Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a fantastic city to explore; the train station alone is one of the most interesting places in Europe. You can sit for hours watching the vast variety of intriguing people who pass by. There's a pedestrian mall through the centre of Copenhagen, and in the summer it's full of street performers and musicians. The 18th century architecture rivals that of more popular cities such as Amsterdam and Paris.

Copenhagen is an excellent place for tall people to shop for clothes that fit. And the restaurants serve really delicious food. The only problem with Denmark is that it's expensive! It's another case of you get what you pay for. If you go to Denmark, expect prices to be double what they are in countries such as Canada, England and the U.S. Denmark is half as crowded as England in terms of population density, and it's a great bicycling holiday destination. Being mostly surrounded by sea, it's also a good place to breathe in fresh sea air and eat seafood.

Netherlands

Assen, Holland

Flag

Popped to Assen this September to watch the World superbike racing this year. The people were extremely friendly and seemed to enjoy all the visitors they received for the motorcycle racing. Quite a few locals even went out of their way during a local market day to make sure we didn't get lost, and the hospitality was really nice. The place itself was clean, tidy and very much like an estate in England from the sixties (style of pented houses and layout). The quality of life seemed good, and the environment is really nice (and flat !!). They still drive on the wrong side of the road, although the standard of driving is a lot better than here, (courtious, and use the lanes correctly)For a full dit, Follow this link

Great Britain

England

Birmingham, west midlands

Soho house

Soho house used to be the home of Matthew Boulton around the later half of the 1700 to early 1800's. Matthew Bolton was one of the great entrepreneurs and industrialists and this house and it's contents clearly show how successful and influential this man had become. Matthew Bolton had clearly thought out every detail in this house, from the furniture, to the overall design. Soho house is close to the Jewelry quarter, not far from Birmingham city center and well worth a visit. More information can be obtained by ringing 0121 554 9122 or visiting the following link

Aston Hall Built in Jacobean style this is one of the last great houses ever built and is Birminghams very own country mansion. The house was built for a Warwickshire family by the name of Sir Thomas Holte around 1618 and 1635. The Gallery alone is about 135 feet long and the house boasts an impressive elaborate carved oak staircase. The features and contents of this beautiful house would list longer than I have space for, so why not visit this spectacular house (hopefully with better memories than Charles the 1st's night which resulted in an attack by parliamentary troops back before I was born anyway (1643)). More info 0121 327 0062, or goto link

Sarehole Mill Strange name I know, But I had nothing to do with that. Apart from the name which conjures up images of things I'd rather not print, the Mill here is the only surviving mill out of about sixty that operated within Birmingham boundaries. This has been the site of a mill for over 450 years (since 1542) and played an obviously large part during the industrial revolution. Not only were they used to grind corn, but were adapted for metalwork uses i.e. grind blades and roll metal. A superb example steeped in history and boasts strong links with Matthew Bolton who leased the mill before setting up himself, and J.R.R Tolkien (where else could someone come up with 'Lord of the rings' and the 'Hobbitt'). Activities are constantly being run and organized for visitors that has been closed since 1919, and restored during the 60's (1960's that is for all you younguns). The mill is operational on Sundays in August and is a very interesting day out. Don't forget, Blakeselley hall ( a 17th century big house) is just down the road as well. Not forgetting Moseley Bog (Don't be rude, it's a nature reserve over the Road from Sarehole mill, and doesn't smell like one either). To get there, You would be better calling the following number, 0121 777 6612 or goto Link

Bridgnorth

Chester

A very nice old walled Roman town. Parts of the wall still exist, and is a very interesting place to visit. Chester is not far from Telford or Shrewsbury and is well worth a look. Do.... You know you want to

Chichester, Hampshire

Dudley

Castles, Zoos and the center of the greatest industrial revolution on Earth. The nearby Merry Hill center almost killed off this thriving town center recently, but for shopping etc., Not bad at all ! The castle dwarfs and overlooks the town center, and Dudley Zoo is situated in the Castle grounds (good idea uh !).This is the epicenter to civilization as we know it. The silicon valley of it's day, and bombed heavily during the war. Most places around the world have drains cast in Dudley and the black country, to name an item produced for the world market. Make time to see the Black country museum !. go back into time and have a beer in a traditional pub, wander around the period streets, and paddle in the canal... In fact don't do the last thing, not advisable at all. Still, a fantastic day out and the staff all dress and work in period clothes ! can't say enough about this place other than go there NOW. Lots to see and do, including some theme events around the year. For details either send me an e-mail or contact

Fareham, Hampshire.

The home of Navel engineering excellence. I was based here for my trade training in the navy, and spent most of my Navel career in and around Fareham. They are spending some money on the place but you get the idea that the center is just a street surrounded by car parks. That said I like the place, and that's good enough for me.

Gosport, Hampshire

I used to live here while serving in the Royal Navy. The Gosport side of Portsmouth harbour used to be the home of the victualling yard for the Royal Navy, Plenty of training establishments, and a well renowned pioneering Hospital responsible for some of the greatest medical innovations of this time, RNH Haselor. Other than that, Gosport center is now padestrianised, and has the same collection of brand shops as most high streets. The Marina is now packed with marina things (i.e. Yachts) and a boating lake, home to some of the finest model ships/boats you could ever see. Not a bad place but is heavily populated, and has traffic problems during peak times but then who hasn't. The place is being regenerated and looks to be a really nice place when finished. In fact I might move back!!

Harrogate , Yorkshire

I have been to Harrogate a couple of times now. A really nice northern town, obviously prosperous, with very large stone houses and a well equipped high street. My last trip was with my degree friends. I went up in October 2001 on my Suzuki Intruder (and came back via north wales !). Lots to offer including the Quad biking we tried on the Saturday morning after a massive hang over ! Excellent time, in a smart place.

Photographs

Isle of White

Probably one of the nicest places on earth. Unfortunately, The unemployment on the island is severe, but that aside, the climate is warm. I used to nip over on the hovercraft from Southsea (Portsmouth), then catch the narrow gauge railway for camping and days bimbling. Usually stay either camping or chalets at Whitcliffe bay. Blackgang chine (what's left of it after the Sea has reclaimed most of it), is reputed to be the home of Pirates and smugglers, and is a tourist attraction and well worth a visit. The local airfield also organize tourist flights around the Isle of white and fly close to the spitehead forts in the Solent. Unfortunately, they won't do aerobatics with passengers or dive-bomb the volvo drivers !. Oh well, better luck next time !.

Telford

One of the greatest areas of industrial History in the world, and developed beyond recognition !. in and around Telford however are a lot of heritage sites, especially on the banks of the River Severn. One of the most interesting and steeped in History is the Ironbridge gorge. Close by is RAF Cosford, where in June, they host an air show.

Ironbridge Gorge

Kidderminster, West Midlands

They make really nice carpets here. Kiddie has a small modern center, Quite a smart leisure center and a local canal network, not to mention, a railway station for the Severn Valley railway (GWR Steam line). These days, Kiddie is just a blur as we go around it on it's ring road to go west (Bewdley etc).

Leominster

Just on the welsh border. Quite a nice place surrounded by superb countryside. Yet again, Just a blur (but a nice one).

Lincoln

Spent a weekend in February (2002) in this old place. Nice, Quaint and the lower parts near the river are currently being modernized with a new retail park and superb facilities. Plenty to do. While we were there, we had a good look around the oldest parts including the roof tour of Lincoln Cathedral. Excellent, and amazing (as to how it actually stays up with all that weight). Very interesting. Beer was drunk, rugby was watched, and shopping was done. Bye the way, a big thank you to our hosts, Debra Mark and Neal. The guest house was excellent, and will be mentioned as soon as I can remember the name. Photographs of the town are HERE

Photographs

Petersfield, Hampshire

Basically, a housing estate on the outskirts of Portsmouth 'island'. I have a few friends who live there but I have no idea why !

Porchester, Hampshire

Porchester is situated between Portsmouth and Fareham, at the most northerly part of the harbour. An old castle was built here to protect the harbour from invasion. A really nice place and open to the public. The keep is run by the English heritage but the grounds are open. Jousting and other events are regularly held here and it's well worth a visit. The village of old Porchester is situated just outside the castle gates with the local pub (used to be called the cormorant and probably still is), serve some really nice 'pub grub'.

Portsmouth, Hampshire

THE home of the finest and best Navy in the world. The dockyard itself, houses some of the greatest architectural achievements of our time and great firsts. You don't want me to waffle on about the place, go and see for yourself. Portsmouth has so many attractions and sights, I couldn't possibly put everything in here but here are some of them.

HMS Warrior. The first Ironclad and finest warship in it's day

HMS Victory. Still a serving warship in the Royal Navy

All of the dockyard

The surrounding forts including Fort Nelson and Fort Brockhurst

Spitheads situated in the solent between Portsmouth and the Isle of White

Lee on solent. Might be pebbly, but one of my favorite places

The Pyramid center on Southsea sea front

Old Portsmouth and the Harbour mouth wall fortifications

The Royal Marines Museum, far end of Southsea

The miniature village next to Southsea boating lake

South parade and Southsea piers and promenade

The gardens along the parade

D Day museum on Southsea sea front

Skate park, Southsea

There are loads of events held on Southsea common all the time as well so here is the link to the Portsmouth website for more information

Portisdown hill Plenty of forts and viewpoints overlooking the whole Portsmouth area, with beautiful countryside facing north

Porchester castle (mentioned here as well)

Loads more. I had a great time living there and looks as though it's getting better

Shrewsbury

Has a bit of a problem with floods. Probably due to a big river going through it !. Most parts nice though.

Southampton, Hampshire

Famous for it's shipbuilding and docks, this place is steeped in history. Originally a walled town, a lot of the fortifications are still visible. Ocean village has enhanced the waterfront a great deal, as most of the area is taken up by the imposing docks. Surrounded by suburbia, the town center is worth a visit itself, but not too far away, is the New Forest....

Stratford upon Avon

Need I say more! If you like frilly shirts, canals, rivers or blokes in tights, then this is the place for you. Famous for you know who, and you don't really need me to give you any more information than you could get from the local tourist info or school lessons. I will however say that it's a great place to visit by bike as most roads into Stratford are great for burning up, but beware the law enforcers

TamworthBassetts pole

Not too clued up on Tamworth, other than Drayton manor park, The Belfry golf club and Bassetts pole bike meeting every week. I have no idea also who Mr Bassett was (might be related to licorice), but there is definitely a pole on the grounds of the pub. About 3000 bikers arrive every sunny/ warm week , to look at each others bikes and leathers. Loads of filth checking on your number plate size and road legal exhausts (not to mention the 'in air copperchopper' I wonder where they all come from considering the lack of funding and resources ?? (keep off the soap box Brookes)).

Drayton manor park

Deserves a spiel in it's own right. We like to think of it as a mini Alton towers, but to be fair, It's got much more going for it. The rides are great, the park areas are nice and everything is reasonably priced. If you want to know more then follow this link

Warwick, Warwickshire

Big castle, and just down the road from the Watermans Biking haunt in Hatton. Yet again, about 1- 3000 bikers arrive every week (only if it's sunny and no danger at all of rain), to look at each others leathers and elaborate on the speeds reached on the way there.

Visit the following site from my links page

Winchester

Wolverhampton

York, Yorkshire

Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Dinas Head

A quiet scenic outcrop of land, west wales, near Dinas Cross. Fishguard is the nearest real town, where the ferry leaves for Ireland. Most of wales is accessible from here, with Tenby about 40 miles away, Newquey up the coast road, and Swansea not too far away either. The Prissilli mountains are a Nats doo dah from Dinas cross which is where we do a bit of model flying (see the flying sites pages) Two beaches

Kimel bay. Just up the road towards Rhyl. Nice beach. One shop, and Asda's supermarket behind the sand dunes. Top beach. Clean and not too packed. Bit pebbly towards the path so not much sand at high tide. Nice though.

Llandudno

What a really nice place. We liked it here so much, we came back the next day. It's only about 10 miles from Towyn, and well worth the trip. With a country park by the Orme, a cliff tram and cable cars, to the top of the surrounding cliffs, there is plenty to do. A massive shopping center, a large sandy beach, donkeys, punch and judy, 1930's style coach trips around Llandudno and don't forget the dolphins at the end of the pier (or boat trips form the beach). My photographs will soon be uploaded for the area so you can get some idea of the place

And here's a link to the tourist info

Prestatyn

If you like Pontins, then this is the place for you. Not a bad place. Beach is nice and sandy, but the tide comes in gert quick. Large market and yes shops. Quieter than Rhyl, but still worth a visit.

Rhyl

I've been here a few times. The first time when I was about 9 ish ( I do know it was when the sun center first opened) and remembered the sandy beach at Towyn, the fair and the bustling Rhyl center. The second time was when visiting friends in Wrexham and Mold. Rhyl was deserted and derelict (yes this was peak season). A lot has been spent on the sea front and Rhyl itself. The sun center is still fine, and the shopping center is in tip top form. We were coheirst into a weeks camping in August at Ty Mawr camping park in Towyn ( a few miles out of Rhyl) with a couple of friends and it went as follows:-

Here's a link to Rhyl and Prestatyn

Towyn. Nice place with plenty to do for the kids, and plenty of shops for the missus (inflatables, bucket and spade etc (you get the idea). The camping site was also good with a pool and play areas for the kids although too many scousers in one place didn't go down well.