December 1st, 2009 by eShop600

Graced with the pearlescent white sandy beaches, turquoise oceans, shades of pastel-painted buildings and a welcoming population, the Bahamas offers an array of attractive features just waiting for you. The Bahamas is made up of a cluster of over 700 breath-taking islands, only 40 of which are inhabited with proud, friendly, smiling faces. For Bahama holidays, choose British Airways to make your experience even more special with cheap flights and accommodation.

The only challenge you’ll face is which beautiful island you will choose to visit. For the outdoor-seekers, spend time exploring the cosmopolitan island of Grand Bahama, situated just 55 miles East of Miami. Here, take advantage of the walking trails, limestone caves and mangrove creeks at Lucayan National Park fun for sea-kayaking. If nature is your thing, why not witness the dancing flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens in Nassau, New Providence ideal for you, or visit Great Abacos’ Abaco National Park to catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered Bahamian parrot?

Take a stroll along Gold Rock Beach and experience the azure ocean lapping the sugary sands beneath your feet. Explore the magnificent exotic coral reefs, filled to the brim with vibrant marine sea life just waiting to be discovered by you. Exploring the oceans, and its wildlife is a popular ‘must’ for many tourists, so take a trip to the Dolphin Encounters to see the endless, fabulous programmes you can experience. For the more brave, take a shark wall dive off the south coast of New Providence to leave you with something you’ll never forget.

The serene subtle shades of buildings really do reflect the tranquil atmosphere of its inhabitants and lifestyle. Witness this on New Providence, in the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau. Shopping fans will not be disappointed – bag yourself some bargains on Bay Street, pay a visit to the Straw Market in Old Nassau for handcrafted souvenirs and splurge out in the designer shops along Charlotte Street. Sightseeing is perfect on this island – visit the Queens Staircase, renamed in honour of Queen Victoria’s 65-year reign (due to the 65 individual steps) or Fort Charlotte to take in the view of the island. Take the newly built bridge over to Paradise, and discover the real meaning of the word, ‘experience’.

For a real Bahamian experience, choose to visit these stunning islands during the Junkanoo festival, celebrating their independence – brightly coloured costumes and upbeat music will thoroughly entertain you! Kick off your sandals on the beach and taste the traditional foods of the islands – conch salad and a Kalik beer will make you a true Bahamian at heart. A perfect peaceful getaway brought to you by the hospitable British Airways.

Local Information for Heathrow

Heathrow is best known for its International Airport situated in the London Borough of Hounslow, Middlesex. Currently housing 4 terminal buildings with a 5th under construction the airport is one of the busiest in the world. Heathrow is situated 15 miles west of London. It has excellent road links and is also accessible by train and underground.

The original airport was nothing more than a small grass airfield in the small Hamlet of Heath Row. The hamlet was flattened in 1945 to make way for the current airport. In 1946 Heathrow airport was nothing more than a tent where you could get your boarding pass and have a pre-flight drink. The construction of Heathrow led to the UK’s largest ever archaeological project during which artefacts dating back as far as 300 BC have been uncovered.

Many blue chip firms now have their world or regional headquarters close to Heathrow as a result of the airport’s success as an international hub.

The nearby village of Harmondsworth still retains many old buildings. The church of St Mary’s dates from the 1100s and is constructed of stone and flint. There is the “Mass clock”, dating from the 1200s or earlier, with flints forming a sundial that showed the time of day. There is also an 18th century pub and several 18th and 19th century houses.