• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Hotels and Travel

Glasgow G2 4PP
0870 990 6312

creative said
Good budget hotel
This is a good place to stay, it definitely exceeds expectations of budget hotels. I'd highly recommend this place as long as you don't have a car. If you have a disabled badge you'll be able to park on the double yellow lines surrounding the hotel, otherwise forget it. Leave the car at home or find a long-stay carpark elsewhere in the city.

The rooms are clean, comfortable and warm. Even though it's close to the motorway I was surprised how quiet it is, it's barely noticeable. Breakfast is worth having, it's a buffet with cooked food, cereals, toast and fruit juice, tea and coffee. It's reasonably priced and you can help yourself to as much as you want.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Hotels and Travel

Glasgow G5 8RA
0871 984 6142

creative said
Convenient
I've stayed here a couple of times. It's a typical Travelodge. The rooms are basic but clean, as are the bathrooms. There's not much in the actual hotel, just a couple of vending machines for snacks and drinks.

The motorway is really close by but I've never had problems sleeping, I barely noticed the noise with the windows closed. There are bars over the windows on the bottom floor, I don't know what you'd do if there was a fire but both times I was situated right next to the fire exit so I was okay with it. If it's a problem for you phone ahead and tell them you want an upstairs room.

There are lots of places to eat at just across the road, a chinese, indian, burger place, chip shop. There's a bingo hall too. There's a carpark with plenty of spaces so you shouldn't have trouble parking. All in all, it's probably the most convenient Travelodge to use in the city.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Edinburgh
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Edinburgh EH1 2NE
0131 220 0441

creative said
Whisky
If you're a whisky fan you should make the effort to stop by here. It's near the castle and very easy to find. I can't comment on the tour as I didn't go on it (I ran out of time) but the restaurant is priced well, has traditional Scottish dishes, tastes good, and there's a huge selection of whiskies to have with your meal. The restaurant is bustling, cosy and friendly.

The shop is very impressive. It has every kind of whisky imaginable, many of which are hard to find elsewhere. You can also buy most of them in sample size bottles, great for trying out new brands.

Next time I'm definitely going to take the tour.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Alton
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Alton ST10 4DB
08705 20 40 60

creative said
Family Fun
Alton Towers is great. I'm not sure how much small children would like it as most of the rides are thrill rides unsuitable for them. For older kids and adults it's really fun. Here's a few tips to make the most of your visit.

Wear comfortable shoes. There's quite a lot of walking involved, your feet will ache by the end of the day so try to minimise it from the start.

Make sure the first thing you do when you get in the park is buying is a refill cup, it's only £5 and you'll get free refills for the rest of your trip.

Either pack a change of clothes or leave the water rides until last thing in the day. Do them one after another. You'll get really soaked on the pirate ships.

Stay at the Splash Landings hotel, that's where the water park is and it's also the closest hotel to the monorail. Don't eat there though, it's quite expensive. There's a carvery in the Alton Towers park that's really quite good and cheap.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Lambeth
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

London SE1 7PB
0870 500 0600

creative said
Not for the hyperactive
The London Eye is worth going and although it's expensive I'd recommend paying the extra fee to jump the queue. The queue can be astonishingly big and if you're only visiting the city for a short time you don't really want to waste it standing in queues.

The views really are quite spectacular and it's fun pointing out all the buildings. The Eye moves slowly enough that your pictures won't be blurry from the motion. The speed however is exactly the problem with the Eye. It's too slow. If you're the fidgety, hyperactive type you'll be dying for it to be over long before you reach the top. Kids seem to bore of it quite quickly and even adults start eyeing the seats before long (no, there's not enough room for everyone).

Here's a tip though. Each pod has a photo taken of it. There are two cameras but everyone only seems to notice the one nearest the dock. Look for the other one and you might be able to get a photo of just your companions rather than everyone in the pod.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Edinburgh
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Edinburgh EH1 2YT
0131 225 1188

creative said
Tattoo
The Edinburgh Tattoo is an annual event and it's a bit like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it. I hated it but I realise that I shouldn't mark it down just because it's not my thing. Most of the people I know love it and I can see why.

The Tattoo is spectacular and it's done for charity, what's not to like? Well, the Tattoo happens in the courtyard of the castle. The seating looks rickety and is really quite high. There's no shelter from the wind and so, even in the summer it can be quite cold. I didn't think to bring a coat and was too cold to enjoy myself. BRING A COAT! If you can stay cosy you should enjoy the show.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Edinburgh
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Edinburgh EH1 1NS
0131 557 6464

creative said
Entertaining
I really like these tours, they're fun and informative, if a little embellished. You can see signs for the tours all down the Royal Mile and it's quite easy to find out where to be when the tours start.

As the Mercat Tours are walking tours sometimes you'll see people who haven't paid trying (and failing) to surreptitiously sneak along. Don't do this, everyone notices and knows you're too cheap to pay the very fair prices Mercat charges.

I particularly liked the tour that takes you under the bridge. Do that one if you can. Remember you can stick around for a drink and to ask your guide questions after the tour.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Edinburgh
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Edinburgh EH3 5LR
0131 552 7171

creative said
Idyllic
This is a lovely, lovely garden. If you're visiting the city you should visit this place, especially if you happen to be there in nice weather.

The Botanic Gardens are very well kept but still allow for a feeling of natural surroundings. There are inquisitive squirrels you can sometimes get close to and a large duck pond, this place is also a haven for a variety of other birds. It's a great environment to let kids run around safely and if you wanted to you could bring a picnic, there's enough space for everyone to spread out. If picnics aren't your cup of tea then there's a little cafe you can use, it's nothing spectacular but it is nice and worth going to.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Edinburgh
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Edinburgh EH1 1DE
0131 240 1000

creative said
Schlock Horror
I think this place is the biggest tourist trap in Edinburgh. It's okay for kids old enough to enjoy horror but young enough not to notice the details. The details kinda ruin the experience. Nothing looks realistic or stands up to the slightest scrutiny.

This is an interactive theatrical experience. It's not very historically accurate (but then, a lot of the stories in Edinburgh aren't) and the actors are clearly enthusiastic and work hard but it still feels off. I could barely contain myself from rolling my eyes.

The maze bit is the most fun part of the experience. It doesn't cost too much to go here, so go if you've got kids and time to spare. Otherwise avoid it.

• Added: 4th of September 2008
• Area: Glasgow
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Glasgow G2 3EX
0141 332 0521

creative said
Last on the list
If you're visiting the city this should be on the list but near the bottom. It's no big deal if you miss it, it's just a tea room.

I've been here a couple of times, each time it's been packed by the geriatric tourist crowd. Despite this I think it's worth visiting. This place has great decor, it's very refreshing to get a good cup of tea and shortbread somewhere that doesn't have the same inoffensive bland furniture as everywhere else.

I love the Mackintosh style and this is one of the best places to see how it can work in an entire room rather than just in individual pieces.