<a href="http://irelandtravel.typepad.com/ireland_scotland_travel_b/" accesskey="1">Ireland Scotland Travel Blog

01:38 PM in Ireland Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 23, 2008

Irish Melody Family Vacation

This very special small group guided tour combines enriching experiences in the heritage towns of Ireland with some extraordinary accommodations at guest houses, hotels, and inns, and even a stay in a romantic castle in Ireland - a perfect Ireland itinerary. Enjoy the music of magical evenings. Listen to a tale well told, a song well sung, applaud a dance well done. Fun adventures include boat trips, bicycling, horseback riding and traditional music. This is an escorted family vacation with activities for children in Ireland. Join in, take part, you’re very welcome.Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com >

Outher websites: Cruise Tour Planners

08:39 AM in Ireland Travel | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

April 11, 2008

From England and Wales to Scotland

Crossing the border from England into Scotland is straightforward, with train and bus services forming part of the British national network and regular flights from both London and regional airports.

By Train

Glasgow and Edinburgh are both served by frequent direct train services from London, and are easily reached from other main English towns and cities, though you may have to change trains en route. National Express East Coast trains depart from London King's Cross and run up the east coast via Peterborough, York and Newcastle to Edinburgh, with some going on to Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness, including 'sleeper' services, while Virgin trains run up the west coast from London Euston via Crewe, Preston and Carlisle to Glasgow.

There are a number of long-distance direct services to Scotland that begin from outside London: Virgin runs services from Birmingham to Edinburgh or Glasgow while the CrossCountry service links Cardiff, Paignton, Penzance, Bournemouth and Brighton with Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen via Birmingham.

Journey times from London can be as little as 4½ hours to Edinburgh and 5 hours to Glasgow; from Manchester or York, knock off about 2 hours; from Bristol add about 2 hours. Beyond Edinburgh or Glasgow, allow another 2½ hours to reach Aberdeen, or 3½ hours to Inverness.

By Coach

Inter-town bus services (known as coaches throughout Britain) duplicate many train routes, often at half the price or less. The frequency of service is usually comparable to the train, and in some instances the difference in journey time isn't that great; buses are also reasonably comfortable, and on longer routes often have drinks and sandwiches available on board. Buses run direct from most British cities to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

By Car

The two main driving routes to Scotland from the south are via the east of England on the A1, or via the west using the M6, A74(M) and M74.

The A1, which passes by Peterborough, Doncaster, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, gives you the option of branching off onto the A68, which takes the hilly but scenic route over the border at Carter Bar and adds an hour or so to the journey time.

The M6 route, which goes around Birmingham, between Manchester and Liverpool and on to Carlisle, offers at least dual-carriageway driving the whole way. Either way, it takes around 8 hours to get from London or Cardiff to Edinburgh or Glasgow, barring roadwork delays; 2 hours less from Birmingham.

By Air from

In addition to regular carriers such as British Airways and BMI, Scotland is well served by the budget airlines operating from airports around London and from other regional hubs.

Flying is quicker than travelling by train or coach if you're heading out to the Highlands and Islands, though if you add on the time spent getting to and from the airport and checking in, the whole experience doesn't save you as much time as you might think, especially on journeys through the big London airports.

Airfares are only competitive on popular routes such as London to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and, again, if you add on the cost of travel to and from the airport (and remember to include airport tax), the savings on the same journey overland are often minimal.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

Outher websites: Cruise Tour Planners

01:39 PM in Scotland Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 09, 2008

London - From Tudors to Television

From Tudors to Television

Morning

Syon House has been in the Duke of Northumberland's family for well over 400 years and it was here that Catherine Howard, Henry VIII's fifth wife spent her last Christmas before her execution in 1542. The neo-classical house is idyllic and a pleasingly large number of its rooms are on show to visitors.

Other highlights include the London Butterfly House, an aviary and the Aquatic Experience. On top of all that, there are the truly lovely gardens, laid out by Capability Brown.

The Great Conservatory provided inspiration for master gardener Joseph Paxton when he designed Crystal Palace. Then it's on to a lovely spot on the Thames for lunch. There are many quaint pubs dotted along the river at Hammersmith, however The Old Ship, situated in the Upper Mall is the most suitable for larger groups.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a backstage tour of the most famous TV studios in the world. The two-hour BBC Television Centre tour allows visitors to see the BBC News studios, get hands-on in the interactive studio and find out all sorts of interesting facts about the BBC from informative and entertaining guides.

As Television Centre is a working building, the tours are planned around whatever is happening on the day, so no two tours are ever the same. You never know, you might catch glam news reader Fiona Bruce rehearsing her lines!

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

Outher websites: Cruise Tour Planners

08:39 AM in Television | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 07, 2008

London - Wimbledon

Days Out - Playing at Wimbledon

Morning

Leafy Wimbledon is generally associated with the two-week tennis tournament in the summer, but these famous courts can be visited all year round.

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum includes a state of the art exhibition. The 200° cinema will transport you into the heart of a championship match while the behind-the-scenes tour will take you into the player's gym, the main press interview room and Centre Court.

If you want to sport the total Wimbledon look then pop into the shop and purchase some trendy sports wear. Even for non-tennis fans, it's a great place to visit. And of course with all the interactive elements, you can tell your friends (who weren't there) that you have played at Wimbledon!

All this close proximity to exercise will probably have made you pretty hungry, so we suggest a carb fix. San Lorenzo Fuoriporta is a great place to refuel on authentic Italian cuisine and is a favourite of Boris Becker. Apparently his preferred meal is mozzarella, avocado and tomato, Spaghetti Napoli followed by lemon sorbet. Yum…

Afternoon

Head to Wimbledon Common, home to 460 acres of gorgeous open space. A real highlight is the Wimbledon Windmill - it was here that Baden-Powell was inspired to write part of Scouting for Boys in 1908. Now it’s time to go shopping. Wimbledon Village is frightfully smart and very pretty, and is an excellent place for a spot of retail therapy.

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com >

Outher websites: Cruise Tour Planners

08:39 AM in Sports | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 04, 2008

Itinerary - Christmas Spirit

Ice skating at Somerset House Tis the season to be jolly, and where better to get into the festive spirit than London?

What with ice skating, Christmas fairs, twinkly lights, festive food and fabulous shopping, there’s plenty going on. So come and soak up the gorgeous wintry atmosphere. How does mulled wine in a cosy pub by an open fire sound?

Friday Night

Eat, drink and be merry

To get yourself in to a relaxed and convivial mood, why not have dinner at Andrew Edmunds in Soho. It’s one of central London’s most atmospheric eateries. An intimate bistro-style restaurant, the tables are closely packed in a sociable kind of way. But do book ahead; it gets busy.

Saturday Morning

Seasonal sensations

Mince pies, mulled wine, stuffing, cake, port, stilton, brandy butter… we love festive food! A great place to taste and stock up on your Christmas provisions is the BBC Festive Good Food Show, an extravaganza of all things mouthwatering.

Or pop down to the award-winning Borough Market to browse and buy a tantalising selection of gourmet goods. For lunch, head to Roast for some delicious seasonal specialities.

Saturday Afternoon

Santa’s little helper

Time to hit the shops! If you enjoy hustle and bustle then Oxford Street and Regent Street are ideal. With a great range of shops you’ll snap up all the pressies you need in no time. And the sparkly Christmas lights will only make you feel even more festive.

For arts, crafts and up-and-coming design, check out London’s brilliant markets. All of them will, in their own way, be celebrating Christmas – but for choice, atmosphere and ambience we always return to Spitalfields.

Saturday Evening

He’s behind you!

Nothing says Christmas in town more than a pantomime or a ballet. This will definitely involve advance booking, but Christmas isn’t Christmas without a magical show!

For booing and hissing, we recommend Cinderella at Hackney Empire. Fans of ballet will love Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House or Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells. And kids – big and small – will enjoy The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre (see Sadlers Wells website for details).

Of course, you’ll need to replenish your energy. Hackney Central is a short walk from the Empire, housed in the restored railway station. And if you manage to get tickets for Swan Lake we love Moro for an après theatre dinner. For those of you coming from the Royal Opera House or the Peacock Theatre head into Covent Garden for Chez Gerard, Rules or Betorelli’s.

Sunday Morning

Bah humbug!

Peace, love and joy to all. Or not? If you are a miserable rotter filled with cynicism and ill will then it’s off to the dungeon with you! The London Dungeon, that is.

Here you will be greeted by the Prince of Darkness and his evil helpers roasting robins over an open fire, trying to spread their ghoulish wickedness all around. If you have been particularly bad you may be allowed to sit on the Dark Lord’s knee and plunge your hand into his ‘yucky dip’.

Should you wish to purge yourself from this ghastly encounter, you merely have to cross Tooley Street and enter the serene, joyful world of the Christmas Shop where it really is Christmas every day.

Sunday Afternoon

Frosty fun

From Tooley Street, walk westwards along the river to the Frost Fair. The fair originates from the great freeze of 1564 when Londoners used the frozen Thames as a playground for coach races, puppet plays and general merriment. Modern day merriment this year is likely to take the form of enormous ice bars, sculptures, slides and climbing walls. Visitors will also be treated to live shows, entertainers, festive markets, marquees and a whole host of children’s activities. This year’s details are to be confirmed, but it’s great - don’t miss it!

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com

Outher websites: Cruise Tour Planners

09:53 AM in Holidays in ireland and Britain | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

April 02, 2008

Itinerary - London with Children

If you are intending to come to London with your children, here are some ideas on what to do, so that the kids can have fun too. For more ideas go to www.kidslovelondon.com Day 1

Duck Tours

Morning

Board a 30 min flight on the British Airways London Eye, Europe’s tallest ferris wheel, and admire London from the great height of 135m in one of 32 capsules.

For a tour with a difference, take the family on the London Duck Tour - London’s only amphibious vehicle, which takes you round London’s most famous landmarks and down the river Thames.

Lunch

Make your way to the Natural History Museum at South Kensington and have a packed lunch or a snack in the museum’s picnic area/café.

Afternoon

Make friends with the dinosaurs and explore the wonders of the natural world inside the Natural History Museum.

In the Science Museum next door you can touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years.

Evening

Have dinner at the Hard Rock Café, the very first restaurant Hard Rock restaurant.

Go to London’s famous West End to see a musical - The Lion King and Mary Poppins are both great for kids and half-price tickets for many shows can be bought on the day from TKTS in Leicester Square.

Day 2

Madame Tussauds

Morning

Mingle with the famous at Madame Tussauds' world-renowned collection of wax figures. Enter the Chamber of Horrors if you dare!

Lunch

Behind Madame Tussauds is Regent’s Park - the perfect place for a picnic.

Afternoon

Make your way across Regent’s Park to London Zoo where you can learn about the animals and their natural environment. Watch feeding time for the penguins and don’t miss the bird display.

You should just have time for a bit of shopping before dinner – the kids will love Hamley’s in Regent Street - a 7 floor store devoted to toys.

Evening

Eat in the Rainforest Café, Piccadilly - a fantastically recreated rainforest with cascading waterfalls, thunder and animated wildlife!

Day 3

Greenwich Park

For a different and exciting day out take the train to Windsor and Eton from London Paddington and spend the day at LEGOLAND Windsor, where there are over 50 interactive and fun attractions, rides and shows to entertain all the family.

Morning

Take the Docklands Light Railway to Greenwich and visit the Royal Observatory where you’ll find the Greenwich Meridian Line and some fantastic views over London.

Lunch

Picnic in Greenwich Park or eat in one of Greenwich’s historic pubs or many restaurants.

Afternoon

Take the Docklands Light Railway to Stratford, then change to the Central Line for Bethnal Green. Here you’ll find the Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green, part of the V&A. It’s a whole museum dedicated to toys, puppets, dolls, games and children’s costume and furniture and explores the history of childhood from the 16th century to the present day.

Evening

As you are already in the East End of London go to Brick Lane for a curry. Try Café Naz or Bengal Blues for a good value for money meal. Watch out though - the food can be spicy!

Ellen McNulty is President of www.lynotttours.com >

Outher websites: Cruise Tour Planners