Avebury, with all its Arthurian and mystic connections, is one of those places that can genuinely be called fascinating without any fear of travel writer’s hyperbole. Far less famous than its less impressive cousin Stonehenge, the Avebury stone circle is actually the largest in Europe and, again unlike Stonehenge, is completely accessible, both by road and by air. It is a place with a unique atmosphere and an ability to make hairs stand on the back of the most cynical of necks. As the site covers 28 acres it is difficult to appreciate it as a whole from the ground. Only by air can you appreciate the overall plan of the site, only on foot can you feel the atmosphere and touch the stones. Ideally you should do both. 
 Archaeologists tell us that prehistoric Avebury took shape over 600 years, eventually becoming a huge monument consisting of two small stone circles surrounded by  a large stone circle of at least 98 stones, some weighing more than 60 tonnes. This outer stone circle is surrounded by a ditch with a high bank. The circle of stones is visible from the air, but more striking is the huge ditch and its accompanying mound. Excavations have shown that the ditch is now only a third of its original 30 foot depth, while the earth work surrounding the circle would have towered a good twenty to twenty five feet above that, a huge project for people who had only primitive tools to mould their monument from the surrounding chalk. 

Stonehenge, which is now so famous that it is impossible to visit or fly over, would fit inside the Avebury circle approximately 130 times.   

It is likely that in the future this monument, like Stonehenge, will be fenced and protected. We suggest you visit while you still can.

What could be more magical or romantic than a night spent in a castle?  Ancient fables of battles won and lost, heroes and villains, love and despair surround every castle.  Its history becomes part of the fabric of the building, evoking an atmosphere charged with romance and creating the perfect backdrop for any special occasion.  Place that castle on a remote Irish coastline and the scene is set for a night to remember.
Finding that special castle hideaway doesn’t have to be just a wild romantic notion.  Companies such as Celtic Castles specialise in castle holidays.  From the privacy of a self-catering set up to the out-and-out luxury of a castle hotel, there are castles for you to stay in throughout Ireland.  So, if you were toying with the idea of whisking your lover away for an intimate weekend, here are a few to whet your appetite.
 

Ballyhannon Castle

Forget the tardis, stepping through the medieval archway of Ballyhannon Castle will transport you back in time six hundred years.  The castle was built in 1420 by the MacNamara clan for the Hannons as a reward for their loyalty and service.  For two hundred years the Hannons found sanctuary at Ballyhannon, but by the mid-1600s they had been dispossessed by Cromwell and the castle passed to his supporters and was eventually sold on to English settlers.
 

Dromoland Castle Estate

Who Should I Take With Me?

Oxford is a fascinating City – and unlike it’s rival Cambridge, Oxford IS a city – the distinctive Cathedral is a part of Christchurch college – a strange hybrid between private College chapel and public Cathedral. Like Cambridge Oxford is famous for it’s Colleges, for their sporting triumphs and for their music, so much so that religious services at the Colleges (Evensong is a good example) are often regarded by visitors as tourist attractions. If that’s not your sort of thing, you might enjoy a rather more leisurely day out amongst the dreaming spires – floating gently along the Thames with a stop at a historic hostelry on the edge of the City.

ruins of the ancient priory on the banks fo the Thames and visited ‘The Trout’. This remarkable Inn (pub really doesn’t do it justice) is just the sort of thing you would expect to find in Oxford – old and deeply picturesque. Sitting on the banks of the Thames right at the lock, ‘The Trout’ is home to ducks, fish and most noticeably peacocks, who perch (if that’s the word) on the roof, and more improbably in the trees, and yell to each other in the most alarming tones. A great place to visit but beware the queues – the place is often very crowded and service can be extremely slow.

http://www.rosamundthefair.co.uk/

Enjoy a friendly atmosphere of Inverness and bask in highland hospitality at its finest. You can choose to stay at a bed and breakfast, an economy hotel or live in the lap of luxury at one of the four star establishments. There are also many guest cottages that you can rent for a day, a few days or even longer.

The Scottish countryside around Inverness has much to offer every visitor. The spectacular mountains, the tumbling rivers and the magical islands have everything you need for a relaxing vacation. Whether you want your days filled with action-packed adventure or you want to explore the history and culture of the area, Inverness has everything you need.

The castles of the highlands are not to be missed. Cawdor Castle in Nairn, a short distance from Inverness lets you enter a fairytale land that you only read about. This castle was built in 1370 and features superb gardens, a golf course, nature trails, a gift shop, restaurants and a picnic area. Inverness is an excellent base from which you can tour the outlying areas. In July, the Inverness Highland Games attracts thousands of visitors bringing a dramatic increase to the population of 41,000.
Urquhart CastleUrquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness is one of the largest castles in Scotland and although it is in a fair state of ruin, it does offer spectacular views of the Loch.

If you prefer to stay in the city, you can choose to tour the city yourself. Cross the suspension bridges that cross the River Ness and see the beautiful flower displays that have won the city the award for having the Best Large Town in the 1996 Bloom of Britain. The Ness Islands offer you solitude from the hustle and bustle of life in the city Across the river on the little bridges, you can visit Bught Park. At Floral Hall you can see an extravaganza of fish and flora as well as a waterfall. There are three golf courses for the golf enthusiast to tee off from. When in Scotland, you have to try the golf courses in the home country of this sport.

If you like cycling, you can rent a bicycle and try the Great Glen Cycle Route spanning the 24 miles from Inverness to Fort William. On the way you will pass by Loch Ness, where you just may catch a glimpse of the famous Nessie. You can also reach Loch Ness by taking a bus tour along a very scenic road that passes through many small villages. Stop at the scenic viewpoint at 1162 feet, from which you have a breathtaking view of the loch and the mountains.

The Landmark Heritage Park is one of the favorite attractions for families located on a 30 acre ancient pine wood. There is entertainment available here for all age groups, such as a visual show, a giant adventure playground, a fun forest maze and a roller coaster ride on a runaway raft.

There is a wide array of museums and art galleries to visit. The adventurous minded can try their hand at cliff climbing, sailing or canoeing. Shopping is pure delight with all the different specialty and craft stores to choose from. You certainly won’t go hungry with the many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Whether you want a light snack or dine in elegance, you will find it here in Inverness.

Make the decision to stay for a while and soak up the friendliness of the residents. You will be glad you did because you will make lasting friendships that will keep drawing you back to Inverness.

http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/inv-area.htm

http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/inv-area.htm