North Cyprus
Part 9 of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Bradt's North Cyprus remains the most authoritative guide available to the fascinating and beautiful northern region of the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Thoroughly updated by expert authors and now into its ninth edition, it offers everything you need for a successful trip, from pre-departure and background information including when to visit, red tape, safety, history, culture and natural history, to accommodation, restaurants, shopping, festivals, transport and money. The region is broken down into four areas, each of which is covered in detail, including Girne (Kyrenia), Lefkos¸a (Nicosia), Gazimag?usa (Famagusta) and the Karpas Peninsula, with its population of wild donkeys. Where to go and what to see are detailed for each area and attractions such as Crusader castles, Buyykonuk's markets and eco-festivals, beaches and turtle watching are all covered. There are also contributions from local specialists on flora and fauna.
Steeped in history, soaked in sunshine, North Cyprus offers a great deal both to those who want to delve deep into the past or to those keen to pull up a sunbed and simply relax. Girne is still the most attractive harbour on the whole island, while Lefkosa's old quarter exudes the ambience of an old Middle Eastern trading town. Gazimag?usa is fringed with some excellent beaches, while also being close to North Cyprus's most revered historic site, Salamis. With Bradt's North Cyprus, hike up to Buffavento, stroll through the cloisters of Bellapais Abbey or go barefoot on the golden sands of the Karpas Peninsula.
Shropshire
Local, Characterful Guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
With no directly competing titles, Bradt's Slow Shropshire fills a much-needed gap in the market for a guide to an area that, of all of the UK's regions, is perhaps most synonymous with 'Slow'. This new title from Bradt written by local author Marie Kreft places an emphasis on car-free travel, local produce and characterful accommodation. It includes detailed descriptions of place, historical overviews, ghost stories and folk tales, and first-hand accounts from Shropshire locals, as well as hand-picked restaurant recommendations based on long-standing knowledge and consultation with locals. Warm and witty writing combines with a natural enthusiasm for the region making this an indispensable guide to one of Britain's most scenic areas. Ludlow is acknowledged as the Slow Food capital of the UK, while the region as a whole is much celebrated, described by PG Wodehouse as the "nearest earthly place to paradise". The guide is unapologetic in taking you the long way round: through ancient woodland, over bridges and 'Blue Remembered Hills', back in time, down footpaths, into castles, churches and interesting pubs, cheerfully savouring the authentic, the offbeat and the local.
Somaliland
with the overland route from Addis Ababa via Eastern Ethiopia
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
The pioneering first edition of this guidebook was the first dedicated entirely to Somaliland, and this second edition, fully updated and with a foreword by Simon Reeve, continues Bradt's groundbreaking tradition of publishing highly specialist guides to newly emerging destinations. Significantly, this new edition also covers Addis Ababa and eastern Ethiopia - the main gateway into Somaliland. Also included is a detailed historical and archaeological background to a region whose wealth of rock art, ancient burial sites, ruined cities and historical ports stretches back 5,000 years and has links with ancient Egypt and Axum as well as the more recent Ottoman and British Empires. Comprehensive birdwatching and wildlife sections include details of where to look for a wealth of endemic and near-endemic birds and mammals, while the guide also contains the only proper maps available for the capital Hargeisa and other large towns such as Barao, Berbera and Boroma, compiled from scratch using GPS.
Somaliland ranks among the world's most obscure and uncharted travel destinations. It comprises the former colony of British Somaliland, which merged with its Italian namesake to form the Somali Republic upon attaining independence in 1960, but unilaterally seceded from the rest of war-torn Somalia in 1991. Now a peaceful and fully functional self-governing democracy, Somaliland still awaits official recognition by the UN AU and most other such organisations more than quarter of a century later. Yet despite its obscurity, this ancient and largely arid land has much to offer the truly intrepid traveller, and the low-key, low-rise capital Hargeisa is easily reached by air or overland from neighbouring Ethiopia.
With this unique guide, discover Las Geel, the most alluring rock art site on the Horn of Africa; the charmingly decayed Ottoman port of Berbera, which provides access to some splendid beaches and offshore reefs; the spectacular Daallo escarpment, swathed in fragrant evergreen forests that support several endemic bird species; and the abandoned city of Maduna, the most impressive of several mediaeval Islamic ruins dotted around the arid interior.
The Arctic
A Guide to Coastal Wildlife
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
An engaging and beautifully illustrated full-colour guide to some of the most exciting wildlife in the world in an area about to see a significant increase in visitor numbers as a direct result of changes in the ice cover of the Arctic Ocean. Bradt's Arctic Wildlife is an ideal companion on board and on shore.
A fascinating and informative read. Visitors to the far north cruise the Arctic coast in the company of humpback whales and belugas, see polar bears hunt ringed seals, and come in contact with a host of shorebirds and wildfowl gorging on the abundance of summer food. This revised edition includes new illustrations, a section covering the distinct flora and fauna of the Bering Sea and the revised version of the Arctic Code of Conduct. Tony Soper's expert knowledge is richly supplemented with full-colour illustrations by award-winning wildlife artist Dan Powell.
Israel
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new third edition of Bradt's Israel has been fully updated to reflect all the most recent changes and includes a comprehensive and detailed history section, plus improved maps and structural revisions to aid navigation. Israel is a land where three world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - meet in stunning landscapes, where ancient architecture stands next to modern, where the fertile north spills into the arid southern desert and where the secular live alongside the devout. From its ancient history and the sacred Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites of Jerusalem, to modern Tel Aviv with its trendy districts, countless museums and bustling markets, Israel has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. In Bradt's Israel you'll find tips on the top hotels and restaurants, details of local wines, fascinating hiking routes, plus all the information to get the best from Israel's range of attractions. Each town shows the vast diversity of culture and traditions. Jerusalem offers an insight into the history of one of the world's most poignant cities, whilst Tel Aviv is awash with boulevards and epitomizes modernity. In turn, Haifa is a true seaside gem, with its striking Baha'i Persian gardens, whilst Nazareth is the throbbing heart of Arab hospitality and warmth. From archaeological remains of Crusader castles and Roman cities, scuba diving off Eilat's coast, marveling at the mountainous Golan Heights to floating in the Dead Sea and discovering cool wadis and thermal baths, Bradt's Israel is the perfect travelling companion, enlightening and enhancing every trip.
Reykjavik
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This edition of the Bradt guide to Reykjavik by expert author Andrew Evans combines what to see and do with maps, walking and cycling tours, one-day tour recommendations, historical and cultural perspectives and suggestions for hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés and bars as well as detailed information on city transport, shopping, other activities and out-of-town recommendations. It is written in an engaging and colourful style that sets out to entertain as well as inform and is drawn from the Bradt country guide to Iceland, Edition 3.
Falkland Islands
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new, thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt's Falkland Islands remains the only standalone guide to this British Overseas Territory and is ideal for both independent and cruise visitors alike. New for this edition is a dedicated full-color wildlife and natural history section, as well as all the most recent details needed for a smooth trip, from planning and history to Stanley restaurants and hotels, conservation issues, wildlife watching trips and how to explore beyond the capital. East and West Falkland are covered, and so too are Sea Lion, Pebble, Carcass, Saunders, Keppel, Weddell, Staats and Beaver islands.
Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean over 300 miles from South America the Falkland Islands are one of the truly wild places in the world, a photographer's delight home to albatrosses, penguins and other wildlife as well as to over 3,000 people.
The Falkland Islands are a must-visit location for those interested in the wild outdoors, especially anyone wanting to see penguins, seals and lots more. It's not all about penguins, though, as the islands' abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery along with comfortable accommodation, good wholesome food and welcoming people create a wonderful place to visit. The thriving town of Stanley gives way to the wild open spaces of the 'camp' with its scattered settlements, long sandy beaches, isolated islands and rocky outcrops.
With Bradt's Falkland Islands you can plan how to fly between islands, discover the 'camp' (rural areas), visit multiple penguin colonies, sample a wide range of cakes and cookies at a 'smoko' (morning or afternoon tea break), watch Black-browed Albatrosses, and visit the magnificent collection of artefacts and curios from around the islands at the new Historic Dockyard Museum. Whatever your interest, this is the essential guide for a successful trip.
Antarctica
A Guide to the Wildlife
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Updated throughout, the 7th edition of Bradt's Antarctica: a Guide to Wildlife is the most practical guide to the flora and fauna available for those 'going south'. Celebrating the amazing and often unique species of this spectacular environment, the title features chapters on the region's famous whales and penguins, and also on lesser known species such as skuas and sheathbills, with full coverage of plumage and identification. Each chapter is accompanied by vibrant illustrations from Dafila Scott to help bring species to life. Tony Soper's immaculate and engaging text remains the indispensible choice for the intrepid wildlife enthusiast. Antarctica's wildlife is under threat. The Southern Ocean is warming and the most obvious effect is on the continental ice shelves. Spectacular retreats and monster carvings from the west coast of the peninsula have been seen in recent decades. Less ice means fewer krill, which depend on the ice-edge for the algae which nourish them. In turn, this will impact on seal and whale numbers. In the case of penguins, while kings and macaronis, for instance, are doing well, the magnificently adapted and truly Antarctic species, Adélies and emperors, are in decline. In the case of emperors, maybe by as much as 50%. Bradt's Antarctica not only helps you to identify and understand species and habitats, it also explains the issues faced by this extraordinary continent, regarded by many as one of the most precious places on the planet.
Bilbao
Including Bizkaia Province
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Bradt's e-city guide to Bilbao by expert author Murray Stewart covers not only vibrant Bilbao itself but also the surrounding province of which it is capital, Biskaia (Biscay). Hotels, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, walks and transport are all included, as well as the many sights of this recently reinvented urban giant of the Basque territories, from the Casco Viejo (Old Town) to Ensanche and the Guggenheim, plus the adjoining areas of Bilbao la Vieja and San Francisco, ethnically diverse quarters than have a buzz all of their own with just a hint of the Bohemian thrown in for the mix. Beyond the city, nearby Getxo provides a pleasant seaside distraction with its many beaches, as do Sopelana, Gorliz and Plentzia further east: playgrounds for the city-dwellers and easily accessible by public transport. The Puente Colgante, the UNESCO Heritage Transporter Bridge, joins Getxo to Portugalete across the river estuary. Bradt's Bilbao and Biskaia caters for all interests, ranging from the quaint villages and lush countryside of the Encartaciones region to coastal fishing villages, birdwatching around the Urdaibai estuary, surfing at Mandaka, and the jagged mountains and dense forests that decorate the natural parks of Gorbea and Urkiola, ideal territory for nature lovers and walkers.An ever-expanding network of budget airline flights make Bilbao more accessible than ever before, while the Guggenheim Museum has put the city and wider Basque country firmly on the European art trail. Written in an engaging and colourful style that entertains as much as informs, and drawn from the larger Bradt guide to The Basque Country, this guide will help you discover exactly what it is that makes Bilbao and Biskaia tick.
Mozambique
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new seventh edition of Bradt's Mozambique remains the most established and only standalone guide to this alluring country. Complete with in-depth coverage of transport, wildlife, history, culture and accommodation, plus invaluable practical advice and regional and local maps, this honest handbook will help you plan the perfect visit. Particularly useful is the selection of reputable local tour operators. Mozambique is very much a country of two halves. The tourism-savvy south offers palm-lined tropical beaches, luxury lodges and diving to rank with the best in the world, plus the capital Maputo, a city oozing with Afro-Mediterranean flair. The undeveloped northern mainland, by contrast, is one of Africa's last frontiers, with thrillingly vast game reserves and stunning coastal panoramas that draw intrepid travellers to those hankering after barefoot luxury. With economy-boosting oil and natural gas potential on the horizon, Mozambique is on its way to reclaiming its standing as one of Africa's top destinations. However, despite being one of Africa's fastest developing tourist countries, it still offers the opportunity to experience the 'quintessential Africa'. Having once stood in the ranks with South Africa, over twenty years of post-civil war development and one of Africa's highest growth rates are drawing tourists back to its 2,500km of pristine, palm-fringed coastline. Best visited between May and October, Mozambique is dotted north to south with natural, historical, cultural, and architectural wonders remnant of its varied and notable past history of exploration, trade, and cultural fusion. Highlights include the UNESCO world heritage site, Ilha de Moçambique, a 16th- century Arab and Portuguese trading post, ancient rock art at Chinhamapere Hill, tea plantations and an exploration of Mount Namuli from the highland mountain town of Gurué, while the coast - home to more than 2,000 species of marine fish and five of seven endangered sea turtle species - boasts a plethora of delights, from windsurfing in Pemba and surfing in Tofto to diving and snorkelling off the islands of Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto National Park), not to mention some of the richest coral reefs in the world., home to over 1,200 species and five of seven endangered sea turtles. With in-depth coverage and practical advice for all budgets, the Bradt guide leads the way.
Ethiopia
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new, fully-updated 8th edition of Bradt's Ethiopia remains the most comprehensive, detailed and thorough guide available, particularly known for its strength of background information, coverage of off-the-beaten track areas, and in-depth details of hotels and other tourist facilities. It also contains far more maps than other guides. Bradt's Ethiopia is also the longest serving English-language guidebook dedicated to the country, with a history of 25 years of research and expertise.
This new edition has been updated by the original author, Philip Briggs, the world's foremost writer of Africa travel guides. Recent years have seen a notable rise in domestic and foreign private investment in the development of new hotels and national parks; this new edition includes all the most up-to-date details reflecting all the most recent changes, from development of tourist facilities to improved road infrastructure.
Bradt's Ethiopia is ideal for visitors of all ages no matter the interest, whether travelling independently or part of an organized group, from adventurous and active travelers interested in cultural, historical, and wildlife sightseeing to international conference visitors, spa tourists and community-based visitors looking for activities such as trekking and horse-riding in the Rift Valley and Simien Mountains. Wildlife and birding visitors who come for Ethiopia's wealth of endemics are also catered for and this new edition includes a dedicated full-color chapter on wildlife and birds.
Of all the African nations, Ethiopia is most prone to misconceptions. The 1985 famine and the cracked barren earth of the Danakil Depression are not images quickly forgotten. But this fully updated guide refocuses the lens to reveal an ancient country that continues to surpass all expectations: from the ancient Judaic cultures of the fertile highlands to the Animist people of the South Omo Valley, from the Afroalpine moorland of the Bale Mountains National Park to the thundering Blue Nile Falls. This book also leads you further off the beaten track, so travelers can see more of this expansive and beautiful land, believed to be the cradle of humankind.
Ben le Vay's Eccentric Oxford
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new edition of Ben le Vay's irrepressible and irreverent guide to one of the greatest of English cities has been updated and expanded to include even more entertaining tales. There are more civilian/non-academic eccentrics, there is more local history, and there's a particularly fascinating bit of military history about Oxford that even many locals have never heard of.
Dreaming spires, honeyed stone, cycling dons ... forget all that tourist twaddle, says Benedict le Vay. Find out the secrets the colleges don't want you to know, the inside track on the best pubs and eating places, the scandal and gossip about nutty professors and disgraceful students past and present, the brilliant stories about the great, the good and the bad. With 30 maps and a mix of colour and black and white illustrations and photographs, this is the essential guide to take you beyond the normal sights.
William Morris called Oxford 'a perfect jewel' of a city; Benedict le Vay goes in search of the quirkier gems among its medieval back alleys. Here roam batty dons, daft students, barmy aristocrats and political firebrands. Who does that gargoyle remind you of? Why is a shark plunging into that man's house? When do students jump naked into the River Cherwell as Latin hymns are sung? What powers the 'Cosmic Triangle' of vibrant East Oxford? How do you control a punt without looking like a plonker?
•The pubs where Inspector Morse and Bill Clinton enjoyed a pint
•Where to eat a great fry-up in a unique setting
•Where to find a weird museum
•Calendar of annual eccentric events.
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Now into its seventh edition and written by Philip Briggs, the world's leading writer of guidebooks to Africa, Bradt's Rwanda has been the go-to guide for visitors to this historical and resurgent 'Land of a Thousand Hills' for nearly two decades, and it continues to be in a class of its own when it comes to in-depth information on this emerald slice of East Africa. With freshly researched and updated details on developments across the country, Bradt's Rwanda includes up-to-date maps of rapidly modernizing Kigali, information on hiking to the summit of Mount Bisoke and a newly expanded chapter on excursions into the neighboring DRC.
In this new edition are extensive and recently updated maps and natural history information, details of kayak and canoe excursions on Lake Kivu and the Mukungwa River, all you need to know about tracking not only mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park but also lowland gorillas in the Congo, and information about overnight stays on tea plantations at Sorwathe or Gisovu. Also covered are Nyungwe Forest National Park, where a wealth of endemic birds and primates inhabit the largest surviving montane forest in East Africa; Nyanza, where the hilltop Rukari Palace Museum marks the site of the old mwami's (king's) palace; and the National/Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, the top cultural site in Rwanda's second city, Huye (Butare). Coverage of nearby cities and national parks in the neighboring DRC has been expanded since last edition, providing all the necessary information to take an excursion into Rwanda's enormous and poorly understood neighbor.
Rwanda continues to change and develop at an unprecedented pace, and there's hardly a more accessible part of Africa to be found anywhere on the continent. It's no less intriguing for the convenience, however, and Rwanda's superlative natural attractions seem to improve by the day, with growing animal populations and an on-going rhino reintroduction program in Akagera National Park.
Having now gone through nearly 18 years of editions, Bradt's Rwanda is not only the most in-depth guide available, but also the guide with the longest history in the country itself.
Azores
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Bradt's Azores guidebook is the only comprehensive guidebook to the nine-island archipelago, a nature-lovers' wilderness perched at the western extremity of Europe in the mid-Atlantic, and one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This new edition continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to the islands and essential for all nature lovers, but it also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of the Azores tourism offering in the past few years. Also included is all of the practical information needed to make the most of these new opportunities, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times to cater for the influx of new visitors. Green, and with a mild climate throughout the year thanks to the Gulf Stream, each island has its own attractions and identity. Safe and welcoming, the islands are drawing in a whole new group of visitors, mainly from Europe and the USA, attracted by the diversity of outdoor activities, easier accessibility and improvements to the visitor infrastructure. The Azores volcanic origin make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking and canyoning, while whale-watching, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing provide off-shore opportunities for independent travellers and adventurous families alike. The islands' 500 year history is well-documented in a host of museums, allowing visitors to learn about the fluctuating fortunes and strategic importance of the archipelago across the centuries. Attractive architecture, carefully preserved festivals, three islands with UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, an interesting range of flora and many botanical gardens are all covered in this guide.
Faroe Islands
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Still the only English-language guide to the Faroe Islands, covering everything from succulent fish suppers to remote hideaways, the Bradt guide is the definitive source of information for visitors wishing to discover the 18 islands of this North Atlantic archipelago. Covering hands-on information about where to stay and eat, how to get around - be it by mailboat, helicopter or hire car - and what to see and do, this new fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and includes details of the amazing birdlife, where to walk some of Europe's least-known hiking trails, and how to make the most of village life among the turf-roofed houses. Also included are details of how to reach even the remotest corners by bus using a travelcard, the latest information on falling seabird numbers in the North Atlantic, and details of where to go sea angling, rapelling and horse riding. Suggestions for using the island of Suðuroy are detailed, plus updated reviews of all accommodation, eating and drinking options. Fourteen clear and easy-to-use maps are also featured.
Northumberland
including Newcastle, Hadrian's Wall and the Coast Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Pl
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This is the most comprehensive guide to the far north of England in print. It encourages visitors to slow down and explore the green lanes, footpaths, rivers and cycle trails that link Northumberland's 'Castle Coast' with the heather-topped hills, Roman fortresses and villages of the interior. A guide to Newcastle is found in the chapter on Tyne & Wear. Local knowledge of historic towns, heritage sites, wildlife-watching spots and countryside walks, and words and tips from local heritage experts make this an authoritative guide - and as much an entertaining armchair read as a practical guide.
Cape Verde
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new 7th edition of Bradt's Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) has been fully revised and updated and remains the most comprehensive English-language guidebook available to the islands of this alluring Atlantic archipelago, described by some as 'Africa light'. The guide includes well-researched history and cultural sections, with a particularly strong section on music, and brings an honest approach to reporting the fragile balance between tourist developments and protecting the environment. This new edition reflects the many changes since the previous one, including the introduction of charter flights from the UK to Sal and the first casino-hotel on Sal, as well as providing full information on how to make the most of the less developed islands away from the main tourist hotspots. Stable and peaceful, quietly isolated by its mid-Atlantic location, Cape Verde continues to grow economically and to develop its tourist infrastructure at a leisurely pace. With few natural resources, the islands are heavily dependent on imports, foreign remittances and still to some extent on foreign aid. The reduction in the latter has heightened the focus on the importance of tourism as an economic driver and visitor numbers continue to rise. Year-round sunshine makes Cape Verde a particularly appealing destination. The archipelago is diverse, particularly in terms of its tourist infrastructure. Sal and Boavista, the oldest of these volcanic islands are flat with white-sand beaches that rival anything in the world. Consequently, they attract 95% of Cape Verde's visitors, leaving the other seven inhabited islands undeveloped. Hikers and those curious to discover something authentic are drawn to them, spending their time walking amongst the jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes of Fogo or Santo Antão, taking some true time-out in tiny Brava or mellow Maio or enjoying the cultural fusion of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences in the cities of Praia and Mindelo. The adventurous will find adrenalin rushing as they profit from windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, fueled by strong breezes and Atlantic waves, while for culture, Mindelo is the attraction with a constant backdrop of seductive music, the thread which ties together the islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic. Cape Verde Travel Guide - Travel tips and advice including Praia highlights, island itineraries and activities, homestays, hotels, local culture and music. Also covering the best beach and surfing sites, national parks and ribeiras, Cidade Velha and UNESCO sites, Chã das Caldeiras, Ponta Preta, Maio and Mindelo, festivals and local cuisine.
Pays de la Loire: The Vendée
with Nantes and Pornic, plus La Rochelle and the Île de Ré
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new title from Bradt is the only English-language guide to focus on this part of the Pays de Loire: The Vendée and surrounding area including Pornic, La Rochelle, Île de Ré and Nantes, an increasingly popular part of France. Written by award-winning travel writer Murray Stewart and Angela Bird, who for almost 50 years has owned a home in the region, it offers comprehensive coverage of this beguiling area, with details on everything from family holidays to walks, cycling, local cuisine and history. Thanks to the author's long history with the area, the guide also reveals the quirks and themes which give the Vendée its own distinct character, as well as straying just beyond the area's boundaries to incorporate La Rochelle and Nantes, both entry points for those arriving by air and both offering urban distractions for the occasional rainy day. The Vendée offers all the benefits of a well-established destination, both with French and British visitors, with easy access times from the UK by ferry adding to its appeal. Popular with campers and self-caterers, its sunny climate and 140km of sandy beaches, combined with tree-lined canals and open marshland, make for a diverse outdoor playground. Bradt's The Vendée and surrounding area includes information on suggested walks and cycleways, and also summarizes the best places for bird-watching. The region has no true cities, or even large towns, but the guide includes details of the many local museums which provide easily accessible insight into the bloody history of an area which has, at times, been central to the evolution of modern-day France.
East Devon & the Jurassic Coast
Local, Characterful Guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Slow East Devon and the Jurassic Coast is the most comprehensive - and only standalone - guide available to this region. With publication timed to coincide with the opening of the Seaton Jurassic Centre, here is insider knowledge which can only be gained by living in the area. Contributions from local experts, and colourful and witty writing combined with the authors' enthusiasm, make this guide as much a pleasure to read as an invaluable companion for exploring. Exeter and the Exe Estuary get a chapter of their own, and parts of Mid Devon, including Tiverton, are covered in detail, along with East Devon's most alluring chunks of countryside and the seaside resorts of Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Beer. The chapter on West Dorset describes Lyme Regis and Charmouth along with brief descriptions of other coastal towns. An explanation of the geology of the entire World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast links the whole region. With an emphasis on car-free travel - walking, cycling and local buses - the detailed descriptions, historical and folk anecdotes, and personal accounts encourage visitors to explore each locale thoroughly. Hand-picked places to eat and drink, including all the eateries along the main artery of the A3052, are selected by the authors based upon long-standing knowledge of the area.|Slow East Devon Travel Guide - Holiday tips and local advice including B&Bs, cottages and homestays, Exmouth and Sidmouth highlights, local food and craftsmen. This guide also covers tours, fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, Old Harry Rocks, Swanage, coastal walks and beaches, Blackdown Hills, wildlife and birdwatching.
Suffolk
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Suffolk represents quintessential East Anglia, a region that has locally distinctive architectural styles, regional accents, scenery, culture and climate. The county, which is low-lying but by no means flat, has some of its best scenery along the coast: a soft, dreamy landscape of river estuaries, remote marshes, reed-beds, beaches, shingle banks, sand spits and dunes. Elsewhere in the county can be found undulating farmland, sandy heaths, shady river banks and extensive forests. The area also has much appeal to visitors for its manmade heritage: the distinctive rural architecture of the Stour Valley (with its Constable painting associations) on the Suffolk-Essex border, the ancient town of Bury St Edmunds, the great country houses with their estates, ancient thatched churches hidden away from view and unspoiled market towns. Suffolk is also well known for its Anglo-Saxon heritage - the royal ceremonial burial site at Sutton Hoo and the reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village at West Stow.
North Devon & Exmoor
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
North Devon, with its long sandy beaches and little coves, is the favourite of families with small children, while Exmoor's heather-covered moorland and deep, wooded coombes, attract walkers, mountain bikers, and riders. Some of the prettiest villages in the south west are found here, with cream teas aplenty. Much information will be unique to this guidebook, blending descriptions of little-known places and country pursuits with portraits of local characters, past and present. The book will be geared towards sustainable tourism, with special emphasis on car-free travel, walking, local food, pubs and unusual or special accommodation.
Dorset
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Many of Dorset's attractions are well-hidden and known only to locals, who like to keep the county's treasures to themselves. The Slow Guide, written by a native of Dorset, takes you to those secret places and introduces you to some delightful Dorset locals, both living and dead. Practical information covers accommodation, eating and drinking, and travelling in this unspoilt region.
Norfolk
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Slow Norfolk, although selective, includes the whole of Norfolk from Great Yarmouth and the Broads to the east to the Fens of the far west, from the iconic North Norfolk coast to the Breckland region to the south. The Norfolk landscape is far more variable than many imagine and not quite as flat as it is usually reputed to be. The North Norfolk coast, considered to be one of the most beautiful stretches in England, is also a hugely important habitat for wildlife especially migrating birds. The interior of the county tends to be more overlooked yet also much to offer, especially in terms of landscape, historic monuments and characterful market towns. The county has a rich mix of architectural variety, with numerous country houses, medieval churches, Roman forts and Norman castles. The county capital Norwich is an important centre for art and culture, with its acclaimed Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and the annual, highly rated Norwich and Norfolk Festival.
South Devon & Dartmoor
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Discover the hidden secrets of this varied and beautiful region, from the 'English Riviera', where palm-trees abound and the sandy beaches of Torquay and Paignton attract numerous summer visitors, to the wild landscape of Dartmoor, England's highest landmass south of the Pennines.
Dumfries and Galloway
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Dumfries and Galloway is an area of rural charm and striking landscapes, where a slower pace of living and travelling comes naturally. The first comprehensive guidebook to the area, Bradt's Slow Travel Dumfries and Galloway covers the region in depth, from Eskdale to Scotland's southern tip at the Mull of Galloway, via Annandale, Nithsdale, Dumfries, The Stewartry, The Machars and Moors, and the Rhins. Lively descriptions, historical anecdotes and enthusiastic writing combine with hand-picked accommodation recommendations to reveal one of Scotland's best kept secrets. With the local tourist board halfway through an ambitious six-year plan, the area's profile is on the up. Go now, before the secret is out.
The Country of Larks: A Chiltern Journey
In the Footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and the Footprint of HS2
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Travel writer and journalist Gail Simmons follows in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson as she walks from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire to Tring in Hertfordshire via Great Missenden and Wendover, tracing not only the changes in the landscape of the last 150 years but also those yet to come with the imminent arrival of the controversial HS2, the high-speed railway from London to Birmingham. Just as Stevenson spoke to people he met along the way, Simmons encounters those whose lives will be affected by HS2: a tenant farmer, a retired businessman-turned-campaigner, a landscape historian and a conservationist.
In the autumn of 1874 a young, unknown travel writer called Robert Louis Stevenson walked from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire to Tring in Hertfordshire. He wrote up his three-day journey across the Chiltern Hills in an essay titled In the Beechwoods, penned a decade before he found fame as the author of Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. During his walk, Stevenson observed the natural world, reflecting on the experience of walking across this landscape at a time when England was still largely agrarian and when most people still earned their living from working the land. During his walk he was accompanied by a 'carolling of larks' that was so integral to his journey he 'could have baptized it "The Country of Larks"'.
Almost 150 years later Simmons walks across the same landscape, observing the loss of flora, fauna and the whole rural way of life, replaced by commuters and dormitory villages, a trend portrayed by John Betjeman in Metro-land (1973), which described suburban life alongside the Metropolitan Railway.
Divided into three parts to parallel Stevenson's journey the book offers a detailed, almost forensic, examination of this distinctive landscape of English chalk downland interwoven with recollections from Simmons of growing up in a Chilterns commuter village. 'I might have left long ago' she says, 'but this place still matters to me'.
Liguria
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's award-winning guide to Liguria is the essential companion to getting the most out of a visit to this beguiling Italian region. Author Rosie Whitehouse has spent thirty years exploring Liguria and in her comprehensive guide introduces you to not just the glitz of the Riviera but also to the delights of the wild unknown hinterlands and mountain valleys, including in-depth coverage of local gastronomic delights - a key part of any Ligurian visit.
This new edition includes new maps, a focus on of the growth of small, 'Slow Food' businesses, restaurants and hotels, in-depth coverage of Genoa as a cultural and weekend-break destination and the development of its striking Hennibique waterfront, the latest developments in Savona and La Spezia, more walks and bike-riding advice plus new suggested routes, revised hotel and restaurant listings and all the latest transport information.
Liguria is a mountainous region of dizzy passes and breathtaking views, where the mountains plunge down into the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. The narrow strip of coast includes the gems of the world famous Italian Riviera, the great port city of Genoa, the glitzy resort of Portofino and the charms of the Cinque Terre. Yet in the hinterland there are many beautiful villages and mountain walks that have yet to be discovered by tourists. With a strong regional identity all of its own, Liguria is almost a country within a country.
Whether you're a gourmet traveler in search of pesto, trofie and freshly baked focaccia, a history buff on the hunt for Roman remains, culture addict dazzled by Genoa's glittering palazzi and top-class museums, or a family heading for a well-earned break, Bradt's Liguria is the ideal guide for travelers of all ages and all budgets. It is also particularly suited to adventurous travelers looking for the Liguria that lies beyond the beaten track and who want a taste of the real Italy.
Transylvania
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new, third edition of Bradt's Romania: Transylvania remains the only standalone English language guide to this legendary and enchanting region. Comprehensive chapter-per-county coverage is offered, including details to cater for the diverse range of travellers to the region, from city breaks to rural escapes, ski enthusiasts to charity volunteers. Thoroughly updated, this new edition reflects all the changes of the past few years, from improved transport infrastructure (in particular the regional airports at Cluj, Sibiu and Târgu Mures) to the completion of new motorway routes, such as that between Sibiu and Deva. Also covered are a number of striking new accommodation options: for example the sustainable guesthouse in Valea Zalanului owned by HRH The Prince of Wales, and the mountaintop retreat of Raven's Nest in the Apuseni Mountains. More attractions have opened up, such as Baroque palaces formerly owned by Hungarian aristocrats, seized under the Communist regime and now being restored by the descendants of their original owners. And the region is developing its offer for new types of tourism, such as summer rock festivals, notably the Untold Festival at Cluj and Electric Castle Festival at Bontida. Transylvania, literally the 'land beyond the forest', is a wild, wooded, intensely romantic region, filled with mountains, gorges and valleys, myths and legends, dragons, bears, wolves - and vampires. Bram Stoker called it 'one of the wildest and least-known parts of Europe' a description which remains true today. One of the most beautiful regions in central Europe and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Transylvania preserves its cultural and artistic treasures in a unique landscape, bordered on three sides by the Carpathian Mountains. The hay meadows of the lower Carpathians form a man-made, high nature-value grassland ecosystem of extraordinary diversity, offering a beautiful display of wild flowers. The Carpathians are home too to lynx, wild boar, and one of Europe's largest populations of brown bear. Other natural phenomena include the Scarisoara ice cave in the Apuseni Mountains and the Sfanta Ana volcanic crater lake in Harghita. Whatever your interests, with Bradt's Romania: Transylvania, you can discover all of the region's many and varied attractions.
Guyana
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new third edition of Bradt's Guyana remains the only guidebook available to this South American gem, a jungle-clad country teeming with exotic wildlife. Thoroughly researched, easy to use and interesting to read, Bradt's Guyana is written and updated by writers who have lived in and promoted Guyana for many years and is an ideal companion for all travelers, from wildlife watchers to fishermen, anthropologists to conservationists and 'voluntourists'. Guyana is a destination on the rise, described - justifiably - by the tourist board as 'South America Undiscovered'. This new edition of Bradt's Guyana has been updated to include all the latest developments, ranging from how to see harpy eagles at Warapoka to new culinary experiences, local tour operators, 4x4 self-drive and new hotels. Truly off the beaten track, Guyana is one of the most fascinating and least-known countries in the Americas. It is also the only English-speaking country in South America. The jewel in its crown is the mouth-droppingly beautiful Kaieteur Falls, which is nearly five times the height of Niagara and the world's tallest single-drop waterfall. Culturally Caribbean, its capital Georgetown is a curious melting-pot of quaint Dutch and British colonial architecture, steel drums, boisterous nightlife, rum shops with world-class rum, cricket and tropical sea breezes. It is also the gateway to the lush interior which is full to the brim with fascinating flora and fauna including monkeys, black caiman, harpy eagles, giant anteaters, otters and the mighty jaguar. With Bradt's Guyana, discover all of this, plus where to stay in community lodges and see the rainforest through the eyes of Amerindian guides, where to watch turtles nesting on the beach, how to explore the moody Essequibo river (the largest between the Orinoco and the Amazon), and how to visit the million-acre rainforest reserve of Iwokrama for the ultimate authentic wildlife experience. This third edition of Bradt's Guyana is the key book to plan an expedition into its densely forested lush interior, often accessible only by boat or small aircraft, before taking some 'time to lime' in a hammock in one of its tropical waterfront resorts.
Bratislava
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new edition of the Bradt guide to Bratislava by expert author Lucy Mallows remains the most authoritative and reliable guide available to the city that combines history with hedonism like no other. Bradt's Bratislava is by far the most comprehensive and entertaining guide on the market - in any language. Maps, walking tours, historical perspectives and hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs are all covered. In addition, it features detailed information on shopping, sports, gardens and parks that you'll find in no other book. Not only does it include out-of-town ideas, but it goes into greater depth than other guides and is written in an engaging and colourful style that sets out very deliberately to entertain as well as inform. This third edition is thoroughly updated to include the vast number of new boutique hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés. It also offers a useful transport map and guidance on city transport and an updated event calendar. Straying out of the city itself, it also covers Kosice, 2013 European City of Culture.
Croatia: Istria
with Rijeka and the Slovenian Adriatic
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new 2nd edition of Bradt's Croatia: Istria, with Rijeka and the Slovenian Adriatic has been fully updated and remains the only full-length guide to the region including background and practical information. Istria has some of Croatia's most famous sites, including Pula's Roman amphitheatre, UNESCO-protected Byzantine mosaics in Porec, picturesque medieval hilltowns and frescoes, and the Brijuni Islands National Park, home to Tito's summer residence. This guide also includes the transport hub and gateway city of Rijeka in the neighbouring Kvarner region, which is set to become European Capital of Culture in 2020. Istria makes a great base to explore the nearby Capodistria region of the Slovenian coast and Karst areas, including beautiful coastal towns, Lipizzaner horses and UNESCO-listed caves, all of which are given expanded coverage in this new edition. Also new is increased coverage of the Parenzana cycling and hiking route. With detailed sections on trekking, cycling and diving, plus information on windsurfing, paragliding, wreck diving (including sites such as the Coriolanus and the Baron Gautsch) and sailing, Bradt's Croatia: Istria, with Rijeka and the Slovenian Adriatic is ideal for adventurous people of all ages and on all budgets, who are curious about this well-heeled part of the former Yugoslavia. There is also a comprehensive wildlife section. Croatia is renowned for its cuisine (and particularly its truffles) and there is plenty of pampering on offer, too, with some excellent luxury and boutique hotels and restaurants, as well as cheap spas and treatments compared to the rest of mainland Europe. Festivals, music, travelling with children, buying and maintaining property in Croatia, dinosaur tracks and ancient history are all included, as are inland areas which often receive comparatively little attention (and with the exception of Motovun see far fewer visitors than the coast).
Zimbabwe
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
The new, fourth edition of Bradt's Zimbabwe remains the most authoritative guide available to one of southern Africa's premier wildlife and cultural destinations. Zimbabwe-based author, tour guide and archaeologist Paul Hubbard picks up the mantle of this new edition, ensuring that it remains bang up to date and an ideal companion for everyone from wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers to adventure seekers and hikers. All the most recent developments in the rejuvenation of Zimbabwe's national parks are covered, with in-depth information on facilities, advice on itinerary planning as well as how to select a safari. Also included is a range of clear, comprehensive maps that is unique to this guide, with many not being featured in other publications. With increased business confidence in Zimbabwe, scores of new hotels and guest lodges have opened countrywide. Comprehensive and detailed accommodation listings cover everything from luxury safari camps to budget stays for younger travellers who arrive overland, heading for the fast flowing waters of the Zambezi gorge, plus details of en-route accommodation not found in other guides.
Recent years have brought significant change to Zimbabwe, notably with the fall of Robert Mugabe, resulting in increased investment and development in the tourism sector. Bradt's Zimbabwe is an invaluable aid for independent travellers as well as those on an organised tour. Many activities and off-the-beaten-track attractions countrywide are featured, plus historical and cultural sights such as the World Heritage-listed stone-built cities of Great Zimbabwe and Khami. Iconic Victoria Falls is also covered, and the mighty Zambezi River - perfect for adventure holidays - and the country's impressive range of birdlife which continues to draw enthusiasts year-round.
Kosovo
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
"This new fully updated 3rd edition of Bradt's Kosovo is the only full-length English guidebook to this land rich in cultural heritage, generous hospitality and stunning scenery which is celebrating its 10th anniversary of unilateral independence from Serbia. Updated by two resident tourism experts, this new edition is an ideal companion for all visitors, offering maps, contacts and detailed information not easily accessible online, insider knowledge of one of Europe's last unspoiled destinations, and comprehensive detail on sites, attractions and practical information.What was once a hub for adventurous backpackers and international organisations has become an outdoor adventure destination in its own right with a compelling buzz thanks in part to a vibrant and dynamic young population: the average age here is 26. Mega-hiking trails like the Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans have brought attention to the country's unmatched scenery and multitude of 2,500+ metre peaks. New via ferratas - climbing routes - in the country's north and west appeal to the adventurous set, while newly restored archaeological sites offer a haven for history buffs as well. This third edition contains a wealth of new tour operators and fully updated maps to key cities and regions that make it easier than ever to explore Europe's youngest country.Ringed by high mountains and recovering from a turbulent past, Kosovo is enjoying a tourism renaissance. Following this guide, visitors can ski over pristine snowfields and hike among saw-toothed mountains, explore the ebb and flow of Islam and of Orthodox Christianity at beautiful shrines such as Gracanica Monastery or Prizren's Sinan Pasha Mosque, sample raki at one of the vineyards, visit a traditional stone kulla, and be initiated into Prishtina's coffee-drinking culture. Bradt's Kosovo caters for all travellers. With detailed descriptions of the country's lively cafés and wide-ranging restaurants, as well as the thriving outdoor adventure scene, plus accommodation to suit all budgets, this new edition is the ideal companion for tourists, NGOs and long-term visitors."
Tibet
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Tibet encompasses the wider region of ethnic Tibet with more detailed coverage of the Amdo and Kham regions than is found in other guides. It also includes essential information on new border openings and is particularly strong on map data, which is extremely difficult to find in Tibet itself, including new theme maps covering a range of topics, from Tibetan regions to the Three Parallel Rivers UN World Heritage Sites, sacred landscapes, permafrost and major river sources. Bradt's Tibet benefits from years of consistent research. Michael Buckley has been visiting and researching Tibet for more than 30 years and has a raft of books to his name. Thanks to his knowledge and expertise, Bradt's Tibet offers a more extensive language appendix than is found in other guidebooks, plus essential guidelines on cultural etiquette (including a special section on hand gestures to use), local customs and travelling with minimum impact on Tibet's culture and environment. There is also an appendix on fauna and an extensive list of recommended further resources, including books, music, films and even virtual reality. Exploring ethnic Tibet independently is a challenge. The 'land of snows' possesses the world's highest peaks (including Everest) and its deepest gorges as well as some of the wildest and roughest road routes in high Asia. Bradt's Tibet provides all the practical information you need to explore ethnic Tibet independently, whether motoring, mountain-biking or trekking. Tibet has always fascinated travellers and armchair travellers because it is so difficult to access due to its remoteness and extreme altitude. Now, under Chinese rule, Tibet is a sensitive destination for Westerners. Visitors needs all the information that they can lay their hands on-and this guidebook provides plenty. With flight routes and rail access to Tibet expanding, and new border crossings opening, Michael Buckley and Bradt's Tibet provide all of the information you need to make the most of a trip.
Alentejo
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Bradt's Alentejo remains the only standalone guide to this emerging region, providing all the information needed to find that idyllic rural retreat, beachside boutique or romantic hotel set in a converted palace. Restaurants, wines, cafes and cultural sights have all been meticulously chosen and reviewed by the author and there is a wealth of background cultural and historical information to unlock the secrets of the Alentejo's colorful past and captivating present.
This new second edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect all the most recent developments and includes a new section on castle towns, expanded information on Alandroal and Juromenha, new coverage of Alegrete and the Serra de Sao Mamede and new features on everything from The Siege of Badajoz to Alentejo wild flowers, Portuguese grape varieties and the Rebel Prince of Marvão amongst others. More hotels and tours have also been added, especially around Évora, Monsaraz and Marvão.
The Alentejo is Portugal's Andalusia - without the crowds - a landscape littered with Moorish monuments, sleepy villages and Crusader castles. The beaches are glorious sweeps of white sand, broken by rocky coves nested by storks, or backed by caramel colored sandstone cliffs. The towns and villages of the interior appear little changed since medieval times - clusters of sugar-cube houses tumble down hills from heavy-set castles. There are palaces and there are myriad megalithic monuments - lost in the rolling countryside in the olive groves, or among orange trees and withered cork oaks. Wild boar and lynx roam the extensive forests and heathlands - which offer wonderful hiking and hill walking. And the food. fresh Atlantic bream, sizzling prawns, forest-reared pork and dozens of glorious wines with which to wash it down.
West Sweden
including Gothenburg
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This fully revised third edition of Bradt's West Sweden including Gothenburg remains the most comprehensive - and only standalone - guidbook to this enchanting region. In the first dedicated guidbook, Bradt's West Sweden including Gothenburg reveals the staggering variety of the area's experiences, including a chapter on Gothenburg and a section on the region's history and culture, and offers detailed maps of both the coastline and the cities. Included in this edition are sections on Top 10 'must do' and Top 5 Wild Swimming spots, road trip suggestions and coverage of Borås, the region's second largest municipality. The author, James Proctor, has written Bradt guides to Lapland and the Faroe Islands and has visited Scandinavia annually for over 30 years.
Centrally located within Scandinavia, west Sweden is quickly developing as a vibrant tourist location and continues to attract an increasing number of visitors. With a bewildering array of over 8,000 islands, endless meadows of wild flowers and the lively and cosmopolitan coastal city of Gothenburg, west Sweden perfectly encapsulates both the rugged beauty and urban delights Scandinavia has to offer.
Georgia
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new sixth edition of Bradt's Georgia, the only dedicated guide to the country, has been thoroughly updated throughout to include all the most recent developments, ranging from greatly expanded coverage of Batumi, Adjara and Svaneti to the addition of new maps for Tbilisi, Mestia and Telavi. Tourism is booming in Georgia: the number of guesthouses has mushroomed, Tbilisi airport has just opened a second terminal and a new terminal and rail link are under construction at Kutaisi airport. New low-cost flights are now available and visa-free travel is the norm for most. With Bradt's Georgia discover both the old and the new. The capital, Tbilisi, has seen huge changes in the past decade with some conspicuous new projects such as the Peace Bridge, the Opera House and the Presidential Palace, as well as excellent new restaurants and bars. Much of the country can be reached in day-trips from the luxury hotels of Tbilisi and Batumi, and the remotest areas such as Svaneti and the Pankisi Valley can also now be visited. In addition, Mestia, the capital of Svaneti, now has an airport and two ski resorts. Also new for this edition is expanded information on Tusheti and the Trans Caucasian Trail, a volunteer-led project to create two long-distance hiking routes, east-west and north-south, linking the Black Sea with the Caspian, the Greater Caucasus with the Lower Caucasus and Georgia with Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Georgian wine industry is covered, with particular emphasis on natural qvevri wines, and so too are skiing, rugby, the World Heritage sites of Mtskheta and Gelati, Georgian food, 5th-century churches, cave cities, and Georgian polyphonic singing. Bradt's unique guide to Georgia is the ideal companion for all travellers, from serious hikers to wine buffs, high-end culture lovers to backpackers of all ages.
Gabon
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Bradt's Gabon remains the only English-language guide dedicated exclusively to what is considered by many to be 'Africa's last Eden' thanks to its sparse population and perhaps the highest percentage of forest cover of any country in the world. This new edition has been fully updated and covers all recent developments, including those in the national parks. Several new maps have been added (taking the total to 32) and most sketch maps have been upgraded. Also covered is the discovery of the extraordinary orange-coloured crocodiles living in the Abanda cave system.
Full background, natural history, conservation, practical and health information is accompanied by a nine-chapter regional breakdown of the country, covering each of Gabon's provinces: Libreville and Estuaire, Moyen-Ogooué, Ngounié, Ogooué-Maritime, Nyanga, Woleu-Ntem, Ogooué-Ivindo, Haut-Ogooué and Ogooué-Lolo.
Visitors to Gabon will come face to face with nature in its rawest, wildest, most untouched form: from the impenetrable forests of the interior to the grassy plateauxs of Haut-Ogooué and the windblown white-sand beaches of the coast - the latter known worldwide for the gorilla, buffalo, and elephant that come to wander the sandy shores and the 'surfing hippo' that - astonishingly - come to play in the frothy surf.
Gabon is more than just nature, however, and culture lovers will be taken with one of the region's finest carving traditions (in both wood and soapstone) - mbigou, floored by the furious tempos played on the mongongo mouth bow, and transported to another place entirely by the all-night drums, dance and fire ofa traditional Bwiti ceremony.
Bradt's Gabon offers the most thorough and up-to-date information available and is an ideal companion for wildlife enthusiasts, Africa aficionados and completists and overlanders travelling along Africa's west coast.
Northern Lights
A Practical Travel Guide
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Written by Arctic expert Polly Evans, this edition of “Bradt's Northern Lights: A Practical Travel Guide” does what it says on the tin, providing practical guidance to the best places to view the natural phenomenon also known as the aurora borealis. Designed for the many people who dream of witnessing this spectacle, it remains the only guidebook to provide detailed treatment of optimum locations across North America (Canada, Alaska), Greenland and Europe (Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland) while also covering practicalities, with this edition providing greater detail on a wider range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to Sweden's spectacular ICEHOTEL, built each year from river water before melting in spring.
The northern lights-arguably the greatest light show you'll ever see-are a major, increasingly popular tourist draw of the Arctic and sub-Arctic winter. The experience is also increasingly popular: in the decade to 2016, winter tourism to northern Norway increased by 378%.
As well as advice on the best places to see auroras, this guide offers a succinct, easy-to-understand explanation of the science behind the northern lights and provides information on tour operators offering northern lights packages, up-to-date guidance on photographing the aurora in the light of technological improvements, alongside practical tips including what to wear, how to drive in winter conditions and how to understand northern lights forecasting.
The guide is further enriched by suggestions for complementary daytime activities such as dog sledging, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and wildlife safaris; an examination of the reactions of the early explorers to their first sightings of this phenomenon; and insights into the myths and legends of the northern indigenous peoples. There is even advice on how and where to get married in ice chapels!
Whether the northern lights are still on your bucket list or you are an experienced aurora aficionado, Bradt's comprehensive guide to the Northern Lights remains the essential companion to planning and getting the most out of any trip to watch one of the world's most remarkable events.
Sierra Leone
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This is the only English-language guide on the market dedicated exclusively to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is about the size of Wales and manages to squeeze beaches, rainforests, mountains, savannah grasslands, marshes, mangrove swamps and rivers into its relatively small size. Written for intrepid travellers looking to explore this scarred but vibrant nation, this brand new edition of Sierra Leone invites you to discover the hidden beaches on the country's Atlantic coast, climb to the top of Mount Bintumani, west Africa's highest peak, learn about magical customs, and experience world-class bird-watching.
Italy: Friuli Venezia Giulia
Including Trieste, Udine, the Julian Alps and Carnia
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new title continues Bradt's coverage of lesser-known but increasingly popular Italian regions and is the only guide available to Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region which forms the major part of the hinterland of Venice (but does not - despite the name - include Venice itself), and which is a convenient and fascinating place to spend time on the beach, in the Alps or relaxing In the country. It is notable also for its wines and distinctive cuisine, which, with touches of neighboring Austria and Slovenia stirred in, are starting to attract attention around the world.
Written by long-time travel authors and Italy specialists Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls, background and practical information are complemented by six easy-to-follow chapters, from Trieste to the coast, Gorizia and the Borderlands, Udine, Pordenone and Western Friuli, and The Mountains: Carnia and the Julian Alps. Set in Italy's northeastern corner, Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse parts of the country - and also one of the least known.
With Bradt's Friuli Venezia Giulia, explore this small but varied region in detail, from the Alps of the north to the coastal resorts, unspoiled wetlands and lagoons, and from medieval towns like Cividale to the strange desert steppe called the Magredi and the lovely wine region of Il Collio. Discover the regional capital, caffeine-mad Trieste, where there are 67 different ways of ordering a cup of coffee, and Gorizia, one of the biggest battlefronts of World War I, which survives almost intact, with miles of trenches and fortifications open for exploration.
Bradt's Friuli Venezia Giulia offers everything you need for a successful trip.
Grenada
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Written by Caribbean-based writer and photographer Paul Crask, this new, thoroughly updated third edition of Bradt's Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is the only standalone guide available to this alluring Caribbean destination. With insider knowledge of the islands, from luxurious villas and resorts to pastoral villages and mountain trails, Bradt's Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is rich in detail, local colour and practical information, and offers detailed accommodation, dining and activities listings as well as the author's own take on how to maximize your stay. Whether you are into sailing, scuba diving wrecks and reefs, kayaking through mangrove forests, hiking mountain trails, 'jumping-up' at carnival, or sampling vintage rums at historic distilleries and luxurious beachside resorts, Bradt's Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique is ideal for travellers of all kinds. This new edition covers the many developments on the islands in the past few years. Investment in accommodation on Grenada continues and the diversity of options is impressive: from the new Sandals resort to the Rumboat Retreat, a lodge that welcomes independent travellers as well as rum enthusiasts. More airlines now fly directly to Grenada's Maurice Bishop International Airport and the annual sailing regattas continue to attract a large international gathering. With easy access to and from North America and Europe, and with plenty of great accommodation and dining options, scenic Grenada offers a perfect blend of traditional island life with modern Caribbean living. Grenada is a tri-island nation famed for its nutmeg and cocoa, sailing regattas, jaw-dropping beaches and strong cultural traditions. The main island, Grenada, has a tall spine of forested mountain ridges surrounded by rivers, waterfalls and farmlands, and the scenic coastline is replete with secluded bays and anchorages. To the north, at the southern tip of the Grenadines island chain, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are tranquil and beautiful. Noted for traditions of Big Drum Dance and boat building, both islands enjoy deserted beaches and coral reefs and offer a warm and friendly welcome.
Britain From the Rails
A Window Gazer's Guide
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
'Look out of those train windows and see another Britain. This is a richly researched and fascinating book, with a chuckle and a raised eyebrow at every page.'
Alastair Sawday.
Cornwall
Local, characterful guides to Britain's Special Places
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Many of Cornwall's wildest or most curious corners as well as the exciting new range of places to eat, sleep or drink are often overlooked in the headlong race to get to the beach or the well-known tourist spots. Taking the Slow approach, using local knowledge and the author's endless curiosity, this guide offers both visitors and seasoned residents alike the chance to discover what lies behind the immediate and obvious attractions of Britain's favourite holiday destination.
Belarus
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Belarus remains the only full-blown standalone guide to the most westerly of the constituent republics that formed the Soviet Union prior to the break-up in 1991. Written and updated by expert author and Russian speaker Nigel Roberts, who has been travelling throughout the country for over 17 years, it is the definitive guide to understanding, and making the most of a visit to this much-misunderstood nation.
Included in this new edition is a detailed focus on the capital city Minsk, the most likely destination for first-time travelers and now becoming a major European capital city thanks to an easing of visa regulations, as well as coverage of each of the other five cities and all six regions. Roberts draws on his years of experience and shares many stories and vignettes of his own adventures and experiences of everyday life, all of which help to bring the destination to life. In addition, there are recommendations and tips from his wide circle of contacts, including people at all levels of the tourism industry, charities working on the ground, local people and travelers from abroad, who regularly share details of up-to-the-minute information, changes and developments.
With Bradt's Belarus enjoy the opportunity to put the cliché to the test; only ever described by Western media as 'the last dictatorship in Europe', travelers certainly do have the opportunity to experience elements of life as it was lived in the days of the Soviet Union but can also see beyond the cliché as Belarus seeks to free itself from the Soviet past and establish its own heritage and place in the modern world. Discover beautifully preserved and restored museum towns such as Mir, Njasvizh, Novogrudok, Pinsk and Polotsk; see Soviet-style brutalist and modernist architecture; explore accessible national parks and vast areas of unspoilt wilderness, with ample opportunity to study flora and fauna; visit historic palaces and castles stunningly restored; and enjoy the unconditional hospitality of a people who are anxious to interact with visitors from the English-speaking world.
Malta and Gozo
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Malta has long been known for package holidays but this island nation has 7,000 years of fascinating and visible history. Updated throughout, this new edition delves into Malta's temples and archaeology more comprehensively than any other guidebook. Packed with historical and archaeological facts it also showcases bird-watching and wildlife opportunities, summer festas, and the less commercialised islands of Gozo and Comino. With new hotels opening in Birgu and across the islands the guide includes greater coverage of accommodation and restaurants. There is more to the island than sun and sea and this guide will help readers to discover the Malta beyond the tourist resorts.
Zanzibar
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
Both evocative and magical, Zanzibar offers travellers the quintessential Indian Ocean experience; palm fringed coastlines, powder- white sand, and colourful aquatic life. Passionate about detail, Chris and Susan McIntyre have carried out extensive on-the-ground research in producing this updated edition. There has been significant growth in the number of hotels, lodges and guesthouses on all three main islands since the last edition and, consequently, the accommodation listings have increased significantly: notably in Zanzibar Town (Stone Town), Matemwe, Michamvi Peninsula, and Mafia island. They visited all the accommodation listed. With almost 300 properties featured, many are newly built and the vast majority (spanning all budget levels) do not feature in any other guide on the market. Each entry has a detailed description with a strong emphasis on guiding readers to the most ethical options. Zanzibar goes into far greater depth than its competitors on the natural environment, history, culture, and sights. Few other guide books cover the islands of Pemba and Mafia in any detail and yet they are easily combined in a trip. With a focus on the environment, visitors are directed towards fair-trade shopping opportunities and sustainable marine parks. This new edition also includes a dedicated section on southern Tanzanian safaris, making this guide excellent for readers looking for a bush and beach combination. Advice is given on how to be sensitive to the local Muslim culture. Bradt's guide is the most frequently and scrupulously updated guide available, vital for a destination with tourism growing and changing so rapidly.
Sri Lanka
Part of the Bradt Travel Guides series
In this new edition, British resident of Sri Lanka for over 33 years, Royston Ellis, explores the incredible diversity that Sri Lanka has to offer now the entire country is open to visitors, in an easy-to-read narrative packed with entertaining comments and sound advice, based on personal experience.