Located between the towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth in the north of Devon, the small town of Budleigh Salterton has a population of just under 5,000 and sits at the mouth of the Otter river, in an area of great natural beauty. The estuary around Budleigh Salterton is a significant area for migratory birds and attracts many “twitchers” to this tranquil residential town. The town does attract some holidaymakers, as it has a decent beach, and the surrounding coastline is popular with walkers and hikers as well as fossil hunters who are attracted to the Jurassic World Heritage Site. When the weather is fine, it welcomes many day trippers from nearby Exeter and other surrounding towns, though for most of the year it is a peaceful place. Nearby towns include Seaton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Exeter
September 2, 2010
Teignmouth Devon
A popular town and seaside resort located in the county of Devon, England, Teignmouth stands on the River Teign estuary to the north of Torquay. With a population of around 14,000, Teignmouth is just a small town, though its numbers of course grow during the summer season as thousands of holidaymakers descend on the resort for their summer vacation. For many centuries just a small fishing village, Teignmouth became popular as a holiday destination during Victorian times, after the arrival of the railway line connecting it with neighbouring towns as well as London and Penzance. The fine weather experienced by the town was of course the major draw, but bathing in the healthy sea waters was much the rage during the Victorian era. Historically Teignmouth is famous as being the last place in England to be invaded by a foreign power (1690). The port of Teignmouth has had significance since the 13th century, and handled grain, timber and clay, the first quay was built during the 18th century. These days tourism is the major industry for the town and it has plenty of hotels and guest houses for those wishing to visit the town.
Paignton Devon a Brief History
A lovely seaside town located in the town of Devon in south-west England, Paignton has a population of around 48,000 and lies on Torbay between the equally popular resorts of Torquay and Brixham. For many centuries just a small fishing village Paignton traces its history back to the times of the ancient Celts, though it is first recorded as a settlement in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was called Peynton, a name derived from the Celtic language meaning “town of Paega”. Paignton mostly grew as a town during the 19th century when a new harbour was constructed (1847) to improve the towns seabound communications, and the railway arrived, linking the town with London via Torquay. The town grew considerably after this taking in several surrounding villages such as Preston and Goodrington. Becoming popular as a seaside resort during the Victorian period due to its fine weather and healthy atmosphere, Paignton has its pier erected in 1879, in the height of the British seaside resort era in the 1960’s the Festival Theatre opened to provide entertainment for its many visitors. Paignton has plenty of guest houses and hotels, should you wish to stay overnight or for a holiday and such establishments as the Preston Sands Hotel should prove adequate for your needs, larger hotels are of course available as are holiday cottages in the surrounding villages, which may be your preferred accommodation. When staying in Paignton you should take a day out to visit the nearby Dartmoor National Park, a large area of great natural beauty with many charming little villages and some interesting archaeological sites. Paignton can be reached by road by way of the A380, can be reached by rail, and is also within easy driving distance of Exeter airport, it is about 20 miles from Exeter, only 8 miles from Newton Abbot and its racecourse, and just 2 miles from Torquay.
September 1, 2010
The Devoncourt Hotel Exmouth
If you are visiting Exmouth in Devon this year, and planning more than just a day trip, you will probably be looking for a hotel of guest house for your accommodation in the town. A good candidate that you might want to consider is the Devoncourt Hotel in Douglas Avenue. Standing in extensive grounds (it even has its own golf course) the hotel offers excellent leisure facilities and comfortable rooms. A good base for touring this part of Devon, Exmouth is just nine miles south of the city of Exeter and its International airport. A port and popular holiday resort enjoying some fine weather conditions, Exmouth is at the mouth of the Exe river and has some decent beaches and a good range of amenities. Rooms in the Devoncourt Hotel are available from around 92 euros per night (£76). Exmouth can be accessed by road, rail or air (via Exeter airport), and stands on the A376.
August 31, 2010
The Imperial Hotel Torquay
Imperial Hotel Torquay Devon
If you are planning a trip to the Devon coastal town of Torquay, you may well be looking for hotel accommodation for your stay in the town, a hotel which comes highly recommended is the Imperial Hotel which stands on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Torbay offering stunning views of the coast around Torquay. The hotel which was built in 1886 is in a Mediterranean style and many of its 153 rooms have fantastic sea views, as do its conservatory and restaurant. Handy for Torquay railway station and within a short stroll of the marina, beaches and shops the Imperial Hotel Torquay is ideal for both business and holiday visitors. The hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, so you can take a dip whatever the weather, it also offers fine restaurant, fitness centre, games room, hairdressing salon and beauty salon. Rooms in the Imperial Hotel are currently offered from around 44 euros per night (about £37). Formerly a fishing town, Torquay has developed into one of Devon’s most popular seaside resorts, located on what is often called the “English Riviera”, due to the fine weather that it experiences, with average temperatures several degree higher than most of Britain. Torquay is easily reached by road and rail, and is only sixteen miles from Exeter and its airport. Devon Map.
August 30, 2010
Hotel Playacanela Isla Canela
Playacanela Hotel Isla Canela Spain
For your accommodation in the Costa de la Luz resort of Isla Canela, you cannot go far wrong by choosing the Playacanela Hotel, a popular 4 Star Hotel located near to the beach and golf course. One of the best loved Isla Canela hotels, the Playacanela has 306 double rooms, all with balcony, bathroom, TV, air-conditioning, safe, min-bar and telephone. Built in an Arabian architectural style the Playacanela Hotel has a beautiful themed pool area, with swimming pool, whirlpool and water slides, all set amongst palm trees and shrubs, making this the ideal spot for a relaxing holiday. As yet mostly undiscovered by Brits and north Europeans, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is a mostly unspoilt region, with some tranquil, uncrowded resorts, Isla Canela is a built for tourism resort which basically serves the border town of Ayamonte, which sits beside the River Guadiana on the border with Portugal. Rooms in the Playacanela Hotel are offered from around 148 euros per night, but this is luxury accommodation, so heh, why not enjoy it. Costa de la Luz Map.
August 29, 2010
Hotel la Vida de Antes Consuegra
Hotel la Vida de Antes Consuegra
Offering comfortable accommodation in the town of Consuegra in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, the Hotel la Vida de Antes is handily situated near to the main town square, and close to local facilities and attractions. Housed in a 19th century mansion, this charming hotel offers dining room, reading lounge, café/bar, terrace, meeting room, free wireless internet access etc. Consuegra is famous for its castle and row of traditional windmills which stand on a hill above the town, making it one of the most photogenic places in the Castilla-La Mancha region, the windmills all have names and are used for such things as the tourist information office for the town, some are still in working order. Consuegra lies to the south-east of Toledo and Madrid and is a popular day excursion for visitors to both cities, but if you prefer to stay overnight then the Hotel la Vide de Antes could be the ideal stopping off point for you with rooms offered from around 67 euros per night. Consuegra can be accessed via the CM-42, it is around 136km from Spain’s capital city, Madrid.
August 28, 2010
Guadalajara Spain
A city, municipality and province, located to the north-east of Madrid, Guadalajara was once greater than its illustrious neighbour, which is of course now capital of Spain. Many centuries of conflict and wars brought Guadalajara to its knees, and rendered it a mere shadow of its former self. Sitting beside the River Henares, present day Guadalajara has a population of 75,493 inhabitants, with its history, which stretches back to the times of the Romans, lost in its modern day look, though some gems can still be found by its visitors. Once a favourite base of the Mendoza family, Guadalajara still boasts the former palace of this rich family (now restored), in the form of the Palacio de los Duques del Infantado, well worth a visit if you are in the area.
August 27, 2010
Torremendo
Embalse de Pedrera Torremendo
Shown in the picture on the left is the large Embalse de Pedrera reservoir which is located close to the village of Torremendo just back from the coastline of the southern Costa Blanca. The reservoir is used, among other things to feed water to local golf courses such as Villamartin, it is also a popular area for fishing and the fact that it is free to fish makes it even more attractive though recent rises in water levels have made it more difficult to catch. Ideal for a spot of carp fishing, you may also be lucky to catch a Black Bass, the fish are not huge but make good sport. The village of Torremendo itself is small and typically Spanish, though it is increasingly attracting the British and other nationalities. Those looking to settle in the area will find some decent Torremendo properties on offer, most enjoy super views over the lake and would be especially attractive to fishing fans, who could just take a short walk to enjoy their sport. Torremendo has a limited choice of facilties mostly revolving around cafes and bars, for better shopping and more choice you can always head for nearby San Miguel de Salinas.
August 20, 2010
Valdepenas Castilla-La Mancha
Located in the Ciudad Real province in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, the city of Valdepenas is best known for its wine industry which has taken place since the times of the ancient Iberians. Its 47 vineyards produce some 50 million litres of wine each year, both for local consumption and for export. Valdepenas itself has little to commend it being a mostly modern city though you might want to visit the Iglesia de la Asunción if you are especially interested in churches. A good reason to visit is however to visit the local Bodegas (especially on the road to Madrid) to taste some of the famous wines and also learn a little of how the wines are produced, if you are a wine fanatic then you should visit during September when the wine festival is in full swing. One of the larger cities of the Castilla-La Mancha region, Valdepenas has a population of around 32,000 and a municipal area of 487 square kilometres. Nearby towns and villages include Moral de Calatrava, Santa Cruz de Mudela, Villanueva de los Infantes and Manzanares. Castilla-La Mancha Map.
The Sol Calas de Mallorca Resort
Sol Calas de Mallorca Resort
One of the most attractive and popular holiday destinations on the island of Mallorca, the Sol Calas de Mallorca Resort would be an ideal choice for your stay on the island. Set in twenty five thousand square metres of landscaped gardens and offering 875 rooms in either of three accommodation blocks (Sol Mastines, Sol Chihuahuas and Sol Balmoral), the Sol Calas de Mallorca is certainly a beautiful place to enjoy the wonderful Mallorca weather and atmosphere. Overlooking 2 of the three beaches of Calas de Mallorca on the east coast of the island this hotel resort has several swimming pools and children’s play areas, each of the hotel blocks has its own restaurant, lounge and pool, and stages for both daytime and night time entertainment. The resort of Calas de Mallorca itself has some excellent facilities and is a tranquil place away from the hustle and bustle of Mallorca’s major resorts, it is situated in the Manacor district, and is around sixty seven kilometres from the airport at Palma de Mallorca. Rooms in the Sol Calas de Mallorca Resort are offered from around 38 euros per night (£32) a great price for a desirable location. Calas de Mallorca is on Mallorca’s east coast, between the resorts of Porto Colom and Porto Cristo.