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 2, 2010
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 6, 2010
Castilla-La Mancha Spain
A region immortalized by Spanish author Miguel Cervantes, Castilla-La Mancha was previously known as Castilla Nueva (New Castille), and comprises vast treeless plains, scenic mountain ranges, historic cities and two National Parks.
The best known city in the region is Toledo, the seat of the Catholic church in Spain for many centuries, after it was captured from the Moors in the 11th century. In Toledo you will find lots to see and do, with must visit places including the cathedral and the Alcazar (Charles V’s fortified palace).
Other interesting towns and cities which are worth seeing are Cuenca, Almagro, Consuegra, Albacete, Valdepeñas and Guadalajara. If you enjoy visiting castles, then Castilla-La Mancha could be just the place for you, with virtually any town of any consequence having an ancient fortification of some kind or another, this being the scene of much conflict between Christians and Moors in the early part of the Reconquest.
Castilla-La Mancha also has the largest expanse of vineyards in the world, producing huge amounts of red wine for both domestic consumption and export.
July 29, 2010
The Attractions of Rome Italy
When visiting the city of Rome there is such a wide range of attractions that it can be a little confusing as to where exactly to start, this will of course also depend on individual choice so some planning is essential before setting out on your journey.
The capital city of Italy, Rome is a huge place with a population of around 3 million. The centre of ancient Rome is contained within an area bounded by the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Capitoline Hill and the Imperial Forums, this area is a good place to see a selection of historic buildings and monuments, also some excellent museums.
To lighten the mood you might head for some of the many piazzas and fountains that are scattered throughout the city, the Trevi Fountain is one of the best known.
The Vatican City will of course be a must for most people and you should allow a day for this very special place. There are over 900 churches in Rome so you will need to be particular in your choices if you don’t wish it to take up too much of your time, among the best are St Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Basilica of Mary Major and the Basilica of St Paul.
If museums are your thing, then again you will be spoilt for choice in Rome, one of the best is the Vatican Museum, other excellent ones include the Museum of Roman Civilization and the Capitoline Museums.
If you are visiting Rome in the summer, it can get very hot, so you might want to take a day out to head for the coast, a fascinating place to visit is the city of Anzio, 57 kilometres south of Rome, another ancient city it is now a busy fishing port and popular ferry port for those heading to the Pontine Islands. In Anzio you can visit the Beachhead Museum which outlines the history of the Allied landings which took place during WW2.
July 28, 2010
Tavira Algarve
Located in the eastern section of the Algarve in Portugal, the historic city of Tavira is one of the oldest in the region. Established by the Phoenicians in the eighth century BC it developed into a significant trading port. In the 8th century AD, Tavira came under the control of the Moors and the current name is derived from the Arabic Tabira (“hidden”). Conquered by the Christians in 1242 much of Tavira was rebuilt only to be later destroyed by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755. Present day Tavira is a popular holiday destination with some fine facilities, nice sandy beaches and superb golf courses. The region enjoys a super climate with Tavira weather being especially pleasant between May and October. Easily accessible from Faro airport, which is about 35 kilometres to the west, Tavira can also be reached from southern Spain.
June 29, 2010
Falmouth Cornwall
A leading holiday resort on the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth enjoys a mild climate and boasts some excellent beaches with safe bathing conditions. The largest dock in England is located here and it takes in tankers up to 90,000 tonnes, Falmouth harbour has a dry dock and safe anchorage. Established as a port beside the older town of Penryn, in the early 17th century, Falmouth is overlooked by the 16th century Pendennis Castle, which Henry VIII built to defend Carrick Roads. Its parish church King Charles the Martyr was so named after Charles II who awarded the town its first charter. Holidaymakers arrive in Falmouth to enjoy the pleasant weather conditions, and the many attractions of the town which is one of Cornwall’s most popular resorts.