Coach Trips & Tours

Archive for February, 2011

It is a sign of the times – the incessantly rising costs of diesel at the pumps all linked to the increase in oil prices and unrest in the East.  For coach trip companies these are testing times – but there is some good news.  Read the rest of this entry »

Off the coast of mainland Scotland at the most northern point of the UK lies the island of Unst with its wonderful community spirit and a bus shelter like nothing you have seen before.  It is a wonderful island to visit and of course here at coach-trips.org.uk we are keen to pull a coach up at the amazing Unst bus shelter and let visitors experience first-hand that fine community spirit that emanates all through the island and centres on this remote bus shelter. Read the rest of this entry »

The severity of the recent flooding across Australia has shocked and dumbfounded many across the world. While its people are not unused to extreme natural disasters such as extensive forest fires, their strength and resolve have been tested mercilessly yet again by this unexpected tragedy.

Brisbane has been the worst hit area so far and the events continue to haunt their efforts to rebuild their lives.

Everyone is now familiar with the inspirational story of Jordan Rice, the 13 year old boy scared of water, swept away with his mother by strong currents after he begged rescuers to save his younger brother first. There are currently 30 people confirmed dead and many more still missing. The first burials took place in January as the survivors struggled to come to terms with what has happened. One minute people were sat watching television, within half an hour they were knocking holes through their roofs to escape the torrent of water.

Many people’s homes have been irreparably damaged by the flooding or in some cases, washed away completely. At the time of writing, approximately 14,972 homes and businesses are completely swamped and 18,025 partially flooded. Many Australian insurers have been hesitant to pay out, pointing the finger at consumers for not having the necessary cover. The Insurance council of Australia’s general manager of risk Karl Sullivan says, ‘unfortunately a lot of people don’t make the effort to understand what the risks are that they’re facing’. Not only must the weary people contend with somehow paying for the damage, the amount of debris and rotting vegetation left behind has been described as staggering.

In the small town of Swan Hill (210 miles northwest of Melbourne), volunteers prepare sandbags as a defence against the incoming flood tide. It is expected to move across the Victoria state through the swollen rivers, which are close enough to each other for a mass of water to hit the town; it has been described as an inland sea the size of Paris.

All they can do is learn from the disasters over the last few days. They prepare mental and physical barricades as best they can. We wish them all the best from the team here at coach trips.

North Yorkshire has a wide variety of attractions, and holiday cottages in Yorkshire are very popular because of this. There is something to do for every member of the family, old or young, adventurous or sedate. Beautiful moors, beaches, villages and towns provide the backdrop for every conceivable activity. The coast offers water sports including windsurfing, Kayaking, swimming and kite surfing, and a host of other on the water activities, whilst the beach itself offers the chance to walk, ride or drive between pretty villages and remote coastline.

The North Yorkshire Moors, with their carpet of purple heather and beautiful valleys and hills, offer horse riding, nature and plant spotting, great walks, and also the famous North Yorkshire Railway, an ideal way to see the countryside in comfort and warmth. Many holiday cottages in Yorkshire are on the outskirts of towns, and this can offer the link to both local shops and rolling countryside that is ideal in a holiday home.

The City of York, one of the oldest cities in the country, is a fascinating destination and well worth visiting time and again. The thirteenth century walls are open to the public, and give an insight into the lives of the Romans, Vikings and Normans who would have one day guarded the city. Now a bustling city centre packed with attractions, bars and shops, it is always a pleasure to visit and still a trading bonanza! York Minister Cathedral and the Jorvic Viking Centre are fantastic attractions and both make great days out. Take a guided walk around the city and tread the medieval streets and The Shambles area for the full experience. The World of James Herriot at Thirsk is dedicated to the famous vet and is set in the pretty Yorkshire Dales. James Herriot was a world renowned vet who was famous for his novels and the BBC drama ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. There are interactive exhibits and interesting displays. You can find out more at: http://www.worldofjamesherriot.org/

Ripon cathedral is a big draw for tourists, as it is one of the oldest places of continuous Christian worship in Britain. Pilgrims have travelled to the cathedral for 1300 years, and the cathedral is open every day from 8.30am to 6.00pm. All visitors are welcome and come to enjoy the architecture and tranquility, as well as the ancient crypt or music. More information is available at http://www.riponcathedral.org.uk

Harlow Carr Garden in Harrogate is an RHS site that is a major tourist attraction for the area. The stunning gardens are designed to fit into the landscape and use native plants, stone and shapes to blend into the surrounding countryside. A lovely day out in summer when the flowers are at their best but also throughout the year when the changing seasons show different aspects of the garden.  Visitors should check their website at: http://www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

Scarborough is also a lovely position for a holiday cottage with its sandy beach seaside feeling and the convenience of local shops and businesses. Nestled on the coast it offers a great location for inland or coastal activities. The crumbling cliff top castle makes a nice walk and there are lots of activities and events on all year round.