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Table of Contents - England, Scotland & Wales[click the links below to see photographs of these places] |
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Page 1 - Introduction Our trip lasted about 15 days, six of which we had devoted to London, three to the rest of England, three for Scotland and three for Wales. We only got a glimpse of Scotland, and it is recommended to proceed further north in it, if you have the time, to the Loch Ness lake, and onwards, to other magical lakes and creeks. Keep in mind that it can get very cold up there in the north, so equip yourselves accordingly. In southern Scotland, and in England, the weather is somewhat gray, and throughout our trip, which took place in September, it was raining almost constantly, and it was extremely cold. England and Scotland are among the most peaceful and magical countries we have visited. Though the scenery is flat, but the space is vast, and everything is green, abided with beautiful blue lakes. It was definitely a calm and cozy trip. Page 2 - York We commenced our trip in London (See course: London). From London we headed north toward York, through the M1 (E13) highway, up until Leeds, from which we headed northeast, on the A64 to York. York is an ancient city, the county city of the Yorkshire county. At the outskirts of the city, you'll find quite a lot of nice B&B's. Page 3 - York Inside York, we toured the Jorvik Viking Center, which is located on Coppergate Street. It is a sort of a Viking museum. Its tour consists of a nice ride in small carts, inside a large hall, throughout which, you are exposed to an interesting display which includes puppets, music and effects, and tells about the history of the old city, in the Viking era. Nice, especially if you are with children or if you are history fans. Admission fees are charged. Page 4 - York From the Viking Center in York, we climbed Clifford's Tower, which is in the center of York. It is an ancient tower that is part of the York Fortress. By climbing it, you can overlook the entire area. Entrance is free of charge. Page 5 - Scotland - Edinburgh From York we drove to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. We took the A19 northward, till we reached Newcastle, and then we changed to A1 (E15), and headed north along the coast all the way to Edinburgh. At the outskirts of the city, you'll find quite a lot of nice B&B's, and hotels at reasonable prices. Obviously, you can find more expensive hotels at the heart of the city. Edinburgh is an impressive and intriguing city, and you could tour it for over a week without getting bored, but we settled with one day. Page 6 - Scotland - Edinburgh In Edinburgh, we toured the Edinburgh Castle, from which a breathtaking view of the city is spread beneath your feet. Page 7 - Scotland - Edinburgh Adjacent to Edinburgh Castle, is the Camera Obscura, which is a tower in which giant displays of interesting holograms are held. In the top floor, there are guided explanation about the city of Edinburgh. Page 8 - Scotland - Edinburgh On top of the Camera Obscura tower, the guide speaks, and uses a special telescope to project for you an enlarged view of the entire city. Unique and fascinating. Addmission fees are charged. Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 17:00. Saturday, Sunday: 10:30 - 16:30. At times, depending on the season, the place is open until 18:00. Page 9 - Scotland - Edinburgh It is recommended to arrive at the Camera Obscura on your first day in Edinburgh, and so you'll be able to see a quick preview of the city. Using this knowledge you can decide in advance where you wish to visit. An amazing museum adjacent to the Camera Obscura is the National Gallery. It is a museum that contains an impressive collection of paintings by Van Gogh, Turner, Sezan, Serra, Degga, etc... Recommended for art fans. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00, Sunday: 14:00 - 17:00. Entrance is free of charge. Telephone number: 5568921. Page 10 - Scotland - Edinburgh Butterfly Farm Just outside the city of Edinburgh is a remarkable place called Edinburgh Butterfly Farm (about ten Kilometers south of the city). It is a giant greenhouse, teeming with tropical butterflies which fly around freely between the tropical trees, flowers and waterfalls. The route is a narrow, paved path which goes right through the jungle, while giant colorful butterflies fly around. Highly recommended. Page 11 - Scotland - Edinburgh Butterfly Farm Keep in mind the inside the greenhouse, at the Edinburgh Butterfly Farm, the temperatures rise dramatically (to form a tropical climate), so you should equip yourselves with a short sleeved shirt for the tour. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission fees are charged. Telephone number: 6634932. Page 12 - Scotland - The road to Balloch From Edinburgh we drove in the direction of the town of Stirling, but didn't enter it (west on the M9 highway). It seems like an interesting place to visit with plenty of activities for all. Page 13 - Scotland - Balloch From Stirling, we proceeded to a town called Balloch (eastward on road 811), a sweet town which lies on the bank of the the Loch Lomond lake. Page 14 - Scotland - Balloch You can find a hotel in Balloch, but it is recommended to enter the small villages around it, in which you'll be able to stay in magical, picturesque B&B. In Balloch you'll find a lovely park, near the lake, which is pleasant to stroll in for a while. Page 15 - Scotland - Balloch More in the town of Balloch: the Balloch Castle, which is surrounded with a beautiful park with lawns, trees, paths, benches and, of-course, the view of the lake (Loch Lomond). Page 16 - Scotland - Balloch The Balloch Castle gardens are open constantly, and the entrance is free. Page 17 - Scotland - Loch Lomond You can take an organized cruise on Loch Lomond from the town of Balloch, where you can receive more information about it. Page 18 - Scotland - Duck Bay From the town of Balloch we drove a little bit to the north, to the Duck Bay - a small, beautiful area with an impressive lookout of Loch Lomond. Page 19 - Scotland - Luss From the Duck Bay, we drove to a tiny, magical village called Luss (head north on road 82, along the east bank of the lake). The Village of Luss is located on the shore of the Loch Lomond lake. We arrived at Luss in the morning when fog was everywhere. It was amazing. Page 20 - Scotland - Luss If you like peace and quiet, the Village of Luss is definitely the place for you. It lies on the bank of the Loch Lomond lake, and it consists of a few streets and houses. There are few B&B's in the town, and if you're lucky, there just might be a vacant one at the time you're there. Usually the B&B's are fully booked. Page 21 - Scotland - Luss In Luss, it is recommended to take a short walk on the boardwalk along the coast, or sit in one of the few and sweet cafes in the vicinity. From Luss we proceeded to the town of Tarbet - through road 82 (about twenty Kilometers north of Luss). It is another sweet and magical town, with dozens of countryside B&B. We stayed there for one night, and if you are fond of the countryside style, both Tarbet and Luss will fit you like a glove. There is nothing special about this town apart from its many B&B's. Page 22 - Pooley Bridge & Ullswater lake From Tarbet, we left Scotland and drove south, back to England to the most amazing area of our trip: the Lake District. To truly visit the place reserve at least three or four days for it. First, we drove to the lake of Ullswater, which is right near the town of Pooley Bridge. Through road 82, southward, toward Glasgow, then south on the M74 (E05) till you reach the M6 (E03). On interchange 40, turn west to road 66, then southwest to road 592. This road is a beautiful road, but it is extremely tortuous and therefore dangerous. It is not recommended to drive there after dark, and it is better plan ahead and get there at the latest in the early afternoon. Page 23 - Windermere & Bowness From Pooley Bridge you can drive along the lakeside to the town of Windermere (through road 592, on to 591, and to the town). The scenery along the way is dazzling: a beautiful combination of blue and green: lakes, trees and green fields. The lakeside town of Windermere is teeming with B&B's, and it is hard to decide where to stay. Anyhow, the selection is vast and the prices are reasonable (it is the prime town in the area as far as lodging and restaurants are concerned). If you arrive early, you can drive between them and select a B&B to your liking. They are all concentrated in 2-3 adjacent streets. We stayed in Windermere for two nights at a lovely B&B called Osborne. Its address: 3 High Street, telephone number: 01539446452. The kind owners of the B&B lent us a map of the Lake District, which was of great help to us. Apart from that, the breakfasts at the B&B are fabulous. From Windermere, we drove to a town called Bowness, which also lies on the bank of the Windermere Lake (south on road 592, along the lakeside). Page 24 - Lakeside From Bowness, we drove to Lakeside, taking the same road southward, along the lakeside. Page 25 - Lakeside - The underwater aquarium At Lakeside, you'll find a nice underwater aquarium where you'll get an explanation about the fish that grow in the lakes of the area. Nice. Page 26 - Tarn Hous lake From Lakeside we headed toward a beautiful, highly recommended lake called Tarn Hous, which is adjacent to the northern edge of the Windermere Lake. Page 27 - Tarn Hous lake Tarn Hous, is a tiny lake, that isn't even marked in all maps, but if you possess a specific map of the Lake District (which, by the way, is recommended anyway) you'll have no problem finding it. It is definitely worth the trouble. Page 28 - Tarn Hous lake The Tarn Hous lake has an enchanting view, and you can stroll around it for a few hours. We walked around the lake for 3-4 hours - a magical and breathtaking walk. Page 29 - Tarn Hous lake Around the Tarn Hous lake, we came across little waterfalls, special trees, interesting funguses and, of-course, a magical view. Highly recommended. Page 30 - Coniston From lake Tarn Hous, we drove to the town of Coniston, which is near the northern edge of the Windermere Lake. There is nothing special about Coniston, but it can be a very convenient place to stop to eat in. Nearby is a small fishing lake. Page 31 - Ambleside and Rydal water lake From Coniston we proceeded to the town of Ambleside, which is a little further north, still on the lakeside. In the town there is a lovely pier, which is nice to walk on. The town is near the Rydal water lake - a charming lake, recommended to walk around. Page 32 - Ambleside and Rydal water lake Again - devote a few hours to the walk around the Rydal water lake. The path goes through a magical forest, and every now and again you can see the beautiful view of the lake. More to see there: the Ambleside waterfalls. Page 33 - Wales From the Lake District, we proceeded toward Wales. We toured Wales for about three days, and we only saw a small portion of what it has to offer. From Ambleside, through road 591, head southeast to road 6, then back to the M6 (E05) highway, then south to interchange 19, then east to road 556. Head east on road 54, then change to road 55 (E22) and head northwest. Page 34 - Wales - Colwyn Bay: The Dinosaur World The first town we visited in Wales was Colwyn Bay, in northern Wales. It is an amiable town, in which you'll find the Dinosaur World - a large park that recreates the dinosaur age. Page 35 - Wales - Colwyn Bay: The Dinosaur World The Dinosaur World in Colwyn Bay, contains dinosaur sculptures, a small amusement park, and a souvenir shop. Suitable mainly for kids. Not too great. Admission fees are charged. Page 36 - Wales - Llandudno From Colwyn Bay we drove to Llandudno, a sweet bay town, packed with B&B's and hotels, as in the summer it is a great tourist attraction. From Colwyn Bay, east through road 55, then north to road 546. Page 37 - Wales - Llandudno In Llandudno we stayed in a cute B&B-hotel, overlooking the sea, called The Derbyhotel. Its address: The Promenade Llandudno. Telephone number: 01492877742. In the town there is a beautiful promenade, worth a walk. Page 38 - Wales - Llandudno An interesting attraction in Llandudno (especially if you are coming with children) is the Alice in Wonderland Visitor Center - a kind of a museum in which the famous story of Alice in Wonderland (by Lewis Carol) is displayed, using various puppets, effects and music. Page 39 - Wales - Llandudno As you enter the Alice in Wonderland Visitor Center in Llandudno, you'll receive a set of headphones and a small tape, which will tell you the entire story, as you pass through the rooms and look at the colorful characters. Page 40 - Wales - Llandudno he Alice in Wonderland Visitor Center in Llandudno is highly recommended, especially if you are with children, but it is definitely a joyous experience for adults as well. Admission fees are charged. Page 41 - Wales - Llandudno From the town of Llandudno we climbed by car to the top of the hill overlooking Llandudno. You can reach the top from Llandudno by cable car, or drive through the tortuous and beautiful paths which lead to it. Page 42 - Wales - Llandudno At the top of the hill near Llandudno, you'll find an interesting mine with a big shop that sells thousands of kinds of precious stones and crystals of any shape and size, at reasonable prices. You can also take a tour of the mine. Page 43 - Wales - Bodnant Garden From Llandudno, we drove south to the botanical gardens called Bodnant Garden. Page 44 - Wales - Bodnant Garden From Llandudno, we drove through road 546, south to road 470, then south to the Bodnant Garden. Bodnant Garden feature a wide range of splendid vegetation. Page 45 - Wales - Bodnant Garden Bodnant Garden is a huge garden, in which you'll find thousands of kinds of flowers, trees and bushes. Very pleasant and magical. Page 46 - Wales - Bodnant Garden Other things in Bodnant Garden: fountains, benches, lawns, greenhouses, and a nice restaurant just prior to the entrance. Page 47 - Wales - Bodnant Garden Bodnant Garden is highly recommended, but keep in mind that it is a two to three hour walk inside the garden. Page 48 - Wales - Conwy From Bodnant Garden, we drove to a seashore town called Conwy. Page 49 - Wales - Conwy We returned to Llandudno and from Llandudno, we drove south on road 546, then east on road 55 to Conwy. Page 50 - Wales - Conwy Conwy is a cozy bay town with a castle: Conwy Castle. A huge and impressive looking castle. Page 51 - Wales - Conwy You can climb to the top of the Conwy Castle and watch the marvelous view of the sea, the harbor, the pier and the boats. Page 52 - Wales - Betws-Y-Coed and Swallow Falls waterfalls From Northern Wales, we drove southward to the village of Betws-Y-Coed, through road 470. Near the village, you are recommended to visit the impressive Swallow Falls waterfalls. Page 53 - Wales - Betws-Y-Coed and Swallow Falls waterfalls We toured the Swallow Falls waterfalls at Betws-Y-Coed it for about an hour. Entrance is free of charge. Page 54 - Wales - King Arthur's Labyrinth and Craft Center From Betws-Y-Coed we proceeded to an interesting tourist attraction: King Arthur's Labyrinth and Craft Center. The place is located in central Wales (south through road 470, then south on road 487, toward Aberystwyth. It is a compound that contains a large amount of diverse and interesting booths, from wooden crafts to sword collections. Inside the compound, you can purchase tickets to an amusing guided tour (in English) of the cave of King Arthur. Tours are conducted every hour, and last about three quarters of an hour. At the entrance to the cave, you'll receive hard-hats which will protect you from the ceiling of the cave, and the tour guide, dressed like a monk, will lead you inside. Page 55 - Wales - King Arthur's Labyrinth and Craft Center Part of the tour at King Arthur's Labyrinth, is held on a rocking wooden boat, which carries you and your guide through a dark narrow cave. The tour guide, who specifically asked us as we entered not to "play with his dragons", will lead you across the canal to its other bank, where you'll dismount, and begin your tour of the cave by foot. Occasionally, there are audiovisual displays, as spotlights are turned on from one of the corners of the cave, and you see images of King Arthur and the other Round Table Knights. The tour guide tells the heroic tales of King Arthur while you see the audiovisual displays. An interesting experience. Highly recommended. The cave is very cold and wet, equip yourselves with coats. Telephone number: 01654761584. Photographing inside was not allowed - sorry. Page 56 - Wales - The road to Castell Coch From King Arthur's Labyrinth and Craft Center we drove to the Brecon District. On the way there we visited a beautiful castle called Castell Coch. Page 57 - Wales - Castell Coch It is highly recommended to stop at the Castell Coch castle for a short while, especially for art fans, rather than castle fans. The castel is located north of Cardiff. Page 58 - Wales - Castell Coch The structure of Castell Coch itself isn't very impressive, but its interior reveals an extraordinary sight. Page 59 - Wales - Castell Coch The interior walls of Castell Coch are fully painted to the finest of details according to Aesop's Fables: The Fox and the Raven, The Fox and the Vineyard, and other cartoons, animals and vegetation in full color. Page 60 - Wales - Castell Coch The ceiling at Castell Coch is also covered with exceptional decorations and ornaments. Beautiful paintings. Page 61 - Wales - Castell Coch Entrance to Castell Coch is free of charge. Castell Coch is highly recommended. Page 62 - Wales - Brecon Beacon From the Castell Coch castle, we proceeded to Brecon (through road 44 eastward, on to road 470 - southward). We didn't find much interest in Brecon. In the springtime, the area is green and blooming, and you are free to wander the forests. A huge national park in the area called Brecon Beacons. Page 63 - Wales - Cardiff From Brecon we headed toward Cardiff, southward through road 470. Cardiff is the capital city of Wales. Page 64 - Wales - Cardiff In the city of Cardiff, we toured the City Hall, and from it we proceeded to Cardiff Castle. Page 65 - Wales - Cardiff We didn't find much interest in the city of Cardiff, and we didn't stay in it very long. Page 66 - The road to Bath From Cardiff, we drove to the Roman bathing town of Bath, through highway M4 (E30), eastward until interchange 18, then south to road 46. We left Wales and returned to England. Page 67 - Bath Bath is a historic town, with ancient Roman baths utilizing underground spring water. Page 68 - Bath The most interesting attractions in the city of Bath are of-course The Roman Baths and Pump Room, and The Roman Baths Museum. Page 69 - Bath The Roman Baths attractions in Bath are swarming with tourists. There you'll be able to see what Roman baths looked like, how the water was pumped, and several other archeological findings such as mosaics and sculptures found in the area. Page 70 - Bath The Roman Baths in Bath are nice, but touristic and crowded. Admission fees are charged. Page 71 - Bath The Roman Baths in Bath opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 18:00 (in the summer: 20:00 - 22:00 as well), Sunday: 10:30 - 17:00. Telephone number: (01225) 477785. Page 72 - Bath It's not recommended to sleep in the city of Bath, since it is crowded, jammed and very expensive, so it is recommended to sleep in the surrounding area. Page 73 - Stonehenge From Bath, we drove to a fascinating attraction: Stonehenge (southward through road 36, then east on road 303, over to road 360 heading north, and then first turn to your right). It is a very famous prehistoric site, made of rocks, arranged in the shape of a circle, and over it - another circle of rocks. It is still unclear how the stones were lifted and carried up, and this matter remains a mystery to this very day, with a mystical cloud hanging over it. Further more, the purpose of the building of the site is also unknown, and it speculated to have been used as some sort of a calendar. Highly recommended. In the entrance to the site, you'll receive a small audio guide which will tell you about the place. Admission fees are charged. There is a small and interesting souvenir shop near the site. Page 74 - The End From Stonehenge, we drove to the city of Crawly, eastward through road 303, then the M3, on to the circular M25 highway of London. Once on it, turn southeast to interchange 7, and south to M23 into the city. There is nothing unique about the city, but it is a comfortable place to stay in, before or after a flight from London. We stayed there on our last night in England. We stayed in a nice inexpensive hotel called Premier Lodge. Telephone number: 0800118833. From there, we drove to London, to the airport, and this is where our journey ended. | |
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