Hi, I'm a complete beginner at design and have put up a website. I used a template from the web by Chris Pearson and wordpress. Eventually I'd like to learn enough to create website of breathtaking beauty. Could some take a look at my site and give me feedback? If it was yours what one thing would you do. How can I get a better logo, fonts, sign up to newsletter panel, better graphics... Don't spare my feelings. I have ZERO ego about this.
The website is rather plain, I would most definitely add some kind of color scheme. I also think a nice logo would be good, something other than plain text. And I think you need something to divide your menu from your content, it kinda just goes together. And you have all your ads around the same spot, and none on the right side of the screen, you might want to mix it up a bit, you know, add a bit here, a bit there, kinda mix it into your content, might improve your CTR. Well all in all, I say it has promise, and I think you could probably do something with it. Hope this review helps.
Hard to add to what ottoissac said; it's very plain. The graphic at the top is rather low-quality (jaggies, compression artifacts).
I also think the image at the top needs some serious work. Not sure what you used to create it but definitely make sure you increase the quality of the image. Also, the images you place in each entry of the news/blog are all different sizes. It would look better if you could keep this looking a bit more uniform. If this isn't possible, then try bringing the images into the entry and wrap the text around the image. I don't mind the colour scheme, I think you just need to reduce the amount of white space.
I'd put the name above the image, onto the image. Or put the image as a background with the name text on top. Then you could chop off some of the extra height. The little letters like the RSS, etc. at the top edge of the header image, I'd try to put under it. Not a bad looking site though.
Have to agree with others - on that it is exceptionally flat/ plain and I am very surprised to say that you used a template. Though having used what I assume you are claiming is a pro template and an off the shelf solution it is somewhat impressive how bad you have made it (you did say you wanted harsh) I have to say I am generally unimpressed with all these blog based sites and yours is unfortunately not an exception. Firstly I wouldn't say that the "review" on the hotel is actually a review at all but simply a list of facts. Secondly, what sort of comments are you expecting? most times it is about the content of the article but unless someone is going to argue that their parking isnt £3. Would certainly have to see how the site "flows" once you have more than one post in each category. I am also surprised that so few of your links are affiliate
Cocnerning the template I disagree with the others. I like "simple" things, looks clearer. My concern is the usability. A Database (or exactly different databases) would be "the thing" for such a project, or at least for some parts. Some few blog poszt will not help users to "find" the right thing. A list of hotels, events etc is a MUST
the right wing side too empty. the font is too sharp, I suggest pick another font like verdana or tahoma.
You could probably improve on the main navigation on the top and improve your header to make it more attractive.
Typography's nice, but I would opt for less adverts, less whitespace, navigation below image and more colour + interest
more white space, it feels a little cluttered (like padding/margin on some of the elements). add some colour to your text, better placement of image. also the navigation can be improved (remove the bottom-border?). other than that it's a nice style your going for, love those simple styles. noticed your not using tables which is good!