Holiday Thread

[eumenides]

Over the bank holiday weekend I'm planning to visit Bath, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas. what do you guys recommend to see/do here and does anyone have any tips on getting discounts on the Roman Baths and other places in the area with an entrance fee? Thank you!

Whilst in Shaftesbury you could visit Gold Hill, made famous by Ridley Scott's Hovis advert. There is also a very nice tea place at the top of the hill (which essentially leads to the High Street - turn left and there should be a big sign for King Alfred's Kitchen - the Dorset apple cake was particularly splendid when I was there earlier this year).

I'm sure you'll be inundated with suggestions for Bath; the Roman Baths, the rooftop Thermae Bath Spa which is a little luxury etc. We pa*d top whack as we're not locals but if you're staying with someone who is this might be worth a look: http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/visiting/ad ... _card.aspx

Free things include looking at the Royal Crescent and having a stroll on the green, the Pulteney bridge and checking out the famous architecture and Bath stone buildings. Food-wise we love Demuths but if you're feeling carnivorous best look elsewhere.

Have a great trip and don't forget to wear your Jane Austen bonnet !

[canadian_turtle]

Thanks for all the helpful info eumenides! Now to find someone who lives in Bath, hmmm.... Anyone reading this perhaps?

[Diane65]

Thanks for all the helpful info eumenides! Now to find someone who lives in Bath, hmmm.... Anyone reading this perhaps?

You have both inspired me and Bath has been on my wish list for ages. I just need to make it happen.

Just spent last weekend on a short break to Lille. It is such a pretty city but make sure you do your homework before you go otherwise you would miss out on so much. I took the 5:25 train from Manchester to Euston then a gentle stroll over to St.Pancras for the Eurostar and was in the heart of Lille by 10:30 UK time and the time just flew by. We spent the morning just wandering around the local shops before taking a train over to Ghent where we had time just wandering around the streets admiring the stunning Flemish architecture plus it still has the Count's Castle in the heart of the City. It is about a 30 minute walk from the train station which I wasn't aware of and initially thought that I had got off the wrong stop as it was so quiet almost like a ghost town but it is well worth a visit for half a day as the atmosphere in the heart of the city is buzzing but gentle, the walk back to the train was lovely after having a rather large meal
On the Sunday we headed off for the https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... 0085,d.d2k which is simply brilliant if you can cope with crowds its fabulous you really can b*y anything there, I got some pretty pink sandals for 5 Euro and they are so comfy I have no idea why I didn't b*y a second pair - I wrongly assumed as they were cheap they would fall apart after 1 wear then I found the most stunning tablecloths ever one for the garden and one for my kitchen, the garden one has fabulous chunky fabric hearts as weights at the corners After the market we had a stroll to https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... 0085,d.d2k which is just beautiful and our favourite part was in the basement where they relief town plans from 200 years ago which were just amazing to see how our towns have changed over the years - the art work on the other floors were amazing including the famous Houses of Parliament by
Monet. After luch we took the metro to Roubaix to see the wonderful https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... ,d.d2k.The art inside was very pretty but I was taken back with the building it is just so so different. Forgot to mention both these galleries/museums were free as it was the first Sunday in the month plus the metro was only 3 Euro return to Roubaix plus 17 Euro return to Ghent. After a leasurely sandwich in our hotel room we went for a stroll to https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=The+g ... d=0CGgQsAQ followed by a walk around the old town which was just so cute and on our way back we encountered an enclosed courtyard with music playing only to discover it was being used as a dance hall and I was totally mesmerised watching everyone doing the Tango - outside in the main square there were instructors with bright yellow jackets teaching people to dance which was just wonderful.
We had a bit of a late start on Monday so after breakfast we went for a bit of retail therapy, I got a lovely black dress for 15 Euro I thought that it was going to be such an expensive place but it certainly is very affordable (English equivalent would be about £40). We then went over to The Vauban Garden to have a picnic lunch followed by a visit to the free zoo and the Citadel, we had an early dinner in the heart of Lille before heading off for the Eurostar back to London where we met prettyxcool and Canadian_turtle for coffee and cakes in the St Pancras hotel which was just perfect before catching our train back to Manchester. The return train from Manchester to Euston inculding the Eurostar to Lille and 2 nights bed and breakfast was £130 each - I'm only mentioning the price of things in case anyone was thinking of going and working out budgets.

[Diane65]

Had a wonderful 4 days in Venice last week and it is not expensive so don't let that put you off (I was expecting to run out of money very quickly but it is very affordable). Spent the first day just meandering around Venice itself what a lovely place and very easy to get lost in (in a good way) it felt so intimate somehow even going into the shops was just warm and welcoming, not pushy at all I almost felt that I was in a friend's house trying things (it really does work if it is a strategy as I went away and had a think but did about all the items and returned on my last day to make my purchases). Had a lovely artichoke pizza sat outside at cute little restaurant near to my hotel (i'm only mentioning this then letting you know what I spent in all for transport etc to see how affordable it was).

The second day on the recommendation of TheDude we went visiting the islands of Murano, Burano, Torcelo and The Lido all done in a day with an 18 euro vaporetto day ticket. We firstly went to Murano which is almost like a mini Venice so cute and gentle and of course the home of Murano glass (I got some beautiful earrings there), you can watch the glass making in action but don't go to the one as soon as you get of the boat as they are very pushy there. On the vaporetto there are the same boats which go clockwise as well as anti-clockwise so unless you want to spend almost an hour going the wrong way around Venice instead of a 15 minute journey make sure you get on the right one (only someone a bit dim would do that ). Then we headed off to the picturesque island of Burano which is famous for lace making, the old ladies are actually sewing (or whatever the art of making lace is called) in the shops (I got a lovely tissue box cover which I have been after for ages) and she was finishing it off while we were there. The island is made up of small brightly coloured houses
almost like a cross between Beaumaris and Murano and you really got the sense of a true community where everybody is friends with everybody else (like the good old days). We then headed off for the island of Torcello which is as said sparsely populated and quiet island, there isn't much to see here apart from a very old church and feeling that most people there live a simple self sufficient life (I have always wanted to be that type of person but I'm too much of a fidget and actually enjoy the ratrace). In saying that it dead have a feeling of peace there but watch out for the vaporettos as quite often only one an hour so a long wait if you miss it. We then finished our island hopping in The Lido which is a seaside resort and where the film festivals are held, it had a completely different atmosphere on here almost holiday resort type buzz about the place and I did have a paddle in the sea, it was getting dark so not many of us about then finished the day on the boat in the dark which felt almost magical even though it is the public bus sailing back to Venice being lit up at night. We had our eveing meal beside one of the smaller canals where I had the most delicious lasagne that you can only get from Italy.

The next day we took the train to Verona which is just as beautiful as you imagine it to be and although it is crowded around Juliettes balcony (I know its not real but it felt like a special place) it didn't spoil the atmosphere, the train journey was lovely seeing the scenery change from the city scene, through the wonderful countryside with the back drop of what I think are the Italian Dolomites (I could be wrong here) to the breathtaking hills of Verona and I couldn't resist having another pizza in the main circle which once again was delicious and very rustic. We just meandered around the streets here and across the river but well worth a visit.

Our last day we spent around Venice where I treated myself to 2 beautiful leather handbags one is perfect for city breaks and the other for popping out for a coffee, in the UK they would be at least 3 times the price I pa*d. Just in case anyone is thinking of going per person on meals out, ice creams, any snacks and travel including to and from the airport, the vaporetto, the train tickets to Verona basically everything apart from my presents we spend 110 euro each.

[Diane65]

Has anyone been to Marrakech? Looking to book a holiday for early March, it will just be myself and 2 girlfriends so want somewhere safe. We want to visit https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... 7100,d.d2k, the markets and generally experience a very different culture. Also are there certain dress codes? I would hate to appear disrespectful over there (I don't wear skimpy clothes or anything like that ). Any tips would be appreciated re accomodation, places to visit etc. Thanks so much

[lovesitx]

Has anyone been to Marrakech? Looking to book a holiday for early March, it will just be myself and 2 girlfriends so want somewhere safe. We want to visit https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... 7100,d.d2k, the markets and generally experience a very different culture. Also are there certain dress codes? I would hate to appear disrespectful over there (I don't wear skimpy clothes or anything like that ). Any tips would be appreciated re accomodation, places to visit etc. Thanks so much

I went to Agadir at the start of September and we did a trip to Marrakesh. I can't really advise on accommodation but the city itself is wonderful. I came away wishing I had spent my full weeks holiday because Agadir was really not what I was wanting from a holiday in Morocco. Again I'm a bit useless re things to see other than the markets, we went to a palace and an old koran school which were nice but I wouldn't say they were must see's. From people we talked too though the Atlas Mountains just outside Marrakesh are supposed to be incredible, the views are to die for and I think you also go visit a traditional berber village house to see how they live up there. Also seeing as though you are going with your girlfriends definitely treat yourselves to a Moroccan Hammam/Argan Oil Massage

The markets though were amazing. So huge!! A lot of the stalls were selling similar sorts of things but you can still wander around for hours and hours and be fascinated. If you want to b*y anything though haggle haggle haggle because the prices they give you at the start are ridiculous. We were told you offer them a quarter of the asking price and work your way up the half the price they offer max. At night though, wow, what a place. The main square is totally transformed into something amazing, all these eateries pop up with great looking food. You have the snake charmers. Guys with monkeys (I really hate this though ). Then there all the performers, dancers, story tellers etc

As for the dress code, just wear whatever you feel comfortable in (it can get hot hot hot!). I was in a vest top and shorts but didn't feel underdressed or disrespectful in anyway. I'd took something with me to cover up on top more if needed but it wasn't. I guess it'd only be an issue if you wanted to visit somewhere like a mosque then you'd definitely need to cover your shoulders/the tops of your arms and have nothing above the knee.

I'd say it was very safe too. Last year I went to Turkey where I found that a lot of the men at times could be leary toward girls/women on their own so I was expecting a similar situation here but I was with my family who were all female apart from my 16 year old cousin and the worst we got was someone jokingly offering to b*y me and another cousin for 500 camels. If they try to sell you something or ask you something all you have to do is say no thank you and that's that they'll go back about their business.

Another thing to note, Morocco has a closed currency so you can only change your money when you get there but there are exchange places all over. The only thing I'd say about this is change a little bit at a time rather than all at once because the only place you can change dirhams back to £'s is at the airport and they will give you a reaaaallllyyy bad exchange rate so it's better to spend up if you can.

Sorry for rambling on but I really loved the city and I am dying to back on a city break myself.

[Diane65]

Thank you so so much for this lovestix. It sounds like one amazing place and you are certainly not rambling just reading this has got me so excited. I love the idea of massages with argon oil/hamman that will definitely be on the agenda. You have certainly given me the buzz for the place it sounds so vibrant and thanks for the tips re clothes etc as one of my friends had the idea that we would have to dress like something out of Laurence of Arabia (I do actually like that type of clothing but would look a berk at Manchester airport ). I had no idea re currency either so thanks for the tip Now just booked in http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revi ... egion.html so can't wait Just in case anyone is thinking of a trip and working out finances we are going Saturday to Thursday in March and it has cost £302 for bed and breakfast including flights and luggage from Manchester.

[Tink1987]

Thank you so so much for this lovestix. It sounds like one amazing place and you are certainly not rambling just reading this has got me so excited. I love the idea of massages with argon oil/hamman that will definitely be on the agenda. You have certainly given me the buzz for the place it sounds so vibrant and thanks for the tips re clothes etc as one of my friends had the idea that we would have to dress like something out of Laurence of Arabia (I do actually like that type of clothing but would look a berk at Manchester airport ). I had no idea re currency either so thanks for the tip Now just booked in http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revi ... egion.html so can't wait Just in case anyone is thinking of a trip and working out finances we are going Saturday to Thursday in March and it has cost £302 for bed and breakfast including flights and luggage from Manchester.

Hi, we have also visited Marrakech, it is a wonderful city. We went the last week in April, back in 2010 and the weather was perfect, lovely and sunny but not overly hot. WE stayed at one of the Riu hotels, all inclusive that had a free shuttle service to the souks. One of our favourite holidays, we do keep meaning to go back as we only did the souks in the day and not on the nights where it seems to be a whole different ball game. b*ght so many beautiful homewares and had fun haggling. Some of the best food I have ever tried as well and the people were just so so friendly.

[Diane65]

Thank you so so much for this lovestix. It sounds like one amazing place and you are certainly not rambling just reading this has got me so excited. I love the idea of massages with argon oil/hamman that will definitely be on the agenda. You have certainly given me the buzz for the place it sounds so vibrant and thanks for the tips re clothes etc as one of my friends had the idea that we would have to dress like something out of Laurence of Arabia (I do actually like that type of clothing but would look a berk at Manchester airport ). I had no idea re currency either so thanks for the tip Now just booked in http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Revi ... egion.html so can't wait Just in case anyone is thinking of a trip and working out finances we are going Saturday to Thursday in March and it has cost £302 for bed and breakfast including flights and luggage from Manchester.

Hi, we have also visited Marrakech, it is a wonderful city. We went the last week in April, back in 2010 and the weather was perfect, lovely and sunny but not overly hot. WE stayed at one of the Riu hotels, all inclusive that had a free shuttle service to the souks. One of our favourite holidays, we do keep meaning to go back as we only did the souks in the day and not on the nights where it seems to be a whole different ball game. b*ght so many beautiful homewares and had fun haggling. Some of the best food I have ever tried as well and the people were just so so friendly.

Thanks Tink1987 you are certainly adding to my excitement. I do love trying different food and as for b*ying homewares I'll want to b*y so much so will have to get saving

[zildjian]

Im just back from Berlin, and all i can say is that it was probably in my top 3 holidays easily. The tour of the disused Templehof airport was incredible. Also went to see Paramore which was good. I like to try and go to a gig wherever i go on holiday.