Winter Attractions in Dorset

Dorset is well known as a summer destination for visitors, thanks to its plethora of outdoor attractions and fabulous events held during the summer months. What is less well known is that Dorset is a great place to visit in winter as well. This article describes some of the best things about Dorset in the winter months.

Country Tracks

Forget the summer - for many people, the winter is when the countryside of Dorset is at its most beautiful and striking. If you avoid the temptation to stay indoors all wrapped up during the coldest part of the year, and instead venture out into the countryside, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous winter wonderland full of frozen streams and peaceful landscapes.

At this time of year, it's probably best to stick to the National Trust pathways, in order to avoid getting lost, wet and muddy out in the middle of nowhere.

Nature and Wildlife

Perhaps surprisingly, only a small minority of native Dorset wildlife actually hibernates in winter. The county's climate usually remains relatively mild throughout the winter months, and consequently the native bird species are joined in this period by other species from colder parts of the UK and abroad. This makes it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers to go out looking for the county's wildlife.

Fossil Hunting

One of the main attractions in Dorset is the famous Jurassic Coast, which was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2001. As well as its series of iconic coastal landmarks, the Jurassic Coast is known primarily as a place to find fossils. As a result, thousands of people both amateur and professional go fossil-hunting on the coastline each year, particularly on the beaches around Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

What is widely known to fossil experts but less known to amateurs is that the best time to hunt for fossils is in winter, rather than in the summer when most people do it. This because in winter the ancient cliffs above the beaches are lashed by stormy seas and bad weather, which causes them to erode away and expose the prehistoric remains embedded in the ancient rock. Thus, in this part of the year, incredibly well-preserved fossils can be found simply lying free on the beach or scattered among rocks, where they can't be missed!

Dorset Food

There is nothing like a warm, hearty cooked meal to get rid of those winter blues, and one thing Dorset definitely has an abundance of is fantastic locally produced food. The county has long had an economy based heavily on agriculture, and this means that it is home to a wide range of vegetables, meats, cheeses, ciders and ales.

In addition, Dorset has 88 miles of coastline, which means it has access to all kinds of seafood, including mackerel, cod, crabs and oysters. Visitors can sample freshly-caught seafood for themselves in whatever setting they choose, from classy gourmet restaurants to traditional English fish and chip shops.

This article has detailed some of the attractions of Dorset in winter time, and there are many more just waiting to be discovered! In the gloomy post-Christmas months, it's the perfect place to take a peaceful and relaxing break that will leave you impatient to come back for more.

Newlands Holidays runs one the most popular holiday Parks in Dorset. Visit the Newlands website for more information on Dorset holiday parks

Original article

Why Edinburgh Is The Winter Destination For All

Although it can be considered as the norm to jet off during the summers months, when the children are on their summer holidays and being able to kill two birds with one stone.

Unfortunately, it may not be an option for many, with difficult economic times and household expenses rising on all front's many different alternatives are becoming more and more prominent. Because of this the rise in staycations have increased astronomically while making use of local attractions has become much more common. So taking a small family break can be considered better than cancelling all together.

Many may not even realise the opportunities that exist right on their doorstep. Especially those who live near Edinburgh. For those living in England and further afield like Europe then why would a trip that involved leaving reasonable temperatures to minus degrees be tempting?

Well to begin with, during the winter months the capital city Edinburgh really becomes alive. Full of ambience and winter activities that can entertain all the family, which are only available for six weeks of the year.

The Edinburgh Winter Wonderland opens fairly early at the end of November. Located in the Princess Street Gardens, a large space that becomes full of stalls and amusements. Including the well loved Ice Rink, in fact one of Europe's largest, looks spectacular in it's winter setting. This year also features a bungee snow dome and the Edinburgh Wheel. An impressive 33 metre span that towers over Princess Street, the Winter Wonderland and Edinburgh itself. Achieving great views so remember to bring the camera.

All visitors this year will have the fortune that the trams are still in development. The whole of Princess Street has been made open to the public. Now offering more space and options than ever before. Such as the Santa Express that will take you on a ride from one side of Princess Street to another. A great way to relax and take in the atmosphere.

For the little ones, now is the perfect opportunity to see Santa visit. But, before he arrives don't forget to send any letters to Santa's personal post box that he will collect on arrival.

Out of all the activities and experiences available, the most renowned and loved by all the locals and visitors has to be the Traditional German Market. The market is provided by stall holders based in Frankfurt and sells a mix of classical gifts as well as contemporary gifts. There is a wide range of German food and drinks that will be essential during the winter weather. With warm pretzels and sausages among the mix of new and exiting foods.

As winter escapes can be for the weekend or possible a whole week. And because of such little travel expenses involved for those in the UK it would be difficult to not treat yourself throughout the stay to that something extra special, such as a luxury hotel. Edinburgh offers many unique hotels and B&B's that can compete with the best in the world. Many would consider Edinburgh boutique hotels to be the best in the world, so whilst visiting the wonderful city ensure there is a wonderful hotel to retreat after each day.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

Original article

Discover What A Scottish Winter Break Has To Offer

Try something different this year, and experience what Edinburgh has to offer during the winter months and be pleasantly surprised.

When winter breaks are suggested the first thing that springs to mind is skiing during the day and relaxing next to a log fire in a toasty cabin at night. From Norway to Austria why not try break from the norm and try something different this Christmas.

Try replacing the desolate slopes for an unmistakeable atmosphere in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh. With a wide range of activities and events it's an unmissable experience that caters all types of visitors and families. And instead of a cool chalet hidden in snowy hills, why not try a unique and luxurious hotel that Edinburgh has to offer, while overlooking the wonderfully light city.

The Christmas events begin on the 25th of November and followed by Edinburgh's famous Hogmanay party. Providing 6 weeks of festive celebrations for all.

Throughout the Christmas period princess street is transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations, one of the largest ice-rinks in Europe and funfair. Furthermore, there is the well known and loved German market that sells hot food, mulled wine and gifts and a great way to help embrace the festive period and gathering of many people.

As mentioned previously, there is a funfair and ice-rink that will help keep children entertained and able to cherish the wonderful atmosphere that is created. Who knows what new events and activities will be available this year.

Once everything has been explored, eaten and skied, why not take part in the new year celebrations. Three days of fun and games to welcome the new year, during 30th December to 1st January, 2012. Take part in the street party, concert in the gardens or welcome 2012 in style as you dance through the bells at the 'The Keilidh'. Then proceed by experiencing the torchlight procession that follows. And be around the ones you love for the beginning of the new year.

Don't forget to carry out in-depth research to find every activity available to ensure nothing is missed. As there is a huge range of diverse and interesting activities for all the family. Also, try picking out one of the many hotels in Edinburgh that offer something different. Throughout the capital there a wide and varied opportunity to experience the very finest in luxury hotels, including the very interesting boutique hotels that the capital is renowned for. Or even try experiencing one of the many loved B&B's.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information amd advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

Original article