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Are you brave enough to tackle the blast of the ice cold winter rapids?

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Posted by admin on December 13, 2011 – 5:40 pm
Filed under Attractions, Miscellaneous

Lee Valley White Water Centre today unveiled a new winter and spring season, following an immensely successful summer at the only brand new London 2012 venue people can use before the Games.

The new season runs from 19th January up to 9th April 2012, welcoming adrenalin fans bold enough to brave the 300m long Olympic Standard Competition Course in the middle of winter, plus those who like the water a little warmer who can take on the rapids in March and April.

The Centre is owned and run by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority whose Chief Executive Shaun Dawson said: “The take up for our summer season was very strong, with day after day selling out, and we’ve been inundated with people desperate to get their chance to raft the rapids before the Games. We’re running up to Easter – just 16 weeks before the Games, so this is an incredible opportunity to raft or canoe this fantastic venue before the world’s best take it on.

“Rafting these world class rapids is absolutely exhilarating – thousands of people have enjoyed the experience this summer of 13,000 litres every second pumping down the outstanding course, and now there’s the added challenge of the wintery weather. Rafters and canoeists will have an unforgettable experience, and while we are starting in the middle of winter, we’ll be open through spring, so people can pick a date to tie in with the experience they want.”

The Centre, 40 minutes door to door from central London, is host venue for the London 2012 Olympic Canoe Slalom events next July and August, and has accommodated a host of top international paddlers, plus thousands of rafters from schools, family groups and sports teams to blue chip companies on corporate days out.

Led by an experienced guide, a half-day rafting session will include a safety briefing and a session to get used to paddling the raft. Starting with a calm but fast-paced descent, tougher and tougher challenges are set with each run of the course until rafters are ready for surfing, high siding, spinning and nose dunking. All the gear – super thick wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and boots – is provided, so all that’s needed are swimmers, a towel and a willingness to take on the white water. When the rafting is over, rafters can warm up with a free bowl of hearty soup and crusty roll served at the café overlooking the course.

Prices start at £49 per person for a half-day Winter White Water Rafting Adventure.

Useful links:
Hotels near Lee Valley Whitewater Centre
Other tourist attractions in Broxbourne

Fare-dodging on UK trains – what’s your view?

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Posted by admin on December 13, 2011 – 4:55 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous, Transport

An investigation is underway after a youth attempting to travel without a ticket was – almost quite literally – thrown off a  train by another passenger at Linlithgow Station. It was the Edinburgh to Perth Scotrail train and the youth in question was refusing to disembark despite not having a ticket, using some rather choice vocabulary despite young children being present and generally being antisocial. In situations like this, the train would usually be delayed until police arrived to take the individual off the train, but one disgruntled passenger wasn’t prepared to wait for all of that and helped to physically remove the passenger, to the applause of other passengers.  The incident happened last Friday and can be viewed here:

It’s been viewed more than half a million times already but that will no doubt escalate now that BBC and Sky News have covered it.

Anyway, what’s your take on it all? There’s rumour that the passenger who went to the aid of the conductor could face prosecution for taking the matter into his own hands? Is this unfair or should we all have a zero tolerance to individuals who have such little regard for the system and other passengers? Comments, please!

Useful links:
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Branching out: England’s top treetop escapes

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Posted by admin on December 12, 2011 – 7:30 pm
Filed under Accommodation, Eating & Drinking

Experience the height of luxury in the most natural surroundings! Once solely a province of young boys and Ewoks, treehouses suddenly seem to be en vogue, offering adventurous travellers a unique travel experience. In recognition, Sky1 launches The Great Tree House Challenge tonight – a three-part documentary charting the efforts of three communities as they attempt to create the ultimate treehouse. Here, VisitEngland rounds up some of the country’s finest treetop accommodation that will have you swinging from the canopies.

Chewton Glen Tree House Suites, Hampshire
Coming July 2012

New for 2012, the award-winning five-star Chewton Glen has recently announced the development of six Tree House Suites within the grounds of the hotel. The Tree House Suites will appear to float across a wooded valley and will offer impeccable eco credentials along with Chewton Glen’s world-renowned service and attention to detail. Each tree house will be on stilts, like floating lily pads balancing between the valley and tree canopy. Floor-to-ceiling glass will provide panoramic views of the New Forest. They will provide a feeling of showering under the stars, with a spa bath and fire pit on the deck and a covered outdoors. The six Tree House Suites will comprise of 12 suites (4 junior suites and 8 master suites). A maximum of six people can stay in each tree house. Prices TBA.

Treehouses at Centre Parcs, Longleat Forest
Coming January 2012

Following the success of the Treehouses at Centre Parcs’ Sherwood Forest property, three Treehouses will be available at Longleat Forest from January 2012. The luxury two-storey Treehouses will be set among the trees in a quiet corner of the 400 acres of woodland at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire and feature 4 en-suite bedrooms, an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, a separate games den (accessed along a timber walkway) and a private hot tub. With family time at the heart of all lodge designs at Center Parcs, this brand new style of accommodation is no exception, with beautifully styled open plan living area, family dining area and snug area perfect for storytelling and relaxation. The Treehouses are part of an on-going accommodation restyling programme including New Style Exclusive Lodges at Longleat Forest. Prices from £199.

Fair Oak Farm, East Sussex

Two new luxury eco-lodge treehouses are now available to book for self-catering breaks at Fair Oak Farm, Mayfield, for grown-ups that want to fulfil their childhood dreams. Set amidst an ancient treeline and mature trees, both lodges provide couples with complete privacy and uninterrupted valley views across the stunning Sussex countryside. Built almost entirely of sustainable timber and fully insulated, the treehouses have sheltered balconies and are connected to a dedicated parking area by a winding path. 2 nights from £150 (two sharing)

The Treehouse, Somerset

The Treehouse has a stunning treetop location with an idyllic outlook and beautiful garden. If you are holidaying with children, they are happy to provide toys, games, books and DVDs. The Treehouse is always supplied with Egyptian cotton linen; fluffy towels, flowers, cosy bathrobes, toiletries and a complimentary basket of seasonal local produce. The wood burning stove is always set ready to light during winter months. From dining out in style to sleeping in the stars, the Treehouse provides high-life living. 4 nights from £495 (two sharing).

Castle Cottage Treehouse, Sussex

Built into a huge sweet chestnut tree on the edge of a wood, a substantial staircase leads you up to a thatched room with a double bed set between the tree branches, looking out through large glass doors to the tree tops. It has an en-suite shower room bathed in light from the glass roof and covered with handmade mosaic tiles. A large balcony with swing seats sets the scene to the perfect romantic break. From £145 per night (two sharing).

Alnwick Treehouse, Northumberland – a restaurant with a difference

Enter this wooden turreted eatery via a wobbly, candle-lit suspension bridge to see trees actually growing out of the dining room floor. Once inside, nature really is all around you, with creepers clinging onto the walls and wood just about everywhere you look – including on the tables – which are formed from tree slices. The focus on what’s natural continues with the menu, which features local sea crab, organic sausages from nearby Northumberland farmlands and whole roasted wood pigeon. Three-course Sunday Lunch menu from £19.95 (per person).

3 awe-inspiring tourist treasures in Cornwall

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Posted by Jon Acourt on December 12, 2011 – 11:15 am
Filed under Attractions

For those who’ve never been there, Cornwall is just a county in the South-western tip of England. For those in the know, it is actually an exhilarating touristic treasure trove. If you are looking for relaxed holidays exploring the natural charms of Her Majesty’s land, Cornwall is a prime destination.

This article will highlight three attractions you should explore while visiting Cornwall. Make the most of your time there, and don’t be alarmed if you feel like never leaving!

Land’s End

The very southwestern-most tip of England has long been regarded as an ideal area for trekking and sight-seeing. It’ not by chance this coastal sensation is located at the intersection of the longest uninterrupted footpaths in the country. From the granite cliffs of Land’s End, you will enjoy indescribable sensations and scenes. Within the tourist complex installed in the area you will be offered respite from your travels, and a chance to see cultural exhibitions, taste delicious local food, and even indulge in a bit of shopping. But most of your time here will likely be spent communing with nature, peering out into the vast ocean, and generally being smitten with the surrounding beauty.

National Maritime Museum

A tribute to Britain’s extensive history as a nation of sea explorers, the National Maritime Museum is regarded by many as one of the leading touristic attractions in Cornwall. Located at Falmouth harbor, the museum provides visitors with a surprisingly vast and engaging experience. While exploring its fifteen galleries, you will be taken on a trip down sea-faring history, from its most primitive expressions to idealizations of what the future of maritime exploration may hold. Visiting the National Maritime Museum is highly recommended, for anyone with the slight bit of interest in sea vessels and history.

Eden Project

This gigantic agricultural complex is touted as the being home to the world’s largest greenhouse, and rightfully so. It includes a complex of biomes which have been devised to simulate specific different temperature regions, as to allow the housing of thousands of plants from all around the globe. The Eden Project features on-going cultural events aiming to educate visitors towards ecological preservation as well as agricultural principles; additionally, there is a stage for musical performances, as well as spaces for artistic exhibitions. Mere words cannot do justice to the thrills you will experience at the Eden Project, so you really need to think about going there soon, so you can see for yourself.

Jon Acourt is Managing Director UK Holiday Places.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on the UKseries.com UK Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Top 10 Twixmas activities in England

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Posted by admin on December 11, 2011 – 9:52 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

Wondering what to do between Christmas and New Year! Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in England:

1. Wild Winter Safari at West Midland Safari Park

2. Christmas at Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass, Cumbria

3. “Shhh… A Christmas Story”, Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle

4. Jemima Puddle-Duck and her friends, Brentwood Theatre, Essex

5. Osbourne House, Isle of Wight

6. Guided Walk, Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire

7. Snow Park, Strood, Kent

8. Turner Prize 2011, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead Quays

9. The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet at the Brighton Dome

10. A winter’s stroll at Burghley, Stamford, Lincolnshire

Stunning new properties in time for Christmas and the New Year

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Posted by admin on December 10, 2011 – 7:36 am
Filed under Accommodation

Award-winning Sheepskin has added two new properties to its portfolio. The first is the luxurious Chescombe Lodge in the Cotswolds. The second is the cosy bolthole for two called Nantwen, situated in Pembrokeshire.

Chescombe Lodge is a lavish country lodge for four in a peaceful valley. The grand Lodge is a truly unique and sumptuous retreat for two couples or a family to spend some quality time together. The property is tucked away in a corner of the Great Tew estate on the edge of the Cotswolds. It is for the first time that this historic estate has made one of its exclusive properties available for holiday rental.

The property has been beautifully furnished to the highest standard to enhance the rustic features. The owner has focused on creating a luxurious space both inside and out. The property has two impressive double bedrooms with two en-suite bathrooms which include claw foot baths and twin sinks. The grand open-plan living space has large impressive windows which look out onto the impressive views of the valley. The open fire in the stone fireplace begs for you to relax and unwind from your day of walking amongst the Cotswolds fields.

The Great Tew Estate is only a little over an hour from London, which is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. It encapsulates much of what might be considered the archetypal English Country Estate. Chescombe Lodge sleeps 4 and is £1600 for 7 nights throughout 2012.

Nantwen is beautifully converted barn with a luxurious finish throughout. Located in Pembrokeshire the barn is perfect for a just the two of you. The cottage has a contemporary style but still using local craftsmen to restore in with natural materials. The cottage has beautiful special touches, making sure that every detail as been given dear attention. It makes a wonderful home away from home for a romantic break. Nantwen has an open plan living space. The beautifully equipped kitchen has everything you need, along with a cosy sofa in front of a log burning stove to retire to after your romantic meal for two.

Located in private grounds, a few miles from the Pembrokeshire coast, the cottage has much to explore nearby. The beach is within a 5 minute drive and the coast path or the open country side of the National park to walk. This property is a luxurious space for a couple, and it is eco-friendly as well. The power for the cottage is generated from renewable energy. Nantwen sleeps 2 and for a week’s stay is £710 throughout 2012.

Let Cumbria and the Lake District take your breath away…

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Posted by John Shimeld on December 8, 2011 – 12:13 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

The English Lake District in the county of Cumbria is a truly wonderful place to visit for a day out, short break or an extended holiday.

The most famous part is the Lake District National Park, with its beautiful lakes and fells that are guaranteed to just take your breath away, and the always popular towns of Keswick, Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside. However in truth the whole of the county of Cumbria is a wonderful place and many areas outside of the National Park itself are well worth considering when planning your visit.

To the west is the Cumbrian coast with its fantastic views, sandy beaches, cliff top walks and quaint coastal towns. St Bees is famous for being the start of Wainwright’s long distance Coast to Coast walk, which finishes in Yorkshire on the east coast of England, however it also an ideal base for a family holiday. Ravenglass is also a superb place to visit or stay. Set on a river estuary where the rivers Irt, Esk and Mite empty into the sea, it was previously a Roman naval base and there is plenty of the history and heritage still to be seen.

Set on the Cartmel Peninsula to the south, the town of Grange-over-Sands in Morecambe Bay is another very popular destination with lots to offer the visitor, and was a very popular holiday destination in Edwardian times with plenty of the architecture of the time still evident today. It is also an ideal destination for ‘twitchers’ and nature lovers with flourishing coastal bird life and numerous nature reserves to visit.

To the east is the Eden Valley and the lively market town of Penrith which is just off the M6 motorway so very accessible, and has a range of shops, pubs and restaurants, plus of course the market. The world famous Settle to Carlisle railway also runs through east Cumbria which gives visitors other options for days out further afield and, if you get your timing right, a chance to see or even ride on a historic steam powered train.

The above is just a flavour of what the Lake District and Cumbria has to offer the visitor. It really is a fantastic holiday destination so start planning your visit – you will not be disappointed.

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the Lake District.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on the UKseries.com UK Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

A bargain for tired M6 motorists: £20.12 pppn at the start of 2012

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Posted by admin on December 7, 2011 – 9:51 pm
Filed under Accommodation, Eating & Drinking

A Lancashire hotel is throwing down the gauntlet to other hotels located close to both motorways and universities to make stop-offs affordable for tired drivers.  The award-winning Crofters Hotel, situated a few miles from the M6, close to the market town of Garstang, is offering a stay in a double room, complete with all mod cons, for just £20.12 per person per night, on nights between 4th and 31st January 2012 (single occupancy also charged at £40.44).

Guests taking up this offer will be able to add a full English breakfast to the bill for just £7.50 per person and reasonably priced food can be found in the Crofters Tavern, including a £7.95 meal and drink deal.

This is a great value room rate that will hopefully provide guests with an affordable option that will prevent them feeling forced to travel too far in one day, or driving whilst feeling tired.

The Crofters believes more hotels located close to motorways should do the same sort of deal out of season and at times when the weather is likely to be bad.  What do you think?

Useful links:
Lancashire hotels
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Christmas trail through The Canterbury Tales

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Posted by admin on December 7, 2011 – 9:42 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

Visitors on route from the Tabard Inn in London to Canterbury to visit Sir Thomas Beckett’s tomb will be challenged to complete a Christmas themed word search using visual and audio clues located through the various medieval streets – but the biggest test could well be finding the courage to locate the mistletoe above the Wife of Bath!

Everyone who successfully completes the word search will receive a small tasty treat and will be entered into a prize draw to win family tickets to The Canterbury Tales’ five award winning sister attractions including Kent Life near Maidstone, the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Oxford Castle – Unlocked in Oxford, The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh as well as a new chocolate themed attraction opening in York next Spring. The winner will have a year to redeem their prize.

The Christmas Trail through the Canterbury Tales will start on 17th December 2011 and run through the Christmas holidays until the 3 January 2012. Visit www.canterburytales.org.uk for further information.

Useful links:
Canterbury hotels
Canterbury self-catering
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VIP shopping service offered by London hotel

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Posted by admin on December 7, 2011 – 9:33 pm
Filed under Accommodation

Coinciding with the start of the Spring Summer 2012 season The athenaeum Hotel is introducing an exclusive VIP shopping service for their apartment guests in partnership with Harvey Nichols.  The five star experience begins with a chauffeur driven car from The athenaeum Hotel to Harvey Nichols – a one-stop shop for the world’s most exclusive brands in fashion only half a mile away. Fashionistas will be offered a glass of Harvey Nichols Champagne on arrival and led to a private consultation room where a personal shopping consultant will be waiting with a carefully selected edit from the new Spring Summer 2012 collections.

Flying the flag for British designers, the team of experts will introduce guests to new collections from Meadham Kirchhoff, Mary Katranzou, Marios Schwab and many more. Accessories from leading labels will also be presented to deliver a complete wardrobe solution. A complimentary hem and cuff alteration service is offered to ensure each item fits perfectly too.  The VIP shopping package enables visitors to London to update their wardrobes in one easy stop. Ideal for both shopaholics and shopa-phobics the stress-free experience can include day and evening, work and weekend wear. At the end of the day the athenaeum will organise for the return of all purchases to the guests apartment.

Back at the apartments at The athenaeum, there is plenty of room to admire new purchases. The apartments have large master bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas with separate sitting rooms and the option of second bedrooms and dressing rooms too.

Useful links:
Hotels in London
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