Explore the best tourist spots in central London

If you intend to visit London, opting for accommodation in central London would be the right choice. With most of the top attractions and tourist spots in and around the heart of the city, it is one of the most happening locations to stay when in London.

There is an excellent selection of luxury boutique hotels to choose from like the Montcalm Hotels group among others. A great choice in the heart of the city would be the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel at Finsbury square. Apart from special deals and offers there are some pretty decent Montcalm Spa deals to be had as well.  

Some of the major tourist spots to visit in the area include:

Shakespeare’s Globe: Although Shakespeare’s original theatre is long gone (burned down in the 1600s), visitors and Shakespearean fans can still enjoy a visit to its exact replica, The Globe located along the scenic Southbank area. Built in the original Tudor style it is an al fresco playhouse that hosts some of the most well-known productions of the Bard. With everything exactly the same including the stage area, it is like travelling back in time to the era of the Bard himself. Apart from some of the most renowned thespians of British theatre performing, there are tours of the backstage area and the building itself.

HMS Belfast: The battleship HMS Belfast was inducted in the Royal Navy in 1938 and performed outstanding services in the Second World War and later the Korean War. The vessel is now anchored near the South Bank, a short hop from the Globe Theatre. It now serves as a museum and is an interesting attraction to explore and learn about the UK’s maritime history and the lives of the crewmembers that served and lived aboard the vessel.

The ZSL London Zoo: Located in a section of Regent’s Park, the London Zoo has been a star attraction for locals and visitors since it opened in 1847. Also referred to as Regent’s Park Zoo, there is an amazing array of 750 animal species with more than 12,000 animals housed in the zoo’s collection. These include meerkats, penguins, lions, gorillas, tigers and plenty more kinds of animals. Two of the most popular sections to visit are Butterfly Paradise and Into Africa, among the most captivating sections of the zoo.

Arcelor-Mittal Orbit: Installed at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this is among the newer attractions added to the city landscape. This piece of art by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond is a giant slide open to the public. Visitors that travel up to its summit are treated to some of the most fabulous views across the East End, The City of London and further afar. During the summer it hosts a superb bar, the perfect spot to head up for a drink in the evening and watch the sunset in the horizon. The perfect spot from which to get a totally new perspective of London and its numerous attractions!

Experience the best of London this Easter

Easter is a glorious part of the year to visit London when the city is abuzz with festivities and activities. With glorious warm weather spending time outdoors is the perfect way to enjoy a holiday in town. Easter weekend is an extended holiday with Good Friday and Easter Monday, making it ideal to spend a weekend break in London.

Finding a hotel in the right location will make the trip a more memorable experience. If you are looking to unwind and get pampered, choose a spa hotel in London. The Montcalm London hotels offer luxury, are family-friendly and located in the prime spots of the city. They are among the best London boutique hotels in the city. You could also keep an eye out for any of their special packages like the Bicester Village Champagne Shopper experience if you plan to head off on a shopping spree when in London. 

Some of the best activities to partake in this Easter in London include:

Look for the ideal Easter Egg: Those with a fondness for sweet treats can indulge themselves in the Easter season, with London home to some of the best confectionary shops and chocolatiers in the country. These include two of the most iconic department stores of the city the very well-known Selfridges and Harrods. There are plenty of shopping options including purveyor of luxury chocolates to the Royal Family, Charbonnel et Walker holder of a royal warrant. Other places renowned for their chocolates include Melange, Paul A Young and Rococo. Fortnum & Mason is also renowned for their famous Easter chocolate hampers as well.

Attend a church service: Easter is a time when London’s numerous churches organise special religious services. Some of the prominent churches hosting Easter mass include Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Southwark Cathedral. Apart from the traditional ceremony they are also well worth visiting for their amazing architecture. Another religious venue famous for its Easter services is at Trafalgar Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church. It is renowned for its orchestral musical performances along with a live choir among a host of other special events.

See the popular London Harness Horse Parade: An annual affair, it is held on Easter Monday with the event starting in the 19 century. It is hosted in West Sussex’s Showground and is a short train ride from central London. The event features in excess of a 100 horse-drawn carriages and vehicle that participate from all over the UK. The popular Friesian breed of horses belonging to Harrods also put in a cameo.

Enjoy the customary hot cross buns: If you are in East London, head to Bromley-by-Brow where the Window’s Son pub celebrates Easter in a rather unique way. On Good Friday, a hot cross bun is hoisted up in the bar section. Another bun is added by a sailor, which is dedicated to the memory of a former owner’s son lost at sea during the Napoleonic Wars. To watch the tradition, booking needs to be made in advance with the bar offering a great selection of drinks and food too.

A Wonder of the Natural World

Travelling is an exciting prospect and there are certain places that you can visit in the world that will leave you completely breathless. While you can explore the seven wonders of the world, there are natural wonders that will leave you in awe at how beautiful our planet is, one of these being the Great Blue Hole in Belize.

Where can you find it?

The Great Blue Hole is a gigantic sinkhole that can be found underwater off the coast of Central America in Belize. It was named by Ned Middleton and it can be found 62 miles away from Belize City at the Lighthouse Reef; this forms part of the larger Barrier Reef Reserve System which has become a UNESCO heritage site.

The history behind the Great Blue Hole is fascinating as it is believed to have been an on-land cave until 100,000 years ago where it was flooded once the ocean levels rose. The formations of the former cave were developed during the Ice Age before the sea levels increased by 330 to 660 ft and divers who have ventured from some of the Diving Resorts Belize, have found that limestone was present in the underwater caves; this attests to the fact that the Great Blue Hole was in fact above sea level thousands of years ago.

How big is it?

The giant submerged sinkhole is a staggering 410ft deep and 984ft across bringing into second place behind the Dragon Hole which is a whopping 987ft deep. It was discovered in 1971 by Jacques Cousteau who brought it to the attention of the world, making it an instant tourist attraction. Fabien Cousteau, his grandson, carried on his grandfather’s legacy by bringing the world to the Great Blue Hole through a lens by teaming up with scientists, filmmakers and Sir Richard Branson. This expedition was famously broadcast in 2018 and it allowed Discovery Channel viewers to explore the underwater hole from the comfort of their homes. This show brought awareness to the site and it has more recently become a very popular place to dive with Belize Dive Packages becoming more and more popular with tourists visiting Central America.

Can you go diving in it?

The founder of the Great Blue Hole Jacques Cousteau stated that this natural wonder is in the top ten best diving areas in the world. If you are an avid diver, you will relish this spot as not only does it have incredibly clear water, but it is also home to an incredible amount of marine life such as the Caribbean reef shark, the Midnight Parrotfish, the Hammerhead shark and the Bull shark although the latter isn’t very common. If you are a beginner, the hole is incredibly deep and so it is advised to build your confidence before you venture in.

The Best Vancouver Neighborhoods for Travelers to visit when in the Canadian City

Vancouver is a stunning holiday destination ideal for tourists who want to experience a range of activities and events when on vacation. The Canadian city has a great mixture of superb shopping, entertainment venues and outdoor activities. Here in this Vancouver travel blog are some suggestions of lovely places tourists will enjoy visiting. There is a top waterfront, mountains and plenty of natural, green beauty that will attract visitors to this destination, as well as a range of fascinating neighbourhoods. Commercial Drive is a beautiful place to visit that is adored by foodies who want to try out different types of cuisine from around the world.

This area is also a fantastic place to visit that provides many amazing vintage clothes and shoe shops. There are also some antique shops as well as excellent bookstores to try out. Coal Harbour is a lovely destination that is brilliant for a boat cruise or to try out a water sport such as kayaking. Harbour Green Park is a pretty place to visit that is located at the edge of Coal Harbour, offering excellent views of the surrounding city. There are many impressive accommodations to check into when taking a trip to Vancouver, including the L’Hermitage Hotel which is ideal for first-time and seasoned visitors venturing to the Canadian city.

This luxury property has high-speed internet in rooms and public areas, as well as a fitness studio and business centre ideal for working. There are bikes available for hire and a lovely outdoor heated saltwater pool and Jacuzzi offering incredible views of the city. The rooms and suites have a large plasma television, iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine. Found on the fifth floor is the on-site L’Hermitage restaurant L’Orangerie Dining Room and Lounge, which has tasty food served throughout the day including afternoon tea.

If travellers want to hire a car during their trip they will find plenty of spaces for L’Hermitage Vancouver parking based near the hotel. One of the best places to visit when in Vancouver is the amazing Granville Island that has a great shopping district. This has a beautiful public market with many permanent retailers as well as temporary vendors offering items including handmade crafts and food. There is a range of exciting cafes and wonderful bookstores to wander around during a trip to this gorgeous part of Vancouver. Taking a wander through Gastown is very rewarding, as visitors can admire the area’s stunning, historic buildings.

Gastown is famous for its interior design shops and has a great array of stores with unique home décor products and antiques. The Canadian city’s Chinatown is impressive with a range of top eateries and shops, and is one of the largest of its kind in North America. Here tourists can wander around the area that offers a mix of Chinese art, toys, clothes, shoes as well as herbal medicine and tea. It is also a wonderful place to try some authentic Chinese cuisine. There are certain areas of Vancouver offering great nightlife, and one place is the bustling road of Granville Street that has many excellent bars and clubs that stay open late.

The best things travellers can do when heading to Ocean City in Maryland for a break

Travellers taking a trip to Ocean City will adore this part of the United States as it is filled with many excellent activities and landmarks. Offering some of the best attractions in the state of Maryland, this lovely holiday spot is a great place for keeping travellers occupied during a break. A superb activity for visitors in Ocean City is to take a trip to Assateague Island, known for the wild horses that wander freely in this natural setting. Travellers can venture to this magnificent 37-mile long barrier island that provides incredible scenery.

It is also famous for its pretty birdlife and tourists can try out kayaking at this destination or head to the beach to relax with fellow visitors. Playing on the beach is a great way to spend some time, as there is so much to see and do. Ocean City is the best spot to unwind on the beach and people-watch, as well as try out water sports such as paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking. The resort town also offers incredible amusement and water parks, as well as a number of miniature golf locations and top destinations for fishing. Tourists should also have some relaxing time as there are many spas for massages Ocean City MD has to offer.

things to do in Oceancity
Serene Beauty of the Sea

One of the best places to head to for accommodation is Grand Hotel Ocean City ideal for first-time guests. There are numerous spas in the resort town of Ocean City and one of the best is the hotel’s Acqua Day Spa that provides a range of excellent therapies including massages and facials. The gorgeous residencies near a range of sights and landmarks and travellers will adore the living spaces that offer modern comforts such as a television and Wi-Fi internet. The rooms have stunning furniture allowing visitors to feel right at home, as soon as they walk through the door, and they will appreciate the excellent service given by staff.

This is a lovely residence offering a very friendly atmosphere to help tourists relax. Travellers will enjoy heading along the bustling boardwalk to discover some superb seafood venues. The lovely three-mile boardwalk offers the chance to venture to the impressive Trimper’s Rides and Amusements, where visitors can try out the Tidal Wave, Matterhorn and Tilt-A-Whirl rides. The Ferris wheel in this location offers remarkable views right across the resort town for travellers to appreciate when they head to this wonderful location in Ocean City.

The beach is a lovely part of the area to hang out for a rest in the sunshine, and to do some people-watching or read a book or magazine. Taking a walk along the beach in Ocean City is a wonderful way of discovering its charm. There are many delightful places to have tasty seaside food on the boardwalk including fries, candy floss, doughnuts and saltwater taffy. These will all provide a memorable eating experience that is considered to be unique to the coastline, and offers the chance to find a bench to eat and unwind in this relaxing place.

The best seaside food to have when heading for a visit to the Ocean City boardwalk

One of the best aspects of going on holiday is trying new and exciting foods when there and enjoying the great experience of tasting. There are a number of fantastic foods to sample when heading to Ocean City in the US state of Maryland. One of the most popular foods is Thrasher’s French Fries, which has been around since 1929. This boardwalk favourite is a lovely treat to try out on a bench near the water watching the world go by. Tourists will love the amazing taste of this delicious dish, and will find there are usually huge crowds there.

Crab is certainly something visitors must try out when they head to the wonderful vacation destination of Ocean City. A famous dish from the area to sample is steamed crabs, which is available in many eateries based there, as well as tasty crab cakes that are on offer. Tourists will find there are many fantastic seafood eateries based in this part of the world that offer a range of fresh and unique dishes. There are many brilliant hotels in Ocean Citythat are worth checking out when on a trip to this amazing part of the United States of America.

There are a range of fabulous residences in the area and one of the best is the Grand Hotel Ocean City located in a wonderful part of the resort town. This brilliant residence includes remarkable rooms with many modern amenities including a television, complimentary Wi-Fi internet and a coffee maker. This amazing destination is perfect for both business travellers and leisure visitors who want to be close to the action of the beach and the lively boardwalk. There are some of the best restaurants in Ocean City based at this impressive residence Tourists will adore staying here as they will feel completely comfortable as soon as they arrive at reception, and will have a memorable stay that will make them want to return.

There are many Ocean City hotels vacation packages so travellers should check out what is available online for a good deal for their holiday. Another temptation found on the bustling boardwalk area is Fisher’s Popcorn that has been around since 1937. This truly outstanding destination actually specialises in caramel popcorn, but offers a range of delicious flavours that include cinnamon caramel, caramel with peanuts, butter flavoured and white cheddar. The Wrapper is a fabulous place to head to if travellers want to try out some soft pretzels.

Apart from the traditional salt and sugar pretzels, there are many flavours available including those filled with vegetables, meats and cheeses. Alaska Stand is an ideal place for travellers wanting some comfort food, as there are burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes and plenty more on offer.  Tourists will adore heading to the sunny beach area to try unique food items such as candy floss, as this will add to their experience in this fantastic holiday location found in the mid-Atlantic region. Travellers should definitely take a wander along the amazing boardwalk and eat wherever it takes their fancy, to really enjoy the beach experience in Ocean City.

The best attractions and landmarks for children heading to Vancouver for a holiday

One of the best holiday destinations to take a trip to when on vacation with children is the amazing city of Vancouver. There are plenty of youth-friendly attractions and activities that will excite families when they head to this superb spot in Canada. Travellers will adore taking a trip to the beautiful Stanley Park, which has a range of things to do. A memorable activity comes from the chance to head through this green space by a horse-drawn carriage. There is also the Stanley Park train that weaves through this area and is a delightful place for young children who can experience the fun of being in an open space such as this.

Tourists should think about staying close to the park as it offers the chance to play sports, have a picnic or cycle along its seawall area. There are many wonderful hiking trails here and the opportunity to visit the city’s brilliant Vancouver Aquarium that provides fun for the family and enthusiasts of underwater creatures. Travellers should think of staying at a hotel that is near the centre of the city close to attractions and landmarks. A great thing is there are many Vancouver boutique hotels to offer visitors heading there for a holiday trip.  

Found at the heart of the city is the L’Hermitage hotel that is a luxury property with high-speed internet in rooms and public areas, as well as a fitness studio and business centre. There are bikes available for hire and an outdoor heated saltwater pool and Jacuzzi offering fantastic views of the city. The lovely rooms and suites feature a plasma television, iPod docking station and a Nespresso coffee machine. Found on the fifth floor is the L’Orangerie eaterie that has delicious food served throughout the day ideal for business or leisure.

The L’Orangerie Dining Room & Lounge offers an amazing afternoon tea and breakfast buffet that will delight travellers staying at this hotel. A superb place to take older children is Grouse Mountain that is among the city’s most popular attractions. A skiing destination in the winter months, this area becomes a brilliant place for hiking in the summer months and there are many exciting trails to attempt. The view at the mountain peak is worth the effort, and tourists can also get there easily by using the Skyride Gondola. A brilliant destination to visit is The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, which is located in the beautiful Vanier Park. 

This offers the story of the 1960s-era space race, which is an interesting tale to learn about. There are many amazing exhibits, an observatory and planetarium for travellers to enjoy at this incredible venue found in the stunning area of Kitsilano. A fabulous cinema that provides a unique experience for both young and adult visitors is the OMNIMAX Theatre at Science World, which has features about outer space and coral reefs. Tourists must consider staying near the shopping district of Robson Street that has many stores with international designers and fashion brands. Tourists will find clothes, bags and accessories shops, as well as many excellent book stores to discover in this wonderful part of the Canadian city of Vancouver.

The best family-friendly spots to visit in Rochester

Summer is a terrific time to visit Rochester with the family. In fact, the summer months are the busiest when thousands of visitors from New York and other parts of the state and country drop in to spend their holidays. There is an overwhelming variety of places to visit in Rochester, so there will be no shortage of wonderful places to spend time with the family.

However, since this is peak tourist season it best to book your Rochester accommodation well in advance. The Riverside hotel in the downtown area would be an ideal choice for the family to stay in luxury and comfort during the trip. 

Some of the best family-friendly places to visit include:

Seneca Park Zoo: One place that will have the kids overexcited to visit is the Seneca Pak Zoo. The Zoo houses a fascinating collection of animal species large and small. These include giraffes, zebras, red pandas and otters among numerous others. The Zoo also plays a crucial role in educating the public about the conservation of wildlife. It is the sole zoo in the state to keep African elephants that are a star attraction with visitors. The zoo remains open almost all through the year and hosts a series of special programmes during the summer months. There also are many indoor areas for the guests to beat the cold outdoors when they visit in the freezing winters. There is the extremely popular Rock Coasts Gallery that offers visitors an underwater view of sea lions and the magnificent polar bears.

The Strong Museum: It has been rated as one of the top family destinations in the US, and is well deserving of its ranking. There are a host of interesting attractions like the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, a Wegmans Super Kids Market, Reading Adventureland and plenty more. An added attraction is the many rotating exhibitions that are organised at the museum.

Seabreeze: Another popular attraction for family visitors is Seabreeze an amusement and waterpark, located in the scenic location along the shores of Lake Ontario. The amusement park features a wonderful selection of rides like the Train and Carousel, the famous Jackrabbit and Kiddie Swings for kids below eight years. Equally exciting is its waterpark that includes a lazy river, wave pool, slides both for grownups and children, among plenty of other fun rides. The great thing about Seabreeze is its size that is just right to explore with the ticket price well worth the money spent.

Stokoe Farms: Although the farms open for visitors at the beginning of August on a weekend and the middle of September to October, they are definitely a must visit if you are in Rochester at that particular period of time. The kids get to experience farm life and engage in plenty of outdoor activities. With plenty of farm animals to pet and feed, a massive slide, a straw fort to play in there is plenty to keep them occupied. A fantastic place to spend time with the family when in Rochester!

Best things to do in Belize

The beautiful Central American nation of Belize has Mexico to its South and the Caribbean Sea in the east. Its rich wildlife, amazing beaches and a diverse ecosystem along with a wonderful culture and friendly locals make it one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. With English widely spoken throughout the nation, it is easy to communicate with the locals. Adventure seekers will enjoy the myriad of adventure activities beneath the ocean and in the jungles.

Visitors will enjoy staying at any of the numerous Belize beach resorts spread across the country. Those with a passion for deep sea diving can consider staying at any of the diving resorts in Belize. There also are plenty of Belize dive packages to sweeten the deal at these resorts too. 

Some of the best things to enjoy doing in the country include:

Altun Ha ruins: The earliest known civilisation that existed in Belize was of the Mayans. They inhabited around 250 BC in a location called Altun Ha. Modern archaeologists have unearthed a treasure trove of cultural relics of the period, which shows they were an advanced civilisation with knowledge of Mathematics and astronomy. The ruins are spread over an area of approximately 25 sq. miles. Among the highlights for tourists to explore is the Temple of the Masonry Altars, among a variety of other tombs and temples in the area. The best way to learn more about the civilisation and its people is to be part of a guided tour.

Bacab Eco-Park: A great place to experience first-hand the incredible flora and fauna of the country is the Bacab Eco-Park. There are a host of activities catering to all age groups of tourists. From seeing indigenous bird species in their natural surroundings to exploring the nature trails in the jungle, there is plenty to do. There also are excellent hiking trails and for those that fancy something more leisurely kayaking is a super alternative. There is an on-site restaurant in case visitors get peckish, a pool to beat the humidity or just chill out in any of the hammocks in the shade.

Belize Botanic Gardens: Another fabulous place to admire the native plants of the country is the popular Belize Botanic Gardens. It was formerly 45-acre pastureland for cattle that underwent landscaping in 1993 and now is home to more than 2,000 plant species. Visitors to the place can enjoy a leisurely self-guided tour through its many themed sections including the stunning Native Orchid House. Another great area to explore is the Mayan House that houses medicinal plant species used since the times of the Mayans. Those with an interest in birds will also enjoy catching sight of the many bird species native to Belize.

Belize exotic adventures: The exotic landscape and climatic conditions make the country a terrific destination for outdoor activities. One of the best ways to experience the best that Belize has to offer is to be part of the Belize Exotic Adventurer experience. From scuba diving to snorkelling, zip lining to exploring the subterranean caves there are loads of activities to entertain visitors.

Fun activities for travellers to enjoy when heading to the amazing Ocean City in winter

Ocean City in Maryland is a fabulous destination for a holiday as it offers travellers the chance to enjoy the incredible beach scenery and has a range of amazing activities. This impressive resort town is full of things to see and do, available both in the busy summer months and in the winter season. There are many indoor activities for tourists to try out in the colder period such as go bowling or watch a film at the cinema. They could also take a trip to one of the indoor mini-golf destinations allowing them to keep out of the cold weather.

An impressive place to visit in the winter months is the fabulous Ocean City Performing Arts Center that is an excellent spot offering theatre, musicals and dance performances. This is found in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, which is a superb theatre popular with tourists. Travellers will adore taking a trip to Assateague Island, which is a 37-mile long barrier island famous for its wild horses and birdlife. Visitors will be enchanted by the natural beauty of this location, and should wrap up warm to wander along the great nature hikes and trails. One of the best residences for tourists to book is the Grand Hotel Ocean City MD that is a superb place for first-time and seasoned visitors heading to this part of the world.

The residenceis near many sights and landmarks and travellers will adore the living spaces that offer modern comforts such as a television and Wi-Fi internet. The rooms have stunning furniture allowing visitors to feel right at home as soon as they walk through the door. When heading to Ocean City massage should definitely be on the agenda, as relaxing is a must when on holiday. Guests will appreciate the excellent service offered by staff members, and will want to use the spa and fitness centre during their trip where they get an opportunity to unwind. This is a lovely residence offering diligent staff members that help tourists relax.

There are many amazing ocean city restaurants available for tourists to try out when they head to this brilliant part of the east coast. Even in the winter months taking a wander along the stunning boardwalk is a good idea, and visitors can also take a bike ride or roller-skate down to admire the scenery. The time of year between November and March is actually incredibly popular with tourists for the superb winter festivals. Clearly any season is great to visit this resort town that has so much to offer travellers when venturing there for a vacation trip.

Winter in Ocean City is definitely a quieter time as travellers often head there during the hot summer months. This makes it the best time of year for visitors who want to relax without the lively nature of tourists wandering around. There are a range of cultural activities for visitors to do such as heading to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. This top venue has fascinating stories to tell about the US Life-Saving Service that preceded the Coast Guard. Visitors will adore its amazing Aquarium Room with huge saltwater tanks that have many sea creatures, and will appreciate the chance to discover the area’s maritime history.