Today’s picture of the day is of Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. It is one of the largest inhabited castles in England, second only to Windsor Castle. It has been home to the Percy family since the 14th Century and a visit is highly recommended, not only for the castle but also for the associated gardens.
Monthly Archives: March 2009
Picture of the day: Alnwick Castle
0
Filed under Attractions
Carry on Camping
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions
Eurocamp predicts that people will this year be pitching their tents in areas such as the Lake District and Snowdonia rather than travelling abroad to the likes of Italy and France. for the first time in 15 ears the company has set up centres in Britain. Nine camp sites will be set up in association with the National Trust and the Forestry Commission aiming to attract travellers hit by the economic turndown and worried about the high value of the Euro. Eurocamp’s Chief Executive predicts that the mood will be for simpler and shorter holidays. Tents can be provided along with pots, pans and bedding and prices start from around £53 per night for a family of four.
A new logo for Liverpool
Filed under Miscellaneous
Liverpool has a new logo. And, although it’s not a catastrophe of Olympic proportions, I can’t say I really care for it all that much. What do you think? Do you feel it promotes the Capital of Culture in the right light? And do you think it justifies its £70,000 price tag? Or do you feel you have just been miraculously thrown back in time to the familiar Thames TV logo of the 70s?!
Look out for Liverpool’s new brand website due to be launched later today at liverpoolcitybrand.com
Amberley Castle in West Sussex
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions
The fascinating Amberley Castle dates back around 900 years and has been home to bishops and leased to the Crown. Beyond the beautiful walled garden and castle grounds is the picturesque Amberley Village. The village offers quaint antique shops, tea rooms and pubs. Today the castle is a romantic Relais & Chateaux Hotel offering a luxurious and comfortable interior. There are a total of 19 guest rooms offering four poster beds and welcoming whirlpool baths. Enjoy a delicious evening meal worthy of a Michelin Star in the 12th Century Hall. The customer service provided here is second to none. Until March 31st 2009 double rooms start at £165.
New Website for the Tees Valley
Filed under Miscellaneous, Transport
A new travel website has been launched for the Tees Valley. It will provide important travel information for both residents and visitors to the area, linking bus, rail, road, cycling and walking routes, as well as covering taxi and community transport information.The website is connectteesvalley.com. One of the more popular aspects of the site is its journey planner which incorporates live traffic updates.
New £26m Newcastle Museum
Filed under Attractions
A new museum is to open in Newcastle on May 23rd, allowing collections from various establishments to be put on display.The Great North Museum will feature works from the Newcastle University Museum of Antiquities, the Shefton Museum, and the Hatton Gallery. This will collectively form one of the best displays of archaeology, geology and natural history anywhere in Britain, and will certainly become a major attraction in the North East. The museum is actually located in the buildings of the former Hancock Museum on Barras Bridge, Newcastle. The Hancock closed its doors in 2006, allowing redevelopment into this new venture.
Art Houses
Filed under Attractions
The weekend of the 28th and 29th March 2009 sees the Open Studios event in York where local artists will showcase their work in the environment in which it was created. Interestingly most of the artists’ studios are in their own homes. Many of the homes are full of eccentric paraphernalia including such things as collections of stuffed animals and fascinating collages. It is important to remember that access to the houses is for two days only and after that entering the areas is classed as trespassing!
Picture of the day: Foel Drygarn Iron Age Hillfort
Filed under Attractions
Today’s picture of the day is of Foel Drygarn Iron Age Hillfort in the Preseli mountains near Newport, Pembrokeshire. A large Celtic population would have lived here in around 300 BC. The surrounding mountains hold a fascinating wealth of history and, rather interestingly, it is from here that the bluestone rocks used to make Stonehenge came from.
The Ashton Hotel, Lancaster
Filed under Accommodation
The stunning Ashton Hotel in Lancaster is a detached Victorian House owned by James Gray who opened the B&B last August (2008). The interior is elegant and luxurious and the guest rooms are spacious and modern. There is great attention to detail in the rooms with soft bathrobes, suede headboards, underfloor heating and Ren toiletries. You can enjoy delicious home cooked food after a busy day exploring the surrounding area. Throughout your stay you will experience excellent customer service and it is hardly suprising that The Ashton earned five star status and VisitBritain’s gold award within two months of opening.
The new Adrenalin Quarry in Cornwall
Filed under Attractions
Opening on Saturday 28th March 2009 is the exciting Arenalin Quarry Theme Park in Liskeard, Cornwall. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride at 40mph along the UK’s fastest, longest and most daring zip-wire. Enjoy a 90 minute hover craft ride on the surface of the picturesque lake or try karting and even compete in a grand prix style race. Activities start at £10 per person and it is a fun day out for the whole family!
