If you enjoy going out to the theatre, then maybe this is for you. This two night package at Jurys Inn Southampton, only available from 13th to 15th February 2009, includes two evening tickets to The Mayflower Theatre to see the stunning hit musical Cabaret, a complimentary programme, a 2-course post-show Valentines dinner at the theatre, and a taxi to and from The Mayflower. Also included is a 3-course dinner on the Friday evening at the hotel and Champagne, chocolates and roses in your room on Valentines Day. An experience not to be missed! The rate, based on two people sharing, is £195 per person.
Monthly Archives: January 2009
Life is a Cabaret at the Jurys Inn Southampton
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Filed under Accommodation, Eating & Drinking, Events
Exciting plans afoot in Greenwich
Filed under Attractions, Eating & Drinking, Events
The Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site in south east London has some exciting plans and new developments for 2009 and 2010. This year will see a programme of special events to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009 as well as Baroque ‘09 and the life of Henry VIII, who was born in Greenwich and ascended to the throne 500 years ago. Plans for early 2010 include the opening of both the new Discover Greenwich interpretation and education centre at the Old Royal Naval College and the redesigned pier, with its stylish waterside restaurants and a café.
Get creative in Cornwall
Filed under Accommodation
This Spring at the Budock Vean promises a lot more than just a little rest and relaxation. Budding authors and painters attending the Writing Break or the Painting Break will benefit from expert tuition and their work may even end up in print.
The five day Writing Break in February is to be hosted by award winning author and journalist Lesley-Ann Jones. She will draw on her own experiences as a journalist in London, New York and Hollywood to help attendees establish a working routine, plot outlines and sample chapters as well as give guidance on how to deal with the dreaded writers block. Outstanding work will be passed to Lesley-Ann’s own agent for consideration. The break consists of four days of creative work with Lesley-Ann and the fifth day is left free to explore the local area and make the most of the Budock Vean’s health and leisure facilities.
The Painting Break in March 2009 will suit both absolute beginners or more experienced artists looking to develop their painting skills. Cornish artist Janet Judge will illustrate how best to work with loose and colourful watercolours focussing on seasonal still life subjects over three days – outside if the weather permits.
Those with less time to spare but looking to relax and refresh will enjoy a Yoga Weekend at the Budock Vean – an indulgent and holistic break from the stresses and strains of modern life. Led by Phil Aston, a fully qualified teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga, whose approach to yoga is fun, practical and down to earth. All guests will be able to apply techniques learnt over the weekend to help live every day to the full.
Three times winner of Cornwall’s Hotel of the Year Award and proud holder of a Gold Award for Green Tourism, the Budock Vean is a family owned, four star, country house hotel set in 65 beautiful acres of privately owned land on a quiet bend of the Helford River on the south Cornish Coast.
Snow place like home!
Filed under Attractions
The fall in the British pound against the Euro, the ongoing recession and the most snow Scotland has seen for ten years are all great reasons why many people may choose to stay in the UK for their ski break this year.
Although the snowfall is unpredictable and inconsistent in comparison to overseas resorts such as the Swiss Alps or Whistler, the unspoilt scenery and surrounding attractions are unrivalled. There are five main ski resorts in Scotland to choose from;
Each resort caters for all levels of capability and nursery slopes are available for beginners. You will find an abundance of mountain cafes, restaurants and ski hire shops throughout these areas.
Tourism South East fights the recession
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions
Euro-strapped British travellers are being enticed to abandon overseas holidays and take a trip in the South East of England with a line-up of credit crunch-beating discounts and special offers from Tourism South East.
With two-night hotel breaks from £50, up to £100 off self-catering accommodation, 20% off attraction rates and a host of free children’s places, the nine counties in the region are launching a campaign to blow away recessionary worries.
Many of the region’s hotels and serviced accommodation providers are offering two nights for either £50, £75, £99, £125 or £149 per person, based on a bed and breakfast basis. For example, two nights at The Crowne Plaza Marlowe in Buckinghamshire costs just £75 per person.
Self-catering accommodation and holiday parks in the South East are also offering either £25, £50, £75 or £100 off their rack rates. For example, Little Marshfoot in East Sussex is featured at £75 off its standard rate.
Attractions, including Ascot Racecourse and Blenheim Palace, are offering a 20% discount, 2-for-1 or Kids Go Free. All of these offers and more can be found at www.southeastoffers.com
Interactive walking trail from VisitWiltshire
Filed under Miscellaneous
Families looking for an exciting and interactive way to kickstart the year and encourage their children to enjoy the countryside should visit Wiltshire and sample its new interactive walks along King Alfred’s Trail.
These four treasure hunts have been added to the existing King Alfred Trail, located in the Vale of Pewsey and along the banks of the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal, in the heart of Wiltshire. The walks vary in length from a little over a mile to four and a half miles. Along the route you will find a collection of 20 brass rubbings, each displaying a picture of a plant, insect or animal that may be spotted while you walk.
The idea behind this addition to King Alfred’s Trail is that children and adults can enjoy a fun and educational day in the country. Simply take along a pad and pencil or crayons and search out the brass rubbings as you walk.
You can find all the information you need including clues, grid references, the route map and a feedback form on the VisitWiltshire website.
CV Travel includes British holiday homes in its latest collection
Filed under Accommodation
For the first time CV Travel has launched a collection of British holiday houses, with a choice of individual properties of character in Cornwall, Devon, the Cotswolds, Herefordshire, Wales, Norfolk and Suffolk.
The new houses in the CV Travel British portfolio have been chosen to reflect the company’s reputation for properties with unique `wow’ factors, combining location, history, character, décor, facilities and features.
Houses in the new collection range from cottages, town houses and manor houses, converted barns, stables and an old mill, and houses with accommodation from 2 to 22 guests, optional chef, staff and babysitting services and facilities that encompass Nintendo Wii’s to croquet lawns, indoor pools and, of course, plenty of Agas in large family kitchens.
A room with a view in Dorset
Filed under Accommodation
Just because many people will be forced to stay in the UK this summer due to the weak pound, doesn’t mean they have to miss out on a view.
Lower Pound Farm in Monkton Wyld has everything you could wish for – undulating countryside, lush pastureland, distant church spires, pudding basin thatches, grazing, meandering livestock and a sloping landscape leading down to the glittering expanse of sea at Lyme Bay
The bed in the upstairs double is strategically placed so that you don’t even have to leave it to take in the view. Alternatively, you can enjoy a morning cup of the tea, and watch the mist slowly rising over the valley from the comfort of the bedroom’s window seat.
Lower Pound Farm is available exclusively through Dorset Coastal Cottages and prices start at £625 for 7 nights.
The UK’s most westerly walking festival
Filed under Events
Organisers of the third annual Isles of Scilly Walking Festival hope this year’s event will be the biggest and best so far after the full details for the UK’s most westerly walking festival were unveiled.
Taking place between 23rd and 29th March 2009, across the clusters of islands that make up the Scilly Isles, walkers from across the UK will make their way over to enjoy the unique landscape and stunning coastal views that stretch out across the 60+ miles of footpaths that the islands have to offer.
This year’s event offers over 50 different themed walks, ranging from the Flowers of Scilly, to Prehistoric St Martins, Humans on Samson (one of the now uninhabited Islands), through to Castles of Scilly, Off the Beaten Track, Photography Walks and a two Island walk of Tresco and Bryher.
In addition to the wide range of themes, all of the walks vary in both in time and difficulty and are fully guided, enabling walkers of all abilities and interests to chose the events that they are particularly interested in. There will even be a series of nighttime walks throughout the weeklong event and a series of talks, slide shows and evening events.
Best Self-Catering in England’s Northwest
Filed under Accommodation
Located just across from the sea on the stylish Queen’s Promenade section of Blackpool front and very close to the award-winning Cleveleys Promenade, the breathtaking and contemporary designer apartments that make up The Beach House are a second home by the sea for families wishing to stay in a resort boasting a multitude of family-focused activities.
The Beach House has recently been awarded the North West regional title of Best Self-Catering establishment, in the England’s Northwest tourism awards 2008 and will compete at a national level to see if it is judged best in Britain.
Despite its five star status, the accommodation positively welcomes families, providing them with both a luxury base for their holiday and a kitchen that many believe too perfect to spoil through use! With several restaurants and a supermarket within a five minute walk, families can choose to cook as little or as much as they wish during their stay.
Youngsters are bound to want to head out for the day with the beach just a minute away and lots more to do once sandcastle building loses its appeal. They can hop on an atmospheric tram by crossing the promenade, to head either into Blackpool or up the coast to Fleetwood. Alternatively, they can drive a short distance to an extensive choice of attractions or activities.
The price for a seven night week’s stay costs from just £310 in low season. Even the penthouse Champagne duplex suite (which can sleep 6 plus a baby) costs from just £588 for a week.
