Travel Guest Post: Afternoon Tea for Two in London

The tradition of afternoon tea is typically English, so where are the best places to go in the capital to experience this treat?

What is afternoon tea and why the appeal?

In times past, the people of England would typically have early lunches and late dinners or suppers, meaning that in the late afternoon, a light meal was required – hence the invention of the afternoon tea. In modern times, however, there is less of a need for this meal, maily due to the difference in working hours.

Yet, many of us now view an afternoon tea as a special treat – a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy some tasty titbits, and perhaps even a glass or two of bubbly rather than the traditional cup of tea! A friend of mine recently chose to kick off her hen do with a spot of afternoon tea and I have taken my mum out to a hotel for a lovely couple of hours of conversation, cakes and Champagne. Perhaps it is a longing for tradition that has caused many of us to re-embrace the humble afternoon tea? I would disagree with this sentiment and believe that it is the ‘naughtiness’ of eating and drinking in the afternoon, especially when many of the venues offering this service in London are beyond glamorous.

Like where?
Most major hotels in London now offer afternoon tea packages. However, you can still find more traditional tearooms such as the Tea and Tattle in the very centre of the capital. This quaint establishment offers pots of fine leaf teas (no alcohol!) served in delicate bone china cups and saucers. The homemade cakes and sandwiches are perfect for a pick me up during a busy day shopping or sightseeing.

If, however, you are looking for more decadent and opulent surroundings, then perhaps some of  London’s premier hotels and restaurants  will be more to your taste. Five of the best for afternoon tea and Champagne afternoon tea are without doubt The Savoy, Harrods, the Four Seasons, Claridge’s and The Ritz. Each offers their own take on the refined and stylish tradition with the only similarity being the sheer quality of the fare.

I treated my mum to her afternoon tea for her 60^th birthday at The Ritz. From the moment we entered the hotel it felt as if we were royalty. The staff could not have been more attentive and the Palm Court (where our tea was served) blew us away with its grandeur. From the dainty finger sandwiches to the unctuous clotted cream served with our scones, the quality of the food was exceptional (and very moreish!). The Champagne also went down a treat!

One tip I must give when going for afternoon tea is to check the dress code of the venue – some hotels (especially the more high-brow establishments) are stricter than others and do not allow jeans of any description! Also, look out for special deals online and try and book as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment as some hotels can be booked out for weeks in advance.

Author: Jamie Monteath

Travel Guest Post: The Lake District’s Most Charming Places

The Lake District is one of the most beautiful and scenic parts of England. With an enchanting mix of tall mountains, deep valleys, shimmering lakes and olde world villages, it makes for the perfect holiday destination.

Many people come to the Lakes to witness its breath-taking landscapes or take advantage of its opportunities for adventure sports, but there are also many charming and historic towns and villages to explore. Whether they are nestled in valleys, situated on the lakeside or boast superb coastal views, each has its own amazing story to tell.

Here are 5 of the best ‘honeypot’ towns in the Lake District:

Windermere

One of the most popular towns in the Lakes is the ever popular Windermere and the linked town of Bowness. Its main feature is of course Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England. At ten and a half miles long and 219 feet deep, the picturesque lake attracts tourists from around the world who come to enjoy it as walkers, sailors, canoeists, swimmers, rowers and anglers. Enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains or head away from the lake shore where there is a variety of top visitor attractions and beautiful gardens to discover.

Keswick

The pretty market town of Keswick is nestled between the North Lakeland fells and Derwentwater, England’s widest lake that is referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lakes’. The town is an excellent centre for walkers and climbers and if you want to see some spectacular panoramas this is the place to be. The North Lakes has some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, with the mighty Skiddaw and Helvellyn and the stunning Lake Windermere within easy access.

Grasmere

Once the home of the famous poet William Wordsworth, the friendly village of Grasmere is the ideal place to explore, relax and get inspired. Situated in a valley surrounded by the lush Lakeland fells, the village take its name from its lake, which was described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. There are plenty of walks available that offer magnificent views of the lake and it’s also the perfect base from which to take on the taking on the peaks of Scafell Pike, Skiddaw and the Langdale Pikes.

Ambleside

In the very heart of the Lake District, lies the Victorian town of Ambleside. Located north of Lake Windermere, the town is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers the visitor plenty in the way of walking, mountaineering and mountain biking. Ambleside is one of the most visited towns in the Lake District; with a fine range of speciality shops, pubs and restaurants, a wealth of gardens and being just a short walk away from Lake Windermere, it is the ideal place to stay for a holiday.

Kendal

Situated to the south of the Lake District National Park is the ‘Auld Grey Town’ of Kendal. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’, Kendal has a rich heritage and appeals to those visitors looking for a unique blend of culture, history and shopping. In the town there are many interesting sites such as Kendal Castle and Kendal Museum and you’ll also find plenty of parks and open spaces including Abbot Hall Park, Serpentine Woods and Goose Holme. This charming little town enjoys a superb location with easy access of the Lakes and is also within close proximity of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Author: Days Inn UK offer hotels in Kendal for that ideal holiday in the English Lake District.

Travel Guest Post: 5 Luxurious Destinations for Getting Away

London

A world unto itself, the UK’s capital has eclectic neighbourhoods and lots of famous landmarks.  Your first visit (as you will definitely want to come back for more) can include visits to the Tower of London, the National Gallery, and the British Museum. There are always a number of West End (London’s answer to Broadway) musicals on, and for those who would love a more cultural experience you see an opera at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. If you have time, head up Portobello Road, where the famous film Notting Hill was shot, where you can even visit the bookstore where Hugh Grant’s character worked. The best part about flying to London is that you can take flights from there to our other suggested destinations in and around Europe, here’s a list of our favourites:

Sardinia

Sardinia is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and enticing holiday destinations in the world. The island’s Mediterranean climate, with its hot dry summers and mild winters, makes it a perfect holiday destination for most of the year. The island is blessed by thousands of rare animal and plant species. Much of Sardinia is a paradise for wind and kite surfers.

Sardinia’s hilly expanse and endless beaches make the island a perfect arena for visiting horse riders. In the evening when the sun worshippers leave their posts, you can gallop freely across the beach and its shoreline, even if you are a beginner. This is a good way to experience a different side of the island and discover spots that are usually inaccessible.

Among the most popular features of Sardinia are the astonishing cliffs of Capo Caccia and the famous Neptun Cave. Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is about thirty miles long and features some of the most enchanting beaches and landscapes in the world. It’s recognised as being a particular haven for tourists seeking the heights of luxury.

Sardinia offers many lovely luxury hotels including several that need a helicopter or boat to reach them. Private Jet Charter would happily supply the helicopter! The most popular airport for private jets is Olbia which gives ready access to the fabled Costa Smeralda.

Madeira

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Romans used to call it the ‘Purple Islands’ but surprisingly, considering its beauty, Madeira itself seems to have been forgotten after the end of Roman rule. It was rediscovered, possibly accidentally, by Portuguese sailors in the fifteenth century.

Today, Madeira’s benign climate, stunning landscapes and dazzling flowers make it one of the most desirable year-round resorts in Europe. It is also of course world-famous for its fortified dessert wine known as Madeira. Some Madeira restaurants give you the chance to sample old vintages of the wine, including some vintages from the nineteenth century. Superb embroidery is also one of Madeira’s popular exports.

Among the many enticing dishes on offer in Madeira is the delicious traditional Madeira cake containing molasses, a reminder of the days when Madeira was a major centre for sugar production. The Madeiran skewered beef kebab, Espatada, is one of the most delicious dishes of the island’s cuisine. So is the popular deep-water Madeiran fish, Espada, that’s particularly popular fried with plantains on top.

Madeira is particularly delightful in spring. The island’s relative isolation means that while a well-organised holiday destination with a great deal to offer it’s never going to be too crowded for comfort.

The two main airports in Madeira are both readily accessible by private jet direct from Britain. The most likely destination for most holidaymakers is Santa Cruz airport (also known as Funchal airport) on the island of Madeira itself and the other in the city of Vila Baleira on Porto Santo island.

Madeira has many very fine four and five-star hotels, most overlooking the sea.

Morocco

The combination of the mysteries of the North African culture, beautiful views and scenery, and proximity to Europe make Morocco one of the most popular destinations to visit by private jet. One cunning idea if flying there by private air charter is to travel direct to the airport at Essaouira and not flying to Marrakesh and having to spend hours in a taxi to get to Essaouira itself, which is perhaps the best coastal town in Morocco.

What’s so great about Essaouira is that while offering a true Moroccan experience with the landscapes and luxurious hotels you’d expect, Essaouira is actually a real town rather than just a beach resort. The harbour is a hive of activity with fishing nets stretching out on the quayside, boats unloading their catches, fish auctions and stalls serving seafood sizzling on grills.

The Medina remains unscathed by tourism and adds a potent mystique  to the town. Orson Wells filmed Othello here in 1949.

Maui

How about somewhere closer to home? The combination of the beautiful views and scenery, and proximity to the US make Maui one of the most popular destinations to visit by private jet. A good idea would be to fly there by private air charter direct to the airport at east Maui there’s tiny Hana Airport rather than flying to Kahului and having to spend a long time in a taxi to get to Hana, one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului, however the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it’s fraught with narrow one-lane bridges.

What’s so great is that Hana itself is a small town where Hawaiian traditions are alive and aloha is a way of life, while having access to gorgeous waterfalls, dramatic vistas and flowering rainforests.

Author: This article was a guest post written by Noor Ali from AircraftCharter.com. We specialize in private jet charters and delivering people to their destination in luxurious style. The biggest thanks to the Jet Set Era team for giving us the opportunity to post on such a wonderful blog.

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Travel Guest Post: Things to See in London- Comedy

 

I don’t live in London, although I do have a brother that does. As a result I spend a short amount of time every year visiting him and checking out the myriad forms of entertainment on offer in the capital. My favourite of which is stand-up comedy.

I’ve been a big stand-up comedy fan for several years now (and even started performing myself last year) and London has always had more great stand-up to offer than anywhere else I have been. This is unsurprising really, as it is the capital of England and everything happens in London. Personally I would never live there (I’m a northerner through and through), but I love every moment I spend staying with my brother. It’s obvious why people from all over the world enjoy visiting London.

Anyway, if you’re planning on visiting London soon, and you’re a fan of comedy, there are several London comedy clubs which you should be aware of, as they offer (what I consider to be) the best comedy available.

99 Club 

The 99 Club was built ground-up by an Oxford graduate, and is now one of the largest comedy clubs in the country. The 99 Club is also the London’s critics’ choice. Big names (such as Jack Dee) have graced the intimate stage. They also have a show every night of the week, which is fabulous.

Bearcat Comedy

Bearcat comedy in location in a strange place: the leafy suburbs of St. Margerets. Regardless of this, it is one of the greatest clubs in the city. Comedians such as Rich Hall love playing here. If you turn up once you also receive a lifetime membership, which is great for any return visits you might find yourself taking.

Amused Moose

Amused Moose attracts some of the biggest comedy names in the world (Eddie Izzard, Bill Bailey, and Noel fielding…) and should not be missed when looking to see comedy in London. Amused Moose is largely responsible for finding all of the big names in British Comedy.

Now you know a few of the best places, get out there and make yourself laugh, and have the funniest trip to London you’ve ever had!

Travel Guest Post: 5 Unusual Places to Visit in the UK

The majority of people who visit the United Kingdom stick to the major attractions in and around London, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But there are certainly a fair few treats in store for tourists who decide to roam around the country and get a taste of the rest of Britain.

These five places may be unusual but they offer great days out nonetheless!

The Evacuated Village of Imber

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Visiting the small village of Imber, near Salisbury, is like stepping back into Second World War Britain. The village was requisitioned by the British military in December 1943 as part of the escalating war effort and the 161 inhabitants were never allowed to return.

Today the village has been left as an abandoned Second World War military training ground. Visitors to Imber will see overgrown fields, rusting tanks and signs warning of the dangers of shrapnel and bombs that might not have exploded.

If you do want to visit Imber check the dates first, as it only opens to the public on a few certain days each year.

The Falkirk Wheel

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If visiting Imber is like going back and time then a trip to the Falkirk Wheel is a step into the future. Admittedly it’s a future where canals are still used, but the wheel is certainly a marvellous piece of modern engineering.

The Wheel is essentially a rotating boat lift designed to connect the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal. The height difference between them is 24 metres, so it’s certainly an achievement.

The visitors centre at the Falkirk Wheel offers visitors the chance to ride the wheel, which is an experience not to be missed if you choose to visit.

Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker

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From the outside Kelvedon hatch looks like a traditional bungalow, but the house is actually the entrance to a secret nuclear bunker. Although, the fact it’s now a tourist attraction means it’s hardly secret anymore!

At one point it was the deepest Cold War nuclear bunker in Britain was a base for more than 600 military and government officials to organise the survival of the British people.

Thankfully it never had to be used and it was decommissioned in 1992 and is now open to the public.

Brimham Rocks

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If you’re a fan of natural phenomenon then a visit to Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire is well worth it. They may not be the most famous rocks in the United Kingdom but they are certainly up there with the most unusual.

This balancing rock formation was formed by nothing more than natural erosion so the fact it hasn’t toppled over is quite startling. Visitors to Brimham Rocks also like to try and spot animal shapes in the rock. I’m told that with a little imagination you can see a turtle a monster and a bear having a dance which sounds pretty cool.

The Gnome Reserve

What’s the best way to enhance a four-acre area of natural woodland, scenic meadows and beautiful gardens? Decorate with over 1,000 gnomes of course.

The Gnome Reserve in North Devon may be an unusual day out but it’s certainly great fun for all the family. Any type of gnome or pixie you can think of is likely to have found a home there. You’ll see a few dancing in the trees, some cycling round the paths and of course the classic gnome sat on the bank with a fishing rod.

When you arrive they’ll even kit you out with all the necessary gear to turn yourself into a human gnome! It’s definitely one of the strangest days out you’re ever likely to have.

Author Bio: When he’s not travelling round the UK looking for new places to visit Mike H writes for Find Me A Gift, the online unusual gifts specialists.

Travel Guest Post: The Magic of Yorkshire

As a tourist visiting England, the most obvious location to visit is London. London is the capital after all, and there are many things to see and do. What many tourists don’t know, is that London isn’t representative of the rest of the country, especially the North. For those wanting to see the real Britain, I would suggest the Northern of Leeds.

Leeds is a great city in the heart of Yorkshire. Yorkshire has the nickname ‘God’s own county’, with good reason to, as Yorkshire is home to some beautiful locations such as the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors. If you visit Leeds, you’ll definitely want to set aside a few days to explore (or ramble, as it’s sometimes known) through the hills of Yorkshire.

Within the surrounding area of Leeds you will find the historical towns of Harrogate and York, both of which are rich with history. In fact York was the Roman capital of Northern Britain (Brittania Inferior) from around 100 – 300AD. It has also been under Celtic, Viking, and Norman rule, so there a many interesting historical attractions to visit there. Harrogate is a luxurious Spa town and has won awards for its appeal as a tourist destination. Both are short train Journeys from Leeds City Train Station.

Leeds itself is a cultural hotspot, featuring a smorgasbord of hotels, art galleries, comedy clubs, music venues, restaurants, and other entertainment. Leeds is definitely somewhere you never get bored. I would like to mention that Leeds will probably appeal to a younger tourist in terms of nightlife, but places such as Leeds City Museum, Leeds City Art Gallery, The Henry Moore Institute, and the City Hall will provide a tourist of any age with fascinating things to do.

If art in your thing, then you might be interested in the world famous Yorkshire Sculpture Park, that features incredible work by iconic sculptor Henry Moore.

Whatever you interests, Yorkshire will have something for you and with a buzzing heart like Leeds you’re bound to enjoy your time here. Come see Yorkshire, the true England.

Author: Thom Milson is a passionate Leeds dweller, who occasionally blogs on behalf of One UK, who specialise in Leeds apartments. He originally moved to Leeds after a visit and has never left; maybe you will do the same.

 

 

Travel Guest Post: Scenic Weekends in The Cotswolds

One of the most unspoiled and beautiful areas in England, the Cotswolds are an expanse of rolling hills that span six counties in the heart of the country. This picturesque area was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and is the largest of these protected landscapes in England. With an approximate area of 2,000 square kilometres, the Cotswolds are one of the most popular destinations in England and offer many scenic delights for travellers in this region as well as exclusive entertainments and activities for visitors to enjoy on short breaks throughout the countryside.

Enjoy the outdoors
Nature lovers can explore public areas of the old-growth beech forests in the Cotswolds or learn more about the endangered wildlife and plants that grow only in this area of England. A rare modern example of coppicing in a woodland environment can be found in Siccaridge Wood, which also serves as home to muntjac deer and a healthy dormouse population. The nearby Daneway Banks nature reserve is an ideal place to spot large blue butterflies, which were reintroduced into the area after being lost to England several decades ago. Accommodations in the immediate area are concentrated in the nearby village of Cirencester and include some of the most affordable Cotswolds hotels as well as many bed and breakfast and cottages to let in the area.

Historical Cotswolds
History buffs will find much of interest to see and do in the Cotswolds as well. Cirencester is home to the Corinium Museum, an outstanding collection of antiquities and artefacts dating back to the Roman Era that includes a full-scale reproduction of a typical town in Roman Britain. Mystically inclined historians may want to take a side trip to the Rollright Stones, considered to be the third most important of the ubiquitous English stone circles. Legend has it that no visitor can count the same number of stones in the circle twice in a row. For literary minded visitors, Shakespeare’s birthplace is located in picturesque Stratford-on-Avon and is open to the public for tours, while historic Lansdown Hill was the site of one of the most crucial battles of the English Civil War.

Family weekends away
The Gloucester Cathedral dominates the skyline of this ancient city and is notable as the final resting place of both Robert Duke of Normandy and King Edward II. For children of all ages, however, the Gloucester Cathedral will be instantly recognised as the setting for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, making this a must-see for families. Birdland is located at scenic Bourton-on-the-Water and features seven acres of unspoiled natural woodland along with special habitats for birds not native to the area. Penguins and flamingos are among the avian attractions on display at this bird sanctuary, which also features a cafe and several play areas for children. For more animal-themed excitement, families can opt for the West Midland Safari and Leisure Park with a unique drive-through experience that allows close observation of giraffes, tigers, rhinos and other exotic animals. Water rides and coasters are also available for even more family fun.

Accommodations in the Cotswolds
Cotswolds hotels are located near most major tourist attractions and nature preserves. Accommodations range from rustic cottages and bed and breakfast arrangements to full-service Cotswolds hotels and inns designed with luxury in mind. No matter what the budget or accommodation requirements, the Cotswolds offers exceptional value and a wealth of options for an unforgettable weekend away.

Author: Jack Oldham