1- The Lion King

The Lion King is a must-see show! Of course everyone knows the story because of the famous animated Disney film. The Lion King London opened in 1999 and has been a best-selling show ever since. With music by Elton John, the African rhythms and décor, you will be completely immersed in the magical story of Simba.

2- Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is a musical gathering Abba’s greatest hits around Sophie’s story. Living on a Greek island with her mother, Sophie is in search of her identity. She is getting married but she doesn’t know her father so she decides to look for him before the big day. This musical is the highest grossing live action musical film of all time; book your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

3- Wicked

Based on the famous novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, Wicked tells the story of the Witches of Oz: a friendship between two young women who meet as sorcery students. The show has been acclaimed as “a world class West End musical with stunning spectacle, a heart-warming story and unforgettable songs” (Official London Theatre).

4- Matilda

Matilda’s character is inspired by Roald Dahl’s novel (Roald Dahl wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Matilda is a young girl neglected by her parents; she is very clever and discovers that she has a special power! Go to the show to find out the ending 😉

5- Thriller

A tribute to the king of Pop Michael Jackson, Thriller will astonish you! Featuring the first songs performed by the Jackson 5 to his most famous hits such as Billie Jean and of course Thriller, the show brings back to life one of the best singer in the world for a few hours. The dance movements and mimics are quite impressive as well!

These musicals sell fast, so don’t forget to book in advance to secure your seats, get in touch here to book.

1- Bath : a guided tour of the city and the Roman Baths

Bath is a town located in Somerset, it was originally founded by the Romans due to the proximity of thermal baths. Thanks to the baths and the gorgeous Georgian architecture the city slightly became more and more famous. It is now classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. Have a guided tour of the city to admire the numerous architectural buildings and above all, visit the Roman Baths, a symbol of the city.

2- Cardiff : a guided tour, the castle and the Big Pit Museum

Cardiff is Wales’ capital city, it is located to the West of Bath (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away). Cardiff is famous for hosting many high-profile sporting events, it was even awarded the title of European Capital of Sport in 2014; rugby is the “favourite” welsh sport. If you are a fan, do not miss the Millennium Stadium.

Have a stroll in the city centre freely or have a tour held by a local guide, end the tour by a visit of Cardiff castle which was built by the Romans in 1091!

At approximately an hour’s drive from Cardiff centre you’ll arrive at the Big Pit, a museum classified as an industrial heritage museum which was a coal mine from 1880 to 1980. Nowadays you can visit the mine and school groups can have special workshops. It is very interesting to see how life was for the thousands of men working there at that time.

3- Bristol : Banksy Street Art

Bristol is located in England, less than an hour’s drive from Bath. The town was once a major port, especially for textile trade and unfortunately slave trade. This is a colourful city, built high-up, among which the famous Clifton Suspension bridge stands.

The well-known artist Banksy first painted in Bristol’s streets, Banksy is a filmmaker and a painter specialising in street art, he paints to pass on messages, often with a political meaning. Go on a special guided tour of Banksy’s street art and finish with a painting workshop (send us an email for further information).

4- Cheddar Gorge

The Cheddar Gorge is located very close to Cheddar’s village in Somerset. The Gorge hosts several caves in which were found many archaeological remains including the oldest skeleton of Great Britain (9000 years old). The most surprising cave is Gough’s Cave; you can see hundreds of stalagmites! One of the roads leading to the Gorge (the B3135) was even elected Best road for driving in the UK as its view is so spectacular!

To book your accommodation in Bath area and book attractions and/or transport please contact us here.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it really is in the UK when the country sparkles and there’s a special atmosphere in the air. It may not be as it is portrayed in Dickens novels with snow covered streets and Victorian lanterns and decorations, in fact white Christmases are rare, but there is something quite magical this time of year around the country…

1. Christmas Lights

Most cities, towns and villages are twinkling by the time December comes around. High streets adorn beautiful lights, the most famous being those in Central London. The lights down Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Regent Street have become a tourist attraction in their own right and special walking tours and open top bus tours are available to book with Maypole Travel to get the best possible experience. People also look forward to the spectacular window displays at Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.

2. Food, glorious food!

It is a time for families and friends to come together and feast. We’ll worry about our waistline in January. On 25^th December we surround ourselves with the ones we love for Christmas dinner; turkey and all the trimmings. And in case you weren’t stuffed enough, we finish off with Christmas pudding! Traditionally, a coin was mixed into the pudding and whoever found the coin would have good luck, but nowadays we are all to safety conscious to engage in such a wreckless activity! During Christmas dinner we pull crackers, another British tradition invented by Tom Smith of London in 1847.

3. Christmas Markets

The whole country goes shopping mad in the lead up to Christmas and there are some lovely Christmas markets to stroll through. One of the main ones in London is in Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park but if you want a less manic setting, Greenwich market is the one to visit. Amble through with a mulled wine and take in the Christmassy atmosphere.

4. Christmas Carols

Carollers are everywhere in December and it is quite calming when you are rushing around doing your Christmas shopping to take a minute and listen to the live soothing Christmas carols, and to truly remember the meaning of Christmas. Many carols such as “Good King Wenceslas” which have gained popularity today were printed in Piae Cantiones, a collection of late medieval Latin songs which was first published in 1582. Today carols are regularly sung at Christian religious services.

5. Pantomimes 

Ask any British person if they have been to a panto and certainly the answer will be “yes!” Pantos spring up all over the UK at Christmas and New Year, they are family theatre productions with slapstick comedy based on a traditional fairy tale. The bigger productions almost always employ celebrities and feature gender-crossing parts and a “baddie”.  Audience participation is encouraged making pantos a much loved British tradition.

6. The Queen’s Speech

At 15.00 GMT every Christmas Day, after finishing off Christmas dinner, the nation sits down to hear the Queen’s Speech (or we are supposed to anyway!). In a nutshell, it is a list of the laws that the government hopes to get approved by Parliament over the coming year and the Queen gives details of upcoming visits to the UK by other heads of state and any state visits she is making overseas. 2018 will be the 65^th Queen’s Speech, she missed 2 when she was pregnant.

If you would like to visit the UK for some Christmas shopping and of course some magic and sparkle, we can take the stress out of the arrangements for you. Contact us for more information.

Merry Christmas!

1- A guided tour of the city

Liverpool is a surprising city, mixing modernity and a range of different architectural styles going from the Tudor era until today. Liverpool is home to several ethnic communities, the Chinese community being the oldest in Europe. We can find the tallest Chinese arch of Europe standing in the quarter of Chinatown (it measures 44 feet).

2- Albert Dock

Liverpool counts several docks, the most famous being the Albert Dock which gathers several classified buildings. The dock was once used to receive exotic goods such as cotton, tea, silk, sugar… Albert Dock is one of the most visited attractions of Liverpool.

3- The Beatles Story Museum

The famous band is native to Liverpool and you could probably guess even if you didn’t know. There is a special atmosphere about this city: paintings and art created in the effigy of the band, their songs are played everywhere… Liverpool has mainly developed tourism thanks to The Beatles and other music bands. So it makes sense to visit The Beatles Story Museum. You will discover the beginnings of the band, the solo carrier of each member and iconic items such as Georges Harrison’s first guitar. This museum is one of the most visited in the United Kingdom so do not forget to book in advance!

4- A river cruise over the Mersey

If you come to Liverpool in spring or summer, book a cruise on the River Mersey. From the sea you will get a stunning view of the 3 symbolic buildings called the “Liverpool’s Three Graces”: the Royal Liver building, the Cunard building and the Port of Liverpool building. The style of these buildings is so different that this seafront is considered as one of the most impressive in the world.

5- The International Slavery Museum

This museum is also located on the Albert Dock, just a couple of metres away from the quay where the slaves’ commercial ship were arriving. The museum opened in 2007 which was the bicentenary year of the abolition of the British slave trade. As it is named, the museum is dedicated to the story of the colonial slavery.

6- The Tate Liverpool

The first Tate museum opened in 1897, it’s today the one we call Tate Britain. As of now, there are 4 museums: two in London, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, one in Cornwall, Tate St Ives and Tate Liverpool. Tate museums are dedicated to modern art, they are all free of entry (except for exhibitions) but school groups need to pre-book.

We can book your attractions and your accommodation in Liverpool and all around the United Kingdom. Please contact us for further information.

1- Windsor

Windsor is a market town located in the Royal Borough of Windsor. The town is mainly famous for its castle, being the Royal family official residence; it has become even touristier due to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The town also has a lovely covered market, narrow streets, cafés, shops and… Legoland!

Crossing the Thames River you will find Windsor’s twin town, Eton. This historic town is mostly famous for hosting Eton College boarding school. Eton College is one of the 4 remaining single-sex boys public schools in the United Kingdom.

2- Brighton

Brighton is THE seaside town to go to when it’s sunny. Admire the impressive Pier of 1,722 feet long, it remains a popular attraction for amusement games and fairground rides so save some change! Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion! Classified Grade I this architecture masterpiece was built in the Indian Revival style on the 18^th century by the architect John Nash. If the sun comes out you could almost believe you are in India. Brighton is also very famous for its Lanes which are narrow streets creating a kind of maze in the city, you’ll find many jewellery shops.

3- Stonehenge & Salisbury

Salisbury is a small town mainly known for hosting Great Britain’s tallest cathedral spire. Salisbury Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral built from 1220 to 1258. Its spire stands at 404 feet. One of the four copies of the Magna Carta is held in the premises; the Magna Carta is a charter of rights which was first created to restore peace between King John of England and a group of rebels.

From Salisbury catch a bus tour which will bring you to Stonehenge. Stonehenge is a famous megalithic site formed by a ring of enormous stones standing on the ground. Some stones would have been carried from Wales that is to say for about 200 miles. How could people have carried stones weighting 2 to 5 tons with simple tools from this era? The mystery remains unsolved.

4- Leeds castle

Leeds Castle is located in Kent, in the vicinity of the small village of Leeds. The castle was built on an island in a lake in 1129; it has been the property of six of England’s queens. History lovers are highly recommended to visit this castle classified Grade I and listed amongst the 57 heritage sites in England receiving more than 200,000 visitors per year!

5- Rye

Rye is a picturesque village located close to the coast; it used to be an important member of the Cinq Ports Confederation (created for trade purposes by 5 coastal towns). Rye is one of the best preserved medieval towns in England: narrowed cobbled lanes, cute houses, a castle, this town is the perfect combo for a relaxing day outside the busy city life. Bodiam Castle is located not too far from Rye and deserves a little stop as well.

6- Oxford & Cambridge

Stunning architecture, river and punting, famous people living there: everyone has heard about the two very famous cities of Oxford and Cambridge. The sibling cities both host the oldest universities in England and are both are well-known for their unique charm. One word: go! Discover what to do here.

When you have more time off, think about Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. There are plenty of wonderful places to see in the United Kingdom! We can organise your trip from A to Z, so get in touch for more information.

1- Go to the museum to educate yourself

Natural History Museum

There are many museums in London and there is one for every taste. For art enthusiasts we name the most famous ones such as the Tate Modern, the Tate Britain, the British Museum, the V&A Museum or the National Portrait Gallery. Those eager to learn will have to go to the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum. The history lovers cannot miss the Imperial War Museum.

2- Gather around an Afternoon Tea

An Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of mini sandwiches, scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, pastries, cakes and tea. (Yes, tea again and again!). This is an ideal meal to spend a chilly afternoon with friends/family. If it’s too much food you can opt for a Cream Tea 🙂

3- Go to a Show

You absolutely need to book your tickets in advance for famous shows like the Lion King, Les Miserables, Harry Potter and the cursed child etc. When it’s sunny think about the Shakespeare’s Globe, this outdoor theatre is full of character.

4- Looking for Some Vintage

Seeking out a vintage artefact or piece of clothing can be a fun way of passing the time on a rainy day while discovering different areas of London! So where should you go?

The charity shops, these shops are everywhere and the money is redistributed for research against cancer for example. If you scour well you can find extraordinary items! Then we can mention the Old Spitalfields market surroundings and Shoreditch area with the famous Brick Lane. And of course there is Camden, where you will have a lot of choice with anything and everything.

5- Be locked in an Escape Room

An escape room is a playful way of powering your neurons whilst having some fun with your friends/family and being sheltered from the bad weather. Many types of escape rooms exist so choose the most interesting one and go!

6- Be brave and face the cold

This part of the article is dedicated to the toughest, those who will dare going outside even with the fog, the English drizzle and the humidity.

If you are one of these people, put on your warmest coat and set off. You can stroll around the park or along the Thames, and for the super brave ones head to the city centre full of tourist crowds and admire the Christmas illuminations and decorations!

We can organise homestay, hostel and hotel accommodation. Contact us for further information.

The Peacefulness

North Wales is still not very touristy so it’s very pleasant to travel to and visit the country at your own pace without crowds of tourists. A heaven of serenity!

The Atmosphere

Wales is a typical area where people speak English and Welsh. Welsh is still taught at school and it’s the first Celtic language spoken in the world after Irish. All the road signs are in English and Welsh. Welsh people are very proud of their nationality and like to hang up the country’s flag everywhere (a red dragon on a white and green background).

The Wild

Wales is aimed at nature and large spaces enthusiasts so if you only like big cities, let’s be honest this is not for you! Wales should not envy his neighbours from Ireland and Scotland: Wales host similar wild landscapes, mountains, lakes, hiking paths, picturesque villages… There are three national parks in Wales: Brecons Beacons and Pembrokeshire in the south. In North Wales you’ll find the magnificent Snowdonia national park where stands the highest summit in Wales, Mount Snowdon (1085 m); you can reach the top either on foot or by train.

Snowdonia National Park

Castles

Wales is the country hosting the most castles in the world: 641 have so far been identified! Such a large number for such a tiny country! Amongst the most beautiful castles in North Wales we can mention Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech.

Caernarfon castle

Myths

Yes, Wales is a land of myths: you’ve probably already heard about Merlin, the Lady of the lake, King Arthur and his sword Excalibur? Well, these myths were born in Wales, so if you are a devotee, do no longer wait and get to discover these mysterious lands!

A Total Immersion

If you really want to improve your level of English, North Wales is the perfect place. Whereas big cities like London or Edinburgh attract many French speakers, Wales has not been invaded by the Gallic people yet! It’s therefore the perfect place to improve your English.

So why don’t you come discover this surprising country? We can arrange your accommodation, transport and activities as you wish, contact us for more information.

The Isle of Skye is located in the Highlands of Scotland; it is famous for its stunning landscapes and wildlife: you can easily see otters, seals, whales and dolphins around the island. Besides it is a paradise for hiking and climbing lovers. Don’t miss the Old Man of Storr (look at the picture above), the most famous walk on the island; bring your cameras for amazing Instagram pics!

2- Isle of Wight, England

The Isle of Wight is probably the easiest island to access as it is not too far from London. It is located just below Portsmouth, South of England (45 minutes in the ferry). The Isle of Wight is the perfect location for a day trip off the beaten track: you can do a bike tour, visit Osborne House (Queen Victoria’ favourite summer home) and even do surf initiation!

3- Inishmore, Aran Islands, Ireland

Inishmore is the biggest of the Aran Islands, a group of three islands located on Ireland West Coast, in Galway Bay. Inishmore Island is quite atypical, inhabitants primarily speak Irish, and there are many mysterious places such as Dun Aengus fort, which is a series of concentric walls located on the edge of a 100 meters cliff. Please watch out, it’s slippery! You will also see a striking natural rock formation with the shape of a swimming pool called Poll Na Bpeist, every year a cliff diving competition is held by Red Bull, how scary!

So, are you interested in visiting one of these islands? We can book accommodation for your group in one of our closest homestay centres or a hostel. We can even book the trip to the island!

For further information, please send us an email here.