Say you have kids that want to play on the beach, building sandcastles, exploring rock pools and paddling in the ocean then you’ll be able to do that. Somerset has some great beaches, as well as the seaside resort of Burnham-on-Sea to offer you that traditional English seaside holiday feel.

Then, the next day, the history buffs in your family can explore the city of Bath and learn all about the fascinating past of the place, including how it ended up with such interesting architecture. The cathedral in Wells will also be a draw for anybody interested in history or architecture, as the cathedral possesses a fascinating set of both.

The levels once again offer some great insights into history, possessing evidence of some of the oldest human habitation in Britain. They’ll also appeal to anybody interested in nature or just long walks, as the footpaths and bridleways that criss-cross along the Somerset levels will provide more than enough exposure to Somerset’s wild side.

Finally, the other sort of “wild side” that Somerset can boast is that of its nightlife, especially that of Taunton. If anybody on your family holiday is more interested in the night activities than the day activities then this will be the place for them.

So, overall, a destination with something for everyone.

Related posts:

1. Hollywood Family Holidays in Cornwall Cornwall has been popular with tourists for decades, but if...
2. Caravan and holiday park holidays back in fashion Most family finances have suffered in the recession, which has...
3. Cheap Holidays in Egypt Egypt was once described in Greek history as “the gift...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Bluewood Lodges – Kingham, Oxfordshire, UK

Bluewood Lodges in Oxfordshire is located next to the village of Kingham and encircled by a beautiful bluebell wood.  Standing in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the lodges offer the perfect base for exploring the striking Cotswolds.

There are lodges and cottages on offer which sleep 2-6 people.  The lodges come with verandas and all the accommodation comes with TV with selected freeview channels/DVD/CD, microwave, fridge/freezer and outdoor hot tub.  There is also the option of hiring a bike, a barbeque, a daily maid service or car valet.

Westwood Lakes – Wyberton nr Boston, Lincolnshire, UK

Westwood Lakes is based at the village of Wyberton, Lincolnshire. Set in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside this peaceful area is home to a number of lakes, 30 acres of woodland trust woods and a ten acre wild flower park.

The attractive lodges sleep 4-6 people and are equipped with a fantastic range of facilities, including your own private outdoor hot tub.  Also included is a veranda with garden furniture and widescreen TV with selected freeview channels/DVD/CD.  Small breed pets are welcomed in some of the lodgings.  Although the lodges are fully equipped for self catering there is a café and restaurant available on the park.  Fishing is available within the development’s own lakes, and there are three more lakes nearby.

Upton Lakes Lodges -  Cullompton, North Devon, UK

Upton Lakes Lodges are situated within easy reach of the River Culm, the village of Cullompton and the historical site of Killerton.  These lakeside lodges are superbly located in 180 acres of farmland.  The lodges which sleep between 4-6 people are nestled in this serene countryside retreat.

The lodges have a contemporary design with all the modern conveniences that you would expect to find plus much more.  With dishwasher, washer/dryer, flat screen television with freeview, verandas, hot tubs and barbeques, all as standard you’ll feel quite at home at these spacious lodges.

Yellowtop Country Park – Foggathorpe York, Vale of York, UK

Yellowtop Country Park in Yorkshire lies near the village of Foggathorpe. Within easy reach of the historical city of York and the North Yorkshire Moors this is an ideally located park. This small development of lodges overlooks a picturesque lake, which is excellent for fishing.

The accommodation sleeps 2-5 people and some come with king sized 4 poster bed and sofa bed and outdoor hot tub.  All lodgings come with TV with freeview/DVD, Wi-Fi access, veranda with garden furniture and barbecue stands.  Small breed pets are welcomed in some of the lodgings.

Rudyard Lake Lodges – Nr Leek, Staffordshire, UK

Situated at the edge of the glorious Peak District and close to the picturesque market town of Leek, Rudyard Lake serves as an ideal base for getting to know this charming region.

Accommodation comes in the form of Timber lodgings which are situated within an area of natural beauty.  Some of the lodgings are newly built (2009).  They sleep 2-6 people and come with all the modern day facilities you’d expect.  Also on site are a bar and restaurant and children’s outdoor play area.

KP Lodges – Pocklington, Vale of York, UK

These newly built (2009) quality lodges can be found in the market town of Pocklington within the Vale of York.  Situated in a 200 acre country estate, with outstanding views all around there is plenty to do here including peaceful woodland walks, local cycle routes and market towns.

Accommodation is of the highest standard and comes with outdoor hot tub, flat screen TV with freeview, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer and fridge/freezer, complimentary luxury toiletries and a terrace with outdoor furniture.  Also available is an 18 hole golf course and mountain bike hire.

Oakwood Lodges – North Duffield Nr. York, Yorkshire, UK

Located near the picturesque village of North Duffield in the district of Selby, this exclusive set of lodgings offers a stylish and modern holiday base.

Each lodge has a fantastic view over a pretty lake or across the stunning meadows.  Accommodation can sleep 2-4 people and offers a wide range of conveniences including veranda with garden furniture, outdoor hot tub and flat screen TV.

Shorefield Country Park – Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, UK

Shorefield Country Park in Hampshire sits in 100 acres of parkland surrounded by the remarkable countryside of the New Forest National Park.

Winner of a David Bellamy Gold Award for Conservation, Shorefield is close to the coast and 3 miles from the New Forest where deer spotting and watching the famous ponies are an everyday treat.

There is a choice of top quality caravan or lodge accommodation which sleeps 4-6 people.  The Park has some fantastic on-site facilities which will keep the whole family entertained including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, children’s club (5-11), football, fishing, clubhouse, bistro, supermarket and crazy golf.

Related posts:

1. Barbados holiday ideas Barbados, even though it is only a small island that...
2. Holiday Ideas for Scandinavia Exploring Scandinavia The people of the Scandinavian region are bound...
3. Enjoy a Vietnam holiday on a budget Vietnam is an ideal holiday destination for many reasons....

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Belfast is rapidly becoming a major tourist destination, especially for people from other parts of Britain who have never visited.  Several international cruise lines are now docking at the newly revamped Waterfront, and two airports offer service from the rest of the British Isles, continental Europe and now North America, with the number of flights to Belfast increasing every year which ensures there are plenty of cheap flights on offer.

A relatively compact city, Belfast is ideal for exploration on foot, but there is also good bus service and many excellent tours are available.  On the East side there are numerous sites of interest including the historic shipyards of Harland and Wolff where the Titanic and her sister ships were built and launched.

The ‘Titanic Quarter’ includes the area owned by the shipyards and is in the process of major development as a high-tech business and entertainment complex.  Nearby is the new Odyssey complex with the largest indoor venue in Ireland, an arena seating 10,000 for an exciting variety of sports events, concerts and other live performances.  The area also boasts some of the best restaurants, nightclubs and pubs in Northern Ireland.

Belfast hosts a myriad of cultural attractions, such as the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, the Grand Opera House and Belfast Castle, and many historic old buildings have been beautifully and meticulously restored.

However, culture here includes the art of having fun, or “the crack” and there are plenty of spots where just having a roaring good time is the name of the game.  Don’t miss the Crown Liquor Saloon, in its gas-lit Victorian splendor that would be overwhelming it weren’t so inviting.  In fact if pub-crawling is a pastime you enjoy, take an official pub tour, which starts at the Crown and travels to six other delightful establishments.

Accommodations are plentiful and generally of very high calibre.  For example, the Europa Hotel in the city centre is infamous as “the most bombed hotel in the world”, but now it has been restored to marvelous heights of elegance and luxury.  For less lavish tastes, some of the very best B & B lodgings in the U.K. can be found within easy walking distance of top-notch shopping, dining and entertainment.

Within an hour of the city, visitors with a little time to spare can go fishing at Fermanaough, hike the glorious Mountains of Mourne, play golf on the oldest and best courses in Northern Ireland and much more.  Cave Hill, rising to 370 metres, offers a most spectacular view not only of Belfast and environs but (on a clear day) all the way to the Isle of Man and Scotland.

For a superb introduction to Belfast and its history as well as its vibrant and energetic growth, visitors are advised to take advantage of the deservedly famous Black Cab Tour, a truly exceptional close-up perspective on this fascinating city.

Related posts:

1. Treat Yourself with an all inclusive holiday to Egypt Booking a holiday is no longer a stressful experience thanks...
2. Scenic Holidays in the UK The UK is world famous for its rich history and...
3. Culture and history galore in Glasgow The city of Glasgow in central Scotland may not...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Over the decades, these concerns have been taken into account by local and national government, and we’ve seen a marked improvement in the amount of care that’s being taken over the country’s coast. What this has resulted in is a vast improvement in beaches over the years all over Britain, and that is reflected in the number of beaches each year that receive Blue Flags and Quality Coast Awards.

The Blue Flags represent clean water, whilst the QCAs are for general beach environment and facilities. If you want to know the best place to take family holidays where you can enjoy the beach, then Torbay should be at the top of your list.

The Torbay region of South Devon is known as the English Riviera, and with good cause. The climate there is normally warm, dry and sunny. With the addition of four nearby beaches receiving Blue Flag status and ten Quality Coast Awards, Torbay has become the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy a typically British summer holiday.

With the whole area perfectly set up to cater for holiday makers, including a wealth of attractions nearby such as Paignton Zoo, Living Coast and Kents Cavern, there’s enough in Torbay to keep people of all ages occupied for however long you want to stay there. Ice cream vans, chip shops and people wearing sandals and socks make it a very traditional sea side holiday location.

For those who want to spend less time by the sea and more time in the sea, the Blue Flags provide a great excuse to get into the water and do all manner of activities, be they swimming, surfing, body boarding, or even just paddling. Knowing that you’re doing all of this in some of the cleanest waters in Britain takes a huge load off your mind, and if you’re on holiday with the kids, not having to explain to them why they can’t go in the water will be a huge relief. No more having to make up the plot for the next Jaws film!

Related posts:

1. Hollywood Family Holidays in Cornwall Cornwall has been popular with tourists for decades, but if...
2. Arabian Intrigue: Sharm el-Sheikh More and more tourists are heading away from the crowded...
3. Hotels within a Stone’s Throw of a Gastronomic Delight After spending hours on end working to earn the money...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

One of the first points to consider is renting a car (if you do not plan on driving your own car to Cornwall). There a large number of car rental companies in Cornwall, for example Europcar and Cornwall Car Hire. Cars can be hired from a range of locations. Something you may need to consider, however, is the hiring of bike racks and surf board racks. Unfortunately there doesn’t appear to be any car hire company which provides this service. Fortunately though bike racks can often be hired when hiring bikes. This is also the same with surfboard hire, from such places as NCS surfboards, whereby a roof-rack can be hired along with the board.

Cornwall is home to a number of beautiful beaches. Considered to be one of the nicest, Porthminster Beach provides a long stretch of yellow sand and rock pools to explore. Further up the coast, however is Porthtowan Beach. It’s busier and provides better waves for surfers. Most of the beaches are watched over by lifeguards during peak months. Be warned some of the beaches exercise a no dog policy during the summer months. Others exercise this policy all year round.

There are a multitude of interesting places to visit in Cornwall in addition to the beaches. One of the most famous is the Eden Project. The Eden Project will link you to the natural world via fun events, workshops, exhibits and educational programmes. This popular tourist destination has over one million visitors per year. The Project consists of two biomes (giant green houses) homing many of the world’s rarest plant species. Various events take place throughout the year, for example The Eden Project at night. The website should be checked for more details. Excellent signposting from both Exeter (A30) and Plymouth (A391/390) will lead you safely there.

The Minack Theatre or ‘Theatre under the Stars’ is another popular attraction. It’s situated roughly 90 minutes away from the Eden Project. Additionally, it has a large free carpark. As this is an outdoor theatre there is no dress code, other than to prepare for the weather. Performances are only cancelled in extreme weather conditions. It is therefore advisable to bring raincoats, hats, and suncream, and plenty of water if the weather is hot, particularly as the theatre is completely un-shaded during the day.

Cider tasting is another great activity for driving holidays. The Lizard Cider Barn, situated in the heart of Cornwall, opens daily from 10am to 5pm. It provides visitors with great opportunities for viewing the outdoor displays of cider press, along with tasting various ciders, liqueurs and elderberry wine.

Cornwall is also home to celebrity restaurant Fifteen Cornwall which provides a seasonal menu of local produce cooked by professional chefs and their apprentices. The restaurant boasts friendly and knowledgeable staff along with a relaxed atmosphere in which you can enjoy your meal.

In regards to accommodation, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are plentiful. However, you may wish to consider camping or caravanning. Campsites are plentiful. Good ones include Newperran Holiday Park which is relatively close to major attractions such as the Eden Project, this campsite provides facilities for camping and caravanning, and there is even a beautiful outdoor swimming pool. Equally as nice is Trevornick campsite, also boasting a swimming pool and a number of other activities such as golf.

This article was kindly written and donated by car hire uk

Related posts:

1. Hollywood Family Holidays in Cornwall Cornwall has been popular with tourists for decades, but if...
2. Summer 2010 Holidays in Lanzarote There’s never been a better time to book a summer...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The rumours are that sections of the next film will be shot in St Ives, one of Cornwall’s gems. If this beautiful seaside village is used, then you can be sure that holiday parks in the area will see a huge influx of guests coming to try and catch a glimpse of the action whilst shooting is in progress, or coming to see the sights that appeared in the film for years afterwards.

It’s also going to increase the appeal of Cornwall for family holidays, as parents will be able to bring their children to walk the streets that were seen in one of their favourite films. Tourism is a very important part of Cornwall’s economy, so news like this is very welcome. It also means that those living in the UK can take advantage of being able to visit places used for the shooting of Hollywood blockbusters without having to travel all the way to California.

There are plenty of good reasons that St Ives has been chosen. Cornwall has always had a strong link with pirates and maritime life, so including what would have been one of England’s most important naval regions at the time makes sense in a film about period naval action. It’s also a gorgeous place, and will look beautiful on film.

Related posts:

1. Driving Holidays in Cornwall With its beautiful beaches and multitudes of outdoor leisure activities,...
2. Family Holidays in Somerset There’s so much to do in Somerset it almost beggars...
3. Turtle Bay Beach Club in Kenya voted one of best family hotels in Africa Kenya’s Turtle Bay Beach Club has been chosen as one...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The city of Glasgow in central Scotland may not be the first destination that many people think of when booking a holiday but the city is home to several attractions that make it a great location for tourists looking for a city break in Europe. Situated on the River Clyde to the west of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city and this is reflected in the vast amount of things to do for visitors who travel to Glasgow.

There are so many attractions to visit in Glasgow that when it comes to selecting from one of the dozens of places to stay in Glasgow in which you can stay, the choice is down to you as all are conveniently located for visitors to explore the city. There are hotels available to stay in near all of the attractions such as the Botanic Gardens or the City Chambers, and your budget will go a long way as accommodation within the city is generally reasonably priced.

After selecting a Glasgow hotel, whether its that comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation or a boutique hotel such as the Abode Hotel located in the city centre near the Pavilion Theatre, visitors have a high number of attractions to visit. Glasgow is home to a large amount of museums and galleries in which each you can spend a couple of enjoyable hours, whilst there is lots of entertainment for tourists to enjoy at night as well.

Glasgow is an ideal holiday destination for art lovers as the Scottish city is home to a number of leading art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for example houses a famous collection of impressionist paintings, whilst the Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park features an eclectic collection of art donated to Glasgow by Glaswegian shipping merchant Sir William Burrell. House For An Art Lover, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is yet another cultural attraction that features recent research on Glasgow’s most famous architect.

There are also many other cultural attractions within Glasgow that are well worth a visit and illustrate the history of the city. The Willow Tea Rooms that were designed by Mackintosh in 1904 are an important part of Glasgow’s history, and the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour is also one of the city’s leading attractions that will interest every member of the family.

Tourists who visit Glasgow will quickly become aware of the variety of entertainment that they can enjoy, from opera and ballet that takes place every night in theatres across the city, to modern music concerts that can be watched in arenas such as the Carling Academy. Glasgow is also well renowned for the amount of festivals that it hosts throughout the year such as the Glasgow Art Fair, which are all lively occasions that match the interest that the Edinburgh Festival receives.

The availability of cheap hotels in Glasgow makes the Scottish city a bargain holiday destination in which tourists can enjoy a great value weekend break in Glasgow. There are plenty of places to stay and things to do and with the various attractions complemented by the dozens of festivals that take place across the year, visitors will not be left short of things to do.

Related posts:

1. Culture and entertainment galore in Prague Prague is a European city that is known across...
2. Malaga, city for holidays and culture The city of Malaga is more than just sun. Due...
3. Scenic Holidays in the UK The UK is world famous for its rich history and...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The UK is home to 14 National Parks and many more areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In the South of England you will find rolling hills and sandy beaches at the coasts. Scotland and the North of England are home to rockier terrain due to the Peak District and Pennines. Over to Ireland, rugged coastlines abound and are interspersed with glens and valleys. Scotland is the land of snow covered mountain tops and open planes. Here are our top ten scenic places to visit in the UK.

1. High Force Waterfall – the highest waterfall in the UK offer spectacular views and can be reached via a woodland trail. High Force Waterfall is located in Forest-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham.

2.Yorkshire Dales – go walking in the Yorkshire Dales where you can find vast hilly landscapes and feel the cool fresh air on your face.

3.Snowdonia – Welsh National Park which is home to the highest peak in Wales, Snowdon.

4.Cheddar Gorge – the largest gorge in the UK, which attracts over 500,000 visitors every year.

5. Lulworth Cove, Dorset – here you will find a beautiful beach and have an apparently to take a boat ride out of the cove for some wonderful coastal views.

6. Giant`s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland – see the famous basalt hexagons and choose from 15 miles of amazing coastal pathways.

7.Scafell Pike, Lake District – see England`s highest peak and The Lake District National Park.

8. The Northern Lights, The Shetland Islands – Witness this amazing phenomena for yourself. Autumn and early Spring are the best times to go.

9. Loch Lomond, Scotland – gaze over 24 miles of undisturbed fresh water Loch, take a canoe out to really soak up the tranquillity.

10.Windsor, Berkshire – site of the historic Windsor castle, with an excellent range of hotels near Windsor and indeed in the town itself. In addition to the castle, visitors here can enjoy a wide range of top quality restaurants and some superb shopping.

Youth Hostels are also abundant all over the UK and offer very reasonable if basic accommodation. Walkers may plan a route to walk in advance and plan their accommodation accordingly.

Hiring a car is a sensible way to see a wide range of sights, taking the worry out of travelling with lots of luggage or with children. Hotels are best booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

Related posts:

1. Driving Holidays in Cornwall With its beautiful beaches and multitudes of outdoor leisure activities,...
2. Hot Holidays in Playa Blanca The Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday...
3. Culture and history galore in Glasgow The city of Glasgow in central Scotland may not...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

One of the main benefits of these manor houses is that they have been continually added to by new occupants, and each addition is in the style that was fashionable at the time; a single building could represent architectural developments that took place over centuries. Whilst one owner may have modelled a new parlour on renaissance-era Italy, another may have been inspired by Georgian imagery, and a further contributed a neo-gothic feel to the outside decoration.

This change of styles goes hand in hand with the different uses that country houses go through. In the past, different areas of the house might be given over to servants’ quarters, guest quarters, or even left unused. In Sussex in the last two centuries, whole houses have changed purpose, with what were previously homes becoming heritage sites purely for visitors, or becoming East Sussex hotels.

Sites like these have long been tourist attractions, as the National Trust and various listed buildings across the UK can show. With Sussex containing manors that were built through the ages, and even having structures such as Virginia Woolfe’s sister’s house Charleston to bring the list right into the 20^th century, if things like this do interest you, a stay in an East Sussex hotel might be right up your street.

Related posts:

1. Hotels within a Stone’s Throw of a Gastronomic Delight After spending hours on end working to earn the money...
2. Four of the best hotels in Cyprus Boasting glorious sunshine 10 months of the year and truly...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

For over a decade, the UK has welcomed roughly two million people from all over the world to work there, but it has one of the world’s most competitive immigration systems.

Two years ago, the UK immigration system was reformed to include old immigration routes and to introduce a new point-based system. Now, the UK immigration system offers five new tiers for all residents outside the European Union (EU) countries.

The largest groups of foreign nationals who were granted British citizenship were from Somalia, Pakistan, India, and the Philippines. Also, the UK has noted an increase in the number of people from Eastern European countries, markedly workers from Poland, who have been entering the UK since 2004. This is due to the fact that workers in the EU are free to move to any country that’s a part of the EU.

With the UK’s new point-based immigration system, the country has a more efficient system that is designed to resolve problems involving shortages of skilled labour. Foreign nationals who possess certain qualities or skills needed in certain areas of the UK are more favourably looked upon. In addition, skilled workers who are from outside the EU and whose skills are included in the Critical Skills Shortlist are more attractive to the UK administration. These include teachers, engineers, nurses, and doctors.

To know whether your application for a UK visa will be looked upon favourably, consult immigration experts.

Related posts:

1. Emigrating to the USA through employment Steps to USA Immigration through Employment The USA remains one...
2. US Immigration: Getting a US Spouse Visa US immigration politics, even for a foreign spouse of an...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The British weather is most likely to be the biggest turnoff of a prospective holiday in the UK this summer. As the Met Office revises its summer forecast and officially highlights that rainfall may be near or above average for August, it has also reminded complainers that despite the rainfall, July has seen warmer-than-average temperatures – and ‘there is still the possibility of some spells of fine weather at times through the month.’

However, one of the side effects of this increasing reservation is that our destinations will be quieter than expected. Not only are many families booking last minute flights abroad, but those from other countries will now be less likely to take the risk and book flights here. Additionally, the risk of Swine
Flu is also putting certain nations, such as Russia, off travel to the UK, as reported in The Times.

Unsurprisingly, cost seems to be the most important factor to affect where we go on holiday. A recent report by travel insurance specialists, Post Office®, has found that by comparison, fuel and car hire costs are far cheaper in many other countries than they are here. The UK is the only country included in the research where diesel costs more than petrol, while Austria and Spain proved the best value for fuel economy.

Yet, while holidaymakers may be spending more on petrol and diesel here, they will likely be saving on other travel costs. However, further research from Post Office® has also compared the average costs of so called ‘holiday must haves’.

They reviewed the prices of six basic items: a large beach towel, children’s jelly shoes, bucket and spade, a lilo, ice-cream and an hour-long pedalo/kayak ride, to see which holiday destination proved best value for money for ‘holiday must haves’. The UK (Brighton to be precise) came out at around the middle
of the table, with an average total price for all six items reaching £36.17. In comparison, the best value destination for must have items was Malaysia at £11.60, with Croatia the second cheapest at £19.41.

The report offers a good indication of the UK’s prices compared to hotter destinations out of the Eurozone, yet in contrast to the big European destinations such as France and Spain, ‘staycationers’ are set to get a better deal. Greece was the most expensive at £56.50, whilst France came in a close second most expensive at £51.97.

Related posts:

1. The Canary Islands looking popular for Summer 2010 Online travel agent On the Beach saw a significant rise...
2. How to find the best deal for your summer holiday – online Gone are the days when you had to trawl around...
3. Summer Villa Breaks On Lanzarote Despite volcanic ash clouds and the ongoing weakness of the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Known for its rollercoasters and world famous illuminations, the iconic UK holiday resort is harnessing the power of YouTube and a sexy French accent to attract visitors who may have traditionally felt that Blackpool was not for them.

visitBlackpool believe the film will help attract French tourists, with greater numbers predicted to visit the UK this year on the back of the strong Euro. Blackpool stands in for Paris in the one and a half minute film J’aime La Tour which will surprise viewers with its wry humour and marriage of Lancashire and Parisian landmarks and cuisine.

J’aime La Tour is set in a smart Parisian-style art deco cafe in Blackpool’s stunning Stanley Park gardens, and uses flashbacks to build a story around a chic French girl’s fear of leaving the town she has fallen in love with.

The film aims to change outdated perceptions of what Blackpool has to offer and encourage them to visit the “new” Blackpool and see the many initiatives taking place.

J’aime La Tour was written by Daniel Kennedy.

Related posts:

1. Be Malaria Aware – Naturalist Steve Backshall speaks out during Malaria Awareness Week Coinciding with Malaria Awareness Week (10-16 May), the Malaria Awareness...
2. Hollywood Family Holidays in Cornwall Cornwall has been popular with tourists for decades, but if...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Those lucky enough to get hold of one of these unique deals will be treated to two nights stay in a range of high end hotels for the price of one night.  Top secret hotels is a unique service offered by lastminute.com where the hotel remains a secret until the booking is finalised but you are still guaranteed to get the same great service and quality as if you knew the name.

So instead of paying full price for a weekend away a little could get you an indulgent two day break at some of the country’s top hotels so harness that sense of adventure and join in because when the rooms are gone they’re gone…

This giveaway marks the beginning of a series of high profile ‘When it’s gone it’s gone’ giveaways from lastminute.com.  These are set to continue throughout spring and early summer and are designed to help the nation make the most of their free time with new and creative ideas.

Related posts:

1. Free Lanzarote Guidebook Out Now Despite the credit crunch and a downturn in demand for...
2. Hotels within a Stone’s Throw of a Gastronomic Delight After spending hours on end working to earn the money...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Rome is a remarkably walkable city with extremely short distances between its multitude of attractions. Making it highly practical to spend a glorious afternoon strolling around one of the world’s most enticing cities.

Roman history is steeped in intrigue and huge stories that have thrilled generations. Of course, the symbol of this history and the world’s mental picture of Rome is the mighty Coliseum the scene of some of the goriest yet most enticing events in human history.

The gladiators of course were not the only famous inhabitants that left their mark on this thoroughly modern but truly ancient city. It seems you cannot turn a corner in this small compact metropolis without coming across an instantly recognisable ancient structure.

There are so many sites to see, such as the glorious and spellbinding, Trevi fountain, and the Forum Romanum, the stunning Piazza di Spagna and the commanding Arch of Constantine. One of the curiosities of Rome is the fact that many of the attractions such as St. Peter’s Basilica are actually not in Rome, they are in a separate country, the Vatican.

The Vatican is not only a must-see attraction for devout Catholics but there are also a stunning collection of buildings and streets that are a joy to discover, in this, smallest country in the world.

Rome does not just offer attractions from ancient history it is also one of the world’s great fashion centres and an ever popular shopping magnet for people from all walks of life.

The city’s famous sidewalk cafes and squares are an idyllic location to enjoy one of Rome’s favourite pastimes, people watching. This is also like many cities in Italy a major gastronomic center offering all kinds of exiting Italian dishes that step way beyond basic pasta and pizza to thrill any traveller’s taste buds.

There is also a wide range of accommodation available across the city from backpacker hostels to the best in five-star luxury hotel accommodation. It must be said however that even cheap accommodation in Rome does not come cheap.

Hotels are as expensive as they are in any major tourist city and probably significantly more so. One alternative is to make use of apartment accommodation. This alternative accommodation has become more popular over the last few years and apartments in Rome offer a degree of home comforts that can not be found in hotels.

The standards of this accommodation have also improved substantially as tourists standards have risen. Many apartments are ideally situated for reaching all of Rome’s fabulous attractions as well as restaurants and shopping facilities.

Not only are these accommodations well-placed they can also offer a financially viable alternative to somewhat overpriced hotel rooms. And of course, apartments offer a home away from home atmosphere as well as much more, especially for family visitors to the ancient city.

So when in Rome you should perhaps consider doing as the Romans do, and stay in a Rome apartment for rent where you can enjoy all the facilities offered at very reasonable rates.

Related posts:

1. Cycling Holidays in Turkey Cycling is becoming more and more popular throughout the world,...
2. Culture and history galore in Glasgow The city of Glasgow in central Scotland may not...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

London hotel prices were down by 12% to £111 per room on average in the last three months of last year, making it a great time to holiday at home in the capital.

However, the weakness of the pound meant that average prices paid by European and US travellers were down by as much as 24% in London, making the city an even more attractive destination for foreign travellers. Hotels.com saw a 49% increase in the number of searches by Eurozone travellers for London hotels in December 2008 compared to a year earlier, as travellers sought to take advantage of the struggling pound.

The Hotels.com HPI tracks the real prices paid per hotel room, rather than advertised rates, for 68,000 hotels across 12,500 locations around the world. The latest Hotel Price Index looked at prices from October to December 2008, compared to the same period the year before.

UK hotel prices were down by an average of 12% at the end of 2008, with hotels in the north-west seeing some of the biggest price drops. Prices in Blackpool fell by 22% to an average of £79 per room per night, and in Manchester by 19% to £73.

On the other hand, Bath was the only city at the top of the price league in which the prices paid for hotel rooms actually rose – by 3% in Q4 2008 to £119. It remained the most expensive city in the UK.

While UK travellers benefitted from significant price falls last year, visitors from Europe and the US enjoyed even bigger savings as the fall in hotel prices was compounded by the weak Sterling.

Cities leading the price falls alongside London (down 24%), were Manchester (down 24%) and Glasgow (down 23%). US travellers paid a similar proportion less for UK hotel rooms in Q4 2008 – average prices paid by travellers from the States to the UK fell by 25% between Q4 2007 and Q4 2008.

Related posts:

1. The Pros and Cons of a UK ‘Staycation’ this Summer The word, ‘staycation’, has been spoken of so much in...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Initially concentrated in Anglesey, Cheshire, Yorkshire and Shropshire, Tots to the UK properties offer a mix of good old-fashioned bucket and spade holidays, countryside escapes, eco retreats and farm stays, typically off the beaten track. The company will also be expanding to other parts of the country soon.

The Tots to Travel team personally visit and vet every property with a strong focus on safety features. All properties are fully kitted out with all the baby and child equipment families need, from cots and highchairs, to sterilisers, blenders, toys, potties and more. Babysitting is available at most properties and some also offer pampering treatments, spa facilities and home cooked meals.

“With the current economic climate, many people are looking to cut travel costs by holidaying locally. Most families aren’t willing to sacrifice their annual holiday entirely, but it’s more important than ever that the holiday they pay for is the best it can be,” explains Wendy Shand, founder of Tots to Travel.

“Having spent the last three years building successful operations in France and Italy, we’re now applying the same philosophy to the UK, making holidays with young children easier, so parents get the real break they need.”

An example of the type of property available is Owl Barn in Angelsey, a four bedroomed barn conversion sleeping up to 12 people, featuring slate, oak and stone throughout. It has a great games room, mountain bikes available and is situated just a mile from sandy beaches. Prices start from £695 per week.

The new website www.totstotravel.co.uk also includes an online travel shop for a range of great holiday accessories, swimwear and travel goodies.

Related posts:

1. Top Tips for finding a holiday bargain The travel companies, First Choice and Thomson, have put together...
2. Half Term Holidays In Lanzarote Thousands of families will be packing their bags to enjoy...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This year’s event is set to be extra special, given that it is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1969 by conductor and violinist Yehudi Menuhin and Ian Hunter.

Highlights of the event are set to include a performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor in St George’s Chapel at The Windsor Castle.

Meanwhile, the Southbank Sinfonia – along with players from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields – will be playing pieces by Beethoven at the Picture Gallery at Royal Holloway.

Talks and book signings, as well as children’s activities, bring a literary touch to the event, with projects taking place across the region over the course of the three-day festival.

Postal booking for tickets will begin on Tuesday February 24th, followed by the launch of the event’s website – which will provide online booking facility – the following day. Information on ticket prices will be made available closer to the time.

As such, it may be a prudent measure to get hotels in Windsor booked sooner rather than later in order to avoid disappointment.

Related posts:

1. A Great Way to Spend Spring in Australia Experience the beauty of spring in Australia by seeing the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Beat the credit crunch in 2009 with Red Funnel’s exclusive camping packages to the Isle of Wight. Packages start from just £26 per person for four sharing (plus up to two dogs!) and include return Ferry travel with Red Funnel and five nights’ pitch. Choose from four award-winning four and five star campsites set in stunning locations, all of which have won awards in recognition of their green credentials.

The Isle of Wight is the perfect destination for a family holiday or a cosy get-away, with gorgeous scenery to explore, restaurants and shops selling fresh local produce and a packed events calendar. Whatever the weather, there are over 60 great places to discover, from Carisbrooke Castle and its famous donkeys, to Amazon World, the indoor rainforest experience. Plus, you can buy tickets to seventeen top Island attractions from Red Funnel, many of which are available at a discount.

Each of the four holiday parks has fantastic facilities and its own unique appeal. Choose from Appuldurcombe Gardens Holiday Park in Wroxall, Waverley Park in East Cowes, Whitefield Forest Touring Park on the outskirts of Ryde and The Orchards Holiday Park in Newbridge. Visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/camping for more information.

Packages include a standard pitch at your choice of park, including electric hook-up if required, and travel with Red Funnel from Southampton to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, for a car and tent, car and trailer-tent, car and caravan or motorhome. A 10% discount voucher at Southampton’s Towsure store is included with each confirmed booking.

To book or request a copy of the Camping, Caravan & Motorhome leaflet call 0844 844 2688 or visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/camping

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Passenger numbers broke the nine million barrier for the first time with 9.1 million travellers carried – an increase of 10.3% from 8.26 million in the previous year.

Ticket sales also reached a record level of £664 million, rising by 10.9% from £599 million in 2007. Shorter journey times to Paris and Brussels and the excellent connections offered by St Pancras International are attracting increasing numbers of passengers to switch to high-speed rail.

The results would have been significantly stronger but for the closure of part of the Channel Tunnel following a fire on board a Eurotunnel freight shuttle on 11 September 2008, which continues to cause reductions in services and longer journey times.

The nature of the Eurostar service, in which travellers book up to four months in advance, means sales were significantly affected by the Channel Tunnel incident from September onwards, whereas the subsequent economic downturn had little impact on the year as a whole.

Eurostar continues to achieve high levels of punctuality that outstrip the airline competition, with 92.4% of trains arriving on time or early during 2008.  In contrast, the latest available UK arrival/departure punctuality figure for airlines competing on Eurostar’s routes is just 65.4% (Jan – Nov 2008, data from Civil Aviation Authority).

Richard Brown, Chief Executive, Eurostar, said: “An increase of nearly a million extra passengers using High Speed 1 during its first year of operations, even with the impact of the tunnel fire, demonstrates beyond doubt that people prefer high-speed rail to short-haul air. They are switching because rail journeys are faster, more punctual, more convenient, and have less environmental impact.

“Whilst reduced tunnel access will affect the first quarter of 2009, we expect to return to a full timetable in the early spring with journey times restored to 1h 51 to Brussels and 2h 15 to Paris once Eurotunnel completes repairs to the Channel Tunnel.

“The uncertainties of the current economic climate reinforce the importance of good value fares and Eurostar’s UK lead-in fare remains at £59 return for the sixth year in a row.

“The short-term outlook for 2009 is challenging, but the long-term prospects for Eurostar and high-speed rail are very good. High Speed 1 is fully connected into Europe’s fast expanding high-speed network and we expect to see continuing growth in the number of travellers making longer connecting journeys from towns and cities across the UK to Belgium and France, as well as to destinations in the Netherlands and Germany.”

www.eurostar.com

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Honouring composers such as Haydn, Brahms and Schubert in this superb setting are the renowned Doric String Quartet, soloist Bartholomew LaFolette and viola player, Simon Rowland-Jones, who will also present a series of pre-concert talks. The holiday also includes a visit to the breathtaking National Trust gardens at Trelissick as well as plenty of free time to enjoy other local attractions such as the Maritime Museum and fascinating art galleries of nearby Falmouth.

Departing 2 February, this treat for the senses costs £1,035 pp (two sharing) including three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at the Hotel Tresanton, dinner each evening, a programme of concerts and talks, an excursion to Trelissick Garden and the services of a Kirker tour leader.

Book now and receive a £100 voucher, redeemable against a future short break or longer itinerary with Kirker Holidays – choosing from an array of destinations that includes Europe, Scandinavia, North Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, the UK, the USA and Cuba.

Call Kirker Holidays 020 7593 2284, email culturaltours@kirkerholidays.com or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

Related posts:

1. Copenhagen Christmas Market Short Break Offer Kirker Holidays (020 7593 2283; www.kirkerholidays.com) offers festive three-night short...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.