The first direct rail services will soon be running between London and Germany, putting such cities as Aachen closer to the capital than Newcastle. The writer took a (not yet through) train to our nearest German city, once known as the Spa of kings, to check out some glorious treasure, very hot running water, fine dining and a famous… Continue reading
Browsing Category Things to do – various destinations
Sea and sun-powered music on Croatia’s crinkly coastline
The headings on my list of recommendations include traditional toy-making, a sea and sun-powered music and light show, ancient Greek fields, Roman marvels galore and stays in lighthouses on remote islands. Then there is the 1000 miles of crinkly coastline lined with rocky coves and pine-fringed beaches. Glory restored One US web site recently… Continue reading →
Pint sized county offers a magnum of a visit
The ospreys are back on Rutland Water, home to the first of these magnificent fishing birds to breed in England for 150 years. 2010 was the most successful breeding year since the birds returned in 1994, and the team caring for them have high hopes for 2011. They observe them from their arrival from… Continue reading →
Rhapsody in Turquoise
Turkey is likely to be one of the top short flight destinations again this year. Outside the Eurozone, its exchange rate is kind to British visitors. The country has a huge coastline, with an unending succession of resorts mixed up with quiet little coves, and fishing villages. You are guaranteed top wattage sunshine, and a… Continue reading →
24 hour pedigree of an overlooked French city
Le Mans is synonymous with the annual motorsport marathon, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the “Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency”. But the city is more than a long weekend destination for petrolheads. Le Mans is now an easy short break trip by train from London St Pancras. In 2010 I spent a day in one… Continue reading →
Glory of the South Downs goes national
Britain’s newest national park, the South Downs, came into full operation on April 1st, 2011. The uplifting stretch of high rolling hills, its short chalk downland turf a mass of wild flowers and fluttering butterflies, runs 70 miles from Winchester to the western edge of Eastbourne. Its new status sets it apart as a treasured… Continue reading →