England-Vacations-Travel:

Welcome to Wales - Part 13

Snowdonia National Park

Mount Snowdon Photo courtesy of Dave Newbould While Wales is home to three

national parks - Brecon Beacons National Park, Snowdonia National Park and

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Snowdonia is one of the most popular

destinations in the country. Mount Snowdon, in northwest Wales, is the

centerpiece of the park and also the tallest mountain in Wales and England

towering over the countryside at 1085 metres (nearly 3,560 feet). The mountain

is an impressive sight in both scenery and proportion. The park itself was

established in 1951 and is one of the largest National Parks in Britain, second

only to England's Lake District.

Much more than a National Park, Snowdonia is a worthwhile area for several

reasons. The park plays host to dozens of recreational opportunities: walking,

hiking, climbing, pony trekking, whitewater rafting and many others. The view

from the summit of Mount Snowdon, whether it is reached by riding the Snowdon

Mountain Railway or by climbing, is spectacular. The mountain overlooks the

landscape of flowing rivers and small mountain villages. Approximately 500,000

people reach the summit each year.

England-Vacations-Travel:

Hampton Court Palace - Part 3

The Chapel Royal, where Henry VIII worshipped, is still a consecrated Anglican

church. It's open for visits from Monday through Saturday, and you can worship

with the choir on Sundays. See the Chapel Royal page at the Hampton Court Palace

Web site for information on religious services.

Also see "Things to See and Do" for descriptions of the King's Apartments of

William III, the Queen's State Apartments of Mary II, the palace's courtyards

and cloisters, and other indoor and outdoor attractions at Hampton Court Palace.

Tudor Kitchens

The Tudor Kitchens of Hampton Court Palace are popular with

visitors of all ages, but they're more than a tourist attraction. In these

reconstructed kitchens, which once occupied 50 rooms of the palace, a team of

"experimental archaeologists" study everyday palace life in Henry VIII's time by

cooking, eating, and working with implements and techniques from the 1500s. They

even make their own clothes, which they wear both on the job and in their living

quarters within the palace.

Note: Hampton Court Palace recommends that you allow 20 minutes for a quick walk

through the Tudor Kitchens or 25 minutes if you're using the free audio-guide.

England-Vacations-Travel:

London - Part 14

The Old Royal Observatory at Greenwich marks the dividing line between the

eastern and western hemispheres, as zero degrees longitude passes through the

Greenwich Meridian. Greenwich Mean Time marks the point of reference for the

world's time zones. Greenwich is home to the National Maritime Museum that is

dedicated to telling the story of Britain and its strong links to the sea.

This

is the world's largest nautical museum. The Cutty Sark is also moored

permanently at Greenwich. Built in 1869, this clipper ship was used to carry tea

between the east and England. Sadly these high-speed sailing ships were soon

made obsolete by steam.

"
 
 
Gloucestershire History -
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"

England-Vacations-Travel:

The Tower of London - Part 3

The Tower continued to be used as a prison during two World Wars, and the

presence of German soldiers and spies in the Tower may well have protected it

from bombing. The most famous German prisoner was Rudolf Hess, the Deputy F hrer

of the Third Reich, who spent five days in Queen's House after flying from

Germany to Scotland in May, 1941.

Executions Contrary to popular belief, only a small number of executions have

taken place within the Tower of London. Most condemned prisoners were taken to

Tower Hill or other places in London for beheading or to be hung, drawn, and

quartered.

Six beheadings have occurred on Tower Green. Anne Boleyn, the second wife of

Henry VIII, was executed by a French swordsman in 1536; Catherine Howard,

Henry's fifth wife, lay her head on the block in 1542. Lady Jane Grey, who

reigned as Queen for only nine days in 1553, died by the axe in 1554 for

"usurping the throne of England."

England-Vacations-Travel:

London - Part 15

A cruise up river from Westminster Pier can take you as far as Hampton Court.

This delightful journey takes a lot longer than the one to Greenwich, and passes

through more rural areas.

Of all the royal palaces that can be seen, Hampton

Court is the most interesting. It offers architecture from two periods, Tudor

and Regency, as well as extensive gardens, including the world famous maze

referred to in Jerome K. Jerome's novel 'Three Men in a Boat.' The initial goal

for visitors to the maze is to get to the middle of it; getting out again is

another challenge.

A perfect day away from the rush and crush of London is to

take the morning boat down to Hampton Court, and to spend time in its lovely

garden setting with the Thames as a backdrop.

England-Vacations-Travel:

Welcome to Wales - Part 13

Snowdonia National Park

Mount Snowdon Photo courtesy of Dave Newbould While Wales is home to three

national parks - Brecon Beacons National Park, Snowdonia National Park and

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Snowdonia is one of the most popular

destinations in the country. Mount Snowdon, in northwest Wales, is the

centerpiece of the park and also the tallest mountain in Wales and England

towering over the countryside at 1085 metres (nearly 3,560 feet). The mountain

is an impressive sight in both scenery and proportion. The park itself was

established in 1951 and is one of the largest National Parks in Britain, second

only to England's Lake District.

Much more than a National Park, Snowdonia is a worthwhile area for several

reasons. The park plays host to dozens of recreational opportunities: walking,

hiking, climbing, pony trekking, whitewater rafting and many others. The view

from the summit of Mount Snowdon, whether it is reached by riding the Snowdon

Mountain Railway or by climbing, is spectacular. The mountain overlooks the

landscape of flowing rivers and small mountain villages. Approximately 500,000

people reach the summit each year.

"
 
 
Alliance Church London West -
From: www.england-vacations-travel.com
© - See article for copyright information.

"

England-Vacations-Travel:

Welcome to Wales - Part 13

Snowdonia National Park

Mount Snowdon Photo courtesy of Dave Newbould While Wales is home to three

national parks - Brecon Beacons National Park, Snowdonia National Park and

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Snowdonia is one of the most popular

destinations in the country. Mount Snowdon, in northwest Wales, is the

centerpiece of the park and also the tallest mountain in Wales and England

towering over the countryside at 1085 metres (nearly 3,560 feet). The mountain

is an impressive sight in both scenery and proportion. The park itself was

established in 1951 and is one of the largest National Parks in Britain, second

only to England's Lake District.

Much more than a National Park, Snowdonia is a worthwhile area for several

reasons. The park plays host to dozens of recreational opportunities: walking,

hiking, climbing, pony trekking, whitewater rafting and many others. The view

from the summit of Mount Snowdon, whether it is reached by riding the Snowdon

Mountain Railway or by climbing, is spectacular. The mountain overlooks the

landscape of flowing rivers and small mountain villages. Approximately 500,000

people reach the summit each year.

England-Vacations-Travel:

The Tower of London - Crown Jewels - Part 3

Some of the items to look for during your visit include:

The Cullinan I diamond, also known as the First Star of Africa, is the largest

top-quality cut diamond in the world. It weighs slightly more than 530 carats

and is mounted on the Sceptre. (The Cullinan I was one of nine large diamonds

and 96 small brilliants cut over a period of eight months from the Cullinan

diamond, which weighed 3,106 carats uncut.)

The Cullinan II, the world's second-largest top-quality cut diamond, weighs 317

carats and is on the front of the Imperial State Crown.

The Koh-I-Noor ("Mountain of Light") diamond, weighs 105.6 carats and is mounted

on the Queen Mother's Crown. Many legends are associated with the diamond, which

was surrendered by the Maharajah of Lahore to the Queen of England when the

British Empire annexed the Punjab in 1849.

England-Vacations-Travel:

The North of England - Part 9

The Shambles:

Another of the better-known attractions in York is The Shambles. This medieval

street was originally named for the slaughterhouses that used to be its main

feature. You can still see the butchers hooks in the beams of the buildings.

Although touristy it nonetheless is unique and picturesque. The street is so

narrow that it would be almost possible with outstretched arms to touch its

buildings on either side. Today s Shambles is filled with interesting antique

shops, bookstores and galleries all housed in timbered buildings that seem to

bend at very precarious angles. The effect is most attractive and provides a

totally old world experience.

In Britain s golden age of the railway, York prospered as the headquarters of

the long departed North Eastern Railway. This railway heritage is well reflected

in that York is the home of Britain s National Railway Museum.

This place is

well worth a visit even for somebody who has no interest in trains. The models,

memorabilia and posters are fascinating, but it s the steam locomotives

themselves that are the high point here. By far the most impressive thing here

though is the beautifully streamlined locomotive

The Mallard (whose 1938 speed

record has never been matched), this wonderful example of engineering at its

most aesthetic will entice any visitor. The museum is housed in an old railway

station, and as well as the locomotives visitors can visit railways coaches

including Queen Victoria s royal saloon. In an annex it s also possible for

visitors to observe the restoration process on the museum s latest additions.

"
 
 
Hotel Accommodation In London -
From: www.england-vacations-travel.com
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"

England-Vacations-Travel:

London - Part 2

The magic of London probably lies in its universal appeal and the diversity of

its attractions, which is as vast as the city itself. It would be impossible to

see anything but a fraction of it in the course of a week's visit.

Many fans of

this great city spend a lifetime visiting as often as they can, discovering

something new and exciting during each trip. As well as the world famous sites

such as Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, or Piccadilly Circus - to name

but three, what really makes London so special are the countless lesser-known

attractions and experiences which in many cases are less tangible but

nonetheless unique.

The most lasting memories of a trip to London could include an interesting

conversation with a taxi driver, or a lunchtime pint in a crowded East End pub.

England-Vacations-Travel:

Welcome to Wales - Part 13

Snowdonia National Park

Mount Snowdon Photo courtesy of Dave Newbould While Wales is home to three

national parks - Brecon Beacons National Park, Snowdonia National Park and

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Snowdonia is one of the most popular

destinations in the country. Mount Snowdon, in northwest Wales, is the

centerpiece of the park and also the tallest mountain in Wales and England

towering over the countryside at 1085 metres (nearly 3,560 feet). The mountain

is an impressive sight in both scenery and proportion. The park itself was

established in 1951 and is one of the largest National Parks in Britain, second

only to England's Lake District.

Much more than a National Park, Snowdonia is a worthwhile area for several

reasons. The park plays host to dozens of recreational opportunities: walking,

hiking, climbing, pony trekking, whitewater rafting and many others. The view

from the summit of Mount Snowdon, whether it is reached by riding the Snowdon

Mountain Railway or by climbing, is spectacular. The mountain overlooks the

landscape of flowing rivers and small mountain villages. Approximately 500,000

people reach the summit each year.

England-Vacations-Travel:

The North of England - Part 3

Getting There

Apart from the three London airports, the U.K. s alternative airline gateway is

at Manchester. Manchester Airport is increasingly becoming an important

international gateway and transfer point.

There are direct flights here from all

major European centers, many cities in the U.S.A. and Canada, and from Asia and

Australia. The added advantage of Manchester Airport is that it is directly

linked to the rest of the North by an efficient rail service and the airport is

much less congested than the other major British airports.

To reach the North from other parts of the U.K. there are frequent train

services to all major and most of the smaller cities and towns. The expansive

network of National Express also keeps the North well linked by bus to the rest

of the country.

Renting a car can be advantageous, particularly if a visit to the more remote

country areas is planned. For traveling in larger cities it s best to leave

private vehicles in the suburbs and switch to public transport.

"
 
 

 
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