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These richly allusive, if purely factual phrases, all refer to one stretch of tarmac which traverses the North of England. It is a piece of road which operates as an artery across a green lung of the country, connecting two historically fearsome enemies; the White Rose County of Yorkshire and the Red Rose County of Lancashire. The connecting artery was laid to join the dots over Pennine watershed, across the moorland plateaux where the very highest point manages some 510m above sea level. This is England; the Snake Pass to be precise.

Up there the weather can turn on a sixpence and, when deep in the icy clutches of winter time, travelling across the A57 (as it is more uncommonly known) can be pretty lethal with total whiteouts common and slipping-sliding wheels and snowdrift plunges even more so.

The highest point out on the moors is a far cry from the confines of our cosy little two-up two-down which we have rented for a week while we explore this area of the great English countryside. We’re suddenly very aware that travelling this road is fraught with mishap and almost folkloric tales of motoring woe.

But what a ride.

We take our hire car (no 4x4s left when we arrive unfortunately but I’m happy with my Mini) out from our cottage near the market town of Glossop and head out onto the moorlands with the intention of dodging any more snowfalls and managing to sneak in a picnic somewhere. Failing that, there is always the chance of a bite to eat at the infamous Snake Inn, should we make it that far. Our landlady informs us that the name of the road comes in fact from the pub and not the other way around. The pub, it seems, used to go under the moniker of The Duke of Devonshire (confusing, In know, but this is England remember) and upon the coat of the arms belonging to the Duke of Devonshire a serpent used to dangle. Nowadays, road and pub co-exist in nominal harmony – each reflecting the other.

As we drive up we can see the moorland plateaux of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow nestled in a blemish-less white blanket, the horizon disappearing as the sky merges with the land. The road is clearish until we get a little higher, the camber deceptive and the oncoming traffic a little hairy.

While my partner gazes agape at the flashes of wintry rural beauty around us, I can’t help but notice a little gauze of sweat forming on my palms as I grip the wheel, my forearms tense as rods. I remembered reading that 9/10 of the most dangerous roads were to be found in Northern England. By heck.

As we drive we listen to a song we have downloaded by cult 80s synth-pop band the Human League. The track – ‘The Snake’ – is apparently about this coil of road which remains an important and symbolic highway for dwellers of Sheffield (like The Human League) – The Steel City. The synth arpeggios of the song, the odd tenor of the spoken word vocals offset with the more layered female vocals recreate the twisty-turny rise and fall of the road as we travel. It’s a bizarre experience and for a few careless moments we (OK, I) forget that the tarmac under the rubber of our wheels is glazed with ice.

We spend the afternoon exploring  ‘The Sheff’’ which we find to be dripping with cultural activity from street art, to live music leaking out of pubs and a genuine edge we had not seen in any other English city to date. We enjoy ourselves so much that we almost forget to head back over the Snake’s back once again before dark. We just about manage to get back in time before the first flickers of the English winter darkness start to descend.

If you like to explore on foot, you can easily spend a week following the walking and hiking trails that are available. There are plenty of Lake District hotels that are situated within easy reach of marked walks, or you could grab a map and compass and find your own way. For those who prefer wheels, there are also a range of bike trails to explore at varying degrees of difficulty. If you don’t have the means to take your own bike to the Lakes, you can simply hire a bike when you’re there to explore the area.

Obviously one of the main attractions of the Lake District is the lakes. Windermere is one of the most famous, being the largest natural lake in England. The lakes offer great walking and  cycling routes with a good range of scenery to keep you occupied, but getting out onto the water is the only way to really experience the Lake District. Sailing is a great sport to indulge in (especially with kids), and you can sign up to a simple beginner’s course to learn the basics. Windsurfing and canoeing are also good fun, or you could opt for a basic rowboat.

If you’re heading to the lakes in the winter you’ll need to take appropriate clothing to be able to explore and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Most activities can easily fill a day, so take a picnic, take the kids, and take your sense of adventure.

It’s interesting to know that the Lake District has another attraction in store, one that doesn’t immediately come to mind. In October 2012 beautiful Northern Lights could be observed in the area – so you don’t have to go to the Arctic Circle to see this amazing site. Another thing on the checklist of your Lake District holiday!

Bran the Blessed

This bloodthirsty giant of Welsh mythology is the protagonist of many a gory folktale. His head is said to be buried beneath the Tower of London, facing France in order to ward off invasion. Since the name Bran means ‘raven’ in Welsh, it is thought to be linked to the legend of the ravens in the Tower, whose presence is also thought to prevent attack. Why not take a stroll past this impressive landmark before taking in a <a href=”http://www.show-and-stay.co.uk/london-shows.html” target=”_blank”>London show</a> in the nearby West End?

The Conwy Afanc

Another Welsh myth, this time a terrifying lake monster said to resemble a crocodile or a beaver with a horse’s head, who lurks in a pool on the River Conwy in North Wales. Its violent writhing is thought to have been the cause of huge floods which drowned the entire population of Britain, all except for Dwyfan and Dwyfach, from whom all later Britons are said to have descended.

Pluckley, the Most Haunted Village in England

From phantom highwaymen to ghostly horse-drawn coaches, Pluckley is riddled with haunted happenings. Look out for the misty figure of a gypsy woman smoking a pipe on the bridge, or a black-silhouetted ghost in the ruined windmill. Both a Red Lady and a White Lady are thought to haunt the grounds of St Nicholas’ Church, while a Tudor Lady can be heard calling her dogs nearby. The Black Horse pub has a mischievous spectre that’s known to steal people’s clothes, while The Dering Arms boasts an old lady in a bonnet and The Blacksmiths Arms, a phantom cavalier.

The Green Children of Woolpit

This Suffolk village is known for its curious folktale of two children of ‘unusual’ colour who appeared in the 12th Century. The lost little ones spoke in an unfamiliar language and refused to eat anything except green beans. When finally they learned the local lingo, the girl explained that they had come from ‘St Martin’s Land’, an underground world where it was always dusk and all inhabitants were green.

The Black Lady of Bradley Woods

This beautiful and bereft apparition is said to haunt these Lincolnshire woods dressed in black and weeping incessantly. Legend has it that she is the wife of a woodsman who lived in a cottage there in the 13th Century, and who was called away to fight in the War of the Roses. Left to raise her baby alone in the woods, the young wife was one day attacked by cavalrymen and her baby was stolen. It is thought that if you enter the woods on Christmas Eve and shout “Black Lady, Black Lady, I’ve stolen your baby!” three times, she will appear to you, although this is unsubstantiated.

The Lincoln Imp

The iconic imp is a well-known symbol of the city of Lincoln. According to legend, Satan sent two imps to Earth in order to carry out all sorts of evil mischief. The imps headed to Lincoln cathedral, where they smashed up tables and chairs and tripped up the Bishop. An angel came out of a hymnbook and turned one of the imps to stone. The second imp is thought to have escaped to Grimsby, where he suffered a similar fate.

The Dun Cow

This is a common motif in English folklore, ‘dun’ being an old-fashioned word for a brown-grey colour. A savage cow-beast is  said to have been slain by Guy of Warwick on Dunsmore Heath, the huge tusk of which is still on display at Warwick Castle. Story says that the cow belonged to a giant, and one day broke loose after becoming enraged at the heavy demands being made on its inexhaustible milk.

Upsall Castle Pots of Gold

This North Yorkshire castle is the site of an old legend in which a man dreamed that if he went to London Bridge, he would experience incredible luck. Hoping it would come true, he walked the distance from Upsall to the capital, where he proceeded to wait and wait. A Quaker came by and asked him what he was up to, and he told the man about his curious dream. The Quaker laughed and said he too had had a dream, that if he travelled to Upsall Castle, he would find a pot of gold buried under a bush. The first man immediately returned to his home, where he dug up the aforementioned shrub, and did indeed find buried treasure there.

The Witch of Wookey Hole

This limestone stalagmite is a prominent feature of these Somerset caves, and the focus of local legend, which tells of how it was once a witch who cursed all romance to fail. An angry man sought revenge on the old crone after his relationship failed, and after stalking her to her cave home, splashed her with holy water, which immediately turned her to stone. She remains in the caves to this day as a popular tourist attraction.

Goblin Combe

Also in Somerset, this is a beautiful expanse of woodland ridges, home to rare ferns and hazel dormice. You’ll also find over 30 species of butterfly, and if you’re very lucky, a fairy or two. Watch out —they’re thought to live in the rocks there, leading lost children home, but kidnapping wayward adults!

This post was written and provided by Show and Stay, the providers of weekend theatre breaks in London.

From the industrial revolution to the War of the Roses, antiquity is stitched into the fabric of Yorkshire’s social history, architecture and environment, making it a pretty amazing place if you like that kind of thing (which I do, loads). It’s literally smothered in castles, abbeys and ruinous churches that sprawl romantically on hillsides and across moorlands. Sounds ideal, right?

However, by far the most impressive experience to be had in Yorkshire has an ancient history stretching over thousands and thousands of years and human beings have absolutely nothing to do with it. It’s all geology, baby.

Potholing is the act of exploring underground cave systems just for the spoils and Yorkshire, with the largest cave network in the whole of the UK, offers an abundance of alternative adventures.

Sure, you could visit the various tourist hot spots and by all means, you should. But just imagine escaping the crowds for one day and travelling through the wide open mouth of the earth, where you are welcome to explore hidden passage-ways and echoing chambers. Along the way you’ll face some rather uncompromising situations (imagine squeezing between two rock-faces into the unknown blackness beyond) but that will pale in comparison to the beauty of the underground waterfalls and vast cathedral-like cavities you’re sure to discover.

Yorkshire is famous for its caving opportunities and whilst this isn’t exactly an activity for the faint-hearted, it’s an incredible way to connect with the power of nature and lose yourself in its awesomeness for a while. And getting lost is a major possibility, which is why there are tours and training opportunities available for those who want to do it properly (I would not, under any circumstances, recommend attempting this sport unguided. Without one, there is the potential for things to go seriously awry).

I went on a cave ‘holiday’ to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, a town in the Yorkshire Dales National Parks that’s famous for its potholing excellence. I use the word holiday with caution because it wasn’t exactly relaxing. It was, none the less, an unbelievable experience.

Usually, I’m not a thrill seeker.  I’ve sky-dived and white-water-rafted but that was opportunistic as opposed to something I actively sought out. I’m the kind of girl who likes to stay in a quaint thatched cottage by the coast and I did achieve this, to some extent, in between our potholing escapades. We stayed in a lovely self-catering property on the Whitby coast (my other half booked it without realizing that it was over 2 and a half hours away from the caves in question, but the less said about that the better). Happily, it was a charming place to stay and I’d thoroughly recommend it, so kudos to this company.

To this day, there remains undiscovered caves that have never been seen by human eyes and these caves comprise some of the only unexplored regions on earth, namely in undeveloped countries. It was this sense of discovery, this notion that I was seeing something that so few eyes had seen that gave me the motivation to continue- even when I thought that I couldn’t physically do so.

However, it was when I had to squeeze through a pitch-black gap that was no bigger than a cat-flap and I got my hips stuck that I started questioning my motives. Imagine the scene; a young woman wedged halfway through a hole in a cave meters beneath the surface of the earth. Pretty terrifying to say the least. I had to be forced through by three fellow potholers and after scrambling on my belly along damp, freezing cold stone in the darkness of the underworld, I had to have a serious word with myself. I could have panicked, easily, but there was no way I could bail. I physically couldn’t go back; it was out of the question. There wasn’t an escape hatch or an eject button, I had to keep going. I had to keep following the feet of the person in front of me. Claustrophobia doesn’t even cut it. It’s a difficult feeling to describe but being lodged in a maze of dank caves leaves you in quiet a peculiar head space.

But all of that fear and claustrophobia melted away when we emerged into a vast chamber that housed an impressively noisy waterfall which we consequently abseiled down, as if the episode before was merely a bump in the road to beauty.

Overall, it was an adventure of ups and downs (literally!) and such an absurd adrenaline rush. Would I do it again? Yes. It’s the kind of thing you can never imagine yourself doing and when realize that you can, there’s always room to do more, so maybe I am a trill seeker after all?

Have you been to Yorkshire? Would you go potholing?

By Emily Buchanan

Emily Buchanan is a writer and blogger. She loves holidaying in the British countryside and taking her dogs for long walks on the moors. 

London is one of Europe’s biggest and most exciting cities, and with plenty of cultural spaces, there is so much for backpackers to explore. The only downside can often be the price tags that come alongside the activities, with London being one of the more expensive cities in Europe. However, there is hope for the backpacker on a budget! Here is a list of the best cheap (under £25) and often free (!) things to do in London:

1. Art Galleries:  London is absolute heaving with wonderful art spaces. Whilst a lot of the great exhibitions cost money, there are many permanent displays that are free the whole year round. If you are looking for some great, free modern art, the Tate Modern is an absolute must. Set over seven floors and situated along the picturesque South Bank, the Tate Modern really is a gallery you could lose yourself in. Those looking for a smaller scale gallery, The Serpentine gallery and pavilion in Kensington Gardens is another must for those on a budget. Price: FREE
2. Museums – Like art galleries, London is filled with museums, many of which hold permanently free exhibitions. The Science Museum is a great place to take children or for those who love a great interactive, scientific exhibit! Those who love art, design and clothing will love the V&A museum, which also has free entry. For those looking to learn more about England, The British Museum on Russell street, which is free and open daily 10am-17.30pm. Price: FREE
3. Green Spaces – London is filled with beautiful open spaces and parks perfect for picnicking. These are free to enter and are best enjoyed on a summer’s day! The prettiest parks include Regents Park, which is home to a fantastic rose garden. Those looking for a bit of culture in their parks may enjoy St James’ Park, which is a stones throw form Buckingham Palace and Kensington Gardens, which is home to Kensington palace. Price: FREE
4.  A Trip to the Theatre. Whilst visiting London’s West End can sound like an expensive venture – some shows have been running so long that they are able to offer some amazing deals and can be a cheap and entertaining evening out for travellers. For example, Blood Brother’s tickets are £25 and under, the Woman in Black is often £19 and under, and The 39 Steps is £12.50! Price: £12.50- £25
5. Covent Garden – If paying for theatre sounds too pricey, why not head down to Covent Garden and see some street performances for free! There are often performers acting as statues, painted head to toe in silver and will only move if change is thrown at them! Also, under the Covent Garden clock in the cobbled square, performers (often circus acts or fire eaters!) perform regular lots throughout the day.  Price: FREE/ any change you have to throw!

This article was written by Rebecca Felgate, a theatre critic and Arts Journalist for CheapTheatreTickets, a site dedicated to London Theatre. Rebecca loves culture and spends her free time hopping between galleries, theatres and wine bars!

One should first consider which area of London is most convenient to stay. Whether it be the bustling centre around Oxford Road or the upper class Knightsbridge, or Kensington and Chelsea, location is probably the most decisive factor. Travelodge has hotels in Docklands, Covent Garden, Euston, Waterloo, Kings Cross, Bank, among others. Many of the locations are next to important transport hubs, usually major train stations or airports, and this should certainly be a factor in any decision, as should the noise caused by these forms of transport!

London sees millions of visitors every year, whether it be for business or pleasure, Britain’s capital is one of the most visited cities on earth. Some come to complete multi-million pound business deals, others simply for a site of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The city is also known for its nightlife, boasting perhaps the world’s largest and most diverse selection of pubs, clubs, and restaurants. All of London’s boroughs have different reputations and the ‘feel’ of each can be very different. For example Euston will be very different to Bank, with its closeness to the Thames and the financial district.

A quick perusal of a map of London along with the locations of the hotels will all that most visitors need when finding the right Travelodge in London.

Gatwick is fairly close to London, with only a 30 minutes express train from the airport to Victoria station. So it’s easy to make a day trip to visit one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. London offers visitors an endless list of interesting things to do and see and it’s a perfect way to be introduced to London with just a quick day trip.

If you are short for time, but still want to visit a British town, be sure to stop by Horley. It’s a local town not to far from Gatwick. It’s a perfect town to get a feel for a true British town, with decent pub food, or Indian and Spanish restaurants to try and a very cute town center. Or if you need a place to stay there are many hotels located around Gatwick. These Gatwick hotels with parking are close to all travelers’ needs.

If you ever wanted to visit a Castle and only had a short time to do so, be sure to visit Hever Castle. Situated around 30 minutes from Gatwick airport, Hever Castle is perhaps most famous place for being the place where Henry’s 8^th wife spent her childhood years. It’s a very impressive castle and the gardens are beautiful to visit, especially during the spring months.

Gatwick may not sound so interesting compared to going to the world’s third busiest airport, Heathrow but considering how many things you can see and do around Gatwick, it’s not so bad. Plus there are many wonderful hotels to stay at around Gatwick.

At just about every time of the year, Cornwall finds itself awash with tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Touring Caravan Sites and campsites are becoming increasingly popular with visitors to England’s most westerly county, which is largely down to the ease of access to just about any part of Cornwall, but the quality and range of amenities on site have improved dramatically.

Some of the best campsites in Cornwall cater to people with tents, caravans and motorhomes, and The Laurels Holiday Park near Wadebridge is no exception. As well as being family-friendly, this site also welcomes pets, and has a specific dog-walking area. As for facilities, the play area is perfect for younger children, while this site is close to a popular surfing area.

Another site which caters for tents, motorhomes and caravans is Lanyon Holiday Park near the town of Redruth. This site has plenty of on-site entertainment, including a games room, bar/clubhouse, indoor swimming pool, TV room and play area, while the nearby facilities range from the shops in Redruth to fishing, golfing and horse riding sites. Lying in the heart of Cornwall, there’s also a plethora of great walking routes to walk.

Perhaps even more well-equipped is the Budemeadows Touring Park near Bude. On site, there’s a takeaway café, bar, games room, outdoor pool, food shop, laundrette, Wi-Fi access and, for disabled visitors, full wheelchair accessibility. You’ll find it very difficult to leave for all there is to do on site here.

Bakewell

If you have a sweet tooth then a quick visit to Bakewell, home of the legendary Bakewell pudding and tart, really is a must. This charming market town is nestled in the Derbyshire Dales and has plenty of interesting shops to peruse and cafes, pubs and restaurants to frequent.

Carsington Water

Walk or cycle around this huge reservoir or get out on Carsington Water itself and enjoy sailing and other such activities. There’s fun for all the family to be had here thanks to a children’s playground and the fact there’s a visitors’ centre where you can learn all about water.

Chatsworth House

Derbyshire and the surrounding area is blessed with an abundance of grand stately homes and they don’t come much more lavish than Chatsworth House. Have a look around the house, its garden, the on-site farmyard and let the little ones loose on the adventure playground.

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire

In the town of Chesterfield is a church with a difference. The infamous Crooked Spire is pretty much self-explanatory and can probably be classed as Derbyshire’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It has to be seen to be believed.

Crich Tramway Village

Transport yourself back to a golden era of British transport at Crich Tramway Village. This open-air museum is set in an Edwardian village where you can ride on the trams, peruse the shops or just soak up its unique atmosphere.

Dovedale

Set in the heart of the Peak District, Dovedale is believed to attract as many as a million visitors each year. Those who do venture to the valley can cross the stepping stones over the River Dove, visit Milldale village or scale Wolfscote Hill.

Heights of Abraham

Take to the air in a cable car to see stunning views of the surrounding area at the Heights of Abraham. Once at the top there are woodlands walks to enjoy, two caverns tours and a host of other exciting things to do and see.

Matlock Bath

Not far from the Heights of Abraham is the charming village of Matlock Bath. See the famous illuminations, firework displays, rafts races and other special events that go on throughout the year here, as well as take in the fascinating history of the place.

Peak Railway

Go back in time and take a special trip on the Peak Railway, a preserved line that is home to an array of steam trains. Learn more about these iconic forms of transport and you can even learn to drive a steam locomotive for yourself.

Sadler Gate

If you enjoy a spot of retail therapy then a trip to Derby is essential. The Sadler Gate area of the city is packed with boutique shops selling pretty much anything and everything you can imagine. After you’ve had your fill of shopping then head to Derby’s restaurant quarter for mouth-watering cuisine from all over the world.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Guest post by Derbyshire-cottages.info