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Monthly Archives: June 2009

8 of your favourite UK beaches

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Posted by Paul on June 19, 2009 – 10:41 am
Filed under Attractions

Perhaps because they don’t always the weather of the continent to match, beaches in the UK don’t get the recognition they deserve.  We asked via our Twitter account what your favourite UK beaches are and why.  Here’s 8 of your responses that caught our eye.

  • ooh, Studland in Dorset is pretty stunning but I just discovered West Bay near Bridport yesterday with its AMAZING cliffs. (@doodlegoeswest)
  • Chepstow Sands, because its unspoiled and inaccessible other then on foot (@PencoedCastle)
  • Bamburgh Beach in North Northumberland, great flat sandy beach, impressive castle as a backdrop (@GeorgeFWhite)
  • just had a fantastic weekend in Camber Sands. The most amazing beach and warm water because it is relatively shallow (@collectivemark)
  • our favourite beach is at St Annes. It has such a great family buzz to it. You feel like you’re a million miles from stress. (@touristboard)
  • Aberdovey, long, sandy, backdrop of Snowdonia. Followed close second by Porthminster Beach in St Ives (Beach Cafe is great ) (@markgj)
  • its got to be Sandbanks Beach in Dorset, guaranteed always clean, great promenade and the crazy golf is awesome! (@mOmafoods)
  • Silver Sands in Aberdour, Fife – beautiful bay, clean beach and good facilities (@BraeScotland)

What’s your favourite UK beach and why?  Click on the comments link to let us know!

Picture of the day: Aran Fawddwy, Wales

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Posted by Jennifer on June 19, 2009 – 9:00 am
Filed under Attractions

Today’s picture of the day is of Aran Fawddwy in Southern Snowdonia.  It stands at 2970 feet tall and is the highest mountain in the area.  The summit enjoys spectacular views of Cader Idris, Snowdon, the Berwyn and Plynlimon.  At the foot of the mountain is lake Creiglyn Dyfi which is the source of the Afon Dyfi river, meandering for 30 miles to the sea at Aberdyfi.

Festival of History 2009

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Posted by Paul on June 19, 2009 – 7:41 am
Filed under Attractions, Events

Experience edge of your seat drama as history comes to life! From history buffs to school children there is something for everyone at The Festival of History. The event takes place on the weekend of 25th and 26th July 2009 at Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire.  Witness explosive wars, battles and tournaments and meet notorious historical icons including Gladiators and Henry VIII. New for 2009, relive the epic drama of Agincourt; see a Tudor fashion show and more! Plus, buy tickets now and be entered into the Golden Ticket Competition for a chance to win a fantastic historical prize package.

Father’s Day fun with English Heritage

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Posted by Paul on June 19, 2009 – 7:32 am
Filed under Attractions, Events

Does your Dad deserve a special thank you? Yes! Then treat him to a fun family day out.  From dressing up as a Roman to Classic Car displays and Beer & Skittles English Heritage’s package of special events mean that you can treat him to something a little different, and for Dads who prefer a little less activity there are fascinating properties to visit too – from gardening to art collections there’s sure to be something he’ll enjoy.  See www.english-heritage.org.uk/fathersday for ideas.

Father’s Day at the Scotch Whisky Experience

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Posted by Paul on June 18, 2009 – 11:53 pm
Filed under Attractions, Eating & Drinking

This Father’s Day the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh has everything on hand for an unforgettable day out, with a £3m new tour encompassing the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whiskies, tutored whisky tastings and award-winning restaurant Amber.

Following a £3m facelift the five-star visitor attraction, located at the top of the historic Royal Mile, is home to a brand new Scotch whisky tour. Featuring a state of the art barrel ride through whisky production, engaging commentary by expert staff, interactive flavour profiling and whisky tasting, the journey climaxes in the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, 3,384 bottles set within a bespoke glass vault.

After working up an appetite on the popular tour hungry fathers can head to the award-winning Amber restaurant, nestled beneath the attraction. Serving a unique range of contemporary Scottish dishes, including tapas tasters, the atmospheric venue provides an ideal space to relax and unwind and boasts an adjacent whisky bar, displaying hundreds of whisky bottles to tempt the tastebuds.

Now the UK has its own bullet train

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Posted by Paul on June 18, 2009 – 11:47 pm
Filed under Transport

Britain got its first taste of high speed rail travel today.  Hurtling through Kent countryside at 142mph was the new Javelin train.  A trip from Ashford to Charing Cross would normally take 1 hour 17 minutes, but this new train is capable for getting to St. Pancras in just 37 minutes.  There will be 29 Javelin trains connecting Kent to London by the end of the year at a great convenience to commuters and with only a modest addition to existing fares.

You can see the train in motion in the short video clip below:

Picture of the day: Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire

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Posted by Jennifer on June 18, 2009 – 9:00 am
Filed under Attractions

Today’s picture of the day is of Butser Ancient Farm situated in Waterlooeville, Hampshire.  It is a fantastic open air museum for prehistoric and Roman Britain, where visitors can learn about the Celts and Romans and their daily life.  It is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and is easily accessible from the A3 between Petersfield and Portsmouth.

Teignmouth Folk Festival this weekend

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Posted by Paul on June 17, 2009 – 9:51 pm
Filed under Events

Now in its eleventh year, the Teignmouth Folk Festival helps to keep alive traditional sea songs and tall stories at a range of venues throughout the South Devon town. Running from 19th to 21st June 2009, this year’s line up will include Tom Lewis, a naval veteran of 24 years who sings and tells stories of the sea and the Pyrates, a three-piece folk band who specialise in Irish ditties, drinking songs and Accapella folk tunes.

Situated on the coast between Torquay and Exeter, Teignmouth has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times. Visitors are attracted by its historic port on the River Teign, long sandy beach, traditional pier, magnificent Georgian buildings, award-winning water play park, newly-completed mini golf and multi-sports area.

What’s your favourite view in the UK?

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Posted by Paul on June 17, 2009 – 2:52 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

Last year ITV ran a television series called ‘Britain’s favourite view‘ and, from a shortlist of 16, viewers voted for the fabulous view of Wastwater in the Lake District which is surrounded by some of England’s most dramatic peaks.  But we all know that there are many more great views in England; the Lake District alone has easily more than 16 incredible views.  So this week we asked our Twitter followers for their favourite view in the UK, and here’s a handful of the responses:

  • Peninne Yorkshire for taking in fabulous walks and staying at Nora Batty’s cottage? (@BonnerHindley)
  • Fav views: From the top of Helvellyn on a sunny day or looking out over the rocks at Hell Bay, Bryher, Isles of Scilly (@CarryOnBritain)
  • Today’s favourite view was from the back of my horse whilst riding over Church bank above Leintwardine. Will be different tomorrow (@agaqueen)
  • from the top of Sutton Bank in N Yorks (@SusieBrindley)
  • from the top of the Glasgow Necropolis looking down over the city. (@mountflorida)
  • has to be looking down on the Swaledale Barns (@yorkshrphotohol)
  • The view over Torbay from Daddyhole plain is one of mine! (@carlitosmum)
  • The inside of a country pub. Dart board on wall. Fruit machine in corner. (@AmericanExpatUK)
  • 3 Cliffs Bay on the Gower (which apparently is everyone’s elses fave as well) and more recently rather taken by The Leas, Folk … (@Artsmonkey1)
  • Just about anywhere in the highlands of Scotland! (@CCTheLowdown)
  • sitting outside a country pub looking over open fields (@PinkAvenue)

Up to 50% off on self-catering in South Devon

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Posted by Paul on June 17, 2009 – 2:39 pm
Filed under Accommodation

For those yet to decide where to spend their summer holiday, South Devon accommodation specialists Coast & Country Cottages are offering sensational summer savings on self-catering properties of up to 50%. With availability in July and August on brand new apartments, rural retreats and beachside boltholes, it is not too late to snap up a school holiday bargain.

Luxury for less… Save £925 – Available for Friday or Saturday arrivals on 17th or 18th July & 24th or 25th July 2009

Dart Marina: Save up to 50% on peak weeks in July with prices from £925 per week, (this equates to under £34 per person, per night, based on four sharing). This stunning selection of waterside properties is in the heart of the prestigious waterfront development in picturesque Dartmouth, just a short stroll from award-winning restaurants and ideal for couples or families with teenage children. Each apartment boasts wonderful river views, and is luxuriously appointed, plus offers free use of the luxury health spa including indoor pool together with 10% off Elemis beauty treatments.

Beside the seaside… Save £275 – Available for Saturday arrivals on 18th & 25th July 2009

Save up to 25% in July with prices from £638 per week, (this equates to under £16 per person, per night, based on six sharing). A choice of five luxury two-bedroom apartments located right on the beach at Torcross and within walking distance of a village shop, tea rooms and thatched pub serving great fish and chips.

Country Life… Save £350 – Available for Friday arrivals on 17, 24 & 31 July

Broad Downs Farmhouse: Save up to 10% in July with prices from £3,150 per week, (this equates to under £38 per person, per night, based on 12 sharing). Idyllically situated in the South Devon countryside, yet just a short drive to the sailing town of Salcombe and the area’s beaches, this large and beautifully renovated farmhouse provides a luxurious setting for a group or extended family holiday and offers large gardens and a shared outdoor pool.

With miles of stunning coastline, beautiful award-winning beaches, picturesque towns and villages and fabulous pubs and restaurants serving quality local produce, it is easy to understand why so many choose the southernmost tip of Devon as the destination for their summer holiday or short break. It’s not just for the delicious locally made ice-cream!