2015-06-21

New places can tug at our hearts in different ways, renewing our senses. Sometimes all you need is a weekend.

Would you like to get away, even just for a weekend? You’ll imagine new sights and sounds around every corner. Sometimes just a few days are enough to leave you marveling that you stepped away from your everyday life for such a short time but found yourself thoroughly refreshed.

New places can tug at our hearts in different ways, renewing our senses and expanding our experience.

Sometimes all you need is a weekend.

Ireland – Galway



Photo Credit: Elliot Gilfix

Situated on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is known the world over for its friendly people, lively music scene, and local charm. Wander the city’s cobbled streets, watch the world go by and feel yourself step back in time. You may even hear the odd word of Gaelic still spoken.

Did you know the winding lanes of Galway’s Latin Quarter still retain portions of the city’s medieval walls? Now brimming with cafes, boutiques, independent shops, and art galleries, it’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and taste some local delicacies such as Irish Stew and home-baked brown bread.

Head to Galway City Museum to find out more about the city’s rich heritage or walk in the footsteps of Galway’s medieval history with a leisurely 90 minute Galway Walking Tour.

Looking for some lively Irish entertainment? Trad on the Prom is not to be missed, a memorising mix of traditional world-class Irish music, song, and dance. Choose from over 120 bottled craft beers from around the world at Salt House Bar on Raven Terrace or The Crane Bar, a little away from the main tourist area, is well worth the walk for a pint of Guinness.

Beyond the city, don’t miss the 2,500 km driving route, Wild Atlantic Way, for a real taste of Ireland’s natural beauty or Connemara National Park, 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, grass, and woodland. Enjoy breathtaking scenery along one of the picturesque walking trails or climb the 400-metre high Diamond Hill for stunning views.

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Glasgow, Scotland



Photo Credit: Michael D Beckwith

Renowned for its culture and style, Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is blessed with internationally-acclaimed museums, stunning architecture, shopping to die for, and a diverse nightlife. Vibrant and energetic, it’s year-round buzz and beautiful scenery make Glasgow one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.

Impressive Victorian buildings and unique architectural masterpieces make the city a pleasure to explore. Check out the Room de Luxe at the Willow Tea Rooms designed by one of Glasgow’s most celebrated sons, the legendary architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Sit back and relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea in the historic surroundings.

For culture lovers the University of Glasgow is home to The Hunterian Museum, Scotland’s oldest public museum and one of the leading university museums in the world. Within the impressive grand buildings you’ll also find The Mackintosh House, a meticulous reassemblage of the main interiors of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow home.

If you’re after something more upbeat, watch out for the Merchant City Festival from 25 July to 2 August when the streets of Glasgow’s cultural quarter will come alive for 9 days. Free events include street art, live music, comedy, family events, heritage walks, food and drink, and much more.

For a quieter pace, wander through Glasgow’s largest park, Pollock Country Park, or the amazing Botanic Gardens stretching across 50 acres and brimming with wonderful tropical plants, woodland walks, and impressive glasshouses.

And with the famous Loch Lomond just 30 minutes away and Edinburgh less than an hour by train, what other reasons could you want to visit this cosmopolitan city!

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London, England

Photo Credit: Neil Howard

London is one of the best-loved cities in the world, renowned for its West End theatres, culture, fashion and world-famous museums — like the British Museum and Tate Modern. It’s one of the top 3 most sought-after destinations on HomeExchange.com and one of those great cities everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Soak up the atmosphere and take in the sights from the deck of an open top Big Bus Tour. Just ‘hop on and off’ or sit back and enjoy the ride with live commentary as you pass by famous London landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Place and Westminster Abbey.

Or put on your walking shoes and discover some of London’s lesser known gems. Little Venice, North of Paddington, is home to waterside cafes, pubs and eateries, or Camden Passage, behind Upper Islington Street — is a treasure trove of cafes, independent boutiques, and vintage shops selling antiques, furniture, curios, and bric-a-brac.

Shoppaholics: you’ve come to the right place! Did you know there are over 150 brands and more than 50 independent restaurants and bars in Carnaby Street — one of London’s famous shopping districts — and the 13 surrounding streets. Walk under the iconic arch and you’ll find an eclectic mix of designer names, heritage brands, great English pubs, and real ale.

What better way to end a great day out than at London’s Comedy Store right in the heart of the West End? Also, take in one of London’s famous shows, Les Miserables or The Lion King, and you’ll have all the makings of a very memorable trip!

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Cardiff, Wales

Photo Credit: Michael Day

Easily accessible from anywhere in the UK or overseas, Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is famous for its rugby and opera. This year the Cardiff Festival will celebrate 30 years from June to September with music and theatre, colourful parades, family entertainment, and food events.

For sports fans, don’t miss the Rugby World Cup 2015 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in September/October. Did you know it’s the second-largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof? Book up a stadium tour or forthcoming event for a memorable day out.

Not to be missed is Cardiff Bay, home to the Wales Millennium Centre and world famous Welsh National Opera. Formerly known as Tiger Bay, the area has been transformed into Europe’s largest waterfront development. There’s something for all the family including the Techniquest Science Discovery Centre, regular food, arts and craft festivals, or a pleasant boat trip around the bay.

If you’re after a bit of culture, why not visit Cardiff Castle situated right in the city centre, nestled between stunning parkland on one side and excellent shops, restaurants and nightlife on the other. Join a 50-minute House Tour led by an expert guide or collect a free audio guide and map and wander the grounds and extravagantly decorated castle rooms at your own pace.

With many other great attractions not far away, Cardiff makes a great weekend getaway. The Brecon Beacons National Park became the world’s 5th International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012 and the beautiful Gower Peninsular was the first place in Britain to be designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

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Oxford, England

Photo Credit: Bishib70

When most people think of historic Oxford, its dreaming spires, world-famous University and annual boat race come to mind. With a great mix of the old and new, it’s one of England’s most sought after cities.

Top visitor attraction The Ashmolean Museum is not to be missed. Founded in 1683, it’s one of the oldest museums in the world and the first public museum in the UK.

If you’re feeling fit and for a dramatic panorama of the city, walk up the 99 spiral steps at the Carfax Tower or brush up your history and join one of the fascinating free two-hour Footprints Walking Tours to learn more about Oxford’s famous heritage.

To see Oxford from a different view, why not book up a traditional Punting Tour? Hire one for an hour or a day and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Cherwell River. Take a picnic lunch or treat yourself to a pre-ordered picnic hamper and a chauffeur to do all the hard work!

If you fancy something more relaxing Christ Church Meadow is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Owned by Christ Church College and bordering the rivers Cherwell and Isis, amble along the river bank to spot the grazing Longhorn cattle.

Round off the weekend with an entertaining live performance at the Creation Theatre Company. It won’t be like any you’ve seen before!

With Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill just 30 minutes away, and the famous White Horse Hill prehistoric hill figure 45 minutes away, there are two more reason to plan a weekend getaway to Oxford.

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