Posted by Paul on February 13, 2009 – 10:22 am
The Rye Scallops Festival takes place next week, from the 20th to 28th February 2009. Experience scallops in more formats than you can shake a shell at. All week local restaurants and pubs serve up this seasonal speciality or you can take part in the extensive programme of scallop-related events happening all week.
Whether you’re a fan of these tasty shellfish or would love to try them for the first time then Rye, East Sussex is the place to blow away the winter cobwebs and cheer yourself up in February.
Rye Bay scallops, pan-fried with crispy local organic smoked bacon and served with black pudding on handmade Potato and Thyme bread…for breakfast! Why not?! This is the delicious breakfast that will be available at Strand House during the festival.
Posted by Paul on February 13, 2009 – 6:55 am
Darwin’s personal items, original manuscript material and his famous Beagle notebooks go on display at Down House from today. Rare original objects, including notebooks written by Charles Darwin during his epic voyage on HMS Beagle, form part of a new exhibition marking the bi-centenary of his birth, at the house in Kent where he lived and worked for forty years.
Opening in the year which also sees the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, written at Down House, the new permanent exhibition is the focus of an innovative project by English Heritage which presents the scientist’s life, work and theories to modern-day visitors in 21st Century style.
Posted by Jennifer on February 12, 2009 – 10:21 pm
When you think of a safari you may think of red hot sunshine and vast deserts in locations far, far away – such as Africa. Well think again. Surrounded by 100 acres of beautiful and picturesque land close to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is the idyllic Livingstone Lodge. It enjoys fantastic views of a water hole where Black Rhinos can be seen wallowing. Book a night or two here and your booking includes an exciting 90 minute safari where around 500 typically African animals can be seen. You will be served a delicious evening meal after the trip, before retiring to your comfortable and well equipped accommodation. The credit crunch does not have to ruin your dream holiday, the Uk’s answer to an African Safari is right on your doorstep!
Posted by Jennifer on February 11, 2009 – 9:14 pm
Looking for ideas to keep the kids occupied during half term? Look no further. The Guardian has named its top 5 farms in the UK that are child friendly. Many of the farms feature rare breeds of sheep and cows and some offer less traditional animals such as llamas and wallabies. You can see sheep being sheered, milk a cow, feed lambs and piglets and walk nature trails.
The top 5 farms according to The Guardian are:
Posted by Jennifer on February 11, 2009 – 9:04 pm
A report from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) surveyed 3,000 Brits and discovered that 60% were unwilling to give up holidays in the current climate and half said that they needed to cut costs and were planning on spending no more than £500 and more are planning on holidaying in the UK this year.
Caravan and camping bookings have been reported to have increased by 40% since last year. In general, society seems to be cutting back on luxuries and living a simpler and basic lifestyle with a focus on helping the environment and a trend is sustainability. As a result bods, pods and bothies seem a viable option for that ‘green’ and cost effective break and is a more luxurious alternative to camping.
A bod is a building once used to house fishermen during the fishing season, typically found in Shetland. There are nine bods here with basic amenities. Unfortunately there is no electricity and you would need to take bedding, food and cooking utensils. They are a unique base from which to explore the picturesque islands without breaking the bank.
‘Bothy’ is the Gaelic word for a hut and they were used in Scotland to house unmarried farm workers and shepherds working in remote areas. Around 100 Bothies are now maintained by The Mountain Bothies Association and offer primitive accommodation for guests wishing to visit breathtaking, locations in the Highlands and surrounding areas. Be warned though, the majority of these Bothies have no toilet facilities!
The National Trust has two pod sites, one in Great Langdale and one at Wasdale in the Lake District. These huts are small with sheep wool insulated walls. Again pods are basic but some people find this much preferable to sleeping under canvas!
Posted by Jennifer on February 11, 2009 – 8:46 pm
The Westbury Hotel has recently undergone a £25 million refurbishment and is aimed at trendy fashionistas with money to spend. It is situated in the highly desirable Bond Street area close to designer shops and elegant wine bars. The luxurious guest rooms are spacious and comfortable. Many rooms offer excellent views of New Bond Street. The bathrooms are the height of relaxation and offer a generous selection of Hermes products.
Dine in the modern Artisan restaurant where customer service is second to none. Here you can enjoy an array of delicious cuisine before heading out to the trendy local bars or nightclubs.
Posted by Jennifer on February 11, 2009 – 8:32 pm
Situated in the breathtaking Fells of the Lake District is the warm and welcoming Waterhead Hotel. On arrival you may be lucky enough to receive some delicious home cooked and freshly baked gingerbread. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, well equipped with a host of modern amenities.
In the evening visit the Lucy4 Bistro which serves generous dishes of a variety of mouth watering meals, accompanied by a fine wine. Guests can use the spa facilities at the beautiful Lakeside Hotel where the reputation of the spa precedes it. Enjoy a relaxing treatment or take a dip in the pool. For ultimate relaxation unwind in the Jacuzzi and steam room after a wonderful time exploring the area which offers stunning scenery and a range of exciting activities.
Posted by Paul on February 11, 2009 – 5:25 pm
A special Valentine’s love pack is the latest promotional tool being used by Regional Development Agency, One North East to encourage more visitors to North East England. They have created a Valentines guide to tempt people to get out and about in North East England using the region’s romantic past as inspiration.
Epic tales of Lancelot & Guinevere; Lord Byron; Bobby Shafto and Bessie Surtees are just some of the stories included in the guide as well as destinations associated with them, maps, and ideas on where to stay, eat and visit. It allows people to follow in the footsteps of the area’s famous romantic heroes and heroines, absorbing spectacular scenery and vibrant cultures along the way.
Start off with an early morning stroll along NewcastleGateshead’s iconic Quayside, followed by a visit to 18th Century Bessie Surtees’ House; the scene of the region’s most illicit tale of forbidden marriage and elopement. For a touch of Parisian romance visitors can head to the Bowes Museum in Teesdale, Durham. This neo-classical museum is an enduring, palatial tribute to the love of John and Josephine Bowes, nestled in acres of parkland and close to the wild landscapes of the North Pennines and the UK’s highest waterfall, High Force. And why not end with a windswept walk along the breathtaking Northumberland coastline and watch the sun go down over Bamburgh Castle, thought to be Sir Lancelot’s northern home, and refuge to two Arthurian romances, that of Lancelot and Guinevere and Tristan and Isolde.
Posted by Paul on February 11, 2009 – 12:12 pm
Church of England officials will be clearing the pews from historic Malmesbury Abbey as it transforms into a temporary skate park for February half-term. The historic Abbey will be completely transformed between 18th and 20th February 2009 as skate ramps take the place of pews and a café and live music stage are introduced. These radical new plans are an aim by the Church of England to encourage youngsters into the church.
Members of the congregation of Malmesbury Abbey will be working with Christian skaters UK hosting the event with a skate park inside the 12th century Abbey. The three days will include beginner’s workshops, classes for girls only, competitions and demonstrations by experts and there will be short talks will cover issues like relationships and making good choices now for the future.
Malmesbury Abbey is a Norman/Romanesque Abbey, founded by St Aldhelm in Saxon times. Today it acts are the parish church but in its heyday Malmesbury Abbey was one of the largest buildings in the country and even though only about one third of the 12th century Abbey Church remains today, it still constitutes one of the most notable remains of Norman ecclesiastical architecture in England. It is also the burial place of King Athelstan (895-940).
Posted by Paul on February 11, 2009 – 11:53 am
Tourism Alliance Chairman Bob Cotton and VisitBritain Executive Chairman have slammed the lack of funding for UK tourism, saying that a little more would go a long way towards promoting Britain ahead of the 2012 Olympics. VisitBritain has seen its marketing budget cut by 18% between 2008 and 2011 but, as the Tourism Minister Barbara Follett points out, there’s much more that goes into the UK tourism industry than just VisitBritain’s marketing budget. She estimates that almost £700m goes into the tourism and hospitality industry each year, with some of that being distributed regionally.
Personally, I think we need to take a closer look at exactly who covers what within the industry. Is there really a need for a VisitBritain and an Enjoy England (VisitBritain’s domestic arm), as well as regional tourist boards, more localised tourist boards and district council tourism departments. A little more consolidation would go a long way in my opinion. I also think that these organisations shouldn’t be so heavily reliant upon funding but instead should seek to operate on a more self-sufficient, commercial basis.
