Valentines Day at A Theme Park

Going to a theme park filled with big thrill rides is probably not the first place you think of as being romantic. You can't really be alone together so there isn't an opportunity for intimacy and special 'Kodak' moments. It would be difficult to give Valentines gifts or a bouquet of flowers and the dinning facilities are designed with families in mind rather than love birds looking into one another's eyes in candle light. Despite the romance levels been low, Theme parks with their White-knuckle roller coaster rides are still ideal venues for romantic dates for other reasons. Going to a theme park I'm sure you will agree is a great day out. It's fun exciting and at time exhilarating. But did you know that going on one of the theme park's main roller coaster rides could actually make you feel in love? The adrenaline rush that we get when we go on big exciting rides, is a very similar chemical that is released into the body when we feel 'in love'. Therefore if you and your sweetheart go on lots of big exciting rides together, you will experience that rush of 'in love' emotion, and that is a must for any Valentines day out. Not only that, but Theme Parks generally big out the caveman in most men, and women tend to like to see the big strong caveman in their guy. It reminds them that their guy is powerful and makes them in turn feel safe, knowing that their man can look after them. Men like to prove that they are strong and brave, and are determined to go on any ride, even if the thought of it does make them go green around the gills. In today's society, men have little opportunity to show how brave and fearless they are. Theme Parks offer a pleasurable opportunity for men to display their masculinity whilst the ladies enjoy their rutting male displays. Women, on the other hand are more divided. Some ladies behave meek and mild and others like to show that they are as brave as any man, or wild enough to try anything once. All of which are strengths which men find attractive. The main thing about a romantic Valentines Day at a theme park is that you enjoy all the fun of the fair, and build precious memories of a really fun day out that you have shared together. You even have the opportunity to take home a photo of you both having a hair-raising time on a White-knuckle roller coaster ride. What a fantastic way to spend Valentines Day!

Book a Valentines day out at a Theme Park Here

What Can You Do on a Holiday to Lapland?

By Tim Warrington

There are many activity centres in Yllas Lapland that run different activities at different times and you can book your activities before you go and then book additional activities when you arrive. There may be many activities that simply take your fancy once you arrive in Lapland and you might just have the time to squeeze in a couple more adventures. There is so much to do in Lapland and a week's holiday isn't really long enough to sample them all but if you are lucky enough to visit this quiet little village again, you might want to try some more. A typical winter programme which most of the activity centres run will involve activities such as Snow What?, which involves a snowmobile safari and is suitable for first timers, you will set off through Lapland's beautiful snow covered forests until you reach the half way point, once there you will stop off at the warm tepee and have a hot drink before setting off again on your trip back. There is something quite magical about sitting in a warm tepee with the fire roaring in the middle of the forest. Years ago, tepees were the preferred place to live for the people of Lapland. Another great activity involved in the weekly programme is the White silence on snow shoes!, this activity is an adventure and a challenge as you go on a guided snowshoe trip through the snowy forests. Again when you reach the half way point, you will stop off and have a hot drink. This trip is exhilarating and hard work all at the same time. There is the opportunity to rent snowshoes separately and go out on your own if you wish, although the organised trip is probably better to start with until you get the hang of it.

There is also Siberian Jay's way, which is a fantastic horse riding trek through the forests where you will be able to admire the beautiful fells. Lastly I will mention the trip to Lainio snow village, which is a real favourite. You will travel by snowmobile to the snow village and then are given the opportunity to visit the restaurant, the ice bar and look at the snow rooms, there are also some fantastic ice sculptures that you can see and admire. This trip is a real favourite and the children will absolutely love it. There are of course lots of other activities going on throughout the week and I have simply picked out some favourites. A trip to Yllas Lapland will give you plenty to do and see and you will literally have the time of your life.

Just Lapland offer cabin rental as well as advice and information on holidays to Lapland. http://www.justlapland.com

10 Reasons Why The Races Make For A Fun Day Out

By Robert Berry-Smith

Going to the races is something special, but yet there are still a number of people who've never experienced the thrills and spills it has to offer. Here are 10 reasons why a day at the races is a must for all.

1. One of the most fun aspects of the day will be having a flutter on a horse or two. Some people, even novices, choose to study the form guide in the paper, while others might ask a friend for advice or just pick a name at random. Either way, placing a bet and enjoying banter with the rest of the group you're with is all part of the excitement.

2. Another reason the races are fun is that your horse might actually win! Over five or six races, you stand a relatively decent chance of backing a winner and certainly someone within your group is likely to have success. Let's hope it's you!

3. Even if you don't win, the energy and excitement during each race is enthralling - especially if you manage to get down to the finishing post. Scream, shout, cheer - let go and have fun.

4. However, day doesn't just rest on the races, as there's much more to make your day out special. For instance, you could be lucky enough to spot or even hobnob with a celebrity. Many top famous folk enjoy the racing, while some even own horses.

5. You won't feel out of place either, once you've got dressed up for the day. Whether it's a glamorous dress and shoes or a new suit, this isn't going to be your average day.

6. Because of the fun and high-fallutin' nature of the event, the races makes for fantastic corporate entertainment. Your clients will have a day to remember, which bodes well for your company's relationship with their business.

7. For the reasons mentioned above, the races are perfect if trying to woo a prospective client, too. It could just give you an edge over your competitors and help you secure the contract.

8. If you're booking a stag party, then why not do it a little differently with a day at the races? It's perfect if you want to invite older guests, such as the father of the groom, and it paves the way for a great evening, too.

9. It's not just the lads that should get to enjoy a day at the races. Whether it's a hen do or just a gathering for the girls, many racecourses have special Ladies Day meets, where glamorous outfits are as much the focus as the races themselves.

10. But really, a day at the races is perfect for all occasions. It could be a birthday, a couples gathering or a once a year treat - whatever the occasion, you can enjoy top days out at courses all over the country.

So, if you're on the hunt for fun days out, whether it's for stag parties, birthdays or any other occasion, why not give the races a try?

Why not visit LoveTheRaces.com for more information and everything you need to know about the races. If you're struggling for hen party ideas or need somewhere ideal for corporate events entertainment, they'll help you discover the perfect outing.

Visit Regal Windsor Castle on Your Thames Boating Holiday

By Dipika Patel

If you'd like to journey to a historical location as part of your UK boating holiday, you're sure not to be disappointed with a Thames boating holiday incorporating a trip to Windsor Castle.

The world's biggest and oldest castle to still be inhabited, the structure is one of the Queen's official residences and has been standing for almost 1,000 years. You can reach the fortress on a boating holiday in the area and experience the grandeur of the castle with your own eyes. Look out for the flying flag - if you spot it, it indicates that the Queen is in residence.

Travel to Boveney Lock on the River Thames for a central location from which you can easily call in at other places of interest on your way to the castle, such as Royal Windsor Racecourse and Eton - home to the renowned public school. The lock was rebuilt in 1898 closer to the Buckinghamshire bank. Why not moor your boat for a while and go for a walk through the sprawling land of Dorney or take in the lake behind the bank? You might prefer to moor up at Windsor Marina and explore the yacht club's facilities while the experienced harbourmaster keeps an eye on your vessel.

Next, take a leisurely stroll through Hythe Marina Village and stock up on supplies for your England boating holiday - and if you're looking for some entertainment, you might consider heading to the riverboat-accessible racecourse to take in some spectator sport. The track holds flat horse-racing 26 times a year from April to October and also puts on a variety of theme nights, so why not make an evening of it at one of only two courses in the UK to be shaped like a figure of eight?

After an evening of fun and frolics, why not discover more of the local area? Moor your boat further down the river to take a look around Eton, on the opposite bank of the river and connected via the Windsor Bridge. The village was once part of Buckinghamshire but was transferred to Berkshire in 1974.

As you travel down the waterway, marvel at the authentic examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture that help give Windsor its historical appearance. If you explore the town, you'll find it is split into two sections. The Old Town is hundreds of years older than the New Town and is where you'll find the Great Park - a 5,000-acre expanse that was formerly the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle and is home to many deer.

There's so much to explore on a boating holiday to the region, but you're sure not to want to miss the area's most famous attraction - the castle. If you opt for a walking or bus tour of the royal borough you're sure to see the monument. But if you'd like to venture inside, a Blue Badge tour could be the best option, as your guide will accompany you throughout and provide plenty of background information.

You'll receive an audio guide if you choose to explore the fortress, although you might like to pre-book to see parts of the castle that are not usually open to the public, such as the Great Kitchen and medieval Undercroft.

On a guided walk around the castle, you'll be shown exquisitely furnished rooms such as the State Apartments, which house art works by masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough. Although more than 100 of the castle's rooms were destroyed by fire in 1992, they were later restored in 1997. Poke your head around the entrance to St George's Chapel - an excellent example of Gothic architecture - and call in at George IV's private apartments (the Semi-State Rooms) if your visit takes place between October and March. And don't miss the chance to see the most famous dolls' house in the world while you're there - Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

Another point of interest - especially for fans of photography or antique relics - is the Drawings Gallery, which regularly displays material from the Royal Library. Among the exhibitions shown in the gallery was the work of Marcus Adams, a royal photographer who photographed four generations of the royal family between 1926 and 1956.

If your visit takes place during summer, why not take a walk around the grounds? A number of bands take to the gardens in the warmer months, providing the perfect musical accompaniment for leisurely afternoon strolls.

With so much to see in Windsor, make it the location of your next boating holiday and mess about on the River Thames.

A Thames boating holiday could be a great way of exploring Windsor and its surroundings. And with boating holidays widely available you're sure to find something to cater for your needs. Check out Le Boat for a wide selection of UK boating breaks and a range of England boating holiday options.

Surrey - One of England's Most Overlooked Regions

The United Kingdom of Great Britain is a rich tapestry of diverse countryside, cities and cultures making it one of the finest vacation destinations in Europe. Whether you visit England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can be sure that, whatever your tastes, you will find plenty to keep you entertained for at least a week or two. While cities such as London and Edinburgh prove the most popular places to visit there are plenty other places which are well worth a visit and one of the most often overlooked regions in England, with regards to vacations, is the county of Surrey.

Surrey is a county situated in the South East of England less than an hour away from the nation's capital, London. Due to the close proximity to London the county is highly popular with commuters and while this has increased the population, and the cost of living, it has, surprisingly, had little impact upon the countryside. While Surrey is often overlooked in favour of the capital, and the nearby counties of of Kent and Sussex, this is to the great advantage of the adventurous tourist.

Many visitors are attracted to England because of its rich and influential history and places like London benefit from having a huge selection of world class visitor attractions and many historic sites and buildings. While Surrey is unable to offer such prestigious tourist attractions as many other parts of England it is home to a vast range of historic buildings, many of which are of extreme importance.

Dotted across the county are numerous fascinating structures including a fine selection of windmills including Almer's Mill, Hungry Corner Mill and Mugswell Mill. Many of the religious buildings can be dated back many centuries and even as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries. Wherever you travel in this part of England you will not get too far before you happen upon a small village or hamlet most of which feature a row of pretty old houses, a village green, the local pub and, of course, the local church. These are great places to stop for a bite to eat and it is often worth investigating the church as many feature ancient architectural delights, fascinating graves and wonderful stained glass. As well as the multitude of churches there are a number of priories which are also worth visiting. Worthy of a special mention are the remains of Waverley Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey in the UK.

If you prefer to visit more stately houses then Surrey does not fail with a huge range of historic houses and stately homes such as Clandon Park, Hatchlands Park, Loseley Park and Polesden Lacey. If, like many, you enjoy visiting English castles then you are also in luck as Surrey has a few castles of interest including the 13th-century Farnham Castle Keep and the earlier Guildford Castle Keep.

There are plenty of other things to see and do in the wonderful county of Surrey. The countryside is often breathtaking and there are a number of beautiful parks and gardens such as the Busbridge Lakes which features a variety of waterfowl and gardens. Also worth a visit are the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley. Museums in the county include the Army Medical Services Museum and the Royal Logistic Corps Museum, as well as Guildford Museum.

One final reason for choosing to take a vacation in Surrey, mentioned earlier, is that you are within forty five minutes to an hour away from London. This allows you to base yourself in the countryside while taking daytrips to England's most famous visitor attractions. Other places to visit near to Surrey include the popular town of Canterbury however you will find a great many places to visit in the county town of Guildford and the town of Dorking which can act as an excellent base for a vacation exploring the surrounding countryside which features such popular places as Box Hill and the North Downs.

If you are considering taking a vacation in Surrey please take a look at our excellent late booking offers at http://hotels.simplytop.com

Aberystwyth Mid Wales - Top 6 Places to Visit

By Jackie Wiles

If you are visiting Aberystwyth this year you should make time to visit some of the local attractions. There are far too many places to visit in Aberystwyth to list here but The Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth Castle, The Electric cliff railway, Clarach Bay, Y Consti Restaurant & The Camera Obscura are among the top 6 family attractions that should not be missed.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

This is such a wonderful experience that our family have been twice on this spectacular steam engine ride through the Welsh countryside. This beautiful steam railway line was built in 1902 to transport lead from the Rheidol Valley mines to Aberystwyth harbour. This little steam engine railway line takes the most wonderful scenic route through the Rheidol Valley during an 11 ¾ mile journey.

At the end of the journey is Devil's Bridge which is another spectacular attraction in its own right. The train stops for one hour allowing you to view Devils Bridge before taking you back to Aberystwyth. Devils Bridge consists of three bridges on top of each other over the Rheidol River. Legend has it that the lower Bridge was built by the devil to allow a woman to collect a lost cow. In return for building the bridge the Devil made a condition that he would collect the soul of the next living creature to cross the bridge. Consequently, the Devil fully expected to collect the soul of this woman in return for her cow. However, the woman outwitted the devil by sending a dog across the bridge before her.

You can also visit the Mynach Falls where the Mynach River drops 300 feet to meet the Rheidol River producing a spectacular waterfall. There is a small café for refreshments and a gift shop. Trains leave from the terminus next to the mainline railway station in Aberystwyth. Rheidol Valley Railway was British rails last steam railway line before being sold in 1989. It is now operated & maintained by the Phyllis Rampton Narrow Gauge Railway Trust which is a registered charity.

Aberystwyth Castle

Aberystwyth Castle was once ranked among one of the greatest castles in Wales and no trip to Aberystwyth would be complete without a visit to this iconic building. Aberystwyth, Flint, Rhuddlan and Builth castles were all built by King Edward 1 during the 13th century in order to control and rule over the Welsh. However Aberystwyth Castle is now a collection of ruins but it is still a very imposing group of buildings which are well worth a visit.

The remains consist of the inner and middle walls but the outer wall is now gone. Its current state of ruin is, in part, because it was blown up in 1649 and then its stone was used as material for other buildings. However there is still plenty to see and plenty of history left to explore. Inside the castle walls is the Bardic Circle consisting of 13 stones erected during the 1916 Eisteddfod. Each stone represents one of the pre-1974 counties of Wales. A very beautiful and imposing war memorial was erected in 1919 and the panoramic views of Aberystwyth Bay from the memorial are breathtaking.

It is a great family outing as the parents can look around the castle while the children can be kept occupied with the children's playground, picnic areas, putting green and crazy golf course. You can then take a walk along the beautiful Victorian promenade from the Castle. At the end of the promenade is Constitutional Hill where you will find the famous Electric Cliff Railway tucked into the mountain.

Electric cliff railway

A trip up the electric railway to the top of Constitutional Hill should be at the top of your list of things to do when visiting Aberystwyth. It is the longest electrical cliff railway in the UK and has been running since 1896. The railway was designed by the liberal peer George Croydon Marks and was originally operated through a water balance system which was changed to electric in 1921.

The electric Railway takes the quaint wooden railway carriages to the top of Constitutional Hill at 4 mph. This may seem slow, but you would not want to go any quicker or you would not be able to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding sea and countryside. Children and adults alike enjoy the slow climb up to Constitutional Hill.

As you approach the top of Constitutional Hill, if the weather is clear, you can see 26 mountain peaks across the length of Wales. When you get to the top of Constitutional Hill it has one of the most spectacular natural viewpoints I have ever seen. Miles and miles of beautiful natural unspoiled coastline and natural cliff top footpaths. You can look back down and see Aberystwyth Castle in all its glory pointing out to sea and on the other side you can look down into the beautiful Clarach Bay beach.

Clarach Bay

Clarach beach has been awarded the Marine Conservation's highest award for water quality and is a popular site for fishing. It also has the coveted Green Coast Award for rural beaches. This award is designed to recognize those beaches with European Blue Flag water quality whose management reflects their rural, unspoilt nature. The criteria are intended to ensure that such beaches can receive recognition without the need for inappropriate development which would spoil their natural beauty and risk damage to wildlife. Clarach Bay Beach is a natural unspoiled shingle beach. It is a wonderful explorer's beach for children filled with rock pools, caves to explore and mountain walks.

You can take the mountain cliff path from the beach and walk for miles across the footpath to the small seaside village of Borth. Along the way there are some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the coastline and it is extremely peaceful walk. There are no nearby houses or roads so there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the sheep, the birds and the sea. You can also take the mountain footpath in the other direction and walk up to the top of Constitutional Hill.

Y Consti Restaurant

In April 2005 the famous Y Consti restaurant opened right at the top of constitutional Hill. Y Consti restaurant is a replica of the original summerhouse tea rooms Café and the building was funded by a European objective 1 grant. The restaurant has breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and cliff tops.

Camera Obscura

The Camera Obscura is situated next to the Y Consti restaurant and is the recreation of a popular Victorian attraction. It was opened in 1985 and is now becoming quite a prominent tourist attraction. Camera Obscura is the Latin term for veiled chamber. It is an optical device that was used by the Victorians for making detailed drawings or as in this case for entertainment. It is one of the Victorian phenomenon's that led up to the invention of the camera. Light passes through a lens in the roof of the camera obscura which is then projected onto a large white surface within the room. The outside scene is perfectly reproduced in colour upside down. In the Victorian era images from camera obscuras were also projected onto paper, which when traced produced highly accurate drawings.

Aberystwyth's Camera Obscura is the largest in the world and it is possible to see clearly 1000 square miles of sea and coastline through its massive 14 inch lens. Our children took great delight in spying on people in Aberystwyth and being able to see what they were doing as clearly as if they were standing next to them. If you are lucky you might be able to look out to sea and spot a few dolphins.

There were also many other activities for children on Constitutional Hill including ball games, Frisbee, and a beautiful gift shop. If you are feeling energetic you can take a walk along the beautiful coastal path down into Clarach Bay. If you don't feel able to climb back up to Constitutional Hill you can take the bus back into Aberystwyth.

After visiting Y Consti Restaurant and the Camera Obscure you can take the Electric Cliff Railway back down into Aberystwyth town. You never have to wait very long for a train as they leave every few minutes seven days week in the peak season. Even during the winter season the Electric Railway is open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday.

These are just a few of many of the attractions for tourists in Aberystwyth. However, staying in a hotel or bed & breakfast can be a little expensive so my advice would be to stay in one of the many caravan sites on the outskirts of the town. There are two caravan parks right next to Clarach Bay and both are just a few minutes walk from the beach. Glan Y Mor Caravan Park is an excellent site but if you don't fancy staying in a caravan you can also rent Chalets at Clarach Bay holiday Village for a very reasonable rate. Both caravan parks are very well maintained, cheaper and, I think, much better than staying in a hotel as you have direct access to the award winning Clarach Bay Beach from your caravan or chalet.

You can walk along the scenic cliff path up to constitutional Hill from Clarach Bay Beach and visit the Y Consti restaurant and the Camera Obscura and then go down into Aberystwyth via the Electric Cliff Railway enjoying the beautiful scenery as you descend down into Aberystwyth Town. There is so much to do and see in Aberystwyth one visit is never enough.

Do you have a favourite tourist attraction in Aberystwyth? If so please leave your comments for others to see.

Author Jackie Wiles. To see more places to visit in Aberystwyth or book a Chalet on Clarach Bay Holiday Village please visit Clarach Bay Holiday Village Aberystwyth to book a caravan holiday on Glan Y Mor Caravan Park please visit Glan Y Mor Caravan Park.

A Canal Holiday on the Four Counties Ring

By Cliff K Bayliss

A popular canal circuit that takes the traveler across three canals, four counties, through the contrasting salt towns of Middlewich and Nantwich, through the Harecastle Tunnel, 94 locks and 110 miles.

All of it superb!

As a canal boat holiday, it has everything.

There is rural scenery, industrial heritage, engineering feats, and warm cozy village pubs.

Now I have to admit right now that we have not done the circuit in one cruise. But we have covered the entire ring over various trips.

We joined the canal at Middlewich, an old salt town, with the very welcoming Kings Lock Inn. Good moorings here between the lock, and bridge 166.

And, by Big Lock, is the Big Lock Inn, serving a fine pint of Theakston XB, and Directors. There is a canal side garden, and it is boater and family friendly. We quite liked Middlewich, good moorings, a useful selection of shops, two banks, Somerfield and a chandlery by the boatyard.

Wheelock also provides good moorings, a newsagent, and one of our favorite pubs on the trip, the Cheshire Cheese, where our kids gave the juke box a fine work out. A news agency and post office make Wheelock a pleasant spot to re-stock. If you have time, visit the Commercial Hotel, a classic friendly pub with cozy rooms.

From Wheelock onwards, the locks start to get serious, with 26 of them over the next 7 miles before to Kidsgrove and the Harecastle Tunnel.

This was a real culture shock for us, Australians on our first ever canal cruise finding ourselves motoring through the industrial history of England operating heavy slow locks that a year previously, we didn't even know existed!

But we loved it, and what a great stretch of canal it is!

Most of the locks along here are doubled, an improvement made in the 1830's by Thomas Telford to speed up traffic. The locks are spread out, so they are too far for a flight, and too close to take a breather!

The remains of industry, and the potteries, are evident everywhere along this stretch. It's a rural cruise now, with lovely scenery, right down to Lawton Three locks, which is closely followed by Church Locks.

And so we come to Kidsgrove. Here the Macclesfield leaves the Trent and Mersey, heading south, to eventually swing north back at Red Bull, the precursor to today's motorway junction, but a lot more attractive.

The canal water has a real orange tinge, and the closer you get to Harecastle Tunnel, the more orange it gets. By the tunnel, it is a rich maroon colour.

Harecastle Tunnel is 2,962 feet long. Passage through is controlled by BW staff. It is a chilly and spooky experience, but, being one way working, one does not have to worry about oncoming boats. The tunnel used today is the second one opened at Harecastle. The first was opened in 1777. The current one was opened in 1827, (completed in three years, as opposed to the original one taking eleven years!)to ease congestion caused by the huge increase in traffic. In 1914 the original tunnel was abandoned due to bad subsidence and declining traffic, it can be seen blocked off next to the existing tunnel.

After the 40 minute or so journey through the tunnel, it is with some relief to cruise into daylight and more at Longport. There is a water point just by the exit to the Caldon Canal.

Stoke is a canal friendly town, with plenty of moorings.

Although most of the pottery trade has gone, you can still see remnants around Stoke, with bottle kilns, warehouses and old factories reminding us of what used to be.

From Stoke, it is a pleasant cruise through Hem Heath where a pleasant little gift shop operates. There are good moorings by bridge 103 to wander into Barlaston, where the Plume of Feathers is a welcome sight

The Wedgewood Visitor Centre can also be reached from bridge 104.

Try and pause a while at Stone. It is a delightful, bustling town, once the headquarters of the Trent and Mersey Canal Company.

Another boater friendly town, moorings are plentiful, and the town centre only a few minutes away.

The Star Inn, by bridge 93, is one of the oldest pubs on the system, and serves a fine Banks, and Pedigree, and serves bar meals. Don't miss it.

In the town, Safeway and Somerfield both have supermarkets, and there are plenty of other shops to restock the fridge.

We found mooring before lock 27 (just before bridge 93) ideal, handy to the Star and the town.

Continuing on through the lovely Trent Valley, the canal accompanied by the rail and road heads towards Great Haywood.

It is well worth a stop at Sandon, a pretty village a brief stroll from bridge 83. There you can relax at the Dog and Doublet with its timeless atmosphere and Bass beers. There is also a handy Post Office and store here.

As the canal turns towards Weston, the railway thunders past, emphasizing the pleasure of the quiet 3 mph canal life.

Just try sitting on the village green near the marvelous Woolpack at Weston. Selling Marston's Ales, this pub has been highly recommended by Pearson's and other guides, and rightly so. Also has post office and store in the village.

Great Haywood is one of our favorite canal villages. With its beautiful towpath bridge, it is as lovely a spot as you will find on the system. There are ample moorings here, especially pleasing after bridge 73 with an outlook over Shugborough Hall We first visited Great Heywood in 1985 on our very first canal boat holiday. We were returning our Anglo Welsh boat at the end of the cruise., It was cold, and wet, so didn't see a lot of the town. We had to wait until 2005, to get back. But, get back we did, with our share-owned boat, and we stayed three days. Anglo Welsh has its narrow boat hire fleet here, where there is a water point and rubbish disposal. A delightful farm shop is alongside the junction. It's fun just to wander around and marvel at the variety of goods on offer there. Great Haywood is also a great place for walks.

Cannock Chase, and Shugborough Hall and Museum both offer interesting and easily accessible areas for walking. On the way to either, you are likely to come across Essex Bridge, probably the finest example of a packhorse bridge in the country. It's just near lock 73. Cross the canal bridge at lock 73 and you are in Great Haywood. There is Spa, Post Office, laundromat and two excellent pubs, the Clifford Arms, and the Fox and Hounds. The Clifford Arms, a pub we have visited a few times, has a nice outside eating area,. Also a friendly welcome. Heading out of Great Heywood is a surprise, as Tixall Wide is more like a lake, than a canal. Depending on who you listen to, this was built to improve the view from Tixall Hall, or it is a natural lake there before the canal was built. Whatever the real story is, it's a unique bit of canal, with an array of waterfowl and birdlife ever present.

The gate house to Tixall Hall is still visible. Cruising through the Penk Valley, the towns of Baswich and Wildwood slip by, their front gardens sliding right to the canal. There are only 5 locks from Great Heywood and Penkridge. We like Penkridge, it's an ideal town to explore on foot. There is a handy fruit and veg there, some great pubs, a Co Op, a couple of banks, and fab market held by the river on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Good mooring spots by bridge 83a, accompanied by some attractive canal side homes. Try the Star, in Market Square. It's a very attractive pub with a traditional feel inside, serving excellent Bass beers. The Library has internet access. There is a handy shop up by bridge 86 as well, for last minute supplies. It is a contrasting cruise through Otrherton and Rodbaston locks, with the busy m6 thundering beside you on one side, and a peaceful rural outlook on the other. The canal leaves the highway, and once through Boggs, Brick Kiln, and Gaily locks, one is ready for a pause at Gaily Wharf. The Roundhouse Canal Shop is located here, right by Bridge 79 that carries the A5, (Watling Street) over the canal. A unique gift shop housed in the original round toll clerk's office, it is a well stocked with an array of gifts, canal ware and souvenirs. Plenty of moorings right down to bridge 78. Viking Afloat has one of their narrow boat hire fleets here as well.

It is now a winding, lock free cruise past Hatherton Junction, where Hatherton Marina is located. Here, a bit of industry creeps in with a few gravel pits and chemical works briefly appearing. But this is only temporary, as soon the welcoming Fox and Anchor appears, tempting a stop for the evening. The much improved Fox and Anchor has a large outdoor area overlooking the canal. We sampled a fine John Smiths, and Tetley's there a couple of times. We thought of strolling in to Coven village, but the busy A 449 soon changed our mind. Autherly Junction is where we left the Staffs, to head up the Shroppie. The Staffs continues through the West Midlands avoiding Wolverhampton, while visiting Cookley, Kidderminster and concluding at Stourport on Severn. The Shropshire Union Canal, ("the Shroppie"), is one of the most popular British Canals. It features high embankments, deep damp cuttings, pleasant villages and towns, and spectacular scenery. It is rightfully one of the most popular British Canals From the Staff and Worcester, it's a right hand turn under a fine roving bridge, and through a six inch stop lock, and you are on one of the finest canals in the country.

Although close to Wolverhampton, Autherley Junction is a pleasant spot, with a well stocked canal shop at the Water Travel base, and water point and sani station a bit further along. But the housing estates and sewerage plant here have always put us off mooring for the night. Wide and straight, the Shropshire Union Canal cuts across the rolling Staffordshire hills. The old Defiant night fighter factory is by bridge 4, just past the Wolverhampton Boat Club. The canal is forever changing as you experience the views from high embankments, then plunge into a deep cutting, damp with thick ferns and vegetation. The first village we come to is Brewood or "Brood" as the locals call it. Here is a delightful village with plenty of old fashioned shops and pleasant locals. Take your time to walk around the streets and get to know Brewood.

There is also a super Spa, post office, a great hairdresser, chemist and newsagent.

The highly recommended Admiral Rodney, well worth the stroll through the town to Dean Street. Friendly staff, lots of pictures of H.M.S. Rodney, and a fine pint of Abbotts Ale. A great pub! Just past Lapley Wood cutting is Wheaton Aston. Here, by bridge 19, is Taylor's garage, where there is a water point and sani station with fuel also available. More importantly the Hartley Arms is also by Bridge 19, offering food a fine pint of Banks Original, and warm, open fire. From Wheaton Aston to Gnosall is a pleasant lock free couple of hours, where you can relax and really enjoy some of the nicest scenery on the Shropshire Union Canal. You will find a very friendly butcher in the group of shops on the right over bridge 34, as you head into town. Also in the town is a Bowells of Gnosall (with their own radio station playing), a fish and chip shop, and a bakery. The two pubs on the canal are the Navigation, by bridge 35, and the Boat, at bridge 34. To be fair, we tied both, and suggest you do the same. Both are excellent

Just through the Shelmore Embankment is Norbury Junction. This is where the old Newport branch headed off, hence the "Junction" in the name. Now, Anglo Welsh hire narrow boats have gone, replaced by the very enthusiastic Norbury Wharf Cruisers. There is a pump out and water point here also. The Junction Inn is opposite, by bridge 38. The in-appropriately named Grubb Street Cutting is a deep cutting with lush thick vegetation and lots of bird life The double arched bridge taking the A519 high above carries the much photographed telegraph Post, still standing as it has done for a hundred or so years. Try and moor where the very famous Anchor in is located. An original boater's pub, the Anchor is still pretty much as it was when it quenched the working boaters thirst, still serving ale from the cask.

It is also a pleasant walk into High Offley, but we never did find the pub there.

Further on, the Wharf Tavern, by bridge 55 offers a pleasant canal side beer garden. There is no longer a shop or post office in Cheswardine. That's progress! Two more cuttings, Woodseaves and Tyrley Cutting lead to Market Drayton Woodseaves is again deep, with the vegetation meeting overhead forming a canopy. There is a 2mph speed limit through this area, to help avoid rock slide, so take it easy! Bridges 57 and 58 tower above in another world. Tyrley Locks are well maintained and in very pleasant surroundings. There are 5 of them, and warm you up for the job ahead. A pleasant surprise at the top of Tyrley, was the Four Alls. Just ten minutes walk from the locks; this welcoming inn was a welcome resting place after the day's locks. The Adeley and Audlem flight keep one moving as you enter Cheshire. There are 5 locks at Tyrley and 15, yes 15, at Audlem.

All are in good condition and easy to use. We usually do the Audlem locks in 2 days, mooring between locks 2 and 3, then down the flight to between locks 11 and 12 the next day. This allows us to catch our breath, and spend more time enjoying Audile. A great little town, Audlem has all you want in a Cheshire village. Winding streets, beautiful church, shops and pubs.

The Shroppie Fly, between locks 12 and 13 has the well known narrow boat bow as a bar. The Lord Combermere, in the village, has recently received a facelift, and serves great food. Mooring can be in demand here. Best spot is below bridge 78. We often moor below lock 15 when coming up to Audlem, and tackle the locks the next day. There is scenic Views right across the valley, where wildlife congregates in the wetlands. The Shropshire Union strikes out straight and true across the Cheshire plain towards Nantwich, with only the Hack green locks causing an interruption. The stone bridges frame each other in the distance, rolling green hills and grazing dairy cattle keeping you company. Nantwich is just about the perfect Cheshire town. Packed with Medieval buildings, most dating from the fire of 1583. It is worth taking your time to get to know Nantwich. Head to the tourist information office, grab a map, and just wander the streets.

Market day is Thursday and Saturday. If you happen to be around there in April, there is a great music festival. Most of the hotels have free live music over this second April weekend. The nearest pub to the canal is the Oddfellows Arms, a very welcoming pub with low beams and clean bars. The new landlord even does a floorshow here on Saturday evenings. One of our very favorite Shropshire Union Canal pubs. Also worth trying here are the Vine, and the Crown, in the centre of the town, which as well as serving fine wine and ales, does a mean cappuccino as well! Plenty of shops here as well. Woolies have gone, but a good butcher, newsagent and lots of eateries, especially along Pepper Street. It can get very busy here, but normally there are good moorings either side of the aqueduct. If you get a chance, walk up to the little town of Acton. (from bridge 93, or head up under the aqueduct, away from Nantwich) A quaint little village, with The Star, a 13th Century pub with mounting steps out the front.

It looks like it has recently re-opened after a facelift. From Nantwich the Shropshire Union head past the Hurleston Junction on the left, and ignoring the temptation to head up the Llangollen, we keep on the Four Counties Ring. We usually pause at Barbridge Junction, where the Barbridge Inn always tempts us. We have never been game enough to cross the A 51 to the Jolly Tar, but have read and heard good reviews of it. Moorings can be in short supply here at Barbridge, and it pays to arrive early, especially in the peak season. There was once a transshipment shed at Barbridge spanning the canal. You will see where it stood, where the canal narrows just before the right turn into the Middlewich section of the Shropshire Union, the last part of the Four Counties Ring. Once under the arch bridge that greets you on to the Middlewich section, the canal gently winds its way across mainly rural country, passing Venetian marine on the way. High above the meandering River Weaver, the village of Church Minsull can be reached from bridge 14. There are good moorings here as well. There is only 10 miles of the Middlewich section, and once through the Wardle lock, the Ring has been completed. A great canal boat holiday, a great challenge, and great fun! Yes, we'll be back!

For more information on Canal Boat Holidays on the Four Counties Ring, and other Canals, visit http://www.great-canal-and-river-holidays.com/FourCountiesRing.html

Ironbridge-Shropshire - An Industrial Heritage Town

By Simon Haughtone

Ironbridge-Shropshire is located right on the Severn River. The town was named after the iron bridge that spans the river. This bridge was built in 1779. This is a new town and began to be built up about 40 years ago. This area is marketed as the starting point of the Industrial revolution. While this area was important for the industrial revolution it did not start in one spot but many places.

The bridge was built but the grandson of Abraham Darby, the man that detailed how to smelt iron incorporating coke in the process. This bridge made it possible to connect the two areas of the town. The Severn Gorge has many industrial links and much of the hotel and accommodations have been built up for travels to visit the gorge and the bridge. There are many excellent examples of Victorian villas and Georgian homes that were built by the prosperous mining, barge owners and ironmasters.

The town became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986 and is a main tourist area in Shropshire. Much of the old industries are no longer operating though the Merrythought teddy bear company is still producing bears. The town has many small shops, cafes, pubs and a Post Office. Just outside the village is the Ironbridge Institute which offers studies in industrial heritage.

The Ironbridge Power Station is a heritage site that consists of two power stations fueled by coal. When it first was built this power station was considered a super station. It was near a cooling water source and the railway lines, making it an excellent spot for a power station. The station was designed to merge as seamlessly as possible with the natural surroundings.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum trust runs 10 different heritage sites. These sites include many museums, tile works, iron works, the bridge and much more. If you are interested in origins of main industries then visiting this town is a great educational journey.

To find a hotel in Ironbridge just click here.

The Advantages of Taking a Baitboat on a Carp Fishing Holiday

By Jonny P

With most carp waters in the UK being so crowded with anglers, it is not really surprising that bait boats are not allowed, as they do tend to cause annoyance to other anglers - particularly those who do not use them!

In France, the situation is very different with many waters that can be booked exclusively for a party of anglers, and so it is unlikely that there will be any disagreements over the use of a bait boat. As I see it, bait boats are not dangerous to the fish in any way provided that they are used responsibly, and if they are not going to cause annoyance to anyone, then there is no good reason for prohibiting their use.

Of course there will be those anglers who believe that bait boats should not be used at all because they believe them to be unethical or "cheating" - this is a personal opinion only and I feel that it is absolutely pointless discussing this. Technology is used in many forms in modern fishing, and a bait boat is just another tool to help you to catch fish. If you don't believe in the use of bait boats then don't use one....but please don't go preaching to others about it!

So, with bait boats being allowed on most lakes in France, we can look at the question of whether or not you really need one? The short answer of course is no, on most venues you will be able to catch some carp without using a boat - however this is not always the case. For most people who come to France, time is limited and this usually means one week a year that can be allocated to a carp fishing holiday in France. This holiday will usually involve a fair amount of time, expense and planning, so - taking a boat with you might make the difference between a holiday to remember or one to forget.

Many people assume that bait boats are only useful for fishing at extreme range, when the fish are out of reach of normal casting techniques, but in fact they have many other uses and benefits - some of these are;

Stealth - a bait boat allows placement of your end tackle and/or bait without noise, allowing you to put a bait to the carp without spooking them

Accuracy - placement of your rig and free offerings first time every time is one of the major advantages of using a boat

Fishing tight to far margins - where fishing is restricted to one bank only, the carp will nearly always stay tight to the far margin, without a boat you might struggle!

Distance - if your distance casting is not the best, a boat can even out the playing field somewhat - if the carp are out of casting range and you have no boat, a blank is on the cards!

Fishing to underwater features - if your boat is equipped with an echo sounder, you can find out a lot about the nature of the lake bed in your swim in a short space of time - and without the need to make a lot of disturbance with the use of a marker rod! Having found some interesting looking features, you can now drop your baited rig right on top of them!

Looking at just these few major advantages of having a bait boat at your disposal reveals how much can be gained when you visit your chosen French Carp venue.

Buying a bait boat involves a significant outlay of cash, and bearing in mind that they are not allowed on most UK waters, so at our French Venues Les Croix and Les Levades, we have bait boats for hire at a reasonable cost. Offering this service means that those anglers who do not own a boat do not have to feel that they are at a disadvantage.

http://www.lescroix.co.uk
http://www.carp-fishing-holidays-france.com

Tricks To Have A Fun Winter Camping Time

By Kum Martin

Majority of us plan camping activities in summer vacations so that we can relax under the sun and enjoy the pleasant summer climate. But, camping can be real fun during the winter season. If you love adventure and just cannot wait for the summers to come, camping in the chilling weather is not a bad idea.

However, to ensure a memorable experience and have an amazing fun time while winter camping, here are a few tricks and tips that you must follow:

• Make sure you are well equipped with the appropriate gear for winter camping. For instance, having a sturdy winter camping tent and a sleeping bag with enough heat and insulation are a must to protect you from the cold.
• Next, proper and adequate clothing for the cold season is a must-have. Ensure that your sweatshirts, jackets, jogging pants, works, hats, and gloves are all made of a very thick fabric.
• Also, do not forget to take along plenty of hot drinks, a small water heater, a hot water bag, and a portable warm bath.
• If possible, you can also carry a small heater to keep your tent warm in freezing temperatures. The best choice would be a Coleman heater, which is specifically designed for small tent spaces.
• As there are many winter sports that you can enjoy during camping, take along clothing and equipments necessary to enjoy these games. If there are no such outdoor recreational sports being offered at the camping park, building a snowman or having a great snowball fight is not a bad idea!

Thus, be it winter or summer, camping is an amazing way to spend a vacation with family and friends.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like:
Pennsylvania Historical Landmarks, Washington Monument Facts

Driving Days - Making Car Fanatics' Dreams Come True

By Patrick McAleenan

The advent of driving day experiences has given motoring enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity to make their dreams come true. However, many are still oblivious to the exciting experiences available from gift experience pioneers.

You can give your favourite car fanatic amazing driving days to remember with high octane motorsport experiences. There is a stunning range featuring everything from Ferrari driving and Rally driving to classic cars and go-karting.

Experience the mind-blowing power and acceleration of some of the world's finest supercars, including Aston Martins, Lotus', Lamborghinis, Porsches, and Ferraris and more - all located at a number of the nation's best-loved and most historic motor racing tracks.

For an extra special occasion, why not go that extra mile and purchase a heart pumping ultimate Formula 1 driving day. Allow them to strap themselves into an F1-style single seater racing car for the ride of their lives. They will experience just how the pros do it - inches off the ground, experiencing the super-responsive steering and earth-shattering power of these incredible machines.

At the other end of the spectrum, your special recipient may wish to hark back to the days of true motoring bliss, with classic sports car driving days. Classic car driving experiences give them an opportunity to relish true motoring thoroughbreds. Whether they're taking them around the track or out on the open road, these classic sports cars have plenty of life left under the bonnet and timeless good looks to boot.

Perhaps you'd like to arrange an enjoyable family day out? Enjoy fast and furious go-karting action at a wide selection of karting tracks across the country, offering outdoor Grand Prix racing for all above the age of eight.

Red Letter Days provide high quality adventure & activity gifts for every occasion. Our wide range of driving days will solve any present buying dilemma. Purchase an activity gift voucher to give someone an unforgettable gift.

Outdoor Activities in the Lake District

By Michael P Grant

As a land of mountains, lakes and coast, the Lake District area is home to a great variety of outdoor activity centres. Many of them are happy to embrace all levels of experience and age and offer everything from short taster sessions to day-long adventures. Here is my pick of the best. There are several holiday cottages in the lake district which would make an ideal base from which to experience these fabulous activities.

Mountain Biking
Whinlatter Forest Park is the place to go if you're a committed mountain-biker. The Altura Trail is one of two routes at Whinlatter, and this one is red-graded, 19km long, and described as suitable for experienced riders with good off-road skills and a high level of fitness. If you can take your eyes off the berms, jumps, rock features, skinnies and cork screws, you'll see fabulous views of Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater, Helvellyn and Skiddaw from your position 500m above Keswick.

The other mountain bike route at Whinlatter Forest Park is the Quercus Trail. This is a blue grade route suitable for moderately experienced riders, with a choice of 3.5 or 7.5km lengths. There are rolling jumps and gradual climbs, and trickier parts that are designed so you can choose them or not depending on your skill level. The route takes you through an oak forest and towering conifer glades.

Bikes can be hired at Whinlatter Forest Park's on-site Cyclewise centre. If you want to record the experience for dull days and doubters, Cyclewise can also hire out head-cameras for the duration of your trip!

High Wires and Cable-Assisted Routes
Do you want to 'get in touch with your inner Tarzan'? If so, the two Go Ape courses at Whinlatter and Grizedale will be just your thing - have a go on their high-wire tree crossings, zip wires and 'Tarzan drops'.

The Go Ape Centre at Whinlatter has the highest such course in the country at 360m above sea level, with a zip wire that roves through the forest, over water and clear blue skies (hopefully). The views on a good day can stretch all the way across the county to the Scottish border.

The Go Ape Course at Grizedale Forest travels the side of steep hill, 200m above Grizedale Beck.

The Newlands Adventure Centre has a high wire course, in addition to a wide choice of outdoor activities (see below).

Rookin House also has a zip wire course. They offer a wide range of other activities (see below).

The Lakes' latest high-rise adventure is the Via Ferrata, or 'iron road' at Honister Slate Mines. The route, constructed of rungs and cables, allows you to climb 2,126 feet with relative ease. Combine the trip with a visit to the mine itself, or ramp up the adrenaline further with a trip on their zip wire.

All Things Horsey
If your normal hack takes you across a bit of scrubby ground on the edge of town, you'll love the opportunities in the Lakes.

Low Farm Riding Centre takes riders of all levels out in the fells, or - bliss! - along the beach at Allonby. Short rides are available in the lovely countryside local to Aspatria, too.

Rookin House Activity Centre also offers riding for beginners and the more experienced.

If you used to make an annual appointment with the famous Lowther Show (now sadly defunct), you'll know that carriage driving is popular amongst native Cumbrians... and the royal family. You can try the sport out for yourself at the Lakeland Heavy Horse Centre at Dearham near Maryport. You can also find out all about these traditional breeds and meet some miniature Shetland ponies.

Rough Terrain Driving
Rookin House Activity Centre at Troutbeck, Penrith, is a multi-activity site offering a lot of skill and bucketloads of invention. Here you can trek out on a quad bike or mini quad bikes for 6-11 year olds, try madtrax (rough terrain buggies), JCBs (yes!), an army truck or the 4x4 course.

Rookin House also offers riding, an assault course and zip wire.

Climbing, Abseiling, Scrambling and Walking
Apparently Carol climbs, walks, paddles, scrambles, angles and dangles, or at least, that's what it says on CarolClimb's website! Carol and Richard are based in Wasdale, close to Scafell Pike and Wastwater. They offer guided mountain walks, scrambles up ghylls in full torrent, a spot of abseiling and rock climbing. They also kayak in many of the region's lakes.

The Keswick Adventure Centre is a great one-stop shop for a myriad of outdoor activities. Beginners aged 7 to 70 can join 'taster' sessions or the more experienced can enjoy more challenging sessions. Choose from rock climbing (on the indoor climbing wall or outdoors), abseiling or walking.

The Newlands Adventure Centre in the Newlands Valley offers ghyll scrambling, climbing, abseiling and mountain walks.

Paragliding
If you're a lover of the Lake District, you'd really enjoy a new perspective on this wonderful county. Take to the air in a paraglider!

Air Ventures operates from Keswick and flies over the northern Lake District. Kids can join in, too, in special tandem flights.

Eden Soaring takes advantage of the notoriously fierce thermals of the North Pennines in the Eden Valley.Within easy reach of the Ullswater and Penrith area.

Lakes and Rivers
Many parts of the Lake District have outdoor activity providers with experienced instructors to teach you basic or more advanced skills. Try these for size...

Derwentwater Marina is a great place to go for all things watery - sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and raft-building. You can learn the skills from scratch, or just hire a canoe, kayak, sailing dinghy, surfboard or rowing boat and set off across the lake.

The Glenridding Sailing Centre, at the pretty village of Glenridding on Ullswater, offers the opportunity to learn to sail dinghies and traditional boats, or more modest, but just as enjoyable, canoes and kayaks. You can also hire craft to take out on the lake yourself.

The nattily-named Platty Plus at Keswick offers something different on the boating scene. Ever fancied going out in a Viking long boat or a dragon boat? Well, here's your opportunity. Platty Plus can also teach you to handle canoes, kayaks and power boats.

Just Plain Bonkers
The sort of people who set up outdoors activities businesses here in the Lake District invariably have a sense of adventure and a well-developed fun muscle. Their imagination knows few bounds...

Ever wanted to walk on water? Well, if you've visited Derwentwater recently, you will have seen people captured in large transparent balls, running across the lake in a manner a hamster would appreciate - these are the Keswick Adventure Centre's Waterwalkerz.

It's hard to know whether the staff at Rookin House had fun, revenge or punishment in mind when they invented human bowling. Perhaps a delicious combination of all three! So, if you have a strong stomach and sense of humour, you can climb into a cage-like, human-sized ball, and allow your friends to bowl you at some very large pins.
There are plenty of self catering lake district cottages across Cumbria which would be an ideal starting point to go and experience some of these great activities. Just follow the link in the resource box.

http://www.sallyscottages.co.uk

Snowdonia Makes an Ideal Destination for Winter Activity Breaks

By Dipika Patel

Whether you love horse riding, hiking or fishing - or perhaps all three - you may want to make Snowdonia your next destination for winter weekend activity holidays. The national park, which is the second largest in England and Wales, measures some 823 square miles, meaning that if you're keen to experience the great outdoors on UK short breaks there is hardly any better place to do so.

Snowdonia is located in the north-west of Wales and while it is certainly a great destination in the summer, UK holidays here in the winter are sure to be equally exciting and there will be a wide variety of activities for you to take part in. Indeed, taking weekend activity beaks here can be a good idea if you are into your watersports. There are over 100 lakes in the national park that measure more than an acre in size, the largest of which is Llyn Tegid that is four miles long and in places three-quarters of a mile wide.

Also known as Bala Lake, Llyn Tegid can be the perfect spot to indulge in a spot of coarse fishing. Cast a line here to catch a variety of species, ranging from pike and perch to grayling. However, you may want to keep an eye out for the rare gwyniad. This species is protected and is believed to have been imprisoned in the lake some 10,000 years ago during Britain's last ice age. As such, you may find that a spot of fishing here allows you an insight into what life was like thousands of years ago.

But if you're not into fishing, do not worry, there are still plenty of activities that you can take part in while on a short break in Snowdonia. With so many lakes you may want to take a boat or kayak and head out on to the open water, doing so can certainly be a great way of getting some fresh air! However, a trip to Snowdonia does not entirely have to be spent by the water. Why not explore the national park by two wheels? With a variety of traffic-free cycle paths, you are bound to find travelling around by bicycle a pleasure.

You can head along the Mawddach Trail, which stretches for nine miles from Morfa Mawddach to Dolgellau. There are also a number of forestry cycling trails, which are particularly well-suited for mountain bikes. As you go along these paths during your winter activity break, you may be able to gaze in wonder at the frost-covered ground and trees that are bare of leaves.

Horse-riding and geocoaching are just some of the other pursuits you can try your hand at while on a visit to Snowdonia.

One item you should be sure to take with you on a trip to Wales is a pair of good-quality walking boots. Snowdonia is full of paths and trails and as the park's vast scale takes in environments ranging from coastal areas and rivers to forests and valleys, you can be confident that going for a walk will give you the opportunity to take in some splendid sights.

But if you're looking to learn something while you walk, check out the Bwrlwm Eryr audio trail. This six-mile path goes from Llanuwchllyn to Llanycil and as you walk along it you can find out more about local folklore and the region's residents. These include Owen Morgan Edwards, a 19th century editor and educator who was keen to foster pride in Welsh language and local traditions.

Alternatively, why not take the trail between Aberdyfi and Gwelfor? As you walk along this route, you will be able to see some fantastic sights, with the route ending by the coast. There are paths and trails suitable for people of all ages, however, if you're looking for something a little more strenuous during your activity break then you may want to consider tackling Mount Snowdon.

At 1,085 tall, the mountain is the highest peak in Wales and England. So if you're seeking a challenge while in Snowdonia, scaling the mountain - which is known as Yr Wyddfa in Welsh - could be the perfect activity. There are several paths leading to Snowdon's summit, so you will find plenty of ways to approach the mountain. The national park offers so many things to do in the winter, you may want to make it an activity holidays destination for many years to come.

For weekend activity breaks look no further than Wales. The country is perfect for both weekend activity holidays and UK short breaks. By going on UK holidays to Snowdonia, you will find that Wales is the perfect best place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds

By Andy Williams

The great thing about the Cotswolds is the variety of activities on offer. Whether you're visiting as a group of friends, young family, or a retired couple, there is something for pretty well anyone. And many of the activities are free! No-one charges you to wander across some of the best countryside in England or take your mountain bike for a trip round the Gloucestershire country lanes. I've lived in the area for all of my life and I hope that this top ten gives you some inspiration to come and visit the area and enjoy everything that's on offer.

Westonbirt Arboretum. One of the most popular paid for attractions in the Cotswolds is the National Arboretum in Westonbirt. Lying a few miles SW of Tetbury its home to a fantastic range of trees and shrubs landscaped in 600 acres with 17 miles of footpaths - walk them all and you'll deserve a meal out at one of the typical Cotswold pubs in the area.

Sudeley Castle. Dating back over many centuries, with royal connections and based just outside Winchcombe (which itself was once the chief city of Mercia), Sudeley also has an extensive range of gardens, so a great day out whatever the weather.

Walking. Where do you start? There are so many walks across the Cotswolds, from the ever present Cotswold Way to the challenges around the River Wye there is something for everyone, and many of the published walks give details of pubs and tea shops to take in on along the way!

Mountain Biking. Again, there are many choices across the area, some of my favourites have been in the North Cotswolds riding across some of the higher ground around Blockley or Beckford - it can be hard work to climb to the top of the escarpments but the views are worth it.

Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. This is being developed along the old route from Cheltenham to Stratford-On-Avon. It currently runs for about 10 miles from Cheltenham to Toddington a few miles north of Winchcombe. There are a range of steam and diesel engines in operation, and if you're keen you can even have the chance to drive one of them. Be sure to watch out for specific events throughout the year including their Santa Special, Paddington Bear event and their dining trains.

Historic Manor Garden. This is the sort of garden that you can enjoy if you aren't a gardener. With fantastic borders and a series of outdoor 'rooms' each with their own particular feel, even those of us without green fingers can enjoy a few hours here.

Shakespeare's Stratford. Many people base themselves in the North Cotswolds so that they are close to Stratford and all that it offers, whether it is a tour of the houses associated with the famous bard or the opportunity to see one of his plays if Shakespeare's your thing there is enough to keep you interested for many days in Stratford.

Cotswold Wildlife Park. For those of you with children one of the most popular animal attractions is the Cotswold Wildlife Park situated outside Burford. It is home to many wild animals many of which are not behind bars (although the lions thankfully are enclosed). There is also a good play area for the children to work off excess energy if there's any left after walking round the animals.

Authentic pub with a real log fire. No trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without a trip (or two or three) to one of the many authentic pubs in the area. Many offer a variety of real ales and in the winter months open log fires. Some offer a choice of meals in the bar or a more formal affair served in the dining room and if you're eating during the day, don't forget to find a garden and a good view.

Bourton-On-The-Water. This is one of the most visited and well loved villages in the Cotswolds especially with young families. The river runs though the centre and ducks swim along its route. For the youngsters there's the Model Railway, Model Village, Dragonfly Maze, Birdland, and the Cotswold Motor Museum. With the perfume exhibition, tea shops and local pubs there is plenty to keep everyone happily occupied for many hours.

And Finally... don't forget that for some things you need to be here at the right time, for example, The Rococo Gardens in snowdrop season, the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse (March), Badminton Horse Trials (May), Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill (Spring Bank Holiday), Kemble Air show (June), Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo (July), Cheltenham Festival of Literature (October) and the Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum (November / December).

Anna Phillips represents Jigsaw Holidays, specialists in supplying Cotswold Cottages and character properties as part of your Cotswold Holiday.

Best Western Hotels

Best Western Wroxton House Hotel – come to the Cotswolds!

The Best Western Wroxton House Hotel is an utterly charming hotel in the delightful chocolate box thatched village of Wroxton, just 2 miles from Banbury. Here is a rare opportunity to stay in a gorgeous thatched manor house, dating in parts to 1649, whilst enjoying unparalleled quality and levels of service. With Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Oxford and Birmingham not to mention a whole host of National Trust and English Heritage properties all nearby, the location is as convenient as it is beautiful. As if all this wasn’t enough, we’re proud to say that our sumptuous ‘Restaurant 1649’ has been awarded an impressive AA Rosette for its delicious cuisine! It really is a treat for all the senses with its oak beams and large inglenook fireplace which create the perfect mood - enjoy!

Click Here for more details

The Museum of Madame Tussauds

By Christopher Liu

It was during her childhood that little Marie Grosholtz learned to become an artist and sculptor. Having honed her talent with the employer of her mother, she created her first wax figures in 1777 at the age of sixteen. The employer of her mother was an artist, physicist and physician Philippe Curtius. At the age of Twenty-four, the young woman married and became Madam Tussaud. Recognized for her talent in France, it was in England that the artist became famous. In London, Marie Tussaud has her own wax statue, a beautiful portrait.

The history of Madame Tussaud

Marie was a Marianne, a figure of the French Revolution. Her early accomplishments as an artist-sculptor hinted her ideas, her commitment. After participating in the exhibition projects of his mentor, the doctor Philippe Curtius, she began to make her own works by immortalizing writers and philosophers, in 1777 Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau in 1778. The rebel was sentenced to the guillotine, but through her artistic talent, she was fortunately spared. Her sentence proved very strange indeed she had to make death masks for beheaded. She had immortalized the faces of her friends died for the revolution.

In 1794, Marie inherited the figures of his mentor Philippe Curtius before becoming Madam Tussaud a year later. For her husband Francois Tussaud, she gave birth to two sons. The artist continued her work and decided to exhibit her collection in London in 1802, accompanied by her eldest son. Because of the war, she found herself sheltered in England where she continued to present her masterpiece in exhibitions. Permanently installed across the channel, Marie Tussaud chose London as the final destination. No more traveling exhibition in 1835, she then opened the Baker Street Bazaar to display her collections. The artist presented the figures of the revolutionaries and their murderers, staged in what would be called House of Horrors.

A multinational museum

In 1884, more than thirty years after the death of Marie Tussaud, the museum which displayed her works was moved to Marylebone Road, its current location. In 1926, after a fire that ravaged many works, the company Tussauds Group is created. After having pasted figurines melted by the flames, the museum was undergoing a veritable revolution. It became one of the most important tourist attractions of London. The company Tussauds then set out to conquer the world. Officially known as Madame Tussauds, wax museums are multiplying in the largest cities in the world such as Amsterdam to Las Vegas via New York and Hong Kong and Shanghai and Washington and Berlin and Los Angeles recently. A hugely successful multinational company, the Tussauds Group was bought out several times. In 2007, the buyer called Merlin Entertainments, which has invested one billion pounds.

In Hollywood, actors and film legends are immortalized at Madame Tussauds. Some of the cinema stars have their wax statue in several cities, like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nicolas Cage, Whoopi Goldberg and Marilyn Monroe. At Madame Tussauds, the singers also have right to glory. The legends as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Madonna compete with young stars like Britney Spears or international Beyonce. Politicians are not forgotten by history when they are at Madame Tussauds, the example of Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, John Kennedy. Certainly, being chairman of a country deserves a statue, without political considerations.

The Nicolas Sarkozy, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Adolph Hitler have their figures in at least one of wax museums. In London, at the site of Madame Tussauds, the statues of more than 400 personalities are exhibited in the Hall of Fame. Usually, celebrities lend themselves gracefully to the opening of their statue in a wax museum as Madame Tussauds. There are some exceptions particularly among politicians who are more reticent. At Madame Tussaud's, the value does not expect the number of years. It's more than true for personalities from the world of film, song and sport. Roles of teenagers like Harry Potter or Troy Bolton from High School Musical have brought Daniel Radcliffe and Zac Efron in the temple of celebrity wax. Young champions such as Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton or footballer Wayne Rooney will access to glory soon.

To perform a full tour of Madame Tussauds, it takes about two hours. Through various events, visitors do not see the time passing. When you are hurry, you can go directly to your favorite star and be photographed with her. Simply place like a statue. More than a house of fame, the museum Madame Tussauds is not limited to offer entertainment. It opens a window on history by featuring characters from another generation.

Christopher Liu is professional Internet Marketing Director based in Singapore who has helped several hundreds web masters to have their web sites rank top 10 in major search engines. He has written many PDF manuals all of which helping his readers to target their best niche key words. Many of his manuals on the topics of Search engine ranking software and top 10 ranking can be downloaded from his web site.

Picnic Under the Table

What is Romance? There is no hard and fast rule, what feels romantic to one person my not feel romantic to another. However a common feeling is that when something is romantic it is something that you do as a couple, something that is done without sharing it with others - such as a romantic dinner for two.

However when you go out for a romantic dinner on Valentines day, you tend to find that every man and other half are also trying to have a romantic dinner for two as well.

This Valentines Day have yourself a real Valentines dinner for just two, by having lunch in secret - have a Valentines Picnic under the table. Yes under the table!

Just image how romantic it could be...
In a nice warm clean room with some essential oils burning away on the side fragrancing the air, drape a clean quilt cover or two over the table so that the covers touch the floor like a cosy little tent. Throw in some big cushions to lean on and to make yourselves comfortable on. You can illuminate your picnic area with a small lamp, or candles. If you do choose to use candles, use small tea light candles in a glass vase so that you don't cause a fire hazard. You could sprinkle a few rose petals about for that overtly Valentines feel. Then all you need is your favourite picnic foods. Eating with cutlery under a table is quite tricky with limited space, so go for finger foods.

Why would picnicing under the table be romantic?

The thing about romance is that you tend to remember romantic days when they stand apart from other days. Think back over the years to your most memorable Valentines Day - why was it so romantic?

A picnic under the table is very unusual unless you're five years old and because of this, it will be a day that stands apart from other days. So it will be remembered for being unusual, and remembered because you didn't quite fit under the table properly and you legs were sticking out, and because it was difficult to eat under there and so on.

A Valentine's date under the table will also evoke memories and feeling from childhood, when life was carefree and simple, a time when you felt playful and safe. Bringing back these warm feelings on you Valentines date will also make the time feel romantic.

Last but not least, it will show a wild and wacky side of your nature to your Valentine and they will love you for it.

Keycamp Holidays

If you are looking for a family holiday in Europe to remember, let Keycamp find the ideal holiday package.

Keycamp is one of Europe’s leading camping holiday specialists, offering self catering holidays at some of the most scenic, relaxing and most popular resorts in Europe and the USA. Whether you are looking for an all-action activity break or to just get away from it all with our relaxing Mobile Home Holidays, Keycamp has a holiday for you.

Camping holidays with Keycamp offer unrivalled levels of flexibility. We don’t try to tell you when you should arrive and how long you should stay. Instead, you are in control. You choose when you want to arrive at any of our high quality parks, how long to stay and what to do whilst you are here.

A getaway with Keycamp, no matter where you are looking to visit, really can provide you with the perfect family holiday.

A Tent Or a Hotel?

By Keith Barrett

Can a camping trip ever compare to the luxuries of a stay in a hotel? Most people would say that the two are by no means comparable, yet an increasing number of people find themselves choosing between these two very different holiday types.

This is partly explained by the fact that many of us are becoming more aware of the costs associated with travel and holidays. As we look to cut spending in all areas of our lives, it makes sense that we should also be looking at the amount that we are spending on holidays.

We may question whether we really need to spend such large amounts on flights and hotel accommodation. Would it be possible to have a cheap holiday that is just as much fun? This leads us to think about whether a camping trip offers a suitable alternative to more expensive holidays.

There may be no comparison when talking about the comfort that we can achieve in a hotel and then contrasting it with the situation in a tent. But many people are happy to accept a less luxurious holiday if it is also cheaper. More importantly, an increasing number of camping enthusiasts would say that a camping holiday offers a completely different type of experience.

They would not care to compare such experiences unfavourably with other holidays. The reality is that the camping trip can allow you to enjoy more basic pleasures. They offer the opportunity for you to get closer to nature. You'll often end up spending a lot more time with your family. This may come about through necessity but it can undoubtedly have a positive influence upon your holiday.

This helps to explain why some people do choose to stay in a tent, rather than opting for a hotel. You obviously need to think about whether it would be the right option for you and your family. It's not for everyone.

Don't be put off by a perceived lack of facilities. You might be surprised when you see the various pieces of camping equipment and accessories that are now available. You can buy everything from larger tents to solar showers and portable camping toilets. All of these pieces of equipment are designed to help you be more comfortable.

What this all means is that there is now a very realistic choice to be made.

Learn about everything from tents to camping toilets and outdoor accessories with this author's other camping articles online. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Wildlife Conservation Holidays - The Perfect Idea For Gap Year Animal Lovers

By Mark Bottell

More and more people are beginning to take gap years between their years of education. Between school and college, college and university, halfway through university and before venturing into the real world to get a job, are times when people decide to take a year out and discover what the world is really about. Wildlife conservation holidays are a great way to spend your time and do something good for the planet.

Contributing to the World
Wildlife conservation holidays are a fantastic way to give something back and to affect the world in a positive way. By helping to conserve some of the beautiful creatures of this earth, we are helping to prevent species' from becoming extinct and thus keeping them alive for future generations to experience. Worthwhile and meaningful, these holidays are not only a superb way of helping to keep species alive and make an impact on the world. They are also a great way of spending your gap year in an enjoyable and memorable way, which will leave you feeling that you have contributed to the fascinating world that we live in.

Make Your CV Stand Out
When it comes to gap years, often people can feel as though they have wasted them. Getting a job for the year may be a way of raking in some extra money and adding some extra experience to your CV, but wildlife conservation holidays are more likely to impress your future employers than a desk job or a year's worth of stacking shelves. In an economic climate where it is hard to find jobs, you could also end up completely wasting a year and feeling as though you have not only put yourself back a step in terms of your education and experience, but also missed a great opportunity to enjoy yourself and learn different things in life. Wildlife conservation holidays show future employers, colleges and universities that you are passionate about something and that you have the ability to see things through to completion; something which is very valuable in terms of demonstrating your maturity.

The Experience of A Lifetime
Once your education is over and you have a job and other commitments, it won't be as easy to just take a year off from your life and see the magical things that you could on a gap year. By going to countries that you might never see again, and seeing species which, if it weren't for your help, may become extinct, you can gain lifelong experience and memories that will never fade. The sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are contributing to saving a species is overwhelming, and you will remember for the rest of your life that you played a part in guaranteeing its survival. With gap years being a great time to experience things whilst you are still young, wildlife conservation holidays are a wonderful option.

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks on wildlife conservation holidays and various adventurous gap years for adults.