Category Archives: Travel

Become king of the castle in Europe

The Curfew Tower, Windsor Castle | Medieval Archives

1. England The intimate one Britain’s largest castle is in Windsor, and if you manage to get a room there, do send us a postcard. For those who prefer a shorter walk to the breakfast table and fewer corgis in the way, Hellifield Peel Castle is a fortified home on a more human scale. 2….

Wonder wall: Magical castles and Roman treasures in historic Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle

Thank goodness that our usual half-term holiday house was booked. Had it been free, the joys of Northumberland would have passed us by. Instead Alnwick Castle Cottages stepped into the breach, providing as cosy, clean and warm a berth as could possibly be wished for. And, for a family, a base for any number of…

Lindisfarne: England’s Holy Island and its Viking history

Lindisfarne

When the Vikings landed on Lindisfarne (www.lindisfarne.org.uk/) in 793, they changed the course of English history forever. Also known as Holy Island, Lindisfarne, which measures slightly more than a mile in length and just over two miles in width, nestles just off the Northumberland coast of England near the border of Scotland. By day strong…

Medieval citadel on Sinai island to open to tourists

Saladin Citadel | Medieval Archives

On Saturday, the restored Saladin Citadel on Pharaoh Island off the coast of the Sinai peninsula is to be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, Minister of State for Antiquities Mohamed Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism Hisham Zaazou and top governmental officials, adding a new tourist attraction to costal Red Sea resort Taba. Over the…

Private Winchester medieval chapel opened to public

Chapel of St John the Baptist

A historic hidden corner of Winchester has opened to the public. The Chapel of St John the Baptist on The Broadway, is one of the few surviving medieval hospital chapels still standing. It is owned by the St John’s Winchester Charity which has three almshouses for some 93 people in the city centre. The chapel…

Medieval hotel opens in Romania

A 5-star medieval hotel, built in Alba Iulia’s historic city storehouse of the city, officially opened on Friday ( June 22 ), following an investment of over EUR 4.2 million. The medieval hotel was built by Corint Group SA, in the 300 year-old building, near the Third Gate of Alba Iulia’s Vauban Citadel. According to…

Experience the Historic Windsor Castle With Windsor Weekend Deals

The Curfew Tower, Windsor Castle | Medieval Archives

The Windsor Castle is a must-see when visiting London. And now, travelers can experience this spectacular medieval site with special Windsor weekend deals offered by the Heathrow/Windsor Marriott Hotel. The Escape! Windsor Castle Package, which is valid through 23rd December, 2012, offers two types of packages. This Windsor hotel deal includes guest room accommodations, breakfast…

Rooms to rent in an ancient castle in Durham

Durham Castle

The 11th-century Durham Castle is benefitting from a £5-million refurbishment – and now offers holiday accommodation within its ancient walls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in north-east England is home to Durham University’s oldest college and its rooms are available to rent for bed and breakfast during the university’s vacation times. There are now 40…

‘Medieval Mile’ plans to be unveiled in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

Let’s keep the posts on the Emerald Isle today. If you have never visited Ireland you need to book a trip now! It is a fabulous destination filled with castles, pubs, natural wonders, ancient forts and wonderful people. If you have the time and money definitely consider visiting ireland. ~The Archivist Plans for a ‘Medieval…

Kilkenny is ‘the Ireland of visitors’ imaginations’

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny has “a timeless appeal” and is “the Ireland of many visitors’ imaginations,” according to the latest edition of top travel book The Lonely Planet which was published last week. Top sights recommended by the guide include Kilkenny Castle, Butler Gallery, St Canice’s Cathedral, the National Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Design Centre, Black Abbey, Butter…

Five Things to do in Dublin Outside the Pub

Dublin

These are five great places to visit in Dublin. I would add a sixth and recommend you also visit Kilmainham Gaol. It is a creepy jail that makes the hair on your neck stand up. Check it out when you’re in Dublin. But when you hear footsteps behind you don’t look back, just keep walking……

Best Castle Hotels in Germany

Luftbild von Schloss Colmberg in Mittelfranken.

Several medieval castles in Germany have been turned into hotels that offer royal treatment. These castle hotels located atop hills with picturesque surrounding and peaceful atmosphere have become preferred escape for romantic couples. Here are the best castle hotels in Germany. Burg Colmberg – If you really want an royal experience then Burg Colmberg is…

Tour of Calpe’s Medieval Village

Calpe’S Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment has organized a set of 6 guided tours for the autumn in the Parque Natural del Peñon de Ifach. This should be of great interest to Spanish speaking expatriates who have an interest in the wealth of antiquarian sites, as well as the indigenous flora along the Costa…

York, England: Castles and Churches and Pubs, Oh My!

Ahhh York …. with its great city walls, castles and churches. For most tourists coming to this town, the medieval history of this great northern city is the major draw. The renowned City Walls stretch for about 3km and should be walked by all travelers with a just a little or a lot of time…

Floating walkway to open up London’s hidden past

A mile-long floating walkway on London’s river Thames is being planned in the heart of the capital, allowing views of the city’s hidden alleys, wharves and landmarks dating back to medieval times. The pontoon, known as the “London River Park”, will connect Blackfriars Bridge, on the western edge of the ancient city, and the Tower…