If you just fly into the airport at Malaga and go onto its more ritzy neighbours like Marbella and Puerto Banus, you are missing the delightful city of Malaga itself. The Costa del Sol with kids is fabulous – you really can’t go wrong with the sun and sand formula for a family vacation. When you tire of these most famous of the Costa del Sol attractions at the hotels and mansions in Spain, head back into the city of Malaga for some great food and culture.
Malaga’s attractions are family-friendly, too. There are plenty of things to do in Malaga with kids, especially older children. Malaga’s family-friendly attractions include lots of historic buildings and charming side streets full of shops and cafes. There are also quite a few free things to do in Malaga that children will enjoy such as sampling their way through food markets and checking out the fabulous street art.
Things To Do in Malaga with Kids
Here are choice of 10 things to do in Malaga with kids:
For Junior Culture Vultures
In terms of culture you have a choice of famous structures dating back to the Romans and the Moors as well as a handful of good museums.
Malaga Spain has a charming historic district with structures dating back to Roman times
Historic Buildings and Architecture
The majority of the remains of the Gibralfaro Castle are its impressive ramparts which kids will love exploring. It was built in the 10th century by the caliph of Cordoba.
The Gibralfaro Castle was captured during the Reconquest by Ferdinand and Isabella after a 3 month siege. Unfortunately the Spanish were not in a forgiven mood and the entire Moorish population of Malaga were put to death or enslaved,
Fun Facts – The Siege of Malaga was the first battle where both sides used gunpowder in battle. Also, this siege was the first time special vehicles to transport victims (i.e., ambulances) were used.
The Alcazaba is an 11th century Moorish palace and fortress built on the ruins of a Roman predecessor. It’s the best preserved Moorish fortress in Spain.
Another plus point? Once you’ve climbed up to the Gibralfaro you’ll have a terrific view over the city.
The view of Malaga from the hilltop above.
The Roman Theatre was built in the 3rd century and is located pretty much at the bottom of the Alcazaba fortress. The theatre was built by the Romans under Emperor Augustus in the first century B.C.. After the Romans left, the Moors repurposed some of the stones from the theatre for the Alcazaba.
Malaga Cathedral was built over the Mosque that stood in its place when Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Malaga. It’s an impressive structure but was never completed because the project kept running out of money – even though the construction was ongoing over 250+ years!
Fill Up On Fine Art
The Pompidou Centre in Malaga is set in the city’s harbor and the colorful cuboid glass building itself is entrancing. It is the only branch of the Pompidou outside of Paris. It’s got works from the 20th century such as old favourites like Frida Kahlo, Matisse and Rene Magritte.
Set in an old mansion, the Picasso Museumshowcases the works of the Malaga-born artist. The museum has works by Picasso donated by his daughter-in-law and grandson. After a redesign in 2017, the museum is arranged in chronological order and houses more than 150+ of Picasso’s works.
The Picasso Museum is the most visited museum in Andalusia! Remember not to mix it up with Casa Natalwhich is Picasso’s actual birthplace and has only a small exhibition dedicated to him.
At the Picasso Museum, my son is caught deep in thought. You get a handset that explains works in the museum.
For Foodie Families
Tapas Bar Hopping
In the historic centre, you can spend hours going from tapas bar to tapas bar. We visited quite a few tapas bars, mostly nameless. We did go to El Pimpi one of the more famous tapas bars in the historic district which was frequented by many celebrities, including the Picasso family (surprise!).
The Mercado Merced
Located near the house where Picasso was born, the Mercado Merced located in the Plaza del Merced is a revitalised foodie market where you can find any number of delicious dishes to wile away a lazy lunch.
Hang out in the sunshine with tapas and wine.
Free Things To Do in Malaga
Playtime at the Beach
The Costa del Sol has over 150 kilometres of coastline so chances are you will find the perfect beach for you.
The Costa del Sol is known for its beautiful beaches and Malaga’s beaches are no exception. Malaga has two blue flag beaches which is the highest rating for excellence you can get in Spain.
One of the fun things to do in Malaga is eat the freshly grilled sardines on the beach.
Grilling sardines on the beach
Explore the Old Town
The historic centre of Malaga is easy to walk and fun to explore. It’s got stores, cafes, bars galore.
It’s not all tourist shops either. I found my all-time favourite camera strap at a camera store in this are and have never been able to find something similar elsewhere.
If you go away from the tourist crowds, the back streets of Malaga are charming and crowd-free.
Street Art in Malaga
Malaga has a thriving street art scene because of the efforts of a local artistic initiative called MAUS (Malaga Arte Scene SoHo). This local initiative reminds me of the home-grown efforts in Houston to revitalise an urban area with street art.
A large variety of Malaga’s street art can be found in the up-and-coming arts neighbourhood behind the Center for Contemporary Art. My kids love street art because it’s colorful and witty. And, you don’t have to visit a stuffy art gallery.
Beautiful woman captured as street art. But why are her hands so much darker than her face??
My daughter can’t resist playing to the camera.
Atarazanas Market
Built in a former shipyard close to Malaga harbor in 1879, Atarazanas Market is a chef’s delight. Like other food markets we have visited, my son loved checking out the market and my daughter was aghast at the smell of fresh fish and meat.
Fresh fish being sold at Atarazanas Market in Malaga
Centre for Contemporary Art
Set in a former warehouse that was the Wholesalers’ Market, the the Centreof Contemporary Art has a fun collection of 20th and 21st artists. It’s a great museum including kid-favourite Damien Hirst and pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. And, it’s totally free!
Nearby Costa del Sol Attractions
So many families come to the Costa del Sol every year that there are some great theme parks located near Malaga.
Theme Parks
My kids have never met a waterpark that they did not like and Aqualand Torremolinos would not prove to be the exception. On a hot sunny day, racing friends on waterslides is one of the best of childhood pleasures.
Tivoli World is an amusement park which has rides that are suitable for younger kids as well as older kids. You can buy ride tickets individually (which quickly adds up and drives me crazy) or an mostly-all-you-can ride pass. Note that there are popular rides that the kids will want to ride (such as bumper cars) that aren’t in the all-you-can-ride pass.
Nothing beats water park fun on a hot day if you are a kid.
Visiting Malaga
Malaga is a very easy destination to visit from the United Kingdom and many parts of Europe because of its airport. The airport is modern and easy to navigate. I know – I did it 3x in one day because I had to pick up different people from the airport!
Colorful houses in Malaga Spain
In terms of accommodation, you have a choice of hotels, villas and mansions in Spain as you would expect from such a popular tourist area. We have rented both villas as well as stayed in hotels in Spain. Our kids definitely prefer villa holidays with friends because they have the freedom of a house and pool.
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Can you imagine swimming in rain water that fell 10,000 years ago? The mind boggles. Yet, that is precisely what you are doing when you visit the Thermae Spa Bath in the UK. I am a big fan of spas and my children have visited thermal spas in Iceland, Japan and Austria, so a visit to the Thermae Spa Bath is right up our alley! The Thermae Bath Spa UK is located in the city of Bath in England. Bath is a beautiful UNESCO world heritage listed location marked by beautiful architecture and renowned through history for the thermal baths that gave the city its name. Located in the historic center of Bath right near its other main attractions, taking a dip in the thermal baths like the Romans did is partaking in a bit of history. Unlike the Georgians though, we don’t recommend you drink the water!
The historic Roman Baths which you can tour. Then head nearby and try out the hot springs for yourself at Thermae Spa.
Why a Spa Day in Bath?
Some 5 cool reasons to spend a spa day in Bath at the Thermae Spa:
Bath is one of the great European spa cities like Baden Baden in Germany and Montecatini Terme in Italy.
You will be participating in something that has happened at this site since before even the Romans came to Britain! It really is at the same water as the historic Bath Roman baths spa nearby.
Bath got its UNESCO world heritage listing thanks to its famous bath waters and the Georgian buildings created to enjoy them.
You get to have a nice relaxing time AND partake in history at the Thermae Bath Spa UK. How many places can you do that??
Your body will feel rejuvenated and muscles that you didn’t even know were aching will feel better.
The Cross Springs Spa | Bath England Spa #BathUK #BathEngland #visitUK #UKwithkids #England #cityofBath #England #thermalbaths
Where’s The Water Come From?
Geothermal activity created three springs that came to the surface in Bath. The springs bring forth rain water that fell thousands of years ago and then sank to a couple of kilometres below the Earth’s surface. No one actually knows the exact location of the source of the springs.
Fun Fact: Each day the 3 springs churn out over 1 million litres of water! That’s a whole lot of rainwater that fell 10,000 years ago. If you thought it rained in England during modern times…
A Very Brief History of Bath Spa
The Thermae Bath spa is a tradition that goes back over 2000 years. It’s a city that grew in fits and starts with the periods of history jumping jerkily over hundreds of years as if the intervening years were the blink of an eye. Coming from a country like the USA which is only a few hundred years old, it’s amazing to think about this time line.
The Legend of the Leper Prince
First lets start with the founding legend of the city of Bath.
There was Prince Biadud, the son of the King of the Britons sometime in the 9th century BC. He came down with leprosy and got cast out of the kingdom. So he works as a swineherd until he has a Eureka moment. He sees his pigs get cured of scabies when they roll around the mud of the hot springs in Bath. He decides to wallow in mud himself and gets cured.
Returning leprosy-free to his father, he eventually becomes the 9th King of the Britons and goes on to father Kin g Lear (he of Shakespeare fame). Prince Bladud ’s so happy he creates the city of Bath.
We saw a statue of Prince Biadud at Cross Bath Spa who was fittingly watching over the bathers.
Prince Bialud sneaks a peek from behind the ivy
Enter the Romans
Fast foward to the Romans who did love their hot baths. In 70 AD, the Romans created the baths and a temple to Minerva at Bath. The Romans leave Britain in 410 AD and the Saxons take over.
There’s a few hundred years of decline in Bath’s fortunes until Edgar is crowned as King of England in 973AD at Bath Cathedral. Sadly that did not mean Bath’s fortunes rose again anytime soon though.
Quacks, Royals and Socialites
In the mid-16th century a Dr. Turner wrote about the medicinal benefits of bathing in Bath. Intrigued, Queen Elizabeth I visited in 1574, and was pleased enough to make Bath an official city. Assorted royals and their courtiers visited the city over the next 100 years, including the openly Catholic Mary of Modena.
Mary (married to the equally Catholic James II) couldn’t have a child but became miraculously pregnant after visiting the baths at Bath. Unfortunately, that child sparked the Glorious Revolution because the English did not want another Catholic king. The royal family got sent off to France and the English put James II’s more acceptable Protestant daughter Mary (and her husband William) on the throne.
Wow! Bath’s thermal waters were indirectly responsible for regime change in Britain!
Back in Bath, the Royal Family still favoured the city. Along with the royals came the aristocracy for spa breaks in Bath. The 18th and early 19th centuries saw the heyday of Bath and its baths. Jane Austen and her family came to Bath and catapulted the city into literary history.
There is evidence that Jane Austen’s father and brothers bathed in the same Cross Spa where we bathed! How cool is that??
The Royal Mineral Bath Hospital on one of the side streets near Thermae Spa
Decline and Fall
Bath fell out of favour in the late 19th century when the British discovered their love of the great seaside resorts like Brighton and the Isle of Wight. Although the baths at Bath had lost their luster, too, they were used as a rehabilitation centre by the UK military and the NHS.
In 1978, the spa was closed because it was in such bad shape.
The Phoenix Rises
After a multi-million dollar renovation, the Thermae Bath Spa UK was opened in its present form in 2006.
Bath stone and columns mark the entrance to the Thermae Spa
The Thermae Bath Spa Bath
The facade of the building may be Grade 1 listed but everything inside is state of the art and modern. The building is a masterclass in how old and new architecture can work together. It is constructed to be 6 stories in the back although you wouldn’t know it from the front facade which is a 4 story town house and shop premises.
The Pools at the Thermae Spa
There is an indoor Minerva Bath which is the largest the pools. It’s got massage jets, whirlpool and even a lazy river! Available for your use at both pools are blue swim noodles so you really don’t even need to make an effort to even float. That’s my kind of lazy.
The open-air rooftop pool offers divine views over Bath city and you can even get a peek at the Cross Bath nearby.
An aerial view of the Cross Bath Spa (to the right of the photo) as seen from the Royal Spa.
The Water
The thermal water contains over 40 different types of minerals. The four baths at the Thermae maintain a water temperature of 33.5 degrees Centigrade (92 degrees Fahrenheit). Nice and toasty even for the rooftop pool!
Fun Fact – The word spa coms from the latin “salus per aquam” which translates as health through water. Now go impress your friends with this random piece of trivia!
Treatment Facilities at the Thermae Spa Bath
There are 26 treatment rooms offering ever over 40 different types of therapies.
For example, you can have a Vichy shower where you lay on a table and shower jets are sprayed over you to enhance circulation and treatment benefits. I had a Vichy shower at Terranea Spa in Los Angeles and it feels wonderful! It is a specialist treatment and not many places have the facilities for a Vichy shower.
Other specialist treatments include Watsu Massage (a form of water massage) and Hot Stones Spa Therapy (where warm volcanic stones are used at pressure points to encourage relaxationf).
There are also the usual massages. body wraps and facials.
At its busiest, such for example the weekends, the Thermae Spa Bath gets over 1000 a people a day. On average though, you get about 700 people a day. During the quieter weekdays, you get about 400-500 people.
Tip – It is advisable to book well in advance if you want a treatment during weekends.
On site at the Thermae Spa Bath, there is a Visitor’s center, a restaurant as well as two boutiques. Everything you could want for a relaxing few hours in this historic city.
Cross Baths in Bath
The Cross Baths Bath is also located in a Grade I listed building. Across the street from the Thermae Spa, the Cross Bath Spa can hold a maximum of 10 people. It can be rented for private parties, proposals etc.
The Cross Bath Spa is located within a grand Grade I listed building.
The Cross Baths Spa has its own changing rooms and bathroom facilities. You can even arrange for the Thermae Spa to send over a basket of food and drinks if you wish to eat while you are at the spa.
The Cross Spring actually bubbles into the Cross Bath Spa through a stainless steel fountain sculpture by William Bye inscribed with words by former poet laureate, Ted Hughes. The spring water bubbles to the surface and then cleverly gets siphoned off and is gently treated before it enters the Cross Bath spa.
William Bye sculpture that brings the Hot Cross spring water into the bath
We can attest that it is entirely relaxing floating on a noodle or two as you listen to the seagulls fly overhead, surrounded by the mellow cream stonework of the city.
In the evenings, the lanterns are lit at the Cross Bath Spa setting a magical scene
My daughter and I were at the Cross Bath Spa with another 3 families. Three of the 10 people would have fit the 12-16 age bracket. I was surprised though to learn that everyone there was from different parts of England. Most were visiting Bath but one mother/daughter duo were specifically on a spa break in Bath.
Where were the international tourists visiting for a spa day in Bath?! What a hidden gem in Bath that they are missing!
Hotels Near Thermae Spa
The Thermae is run by the same people who run the The Gainsborough Bath Spa – Bath” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>Gainsborough Bath Spa, a 5 star spa hotel opened in 2015. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Gainsborough Bath Spa has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. It is a great choice for a Thermae Bath Spa hotel if you want the whole spa package appearance.
We chose to stay at the four star Francis Hotel also conveniently located in the historic center of Bath. It is a charming hotel and very convenienly located. On previous trips to Bath, we have stayed at the No.15 Great Pulteney – Bath” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>No 15 Great Pulteney, a 4 star boutique hotel which is in walking distance from the Thermae Bath but over the river that runs through the city.
Children from the age of 12 are allowed in the Cross Springs Spa in Bath England
Visiting the Thermae Bath Spa
You don’t need to make reservations to visit the Thermae Bath Spa but you do need to make reservations for specific treatments.
Location
The Thermae Spa is located right in the historic centre of historic Bath near the Bath Cathedral, the Roman Baths and the Pump Room.
The address is on Hot Bath Street. Yes, really.
Opening Hours
Thermae Bath spa is open every day of the year except 3 days at the end of the year (Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). The Thermae Bath is open from 9 in the morning to 9:30 at night and the Cross Bath is open from 10 in the morning to 8 pm.
Booking and Entry
You get entry into the Thermae Spa in two hour slots and the Cross Bath in 1.5 hour slots.
Beauty treatments are only available at Thermae Spa. If you book a spa treatment that time is added to your two hour slot. You can also pay at entry for additional hours if you want to stay longer.
Tip: If you want to avoid busy times at the spa, you should choose to go at a time other than the weekends, summer and Christmas. Christmas you say? Yes, because Bath has a wonderful Christmas market which attracts many tourists.
You get complimentary towels, robes and flip-flops upon entry at both the Thermae Spa and the Cross Bath. Note there are only adult sizes for flip flops.
Even the teddy gets a complimentary robe to snuggle up.
You can not get multiple access entries that cover both the Thermae Spa and the Cross Bath.
Thermae Bath Spa Offers
Check the Thermae Spa website for special Therme Bath Spa deals for visitors. Some examples:
One Thermae Bath spa deal offer is for Sunday afternoon which includes spa access and a meal at the restaurant
Another Thermae Bath spa discount offer is the twilight package where you can use the spa during weekdays in the evening. Imagine watching the sunset over Bath from the rooftop pool!
You can get also get a Thermae Bath spa discount package that includes the historic Roman Baths, a meal at the Pump Room Restaurant and a session at the Thermae Bath spa. And the best part? It doesn’t all have to be done in one day!
All of these Thermae spa deal offers would be great for tourists to the city who need some R&R after spending time enjoy Bath’s many attractions and walking its nearby hills.
Disabled Access
The spas are accessible for people with disabilities. The Thermae Bath Spa has an elevator for ease of access. In addition, the pools have special assistance chairs for lowering people into the baths.
Visiting with Older Children
Children over the age of 16 are allowed access to the Thermae Spa but need to be 18 to receive spa treatments. Children from the age of 12 are allowed at the Cross Bath spa on a 1:1 adult/child ratio.
My daughter enjoyed herself immensely and has gotten a promise from me that we can go to the Royal Bath Spa when she turns 16.
We were guests of the Cross Bath Spa. All thoughts and opinions in this article remain strictly my own.
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Growing up we heard repeatedly on the world news about Northern Ireland — but not in a good way. The strife tearing Northern Ireland apart regularly made international headlines until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Recently Belfast and the Antrim Coast has been chosen to be among the top 10 regions to visit for 2018 by Lonely Planet. Spending a weekend in Belfast and taking a Northern Ireland roadtrip along the the Antrim Coast ensures that you don’t miss all of the best spots in this beautiful part of the world. From Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, this area has so much to see and do with activities ranging from history, culture to hiking and coastal walks.
Discovering the delights of the Antrim Coast’s Causeway Coastal Route on a Northern Ireland Roadtrip along with a weekend in Belfast
What is County Antrim?
Most of Belfast, the capitol of Northern Ireland, is in County Antrim, one of the 6 counties that make up Northern Ireland. Antrim, therefore, has the benefit of Northern Ireland’s main airport, Belfast International Airport. Transportation links are great making a weekend in Belfast from London and other European cities completely feasible.
This majestic tree alley was used as the Dark Hedges in Game of Thrones
County Antrim is actually one of the 2 counties on the island of Ireland that has a Protestant majority. It’s also the most populated county in Northern Ireland with most people located in and around Belfast. It’s located on the northeastern corner of the island of Ireland.
Fun Fact – The northeastern tip of Torr Head in County Antrim is only 12 miles from the coast of Scotland!
Famous people from County Antrim have been writer C.S. Lewis, actor Liam Neeson and musician Van Morrison. Six American presidents had families originated that from County Antrim including Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt.
The Giants Causeway in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
Who better to ask for advice on visiting Belfast and the Antrim Coast than travel bloggers who have been there? Below are the recommendations and travel tips for Northern Ireland from eleven fellow travel bloggers.
Northern Ireland Roadtrip
Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, occupies much of the north shore of the Irish coast. Visiting Northern Ireland is an opportunity to experience nature as well as the unfortunate historical period known as the Troubles.
Any visit to Northern Ireland starts in the capital: Belfast. This city is largely divided – representative of the deep divisions in society. From 1968-1998, the conflict boiled over into intense violence (if not an outright civil war).
These days, the violence is over, the rhetoric is calmer and the street murals have become internationally famous (particularly in the Shankill Road and Falls Road neighborhoods). A new era has taken hold in Belfast and “The Peace” is firm.
Despite the sometimes heated rhetoric, Northern Ireland is a beautiful country (or, more accurately, it is a Constituent Country of the UK) and there is a bucolic calmness in the countryside.
The best way to experience this natural beauty is a drive of the Causeway Coast on the Causeway Coastal Route. This rough stretch of coastline delivers abandoned castles, smooth Irish whiskey distilleries and lots of unique locations which have become famous as film locations for the Game of Thrones.
But the Causeway Coast is best known for the other-worldy geological features of the Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Antrim Coast is extremely beautiful!
With so much to offer, it’s not surprising that Belfast and the Antrim Coast are one of the top travel destinations for 2018.
– Lance and Laura Longwell write at Travel Addicts and on social media at
A mural to Bobby Sands in Belfast (Photo credit: Lance and Laura Longwell)
A Weekend in Belfast
Belfast is a city which has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. No longer a place of struggle, it combines a historic city centre with a lively cultural scene that makes it a great short break visit. A weekend in Belfast is a short yet fun way to check out Northern Ireland.
Check out lively St. George’s Market (Fri/Sat/Sun only), with its many arts and crafts stalls and wide selection of food and drink. Pay a visit to Belfast City Hall, where the stained glass windows tell the story of the Troubles of the 20th Century in a powerful way. Entry to both is free.
Wander the streets just outside the city centre to see the many murals recording the struggles, or take a Black Cab tour, in which a local person, either Catholic or Protestant at random, will tell their tale from their own perspective in an intelligent and informative way.
Cross the river to a great view of Samson and Goliath, the two huge yellow cranes of the Harland and Wolff shipbuilding company which are a symbol of the city. And, don’t miss the splendid Titanic Museum, where you can lose yourself for several hours in the history of the ill-fated ship. But, remember, it was fine when it left Belfast …
If you are a fan of the epic romantic movie Titanic” then you cannot miss a visit to the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Belfast is the home of the popular RMS Titanic Experience.
The city of Belfast is also home some of interesting historical monuments like city hall, churches and castles. Walk through the ornate interiors fo the Belfast City Hall or marvel at the architecture of one of the beautiful churches or take a tour of the only Victorian era prison, Crumlin Road Gaol. Belfast has no dearth for architectural wonders.
Belfast also makes for a great base to explore the lush and picturesque countryside of Northern Ireland like the Antrim coast and the Giants Causeway and also explore the all-time favourite “Game of Thrones” shooting locations.
-by Rashmi and Chalukya at Go Beyond Bounds and on social media at
The Titanic Belfast Experience (Photo credit: Rashmi and Chalukya)
Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route
It is easy to see why the stunning Causeway Coastal Route along the north coast of Northern Ireland is regularly chosen as one of the world’s best road trips.
The sheer variety of things to do and see along this relatively short Causeway coastal route is incredible. From the unmissable sights of Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to a plethora of Game of Thrones filming locations such as the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour and Downhill Strand there is something for everyone.
Start in the historic city of Belfast, once overlooked but, today, the reminders of its troubled past are one of its biggest draws and a must see on any visit to Northern Ireland.
Step back in time with a trip to Rathlin Island located just off the Northern Ireland coast where less than 100 people currently reside. Due to its remote location most of the island has remained untouched for many years.
Fun Fact – Robert the Bruce (of Braveheart fame) hid out in a cave in Rathlin Island while plotting to get Scotland back from the English.
Test your head for heights at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and relax over some tasty whiskey in the Bushmills distillery.
Enjoy stunning views across the ocean from the Fairhead cliffs or stroll with the local cows on White Park Bay beach.
Thrill seekers you can also try some of the best coasteering in Ireland from Portrush.
For anyone planning a Northern Ireland roadtrip and looking for Giant’s Causeway accommodation, we recommend the Roe Park Resort hotel or the Causeway Hotel conveniently located right at the entrance to the Giant’s Causeway visitors centre.
The Causal Coastway Route (Photo Credit: Elaine & Dave)
A Giant’s Causeway Tour
I still have vivid memories of our time in Northern Ireland, back in 2011.
Londonderry and its city walls were something we could have checked out longer and better if we weren’t dying to go on a Giant’s Causeway tour and visit three gems located so close to each other by the sea.
Those were The Old Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce castle, and the pixellated Giant’s Causeway.All of them great on their own, we arrived at the last one a bit late after shooting the sunset at the castle. Knowing that half an hour wasn’t going to cut it, we headed back to the Causeway next day. It’s eventually possible to take a picture among the loads of tourists that populate the spot in the mornings without getting that much of a headache.
Then, Belfast would be next. Continue reading about our Ireland adventures here.
– Inma Gregorio at A World To Travel You and on social media at
Giants Causeway (Photo credit: Inma Gregorio)
A Weekend in Belfast and More of the Antrim Coast
I’ve lived in Belfast for 5 months and if the weather didn’t agree with me, I’m really glad I had the opportunity to discover this part of the world!
If you want a real taste of Northern Ireland, a long weekend is preferable. A weekend in Belfast is sufficient.
If you’re into political history, I recommend starting with a guided walking tour to learn about the “Troubles” and how it shaped the city.
Don’t hesitate to finish by popping into one or several pubs (check out The Garrick, it has trad music sessions) or one of the more high-end cocktail bars. The culinary scene is pretty surprising too, and very vegan-friendly.
You shouldn’t leave Belfast without visiting the Titanic Museum and strolling around University Quarter (Queens University is gorgeous).
If you have more time after your weekend in Belfast and would like to discover the rest of Northern Ireland, I would recommend one of the Game of Thones tours. You don’t even have to watch the show, but you’ll get to see gorgeous places, including the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giants Causeway. Otherwise take a train in the city center and make your way to one of the beautiful beaches, you won’t regret it!
– by Alice Cardillo from takeyourbag.org and on social media at
A ruined castle on the Antrim Coast Road, Northern Ireland (Photo credit: Lance and Laura Longwell)
Belfast and A Northern Ireland Roadtrip
Just days after returning from Northern Ireland, Lonely Planet announced it as the best region to visit in 2018. I have to say – I totally understand why!
I was only in Belfast and Northern Ireland for a few days but I instantly fell in love and am already planning a trip back. Belfast is a fascinating and ever-changing city where you can visit the place where the Titanic was built along with the huge museum completely devoted to it and you can explore the Peace Wall and brush up on the devastating and troubling history that has plagued this city.
In Derry, you can walk the only fully intact city walls still standing in Ireland.
My favorite part though was driving the Causeway Coastal Route and taking in one of the most stunning coastlines I’ve ever seen along the Antrim Coast. Along the Antrim coast, you can see ruined castles, the only UNESCO site in Northern Ireland (Giant’s Causeway) and even find some secret spots along the way. I definitely recommend adding this region to your future travel plans!
– by Ashley Hubbard from A Southern Gypsy and on social media at
The coast along the Causeway (Photo credit: Ashley Hubbard)
A Northern Ireland Roadtrip
I don’t often declare a destination ‘one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen’ but this is what I thought when I visited Northern Ireland earlier this year.
We travelled around for several days and we were surprised to see how stunning and varied the area is.
If you love nature, Northern Ireland has amazing coastal walks: The Giant’s Causeway is the most famous stretch of coast, but it is just one of the many locations where imposing cliffs plunge into the crystal clear waters of the Malin sea.
We loved the famous Carrick-a-Rede hike (we were glad to discover it is easily accessible even with kids) and the stunning Dunluce castle, a few kilometres farther down the same road.
For culture lovers, the place is generous with castles and historical homes and if you enjoy city life, Belfast and Derry/Londonderry are dynamic and vibrant both during the day and at night.
We visited Northern Ireland by car and found the perfect base near Belfast. We chose the Hilton Templepatrick hotel (good quality and family friendly) and took day trips from there to the Antrim Coast and the Dark Hedges, famous filming location of Game of Thrones.
The view at Carrick A Rede (Photo credit: Marta Correale)
Belfast to Giant’s Causeway
Whatever you might be looking for in a vacation—stunning scenery, fascinating history, or just a great place to enjoy a pint or two—Northern Ireland delivers something for every interest.
Starting with the famous Antrim coast, Giant’s Causeway is a magnificent collection of 40,000 stones that formed more than 50 million years ago. Watching the cold North Atlantic Ocean lapping against the one-of-a-kind rock formation will certainly connect you to just how impressive and complex this planet truly is!
Enjoying Northern Ireland from the coast is an experience you can’t miss, but don’t forget to appreciate it from a higher vantage point, too. Take in the view from more than 100 feet in the air by crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which spans 70 feet and provides a terrific perspective of Northern Ireland’s gorgeous landscape.
After exploring the great outdoors, no trip to Northern Ireland is complete without a stop in Belfast. The city is famous for its Black Cab Tours, but if you’re short on time you can appreciate its history from The Crown, a popular bar that has served Belfast’s locals and visitors for more than 100 years. It’s the perfect place to reflect on Northern Ireland’s incredible culture—and why it’s a great fit as one of the 2018 top regions to visit!
by Stephanie Hubka at Road Unraveled and on social media at
County Antrim is not only home to one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful coast lines, but also boasts of sceneries that exceeds any expectations. The scenic view of the Antrim coast is a balance between the blueness of Atlantic Ocean and the lushness of the green surroundings, that almost every direction you turn, beauty is a guaranteed promise.
Giant’s Causeway is one of the famous stops in County Antrim, known for its otherworldly rock formations from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. It felt like being in different worlds all at once– like a crossover between Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, and an outer space movie.
Speaking of Game of Thrones, County Antrim is known for holding different locations from the popular TV series including Ballintoy Village and The Dark Hedges.
Another gorgeous spot that shouldn’t be missed in the area is the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge near the town of Ballintoy. Whether you’re afraid of heights or not, the view, even without crossing the iconic bridge, is so stunning. The walk along the coast is nothing short of spectacular and no Northern Ireland expedition is complete without this experience.
– by Erica Villas at Girl Unspotted and on social media at
Fields in County Antrim (Photo credit: Erica Villas)
The Antrim Coast on a Northern Ireland Roadtrip
If you visit Northern Ireland be sure and (local dialect ;)) take a day to drive the Coast Road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The Causeway Costal Route has been touted as one of the best tourist scenic drives in the world! It’s easy to find; just hug the coast as you circumnavigate Northern Ireland.
The best part in my opinion is the stretch heading half an hour north from Belfast: the Antrim Coast Road. This begins at the Black Arch in Larne and continues for an hour up to Ballycastle.
From Ballycastle you are just another 20 minutes drive from some of Northern Ireland’s most famous attractions: the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and the Old Bushmill’s Distillery (Ireland’s oldest working distillery).
Although tempting to get to these exciting attractions as quickly as possible, take the extra hour to enjoy this scenic route instead! It’s only two hours total driving time as compared to driving just one hour from Belfast directly over the inland route.
Giants Causeway Know Before You Go – Coastal Route County Antrim (Photo credit: Erin Hardie
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Although ever-popular Provence gets all the attention, the neighbouring French region of Languedoc-Roussillon is where the smart money goes to avoid the crowds but still get the French countryside charm. We first discovered the Languedoc accidentally when my husband won a charity auction for a luxury stay at Maison Laurent near Carcassone. We loved it so much we have returned several times including with the kids. We weren’t surprised when Lonely Planet named it among the top 10 regions to visit in the world for 2018, along with Alaska in the USA, the Julian Alps in Slovenia and Bahia in Brasil. It was only a matter of time before everyone discovered the cheaper and less-touristy part of the South of France.
The Languedoc region has a great mix of history, culture, nature and food and wine.
Like the rest of the South of France, summers in the Languedoc Rouissillon are extremely hot and the winters are mild and comfortable. It’s an easy weekend break from the rest of Europe because French airline manufacturer Airbus is headquartered near Toulouse airport. When our daughter spent a few months studying French in the area, we would visit her on the weekends. We got to know the area just enough to realise that if we were ever to live in France, we would want to live in this region.
Where is the Languedoc-Rouissillon?
The Languedoc Roussillon is located in the Southwest of France. The region extends from France to the Pyrenees (and borders with Spain and the Mediterranean).
A map of the Languedoc Roussillon region. Together with the Midi-Pyrenees next door, the area is now known as Occitanie.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region has been an important area since Roman times.
The Languedoc was its own important kingdom until it got annexed by the kingdom of France after the defeat of the Cathars in the 13th century. The Roussillon section was actually part of Catalonia until it was given to the French in the mid-17th century as part of a larger treaty between Spain and France.
The Cathars
Catharism is a form of Christianity that grew alongside Roman Catholicism during the early years of Christianity. It deviated from Catholicism in several important ways, such as for example, stating that men and women were equal.
In the tolerant and liberal Languedoc kingdom, Catharism flourished. Worse, Cathars called out the Catholics for being corrupt (which they were) and refused to pay the Catholic church any taxes.
The Roman Catholics couldn’t have that. Pope Innocent III declared them heretics and ordered a crusade against the Cathars. The French saw the opportunity for a land grab as well as bonus points to get into heaven. After two generations of fighting, the Cathars were decimated and the land annexed by France.
Next thing, the Catholics started the Inquisition in the Languedoc to root out any remaining vestiges of Cathar heresy. The once powerful language of Occitan was reduced to a regional patois, and the area went into economic decline.
The walled city of Carcassone was a Cathar stronghold.
Occitanie
In 2016, the Languedoc-Rouissillon was merged with the midi-Pyrenees region to form Occitanie, a massive region that is the largest in all of France. The people in this area had all spoken Occitan in the past (which is related to the Catalan language).
Getting To the Languedoc-Roussillon
There are several airports in the area including Carcassone, Perpignan and Montpellier. We have always flown into Toulouse though because it is a main regional airport with a choice of flights and airlines.
Things To Do in the Languedoc- Roussillon
What To Do in Carcassone
The historic center of Carcassone is a UNESCO world heritage site. The walled city retains its medieval charm with the world’s largest medieval castle and 54 towers. Carcassone is the second most visited tourist attraction in France (the top spot is the Eiffel Tower). You will find plenty to occupy you in the narrow streets of historic Carcassone.
The UNESCO world heritage listed Canal du Midi connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean over 264 kilometres (164 miles). The advent of the railroads made the canal obsolete and now it is primarily used for recreational purposes.
Other Places to Visit in Languedoc Roussillon
Montpellier is the fastest growing city in France and the regional capitol. Some of the Montpellier attractions include the Cathedral St. Pierre, Roman-era aqueducts, the Montpellier Zoo and the Musee Fabre (containing European Old Master paintings).
Nimes is famous for its well-preserved Roman archeological remains including the UNESCO world heritage listed Roman aqueduct, Le Pont du Gard.
Le Pont du Guard, a well-preserved Roman aqueduct, is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Fun Fact – Denim gets its name because it’s fabric that comes from Nimes (serge de Nîmes).
Beziers was where the ill-fated Cathars (and any unfortunate Catholics with them) were slaughtered wholesale. Nowadays it is known for its wine and bullfighting.
Narbonne is a laid-back seaside town famous for its Gothic cathedral and its wine industry. During Roman times, it was the capital of Gaul and a crossroads between the rest of France, Spain and Italy.
The Cathedral of Saint-Just and Saint-Pasteur in Narbonne.
Perpignan is the last city in France before the Spanish border and so it has an interesting mix of cultures. Things to do in Perpignan include visiting the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, the Basilica Cathedral of St. Jean the Baptist and the Arab and Gypsy quarter.
Food and Drink
The Languedoc region produces 1/3 of all French wine – thats approximately 2 billion bottles a year. It is also fertile farmland with a number of excellent local products – oysters, anchovies, beef, lamb, cheeses and foie gras to name a few.
You can find Europe’s biggest river delta at the Camargue which borders Provence. These 900 square kilometres (approximately 350 square miles) of wetlands are famous for their pink flamingoes, wild horses and bulls.
The Cévennes is a national park of almost 800,000 acres with its main entrance by the pretty little town of Florac. With mountains, gorges and plateaus, this area is a nature-lovers paradise of wild, unspoiled countryside.
Beaches
There are miles of beautiful sand beaches sprinkled with little towns edging the Mediterranean. The Espiguette is the Languedoc’s largest sand beach and backed by sand dunes. Cap D’Agde has Europe’s largest nudist beach. The beaches near Beziers are also excellent (Portiragnes and Serignan). La Franqui is popular with windsurfers. Argeles is said to be one of the best beaches in all of France – it’s wide, sandy and has stunning views of the Pyrenees.
Right before you hit the Spanish border, you have the Cote Vermeille, the undisputed star of which is the pretty little artsy town of Collioure. Note that the beaches here are pebbly.
The Cote Vermeille or the Vermillion Coast is so-called because of its red rocky coastline.
Tips for Visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon
Although we have explored Carcassone, undertaken a pilgrimage to Lourdes, visited the beaches in the summer, this region of France is vast with plenty of things to do.
Isn’t this perfect for an evening stroll after indulging in a fantastic dinner and wine?
Who better to ask for advice on visiting the Languedoc-Roussillon than travel bloggers who have been there? Below are the recommendations and travel tips for this region of France from five fellow travel bloggers.
Cathars, Castles & Carcassonne
While France is well known for her châteaux, the castles of the Languedoc-Roussillon region are truly the stuff of legends and fairy tales. Immediately the Cathar Castles spring to mind. Here in the Languedoc during the 12th century Catharism became a major religion. They were regarded as heretics by the Catholic church and Pope Innocent III called for a full scale crusade against them.
The local population, supported by the local nobility, sided with the Cathars. And as battle raged between the locals and the Catholic crusaders, the Cathars and their supporters took refuge in dramatically sited castles and fortified towns. The picturesque remnants of some of these are a still a major tourist attraction.
One of the most well known of these sites with a Cathar connection is the Medieval citadel of Carcassonne, known locally as la Cité. Although much of what we see today has been extensively restored, this does not detract from the strikingly evocative walls of Europe’s largest, intact walled Medieval city.
Walking around the Medieval city, or looking up at the imposing ramparts, it is hard to think that these were all set to be demolished in 1849. After considerable local outrage, an extensive programme of restoration lasting from 1853 to 1911 the castle and its fortifications were given a new lease of life. And today Carcassonne is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the south of France.
The medieval walled city of Carcassone Image credit: Thomas Dowson
Montady
The small town of Montady is found perched on a hill in the middle of Languedoc-Roussillon. With the Canal du Midi, Narbonne, and Carcassonne well within a few hours, there is plenty to do in this gorgeous French town.
One of the most unique features of the town is theÉtang de Montady, which was a way to control the water. Somehow, the inhabitants (in the late 1200s) found a way to build a drainage system in the lake.
If you look closely, it even looks like a sink with a drain. The étang allowed the locals to not lose many crops or harvests throughout flooding years. It’s a marvel of engineering, and hey, it’s pretty as well!
– by Corinne Vail from ReflectionsEnroute and on social media at
The Town of Montady (Photo credit: Corinne Vail)
The Languedoc-Rouissillon
Languedoc-Roussillon region (now Occitanie) was one of the first places I visited in France years ago and I love going back there. Its beautiful nature, charming historic towns, and layback atmosphere will definitely make you fall in love with France.
This area is so different than the busy metropoles like Paris or the much more touristy and posh nearby Provence region. Here you can get to know the more authentic France, not yet overrun by foreign tourists.
The region is extremely diverse. You will find historic Roman cities as well as long sandy beaches with thriving coastal towns. Languedoc-Roussillon is also famous for its wines and some of France’s major vineyards can be found here.
Some of the must-see highlights in the region include the medieval Carcassonne castle and historic towns like Montpellier, Perpignan, Nimes, Narbonne, Sète or the smaller coastal town Collioure.
My personal favourites in the region are Pont du Gard, a 2000 year old Roman aqueduct that was once part of the extensive and very impressive water channel system, and the 11th centuryFontfroide Abbey near Narbonne.
– by Jurga from Full Suitcase and on social media at
One of the prettiest villages in the Languedoc-Rouissilon, Collioure (Photo credit: Jurga at Full Suitcase)
Collioure in the French Vermeille
Much less touristy than the neighbouring region of Provence, the Languedoc-Rouissilon region of France has an incredibly rich historical heritage. The towns and villages are filled with Roman architecture – who can forget about the amphitheatre in Nimes – beautiful cathedrals and precious castles, like the world-famous Carcassone.
It’s also a place where cultures meet. Perpignan for example is the capital of French Catalonia, and although people speak in French, you can also see many signs of the Catalan identity.
One of the most beautiful places to visit in this region is the charming village of Collioure, situated in the French Vermeille, very close tot he Spanish-French border. It’s one of the most romantic villages in the Languedoc-Rouissilon region with cozy cobbled streets, artisan shops, local seafood restaurants and magical atmosphere.
Many French and Catalan artists – Picasso or Henri Matisse for instance – chose to live here for some time and found the atmosphere very inspiring. The two main landmarks of this picture perfect village to visit are the Notre-Dame-Des-Angles Church and the Chateau Royale de Collioure, a fortress that was held by several different royal families throughout history.
– by Gabor Kovacs from Surfing the Planet and on social media at
The village of Collioure in the Languedoc-Rouissilon (Photo credit: Gabor Kovacs)
Minerve
Walking through the narrow streets of Minerve is like stepping into the pages of a children’s storybook but today’s beauty disguises a gruesome past.
The quiet village, around 50 kilometres from Carcassone, came under attack during the Albigensian Crusade in 1210 when a number of Cathars (non-Catholics) from Beziers took refuge in Minerve. After a six week siege, the village was forced to surrender and 140 Cathars were burnt at the stake.
To learn more about the bloody events of the past, a visit to the Hurepel Museum is a must. Here, the story of the siege is told in sixteen clay dioramas made by local artisans.
Today Minerve is classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages and it’s easy to see why. Perched on a rocky peninsula at the meeting of two rivers and alongside deep gorges, Minerve’s setting is picturesque.
A tall, narrow tower and a small section of wall is all that’s left of the medieval fortifications, whilst the 12th century church and the impressive double-arched bridge that spans the River Cesse are the other major sites in the village.
But for me, the real attraction of Minerve are the cobbled streets lined with centuries-old stone buildings some now serving as shops, boutiques and cafes.
Sitting on a shady terrace sipping a drink and admiring the views you can’t help but be thankful you’re visiting today and not back in 1210.
– by Carolyn Schonafinger who writes at Holidays To Europe and on
The town of Minerve in the Languedoc Roussillon (Photo credit: Carolyn Schonafinger)
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I have to confess I thought I had never heard of the Julian Alps when Lonely Planet named it one of the top 10 regions to visit in 2018. The Julian Alps are the official name of the Alps when they stretch from Italy across Slovenia. The Julian Alps of Slovenia are named after Julius Ceasar who built a town at the foot of the mountains. The most famous place now in the Slovenian Alps is Lake Bled, the most popular resort in Slovenia. You may have seen photos of the charming little church set in the middle of a lake surrounded by mountains. There is, however, so much more to the Julian Alps than Lake Bled!
The Best Things To Do in the Julian Alps Slovenia
Best Things To Do in the Slovenian Alps
So what are the best things to do in the Slovenian Alps? Any and all forms of hanging out in nature such as hiking, skiing, biking, skydiving, canyoning and white water rafting.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled obviously is a must-see even if it is super popular with tourists. It is as beautiful as you would expect. You take a boat out to the island on the flat-bottom boats and then climb 99 steps to see the church. On the shores, you can visit beautiful Bled castle perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake.
Sunset view of Lake Bled and the Julian Alps
During the Austro-Hungarian Empire days in the early 20th century, Lake Bled was an important health spa. Some of the Lake Bled accommodation still have pools that are fed by thermal springs, such as the 5-star Grand Hotel Toplice, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Hotel Vila Bled, is another high-end Lake Bled accommodation option. This hotel is the converted former residence of Marshall Tito back when Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia. When Tito wasn’t busy repressing his people, he would entertain a whole host of world leaders at this vila, among them Russia’s Kruschev, Egypt’s Nasser and North Korea’s Kim Il Sung. The hotel’s decor likewise harkens back to hits heyday in the 1950’s.
You know if there is an Austro-Hungarian influence in the area, they are bound to have good cakes! The Bled Cream Cake is no exception with more than 12 million pieces of cream cake sold to date.
Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is the area around Mount Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. It has many different options of hiking trails that will let you explore the beautiful scenery at your own pace. Walking in Slovenia is geared towards all levels of ability so everyone of all ages can participate.
Walking in Slovenia through Canyon Vintgar in Triglav National Park
Road Trip Through Little Villages
If a walking holiday in the Alps does not sound like your cup of tea, hire a car and head further into the Slovenian mountains. Less touristy than Lake Bled is the charming Lake Bohinj, the picturesque Soca Valley with the Soca River and charming little towns such as Radovljica and Bovec.
A church in Bohinj, Slovenia
For a hairpin-turn drive through the mountains, check out the Vrsic Mountain Pass which is considered one of the most scenic and exciting drives in the area. Not enough adrenaline for you? Consider the Mangart Pass is the highest road in Slovenia. Both of these roads appear on the Dangerous Roads website. You do you.
Winter Sports
In the winter, Bovec is the nearest town from three Slovenian ski resorts. Kanin-Sella Nevea, a joint Italian-Slovenian ski resort, is Slovenia’s highest ski resort. You also have resorts at Tarvisio and Kranjska Gora.
The Best Things To Do in the Julian Alps Slovenia
Tips For Visiting The Julian Alps, Slovenia
Who better to ask for advice on what to do the Julian Alps than people who have visited there, especially if they are travel bloggers? Below are the recommendation of four travel bloggers on what they liked about the Slovenian Alps.
Lake Bled
Slovenia is often understated as travel destination. However, this little gem is home to natural beauty, varying from the mountain ranges of the Julian Alps over gorges to vast lakes, such as the highlight of the region: Lake Bled.
For centuries, Lake Bled with its island, which is actually the only one in the entire country, has been known as a paradise location. It’s full of beauty, wealthy of legend and hosts a special power that will help every visitor to restore the own well being. The island in the middle of the lake can be visited through traditional boats, called “pletna”.
Also, the lake is surrounded by not only mountains, but also by a castle that functions as an open-air museum. Within the whole area of the castle different artists showcase their traditional art: whether it is the printing of paper, the decoration of wine bottles or honey making – every visitor can try these cultural inherits him- or herself.
Besides a visit to the Lake bled, one should head further for the hills by the surrounding Julian Alps. Go hiking, enjoy whitewater rivers and stunning high-mountain scenery, take a walk in the beautiful deep forests or, in winter time, go skiing.
A great place to stay, however, is in Slovenia’s bustling capital Ljubljana, just a short drive away. Hence, you can easily stay in the city and visit Lake Bled and the Julian Alps on a daytrip.
Have you ever stayed in a former prison? Well, you can in Ljubljana. The Hostel Celica has several dorms, double and single rooms that are located in actual prison cells.
Lake Bled, the castle and a traditional Pletna boat (Image credit: Clemens Sehi)
The Slovenian Alps Around Lake Bled
When I recently visited Lake Bled and the surrounding Julian Alps region, I was amazed that I hadn’t heard more recommendations before to visit this stunning region. Sure, I’d heard about Lake Bled, the small lake with the even smaller island, topped with an historic church.
But after spending five days at Lake Bled during early autumn, I can’t stop telling people that they have to get to the often-overlooked Slovenia and this beautiful region.
While this is an alpine region, the standout attractions for me were all about water: whether it was the pristine lakes, the crystal clear rivers or the powerful waterfalls. And as I visited in early autumn, the blue-green waters were prettily complimented by the gradual burnishing of the endless forests.
The easiest spot to base yourself is in Lake Bled, itself, with its wide range of accommodation and dining options, if you don’t mind the busloads of day-trippers.
But ideally have a car so that you can take beautiful day trips to locations like the nearby Vintgar Gorge, the quieter Lake Bohinj, across Vrsic Pass and through the Soca River valley, also home to the pretty Virje Waterfall.
– by Shandos Cleaver at Travelnuity and on social media at
The Virje Waterfall (Photo credit: Shandos Cleaver)
Kranjska Gora
Most people choose Lake Bled as their spot to visit in Slovenia, but there is so much more to Slovenia than just Bled. We stayed in a town called Kranjska Gora, around the corner from Bled just on the outside of Triglav National Park.
Our Airbnb had a balcony with an incredible view of the mountains, the Julian Alps being a part of that. From our spot in Kranjska Gora, we were able to drive to a town called Ratece to do a hike up Tromeja, which takes you the top of mountain in the midst of the Julian Alps where you find yourself in Slovenia, Italy and Austria, all at once.
Another day was spent driving around Triglav National Park to a town called Bovec, where we were able to skydive with views over the Julian Alps.
There is so much more to do in the area, between hiking, white water rafting, and I am sure in the winter the skiing would be phenomenal, I wouldn’t be surprised if this area becomes more of a hotspot than Lake Bled has been.
Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps, Slovenia (Photo credit: Sara Alexis)
Triglav, Slovenia
Triglav, Slovenia’s only national park, is named for Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Located in northwest Slovenia, the park offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain range. Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in Slovenia, and locals and visitors alike can experience the rich scenery of the Alps via Triglav’s many hiking trails.
Walking in Slovenia ranges from easy day hikes through mountain meadows to strenuous multi-day hikes up various summits. With walking holidays in the Alps, travellers of all ages and abilities can take in the beauty of the park. Mountain biking and alpine skiing are also popular park activities.
Pokljuka Plateau is the starting point of many popular treks, but also a destination in itself. Directly by accessible by car from nearby Bohinj or Bled (I highly recommend Bled’s Penzion Mayer for both lodging and dining), a short walk to the plateau’s Uskovnica alpine meadow reveals old shepherd’s huts and a tiny church set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
For those with only a couple of hours, a walk around this old village to take in the spectacular views of the Julian Alps is the way to go. For those seeking more adventure, bring your tent and start your summit to the Mount Triglav peak right here.
– by Mary Beth Charles who writes at MBSees and on social media at
Our Lady Queen of Peace chapel in the Uskovnica Alpine Meadow, Pokljuka Plateau, Triglav National Park (Photo credit: Mary Beth Charles)
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As an American expat raising half-British children in England, I was curious about the list of Britain’s ultimate happy places on vacation when I saw it. After all, was I doing a good enough job making sure they felt British? I was pretty sure I was doing a good job on making them feel American but ideally I want them to appreciate all their cultural heritages. I have to agree with some of these choices for the best-loved British getaways in the UK. As for the places I haven’t visited, I will have to check them out (for thoroughness in research of course!).
What the British love most about vacations in Britain
The 30 Best Things To Do in Britain
Our score for the best things to do in Britain came in 10 out of 30 and that was stretching the very specific listing somewhat.
For example, we didn’t have a Cornish pasty in St Ives but we did have one in Padstow which is still Cornwall. In my books, that counts as a win! By the way, you have to have a Cornish pasty in Cornwall because the pastys they sell elsewhere in Britain are simply not as good.
We have also walked our dog on the Norfolk beaches, if not specifically Holkham Bay. We have watched the surfers in North Devon and Cornwall although my kids refused to surf themselves. Not even in a wetsuit were they going into that cold Atlantic water. Their American genetic half says surfing is a warm water activity best suited for California and Hawaii.
Surfers in North Devon. Note the full wetsuit.
Taking an open top bus tour in London is a great way to see the city. I was lucky enough to have my experience in an old-fashioned Victorian omnibus.
Many of these must-do items were in Devon and Cornwall which my kid love. We’ve spent lots of time there also because that’s where my husband grew up and still has some family. We have also spent lots of time in parts of England and Wales which are easy weekend driving distance of London.
Beautiful Lynmouth in Exmoor National Park in Devon
The Most Popular Getaways in the UK
We have, however, explored 2 out of the 4 most popular holiday destinations in Britain. A cool 50% score on getaways in the UK! Yay, us!
What have I learned from checking out the most popular holiday destinations in Britain? I really need to travel to the north of Britain more. The south of the U.K. is just such an easy short break for us as a family.
We love taking our dog on holiday which is pretty easy if we stay in the UK
Now that my son is really getting into hiking and camping, I’m sure we will visit the Lake District soon. I’ve been to the Scottish Highlands years ago but have never taken the children.
If Onlys For A British Summer
We would do more road trips in the United Kingdom, if only I was guaranteed of sunshine. I agree with the people who say that there is no place like Britain if you could guarantee the weather.
A British summer’s day is glorious! There is hardly any humidity, no pesky bugs and no pervasive smell of mosquito repellent. The daylight hours stretch from early morning until late into the evening.
In 2017, we had great weather in June and it rained way too much in August. In early October, it felt like spring again with everyone ditching their coats. It’s like Mother Nature just spins a giant British Summer Wheel every year and it lands where it lands.
I’m not sure I agree with the costings on how much a holiday abroad costs versus holidays in the UK. Sure, you can avoid the cost of air plane tickets. If you take a flight on low cost airlines though, a plane ticket abroad can work out as cheap as the cost of fuel for driving. And, you get guaranteed sunshine especially in places like the South of France or Spain.
The real savings though would be on accommodation, especially in London, if you avoided the hotels. In London, you have serviced apartments available through companies like SACO. I’m all for living like a local but I’ve had mixed experiences on AirBnB so I prefer using companies that have strict quality control measures in place. In the British countryside we have rented houses (or borrowed friends’ second homes) and that has saved us a lot of money.
Must Do Activities on a British Vacation
We have done 9/10 must do activities on a British. A cool 90%! Now, that a score that the sleeping Tiger Mom in me feels more comfortable relating.
We have enjoyed the pleasures of a good pub lunch, eating a cream tea and relaxing on a deck chair.
A proper Devon cream tea with fresh clotted cream.
The only thing we haven’t done is go paddling. Sorry that water is too cold even on a nice hot day for me to take the risk of getting wet. The kids can do that one alone.
If you’ve been to Britain, how many of these quintessentially British things have you experienced?
I was happy to provide SACO my opinions on this research and this post is in a collaboration with them. All opinions, of course, remain my own.
Welcome! My family and I love to travel, to learn more about different countries and to experience new cultures. We also like our nice hotels, good food and other comforts. Join us on our adventures!
