Posted by Jill Bowen on Mon 23rd July 2007 at 03:01 AM, Filed in Europe
This article lists 10 of the best UK sandy beaches and was written primarily with kids in mind.
Weymouth Beach – Dorset
Weymouth is a wonderful safe sandy beach, with a couple of low key, traditional children’s rides at the ‘town end’, the beach is perfect for kids of all ages. Fantastic sand sculptures –different each year. An old fashioned feel to the resort. Very attractive harbour area – will be hosting some of the 2012 Olympic water events. Plenty to keep the family occupied on rainy days, including the Sea Life Park, Brewers Quay with it’s shopping and leisure centre with crafts, ten-pin bowling, science centre and small brewery. Deep Sea Adventure – underwater exploration, shipwrecks, large play area, the Weymouth Museum and Timewalk showing the history of the area.
Blackpool Sands, South Devon
The most picturesque beach in South Devon framed by magnificent pines, awarded a blue flag, with superb swimming in clear water. The beach has a ‘no dog policy’ and is cleaned daily in the main season. Plenty to keep the kids busy; a giant sand pit, natural pools to explore. During August there are theatrical performances and an open air cinema. Kayaks, wet suits and snorkels can be hired, as can boogie boards. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. An old fashioned, unspoilt family resort.
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 20th July 2007 at 03:15 AM, Filed in Europe, August
I never need an excuse to visit the beautiful town / lake of Annecy at the foothills of the Alps. However, on the first Saturday in August (since 1860) the town has celebrated the incorporation of Savoy within France, and since 1950 this celebration has included a wonderful firework display which reflects in the scenic lake waters. It claims to be one of the largest annual firework displays in Europe.
In 2007 the celebration will be held on the 4th August, and the festivities will start with a series of bands playing from 3.00pm. The fireworks start at 21.45pm. The theme for 2007 will be the number 7, which is seen to represent the 7 wonders of the world.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Tue 3rd July 2007 at 02:50 AM, Filed in Europe
The imposing 15th century Genoese Citadel dominates the picturesque town of Calvi. When you pass through the archway to explore the interior you are immediately steeped in its atmosphere and history. This is the upper city, the ‘Citadalia’ the heart of the Genoese city. Originally constructed in the 13th century and solidly fortified in the 15th. You will see the well-constructed houses along streets and alleyways, a lasting testament to the builders’ expertise. Visit the church with its altar decorated in marble, and the sculptures that adorn it. The views from the citadel are superb – have your camera at the ready! The lower town is a maze of enchanting twisting streets; full of restaurants to tempt you, and little shops encouraging you to part with your euros.
Calvis’ beach is 6km stretch of sand with warm clear seas, safe for swimming, perfect for families. Of an evening dine at one of the numerous restaurants (many specialising in fish) that line the harbour whilst looking in awe at the size of the opulent yachts! There are several boat trips leaving the harbour each day, take a hat and sun protection, the views of the coastline from the water are certainly worth seeing.
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Posted by Jill Bowen on Thu 21st June 2007 at 02:42 AM, Filed in Europe
Corsica is aptly named the ‘Isle of Beauty’ by all who visit this beautiful and diverse island.
The word ‘Corsica’ is derived from a Phoenician word meaning ‘cloaked in forests’. How very true! The mountains are covered in chestnut trees; within these forest areas wild boar, cattle and goats freely roam. Tumbling mountain streams and waterfalls from the snow-capped mountaintops cascade down to the sea below. The whole Island has an unhurried ambience, unspoiled and un-crowded. A gem waiting to be explored.
Napoleon once said he could recognise his Island with his eyes closed. He was referring to the marquis – the acres of heath that send up their perfume of myrtle, wild mint and juniper in the gentle breeze.
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Sun 17th June 2007 at 04:58 AM, Filed in Europe
Fancy going to the South of France but want somewhere different to stay?
If you are hiring a car (for hire discount see Transhire Link I can thoroughly recommend the small village of Eze, perched up high on the cliffs between the extremely busy resorts of Nice and Monaco.
Under 3000 people live in the village, but the tourists significantly swell the numbers in summer. There are a few interesting things to do in the village itself, with a few touristy shops and the excellent, and famed Grasse perfumery (there’s a shop in the village and the factory is just outside). But we enjoyed most of all a trip to the botanic gardens. I am not especially into horticulture, but these gardens were beautiful. There were many very well established and large cacti, agaves and aloes winding around a peak with the ruins of an ancient chateau with the azure Mediterranean as a backdrop. You can see down to Italy in one direction and on a clear day across the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer to St Tropez in the other. In high summer it can be scorching (small wonder the cacti do so well) so I’d advise taking plenty of water.
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