chrisnorden78's profile

If you had to sum up Westfield in one word it would be BIG, if i had to use four words it would be BIG, but nothing new!
You can not miss the size of this place on the local skyline, but i must admit that after all the hype i was expecting something a bit more and a bit different.
I will say that i do like some of the smaller shops, but there are just too few of them. Most of what you see is what you would have on offer anywhere else - although maybe convenient all under one roof, there is nothing unique that would make me want to return quickly.
In terms of the eateries, again you pretty much have the usual suspects that you would expect to see at other centres.
In my opinion, getting here by car is a bit of a mission. First you have to deal with the roads which at times are struggling with the extra traffic, and then you have to pay an unfairly high price for parking. I know we should be trying to use public transport more and our cars less, but sometimes - such as when you want to do a big days shopping! - that just isnt practical when there is so much to carry. I appreciate ths may reflect the premium cost of space in London, but it will be interesting to see if this means some shoppers prefer to venture to other centres where they can park close by for free?

This place has a fantastic location, well within walking distance of both the nearest station and the Millenium Stadium.
I love to go to this place to watch any of the big rugby matches (when not in the stadium of course!) as it has so many screens on which to see all the action on. When you do, be sure to expect a big crowd who really do get behind their sport!
You can also expect large and lively crowds on any big match days at the stadium. I must add that i have only ever known good humoured banter and never seen any trouble of any kind.
The drinks are about the same as anywhere else in the city in terms of price - just make sure you treat you self to some of the aussie beer to see wht thats like!

Just a quick drive from the centre of Cambridge and you come accross Wandlebury. A great park and very popular all year round.
A lovely place to go for a long walk or even to take the family out for a pic nic in the countryside.
It will cost £2 to park your car but there are no time restrictions as such on that - you will have plenty of time to go about enjoying your day and not have to worry abou the car park cost, something quite unique for Cambridge!

Punting is excellent fun and one of those activities you have to do if you either live in or are visiting Cambridge!
In my opinion it is much better fun to hire a punt and head out with a few friends as opposed to one of the guided tours. Although the commentry and insight could be good for visitors to the area - i have heard some stories in the past that the 'guides’ didnt really know that much themselves and what they were saying was more of an act than anything else.
Anyway, back to the punting - a group of you hire the boat, and it is great fun. Personally i think much better on a sunny day, taking your time as you explore the river and take in the view of the collages as you go.
Have fun and just remember to try not to fall in!

This is definately one to keep the kids entertained and you can be sure that they will remember it and be talking about it for some time to come!
We went along to one of the 'Thomas the Tank Engine’ days and as you can imagine, that is a very popular day for many people to bring their children along.
We didnt have any troubles parking, but that may be because we get their early to try and avoid too much of a rush anyway.
It can be a little bit on the expensive side when you look at the entry fees, but it isn’t something that you do everyday anyway. Most definately well worth it to keep the children entertained and see the smile on their faces :-)

Having two cats i have had many occasions to have to visit the vets and have found Spring Lodge in Tiptree to be truly fantastic.
Speaking to them on the phone they listen straight away to what you have to say and are always very accommodating. I have always been able to book appointments for times that suit us and our pets as opposed to them and their schedule / targets which i think is a great mark for service.
When ou arrive the staff are always friendly and punctual and will talk to you to let you know what is going on. Although a lot of pet care can be expensive at times, they have always fully explained the various options that are available to us so we can understand and make our own informed decisions with their help.

I can not say enough how much i enjoyed visiting Brighton and everything it had to offer. I had been told about it, but you can only appreciate for yourself once you have been.
The is almost a unique friendliness about the place with much emphasis on having fun!
The area called 'The Lanes’ is a must visit for the area, lots of different unique shops selling just about anything you could imagine. It certainly makes an impressive change to some of these carbon copy places where you could be in any town in the country because all the shops are the same!
At night the place stays well and truly alive. Whether you are looking for a nice quieter restaurant, or lively bars and clubs then you will be able to find them without any problems.

I think that you say the London Dungeons is aimed more towards the younger audience - or kids at heart anyway!
Although the children enjoyed the whole thing (that was th main aim of the day i guess), there were parts of it that i would say were cringe worthy at best. Dont get me wrong, i’m not knocking it totally as others in the group enjoyed it greatly - just dont think it was 100% for me.
People have knocked the actors / guides in other comments, and although i would agree they can be a bit cheesy - i guess they are doing what has been asked of them, entertain and help people remember the experience.
I know it may be common sense, but definately try and avoid times when the schools are off otherwise you may find it a little too busy to enjoy.
Also, make sure you check the internet / press first as there are often two for one and other discounts to be found which always help out.

I have been here a couple of times recently to visit the restaurant and have enjoyed it on both occasions.
There is a lovely little bar area which is comfortable and you can sit, relax and look over the menus first.
The menu itself may not be what you would find on some London fine dining menu - but that isnt what they are trying or pretending to be. There is fantastic choice with something for most tastes, and even more importantly, there is great quality in the food that they serve.
I thought the food was vey good value for money and will definately be back in the future.

Without doubt i would say that Edinburgh castle is a 'must visit’ place for anyone that is in the great city. I have been there on each of my last 3 visits and enjoy the time there on every occasion.
At the top of castlehill (naturally - where else?), Edinburgh Castle offers fantastic views accross the whole city so be sure to take your camera along with you to capture it.
I like the informative notices that have been placed around the castle for those that are interested in learning more about the history of the castle - i much prefer this to the audio headphones available.
I think its about £10 for adults and £5 for children, but i would suggest taking a look online first if possible as there are often discounts available - even if not then you can still prebook to try and avoid the queues that can form at busy times.