Centre Travel

The city of Chelmsford was born in 1199 when the Bishop earned the right to hold a weekly market. Chelmsford quickly grew into a busy place with the help from the train station, the cathedral,museum and The High Chelmer Shopping Centre.  It makes for a wonderfully dynamic place to visit. Things to see Hylands House  - Hylands Park, London Road, Chelmsford Essex CM2 8WQ                                  Tel:   01245 605500 Chelmsford Museum - 29 Rainsford Rd, Chelmsford  Essex  CM1 OAR                                      Tel:   01245455700 Places to stay The South Lodge Hotel offers guests a variety of room sizes, equipped with an en suite plus tea and                              ...

The town of ware has a long varied history. Archaeology shows that Ware has been occupied since at least the Mesolithic period, and the Romans had a sizeable settlement there. The name of the town itself dates from Anglo-Saxon period, when weirs were built to stop Viking invaders from escaping in their longships after defeat at the hands of Alfred the Great.  Situated on the Old North Road and less than a day's journey from London, Ware also has historically been an important coaching town. Things to see With such a rich history, it's no wonder that Ware has a dedicated museum.  Established in 1986, it incorporates the town's WW11 command bunker and a medieval well discovered during the building work.  Highlights of the collection on permanent display include Iron Age and Roman pottery, a Roman coffin, and a unique collection of Hitch Patent Bricks. The Priory, High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9 AL   Tel:   01920487848 Ware is set in som...

Nestled on the River Lea, Hertford has a rich history dating back to the Normans.  Though it is best known for Hertford Castle, there are many other places of great architectural interest and historical importance, including a Norman church, the world's oldest purpose-built Quaker Meeting House, in addition to shops and other town centre properties that date back over the centuries. Things to see Hertford Castle is the best known link with the town's past, providing tangible evidence of Hertford's many connections with England's Kings and Queens (almost every monarch from Saxon times up to and including Queen Elizabeth 1 is known to have visited it) The grounds are open to the public all year round whilst the Castle building (Gatehouse) is open to the public during Open Days in the summer months. Places to Eat and Stay After a look at the town, Old Siam in Parliament Square is the perfect place to grab dinner, Known for its authentic Thai cuisine, the resta...

History & Hospitality A pretty little Suffolk market town close to the Essex border,  Hadleigh is brimming with history and character, made evident in its abundant listed buildings.  Once a Viking royal town and later a hub of the burgeoning wool trade.  it is home to some fantastic architecture , most notably in and around the High Street, Benton Street, George Street and the Market Place; where you'll find many traditional timber-framed  and colour- washed plasterwork buildings. Picturesque St Mary's Church with its stunning lead steeple has attracted the attention of painters including Gainsborough, Turner and Constable.Adjacent to the church lies the fabulous red-brick Deanery Tower - the only remnant of Hadleigh Palace  and the magnificent 15th century timber-framed Guildhall. Things to see:         Hadleigh Guildhall is a medieval timber-framed complex, Grade 1 listed and dating back to the 15th century.  There i...

Lowestoft is a port town that developed due to the fishing industry, and also a traditional seaside resort with wide, sandy beaches; two piers and plenty of attractions.  Due to the discovery of flint tools in the cliffs at Pakefield, human habitation in Lowestoft  can be traced back around 700,000 years.  It was settled during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Roman and Saxon periods.  In 1665, the Battle of Lowestoft took place 40 miles off the coast of the town, resulting in a English victory over the Dutch.  During the second half of the 18th century a factory in Lowestoft produced soft porcelain goods, some of which still exist, collected at the museum in Nicholas Everill Park, Quilton  Bread and the Castle Museum, Norwich. Things to see:  Lowestoft and East Suffolk Maritime Heritage Museum was established in 1968 and extended in 1978 (the extension being opened by His Royal Highness The Duke Of Edinburgh)  There ar...

A pretty little Suffolk market town close to the Essex border, Hadleigh is brimming with history and character, made evident in its abundant listed buildings.  Once a Viking royal town and latera hub of the burgeoning wool trade, it is home to some fantastic architecture, most notably in and around the High Street, Benton Street, George Street and the Market Place, where you'll find many traditional timber-framed and colour-washed plasterwork buildings. Picturesque St Mary's  Church with its stunning lead steeple has attracted the attention of painters including Gainsborough, Turner and Constable Adjacent to the Church lies the fabulous red-brick Deanery Tower - the only remnant  of Hadleigh Palace and the magnificent 15th century timber - framed Guildhall. Things to see Hadleigh Guildhall  is a medieval timber- framed complex, Grade 1 listed and dating back to the 15th century.  There is a timbered guildroom, an old town hall which has a fine crown- po...

Newmarket is a market town in the English county of Suffolk.  It is generally considered the birthplace and global centre of thoroughbred horse racing, and a future UNESCO World Heritage Site, King James 1 moved his court to Newmarket , Transforming the fortunes of the then village by building Newmarket Palace. Frequent stays by King Charles 1 and Charles 11 further cemented the town's royal and horseracing  tradition and made the town a fashionable centre for English gentry. Attractions:  The National  Stud is the showcase for British thoroughbred  breeding. Set in 500-acres close to Newmarket, it opened its gates to the public for the first time in the 1970's.  It remains the only working stud farm in the UK welcoming individual and parties who want to go behind the scenes of the industry. Newmarket is almost famous for its slightly spicy pork sausages awarded Protected Geographical indicator of Origin status in 2012.  Of the two varieties ...

With its own special place in Britain's history, Blenheim Palace is a true national treasure; a living and enriching experience which brings wonder, delight and discovery to all those who visit. Explore & Discover With over 300 years of history, Blenheim Palace delivers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Palace - Park -Gardens Exhibitions & Experiences Enrich your visit with our range of tours and exhibitions included within admission to the Palace, Park and Gardens. Enhance your visit Make your visit unforgettable with any of our additional experiences. Shopping & Dining Take a moment to stop, relax and enjoy your surroundings. Helpful Information: The Palace, Park and Gardens are open daily all year round, except for Christmas Day. Planning Your Journey Blenheim Palace is situated in the historic town of Woodstock on the A 44, 8 miles North West of Oxford and is accessible by all forms if transport   - By Train, By Bus, By Car. ...

Visit the  Riches of Clare exhibition that features 6,000 years of Clare's history.  The exhibition is displayed using the themes of Earth,, Power, Faith, Water and Energy and includes a large number of Archaeological  and Folklife objects from the National Museum of Ireland, colourful text panels and computer interactives. Clare Museum Arthur's Row, Ennis Co Clare Tel:   065 6823382 Web:   www.clarelibrary.ie

Castelrock is a small, quiet resort situated just a kilometre from where the River Bann meets the sea of the Barmouth with a fine beach and championship golf course, it is an attractive, peaceful village in which to enjoy forest and coastal walks, birdwatching, angling or tennis. The beautiful beach and attractions of nearby Downhill offer some of the most scenic views in Northern Ireland. www.northcoastni.com

Aquaholics & Star Dive Centre 14 Portmore Road, Portstewart, BT55  7BE Contact:  Richard Latterly T / F:  028 7083 2584 E:   dive@aquaholics.org W:  www.aquaholics.org High speed White Knuckle powerboat trips along North Coast and Rathin island and diving for all levels. BOY Matthew Sea Angling (MFU) Contact:  Peter Boston  BT55 7DW T:  028 7083 4734  M:  077 6451 4270 Operating from Portstewart Harbour (BT55, 7 DB) offering two three hour fishing trips for families, groups and individuals. Departs 2.00pm and 6.00pm daily.  Rods and tackle supplied.  Six hours charter angling also available for groups and clubs.  Booking is required during peak season. 'Boy Matthew's'  code of practice approved by M.C.A. and licensed for 12 passengers. Portstewart Pleasure Cruises Portstewart Harbour (BT55 7DB) Contact: Peter O'Neill T:  028 7083 3313  F:  028 7083 4138 E:  peteroneill@ds...

Come see our visitor centres in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. - meet rescued horses                                      - gift shop   and ponies in beautiful   surroundings                                                 - Visitor centre - Nature walks                                                - Children's play area - Cafe'                                                             - Dogs on lead welcome Aylsham or Caldecott Visito Centre:  For more information about ...

Ptarmigan Blakeney Point Seal Trips Daily Trips to See Seals and Seabirds Tel:   01263 740 792          07563 332 088 Web:   www.blakeneypointsealtrips.co.uk

Thetford is a unique hub of both historical and natural significance. Once the ancient capital of East Anglia and situated at the heart of the unique Brecks natural area, this market town offers plenty for any type of visitor to discover. England's entire history is mapped out across the town, and some of the most amazing characters from the past have been to Thetford over the last 2,000 years.The infamous warrior queen Boudica built Gallows Hill before leading the revolt against the Romans  - Iron Age Thetford was heavily associated with the Iceni tribe. During its time as the Saxon capital of East Anglia, Thetford was home to its own mint, with its coins being found as far afield as Scandinavia. Revolutionery Thomas Paine was born in the town, which was also home Maharajah Duleep Singhs t ( a friend of Queen Victoria and the owner of the world's largest diamond). That's just the tip of the iceberg - you really have to visit Thetford to appreciate its unique and di...

Great Yarmouth, often known to locals as Yarmouth, is a coastal town in Norfolk., it is located ay the mouth-of the River Yare, 20 miles east of Norwich. It has been a seaside resort since 1760, and is the gateway between the Norfolk Broads and the sea. Things to see: - The Tollhouse with dungeons, dates from the late 13th century and is said to be the oldest civic            building in Britain. - The market place is one of the largest in England, and has been operating since the 13th century. It    is home to the town's shopping sector and the famous Yarmouth chip stalls. The smaller area south    of the market is used as a performance area for community events and for access to the town's            shopping centre. Market Gates, - The Grade II listed Winter Gardens building sits next to Wellington Pier.  The cast iron- framed            glass structure was sh...

Discover something unique. New! Online Toy & Gift Store www.bridgefarmtoysand gifts.com Bridge Farm Barns Monks Eleigh, Nr Lavenham, Suffolk IP 7 7AY T:  01449 740456 Web:   www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk

Portballintrae is a charming seaside village situated just off the Coast Road, to the north of Bushmills, it boasts a quiet beach, shetland harbour a geological ASSI (Area of Special Scientific interest), interesting rock pools ans a beautifully situated nine-hole golf course. Its close proximity to Bushmills and the Giant;s Causeway make it an excellent base from which to explore the Causeway Coast. - Harbour - Beach Road, Portballintrae                 Coleraine Marina                 T:  028 7034 4768 - Lissanduff Ritual Site - Lissanduff,  Portballintrae  BT 757 8RT - Runkerry Strand - Beach Road - Portballintrae Web:   www.northcoastni.com

Royal Gunpowder Mills Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex  EN9 1JY Tel:   01992 707370 Web:   www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Landguard Fort View Point Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk  IP11 3 TW T:   01394675900 Email:   operations@landguard.com

Steam Trains to the Norfolk Broads. Trains from Aylsham And Wrokham no prior booking required. Easter Eggspress  - Free Easter Egg for every child when accompanied by a fare paying adult. Bure Valley Railway Norwich Road, Aylsham Norfolk NR 11 6 BW Tel:  01263 733858