Archive for ‘Travel and Tourism’

The Legend of the Maid of Buttermere

By , 8 December, 2008, No Comment

The Fish Hotel in Buttermere is one of the oldest Inns of the Lake District, and was owned by the Robinson family in the 1790s. The small village of Buttermere was only accessible through difficult passes, but the Inn became famous not just for its trout fishing but for the Robinson’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Mary. Many travellers wrote of her beauty and came to visit her from afar.

However, by the beginning of the 1800s she was married to a gentleman who stayed at the Inn, calling himself ‘Colonel Alexander Hope’. Mary’s beauty had led to the story being published in London papers, who soon discovered that the Colonel was nothing more than an imposter who was already married. His real name was John Hatfield, an undischarged bankrupt. He was eventually punished by death for the crimes of bigamy and of false pretences.

Read more about Lake District ghosts at GrasmereCumbria.co.uk.

Tiverton Castle

By , 7 July, 2008, No Comment

The Tiverton Castle was built through the reign of King Henry the First by the 1st earl of Devon who was called Richard de Redvers. It was in 1539 that the lands were confiscated by Henry the Eighth and the Earl was killed. Not all of the original building remains now as some of the castle was dismantled and used in other structures after the civil war. A family of the name of Courtney lived in the castle during its history and the ghost of the youngest girl in that family walks the remains now.

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Pengersick Castle in Cornwall

By , 22 June, 2008, No Comment

Reported to be the most haunted place in not only Cornwall, but the whole of the UK; Pengersick Castle is certainly a sight to behold. Many ghosts have been spotted over the years at Pengersick Castle including that of a little girl of 13 years old. It is reported that she danced to her death from the battlements of the castle. Two women who were murdered in the castle are said to still roam looking for justice. A man who was strangled to death and stabbed, shows his terrible demise to anyone who will watch in front of a fireplace.

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Seaford – it’s chequered past

By , 23 April, 2008, No Comment

The popular seaside town of Seaford has a population of about 22,000 to date. A settlement is known to have existed here since the Middle Ages when Seaford was one of the main ports for Southern England.

Over many years, the town’s fortunes declined due to coastal sedimentation silting up it’s harbour and continual invasions by French pirates.

During the 13 and 1400′s, the French burned down the town on multiple occasions.

In the 1500s the people of Seaford became known as the “cormorants” due to their enthusiasm for looting ships which had wrecked in the bay.  It is even thought that they may have encouraged ships to run aground by placing faux harbour lights on the cliff tops.

Seaford’s fortunes were revived in the 19th century with the construction of the railway connecting the town to London. It became a small seaside resort, and still attracts many tourists every year.

Croatia – Its Rich Heritage

By , 20 April, 2008, 3 Comments

Croatia is a land of natural beauty and enjoys a varied landscape with different cultural traditions. Croatian property styles vary across the country, from Istria with its Italian influence, often referred to as “the new Tuscany”, down to Split, a town built in a Roman palace, and further south to Dubrovnik, a one time maritime and cultural rival to Venice, preserved in its pristine renaissance beauty.

Hvar with its lavender and its “A” list celebrities contrast with the traditional cultural attractions of Korcula. Each of the many Croatian islands offer something different. The islands also offer ideal opportunities for Croatian property investments and development.

Buying a holiday home on the Croatian coast has become increasingly popular with both Croatians and non-Croatians alike. Strict government planning regulations ensure that Croatia will maintain its natural beauty and of course with limited supply, property prices continue to appreciate.

For sailors of all types of boat, Croatia and its islands offer a perfect environment for a holiday afloat with well equipped mooring and easy access to towns and villages, sailing in Croatian waters is an experience which cannot be surpassed.

Croatia offers abundant choices for those looking to invest in property developments and, or existing properties. Winkworth, with its extensive knowledge of Croatia is the natural partner of choice for holiday home owners, smaller and larger investors; investment funds and developers looking for sites of differing sizes.

Travelling to and within Croatia

Over the last 10 years Croatia has built a first class motorway systems linking Zagreb with Rijeka, Slovenia, Slavonia, Split and the Dalmatian coast. The next section of major motorway will be from Split to Dubrovnik and is due to open in 2010.

The tunnel outside Split has just been names by the EU as the safest tunnel in Europe.

Flights to Zagreb are frequent and come directly from UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Czech Republic, and most major European countries.

Croatia Airlines operate a full internal air service linking all the major cities with frequent flights daily.

From London Heathrow and Gatwick both British Airways and Croatia Airlines fly to numerous Croatian destinations. From Stansted, Easy Jet, WizzAir and RyanAir fly to several popular holiday destinations.

Croatia is linked by a ferry service from Dubrovnik to Bari in Italy and a daily ferry service operates between Rijeka and Dubrovnik. Most Croatian islands are easily accessible by regular air or ferry services.

Culture, Cuisine and Wines

Croatia is rich in culture and culinary heritage with a range of unique organic produce that include truffels from Istria, cheese from the island of Pag and Dalmatian smoked ham. Most Croatian produce is organic and Croatia enjoys an organic farming heritage as opposed to western European industrial scale farming traditions, reliant on pesticides and fertilizers. Each region offers different delicacies from Štrukli pasta dishes in the north west, Slubica pork from the central region, Fuži soup from Istria and Rožata dessert from the south.

Croatia also has a long history of wine making with several hundred different types of wine ranging from Riesling type whites produced in Slavonia to classic ruby reds from the Dalmatian coast, as well as fine dry white wine from Korcula. There are also sparking wines from Istria and various specialist liqueurs such as Grappa and local fruit brandies. Fresh fish is a staple of the Dalmatian coastal diet and Croatia produces excellent olive oils and fine herbs that add to the extensive range of foods and wine that visitors can enjoy.

Croatia – the country of culture

By , 25 March, 2008, No Comment

The country of Croatia is hugely cultural with people having lived in the area for over thirteen centuries. Amazing buildings, architecture and art are just some of the delights on show in beautiful country.

Many people from England and the rest of the UK are now looking at the array of Croatian Real Estate available on the open market and hoping to move to this facinating country or holiday there.

An interesting and unusual tourist destination, Croatia is fast becoming one of the most favourable holiday settings in the world.

Berwick-Upon-Tweed to return to Scotland?

By , 17 February, 2008, No Comment

After changing hands an amazing 13 times in the past, the local people of Berwick-upon-Tweed have once again taken to the polls to decided in which country their town should be located- England or Scotland?

Results showed that around 60% of locals would prefer their home to be part of Scotland, giving superior public services and free health care for the elderly, as the main reasons for their decision.

The vote was undertaken as part of ITV1′s “Tonight” program, which is due to be aired on Monday 17th February and will include a feature on the town.

Hunstanton: Then & Now

By , 13 February, 2008, No Comment

The seaside town of Hunstanton is believed to date back to prehistoric times following the discovery of evidence of Neolithic inhabitants in 1970. This original settlement is now known as Old Hunstanton and connects to the main town.

Henry Styleman Le Strange, a local landowner, decided to turn Hunstanton into a seaside holiday resort in 1846. Many new buildings were errected, mainly from the famous Norfolk carrstone which is still quarried at nearby Snettisham.

Within a few years the town started to become popular with tourists from across the country and had the added benefit of a Victorian pier, until it was blown down during a storm in 1972. Sadly it has never been rebuilt.

Today, Hunstanton is still a fanatastic place to take all the family for a traditional seaside holiday with plenty to see and do for all ages with beautiful beaches, fun fair and an array of interesting shops.