Posted by Paul on June 17, 2009 – 2:30 pm
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Sussex is inviting its guests to take advantage of scrumptious picnic offerings this summer whilst exploring the hotel’s idyllic surroundings, from where A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh hails. Just 40 minutes drive from London; guests can grab a rug and locally produced picnic and head-off into the Sussex countryside to dine amongst some of Winnie-the-Pooh’s famous surroundings.
Designed to suit every member of the family, there is a locally sourced children’s picnic menu available for £6.95, which comprises freshly baked bread, maple roasted Sussex ham or mild red Leicester (for vegetarians), roasted Spanish peppers and a tasty, wild honey and sesame flapjack for afters. For adults, choices include smoked free range chicken and roasted plum tomatoes, home cured organic salmon ‘Gravadlax’ or Ashdown’s citrus-marinated mozzarella cheese, all of which are available for £13.95 per head.
Having enjoyed a spot of lunch, families can don their explorer hats with a selection of Christopher Somerville-commissioned walks through Pooh Bear’s Hundred Acre Wood. Alternatively, guests can take a leisurely stroll to the Woodland Pond at Ashdown Park’s ‘Pond Corner’ to feed the carp, or venture further afield to The Enchanted Place and Pooh Bridge, both favourites of Christopher Robin and his friends.
Ashdown Park is set in 186 acres of beautifully landscaped Sussex countryside in the heart of Ashdown Forest. The bedrooms & suites are all individually styled and the Country Club provides a relaxing and rejuvenating spa. The hotel also features a Par 3, 18-hole golf course and the award winning Anderida Restaurant, with two AA rosettes and stunning views over the Ashdown Forest.
Posted by Jennifer on June 17, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of Battersea High Street Market. It is a popular attraction in South London and has been a significant trading point for hundreds of years. The area has recently been renovated and much of the produce is sources from New Covent Garden Market. The Battersea High Street Market takes place every other weekend.
Posted by Paul on June 17, 2009 – 12:05 am
In a complete first, Thursday 25th June 2009 sees Covent Garden launch a vintage themed ‘Tea Party on the Piazza’ from 5-7pm. Whisking visitors back to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, the Piazza will be overflowing with freshly brewed tea and cream-covered cakes. Revellers will be able to enjoy tea and cakes for only £5 and Prosecco cocktails and cakes for £8. This retro celebration of the English traditional tea party will take place in Covent Garden on one day only as part of The Covent Garden Real Food Market.
Posted by Paul on June 17, 2009 – 12:02 am
If the latest series of BBC Springwatch has got you in the mood for the great outdoors and a bit of wildlife then why not take a look at Keycamp’s new short or week long UK breaks, which are set to help you get closer to nature this summer.
Keycamp now offer nine UK Escapes campsites – seven of which, through their partnership with Forest Holidays, give customers rare access to unspoilt Forestry Commission land. There are also two National Trust sites in the Lake District allowing families the opportunity to holiday in the UK and get close to the beauty and simplicity of nature.
To help make the most of these surroundings, families staying at selected sites (excluding the Lake District) can opt to join in the exciting Forest Ranger activities, which include Forest Survival skills with den building and orienteering; Young Explorers sessions with crafts and games based around the natural environment; and Into the Wild half day nature walks.
Campsites are located across the country including the serene New Forest, beautiful Loch Lomond and rugged Snowdonia. And with Keycamp, you can start enjoying your holiday straight away. Forget packing your own tent and camping equipment – a comfortable six-berth tent, complete with a large living area and three separate sleeping compartments with beds, pillows and blankets will be ready upon your arrival.
The self-catered accommodation also includes a 4-burner hob, crockery, cutlery, wind-up lanterns and a cool box, plus outdoor table, chairs and a charcoal barbecue. Good quality toilet and shower facilities and shops are available on site as well.
Posted by Jennifer on June 16, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of Le Pinnacle on the beautiful island of Jersey. It is a 200ft high rock jutting out of the sea in the North West of the Island. It was used as a settlemend during the Neolithic period, the Bronze Age and by the Romans. Completely undermined by the sea today, it is very dangerous to venture onto this rock.
Posted by Paul on June 15, 2009 – 4:04 pm
Why not try your skills on the Brush Board Surfing Simulator at Finsbury Avenue Square, London tomorrow, from 8.30am-6pm? North Devon is bringing the thrills and spills of surfing to the city of London with a road show highlighting extreme watersports to encourage everyone to holiday at home this year. You can watch spectacular displays on the UK’s only Brush Board surf simulator, or have a go yourself and get a taste for the real thing.
Posted by Paul on June 15, 2009 – 1:28 pm
Enjoy a long weekend at Natural Retreats in the Yorkshire Dales this Father’s Day, with three nights for the price of two, and you can treat dad to a day at the Black Sheep Brewery in nearby Masham, where you can take a tour of the fascinating brewery, have a meal in the bistro and savour the award-winning ales.
Natural Retreats’ eco-friendly residences sleep up to six and offer unrivalled luxury in the heart of some of Britain’s most breathtaking countryside. There’s a welcome hamper on arrival, with wine and cheese that dads will love and there are plenty of activities to suit all the family, from mountain biking and walking to horseriding and caving.
A Father’s Day weekend costs £495 for three nights for a family of up to six, including linen, towels, toiletries, logs for your wood burner and an organic welcome hamper.
Posted by Paul on June 15, 2009 – 1:25 pm
Launching today, Holbeck Ghyll is inviting everyone to enjoy a taste of what the Lakes has to offer with a great-value summer lunch promotion. Dine outdoors on the sun-drenched terrace or inside the traditional oak-panelled restaurant – both offering magnificent panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding fells.
Open to non-residents, the Michelin-star Summer Lunch Promotion is available for just £19.95 per person and is available daily from 12pm to 2pm until mid September 2009. The pocket-pleasing price includes:
•Canapés
•Amuse bouche
•Fettuccini of market fresh seafood with vine plum tomato dressing
•A complimentary glass of Marquis de la Cour rose wine
There is also an optional dessert of fresh English strawberries with clotted cream gateau and sorbet for a discounted price of £6.75 (usual cost is £8.95).
Posted by Paul on June 15, 2009 – 1:16 pm
Loch Ness Lodge, a luxurious Highland retreat in a unique location overlooking Loch Ness has been named the AA Guest Accommodation of the Year Scotland at a ceremony in London.
Privately owned and run by Scott and Iona Sutherland, Loch Ness Lodge with its traditional charm, features seven lavish and individually styled bedrooms all overlooking the world famous loch, and extends guests a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive and discreet personal service.
In addition to seven luxurious bedrooms, the Lodge has welcoming public rooms including cosy lounges, a fabulous restaurant with intimate dining areas and in-house spa facilities. It is ideally situated for a wide range of outdoor pursuits and activities from salmon fishing and horse riding to mountain biking and world class golf.
Posted by Jennifer on June 15, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of Eilan Donan Castle situated on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye. It is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland is a popular film location. Highlander and James Bond’s The World is Not Enough were both filmed here.
