Utrecht boasts beautiful canals with wharf cellars housing cafes by the water Explore in a different way via the 465 steps of the Dom tower (there’s no lift) Stena Line superferries are the best way to sail
Saddle up for best kept secret T hink of Holland for a break and the first place that comes to mind is bustling Amsterdam renowned for discovering all about Rembrandt or for its ‘nightlife’ and cafe culture! It may be you think of Delft and its beautiful pottery. But what about Utrecht? Yes Utrecht, not necessarily known as a tourist magnet for UK visitors, but one which will steal your heart away if you ever visit. Museums, wonderful architecture, spectacular churches, music – and this year also the start of the Tour de France 2015. And don’t forget the friendly folk who live and work there. Utrecht’s inner city is small enough to explore on foot quite comfortably, with beautiful canals lined with wharf cellars once used as warehouses for goods carried by water and now offices, shops and cafes and bars. There is also superb shopping in its medieval streets which escaped the bombing damage of so many places during the S econd World War. There are many museums and my favourite has to be Museum Speelklok its collection contains carillon clocks, musical boxes, Flötenuhren, pianolas, an amazing singing
Sharon Walters heads underground in cultural Utrecht
nightingale, and street, fairground and dance organs which thunder out when demonstrated. Guided tours set out through Museum Speelklok (www.museumspeelklok.nl) every hour. A very different museum is that of Dick Bruna House (www.centraalmuseum.nl), completely dedicated to author and illustrator, Dick Bruna and his creation Miffy. The stories about the little rabbit have been translated into 40 languages and over 85 million copies of the books have been sold worldwide. Perfect for, but not exclusively for, children! At the city’s heart is the Dom Tower, which you can see from any point in Utrecht and is an easy way of checking just where you are and not getting lost. It is the highest and oldest church tower in Holland. You can combine a
visit to the Dom Tower with the Gothic-style cathedral with 15th century wall paintings. Dom is 367 feet high and open to the public offering excellent views of Utrecht and the surrounding area. But before you can enjoy the view you have to climb 465 stairs! If going all that way without oxygen seems too much try to get up to the bell tower. The centuries-old bells are so big they can only be rung once a year to prevent the tower from being damaged. But a modern magic set of bells, played a little like a piano, ring out the chimes instead. Apparently a woman who plays them rang out a medley of the hits by the Rolling Stones when they toured Holland. Whatever you do don’t miss going ‘underground’ – a museum under the square outside the tower, the Dom Under (domunder.nl) which reveals the Roman foundation of the city, dating back to 47AD. This was another place I could have stayed in for at least a couple of hours. It is a superb exhibition where you use smart torches to shine lights on sensors to start up a commentary in headphones to guide you round what appears to be an archaeological dig, complete with images of what the city
used to look like, pottery pieces and skeletons. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants but a must visit is Graaf Floris (www.graaffloris.nl) in Vismarkt if only to sample the home made apple dumplings with a mug of hot chocolate. Others worth a visit include Den Draeck (www.den-draeck.nl) for traditional food on an historical wharf, Stan and Co for more American-style eating and for the healthy eating option Sector3 (www.sector-3.nl). A short taxi ride outside is Castle de Haar (kasteeldehaar.nl) – think of Downton but at its heyday in the 1960s and 70s. One thing to watch out for though, are the cyclists. Forget the cyclists in Amsterdam who will generally try and avoid you – in Utrecht they never stop. The Dutch love of cycling is appropriate for Utrecht as the Tour de France starts tomorrow in the city. So how do you get there? Start your trip with a mini overnight cruise from Harwich to the Hook of Holland and then take the train on to Utrecht if you don’t fancy taking the car. The Stena Line superferries on the route are the best. Stena Hollandica and its sister Stena Britannica, are the biggest ferries currently
BUY YOUR CARAVAN WITH 0% FINANCE!
Up to THREE years interest free credit for the purchase of a new or used caravan holiday home, with minimum deposit from £3,500. We use our own finance facilities, terms and conditions apply, written quotations upon request. Extended finance also available over 4, 5 and 6 years from rates as low as 1% APR. Caravan Parks in Worcestershire, Shropshire, Mid Wales and Welsh Coast. Visit out website:
HOLIDAYS 2015
www.hillandale.co.uk
Meadow Farm Campsite SAME PRICE ALL YEAR
LOVELY COUNTRY PARK SET IN MID WALES LOTS OF FACILITIES. FISHING AVAILABLE
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR IRON MAN
Caravans from £5995 available Heated swimming pool, Tennis Court, Bowling green, CCTV, Private fishing, childrens play area, clubhouse, laundry facility
Fantastic views over Tenby/Caldey Island FREE Showers, Toilets. Hook ups, Families/Couples
Open Until End Of October 5 Minute Walk to Beach - No Dogs Brochure - Tel: 01834 844829 meadowfarmtenby@gmail.com www.meadowfarmtenby.co.uk
Savoy Hotel Weston Super Mare Sea Front Bed & Breakfast under new managment SPECIAL OPENING OFFER £35pppn
BOOK NOW
01934 629559 WWW.SAVOYWSM.CO.UK
GREAT YARMOUTH BLUE RIBAND BUNGALOWS & CHALETS
Static Caravan Victory Vision 35x12 Cambrian Coast Caravan Park Borth Pool/Bar/Beach
£22,995 07462 343 698
WOODLANDS NEW QUAY, WALES
Pet friendly CHALETS from £285 per week. Also Lodges Delightful wooded park Minutes from harbour and saandy beaches Gilfachreda, New Quaay, Ceredigion, Wales, SA455 9ST
Tel: 01545 580 239
www.woodlandsnewquay.co.uk
TENBY
Free Linen, Sat TV & Club House
4 Star Holiday Park 10 minutes walk to Tenby/Beaches Ideal choice for mature couples/ small families Perfect base for Pembrokeshire coast walks
www.hemsby-chalets.co.uk www.blueribandholidays.co.uk
CAR PARKING NO CLUBHOUSE Tel: 01834 842157 www.salterncaravanpark.co.uk
Near beach Hemsby and Caister on Sea Pets welcome
01493 730445
NEW & USED CARAVANS FOR SALE
FROM £8995!
Quiet 5 Star Park, Mid Wales 10 minutes from beach. Child en & Dogs Welcome Fishing, WiFi, Gym Call
01654 781473
2 to 4 night breaks available
Barmouth Wales Farm house, cottage and chalet by the sea PETS WELCOME Mrs Evans 01341 247474
or request our stock list and brochure on FREEPHONE (24 hours) 0800 389 3565
01278 751258
CARAVAN PARK
Brean Somerset TA8 2QY Quiet select family retreat Private beach access
Modern Caravans. Personal Welcome.
www.dolphinpark.co.uk
HOLIDAY HOME
FOR SALE
On 5 star park. Sleeps 6. Wifi & children’s play area on site. Less than 10 minute walk to beach. Stunning views.
01766 780286 The Lady Hamilton BLACKPOOL
Licensed 5* Food Hygiene Rating Mon-Fri £87.50pp Fri-Mon £75pp
Delicious home cooking Small pets welcome
01253 344713
Llandudno Beach front hotel
OFFER NOW ON Pay 2 nights Get 3rd Free
Sunday to Friday until 20/07/2015 01492 877319 info@4saintshotels.co.uk
MID WALES MINI BREAKS
Luxury Caravan, sleeps 6 3 Day Weekend 4 Day Mid Week £140
01686 670408
Explore the Borders
Try Before You Buy Caravans for Sale from £6,995 www.goetreretreatcaravanpark.co.uk
ROWEN HOLIDAY PARK Talybont, Barmouth Gwynedd LL43 2AD Top quality lodges and caravans for hire/sale on our small award winning family park. Also luxury Cottage Free Colour Brochure:
Tel (01341) 242626 www.rowenpark.com
l Stena Line www.stenaline.co.uk. ‘Rail and Sail’ prices start from £45pp one way. Sailings with a car start from £59pp one way for an adult and car. Cabins (required on overnight sailings) start from £15pp each way, based on two sharing. l For more information on Utrecht and Holland visit www.holland.com l The Court Hotel, located in the former Utrecht Courthouse, central, close to the Dom Tower and in the museum quarter of the city. Doubles from £90 per night room only. Address: Korte Nieuwstraat 14, Utrecht visit the website at www.courthotel.nl
The Glen Caravan Park Cleobury Mortimer Shropshire DY14 8EL 01299 270473 Peace and seclusion in beautiful countryside, ideal for couples who value a restful environment. New holiday homes with double glazing & central heating
from £26,929 from £10,470
Prices include fees & insurance to 1st April 2016
www.twinriversholidaypark.co.uk twinriversandyou@gmail.com
BRIG Y DON HOTEL
Travel facts
Quality pre-owned holiday homes
Open 11 months
Please Call 01938 820 516
operating anywhere in the world. There are 1,376 beds in 538 luxury state-of-the-art cabins, more like a cruise ship than a basic ferry. You have to have a cabin for the overnight crossings but they are extremely good value for money, spacious and very well equipped. Start your cruise with a meal, as I did in the Hollandica’s Metropolitan Restaurant, and dine very well indeed for £30 for three courses.
0% Finance available,
HOTEL VIRGINIA
written quotations on request.
www.hillandale.co.uk
Luxury Coach Holidays Wolverhampton, Cannock, Walsall, Dudley & West Bromwich - Torquay Return
LAST MINUTE VACANCIES
Departs 19th July For 7 days 6 nights
Was £265 now £200 Other Dates Available
Inclusive of en suite rooms, choice of breakfast and 3 course evening meal Entertainment, Dancing and Bingo No single room supplement BOOK NOW
Falkland Road, Torquay TQ2 5JH Telephone 01803 294967
Arbour Hotel, Barmouth OR
2 NIGHTS DINNER BED & BREAKFAST £99pp per break*
OR
3 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST £135pp per break*
CHILDREN HALF PRICE ON ALL OFFERS SEAFRONT HOTEL INDOOR POOL LIFT & CAR PARK CALL FOR BROCHURE & OTHER OFFERS Tel. 01341 280 *Excludes Bank holidays
PAIGNTON HOBOURNE DEVON BAY 2/3 Bed caravans in/outdoor pools Kids club & Adult entertainment
AUGUST WEEKS AVAILABLE
FOR GREAT DISCOUNTS CALL 01765 601762
459
LLANDUDNO Bromwell Court, Seafront Hotel ANY 3 NIGHTS £72
Excellent accommodation, bar, en suite rooms
01492 878416 www.bromwellcourt.co.uk Visit us on Trip Advisor
Privately Owned Sited At GOLDEN SANDS HOLIDAY PARK (NORTH WALES) 12 Month or 10.5 Month Season
£10,995
SUMMER BARGAIN BREAKS
SUMMER SPECIAL ANY 3 NIGHTS B&B £109pp pb
STATIC CARAVAN FOR SALE
2015 Site Fees Paid CALL
07595 711381
Caravan For Sale Absolute bargain, perfect condition, double glazed & central heating, two bedrooms, fully sited on a country park with fantastic views, no fees to pay till March 2016
Call 07590 124226
35ft 2 bed BK Holiday Home on quiet park near Tenbury Wells £7,000 www.wigleyorchard.co.uk with timber deck and parking, inc 2015 site fees Open for ten months/year 01885 410331 or 07968 701625 www.wigleyorchard.co.uk
Express & Star Friday, July 3, 2015
Travel
41