Visit Hayle In Cornwall

The small town of Hayle is nestled in the crescent of St. Ives Bay. While the northern Cornish coastline is characterised by mostly rugged and dramatic cliffs, this small bay of golden beach makes for a charming surprise. The entire beach is safe for bathing and is popular amongst all sorts of holidaymakers, from families to surfers. Following are some tourist attractions that lie in and around Hayle.

Hayle is located at the base of the crescent, where the river Hayle meets the sea. The river cuts through sand dunes known as towans, to form a tidal estuary where it meets the bay. This south-western most estuary in the UK is special in that it never freezes, not even in the winter. It is a haven for a number of migratory birds and animals, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds maintains a nature reserve at the site, which is open at all times during the year.

This patch of dunes and marshland is an internationally significant conservation area, and is home to a number of annual as well as seasonal bird and animal species. The sand dunes rise up sharply from the beach, so you can get some of the most spectacular views of the bay from here. The Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary situated here has a tropical plant garden, and also has a number of family friendly activities such as a play centre and a 'fun farm' for kids.

St. Ives bay is one of the most visited British holiday resorts, so Hayle has a wide selection of accommodation for tourists. From hotels of all sizes to self catering cottages and flats, it is all here. Guesthouses and hostels are available too. Camping and caravan resorts are also a popular option among tourists. In recent years, St. Ives has seen an explosion of restaurants and cafes serving both traditional and modern cuisine.

There are a number of attractions that can be easily reached from Hayle. The charming town of St. Ives is just a few minutes away. Visit the Tate-St. Ives, an internationally famous gallery specialising in contemporary British and international art. It is home to famous works by artists like Derek Jarmen and Damien Hirst.

Also nearby, towards the northeast is the coastal village of Gwinthian. Gwinthian has a surfing beach and is a popular camping site. Another family attraction near Hayle is the historical island known as St. Michael's Mount. The island is steeped in history with an old abbey and a medieval castle.

A few miles inland to the southwest of Hayle lies the ancient village of Chysauster. This Iron Age settlement is thought to have been occupied 2000 to 3000 years ago. It is an amazing site comprising of 8 stone walled 'homesteads', each consisting of a central open courtyard and surrounding thatched rooms. The houses line the ancient village street, which can safely be called oldest high street in the UK! This captivating site is also home to a number of unusual species of birds and wildflowers.

St IvesThe contributor writes articles on issues relating to travel and leisure. From more information, please visit these important resources St Ives Cornwall and St Ives

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Young Person's Field Manual To The Eiffel Tower

A person's age has little bearing on his or her experience when visiting the Eiffel Tower. The monument has been an inspiration for people of all ages for several generations. Teens, adults, and seniors from around the world have enjoyed the wondrous, panoramic view of Paris as well as details of the tower's history.

That said, young people often show a unique enthusiasm about the structure. They admire its impressive frame as well as the remarkable perspective of the city as seen from the three observation decks. Below, we'll provide a brief guide for young adults on how to make the most of a visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Facts And Figures About The Eiffel Tower

Construction on the tower began in January 1887, and was completed in March 1889. The bottom portion was to serve as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair. The monument is 1,050 feet high, and has three separate levels. There are over 1,700 steps, from the ground to the top of the tower, though public access to the top floor is only available by elevator.

The landmark is repainted every seven years to help maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. The job requires more than two dozen workers, fifty tons of paint, and over eighteen months.

Over 200 million people have visited the tower since 1889. Millions more make the trek each year. Most people are unaware that the monument was scheduled to be torn down in 1909. The demolition plan was abandoned when it was discovered the tower could serve as a valuable communications tool.

What To Expect: Level By Level

The first floor is 187 feet from the ground. It is accessible by elevator or stairs. Due to the tower's shape, this level is large. It holds a restaurant (Le 58 Tour Eiffel), a small movie theater, post office, and an observatory. It also offers an observation deck from which you can enjoy a clear view of the buildings, treetops, and streets below.

The second floor stands approximately 360 feet from the ground. It too can be reached by elevator or stairs. It is much smaller than the first level, and thus there are fewer attractions. One of them is the highly-rated Le Jules Verne restaurant. This floor provides an excellent viewpoint for photographs of the Parisian cityscape.

The third level is more than 900 feet high. It is only accessible to the public by elevator. The draw of this floor is its observation deck, from which visitors can see nearly 42 miles in every direction (with good weather).

Stairs Versus Elevators: Which To Choose

Most tourists take the elevators, which means waiting in long lines during the high-traffic seasons (spring and summer). It is not unusual for the lines to require three to four hours during weekend afternoons. Taking the stairs saves an enormous amount of time since fewer people are willing to make the climb. Many young people will enjoy the challenge.

It's also worth noting that tickets to ride the elevators carry substantial fees. Taking the stairs is much less expensive.

Preparing For Your Visit: A Few Final Tips

Visitors should take light jackets, even if the weather feels comfortably warm. The third floor of the Eiffel Tower receives strong gusts of wind due to its height.

Also, to avoid crowds, especially during the summer, plan to visit the tower during the early morning or late evening. If possible, do so on a weekday rather than the weekend. The lines are shorter, and the observation decks are less crowded.

It's a good idea to bring a camera to take photos of the city from the observation decks. Binoculars can also be useful, especially when observing the city from the third floor.

A lot of young people find their trip to the Eiffel Tower to be unforgettable. Not only is it a chance to enjoy an unparalleled view of Paris, but also an opportunity to experience an important piece of history.

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Why Ypres Offers the Ultimate Battlefield Tour

It is possible to take a school battlefield tour in almost every country in Europe as a result of the two world wars that ravaged the continent for much of the first part of the 20th century. However, there are few places more poignant than Ypres, where thousands lost their lives.

Indeed, this medieval town was so devastated by World War I, where three major battles and around six conflicts were fought in and around it, the settlement was raised to the ground. As a result, this is one of the best places to give your students a glimpse of what the wars have meant - and continue to mean - for the people of Europe.

Begin your school trip with a walking tour of the town square, where you can see the stunning Cloth Hall. This magnificent building provides an insight into the efforts made by the people of Ypres to rebuild their town following the war, as it was reconstructed stone by stone after being demolished during the conflict.

Walking the cobbled streets past the shops selling Belgium chocolates and souvenirs, it is hard to believe that less than 100 years ago this was the site of such devastation. The First Battle of Ypres took place between October and November of 1914 and from then until October 1918 no less than six major battles took place here.

The worst was the Battle of Passchendaele, which resulted in around half a million casualties from all sides. You can learn more about what life was like during this period at the In Flanders Field Museum.

You can also take your students to visit the cemeteries that lie outside the town. Much like witnessing those in France, seeing the seemingly endless rows of graves stretching out before you really demonstrates the scale of the battle and puts into perspective the sacrifice made by the soldiers involved.

Be sure you head over to Menin Gate before you leave Ypres. This colossal monument is carved with the names of tens of thousands of soldiers who were missing after the war and have no known grave.

Every night at 20:00 local time, traffic around the structure stops and the people fall silent as the Last Post is sounded. This event is led by a different group each evening, with people travelling from all over the world to witness it. The fact that it still takes place almost a century after the first battle was fought is particularly poignant.

There are arguably few better destinations for a battlefield tour for schools than Ypres in Belgium. STS Travel, the UK's largest educational travel company, can help you organise school trips here and in a variety of other destinations.

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Travel Destination: Sweden

The country of Sweden is endowed with abundant natural beauty and numerous tourist attractions. Here one will find the green fields of the south and the tundra climate of Lapland, highlands and wooded cliffs, picturesque islands and the calm coast in the Gulf of Bothnia, the great lake system, and a variety of wild animals. All of this attracts a large number of tourists to the country. And its rich history and beautiful cities give a chance to observe a unique culture. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is located on 14 islands on Lake Malaren. It is known as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. In the 13th century, the city served as the residence of the Swedish royal family and the capital of the then vast country of Sweden. The old part of the city is entirely located on the island Stadsholmen. No vehicles are admitted here. The most famous attractions include the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which was the coronation place of Swedish monarchs, the Antique Museum, the Palace Church, the Armoury, and the Treasury.

Several unique palaces are located in the neighboring island of Riddarholmen. Of special interest are also the Riddarholmen Church and a magnificent museum. The most remarkable tourist attractions of the islands include the Palace of Rosendal, the amusement park and the open-air museum called Skansen. The museum of wooden architecture has collected together more than 150 buildings of various age from all over Sweden.

Kungsholmen district is known primarily for its Town Hall, where the ceremony of awarding the Nobel prizes traditionally takes place. The Tower Hall is Stockholm's emblem, and it has an excellent viewing platform from which the central part of the city can be seen.

There are more than 75 museums and a hundred of art galleries in the city. They include Gripsholm Castle, the National Museum, the Swedish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of National History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Royal Treasury, and many others. Drottningholm Palace is located in the suburbs of the Swedish capital. Visitors will see here the magnificent park, the Chinese pavilion, Drottningholm Court Theater, where opera and ballet performances take place every summer.

Bjork Island is a very interesting place due to the excavations of the first city in the country - Birka, which was often mentioned in medieval chronicles. Today Birka is the homeplace of a number of sites, which are under protection of UNESCO. The latter include the ancient fortress and the city walls, the graves of the Viking Age and the Viking Museum. The second largest city in Sweden is Gothenburg, famous for its wonderful beaches, pristine forests and lakes, as well as the nearby picturesque archipelago of islands. Gothenburg is the location of one of the oldest universities in Europe, widely known for its old buildings, the remnants of the fortress and it's Art Gallery.

Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in the country. There are interesting remains of the Kalmarnaus fortress, Kalmar Castle, and the Baroque church of the 16th century.

Gotland is the most famous island in the country. In the time of the Vikings, it was a well-defended settlement and an important trading center. Visby was one of the most important European trading centers in the Middle Ages.

Check out the list of Sweden's tour operators and its ratings before you start planning your visit: they may recommend something unique to be included in the tour. Travel agents in Sweden cater to the locals who are very passionate travelers who are usually spotted in the world's most exciting destinations.

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Traveling in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, with 40% of their territory sitting below sea level and literally 'created' by the people, can be called a self-sufficient cultural monument. The entire coastline of the country is surrounded by a system of dams and canals with the total length of more than three thousand miles.

The cities of the Netherlands are masterpieces of medieval architecture, combining majestic cathedrals, picturesque canals, old houses, churches, town halls and modern facilities. Vast fields of tulips are a symbol of Holland. In spring, almost the whole country is covered with a carpet of colorful flowering plants that, in contrast to the constantly gray sky, create an unsurpassed picture of this land. Another integral part of the Dutch landscape is windmills, many of which are still working. Amsterdam is known as the city of hundreds of canals, with more than 600 bridges over them. Canals are an indispensable attribute of all the city tours. From water, you can see most of the Amsterdam sights and hundreds of picturesque bridges, feel the spirit of the city and its indescribable atmosphere. Most city tours start from the Central Station, a beautiful red brick building in the neo-Gothic style with a clock and weather vane.

The city is known for its magnificent Royal Palace with a huge museum, the Monument to Freedom, Madame Tussauds Museum, and Nieuwe Kerk. This church has been repeatedly rebuilt since 1408 and is the coronation place of the Netherlands monarchs. There are a great number of churches in Amsterdam, with the city's oldest - Ude Kirk regularly hosting organ concerts. One of the most interesting buildings of the city is the House of shipbuilders, the Torture Museum and the Museum of Sex. Amsterdam is one of the largest centers of art in the world with many amazing museums at your disposal.

In Zaandam, lying some 20 km north of Amsterdam, be sure to visit the house of Peter I and the architectural open-air museum. To the north of Zandaam itself is the famous Alkmaar, the only city in the world, where medieval cheese fairs have been preserved till nowadays. The tourists will find interesting narrow medieval streets; admire the city's numerous canals, the cathedral of St. Lawrence, and the Gothic Town Hall. The Hague is the seat of government, parliament and the royal court, the third largest and one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also the place where the International Court of Justice is based. The historic center of the city and the old castle Binnenhof are among the best places to visit. Nearby, there is the palace called Mauritshuis, which houses one of the best art galleries in the world - the Royal Art Gallery.

Not far from the Hague, there are the world-famous seaside resort Scheveningen and the city of Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer and the famous Dutch blue porcelain. Delft is also famous for its gorgeous Renaissance Town Hall, the Sentinel Tower, and the Monastery of St. Agatha.

Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and the second largest city, which amazes the guests with daring architectural solutions and business activity. The most well-preserved part of the city is Delftshaven with its narrow streets, canals, historic buildings, and windmills. The first 150ft 'skyscraper' in Europe, Het Witte Hayes, was built here in 1898. The city is also famous for its beautiful botanical gardens, the Conservatory, the Museum of Ethnography, and the wonderful Rotterdam Zoo.

Holland is a very popular tourist destination and you might want to use the services of a trusted travel agent for the Netherlands. No matter when and where you travel, tour operators in the Netherlands would always find a good package for you.

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Water Parks On The Costa Del Sol, Malaga

There are two water parks on the Costa del Sol, both have the perfect combination of slides, pools and rest areas for a family day out near Malaga. Both water parks have floats to rent, or available free of charge if you are willing to queue at each ride. Many slides do not require a float. There are also restaurants, showers, toilets and security boxes. The lists below show the water attractions that each water park has to offer:

AQUALAND, TORREMOLINOS, MALAGA - Tel: 952 388 888

Aqualand is located in just off the N340 near the exit for the Palacio de Congreso at Torremolinos, it is less than 8km from Malaga Airport. Aqualand is open from mid May until mid September; during the months of May, June and September opening times are 11.00 to 18.00, during July and August hours are extended to 10.00 until 19.00.

ATTRACTIONS:

Black Hole- slide down on a float over 100 metres of drops and bends through a dark tunnel of flowing water, landing in a swimming pool.

Rapids- float down either alone or in pairs on double floats through rapids, still water pools and whirlpools

Boomerang- take your float down sheer slides into a landing pool

Crazy Race- four lanes of water to slide down without a float and race your friends to the end

Super Slalom- three winding slides to fly down without a float

Kamikaze- A daredevil vertical 22 metre slide straight down at top speed, the highest of its kind in Europe

Twister- Lose all sense of direction twisting down this slide into the landing pool

Surf Beach- a wave pool with over 1 metre waves, also used as a swimming pool

Mini Park- especially for the toddlers, a children's water park with mini castle and slides in a shallow swimming pool

Laguna Tropical- easy slides into a swimming pool

Jacuzzi- cool outdoor bubble pool to re-energise

MIJAS WATER PARK / PARQUE ACUATICO, MIJAS, MALAGA - Tel: 952 460 404

Mijas Water Park is located at Mijas Costa, on the N340 next to the exit for Coin / Las Lagunas / Mijas Costa. It is 25km from Malaga Airport. The water park is open from early May until mid October: during May and the end of September opening times are 10.30 to 17.30, during June and early September 10.00 until 18.00 and in July and August the open 10.00 until 19.00.

ATTRACTIONS:

Adventure River- 40 metres of curving toboggan to slide down on large float

Body Ski- slide and fly down the four lane water slide, no float is needed

Labyrinth Slide- a colourful maze of over 300 metres of slides, with different levels for all the family

Wild River- enjoy lying back on your float to drift and spin down the bending river slide

Kamikaze- high speed slide down a 15 metre vertical drop

Wave Pool- swimming pool with wave action at regular intervals

Kiddie Slides- a water playground for the smaller children, with slides and elephant water jets

Lizard Island- a small oasis with water jets for children within the pool

Blue Lake- A beautiful lake pool to relax and swim

Jacuzzi- Two bubbling spa pools, loved by kids and adults alike.

Both of the water parks on the Costa del Sol have free parking available at the entrance to the park. They are close to Malaga on either the A7 motorway or N340 coast road; and are within easy reach of the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Mijas Costa. A car hire at Malaga Airport can easily be arranged online in advance, if you do not already have your own car to reach the parks.

Explore the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas by car. A range of vehicles are on offer through this easy to use search of all the companies offering car hire at Malaga Airport http://www.spainairportcarhire.com/car-hire/malaga

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West Coast Road Trip Day 6 - South to Carmel

On this the sixth day of our epic family extravaganza that began in Spokane, WA, we all agreed that San Francisco wasn't easy to leave. But we had to continue south on our West Coast Road Trip, taking a somewhat short drive south to Carmel By-the-Sea. Departing from Fisherman's Wharf, we set out to see if all the good things that have been said about Carmel were true...

Although we'd initially planned to drive as close to the Pacific Ocean as possible throughout our entire west coast road trip, a wrong turn, a tired driver and a desire to get to Carmel as soon as possible won out over more ocean view driving.

So rolling along down Highway 101, past mountains, small towns, and farms, we left San Francisco behind. We found our way back to Highway 1, the ocean, and Monterey; and after a fairly short drive we reached Carmel.

There were six features of Carmel that particularly stood out: The restaurants, Carmel City Beach, shopping, art galleries, the people, and the 17-mile drive.

There were so many restaurants in Carmel, I found it unfortunate to only have one stomach. We decided on an Italian dinner at Il Fornaio, lunch at Palisserie Boissiere Restaurant & Bakery, a meal out on the patio at the Village Corner Mediterranean Bistro and snacks from other quality establishments. We had good experiences at each place, and left plenty of others on our list for next time.

Carmel City Beach had a great vibe. It's a large, clean beach with a great view and lots of free parking nearby. The beach is also close enough to the shops and art galleries that you could walk right down instead of driving.

Although I'm not a big shopper, the shopping scene in Carmel offered something for everyone. There were many interesting stores and boutiques of all price ranges, from the modest to the luxury. I preferred the locally based shops, but there are were also the nationally known places such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Coach and Tommy Bahama.

What I was looking forward to investigating more than the shops were the art galleries. Carmel is known to have a lot of them, and of course I visited as many as possible. There were actually so many galleries that I couldn't get to all of them in the short amount of time we were in Carmel. There were galleries of all kinds: large, small, artist-owned (very cool, although none of them were open at the time), all with different styles and price ranges. Seeing a few original Brian Blood paintings and the California Impressionist paintings at Karges Fine Art Gallery were personal favorites.

As we navigated through town, it seemed everyone we met in the various businesses were nice and friendly people. We felt welcome in Carmel, which is more than I can say about another well-known coastal town in the next state to the north. Feeling welcome made our experience that much better.

And finally, though the 17 Mile Drive isn't technically part of Carmel, it's right next door. The drive took us through Del Monte Forest and Pebble Beach, past beautiful homes and sites like Pebble Beach Golf Course, Bird Rock, Cypress Point Lookout, and the Lone Cypress.

As an artist, I found myself picturing living and working in a place like Carmel. With its excellent weather, many creative people, city streets without parking meters and proximity to the ocean, all the stories proved true. Whether you're an artist, art lover art collector, or just want to visit a unique area on this planet, I highly recommend you go to Carmel if you can.

Craig Shillam is an artist and blogger living in the Pacific Northwest. To read more about this fabulous road traip and to see some great photos from the trip, please visit CashArtBlog. To see some award winning paintings (including some from this trip), you can take a peek at CraigShillam.com.

Taylor Shillam is a veteran of the Disney College Program, and has been a Dean's List student at the University of Idaho, where she excelled in journalism and public relations.

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