The Culture Bank

The distinctive monument of Nelson’s Column rises above the open space of Trafalgar Square in the heart of central London.  Trafalgar Square is a popular meeting place and has become known as a centre for New Year’s celebrations; it’s also the location for London’s Christmas tree, which is traditionally a gift from the Norwegian city of Oslo each year.  It is also famous for the number of pigeons that used to populate the square, although these are now much fewer in number than they once were.

The square is adorned by a number of fountains and statues.  Four lions are placed at the base of Nelson’s Column, and among the plinths around the square is one that is used for the temporary display of work of national and international art.

Trafalgar Square is the address of the National Gallery, which provides free entrance to view its large collection of Western European paintings from between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Visiting Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery on the northern perimeter of Trafalgar Square is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, with extended hours on Fridays. Like many London museums, it is closed for Christmas.

Trafalgar Square is in the centre of London and can be directly accessed by entrances to the Charing Cross underground station, which provides services on the Bakerloo and Northern Lines.  Trafalgar Square is easily accessible from London hotels with a good connection to either of these underground lines.  London hotel reviews are also available for those central London hotels near Trafalgar Square.

Skiers and snowboarders are always looking for their next big thrill and the next best winter sports location; for them Geneva could prove a popular destination.  Switzerland’s second largest city has been described as one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations and with a vast number of ski slopes within easy reach, it is the ideal place for anyone wanting sun, snow and ski slopes.

With a huge range of beautiful ski holidays to choose from, many winter sports enthusiasts will be hard pressed to decide where to start.  Expert skiers seeking the thrill of black runs might try Argentière, with its extensive cross-country trails and downhill pistes or the ever-popular Chamonix, which boasts 14 black runs and 25 red runs.  Meanwhile, for those who are beginners to the sports of skiing or snowboarding and prefer gentler slopes, Gryon and Flumet are perfect locations.  While all these winter sports resorts are within an hour or so of Geneva, a vast array of slopes exists further afield, offering skiers a fantastic range of destinations to visit and explore.

Geneva offers a sublime retreat, with examples of beautiful Swiss architecture all around.  Sitting on the bank of Lake Geneva, the city has many famous landmarks, including the English Garden’s Flower Clock; one of the largest fountains in the world, Jet d’Eau and St Peter’s Cathedral.  With its rich museums, historic and ancient castles and easy access to ski slopes, it is the ideal base for a European ski holiday.

If you are planning a trip to Cala Bona, Majorca, you might want to consider the Protur Aparthotel Bonaire as your place to stay.  The hotel of choice for many travellers ranging from senior citizen to couples with young children, Protur Aparthotel Bonaire caters to all ages.

The resort of Cala Bona is located in the district of Son Servera, a part of Majorca’s quiet eastern coastline.  Originally a small fishing village, it is only in the past 50 years that Cala Bona has begun adapting itself for the island tourists who favour it.  The town still features narrow streets and a small working harbour surrounded by open air cafes and bars.

The beaches around Cala Bona are small and sandy, nestled between rocky outcrops.  Away from the larger hotels, there is little to do in Cala Bona other than relax; however, the lively resort of Cala Millor is only five minutes away by taxi and 20 minutes on foot.  This makes Cala Bona an ideal location for those who want a relaxing holiday while still having the option of more adventurous fare and exciting nightlife accessible nearby.

Evenings in Cala Bona are generally hotel-based and among the resort’s finest offerings is the Protur Aparthotel Bonaire.  This hotel offers inclusive and non-inclusive accommodation, with a little something for every age group, from a swimming pool with a diving depth, to Harry’s Bar and its variety of cocktails on offer.  The bedrooms are all nicely-sized and kitchens are available.

Parents who would like to enjoy a bit of sun and sea in Spain need look no further than holiday villas in Costa del Sol.  Villas make a popular base for European holidays as they offer a truly flexible way of experiencing a fun family break without any of the pressures often associated with many other types of accommodation.

Staying in one of the many holiday villas in Costa del Sol frees a family up to follow their own routine, without being restricted by rules such as the rigid dining times that are often found in hotels and all inclusive resorts.  In addition, by choosing holiday villas in Costa de Sol, families can create a real home from home experience.  This is essential to helping little ones settle in to new surroundings and enabling everyone to relax and enjoy some fun family time.

With all the wonderful beach resorts in the area, holiday villas in Costa del Sol offer ample opportunities for fun on the beach and in the water.  The area is well equipped to cater for children, with a wealth of water parks and other exciting activities guaranteed to exhaust younger family members, leaving parents to enjoy a little down time of their own in the evenings.

With a wide choice of holiday villas in Costa del Sol, in some lovely locations, these holiday rentals are great places for anyone to enjoy a little well-earned relaxation.

Sweden has hit the limelight over the past few years, largely as a result of Stieg Larsson’s ‘Millennium’ series.  Based mainly in the city of Stockholm, but exploring regions and towns further afield, it has brought public interest to a country that offers far more than simply the setting for a famous novel trilogy.

Surrounded by a mysterious cloak of intrigue, Sweden’s long dark winters are an attraction for many.  Temperatures plummeting below zero, snow covered landscapes and forests of pine trees all combine to provide the adventurous wilderness that many crave.  Add in a tradition of spa’s and saunas and the tourist’s craving for the Scandinavian experience is never far from the surface. 

While the Swedish capital of Stockholm offers everything that the modern traveller could desire, Gothenburg is still a rising jewel.  A port city, Gothenburg is particularly popular with seafood enthusiasts, as it boasts some of the best cuisine of its type.  Lobster safari’s and fishing villages provide the perfect opportunity to explore the country’s maritime past and enjoy traditional delicacies at the same time.

Skåne, which is Sweden’s most southern region, is ideal for exploring by bike or car.  With its rolling pastures and agriculture it is ideal for anyone searching for the lush, green side of the country.  As an added bonus, Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, is easily accessible for visitors to this area. 

With the country quickly becoming a hot destination for tourists, the diverse landscapes and cultural traditions will have visitors raving about it long after they have left for home.

Holidays are all about relaxation and nowhere is this more easily achieved than in one of the many holiday cottages in England.  This type of self-catering accommodation, which can be booked either direct from the owner or through an agency, offers all the comforts of home in superb stunning surroundings.

With a wide range of cottages being available as holiday rentals, there is certain to be something to suit all tastes.  Opt for a rural retreat in the heart of the Lakes and wander in Wordsworth country or simply sit back and enjoy some spectacular scenery from the comfort of your very own holiday home.  For lovers of the coast, there is a diverse choice of seaside holiday cottages in England.  Choose from holiday rentals in Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk and Northumberland to name but a few counties with popular beach destinations.

The beauty of choosing holiday cottages in England as a base for your getaway is that you can achieve a true home from home feel while not having to address all the anxieties of everyday life.
 Do as much or as little as you like during your stay in one of the many holiday rentals on the market.  Choose to eat in and enjoy one another’s company or head out into the local community and discover the delights on offer in the traditional pubs or restaurants.

By taking a self-catering break in one of the many holiday cottages in England you can avoid the excessive travelling time that can sometimes spoil the memories of overseas holidays.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a proud historic German snow town, high in the Bavarian mountains close to the Austrian border. The town has a skiing pedigree that stretches back to the 1930’s Winter Olympics and its slopes are a perennial favourite with professional skiers the world over.

At the forefront of a Germany’s burgeoning tourist industry, in 1929 Garmisch-Partenkirchen built Bavaria’s first ski cable car and four years afterwards constructed its funicular railway to the Zugspitz Glacier. With over 40,000 beds allocated for tourists this is always going to be a regular ski resort for some.

The main ski slopes are easily accessible by bus or train from this picturesque Bavarian town, while the more challenging slopes of Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Osterfelder are a little further afield.

Although there is plenty of snow fun to be had by the winter tourists with skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing the major cities of Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck are all relatively close at hand. As well as skiing there are also facilities for skating, ice hockey and curling and for the truly adventurous there is also the famous Garmisch ski jump.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a town that relishes its Bavarian heritage; the wearing of traditional costumes is common and the colourfully painted wooden houses against the mountainous backdrop will leave you with plenty of happy memories. Its collection of bars, restaurants and a casino will give you plenty of entertainment when you are not on the slopes. Along with the theatre, spa and museum there is always lots to see.

Ionian cruises are the perfect choice for those wishing to explore the beauty of the Ionian Sea and its surrounding islands. Connected to the Mediterranean Sea, the Ionian Sea is surrounded by a selection of beautiful Greek islands and offers routes to a variety of other locations, such as Albania.

One of the most popular destinations in the Ionian Sea is Corfu. Corfu offers gorgeous beaches and holiday villas as well as stunning views of the islands from its mountain roads. Tourists can enjoy a variety of Greek cuisine or, for those who are less adventurous, there are a variety of cafes that serve English food.

An Ionian Sea cruise is ideal for short and long cruise holidays. Those interested in shorter cruises can take a selection of day and night cruises starting from Corfu to many of the other Greek islands. Day cruises allow you to pack in a bit of exploring on each island. You can even take a day trip to Plataria, a stunning town that has a variety of cafes and souvenir shops.

Albania is the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy a longer cruise. Known for its folk music, Albania is ideal for those who enjoy a thriving nightlife. It is also known for its cuisine, which comprises mainly of meat and vegetables. Tourists can also enjoy a variety of fish dishes as well as a selection of soups.

If you wish to explore the beauty of Greece’s many islands then an Ionian cruise is the perfect choice.

If you are thinking of jetting off to sunny climes this year you should consider renting holiday villas in Cyprus.  This island has sunshine all year round, although it is not as hot in the winter.  There are many villas in Cyprus to rent at reasonable prices and the island has many places of interest you can visit and is the third largest in the Mediterranean. 

Nicosia, the capital, is one of the more popular places to visit in the Mediterranean and you will be delighted with all activities and attractions on offer.  There are restaurants to suit everyone’s taste, from local food and delicacies to more modern restaurants catering for those who prefer fast food or international cuisine.

Cyprus is steeped in tradition and has many winding roads leading to out of the way villages and churches that will demonstrate to visitors how the islanders lived many years ago.  The main languages on the island are Greek and Turkish, although in the larger villages visitors may find that some English is spoken.

This island paradise has many beaches for tourists to enjoy and the water is crystal clear, still unspoilt by the modern world. Water sports such as diving and wind surfing are common with competitions held on a regular basis. If it is relaxation you desire then Cyprus has many quieter beaches where sunbathing is the dominant activity.

As Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist destinations, there are many holiday companies and private individuals who will rent you their villas in Cyprus for a reasonable price.  If you want luxury or just something to fulfil your basic needs, all options are available.

Whether you are travelling to Ibiza for the nightlife, or are just looking for a quiet relaxing time, then you will not be disappointed by what’s on offer.  Ibiza is considered to be the party capital of Europe and has many famous nightclubs and bars where the younger generation all gather to enjoy dance, music and drink.  You can also see many famous DJ’s playing their music live at the larger venues.  There are lots of hotels and holiday villas in Ibiza where you can choose to stay.  From five star luxury to basic rooms in a bed and breakfast, Ibiza has it all.

Although Ibiza has a lot of bad press due to the amount of younger people partying to excess, there is also a quiet side for the more mature visitor to enjoy.  You can eat a meal at prestigious restaurants or just take a quiet walk on the beach and watch the most stunning sunsets in the Mediterranean.  Hiking around the island is popular for the more energetic tourist and many local restaurants can provide lunch during your travels.

Bars and clubs are not the only entertainment that the island has for tourists.  You can try flamenco dancing, which is considered the most emotional and passionate dance the world has to offer.  Or you can visit the historic, Capilla de San Ciriaco, with its famed steep cobbled streets.

There are also some 80 plus beaches on Ibiza for you to enjoy.  From busy tourist areas to the more tranquil secluded coves, Ibiza can provide all your entertainment.  You can play games on the beach and many water sports are possible or you can even avail of a fishing trip on a chartered boat.  Whatever holiday type you desire, Ibiza can cater for all your requirements.