Accommodation for visitors in Derby

The area in and around Derby has the usual range of places for the visitor to stay from hostels to 5 star hotels. However, it has to be said that Derby city is not renowned as a tourist centre and so the accommodation provision is mainly from the major chains that can be found anywhere. An advantage of that is, of course, that a hotel belonging to one of the major chains like 'Holiday Inn' is the same in Derby, London or Edinburgh.

If you want to arrive in Derby and not have to drive, or be driven, to other places in the city then a city centre hotel is always the best option, the following are hotels that are located in the centre of Derby. On the London Road, heading north into the city centre and the Market Place is the self-styled four star Stuart Hotel. The XS restaurant serves good meals and wine at extremely affordable prices, the Stuart Hotel offers some great 'last minute' deals on its rooms. Prices vary according to the time of year and the type of room you require. During the weekend a basic double room can be as little as £50 a night, excluding breakfast, rising to £75 for a suite. A little further, on the southern edge of the city centre by the Midland railway station on Midland road, is the Best Western Midland Hotel. Part of the Best Western hotel chain it occupies a Grade II listed building and was opened in 1841 as a 'railway' hotel, for the newly opened Derby to London line and the business it brought to the city. This four star hotel has had amongst its guests, Queen Victoria who had a suite of rooms there. The hotel also has long held associations with Rolls Royce. The hotel's Wyvern Restaurant is acknowledged as being one of the best in Derby. The hotel offers occasional 'murder mystery' weekends, as well as being available for other special functions. There are 100 rooms and ninety free on-site car parking spaces, a double room over the weekend can cost as little as £70 a night, excluding breakfast, which for a four star hotel in the city centre is excellent value.

Derby has plenty of 'motel' style places which are convenient for short stays and offer accommodation that is generally three star standard. The following are some examples of what is available. There is an Express Holiday Inn on Wheelwright Way in the Pride Park complex. Convenient for the city centre all the 103 rooms are air conditioned. The price for a double room for one night during a week-end is typically £65, which includes breakfast. Also on Pride Park at Prospect Place is the Sleep Inn hotel with 84 air conditioned rooms which typically cost £50 per night for a double-room during the week-end, or £60 for a King sized bed. Both of these rates include breakfast. There is a Premier Travel Inn at the Foresters Leisure Park, off the Osmaston Park Road, in Derby. On the Kingsway Retail Park about 2 kilometres from the city centre is a 50 room Travelodge, a double room without breakfast is around £55 a night.

If you prefer the idea of staying in a Bed and Breakfast or Guest House establishment, you could consider the following. On the west side of the city on Curzon Street, just off the Uttoxeter New Road, is the Redsetters Guest house. Prices are very reasonable at £25 for a single room and just £20 for a double room, including breakfast. The wonderfully named Chuckles Guest House is on Compton Street, not far from St Peter's church in the city centre. Although it only has four rooms the prices can vary between £22 and £50 a night, which includes breakfast. Chuckles offers warm and inviting surroundings with exceptional quality and service. In the suburb of Mackworth, on Thames Close is the Thames Bed and Breakfast, which holds the British Rose VB four star award. It has two rooms available whose prices are £25 or £30 a night with breakfast.

Just outside the city boundary to the north of Derby is the Marriott Breadsall Priory Hotel and Country Club. This four star hotel has all the comforts and amenities that you would expect from the Marriott chain of hotels. It has 106 rooms, 6 suites and an award restaurant. It also has its own swimming pool, a fitness centre, two golf courses and a Spa beauty centre. The hotel can arrange a variety of other activities from white-water rafting to pony trekking in the nearby Peak District. The Breadsall Priory Hotel is off the A608 at Morley Smithy. The Dannah Farm Country House holds five AA stars. With only eight stylish and exclusive rooms this is a hotel to consider for a really special treat. Prices range from £100 a night to £275 if you want to take one of the really exclusive suites, complete with its own Jacuzzi and sauna. All the prices include breakfast and evening meals are available if pre-booked. The Dannah is 20 minutes by car from the centre of Derby at Shottle on the Chatsworth estate.

Velazquez : Winslow Homer

India tour

India a place known for its majestic tourist places, whether it is Ajanta Ellora caves or Taj Mahal the love monument which comes under seven wonders of world. Every state in the India known for its specialty has its own language and culture.
India is also known for its festive seasons, it is full of festivals. People have great faith in god. The best thing about India is the diversity in Indian culture and religions. So many religions and so many people, but still people of different religions celebrate festivals with great enthusiasm like they are celebrating there own.


It is always a great fun to visit to visit and plans a tour to India. The following paragraphs describing the beauty of Indian Tours

India tours offer you the Yoga, technique to fight against all ailments in the body and increase vitality in the body. Yoga, one of the oldest techniques in India to control body by meditation and prayanama. In the ancient time it was used by monks for concentration and to increase vitality in the body. From past few years India is now worldwide known for its Yoga therapy. With the help of Yoga we can make our breathing proper and control breathing.

Tirtha, places where a god or goddess or some spirit has dwelled or is still dwelling. India is a preferred destination for Pilgrimage Tours. Many pilgrim tourists from all over the world come to India to visit this tourist places.The land fascinates every tourist with every single pilgrim site offering a blessed destination for each one of them.India a land of mysteries, which inculcates the ardent faith in you that's all India, is all about. These Pilgrimage Tours provide rejuvenation in your mind. From its intricately carved temples to the various holy Ghats you will discover that India is just the desired pilgrim’s spot for a religious tour.India is a holy land people have faith in there religions. The country has religious backdrop of Hinduism and other religions. North India covers mostly pilgrimage places like Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Mathuraare etc.

Golden Triangle Tours, one of the famous tours of India. The name Golden Triangle is little bit strange actually this tour covers three most attracted and historical places Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. All three places known for there history and culture. According to a survey this tour is mostly visited by tourists. It is quite obvious because you have choice to visit India, see India in a lesser time. One more thing three different tours that is Delhi Tour, Taj Mahal Tour and Rajasthan Tour at once. So if you are thinking to visit India and you have less time you can visit this tour. Delhi, the capital of India has most places to visit especially the history of India and its historical places.

Incredible India tours, there are lots of places in India which are incredible, due to there culture or there magical architecture. India has such buildings, temples and caves that have incredible architecture. Ajanta Ellora caves are one of the examples of that beauty. These are located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding architecture of ancient time. Ajanta and Ellora caves are full of statues made on walls and it is interesting these were made on mountain after which it took the form of cave.

There are some more tours like Goa Tours a place known for its western culture, its boldness and beauty of beaches, this place is totally different than other parts of India. Rajasthan Tours, mostly alien tourists come to Rajasthan to see the magic of Indian forts and specially the culture of Rajasthan. Kerala Tours also comes under the famous tourist places of India. Kerala a place which covers many tourist place attractions like backwater tourism, honeymoon tours, beaches tours, and pilgrimage tours. Taj Mahal Tours one of the world famous tour because of its marvelous architecture and beauty. Also it comes under seven wonders of world. Wildlife Tours, India is blessed with 80 National Parks and 441 wildlife sanctuaries so this is also a good option for your tours plans to see different wild creatures under a one roof and take the pleasure of Jungle Safari with this Wild Life Tours.

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8 of the World’s Most Beautiful Coastal Towns

Stunning views of the cliff, with gorgeous beach houses dotting the coastline and narrow highways meandering close to the rocks beneath – Coastal towns bring a whole new meaning to seaside lifestyle.

There is a certain allure about these coastal towns, be it in Africa or Australia; their elegance and disarrayed beauty tend to make you fall unknowingly for their charm.

What’s special about them is their geographical edge blessed by forces of both nature and man, making them unique and visually enticing.

1 – Positano, Naples – Italy

Perched on the steep slopes of the stunning Naples, Positano is one of the many coastal towns littered along the Amalfi coast. Featured in many romance movies, Positano is the perfect setting for a dreamy rendezvous. Driving along the zigzag highway towards the town, you are embraced by breathtaking views of the coast and typical Italian seaside architecture.

A playground for the rich and famous, Positano can be a costly place to visit, with its high-end hotels and exquisite restaurants offering a view to die for. Full moon nights on the main beach of Positano can be quite an experience for you and your loved one.

How to: Take a Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, and then continue by the SITA bus to Positano. It is easily connected to Salerno, Sorrento and Naples by ferry in summer.

2 – Apollo Bay, Melbourne – Australia

The Great Ocean Road offers one of the most scenic drives in Australia. Only in this Southeastern part of the country will you be able to enjoy views of the treacherous coastline made famous by the 12 Apostles. Also unique to this region, are the koalas in the wild, curled high up in the eucalyptus trees. Try to spot some near Kenneth River along the way!

Amongst many of the gorgeous coastal towns along the coast, Apollo Bay has a great reputation for the leisure parks, sizzling barbies (Aussie slang for ‘barbeques’) and its proximity to some of the best surfing spots in Australia. It is also bigger than neighboring towns, with many conveniences at your doorstep.

3 – Kamakura, Kanagawa – Japan

With technology taking over the entire Japan, a traditional town like Kamakura is a rare gem these days. Just one hour away from Tokyo, it is after all, not the best kept secret. Still, with its slapping waves thundering against the coast, and impressive monuments against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, it is no wonder Kamakura is top on the list. Besides its coastal charm, there is just so much history and culture in this town.

Kamakura is of course most famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura – a bronze statue of Amida Buddha built on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. It stands majestically as the second largest statue in Japan. The Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the spiritual heart of the coastal town, along with the torii-gates (signature red gates of Japan) welcoming you into the town center. Come in April, and you sure will find beautiful pink cherry blossoms lining the the Dankazura Street that runs parallel.

4 – Sidi Bou Said, Tunis – Tunisia

With the entire town made up of white-and-blue Mediterranean architecture, it is hard to believe that one is in North Africa. Although lacking a tad bit of originality, Sidi Bou Said never fails to impress with its pure whitewashed walls, beautiful porcelain stalls and its hilltop location. It is after all a stark difference in comparison with the brown-dusted capital city of Tunis, where mosques and souks line the dusty streets.

With Tunisians donning their traditional djellabas walking through the Med-style pathways, it looks strangely befitting yet intriguingly mismatching. Somehow, you might get the feeling that Sidi Bou Said is nothing but a reconstructed Disneyland for the rich Mediterranean tourists; but deep in its narrow alleys, you can still find the soul of an enchanting coastal town.

How to: Catch a TGM Train from Tunis to La Marsa, and continue on the Light Railway to Sidi Bou Said. One-way tickets cost less than 1 euro!

5 – Sausalito, California – USA

Driving along the Golden Gate Bridge with Sausalito in the distance is one of the most romantic getaways in the USA. The coastal town is sandwiched between the cliffs of the Marin Headlands and the shore of San Francisco Bay. The art galleries and souvenir shops along Bridgeway and the soothing cafés along Caledonian Street make Sausalito somewhat atypically American.

For the outdoor lovers, Sausalito also offers excellent hiking trails from Spencer Avenue up to the Marin Headlands zigzagging along the coast. The best thing about Sausalito? It’s a great day trip from San Francisco for the urban dwellers, and the best way to get away from the crowd, and soak in some Californian sun. After all, some say it’s the reason why they built the Golden Gate Bridge!

How to: From neighboring San Francisco, it’s just a 30-minute ride on the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building or Blue and Gold Fleet from Pier 39.

6 – Oia, Santorini – Greece

Exactly like how one would picture the Mediterranean coast to be, Oia is littered with whitewashed blue-domed churches, and windmills perched on hilltops. These picture-perfect scenes look straight out of a postcard, and it’s hard not to fall for its charms, really. Oia is possibly the most elegant and scenic coastal town on the island of Santorini – with its narrow cobble-stoned paths running parallel to the coastline, right alongside quaint little artesian shops and cliff-edged cafes.

The perfect way to explore Santorini is renting a car at the foot of the hills (€20/day), driving up the steep slopes all the way to the top for a birds’ eye view, then spending a lazy afternoon on the black volcanic beaches enjoying a typical Greek salad with feta cheese and some ouzo (Greek aperitif), and finally strolling along the paths stretching through Oia, soaking in the Greek island life.

How to: Connected to Crete, Mykonos and Naxos by high-speed boats (can be quite expensive). From Athens, there are two flights per day (Olympic Airways) or catch the ferry from Piraeus, Athens (10 hours).

7 – Knysna, Western Cape – South Africa

There are hundreds of unbelievably beautiful towns along the coastline of South Africa, from Cape Town following the coast to Port Elizabeth, with Knysna standing out thanks to its lush forest and peaceful lagoons. Knysna Heads must be the most striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline. The two great sandstone cliffs flank a deep channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty estuary at the mouth of the Knysna River. Don’t forget to drive up to the Eastern Head lookout point for spectacular views of the lagoon.

The Knysna oysters are also reputedly among the tastiest in the world, with Knysna lagoon having its own oyster hatchery! Wildlife lovers would adore the Knysna Forest which is home to plentiful ancient plants and vegetation, as well as antelopes and Knysna elephants.

How to: If you’re a young backpacker, the best choice would be the Baz Bus which you could hop on and off from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Or catch the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train that goes on an amazing scenic route,including the Kaaimans River bridge (the most-photographed railway bridge in the world)!

8 – Rovinj, Istria – Croatia

As the most talked about country in Eastern Europe, Croatia has a reputation for its picturesque coastal towns, medieval stoned paths and the ravishing Adriatic coastline. Instead of sandy beaches, the shoreline of Croatia is mostly rocky, giving it a ruggedly rough edge. In contrast with the wealthier French Riviera, in Rovinj, you will be met by overt friendliness and food that is splendidly rustic.

This coastal town in the Istrian Peninsula is softly embedded in a stunning bay, oozing a mythical charm that makes this a paradise for artists and poets. The country is extremely conscious of its history and culture; there are many monuments worth visiting in Rovinj, especially the Church of St Euphemia. Built at a hilltop, it’s the best spot to catch a view of the old town. It’s definitely worth visiting, especially if you climb the wooden staircase to the top of the 60m campanile.

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Madeira for Summer Sun

Like the Balearics, The Canary Islands have been popular with visitors from Britain for many years now, with some even moving out there to live permanently. Several islands make up the islands in the group. The island of Madeira lies a little further north and west, making flight times slightly shorter from the UK, but it benefits from the same mild and pleasant weather while offering differences in culture, geography, architecture and tradition.

Madeira and its neighbourPorto Santo first began to realise their holiday resort potential many years ago and they are probably some of the oldest holiday destinations in Europe. Tourism contributes to around a fifth of the island's commercial activity, peaking during March and April when the islands come into their own as winter sun destinations. During those months the average daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius.

The main feature of Porto Santo as far as tourists are concerned is the wonderful main beach that runs from Porto Santo town down the east coast of the island. In fact the island is all about this one beach. This must surely rank as one of the best beaches in the world, not only for its size, but also for the quality of the sand and the amount of space available for everyone to enjoy. There are some facilities along the beach, with a few shops, cafes and beach bars, but they don't amount to much or interfere with the peacefulness. This beach really is a place to relax; just lie in the sun, listen to the waves arriving from the crystal clear waters and do nothing. With the small number of hotels on the island, the beach is never busy and makes a great location for family holiday with safe bathing on offer, especially in the areas that are monitored by life guards.

Another feature of the Porto Santo beach is its claimed benefits for health. There is little to prove these properties, but many claim that the sands can help those with rheumatism and other ailments. Don't be surprised to see people burying themselves up to their heads to get maximum coverage! Until a thorough scientific test has been done to prove the effects, it may just remain an interesting traditional claim whose real effect belongs to the relaxing days that people are able to enjoy there.

Porto Santo is slowly adding other features to bolster its tourism offering. The airport has recently been expanded and modernised, with most of the inbound flights coming from Madeira or Lisbon. There are also a growing number of small luxury hotels being opened and the new international-class golf course is sure to attract many {winter golfers to the island. The course, which was originally made up of two circuits of nine holes, is now a full 18 hole course. It was designed by the famous Severiano Ballesteros and almost stretches right across the width of the island at a point where it is just less than 2 miles wide. There are water features and spectacular modern clubhouse.

Back on Madeira there are an additional two golf courses. The Palheiro golf course is set in rolling hills and woodland close to Funchal and offers some spectacular scenery. This course is over fifteen years old now and blends well into the Madeiran landscape. The older Santo da Serra Golf Club was first built in 1937 although the course received a major rework and improvement during 1991. Again spectacular views and challenging holes are bound to attract golfers of all abilities and the 27 hole course plays host to the PGA European Tour Madeira Open, which took place in March this year.

The hills and inland regions of Madeira are another of the attractions that bring tourists from far and wide to these holiday islands and provide alternatives to the busier lifestyle in the capital of Funchal. This is great walking countryside and many organised walks are available for those who prefer to walk with an experienced local. Marked routes are set out across the island and take walkers to popular locations including the peaks at Pico Ruivo, Paradise Valley or the wonderful waterfalls that are a feature of Madeira. Many of these walks use the hundreds of kilometers of aqueducts or levedas that have been built to move water around the island. In total these aqueducts make up over 1300 miles of channels.

Other unusual features of Madeira are the many tunnels that the footpaths and aqueducts use to traverse across the island. Some are quite short while others stretch for many hundreds of metres. One of the longest is the 2.4 kilometre Pico Ruivo tunnel that passes underneath the island's highest mountain.

So whether you are a golfer, a walker or just someone looking to spend quiet relaxing days on the beach, Madeira and Porto Santo could have the perfect mix of holiday facilities and mild climate all year round.


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