Archive for April, 2008
Ask Shaun
Published on April 25th, 2008.
Welcome back loyal readers to the first official spring edition of Ask Shaun! I trust, like me, everyone is thawing out from the long, cold winter and you’re now all in full swing of planning an exciting UK excursion (and for those of you who aren’t, feel free to live vicariously through me).
This month, your beloved British correspondent followed the winds East to Wales, so I could report back to you on the must-sees of the magical Welsh countryside (actually, it wasn’t so much the winds as it was the mass of emails I receive inquiring about Wales – but who’s taking notes?) What is important is that you all see Wales first hand; I promise if you follow my lead, you won’t be disappointed!
One thing that the Welsh countryside is not short of is castles. I swear, you can throw a rock in any direction and you’re bound to hit a manor, abbey or castle (perhaps a slight exaggeration, but you get the point). To see all of them could take ages and would be quite costly, unless of course you have the Cadw Explorer Pass (hint hint, pick one up if you’re going to Wales). As a result, I’ve concentrated on a choice few Welsh locations.
Wales’ capital, Cardiff, is a fine place to begin your tour. When you step off the train at Cardiff Central Station you’ll already be smack in the heart of the city. Take some time to enjoy the superb restaurants and greats shopping before heading over to the impressive Cardiff Castle. Not only will you enjoy the Gothic architecture and opulent interior, but also be sure to take a stroll on the castle grounds, where a variety of geese, ducks and peacocks walk about freely!
For something a bit different, but no less exciting, use a BritRail Pass and hop a train to Llangollen Station, in North East Wales. From there, travel roughly 1 mile north to visit the remarkable Valle Crucis Abbey (Abbey of the Cross). Built in 1201, the abbey may not be nearly as large or grandiose as many of Wale’s castles, but, I promise, it is no less intriguing. There’s an almost magical serenity that radiates from the site and you can’t help but feel relaxed and at ease while you are there.
Finally, my last recommendation would be to stop over in the sea-side town of Caernarfon (a simple train ride to Caernarfon Station), where you can enjoy not only the stunning coastal scenery, but also the extraordinary Caernarfon Castle. This is one of, if not the most massive, imposing, awe-inspiring castles I have ever seen. Believe me when I say its sheer size alone is worth the trip.
I wish I could go on more since Wales has so many great sites, but I’m afraid that’s all the time we have. Remember if you have any questions or comments about any and all things British, you can send them over to AskShaun@BritRail.com. We’ll see you all in May – have a great month everyone!
Filled under Attractions, Wales. No Comments.
Win BritRail Passes!
Published on April 22nd, 2008.
April’s arrival brings with it a new BritRail Photo Contest, and this time around, we want everyone to tap into their patriotic side – Hey, You might not actually be British, but you can still show us that you’re a true Brit at heart!
Simply send us a picture of yourself doing your best queen wave, playing darts in a pub, painting a union jack on your face or doing anything wacky, wild and fun that shows you’re a true Brit at heart. One lucky winner will receive two 4-day Britrail flexi passes for first class!
Don’t Wait, contest ends September 1st 2008!
We’d like to congratulate John Grimley, from Toronto, Ontario, for his amazing picture that cinched him as the winner of the BritRail “Wild and Wacky” Luggage Photo Contest.
Filled under Promotions & Contests. No Comments.
Explore Wales with the New Cadw Explorer Pass
Published on April 15th, 2008.
Delve into the rich history and exciting culture of the Welsh with BritRail’s newest travel product, the Cadw Explorer Pass! With this all-access pass, travelers get free admission to over 30 of Wales’ most popular attractions like Oxwich Castle, Valle Crucis Abbey and the awe-inspiring Caernarfon Castle. So do yourself a favor and make your tour of the Welsh countryside hassle-free by picking up the Cadw Explorer Pass today!
Filled under BritRail Products, Wales. No Comments.
We’re Giving Away Hostel Cards
Published on April 8th, 2008.
As if we didn’t spoil the youths enough with our Eurail Passholder Discount, this month, we’re going one step further to help you plan your Euro-trip! To lend a hand, BritRail is now giving away a FREE Hostel Card with the purchase of any Youth BritRail Pass. So what are you waiting for? Book now!
Hostel Card Details: Choose from over 20,000 hostels, B&B’s and Budget Hotels worldwide based on your preferences – all with NO Reservation Fee and immediate reservation confirmation.
- Hostels with a Party Atmosphere
- Quality Approach to Property Selection
- Owner Operated Hostels
- Unique and Specialty Lodgings
Offer Valid from April 1st to April 30th, 2008 or until supplies last. Available only to residents of North America who book via www.BritRail.com or via the North American Call Center 1-866-BRITRAIL
Filled under Promotions & Contests. No Comments.
BritRail’s Newest Youth Discount
Published on April 1st, 2008.
Planning to take that quintessential ‘Euro-Trip’? Well if so, BritRail wants to make your life easier by reducing the strain on your wallet with our NEW Eurail Pass Holder Rate Discount. Now, youths between the ages of 16 and 25 (inclusive), who have a valid Eurail Pass, will receive 50% off on the Standard Adult fare of a BritRail or BritRail England Flexi or Consecutive pass. This fantastic savings means you have more money to use elsewhere. So go ahead, splurge on that nice hotel, buy those fabulous shoes or why not spend an evening in a fancy restaurant? Thanks to BritRail’s amazing discounts you can do it all!
To book any of these versatile BritRail Passes, simply visit www.BritRail.com
Eurail passes are available through BritRail’s North American Call Center at 1-866-BritRail or visit www.Eurail-ACPRail.com and fill out the “Contact Us” form.
Filled under BritRail Discounts. No Comments.
