Herne Bay Seaside Resort on the North Kent Coast

                                        Herne Bay Traditional Bandstand ©Solange Hando

Designed in 1924, later extended with an art deco frontage, it was almost abandoned but beautifully refurbished in the 1990s.

Today it's a great place to meet family and friends with cafe restaurant and ice cream parlour, sit indoors or in the spacious courtyard with garden and sea views and traditional concerts in summer.

                                                  Herne Bay Seafront ©Solange Hando

See the clock tower?  This is the other landmark in Herne Bay, built in 1836-37 by a rich widow who enjoyed holidays in the resort. It is one the earliest free-standing towers of its kind in the country.

A Grade II listed building and 82 feet high including the weathervane, it looks across the sandy part of the beach and the small inner harbour.

Central Parade on Herne Bay Seafront ©Solange Hando

Herne Bay enjoyed its first golden age in the Victorian era as one of the nearest seaside resorts to London. With its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the Parade is a conservation area, enhanced by flower gardens and palm trees leading to the promenade along the shore.

Look out for the Ship Inn, a historic seafront pub, also Grade II, once a smugglers' haunt, now popular with cyclists and walkers on the Saxonshore Way.

                                                            View from the Shore ©Solange Hando

Grass on the beach? That's conservation... and on the right you see the end of Neptune's Arm, with viewing platform, built in the 1990s to prevent flooding.

On the left is the end of the pier, once the second longest in England, but severely damaged by the storm in 1978. It has been partially rebuilt, leaving its former 'head' out at sea. 

                                                                     On the Pier ©Solange Hando

But Herne Bay pier enjoys a new lease of life, with free entrance to the 'pier village' lined with colourful beach-hut like venues for casual eating, in or outdoors, and local craft shops.

There are fabulous views back to the shore or out to sea and entertainment for the children, most popular the merry-go round and helter-skelter.

                                                                  Reculver Towers ©Solange Hando

Just three miles east of Herne Bay central parade, you can stroll around this lovely country park topped by the twin towers of the old St Mary's church and Roman remains on the clifftop. Superb sea views, traditional pub and children's playground.

You can drive there from town or walk along the sea wall to the start of the wide grassy cliffs, a 'Special Protection Area' for birds and insects. There you can join the Oyster Trail laced in cycle and walking paths.

                                                Sunset and Herne Bay Pier Head out to Sea ©Solange Hando

 

Enjoy the Isle of Thanet in East Kent

 

Margate Beach ©Solange Hando

An island only by name on the northern tip of east Kent, Thanet has lovely coves and wide sandy beaches, most popular Margate for its easy access from London, motorway/and dual carriageway or direct rail line. The main beach has all you would expect for family entertainment with nearby funfair, arcades and affordable eating venues.

Walpole Living Museum in Margate ©Solange Hando

But if you like more than the beach, a must-see for art lovers is the Turner Contemporary named after the artist who painted the sunset on this spot, free entrance. Also worth considering is the Walpole Living Museum for an amazing picture of bygone days, character accommodation and cream tea, Sunday roast and lunch available to anyone. 

                                                 Broadstairs on Thanet ©Solange Hando

Facing east just around the corner, Broadstairs is a lovely resort, with a crescent beach nestling below the cliffs. It is more exclusive than Margate, usually quieter, almost village-like with lanes winding down to the beach. It's best to park some distance away from the shore, especially during festival week.

                                                           Broadstairs Dickens Festival ©Solange Hando

The Dickens Festival is usually held in June when locals dress in traditional costumes for the Grand Parade, the country fair and beach parties, including paddling and swimming in appropriate gear.

Dickens first came to Broadstairs at the age of 25 then returned on several occasions, finding inspiration for David Copperfield.

                                                                     Ramsgate Harbour ©Solange Hando

Just south of Broadstairs and within walking distance, you reach Ramsgate with a glistening harbour right in the town centre, a long sandy beach where the future Queen Victoria came to play as a child and a scenic walk along the clifftop with superb views across the Channel and the French coast by clear weather.

 Ramsgate Viking Ship ©Solange Hando

This may be your highlight on the Viking Trail as you reach Pegwell Bay on the edge of Ramsgate.  It is a replica of course  but it sailed all the way from Denmark in 1949, using traditional instruments, to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the Viking invasion.

Sunset on the North Kent Coast near Margate ©Solange Hando

Devon Cruising on the Dart

Dartmouth ©Solange Hando

      Dartmouth is the start of the upriver cruise to Totnes, a lovely place with a gleaming marina, half-timbered buildings and steep flower-draped lanes with spectacular views from the hill top.

    If you are staying in the 'English Riviera', consider the 'round robin' tour which takes you on a steam train from Paignton with spectacular views along the Devon coast, down to Kingston on the left bank of the Dart then across to Dartmouth on a three minute ferry ride.

Dart Cruise, Ready to Go ©Solange Hando

Departure times will depend on the tide but if you come on the round robin, this will be sorted out, giving you plenty of time to look around Dartmouth and enjoy a spot of lunch before boarding.

If you do this on your own, you will have a choice of boats, including a paddle steamer on specific dates. But don't leave it to chance, book early, especially in the summer season.

Dart Estuary ©Solange Hando

    If the tide is right, the cruise will briefly take you downstream, past the medieval castles which once guarded the river mouth on either side.

    Then turn around and enjoy superb views of Dartmouth from the water, town clinging to the hills, yachts, the impressive Royal Britannia Naval College and you might just spot the steam train puffing away through the trees.

On the River Dart ©Solange Hando

    Now all is quiet, first along forested banks, all different trees and maybe a mighty oak here and there, once so common they gave the river its Celtic name.

    It's a lovely time to relax, just the odd boat now and then, a lonely cottage on the river bank and a hamlet or two, loved by visitors but still genuine and traditional.

Canadian Geese on the River Dart ©Solange Hando

    This is your chance to see the wild life, flocks of Canadian geese in season, an osprey, a rare dipper, a colourful kingfisher and lots of egrets and black-headed gulls.The river is also rich in fish, especially salmon and trout.

    Then before you leave the wooded area, look out for the elegant Georgian house peeping through he trees om the hill top. This was the holiday home of Agatha Christie and the place which inspired some of her murder stories. 

Devon Hills along the Dart ©Solange Hando

    After a while, the views open up as rolling hills rise above the river, dotted with ancient stones and cattle grazing on lush grass. 

    You may see a few canoeists and not far from Totnes, look out for the vineyards of Sharpam Estate which offer award-winning wines and also make their own cheese.

Totnes ©Solange Hando

Ninety minutes or so after leaving Datmouth, you reach the end of the cruise in Totnes as you approach the old bridge, the last one before the river heads downstream through deep water and steep valleys.

Totnes is an attractive place to look around with its bohemian lanes full of artists, historic church,  Devon cream teas and panoramic views from the hill top castle.

Totnes on the River Dart ©Solange Hando

    

    

 

Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel Review, Dawlish Warren

Langstone Cliff Hotel ©Solange Hando

As the name indicates, this lovely family-run hotel is situated on a cliff top with spacious grounds, trees and lawns, overlooking the Exe estuary. 

There's plenty of private parking, bus stops just outside the entrance and a shaded footpath leading to the rail station and the beach with eating places and entertainment. The hotel is family and dog friendly. 

Pleasant Room at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

The Langstone has 64 rooms on two floors with all the amenities you would expect, free WiFi, TV, tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits included, comfortable beds and a choice of bath or walk-in shower.

Luxury rooms boast private balconies or patios, with lawn or sea views.

Orchids a Treat ©Solange Hando

The hotel is justly proud of its flowers, from orchids to hanging baskets, hydrangeas and more.

If you love flowers and colour, this is the place for you, all beautifully tended and in perfect condition.

Lincoln Restaurant ©Solange Hando

With its adjoining bar, the Lincoln serves delicious food, in smaller areas with waiter service or in the main restaurant which offers a buffet with a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts with clotted cream if you wish. 

Food and snacks are also available in a range of connecting rooms overlooking the lawn and pool. Look out for afternoon tea on the lawn.

Guests Lounge at the Langstone ©Solange Hando

Plenty of comfort and space to chat and meet friends, share a drink or read the free paper.

Though if you want to be active, there are two swimming pools (in and outdoors), tennis court, a fitness room and a beauty-therapy room to pamper yourself.

The Verandah ©Solange Hando

The veranda is a lovely place to relax, in the shade or in the sun, close to the bar and looking across garden and pool and the estuary beyond.

Relax with a View ©Solange Hando

Langstone Cliff Hotel

See London from The Shard

The Shard, London Top Attraction ©Solange Hando

Opened in 2013, The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano as a 'vertical city' where people could work, live and relax. Above the offices, restaurants and bars, luxury hotel and residences, observation platforms on floors 68-72 are open to the public below the tall spiky arrow.

This most challenging top section was built in a Yorkshire steel plant, then taken apart, transported to London and reassembled on the site.

View towards the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul's Cathedral nearby ©Solange Hando

Rising 244 metres above the city, the top platform offers all round views stretching from Heathrow airport in the west to the Thames estuary in the east. From the meandering river and its many bridges to London's main monuments, the panorama is unbeatable by clear weather.

Shard Shadow ©Solange Hando

Once you have reached the observation platforms, via the dedicated lifts (there are 40 lifts altogether in the building), you can stay as long as you wish  and on a sunny day, watch the Shard's shadow creeping along the river as if to reflect the passing of the time.

All windows are kept beautifully clean, fully enclosed on floor 68 but when you reach 72, expect the cool breeze blowing through the top open floors (not accessible). There are 95 floors in all.

View towards Canary Wharf ©Solange Hando

Equally good view on this side, from the Tower Bridge and beyond where the river seems to wind on to the horizon. The Shard is covered by 11,000 glass panels, assembled in the Netherlands, and cleaned on the top floors by climbing/abseiling experts. During the construction, up to 1450 workers from 60 nationalities were employed at peak times.

That says it all ©Solange Hando

What more could you want? Sip away the best champagne -at a price-  or a fabulous cocktail or treat yourself to a scoop of Italian ice cream.

One shouldn't  rush a visit to The Shard and if you can't get enough of the views, you can upgrade your ticket and return in the evening to see the London lights.

Enjoy and Take Care ©Solange Hando

Images London City Cruise

London Eye ©Solange Hando

On the south bank of the Thames, the London Eye was open in 2000 and is still the largest Ferris wheel in Europe and the top paid tourist attraction in the UK.

Old and New along the River Thames ©Solange Hando

Starting at Westminster pier, the London city cruise unfolds a stunning and at times surprising scenery,  luxury apartments and skyscraper to the left, old red brick buildings to the right, plus cruise and sailing boats.

The Tower of London from the Cruise ©Solange Hando

Built on the north bank in 1066 and later expanded, the Tower has acted as royal residence, fortress and prison  and it is home to the Crown Jewels.

London along the Thames ©Solange Hando

Sail under the bridges, see the sights such as St Paul's cathedral dome on the far left. but most exciting for many of us is the innovative architecture which has given London a brand new face.

The Shard ©Solange Hando

Most iconic these days is the glass-clad pyramid of the Shard designed by an Italain architect and 95% owned by Qatar. London's highest observation desk is on the 72nd floor for the best views of the city.

London Tower Bridge ©Solange Hando

Book the late afternoon cruise in summer and you might enjoy a superb sunset over the Thames as you reach the famous Tower Bridge. Built in the late 1800s, it lifts when needed to let the boats through. River traffic has priority over the road and the 40,000 people who go across every day.

Images of Devon, Torquay Riviera

Paignton in Torbay ©Solange Hando

Paignton is all you would expect from a traditional seaside resort, fine sands, a pier and a lovely little marina, at its best when the tide is in.

In the rolling hills of southern Devon, Paignton has plenty of flat land, appreciated by families and  seniors, and a quaint Victorian shopping arcade with an old bus shelter to match and tall façades across the green.

Paignton for Families ©Solange Hando

Playground, amusements, lawns to run around, picnic tables and plenty of affordable eating venues, there's lots to keep the little ones happy besides the sea.

Torquay, Queen of the English Riviera ©Solange Hando

Just around the bay to the north,Torquay is different, hilly, slightly upmarket with its seafront promenade, its pier to breathe in the sea air and a vast beach which all but disappears at high tide.

There's a pleasant marina with a lifting pedestrian bridge, cliffside gardens and a waterfront park where you will find the Princess Theatre and the Big Wheel,offering superb views of the bay, all the way to the cliffs at the southern end glowing red and gold in the sunset. 

Cockington near Torquay ©Solange Hando

A short drive up a hill above Torquay, this small thatched village is truly delightful, even though most of its colourful cottages are now tea rooms or craft shops. It's a picture postcard sort of place and probably at its best when the crowds have left.

You will find a watermill, a thatched forge and a mansion set in parklands twittering with birds. Next to the mansion are a rose garden and a craft centre where in the former stables, you can watch blacksmiths, glassblowers and other artisans at work.

Goodrington Sands ©Solange Hando

South of Paignton over a panoramic headland, you reach the colourful sands of Goodrington fringed by exotic cliff gardens and red rocks.

It's a great place to paddle, build castles or look for devil crab or pipe fish in the rock pools. Most commercial outlets are set well back from the beach and only the whistle of the steam train breaks the peace now and then on its way to Kingswear.

Beach Huts, Goodrington ©Solange Hando

Goodrington likes to be on the wild side but Goodrington loves colour, red sand and rocks, gardens in all shades of green and pristine beach huts in pastel colours neatly tucked below the cliff.

They lend Goodrington that special little touch which lingers in your mind long after you have left.

Brixham Harbour ©Solange Hando

Brixham may come last on the English Riviera coast but you can't beat it for charm, scenery and character. See the fishing harbour packed with crab and lobster pots, the long breakwater sheltering a glistening marina, the picturesque lanes climbing up the hill and right by the quay the statue of William of Orange and the replica (above) of the Golden Hind.

 Devon Coast from Berry Head ©Solange Hando

Beyond Brixham harbour, a trail leads up through the woods to Berry Head, a windswept headland with superb views of Torbay and the red cliffs to the north and to the south the ever meandering limestone cliffs, the wild meadows and rocks and islands sprinkled into the sea.