Best Activity Weekends

Cardiff is the capital and the largest city and county in Wales. In recent years it has grown in stature as a tourist destination. It was recently voted the eighth favourite UK city by readers of the Guardian, listed as one of the top 10 destinations in the UK on the official British tourist boards’ website Visit Britain and US travel guide Frommers listed it as one of the top 13 destinations worldwide for 2008. Cardiff is a beautiful developing city and an ideal destination to take a short break.

What Activities

Sailing, Canoeing, Power Boating, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Caving, Horse Riding, Cycling and loads more.

Where to go?

Cardiff Bay

http://www.cardiffbay.co.uk/

Cardiff Bay is Europe’s largest waterfront development and has a variety of leisure activities which are available both on and off the water. The bay is home to loads of attractions, shops, hotels and restaurants, so there’s plenty to do for everyone. A number of boat tours also depart from the bay and allow you to explore the coast of Southampton from the water. The website guides you to the services and attractions that are available in and around the bay.

The Brecon Beacons National Park

http://www.breconbeacons.org/

The Brecon Beacons is a beautiful National Park in Cardiff with a gorgeous landscape, canal paths, castles and plenty of family friendly attractions. There’s plenty to do for everyone with lots of old castles and museums to explore. Also, the vast landscape and several waterways provide a great adventure playground for all and several businesses run activity sessions throughout the national park. This is the perfect place to go if you want to explore the outdoors whilst having fun. The website provides you with information about things to do, accommodation and the environment in and around the Beacons making the planning of your trip a lot easier.

The Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort

http://www.vale-hotel.com/

This is a luxury resort with a four star hotel, spa and golf academy. There are two 18 hole golf courses, several putting greens, top professional coaches, a pro shop and computer technology which allows you to use video analysis and swing check. The fantastic spa has the most up to date facilities and offers treatments for all over the body ranging from simple facials and manicures to full body massages and Electrolysis. The resort also has a health and racquets club with a state of the art gym with very latest computer-aided fitness equipment, a luxury 20 metre indoor pool fitness studios, plus squash and tennis courts, sauna, steam rooms and a whirlpool bath.

The Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

http://www.adventurecardiff.com

At the Cardiff Adventure Centre both tourists and local residents can enjoy a variety of water based activities and adrenalin sports including power boating, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, climbing and sailing. They run several courses including a multi activity day which allows you to take part in a mixture of activities all in one day. The website gives you directions to the centre, lists the courses that they run, guides you through the booking process and provides an overview of the weather in the area. If you’re interested in taking part in outdoor activities, this could be a good place to visit.

Walk or Bike Wales

http://www.walkorbikewales.com/

Walk or Bike Wales offers high quality getaways in the Brecon Beacons and across the border in England.
Walk Offa’s Dyke, The Wye Valley, The Beacons Way, Pembrokshire Coast Path, visit the Black Mountains and the Llantony Valley.
Ride some of the fantastic road and mountain bike trails across the Brecon Beacons and Wales. Routes to suite all, the 4 Castle Ride, Lon Las Cymru Holyhead to Cardiff or Chepstow, The Sarn Helen Trail (longest off road route in Wales.

The Red Dragon Centre

http://www.thereddragoncentre.co.uk

Located in the middle of Cardiff Bay, the Red Dragon Centre offers a range of leisure and entertainment venues all in one place. Among the venues at the centre are an Odeon cinema, Hollywood Bowl and Casino, as well as a large number of bars and restaurants. The centre also has its own radio station, Doctor Who exhibition and Cadwaladers ice cream bar. The wide range of venues at the centre makes it a great place to visit for both adults and kids. This is the perfect place for family fun and would be a great place to spend the day.

Celtic Water Sports

http://celtic-watersports.co.uk/

Celtic Water Sports is a business which is based in Cardiff city. They provide loads of courses for several different activities and no previous experience is necessary to take part in any of their activities. They practice their activities in several locations throughout Wales, one of which is Neath Valley, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Many of the areas where the group practice are considered to be areas of outstanding natural beauty and are a great place to go to take in the beautiful scenery of Wales. The centre runs several activities such as Coasteering, river rafting, canoeing, kayaking and gorge scrambling. If you enjoy taking part in challenging water sports, this is the place to go.

Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre

http://www.bouldersclimbingcentre.co.uk

The Boulders Climbing Centre is located not far from Cardiff’s city centre and has a variety of facilities for both experienced climbers and newcomers to the sport. The centre has a number of climbing walls varying in difficulty and they also rent out climbing equipment to visitors. Competent climbers can visit the centre and climb alone under no supervision, but if you haven’t climbed before you can take a taster course to get you started and once you’ve learned the basics, you can take a number of other courses to improve your skills. So if you want to learn something new or practice climbing this would be a great place to go when you’re in Cardiff.

Barry Island Pleasure Park

http://www.barryislandpleasurepark.co.uk

Barry Island Pleasure Park is situated right on the Cardiff Seafront and is a great place to go if you’re planning on having a family day out. The park has a selection of places to eat, thriller rides, family rides and rides especially for the kids so whether you’re a thrill seeker wanting a challenge or you just want to have a family day out, the park has what you’re looking for. The park is only open at certain times of the year, from Easter through to the end of September depending on the weather so make sure that you check that it’s open on the day of your visit to avoid disappointment.

What You’ll need

You’ll need swimwear and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, you could bring your bike with you and go for a ride around the national park or the local area.

Other Useful Links

Visit Cardiff

http://www.visitcardiff.com

Visit Cardiff is the main tourist information site for the city and has an extensive amount of useful information for tourists visiting the city. The site has information about attractions, events, landmarks, where to stay and where to eat. It also has maps of the area, a business directory and information on how to get there. It has literally all of the information that a tourist would need to know when they’re planning a trip to Cardiff and will allow you to have a well planned, carefree break.

Itchy Cardiff

http://www.itchycardiff.co.uk/

Itchy Cardiff is a tourist site which keeps potential visitors to Cardiff posted about attractions, events, activities, culture and loads more that’s happening in the city. Tourists can visit this site and plan every aspect of their trip making their stay in Cardiff a lot more relaxed and care free. Itchy Cardiff is a useful resource and would prove to help make your trip to Cardiff a lot more enjoyable.

Edge of Wales Walk

Walking holidays in North Wales

A Walking Holiday in North Wales along the Llŷn Coastal Path, one of the great Celtic Trails, operated by local people offering a complete package of accommodation, local information, maps, gps, baggage transfer and transport. Enjoy the spectacular Welsh countryside on the 47 mile (75.6 km) coastal path along the Llŷn Peninsula leading to Bardsey Island or walk the whole way around the Llŷn from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, 95 miles in all.

More fun activities in & near Cardiff

Cycling in North Wales

Mountain Bike Holidays with Style

The ancient kingdom of Kernow is the furthest west you can go while remaining in England. Don’t know Kernow? It’s the old English name for today’s Cornwall, a ruggedly beautiful county in England’s Southwest. The county of Cornwall has the longest coast line in Britain, and its history is intimately tied up with the sea along that coast. Anywhere you go in Cornwall, you’ll see how today’s residents live off the sea as fishermen and so on, and also be reminded of the nautical heritage of Cornwall.

Along the coast, you’ll find smugglers’ inns, picturesque and tiny fishing villages, beaches galore placed along bays that once held a vast variety of oceanfaring schooners, gill netters, and small fishing vessels. Even today, fishing is important, but tourism is the bigger catch in today’s net. There’s much here to bring visitors back again and again: The rugged beauty of the cliffs along the north coast, tranquil coves and tree lined creeks on the south coast, and peaceful traditional farmland in between the two.

Cornwall mixes the new and the old as well. You’ll find cutting edge science such as the Eden Project in one spot, avant garde art in a gallery, or you’ll encounter a traditional working farms near ancient villages with Sunday Markets alive and well. Much of the old industry has passed, but there’s a real sense of enthusiasm for the future in Cornwall, with tourism and eco-friendly industries taking over to create a lovely English county to visit.

What activities

Sailing, Canoeing, Power Boating, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Caving, Horse Riding, Cycling and loads more.

Where to go in Cornwall

Gay Cornwall
Gay Cornwall – the complete online guide to bars, clubs, hotels, social groups, Cornwall Pride and loads more.

Kennack Diving – Learn to dive in Cornwall
Kennack Diving provides a 5 star PADI dive resort in beautiful Cornwall, where you can learn in clear and warm Gulf Stream waters.

Manually Edited Cornish Business Directory With Links, News, Weather and Information For Cornwall UK

What You’ll need

You’ll need swimwear and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Your best sailing clothes could come in handy, as well as a windbreaker as it’ll inevitable pick up during your visit.

The Hipster Capital of UK

Did anyone tell you that Newcastle-upon-Tyne was all about coal and industry? Newcastle-Upon-Tyne or otherwise referred to as Newcastle was once the lifeblood of UK’s modern civilization. Fast forward to the 20^th century, this former coal city has gone through tremendous change and has become one of UK’s superstylin’ and coolest urban centres that caters to the young, carefree and adventurous. Steeped in tradition as well as modern in development, Newcastle is a rainbow of attractions, sights, sounds, tastes and smells.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is home to the Geordies, an independent group of locals that are deep-rooted in traditions, tied together by history and distinguished by adversity and a fierce dialect with a language traced to the 1,500 year old Anglo-Saxon heritage of England. Tourists wouldn’t find a trace of coal dust in this city that is a reflection of so many characteristics with proud, hard-working people.

From a city clouded by the coal and steel industry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne has transformed itself in an elegant abode of grace and culture with it fascinating array of art displays and galleries, magnificent concert halls and a wide spectrum of fine restaurants, hotels and bars. Newcastle’s most eclectic display of modern buildings is seen through the cluttered array of its Tyne bridges. The Tyne Bridge, till today remains one of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s many attractions as is with the Newcastle Brown Ale, Newcastle United F.C and the world’s most popular half marathon- the Great North Run since 1981. To date, Newcastle is the 20^th most populous city in England and the 6^th most populous conurbation in the United Kingdom.

Dine and Wine in Newcastle

http://www.newcastleholiday.co.uk

A Hip city needs its equal amount of hot and trendy restaurants as the watering hole for those who want to see and be seen. Being and international hotspot, Newcastle is dotted with various restaurants and eateries. Apart from the usual chain outlets, Newcastle boasts an Eastern Affair with Chinatown and a slew of South East Asian restaurants serving Japanese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian and Chinese cuisine that tempt the taste buds of travellers looking for a taste of the exotic. For a more cosmopolitan venture, Marco Polo Restaurant and La Toscana offers tourists Italian and Mediterranean dishes and for a slice of France, head over to the Black Door for authentic french cuisine. Vegans and vegetarians will also find Newcastle a haven for vegetarianism as it serves up delectable cuisines in wholesome vegan through restaurants such as Simply Greek and Bob Trollop that offer vegetarian snacks, food and cuisine. When in Newcastle, taste and sample every eatery and restaurant you can.

The City through lenses of its Cinemas and Theatres

Sure you have access to all the blockbuster films in your own region, so it’s really no point going to a cinema in Newcastle. One other way to learn more about a city is through its independent cinematic art scene such as the Tyneside Cinema in the Old Town Hall in Gateshead, Newcastle. If you have been an ardent follower of the underground cinema scene in your own country, sample the art of independent films in cinema by understanding the culture of Newcastle’s population by exploring the different issues and concerns in the society. The Tyneside Cinema has long been a platform and window for world cinematic arts. Since opening its doors in 1937, the classic Tyneside Cinema building in Newcastle has been under numerous renovations to keep its historical background and heritage.

Apart from its cinemas, Newcastle also boasts popular theatres with big stage productions at the Playhouse and Theatre Royal to comedy at the Hyena Comedy Club and City Hall. The Metro Radio Arena is the largest venue in the city and hosts everything from major recording acts to dancing on ice spectaculars. The strong theatre tradition in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne ranges from the classic Christmas pantomime to Broadway musicals and large scale opera and ballet productions. About a few other private venues offer local and independent talent such as comedy with household names and lesser known lights. One of the famous venues in Newcastle is the Theatre Royal Newcastle which is home to lavish international dance, musical theatre, and plays, and the City Hall specializes in big name comedy and music. For a twist in home spun dramatic arts, the Live Theatre Company, on the Quayside, is a place to go. This is a writing company that is passionate about bringing local ideas and talent to the stage. Most tourists and visitors to Newcastle are impressed with the wide range of dramatic arts on offer and generally find a production to suit their tastes.

Explore, Dream and Discover Newcastle

Boredom never finds its way into your mind when you are in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is known for its happening nightlife and partying, which never fails to attract millions of people all around the UK. Contributing to the long list of things-to-do in Newcastle, the city’s nightlife is part of the reasons that make Newcastle sparkle.

If you want to organize a stag or hen party, then Newcastle is your destination as this place is renowned for its stag and hen parties. From the latest dance to trance music, clubs in Newcastle appeal to every taste. Digital is one of the most popular clubs in Newcastle. With its recently refurbished interior with a state of the art sound system, Digital is for those who like their clubs with the latest tracks spinning in an industrial club atmosphere. The biggest and often regarded as the best club in Newcastle is Liquid and Envy, most popular for its excellent value. The best part is that this club offers free entrance before a certain time. Liquid and Envy are known for being the host to legendary student nights and most events have drinks promotions and a range of musical styles depending on the night.

Another hotspot for nightlife is in the appropriately named club called Sea which is located in the Neptune house on the Quayside. Offering glamorous music as well as mainstream dance, this club is the place to be for a night of hard partying. Drop in the nearby Stereo Bar to be entertained with an eclectic mix of clientele as Stereo Bar is a very busy and popular bar by day and club by night.

Newcastle -The destination for infotainment

Newcastle is also a premier destination during school holidays as it boasts many museums, art galleries, theatres and annual events. Newcastle boasts many museums and galleries with free entry such as the Discovery Museum and Centre for Life. This museum offers interactive and educational displays giving a modern twist to the attractions of an ancient city. You can never be bored with history again once stepping into this museum as your eyes will soak up in awe on the information, relics and artefacts displayed. Housing a Museum of Antiquities in its city, this museum is the main centre for archaeological artefacts in the North East, detailing the prehistoric to 17th century development of the area. The mediaeval past of the city is displayed by the Castle Keep and Blackgate, and Newcastle Town Wall, and St. Mary’s and St. Nicholas’ Cathedrals are also popular historic structures worth a visit.

After feasting your eyes on historical pieces, it’s time to give your vision a taste of the metropolitan Newcastle with a bit of modern development. The Quayside, set along the banks of the River Tyne is a modern development arena that attracts visitors and residents for its popular music and arts culture as well as its famous bars and restaurants with local and scrumptious cuisine. The Quayside development is proof to a modern thriving Newcastle that seamlessly integrates its past with the future. Shopping is also a great activity to do as visitors throng places such as the Metro Shopping Centre. Known as a shopping haven the world round, Metro Shopping Centre boasts many of the world’s haute couture brands and is one of the most popular in the world.

Newcastle is place to have fun and be carefree and forget all your troubles and your worries. Soak in the sun, bask in the ambience and let all your inhibitions lose in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. This place offers the seamless balance of the old and the new, the normal and the quirky and appeals to both the young and the old. Get as personal as you can with the local culture to broaden your mind with a wealth of local knowledge and unique perspective through popular vantage points the city can offer.

We aren’t talking about Bristol Palin and neither are we talking about the other 34 places on Earth named Bristol. We’re talking about Bristol in England. There’s something about England that appeal to the majority of the population here on earth. England, London and the British Monarchy have been mentioned, used and portrayed in many, many ways through popular culture and much of Britain has been seen through the lenses of a camera, TV and even movies by people in Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro and practically everywhere people have access to communication means. Every city in England has its very own appeal and attraction and you have to be living in these cities to truly experience the culture uniqueness of it. Though that, a taste of life in these places can be experienced by short visits such as to Cambridge, Leeds, Bristol Salisbury and Manchester.

Bristol must be on your agenda

Bristol is one city that is a must-visit to anyone touring England. The city needs no expansive introductory to the outside world as the city ranks seventh as UK’s most popular destination for foreign tourists, with over nine million visitors annually. This shows that Bristol is indeed on the ‘must-visit’ list of foreigners.

Bristol is known for certain exclusive things: the thriving British Aerospace industry and the Rolls Royce. If you are a fan of the Rolls Royce, then visiting its city of birth is a must, even if you don’t own a Rolls Royce. The city of Bristol is the largest and most dynamic city in the South West of England and is home to about half a million of people compromising a colourful ethnicity from whites, blacks, Asian and other mixed races. Synonymous with luxury and prosperity, Bristol sits between Somerset and Gloucestershire with Avon and Frome as its rivers providing its population with scenic views, picturesque settings and interesting flora and fauna. A trip down to Brandon Hill Park climbing the 105-foot Cabot Tower will give visitors a truly breathtaking panoramic view. Cabot Tower was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to America.

The history of Bristol

Before all that, Bristol is a seafaring town that once was home to Port of Bristol, a thriving maritime port with rich history in shipbuilding. This city with the largest culture, employment and education in the South West region, Bristol was second after London for at least half a millennium ever since the 13th century. This city’s glory as a famous port was expertly chronicled by the Maritime Heritage Center. When Bristol is mentioned, the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Ship are associated to the city as both these attractions are designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a local legend of the city. Other must visit places in Bristol include Berkely Castle, Clevedon beach, Dyrham Park and the ever popular Weston-Super-Mare resort.

Music, film and culture in Bristol

There is more to Bristol than just cars and ships as the city also boasts a strong presence in the world of music and film. In 2008, Bristol was named as the European Capital of Culture with organizations such as the Bristol Old Vic and the Theatre Royal founded in 1946 and 1766 respectively. The Theatre Royal is the oldest and continuously operating theatre in England and is a grade I listed building. Apart from these two famous landmarks in arts and culture, Bristol is also home to the Bristol Hippodrome which is a large theatre that can seat up to 1981 seats and is host to national touring productions. Of course, Bristol also has numerous other theatres that has become the training ground and the raison d’être of its naming as the Capital of European culture from the Tobacco Factory, QEH, Redgrave Theatre as well as the Show of Strength Theatre Company.

Eating and drinking in Bristol

So during the day you tour the city. Apart from the many place of interest to visit, the restaurants that Bristol houses is also a must go if you want to taste the cuisine of this rich city. Yes Bristol has its usual scene of chain restaurants and fast food franchises but as someone new to the city; branch out your horizons to sample the locally owned restaurants that offer a wide variety of comfort food, international flavours as well as upscale dining rooms.

For pubs, check out the Slug and Lettuce that is popular among the city’s young as it personifies modernity. The airy city wine bar has food with a twist such as organic sausages with potatoes and leeks. Want to dine overlooking the harbour? Then head over to The Cottage Inn and sit outside the patio, watch harbour ships go by while feasting on fish, steak and traditional stout pie and washing it all down with good old original beer. The Boston Tea Party gives you a more fashionable dining experience as you can sample some freshly brewed original gourmet coffee. At the Boston Tea Party, fresh is the main goal here as they serve coffees, teas, and delicious roast cod with pasta and chilli sauce that is all fresh and aromatic to the senses.

Bristol nightlife

For a city with half a million people, you’d think there was no nightlife? Bristol offers locals and tourists alike a wide range of clubs and pubs with a variety of styles, music and concepts. Fancy live music? Then head over to Fiddles Club for your dose of live music presented to you by Fiddlers’ regular musicians as well as groups from all England and all around the world. This is the place to go to rest your weary feet after hours of touring the sights and sounds of Bristol. Fiddlers Club is known for its laid back ambiance – combined with their good drink selection and good music, it’s a good place to mingle with the folk in Bristol.

Bristol has quite quirky names for their clubs and bars such as Fleece and Firkin, Bristol Bierkeller and Lakota. Lakota is one of Bristol’s hottest and most popular dance clubs that normally has famous DJs playing a blend of the eclectic, modern and funky sounds that get the crowd cheering as the night goes on. Bristol Bierkeller on the other hand is in a class of its own. Apart from live DJs spinning the hottest hits in town, Bierkeller also attracts crowd by staging comedy acts and live bands. It is a combination of live and fun entertainment that makes your Saturday nights always fun.

So when in England, drop by in Bristol to experiences the city’s culture, its people and the lifestyle as Bristol is one place that needs your involvement to have fun!