Steve's World Blog

Budleigh Salterton Devon

needahand — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:15:26 +0000

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

Crediton Devon

needahand — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:56:32 +0000

A town and parish situated between Exeter and Barnstaple in Devon, Crediton has a population of around 7,000 and a history which stretches back to the times of the Saxons, when St Boniface is reported to have been born there in the 7^th century AD. Over the ages a mostly agricultural town Crediton was important for the production of wool between the 13^th and 17^th centuries. Much of the original medieval town was destroyed by a great fire in 1743. Twentieth century Crediton was mostly involved in tanning, tin-plating and shoe making, it has also been significant for cider production and for confectionery. Crediton enjoys a typical Devon climate with the best weather being during the months of June to September, winters are usually mild in comparison with much of the UK.

Teignmouth Devon

needahand — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:51:17 +0000

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 13^th century, and handled grain, timber and clay, the first quay was built during the 18^th 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

needahand — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:18:34 +0000

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 19^th 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.

The Devoncourt Hotel Exmouth

needahand — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:52:57 +0000

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.

The Imperial Hotel Torquay

needahand — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:12:07 +0000

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.

BOOK IMPERIAL HOTEL TORQUAY

Hotel Playacanela Isla Canela

needahand — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:51:49 +0000

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.

BOOK PLAYACANELA HOTEL

Hotel la Vida de Antes Consuegra

needahand — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:26:30 +0000

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 19^th 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.

Guadalajara Spain

needahand — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:47:38 +0000

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.

Torremendo

needahand — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:30:32 +0000

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.

Valdepenas Castilla-La Mancha

needahand — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:48:05 +0000

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

needahand — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:05:24 +0000

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.

BOOK THE SOL CALAS DE MALLORCA

Santo Tomas Hotel Menorca

needahand — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:51:55 +0000

Santo Tomas Hotel Menorca

When visiting the beautiful holiday island of Menorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands, you will be looking for a nice resort for your stay. For a peaceful family holiday you might well consider the tranquil Santo Tomas, located between Son Bou and Cala Galdana on the south coast of the island. If you are needing a hotel for your stay you could book the Santo Tomas Hotel which is situated right beside the sea and beach and in an ideal spot for enjoying the sandy beaches, the clear waters, the fine hotel facilities and the wonderful Santo Tomas weather conditions, which should certainly help top up your tan if you visit between May and October. The Santo Tomas Hotel has all the facilities that you would need from a modern hotel including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, so you can swim even in the cooler winter months when the weather is not so good. You can also relax in the Jacuzzi, or take a steam bath or sauna, afterwards enjoy a meal in the buffet restaurant offering International cuisines. Rooms in the Santo Tomas Hotel are offered from around 83 euros (£70), and the hotel is within a half hours drive of Mahon airport making the hotel easy to access.

BOOK SANTO TOMAS HOTEL

Cape Cornwall Golf and Leisure Resort St Just

needahand — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:30:33 +0000

Visiting Cornwall this year? If you are staying in the St Just, Penzance area, then a nice spot for your accommodation could be the Cape Cornwall Golf and Leisure Resort which caters for both leisure and business guests and offers all the comforts required for your stay in St Just. Rooms are non-smoking with en-suites, hotel facilities include an 18 hole golf course, restaurant, bar, lounge, heated indoor swimming pool, so you can swim whatever the weather, sauna, gym, and spa bath. St Just is a charming little Cornish town, which is the most westerly in Britain, it is one of the oldest mining towns in Cornwall. The surrounding coastline is beautiful and ideal for walking and hiking, there are also some interesting places to visit including ancient tin mines and engine houses, and historic archaeological sites. St Just Map.

BOOK CAPE CORNWALL GOLF

Esmeralda Hotel and Spa Calpe

needahand — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:28:54 +0000

Esmeralda Hotel Calpe

For your forthcoming trip to Calpe on the Costa Blanca, Spain, you could do little better than stay at the AR Roca Esmeralda Hotel and Spa, one of the many popular Calpe hotels on offer in this sought after coastal resort. Calpe, which is a little more laid back than nearby Benidorm is still pretty busy and has some decent facilities and fine sandy beaches to enjoy on your holiday. The facilities of Benidorm including the fabulous Terra Mitica theme park are all within a short drive of the resort. Rooms are offered in the Esmeralda Hotel Calpe from just 54 euros per night (£45) and all the usual hotel facilites will be found here including three swimming pools and two restaurants. The hotel is situated close to Levante Beach for those who prefer to sunbathe on the beach and enjoy the wonderful Calpe weather, which is mostly sunny right through the year. Calpe is within an hours drive of the closest airport at Alicante and is also within reach of Valencia airport, if you prefer this access point.

Siguenza Castilla-La Mancha

needahand — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:09:30 +0000

Parador de Siguenza

A small town located about 120 kilometres east of Madrid, Siguenza is dominated by its ancient castle, now a parador (hotel) which was restored in the 1970’s after being severely damaged during the Spanish Civil War. The town itself has a population of around 5,000, and among its many attractions are its cathedral, begun in the 12^th century and built from the pinkish stone typical of the town’s buildings. Those interested in religious art can head for the Museo Diocesano del Arte. If you wish to stay overnight in Siguenza, you should consider the Parador de Siguenza Hotel, housed in the Moorish castle, overlooking the town, here you can soak in the history of this fascinating place.

The TRH Almagro Hotel Castilla-La Mancha

needahand — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:25:16 +0000

TRH Almagro Hotel

If you are touring around the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, then a couple of the towns that you are most likely to visit are Toledo and Almagro. While Toledo is of course known to everyone, Almagro may be a place that not many have heard of. Over the centuries often playing second fiddle to Ciudad Real, Almagro is now perhaps a more interesting place to visit, its major attraction being the Corral de las Comedias, an outdoor theatre, holding performances of classic Spanish plays from long ago. If you choose to stay in Almagro, then you will need to find a decent hotel and a good choice would be the TRH Almagro Hotel which offers a good standard of accommodation at a reasonable price, with rooms available from just 29 euros (£24) per night. All of its 49 rooms have air-con, TV, bathroom etc, so why not choose the TRH Almagro for your stay in the town. Almagro is located about 106 kilometres from Toledo and just twenty kilometres east of Ciudad Real, in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain’s interior. Castilla-La Mancha Map.

BOOK TRH ALMAGRO HOTEL

Castilla-La Mancha Spain

needahand — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:01 +0000

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 11^th 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.

Castilla-La Mancha Map.

Casamar and Terramar Hotels Llafranc

needahand — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:50:02 +0000

Terramar Hotel Llafranc

If you are planning a visit to the coastal resort of Llafranc, located between Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu on the Costa Brava coastline of north-eastern Spain, you will perhaps need a hotel for your accommodation in the resort. While there are several hotels which you can choose from, two of the most popular, the Casamar Llafranc and the Terramar Hotel should provide all you need for a pleasant day in the area. The Casamar Llafranc is a small friendly hotel with just 20 rooms, ideal for a quiet holiday while providing all the facilities needed for a nice holiday. The three star Terramar Hotel has more rooms with 53, and has the benefit of being located right on the beach so you can enjoy the wonderful Llafranc weather and take in the rays, while staying close to your hotel and easy to pop back for meals. Llafranc is a tranquil resort, which has not yet been ruined by tourism, expect to meet plenty of Spanish nationals, as this is a favourite spot of theirs, while also bumping into various nationalities of those enlightened enough to visit this lovely resort. Rooms in the Casamar Hotel range from 140 euros per night, while the more affordable Terramar Hotel starts at just 52 euros per night. Llafranc Map.

BOOK CASAMAR LLAFRANC

BOOK TERRAMAR LLAFRANC

S Algar and Punta Prima Menorca

needahand — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:14:25 +0000

The two most popular coastal resorts in the south-east of Menorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain, S’Algar and Punta Prima were also amongst the earliest resorts to be developed on the island. S’Algar in particular was one of the pioneers in Menorca travel accommodation and luckily was not spoilt by what was kept low-rise and low key, with mostly detached villa style properties and plenty of green areas. Punta Prima has a better beach than S’Algar and is thus more suitable for family holidays, unfortunately though, it does suffer from dangerous sea currents, so warnings must be heeded when swimming. Numerous ships have foundered off this part of the Menorca coast over the centuries making it good scuba diving territory, windsurfers are also attracted to this area which offers great conditions for their sport. Menorca Map.