Tag Archives: museum

Things to do in Exeter, Devon

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1. Royal Albert Memorial Museum: Reopened a year ago, interesting for its architecture and its exhibits. Praised by The Art Fund judges for its “ambition and imagination” the Royal Albert Memorial won Museum of the Year 2012. There is lots of amazing taxidermy including Gerald the giraffe, which is best viewed from the mezzanine so you can see all of his extra long neck! Free entry.

2. Dustbin lid sized pizzas at On the Waterfront, a nineteeth century industrial warehouse. Try their speciality Duck and Hoi Sin sauce pizza. If you ask nicely they will take you through to the private dining area at the back with leather booth seating.

3. Walk from On the Waterfront to the Double Locks pub, along Exeter Ship Canal. Exeter’s first folk festival takes place this year on April 20th with live music and local ale. Play board games in the winter and volleyball in the Summer. PS. Two burgers for £10 every Monday.

4. Visit the redeveloped University of Exeter campus, Sunday Times University of the Year 2012-13. The stunning Forum is a lovely place to see and explore.

5. Stay at the Magdalen Chapter Hotel. A beautiful building, incredible food and a Ren Spa with an indoor-outdoor pool. Spa days start at just £40 (including massage, lunch, tea and cake on arrival and full use of the facilities.) Fizz Friday in the bar and lounge is also a great venue to have a cocktail. Guests get an iPad with their room.

6. And for a fun night out try out Exeter’s famous independent club, The Cavern. Go on a Saturday night for Indie Disco, its most mainstream offering.

Advance single fares from London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway are available from £12.50 each way. For the best value tickets and fares buy before you board at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or 08457 000125

Things to do in Budapest

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Before visiting I knew little of Budapest’s twin city appeal. Dramatically divided by the Danube, Hungary’s beautiful capital offers a wealth of exciting sights and activities for visitors. Linked by the epic chain bridge Buda and Pest are very different areas to explore. Buda is a historic hub characterised by its amazing hills, and here you will find the most important tourist attractions. The retro Furnicular carts transport you up the hill to the Castle District where you can see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. Pest is the younger and trendier side of the city where people go to work, shop and play. This area is action packed with creative opportunities and has much more of a buzz about it. We spent most of our time here eating, drinking, shopping and marvelling at the impressive buildings surrounding us. I would urge any Budapest guest to visit both sides of the city to experience a true flavour of the Hungarian way of life.
To Do
– Szechenyi Baths: thermal baths are a unique aspect of Budapest and this venue is one of the most renowned. In the open air this picturesque pool soothes guests all year round. It is the largest of its kind in Europe and feels quite extraordinary to be in such a hot pool of blue water outside, especially when it is snowing around you!
– Gellert Baths: The Gellert Baths are a traditional Hungarian Bath complex locted in the Gellert Hotel in Buda, along the Danube. It is open to the public, but hotel guests enjoy free admission. These baths are stunning and will leave you feeling refreshed and cleansed.
– Boat trip Danube: Even on a gloomy winters day The Legende one hour Boat Trip was worth doing. Offering an unrivalled view of the city on both sides, you will understand the history and culture of Budapest and see all the great architecture. Book here.
– Climb up to the top of the St Stephen’s Basilica (known as Budapest Cathedral), the largest Church in the city. We visited at sunset to see the whole city illuminated and glowing.
To See
– Museum of Fine Arts: This huge regal building is hard to miss. We saw a lovely Cezanne exhibition when we visited in January… and it is always worth going along to see the permanent collection of Spanish masters and Venetian paintings.
– House of Terror Museum: Sadly this much talked about museum was closed for refurbishment when I was in Budapest but I’ve heard the exhibition on the Holocaust is memorably affecting and a must see.
– Opera: Enjoy a performance at the world famous Budapest State Opera House… though be warned you are unlikely to understand a word, Hungarian subtitles are not easy to translate.
To Eat
– Ringcafe Burgers: Located on the main Andrassy Street Ringcafe is known to have the best burgers in town. The owner was recently in London sussing out the best on offer, returning to Budapest with a load of fresh new ideas. The menu has an extensive list of burger varieties, and they are delicious, with soft juicy meat and brilliant accompaniments.
– Gundel: Famous for its fine brunches, this restaurant presents Hungarian food with a French twist. The Gundel pancakes are particularly popular amongst diners!
– Onyx: This opulent fine restaurant is one of two Michelin starred establishments in Hungary. Chef Szabina Szullo artfully reinterprets Hungarian classics with precision and care. The food and wine are exquisite.
– New York Cafe: Located in the Boscolo Hotel, this cafe has always been a favourite for locals and tourists in Budapest. The rich history and beautiful interior is more of a reason to visit than the food.
To Sleep
– Boscolo: This epic hotel is indulgent and impressive both inside and out. The baroque rooms and suites are luxurious and the hotel also offers wonderful spa and fitness facilities.
– Four Seasons: A deluxe five star palace, the Gresham Four Seasons is fit for a king/queen. Architecturally amazing and immaculately designed, the Danube facing suites are arguably the most desirable rooms in the city.
With fantastic food, sights and culture, I find it bizarre that Budapest is not a more popular destination for European weekends away. If you are looking for a cheap and memorable trip abroad, book flights to Hungary immediately.
Many thanks to the Budapest Tourist Board for all their help with this trip. More information here.

Things to do in Edinburgh

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A trip to Edinburgh from London is likely to begin at King’s Cross Station, which following its renovation is an absolute marvel. The epic new design is a far cry from the grubby overcrowded hub where passengers used to wait. East Coast Trains operate a speedy and enjoyable service to Edinburgh, a picturesque train journey through beautiful countryside and beside the sea. It seems amazing that in just over four hours you can be transported from London to the centre of Scotland’s capital.

I have visited Edinburgh several times now, the Fringe brings in thousands of culture-seekers during the summer, though this Scottish city has a great deal to offer in other areas too.

To Stay

The Glasshouse – a five star characterful boutique hotel conveniently close to the city centre

To Eat

STEAK – for a delicious meat feast, great brunch at the weekends, and a good vibe
Number One Balmoral – fine dining at its very best, Head Chef Jeff Bland has created a Michelin masterpiece

To Drink

Bramble – follow the unpromising steps down to a tiny bar serving up the best cocktails in town

To Watch

The Filmhouse – Edinburgh’s top independent cinema, celebrating world film and buzzing with atmosphere

To See

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art – housed in two beautiful old buildings, these galleries show arresting 20th century and contemporary work, definitely worth the walk
The National Portrait Gallery – newly renovated, it is a lovely place to wander and see some spectacular portrayals of Scotland’s finest
Fruitmarket Gallery – a quirky little space exhibiting intriguing artists, with a great cafe and bookshop

There is so much to discover and admire in Edinburgh… I’d love to hear about your favourite places in Edinburgh to add to my to do list for next time.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with East Coast Trains to Edinburgh. East Coast operates 46 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £33 Standard Class or £95 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.