Vacation Home Rentals

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on Jun 19

The ‘Fair City’ of Perth in Scotland , a once royal burgh, stands at the head of the Tay estuary. Between the C12th and C15th Perth fought with Dunfermline for the title to be the capital city of Scotland. In the following article I write about 3 places to visit in Perth, Scotland; Scone Palace, Elcho Castle and Huntingtower Castle:

Scone Palace

These days, home of the Earls of Mansfield is Scone Palace, and a incredibly popular attraction to visitors from across the planet. The palace is an important part of Scotland’s history, as the kings of Scotland were once crowned there. In 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone Palace, as well as Charles II when he took ownership of the Scottish Crown in 1651. There is a beautiful and mysterious mood to the palace, which is rightly so.At one time the site was an important gathering place of the Picts and there was also an early Christian church on the site.

Elcho Castle

Located roughly three miles from the city of Perth, with breathtaking views across the River Tay, is Elcho Castle. The castle is one of the best examples of 16th century architecture in Scotland today. The Wemyss family authorized the building of the castle in the 1570′s. The land had belonged to the family since 1468, when it was assigned to them by King James III. In 1633, the head of the family was given the titles of Lord Elcho and Earl of Wemyss. Elcho Castle and it’s lands stayed the property of the Wemyss family until 1929. At this time, the 11th Earl of Wemyss, gave the castle to the nation. The castle has recently been renovated and is now in the hands of Historic Scotland.

Huntingtower Castle

Situated just west of Perth is the medieval pile of Huntingtower Castle. Although the structure is medieval in origin, it has been redeveloped significantly throughout the majoprity of it’s history. The Ruthven family were occupiers of the lands and castle from the C12th to the C17th. During this time the castle consisted of two separate towers, erected 3 meters apart. When the Murray family took occupancy, later on in the C17th, they decided to merge the two towers, making the house look more like a conventional country abode. The bridging work between the two towers is still rather noticeable today, on both the exterior and the interior of the building.

If you are thinking about a vacation in Perth you will discover a large amount of online Perth hotels and guest houses and you will find a broad selection at http://www.perthhotelscotland.com/

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on May 4

The city of Bradford is located in West Yorkshire, an English county. Lying in the foothills of the mountain range known as the Pennines the city of Bradford was perfectly placed to boom during the industrial revolution. In truth, during the nineteenth century, the town of Bradford stood at the forefront of the Industrial revolution and it very quickly became an important international textile manufacturing centre, specialising in wool and the town of Bradford gained the nickname of the world’s wool capital. Because of the abundance of raw materials of iron ore, soft water and coal the town experienced quick expansion in its manufacturing base and a corresponding population growth. Sadly the city’s textile industry eventually declined in the mid 20th century. Ever since then the city has developed into   something of a popular vacation destination with a a surprising number of establishments providing bed and breakfast accommodation in Bradford.

Bradford’s industrial history has left us with a legacy of fine Victorian constructions, including; the Wool Exchange, old mills, Alhambra Theatre and City Hall. The most ancient building found in the city is the Cathedral, which can be dated back to medieval times, and was, for most of its life, a small parish church. Regrettably few buildings of this time survive, except for Bolling Hall. Bolling Hall is currently a museum, situated approximately 1 mile away from the centre of the city. Built in a quiet and leafy garden, the museum takes folk on a wondrous journey, to a time dating back around 5 hundred years, through the lives of those who once called Bolling Hall their home.

Bradford is the home of the National Media Museum, which is one of the most popular museums to be found outside London. At one time named the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television, the fascinating National Media Museum is free to enter which is ideal for folk of all ages. The National Media Museum contains 3 cinemas, one being the best in England. One can explore the past, present and future of television in Experience TV, enjoy your favourite television moments in TV Heaven, experiment with lenses, colour and light in the Magic Factory and investigate the interesting world of animation and watch an actual animator working in the Animation Gallery. Every weekend and during holidays the museum has an exciting packed schedule of talks, free tours and activities.

If you are in the process of planning a short vacation in Bradford you will find a large amount of online hotels and guest houses providing Bradford bed and breakfast. You will find a massive range of Bradford accommodation at http://bradford.hotelreservationhelper.com/

posted by Vacation Home Rentals on May 2

The ‘Fair City’ of Perth in Scotland is also frequently called to as the  ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Sited on the River Tay’s banks, Perth was, for centuries, the capital of Scotland and during the medieval period the busy small town was locally known as St. John’s Town or St. Johnstone. The name of the town, or, in the Gaelic language, Peairt, derives from the Pictish word meaning a wood. Today  this beautiful little town is the perfect location as a base for a Scottish vacation with masses bed and breakfast in Perth to choose from.

Whether you stay for just a single day or for longer you will very quickly see that there very many exciting things to see and do in  the immediate vicinity of Perth and the surrounding area. attractions include; historical attractions, shopping, sport and leisure pursuits and restaurants and other forms of entertainment. In the not too distant past the town was a prosperous port dealing with exports of linen, bleached products, whisky and leather. Today the tourist industry generates much needed cash and much appreciated employment for the younger locals who are keen to take up employment in the increasing number of Perth guest houses and hotels and other companies.

Probably the most popular visitor attraction, pretty close to Perth, is one of the finest historical country homes in Scotland, Scone Palace. Here one can explore the exciting history of Scone Palace, the location where the kings of Scotland were once crowned for example, Robert The Bruce (crowned in 1306).

Round about 3 miles away, from the town of Perth, you will find the 16th century Elcho Castle, which has the most glorious vistas of the River Tay. Elcho Castle can be dated back to the year fifteen seventy when the Wemyss family commissioned it’s construction who owned it until 1929. It is now in the possession of Historic Scotland.

Just a little distance west of Perth you will find the medieval structure of Huntingtower Castle. Situated in breathtaking the castle has undergone many redevelopments and alterations over the centuries. Huntingtower Castle was originally designed as a pair of separate and distinct tower houses but constructed very close together.

As well as the visitor attractions introduced above Perth has countless more, which makes it a perfect town for a vacation for the family. Other tourist attractions and places, worth visiting, to be found in Perthshire include the following; Perth Ice Rink (for curling etc.), Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire Visitor Centre, Strathearn and the Glenturret Distillery.

If you are in the process of planning a city vacation in Perth you will discover a large amount of online Perth hotels and guest houses and you will discover a massive selection at http://www.perthhotelscotland.com/