The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

UK

Choosing the Right Hotel in London

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If you are planning a trip to the vibrant and exciting city of London, you can look forward to a host of attractions. This is a city that boasts a rich and long history, diverse culture, and some world-famous landmarks and attractions. One thing you can be certain of when you visit this city is that you will benefit from a full itinerary, so you can enjoy plenty of excitement and adventure.

Of course, you need to ensure you find the right accommodations for your stay in London, and this can be tricky. Not only do you have to consider the cost of hotels but also the location, as there are so many distinct areas of London. Fortunately, if you are visiting central London, there are plenty of hotels that offer access to all the main attractions within walking distance, so you may be better to choose a central hotel such as those in Piccadilly Circus or the West End.

What You Should Consider

There are online tools that allow you to do everything from an address lookup to a people search free, so you can use the address lookup facility to try and learn more about the area where you are considering staying. When it comes to choosing the right hotels, there are various factors you have to take into consideration. Some of the main ones include:

The Overall Cost of the Stay

The cost of London hotels can be high, but there are some deals to be had if you do your research. You should make sure you look at the overall cost of your stay rather than the average per night, as this will then enable you to see exactly how much you will pay for your hotel. Also, consider whether anything is included in the price, such as breakfast, free wifi, and other amenities and services. You can then determine whether the cost offers value for money.

The Location of the Hotel

There are many desirable places to stay in London, from the bustling West End and upmarket Mayfair to the political heart of the city in Westminster or the grungy music hub of Camden in North London. In order to choose the best location, work out which attractions and sights you are most interested in seeing, as you can then choose a hotel that offers easy access to them. However, no matter where you choose a hotel, you can reach attractions with ease via the bus and train services as well as on foot.

Facilities and Amenities

You also need to check the facilities and amenities in the hotel to ensure it is suited to your needs. If you plan on doing some work while in the city, check if there are business facilities and free wifi available. Also, look at facilities such as a fitness center, restaurants, bars, and other amenities that you are interested in.

Looking at these factors will make it easier to choose the ideal hotel for your needs when you visit London.

A Weekend in Scarborough: 5 Reasons to Visit this Charming Coastal Town

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When searching for a coastal break in England, you’re spoilt for choice. From picturesque Cornwall to fun-filled Blackpool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Among the best coastal experiences in the country is Scarborough.

Located adjacent to the North Sea in North Yorkshire, Scarborough boasts a dramatic landscape of cliffs, history, colourful attractions, and traditional seaside fun. Popular with young and old alike, this charming town received the distinction in 2018 of being England’s most visited holiday destination outside of London.

Do you need further convincing? If so, read on for five reasons to visit Scarborough for a memorable weekend:

1. The seafront

When first arriving in Scarborough, most will head directly for the seafront. This is a hub of activity complete with colourful beach chalets, amusement arcades, trinket shops, and ice cream parlours.

The beach itself is the focal point. This long stretch of sand is a great spot to relax, top-up on your suntan – when the British weather allows for it – and take in the beautiful views across the bays.

2. Peasholm Park

There’s a reason why Peasholm Park is often judged as the shining jewel of Scarborough. This is much more than a standard park. With a unique and distinctive Oriental theme, Peasholm boasts a vast array of trees and flowers, some of which are rare and unusual for England.

In the summer, the park’s tranquil lake allows people to take to the waters by hiring a boat, paddleboat, or canoe. The bandstand is also the stage for many different free music concerts during the summer months.

3. Scarborough Castle

Formerly a medieval Royal fortress, Scarborough Castle is a stunning slice of 12th-century history. The castle played a part in many battles throughout the years, and now you have the chance to roam the structure. An audio tour will supply all the insight you could need as you explore the medieval chapel, Roman signal station, and Iron Age settlements.

While the castle structure is the main course, it’s not the only reason to visit this attraction. Along with an exhibition displaying artefacts that span the castle’s history, the lofty vantage point delivers stunning panoramic views of the town.

4. Take a trip to Whitby

Okay, it’s not a direct reason to visit Scarborough. However, the enchanting seaside town of Whitby is too good to pass on if you’re in the area. Recognized as an inspiration for the iconic novel Dracula, Whitby is known for its harbour, sprawling streets full of character and boutique stores, and award-winning fish and chips.

When searching for hotels in Scarborough, consider selecting one which is positioned between Scarborough and Whitby. That way, you have the best of both worlds within a 20-minute drive either side.

5. Alpamare

For a fun-filled family day in Scarborough, Alpamare is an ideal choice. This waterpark combines exhilarating thrills with relaxation, ensuring everyone can enjoy the facility. Alpamare features multiple pools, four exciting slides, a wave pool, and a wellness centre.

The Best Things to Do in Chelmsford

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Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Thanks to a certain television programme, we are all familiar with the county of Essex, but how much do you know about Chelmsford? The only city in the county, Chelmsford has a great deal to offer – Stage Security have compiled a list of some of the best things you can do there.

Just a 35-minute train ride from London, there’s plenty to explore in Chelmsford, and if it’s events you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed.

Go Green

For lovers of nature, the Grade II listed neo-classical Hylands Estate will be a big hit, with its stunning landscaped gardens, fairs, festivals, café, ancient woodlands and Adventure Playground.

Place Your Bets

Race-goers can attend Chelmsford City Racecourse, one of the country’s newest racecourses and one of only three to be floodlit. Whatever the weather, there’s always an exciting race on, and you can enjoy a lively atmosphere at two on-site restaurants and many bars. The city’s annual beer festival also takes place here – cheers!

Family Fun

Jump Street (not associated with the films) is a large indoor activity centre guaranteed to entertain the whole family. With more than 300 trampolines, 4000 sq ft of soft play area and the world’s largest Clip and Climb centre, expect little ones to be tired out! Great family fun for when it’s wet outside!

Spend Spend Spend

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, High Chelmer is the place for you. The largest shopping centre in the city, High Chelmer is home to more than 80 high-street favourites including Topshop, Pandora and SuperDry. When you’re all shopped out, grab a bite to eat at Turtle Bay, Carluccios or Cote Brasserie.

Catch a Show

If you’re a fan of the theatre, you’re in for a treat! The Civic Theatre offers fabulous views from every seat and provides an incredibly immersive experience. It’s the city’s largest theatre, with audiences of more than 500 and an array of productions. With everything from drama and comedy to musicals and talks about famous figures, there’s something for everyone. The city’s oldest theatre is the Old Court Theatre, which provides a more cosy, intimate atmosphere with shows the whole family can enjoy at a reasonable price.

Stroll Back in Time

Why not enjoy a stroll around Chelmsford Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic buildings? With over 800 years of rich history, the cathedral is the third smallest in the country and provides a picturesque backdrop for an autumnal walk.

At Stage Security, we’re big fans of this city and all it has to offer. If you are interested in the Chelmsford security services we can provide in the area, visit our website for more information.

How Scottish Landscapes Are Revolutionised On-Screen

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Throughout the UK there have been a great many locations which have been chosen for film or TV because of their perfect scene-setting landscapes. Very often we know these places very well but when you actually see them on-screen, they can appear very differently indeed.

In line with the campaign that our partners PCA Predict are running around how locations around the UK have been altered to look amazing on-screen, we want to take a look today and Scotland and the locations which have been selected for the silver screen, which look in stark contrast to the places that we know and love.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber

A beautiful viaduct set in the heart of Fort William in northern Scotland, was transformed into a magical and fantasy thoroughfare for the Hogwarts Express in the widely acclaimed Harry Potter. This viaduct was built in 1901 and trains still ride over it, and you can too during your time in Fort William.

Glen Etive near Glencoe

It doesn’t get more British on film than James Bond and throughout the years there have been a huge amount of locations around the isles which have been used for many of James’ daring missions. In Daniel Criag’s third instalment of the popular spy franchise, Skyfall, there is a scene towards the end of the movie when Bond and his boss M, are escaping a madman and reach the wild landscapes of Bond’s family home, Scotland. This route through Glencoe is spectacular for sure, but the additions which the directors and cameramen have made to the scenery is simply breathtaking.

Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis

Disney may only be animation but that doesn’t stop them from being inspired by some of the beautiful natural landscapes which the British Isles have to offer. In the recent film Brave, the standing stones which are often seen were inspired by the Calanais Stones on the Isle of Lewis, a fascinating network of neolithic stones whose origins are largely unknown.

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin

Not far from Edinburgh you’ll find this spectacular chapel in Roslin which was the very same chapel which you will have seen in the widely acclaimed The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks. Naturally the interior of the chapel has been embellished on-screen to add to the tense drama but the chapel itself is absolutely stunning, even prior to the exaggeration. Inside the chapel you can find engravings of angels playing bagpipes and people dancing with death, the clarity of these images have aged over time but on-screen they look absolutely magical.

Glen Nevis

The Glen Nevis mountains and the nearby landscape was heavily used during the filming of the iconic tale Braveheart. Once again, this is most certainly a beautiful corner of the world, but on-screen some artistic license was taken to make this place look even more wild, and even more rugged.

Do you know any filming locations near you? Let us know how they looked when you saw them on-screen we’d love to hear from you.