Come summer, there’s no better way to enjoy a weekend break than to spend it by the natural beauty of the UK’s sandy shores. The following is a list of the top five UK beaches based on their pure, unadulterated beauty.

Rhossili Bay, Swansea

Who would have thought that Wales had better beaches than Greece? Rhossili Bay has been named the third best beach in Europe by a tourist poll, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. The three-mile stretch of relatively untouched sandy coastline is bordered by limestone cliffs and is known for its bare landscape. However, if you’re there at low tide, you’ll catch a glimpse of the remains of the Norwegian ship Helvetia, which found itself beached here in 1887. While the bay is popular, its long expanse means it never feels busy. However, the quietest spot is definitely along the northern stretch of sand.

Blackpool Sands, South Devon

This privately owned beach is a surprising find in South Devon. Following a drive through Amalfi-esque pine trees, you’ll be greeted by a sweeping arc of golden sand and a deep blue ocean calling you in. During summer a pontoon floats off shore, which is the ideal spot to lounge on a scorching day. The green hills in the background add to the stunning scenery.

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

The waters of Luskentyre beach shine with the same azure-green hue that the Caribbean is known for – unusual for the Scottish seaside. And adding to the magic of this sweeping beach is the wild backdrop of craggy hills dotted with cottages, the sense of isolation it evokes, and the occasional wild pony spotted grazing on the edge of the dunes. Rock pools scattered along the shore make great entertainment for children and avid birdwatchers will appreciate the range of fauna which inhabit the area.

Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth

This beautiful part of the South England coast was a declared a nature reserve in 1990. Since then the area’s attractiveness has only grown with the care provided by the Bournemouth Borough Council. The pebbly beach remains largely unspoilt with its imposing clay and ironstone cliffs looming on the skyline. Despite being positioned between popular Poole Bay and Christchurch Bay, Hengistbury Head Beach remains relatively quiet.

Porthcurno, South Cornwall

This idyllic piece of British seaside is tucked into a horseshoe cove with rocky headlands stretching out on either side, largely enclosing the picturesque bay. A sandy trail winds its way down to the turquoise water and white sand. The rugged cliffs on either side of the bay offer excellent walking trails and during summer, the Minack open air theatre puts on theatrical performances overlooking the ocean. If you take a walk east from the beach, you’ll find the Tater Du Lighthouse and Lamorna Cove, where you can explore the unused granite quarries, and Bucks Reef, a popular haunt with divers.

Find Accommodation

Finding a place to live is probably going to be the first thing on your list. Living in a hostel for awhile when you arrive can but fun, but sharing a dorm room wears off fast and it’s expensive. If you’ve got friends in London already and they let you stay with them, then you’re in luck but this can also get old pretty fast. You’ll want your own place eventually and because of the transient population in London, finding a place to stay might be ne of the easier things you do. Finding a good place to stay, though, might be a lot harder. One of the best places to look for accommodation for new arrivals is The Gumtree.

Get a Job

The job market in London isn’t so great these days and if you’re one of the lucky ones who’s arrived with a job, then that’s great for you! But if you’re like the rest of us who needs to find a way to pay the bills, life can be a bit tougher. Temping is a good way to get your foot in the door. You might find yourself in a temporary position where you’re eventually able to get a stable job. Or, at the very least, temping transfers the burden of looking for a job from yourself onto the temping agency.

Open a Bank Account

Once you get that job, you’ll need a place to put your money as almost all jobs will want to pay you with a direct bank transfer. Don’t jump into opening a bank account. compare bank accounts carefully because they all have different perks and fees. There are plenty to choose from in the UK which can be a good thing if you know what you want, but a bad thing if you’re not sure. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Some allow for free overseas withdrawals whereas others have monthly fees. Look at the most suitable bank accounts for you and choose wisely.

Find Accommodation

Finding a place to live is probably going to be the first thing on your list. Living in a hostel for awhile when you arrive can but fun, but sharing a dorm room wears off fast and it’s expensive. If you’ve got friends in London already and they let you stay with them, then you’re in luck but this can also get old pretty fast. You’ll want your own place eventually and because of the transient population in London, finding a place to stay might be ne of the easier things you do. Finding a good place to stay, though, might be a lot harder. One of the best places to look for accommodation for new arrivals is The Gumtree.

Get a Job

The job market in London isn’t so great these days and if you’re one of the lucky ones who’s arrived with a job, then that’s great for you! But if you’re like the rest of us who needs to find a way to pay the bills, life can be a bit tougher. Temping is a good way to get your foot in the door. You might find yourself in a temporary position where you’re eventually able to get a stable job. Or, at the very least, temping transfers the burden of looking for a job from yourself onto the temping agency.

Open a Bank Account

Once you get that job, you’ll need a place to put your money as almost all jobs will want to pay you with a direct bank transfer. Don’t jump into opening a bank account. compare bank accounts carefully because they all have different perks and fees. There are plenty to choose from in the UK which can be a good thing if you know what you want, but a bad thing if you’re not sure. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Some allow for free overseas withdrawals whereas others have monthly fees. Look at the most suitable bank accounts for you and choose wisely.

Top of the Rock

Located atop the GE Building, the towering art deco building at the heart of Rockefeller Centre, this observation deck gives a panoramic view of Manhattan, including the spire of the Empire State Building. Some people rate the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck more highly, but it has one key disadvantage: it doesn’t give you a view of the Empire State Building.

Williamsburg Bridge

Some of the best views of Manhattan aren’t in Manhattan itself. From across the East River in Brooklyn, visitors can enjoy a view of the river, the Manhattan waterfront, the monumental skyline and the bridge itself, which has connected Brooklyn and Manhattan for over 100 years.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a free service linking Manhattan to the borough of Staten Island. Commuters make up a large percentage of the passengers, but many tourists also take the ferry. This isn’t because they want to go to Staten Island, but because of the ferry’s magnificent view of the harbour and, in particular, of the Statue of Liberty, one of the most famous symbols of the city and the United States as a whole.

Statue of Liberty

In addition to being part of the view, the Statue of Liberty is one of the city’s best view points. The statue’s crown forms an observation deck with a striking view of the city. However, access to the crown is not always available. The viewing deck had been open for just one day following renovations in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy pummeled the island, causing further damage and forcing the deck to close again. It is hoped that it will reopen soon.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an artifical platform that passes above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Opened in 1951, this park offers fantastic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. It is a traditional destination for New York couples and has a justified reputation as one of the most breathtaking view points in the city.

These may be the best views in New York, but they’re only a few of the many ways to enjoy the famous skyline of the Big Apple. With its world-class cuisine, art, museums, shopping and architecture, New York is only a quick direct flight away from London’s Heathrow Airport. There are thousands of things to see and do in New York, but no visit would be complete without pausing to take in the view from one of these great vantage points.

Manchester’s visitor numbers are rising yearly by approximately 10 to 15 per cent. According to the statistics of VisitBritain, around one million people from all over the world are coming to check out the city’s attractions every year. As a result, Manchester became Britain’s third most popular destination, closing the gap to Edinburgh which sees around 1.3m visits every year.

Sadly, many visitors are rushing through Manchester’s top visitor attractions such as The Lowry, the MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) or the Manchester Art Gallery in just 24 or 48 hours and missing out on the spirit of the city. However, increasingly more tourists are aiming to discover the flair of a place within the framework of a ‘slow tourism’ movement.

Similar to the slow food trend in Europe, which set a contrast to the fast food industry, slow travel encourages tourists take their time between visitor attractions. ‘Slow travellers’ have started to increasingly self-organise travels with the help of travel social networks and online services such as couchsurfing.org, triptrotting.com, airbnb.com and wayn.com.

By turning away from package holidays, they are able to discover authentic places and to experience real tourists-locals-hosts encounters. For instance, the service ‘Couchsurfing’ provides a platform where travellers can connect and arrange their stays at the private flat of a host anywhere in the world for free, providing the opportunity to look at a place from the locals’ point of view.

However, international tourists who prefer to stay at a hotel or a nice B&B and want to get to know the character of Manchester and its inhabitants, only need a visit to the likes of ICE plc. Travel Money for some currency, some insider tips and eclectic information of the area.

Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter, although very close to Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street, possesses its very own unique flair and charm which cannot be found anywhere else in Greater Manchester. This area has a creative and alternative touch and is home to many independent fashion stores, bars, cafés, restaurants and most importantly vintage and record stores. As a consequence, the place is ideal for a night out or for attending one of the many gigs featuring talented Manchester musicians; these taking place in the Northern Quarter’s bars.

The local shopping emporium ‘Affleck’s’ is known worldwide for its affordable products with a twist and its service providers who offer tattoos, piercings or tarot readings. The Northern Quarter’s inspirational and creative environment is highlighted by the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, where 35 artists, craftspeople and designers sell their creations and products such as jewellery, ceramics, paintings and tiles at six days per week. Therefore, tourists may come here to discover unique souvenirs and gifts. This centre, which is housed in a former Victorian fish and poultry market building, also offers workshops, a café and accommodates numerous events.

The Curry Mile

Arab communities arrived in Manchester in the early nineteenth century, and have etched their influence in to the spirit of the city. To encounter the Middle Eastern culture, a visit of the ‘Curry Mile’ may be worthwhile, which is situated on Wilmslow Road in Rushholme. Most visitors are attracted to the place by the high density and wide range of Middle Eastern, South Asian restaurants such as Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Turkish Indian or Sri Lankan.

However, the place also offers great Shisha bars such as the ‘Antalya’ where one can smoke fruity tasting shisha and drink freshly squeezed juices and non-alcoholic cocktails: a great experience even for non-smokers.

Chorlton

Chorlton is located approximately four miles from the city centre and can be easily reached by bus. The town attracts due to its location and amenities such as the Chorlton Park and the Chorlton Water Park, with many families taking trips to these locations. Those who have a love of nature can have a stroll around the lake of Chorlton Water Park in the Mersey Valley, and may even be able to spot wildflowers and animals. Sportsmen are able to fish and to do water sports there as well. Especially popular are dinghy sailing, canoeing and windsurfing in the natural reserve.

Above that, Chorlton’s ‘Beech Road’ can be recommended to tourists, as it invites them to shop or to have some coffee and lunch. The small shops specialise in homeware and accessories which may not be able to be bought anywhere on the conventional high street. Some art-based coffee houses such as the ‘Craftelicious’ even offer activities such as pottery to go with your coffee and cake; ceramic painting and decopatchare also available.

Finally, Chorlton is known for its huge vegetarian community. Consequently, many shops and cafés offer wholesome, vegetarian and ethical products of all kind which may be a good opportunity to try something new.

Jacqueline is a writer for ICE plc. who offer travel money and foreign currency exchange for those travelling abroad. Click Here for more information on their services.

Before any man can enter marriage it is imperative he is treated to a night out that he will never forget or remember depending on how you look at it.

Although the ideal for many Stag groups is to pack up their suitcases, book the flights and head overseas for a fun filled weekend it is worthwhile remembering that a great stag do can be had without the need for your passport.

There are countless destinations in England, Wales and Scotland that can offer something memorable and truly special for the rite of passage from bachelor to a loving husband.

Having recently been given the privilege of being a best man for my friend’s upcoming wedding I was given the responsibility to arrange the stag party with help from some of his other friends. After careful consideration we chose our destination and activities to act as the rite of passage from bachelorhood. However with so many fantastic destinations and stag activities available it was easy to become overwhelmed and because of this many best men offload all of the responsibilities to an external ‘stag do’ planning company. While external planners are a great time saver and stress reliever they come at a higher cost, therefore if you are after the best prices I would suggest shopping around by yourself.

To help other best-men who are feeling the pressure of organising such a big night out below I have highlighted 5 of the best UK stag destinations to visit for a great night out or a weekend away with the rest of the lads. So with no more delay here is my countdown to the top 5 British Stag Destinations.

1)     London – The capital of England also referred to as ‘the big smoke’ is ideal for a stag party exuberating sophistication. It plays host to an array of cocktail bars, unique venues and top European nightclubs such as KOKO and Pacha. On the other hand if you are looking for a top laugh then Lucky Voice Soho will be the perfect venue for your stag party. Here you can enjoy a sing along to your favourite songs in your very own private karaoke room. LuckyVoice.com Soho Bars is definitely worth a visit if belting a few ‘epic tunes’ with the lads’ sounds like a good idea.

2)     Newcastle – The self-proclaimed party capital of the North East, Newcastle is a city that won’t disappoint. The sensational night life needs no introduction and as seen on the popular MTV show Geordie Shore it has the potential for one ‘messy’ night out. In addition to the great night scene there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied throughout the day such as the stag do favourites like paintballing and quad biking.

3)     Cardiff- The capital of Wales is a destination that can offer something for every type of stag do, regardless to whether that is a relaxed drink, adrenaline fuelled activities or a booze fuelled night hitting the clubs. Unlike traditional stag destinations, Cardiff can offer something completely unique through activities such as Dune Sliding, Wake Boarding and Surfing.

4)     Blackpool – Tagged as the Las Vegas of the North of England, Blackpool is a destination for thousands of stag parties every year. If you enjoy a flutter then you can try your hand at a casino evening and experience the thrill of playing the gaming tables. In addition, this ‘cheesy town’ plays host to the fantastic Blackpool Pleasure Beach however I would suggest that the theme park is visited prior to a night on the town because a hangover and spinning tea cups don’t mix very well.

5)     Edinburgh – The Athens of the North, also known as Edinburgh, is a great option for your stag adventure. With the sound of bagpipes in the air this popular destination combines a vast array of history and heritage with a diverse selection of traditional pubs. The city is renowned for its friendliness and has a great nightlife. After a night out, the hangover is guaranteed to be eased the following day by the beautiful scenery.

About the author: Chris Algar writes on behalf LuckyVoice.com Brighton Bars who offer specialist karaoke venues across numerous locations around the UK.

The Scottish capital of Edinburgh offers many a delight and is one of those perfect British cities for sightseeing – much like London or York – and just as similarly, there are myriad ways in which you can explore this historic destination.

Whether it’s by foot on the top of a big red double-decker bus, Edinburgh is quite accessible and the opportunity is there to allow you to take a good look at one of the most popular destinations in the UK. For those travelling from abroad that might not be clear on the whole currency situation with Scotland, it is very much the same as England and you will need your pound coins and £10 notes. You can click here if you require a bit of foreign exchange.

Like London again, you will need at least two days to see most attractions in Edinburgh, but taking one of the tours will ensure you can take in as much as the city and its surroundings as possible in one go. Some will have certain packages in case you are wishing to see specific places, whilst others will be more of an all-round view of the city.

The Edinburgh Tour – By Bus

This is the tour you want if you are after a full-on historic view on the Scottish capital, with such visits to Scotland’s National Bard and Carlton Hill. An audio commentary enables you to find out more in-depth facts about Edinburgh, as well as famous stories that have moulded the city’s character.

Bus and Boat Tour 

For a more versatile look at both Edinburgh and its outside attractions, getting on the Bus & Boat Tour will see you take a half-day trip to see the superb modern art galleries, before getting on the boat at South Queensferry. From there, you will be taken to Inchcolm Island where you will experience unrivalled views of the Forth road and rail bridges; a notable stop at Inchcolm Abbey is also advised.

The Edinburgh Free Tour

Some people prefer to have the freedom to walk around a city, and this tour is certainly something they would appreciate. The Edinburgh Free Tour ran by Sandemans New Europe is a three-and-a-half-hour walk that takes in most of the city’s points of interest; these include taking on the winding streets and hills, whilst also learning about the history of the ‘bodysnatchers’ and fabled witches.

There are even visits to locations that inspired the Harry Potter novels and a chance to discover a now extinct volcano.

Eat Walk Edinburgh

A standard city tour is not enough for some, and there are groups who like a different spin on a city tour and the Eat Walk Edinburgh tour might just appease them. This is a perfect chance to take in the sights and sounds of the city whilst also sampling the delightful tastes of Scotland.

Visitors can enjoy some delicious dishes prepared by first-class restaurants, with chances to taste some fine wines and whiskies whilst being guided through both the old and new towns of the capital.

About the author: Sam writes for Raphaels currency services. They offer foreign exchange services and also specific facilities such as RaphaelsBank.com Overseas Transfers.

The National Trust are a fantastic charity who are running some fantastic events this Easter for families all around the UK to enjoy. The National Trust have over 3.7 million members, 61,000 volunteers and they host millions of visotors to their properties each year. They’re a British institution and their Easter events go a long way towards helping them continue to keep people happy and to raise funds.

Join in the Easter fun with National Trust this year as they host events at more than 240 of their places in the UK. Hop on an Easter egg trail with National Trust and Cadbury, participate in an egg and spoon race, climb some trees, hunt for eggs, and just enjoy the great spaces that the National Trust preserves for us all.

These events make a perfect outing for families in the UK. Find a fab family Easter event and get out there and join in! Face painters,egg & spoon, sack races, the egg shy… they’ve got it all! Castle Drogo in Devon makes a great place to participate in one f the many egg and spoon races happening across the country. Races will take place on April 1st between 11am and 4pm at a cost of £2 each. Castle Drogo is known as “the last castle to be built in England” and your participation will help in conservation efforts. After your Easter activities you can explore the castle’s new exhibitions including discovering how the castle was built and visitng the memorial to the stonemasons who fought in the Great War. Grab lunch in their cafe (with Easter eggs for dessert!) so you can spend the whole day exploring.

Have fun and help the National Trust who protect over 350 historic houses, gardens, ancient monuments, forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages… for everyone to enjoy!

If you’re staying at one of the city hotels, like that of the Holiday Inn Bristol Filton hotel then head up towards the Suspension Bridge and you will almost certainly pass the front door of another of Bristol’s tourist attractions, Bristol Zoo, which can legitimately claim to be one of the finest in Europe.

One of the great attractions of Bristol Zoo is that it’s so much more than just a zoo. There are 12 acres of gardens with 400 species and nine different animal houses, which will keep you occupied for as many hours as you can keep going. Established favourites are the Gorillas (which are generally fed around 12:30pm) and the seals, who come out to play a little bit later on in the day.

For those looking for something a little bit more active then ZooRopia should be on the list. If you’re not satisfied just looking at the animals, the Zoo’s remarkable rope course gives you the opportunity to swing side by side with the gibbons, gorillas and lemurs. Safety instructors strap you (or more likely your children) in, and they can swing, traverse, balance and shuffle their way through the 17 courses, getting a unique view on the wildlife, and expending all their excess energy at the same time!

Once you’re done with the animals, the Zoo gardens are a great place to relax on a sunny day as well as a place to see some of the more unusual trees, shrubs and plants from around the world. The Zoo gardens have been tended on the plot for nearly 170 years, so they’re well worth a visit in their own right.

Adult tickets are £15.50 for 2013. Kids under fourteen can enter for £9.50, and concessions are £13.50. ZooRopia tickets are £8 for adults and £7 for children (and definitely worth it) and if you plan a little bit ahead you can get discounted group tickets, and special offers online. If you’re visiting Bristol for just the day, you can get 2 for 1 offers with your First Great Western ticket as well.

Last of all, take a look at Wild About. Bristol Zoo works extremely hard at conservation and education, and Wild About is one of their most popular projects. The project, just 20 minutes outside of Bristol city centre (Junction 17 of the M5) aims to offer a bit of education, plenty of wood craft and a lot of fun, definitely worth a look.

For all the information you could ever need (and a lot more) check out the Zoo website.

Whether it’s a day trip you want or a longer trip that takes in some more far-off places, consider a self-drive trip (if yu don’t have a car, consider renting one… Enterprise is a good choice) as a great way to get around. Below are some of the UK’s finest road trip ideas. Check them out and hit the road!