Don’t let the credit crunch pinch your summer holiday. A drop in disposable income and the strength of the pound may have led to a fall in Brits holidaying abroad, but who needs the costly Costas?
Just a short ferry ride over the Solent to the Isle of Wight you’ll find the pretty town of Cowes, which once a year becomes a flurry of activity during Cowes Week and offers a memorable holiday without the pricey air fare attached. Cowes Week, the oldest and largest sailing regatta of its kind, sets sail on 1st August 2009 and is free to attend as a spectator. Cowes is popular with sailors and non-sailors alike, who come to watch the yachts and to take advantage of the great entertainment on offer both day and night.
During the week there is fun-packed entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re watching the boats racing, enjoying the street theatre and live music throughout the town, or simply taking in the unique festival atmosphere of the event, there’s something for everyone. For those with plenty of energy, the RNLI, as the event’s official charity, also hosts ‘Get Your Kit On’, where competitive mums, dads and children can help raise money for the charity.
The annual Windermere Airshow will take place this weekend, on 25th and 26th July 2009. Now in its 9th year, this year’s show promises to be one of the best ever with an appearance from the Red Arrows being one of the many highlights. The Avro Vulcan Bomber XH558 – the only Vulcan still flying – will also be taking part.
Today’s picture of the day is of Malmesbury House in the beautiful area of Malmesbury House. It is situated just inside St Ann’s Gate and is a stunning house that belongs to the Harris family and has done since 1660. Visitors can see the luxurious interior by appointment only.
Today’s picture of the day is of Fontwell Park Racecourse in the picturesque countryside of West Sussex. It is within easy reach of the A27 and A29. Apart from race meetings, other events include car rallies, firework displays and designer fashion sales. It is an excellent location for private and corporate functions.
A traditional Cornish pub in the picturesque fishing village of Sennen Cove will be providing good food, great company and the chance to learn about the flora, fauna and heritage of West Cornwall during a series of themed short breaks this Autumn.
St Austell Brewery is offering two night breaks at 17th Century Fisherman’s Inn ‘The Old Success’ with a sea view room, dinner, breakfast and two guided tours on the land and water with local wildlife expert and historian Rory Goodhill, for just £186 per person.
The wildlife and heritage tours of Sennen are scheduled for 28th – 29th September, 12th – 13th October and 26th and 27th October 2009. For more information visit or call the The Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove.
Today’s picture of the day is of Albert Dock in Liverpool. It is the largest group og Grade I listed buildings in the UK and on offer are heritage attractions, hotels, restaurants, bars and the famous Tate Gallery. Also located here is the Maritime Museum, the Beatles Story and a variety of shops.
On Monday, 27th July 2009 you can join an Exmoor National Park Ranger to find out about the mini-beasts living unnoticed in the rock pools. Come and find out about the variety of creatures that help make the National Park a special place. All ages welcome, just come along at 2pm and meet the ranger on the seafront opposite the Cliff Railway at Lynmouth. The free rock pool ramble will last about two hours. Dogs on a lead welcome.
Sit back, relax and enjoy this neat timelapse footage of the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) at sunset. This is one hour of footage condensed into less than half a minute. Notice how the lights of the city come on as dusk sets in.
Today’s picture of the day is of Raby Castle. It is a picturesque mediaeval castle dating back to the mid 14th Century. It was built in 1380 and the imposing Bulmer’s tower is thought to be of Danish origin. Since 1626 it has been the home of Lord Barnard’s family.
Various masters of disguise will be showing that where there’s somewhere to swim, there’s somewhere to hide, as they showcase their deceptive talents at Lakes Aquarium’s intriguing ‘Camouflage’ event on 1st and 2nd August 2009. The ‘Camouflage’ weekend at the southern Lake District-based attraction turns the spotlight on to one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena, examining the ability of seemingly non-exceptional creatures to transform themselves, quite literally, into extraordinary species.
The almost magical properties that certain creatures possess, when it comes to blending into the background in the quest for survival, will be highlighted in fascinating and innovative ways. Special tanks containing various backgrounds have been created solely for the purpose of demonstrating the power of camouflage to enhance a fish’s chances of survival – or of ambushing a tasty bit of prey itself. Flatfish, in particular, have a fabulous ability to hide on the ocean floor, but camouflage is more than just assuming a hue that matches the colour of the surrounding terrain.
Experts at Lakes Aquarium will explain all of this and more, as they translate scientific jargon relating to bio-chromes, light reflection, natural selection and other aspects of camouflage, to deliver an exciting, informative and memorable experience.
A traditional Cornish pub in the picturesque fishing village of Sennen Cove will be providing good food, great company and the chance to learn about the flora, fauna and heritage of West Cornwall during a series of themed short breaks this Autumn.
Various masters of disguise will be showing that where there’s somewhere to swim, there’s somewhere to hide, as they showcase their deceptive talents at 
