Moms Travel TipsTravel Tips and Vacation Ideas for the Whole Family

The city of Stirling has played an important role in Scotland’s history, especially during vitally important times. The city and surrounding area has an incredible number of superb visitor attractions and a multitude of photo opportunities. In article that follows I discuss three places to visit in Stirling; Stirling Castle, Stirling Old Town Jail and Argyll’s Lodging:

Stirling Castle

Two hundred and fifty feet above the city of Stirling, standing guard, and surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs is Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle is incredibly important in Scotland’s history, there have been many coronations within the castle, including Mary Queen of Scots coronation in 1543. Stirling Castle was also witness to a shocking murder in 1452. The 8th Earl of Douglas was victim to James II in 1452. Stirling Castle is the home of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, although they are, unfortunately no longer stationed there. However, the regimental museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, can be found inside the castle.

Stirling Old Town Jail

The Stirling Old Town Jail of today was not the first jail in Stirling, for four hundred years, Stirling’s prisoners were housed in the Old Tollbooth Jail. This jail was shockingly overcrowded, and smelt foul, with 24 prisoners per cell, and zero toilet facilities. The Tollbooth jail was condemned, because of the awful living conditions there, and in 1847 the current jail was opened. Although the jail was classed as a custodial jail, from 1888 to 1935, it was also the only military jail in Scotland. Today the Stirling Old Town Jail is a tourist attraction, and was only renovated in the 1990’s. As well as guided tours, there is a glass paneled lift that rises to a viewing platform at the top of the jail. From commanding viewpoint a person is able to gaze out across the Forth Valley, and soak in the atmosphere of the Highland mountains.

Argyll’s Lodging

Argyll’s Lodging is on Castle Wynd, located in the middle of Stirling and is Scotland’s finest existing renaissance house. The house was erected circa 1630, by Sir William Alexander, founder of Nova Scotia and Viscount Canada. Sir William Alexander who became Secretary of State for Scotland, and then became the first Earl of Stirling. Argyll’s Lodging became the property of the Argyll family on his death and was extended by the ninth Earl in 1666. The rooms which include the dining room, drawing room, bed chamber and laigh hall, have all been sympathetically restored and furnished, as they would have been when the ninth Earl lived there, around 1680.

If you are thinking about having a short vacation in Stirling you will find a large amount of online Stirling hotels and guest houses and you will discover a broad selection at http://stirling.hotelreservationhelper.com/

The Scottish Highland city of Inverness  is found in some of the most aesthetically pleasing countryside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In and around the city are many places associated with historic Scotland, often these places lay witness to a large amount of violence and suffering. Happily the city of Inverness has a incredible number of visitor attractions (and the number is always growing). In the paragraphs below I introduce you to 3 places to visit in Inverness Inverness Museum, Beauly Priory and Inverness Castle:

Beauly Priory

It was in the Thirteenth century that Valliscaulian Monks founded  a community at Beauly Priory. Sadly nobody is able to state the factual date of the foundation of the settlement but it is commonly accepted that is would have been roughly around the year 1230. The landowner, and patron, of Beauly was Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat. The French monks, together with Sir John, are accredited with the naming of Beauly, derived from the French for beautiful place (beau lieu). Sadly, the priory was abandoned following the Scottish Reformation of 1582 and the stone was extracted for use in the construction of other structures. Today the ruins of Beauly Priory are in the hands of Historic Scotland as they were handed to the State in the year 1913.

Inverness Castle

There have been many structures on the site of Inverness Castle through the centuries, evidence shows that the site had a structure there as far back as 1057. King Robert I, of Scotland, almost destroyed the first Inverness Castle. The castle which stands today was designed and built by William Burn in 1836. The bold red sandstone structure, hold a prominent position on top of a cliff looking down across the the cathedral on the opposite side and the River Ness. King James I(of Scotland) held parliament at Inverness Castle in 1427, and instructed all the Northern Chieftains to be in attendance. Alarmingly three of these chieftains were later killed for their support of an independent monarchy.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Situated in the middle of Inverness is the recently renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if the weather is poor. Inside the museum it is possible to investigate Scottish History and discover how the Highlands are connected with the rest of the world. It is also possible to learn about the people of the Highlands, their culture and traditions. There are a lot of different collections featuring, archaeology, costumes, crafts, fine arts, wildlife and textiles.

If you are considering taking a vacation in the United Kingdom this year and you plan to spend some time in Scotland, have a think about spending some time staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as the majority of establishments have their own web site.  Hotels in Inverness, small hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always superb and Scotland is well known for first class hospitality, so you can be certain of have a wonderful time.

Perth in Scotland a former royal burgh is situated at the head of the Tay estuary. Between the C12th and C15th the city competed with Dunfermline for the right to be the capital of the nation of Scotland. In the following article I introduce three places to visit in Perth, Scotland; Huntingtower Castle, Elcho Castle and Scone Palace:

Scone Palace

At this time, home of the Earls of Mansfield is Scone Palace, and a immensely popular attraction to travelers from all over the globe. The palace is an important part of Scotland’s history, as the kings of Scotland were once crowned there. In 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone Palace, as well as Charles II when he took ownership of the Scottish Crown in 1651. There is a beautiful and mysterious atmosphere to the palace, which is rightly so.At one time the site acted as an important gathering place of the Picts and there was also an early Christian church situated there.

Elcho Castle

Located approximately 3 miles from Perth, with awe inspiring vistas across the River Tay, is Elcho Castle. The castle is one of the prime examples of Sixteenth century constructions in Scotland today. The Wemyss family commissioned the erection of the castle in the 1570’s. The land had been in the family since 1468, when it was assigned to them by King James III. In 1633, the leader of the family was given the titles of Earl of Wemyss and Lord Elcho. Elcho Castle and it’s lands stayed in possession of the Wemyss family until 1929. At this time, the 11th Earl of Wemyss, granted the castle to the nation of Scotland. The castle has recently been renovated and is now in the hands of Historic Scotland.

Huntingtower Castle

Situated just west of Perth is the medieval pile of Huntingtower Castle. Although the structure is medieval in origin, it has been significantly redeveloped throughout the majoprity of it’s history. The Ruthven family were occupiers of the lands and castle from the 12th to 17th century. During this time the castle consisted of 2 separate towers, built 3 meters apart. When the Murray family took possession, later on in the 1600’s, they decided to merge the two towers, making the house look more like a conventional country mansion. The bridging work between the two towers is still clearly visible today, on both the outside and the inside.

If you are considering a short break in Perth you will find a large selection of online Perth hotels and guest houses and you will find a huge range at http://www.perthhotelscotland.com/

Because the Scottish town of Inverness is now a city, Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland. The town is a massively popular tourist destination with countless folk arriving to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland and the UK. In the following article I take a look at a small number of different visitor attractions worth visiting if you are taking a vacation in Fort William.

The Highly Educational West Highland Museum

The West Highland Museum in Fort William was founded in 1922. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The current building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is situated in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Fascinating and small is how many people describe the museum. The collections of the museum present a delightful insight into life in the West Highlands throughout the years. Folk from all walks of life are represented, through the magnificent collections of picture’s, photograph’s and artefact’s

The Excellent Old Inverlochy Castle

In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the more recent Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, constructed in nearby Torlundy (which is now a luxury hotel). The Old castle was said to of been erected between 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Even though the castle is ruined, the layout hasn’t changed very much since it was built. Lord Abinger carried out alterations and enhancements to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of Scottish and English history, due to the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Awe Inspiring Jacobite Steam Train

A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exciting way to experience the spectacular scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig journey takes one on a breathtaking journey through the glens. One of the most riveting parts of the trip is traveling across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of folk|people will know thanks to the fact that it has appeared in the Harry Potter films. The 84 mile trip takes you past Loch Morar, Ben Nevis and Loch Nevis, with a stop in Glenfinnan before reaching Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to explore Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has frequently been described as, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the globe.

There is plenty of accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/

The ‘Fair City’ of Perth is also frequently called to as the  ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Situated on the banks of the River Tay, the town of Perth was, for centuries, the capital of Scotland and during medieval times the bustling small town was locally known as St. John’s Toun (St. John’s Town). Perth’s name, or Peairt in the Gaelic language, derives from a word of the Picts which has the meaning of a copse. Nowadays  this idyllic small town is an excellent location as a base for a touring vacation with lots Perth bed and breakfasts to choose from.

Whether you choose to stay for a single day or longer you will very quickly realise that there is a large choice of exciting things to do and see in and around the town of Perth. attractions range from; historical attractions, restaurants, sport and leisure pursuits and shopping and many other entertainments. It was not too long ago that the town was a prosperous port dealing with exports of whisky, leather, bleached products and linen. In more modern times tourism generates income and much appreciated jobs for the area’s youth who keenly take up employment in the increasing number of hotels in Perth and similar enterprises.

Probably the most visited visitor attraction, nearby Perth, is Scone Palace, one of the nation’s finest historical homes. Here tourists can explore the highly interesting history of the palace, the place where at one time, Scottish kings were crowned for example, Robert The Bruce who took to the throne in 1306.

About 3m away, from Perth, one can find the 16C Elcho Castle, which features the most glorious vistas over the River Tay. Elcho Castle can be dated back to the year fifteen seventy when the Wemyss family commissioned it’s construction who remained in possession until the year 1929. The Castle is now cared for by Historic Scotland.

Just a little distance west of Perth is found the fine medieval structure of Huntingtower Castle. Constructed in stunning Huntingtower has undergone many minor alterations and redevelopments over the centuries. Huntingtower Castle began life as two separate towers but located rather close together.

As well as the tourist attractions discussed earlier Perth has many more, meaning that it is a perfect town for a vacation for the family. Visitor attractions and places, worth seeing, found in Perthshire include the following; Kinnoull Hill, Perth Ice Rink, Perthshire Visitor Centre, the Crannog Centre and Loch Tay.

If you are planning to have a city break in Perth you will discover a large amount of online Perth hotels and guest houses and you will discover a broad range at http://www.perthhotelscotland.com/

The city of Bradford is located in West Yorkshire, a county in England in the United Kingdom. Lying near to the mountain range known as the Pennines the town of Bradford was ideally placed to thrive during the time known as the industrial revolution. In truth, during the 1800’s, Bradford was at the forefront of the Industrial revolution and the city quickly became a major international textile manufacturing centre, especially in the wool industry and the town of Bradford gained the name of being the world’s wool capital. As a result of the ample supply of raw materials of coal, iron ore and soft water the town witnessed extremely quick growth of its manufacturing base and an equally quick population growth. Unfortunately the textile industry in Bradford fell into decline in the mid 20C. Ever since then Bradford has emerged as   a rather popular tourist destination with a a surprising number of hotels and guest houses offering Bradford bed and breakfast accommodation.

Bradford’s industrial past has left behind a legacy of excellent Victorian constructions, which include; the former Wool Exchange, St. George’s Hall, old mills and the City Hall with it’s gothic extension to the rear. The most ancient construction to be situated in Bradford is the Cathedral, which can be dated to the medieval period, and was, for much of its life, a simple parish church. Regrettably only a few buildings of this time survive, except for Bolling Hall. Bolling Hall is now a museum, situated round about 1m in distance from the centre of Bradford. Sited in a leafy garden, it takes you on a wondrous journey, to a time dating back roughly 5 hundred years, through the lives and times of the folk who once had Bolling Hall as their home.

The city of Bradford is the home of the National Media Museum, which is one of the most popular museums to be found outside the nation’s capital city, London. Previously called the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, the highly entertaining National Media Museum is free to enter which is suitable for visitors of all ages. The museum contains a total of three cinemas, one of which is said to be the best in the UK. Folk are able to discover the past, present and future of television in Experience TV, relive your favourite moments in television in TV Heaven, muck around with colour, light and lenses in the Magic Factory and investigate the fascinating world of animation and also watch a real animator at work in the Animation Gallery. At weekends and during holidays the Media Museum has an exciting packed schedule of talks, activities and free tours.

If you are considering having a city break in Bradford you will discover a large amount of online hotels and guest houses providing bed and breakfast in Bradford. You will find a huge selection of Bradford hotels at http://bradford.hotelreservationhelper.com/

Cardiff is not only the Welsh capital city, but it is also the most popular tourist destination in the United Kingdom outside London. The city of Cardiff is also the largest city in Wales, however it was only but a pretty small town until it reached the start of the 19C. It was during the early eighteen hundreds when the small Welsh town saw itself develop into a considerably large port involved in the transport of local coal, and also various other heavy and light industry. It was not until 28th October nineteen hundred and five that King Edward VII of England granted the small town of Cardiff city status, but, strangely, the city only became the capital of Wales on the twentieth of December 1955. Following this Cardiff very quickly became the perfect place for many national institutions, for example the National Museum of Wales, the Welsh National War Memorial and the University of Wales Registry Building. Through the last few decades the Cardiff businesses involved in Information and Technology have seen dramatic rates of growth along with, although to a lesser degree various other areas of industry, most noticeably in service industries. Tourism has also seen dramatic increases and there are now large numbers of places supplying bed & breakfast in Cardiff.

Cardiff Tourist Attractions Worth A Visit

Although Cardiff has only had city status for 100 years, interestingly Cardiff has been the site of a castle for nearly 2,000 years. The Cardiff Castle we see today is one of the most popular attractions in the city which can be located in the very heart of the city centre. Tourists can take a guided tour throughout the castle’s interior, and, take a pleasant wander around and about the amazingly picturesque castle gardens. At the castle there is also a recently opened Interpretation Centre which displays the various stages of development, of the castle,  across the ages from the Roman period right up to the present.

Cardiff also has a fair number of modern attractions including the wonderful Techniquest, one of Britain’s most popular Science Discovery centres. At the Science Discovery centre you will be presented with more than 100 hands on exhibits, designed to entertain and fascinate all age groups. The centre is home to a planetarium, a laboratory, a hi-tech Science Theatre and a Discovery Room.

There are many many more attractions to see in the Welsh city of Cardiff, so, if you are in the process of deciding upon taking a vacation there it is crucial that you reserve your  lodgings at the earliest opportunity as, unfortunately Cardiff hotels and guest houses tend to be amazingly busy and are frequently fully booked for weeks or even months in advance. If your group is large you may find that Cardiff serviced apartments turns out to be a more affordable alternative compared to bed and breakfast accommodation.

Blackpool is an amazingly popular seaside resort residing on the North West coast of England, which is incredibly popular with tourists from the nearby cities which include Warrington, Liverpool, Warrington and more. Blackpool is also fanatically popular with Scottish folk who turn up in large numbers in a similar fashion to the hordes of factory workers of the past on their factory vacation. Occasionally it seems as though the town is awash with vacation accommodation and tourist attractions and although there is an incredibly amount of bed and breakfasts in Blackpool it is better to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Guest houses varies from the cheerful and cheap to classy five star. You will find many on the sea front and, if you would rather stay something less lively there are some in the suburbs.

Blackpool began to see its first visitors in the 18th century who arrived to enjoy the new craze of sea bathing. With the advent of the railway, in 1846, the town saw an increase in the number of tourists to”take the cure” as sea bathing was called then. These days you can get to Blackpool by air, rail or road arriving there much faster than the Victorian workers who could take as long as 48 hrs from as nearby as Manchester.

The Famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The main attraction in the seaside town of Blackpool, in Lancashire on the north west coast of England, which manages to receive approximately seven million customers every 12 months, is Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach is an enormously sized funfair with mind blowing big rides, just a few are Grand National, Valhalla, the Big One, Ice Blast, Zipper Dipper and Wild Mouse, as well as many more thrill rides, roller coasters, children’s rides, sideshows, entertainments, sidestalls and games. The most recent addition is Infusion, the world’s first to have a suspended looping coaster all of it over water.

 Please remember: If you are visiting the Pleasure Beach as a group or family it is possible to save pennies by buying a wristband for unlimited rides especially if you will going on every ride as the cost of each ride soon amounts to serious cash.

How To Get There And B&B 

Blackpool is, as said earlier, very easy to get to nowadays as it is possible to get there by air, train or automobile. If you are traveling by rail you will, more than likely, be arriving at the main station in Blackpool, which is called Blackpool North on Talbot Road. Not that fat away, just a little bit further down the road is situated the Blackpool National Express Coach Station. The other Blackpool train station, Blackpool South, is at Waterloo Road, which is closer to the Pleasure Beach. Blackpool’s airport is located approximately two miles from the centre of town and was known as, Blackpool Squires Gate Airport, One of the oldest airports in Great Britain.

Blackpool bed and breakfast is often available cheaply. Accommodation is frequently cheaper off season and not very cheap on Saturday and Sunday. Hotels in Blackpool are at their most costly while the Blackpool Illuminations are on, which is really peak season for the resort.

A handy tip: Some guest houses can be extremely busy and rather noisy especially those between Central Pier and North Pier. If you rather stay in a less busy location try booking a place past the North Pier.