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.

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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.