Austria is a country of astounding contrast, with a landscape that swoops from the snow-topped peaks of the Alps down into the recesses of the Danube Valley.  Known for its clean mountain air and clear lakes, Austria provides the perfect backdrop for a wide variety of activities, from hiking among the hills to strolling through amazing museums and taking in buildings of great historical significance.

Salzburg Austria is a historic city encircled by mountains and straddling the river Salzach.  Its cobbled streets lead to sophisticated squares, allowing the visitor to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding baroque architecture.  The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is also rich in musical culture, with the Salzburg Festival being considered one of the world’s most important musical festivals.

But music, gorgeous architecture and breath-taking scenery isn’t all Salzburg has to offer.  The city puts on approximately 4,000 different cultural events every year, with something on offer all year around.  This includes hiking and open-air concerts in summer and winter’s winter sports and Christmas markets.

When visiting Salzburg, there are some sites that you shouldn’t miss.  These include the Salzburger Dom cathedral, St. Peter’s monastery, Salzburg Castle, Mozart Square and Mozart’s birthplace, and Salzburg’s busiest alley – the Getreidegasse.

Also in our list of things to do are: enjoy a Monk brewed beer in the Müllner Bräu beer garden; eat a mozartkugel from the Konditorei Fürst, and be sure to take to the hills – after all, these hills are alive with the Sound of Music!

Scarborough

Yorkshire also offers a great deal of places to stay for a holiday, not only does it feature historical towns such as Harrogate and York but also traditional seaside resorts such as Scarborough and Whitby. Scarborough is perfect for a holiday or short break, with plenty of attractions for old and young, it’s also ideally placed to enjoy the surrounding area, the famous North Yorkshire Moors.

Scarborough South Bay

Picture courtesy of Identity Photogr@phy

If you stay in one of many holiday cottages in Scarborough, its famous grand hotel or one of many family run B&B’s you will find that you won’t be short of things to see and do. Scarborough is situated on the magnificent Yorkshire coastline and is also the largest holiday resort in Yorkshire. You will find not one but two safe sandy beaches, the North Bay Beach and the South Bay beach as well as a whole promenade of amusements and arcades, new and traditional, landscaped parks and water parks. There are also plenty of cafes and local restaurants serving up fresh locally caught seafood.

Scarborough harbour

Picture courtesy of MaryCB

Scarborough is made up of the North Bay and South Bay, the South Bay has plenty of amusements, shops, bars and restaurants to keep you busy, however if you are looking for something more sedate then you should take an open top bus to the North Bay. Here you will find the beautifully restored Peasholm Park which is a Japanese themed garden, it also has a mock maritime battle (based on the Battle of the River Plate) re-enacted on the boating lake with large model boats and fireworks throughout the summer holiday season. The North Bay also has The North Bay Railway is a miniature railway which runs from the park to the Sea Life Centre at Scalby Mills as well as a water park.

Peasholm Park, Scarborough

Picture courtesy of Eileen Ann

If you’re staying in Scarborough for your holiday then you should also make sure you visit some of the other great coastal towns in Yorkshire including: Whitby, Filey, and Robin Hoods Bay as well as exploring the vast North Yorkshire Moors.

Hole of Horcum, North York Moors

Picture courtsey of tallpomlin

If you want to take your family away this summer for an exciting action packed holiday this year then there are a huge number of destinations to choose from, you can tailor make your holiday to your specifications. Holiday rentals are great for those who want to holiday at their own pace, you are not tied to a hotel schedule and can come and go as you please, they are also great if there are a large group of, many rentals, either holiday cottages or villas can sleep anywhere between 4 and 20 people. They will include all the necessary amenities and if you are going to destinations in hotter climes you can also enjoy the luxury of your own pool in some. 

You can choose to be right in an action packed resort or you can opt for somewhere quieter and out of the way, if you are looking to stay here in the UK there are many places either in land or in coastal resorts. You can stay near places of interest either somewhere historical that offers castles and grand houses to explore or somewhere that offers thrill’s and excitement like a theme park.  You could opt for a city break and explore the Capital with many days out to choose from.

If you want to take your family further afield then Europe is a great option and staying in a holiday cottage or villa and enjoy the freedom mentioned above. You can choose a drive holiday to France or a fly drive holiday to Spain opting for favourite family destinations or somewhere a bit quieter off the beaten track.

If your tailor making the holiday yourself you can normally find better prices and could get it cheaper than a package holiday, comparing rental prices as well as travel prices for air, rail and sea, so why not have a look for yourself today and get on your way to creating those oh so important memories.

Even though many families are suffering from the effects of the recession and tightening their belts, it seems holidays or short breaks with the family are not be given up on just yet. Looking for a cheaper way to get a break many families with young children decided to make the most of their holiday by visiting theme or amusement parks. Lots of attractions here in the UK offer great deals for families and with theme parks dotted all around the country most people don’t have to travel to far to get to one.

Amusement parks and theme parks are a great day out for the whole family whether it’s part of your weeks holiday in the UK or just a day trip, they are also great to go back and visit time after time because many are adding new and exciting rides.

UK’s top theme parks and amusement parks:

Alton Towers
Chessington World of adventures
Drayton Manor
Thorpe Park
Legoland
Blackpool Pleasure Beach