Categories / Architecture, Travel

Review: Midland Hotel, Morecambe

Midland_1

Well, the media hype has died down and the ‘out of season’ is upon us, so it seems like the perfect time to finally check out the Midland Hotel in Morecambe. And as we weren’t on a press freebie, we are free to tell it as it is.

The two of us actually booked a room via Laterooms, which seems to have some good deals (as long you don’t want a Saturday night). We also tried to book in at the restaurant online, but our emails were ignored. More on the Midland’s eating later.

Getting to Morecambe is easy enough – up to a point. That point is when the M6 reaches Lancaster, where you’ll be forced to hit the city’s busy ring road before heading off into Morecambe centre. And don’t expect any signs for the Midland either, just head to the front and look out for the large white building, thankfully with a large car park to greet you.

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Categories / Books, Kids, Travel

Miroslav Sasek’s “This is” Books

Thisisbooks

Czech artiist Miroslav Sasek was inspired to create children’s guides to famous cities around the world by a visit to Paris. “This is Paris” is the first the in his wonderful “This is” series of books, which was first released in 1959, followed by the “This is London” in the same year, with other titles added throughout the 1960s.

Each book presents the sights of the city as a child might see it, beautifully illustrated in Sasek’s colourful quirky style, with just a few witty words of explanation.

In total he produced 18 books and 10 of those have been re-issued in recent years. Most of the titles are available to buy on Amazon and they make a great series to collect for keen travellers as well as children.  More information on Miroslav Sasek can be found on this website dedicated to his work.

Categories / Art and Photography, Design and Interiors, Travel

Vintage London Underground signs

Underground

Part history, part interior design and quite possibly part shrewd investment – these vintage London Underground signs are certainly eye-catching.

Where are they from? Well, the Underground obviously – they were used until around 30 years ago as ‘temporary’ signage when the standard signs were obscured, perhaps because of maintenance or fault.

They’ve been rescued from a dusty storeroom, framed and mounted professionally and now are ready to give your walls a quirky pop art vibe. Email Pedlars for availability, with prices from £199.

Find out more at the Pedlars website

Categories / Travel

Morecambe and Wize – vintage VW camper van hire in the north of England

Morecambe

We have featured a few vintage VW camper van hire companies in the past – but all have been based in the south of England. Well, Morecambe and Wize offers an alternative – operating out of the north.

As the name suggests, Morecambe and Wize operates out of Morecambe (rapidly becoming retro central), offering the hire of a fully-modernised 1972 classic VW Devon Moonraker camper van for use around Morecambe, the Lake District, up into Scotland or indeed anywhere you like – there’s on mileage limit.

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Categories / Travel

Retro Retreat: 1960s space age Hotel Jested in Liberec, Czech Republic

Jested

If you’re willing to travel a little off the beaten path, the Hotel Jested in Liberec, Czech Republic should be worth the effort.

It was the work of architect Karel Hubacek, who won a competition in the late 60s to design a communications tower and hotel. He managed to squeeze both into the same design – using carbon construction and motorcycle suspensions to support and protect the communications tower and the sloping exterior to create a ‘space cabin’ feel for the 20 rooms. It also offers superb views – Germany, Poland and the surround Czech countryside (which is popular with walkers) are all within eyeshot.

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Categories / Cars and Bikes, Travel

Vroom By The Sea – hire a Vespa in Brighton

Vespa_px125_2

Fancy nipping around Brighton on two wheels? Well, you can if you visit Vroom By The Sea.

Based in central Hove, the company offers Vespas for hire – everything from 50cc twist and go bikes through to more traditional bikes like the Vespa PX125 pictured here. Or if you feel lazy, they can even deliver a scoot to you.

Various offers are currently available, so check out the site for full details. Although as a guide, prices are between £22 and £44 for a day.

Find out more at the Vroom By The Sea website

Via Modculture