The Travelling Bell
A blog for those who love travelling by someone who loves to travel
Sunday 31 March 2024
Belfast
Saturday 14 October 2023
Madrid
I bought a tourist travel pass, which is a bit like an Oyster card and you load your ticket onto it. It may not be the cheapest way to travel, but I find it the easiest. Be aware that the tourist travel cards work on calendar days, not hours (Athens does 72hrs from validation of ticket for example). The metro is pretty regular, there is the odd charging point and you also get full mobile/4G signal everywhere on the metro.
Food
As usual as a solo traveller I get poorer service in restaurants than groups. It does mean sometimes I will go to a big chain because it's faster and easier. I fitted in Paella and Sangria though, so all was not lost on local cuisine.
Palaces
There are a couple of palaces to choose from including Cibeles and Palacio Real. I didn't go into either but they are very grand from the outside. At opening time the que for Palacio Real was already quite long.
Palacio Real |
Almudena Cathedral
This is next to Palacio Real and from the dome roof you can see into the palace courtyard. I paid €7 for entry to the museum and dome, although entry to just the Cathedral is free. You can't take photos in the museum. There are laminated guides to explain what is there because all the labels are in Spanish. There are a lot of intricate and beautiful artefacts to see as you walk around. You can walk around outside the dome and the panoramic views of Madrid are worth the effort. The Cathedral itself is nice, I get the impression it's relatively modern.
Basilica San Francisco
This is free to enter, but I think has shorter opening hours than the Cathedral. The artwork inside is amazing and the ceiling is just incredible. It was absolutely worth the visit.
Jardines del Buen Retiro
I bailed on going to the botanical gardens because I didn't want to pay the entry fee. However, the park is just behind it. The park has lots of paths and water features, including a boating lake. There's also lots of places to sit and eat in the park. Unfortunately the weather during my visit wasn't great, but on a sunny day it really would be worth a longer visit.
Sol
This is a very busy area, with lots of shops and restaurants. It has some significant statues, but is mostly shopping. Plaza Mayor is also another significant place to visit that's a short walk from here, with some grand buildings and historic importance.
Plaza Mayor |
Prado Museum
Be prepared to que to get in, although it was a bit better earlier in the day. There is a free cloakroom - you can't take water in, but you can leave it in your bag in the cloakroom. I hid from the rain by looking at paintings for most of the day. It's a big museum with lots to see - from Picasso to Rafael and Rembrandt. I even discovered a copy of the Mona Lisa, so I learnt something too.
La Vuelta
The final stage in Madrid involved 10 circuits of some of the main streets. I was stood in the same spot for several hours, all to see the cyclists fly past in a few seconds.
Sweet Space Museum
I found this through Google and decided to give it a try. It's in a quiet shopping mall and is a contemporary art museum on the theme of sweets. It has 10 rooms designed by different artists and you get given a sweet as you enter some of them. It's the kind of place that's good to go if you want to take selfies for your socials. Was different but fun to go to, so I would recommend it, but I think it would be better for a group rather than solo as the staff are very hands off.
Tuesday 8 August 2023
72hrs in Athens, Greece
View of the Parthenon from the hotel at night |
Parthenon |
Church in Piraeus |
Sunday 11 December 2022
Iceland
This was my first trip abroad in 3 years due to Covid. I booked an Iceland Air package including flights, hotel and 2 trips. They appear to have partnered with Reykjavic Excursions who also run the Flybus between the city hotels and the airport.
Moon rise over the glacier |
They are very proud of their volcano which erupted last in 2010 and stopped international air travel. The pilot pointed it out as we flew into Iceland and it came up at least once on the tour.
Iceland in winter is very cold so I highly recommend plenty of layers. The food is really expensive, which is something to be aware of if you plan on eating out. My hotel was very basic with barely any facilities, so I spent most of my time there out and about. Apart from that Iceland is an absolutely beautiful country.
Reykjavic
I had a full day in Reykjavic, starting at the Northern Lights Centre which even came with a complimentary hot drink. It's quite a small centre but it tells you a lot abut the Northern Lights and how best to photograph them. There was even a set-up to allow you to practice and a photobooth that you could email yourself a photo from. This is definitely worth a visit, especially if you plan on going in search of the Northern Lights.
There are lots of other attractions near the centre and I chose the Whales of Iceland museum which is home to 23 life-size model whales. I watched an hour long documentary on sound pollution (shipping, military, oil etc.) in the sea and its impact on Marine life. Whilst it was a tad depressing it was very educational and I definitely learnt something. There are audio guides next to each model Whale to help you learn more about these beautiful creatures.
Model Whale |
When I headed back towards the centre I visited the Icelandic Phallological Museum, or, as described on the tourist map - the Penis museum. I didn't really know what to expect but I felt it had to be visited, so off I went. It has a wide range of specimens of penis' from different animals, including a human one. There was lots of facts on each mammal and I actually found it quite interesting, if not very niche. They also have a café which specialises in penis shaped waffles, which again had to be done. The waffles were very nice and I had the Christmas one which I would certainly recommend.
Christmas Waffles |
My next visit was to Hallgrims Church and went up the tower for a panoramic view of the city. It's quite modern and is very impressive. Inside was free to visit, but there was an admission fee for the tower.
Hallgrims Church |
My final stop of the day was to Sundhöll geothermal pools. This was probably the cheapest thing I did and cost a fraction of some of the bigger, more well known spots. It has full facilities, including lockers and showers and is open from early morning to late evening. There is a steam room, plunge pool, hot tub and swimming pool. I definitely enjoyed this a lot and it's another thing I would highly recommend.
The below is a picture of the sculpture called the Sun Voyager which sits along the shoreline.
Northern Lights Tour
I did this tour which starts late evening and involves about an hours drive out of the city. I wasn't lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. Reykjavik Excursions do allow you to rebook onto the next available tour to try again if you don't see them. This did involve standing in a freezing cold car park in the dark for an hour and a half and I can't say I was in a rush to repeat that experience. Good place to get some night photography practice in though - got some lovely photos of scenery I couldn't even see.
Night photography of scenery I couldn't see without the photo. |
The Golden Circle Tour
This was a day trip from Reykjavic Excursions with 4 decent length stops to visit some of Iceland's beautiful nature. The disadvantage of this is the places are all tourist attractions, so lots of coach parties were around at each stop. Again it could get very cold out, so go prepared.
The first stop was to Fridheimar which are greenhouses for growing tomatoes hydroponically under artificial lights. We were given a brief explanation of the business and on growing tomatoes in Iceland. They have a tomato themed bar, serving drinks and tomato soup, which was very nice.
Our second stop was to the geothermal area, with hot springs and a Geysir that erupts around every 5-10 minutes. It was absolutely stunning to see. I didn't make it round the full site because it was really icy and slippery - plus I don't own crampons. There is a visitor centre consisting of a shop and restaurant across the road to go and warm up in once you have visited the geothermal areas.
Hot springs in the geothermal area |
We then stopped at Gullfoss which is an absolutely beautiful waterfall which can be viewed from a couple of different points. It's pretty spectacular, but another very cold stop.
Gullfoss Waterfall |
Our last visit was to Gestastofa visitor centre, from which there a couple of different paths you can walk along and it links back to the start of democracy in Iceland. The views from here really were incredible. We were there as the sun was beginning to set over the glaciers and mountains which just added to the incredible views. I rate my photos, but they just don't so it justice.
One of the many stunning views |
Tuesday 13 July 2021
Suffolk Staycation
It's been a long time since I have been able to go anywhere due to the coronavirus pandemic, but we finally made it away for a short staycation in Suffolk, so here are my photographic highlights.
Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is an Anglo-Saxon burial ground, made more famous by a Netflix film called 'The Dig'. Most of the artefacts are held by the British Museum in London, as some very significant objects were found here. It is set in some beautiful surroundings and there is a small exhibition building, but in all honesty there isn't masses to see here and the site itself is owned by the National Trust. It has an interesting history, it could just do with showcasing it more over the actual site. Nice place for a walk though.
Below is one of the burial mounds at the top of the site. Next door is a pig farm, which I found much more interesting.
Woodbridge
Woodbridge is a town situated by water and by crossing the train line you can walk down by the Quayside, where we spotted a pair of Oyster Catchers (birds), which was a treat for my inner bird watcher, It has a collection of cafes and shops and is a pretty little town.
Oyster Catchers at the Quay |
Sculpture at Woodbridge Quay Church |
Southwold
Southwold comes with all the great aspects of the English coast; brightly coloured beach huts, a pier complete with an amusement arcade and a great high street for shopping. It is also home to Adnams brewery, which although we didn't visit, we could certainly smell.
Southwold Beach Huts |
Southwold Pier Cafe - just take a moment to admire my hot chocolate :) |
St James' Leper Hospital |
St James' Church |
Boxford is a village, but it is home to what is recorded to be Britain's oldest shop dating back to 1420 which sits next to a rather nice cafe. It is a regular village shop, but it has labelled a lot of it's produce with a sticker for the tourists visiting Britain's oldest recorded shop.
Sudbury
Sudbury is a much larger market town with lots to do, including a Church in the town centre and lots of shops.
Tuesday 31 March 2020
Road Trip to the Eden Project
Avebury village comes with a neolithic stone circle and Europe's largest artificial mound at Silsbury Hill. This stands opposite Long Barrow burial mound. The mounds are visible from the main road and there are some conveniently located lay-by's if you want to explore them further. Avebury henge is accessed from the National Trust car park which allows you to walk around the stone circle and into the village and the museum. I can recommend the National Trust cafe's cream tea. On the way out we saw a chalk white horse carved into the hillside at Cherhill, just next to the Obelisk. It's the 3rd oldest in the UK, but it is tricky to spot from the road.
Silsbury Hill |
Avebury Henge |
Bristol
Bristol is home to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This can be accessed from a view point near to the Zoo, but we also had a good scenic view from a lay-by on the outskirts of Bristol.
We also visited SS Great Britain, a merchant ship launched in 1843 and built by Brunel which was once the longest passenger ship in the world. The car park costs about £2 for for 2 hours, but can be redeemed with a ticket to the boat. We felt the tickets were a tad pricey so we looked at the ship from over a fence.
Bristol Aerospace has a car park and is home to the last Concorde to land, with over 5000 flights to the aircraft. The Concorde has it's own hanger and associated displays, allowing you to walk through the famous aircraft. The main museum is testament to the planes built at Bristol throughout WW1 through to the modern day, with Airbus and Rolls Royce buildings located nearby. It is interactive so is good for all the family to enjoy.
Bath
I recommend Bath as a city to visit, with all the main tourist attractions in close proximity to each other. The Roman Baths and the Abbey are central places to visit. The Baths are laid out as they would have been and the pump room has water from the spring (which doesn't taste great) and is a great way to learn about Roman history. Bath Abbey is beautiful and you can take a tour up to the Tower, taking you onto the Abbey's roof and earning you some great city views.
We walked along the river to see Poultney Bridge and then up to the circus and Royal Crescent, a crescent of terraced houses. This stands next to the park which is in itself very pretty. I had a super chocolaty brownie in a chocolate shop whilst my dad visited the neighboring fudge shop.
Poultney Bridge |
Bath Abbey |
If you like literature there is also the Jane Austen Museum amongst other places to visit. I recommend the glass factory which comes with demonstrations and lets you blow a glass bubble.
Cheddar Gorge
Unfortunately I did not get to visit Cheddar Gorge so just drove through the site. This is home to some incredible cliffs and caves and is definitely somewhere I need to go back and visit. Parking is £5 for the whole day and there is a little street of shops to visit and have lunch. Great place for walkers and explorers.
Cheddar Gorge |
Rodney Stokes
Rodney Stokes is a thankful village, meaning all those who went to fight in WW1 returned. In this case 17 men and 4 women. The village church has dedicated thanksgiving window which makes for an emotive piece of history.
Wells
Wells Cathedral is home to a medieval stained glass window, called the Jesse window and an astronomical clock from circa 1390. It is built with magnificent scissor arches and is a stunning piece of Medieval architecture. The cathedral stands at the end of a busy high street with lots of shops and places to eat.
Wells Cathedral |
Astronomical Clock |
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is better known for its festival but is home to a Tor (so good for walkers) and the ruins of an old Abbey. The high street has a number of shops which spill out the sense of incense into the street.
Exeter
We stayed in Exeter to allow us to visit the Eden Project in Cornwall. On our way here from Bristol we drove through Cheddar Gorge, which has incredible cliffs and caves and is certainly worth a visit in its own right. Exeter is full of history and home to Exeter Cathedral which is also very impressive. There is a lego model of the cathedral being built inside the Cathedral which stands opposite St Martins' Church which was consecrated in 1065. The city walls are visible from nearby Northernhay Gardens and there is a lot of shopping available. We enjoyed a brilliant cream tea from a cafe overlooking the Cathedral called Tea on the Green. The Mill on the Exe is a riverside pub with great food and a lovely atmosphere, which I also recommend.
Exeter Cathedral |
St Martin's Church |
Eden Project
The Eden Project is built in a disused clay pit and now consists of two biomes and an expansive outdoor space. The first of the biomes is dedicated to Mediterranean plants and contains lots of flowers, fruits and vegetables. The second is a rain-forest with Malaysian Rhul Rhul birds to help manage the cockroach population and acting as natural insecticides. The female birds look like mangoes with black heads, whilst the males are black with red crests and live freely inside the biome. There is a cattle grid to stop them escaping, but I am reliably informed that they don't like the cold so tend to retreat back inside pretty quickly. There is lots of information around the site, so it is certainly an educational place to visit. It is also home to a collection of artwork, such as an electronic crowd and a very cute wire Orangutan.
Eden Project Biomes |
Rainforest |
Mediteranean |
Female Rhul Rhul |
Salisbury
This was a flying visit on our drive home having driven past Stonehenge on our way down the A303. We visited Salisbury Cathedral which has a facsimile of the Magna Carta on display in one of the alcoves. The font is a modern piece of artwork and sits proudly near the entrance.