John Johnston rated The Spy Museum

John Johnston rated Smithsonian Institution Museums

John Johnston rated CN Tower

John Johnston reviewed Planete Futuroscope in Cognac, France

They don’t call it Planete Futuroscope for nothing. A giant 53 hectare theme park, Futuroscope uses the latest audio and visual technology to entertain! 3D screens, interactive attractions and giant screens are all used to give visitors their thrills and…"

John Johnston reviewed Linnanmaki Amusement Park in Western Finland, Finland

Amusement parks are an odd thing, they have all these attachments to our happy (and not so happy) childhood memories yet behind them lurk these big bad corporate companies trying to extract every last amount from us. They’re not really such innocent plac…"

John Johnston reviewed Atomium in Brussels, Belgium

The first world fair after WWII had to be special, it was going to be the meeting point of many nations eager to strengthen the bonds of peace and democracy that were slowly being built in the aftermath of one of humanity’s most destructive periods. Bein…"

John Johnston reviewed Emil Racovita Cave in Ukraine

Usually explosions at quarries are a bad thing, but sometimes they bring up an unexpected result. That’s what happened in 1959, when an explosion occurred in the Gypsum quarry in Moldova. What was found was the Emil Racovita Cave, one of the biggest cave…"

John Johnston reviewed The Blue Grotto in Malta

Il-Hnejja in Maltese (meaning ‘the arch’), The Blue Grotto got its English name from an British soldier who thought it looked similar to the Grotta Azzuzza (The Blue grotto) in Capri, Italy. The Blue Grotto (the Malta one, keep up) is high on tourist’s i…"

John Johnston reviewed Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway

After dying in the battle of Stiklestad in 1030, King Olav Haraldsson was buried by Nidelven, the river Nid. Tradition has it that the high Altar of the Cathedral now stands on the exact spot of this burial site. One year and five days after he died the …"

John Johnston reviewed Shelley-Keats House in Rome, Italy

‘Rome is yet the capital of the world. It is a city of palaces and temples, more glorious than those which any other city contains, and of ruins more glorious than they’ Percy Bysshe Shelley remarked to Thomas Love Peacock in a letter in 1839. Situated o…"

John Johnston reviewed San Siro Stadium Tour in Milan, Italy

One of the proudest, most passionate football nations in the world, Italy’s Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is cited as the latter day equivalent to the Coliseum of Rome. More commonly known as the San Siro, the stadium is home to two of Europe’s biggest teams, A…"

John Johnston rated The Slovensky Raj

John Johnston reviewed Makasutu Cultural Forest in Brikama, Gambia

Meaning ‘sacred deep forest’ in the local Madinka dialect, Makasutu Culture Forest is located about 5km north of Brikama and is a lush green wilderness fed by a tributary of the Mandina Bolon. There are a variety of ecosystems within the Makasutu, sava…"

John Johnston reviewed Katchikali Crocodile Park in Brikama, Gambia

In the tourist town of Bakau, Gambia, the Katchikali Crocodile pool, discovered hundreds of years ago by the natives is home to more than a hundred crocodiles. Considered a magical place, as are other crocodile pools’, bathing in the water is believed to…"

John Johnston reviewed Jinack Island in Senegal

Africa is undeniably a harsh and difficult continent to survive in and this is the reason why many find it such a beguiling place to visit. Jinack Island is yet to be ‘discovered’ by tourism, and lacks amenities such as electricity, running water and car…"

John Johnston reviewed Abuko Nature Reserve in Brikama, Gambia

Abuko nature reserve is the smallest protected area in Gambia but that doesn’t mean that is small on spectacle. It is packed with easily viewed wildlife, including western red colobus and callithrix monkeys, crocodiles, antelopes and spectacular birds an…"

John Johnston reviewed Xcaret Eco Park in Cancún, Mexico

The Xcaret Eco Park doesn’t scream excitement. It might be the ‘eco park’ that led me to believe that, but thankfully it isn’t one of those attractions that chastise you for what you have (or haven’t) done to save the planet. ‘Eco Park’ reads for this at…"

John Johnston reviewed El Tajin in Poza Rica de Hidalgo, Mexico

Some of South America’s ancient treasures have become overly popular with tourists, who erode the wonder from the ruins in much the same way that the weather does, but El Tajin is still relatively unscathed. Over 150 buildings have been identified on th…"

John Johnston reviewed Bull fights in Monumental Plaza in Mexico City, Mexico

The sport of bull-fighting has drawn much criticism from animal-friendly groups yet still the sport remains popular in Spain and South America. Although, obvious cruelty is sometimes abhorrently on show, bull-fighting is a majestic and skilful art matche…"

John Johnston reviewed Voyageur Trail in Ontario, Canada

We’ve kind of covered this world as far as land is concerned haven’t we? The only places left unchartered are the deep recesses of the sea that are pretty dark and chilly from what I can surmise. That doesn’t mean that we can’t feel like pioneers in some…"

John Johnston reviewed Kleinburg in Toronto, Canada

Wishing for a return to the old ways of life? Kleinburg in Canada might just be the village to rejuvenate the soul. Nestled atop the Humber River ridge and surrounded by spectacular views, the village is a testament to early Canadian architecture and ooz…"

John Johnston reviewed Casa Loma in Toronto, Canada

The dream of a stock-broker who bet well on the advent of electricity and rail travel in the west of Canada, Casa Loma could have been a vulgar monument to one man’s “greatness”. However, Sir Henry Pallatt had a dear love of fine art and architecture and…"

John Johnston reviewed Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, Canada

Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver, British Columbia's most popular tourist attractions, set within the beautiful Capilano Park. Vancouver's oldest attraction, it was originally built in 1889, spans 450 feet (137m) across and stretches 230 f…"

John Johnston reviewed The Bruce Trail in New Brunswick, Canada

If you love your trails then the Bruce Trail in Canada is probably already familiar to you. The trail follows the edge of the Niagara escarpment, one of UNESCO’s Canadian biosphere reserves. The Bruce Trail and the escarpment run through some of the mos…"

John Johnston reviewed Kortright Centre in Ottawa, Canada

The Kortright Centre for Conservation is Ontario’s premiere environmental and renewable energy education centre and, if you are interested in doing your part, is well worth a visit. The Kortright Centre combines a natural oasis with some of the most cutt…"

John Johnston reviewed Haida Totem Poles in Canada

The Haida people have thrived on the islands known as “Haida Gwaii” or ‘the islands of the people’ for thousands of years. With a firm respect and understanding of the environment, the Haida people were able to build a complex society and a distinct arch…"

John Johnston reviewed St. Joseph's Oratory in Ontario, Canada

In 1904, Brother Andre Bessette of the Congregation of Holy Cross began the construction of a small chapel on the side of the mountain near Notre Dame College. Soon, that became much too small and a church, known as the crypt, was added in 1917. In 1924 …"

John Johnston reviewed Montmorency Falls in Montreal, Canada

While Niagara Falls gets all the attention, Montmorency Falls in Quebec quietly goes about its business. Standing at 84m high, Montmorency Falls is 30m higher than its more popular cousin. The park surrounding the Falls is a natural beauty, as you would…"

John Johnston reviewed McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Ottawa, Canada

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a unique and thoroughly niche experience. From the art that the gallery showcases to the surrounding landscape it finds itself in, the McMichael is the perfect introduction to Canada – its art, people, culture and…"

John Johnston reviewed Granville Island in Vancouver, Canada

Nestled in the centre of what is arguably one of Canada’s finest cities, Granville Island is an oasis that will seduce your senses. The gathering spot for locals and tourists, Granville Island allows you sample the fresh food on offer in the markets and …"

John Johnston reviewed CN Tower in Toronto, Canada

Claiming to be Canada’s wonder of the world, the CN Tower has a decent claim. At a height of 553.33m it was the world’s tallest building (until the Burj Dubai showed up), whilst actually performing a telecommunications function and being the centerpiece …"

John Johnston reviewed Canada's Wonderland in Toronto, Canada

Canada’s Wonderland theme park is one of North America’s premiere amusement parks, with more than 200 attractions and around three million visitors a year. Just outside Toronto, the park that was formerly known as Paramount Wonderland, has more hair-rais…"

John Johnston reviewed The King Pacific Lodge in Vancouver, Canada

The King Pacific Lodge in British Columbia is luxury in the heart of the wilderness. Designed for absolute comfort, and positioned to capture spectacular views of the landscape. A remarkably civilized place in the midst of absolute wilderness, I don’t ne…"

John Johnston reviewed The Harlingen Harbour Crane in The Netherlands

The Harlingen Harbour Crane is an unusual hotel. Firstly, the very friendly owners don’t do e-mail, preferring to have human contact with guests before bookings. Secondly, it was an actual crane until 1996, but a substantial and thoroughly modern renovat…"

John Johnston reviewed Schottenstift Monastery in Innsbruck, Austria

Some hotels have been criticised for their monastery-like atmosphere but this one has to be applauded for it. The Schottenstift Monastery Guesthouse is actually part of an old Benedictine monastery and you can hear the monks chanting sometimes when comin…"

John Johnston reviewed Propeller Island in Berlin, Germany

If you want your room to be more than just a place to lay your head then the Propeller Island City Lodge in Berlin delivers. Every room has a theme and how you lay your head depends entirely on the theme you get. For those wanting to reclaim their youth…"

John Johnston reviewed House in the Clouds in East Anglia, United Kingdom

You’ve heard of a wolf in sheep’s clothing but have you heard of a water tower in cottage clothing? Chances are you haven’t because that is a rubbish phrase, but one of these exists and you can stay in it. When Braithwaite’s of London built a hideous wa…"

John Johnston reviewed Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton, United Kingdom

See the problem with hotels is that they’re all very similar; the soft lighting, the neutral tones and the monastery-like atmosphere. Well, the Hotel Pelirocco in Brighton isn’t. The 19 bedrooms are all individually decorated by ‘visionary artists’ with…"

John Johnston reviewed Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

Built in 1932 by David Duncan of the Macintosh Toffee family, Giraffe Manor is a Scottish hunting lodge, yet boasting views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest just outside Nairobi. The Manor is exclusive, with only six fu…"

John Johnston reviewed Edisto River Treehouses in US South East, United States

For some a holiday means getting away from it all. For others it really means getting away from it all. If you think off the beaten track just isn’t far enough away then try the Edisto River Treehouses. The treehouses sleep 2-8 people depending on what …"

John Johnston reviewed Dog Bark Park in Plains Midwest, United States

Dog Bark Park is a bed and breakfast honouring the roadside architecture found along the highways of America. In homage to the coffee pot gas stations and milk bottle shaped restaurants, the hotel was designed by artists Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conkl…"

John Johnston reviewed The Anatolian Cave Suites in Kayseri, Turkey

The Anatolian Cave Suites are in the heart of the ancient region of Cappadocia, amongst the awe-inspiring volcanic landscape which gives a strange moonscape vibe to the area. Built deep within the caves, there are 19 Anatolian Cave Suites and they aren’…"

John Johnston reviewed Tower Bridge in London, United Kingdom

Completed in 1894 and still one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge is also a monument to its time. With the east of London becoming densely populated in the 19th century due to the major port and no bridges east of London Bridge, journeys we…"

John Johnston reviewed Castle Coch in Wales, United Kingdom

Perched high over vertical cliffs and surrounded by dark, wooded glades, Castle Coch (Red Castle) was rebuilt in 1890 to serve as a country retreat for the third Marquis of Bute. The castle was built upon the foundations of an earlier castle and W. Burge…"

John Johnston reviewed Horse Guards Parade in London, United Kingdom

Home to some of England’s most treasured and celebrated traditions, the Horse Guards Parade is the spot for getting a picture of grand-old traditional England. The Horse Guards Parade is something that, as a Londoner, you’re well aware of but never reall…"