Obviously these parks have enough activities to keep children occupied for sometime and another major advantage is they are very good value in terms of pricing. Most of parks have promotions running throughout year and travel companies such as short break specialist http://www.superbreak.com have a large selection of accommodation plus tickets packages that are ideal for family breaks.

Another great day out that can be turned into a short break holiday is visiting famous “West End” in London and catching a matinee performance of one of many famous shows that are on offer. Mirroring situation with UK theme parks many Britons simply don’t realise quality and choice of shows available in London’s west end. However, 2005 season has certainly seen an increase in awareness with many ‘locals’ realising what tourists have known for years – that quality of west end productions is amongst best in world.

While evening shows are not ideal for families with often late finishing times, matinee performances are available on many shows – including award winning Billy Elliot. Perhaps no other show has contributed to hype surrounding this years season more than film turned musical production of Billy Elliot. The original story captured hearts and minds of British public when movie was released and received world wide acclaim with 3 Oscar and 13 Bafta award nominations.

Other shows suitable for kids that are running at present include Disney’s magical musical, The Lion King and timeless classic Mary Poppins. Most West End matinees are at 3 p.m., but a 2:30 p.m. start is not unknown – just make sure to check times to avoid disappointment.

Overall, it is important for parents not to panic! There are a number of cost effective and fun ways for them to keep their children entertained during long summer break and you just never know, stranger things have happened...they might even have fun themselves!

To North-east is one of largest bells in world, King Tharwaddy’s Min bell. Cast in 1841, Maha Titthaganda (three-toned bell) weighs 42 tonnes and is housed in an elegant pavilion with a lacquer ceiling.

The eastern shrine hall is considered by many to be most beautiful in complex and is dedicated to Kakusandha, first Buddha. It was renovated in 1869 but almost totally destroyed by great fire of 1931 and had to be completely rebuilt. Nearby is U Nyo pavilion, which houses a series of carved wooden panels depicting life of Gautama Buddha.

In south-eastern corner is a banyan tree, reputed to have grown from a branch of original tree under which Gautama Buddha gained enlightenment.

There is a small museum of curios beside southern entrance. The south-western corner has a prayer pavilion with 28 images representing 28 previous incarnations of Buddha.

By western entrance is prayer hall guarded by figures of Mai Lamu and King of Nats. Legend has it this pair were parents of King Ukkalapa who brought hairs of Buddha to Shwedagon.

In all, there are over 50 glittering zedis (stupas) and pavilions in Shwedagon complex. The main stupa is world’s largest building covered with gold. In 1900, Shwedagon trustees decided to renovate main spire, and used 9,272 gold plates measuring one foot square (30.5 cm by 30.5 cm) for a total of 5,004 ounces of gold. King George V (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Mary donated four plates upon their state visit in 1906. A total of 4,350 diamonds were also used in construction.

There are four sealed entrances to main stupa, but no one knows what is inside. Legend has it flying swords protect interior from unwelcome intruders. Others say there are tunnels leading all way to Pagan and even Thailand.

Sunrise and sunset are best times to visit Shwedagon, but any time you go, a visit is sure to leave memories which last a lifetime. As English visitor Ralph Fitch wrote in 1586:

“It is called Dogonne, and is of a wonderful bignesse, and all gilded from foot to toppe….it is fairest place, as I suppose, that is in world.”

Note: Burmese not changed to Myanmar national to keep original context

BY: David McGarry For more interesting articles on Myanmar. Please see our web site www.explore-myanmar.com