Posted by Paul on January 27, 2010 – 7:07 am
When it comes to cultural activity, Sussex comes second only to London in the number of annual events happening throughout the year. Events ranging from culinary, art and heritage, through to musical, sporting and the downright quirky take place throughout the year and are sure to cater for every taste. And even better – many events can be enjoyed for free.
For some of the quirkier events, see below:
- 2 April: Battle Marbles Match – held on Abbey Green in the shadow of historic Battle Abbey
- 30 Apr – 3 May: Jack in the Green Festival of Morris Dancing (with a twist), Hastings
- 5 – 25 July: Battle Scarecrow Festival – over 40 scarecrows to visit and vote for.
- 31 July – 8 Aug: Hastings Old Town Carnival Week, with events such as the Seaboot Race, Pirate Day and the Pram Race.
- 29 Aug: Rye Raft Race.
- 16 Oct: National Town Criers’ Championship, Hastings
- End Oct: World Crazy Golf Championships, Hastings
- Oct & Nov: Hastings, Battle, Rye and Robertsbridge Bonfire Processions and Fireworks
Posted by Paul on January 25, 2010 – 4:39 pm
The standards set by self-catering accommodation have reached new heights in recent years and yesterday The Sunday Times picked up on this with their list of ‘100 cool cottages’. A summary of their list of top self-catering places to stay can be found below:
- Nancy’s House, Keigwin, Cornwall - Sleeps 2
- The Beach Hut, near Bude, Cornwall - Sleeps 2
- Sandridge Boathouse, Stoke Gabriel, Devon - Sleeps 4
- Meadow Cottage, Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset - Sleeps 4
- Triton Cottage, Bull Point Lighthouse, Devon - Sleeps 4
- The Farmhouse, Porthmeor, Cornwall - Sleeps 4
- Heather Cottage, Gonwin Manor, Cornwall - Sleeps 4
- The Bakehouse, Gidleigh, Devon - Sleeps 4
- Anderton House, Goodleigh, Devon - Sleeps 4
- Ingle Tor, Bovey Castle, Devon - Sleeps 6
- May’s Cottage, St Issey, Cornwall - Sleeps 6
- Valley View, St Mawgan, Cornwall - Sleeps 6
- Bryher Cottage, St Mawgan, Cornwall - Sleeps 6
- Rose Cottage, Downderry, Cornwall - Sleeps 7
- St John’s View, Higher Crackington, Cornwall - Sleeps 7
- Greenscombe House, Luckett, Cornwall - Sleeps 7
- Woodsford Castle, Dorchester, Dorset - Sleeps 8
- Trewollack House, near Newquay, Cornwall - Sleeps 8
- Rosemundy Villa, St Agnes, Cornwall - Sleeps 8
- Deutzia, Nottington, Dorset - Sleeps 8
- The Sunday House, Golant, Cornwall - Sleeps 9
- Cossington Park, Bridgwater, Somerset - Sleeps 12
- Meadowgate, Welcombe, Devon - Sleeps 12
- Pavilion Cottage, Osborne House, Isle of Wight - Sleeps 4
- 98 Island Wall, Whitstable, Kent - Sleeps 4
- Twin Cottage, Burley, Hampshire - Sleeps 4
- Obriss Farm, Westerham, Kent - Sleeps 5
- Lodesman Cottage, Broadstairs, Kent - Sleeps 6
- Medley Court, Hever Castle, Kent - Sleeps 7
- High Water Cottage, Bosham, West Sussex - Sleeps 7-8
- Undercastle Cottage, Wood Green, Hampshire - Sleeps 8
- The Oyster Shack, Whitstable, Kent - Sleeps 8
- Dunsbury Grange, Brook, Isle of Wight - Sleeps 10-12
- Cobbler’s Cottage, Nayland, Suffolk - Sleeps 2
- Hoste Barn, Swanton Abbott, Norfolk - Sleeps 4
- Hilltop, North Creake, Norfolk - Sleeps 4
- Black Sheep Cottage, Peasenhall, Suffolk - Sleeps 4
- Aldeburgh Cottage, Aldeburgh, Suffolk - Sleeps 4
- Laundry Cottage, near Snape, Suffolk - Sleeps 5
- Yaxley Hall Home Farm, Hemingstone, Suffolk - Sleeps 8
- Red Roofs, Wingfield, Suffolk - Sleeps 8
- Norfolk Hall, North Walsham, Norfolk - Sleeps 14
- Field Cottage, Elmley Castle, Worcestershire - Sleeps 2
- Somerton Mill, Somerton, Oxfordshire - Sleeps 2
- Cranberry Cottage, Winster, Derbyshire - Sleeps 4
- East Lodge, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire - Sleeps 4
- Henley Cottage, Acton Scott, Shropshire - Sleeps 5
- Plover Cottage, Edale, Derbyshire - Sleeps 5
- The Chapel, Alport, Derbyshire - Sleeps 6
- Chestnut Tree Cottage, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire - Sleeps 6
- Garden Cottage, Croft Castle, Herefordshire - Sleeps 6
- The West Wing, Chippenham, Wiltshire - Sleeps 6
- The Woodhouse, Ledbury, Herefordshire - Sleeps 8
- The Old Cheese Factory, Windley, Derbyshire - Sleeps 8
- Awel-For, Llanon, Ceredigion - Sleeps 2
- Ty To, St David’s, Pembrokeshire - Sleeps 4
- Parc yr Hebog, Dihewyd, Ceredigion - Sleeps 4
- Tower Hill, St David’s, Pembrokeshire - Sleeps 4
- Gothic Villa, Ferryside, Carmarthenshire - Sleeps 7
- Longshore House, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire - Sleeps 6-8
- Cae Marchog, near Capel y Ffin, Powys - Sleeps 10
- Ty Coch, near Caernarfon, Gwynedd - Sleeps 10-14
- Felin Newydd House, Llyswen, Powys - Sleeps 18
- 64 The Lazy Fish, Embleton, Cumbria - Sleeps 4
- Budle Falls, Waren Mill, Northumberland - Sleeps 4
- The Coach House, Middleton, North Yorkshire - Sleeps 4
- 2 Beck Cottages, Grizedale, Cumbria - Sleeps 5
- Inglewood House, Chapel Stile, Cumbria - Sleeps 5
- East Wing, Whalton, Northumberland - Sleeps 6
- Fell Yeat, Hartsop, Cumbria - Sleeps 6
- Craster Rocks, Craster, Northumberland - Sleeps 6
- Wall Holm Cottage, Glenridding, Cumbria - Sleeps 6
- Howe Farm, Lyth Valley, Cumbria - Sleeps 6
- Carhullan, Bampton Common, Cumbria - Sleeps 7-8
- Low Birker Farm, Eskdale, Cumbria - Sleeps 10
- Wynding House, Bamburgh, Northumberland - Sleeps 11
- Bookilber Barn, Settle, North Yorkshire - Sleeps 12
- Gossel Ridding, Windermere, Cumbria - Sleeps 13
- Number 10, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye - Sleeps 2
- Blue Reef Cottages, Scarista, Outer Hebrides - Sleeps 2
- Park Apartment, Pilrig House, Edinburgh - Sleeps 3-4
- Letterfearn, Kyle of Lochalsh, Highland - Sleeps 4
- Callakille, Applecross, Wester Ross - Sleeps 4
- Gardener’s Cottage, Balnagown, Highland - Sleeps 4
- Taigh Glass, Gearrannan, Lewis, Outer Hebrides - Sleeps 5
- Taigh Druim, Elgol, Skye - Sleeps 6
- Rigg’s End, St Andrews, Fife - Sleeps 6
- The Boathouse, Loch Snizort, Skye - Sleeps 6
- Saddell Castle, Kintyre, Argyll and Bute - Sleeps 8
- Locherlour Mill, Crieff, Perth and Kinross - Sleeps 18
- Plumtree Cottage, Kilkeel, Co Down - Sleeps 4
- The Pink House, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny - Sleeps 4
- Sophie’s Cottage, Glassmullagh, Co Fermanagh - Sleeps 4
- The Old Milking Parlour, Kilbride, Co Wicklow - Sleeps 4
- Kilcrohane, Bantry, Co Cork - Sleeps 6
- Ballyconneely, near Clifden, Co Galway - Sleeps 6
- Portbraddan Cottage, Whitepark Bay, Co Antrim - Sleeps 6
- Links Cottages, Doonbeg golf club, Co Clare - Sleeps 8
- The Boathouse, Baltimore, Co Cork - Sleeps 8
- The Old Parochial House, Ballingarry, Co Tipperary - Sleeps 11
Paul Johnson is a Director at Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. which offers luxury self-catering accommodation between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales
Posted by Paul on January 25, 2010 – 2:35 pm
Every year, Scotland celebrates the anniversary of the birth of her national poet, Robert Burns. Traditionally haggis, neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) will be served at Burns Suppers up and down the country, with a traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’ and of course, plenty of whisky.
Posted by Paul on January 21, 2010 – 10:09 am
Tripadvisor has produced its ‘top 25′ hotels in the UK, based on the opinions expressed by travellers staying.
1. Rudding Park, Harrogate, Yorkshire
2. The Manor Coach House, Worcester
3. Boskerris Hotel, St Ives
4. Can-y-Bae, Llandudno
5. Charterhouse Hotel, Torquay
6. Silverdale, Seaford, East Sussex
7. Castlebank Hotel, Conwy County, Wales
8. Avalon Beach Hotel, Bournemouth
9. Dunkery Beacon Hotel, Exmoor
10. Trelaske Hotel, Looe, Cornwall
11. The Old Rectory Hotel, Martinhoe, Devon
12. Apsley House Hotel, Bath
13. The Waverley, Whitby, North Yorkshire
14. The Clarance Hotel, Portsmouth
15. Tremarne Hotel, Mevagissey
16. Yeoldon, Bideford, Devon
17. Gwesty, Aberystwyth
18. Hotel Una, Brighton
19. Hunters Quay Hotel, Dunoon
20. Bowling Green Hotel, Plymouth
21. Staybridge Suites, Newcastle upon Tyne
22. Cedar Manor House Hotel, Windermere, Cumbria
23. Broom House, Whitby, North Yorkshire
24. The Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside, Cumbria
25. Primrose Valley Hotel, St Ives
I must confess I’m highly sceptical about Tripadvisor. It’s very easy for hoteliers and PR companies hiding behind multiple different IP addresses to write fake reviews (be they positive or negative). And I don’t think you have to look all that carefully through the site to see fairly strong evidence of it possibly going on. It does also seem strange that not a single hotel in London makes the list and yet London has more 5 star hotels than any other part of the UK, although I do appreciate that those hotels will also be judged on the value for money that they offer which might in some cases be their downfall. Is this just an easy bit of publicity for Tripadvisor or do you believe there’s some merit to their list?
Posted by Paul on January 20, 2010 – 12:18 pm
Sheffield is set for a flavour of South Africa, with the appointment of a new Head Chef at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. South African born Ernst Van Zyl, 32, who now lives in Manchester, has taken control of the kitchen at The Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, based on Bramall Lane. Ernst will oversee the Copthorne’s 100 seater 1855 restaurant and bar, carrying on the excellent work of his predecessor’s menu, which has been built on a core of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. With more than a decade’s hospitality experience, Ernst has worked in the kitchens of many high profile AA Rosetted hotels, including the five star Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London. He joins the Copthorne from Prima Hotels, where he was the executive chef for six hotels across the UK.
Posted by Paul on January 20, 2010 – 11:26 am
Ever considered a break away on the English Riviera for Valentines? Between them, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham boast 22 miles of stunning coastline, which together make up South Devon’s beautiful bay. Add to the mix a wonderful range of accommodation and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, and everyone can afford to spoil their loved one.
Here’s our guide to the top 10 romantic ideas that you could enjoy on the English Riviera:
- Try a beautiful coastal walk, pausing to skim stones from the beach.
- Treat yourself to a candlelit dinner in one of the region’s award-winning restaurants.
- Take a ride in the Hi-Flyer Hot Air Balloon, with breath-taking views across the Bay.
- Adopt an animal on behalf of your loved one at Paignton Zoo and pop along for a visit.
- Enjoy award winning fish and chips and romantic views from Babbacombe Downs.
- Relax and pamper yourselves at one of the Bay’s luxury spas.
- See a fabulous show at one of the Bay’s five theatres.
- Cycle round the bay and experience the beautiful and breath-taking views across our picturesque coastline.
- ‘Shrink’ your loved one and turn them into a resident at Babbacombe Model Village.
- Take in the stunning scenery of the English Riviera on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Visit www.englishriviera.co.uk for more information on the region.
Posted by Paul on January 20, 2010 – 10:14 am
Just in time for the film release of Sex and The City 2 which features key scenes shot in London, The Dorchester is offering a Girls Weekend package styled around the fashionable foursome. Zealous style-hunters will be offered a complimentary room over UK Bank holidays when London shops tend to be unusually quiet. A unique relationship with Harvey Nichols will ensure a collection of clothes awaits guests at the store, based on the character whose style they most desire to emulate.
For a weekend where the cocktails are as much of a fashion statement as the corsage, The Dorchester’s package provides the perfect accessories for the fun, fashion and friendship of a Girls Weekend. Guests will also be entered into a prize draw to win Dorchester Collection’s exclusive Luxury Traveller bag, ideal for holiday shopping.
Priced from £425 per room, the Girls Weekend includes:
• A personal stylist appointment at Harvey Nichols. The Dorchester’s concierge will brief Harvey Nichols on each guest’s style preference based on which stylish SATC girl most inspires their look
• Two interconnecting rooms for easy post shopping analysis
• 4 handmade corsage (pin, or bracelet as above) from Florist at The Dorchester
• A Pow Wow Breakfast on The Promenade at The Dorchester
• 4 cocktails at The Bar at The Dorchester; legendary barman Giuliano Morandin, famous for his ability to read people the moment they step in his bar, will choose from a Classic Cosmo for those most like Carrie, The Casanova for Samantha, a Perfect Ten for Charlotte, or The Prickly Colada for Miranda
• 4 lip gloss from The Dorchester Spa with signature light and mirror for mid-evening touch ups
Based on two double rooms priced at £425 each, The Dorchester’s Girls Weekend is valid from 1st May 2010 until 30th April 2011. Rates are exclusive of VAT and subject to availability. The complimentary second room offer is limited to specific UK holiday periods: Bank holidays (30th April-3rd May, 28th-31st May, 27th-30th August inclusive), Christmas (19th-29th December inclusive) and Easter 2011 (17th-28th April inclusive).
Posted by Paul on January 20, 2010 – 9:05 am
In the Michelin Guide 2010, some 140 restaurants have been awarded at least one Michelin star, an accolade reserved for only the best dining experiences. This is the highest number since the Michelin star system was conceived some 35 years ago. Four restaurants in the UK now hold three Michelin stars, with Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester being the latest to join the elite.
Posted by Paul on January 15, 2010 – 9:43 am
Looking for somewhere to snuggle up this Valentine’s Day? Why not melt into each other’s arms at the world’s first chocolate themed hotel, where they have a special Valentine’s Day package on the menu. At the chic and unique Chocolate Boutique Hotel in Bournemouth you can treat your loved one to a romantic night of heavenly indulgence followed by a wonderful Belgian chocolate truffle making workshop the next day.
Included in the Valentine’s Day special is a luxurious night for two in a glorious chocolate-themed room, where you’ll be greeted with a cold bottle of bubbly and a cascading chocolate fountain complete with succulent strawberries and luscious marshmallows. Later you’ll be able to sip deliciously decadent chocolate cocktails such as the Chocolate Martini in the Chocolate Bar with its amazing automated cocktail machine before heading into Bournemouth for a romantic meal or walk along one of the town’s famed beaches.
After breakfast the next day, you and your loved one will be able to take part in top chocolatier Gerry Wilton’s Valentine’s Special Workshop where you will be greeted with a glass of bubbly before learning about the magical history of chocolate. As well as learning how to make delicious Belgian chocolate truffles by hand from raw ingredients, you’ll also get the chance to pipe a special message to your loved one on a gorgeous chocolate heart.
The Valentine’s Special Package costs £300, which includes one night’s stay for two people, bottle of bubbly, chocolate fountain with dips, two chocolate cocktails, breakfast for two and two places at a Chocolate Delight Valentine’s Special Workshop.
Posted by Paul on January 14, 2010 – 11:44 am
From a night out with Eric Clapton, a trip to see London’s most romantic musical Phantom of the Opera or a break away from it all in Chester – why not treat a loved one this Valentine’s Day. This year, February 14th falls on a Sunday, providing the perfect excuse to make a romantic weekend of it. To help, Short break specialist, Superbreak has a range of packages available with a range of ideas to suit all Valentines!
Packages still available include:
ERIC CLAPTON IN LONDON- £165pp – It doesn’t get much more romantic than hearing Eric Clapton singing Wonderful Tonight on Valentine’s Day. Treat a loved one to a night out to see Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck live at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday 14 February. Top it off with a night at the four star Cavendish Hotel on prestigious Jermyn Street, Piccadilly which is ideal located for exploring London. Packages cost from £165 per person including one nights b/b accommodation and a seated lower tier ticket to the concert. Based on two sharing and valid on 13th or 14th February 2010.
CUDDLING UP IN CHESTER – £145pp – ideal for those who want to get away from it all, why not enjoy a special Valentine’s weekend at the four star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel. Perfectly located on the outskirts of Chester offer the opportunity to combine a trip to this popular Tudor city with the chance to relax and enjoy the hotel’s spa, gym and indoor pool. A Valentine’s packages costs £145 per person including two nights accommodation with breakfast (arriving on 12 February), a five course candelit dinner on Saturday 13th February 2010, a three course meal on Friday 12th February, a half bottle of champagne and a Decleor gift product in the room on arrival. Based on two sharing.
FIVE STAR PHANTOM OF THE OPERA BREAK – £185pp – The ultimate romantic musical! Set in a Paris Opera House circa 1911, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic musical follows the story of a mysterious masked man who falls in love with Christine, a singer who inspires The Music of the Night. For the ultimate in luxury, stay at the five star The Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, which has recently undergone a multimillion pound restoration programme including four new dining options. A five star package costs from £185 per person including one night’s b/b accommodation on 13th February 2010 and a top priced ticket to see the show that night. Based on two sharing.
FOND MEMORIES FROM FALMOUTH – £199pp – Fancy wintry walks on the beach? Or relaxing in a spa? The three star St Michael’s Hotel and Spa is set within four acres of gardens and offers romantic sea views across the bay and is opposite Falmouth’s sandy beach. The hotel’s spa offers a large heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness suite. A package costs from £199 per person including two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation with champagne truffles and strawberries in the room on arrival. Based on two sharing.
