ANGLESEY

 Low-lying and agricultural, the island of Anglesey seems, on the first impression, rather dull in comparison with the splendid scenery on the other side of the great suspension bridge across the Menai Strait. Yet it has a beautiful coastline, a fair number of historic sights and is one of the most resolutely Welsh parts of the country. The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path extends 125 miles around the island, with cliffs, sandy covers, and plenty of scenic variety.

Menai Straits and bridges showing Swillies

Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch is a village on the Menai Strait. The longest place name in Britain, known to locals just as Llanfair PG, came about as a 19th-century hoax to draw tourists, but it stuck. Isle of Anglesey is linked to the mainland by the Britannia road and rail bridge and by Thomas Telford’s remarkable chain suspension bridge, built in 1826 over the Menai Strait.

Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire

PURBECK

The Isle of Purbeck, Dorset

This promontory of Dorset downs and heathland is an island only by name. Its chief sight is Corfe Castle, a jumble of jagged Norman graystone ruins set dramatically on a hilltop. It stands on the site of a hunting lodge. The Castle was reduced to ruins you see today by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War. On the coast north of the resort of Swanage stand the chalk stacks of the Old Harry Rocks, and the long, dune-backed sandy beaches of Studland Bay. Near Wareham the Tank Museum displays more than 250 fighting vehicles from around the world. Wareham is one of the few remaining Saxon walled towns in England. The popular beauty spot of Lulworth Cove is a fine example of sea winning the battle against cliffs, which in this case are made of crumbly chalk. At Durdle Door, the sea has gnawed away to form a spectacular natural arch.

Wareham   Swanage   Studland

Lulworth   Corfe Castle   Lulworth Cove 

Visit the Isle of Purbeck 

Received from Tom Goats 

PRETORIA

Basking amidst fertile valleys and ridges, Pretoria, named after the enterprising Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius, is the administrative capital of the Republic. The original farming centre has gradually evolved into a serene  and spacious city. A green city of parks and gardens, Pretoria hosts an astonishing display of both exotic and indigenous flora, flowering trees and shrubs. It has substance, charm and atmosphere; the city has a dignity and character all of its own.

Scenes of Melrose House, gardens of the Union Buildings, Jacarandas by the City Hall, and Kruger Statue in South Africa's capital

Melrose House The site of the signing of the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, ending the Anglo-Boer War. A beautiful example of Victorian architecture, built in 1886 by George Heys. An impressive collection of period furniture is displayed.
Union Buildings The magnificent sandstone buildings designed by  Sir Herbert Baker house the administrative seat of government and the national archives. Beautifully landscaped gardens and terraces in front of the buildings feature various memorials and statues. The indigenous bush area behind the Union Buildings, offers pleasant walks and prolific bird life.
City Hall A tympanum, in front of the building, symbolises the growth of the city. A colonnade of fountains and murals may also be seen. The huge clock tower houses a carillon of 32 bells.

BRIGHTON

Only 60 kms from London, Brighton's nickname in the 19th century was 'London-by-the-Sea'. The town earned a reputation as the classic rendezvous for adulterers. The Brighton of today is a mix of seaside resort, elegant well-to-do Regency town, major conference venue, and a top nightclubbing scene. The seafront is the place to come for fish and chips and a snooze in a deckchair. Poking out of the shingle beach is the decrepit West Pier and the quarter-mile-long Palace Pier, with souvenir stalls, fortune-tellers, fairground rides and the Sea Life Centre, an excellent aquarium.

ROYAL PAVILION, BRIGHTON

The Royal Pavilion at Brighton, which was originally built between 1784 and 1820, has recently been restored, allowing the brilliant coloring, gilt and chandeliers to shine once again. A riot of domes and minarets determines its unmistakable outline - "like a collection of stone pumpkins and pepperpots," according to the essayist William Hazlitt. This extraordinary pleasure palace is in loose pastiche of Chinese and Indian styles.

Received from Thomas, Northamptonshire

SASKATOON

City of Saskatoon

 Located in the midst of the Canadian prairies where golden rippling wheat fields meet the hilly and wooded landscape of lake-dotted Northern Saskatchewan. Back in 1882 the founders of Saskatchewan's largest city pitched their tents on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Saskatoon is a busy hub of commerce and industry, home to many high technology and mining companies. Yet it has a laid-back charm and warm-heartedness that transforms and enhances its cosmopolitan hustle and bustle.

Much of Saskatoon's appeal comes from the river that runs through the city. The riverbanks have been developed into a network of trails, promenades and parks. The city has the type of lively ambiance that people expect from a college town. 

 

 

To find out more contact Tourism Saskatoon

SPRINGFIELD

Abraham Lincoln's HOMETOWN

Springfield, the iconic heart of America, the capital of Illinois, and the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, is filled with treasures, authentic experiences and nostalgia for days gone by. It's also a nostalgic cruise in a classic car along historic Route 66, with roadside diners and drive-in movies. Springfield of today - filled of charming historic neighborhoods, lots to see and do, and friendly, welcoming people - the perfect hometown experience.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Step back in time as you enter the only home the Lincolns ever owned. Set in a neighborhood restored to its 1860s appearance.

The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of  Illinois' fifth statehouse. The building served as the seat of state government from 1839-1876.

Lincoln Tomb - within the walls of this stunning granite monument is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mead, this beautiful landmark is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

 

 

Visitor Information:

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau 

HOBART

Hobart is an enchanting city built around a beautiful harbour and under the spell of nearby majestic Mount Wellington. A strong seafaring flavour and sense of the past give Hobart an almost European air. This feeling heightened in winter when Mount Wellington is snow-capped and temperatures dropped to a crisp 5C. It has an incredible waterfront location, similar to that of her “big sister”, Sydney.

The deepwater harbour on the broad estuary of the Dervent River is Hobart's lifeblood and the port is always busy. The suburbs nestle right up to the lower slopes of Mount Wellington and the city's population spreads both side of the graceful Tasman Bridge. Australia's second oldest capital, Hobart has a wealth of beautiful Georgian buildings. It is the centre of attention in late December every year as the finish line of the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

PAARL

The Pearl of South Africa

PAARL lies less than an hour's drive from Cape Town and the golden beaches of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It is renowned for its illustrious past, unrivalled natural beauty, its flourishing wine industry and gracious architecture. The rich heritage of its buildings, interspersed with tablegrape vineyards and rose gardens along its 11 km long Main Street, excellent restaurants and attractive accommodation in lush green surroundings, create a unique tourist mecca.

Paarl's scenic splendour is enhanced by five mountain passes and the majestic Berg River flowing through the heart of the town. The Mediterranean climate yields warm summers, heavenly spring days and mild autumn and winter months - a perfect vacation destination all year round! 

 

MADISON

Madison, Wisconsin is known as a don't-miss destination because of its amazing attractions. The city center is dominated by Capitol Square, which includes the majestic State Capitol and its 200-foot dome, plus museums and architectural wonders. The University of Wisconsin campus is a great place for a leisurely stroll. The city is also a perfect jumping-off point for day trips to communities in the surrounding countryside. With 200 miles of trails and 5 sparkling lakes Madison has a reputation as top destination for canoeing and bicycling.

Vibrant and unexpected. Where tradition meets innovation. 

 

For more information, log on to visitmadison.com

HAMILTON

Situated at the western end of Lake Ontario, in the heart of the area known as the Golden Horseshoe, Hamilton is a city of contrasts - it is  both the Steel Capital of Canada and a home of a 1,000 ha botanical garden, as well as major arts and cultural facilities. Amidst clamorous steel mills of Hamilton stands one of North America's finest concert halls.

 

Dundurn Castle. This 19-th century, 35-room mansion is restored to its former splendor as the home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Prime Minister of the United Provinces of Canada, 1854-56. Various Special events and exhibits are featured throughout the year. (Dundurn Park on York Blvd.: all year, daily, afternoons. Extended hours June - Labour Day).

 

Hamilton Military Museum. Displays uniforms, equipments and weapons of war, dating from the War of 1812 onwards. (Grounds of Dundurn Castle: all year, daily, afternoons.)

Art Gallery of Hamilton. This impressively designed structure contains a fine collection of paintings, sculptures and graphics by Canadian, American and European artists and features an extensive exhibition program.

 

Tourism Hamilton