Brunel's ss Great Britain

Imagine stepping back in time, on board the world's first great ocean liner, Brunel's ss Great Britain, in Bristol's historic Harbourside.

Be amazed by the sumptuous surrounds of the First Class Dining Saloon, once admired by Queen Victoria!

Scramble into the cramped bunks in Steerage! Take a whiff of the smells, from gorgeous freshly baked bread to vomit, and search out the talking toilet!

Discover the true story of Victorian passengers and crew on a super-speedy two-month voyage to Australia (twice as fast as a sailing ship!).

This iconic steam ship, and national treasure, was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and lies at the heart of a multi award-winning visitor attraction.

Explore under water, below the beautiful and amazing glass sea. Test your skills with interactive displays. Investigate the Riggers' Yard and the Great Western Dockyard.

A choice of audio companions is included in admission, for visitors to travel First Class, Steerage, with a Maritime Archaeologist, or there is Sinbad the Ship's Cat for children. French and German adult and children tours are also available.

Check out the special deals for families and grandparent families. Family tickets include two adults and two or three children. Under fives go free.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864.

Work actually began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties, and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned. Brunel died aged only 53 in 1859, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial. Designed in the early 19th century for light horse drawn traffic, it still meets the demands of 21st century commuter with 11-12,000 vehicles crossing it every day.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining symbol of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond.

What's more, a Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre can be found on the Leigh Woods side of the Bridge, which opens daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Snowdonia

Snowdonia - Deep Glacial Valleys and Some of the Oldest Rocks on Earth

Fossil shell fragments found on the top of Mt Snowdon are the remains of life on a seabed, 500 million years ago. Successive ice ages shaped the mountains of Snowdonia National Park, in North Wales, grinding smooth their profiles. Surprisingly, these mountains are not particularly high -- Mt. Snowdon, the highest peak in the range, is only 3,560 feet. But there is an undeniable presence in the way their brooding bulk hangs over wide, U-shaped valleys.

This is terrific country for mountain walks and gentler leisure walks as well as riding, cycling and pony trekking. It is also among the most dramatic landscapes in the UK and has the most rapidly changing weather.

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall - The Northern Border of the Roman Empire

As the Roman Empire began to crumble, the Romans built a defensive wall, across the North of Britain, from Carlisle to Newcastle-on-Tyne, to keep out Picts, invading from Scotland. No one knows how long it might have held because troubles in the rest of Europe drew the Romans away from this northern most reach of their Empire.

Today, remnants of the wall can be found for about 73 miles - a lot of those remnants forming stone fences, stone barns and the cobbles in stable courtyards.

Excavations at Vindolanda, a fort and village on Hadrian's Wall, provide a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Roman legion at the edge of the empire. Exhibitions at Vindolanda and the nearby Roman Army Museum include poignant evidence of the Roman soldier's life in Britain. Included are rare letters home, written in ink on wood, asking for warm clothing and socks.

Stratford on Avon - Shakespeare's Home Town

Going to Stratford on Avon may seem like something of cliché but so what? Don't be a travel snob - there's a lot to enjoy.

According to my British friends, the best place to find Americans in the UK is Stratford-upon-Avon. It's all right for them to be a bit ironic. They're completely immersed in Shakespeareana from a very early age -- even when they don't know it.

For the rest of us, visiting the birthplace of the man considered by many to be the greatest writer the English language has ever produced, is a terrific day out, about two and a half hours - by train or car - northwest of London.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle - An Ancient Fortress in the Heart of a City

High up on what is believed to be an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the city for almost 1,000 years. The landmark is visible from almost anywhere in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle has had many uses over the years. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Edinburgh Castle was a prison for sailors. Some incarcerated in the dungeons of Edinburgh Castle, who left graffitti on their prison walls, sailed with John Paul Jones, founder of the US Navy.

More than a million people a year visit Edinburgh Castle, thousands to attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a colorful pageant of the Scottish regiments, complete with bagpipes, tartans and lots of horses, held every August.

Grand Canyon, AZ

The canyon is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the USA and possibly in the world. The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona.

It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park one of the first national parks in the United States. Tourists have arrived at a much quicker rate since the canyon achieved National Park status in 1919.

A horseshoe-shaped glass Skywalk, opened in 2007, allows the nearly 4.5 million visitors a chance to experience vertigo.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach is a legendary tourist zone on the south shore of Oahu in Hawaii. This iconic Hawaiian tourist destination, on the edge of the Honolulu neighborhood that shares is name, offers splendid views of the volcanic cone, Diamond Head.

With its droves of tourists, it also made Forbes Traveler’s list of over-hyped beaches. Upwards of 4.5 million sunbathers try to relax on its sands each year.

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Temple Square is the most popular tourist attraction in the state with five million annual visitors. This ten-acre block located in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City is Utah’s number one tourist attraction.

The Mormon church’s headquarters are here, but Temple Square is more than just a destination for Latter Day Saints.

San Antonio River Walk, Texas

The Riverwalk is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Texas and the greater San Antonio area has a world of fun and exciting things to do and see.

The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del Río) is a network of walkways around the San Antonio River, linking several major attractions one story beneath downtown San Antonio, Texas. Lined by bars, shops and restaurants.

The River Walk proclaims itself the “Number One entertainment destination in Texas,” with 5.1 million visitors a year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tenn./N.C.

America’s most visited national park is neither the Grand Canyon nor Yosemite. The natural beauty and the four distinct seasons enjoyed in the GSMNP is unmatched!

With more than 800 miles of protected trails, this natural wonder hosted nearly 10 million hikers, birders and drivers last year.

Times Square, New York City.

Times Square, the most bustling square of New York, is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and super signs.

Times Square has all sorts of fun, exciting and informative tours to explore other parts of the city. You can Choose from walking, bike, bus, food, limo, TV, landmark, ethnic or water tours.

Times Square Alliance estimates an average of more than 2,000 pedestrians traversing a block of 7th Avenue during a 15-minute weekday period.

Flambards

Flambards / United Kingdom   

       

    

     Whilst in St. Ives with or without children Flambards is a great place to visit. Flambards offers lots of great activities for children, teenagers and adults alike, the Flambard gardens are a perfect example of this they are not specifically aimed at one age set sometimes aiming to interest people of different age sets can be disastrous but I believe they have done very well and that it is truly a great place to visit no matter your age. This is not all Flambard’s has to offer they are also hosts to a wide variety of events like meet and greets, shows and firework displays. They quite regularly hold firework displays which cost around £10 per person to enter but is well worth the entrance fee because they often have several events running at once. They also offer a private hire service and is growing as one of the best places for any type of function and they try their best to adapt to meet any criteria you may require, such as being able to accommodate for music concerts, company product launches, corporate events and even weddings. 

   

    Flambard’s also offer a choice to incorporate other outside facilities into the private hire option. Flambard’s Victorian village is a great place to study for all ages, the historical accuracy of the Victorian exhibitions is second to none and so realistic that it would most likely be the closest you could get to seeing a real Victorian street, because of this Flambard’s offer to accommodate for school field trips and is a very popular choice for schools in the local area. Because of all the great events which Flambard’s host when in St. Ives it is a great and cheap day out and educational as well.

Paradise Park

Paradise Park / United Kingdom

     The Paradise park Which lies in St. Ives Cornwall was founded in 1973 by mike Reynolds who wanted a place to house all of the birds he had collected, for the first few years of the parks opening it was only home to a few different type of birds mainly being parrots, it was during this time that the World Parrot trust which now actively operates from the park was founded. The World Parrot trust which is a charitable organisation with the main aim being the welfare of parrots but also works closely with other charities which are involved in birds. Paradise Park is now a hub for many different species of birds as well as other types of animals altogether such as owls, birds of prey, penguins, otters, patters and lots of other farm animals. The park offers a set daily event time table which is orientated around feeding times so that visitors if they choose can watch every animal being fed. The park has a gift shop which sells the general items you would expect but they are mainly wildlife themed. Prices to enter the park start at £5 for seniors £5.25 for children and disabled and £6.50 for adults though you can get discounts if you advance book, school trips are extremely popular and have to be booked a full 6 months in advance to make secure they can secure you a date. The Paradise park is a great day out and is very cheap for what is offered it is well worth a visit if your visiting St. Ives.

Lands End

     Land’s End is the most westerly point in Britain, it also one of the most well known and loved landmarks in Britain, its famous for its location and dramatic sceneries. Its main attractions is its unique location a short walk from the main complex in either direction along the coast will stun you with its natural beauty. There is a lot to offer at land’s end be it exploring the cliff tops, the natural beauty of the area or more modern attractions. for younger people there are also attractions such as the end to end story this is a free attraction and is an exhibition devoted to those who have finished the journey from land’s and to john O’Groats, or vice versa, which became known as the end to end. People take up this challenge in many different varieties some athletes attempt the journey as a marathon but others do it for charity in the most unusual way they can think of. At land’s end they also hold several fund raising events each year such as in 2010 when they had a pirate day event this had a massive turn out and was the first of its kind at land’s end which raised over 2000 pounds for St. Julia’s hospice appeal, There are several of these fund raising events each year and most are free to attend. In all land’s end is a great place to visit while in St. Ives and will exceed your expectations.

Eden Project

Eden Project / United Kingdom

The Eden Project is situated inside Cornwall, St. Ives The location of the site was originally a clay mine, since then the Eden Project have turned it into a global garden which inspires thousands of people. For this reason people travel from all corners of the globe just to visit the Eden Project and what it has to offer. It is one of the most famous places of its type in the entire world. The Eden Project is a great place to visit if you have any interest in nature full stop, but if you are in St. Ives it is a must see the gardens inspire thousands of people every year. This is not all that the Eden Project has to offer though, it is also a great place for children, students and adults alike to learn about and become more involved with nature, the Eden Project is also doing active valuable research into plants and conservation. The Eden Project is also host to several different events such as art exhibitions, music events and a theatre. As well as achieving all of this the Eden Project still manages to be green and as such is on the forefront of green technologies and innovations and in doing so tries to be as green as possible. In Essence the Eden Project is worth visiting even if your not near St. Ives, but if you are visiting St. Ives it is well worth planning a day to spend at the Eden Project as it will not disappoint!

St Michaels Mount

St Michaels Mount, United Kingdom

   St Michaels mount was originally a harbour, Which thrived in the booming tin industry which existed over two thousand years ago. Traders sailed to St. Michaels mount’s harbour and exported Cornish tin to the rest of Europe. When the tin industry began its decline religion took hold of the mount and by the sixth century AD it is widely believed that the mount had already become a religious centre. The church on the summit of the mount was built by the French abbot, Bernard Le Bec, because of this the mount became a big pilgrimage destination. Despite the usual peaceful nature of the mount it has survived and withstood several sieges and battles throughout the years.

   One of the most memorable sieges was that of the English civil war and between 1642 and 1646 royalists valiantly held the mount against the forces of Oliver Cromwell. Although hundreds of years have passed the legacy of the mount more than lives on today, most of the buildings still remain as they did hundreds of years ago, because of this there are a lot of tours and guides to choose from to best suit what you want from exploring the mount. History is not all that the mount has to offer it has a sub-tropical climate which is perfect for many outdoors activities available on the island such as music events which are quite frequently on the village green. St. Michaels mount is also host to several great restaurants, cafes and pubs. While in St. Ives St. Michaels mount is a great place for the entire family to visit.

Mevagissey

Mevagissey, United Kingdom

Mevagissey - a magical place for your holiday. A traditional Cornish fishing village, where you can wander the narrow alleyways,

browse gift shops and art galleries, try the local ale in one of the many pubs, have a fine dinner in one of the excellent restaurants

and finally walk around the moon-lit harbour. The perfect setting for a perfect Cornish holiday.

St Ives

St Ives, United Kingdom

   St Ives, Cornwall is a small town in the far west of the county. Though originally a fishing village, it has for the last 150 years become both a popular holiday destination and an internationally renowned school of painting.

The town and the surrounding area has a wide selection of holiday homes and cottages, self-catering flats, numerous hotels both large and small, plus an excellent selection of bed and breakfast accommodation.

There is a good choice of camping, touring and holiday parks.You are never more than ten to fifteen minutes from a beach in this part of the county.

Latterly it has become a popular destination to celebrate New Year's Eve in fancy dress.

 

   A thriving art community since the late 19th century and now home to a branch of the Tate Gallery. For the art lover it provides an art holiday destination which really delivers.

This ancient fishing town has a good selection of restaurants and a modest night life. Fun filled and interesting days out for all the family are close by, plus great beaches right on your doorstep. St Ives encompasses all you could want for a family holiday or simply a relaxing short break.

Queenstown, New Zealand

     Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown is recognised internationally as New Zealand's premier visitor destination. This resort town boasts a range of activities second to none, all within easy reach of the compact town centre.

Queenstown is sometimes called the action capital of the world and the title is justified when you consider the concentration of adrenalin activities on offer and the fact that some of them originate in New Zealand such as bungee jumping and jet boating. In addition there is parapenting, white water rafting, hiking ,four wheel drive treks, scenic flights,and a host of other activities. Queenstown's most popular pastime however is skiing. There are a number of world class ski fields that operate during the northern hemisphere's summer.

     Queenstown also has a fine range of shops and restaurants as well as an abundance of tour operators and travel agents. It is easy to book any of the exciting adventures on offer here and the surrounding area. One trip that comes highly recommended is a sightseeing flight or drive through nearby Fiordland National Park. The scenery is absolutely stunning in this huge World Heritage area.

     Queenstown is also the world's southernmost wine and cuisine centre and is famous for its Pinot noir which fetches premium prices.