Friday, 23 September 2011

The Perfect Autumnal Break for Couples

By Colin McDonald

Come discover what the United Kingdom has to offer for you and your beloved during your autumn holiday. The UK offers some of the most entertaining events and festivals, as well as must-see attractions that you would be foolish to miss out on. Whether you are a local or you are coming from afar, there is always something for couples to do during the autumn season in the United Kingdom. Below are some ideas that you can add to your trip in the UK.

The Covent Garden Autumn Fair in London
In November, Covent Gardens has a fair with over 100 booths that feature Christmas items and gifts for Christmas. There are many handmade crafts and eccentric gifts to choose from. The festival also features food tastings and cooking demonstrations in the Piazza.

Autumn In Malvern Festival
At the end of September until late October, the Malvern Festival takes place in the Malvern Hills and features performances of well-known artists, poets, writers, musicians, and film makers. Musical entertainers such as Aldwyn Voices and Severn Meadows will perform on October 22nd, and the Razumovsky Ensemble will perform on October 29th. There will be historic walks, historic talks, literary talks, and much more.

The London Gorilla Run
This fun event usually happens in the third week of September. Thousands of people dress up in gorilla costumes and run 7 kilometerrs through London, starting at Minster Court and passing through Tate Modern and Tower Bridge. Participants help raise money for the preservation of gorillas in the wild. This race has grown larger every year since its first run in 2003.

The Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival
This festival spans 1,000 miles across Kenmore to Kinlock Rannock, and Birnam to Blair Atholl. It features many festivals throughout the area during the autumn season. This year, the award-winning sound and light show called The Enchanted Forest will take place in Pitlochry in The Woodland Garden during the nights of October 7th - 29th. This show will surely delight the senses of its visitors with spectacular imagery and sound. Visitors will walk through the Enchanted Forest to take in all that it has to offer.

Another festival is the Wild Connections, which takes place in Perthshite Big Tree Country from October 8th - 16th. Here you can learn about wildlife, take wildlife photography lessons, go on Safaris, view wildlife in their natural habitats, climb the Schiehallion, and listen to talks about wildlife protection.

Beautiful Places to Take in Autumn's Colors
For those of you who are nature lovers, the UK has some of the most breathtaking landscapes featuring a multitude of autumn colors. Watching the sunset with your lover without a single person nearby is one of the most romantic things that you can do during autumn. The reddish orange blaze of the sun as it sets and basks the area in its light is awe-inspiring and may very well set the mood for romance. Check out some of the following places for some ideas on where you can take your loved one.
  • Ashdown Forest in East Sussex
  • Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire
  • Bardney Lime Woods in Lincolnshire
  • Grizedale Forest Park in Cumbria
  • Cragside in Northumberland
  • Elan Valley in Mid Wales
Colin McDonald writes on behalf of and oneagency.co. Colin McDonald writes on behalf of Potters Holidays - weekend breaks

Thursday, 15 September 2011

Rent a Castle for a Unique Holiday in Perth

Rent a Castle for a Unique Holiday in Perth

By Dipika Patel

Choosing to rent a castle in Scotland can provide you with the perfect luxury base from which to explore a little more of this historic country - and there is no better place to start than Perth.

If you are a history enthusiast then you will find so much to see and do here, including exploring one of the many castles to see how your own accommodation fares against it.

One of the most famous is Scone Palace. Once the place where the King of Scotland - including Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce - was crowned, today you can find out more about its past while browsing a host of interesting artefacts.

If this has sparked your interest then next on the agenda should be a trip to the centre of town, where you will find St John's Kirk. This is the oldest building in the market town and dates back to 1159, making it significantly older than the nearby St Ninian's Cathedral.

Elcho Castle or Huntingtower Castle are nearby heritage centres you may wish to check out, while art enthusiasts can see a collection of paintings by the celebrated colourist John Duncan Fergusson at the Fergusson Gallery, or head to Perth Museum and Art Gallery for a more varied affair.

Meanwhile, shopaholics will not be disappointed - many of the streets are lined with boutiques and stores where you can get stuck into a spot of retail therapy, before relaxing with a coffee at the cafe corner of St John's Place.

And if you are looking to sample some traditional Scottish fare during your stay, you're in luck. The sights and sounds of the weekend Perth Farmers Market are likely to whet your appetite and in the evening you can choose from a range of modern bistros or luxury restaurants, before relaxing with a moonlit walk down the banks of the River Tay.

One of the best things about choosing Perth when you rent castles in Scotland is that you are also ideally situated to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, or play a few rounds of golf.

When your holiday does draw to an end, do not be surprised if you soon find yourself planning your next castle break.

Scotts Castle Holidays specialises in large properties, mansions and castles for rent in Scotland. If you want to rent a castle, then we can find the best castles in Scotland for you that will perfectly suit your holiday.

Thursday, 8 September 2011

A Tour Around Sydney Gardens in Bath

Are you planning a trip to Sydney Gardens in Bath and what to know what to expect?

Take a look at this video tour of Sydney Gardens, taking in narrow boats on the Kennet and Avon canal and the trains whizzing along the railway lines. Notice how close you get to the train lines.

Sydney Gardens also has tennis courts and a play area for kids.

If you would like more information about Sydney Gardens, visithttp://www.narrowboatholidays-kennet.co.uk/sydney-pleasure-gardens-bath.php

Thursday, 1 September 2011

Great Yarmouth - Traditional Seaside Holiday Resort

Great Yarmouth - Traditional Seaside Holiday Resort
By Gary Smithe

Great Yarmouth in the UK is a buzzing seaside resort on the splendid Norfolk coast and has all the perfect ingredients for an enjoyable seaside holiday.

The long stretches of golden beach, indoor and outdoor attractions for people of all ages and the various places to eat with the traditional seaside fish and chips with locally caught fish available too, making Great Yarmouth the ideal holiday destination for all.

The primary element of a holiday at the seaside must be the beach. The long stretch of sandy beach on Yarmouth seafront is about 15 miles, the beautiful coastline between Winterton-on-Sea to Hopton and the famous sand dunes make Great Yarmouth more attractive. You can build sand castles, have a swim in the coastline or just walk near the sea to experience some magical moments at the great British resort at the seaside.

The theme parks at the sea front by Yarmouths piers are sure to offer children an adventure that they would never forget. Great Yarmouth caters to the whole family with everything available you could want from a seaside resort. There are also mini golf courses and facilities to hire a rowing boat or a pedalo boat for a tour of the lake at Fritton Park situated nearby.

There are terrific indoor attractions too. Discover the creatures living in our oceans at Sea World or reptiles at Amazonia. Locally various swimming pools beckon visitors to take a dip and enjoy a swim. Also Great Yarmouth provides an opportunity to go back in time at its latest attraction Yesterdays World museum. Enjoy first class entertainment in a conventional theatre showing comedy acts on the pier at Yarmouth. For those preferring to stay active all the time, there is a bowling alley and ample amusement centres by the sea front. Enjoy some excitement and thrills at the local dog racing stadium or major horse racing events at Yarmouth Race Track.

Great Yarmouth is a holiday destination apt for all months of the year. When the sun sets, Great Yarmouth comes alive as the night time entertainment beckons with casinos, restaurants and nightclubs for you to enjoy a night out.

Be sure to include Greater Yarmouth in your holiday itinerary and get ready for a rekindling of memories of childhood holidays and for a rich experience of British tradition.

Visit Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, East Anglia to experience an amazing British holiday destination that offers many holiday activities. As well as the piers and seafront at Great Yarmouth the surrounding area of Norfolk offers boating opportunities on the famous Norfolk Broads as well as having some of the best coarse fishing in East Anglia. Along the coast from Yarmouth you will find Scratby Caravans Hemsby holiday parks and chalet hire centres all catering for visitors to the Norfolk area. The popular resort of California Cliffs offers close proximity to the sandy beach and many holiday camps including full daytime and nightime entertainment programs for visitors to stay and enjoy the various activities within the Yarmouth Norfolk area.

Monday, 15 August 2011

Marmot Limelight 2 Tent Review

South-England: The Kennet and Avon Canal and the Caen Hill Locks in Devizes


The Kennet and Avon Canal is a canal in southern England. The name may refer to either the route of the original Kennet and Avon Canal Company, which linked the River Kennet at Newbury to the River Avon at Bath, or to the entire navigation between the River Thames at Reading and the Floating Harbour at Bristol, including the earlier improved river navigations of the River Kennet between Reading and Newbury and the River Avon between Bath and Bristol.

Today the canal is a tourism destination. Boating, with both narrowboats and cruisers, is popular, particularly in the summer months.

Friday, 12 August 2011

How To Go About Motorhome Hire

Motorhome holiday
By Peter Lennon

Many people long for the freedom to go anywhere they like when they like on holiday. Until recently the only way to do so was to camp, but motorhome hire can change that. A warm, comfortable truly mobile home enables one to go wherever the fancy takes them. However, a few things need to be taken into consideration beforehand. This article will give some pointers.

First things first - does the standard UK driving licence allow one to drive a vehicle as big as a motorhome? According to the DVLC the answer is 'yes' if one's licence allows one to drive vehicles in category B, C, or C1. There are conditions to satisfy and these can be ascertained by contacting the DVLC or going on line.

Insurance is another worry, but fortunately most hirers include this in the fees. They often also include breakdown assistance. With some hirers it is possible to pay a little extra and drive in Europe. To stay legal when transporting all the family, ensure there are enough seatbelts.

Cost is also an important consideration. Comparing cost online is a good idea. There are several sites available if one does a search using 'motorhome hire'. One will also be able to find out where the nearest hirer is. Close to home picks ups save a long drive before one starts the holiday.

One website has prices ranging from GBP485 to GBP735 for a 2 berth 'home and GBP635 to GBP885 for a week. There is a GBP600 security deposit to pay, but everything is included except towels and linen. 'Homes can also be hired by the day. Don't forget to add on site fees.

There are many campsites with standings for 'homes throughout the UK and Europe. They vary from the simple to the ultra luxurious and tariffs are generally reasonable. Some are open all year round. They also have water points and waste disposal points. Electricity is often included in site fees; sometimes there is a small charge. All that remains to do is decide where one would like to holiday and hire a motorhome. Oh - and don't forget the map!

If you are interested in motorhome hire in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland call Motorholme on 0800 612 8719 today. The phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you would like to rent a motorhome you can also apply online at http://www.motorhomesdirect.co.uk.