Celtic Moment

England is one of the most historically interesting and vibrant countries anywhere in the world. That is why those heading on a vacation to England should visit some of the prime historical sites as part of their trip. With imposing castles, magnificent country estates and fascinating museums history buffs will certainly be entertained whilst visiting England; whether travelling on your own, as a couple or with the family it is hoped that the details of the following sights will give tourists essential vacation ideas.

Regarded by many to be the most marvellous castle in all of England, Warwick is a must see example of medieval castle construction and fortification. Literally it is step back in time, giving visitors the chance to truly experience the world of knights, kings and nobles. The history of Warwick Castle is unbelievably interesting; originally built by William the Conqueror in 1088 it passed hands to various Earls of Warwick and even the Count of Anjou in 1153. Its most famous resident however was Richard Neville, more commonly known as Warwick the Kingmaker. This name has been given to Neville due to immense power during the fifteenth century and the Wars of the Roses, enabling to place various kings onto the English throne for his own political ends. Today it remains one of the best kept examples of a castle in the land.

A vacation in England should also include a visit to the historic city of Bath. This city lying in Somerset has an amazing history from Celtic and Roman times up until the Victorian period. Because of the natural springs present within the city the Romans built up a considerable spa settlement, today some of these baths remain and are must see for travellers, although taking a dip in the waters is not allowed. During the Georgian period the city built up as a considerable spa resort, enticing those from London to ‘take the waters’, meaning that Bath toady has a large amount of sumptuous architecture and an air of luxury.

England has a rich spiritual heritage and as such there are various sites that should be visited whilst on vacation that will give an insight into this history. Naturally the most famous of these spiritual sights is in Canterbury. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. Canterbury has played host to some of the most tumultuous events in British history, the most infamous probably being the murder of Thomas Becket, at the supposed orders of King Henry II, although conjecture still exists as to whether the king really did want his former best friend dead. Another cathedral worth including in a vacation is Durham; another UNESCO site, this time in the north of England is a fine example of a Norman cathedral; arguably the best in the country.

Another brilliant attraction worth visiting whilst on a vacation in England is Blenheim Palace. Built in the eighteenth century for the Earl of Marlborough, John Churchill and named after his greatest victory it represents the country’s gratitude for Churchill’s military exploits. To find a grander palace anywhere else in the nation would be difficult, as the home of the Churchill family for three hundred years, it was also the home of a famous modern Churchill, Winston, who once again led the country in a war on the continent.

Hopefully these sites give some idea of the historical wealth present in England and why any vacation should include a visit to at least one. A fascinating island proud of its heritage in war, and religion the many attractions will leave the visitor with a greater understanding of why England is so unique.

North Wales is a beautiful part of the world with appealing mountains and fascinating valleys. From the mountains the land descends to the coastline of the Irish Sea, and this makes the region an ideal place for holidays. Holidays North Wales is a very interesting option if you are looking for a bustling holiday spot with incredible natural beauty.

The beauty of holidays North Wales is best expressed in Llandudno, which is one of Wales’ most longest surviving and famous tourist destinations. Adored by all ages, the splendour of Llandudno owes mainly to its unique geography, as it has two beautiful beaches – one at its north shore and the other at its west shore. The north shore is mostly occupied by the large number of hotels occupying it’s promenade whereas the west shore is a lot calmer and more peaceful, with a nature reserve occupying the Great Orme headland that overlooks both beaches.

Tourism is the main industry of North Wales and a lot of money is spent yearly on advertising attracting visitors and informing them of holidays North Wales. The most ringing endorsement for holidays in North Wales has come from travel writer Bill Bryson, who was quoted to say that Llandudno is his “favourite seaside resort”.

Holiday accommodation for a family can be easily arranged at from a number of the hotels, guest houses or self-catering cottages at North Wales. There are also a lot of family attractions at the region ranging from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay and a number of Steam Railways around Snowdonia and Llangollen to leisure centres in most of the major towns and festivals such as the Victorian Extravaganza in Llandudno every May and the Wakestock Wakeboard & Music Festival in Abersoch. The unique geology of North Wales make it popular for a number of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, golfing and mountain biking. I’m sure you will find something to do in North Wales that you will enjoy.

There are a lot of things to see and do when you are on holidays North Wales. Some of the spectacular things to see at North Wales include the castles at Conwy and Caernarfon (amongst others!), art galleries that reside in many country houses in the area, museums for all interests, and country gardens such as Bodnant Garden. You can meander through the valleys of the region breathing the spirit of the fresh air, stroll along the region’s coastline remarkably open and unspoiled coastline enjoying the beauty of the sea and visit into the excellent restaurants in the area and enjoy some fine Welsh and foreign cuisine. There is all this and more to enjoy with a holiday in North Wales!

While many will consider a tour of England a vacation packed full of activities and attractions it is possible to visit England and come back more relaxed and rejuvenated than when you left. There is no reason why you should not visit many of the idyllic hostelries, hotels and spas while on your England tour. The country has many fine establishments that can totally relax you and even provide a sense of romance for couples. Here are some original accommodation ideas for those visiting England.

England is a country full of castles that you will see on your tour, it is now the case that you will find it possible to stay at some of these majestic locations. Staying in an English castle will transport you back to the time of knights and courtiers, giving you a glimpse of how the wealthy lived centuries ago. Wherever your tour of England takes you there are castles that have rooms available. In the north there is historic Lumley Castle that overlooks the River Wear as well as Durham’s county cricket ground; what more could be more relaxing? The south also has some fine examples that should form part of your accommodation whilst on your England tour, Amberly Castle is over 900 years old and this history will surround you as you stay the night, pampering you with fine cuisine and ultimate relaxation.

If castles are not your cup of tea there are plenty of unique locations at which to stay the night while on your tour. The sheer array of quality accommodation is astounding. Some may want to consider staying in a converted prison in Oxford, lovingly restored while retaining some of its original features. If the prison sounds inhospitable why not try staying in a lighthouse on the magical coast? There are a number of converted lighthouse cottages and even lighthouses that make interesting and original accommodation choices. Another option while on your tour is to stay in one of the many converted windmills that dot the sublime English countryside.

Naturally England has a wealth of quaint bed and breakfasts that make ideal stopping points while on your tour. These locally run homes give the tourist a true idea of the culture of England. Of course, you will receive a warm welcome, a comfortable bed and a full English breakfast to die for. A good B&B will enable you to get to know the owners and in many cases is like staying with family or friends rather than tourist accommodation. While you may just want to remain in bed and enjoy the pleasant surroundings of your room, the lure of the beautiful English countryside is hard to resist. Undoubtedly you will enjoy your stay, it is sure however, that you will be itching to continue your tour and see as much of this magical country as you can.

If you would like to predominantly use self catering accommodation, there are many fine cottages in England that can provide you not only with a bed, but the quintessential English countryside experience. What could be more relaxing than snuggling up with a loved one, sitting next to a roaring open fire giving it the occasional stoke? Whether staying during the winter or summer a cottage retreat makes an ideal base to tour a specific region and visit the various sites.

So whatever you reasons for embarking upon a tour of England, consider these unique and interesting accommodation ideas. Avoiding the generic chain hotels will make your vacation that more special and more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

When the weather heats up, the last thing you want is to be spending hours in a hot kitchen!  But with a little meal planning, you can produce an array of inspiring summer dinner recipes, as well as summer picnic recipes, summer dessert recipes and healthy breakfast recipes.

Make the most of simple chicken recipes

Instead of roasting one chicken, do two oven baked whole chickens at the same time – one lot of washing up, but a number of chicken leftover meals.  This month, the  chicken is roasted with a garlic, orange and rosemary rub.  This can be oven roasted or cooked on the barbecue.  There are three great recipes for leftovers:  an updated version of Chicken a la King, with roasted red bell peppers and toasted almonds or a Chicken and Pasta Bake.  Then there is a delectable Phyllo Triangles recipe filled with chicken and nuts.  Still in barbecue mode, there is a great Chicken Kebabs Recipe.  

Give Vegetable Salad Recipes a new spin

Get creative with salads and fresh seasonal produce.  There are two spinach salad recipes:  one a Spinach Salad with Feta, Beetroot and Toasted Almonds (with Basil Dressing) and the other is a Warm Spinach Salad with Slivered Lamb and Roasted Butternut.  You need very little lamb steak for this recipe.  Similarly, you need a small amount of steak for the refreshing Beef Stir Fry Recipe – the bulk of the recipe is made up with healthy vegetables, so it is light and nutritious.

Start the day with Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Start your day with a Raspberry Smoothie Recipe or a Corn Muffin Recipe (this is also great with a barbecue).  For a more decadent breakfast, you could serve Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.

Have some Summer Picnic Recipes up your sleeve

Again, Corn Muffins are ideal for a picnic.  And what about Baked Scottish Eggs or Chicken Liver Pate?  A Roast Vegetable Quiche or Meatball Sub Recipe? All are easily transported and make a change from the usual sandwiches.

Summer Dessert Recipes

What would summer be without ice-cream?  And more specifically ice-cream by way of Cassata Cake? You can make the most of summer berries by incorporating raspberries in the Easy Apple Crisp Recipe.  And, of course, there is an easy Fruit Salad Recipe.

You can download your free meal plans and recipes at June Meal Planning.  Save money, time and your sanity!

Recipe book with quick and easy ideas for meals.
350 recipe ideas for busy people.

I was desperately searching for the perfect gift for my friend Mike’s 50th birthday and was astonished when my cousin suggested Celtic jewellery. Mike is one of those mens men, into rugby and football but too old to play now. A round of golf and propping up the bar at the end of the game is about his limit.

I said no way and laughed when Maxine made the suggestion. Mike is so cave mannish he won’t even use mens deodorant and only uses aftershave when he’s on a promise with his wife Rita. I could imagine the look on his face if I bought him a Celtic pendant or ring – it doesn’t bear thinking about!

Celtic jewellery was out of the question, so my search for something different began. As Mike has been a good friend since our school days I wanted to buy something pretty special for him. I was really flummoxed, no point in going down the cosmetic route and Mike doesn’t read much so books or book tokens were out of the question.

I looked at golf related gifts, but unless I bought something gimmicky there wasn’t anything that he really needed or would use. I like my gifts to be useful as well as different, no point in buying something that is not wanted or used.

I searched the shops in town for 3 hours and ended up with nothing but sore feet and disillusionment. There were plenty of gift packs for men – they are gearing up for Christmas earlier than ever this year – but they were just overpriced and nothing special.

When I got home I sat back comfortably on my sofa, lap top on knee, coffee at my side and searched the Internet. There was a lot more choice than in the shops – you could say that I was spoilt for choice. So much choice I still couldn’t decide what to get for Mike’s birthday present.

Out of interest I keyed ‘mens Celtic jewellery’ into a search engine and was totally astonished at what I saw. Unique, intricate, gorgeous designs that looked really special to me.

I loved the unique Celtic jewelry designs so much that I was keen to buy but then I pictured Mike wearing a Celtic bracelet, pendant or ring and just couldn’t do that to him unless as a joke gift before the main present. There was a neat dress watch with a Celtic bracelet, but I knew that Mike’s wife Rita had bought him a watch for his last birthday.

Then I clicked on a link and found exactly what I was looking for. A few weeks earlier I’d seen him at the pub and he’d been grumbling about it being cold on the golf course and it was in the middle of an English summer! With winter coming on it was a good idea to buy him a gift that he could enjoy, was useful and kept him warm whilst playing his favourite game.

That special gift idea was a hip flask with an intricate Celtic cross adorning the side. Brilliant! I knew that Mike would love that. Filled with his favourite brandy it would keep him warm on a cold English winter or summers day.

I also bought Mike a Celtic design key ring and fob and an early Christmas gift for myself – a really gorgeous pewter and malachite Celtic bracelet. The prices for Celtic jewellery are unbelievably low for such beautiful workmanship and the designs have special symbolic meanings.