Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Another Satisfied Customer!

"Dear Chole,I wanted to say a big THANK YOU for making my trip to the "Romans Royals and Ruins" a brilliant day.

It was brilliant seeing Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the Roman Baths.
They are so amazing, I live in London and I haven't explored half the stuff but Astra Travel really made my day worth remembering and I recommend any one who wants a brilliant fun day out to go here.

The coach is brilliant, and convenient, it allows about 16 people so you don't have to wait around for everyone, you hop on and hop off.The tour guide was really nice and told us alot of information about London I never knew, but over the entire trip was perfect and amazing.

Thank you sooooo much!
Seema"

posted by Londons Premier Tour Operator @ 5:18 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Christmas Facts

England has only known seven white Christmases in the entire twentieth century. According to the records of the Meteorological Office in London, snow fell on Christmas Day only in 1938 and 1976. (The definition of a white Christmas in England is when one snowflake falls on the roof of the London Weather Centre.)

Christmas crackers were invented by Thomas Smith. He had imported some French novelties to sell as Christmas gifts, but these were not popular until he wrapped them up and added a snapper.

Postmen in Victorian England were popularly called "robins". This was because their uniforms were red. Victorian Christmas cards often showed a robin delivering Christmas mail.

Silent Night was written in 1818, by an Austrian priest Joseph Mohr. He was told the day before Christmas that the church organ was broken and would not be prepared in time for Christmas Eve. He was saddened by this and could not think of Christmas without music, so he wanted to write a carol that could be sung by choir to guitar music. He sat down and wrote three stanzas. Later that night the people in the little Austrian Church sang "Stille Nacht" for the first time.

Santa's Reindeers are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.

Due to the time zones, Santa has 31 hours to deliver gifts? This means that he would have to visit 832 homes each second!

A very British tradition, nothing quite like it is found elsewhere in Europe or America. The word is made up of two Greek words, "panto" means all kinds and "mimos" is a type of silent acting which we still know today as mime. Originally it was an entertainment without words, in which actors - including men dressed as women, and women dresed as men - took part. These silent comedies were enjoyed particularly during the Roman Saturnalia festivities. The Roman tradition of mime was brought to Britain during the Roman occupation.It was during the Victorian age that pantomime as we know it became the most popular of all Christmas entertainment for children. Many of today's pantomimes are from very old stories. Babes in the Wood first appeared in England about 500 years ago. Puss in Boots and The Sleeping Beauty are over 450 years old. In 1717 The Arabian Nights stories were translated into English and some became pantomimes, including, Aladdin and His Magic Lantern, Sinbad the Sailor, and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Dick Whittington, Robinson Crusoe, and Robin Hood are all Victorian creations.

posted by Londons Premier Tour Operator @ 9:23 AM 0 comments

Friday, December 01, 2006

Chrismas Markets in the UK!

Having told you about the Christmas markets in Germany in my last post, I thought I would find out about some of the markets taking place in the UK this Christmas season...

Should you not be able to make it to Germany this year, this might be an attractive alternative!

I will definitely be found in Southampton next weekend (details below) - since the Christmas season is upon us, I really feel the need to have some roasted chestnuts and, most important, a mug of Glühwein (or two.... or three....).
HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!

Here is a selection of some of the best of the UK's festive markets:


BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bath Abbey and Roman baths provide the backdrop for 123 stalls with independent retailers, handcrafted goods, decorations, cards and toys.
Dates: Open from Thursday November 30 until Sunday December 10.
Times: Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 2, 10am to 9pm. Dec 3, Dec 4, Dec 5, Dec 6, 11am to 7pm. Dec 7, Dec 8, Dec 9, 10am to 9pm. Dec 10, 11am to 7pm.
Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.bathcristmasmarket.co.uk Event Address: York Street, Bath, Avon.

SOUTHAMPTON GERMAN MARKET
Traditional German market offering German food, drink and hand-made goods.
Dates: Open until Saturday December 23.
Time: Open until 6pm in November and until 8pm in December. Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.visit-southampton.co.uk
Event Address: Above Bar Precinct, Southampton town centre, SO14.

CARDIFF CASTLE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOUR
A candlelight tour of the castle and the opportunity to meet Father Christmas for photographs and gifts for children. Carol singers, mulled wine and mince pies available. Dates: Saturday December 9 to Tuesday December 12 and then Sunday December 17 to Tuesday December 19.
Time: Days listed above from 4.45pm.
Cost: Tickets must be purchased in advance: Adults £9, under 18s £6.
Website: www.cardiffcastle.com
Event Address: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff city centre, Cardiff.


LUDLOW MEDIEVAL FAYRE
Set in Ludlow Castle, jugglers, jesters and entertainers in medieval costumes in addition to archery displays sit alongside many market stalls selling Christmas goodies.
Date: Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26.
Time: 10am to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm. Sunday 10am to 4pm only.
Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.ludlowcastle.com
Event Address: Ludlow Castle, Castle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY.

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Handmade confectionery, jewellery and decorations in a market overlooked by the city cathedral. Stall holders wear traditional Victorian clothes and battle to win the Best Stall Prize.
Date: Thursday December 7 until Sunday December 10.
Time: Thursday: 4pm to 9pm. Friday, Saturday: 10am to 9.30pm. Sunday: 10am to 7pm. Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.lincoln.gov.uk
Event Address: Set in the grounds of the Castle and the Lawn, Castle Hill along Westgate, Lincoln city centre.

MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS
A traditional, exciting blend of German, European, and arts and crafts markets.
Date: Up until Wednesday December 20.
Time: 10am to 8pm (9pm in the Albert Square market).
Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.manchester.gov.uk
Event Address: Manchester city centre - Albert Square, St. Anne's Square and Exchange Street.

ST. NICHOLAS FAYRE, YORK
York's biggest Christmas market stretches across the city centre including arts, crafts, gifts and regional food and drink.
Dates: Thursday November 23 to Sunday November 26.
Time: 10am to 6pm.
Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.yuletideyork.com
Event Address: York city centre, Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square, King's Square and Coppergate Square.

ABERDEEN'S TRADITIONAL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Featuring more than 30 wooden chalets transported from Hamburg, the market includes German music, food, crafts and traditional gifts.
Date: Friday December 1 to Monday December 18.
Time: 10am to the early evening.
Cost: Free to enter.
Website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk
Event Address: Castlegate, Aberdeen.

posted by Londons Premier Tour Operator @ 8:29 AM 0 comments