Steve's World Blog

Den Engel Playa Flamenca

needahand — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:29:08 +0000

Den Engel Restaurant Playa Flamenca – During the family holiday in the summer myself and my stepson David took a trip down to Playa Flamenca where we wanted to try out the well known lobster restaurant Den Engel. The restaurant itself is in a great spot on the seafront between Playa Flamenca’s 2 beaches and you an sit and watch the sea while enjoying a fine lobster meal. Believe it or not I have never had lobster before and was long overdue for this renowned delicacy. I must say however that though I enjoyed it for the experience, it is not something that I would worry about having again. Its all a bit too much of an effort for me, give me a decent prawn any day, and I’m not sure it was worth the money really although Dave treated me for my birthday, so it was free for me! The apartments above the commercial centre must enjoy some pretty fabulous views, well worth considering if you are planning a trip to Playa Flamenca.

Son Bou Menorca

needahand — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:41:18 +0000

Son Bou Menorca – Situated in the south of Menorca (Minorca), Son Bou is a big favourite with families looking for a holiday on this popular island in the Spanish Balearics. Son Bou has the distinction of having the longest beach on the island, nearly 3 kilometres of golden sand, gently shelving and great for water sports and sun bathing, and also safe for children. The beach at Son Bou has the usual facilities with a number of beach bars, and sun loungers and parasols for hire, perfect when the weather is hot. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants and shops and onland sports facilities such as tennis courts. A water park at San Jaime rounds off the main amenities.

Son Bou Map.

Novelda Spain

needahand — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:29:26 +0000

Novelda Spain: A town situated between Elda and Aspe in the Alicante province of Valencia, Spain, Novelda is an important area for the production of marble, with many factories on the approaches to the town. A historic town, Novelda was settled by Greeks and Romans long before the Moors arrived to control the area. Its best known monument is the Santa Maria Magdalena monastery (which may remind you of the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona), it was designed by a protégé of Gaudi during the 19th century. Also worth a look in Novelda is the Arabic castle of Mola and the Museum of Moderista. Today Novelda has a population of over 27,000 and is a mostly industrial town. Novelda Map.

Monforte del Cid Alicante

needahand — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:09:31 +0000

Monforte del Cid Alicante – Originally called Nompot in the 13th century, the town of Monforte del Cid is situated in the Alicante province of Spain. The town was awarded to his son by King Alfonso in 1328 along with a number of other villages, and by 1355 it was already being referred to as Monfort, later being changed to Monforte in 1708, the Del Cid part of the name was added in 1916 by Royal Decree. Monforte del Cid is well known for its grapes, especially dessert grapes and its economy has depended on grapes for many centuries. If you visit Monforte del Cid be sure to look at the 15^th century Gothic parish church.

Wells Somerset

needahand — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:48:38 +0000

Wells Somerset – A small cathedral city in the county of Somerset in south-western England, Wells is actually the tiniest cathedral city in the country. With a resident population of just over 10,000 it is little more than a large village. Getting its name from 3 wells located in the city which are all dedicated to St Andrew and tracing its history back to Roman times, Wells became established as a true settlement during Saxon times when a minster church was founded by King Ine of Wessex. Wells grew in prosperity mostly due to the cloth trade and the arrival of the railway increased its accessibility. Wells Cathedral dates from the 12^th century. Wells is situated between Shepton Mallet and Cheddar in the county of Somerset.

Olympic Stadium Map

needahand — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:58:29 +0000

Olympic Stadium Map, Marshgate Lane, Stratford, London, United Kingdom.

View larger map

Olympic Stadium Map Stratford London – Above is a satellite map showing the Olympic Stadium located in Marshgate Lane, Stratford, London.

View a detailed street map of Stratford here: Stratford Map

See a map of the central areas of London here: London Map

Get more information on the Olympic Stadium here: Olympic Stadium.

Olympic Stadium Stratford London

needahand — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:47:37 +0000

Olympic Stadium Stratford London: At the heart of the 2012 Olympic games in London is the amazing new Olympic Stadium which has been built in the Stratford area of East London. Stratford was chosen as the location for the stadium after being identified as an area in need of regeneration close to central London. Situated on land near Marshgate Lane in Stratford work on preparing the site started in 2007, though the actual building work did not begin until the twenty second of May 2008. The Olympic Stadium was completed on the twenty ninth of March 2011. The Olympic Stadium was designed by architectural firm, Populous, it has a seating capacity of 80,000, though this will be reduced after the completion of the games, when it will become a wonderful venue for the people of London.

Ulverston Cumbria

needahand — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:34:10 +0000

Ulverston Cumbria – A small market town located at the heart of the Furness peninsula in Cumbria, United Kingdom, Ulverston has a population of around 11,500. A market town since the late 13^th century, Ulverston later developed into a thriving maritime community after the construction of a deepwater canal which linked it to the open sea. Famous as the birthplace of black and white film star Stan Laurel (Laurel and Hardy), and also as the location of the Hoad Monument, Ulverston is a charming and largely unspoilt town with a maze of cobbled streets and alleys. The parish church of Ulverston (St Mary’s) is the oldest structure in the town and dates from Norman times, with sections surviving from the early 12^th century.

Cumbria Map.

Ampthill Bedfordshire England

needahand — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:03:56 +0000

Ampthill – A small market town of around 7,000 inhabitants, Ampthill traces its history back to Anglo-Saxon times and its name in fact comes from the Anglo-Saxon language (meaning “ant hill”). Ampthill has held a street market since 1242 and market day in Ampthill is on Thursdays. The town once had a castle which has long since disappeared, though in the 16^th century was regularly visited by Henry VIII. The St Andrew’s parish Church in Ampthill has a monument to the 1^st English Governor of Long Island in New York. Ampthill is in the county of Bedfordshire between Bedford (to the north of Ampthill) and Luton to the south.

Bedfordshire Map.

Abanilla Murcia

needahand — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:12:27 +0000

Abanilla Murcia – A small town and municipality in the Murcia region of Spain, Abanilla has a population of 6,642 and an area of 236 square kilometres. Abanilla is well known for its basket making and lace making, both of which still take place today. Abanilla has a long and chequered history and has been the subject of many an ownership battle of the centuries, changing hands many times as a result. If you choose to visit Abanilla, head into the old town where you will find numerous places of interest including the Fountain of the Carob Tree, the St Joseph parich Church, and the Corazon de Jesus monument.

Map of Abanilla.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

needahand — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:48:16 +0000

Hot Air Balloon Rides UK

Hot Air Balloon Rides – One of life’s great experiences which is probably easier to arrange now than at any time in the past is a hot air balloon ride or hot air balloon flight, whichever you prefer to call it. Throughout the United Kingdom there are dozens of great launch sites from where you can experience this amazing adventure for yourself, or maybe purchase a trip for a loved one or friend. Float serenely across the British countryside and get spectacular views of villages, towns and exciting attractions, experience the quiet tranquility of a flight with no noisy engines or propellers. Sip a glass of champagne and drink a toast to a wonderful lifetime experience, but be prepared to be hooked and want to go again and again. Some of the great venues from where you can experience hot air balloon rides are the Cotswolds, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, Scotland, Devon, Dorset, Sussex and Gloucestershire, in fact almost all Uk counties have launch sites.

BOOK YOUR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES HERE.

Es Castell Menorca

needahand — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:50:52 +0000

Es Castell Menorca – Located at the mouth of Mahon’s port on the east coast of Menorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands, the seaside resort of Es Castell is a popular holiday destination which attracts many thousands of visitors each year especially during the traditional summer months (May to September). In what was previously a strategically important section of Menorca (the Brits overtook the port), it now attracts more attention from holidaymakers, who arrive to enjoy the sunny weather, the sandy beaches, and the friendly atmosphere. Es Castell which literally means “The Castle” has a somewhat English feel with a Georgian twist, harping back to the days of English rule, there is still an old parade ground which was used by troops in days gone by. Es Castell is gathered around two attractive coves and there is a small fishing harbour from which fishermen still operate today as they sail their boats on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Facts and figures on Menorca (Minorca): Minorca Facts.

Basingstoke Aquadrome Hampshire

needahand — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:59:26 +0000

Basingstoke Aquadrome Hampshire – A wonderful leisure facility for residents of and visitors to Basingstoke in Hampshire, Basingstoke Aquadrome has a wide range of activities to enjoy including a water park, swimming pool, fitness centre, workout studio, café and health suite. Clubs and groups who meet there include the Fat Boyz Street Dance Group, Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club and Water Polo Club, and Mend Junior Fitness & Nutrition. So if you are looking for a place to have fun, swim and work out in Hampshire, whether the weather is sunny or rainy, look no further than the splendid Basingstoke Aquadrome in Worting Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire. View a map of Basingstoke here: Map of Basingstoke.

Filey North Yorkshire

needahand — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:20:31 +0000

Filey North Yorkshire – Located on the North East coast of England within the county of North Yorkshire, the traditional seaside town of Filey was originally a fishing town, and had remained so for many centuries until the Victorian trend to take holidays by the sea, made it into a renowned resort attracting visitors from all over the region. Bracing sea breezes, healthy air, and a friendly, peaceful atmosphere all add to the appeal of this charming Yorkshire town. One of Filey’s main attractions is its sandy beach, lining a wide bay and backed by the traditional promenade a great place to take a stroll when the weather is fine. The beach is peppered with beach chalets, offered for rent to holidaymakers as well as local people. Local attractions in Filey include Bempton Cliffs, the Filey Dams Nature Reserve, Filey Museum, and the Roman Signal Station, a good time to visit is during the Filey Edwardian Festival, a seven day festival celebrating Filey’s historic past. Filey is close to the more famous resort of Scarborough, which is about eight miles north-west of Filey on Yorkshire’s beautiful coastline. Filey Map.

Plasencia Extremadura Spain

needahand — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:46:25 +0000

Plasencia – An ancient walled city in the Extremadura region of Spain, Plasencia has an interesting history as a garrison town, being for centuries in a significant position on the much disputed Silver Route, on the River Jerte. The city walls which comprise a double line, with sixty eight towers and 6 gateways was begun in the late 12^th century. Plasencia strangely enough, has 2 cathedrals, the first took so long to build, that it was out of date by the time it was completed, so a new, more modern one was constructed though this also took some 200 years to build. One of the gems of the Extremadura region, Plasencia is a must visit place if you are passing by the area.

Spain Map.

La Mata Costa Blanca

needahand — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:52:33 +0000

La Mata Costa Blanca – A small town and coastal resort located between Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura, La Mata has become increasingly popular in recent years, as a holiday destination. Long popular with the Spanish themselves, La Mata has now been discovered by International tourists, and has also attracted those seeking to buy holiday homes in the sun. Backed by a large salt lake and natural park (The Parque Natural de La Mata y Torrevieja), La Mata has some fine sandy beaches and an attractive coastline, in the town are a good range of shops, together with cafes, bars and restaurants. La Mata enjoys sunny weather conditions most of the year making it a truly all year round resort, it is easily reached from the N-332 and is just a couple of miles from the town of Torrevieja.

La Mata Map.

Ciudad Quesada Spain

needahand — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:52:26 +0000

Entrance to Ciudad Quesada

Ciudad Quesada Spain – A unique and interesting place located inland of Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca, Spain is the new city of Ciudad Quesada, built since the 1970’s and the product of a dream by a man named Justo Quesada Samper. As a child this extraordinary man dreamt of a city where people could live together in peace and harmony and enjoy life to the full, with everything to hand and available. As the city started to grow it developed around the holiday home plan and many International citizens began buying properties in the city making it a truly Cosmopolitan area. Now the city of Quesada (as it is more commonly known) is fully complete and has its own Town Hall, medical centre, shops, bars, restaurants, social club, eighteen hole golf course and aqua water park, plus much more. Mostly built upon a hillside, Ciudad Quesada offers some spectacular views over Rojales, the nearby salt lakes and on to the azure blue Mediterranean Sea. Quesada benefits from sunny weather all year round, so has became a popular holiday resort, with hundreds of detached villas with pools available for rent. You can reach Ciudad Quesada using the CV-905 from Torrevieja or the handy AP-7 motorway which connects the city with both Murcia and Alicante airports.

Ciudad Quesada Map.

Palma Nova Beaches Majorca

needahand — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:16:24 +0000

Palma Nova Beaches Majorca – One of Majorca’s most popular seaside resorts Palma Nova is located not too far from the capital Palma de Mallorca. Attracting thousands of visitors each year this fine resort is well known for its lovely weather conditions, its sandy beaches and its good amenities. Palma Nova has three beaches in all, with the main beach being situated close to the harbour and close to the main residential area of the resort, this beach is about half a mile long and has fine white sand. The beach is backed by the seafront promenade which is lined with bars and restaurants. On the beaches you will find the usual amenities with parasols and sun loungers available for rent, with pedaloes and water sports also on offer. Just eighteen miles from Majorca airport, Palma Nova is easy to reach and in a great location. Palma Nova Map.

Campoverde Spain

needahand — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:55:23 +0000

El Pinar de Campoverde

Campoverde Spain – An attractive little village located inland of Pilar de la Horadada on the Costa Blanca, El Pinar de Campoverde (normally just referred to as “Campoverde”) has mostly developed due to the demand for holiday homes in the sun. Campoverde is especially renowned for its detached villas many of which stand on good sized plots and despite their inland position, still have sea views due to their being build on a hillside. This sizeable development of villas attracted the building of a new golf course for the area, and this has now taken shape in the form of the Lo Romero golf course, fast becoming one of the most popular courses in the area. Due to its inland position the villas of Campoverde were generally a little more affordable than similar properties built on the coast, this and its situation close to golf have added to its attractiveness. While inland, Campoverde is still within easy reach of the beaches of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida, with also plenty of other golf courses nearby.

Orihuela Costa Resorts Cabo Roig and Playa Flamenca

needahand — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:58:39 +0000

Orihuela Costa Coastline Near Playa Flamenca

Orihuela Costa Resorts Cabo Roig and Playa Flamenca – There are many of you who probably never have heard of the Orihuela Costa, while there are other who take their holidays there every year. For those of you who don’t know where it is, I will explain. In the southern area of the Costa Blanca region, within the province of Alicante, the Orihuela Costa is a section of coast which belongs to the inland town of Orihuela (as is the habit in Spain of providing inland towns with a section of coast that they administer). Now this developed later than other better known areas of the Costa Blanca, such as Benidorm, which started much earlier, in fact the Orihuela Costa has mostly developed over the last 20 years or so, Playa Flamenca was begun in the early 1970’s by Dutch property developers, and is a recent resort with little history. On the reverse of this, Cabo Roig has some history, and its ancient watchtower displays evidence of this in the most powerful way, as it has existed for many centuries, in fact way back when pirates sailed these seas. Both resorts have become popular as holiday home locations and many Brits and Irish have settled permanently there (together with Germans and Scandinavians among others). I will be writing more about these resorts shortly.