Florence Holidays

Keswick is located between Derwentwater and Skiddaw. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the north of the Lake District. Because of this, there are a wide variety of Keswick attractions that visitors to the town can enjoy. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Keswick.

The market town of Keswick was first granted its market charter back in 1276 by Edward I and even today, a market still takes place in it every Saturday. Many years ago, when Keswick was first starting to be settled, it was based around Crosthwaite, which is now at the western edge of the town. Originally built in 553 AD, Crossthwaite Church was initially called St Kentigern. In more recent times, the co-founder of the National Trust, Canon Rawsley, was vicar of the church between the years of 1883 and 1917.

Today you will notice that much of the land that now surrounds the town of Keswick is actually owned by the National Trust. This is why Keswick and the surrounding area hasn't changed much over the years. As well as there many attractions to be enjoyed in the town itself there are plenty of others in the surrounding area and below we look at a few.

1. Ashness Bridge – This is one of the most photographed locations in all of the Lake District. From here, you can see right the way across Derwentwater to Keswick and on to Skiddaw. If you can try and visit this location first thing in the morning or last thing during the day when the sun is rising or setting. You'll get a spectacular photo opportunity here.

2. Castlerigg Stone Circle – There are any of these to be found in locations around the British Isles and is one of the most accessible. This is the most popular stone circle in Cumbria and it traces its roots back to around 3,000 BC. By why the circle was built is still unclear today but many people have come up with many ideas. Some believe it is a burial site whilst others believe it was built to be used as an astronomical observatory. However, the reason why most people enjoy visiting this location is because of its peace and tranquillity.

3. Derwentwater – This is a 3-mile long lake situated close to Keswick and probably the best way to enjoy it is by either hiring a rowing boat or hopping on one of the motor launches. Keswick Launch doubles up as a tourist attraction and a local bus service. The Launch runs between Ashness Gate, Loddre, High and Low Brandelhow, Hawes and Nichol End. If you want to see the lake from it's shores, there are a wide variety of well marked paths for you to enjoy.

Here, we'll take a look at some of the most popular tourist attractions near Keswick. However, there are plenty of other fascinating and interesting places for one to visit as well as things to do whilst staying in Keswick.

The city of Carlisle is the largest of all settlements that you will find in Cumbria, England. The building has many different functions: it houses the administration for both the city of Carlisle and the entire county of Cumbria. It is also the host for the University of Cumria’s main campus. A vacation in Carlise is ideal for anyone who wants to find out more about this ancient city.

Actually getting to Carlisle could not be any easier. The city is well linked with the rest of the country. The M6 motorway provides easy access to the South of England whilst the M74 motorway provides good links with Scotland. However, actually getting around the city itself in a car can prove quite eventful especially when the rush hours are in full flow.

If you do not intend driving to the city then there are regular train services that come directly in to its railway station. Trains not only arrive from London, but also from Newcastle, Leeds and Glasgow. That said, the line from Glasgow actually travels through Dumfries on its journey.

When you actually arrive in the city for your vacation, there is plenty of things for one to do and see whilst staying there. One of the main attractions of Carlisle is the historic cathedral.

Since it was built over nine hundred years ago, the castle has marked the western edge of the city and is close to the border between England and Scotland. Since it was first built, it has been witness to many conflicts and sieges and yet today you can explore the chambers, stairways and dungeons that remain. The legendary “Licking Stones” can be found in the dungeons. Legend has it that Jacobite prisoners were so thirsty that they would lick the stones in an effort to get some water to help keep them alive.

As for the Cathedral this was founded in 1122 and remains a dominate feature of the city’s skyline when you look from anywhere across the city. Not only is beautifully decorated but a visit down into the crypt and you will find a display which looks at more than a 1,000 years of Christian history relating to the county of Cumbria.

However, if you are looking for a little more excitement when visiting Carlisle then a day or an evening at the races should be considered. The racecourse is located on the outskirts of the town and is set in beautiful countryside and this is why the course undulates somewhat. Carlisle racecourse is home to top class horseracing. These encompass the National Hunt season (which runs from September through to April) as well as the Flat season (from April until August).

Carlisle vacations are ideal for those who are looking for a quiet romantic time away with their partner. But they are also the place for families who are looking for a little adventure and fun during their Carlisle holiday.

Packing for vacation scares many people. Packing for your vacation is such a drag :you just want to be whisked away direct to your destination: no packing involved! Unfortunately this happy state of affairs hasn’t happened to me yet so here are my top 5 vacation packing tips.

Vacation Packing Tip#1; If you “might” need it don’t take it.
If you are taking something “just in case” or because you “might need it” - leave the item at home. After many years of travel, I am yet to use anything that I took “just in case”.

Vacation Packing Tip#2 Put all your Must Have Items on the Bed
Have a good long look at them. Then select the half that is most important to pack :put the rest back in the cupboard: you may have the right amount of stuff. If you are still not convinced pack up all your “must haves” and take them for a good long walk, I think you will agree with me now?

Vacation Packing Tip#3 Don’t take specialist clothing
Don’t take clothing that you can’t use in at least two different ways. If you need a sleep shirt take something that you can sleep in and either use as a beach cover up or as a silky evening top. I have had tankini’s with tops that doubled as a an evening top (bra included too nice!).

Vacation Packing Tip#4 Don’t take Denim
Denim is never the answer. Its bulky, its hard to clean, it takes forever to dry and it has a certain reputation which will still get you turned away from clubs if you are wearing denim. Leave it at home

Vacation Packing Tip#5 Don’t take the Medicine Cabinet
Take a bare minimum of drugs with you. You can buy almost anything you need at almost any location: there is no point being kitted out with 6 months supply of cold remedies if you are off for 10 days at the beach: and don’t have a cold Take any prescribed medicines you need but also take their name and their generic equivalent; you may well find what requires a prescription at home you can get over the counter for a fraction of the cost in many countries.

Mary has a passion for traveling well and loves to share her Vacation Packing Tips with anyone who will listen. Mary is a passionate believer in that “less is more” in travel as well as life and hopes that you will find some useful tricks at http://vacationpackingtips.info

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and is a great place to stay - not just for visiting places where the television series Dr Who was filmed or for when you watch rugby.

The historic Cardiff castle will take you back in time and is a fascinating location whether you're young or old. A trip round Cardiff castle should definitely be high up on your list. It dates back to medieval times but nowadays you're just as likely to be there to see your favorite rock band or experience the Welsh Mardi Gras.

Cardiff is a regular host for the Welsh National Eisteddfod. Opera buffs from all corners of the world descend on the city alternate years to witness the BBC's Cardiff Singer of the World event. Not to mention the 250,000 or so people who go to the Big Weekend Festival, which has rides and other attractions in abundance. Or if you're on a budget, time your visit to Cardiff for the annual free outdoor Festival.

Shopaholics visiting Cardiff can choose from three main shopping malls: Capitol Centre, St David's Centre and Queen's Arcade. These three centres cater for almost every need: there are national department stores as well as smaller local shops that you'll only find in Cardiff. There are also plenty of other shopping opportunities to be found in Cardiff, including a number of shopping centres that date back to Victorian days, so others in your party can admire the architecture while you shop until you drop.

If you’re on an overnight stay in Cardiff, you may want to check out the musical scene in the city. Whatever your taste in music you're sure to be catered for in one of Cardiff's many venues which encompass everything from giant venues down to intimate pubs and bars. If you're uncertain, begin at the Brewery Quarter and work out from there.

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Cardiff, so you’re certain to find somewhere to stay when you visit Cardiff.

Italy has always been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Here are some quick how to tips for Italy

Italy Travel Hints

• The most popular tourist season is June through September: aim for May or October and you will enjoy smaller crowds and still have good weather.
• Bring as little as possible. One small bag that you can easy carry yourself on and off planes, trains and up and down stairs will give you a lot more freedom. Don’t expect every hotel to have an elevator - they don’t.
• The majority of long-distance fights arrive either in Roma or Milano: you will get the best priced airfare to these airports. You may get a better over-all cost looking for a cheap flight into London or Amsterdam and then connecting on to Italy using a local European budget airline such as EasyJet or Ryan Air.
• If you do use a low cost airline check how far out of town the airport they are using is and how much it will cost you to get back into town. Few of the cheaper airports will be as convenient as Rome’s Fumcino airport where you can catch the Leonardo Express train to Rome’s Termini Station for Euro11
• Don’t worry about not speaking Italian - if you speak French or Spanish you won’t have a lot of problem. Even if you don’t patience, acting, sign language and a sense of humor will get you a long way.
• Train Travel. If you are going to use the Eurail pass for discounted train travel within Europe you need to purchase your pass before leaving home. Do you figures carefully though, many of the passes are not good value unless you are traveling from one end of Europe to the other. Also if you are over 26 you will have to travel first class on an Eurail pass while second class is comfortable and available for tickets bought in Italy.
• Italy has a fairly low rate of crime. Be careful of pickpockets in major cities but there is probably less violent crime than in your home town. Be aware of your surroundings in large train stations and popular tourist sites. The Romans never carry a bag slung over a shoulder but hung diagonally across the body - and you should too.

Enjoy your Italian vacation: hopefully these Italy vacation tips have helped