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.
October 13, 2009
September 12, 2009
Chelmsford and Colchester
Two of the most ancient towns in the county of Essex, Colchester and Chelmsford are also amongst the oldest in Britain. Colchester, in fact, is claimed to be the oldest Roman Town in the British Isles and was actually the capital of Roman Britain until sacked by the great Boudica in 61AD. The Romans called the town Camulodunum and built a fortress of considerable importance, a later Anglo-Saxon settlement was overrun by Viking forces during the 9th century, and the Vikings remained in control until the area was re-taken by Edward the Elder in 920. Colchester Castle dates from the Norman occupation and was built upon earlier Roman ruins. Chelmsford is the county town of Essex and has a population of over 120,000, Chelmsford was also a significant Roman town, though it has been the site of human settlement since the Neolithic Era. The Romans called the town Caesaromagus and it developed around the fort which was constructed there. Chelmsford later became the seat of the local assize (13th century) and has been recognised as the county town since then. Chelmsford saw some decline in the late 20th century, though the town is now undergoing some rejuvenation. Essex Map.
September 2, 2009
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.