is less monotonous than the never-ending stairs of the Grind. You can bring your dog (no dogs are permitted on the Grind), too! The BCMC is slightly longer than the Grind, averaging 10 minutes longer on ascent, around 1.5 hours in total. You can also descend the BCMC, although most opt to take the Grouse on the way down.

The best part about climbing the BCMC trail is that the usual Grouse Grind crowd is absent. It is more of hiking trail and is not marketed as a tourist attraction. 

Both the Grouse Grind and the BCMC trail offer a great workout, but if you’re looking for a more traditional hiking trail without the crowds, try the BCMC trail.

2. Enjoy the World’s Longest Waterfront

Vancouver Seaside Greenway

Free, always open, perfect for a sunset stroll

You’ll get exceptional views walking the seawall in Vancouver.

Vancouver’s Seaside Greeway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path! It’s a great option for walkers, cyclists, and even roller bladers.

Now 28km long, the Seaside Greenway encompasses the famous Stanley Park Seawall, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and Spanish Banks Park. You can stroll your chosen section or rent a bike to explore the entire path.

(Note: Biking in Vancouver is one of My Five Acres’s favourite activities!)

Be aware that the Seawall is divided along its length to give cyclists and inline skaters their own space. If you’re walking, stay on the pedestrian side of the path. Cyclists should go slowly and watch out for stray pedestrians!

Starting from the beginning at Canada Place in Coal Harbour, you can stroll into Stanley Park and join locals and tourists out for their daily exercise. You’ll get to see the beautiful Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore s, passing by Second Beach and HMCS Discovery along the way.

Leaving Stanley Park 9km later, you’ll find yourself on the English Bay side of downtown, passing by Sunset Beach Park. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Vancouver, an evening stroll along this section of the seawall, with the city lights twinkling on the water, is ideal.

From here, you can hop on the Aquabus to go Granville Island. 

Or, keep walking and the route will take you all the way past Science World and into the new Vancouver neighbourhood that was the Athletes Village for the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

If you’re still feeling keen and energetic, continue past Granville Island and into Vanier Park and Kits Beach. Here, you can try beach volleyball, bake in the sun, and swim in the ocean or the iconic Kits Pool. The bike route continues beyond Kits Beach through to the UBC area and Pacific Spirit Park.

3. Walking Meditation in a Greek-Style Labyrinth

St. Paul’s Anglican Church Labyrinth 

Free, Tue–Fri 8:30–9:30am, Sun 10am–noon, 2nd and last Friday each month, 7pm–9pm

The St. Paul’s Labyrinth in Vancouver is based on this traditional style of labyrinth. Photo by David Clay Photography, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.

If you Google “labyrinth” these days, you’ll find results that include films, artwork, operas, TV mini-series, card games and more.

However, in Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Anglican Church, you’ll find a Labyrinth that adheres to the original meaning of the word — an ancient pattern first found in Greek mythology and widely used all over the world in the decorative arts.

The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s Church is a 13m replica of the medieval labyrinth found at the 13th century Chartres Cathedral in France.

Opened in 1996, the labyrinth is used for a form of walking meditation. 

Painted on the gym floor and almost 500m from start to finish, the labyrinth is open to the public and is used for a variety of purposes, which include reflection, healing, celebration and more.

On the last Friday of every month, there is live music to enjoy while you experience the serenity of walking meditation. Recent guest artists have included cellists, pianists, throat singers, and harpists.

On my recent visit to the Labyrinth, I really fell in love with the experience! There was a soothing atmosphere in the Labyrinth space and the physical movement of walking through the labyrinth seemed to calm my mind. I’ll definitely be returning.

4. Test Your Board Game Chops Against Local Gamers

The Storm Crow Tavern

Mon–Sat, 11am–1am, Sun, 11am–12am 

The Storm Crow Tavern in Vancouver is like a sports bar, but for geeks. Photo via Storm Crow Tavern.

The original Nerd Bar in Vancouver, the Storm Crow Tavern on Commercial Drive has a low-key environment that welcomes everyone from gob-smacked tourists to nerdy metalheads. 

You’ll never see a hockey game on the TV here. Instead, you’ll find Game of Thrones, Star Trek or other science fiction and fantasy shows.

The Storm Crow encourages guests to play board and card games, and has literally hundreds of different games available, divided into appetizers (less than 30 minutes), light fare (up to 60 minutes), and main course (more than an hour). 

Nerd Heaven

Everything from backgammon to Carcassonne to a Lord of the Rings Trivia Game is on the menu. If you’re keen to try something new, you’ll find it at The Storm Crow.

This is technically one of the almost free things to do in Vancouver, because you will need to order something. But the staff won’t mind if you just get a coffee and play a game with your friends. If you’re coming alone, there will be plenty of friendly people (Canadians are the friendliest!) looking to add another person to their game.

The Storm Crow often hosts special event nights, too, so check their Facebook page for all the latest. A visit to the Storm Crow is one of the most fun activities in Vancouver.

5. Move Your Body at a Karma Yoga Class

You can always hold your own yoga session right on Vancouver’s amazing beaches.

If you’ve always wanted to try yoga, or just want a welcoming place to practice while on holiday, there are plenty of places for free yoga in Vancouver.  

Lululemon, which was born in Vancouver, offers complimentary yoga at several locations in and around Vancouver. Confirm with the store if you plan to attend. 

Sundays: 8:45am at Robson Street 9:30am at Oakridge

Mondays: 8pm at Kitsilano

Tuesdays: 6:30pm at Lulu Lab (Cambie)

Thursdays: 7:30am at Robson Street (ESL focus)

Some stores also have running and guided meditation classes, so if you’re looking for other active free things to do in Vancouver, check in with them.

Unity Yoga Tea house on Commercial drive offers weekly Karma Classes that only require donation of non-perishable item for the food bank. 

For a very “Vancouver” experience, try Rooftop Yoga in downtown Vancouver. This is a donation-based studio, with an emphasis on embodiment of self-hood, offers two evening classes alternating weekly. 

6. Take a Free Walking Tour

Various Locations Around the City

Free, a tip is expected if you enjoy the tour

You may well stop by the exceptional Vancouver Public Library on your free Vancouver walking tour.

Central Vancouver is a relatively small area and a great place to walk. There are lots of local walking tour companies offering tours to some of the best Vancouver tourist attractions. While there is no fee upfront, the tour guides welcome tips at the end of the tour if you enjoy it. 

Vancouver’s original free walking tour company is the Tour Guys. They host a variety of tours of downtown Vancouver and Granville Island that run seasonally from March to September. Their walking tour of Chinatown is particularly popular, as Vancouver’s original Chinatown was the largest in Canada, and second only to San Francisco in North America.

Another well-rated free walking tour operator is Freetour.com, who offer a great All-Canadian Free Walking Tour. This 3-hour tour hits all the highlights of downtown Vancouver, including the Gastown Steam Clock, the Terry Fox Memorial, and Dr. Sun Yat Sen park. This introductory tour to Vancouver runs daily (except Mondays).

7. Get Involved in Volunteerism

Various Locations, Go Volunteer Website

Free, choose a time that suits your schedule

There are plenty of people and animals you can meet doing volunteer work in Vancovuer.

If you want to get to know some Vancouver locals while helping others and developing your own skills, try volunteering in Vancouver. Volunteering is a great non-touristy thing to do in Vancouver!

Finding volunteer opportunities in Vancouver is easy thanks to the Go Volunteer website.

You can sort volunteering opportunities by your interests and location, the type of skills required, as well as keywords. If you’re interested in volunteering in a particular sector, like children’s activities or horticulture, search using those terms to find opportunities that interest you.

Short- and Long-Term Gigs

I’ve found both short- and long-term volunteer gigs on Go Volunteer. 

If you’re in Vancouver for a short time, opportunities like volunteering as an usher at the Vancouver Fringe Festival might be for you. If you’re into non-traditional live performances, this is a great gig. Other Vancouver festivals such as the Vancouver Film Festival also use this site as a resource for finding their volunteers. 

If you’re warm-hearted soul, senior’s homes always welcome visitors to help with recreational programming or just sitting down with a resident for a cup of coffee and a chat. 

Visiting Vancouver’s beaches is an exception free activity in Vancouver.

Lesley is a enthusiast, avid motorcyclist and aspiring retiree! She has ed extensively while working 9 to 5 and is looking forward to making ing her full-time job. With Vancouver as her home base, Lesley seeks to share her adventures with the world! She writes about from a mid-life perspective on her blog, Freedom56 Travel. You can follow her there and also on Pinterest and Facebook.

Despite its reputation as an expensive city, these fun and free things to do in Vancouver prove that you don’t need to rely on a big budget to have fun in Canada’s most beautiful city. We hope our suggestions help you have an amazing time in Vancouver.

♥  Happy mindful adventures, Jane & Stephen

We’re not going to lie, it takes a LOT of work to create guides like this. But it’s easy to help us out! If you book or buy something using one of our personal links in this post, we’ll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Of course, we would never recommend anything we didn’t 100% believe in! Huge thanks in advance! –S&J

Pin this for your Vancouver trip.

The post 7 Fun & Free Things to do in Vancouver, BC appeared first on My Five Acres. Travel. Adventure. Yoga..

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New Post has been published on https://travelonlinetips.com/6-of-the-best-places-to-eat-and-drink-in-gladstone-2/

6 of the best places to eat and drink in Gladstone

The Central Queensland town of Gladstone on the Southern Great Barrier Reef might be best known for Heron Island and the twin towns of Agnes Waters and 1770, rather than its culinary scene, but when you know where to go, there’s no need to forgo gourmet gastronomy in Gladstone.

Hungry? Set your sights on the best places to eat and drink in Gladstone.

For fresh seafood: Gladstone Fish Markets

Calling all seafood lovers, you’re about to hit the protein jackpot in Gladstone.

This portside town proudly lays claim to both reef and inland fishing action, specialising in everything from ocean-caught red emperor, coral trout, Spanish mackerel and pearl perch to river-inhabiting whiting, flathead, barramundi, bream, mud crabs and more.

To sample it, make a beeline for the Gladstone Fish Market, who not only sell fresh locally-caught seafood but also cooked versions of the daily catch too.  

From their food truck on Pitt Street, you can purchase cooked coral trout, red emperor, or sweetlip for lunch or early dinner on the go.

For everything from coffee through to cocktails: Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar

Looking for a venue that will take you from your first drink of the day to your last? Enter Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar whose menu is truly progressive, taking you from breakfast through to late-night charcuterie snacks.

Their share-plate mentality even starts at breakfast time, with a board for two including eggs your way, two types of meat and all the sides – aka roasted tomato, spinach, mushrooms, haloumi, avocado, hash browns, house beans and sourdough.

You’ll find Lightbox at the entrance to the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre. It’s easy to spot with its industrial fit-out, indoor plants and fairy lights that make this joint feel a little more capital city than Central Queensland town.

For decadent desserts: Savour the Flavour

If you’re the sort of person who reads a menu back to front (to ensure there’s always room for dessert), look no further than Savour the Flavour in the Tondoon Botanic Gardens.

Case in point: There’s deep-fried choc-chip cookie dough on the menu. While it might not come with the Heart Foundation tick of approval, it’s downright delicious – homemade cookie dough, lightly battered and dipped until golden brown.

If you’re going down the deep-fried dessert route, you might like to opt for one of the salads on their menu rather than a burger or wrap, but who are we to judge?

For front row seats to Gladstone’s views: Cafe Spinnaker Park

There are no bad seats at Cafe Spinnaker Park, the only cafe in Spinnaker Park, which overlooks the Gladstone Marina.

Make like a local and catch morning magic hour with one of their meal deals. You’ll walk out full from the likes of eggs bene and coffee with change from a $20 note.

You’ll notice seafood shines on their lunch menu, with their signature fish burger served with chips and salad.

The icing on the cake? Spinnaker Park is dog friendly so if you grab a table right at the front, you’ll be in for Gladstone’s version of Best in Show.

For local craft beer: Baffle Beer

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Gladstone, drink like they do, sampling their very own craft beer, Baffle Beer.

This is no ordinary medley of water, malt, hops and yeast. These brewers (who incidentally hail from Bavaria) source everything locally with no additives, preservatives or artificial stuff.

Small batches of beer mean these brewers keep an eye on the quality control, so what you taste is a fresh, crisp, taste of what Southern Great Barrier Reef beer is all about.

Pssst – For more great Queensland beer stories, hop (or should that read, hops) over here for more.

For a pub meal with a cracking aspect: Gladstone Reef Hotel

If it’s been a while between visits to Gladstone, prepare for a new look Gladstone Reef Hotel following a 2016 renovation.

Not just one venue but four, you can make your night progressive between the main bar and deck, bistro, roof-top pool area or, Gladstone’s newest nightclub, Industrie.

The a la carte bistro is where you’ll find locals most nights of the week with dinner specials like a Sunday Roast that are as delicious as they are easy on the hip pocket.

We’d recommend getting in early to nab a position on the deck to watch the sun go down over the harbour for the best seats in the house.

For a picture-perfect picnic

When you’re visiting a destination that faces on the Great Barrier Reef, it would be remiss not to make like Yogi Bear and have a picnic overlooking it.

Choosing just one place is hard, so make your picnic progressive at the Marina, Botanical Gardens or Canoe Point at Tannum Sands or follow this itinerary and picnic at great lookout heights.

You won’t need to stay up all night packing your picnic either. The Deli Plate, has a selection of speciality cheeses and deli range from their shopfront in Goondoon Street.

If you’re thinking  your picnic packing should take a sweet rather than savoury turn with the picnic, stop into Gecko Valley Winery for delicious home-made cakes, a takeaway coffee or perhaps a drop of the local vintage.

Looking for more things to see and do in Gladstone?

PS. If this list has whet your appetite for Gladstone’s food scene, just wait for August when Wilson Island will launch the only five-star glamping resort on the reef complete with the food and wine experience to go with it.

Where’s your favourite place to eat in Gladstone?

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[viglanatura]

Naturist Beaches in Kefalonia

Back in the 1970s, if you fancied a carefree naturist holiday, you could do a lot worse than the Greek islands. The clothing optional beaches were well known (even if relatively few were “official”) and all of Europe flocked there. Then, from the 1980s onwards, things changed in Spain and the country and its territories became quite naturist friendly. Nowadays, Formentera or Fuertaventura are much more likely naturist destinations than the Greek islands.

But is the Western end of the Mediterranean still worth a visit? It would take a lot more than one article to cast a naturist’s eye over all of the Greek islands, so I will focus on just one: Kefalonia.

Kefalonia – The First Visit If first visited Kefalonia about 10 years ago. I stayed in Skala, a small town in the south of the island. I was attracted by the reputed lack of night clubs and the nearby naturist beach. I enjoyed my holiday, as I was after a restful time and that is what I got. Considering that its main source of income was tourism, Kefalonia seemed amazingly unspoilt.

I spent most of my time in Skala, as I had no car. Typically a large chunk of either end of the day was taken with sunning myself on the naturist beach, which was quite easy to access (go to Skala’s main beach, turn right and keep going) and friendly – a fair number of people, mainly couples, but not overly crowded. When I left, I thought that I would like to return someday.

Return to Kefalonia My life was quite eventful in the meantime, but in September 2012 I took my (then very new) wife Kefalonia. We decided to stay in Skala as it did not appear to have changed that much. And indeed, when we arrived, I was surprised to see how little the whole island had altered in a decade. I, however, had changed in some ways. Most significantly, I had experience of staying in quite naturist-friendly places and looked at Skala in a different way.

Although the town was still very pleasant, I felt it was rather “buttoned up” – a little conservative, as the visitors were mainly fellow Brits. On the main beach, it was rare to even see a topless woman, so I was pleased to discover that the naturist beach was still there.

However, many years of winter storms had taken their toll and rearranged many of the island’s beaches, which made access to Skala’s naturist beach much more tricky. It was still possible to get there, but a bit of nimble rock climbing and/or wading was necessary. Notwithstanding the challenge with access, we did spend quite a bit of time on Skala naturist beach, which still had a pleasant atmosphere, but a slightly steep slope into the sea which I was less happy with.

We rented a car for a couple of days and found another beach to the west of Skala that was very much to our liking: Kaminia, which is the northern end of a long beach normally called Mounda. There was a small taverna, with sun-beds and parasols on the beach.

We just turned right and walked a couple of hundred metres and soon put distance between us and them. We found a nice expanse of sand and a smooth entry into the sea.

We spent a couple of days there, covering up and visiting the taverna for lunch. We had no idea whether this was a “recognized” naturist beach or not, but we saw a few other nude people and other visitors seemed unconcerned about us. Back in Skala, I got into the habit of having an early morning dip from the town beach each day. There were few people about, so skinny dipping was not a problem. Late afternoon one day we wanted to go to the beach, but realized that the sun was largely off of the naturist beach by that time.

The main beach was still in sunshine, so we found a spot a discreet distance from other people and carried on regardless. Quite a few people saw us, but nobody seemed concerned. Our week’s holiday was very restful and enjoyable, even from a naturist’s perspective, as it turned out. Something about the place – the island as a whole – appealed to us and we resolved to return for another visit. And, in September 2013, that is just what we did.

Vassaliki

For our second holiday on the island, we decided to stay somewhere different. I had heard about Vassaliki, a naturist club, and it sounded interesting. My challenge was to persuade my wife. Her concern (and, to be fair, mine also) was that the place was either a hard core, “leave your clothes at the gate” naturist establishment or would be more “adult oriented” (i.e. open to swingers).

My enquiries and the website gave the impression that we would not have any problems, so I made the booking. They could also help with car hire, so the only other thing to do was get some flights (we took Thomson from Birmingham). The airport in Kefalonia is tiny, so, when we arrived, it took no time to locate our hire car and we set off in search of Vassaliki. The roads on the island are atrocious, but the directions were detailed and accurate and we were soon ringing the bell at the front gate. Our first impression was from a friendly welcome. We were quickly shown to our apartment and told everything we needed to know to get settled in. The key members of the team are Sam, Mark, Sheryl and Simon (not forgetting Archie the dog), all of whom could not have been more friendly and helpful. Their clear focus was on every guest getting what they wanted out of Vassaliki and, to that end, there are as few rules as possible.

The team very much set the atmosphere for the place. We were introduced to some other guests and it soon became clear that everyone felt comfortable and we were soon chatting with many people whom we had only just met. However, I felt sure that if a guest had wanted to keep themselves to themselves, that would not have been an issue.

Vassaliki

Our apartment was very comfortable, with plenty of space and well equipped enough that we could do some basic self-catering. However, very good food was available from the pool bar and there were a number of tavernas nearby, so there were options. There was a blissful absence of compulsory “entertainment”, which so many hotels seem to think is essential.

On various evenings there were opportunities to participate in group activities – a barbecue, mezzes at local tavernas etc. – which were good value. But they were opportunities and totally optional. From the naturist perspective, Vassaliki was much as you might expect – most people were nude much of the time, only dressing if it was too cool or they were venturing out of the site.

But again, the emphasis was on being relaxed. When we first arrived and wanted to look around, my wife put on a light sun-dress, but I saw no reason to dress myself, and we headed to the pool area to get some lunch.

Another newly arrived couple were dressed likewise. Soon both women were enjoying the sun and the pool and would only be dressed in the cool of the evenings thereafter. I was very struck by the management ethos of Vassaliki, which is all about everyone’s needs being met. The amazing thing was the bar. Being a small team, manning the bar all day and all evening would be very hard. Their solution is simple.

Outside of meal times, it is self-service. There are glasses to hand, a tap for draft beer and fridge full of wine and other drinks. Any guest can just help themselves and tick it off on a list; everything is simply added to the bill for settlement later.

Such trust might sound risky, but it is a small place and I am sure that nobody abuses the system. Most people who feel trusted are then trustworthy. To me, encountering such a civilized attitude was a memorable highlight of the holiday and somehow very much part of the naturism culture.

Kefalonia Beaches As we had a car for the whole week that we were staying at Vassaliki, we explored that corner of the island, often looking for beaches. A very short distance from the club is a small village, Spartia, with a harbour. We walked down there on our first day, which was a bit of a stretch – we used the car on subsequent occasions. On the way down, we spotted a small paved footpath, which appeared to lead to the sea, so we investigated. This led down to a very nice small beach, which was deserted (at about 10:00), even though it was catching the sun.

We had not come out prepared for swimming, but what equipment does a naturist need? The water was lovely and a combination of the warm sun and my T-shirt took care of drying us afterwards. We continued our walk to the harbour, but I returned to this beach most mornings for an early dip and we sometimes went later in the afternoon. We saw few other people and nobody was concerned about our mode of dress.

Kefalonia – A Great Destination for Naturists ?

The good folks at Vassaliki provided us with a guide to local beaches and the nearest one that was considered naturist friendly was Avithos, which was just a short drive North. We found it easily. There are two tavernas, which are right next to the main beach. Stepping on the the beach, and walking to the right, we soon found ourselves in the next small bay, which was always quiet enough that I felt a naturist would be fine there.

But we pressed on to the third beach, which is where naturists conventionally congregate. When we were there we were never alone, but it was far from crowded – almost all naturists. A good sandy beach, with reasonable access to the water. On another day, we headed South towards Skala to investigate Mounda beach, which is one of the best known naturist favourites. It is easy to find and only a matter of walking along a few hundred yards to the left from the car parking to get to the naturist area. Another lovely beach, with about a 2 Km stretch along which swimming costumes are a rare sight.

There were plenty of people there, but, with all that space, it did not feel crowded. Later in the day, we drove North along the coastal track (“road” would be an exaggeration) to check out Kaminia again, where we had been the previous year. We were alone for most of the time we were there, seeing only a few people who strolled along and either did not notice or care about us. On another exploratory outing, we spotted a sign to Kanali Beach, which was between Lourdas and Trapezaki beaches, each of which are quite pleasant places with the inevitable tavernas. I had read that Kanali Beach could be reached along the coast from either Lourdas or Trapezaki, so I was surprised to see a sign to it from the top of the cliffs. We followed the sign and found a very small parking area, with no other cars around. A footpath led down the the beach. It was one of the most well made cliff paths I have seen anywhere in the world, with firm concrete steps and nice seats at frequent intervals.

The beach, when we got there, was deserted. It was too late to stay around on that day, but we returned a day or two later for some sun and sea. This time there were other people – maybe 10 in total on a long stretch of beach. They were mostly non-naturists, but nobody seemed to mind sharing the place with a few nude bodies. In the course of the day, quite a few people walked along the beach – again nobody concerned about us or the other naturists. Kefalonia for Naturists?

Would I recommend Keflonia to naturists? Yes, so long as you have a car, there are lots of beaches to go to, which cater for all tastes. Will we be going again? I am sure that we will – there are lots of beaches and large parts of the island left to explore. Would we stay at Vassaliki again? I cannot imagine anywhere better …

Article publishes on Kefaloniatoday.com

[jonahwatson80]

Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

The Northern Highlands has a huge array of beaches waiting to be explored: from the craggy and stony to miles of golden sands or small coves with white sand and turquoise seas- there are so many to choose from and they are all equally special in their own way. Of course our favourite beach is our very own award winning Dornoch beach with a very close second place being our neighbour Embo...... but as there are so many other glorious beaches to visit whilst you are visiting Dornoch, we thought we would make a top ten list of our favourites! This is by no means an exhaustive list but is a good place to start if you are looking for plenty of time on the beach during your holiday.

Dornoch

Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is ideal for families with its gentle shallows, sheltering dunes and miles of golden sands. Perfect for paddling and swimming on warm summer days. Throughout the year it is popular for walkers taking a gentle stroll or carrying on north to Embo. The beach is popular with dog walkers all year round. A crisp winter’s morning  on Dornoch beach is unforgettable and at any time of year it will be possible to collect shells, spot sea birds and possibly see seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the firth. There is car parking at the beach close to a children’s playground and toilets.

Embo

Embo beach is number one for rock-pooling in the whole area and has the added bonus of having Embo's its very own holiday park, “Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame” sited right next to it. After you have had a morning on the beach you can make use of the facilities there which are open to the public including a swimming pool, tennis courts, crazy golf and much more. There is also a bar, restaurant, live entertainment, a convenience store and takeaway.

Golspie

Golspie beach runs along the coast behind the main shops and cafes of the village of Golspie. Why not take the coastal path from Golspie through to Brora which winds through small harbours, sandy beaches, passes the iron age broch at Strathsteven and the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. The walk is 6¾ miles along easy coastal path and beach. Make the use of the train for the return leg of the journey! (Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.)

Old Shore More

The second most northerly beach on the west coast of Scotland, this stunning beach is very quiet and well off the beaten track. It is well known for its special wildflowers and has some fantastic rocks to explore or jump off of! The small car park and campsite is signposted from the minor road beyond Kinlochbervie.

Achmelvich

A stunning beach of white sand which is part of a collection of beaches nestled amongst the rocky bays and headlands. Look out for the small "Hermit's Castle" built of concrete on a headland in 1950- an architectural oddity that is now abandoned. Achmelvich is well known for looking more like the carribean that Scotland with brilliant white sand and turquoise seas. A safe place to take a swim in the sea and it is easy to spend a whole day here. Luckily it is only a few miles from Lochinver so you can easily pop by for dinner afterwards!

Clachtoll

Just a few miles north of Achmelvich lies a beautiful, unspoilt beach called Clachtoll. It is a great place to combine with a trip to Achmelvich as you can conceivably see them both in a day before returning to Dornoch.

Ardmair

A stony little beach to the north of Ullapool, this is a fantastic little beach with wonderful views across to the Summer Isles. Great for making towers out of the pebbles or catching crabs off of the pier.

Durness

Long stretches of white sand, miles of sand dunes and stunning cliffs... there are actually multiple beaches in Durness so make sure you manage to explore them all!

Melness

Just to the west of the village of tongue is the hamlet of Melness. The beaches are clean and child friendly with rocks to climb on and plenty of golden sand to play on. The views out to sea are spectacular. Well worth a visit.

Portmahomack

Slightly closer to home is the quaint little village of Portmahomack just outside of Tain. With it's museum, lighthouse and harbour it is a bustling community and has a lovely cosy feeling about it on warm summer afternoons. The beach by the harbour runs along the main street so it is easy to grab an ice cream or a picnic and hop straight down to enjoy it on the sand. You look straight over the firth from here to Dornoch, so this beach really does have one of the best views around! There is a second beach at Tarbat Ness up by the lighthouse. This is stonier but equally as charming and is know locally as a great spot for dolphin sightings.

 www.visitdornoch.com

 See Full Article Here: Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches posted first on http://visitdornoch.blogspot.co.uk

[kayleighpottersct]

Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

The Northern Highlands has a huge array of beaches waiting to be explored: from the craggy and stony to miles of golden sands or small coves with white sand and turquoise seas- there are so many to choose from and they are all equally special in their own way. Of course our favourite beach is our very own award winning Dornoch beach with a very close second place being our neighbour Embo…… but as there are so many other glorious beaches to visit whilst you are visiting Dornoch, we thought we would make a top ten list of our favourites! This is by no means an exhaustive list but is a good place to start if you are looking for plenty of time on the beach during your holiday.

Dornoch

Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is ideal for families with its gentle shallows, sheltering dunes and miles of golden sands. Perfect for paddling and swimming on warm summer days. Throughout the year it is popular for walkers taking a gentle stroll or carrying on north to Embo. The beach is popular with dog walkers all year round. A crisp winter’s morning  on Dornoch beach is unforgettable and at any time of year it will be possible to collect shells, spot sea birds and possibly see seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the firth. There is car parking at the beach close to a children’s playground and toilets.

Embo

Embo beach is number one for rock-pooling in the whole area and has the added bonus of having Embo’s its very own holiday park, “Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame” sited right next to it. After you have had a morning on the beach you can make use of the facilities there which are open to the public including a swimming pool, tennis courts, crazy golf and much more. There is also a bar, restaurant, live entertainment, a convenience store and takeaway.

Golspie

Golspie beach runs along the coast behind the main shops and cafes of the village of Golspie. Why not take the coastal path from Golspie through to Brora which winds through small harbours, sandy beaches, passes the iron age broch at Strathsteven and the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. The walk is 6¾ miles along easy coastal path and beach. Make the use of the train for the return leg of the journey! (Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.)

Old Shore More

The second most northerly beach on the west coast of Scotland, this stunning beach is very quiet and well off the beaten track. It is well known for its special wildflowers and has some fantastic rocks to explore or jump off of! The small car park and campsite is signposted from the minor road beyond Kinlochbervie.

Achmelvich

A stunning beach of white sand which is part of a collection of beaches nestled amongst the rocky bays and headlands. Look out for the small “Hermit’s Castle” built of concrete on a headland in 1950- an architectural oddity that is now abandoned. Achmelvich is well known for looking more like the carribean that Scotland with brilliant white sand and turquoise seas. A safe place to take a swim in the sea and it is easy to spend a whole day here. Luckily it is only a few miles from Lochinver so you can easily pop by for dinner afterwards!

Clachtoll

Just a few miles north of Achmelvich lies a beautiful, unspoilt beach called Clachtoll. It is a great place to combine with a trip to Achmelvich as you can conceivably see them both in a day before returning to Dornoch.

Ardmair

A stony little beach to the north of Ullapool, this is a fantastic little beach with wonderful views across to the Summer Isles. Great for making towers out of the pebbles or catching crabs off of the pier.

Durness

Long stretches of white sand, miles of sand dunes and stunning cliffs… there are actually multiple beaches in Durness so make sure you manage to explore them all!

Melness

Just to the west of the village of tongue is the hamlet of Melness. The beaches are clean and child friendly with rocks to climb on and plenty of golden sand to play on. The views out to sea are spectacular. Well worth a visit.

Portmahomack

Slightly closer to home is the quaint little village of Portmahomack just outside of Tain. With it’s museum, lighthouse and harbour it is a bustling community and has a lovely cosy feeling about it on warm summer afternoons. The beach by the harbour runs along the main street so it is easy to grab an ice cream or a picnic and hop straight down to enjoy it on the sand. You look straight over the firth from here to Dornoch, so this beach really does have one of the best views around! There is a second beach at Tarbat Ness up by the lighthouse. This is stonier but equally as charming and is know locally as a great spot for dolphin sightings.

www.visitdornoch.com

  For More Information Go Here: Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches published first on http://visitingdornoch.tumblr.com

[visitingdornoch]

Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

The Northern Highlands has a huge array of beaches waiting to be explored: from the craggy and stony to miles of golden sands or small coves with white sand and turquoise seas- there are so many to choose from and they are all equally special in their own way. Of course our favourite beach is our very own award winning Dornoch beach with a very close second place being our neighbour Embo...... but as there are so many other glorious beaches to visit whilst you are visiting Dornoch, we thought we would make a top ten list of our favourites! This is by no means an exhaustive list but is a good place to start if you are looking for plenty of time on the beach during your holiday.

Dornoch

Dornoch’s safe, Blue Flag beach, is ideal for families with its gentle shallows, sheltering dunes and miles of golden sands. Perfect for paddling and swimming on warm summer days. Throughout the year it is popular for walkers taking a gentle stroll or carrying on north to Embo. The beach is popular with dog walkers all year round. A crisp winter’s morning  on Dornoch beach is unforgettable and at any time of year it will be possible to collect shells, spot sea birds and possibly see seals and even occasionally dolphins playing in the firth. There is car parking at the beach close to a children’s playground and toilets.

Embo

Embo beach is number one for rock-pooling in the whole area and has the added bonus of having Embo's its very own holiday park, “Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame” sited right next to it. After you have had a morning on the beach you can make use of the facilities there which are open to the public including a swimming pool, tennis courts, crazy golf and much more. There is also a bar, restaurant, live entertainment, a convenience store and takeaway.

Golspie

Golspie beach runs along the coast behind the main shops and cafes of the village of Golspie. Why not take the coastal path from Golspie through to Brora which winds through small harbours, sandy beaches, passes the iron age broch at Strathsteven and the magnificent Dunrobin Castle. The walk is 6¾ miles along easy coastal path and beach. Make the use of the train for the return leg of the journey! (Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.)

Old Shore More

The second most northerly beach on the west coast of Scotland, this stunning beach is very quiet and well off the beaten track. It is well known for its special wildflowers and has some fantastic rocks to explore or jump off of! The small car park and campsite is signposted from the minor road beyond Kinlochbervie.

Achmelvich

A stunning beach of white sand which is part of a collection of beaches nestled amongst the rocky bays and headlands. Look out for the small "Hermit's Castle" built of concrete on a headland in 1950- an architectural oddity that is now abandoned. Achmelvich is well known for looking more like the carribean that Scotland with brilliant white sand and turquoise seas. A safe place to take a swim in the sea and it is easy to spend a whole day here. Luckily it is only a few miles from Lochinver so you can easily pop by for dinner afterwards!

Clachtoll

Just a few miles north of Achmelvich lies a beautiful, unspoilt beach called Clachtoll. It is a great place to combine with a trip to Achmelvich as you can conceivably see them both in a day before returning to Dornoch.

Ardmair

A stony little beach to the north of Ullapool, this is a fantastic little beach with wonderful views across to the Summer Isles. Great for making towers out of the pebbles or catching crabs off of the pier.

Durness

Long stretches of white sand, miles of sand dunes and stunning cliffs... there are actually multiple beaches in Durness so make sure you manage to explore them all!

Melness

Just to the west of the village of tongue is the hamlet of Melness. The beaches are clean and child friendly with rocks to climb on and plenty of golden sand to play on. The views out to sea are spectacular. Well worth a visit.

Portmahomack

Slightly closer to home is the quaint little village of Portmahomack just outside of Tain. With it's museum, lighthouse and harbour it is a bustling community and has a lovely cosy feeling about it on warm summer afternoons. The beach by the harbour runs along the main street so it is easy to grab an ice cream or a picnic and hop straight down to enjoy it on the sand. You look straight over the firth from here to Dornoch, so this beach really does have one of the best views around! There is a second beach at Tarbat Ness up by the lighthouse. This is stonier but equally as charming and is know locally as a great spot for dolphin sightings.

  www.visitdornoch.com

  For More Information Go Here: Ten Things to DO in Dornoch: Beaches

[jacks-tracks]

Beach Bar Hue

I try to alternate my city visits with quiet beach spots, and so am staying here at BBH. Booked for 4 days, and will stay 8.  The coast beyond Hue is divided by a 40 K island, bridged at both ends, and consisting of a tall narrow sandbar with dunes and casarina hills. The only road runs the length, lined with shops and backed by little cement villages. The remarkable feature of this landscape is that is the chosen spot for a vast cemetary, 10,000 tombs facing west, the last resting place for overseas Vietnamese who want to be buried in their homeland. Tombs range from simple cement posts to elaborate mausoleums. All graves are above ground, and cover the hillside in a miles long city of the dead.

   Beach Bar Hue.. is an off season resort, on the sea side beach. the main building is a huge Hacienda, surrounded by large villas. Lesser buildings were single cottages,but have been divided into 4 bed dorms. There are some bamboo huts for the overflow. As it’s the off season I have a small room to myself, stuffed with 4 bunks, but having an ensuite bathroom, hot shower, open to the sky. the kind staff replaced the brick mattresses with deluxe inner spring singles from the palace. There are mosquitoes at night, can’t think of a place where I haven’t been bitten in 3 months, but there’s a net. With good food, an empty beach stret

ching for miles in both directions, thatched shade hut to sling my hammock daily, and a large spotless swimming pool(bloody cold!), and a small surf rolling in (also bloody cold, I’ve not swam), it’s the ultimate chill.

     on my second day here i walked West, hoping for a longer walk and getting more than that. good shelling (and leaving) and watching the almost vertical sand bank erode in rivulets, the very fine white sand running like slow mud.What i had thought was a ruined pier proved to be the support pilings for a set of pipes leading to an abandoned aquaculture operation. A mile further on, looking for a way up the 20 foot bank, i came to another beached boat and an extensive erosion control embankment. Meter square cement blocks, covered the slope out to the low tide line and stretched 200 meters west. Effective, as this was the only place where the sea had not nibbled away at the dunes. Easy access up, and i found myself, via a little cement road, in a small village. According to my map, if I cut inland i would reach the Main road to the east.  Hmmm... map makers was a bit off. i did cut across the peninsula, anddid find the road, but nowhere near the indicated point. Happily i di find a little market, where 3 excited ladys sold me some fruit. One commented that i was in good shape for an old guy, “Not a Buddha belly”. Some English spoken as you can see. i lloked for a cafe and found one selling Sprite, a cold drink on what was now a hot day. Those Canada pins on my hat are invaluable icebreakers, giving the locals a chance to show their friendliness. I become an identifiable object. no one has a clue where Cananda is, though they know it’s very cold, and..that i am not from America.

   Still going West up the only street zipping with motorcycles, I saw a wedding party at a reception hall, a cemented civic park, and an opening in the buildings that gave me a view of the inner harbour. 60 foot dragger boats , rafted by 10′s, near bamboo roofed sampans , all in protected waters. The island forms a huge basin, 40 miles long. Alongside the road were occasional tombs. I went up the stairs to what i thought  was a temple,past the bronze cauldrons, 6 foot tall brass birds, the usual naga lined staircase, under the ceramic  decorated pillared arches to a top platform. A ceramic frescoed, red pillared, gold trimmed open sided building, held a marble tomb, fronted by a 6 foot marble plaque with a huge brass letter in Chinese. Not a temple, the final resting place of some very rich person.

   As I went West, looking for some signage indicating the road to BBH, I increasingly felt that I was going the wrong way. When i did find a sign, it pointed back the way i’s come..”400 meters”. like the map it was a bit inaccurate. i did everal 440 meters, and finally just took the first left up over the peninsula. Found myself in another village, where friendly people waved and suspicious dogs glared.  Asked for directions but got none tlll a fellow having coffee with his pals pointed East..”1 K”  It was all of that, along a little used road past the cemetery, finally rising up into the casarina forest. I came to the abandoned Aquaculture  project, 6 massive pits (20 by 40 meters, 10 meters deep) lined with plastic, laid with pipes and  sprinklers, dry and abandoned. Behind steel gated cement walls were an office block, machine shop, parking lot,warehouse and packing plant. some one spent millions. The pumps were rusted solid, generators yanked out of their sheds, and equipment stores looted down to odd lengths of pipe. Thousands of acres of the inshore estuary have been stripped of the mangrove forests, diked, netted and turned to fish and shrimp farming. no pumps, pipes, etc, just the tides. Cheap and an environmental disaster. Mind you the Aquaculture would have used fish feed from unsustainable ocean sources... so...    Leg weary but satisfied, i walked the short distance left back to my hotel gate..Phew!                                                                                                   

[brajeshupadhyay]

Give your British mini-break some real style and book a stay in one of these 14 grand houses

Whether, like Plumber Manor in Dorset, they’ve been owned by the same family for hundreds of years or are a cherished new project such as Caer Beris in Wales, manor hotels have a family at their hearts. 

Packed with history, these hotels pride themselves on delightfully old-fashioned hospitality with generous meals, antique furniture, gardens to wander in and countryside to admire. 

There are famous ones, including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, and Gravetye and Cowley Manors, but there are plenty of others to discover, and some of them have superb deals this year.

Lympstone Manor, Devon 

Lympstone Manor in Devon has a Michelin-starred restaurant and 21 bedrooms in the main house, with high levels of indulgence that include a resident artist and a vista of the River Exe

Stunning: Pictured is one of the bathrooms, which features two freestanding gold baths and a marble double sink 

When chef Michael Caines bought this Regency mansion near Exmouth in 2017, part of the appeal was the surrounding farmland which he thought would make an ideal terroir for English sparkling wine. More than 17,000 vines were planted, and the first vintage is due in 2021.

In the meantime, there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant and 21 bedrooms in the main house, with high levels of indulgence that include a resident artist and a vista of the River Exe. New this year are equally luxurious shepherd’s huts that sleep up to five guests. Doubles from £560, including breakfast and lunch (lympstonemanor.co.uk).  

Ockenden Manor, West Sussex

Sussex treat: Ockenden Manor, near Cuckfield, serves afternoon cream tea with scones and finger sandwiches 

Tucked into the countryside near the South Downs, next to the boutique-filled village of Cuckfield, parts of this mansion date from the 16th Century. If you want to delve into the oldest part of the hotel, ask for the Master Timothy suite, which has wooden panelling, reading nooks and an adjacent room for children. Downstairs is given over to a bar, drawing rooms and a restaurant which overlooks a semi-wild garden; its wine list reflects the burgeoning Sussex vineyard scene.

The former walled garden now houses a spa with an indoor and outdoor swimming pool; there are also a handful of suites, allowing guests to drift between their rooms and treatments.

One-night Spa Break Getaway costs from £143pp for dinner, B&B with £25 voucher towards a spa treatment from Monday to Friday (prideofbritainhotels.com).

Buckland Manor, Worcestershire

Chef Will Guthrie raids the nearby Vale of Evesham for produce both in the restaurant and for hampers to take on picnics around Buckland Manor and beyond 

There are 15 rooms, some of them with four-poster beds and views of church spires. Distinctly more family-friendly than many Cotswolds hotels, there are interconnecting rooms as well as special menus for children

 Domesday mention:  The manor house has ‘Domesday Book history and plenty of modern-day appeal’

A manor house with Domesday Book history and plenty of modern-day appeal. The 15th Century timbered hall provides the backdrop for afternoon tea in winter, although in summer it spreads out into the gardens.

The beautiful village of Broadway is a gentle hike away, so are the gardens at Snowshill. There are 15 rooms, some of them with four-poster beds and views of church spires. Distinctly more family-friendly than many Cotswolds hotels, there are interconnecting rooms as well as special menus for children.

Chef Will Guthrie raids the nearby Vale of Evesham for produce both in the restaurant and for hampers to take on picnics around the hotel and beyond.

Two-night stays from £315pp, including B&B plus one dinner and a National Trust card worth £127 (bucklandmanor.co.uk).

Plumber Manor, Dorset

Generations of the Prideaux-Brune family have lived at Plumber Manor in Dorset since they built it in the 1600s – and it shows

A textbook West Country manor house, from the long driveway surrounded by fields to the mullion windows framed by roses.

Generations of the Prideaux-Brune family have lived at Plumber since they built it in the 1600s and it shows, with resident black labradors, proper family portraits and a collection of classic cars.

There are six bedrooms in the main house, ten others in a restored stone barn. Spread over three dining rooms, the menu is classic country house, strong on cheese souffle and peppered beef, followed by home-made puddings.

B&B from £155. For a three-night minimum stay, dinner, B&B is from £137.50pp per night (plumbermanor.co.uk).

Manor House, Wiltshire

The 14th Century ivy-clad manor house in Wiltshire is filled with stained-glass windows, beams and a Michelin-starred restaurant

There are 21 rooms in the main house and 29 cottages around the grounds, some of which are dog-friendly

With its charming honey-stoned houses, Castle Combe is often described as England’s most beautiful village, and it has caught the eye of many a Hollywood director. It has a 14th Century ivy-clad manor house – in the same honey-coloured stone to match – filled with stained-glass windows, beams and a Michelin-starred restaurant. There are 21 rooms, including the delightful Lordsmeer suite in the main house and 29 cottages around the grounds, some of which are dog-friendly. There’s an 18-hole golf course and a glorious Italianate garden, and the Bybrook river meanders through the grounds. B&B doubles from £250 (exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house).

Titchwell Manor, Norfolk

A hotel that catches the posh but gently boho North Norfolk vibe beautifully; this Victorian building is too close to the beach to have any airs and graces, but there’s a lot of breezy charm. Meals are served in an expansive conservatory and there are 26 rooms, some with hot tubs.

Owned by the Snaith family, it is managed by their son Eric, who also runs Norfolk’s smartest fish and chip shop in nearby Thornham. Family-friendly, it’s also a stylish bolthole for birdwatchers; there’s an RSPB reserve next door.

B&B from £140. A two-night walking break including dinner, B&B plus a packed lunch on one day costs from £265pp (titchwellmanor.com).

Longueville Manor, Jersey 

Longueville Manor, Jersey, puts food and wine at the centre of its appeal

This Relais & Châteaux hotel may put food and wine at the centre of its appeal, but there’s much more on offer. 

The 30 rooms and suites are cream and serene, generously sized and with French-accented luxury. 

For extra privacy, there’s a two-bedroom cottage in the grounds, alongside tennis courts and a spa. The hotel also has its own yacht.

Longueville became a hotel in 1949 and is now in the third generation of family ownership. 

There’s a fine cellar, with more than 5,000 bottles, a forager on staff to supplement the extensive kitchen garden and honey from hives dotted around the grounds. 

Doubles from £225, room-only (longuevillemanor.com).

Aynsome Manor Hotel, Cumbria

Aynsome Manor Hotel, Cumbria, has 13 bedrooms, some in the beamed eaves of the building, all with the sort of views that will have you pulling on your walking boots

For those who like the wilder side of Cumbria, here is a handsome, good-value manor near Cartmel, now run by the second generation of the Varley family.

There are just 13 bedrooms, some in the beamed eaves of the building, all with the sort of views that will have you pulling on your walking boots. Guests eat in the dining room rather than a restaurant and the food aims to make the flavours sing with minimal fuss. The menus are set-price and a bargain at three courses for £30. B&B from £90 per night (aynsomemanorhotel.co.uk).

Caer Beris Manor, Powys

The Southwick family bought Caer Beris Manor in Powys last year and spent lockdown continuing their renovation programme 

Lord Swansea built this mock-Tudor mansion, surrounded on three sides by the River Irfon, in 1896 on the foundations of a 13th Century castle. It was bought by the Southwick family last year.

There are 22 rooms spread across the estate, ranging from suites to single rooms. The family spent lockdown continuing their renovation programme and have created picnic areas throughout the grounds, which also hold orchards and an otter hide, while there’s trout, salmon and grayling to fish for. The 1898 restaurant sources its ingredients locally. Mains start at £16. B&B from £90 (caerberis.com).

Manor House, Argyll and Bute

Manor House, Argyll and Bute, is ‘delightfully gentle’ with just 11 rooms and spectacular West Coast views

The Scots don’t do manors in quite the same way as the English – fortified castles were more their thing. This hotel is one of the exceptions, and it’s delightfully gentle with just 11 rooms and spectacular West Coast views. It was built for the Duke of Argyll in 1780, next to Oban’s harbour. Staying here is a superb introduction to the Inner Hebrides, from the freshly caught seafood in the restaurant to sunset views from McCaig’s Tower behind the hotel – although watching from the Nelson bar at the hotel with a fine whisky in hand is nearly as good. Sailors can use the hotel’s own mooring. Double B&B from £224 (manorhouseoban.com).

The Manor at Sway, Hampshire

Pictured is one of the bedrooms at The Manor at Sway, Hampshire, where ‘William Morris mixes with a touch of modern design’

All the space and grace that the Edwardians could muster comes into play at this hotel on the southern edge of the New Forest, where William Morris mixes with a touch of modern design. It’s a great car-free option as it’s near the railway station and there are wonderful walks into the forest and heath to explore from the hotel. There are just 11 bedrooms and a restaurant serving local produce. Dishes include local pork with black pudding, crisp ham and charred baby gem lettuce, while puddings include lemon curd tart with basil. Doubles from £189, including dinner, breakfast and afternoon tea (themanoratsway.com). 

Moonfleet Manor, Dorset

Room with a view: Moonfleet Manor, a Georgian mansion in Dorset, overlooks the magnificent Chesil Beach

Not just for adults: One of the lounges at the hotel, which is child-focused, with play areas and picnics

If you want to get your child manored up, head here. Overlooking Chesil Beach and part of the Luxury Family Hotel group, it’s thoroughly child-focused. There are interconnecting rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, including a pool, and in a Covid-made-fun way, picnics are available for every meal including breakfast. The South West Coastal Path runs alongside the back garden.

In the Georgian mansion, there’s a playfulness that adults will appreciate too, with high teas and grown-up meals and, above all, Snoopy, the venerable hotel spaniel.

Two nights from £329, including breakfast and dinner for two. Children stay free but are charged for meals; two hours of childcare a day is included from September 7 when the creche reopens (moonfleetmanorhotel.co.uk).

Long Crendon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Long Crendon Manor in Buckinghamshire has bedrooms with original features, a bakery, farm shop and florist 

Not a hotel as such, but you can stay in this manor, which is stacked with beamed charm. Parts of the main house date from the 12th Century. It’s still a working estate, with ducks and geese in the orchard that creates the cider, and Gloucester Old Spot pigs that provide the morning bacon.

Head into the courtyard and there’s a bakery, farm shop and florist. The farm shop cafe serves lunch and it’s walking distance from two pubs in the village. B&B doubles from £145 (longcrendonmanor.co.uk). 

Rothay Manor, Cumbria

This small foodie hotel in the heart of the Lake District is owned by Jamie and Jenna Shail, who have bought significant flair and rolltop baths to the low-slung white house near Ambleside. Eight of the rooms on the ground floor are dog-friendly; first-floor rooms have balconies. Its main restaurant has three AA rosettes and five courses start from £70 a head, but there’s also a more casual restaurant. B&B from £221 (rothaymanor.co.uk).

The post Give your British mini-break some real style and book a stay in one of these 14 grand houses appeared first on Shri Times News.

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[suzie81blog]

In June I was lucky enough to travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the first time. As a huge Game of Thrones fan I had been eager to visit for a while, but nothing prepared me for how spectacularly beautiful it was. Steeped in history, clean, safe and with population of friendly and lovely people, it’s an absolute must-see.

While isn’t possible to see everything in just a single trip, here are a few highlights that may help when planning a future vacation of your own.

Explore Old Town. Renowned for being one of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in the world, Old Town in Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After undergoing huge renovations to restore it to its original magnificence following the civil war of the 1990’s, the city is a traffic free zone, impressively clean and an absolutely stunning place to see. With historical sights including palaces, churches, palaces and museums, the city also has a wide variety of markets, cafes, bars and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. If possible, try and visit both Old Town during the day and again at night. Many places have late opening times during the tourist season, and it is a spectacular atmosphere in the glorious sunshine and when lit up at night. For the best of both, time your visit a few hours before sunset – you won’t be disappointed!

The roofs of Old Town

Enter through Pile Gate: The beautiful stone bridge leads into the west side of Old Town and down the steps into the Stradun, the main promenade of Old Town. (It’s worth noting that there is also a ramp at the section, making it accessible for wheelchair users). During busier times of the year, this area is divided into two sections in which visitors walk on the right. Click on the images for the full view:

The Entrance to Pile Gate

Pile Gate Steps Dubrovnik

Pile Gate Dubrovnik

Sit by the Large Onofrio’s Fountain. This fountain is situated in between Pile gate and Stradun. Embellished by 16 stone masks and containing 16 water taps, it was designed and constructed by Italian architect Onofrio di Giordano della Cava. During hot weather, it’s a brilliant place to sit and cool down.

Walk the Walls of Dubrovnik. Open from 8.00am until 7.30pm every day, the Walls of Dubrovnik (Murrales de Dubrovnik) are one of the most spectacular ways to see Old Town and beyond, offering stunning views of the  terracotta roofs, Fort Lovrijenac, neighbouring islands and Adriatic Sea. They are considered to be one of the greatest fortifications of the Middle Ages, and cost 200kn (about £24) to visit. It is worth noting that during the intense heat of summer there is very little shade, so ensure that you are well hydrated. For more information, visit here. 

Admire The Old Pharmacy and Cloisters at the Franciscan Monastery. Open every day from 9.00am – 6.00pm, the Old Pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe and is still in use today. The magnificent 14th-century cloisters can be found next to it, consisting of rows of elegant double-pillared columns encircling the Monastery’s inner courtyard. It costs just 5 kuna to enter and tickets can be purchased on the day. Click on the images for the full view:

Cloisters at the Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik

Cloisters at the Franciscan Monastery, Dubrovnik

Walk up the Jesuit Stairs. Any Game of Thrones fan will know the significance of this and expect to hear the word ‘shame’ spoken by tourists at least ten times during your visit. These beautiful baroque stairs can be found next to the Gundulićeva Poljana in Old Town and lead up to the 17th-century Jesuit College and Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Explore Fort Lovrijenac and Dubrovnik West Harbour. The fort was built about 1000 years ago in an effort to protect the city from potential Venetian invaders. Like many areas of Dubrovnik, expect lots of steps to access the building, as it sits about 120 ft. above the water. Entrance to the Fort is 50 kn, but if you have purchased a ticket to walk the Walls of Dubrovnik, entrance is free – just keep the ticket from the Wall and show it upon entrance to the Fort. It offers spectacular views of Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, and is the setting of numerous scenes from Game of Thrones. The West Harbour below has stunning clear waters and is also a beautiful place to see the Fort.

Fort Lovrijenac and Dubrovnik West Harbour

Book a Game of Thrones Tour. As the home of Kings Landing, Dubrovnik has numerous filming locations that can be easily accessed on foot. Our tour guide had worked on Game of Thrones from Seasons 2-8 and was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the show (and indeed the film industry in the city), explaining how even short scenes are put together using different locations in the same buildings.

Watch the sunset from Park Gradac. Just a ten minute walk from Old Town and offering amazing views of the Walls, Fort Lovrijenac and the Adriatic Sea, Parc Gradac a very quiet area, populated seemingly only by locals walking their dogs and a lovely escape from the busy Old Town areas (and its particularly stunning at sunset). For Game of Thrones fans, it served as the location of Joffrey’s death at the Purple Wedding.

Park Gradac Dubrovnik

Sunset from Park Gradac Dubrovnik

  Relax at Gruž Port. This is located about 3km west from Old Town, and is one of the main entrances to Dubrovnik for tourists as the main ferry and cruise ports and bus station are situated here. With lots of shops, cafes, information offices and small parks to explore, it’s a beautiful place to spend the day relaxing or indulging in some retail therapy. To get to Old Town from Gruž, take the number 1 or 3 bus – it takes approximately 10 minutes.

Take the Cable Car up to Mount Srd. For panoramic views of Old Town and beyond, the five-minute journey in the orange cable car whisks visitors up to Mount Srd. It’s not particularly cheap, costing about 170kn for a round trip adult ticket, but well worth it from all the positive reviews! Note: This attraction was closed when I visited, but I wanted to include this for future visitors…

You can also find me on Twitter and Tumblr @suzie81blog and you can also find me on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/suzie81speaks, my Pinterest page http://www.pinterest.com/suzie81speaks and my Instagram page http://www.instagram.com/suzie81speaks

Things to See and Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia In June I was lucky enough to travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the first time. As a huge Game of Thrones fan I had been eager to visit for a while, but nothing prepared me for how spectacularly beautiful it was.

[tripstations]

8 great reasons to visit Abersoch in North Wales

By Paul Johnson on Jul 03, 2019 in Attractions, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

I recently had the good fortune of visiting Abersoch for a few days. I’d frequently been to nearby Pwllheli for various sailing events (Plas Heli, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre, is there) but never knowingly made it as far as Abersoch, despite hearing a number of great things about the town. Known as Cheshire-by-the-Sea given its popularity with residents of the nearby English county of Cheshire, many of whom have second homes in the area, Abersoch is a town on the southern side of the Llyn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. Also affectionately known as the Welsh Riviera thanks to its unique micro-climate, it is also a place where you can enjoy plenty of Summer sun, sea, sand and a lively nightlife. Here are 8 reasons why you, too, should consider Abersoch on your next trip to Wales.

1. Beaches

There are many beaches within easy reach of Abersoch. Porth Niegwl is the longest expanse – a 3-mile wide bay on the south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, but closer to Abersoch itself is the highly desirable Porth Mawr, a much closer walk from the town centre. This is also home to Wales’ most expensive real estate – a beach hut here can set you back in excess of £150,000. From here you can enjoy views out to two islands – St. Tudwals West (home of TV adventurer Bear Grylls) and Ynys Tudwal Fach. Interesting aside, but Grylls once got in a little bother with the council for a large metal slide that went straight into the sea from his property, for which he hadn’t got permission from the relevant Welsh building authorities – in hindsight, it wasn’t such a good idea for him to share this fact with his thousands of Twitter followers given that it was installed within an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)! The slide has since been taken down.

To the south of Abersoch is the National Trust’s Porth Ceiriad and, to the north, the harbour beach where there is another beautiful expanse of sand and yet hardly a soul in sight.

2. Views

Abersoch is very picturesque and, catch the light at the right time of day, and you will be in for a treat. On one occasion, we captured a beautiful rainbow finishing at St. Tudwals West (the island on the right in the picture below), but sadly I only had my phone to hand and the resulting picture is a little too grainy to publish here!

3. Food

There are many different places to eat in Abersoch – places such as The Hub, The Dining Room, Fresh Café Bar & Grill, Venetia, The Cove and the restaurant at Porth Tocyn Hotel are all well worth a visit.

If the weather’s favourable, though, and particularly if you have access to a beach hut, you might like to consider a barbecue on Abersoch’s main beach which is relatively sheltered. Mickey’s Boatyard & Beach Cafe, at the south end of the beach, also does barbecues from time to time, or is a nice place just to relax and take in the view with a coffee or light lunch after walking the length of the beach.

4. Watersports

Watersports enthusiasts will love Abersoch with its internationally-recognised sailing waters. There are two clubs to know about. Firstly, Abersoch Sailing Club which is an RYA-affiliated club run from the main beach, and great for both new and experienced dinghy sailors. Secondly, perched high on the cliff at the northern end of the beach, is South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club, which has hosted many prestigious events in the surrounding waters of Cardigan Bay.

Our boys were there to compete in the RS Feva national championships and had an amazing time!

5. Golf

Aberosch has had its own golf club for over 100 years; Abersoch Golf Club is an 18-hole course located behind a series of ancient sand dunes and with a mixture of both links and parkland. There are some testing holes but, whatever your score, you will hopefully be rewarded with views across Cardigan Bay and out towards Snowdonia.

Nearby Pwllheli also has Pwllheli Golf Club on the south-facing coastline of Cardigan Bay, and Llŷn Golf, a 9-hole pay and play golf course and driving range. And a little further afield is Nefyn & District Golf Club on the north side of the Llŷn Peninsula, which has both 9- and 18-hole courses.

6. Walking

If you enjoy walking, you will find plenty of walks nearby. The beaches are largely dog friendly but do check the signs are some areas do not allow dogs at certain times of year (for example, just the final northernmost stretch of Porth Mawr does not allow dogs during the main season).

Those looking to walk a little further may want to head for the Wales Coast Path which circumnavigates the Llyn Peninsula. You can walk the entire path or just pick up shorter routes at various points and marvel at some stunning stretches of the Welsh coastline.

Alternatively, if you want to tackle Snowdon, drive to Beddgelert and take the road to either Rhyd-Ddu or Nant Gwynant for two possible ascents of Wales’ highest peak.

7. Cycling

Both road cyclists and mountain bikers will find plenty of routes in and around Abersoch. There are plenty of routes to explore around the Llŷn Peninsula as well as stretches of the Wales Coastal Path that you can ride. There’s also a nice circular route at Aberdaron, 10 miles to the west of Abersoch, that takes you along the north side of the peninsula, past Porth Oer and then down towards Pen Y Groes and back. If you don’t have your own bikes with you, you can hire them at Llŷn Cycle Centre in Pwllheli.

8. Days out

Although you could easily spend the week without even leaving Abersoch, there are plenty of places to explore nearby that can easily be done as day trips. Caernarfon is less than an hour’s drive away, for example, and home to Caernarfon Castle, a medieval fortress with impressive defences since this was once the administrative centre for the whole of North Wales.

There are in fact 600 castles in Wales, with the closest to Abersoch being Criccieth. Other nearby alternatives to consider include Harlech, Beaumaris on Anglesey, Penrhyn Castle in Bangor and Dolwyddelan in Betws-y-Coed.

For something different, heading east out of Abersoch and hugging the Llŷn Peninsula’s southern coastline for about 40 minutes will take you to Portmeirion, a rather unique private tourist village created by Clough Williams-Ellis during the earlier part of the 1900s that has, on occasion, been used as a film location. It’s something of a fantasy world with beautiful buildings and grounds. The botanical gardens are worth a look and home to an important collection of rhododendrons as well as other exotic plants.

For those looking for something more active, there are also ziplines, treetop nets and even an underground trampoline experience all within an hour’s drive, and venture just a little further to Dolgarrog in the Conwy valley (about an hour and a half’s drive) and you will find an artificial surf lagoon where they create continuous and perfect waves, so there’s really something for everyone!

The post 8 great reasons to visit Abersoch in North Wales appeared first on Tripstations.

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[blogjuju72]

So sometimes I think I have a very old-fashioned term of phrase (in fact saying “term-of-phrase” is probably an old-fashioned term of phrase…..) Anyway, it was a cause for amusement at work when I declared that our weekend away a the seaside was actually a visit to “the coast”……I mean yes I suppose it is old-fashioned, but I also know what a meme is and how it’s funny so that must balance it out……doesn’t it? I also play “Fortnite” on XBox, doesn’t that make me down with the kids??

Birthdays and weekend at the seaside

It was Ewan’s 13th birthday – yes my youngest offspring is now a teenager, in some ways, it has felt like it’s been a long time coming, but in another, I can’t believe I now have 3 teenagers in the house.

Ewan and I – Birthday selfie with the newest teenager in the family!!

Ewan had a new bed for his birthday, so on his actual birthday he only got small pressies to open and his cards from other people.  We used to always have a birthday barbeque, but work has been crazy busy again and I just couldn’t face the cooking, cleaning up and cost of a family party.

So I decided that we should have a weekend away to the coast instead.  I booked a caravan as camping seemed like hard work for a couple of nights.  The weather is normally unpredictable too; also we hadn’t changed the roof bars since I had changed my car at the start of the year, so it would have meant taking both cars (so double petrol too).

    Yorkshire Coast

I chose the Yorkshire coast as its only a couple of hours away, and we hadn’t been for a while.  As we couldn’t check in until after 2 pm we headed straight to Bridlington for a few hours.  It was gorgeous weather!!

Even the Seagulls were sunbathing – oh my god they were vicious.  We bought fish and chips on the front and as I walked to our little table one of the fish dropped off – I have honestly never* seen anything like the way the blooming birds swooped in.  I would have lost an arm if I had tried to stop them!

*Actually, I have seen something like it.  Now, this isn’t’ meant to sound snobby (because I definitely am not a snob) but it was kind of like 7 pm in Tesco when they start reducing the food that’s almost out of date.  There is a swarm of people hanging around and when the food comes out they all push in – its actually really scary unless you are a part of the club!!  ……..anyway back to Bridlington!

Bridlington had whippy ice cream for £1 which is such a bargain -and brilliant in this “heatwave”

Luna was mesmerised by the sea. She loved walking along the front and meeting loads of other doggies, but she also seemed to love the view!

I don’t know if it’s just because of the sun and the blue skies, but everything just seemed beautiful. Definitely worth a visit if you like your typical English seaside town with chippies, arcades plus some of the usual high street stores.

  Saturday – Whitby and Scarborough

Believe it or not, it was about the same distance (in travel time) from where we were staying to Whitby than it was from home to Whitby.

There was a couple of major things that happened on our trip to Whitby.  The first thing was that it was the first ever time I had been to Whitby when it hadn’t rained!  I mean I have been there a lot, and it has always rained, no matter what time of year I have gone.  The second thing was Chloe and I managed to pretty much miss all the “Goth” shops.  We went inside one, but didn’t see any more – I am sure there used to be a lot more.  Did we miss them or are they just not there any more?  We did buy some lovely big scones at a bakery shop, which were huge.

Eddie managed to find a shop that sold Warhammer stuff and bought a new game, which actually looks really good.

Lunch

We had lunch in a lovely little cafe called Crumbs n Cobbles.  Was a little expensive but lovely food and was dog-friendly which was one of the main reasons for choosing it.

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Chloe and I shared the Quesadilla and Nachos as we couldn’t decide which we wanted so we went halfsies.  Eddie had an Egg Mayo sandwich as he was hoping to get chips later and Ewan had an all-day breakfast burrito with Chips which looked delicious.

This time we also walked all the way down the pier bit where the harbour wall is. Chloe and I stopped to take some pics with her Instax camera, but Eddie walked on further with Luna.

We will definitely be revisiting Whitby again soon as its so dog-friendly!!

  Scarborough Flying Visit

We decided to head off to Scarborough; although by the time we got there a lot of the shops were starting to close. I am always surprised by how early everything closes on this coastline.  I am just spoiled by living next to a city that is open late!

Nothing much changes in Scarborough.  We had a nice walk along the front and some of the tacky shops including one called Seabay!!  Chloe and I got matching bag pompoms!! Chloe’s had already broken by the time we got back to the caravan! damn you cheap pound shop!!

Look at the amazing picture postcard view though.  We parked up at the top.  The walk down through the gardens was lovely but the walk back up the steps just about killed me!

The beaches are all off limits for dogs at this time of year; perhaps if you walk further there may be one that is dog-friendly.  We just had no time on this visit.

  Back at the caravan

By the time we got back, I think we were all tired, but we still headed down to the beach for a play with Luna.  The site is next to Tunstall Beach.  I wouldn’t say it is really child-friendly.  There are cliffs that are eroding along the front. You have to walk for about 1/2 a mile in order to find a way to get down on to the beach.  Even then there are loads of boulders and old pieces of rusty farm equipment nearby.  The beach itself is sandy and is nice. I would be worried about being on the beach when the sea comes in as it kind of comes in around you. If you had headed to one of the beaches to the left you could easily find yourself stranded with no way of getting back off the beach.  Whilst it’s beautiful, I am not sure why no one is trying to slow down the coastal erosion.

Luna didn’t like paddling in the sea but loved the large expanse of sand to run and play ball.

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  On Sunday we headed back into Bridlington, for another walk around and found a lovely coffee shop called North Man Coffee shop.  Really lovely little coffee shop with really good coffee – definitely worth a visit.

Chloe and I both had a latte which was honestly one of the nicest cups of coffee we had all weekend!

    Look how cute it was inside too!

        After wandering around we bought a cob and pasty to have in the car.  We headed off home with my iPad tethered to my phone, so we could have the England World Cup game on!

Yep – still can’t take a family selfie!!!

And that was the weekend.  We definitely have decided that we are going to do more weekends away this year.  Eddie is currently without work, rather than having one big holiday a few small trips will break up the summer.  If you have any suggestions let me know in the comments!

Julie xx

Write up from out recent weekend at the Yorkshire coast for my sons 13th birthday. #dogfriendly #scarborough # whitby #familytime #bloggerstribe #ukblogger So sometimes I think I have a very old-fashioned term of phrase (in fact saying "term-of-phrase" is probably an old-fashioned term of phrase.....) Anyway, it was a cause for amusement at work when I declared that our weekend away a the seaside was actually a visit to "the coast"......I mean yes I suppose it is old-fashioned, but I also know what a meme is and how it's funny so that must balance it out......doesn't it?