UKseries Home       Blog Home       UK Hotels       UK B&Bs       UK Self-Catering       UK Camping       UK Tourist Attractions

Monthly Archives: June 2011

New Dunkirk exhibition opening under Dover Castle

0
Posted by trev on June 7, 2011 – 11:35 am
Filed under Attractions, Events

To the Germans during WWII Dover Castle was simply a landmark which had looked out towards France for over 800 years, but deep below the castle walls were some of the most secretive rooms of the entire war.

From June 10th, visitors to Dover Castle will be able to experience for themselves what it was like to live and work in the secret tunnels of Dover Castles during what became known as Operation Dynamo, known better today was the evacuation of Dunkirk.

Churchill himself spent many hours down in these dark tunnels helping to meticulously plan for what was in reality a rather panic stricken retreat, but due to the planning taking place down there the majority of the British soldiers who were stranded near Dunkirk were brought back safely. What made this even more famous were the floatilla of small boats from fishing boats and river cruisers to rowing boats which helped rescue the stranded soldiers.

The exhibition uses various multimedia demonstrations and techniques to transport visitors from the secret Dover Castle tunnels, across the channel to the frontline on the famous Dunkirk beaches.

More information can be found on the English Heritage Operation Dynamo web site.

More Dover Links:
Visitor attractions in Dover
Hotels in Dover
Dover self-catering accommodation

Eddie Kidd finishes London Marathon after 2 months

0
Posted by trev on June 7, 2011 – 10:51 am
Filed under Events

Former daredevil stuntman Eddie Kidd who is best known for his motorcycle stunts, finished the London Marathon last night after walking the route for 2 months.

In 1996, he was almost crippled in an accident while trying to jump a drag strip at Long Marston Airfield and this left him virtually paralysed with serious brain injuries. However, Eddie was seen training for months before the event on Brighton’s seafront to ensure he had the strength to complete it.

Eddie Kidd started the marathon on 17th April 2011 and was supported along the way by various celebrities including Ray Winstone, Bobby Davro, Joe Pasquale and Madness frontman Suggs. He was presented with his medal by former boxer Michael Watson who himself suffered serious brain injuries during a boxing match.

Eddie Kidd holds records for jumping 14 buses, a 120ft railway bridge and the Great Wall of China but he described this achievement as his best stunt yet.

During this marathon, Eddie has so far raised £74,000 + gift aid making a total of £85,466.35 at the time of writing.

There are more details on Eddie Kidd post-accident and his fund raising on the official Eddie Kidd web site.

London’s first hotel for the iPad generation – Eccleston Square Hotel

0
Posted by trev on June 6, 2011 – 2:07 pm
Filed under Accommodation

If you’re one of those people who has trouble getting the showers in a Premier Inn to run warm instead of red hot or freezing cold, then the Eccleston Square Hotel might or might not be your godsend.

The hotel has recently undergone a £6.5 million renovation and to give this hotel a unique selling point, they have installed more gadgets than we suspect exist in Bill Gate’s living room. The hotel rooms are absolutely bristling with technology including the £12,000 a piece massage beds, which is quite expensive when you have 40 rooms to furnish!

Other gadgets which have caught the attention of tech-heads are the Apple iPad 2, 46-inch 3D TV and Blueray player, Nespresso machine (as advertised by George Clooney), a hidden TV in the bathroom mirror and even a clever shower wall which turns opaque at the touch of a button.

All this technology might scare the living daylights out of some, but it has meant the hotel rooms are now being included in gadget magazine Stuff’s “2011 Cool List” alongside the Apple Macbook Air laptop and glasses-free 3D TV technology.

You can find out even more about the technology in this gadget packed hotel on the Eccleston Square Hotel Blog. For more information and bookings on the Eccleston Square Hotel, click here.

As for how you turn the taps on and off – when we receive an invite to stay there for free, we’ll be sure to let you know. ;-)

More Westminster Links:
Hotels in Westminster, London
Visitor attractions around Westminster in London
Self-catering apartments in Westminster, Central London

New web site connects Britain by train, plane & automobile

0
Posted by trev on June 6, 2011 – 12:55 pm
Filed under Transport

A new government backed web site aims to give Brits the freedom to plan journeys by train, plane, car and coach, plus a little walking and surprisingly it does actually work.

The web site called TransportDirect.info works a bit like those insurance comparison web sites but no one sings at you and unfortunately we didn’t see a cute merecat either, sorry. However what you do get are transport options for getting from A to B using live route planning information.

Testing the system: To test this, I tried asking it for a route from Penrith in Cumbria to Newark in Nottinghamshire and it came back with 4 options. Three of these were bus + train + walk and one was simple car journey. Unlike most other planner services, this new one includes bus routes and times plus even tells you what house to stand next to to catch the bus! Not that the large bus stop sign wasn’t rather a large clue.

Was it accurate? I’ve never actually tried this route via anything but a car, but the instructions did seem to make sense even the ones telling me to stand opposite number 109 on Brentfield Way to catch the bus. Walking times however seemed reasonable. Very glad to see it didn’t say drive to Penrith Station and park too.

Potential problems? The biggest problem I can forsee with this system is it assumes the buses and trains will be on time so one slightly late bus means you could miss the connection. Also walking times are probably for those not dragging kids along or people with walking difficulties.

Improvements: For train services you can book the train from the web site, but of course most bus services you can’t (perhaps this will come one day). They also don’t have fare information for the buses, but since these were town bus services one could assume they wouldn’t be very expensive.

One part that doesn’t always seem to work are train booking. For some journeys it is possible to book the train and get the fare although we’re not sure if it’s the cheapest fare, but on other similar journeys this option is missing. Perhaps a little more joining up is required there to make life a little easier.

Also a little more customisation would be handy especially allowing for switches between transport methods. For example adding an option for slower connections would allow people to more easily take into account kids in tow or likelyhood of carrying shopping to give more time between connections.

Overall impression: Considering this site isn’t trying to push any type of transport except possibly get us out of our cars, it seems to work remarkably well. Perhaps not quite as polished looking as some sites and could perhaps do with a few tweaks here and there, but well done to the people who managed to gather all this information together and create joined up government.

One thing however it does show rather starkly is public transport is very expensive and slow. The only part of this journey I could obtain a price for was the train and one way that was £55 plus the various bus fares so we’ll estimate £65. It seems I’m paying £65 one way and taking 6 hours to do what it costs me about £20 and 3 hours in a family sized car down the M6, M62 and A1.

Now we have joined up transport planning, perhaps it’s time for joined up transport to plan the journey on?

Finally: If you’re sitting in the office playing with this site, as presumably no one is actually going to use it for its real purpose, then try the CO2 Comparison option. Strangely, according to this planner, covering 170 miles in my 2L family sized car will output significantly more CO2 than going by plane.

Ah well, Jeeves, please bring the private jet round to the front door…one feels an obligation to be environmentally friendly today.

You can try the site at Transport Direct.

Isle of Man TT – The most insanely spectacular race in the world?

1
Posted by trev on June 6, 2011 – 12:35 pm
Filed under Events

If you’re reading this on your iPhone while sitting on the Isle of Man I REALLY SHOULD SHOUT, as you’re no doubt enjoying the Isle of Man TT which is insanely spectacular for at least two reasons.

For 100 years now, bikes have hurtled round the Isle of Man TT course at increasingly crazy speeds in excess of 100 mph these days, all on public roads including passing through the odd farm gate and of course with perhaps a few bales of hay to protect you.

The sheer bravery or insanity of the people who do this every year and the fact that over 231 competitors have died trying is what makes this in my opinion at least one of the votes for this being the most insane race in the world. As Murry Walker said recently – all the TT riders in my fathers racing days were also my uncles, it’s just that every year, at least one of my uncles didn’t return.

The second reason I think this should be voted most insanely spectacular is the scenery you pass through. Unlike most tracks which are lets face it predictable and boring, the Isle of Man TT passes from the town, through villages and out into the open countryside. This has to be one of the reasons why so many riders keep coming back and back to the course every year as there is absolutely nothing in the world to rival racing through the Isle of Man countryside….even if it might be a little blurred at 100mph.

If you’d like to visit the islands either during the next TT races or perhaps you prefer the island’s gentler pace of life, there’s always lots of visitor attractions on the Isle of Man and a whole range of hotels and B&Bs on the Isle of Man.

North East England scoops top Google Streetview awards

0
Posted by trev on June 6, 2011 – 11:10 am
Filed under Attractions, Events

It seems the people of Britain (and the world) have spoken and London is no longer the capital of chic and sophistication – that honour goes to three towns outside London, two of which are in Northumberland.

The Google Streeview Best Streets Awards allowed the public to vote on a selection of streets in the categories “Hippest street in Britain”, “Best shopping street in Britain” and “Most romantic street in Britain”.

A panel of “expert” judges selected the shortlist of streets and roads around Britain from their own personal favourites, and then Google asked the public to vote for their favourite street in the categories above. The results were very surprising as the usual suspects didn’t win any of the categories, and North East England managed to scoop two of them.

Tip: If the streetview images below don’t load, click the link under each as Google Streetview seems to be having problems today.

 

Best shopping street in Britain award – also went outside of London which must really sting when the capital has so many iconic shopping streets and markets. This honour went further north to the town of Alnwick, high up on the Northumbrian coastline previously most famous for Alnwick Castle which was used in many of the Harry Potter films.

Described as a “picturesque street entered by an archway through a 15th century tower” by the Guardian, Bondgate Within street in Alnwick is the best place to go shopping in the country. This mixture of high street names and local independent shops captured something, although the lower half of the street by the arch seems the nicest.

The view down Bondgate Within street in Alnwick:
(The archway is behind you in this photo)


View Larger Map

 

The hippest street award went to South Shore Road in Gateshead (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) which has in the last 20 years transformed from a derelict former industrial capital, into having some of the most hip and trendy bars, galleries and art installations in the country.

The South Shore is especially trendy having the Lord Foster-designed Sage music centre, The Baltic contemporary arts building and being one side of the “Blinking Eye” millennium bridge. London may have been the cool place to hang out in the past, but now it seems Gateshead is the new South Bank.

If you’re up near Gateshead, don’t forget they’ve also got the Antony Gormley Angel of the North, visible from the A1 passing Gateshead.

South Shore Road in Gateshead:


View Larger Map

 

The most romantic street in Britain was the only award not won by north east England towns and this one went to Copse Hill Road in the slightly unfortunately named village of Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire. If you mis-read the street name as I did several times, it seemed as if “Corpse Hill Road” has won. The street is a mixture of old church and farm buildings, alongside more modern houses and of course someone cutting their grass (almost a requirement for a romantic little English village).

Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter:


View Larger Map

 

The full list of finalists:-

These are the top 5 in each category for the Google’s best streets in Britain. You can also see the streets which were nominated by the experts here

Hippest street in Britain:

  1. South Shore Road, Gateshead
  2. Call Lane, Leeds
  3. Whitecross Street, London
  4. Seel Street, Liverpool
  5. Henry Street, Belfast

Best shopping street in Britain:

  1. Bondgate Within, Alnwick
  2. Market Place, Kingston
  3. Low Pavement, Nottingham
  4. Lisburn Road, Belfast
  5. The Promenade, Cheltenham

Most romantic street in Britain:

  1. Copse Hill Road, Lower Slaughter
  2. Front Street , Bamburgh
  3. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
  4. Mwnt, Y Ferwig
  5. The A591, Grasmere, Lake District
 

Did they miss any?

Are there any streets you think should have been in the original list or perhaps should have won above what the general public voted for? You can add your street nominations in the comments section.

More UK resources:
Visitor attractions around Britain
Hotels in the UK
Britain self-catering cottages
Campsites and caravans in Britain

Powerboat racing returns to Jersey

0
Posted by admin on June 3, 2011 – 6:12 pm
Filed under Events

Britain’s best powerboat racers return to Jersey when the prestigious P1 SuperStock Championship blasts into St Aubin’s Bay on 10th and 11th June 2011 and new P1 Panther boat makes its eagerly anticipated racing debut.

The opening round of the five-event championship sees the striking new 250hp Panther boat break cover as promoter Powerboat P1 sets out to dramatically drive down the cost of national level powerboat racing thanks to its new 250hp one-make class.

The Peters & May Jersey Grand Prix of the Sea will be a weekend of close to shore action, with intense one-on-one match racing on Saturday and spectacular mass-start racing on Sunday. This spectator-friendly format creates a free to see festival of motorsport where fans can watch powerboat racing from land.

For the P1 SuperStock teams, the Jersey race is the start of  a season-long ‘Race to Liverpool’ that leads to the championship finale in Albert Dock in September.

Useful links:
Jersey hotels
Jersey B&Bs
Jersey self-catering
Jersey campsites
Jersey attractions

Luxury Loch Lomond ‘no rain guaranteed’ break

2
Posted by admin on June 3, 2011 – 6:09 pm
Filed under Accommodation

To combat Scotland’s reputation as a damp and drizzly destination, Cameron House will guarantee a rain free experience during stays in the opulent Whisky Suites or guests enjoy a complimentary one night stay on their next visit.  During the stay guests enjoy the signature treatment in the hotel’s Carrick Spa – The Rainshower Ritual. Guaranteed the only rain guests will see during their stay, the unique treatment features seven heated water jets expertly manoeuvred to cleanse, massage and relax the body. Also included is a Champagne cruise aboard the Celtic Warrior, to soak up the fantastic weather in style from the deck of Cameron House’s own luxury cruiser, while enjoying the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.

The break offers accommodation in one of the hotel’s signature Whisky Suites. Each of the spacious and luxurious suites contains individual touches depicting the legendary distilleries that inspired them. With individual features such as freestanding baths in the bedrooms, overlooking the rays of sunshine reflecting off the loch; comfortable, well equipped lounge areas; four poster beds and traditional Scottish décor throughout such as touches of tartan and the heads of majestic stags mounted on the walls.

Also included in the indulgent package is full Scottish breakfast and three course dinner at the Cameron Grill, serving the finest local Ayrshire beef, aged for 21 days and cooked over burning coals, or the relaxed Boathouse Restaurant, serving the freshest seafood overlooking the marina.

Stephen Carter OBE, Chairman of Cameron House said: “As Brits, the weather is one our favourite topics of conversations, with the west of Scotland not always top of the list for a summer sunshine break.

“We always want to ensure our guests have the best stay possible and if that includes taking care of the weather then we will do everything in our power to make that happen!”

The one night No Rain Guaranteed break costs £995.00 and includes accommodation in a signature whisky suite, full Scottish breakfast, three course dinner, Champagne cruise and a Rainshower Massage for two guests and is available June to August 2011.

New cycle centre opens in The National Forest

0
Posted by admin on June 3, 2011 – 5:32 pm
Filed under Attractions, Events, Transport

The new £1.5 million Hicks Lodge National Forest Cycle Centre, near Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire, opened this week, as keen local cyclists burst through the ribbon and set off on the inaugural trail ride. Hundreds of people turned out for the event, many bringing their own bikes, or hiring them on-site. Families with trailer bikes and tagalongs were keen to try out the trails and one couple turned up with a specially adapted cycle for less able bikers.

The centre, at the heart of The National Forest, features a stunning eco-friendly visitor centre with café, bike hire and repair shop, showers, a wood-burning stove for chilly days, and eight miles of graded off-road trails.  It has been developed through a partnership of the Forestry Commission and the National Forest Company, and is particularly suitable for families and novice cyclists. While youngsters will enjoy the twists and turns of the most technical route, there are wide surfaced trails for buggies and tagalong bikes.  Non-cyclists can also enjoy the trails and young woodland on the dual use trails for walkers and cyclists.

The official opening was followed by guided rides and other fun activities. The centre is run by Purple Mountain, which already runs the massively popular cycle centres at Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire and Kielder Forest in Northumberland.  There will be a lively summer programme of guided rides, family fun days, cycling skills sessions and evening trail rides, to encourage everyone, from toddlers to ‘silver cyclists’, to saddle up and enjoy the trails.

Useful links:
Ashby de la Zouch hotels
Ashby de la Zouch B&Bs
Ashby de la Zouch cottages
Ashby de la Zouch attractions

Exclusive pictures of Legoland’s latest attraction, Atlantis Submarine Voyage

0
Posted by admin on June 2, 2011 – 3:04 pm
Filed under Attractions

Less than 2 weeks ago, Legoland opened its latest attraction, the £8 million Atlantis Submarine Voyage and it’s very difficult to get any insights into it, save Legoland’s own carefully Photoshopped images.  Flash photography is also not allowed on the ride and, with it being poorly lit, images have clearly proved hard to come by, not to mention difficult to take.  But, thanks to a ukseries.com exclusive, we have obtained some pictures for you!  Sit back and marvel at Legoland’s newest addition.

Outside the attraction…

Nearing the end of the queue… a lego model encased in water…

One of the submarines, ready for boarding…

Passengers get on board…

Inside, screens give the illusion that the submarine is diving…

…as well as present information on the sealife that lurks below…

Eventually, the lights come on and you can marvel at what’s beneath you…

Apparently there are more than 50 species of sharks, rays and tropical fish in the tank, not to mention nearly 100 Lego models…

Top tip: you can’t currently use Q-bot (Legoland’s paid ‘queue-jumping’ system) on this ride, so you will have to queue.  This means that, if this is a ride you particularly want to go on, you’d be best going either early or late in the day when the queue is at its minimum. Alternatively, there are plans to add Atlantis Submarine Voyage to Q-bot later in the season.

Useful links:
Legoland on UKattraction.com (click on the ‘more information’ link to get discounted tickets for booking online)
Hotels near Legoland