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Author Archives: Paul

News just in: Great North Swim postponed or cancelled

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Posted by Paul on September 3, 2010 – 12:08 am
Filed under Events

News is just in this evening that the Great North Swim – scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday – has sadly had to be postponed to a later date (or may even have to be cancelled).  We’ve had a few sunny days here in Cumbria and, with more good weather forecast, there are concerns about the levels of blue-green algae in the water and the safety implications that this has for swimmers. This is desparately disappointing for those who had planned to take part, particularly since some have no doubt already travelled to the area.  Swimmers will be able to take part on the new date in 2010 (if indeed there is one), get a refund on their entry fee, or defer their entry until next year.

Paul Johnson is a Director at Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. which offers luxury self-catering accommodation between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

Battle of Britain Air Display and International Air Rally

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Posted by Paul on September 2, 2010 – 3:44 pm
Filed under Events

Extremely popular with locals and visitors alike, the annual Battle of Britain Air Display includes World War II aircraft, modern training aircraft and RAF fast jets and helicopters (with the RAF’s Red Arrows showing off for the finale their skilful synchronised formation flying), while the three-day Air Rally attracts aircraft from all over Europe. This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The event will run from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th September 2010.

5 ‘must visit’ pubs in the UK

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Posted by Paul on September 2, 2010 – 12:05 am
Filed under Eating & Drinking

The Ordnance Survey recently did a blog post that cited 5 ‘must visit’ pubs in the UK.  I’m ashamed to say I’ve only visited one of them (the one in Yorkshire) but here’s their list nonetheless:

The Old Forge – Inverie, Knoydart, Scotland

This pub is the most remote in Great Britain and can only be access by an 18 mile hike over munros or a 7 mile sea crossing – but it’s well worth the journey. The pub started life as a smiddy’s forge before it became a workers social club. The pub is currently up for sale if you fancy becoming a publican in a pub that’s miles from anywhere!

Jamaica Inn – Bolventor, Cornwall

Made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel by the same name, this old coaching inn is now a museum and hotel where ghost hunters can learn about the smugglers that used to pass through. Bodmin Moor is close by, adding to the mystery and intrigue offered at this inn.

The Old Smith’s Arms – Godmanstone

This is said to be the smallest pub in Great Britain. The story goes that Charles II stopped at a blacksmiths forge where he asked the smithy for a glass of porter and granted him a license to sell beer and porter. The bar measures 20ft. x 10ft, perfect for a cosy pint after a winter walk!

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – St Albans

One of several pubs that claim to be the oldest in Great Britain, this pub is currently in the Guiness Book of Records with some parts of the building dating back to the 11th century. It was originally used as a pigeon house which is why it has an interesting octagonal shape.

The Tan Hill Inn – Yorkshire

The Tan Hill Inn is on the Pennine Way and is Britain’s highest pub standing on a lonely spot 1,732ft above sea level. The pub is said to be haunted by Mrs Peacock who ran it for 40 years. It is surrounded by unspoilt moorland in the Yorkshire Dales.

Paul Johnson is a Director at Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. which offers luxury self-catering accommodation between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

Useful link:
UK Pubs

The Isle Of Wight Cycling Festival

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Posted by Paul on September 1, 2010 – 5:29 pm
Filed under Events, Transport

Kicking off with the infamous ‘Sink or Swim’ Cycle the Medina fun race, the line-up for the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival includes over 60 rides geared to suit cyclists of all ages and abilities – from toddlers to Lance Armstrong wannabes! Sponsored by ferry operator Wightlink – which is offering special fares for the festival – the nine-day event takes place from 18th to 26th September 2010. A Wightlink day return foot passenger fare costs from £5.85pp (based on two travelling together) and bikes go free.

From themed cycle rides to the epic ‘Hills Killer’ (19th September) challenge – an orienteering ride against the clock over either three, seven or 14 hills – there are cycle rides for families, off-road cyclists and even wine lovers. There is the chance to learn more about bikes on a ‘Cycling Maintenance Class’ (21st, 22nd and 23rd September) and catch a glimpse of ‘Bobbies on bikes’ (19th September) as the Isle of Wight Police cycle around the Island for charity.

On the opening weekend, spectators can watch ‘Sink or Swim’ (18th September) from the safety of the riverbank as homemade pedal-powered crafts designed by ambitious inventors and cycle eccentrics try to make their way across the River Medina without getting wet. Meanwhile, history-buffs can take the ‘Tennyson and West Wight Challenge’ (18th September) and families can enjoy a scavenger hunt on the ‘Troll Trail’ (19th September).

Nature-enthusiasts can explore the landscape of hedgerows and woodland on the 15-mile ‘Chalk downs and river banks’ (24th September), and energetic athletes can take the triathlon ‘Wight Challenge’ (25th September) which includes a three-mile canoe and eight mile run. And those looking for a more leisurely day can opt for the ‘West Wight wine wander’ (22nd September), which includes a free wine tasting at Rossiters Vineyard.

Families who want to take the Island cycle routes at their own pace should pick up a copy of Wightlink’s ‘Easy Peasy Pedalling’ guide. Featuring six easy rides, the A5 pocket guide makes full use of the Isle of Wight’s extensive bike trails, with routes through nature reserves, past river estuaries and around Parkhurst Forest, home to the rare red squirrel.

Bikes go free on all Wightlink routes and cyclists travelling to the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival as foot passengers can take advantage of the ferry operator’s 2-for-1 offer, which means that two people can get to the Isle of Wight and back with their bikes from just £5.85pp.

Useful link:
Sandown Hotels

Dundee Flower & Food Festival 2010

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Posted by Paul on September 1, 2010 – 3:24 pm
Filed under Eating & Drinking, Events

With over two acres of marquees set in the magnificent grounds of Camperdown Country Park, the Dundee Flower & Food Festival has become the region’s top lifestyle event and offers the best in food, horticulture and live entertainment. The packed weekend programme from 3rd to 5th September 2010 includes free cookery and gardening demonstrations, children’s activities, a craft fair, the chance to buy an amazing range of plants and quality food products and much more. The festival is the main competitive horticultural show on the east coast and the Food Festival is now an integral part of the line up, featuring celebrity and local chefs and allowing visitors to purchase some of the best local, national and international produce.

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

Join the Red Express and help save the red squirrel!

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Posted by Paul on September 1, 2010 – 9:19 am
Filed under Attractions, Transport

Lake District visitor attraction, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, is stoking up support for one of Cumbria’s most iconic creatures, by putting a number of initiatives in place to directly assist red squirrel conservation. The narrow gauge, heritage railway is helping celebrate national Save Our Squirrels Week by laying on a special Red Express service on Saturday 9th October 2010. Passengers travelling on this train, departing Ravenglass at 10.30, can buy a ticket at the standard return fare of £11.20 per adult and £5.60 per child and see half of this fare donated to the Save Our Squirrels charity.

This delightful steam journey will take passengers from the station at Ravenglass – the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park – to Dalegarth, which nestles in the shadow of England’s highest mountains. The seven-mile journey traverses coastal areas and an estuary, hidden Miterdale and beautiful Eskdale, providing passengers with scenic pleasures, wildlife encounters, atmospheric travel and lots of nostalgia for days gone by.

Red squirrels live alongside the line near Muncaster Mill and have also been seen in the Beckfoot area. Other habitats in the valley also exist, with red squirrel sightings being a regular occurrence.

Passengers travelling on the Red Express will have time to explore the local area around Dalegarth Station, before their return journey. The can spend time in the well-stocked gift shop or Fellbites Eatery and also view a Romans in Eskdale exhibition.

Those wishing to further support Save Our Squirrels can purchase an exclusive soft Squirrel Nutkin™ toy, sold only by companies within the Wakefield Group to which the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway belongs. Every Squirrel Nutkin™ toy sold generates a £1.25 donation to Save Our Squirrels. Sums raised through this retail item will be added to those generated by the Red Express service, to generate as much as possible for a charity that is attempting to save a native British species from extinction. The new soft toy is only available at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s shops at both Dalegarth and Ravenglass, at those of its sister attraction, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ (at Glenridding and Pooley Bridge), at four Peter Rabbit & Friends shops in Bowness-on-Windermere, Keswick, Hawkshead and York and at a brand new Peter Rabbit and Friends™ e-shop.

Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival

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Posted by Paul on August 28, 2010 – 3:41 pm
Filed under Events

Discover hidden paths and tracks and learn all about the history of Guernsey with the help of accredited guides. Victor Hugo Trail for the hikers, St Peter Port Trail to visit the capital, Ruettes Tranquilles to see granite farmhouses and ancient churches, nature trails and coastal walks to experience Guernsey’s rugged coast line… Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival is held from Saturday 4th to Wednesday 15th September.

For more information, go to www.visitguernsey.com

Have fun in Leeds this Bank Holiday

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Posted by Paul on August 24, 2010 – 12:48 pm
Filed under Attractions, Events

It’s the last bank holiday weekend of the year, so make the most of it and head to of one of the many fantastic events and activities taking place across Leeds. Here’s a selection of the best from Leeds’ official tourism body Visit Leeds.

Every year Leeds Festival attracts thousands of music fans to Bramham Park for a weekend of headline acts and festival fun, with Arcade Fire, Blink 182 and Guns N’ Roses set to perform on the main stage. The festival is now sold out, but this year for the first time a Leeds Festival Fringe will be taking place from 19-25th August 2010. Gigs are scheduled at eight venues across the city acting as a great warm up to the festival proper, or as an exciting alternative for those who missed out on tickets.

This summer’s family events programme once again features the incredibly popular Harewood Steam Rally. Hissing-smoking Steam Engines, melodious steam-powered organs and a VIP guest appearance from Thomas The Tank Engine will make this weekend a fantastic day out for all the family. From 29th-30th August 2010.

Stimulate your senses with an early morning visit to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, one of the world’s leading open-air galleries, set in 500 acres of parkland. Catch James Turrell’s artwork at its best, as the first dawn light illuminates the Skyspace chamber, followed by breakfast and fresh coffee in the YSP restaurant. Sunrise in the Skyspace event, 28th August 2010.

Cheer on some of the world’s top jousters at The Royal Armouries Museum as they clash head to head for The Queen’s Golden Jubilee International Joust trophy. Watch the drama build through the heats on Saturday and Sunday, reaching a climax on Bank Holiday Monday when the overall champion will claim his trophy at a spectacular finale.

Europe’s longest running Caribbean carnival is back for its 43rd year! The Leeds West Indian Carnival has events lasting the whole weekend, culminating in a parade at Potternewton Park on Bank Holiday Monday. Expect great food, live music, dancing and amazing costumes. And don’t forget the carnival is a free event!

The Technique & Asylum Garden Party at The Faversham has become a force to be reckoned with – a landmark on the yearly calendar for those who are discerning about the way the spend their bank holiday Sundays but who want to party properly. They will be celebrating their 5th birthday in style with artists including Omar-S all the way from Detroit, and the cutting edge, electronic musician Matthew Dear. As the last garden party of the year, this is always a sell out event!

Useful links:
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Bag yourself an out-of-season, self-catering bargain!

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Posted by Paul on August 19, 2010 – 5:42 pm
Filed under Accommodation

Some of the UK’s most popular tourist locations are at the prettiest out of season when they’re free from crowds, the Autumn colours are turning or the crisp Winter air looms.  The other great thing about this time of year is that self-catering accommodation providers will often take short breaks rather than their usual Friday-Friday or Saturday-Saturday weekly lets.  And what’s more, it’s invariably the cheapest time to go!

Self-catering really is a no-brainer, too.  You invariably get more space, more privacy and a far better rate when you work it out per person per night. With a little forward planning, you can get some great deals for a pre- or post-Christmas break, or perhaps even a Valentines treat.  Have a browse of sites such as the UK cottage website for an idea of what’s available.

Paul Johnson is a Director at Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. which offers luxury self-catering accommodation between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

A taste of Thailand in the Lake District

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Posted by Paul on August 19, 2010 – 3:22 pm
Filed under Accommodation, Eating & Drinking

From 13th to 16th October 2010 Linthwaite House Hotel, overlooking Lake Windermere, will be offering guests a taste of Thailand when the hotel hosts a culinary extravaganza in conjunction with Koh Samui’s original boutique hotel, The Tongsai Bay.

So whilst guest can enjoy the autumn colours of the Lake District by day, by night they will be transported to the flavours of the Far East as Linthwaite’s head chef Richard Kearsley and his experienced team open up their kitchen to Tongsai Bay’s executive chef Alvin Tan Kian Chee and sous chef Jaturan Ounnahasuwan to fuse the exotic flavours of southern Thailand with the highest quality produce from Cumbria, creating exclusive menus and sharing the knowledge of their respective cuisines.

Both Linthwaite and Tongsai Bay have a long tradition of culinary excellence. At Tongsai Bay, the cuisine was overseen for many years by chef Piengchom Darbanand (known as ‘Chom’), a former chef to the Thai Royal household. Although now she is almost in retirement her standards are strictly maintained and her occasional visits to the hotel are much anticipated. Linthwaite is also renowned for its imaginative cuisine, using the best local produce; previously of The Waterside Inn, Mallory Court and Lords of the Manor, Richard Kearsley learnt his trade alongside stars of the culinary world. Both hotels also have a strong connection to the late Keith Floyd, who worked on his legendary ‘Far Flung Floyd’ series with the team at Tongsai Bay, and more recently hosted cookery theatres at Linthwaite.

The chef’s visit will culminate in a series of events at Linthwaite, at which they will present their dishes through cookery demonstrations and exclusive menus.

To celebrate Linthwaite is offering a special two night dinner, bed and breakfast package from £128 per person per night on 13th and 14th or 15th and 16th October 2010. Cost also includes a special afternoon tea with traditional Thai fruit carving.

Paul Johnson is a Director at Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. which offers luxury self-catering accommodation between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

Useful link:
Tourist attractions in Windermere