COMPETITION TIME

Here is a chance for readers of this blog to win a 'signed' copy of my book 'A Handful of Songs & Poems'.

All you have to do to get your hands on a copy of this 32 page paperback, is to follow me on this blog.

The competition is open to all new followers who sign up from today (05/10/2016) until the closing date of 28/02/2017. The winner will be announced on this blog, following the random draw, and the prize will be despatched by standard 2nd class Royal Mail.

Good luck in the draw and welcome to Independent World Travel Reviews.

Very Best Regards
Robert M Lidster
Blog Author

PLACES TO VISIT IN THE UK

NATIONAL TRUST

So far this year I have had the great pleasure of visiting four National Trust properties. This of course is just a fraction of the many fine properties that the National Trust manage. Here is a review of three of those properties, the fourth property, Melford Hall in Long Melford  Suffolk, has previously been reviewed on this blog.
   http://independentworldtravelreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/national-trust.html

BELTON HOUSE

 

Built in the 1680s for Sir John Brownlow, Belton House is a very classic English country house. The house sits within the splendour of the beautiful formal Italian and Dutch gardens, and if the gardens themselves are not enough to keep you occupied outdoors, there is also an impressive 1,300 acre Deer park.

Belton House is steeped in history, there are links to the abdication of King Edward VIII, as well as being the base for The Machine Gun Corps during the first world war. The house itself is a delight to visit and I would highly recommend the Basement tour. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives and living conditions of the servants who ran the house. There are various events throughout the year including open air theatre and cinema, with special Halloween and Christmas programs.

The house is open Wednesday to Sunday between March and October, and basement tours operate daily all year round. The gardens and cafe are open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Entry to the house and gardens is £13.10 for adults and £8.40 per child. To visit the grounds only, will cost £10.30 for an adult and £7.00 for a child.

For full details on all up to date pricing and current opening times please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse

Facilities at Belton House include a restaurant, cafe, children's play area, second hand book shop, gift shop and garden shop. There is also ample free parking. Belton House is located near Grantham in Lincolnshire on the A607. The postcode for Sat Navs is: NG32 2LS.

LAVENHAM GUILDHALL

 

Located in the beautiful and extremely popular village of Lavenham in Suffolk, Lavenham Guildhall is a hidden treasure. Known as the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, it is a remarkably well preserved timber framed Tudor building. With 500 years of history this building has more than a few stories to tell, and the friendly, helpful staff at Lavenham Guildhall are more than happy to share some of these stories with you. There is even the opportunity for visitors to dress up in a replica period costume.

More recently, the Guildhall and Lavenham have found fame among cinema goers, both young and old, by being featured in the Harry Potter films. Many visitors are drawn to Lavenham to see the film location of the fictional town of Godric's Hollow, the birthplace of Harry Potter.

Facilities on-site include a well stocked gift shop, and a very nice tea room serving hot and cold food and drinks. There is a small courtyard garden which features a 'lock up' from the days when the Guildhall was used as a prison, and an old wooden fire engine.

The Guildhall is open from 11am to 5pm and entry costs £6.20 for adults and £3.10 for children.
For full details on all up to date prices and current  opening times please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lavenham-guildhall

Located just seven miles from Sudbury, the postcode for Sat Navs is: CO10 9QZ. Free parking is available in Market Square or any of the surrounding roads where parking is permitted.

BOURNE MILL

Located on the outskirts of Colchester, England's oldest recorded town, Bourne Mill is a magnificent example of a working watermill. Not that this building has always been a mill, it was originally an Elizabethan fishing lodge.

Built in 1591 by Sir Thomas Lucas, it was a place for entertaining his wealthy friends. Over the years it has also served as a working corn mill, as well as producing woolen cloth.

Visitors are able to see the watermill in action and enjoy listening to the rhythmic sound of its workings, with all its creaking and rumbling. Outside, visitors can enjoy relaxing by the beautiful, tranquil lake, whilst admiring the scenery and wildlife. Perhaps, even take a walk along the wetlands and maybe enjoy a little pond dipping.

 

The mill and grounds are open March to October and cost £3.75 for adults and £1.90 for children.
 For full details on all up to date opening times and current prices please visit:  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bourne-mill

Located on Bourne Road Colchester. Limited Free parking is available on-site. The postcode for Sat Navs is: CO2 8RT

EDEN SPA at DOWN HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER STAY

 

My wife and I were visiting Down Hall Country House Hotel, on the Essex/Hertfordshire border,  for the third time, in just over a year. Down Hall is fast becoming our favourite hotel in the UK. We find it so relaxing, and the hotel and grounds are spectacular! To view my previous review of Down Hall Country House Hotel, please click on the following link:  http://independentworldtravelreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/prepost-flight-hotel-stays.html
 

The reason for our visit on this occasion was, once again, a pre-flight stay. This time however we were looking forward to spending a little more time at the hotel, and enjoying the benefits of the recently opened Eden Spa.

 

We had booked our one night stay to include dinner, bed and breakfast. We arrived at the hotel mid afternoon, in plenty of time to relax in the sauna and steam room. Unfortunately, we didn't have time on this visit to book any of the many treatments on offer. Oh well, there's always next time!

 

 

 

 

The Eden Spa features a steam room, sauna, hydro pool, relaxation area, sun terrace, snack bar area, and an outside patio area with ample tables and chairs. The entire spa is tastefully decorated, and offers a very calm, relaxing atmosphere. Treatments include massages from just £27, facials from £24, pedicures and manicures from £22.50, and waxing from just £10. All treatments can be booked directly with the spa.

After chilling out and thoroughly relaxing for a couple of hours, we enjoyed a splendid three course evening meal in the Grill Room Restaurant before retiring to our very comfortable room for the night. The next morning there was an impressive choice of hot and cold food on offer, and we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before enjoying a leisurely walk around the impressive and extensive grounds. Feeling very relaxed and refreshed after our short stay, we found ourselves, once again, bidding a fond farewell to Down Hall Country House Hotel. As we drove down the long driveway, we knew this wouldn't be our last visit to this wonderful and very welcoming hotel, we will, most certainly, be back!

 

 

For information on Down Hall Country House Hotel visit: http://downhall.co.uk/

For more information on Eden Spa please visit: www.edenspadownhall.co.uk

HARROGATE'S TURKISH BATHS

I have often enjoyed relaxing in a spa, or spending time in the steam room or sauna of a hotel whilst on holiday. But I had never experienced a traditional Turkish Bath, that is, until I recently visited the Turkish Baths in Harrogate Yorkshire.
 

I was in Harrogate with my wife, celebrating our wedding anniversary. It was our first visit to this historic spa town, and we were both very keen to get as much out of our two day visit as possible. We had stayed the previous night at The Best Western Cedar Court Hotel, a four star hotel dating back to the 17^th century, and had already spent some time exploring the town.
 

We had booked a morning session at the baths, 10am to 12.30pm. The session was a mixed sex session, so swim wear had to be worn. There are various sessions that can be booked, including female only sessions as well as mixed sex sessions. For those interested in the history of the baths, but not wanting to experience them, there are guided tours on Wednesdays, between 9am and 10am.

 

The Royal Baths date back to 1897 and the Turkish Baths were only one of a vast number of facilities available during the spa's heyday. Back then, visitors to the baths could indulge in hydrotherapy treatments, mud baths and steam rooms. There was also a full complement of consulting doctors on hand. Today, visitors can take advantage of 3 hot rooms, a steam room, rest area, plunge pool and the Winter Garden Lounge.

 

 

 

 

 



Our session was due to start at 10am, but we had been advised to arrive about 15 minutes prior to our session. We had booked on-line so it was just a matter of being checked in by a member of staff at the desk. Between the front entrance of the building and the entrance to the baths, there is a modern, glass roofed area which is used as a reception/waiting area. We were asked to wait until we were called. My wife and I were the first clients to be checked in, but as we waited many more arrived. There is a cafe area selling snacks and drinks for those that require it.

At 10am we were informed that the baths were open, we were then shown into the changing area where each guest was given 2 towels. One towel was for use within the baths, the second towel was to be left in our locker for use after the session. We were asked to change into our swimwear then put our belongings in our lockers (a £1 coin is needed for the locker). We were then instructed to wait in the rest area where we would receive further instructions.

Once changed into our swimwear, and personal possessions stowed away in our lockers, we all gathered as requested. Our guide for our introduction to the Turkish Baths was a gentleman called Bob, and we could not have asked for a better guide. He was not only very informative, and clearly passionate about the Turkish Baths, but also very funny and entertaining, making our visit a most enjoyable one. Bob explained a little about the history of the baths, then walked us through the various rooms, explaining what we should do in order that we may gain the best possible experience from these wonderful, historic baths.
 

The sequence that Bob suggested we follow was: First take a hot shower, then spend 4 minutes in the steam room, followed by another shower. We then worked our way through the 3 hot rooms, each one a little hotter than the one before, on reaching the 3^rd and final hot room, we found the temperature to be 68 degrees centigrade. After the hot rooms and a further shower, we were invited to take to the plunge pool to cool off. Having completed the circuit, it was suggested that we either repeat the experience again or relax in the rest area.
 

 

 

The baths really are in an excellent condition, with Moorish design and great Islamic arches and screens. With walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, arabesque painted ceilings, mosaic floors and polished hardwoods, these magnificent Turkish Baths, must look as fresh today as they would have done when they were originally built. There are only 3 remaining 19^th century Turkish Baths in England, and only Harrogate's baths are as historically complete and in full working order. The baths have often been used for film, television and video, as well as photo shoots.
 

Throughout our visit, both my wife and I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. We were also very impressed with the quality of the restoration work that has been carried out, ensuring that this historic building will remain for the enjoyment of generations to come. For anyone visiting Harrogate, I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to these wonderful Turkish Baths, you certainly will not be disappointed. This was a truly unique experience, a real step back in time, and I for one came away from the baths feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I'm only sorry that I live 240 miles away!
 

For more information on opening times, prices, and to book a session, please visit: www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk or telephone 01423 556746

HARROGATE YORKSHIRE

Best Western Plus Cedar Court Hotel

As I pulled into the driveway of the Cedar Court Hotel, I could not help but be impressed by this magnificent building. This grand property dates back to 1671 and sits proudly on the site of Harrogate's first hotel. The present building was built in 1855 and extended in 1861.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The present owners, Cedar Court Hotels, also have properties in Huddersfield, Wakefield, and Bradford. Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate opened in 1999 after a multi-million pound investment. The restoration was completed sympathetically, with many of the original features maintained and incorporated in the new design.

I parked my car at the front of the hotel, there is a further car park at the rear. With a total of 150 complimentary parking spaces, there is ample room for all visitors to this 100 bedroomed four star hotel. Getting to Harrogate is easy, whether you come by car, public transport or plane. The A1(M) is only 7 miles away, Leeds/Bradford Airport just 12 miles, and Harrogate train station is a mere 0.3 miles from the hotel.

This was my first visit, not only to a Cedar Court Hotel, but also to Harrogate. Once I had checked in, the very friendly receptionist gave me a map of Harrogate. As I had informed her that I would be visiting the Turkish Baths during my stay, she very kindly marked off the route that I would need to take.

 

 

I was travelling with my wife on this trip, we were celebrating our wedding anniversary and had chosen Harrogate as I had recently read an article which listed Harrogate as the third most romantic destination in the world. The same article informed readers that Harrogate had recently been voted 'The Happiest Place to live in Britain'. Certainly, Harrogate has proven to be a popular destination over the years. Its spa waters, containing iron, sulphur and salt, having been discovered in the 16^th century, have, undoubtedly, been a major attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Our bedroom was a good sized room and tastefully decorated. There was a double bed with bedside cabinet either side, a coffee table and two easy chairs, and a dressing table and chair. There was also a TV and tea/coffee making facilities, and a safe for guests use located within the wardrobe, which also housed an ironing board, robes and slippers. The bathroom had a bath with overhead shower, and there were complimentary toiletries.

 

 

As we had travelled a fair distance (230 miles), we decided to relax and enjoy a cup of tea in the lounge area before exploring the hotel further. The lounge area is situated near to the reception, it has ample tables and comfortable chairs and has a large wall mounted TV, there is also a bar serving teas and coffees as well as alcohol and soft drinks. Afternoon tea, consisting of sandwiches, scones, and cakes, can also be enjoyed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After resting for a while with a nice cup of tea, we went to explore the hotel and grounds. On the ground floor, besides the lounge and bar area, the hotel restaurant can be found. 'The Brasserie' seats 42 guests at present, but the restaurant is due for refurbishment in May/June 2016, and when completed will accommodate 130 guests. Also on the ground floor are the conference and meeting rooms, as well as the Business Centre. There are 10 meeting rooms ranging in size, with the maximum capacity being 350. The largest exhibition space is an impressive 295 sq. m.

There is a small fitness room on the 1^st floor, but with enough gym equipment to keep the most active guest occupied during their stay. If further distraction is needed, there is a Pool table on the ground floor, outside the Cedar Suite. There are 2 lifts serving all floors, so access to all amenities is good.

 

 

 

My wife and I had booked an early sitting for dinner, 6pm. We had been informed, when we checked in, that the restaurant would be busy this evening. Indeed, although my wife and I were the first diners in the restaurant, it soon filled up. The menu was enticingly impressive, with a varied and excellent choice of 5 starters, 7 mains, and 5 desserts. A 3 course meal was priced at £24.50, and a 2 course meal at £19.95. However, the hotel often has very good offers on packages including dinner.

 

 

 

For starters, my wife chose Salmon, Haddock & Dill Fishcake served with brown bread, lemon & tartar sauce. I opted for the Ham Hock Terrine served with red onion marmalade and warm crusty bread. For mains, we both decided on the Duo of Red Mullet & Sea Bream served with white wine sauce, buttered greens and roasted new potatoes. The food was simply delicious, and was washed down with a most enjoyable glass of excellent house red. The restaurant staff were extremely polite and efficient, frequently and attentively checking that everything was to our satisfaction, which it was.

My wife and I had planned to go for a walk after dinner but, unfortunately, it had started to rain. Instead, we decided to retire to our most comfortable room, which was on the first floor above reception, overlooking the front of the hotel and The Stray (200 acres of beautiful tree lined lawns).

The next morning, breakfast was served in the Cedar Suite. Once the refurbishment of the restaurant is completed, breakfast will be served in there. Breakfast was self service and consisted of an extensive choice of cereals, fruits, hot food, and pastries. There was also tea, coffee and fruit juice.

 

As we were booked into the Turkish Baths this morning, my wife and I  had arranged a late check out. We left the hotel at about 9am to walk to the baths, taking in places of interest along the way, notably 'Betty's Tearooms'. We arrived back at the hotel at 12pm and checked out at 1pm.

Although a very short visit on this occasion, my wife and I had thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Best Western Plus Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate. We could not fault the hotel or staff in any way, everyone had been very polite and most helpful, and there was a very relaxed feel to the hotel, just what you need when on holiday. This had been a celebration trip for my wife and I but the Cedar Court Hotel would also be a perfect choice for a longer stay, ideal for those wishing to explore Harrogate and the surrounding area. With the facilities present in the conference and meeting rooms it is also a great place to carry out business, and with between 60 to 70 weddings taking place at Cedar Court Hotel each year, it is testament itself that the beautiful setting of this wonderful hotel is a perfect choice for a very special occasion.

 

For information on the hotel, room prices, business facilities or wedding arrangements, please visit www.cedarcourthotels.co.uk or email cedarcourt@bestwestern.co.uk or telephone 01423 858585