Best British Holidays

Personally, when I think about holidays, I can’t help but picturing paradise. You know, sun, palm trees, sandy beaches, cocktails, secluded ocean view villas… the works. Being a realist though, I understand that for many, including myself, this is just a pipe dream, and one that isn’t happening any time soon. But who’s to say you have to splash the cash and whisk away to exotic destinations to have a good time? As a Brit, I often forget about the beauty that exists on my very own doorstep. Rather, I spend hours stressing, working up a budget and fretting over this year’s holiday destination. I mean, even places like France and Spain, which are relatively close by, can be expensive. Come to think of it, anywhere you go can be expensive. So, why not stay put? Britain may not be everyone’s holiday of choice, but it’s full of gems that I truly believe match even the best of destinations. Here is a pick of some of the best bits of Britain:

Stonehenge- Ok, the obvious one to begin with but really a must-see. This mysterious prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 3100BC- yet nobody knows for sure exactly when, by whom or what purpose it served.

Lake District- This stunning rural area in the North-West of England is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in England. Stretching over miles of countryside, this is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you will also find Lake Windermere (Cumbria), the largest natural lake in the country (2 miles long, 1 mile wide and 220 feet deep).

The Giant’s Causeway- This is a World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. It is a stunning picture. This natural structure is made up of around 40,000 basalt columns, created by a volcanic eruption and is really something to behold as the tide of the sea lash against it.

Bath- Another gem in the South West of England. Few other towns can yield such elegance, charm and fantastic architectural riches. Here you’ll find the famous Roman Baths, Circus and Royal Crescent.

York- This beautiful historic town in the North of England is another must see. It is home to York Minster, one of the country’s most impressive cathedral’s and, incidentally, the largest in Northern Europe.

Edinburgh- The Scottish capital is a cultural treat- full of galleries, museums, regular arts festivals and dominated by the impressive Edinburgh Castle. It’s also got some fantastic nightlife on offer, and is home to one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, the Hogmanay

London- Finally we come to the UK’s largest city and England’s capital, London. There is so much to see and do here, the list is endless. Historic monuments, museums, parks, buzzing night life. What’s more, the city will be playing host to the 2012 Olympic Games!

So there you have it. Obviously not a complete list, I’ve only just brushed the surface when talking about what Britain has to offer. But this should be enough to get you started!

Crêpes & Paris, the perfect combination!

Mmm chocolate…we all love the odd chunk of chocolate don’t we? Well, have you ever thought about having crêpes with chocolate? How about crêpes, chocolate and the Eiffel Tower in front of you? This may seem may not seem so special to you, but for me this simple combination is one of my fondest memories of the French capital. Paris has got to be the best place to enjoy crêpes in the entire world- it’s the capital of romance, of haute cuisine, of haute culture and anything else “chic” that you could think of, but it also reserves a special place for me as THE capital of tasty chocolatey treats. With hundreds of stalls selling them across the city, you won’t find a better crêpe au nutella in the world.

Let’s start with my personal favourite, the best crêperie in town in my opinion. The crêpes at Crêperie Bretonne, (on the 11^th arrondisement, near the Bastille) are sensational. Here they are referred to as blé noir, or buckwheat flour in English and if you decide to make the trip here you’re guaranteed not to leave disappointed. The chocolate here is silky, milky and simply melts in your mouth as it oozes out of the sweet wrap.

But you don’t have to stop there. Many places offer various alternatives and combinations. You could mix nutella with strawberry. Nutella with banana (another personal favourite). Even nutella with cream. All will leave you going back for more. Even if you’re not feeling particularly in the mood for something sweet, a delicious substitute would be a savoury crêpe, the perfect option for a quick and light lunch. Some examples could include crêpes with ham, ham & cheese or ham & mushroom. The great thing about these tasty pocket-sized treats is that they’re just so convenient. On a chilly winter’s day, they’re the perfect quick snack to warm you up. And as everyone knows Paris is the city of amour, so they’re also perfect to pick up as a quick bite when on a romantic walk with the partner.

Bon appétit!