UK and Spain

UKandSpain.com have been providing tourist information for the UK and Spain since 1998, so please feel free to ask any questions you wish, as long as they are related to tourist information for Spain or tourist information for the UK.

Spain and the UK are excellent places to have a holiday, and on this page, questions and answers relating to tourist information for the UK and Spain can be entered, free of charge.

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Tourist information for the UK and Spain

Any football teams in Spain want a friendly match ?
Q. "A friendly 11-a-side match wanted in Madrid. A Saturday league team celebrating the end of season and looking to play some continental football.
Please contact Stewart on S_Pailthorpe@hotmail.com 
Thanks.
Stewart, Bawdeswell, Norwich, England."

A. "Hi Stewart, Hope you find the team you're looking for, but if not, and you don't mind travelling to a different place for the football in Spain, we travelled over to the Costa Blanca a few years ago with our football team from Essex and had a great game there, against a local team of English lads, we flew over to the Costa Blanca (Alicante airport) on the Friday morning, had a good meal and a few drinks on the Friday night. On the Saturday afternoon, had a brilliant game on their astro turf pitch (one of the best top quality football pitches I've ever seen), had a few drinks and snacks in their local bar after the match, had some more drinks Saturday night, had a lazy day at one of their local beaches on the Sunday and flew back to the UK on the Monday morning.
The blokes in our team still talk about it now - it really was a brilliant weekend, with everything we wanted.
The flights are quite cheap if you go when the kids are NOT on school holidays and the pitch is only about 40 minutes from the airport!!!
The guy to contact is Doug, a very easy guy to deal with, he'll take care of everything, a couple of our blokes had problems finding accommodation on the Costa Blanca, and Doug helped with that as well.
Dougs telephone number from the UK, is 0034 628 789 335.
Anyway, hope this helps, we're definitely going to go back and play them again.
Matt, Rayleigh, Essex, England,"

Changing the guards at Buckingham Palace ?
Q. "Hoping to come down to London on holiday, perhaps later this year and just wondered if anyone can please let me know the details for the changing guards at Buckingham palace please? Do they do it every day of the week? Anyone know the timings?
Any help appreciated.
Kathryn, Middleton, Leeds, England."

A. "From May until July the Guards change at Buckingham place and St. James's Palace, usually taking place daily at 11.30.
I'm not sure about the other times of the year, perhaps someone else seeing this will know??
Sid, Luton, Bedfordshire, England."

A. "The Guards changing at Buckingham Palace, does usually take place at 11.30am, but to make sure you get a good place to view the events, it's advisable to get there a little earlier, 11.15 would be a good idea. Also, you're  a lot nearer to the Guards, if you go to St. James Palace.
If it's very wet weather, the Guards ceremony will not take place.
From April to  July, the changing the guards ceremony takes place every day, and from July to March, it usually takes place on every alternative day.
You can also watch the changing the Guards somewhere else. Changing of the Guards also takes place at Windsor Castle in June and July everyday at 11:00 am. Tower Of London 11:00 am daily and at Horse Guards Arch 11:00 am during the week but at 10:00 am on Sundays.
If the Changing of the Guards is cancelled due to heavy rain, you could go to the Guards museum. It has uniforms and medals on display together with dioramas depicting the battles which the Guards have been involved in, from the English Civil War to the present day.
The Guards changing in London is excellent, we've been a few times.
Charlie, Bramley, Leeds, England."
 

Cheap flights to the Costa Blanca from the UK ?
Q. "Hi all, I often hear about really cheap flights to the Costa Blanca from the UK, but where do you actually find them?
Thanks.
Anne, Bognor Regis, Sussex, England."

A. "Hello Anne, there's quite a lot of cheap flights nowadays, the budget airlines like Easyjet, Monarch, Jet2, Ryanair and BMI Baby go from the UK to the Costa Blanca. For more details, just click on the link below:
Cheap flights from the UK to Spain.
Hope this has helped.
Regards.
Margaret, Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales."

Driving in Spain ?
Q. "Will be hiring a car through one of the car rental companies at Alicante airport, to drive down to Guardamar, further down on the Costa Blanca. This will be my first time driving outside of England, so understandably, a little nervous.
What's the main tips please?
Kym, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England."

A. "Hi Kym, driving in Spain can be a little traumatic, especially for someone not used to the roads in Spain. There's a few things to bear in mind, (some of it is probably what you've been used to in England), always adhere to the speed limits (the Local Policia or Guardia Civil will sometimes be waiting 'just around the corner', Basically, never disobey the rules of the road, the authorities are very strict and do not go lightly on you just because you are a foreigner, and do not know all the rules, make sure you have checked up on all of them. For instance: if you approach a town and are speeding there is a sensor which picks up your speed, if you are not within the limit, it flashes a red light and you have to stop, if there are 2 flashing red lights you are not allowed entry into the town. Also, don't park on yellow or blue lines which are parked on the side of the pavement - otherwise, you'll find the car may have been towed away, and then have to go and find it in some car pound somewhere and pay a hefty fine. Don't drive too close to the car in front, the Spanish like to do this, but don't be tempted to do the same.  So be good and stick to the rules of the land.
Dawn, Evesham, Worcestershire, England."

Good rental properties in Newquay, in Cornwall ?
Q. "Anyone know of a good holiday rental property in Newquay in Cornwall please?
Jane, Burnley, Lancs, UK"

A. "Hi Jane, could be a good idea to try Trebarber Holiday cottages in St Columb minor - beautiful recently renovated old style cottages, about 5 minutes drive from Newquay town centre, in a rural setting.
Hope this helps.
Carole, Wembley, Middlesex, England."

How do you make cheap calls to the Spain from the UK?
Q. "Any tips on making cheap calls to Spain? I am organising a 2 week trip and am worried about the cost of making international calls from UK to Spain to get everything organised. Stephen, Caterham, Surrey"

A. "Hi Stephen, there are a bunch of low cost call providers that can help. I always use www.pocketdialuk.com they allow me to call Spain for just 1p per minute. I find it's better than using a calling card because you just dial 0844 720 6099 followed by the Spanish number, and all you pay is the cost of dialling the access number which is charged to your BT bill at 1p per minute.
Carole, Swindon, Wiltshire."

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Internet cafes in Madrid ?
Q. "I'll be going on holiday to Madrid next spring, but need to check business emails at an internet cafe in Madrid every few days. Does anyone know any details of any internet cafes in Madrid, as close to the main Church square as possible please.
Any help appreciated.
Steve, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England."

A. "Hello Steve, I don't know the specific details of any particular internet cafes in Madrid that are close to the main church square, as the only time I had a holiday in Madrid, it was on the outskirts of Madrid, but here's some details of internet cafes in Madrid below, I don't know how close they are to the main church square, but you could always call them on the telephone numbers where mentioned.

Video Internet
Calle Carmen Calzado 3
Alcala de Henares
28801
Tel: 918 881 831.

Net Cafe
Calle San Bernardo 81
Madrid
Spain
Tel: 915 940 999.

Laser Coffee Shop
Calle Rosario, 21
Madrid 28005
Spain
Tel: 913 664 256.

Internet Cafe Madrid
Internet Cafe Madrid Martin Schenk
C/Dulzaina 2, Esc.1
5c 28033
Madrid.

Cestein Internet Cafe
Calle Leganitos
11 local Puerta de Calle
Espana o Santo Domingo
Madrid

Cibercarmen
Fuencarral
116 Madrid 28010
Spain
Tel: (91) 444 03 30.

Hope this helps you and hope you have a great holiday in Madrid.
Debbie, Middleton, Leeds, England."

Is the rare breeds centre in Ashford, Kent any good ?
Q. "I'm thinking of going to the rare breeds centre in Ashford and wondered if it was any good. Anyone know? Is it worth going? If not, are there any other similar types of places within a couple of hours train ride from London.
If it's relevant, I'll be going with my husband and 2 children, aged 4 and 7.
Also, if the rare breeds centre is worth going to, could someone please let me know their full address, contact details and also which train station would be the nearest to it please.
Any help really appreciated, I'm coming from London, so trying to avoid any wasted journeys.
Suzy, Dulwich, London, England."

A. "My family and I visited the Rare Breeds Farm in Kent last April, and wstrong all thought that it was great. Although my son was only 4, there were children of all ages enjoying being with the animals. It was a good time of year to go as there were lots of new born lambs and other young animals too. There were indoor and outdoor play areas, and a tractor trailer ride too. Plus special times of day when you can assist in feeding the animals. Often they have special feature days too, like craft fares. I think that the nearest train station will be Ashford, although the good old British Rail will be able to enlighten you as to the times. The contact details are below:
Rare Breeds Centre
Woodchurch
Ashford
Kent TN26 3RJ
Telephone - 01233 861 493.
I hope that you enjoy it as much as we did, have a good trip!
Gill, Norwich, Norfolk, England."

Opening times for business's in Spain ?
Q. "What are the usual business hours in Spain please?
Thanks.
Jane, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, England."

A. "Hi Jane, the opening times for business's in Spain are varied, but usually, the normal opening hours for shops are Monday to Saturday from around 9am or 10am until about 1.30pm. After siesta they reopen from around 4pm until 8pm or 9pm. Large stores usually stay open all day. Most are closed on Sundays. Many businesses including restaurants and bars (especially in Madrid) close for holidays in August. Banks generally open from 9am to 2pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to midday or 1pm on Saturdays. Hours may vary in summer.
Kath, Oakwood, Derby, England."

Telephone code from Spain to the UK ?
Q. "I'll be going to Spain on holiday next winter for a nice little break in the sunshine for a month, and would like to keep in touch a little with people back in the UK, can anyone let me know of any telephone codes I will need please?
Steve, Winsford, Cheshire, England."

A. "Hi Steve, Lucky thing, I wish I could escape the English winter to get some sunshine!! Anyway, the telephone dialling code from Spain to the UK is 0044, then take off the first zero in the telephone number, so for example, if the number was 01234 567 890, the complete number you would dial from Spain to the UK would be 0044 1234 567 890.
Hope this helps and hope you have a great holiday, I can squeeze into a suitcase if it helps ;-)
All the best.
Karen, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England."

Things to do in London ?
Q. "We're looking to go to London for a weeks break in the summer of next year and are looking for details of what to do in London? Any tourist information for London? We're looking for a family holiday really, mum and dad in our early 30's, daughter of 8 and son of 5.
Any ideas much appreciated.
Kate and John and kids, Chorley, Lancs, England."

A. "The beauty of London, is that there is something for everyone. Some attractions that you will want to consider are:
Madame Tussaud's (wax models of famous people). Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR.
The London Eye (an enormous Big Wheel with large 'pods' that goes round slowly so giving you a wonderful view over the city) to prevent a very long wait I would recommend booking in advance. County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
Tel: 0870 990 8883
The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace is a tourist's must (everyday at 11.30am) and you can also book for a tour of the palace if that is something that interests you. Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA, Tel: 020 7930 4832
Of course, with children in mind, Hamleys Toy Shop will be a hit. The address is:
188 - 196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT 0844 855 2424
A show may be something you want to think about. You can often get tickets at short notice. I've heard good reports about the Lion King, which may appeal to 'family viewing'. Try calling 020 7432 2333 for show information.
There's also a lot of open top bus tours, which could be good to start with so that you get other ideas along the route. The Big Bus Company, 48 Buckingham Palace Rd., London, SW1W 0RN, Tel: 020 7233 9533
The Natural History museum (Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD, 020 79425000) and the Science museum (Exhibition Road, London, SW7, 02079 424 446) are both meant to be really good, particularly the Science museum as it's quite 'hands on' for the kids.
My recommendation would be comfortable walking shoes and a travel card (National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50) that will allow you to get on and off the buses and tubes as you wish.
Have a good trip.
Harry, Dorking, Surrey, U.K."

What's the best way to get to the London Eye ?
Q. "Does anyone know the best way to get to the London Eye please?
Julie, Bury, Lancashire, England."

A. "Don't know which way you're coming from Julie, but here's a couple of ideas :
By tube - The London Eye is about five minutes walking distance from Waterloo tube station (follow the signs to the South Bank) and Westminster tube station (exit one, follow signs to Westminster pier).
By train - The London Eye is about five minutes from Waterloo International station. Take exit six for the South Bank and follow the signs. The Eye is 15 minutes from Charing Cross station, which is accessed via Hungerford pedestrian bridge.
By bus - Buses to the London Eye include the 211, 24 and 11. The London eye is on most London sightseeing bus tours and on the new RV1 route that connects the London Eye to the Tate Modern art gallery and Covent Garden.
Hope this helps.
Tim, Oldbury, West Midlands, England."

What's the nearest airport to Fuengirola ?
Q "Can anyone please let me know what is the nearest airport to Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol please?
Candice, Brock, Ontario, Canada."

A "Malaga is the nearest airport, but if you have not seen Spain before I would recommend flying into Alicante, on the Costa Blanca (further north) and driving down. That way you'll see a lot more of the real Spain before you arrive at the more touristy area of the Costa del Sol.
Kev, Swindon, Wiltshire, England."

What's the nearest tube stations for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony in London ?
Q. "What are the nearest tube stations for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony in London ?
Sue, Grantham, Lincolnshire, England."

A. "Hi Sue, the nearest tube stations for the changing of the Guards Ceremony, is Victoria tube and railway station, St James Park tube or Green Park tube.
For anyone taking a bus for all or part of the the journey to the ceremony, the bus numbers 11, 211, 239, C1 and C10 buses all stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
Hope this helps.  It's a brilliant event to watch, makes you proud to be English !
Steve, Beckenham, Kent, England."

What's the time differences between the UK and Spain ?
Q "What's the differences in time zones for the UK and Spain please?
Regards.
Sue, Whitby, North Yorkshire, England."

A. "Hello Sue, the time differences between the UK and Spain is one hour.
Spain is on Central European Time, which is GMT + 1 hour, so Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
Kim, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, England."

Where's the nearest underground station for High Holborn in London please?
Q "I've got to meet someone in High Holborn and wondered which tube station I would need to go to?
Any help appreciated.
Joanne, Buxton, Derbyshire, England."

A. "Hi Joanne, it all depends on what part of High Holborn you want. If your meeting is nearer to the junction (crossroads) with Kingsway and High Holborn, then the underground station at Kingsway is the best, but if your meeting is nearer to the junction (T-junction) of Grays Inn Road and High Holborn, then the underground station at Chancery Lane would be the best.
Hope this helps.
Kath, Bodmin, Cornwall, England."

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