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Monthly Archives: May 2010

What’s new in The National Forest this Summer?

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Posted by Paul on May 31, 2010 – 11:49 am
Filed under Attractions, Events

The latest Forest Scene – the newsletter for The National Forest – is packed with summer fun and news about the Forest. Read about river braiding, conservation volunteering, horse logging and the National Forest Wood Fair.

There are loads of ideas for great days out in the Forest, from a Breath of Fresh Air at Rosliston Forestry Centre, the Shire horses at the new National Brewery Centre at Burton upon Trent or the weird and wonderful sensations of the Barefoot Walk at Conkers.

You can explore the Forest on an open top bus, see woodland-inspired contemporary art at Calke Abbey or blow the steam whistle at Claymills Victorian Pumping Station.

The trees in The National Forest are growing and all woodland benefits from some kind of management. If you’ve ever wanted to help out at your local woods and want to get involved in looking after the woodlands of The National Forest, this issue of Forest Scene tells you about the kind of activities that are available and schemes you may be able to follow in setting up your own group.

Who needs the gym when you can work out in the woodlands?

If you’re looking for things to do over those long and lazy days over the summer, two pages of events mean you will never be short of ideas – right up until Halloween in October! The Forest will be hosting masses of outdoor concerts and events, woodland wildlife walks, taster activities and courses – carve a spoon, learn to ski, learn about ladybirds, nocturnal creatures or medieval knights.

Read more about what’s new and what’s happening in Forest Scene from The National Forest website or, for a paper copy, call the National Forest Company on 01283 551211.

Longleat Safari offers unique camping experience

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Posted by Paul on May 30, 2010 – 11:45 am
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions

Wake up to the sound of lions roaring or wolves howling with the new family campsite at Longleat in Wiltshire. This isn’t any old campsite however as Longleat will be providing the accommodation; all you need to do is turn up with your bedding, crockery, cutlery and what you’ll need for your two-night/three-night stay! Longleat is even including Passport Tickets for up to 2 adults and 2 children within the price, to ensure summer fun for all the family!

There will be two options on offer to visitors. The Longleat Octopad with its funky brightly coloured wooden walls, raised painted wooden floor and canvas roof is definitely the best option for people looking for that bit more comfort. It includes a double bed plus 2 single beds to accommodate a family of four, along with a table, chairs and rugs.

The second package meanwhile is the Longleat Bell Tent. Offering a much more traditional camping experience with four camp beds, a groundsheet, picnic chairs and a small table, the Longleat Bell Tent will give visitors a really exciting yet safe introduction to camping under canvas… no more late nights for dad as he struggles with the tent pegs!

The Octopads and Bell Tents will be pitched on a field known as ’40 acres’ just behind the attractions and within easy reach of the Safari Park. All guests will have access to the onsite showers and toilet facilities as well as the option to use the communal barbeque area or take up special catering packages in the Wessex Pavilion.

Packages are available from 30th July to 26th August 2010 inclusive and will be offered on a 2-night or 3-night stay.

Stay in style in Cornwall

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Posted by Paul on May 29, 2010 – 12:22 pm
Filed under Accommodation

Hire a campervan and tour the county of Cornwall in retro chic, rent a surf pod for the ultimate beachside convenience, camp with a touch of luxury by joining the latest craze for ‘glamping’ or have all the mod-cons at your finger tips with an achingly hip boutique hotel. Try Visit Cornwall’s places to stay for a good selection of what’s available, as well as our own selection of Cornwall hotels, Cornwall B&Bs, Cornwall self-catering and Cornwall camping.

The last ever working London double-deckers… in Canada?!

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Posted by Paul on May 28, 2010 – 10:05 am
Filed under Attractions, Transport

A vintage fleet of eleven double-decker buses are making their way home to London from Prince Edward Island, part of the Atlantic Canada region. For the past forty-five years these iconic vehicles have been transporting visitors around this stunning island, exploring its’ capital, Charlottetown, touring the North and South Shores and making regular visits to the historic sites, made famous by the book “Anne of Green Gables”.

Uniquely the London RT class buses are the very last ones of their kind working anywhere in the world. It was Mr. Conn Murphy’s passion for these bright red beauties which led him to ship his first double-decker from London to his home in Prince Edward Island. From this one bus, Abegweit Sightseeing Tours was born. Mr. Murphy died in 1985 but his wife Shirley continued to run the business with the same dedication. The London double-deckers became a regular site across the Island, loved by locals and visitors alike.

Recently Shirley decided to sell the buses to British businessman Roger Wright, who owns the largest fleet of London double-deckers in the world. Guided by her heart, Shirley felt they would be well looked after by Mr. Wright. The much-loved Prince Edward Island buses will now live out their retirement in a museum in Essex. The buses are all in excellent original condition and even have their original advertisements inside such as, “London Sightseeing Tour for 65p”!

London 2012 Olympic mascots – what do you think?

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Posted by Paul on May 27, 2010 – 1:49 pm
Filed under Events, Miscellaneous

Earlier this month, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) unveiled its 2012 Olympic mascot, Wenlock, and 2012 Paralympic mascot, Mandeville.

Wenlock and Mandeville were created from the last drops of steel left over from the construction of the final support beam for the Olympic Stadium. An animated film, based on a story by children’s author Michael Morpurgo, shows how the figures were brought to life and are able to reflect and adapt to their surroundings.

Tell us your views.  The London 2012 Olympic logo was not without controversy. What do you think of the mascots?

Useful links:
Hotels in London
B&Bs in London
Self-catering in London
Tourist attractions in London

Visit Maritime Greenwich for free

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Posted by Paul on May 27, 2010 – 9:52 am
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions, Eating & Drinking

Several of the historic attractions in Maritime Greenwich are opening their doors for free, offering great value summer days out for all the family. Set beside the Thames in south east London, the beautiful world Heritage Site has plenty of things for every age to enjoy.

Places with free entry include the new Discover Greenwich visitor centre; Old Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum, which takes in the Queen’s House and Royal Observatory. Also offering free admission are St Alfege Church, which is home to several lunchtime recitals; Greenwich Royal Park with its beautiful rose garden, deer enclosure and stunning views across to the city of London, and the colourful, undercover Greenwich Market, which is open Wednesday to Sunday.

Located in the Old Royal Naval College, Discover Greenwich uses artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the town’s rich history and royal connections to life. A revamped Tourist Information Centre is an integral part of Discover Greenwich, and fresh food and drink is on offer in The Old Brewery, Meantime Brewing Company’s new restaurant, café, bar and microbrewery.

The Old Royal Naval College offers free entry into its grounds alongside the Thames as well as the Chapel and Painted Hall, which has been described as Britain’s answer to Rome’s Sistine Chapel.

The National Maritime Museum – the largest and most important museum of its kind in the world – tells the story of Britain and the sea and the importance of the ocean in our lives today. After a spectacular entrance through the sound of breaking waves, visitors can walk through a series of themed exhibition galleries and recall the romance of the great ocean liners, appreciate the elegance of Prince Frederick’s golden barge and delve into the traditions of Maritime London. Children will find plenty to engage them in the All Hands gallery, while everyone can try their hand on the professional ship simulator.

The perfectly proportioned Queen’s House was begun in 1616 by Inigo Jones and now serves as a fine art gallery with changing displays.

Founded as a scientific institution for navigational research by Charles II in 1675, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Among its most valued possessions are the clocks developed by John Harrison to determine longitude at sea. The Time and Space galleries also tell the story of time and help explain how we study the stars; you can stand in the courtyard astride the Prime Meridian Longitude Zero, which marks the division between the East and West hemispheres and from where world time zones have been calculated by international agreement since 1884.

Want to stay a while to make the most of this opportunity?  Click here for hotels in Greenwich and to obtain the best prices for your chosen dates.

Staying in Cornwall for less

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Posted by Paul on May 26, 2010 – 8:47 pm
Filed under Accommodation

Travelling on a budget in Cornwall? Don’t feel that you have to wistfully write off thoughts of quality, because Cornwall is home to the best caravan holiday park in the country. Trethem Mill Touring Park has claimed the title of Best Caravan Holiday Park of the Year in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010.

The Royal Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet

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Posted by Paul on May 26, 2010 – 9:24 am
Filed under Events

The Royal Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet is a great day out this June. From the country’s finest livestock, over 600 trade stands, the National Cheese Awards to the UK’s biggest cider competition, there really is something for everyone – family or food lover. Advance tickets are now available to buy. Children under 15 years are free with advance adult tickets.

Show highlights will include:

• A chance to see the country’s finest livestock including cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and alpacas. Visit one of the largest dog shows in the county. ‘Fur and Feather’ zone where you can see small animals and birds such as rabbits and cavies, tame birds and poultry.

• Ladies Day, on Thursday 3rd June 2010, is new to the Show for 2010. Fashion-conscious visitors will stand a chance to be crowned winner of the best hat competition or best dressed lady and walk away with a mystery VIP prize

• The country’s biggest cheese show. At the National Cheese Awards, visitors will be able to sample a staggering array of some of the UK’s finest cheeses and dairy produce and take in the artistry of the cheese sculptures – a brand new competition for 2010

• A celebration of cider featuring the biggest cider competition in the country and the chance to take part in cider tasting with experts. Food lovers can also explore the vast food halls.

• In the Imagineering Fair meet the team who are building The Bloodhound SSC, the world’s fastest car, which is set to be the first to top 1,000mph when it attempts the world land-speed record in 2011. Children will also be able to explore the creative possibilities of science, engineering and technology.

• 4 x 4 off road – Adrenaline junkies will have the chance to drive 4×4 off road vehicles in the most extreme off road experience at the Show to date

• Horses – showing, show jumping and the Pony Club mounted games

• Sheep shearing – the Show is host to the 2010 Six Nations Championship. Be amazed at the speed of competitive shearing. Also spinning and weaving demonstrations.

• Farming for the Family – children can watch milking demonstrations, see piglets, lambs and calves and experience the fun of feeding a chicken and collecting an egg to cook and eat in the Farmhouse Kitchen.

• Countryside Arena – thrill to falconry displays, admire the discipline of gun dogs and cheer on your favourite in the terrier racing. Alongside the arena is the Canoe Village where you can experience canoes, kayaks and much, much more

• See traditional events on the Village Green, including a Gang Show to celebrate 100 years of the Girl Guides, Young Farmers, the W.I. a working forge and an old time fairground

• Gasp at the beauty of the Floral Marquee, watch floral art demonstrations and learn from the interesting talks

• Visit the Art Pavilion with over 400 entries all of which are for sale

• Experience the working countryside and see Heavy Horses pulling logs in Woodlands and Wildlife; learn about the secret life of bees in the Bees & Honey Tent.

The ultimate afternoon tea in London

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Posted by Paul on May 21, 2010 – 11:23 am
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions, Eating & Drinking

TLSee (Tea, London and Sightseeing) – a pun on TLC (tender, loving care) is the new afternoon tea concept at Swissôtel The Howard, London and treats guests to edible versions of the famous sights of the city on the Thames.

With TLSee, nine different London landmarks, some in 3D, are served up alongside traditional finger sandwiches and home-baked scones. Executive Chef Brian Spark has had special cake tins made to his exact requirements, and the TLSee treats are freshly prepared using these in the hotel patisserie.

Aanyone visiting London who doesn’t make it to Big Ben can at least enjoy the landmark in the form of a chocolate cake while taking a break at the hotel.

Half term walks for families in Suffolk

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Posted by Paul on May 21, 2010 – 9:22 am
Filed under Events

The South and Heart of Suffolk Walking Festival will feature several guided outings for families and children during the late spring half-term from Monday 31st May to Friday 4th June.

Mister Stevenson’s Light Railway on Bank holiday Monday, 31st May 2010 follows the route of the ‘Middy’ to discover how to interpret landscape clues. The free 1.5 hour walk starts from 10.30am meeting at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway, Wetheringsett; entrance into the railway museum and train rides will be charged.

On Tuesday 1st June 2010, there’s a gentle, one mile stroll around Needham Lake with a storyteller narrating weird and wonderful tales on the way, and in the evening at 8pm families can join a walk through the Woodland Trust’s Priestley Wood listening to spooky tales (recommended for children over 10 years).

There’s also a Scavenger Hunt at Thornham Walks on Wednesday afternoon, 2nd June when families can take a gentle afternoon stroll through the woods hunting for a given list of items, while Friday 4th June 2010 sees two more outings through magical ancient woodland with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Pre-booking is recommended for all walks by calling the Tourist Information Centre at either Lavenham on 01787 248207 or Mid Suffolk on 01449 676800. Some of the family walks are free while for others the price ranges from £1.50 to £3; children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult and dogs on a lead are allowed on some walks.

For accommodation in the vicinity, see these hotels in Bury St. Edmunds and these hotels in Sudbury.