deckchair.com

Punting in a gondola is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic ways to experience Venice. There’s just something about navigating the canals and waterways of this fascinating city that is timeless and romantic. Although punting is generally reserved for tourists these days, it used to be a symbol of prestige in this unique Italian city. If you’re planning a holiday in Venice, make sure to include a punt ride at some point.

The History of Punting in Venice

Due to the lagoon-like nature of the land upon which Venice was founded – and the fact that it is actually made up of more than 100 small islands – canals were developed very early in its history. Getting around by these canals necessitated specialised forms of water transport, which is what brought about punts. The first gondolas are believed to have been used in Venice in the early 1000’s.

Being ferried around on a gondola was something that was reserved for the city’s upper-class citizens. Everyday people didn’t generally partake in punting along the city’s canals. In many ways, travelling by gondola has always been more about show than anything else; it’s not exactly the quickest or most efficient way to get around Venice. Although the heyday of gondolas and punting has come and gone, they remain important parts of any traditional holiday in the city. As the largest automobile-free urban region on Earth, Venice presents a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the serenity and pleasure of punting along on its canals.

Punting in Venice Today

If you’re going to be in Venice and would like to see what punting is all about, the first thing you are probably wondering is how much it will cost. A set series of rates are in effect; a gondola ride for six people for forty minutes costs around £70. You can add an additional twenty minutes to the excursion for about £35. These rates are for a basic punt along a few canals; more extensive trips, including ones with gondoliers who croon romantic songs, can cost £125 and up for forty minutes.

Despite a Venetian punt’s high price, it is well worth it. Punts can be picked up at the city’s two most famous bridges, the Rialto and the Accademia; both happen to be close to several Venice hotels, too. When planning your holiday in Venice, set aside a bit of spare cash in order to enjoy a traditional gondola ride. By booking cheap hotels in Venice, you can easily scrape up the extra money. There is simply no better way to experience this breathtaking city – and who knows if you will ever have another chance to do so?

London is known for many great things, but cheap cinema tickets are not one of them. At at average price of £17.50, a single cinema ticket in London costs nearly three times as much as one in a major European city like Paris. As tight as times are right now, people are looking for ways to save money; sadly, many simply cross a night out at the cinema off of their list due to the exorbitant prices. If you want to take in a film in London but don’t want to spent a lot of money, there are ways to do so – you can learn more below.

The Prince Charles Cinema

The best-known repertory cinema in London is undoubtedly the Prince Charles Cinema. Located in Leicester Square, the venue boasts tickets for as low as £1.50 per person. Overall, the average ticket at the Prince Charles Cinema will cost you about £5 – a significant savings over the price of a ticket virtually anywhere else in the city. Best of all, this cinema shows recent releases as well as classic films, allowing moviegoers of all tastes and preferences to find something that they will enjoy.

Riverside Studios Cinema

One of the more unique repertory cinemas in London is the Riverside Studios Cinema. It’s main claim to fame are its extremely low-priced double bills. In fact, Riverside is the only repertory cinema in London that still puts on double bills on a regular basis. For just £6.50, you can purchase a ticket for two different films; they are then shown virtually back to back, with a brief intermission in between. It’s a wonderful way to while away a sleepy afternoon or evening and is a popular spot for couples and families alike.

Pub Film Nights

Finally, another superb way to take in a film on the cheap in London is by hitting a local pub’s film night. Two excellent examples of this are:

The Charlotte Street Hotel – On Sundays at the swanky Charlotte Street Hotel, film lovers can enjoy a three-course meal, drinks and a film screening for only £35. Unlike many other hotels in London, there’s no need to book a room here to enjoy this perk.

The Roxy Bar and Screen – The popular Roxy Bar & Screen offers first-come, first-served screenings of popular films for only £3. While watching the film, you can enjoy a pint or two – along with the convivial spirit of the crowd.

Undercliff Walk

This dramatic walk puts the walker directly between the cliffs and the sea. The path is a seawall that begins east of the Marina and continues to Saltdean. During high tide the waves may crash onto the path, so be prepared to get wet. At low tide the beach is available for exploring or paddling about. Beach access can be had at Ovingdean, Rottingdean and Saltdean, and the café at Ovingdean is a popular place to stop.

Devil’s Dyke

Just minutes from Brighton, Devil’s Dyke offers views from the Weald to the English Channel. Once the site of Anglo-Saxon fortifications, the Dyke includes the deepest dry valley in the world. There are many footpaths to wander, from the old earthworks to the deepest part of the valley. The changes in elevation make this a particularly interesting place to explore, with a new vista around every turn. This is a windy location, and paragliders are a common sight.

Stanmer Park

Formerly the estate of the Earl of Chichester, this park covers more than 4500 acres near the University of Sussex campus. The grounds are a combination of open areas and woodlands, with a small 18th century village and farms. Gentle terrain makes this an ideal place to stroll and take in the view. Places to explore include Stanmer House and the Earthship, a community center designed to have a low carbon footprint.

Wild Park

Located near the Hollingbury Hill Fort, the Wild Park offers trails through woodlands and glades, and magnificent views of the Downs. The main path is suitable for most walkers. Those wishing a more challenging walk will find plenty of other trails to explore. Wild Park is dedicated to preserving the unique wildlife of the chalk grasslands, and is home to many plants and animals not found in other environments. The dew pond at the top of the hill is a good place to relax and take in the view of Brighton and the sea.

South Downs Way

This 160 kilometer trail runs from Winchester to Eastborne and passes through some of the finest scenery in Sussex. Terrain varies from rolling farmlands in the west to the chalk cliffs at Beachy Head. The full trek takes eight or nine days, and some camping is available. South Downs Way is easy to get to from Brighton hotels. Access points include Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon and Pyecomb.