Holiday Thread

[TheDude]

And you can take a short trip to Cobh which was Titanic's last stop before you know what...

I have just seen the Artefacts Exhibition at the 02, so this would really interest me. When you say a short trip, would you know, how far it is from Cork City Centre, say, by car?

It's very near, we took the local train along the coast and it's something like 20 minutes from Cork. Nice old train station too. Actually, thinking about that trip, I have to recommend Killarney Lakes too, if you like long nature walks etc.

[Beate]

It's happening! Quick, has someone got more sightseeing recommendations, I need to decide what flight to take back on Saturday!

[tamanna3]

Hi there-I will be visiting Newcastle Upon Tyne and/or Durham over the weekend. Can any of you belonging to the area give me any info on the worth seeing places. There is so much info available online, it's hard to decide what to leave out and what to go for. Or if any of you has been there for the purpose of tourism, even if you don't belong to the area. First hand info would be so useful as we would not have much time at all. I am going to play the host and take a friend around (who is visiting from another country) a city/area I know nothing about so could really do with help.

Thanks guys for any info. you share...

[andrews]

Hi there-I will be visiting Newcastle Upon Tyne and/or Durham over the weekend. Can any of you belonging to the area give me any info on the worth seeing places. There is so much info available online, it's hard to decide what to leave out and what to go for. Or if any of you has been there for the purpose of tourism, even if you don't belong to the area. First hand info would be so useful as we would not have much time at all. I am going to play the host and take a friend around (who is visiting from another country) a city/area I know nothing about so could really do with help.

Thanks guys for any info. you share...

Where are you staying tamanna3? Have you a car at your disposal?

If you are staying in Newcastle - there's such a lot to do - depends what sort of a weekend you are after. Newcastle is vibrant, plenty of High Street shops - Northumberland Street and the Eldon Garden shopping centre. Take a walk down Grey Street, then Dean Street to come to the Quayside, which has been revitalised - plenty of trendy pubs and places to eat - Malmaison, The Piano and Pitcher, Slug and Lettuce etc. Take a walk across the Millennium Bridge, and you will come to The Sage, which looks like an armadillo - marvellous building for concerts, but has a nice bar/ bistro. A little further on you will see The Baltic - think Tate Modern, and you will get the idea.
There are several museums - The Hancock Museum, The Discovery Museum and The Laing Art Gallery - and I think these are all free.

The Bigg Market is where it all happens at the weekend - particularly if you enjoy going to pubs, and Indian restaurants. A short walk away is Tiger,Tiger - a nightclub, and across the road is The Gate - where there are several eating places - Ask, Nandos, Wagamama, PizzaHut etc, along with The Empire Cinema, should you feel the urge!

Durham is some 15 miles South of Newcastle - you will need to come by car or train. It is steeped in history - it is a small and pretty city. There are not as many shops as Newcastle, but there are several independent ones. The centre is pedestrianised, and of course you would be able to visit the World Heritage site which is Durham Cathedral, where the remains of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede are entombed. (It's also where they made some of the first Harry Potter film.) Durham Castle is across Palace Green and there are lovely walks around the river. You can take a rowing boat out if you are inclined.
The nightlife is not as good as Newcastle, though there are pubs, hotels and the usual chain restauarants and pubs dotted around.

If you have a car, and wish to go further afield, send me a pm, and I'll send you further suggestions.

[ejwrank]

Bravo to andrews--travel agent extraordinaire for Durham/Newcastle area.

[weirdfilms33]

Durham is a simply wonderful town. You can't go to the North-East without visiting there. Yes it is smaller but it has got a great market and other sites to see. Andrews has explained most of it, but if you get a chance, look for an intricate place called the Oriental Museum - it's sort-of part of Durham University, a superb collection of items from Japan, China and Egypt. If you're interested in that sort of thing.

[Judesmom]

Andrews has made me want to visit Durham and Newcastle now!

[Kaybeelon]

Me too!

[Beate]

Hm, why don't we all just visit andrews for Royal Wedding weekend?

[weirdfilms33]

Let's do just that!