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Category Archives: Accommodation

Multi-million pound pads enter rental market in Cornwall

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Posted by Paul on March 9, 2010 – 11:26 am
Filed under Accommodation

Award winning luxury holiday specialists, Cornish Gems, are launching a new service in April that will showcase some of the most desirable accommodation in Cornwall, with the help of Simon Weston OBE. Labelled “Cornish Cribs”, the service will be dedicated to managing multimillion pound properties joining their portfolio. With lavish price tags, the properties will rent in the region of £2000 – £8000 per week, making them some of the most exclusive and elite destinations in Cornwall and the UK.

Boasting gadgetry that rivals any Bond film, home cinemas, swimming pools, saunas, gyms and hot tubs with sea views, the Cornish Crib collection will be complemented by a range of guest holiday concierge and lifestyle services including gourmet private catering and helicopter/limo transfers – creating the ultimate holiday experience in the Duchy.

Sandpiper Cottage, Aldeburgh

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Posted by Paul on March 9, 2010 – 1:25 am
Filed under Accommodation

Aldeburgh has a new chic two bedroom period self catering cottage, Sandpiper Cottage. It’s a stylish retreat for couples or small families, ideally located in central Aldeburgh just a hop, skip, and a jump from the beach, shops and excellent restaurants. It has been through an exacting period renovation – fire places have been uncovered, beautiful panelled walls rediscovered, the walls painted in natural lime-washed paints, sash windows restored, and all finished off with the best of contemporary furniture, art and design!  Adorning the walls are fun works of art made especially for the house from driftwood by local artist Paul Crisp, and the house has free wifi-access for those who need to stay in touch with the rest of the world. On the ground floor is a living room with a cosy wood-burning stove, a large kitchen with large patio doors leading outside to a small decked area with a table and chairs, a dining room and an outside utility room. Upstairs there are two bedrooms (1 king, 1 twin), each with its own bath or shower room.

Take afternoon tea at Belvoir Castle

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Posted by Paul on March 8, 2010 – 8:01 am
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions, Eating & Drinking

It is a little known fact that the area of Melton gave the country one of its most enduring traditions: Afternoon Tea. Anna Maria Stanhope invented the tradition when she was staying at Belvoir Castle in the 1840s with the then Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today the stunning regency-era Belvoir Castle is one of the region’s most popular attractions, offering superb art and European sculpture collections and, of course, Afternoon Tea at its magnificent Stewards Restaurant.

Stay overnight at the Manners Arms Country Hotel – a stunning country house hotel managed by the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Twin /double rooms with breakfast start at £80.

Did you know it’s currently British Pie Week?

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Posted by Paul on March 5, 2010 – 9:06 am
Filed under Accommodation, Eating & Drinking, Events

As British Pie Week (1st-7th March 2010) is celebrated all over the country, one Western Lake District village is laying claim to the title of Britain’s Favourite Pie Parish and to the creation of a new tourism niche – Pie Tourism.

The village of Gosforth, near England’s highest mountain (Scafell) and its deepest lake (Wastwater) is enticing holidaymakers seeking a pie-fect experience that combines one of the country’s favourite dishes with a unique blend of other attractions.

The Gosforth Hall Inn first put a Supper Pie on its menu in January 2008. The Steak, Bacon and Mushroom pie, filled to the brim with local Lakeland steak slow-cooked for at least four hours, proved a huge hit and added to the village’s existing ‘lunch time pie’ offer from Gill Unsworth’s bakery.

The creator of the Supper Pie, Rod Davies, decided his inn should experiment with other pies. These were seen as perfect food choices into which walkers, cyclists, foodies and other visitors could tuck in after a fabulous day out enjoying ‘Britain’s Favourite View’ – Wastwater, just a few miles from Gosforth – and the stunning scenery all around.

Along with wife Barbara, Rod set about concocting delicious pie varieties for his Inn’s menu and now offers a rotating selection of pies, including Wild Boar with Wholegrain Mustard, Moroccan Lamb, Wild Game and Plum, Pulled Pork and Sweet Chilli, Venison and Haggis and Broccoli and Stilton.

All of these can be washed down with four real ales, at least three of which are always Cumbrian, served by an inn that was the 2008 runner-up in the CAMRA Pub of the Year awards.

Pie lovers hungry for more than just fabulous food, are satisfying their appetites by feeding on the rich history of the Western Lake District. This includes Roman occupations at nearby Ravenglass and Hardknott, as well as Roman activity in the Eskdale Valley. This is explored by the Steam and Romans experiences organised by the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

There is also the legend of St Bega and early Christianity within the area, to add to the historical backdrop ,and visitors can also revel in the area’s unique traditions, such as the annual gurning Championships, staged in Egremont. Others are building up the appetite by following one of the Gosforth Walks described by a book of that name.

Try your hand at power kite flying at Airbossworld’s Airfield

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Posted by Paul on March 5, 2010 – 12:01 am
Filed under Accommodation, Miscellaneous

This adrenalin-inducing treat is perfect for anyone that embraces the ‘you’re never too old’ philosophy. With 52-acres of flat green grass to fly on, the Airfield at Airbossworld in Loughborough is the biggest dedicated powerkite park in the UK, offering powerkite flying facilities for all abilities. Never flown a four line powerkite before? Fear not, as the centre offers day-long courses in the very basics of powerkite flying. By the end of the day you’ll have total control of your powerkite and a breathtaking experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

Stay overnight at imago at Burleigh Court – a contemporary hotel offering exceptional leisure facilities like a well equipped gym, spa and sauna. Twin /double rooms with breakfast start at £99.

South Lakeland Parks’ flagship park re-opens after floods

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Posted by Paul on March 1, 2010 – 8:38 pm
Filed under Accommodation

South Lakeland Parks flagship park White Cross Bay has become one of the first businesses in the Lake District to re-launch after it opened its doors today. The site was badly flooded in November 2009 leading to an early closure and a £2 million refurbishment. Over the past few months the park has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme which has included:

  • New luxurious hire fleet lodges
  • State of the art new multi sports play area
  • New beer garden
  • Full boat and club house refurbishment
  • New restaurant and caterers: The Flying Boat
  • Development of new owner pitches

White Cross Bay is one of the nine parks owned and managed by South Lakeland Parks, with the others located around the Lake District, Morecambe Bay and Ribble Valley. It occupies an enviable position in the northern tip of Windermere with a number of its lodges directly overlooking the Lake and surrounding mountains.

Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf voted Best London Hotel

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Posted by Paul on March 1, 2010 – 12:13 am
Filed under Accommodation

The Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf has been voted the traveller’s choice for Best London Hotel , according to reviews left by customers on leading accommodation website Hotels.com.  The study, based on the analysis of independent reviews posted on Hotels.com by customers who have stayed at the hotels, found that with an average rating of 9.2 out of 10, the Edwardian New Providence Wharf clearly hit the spot with visitors to the capital city – receiving praise from the majority of guests for its ‘great service’ and ‘friendly staff’.  With over 150 superior or deluxe rooms, each individually designed with unique art, 16 suites, and a fabulous penthouse with views up and down the river, The Radisson Edwardian at New Providence Wharf has been a welcome addition to London’s Docklands since it opened in 2008.

Superbreak launches London Sightseeing Runs

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Posted by Paul on February 23, 2010 – 1:28 pm
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions

Heading to London on a short break and fancy something a little different when it comes to sightseeing? Want to explore London and its famous landmarks whilst keeping fit and meeting like-minded people? Well now you can venture out without a guidebook as short break specialist Superbreak has launched a selection of quirky new ‘London Sightseeing Runs’, which can be added to any hotel booking in the Capital.

Offering a new way to discover the city through exercise, these runs are informative and fun with guides ensuring participants learn more about the history and culture of the city whilst also getting a workout. All guides are qualified personal trainers and will tailor each run according to participants training needs. A selection of key routes are available that cover London’s essential sights and a variety of distances from 5 – 8km.

A range of different routes are available including: Riverview run, Royal Parks and Palaces run, Historic East End run, Maritime Greenwich run and London Canals. Tours can also be tailored to include specific sights of interest if required. For the ultimate flexibility and because many people have their own preferred exercise time, runs can be booked at 7am or 3pm. For those who don’t consider themselves runner then it is possible to book a light jog or power walk tour.

Sample packages including a tour:
Three star hotel with London Sightseeing run – £77.50pp staying one nights at the three star Imperial hotel on a b/b basis with a sightseeing run included. Based on two sharing and valid any day of the week until the end of April.
Four star hotel with London Sightseeing run – £87.50pp staying one nights at the four star Grafton Hotel on a b/b basis with a sightseeing run included. Based on two sharing and valid any day of the week until the end of April.

Pick and mix outdoor activity breaks in Northern Wilderness

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Posted by Paul on February 23, 2010 – 12:07 pm
Filed under Accommodation, Events, Miscellaneous

Durham’s Outdoor and Active Week runs from 5th to 11th April 2010, as part of National Outdoor Adventure Week, and features more than 17 free and great-value events for visitors to pick from and construct their own bespoke activity holiday.  Events include guided mountain biking, orienteering, guided walks and hiking, landscape photography workshops and entry to high ropes activity courses.

In 2007, the Campaign to Protect Rural England carried out a tranquillity mapping survey of the UK, looking for the least polluted, quietest and best preserved natural environments.  North East England was voted the most tranquil region in Britain and County Durham was voted its fourth most peaceful place. Many events are taking place in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and European Geopark, an area known as “England’s last remaining wilderness,” and in the Durham Dales. The area is known for its high sweeping moorland ridges, heather clad uplands, powerful waterfalls and isolated reservoirs.  The AONB shares a boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the South and extends as far as the Tyne Valley in the North. Its western boundary follows the Pennine Escarpment and in the east it grades into West Durham.

In addition to the organised events, many self catering cottages, guesthouses, hotels and B&B’s are offering special short break packages during Spring and into Summer, including three nights for the price of two, 25% off, or discounts on mountain bike hire and outdoor activities. For full details about Outdoor and Active Week and accommodation packages, log onto www.thisisdurham.com/active

Events so far include:

5th-11th April
Try Orienteering
Race against the clock to find the checkpoints around the 1km course in the Durham Dales.
Weardale Outdoor, Coves House Estate, Wolsingham, DL13 3BG
Time: anytime during opening hours, all day all week
Contact: James, 01388 529 354, or email: james@weardaleoutdoor.co.uk

Mountain Bike Taster Sessions
Weardale Outdoor, Coves House Estate, Wolsingham, DL13 3BG
Time: anytime during opening hours, all day all week
Contact: James, 01388 529 354, or email: james@weardaleoutdoor.co.uk
Price: £2 for an hours ride
Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.

5th April
Cotherstone and Deepdale Woods
Time: 10.30am (4.5 hours) 9 miles MEDIUM/LONG
Contact: Ian Gray – Voluntary Countryside Ranger
Start: Post Office, Galgate, Barnard Castle. GR NZ049166 OS map 92, Explorer OL31
Buses: No suitable service
£2.50, packed lunch needed
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

Outdoor Tennis at Crook Hall and Gardens
Learn to play tennis with coach Andrew Burn.
Times: 11:30am -1pm and 1:30pm till 3pm.
Usual admission to the gardens applies – tennis is free.
Web: www.crookhallgardens.co.uk
Tel: 0191 384 8028

6th-11th April
Guided Mountain Bike Rides
Hamsterley Forest, Teesdale, DL13 3LN
Times: 10:30 -12:30am
Tel: 01388 488 222
Email: shop@woodnwheels.co.uk
Web: www.woodnwheels.net
Rides every day throughout Outdoor and Active Week

6th April
Mountain Bike Ride for the girls
The Hamsterley Trailblazers are running a female rider only guided mountain bike ride on green and blue trails for beginners and intermediates.
Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre, DL13 3LN
Time: 6:30pm
For more: Vicky Chilcott, vicky@century.gb.com or tel: 0191 4168200.

6th April
Deerness Valley reclaimed
Time: 1pm (3.5 hours) 4.5 miles MEDIUM
Contact: George Wharton – Countryside enthusiast
Start: Car park behind the Co-op, New House Road, Esh Winning. GR NZ 191417 OS map 88, Explorer 307
Buses: Arriva 43
£2.50
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

7th April

Viewing the start of original Stockton and Darlington Railway
Time: 10am (3 hours) 5 miles MEDIUM
Contact: Derek S Newby – Local Historian
Includes a guided tour of the Railway Musuem
Start: Meet outside Timothy Hackworth Museum, Locomotion, use any car park, Shildon. GR NZ231256 OS map 93, Explorer 305
Buses: Any bus or train to Shildon
£2.50, packed lunch needed
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

Photography walk: Durham by twilight
Time: 8pm (2 hours) 2 miles EASY
Contact: Philip Nixon – Photographer
Booking only. Call 0191 384 5058. Bring a tripod
£2.50

8th April

Causey Arch and Beamish
Time: 10am (4.5 hours) 7 miles MEDIUM
Contact: Mike Munro – Countryside Ranger
Start: Causey Arch picnic area, on west side of A6076, near Stanley. GR NZ205562 OS map 88, Explorer 308
Buses: Go North East x30, x31 to Causey Arch Inn
£2.50, packed lunch needed
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

9th April

A tale of two reservoirs – Smiddy Shaw and Tunstall
Time: 10am (5.5 hours) 10.5 miles MEDIUM/LONG
Contact: Brian Page – Voluntary Countryside Ranger
Start: Waskerley Station picnic area, Waskerley village, off Castleside to Stanhope road. GR NZ051454 OS map 87, Explorer 307
Buses: No suitable service
£2.50, packed lunch needed
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

10th April

Waldridge Fell and No Place
Time: 10am (5 hours) 10 miles MEDIUM/LONG
Contact: Steve Shippen – Voluntary Countryside Ranger
Start: First car park on left coming from Waldridge Village, behind St Barnabas’ nursery. GR NZ253496 OS map 88, Explorer 308
Buses: Go North East 25
£2.50, packed lunch needed
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

11th April

Easter walk: Sunderland Bridge to Bowburn
Time: 10am (4.5 hours) 9 miles MEDIUM/LONG
Contact: David Spence – Voluntary Countryside Ranger
Start: Sunderland Bridge, old road over River Wear, off B6300. GR NZ265377 OS map 93, Explorer 305
Buses: Go North East 21, Arriva 7
£2.50, packed lunch needed
Tel: 0191 383 4144, or email: countryside@durham.gov.uk

Fencing for beginners
Introduction to fencing techniques – anyone welcome.
Booking only, please call 0191 383 4144 during office hours
Free of charge, no dogs.

Turning Japanese at the Dormy House Hotel’s residential garden tours

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Posted by Paul on February 11, 2010 – 8:25 am
Filed under Accommodation, Attractions, Events

The Dormy House Hotel in the Cotswolds is turning Japanese for the launch of four residential garden tours which will feature a Japanese tea ceremony and the chance to tour a privately-owned Japanese garden with the award winning designer Julian Dowle.

The first of the courses, which cost £450 for an inclusive package of luxury room, fine dining and transport to gardens, runs on 4th to 7th May 2010. The price also includes entry and guided tours of the gardens of Sudeley Castle, Kiftsgate and Sezincote and the chance to tour Hidcote with its head gardener. Subsequent tours will run: 1st to 4th, 8th to 11th June 2010, and 7th to 10th September 2010.

The private Japanese garden that guests visit is located in the grounds of the Farncombe Estate which is home to the Dormy House Hotel, near Broadway, and owned by the late Jørgen Philip-Sørensen. It was designed by Julian Dowle for Mr Jørgen Philip-Sørensen who has owned the Dormy House Hotel and the Farncombe Estate for over thirty years. Julian remains the only garden designer to win all 3 medals for a show garden at the annual Chelsea Flower Show.

Guests are shown around the garden by Julian himself, in addition to being treated to a special lesson in Japanese pruning and enjoying a relaxed dinner and question and answer session. The Japanese tea ceremony will be hosted by a local expert and involve the serving of green teas and authentic Japanese delicacies.