A historic market town situated in the county of Devon, England, United Kingdom, Holsworthy has been settled since Saxon times, when it was a significant trading centre. Listed as part of Harold Godwinson’s estate in the Domesday Book of 1086, Holsworthy later became important as a market town, receiving charter’s for its weekly market. Standing on the River Deer, Holsworthy these days has a population of 2,256 and still boasts one of the largest cattle markets in south-west England. Holsworth is located near to the border with Cornwall and is east of Bude. Holsworthy Map.
October 17, 2009
October 13, 2009
Great Yarmouth Norfolk
For over two centuries one of the United Kingdom’s most popular seaside resorts, Great Yarmouth is situated on the coast of Norfolk in East Anglia about 20 miles from Norwich. Located at the mouth of the River Yare, present day Great Yarmouth lies near the site of a Roman fort, constructed during their invasion of Britain. For hundreds of years a significant fishing town, renowned for its catches of herring, Great Yarmouth developed as a holiday destination during the mid-18th century. Great Yarmouth seafront, known as “The Golden Mile” has 2 piers, the Wellington Pier and the Brittania Pier, both major attractions for the town, the seafront is lined with amusement arcades, restaurants and gift shops and it runs along the resorts fine sandy beaches. Attractions in and around Great Yarmouth include the Winter Gardens, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, Joyland, the Sealife Centre, Karting 2000 and the Marina Leisure and Fitness Centre. Great Yarmouth Map.
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September 2, 2009
Discovery Point Dundee Scotland
If travelling around the city of Dundee in Scotland this year, you should certainly consider a visit to Discovery Point, a major tourist attraction for the city. Discovery Point is where Captain Scott’s ship the RSS Discovery is on display, and there you can follow in the footsteps of Scott and his crew and get an idea of what life was like onboard this historic ship which sailed to Antarctica. With an audio / visual show, computer based multimedia, and guided tours, you will find plenty for the whole family to do at the Discovery Point adventure in Dundee. Discovery Point is located on Discovery Quay on the waterfront just before the Tay Road Bridge. Dundee Map.
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Clevedon Chard Glastonbury and Burnham on Sea
If you are travelling to the county of Somerset in England this year be sure to visit some of its coastal resorts such as Clevedon and Burnham on Sea, and also some of its historic inland towns such as Glastonbury and Chard. Clevedon and Burnham on Sea both have fine sandy beaches and good facilities, they also both have piers but in contrasting ways, with Clevedon having a charismatic Victorian pier and Burnham on Sea, what is said to be the shortest pier in Britain. Head inland for Glastonbury a small town with a long history which you will find very interesting, perhaps visit during the famous music festival when the town becomes alive, also take time to visit Chard which was settled in Saxon times, but rebuilt after a fire in 1577.
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August 28, 2009
Taunton Bridgewater and Wellington Somerset
While visiting the county town of Taunton in Somerset, England, you might also want to consider dropping in at a couple of the nearby towns such as Bridgewater or Wellington, both are historic towns and both have their own stories to tell. In Taunton itself, there is plenty to see and do, with a history going back to Saxon times and beyond there are lots of interesting places to visit. The River Tone cuts through the town centre and it was this river that gave Taunton its name, the important strategic situation of the town led to Taunton Castle being built as long ago as the 7th century. Taunton is a pretty town and has some nice parks such as Vivery Park and Victoria Park, lovely green areas where local people can enjoy peace and quiet. Rebuilt by the Normans, parts of the castle remain and now house the Somerset County Museum. To the north of Taunton, Bridgewater, another town on a river (this time the River Parrett), was a trading centre of significance way before the Normans invaded Britain, its mention in the 9th century Anglo Saxon Chronicles give evidence of this. Bridgewater even later acted as a port, receiving coal from Wales. Wellington, of course, gave is name to the Duke of Wellington (Sir Arthur Wellesley), and during the Industrial Revolution was an important wool making town. Among places to visit in Wellington are the Cothay Manor Gardens. A lesser known town which might also attract your attention is Wiveliscombe (or Wivey as the locals call it), settled in Pre Roman times, it was later another town to prosper from the wool trade. Wiveliscombe is also well known for its brewery built by the Hancock family in 1807.
See a map of Taunton here: http://www.my-towns.co.uk/taunton-map.html
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Honiton Seaton and Ottery St Mary
When travelling around the East Devon region of England in the United Kingdom, you will find some interesting little towns which are well worth a visit, among the more desirable are Honiton, Seaton and Ottery St Mary. Honiton and Ottery St Mary are both inland towns, and both side next to the lovely River Otter which cuts its way through this part of Devon, whilst Seaton is a seaside town and popular retirement location. Honiton is most famous for its lace, a trade which has been practised since Elizabethan times, it is also well known for pottery production. Ottery St Mary’s claim to fame is its best known son Samuel Taylor Coleridge who was born there on 21st October 1772, his father a well respected vicar of the parish. Worth a visit in Ottery St Mary is the parish church which resembles a mini Exeter Cathedral. Changing rivers to the River Axe and heading for the coast will find you at the seaside resort of Seaton, a popular town for retirement but also a well known family holiday destination since Victorian times. Be sure to visit the pretty harbour which was a significant port for many centuries until the estuary was mostly blocked by heavy storms during the fourteenth century. Though made of pebbles Seaton beach is still an attraction for the town.
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