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You are here: real days out
By Alan, on January 19th, 2012
 If most people were to imagine what taking a break in the UK is like, images of old and shabby resorts will probably come to mind. This mental image of days out in the UK is not quite accurate and if you take a trip to Poppit Sands and you will quickly realise that your mental image of the UK resorts is very out of date.
The beach is located near the Teifi estuary and is the place where the river becomes the spectacular Cardigan Bay. Here you will find a beautiful stretch of sand which has sand dunes behind it. This combination of dunes and the long beach makes it one of the most beautiful sights in all of Wales.
It is a very popular location and many local people enjoy spending their time here. Despite its popularity the beach is very large so never really feels overcrowded and there is plenty of space for any beach activities that you might be interested in pursuing. You will find many people playing Frisbee and other sports on the beach as well as many people just relaxing and enjoying the sun.
The beach is spectacularly clean and you will really struggle to find any rubbish whatsoever. The pollution level in the sea has also been rated as very low and it is an ideal location to go swimming. Visitors should be aware that there are sometimes very strong currents in the area but fortunately most of these have clear warning signs and there are always lifeguards on duty.
The sea here is particularly well-suited to younger children as there is a large amount of shallow water before it gets deeper. Body boarders and surfers also find good waves in the area so you will see plenty of people enjoying these water-based sports. For people who don’t find surfing extreme enough you will also find kite surfers and boarders along the beach and on the waves.
Even if extreme sports is something you don’t enjoy many people will find themselves fascinated by the people doing the sports and it can simply be enjoyable to sit on the beach and watch them having fun.
Some people would rather watch animals, and there is plenty of wildlife in the area. Those with children will enjoy looking at the crustaceans in the various rock pools and if you are lucky you will be able to see bottlenose dolphins swimming in the Bay. If you are very keen on seeing dolphins it is best to head to the top of the nearby cliffs where you are more likely to see them than if you are standing on the beach.
There is a wide selection of accommodation in the surrounding area and the town of Cardigan is very popular with tourists so there are plenty of rooms. There is accommodation to suit every budget and taste; hotels, holiday cottages, as well as several Bed & Breakfasts. Whenever you come to this beautiful part of Wales for you are sure to have a wonderful holiday.
By admin, on January 18th, 2012
So we had only just gotten over Christmas when what should loom into view but half term. So what to treat the little darlings to? London’s West End is quite rich in shows for the whole family this year but don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about taking the little ones… besides why would you spend over £60 on something they are probably going to cry through, or vomit through, or ask stupid questions through.
So what better excuse is there to escape for a valentines theatre break?
I know that little Tommy is different – he’s a special little guy – but is it really worth the risk?
I was at Matilda last weekend (probably the best family show in London at the moment) and sure enough, the first half was peppered with young children balling their eyes out before consigning an unlucky parent to enjoying their £60+ tickets from the theatre foyer! Because make no mistake – you will be asked to leave.
So this list is not only a list of great shows to take the kids to, but also a list of shows and their recommended age limit (lower not upper!): because a family show is meant for a whole family and not just for little children. Think about it: a show couldn’t survive in the West End if it was aimed at four year olds – their pocket money will just not stretch to it!
So here goes:
The Lion King- minimum age 6 years old and there are some that would argue older! It’s a long show and quite sophisticated.
Billy Elliot – the producers recommend a minimum age of 8 years old but many agents suggest 12 years old – some of the language is quite ripe!
Legally Blonde – Min age: 7 Again a good family show, but maybe not for the little ones who may not get the subject matter,
Matilda The Musical – min age: 6 (but my 6 year old would be v. scared by excellent Miss T). This show will be around for several years so don’t worry about not going yet if you can’t make up your mind.
The Wizard of Oz – min age: 5. Probably the most child friendly of the family shows but again can be scary and is quite long.
Wicked – 8 years old and up. A great show for the older kids – especially the girls, just leave the youngsters at home.
Blood Brothers – minimum age: 12 years old. Again a proper show and great for older kids – especially for the boys.
Lastly, if you don’t fancy trekking down to London – check out Oliver! in Manchester where you can treat your 5 year old monsters to an excellent show over half term.
http://bookings.theatrebreaks.co.uk/theatre/show/252/oliver_manchester/2-tickets/14-Feb-2012
By Alan, on January 14th, 2012
 When you have children, filling up the summer holidays can be quite a challenge and while it is a great opportunity to spend lots of time your kids, it can also be a time of empty days when you’re wondering what on earth you are going to do with them. One of the best attractions that you can take your child to in the East Midlands is Markeaton Park.
This is a park that is particular popular with younger children and it boasts a wide range of outdoor activities and is conveniently located within the city of Derby. The park is spectacularly beautiful from the moment you arrive and the walk from the car park to the main part is even enjoyable. You will walk over a bridge that spans a lake filled with ducks and once you’re inside the park you will find plenty of excellent attractions to appeal to children.
There is a mini kart track, donkey rides, crazy golf and bouncy castles on offer. Tickets are dispensed from a central kiosk in the park and these can then be used on the various attractions. If you are coming in the height of the summer then this kiosk will sometimes have extensive queues so it can be a good idea to buy all the tickets you will need in one go.
At the other end of the park will find play areas with all of the classic activities such as slides, swings and roundabouts. There is a special area for children aged under eight and there are picnic tables nearby. Most parents enjoy this as it provides them an opportunity to sit down and relax while they can still keep a close eye on the children in the playground.
These picnic benches also provide a great place for you to enjoy a more leisurely lunch while your children go to play. There is another play area for older children including activities that should appeal to them more, such as a climbing frame.
Taking a picnic to enjoy in the park on a summers day can be one of the highlights, especially for an adult who is tired from taking their children around all of the activities. If you don’t bring a picnic there is also the option of eating in the Orangery Cafe which has a wide selection of snacks including such things as chips and pasties. There are also refreshing drinks and ice cream that are perfect if you are visiting on a hot day.
There is a small lake inside the park that can be an ideal location to allow your children to feed the ducks. There is a paddling pool for the children to play in which provides the perfect opportunity to cool off. As well as the centrally located Cafe, there are plenty of kiosks around the park selling ice cream which is very popular in the hotter months. The park is free to enter and the cost of car parking is very low, at less than £3 for 8 hours
By Alan, on January 13th, 2012
 Great Yorkshire Show and Countryside Live 2012 dates announced
This years Great Yorkshire Show is set to be bigger and better than ever, with everything from Wensleydale Cheeses to Ukrainian Cossacks and even fabulous fashion on the agenda. Not to mention there being 1000′s of the finest animals in the country on display. The premier agricultural show inEnglandwill be taking place on the edge of the spa town ofHarrogate, at the showground, from 10-12 July 2012.
Over 130,000 visitors are expected to flock through the gates during the 3 day show, all looking to experience an informative and entertaining time and see all aspects of farming and country life. This event is also a showcase for the agricultural industry, as well as providing a great day out for all the family.
This will be the 154th time the Great Yorkshire Show has been held, and amongst the highlights is the debut of the Ukranian Cossacks, who will give a display on each day of the show.
Around the showground visitors will also be able to enjoy:
- Food Hall with the region’s best food & drink
- Fashion shows with national and regional designers
- Cookery theatre
- Garden Show
- Top class show jumping and superb equine classes
- International sheep shearing competitions & the English National Championships
- Demonstrations of country skills – including dry stone walling, fly fishing, pole climbing, gundog training
- Hundreds of stands for plenty of shopping!
…. and more than 5,000 ofBritain’s best cattle, sheep and pigs competing for the coveted championship awards.
The Great Yorkshire Show is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Tickets are available from Thursday 1 March 2012 until Wednesday 4 July either on line – go towww.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or call 01423 541222.
Parking is free and extensive.
Tickets bought in advance Tickets bought on the gate
Adult: £20 Adult £23
Concession: £19 Concession: £22
Children: £9 Children: £11
Family: £52 Family: £60
Countryside Live, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October 2012
The 10th Countryside Live event will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October 2012 at the Great Yorkshire Showground,Harrogate. The event will include competitive livestock and equine, pigeon and poultry classes, dog agility, a horticultural show, and cookery theatre and dozens of stands for pre Christmas shopping. The hugely popular show jumping talent competition, which made its debut in 2010, will again feature and will be hosted by the equine supremos, Graham and Tina Fletcher. Countryside Live 2011 attracted more than 10,000 visitors.
See also www.countrysidelive.co.uk
By admin, on January 13th, 2012
The City of Bath
Located in southwest England, the City of Bath prides itself as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Romans founded it initially as a thermal spa. They built the baths and a temple around the hot springs. The Middle Ages saw the city become an integral part of the wool industry. George III transformed it to its neo-classical style still evident today. Queen Elizabeth I granted it the city status in 1590. The City of Bath is recognized and accredited for its virtuosity and picturesque architectural design, which conveys the creativity of its 18th and 19th century inhabitants. By combining the Roman and Georgian Eras, the City of Bath is one of the unique destinations, which UNESCO recognized as world heritage site in 1987. Today, with its museums, theatres, rich culture and other attractions, the city receives around 3.8 million visitors per day, highlighting its significance as a tourist destination with universal worth.
Roman Baths
The City of Bath contains the only hot springs in Britain. River Avon valley provided the stones to build the picturesque buildings. The well-preserved Roman Baths acts as an epitome for most of the visitors who come to witness the public bathing area. It includes features such as the Roman Bath house, the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple and the Museum dating from the 19th century. They are above street level, making them a major tourist attraction. The hot springs in the city form from the action of geothermal energy, which heats the water from the Mendip Hills. Water from the Mendip Hills infiltrates the limestone aquifers. While underground, geothermal energy heats the water and increases it pressure. Due to the increased pressure, the water rises to the ground at temperature of about 46 degrees. The Pump Room, developed in 1983 by sinking a borehole, provides fresh water for drinking.
Celts built the first shrine in the hot springs and dedicated it to Sulis, a Roman goddess. Bladud, the British king, built the first baths. Legend has it that the springs cured Bladud of leprosy. The Romans built a temple and the bathing complex after the invasion. After they left, the baths dilapidated and had to be modified over the years.
Pulteney Bridge
Another great historic building in the city is the Pulteney Bridge, named after William Pulteney. Completed in 1773, the bridge is only one of the three bridges in the world lined with shops, with the only other two bridges being Ponte di Rialto in Venice and Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Robert Adams built the masterpiece as a means to connect Bath to the other side of River Avon. This was in an attempt to bring immeasurable wealth to Pulteney.
Before the bridge commenced, the only way to get across to Bathwick was only by a ferry. 20 years after completion of the bridge, Baldwin took over by constructing large shops, which made commercial sense after the death of Adams. However, high floods destroyed them, with some of the houses collapsing. Pulteney contemplated bringing down the whole structure. However, the city council opted to restore the bridge to its original design, with restoration taking place just in time for the 1951 Festival of Britain. The present state of the bridge is just as Robert Adams had planned it.
Beckfords Tower and Museum
The neoclassical masterpiece Beckford’s Tower and Museum, rising to 120 feet is another attraction in the city. Built in 1872 for William Beckford as a study retreat, it chronicles the life and interests of this eccentrically wealth individual. Henry Edmund Goodridge designed the establishment. At the present, the museum houses the works of Beckford including his paintings, books, illustrations and furniture. While inside the tower, one can climb the architecturally designed spiral staircase tracing the life of the Beckford. While at the top, one cannot escape marvelling at the panoramic birds’ eye view of the City.
Ghost Walks of Bath
The Ghost Walks of Bath are associated with many strange events in the city, such as hauntings, tragic events and chilling happenings in the past. A local psychic and historian established them in 1974. The ghost walks are very popular with visitors who marvel at experiencing the unnerving walk.
Written by Britain Outdoors Travel Blog
By Alan, on January 6th, 2012
 If you are taking a boating holiday in the UK then one of the best stops you can make in London is at Legoland, as it is a perfect place to spend a day being entertained and is well suited to children and adults alike. Canal holidays are very popular in the UK and many people find that Legoland can be the perfect way to let off some steam after relaxing on a canal boat for several days. There are a great many thrilling rides at the Park as well as huge sculptures made out of Lego.
Legoland is based in Windsor and it is best to make sure that you know when it is you’re going to be at the Park because you don’t want to have to travel too far. The Park is famous for its Lego sculptures and while you will find them all over the park one of the best places to go to is Miniland which is where some of the most impressive models that you can find in the Park are constructed.
The vast majority of all the Lego bricks used in the Parks construction are in this area and the models are made up of over 40 million individual bricks. Legoland is famous for its replicas of some of the most famous monuments in the UK, such as Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Big Ben.
Children will particularly enjoy the ability to remotely control a boat as it passes down a replica of the River Thames that runs through the model of the city. Adults will simply be overwhelmed by the immense nature of the construction and each of the most impressive structures took over 800 hours to build.
Most people on canal trips will be visiting Legoland in the summer and this can make it a perfect time to visit some of the water rides. You should be aware that if you do go on these then you are properly going to get quite wet. One of the best rides is the Vikings River Splash, which is a combination of the historical and mythical as it blends Viking history with such fantasy creatures as dragons.
For those who don’t fancy getting wet, which is something that becomes much less appealing in the autumn and winter months, then there are plenty of attractions that are based on dry land. There is a hedge maze with a Nordic theme called Loki’s Labyrinth and this is one of the most challenging activities at the Park and you will find yourself lost in its walls for a good amount of time.
There are also workshops being run at the Park where children can have a go at making their own Lego models with a great many versatile building blocks. Even adults who have been inspired by the impressive creations at the Park can have a go. For those coming to the park with younger children there is also plenty on offer and Duplo Land is the place to head.
By Alan, on December 30th, 2011
 Clapham is a great place to head for a day out, given the fact that it has something for everyone and for all ages, with both the quiet essence of a day out and the exciting nightlife that many look forward to on their weekends.
With plenty of restaurants, bars, and pubs there are options for everyone, from those looking for a romantic spot, a trendy nightclub, and families looking to grab a meal at one of the many home style pubs.
There are also some great local spots for drinks and cocktail bars for those that want to make a real night out of it. One of greatest aspects of Clapham is how accessible it is from both London City and Battersea, which makes it easy to find even more activities if you want to get out of downtown Clapham for some of the day.
For instance, Battersea Park offers a childrens Zoo and plenty of facilities for all ages. Clapham is also only about twenty minutes from Central London by car or train and there is plenty to do in the capital such as the Tower of London and many different museums. Within Clapham you can also head over toward the common where families are often found eating picnics and enjoying the grassy areas and woods.
Also on the Common are plenty of sports facilities for children to enjoy, as well as fishing and tennis for adults. There are also two playgrounds located on the Common for young kids and at various times throughout the year there are activities and festivals that are fun to take part in. Finally, just near the high street and main square there are plenty of stores and boutiques making it great for those who just want to venture out and explore some new places to shop for a bit.
By Alan, on December 28th, 2011
 Witches discovered in Lancashire in 1612 then rediscovered in 2012 There is no doubt that the lure of the Lancashire Witches is as strong as ever if you judge by the archaeological findings that are believed to be the long lost Malkin Tower of Pendle, complete with a mummified cat, and the array for literary works that will be published in time for 400th Lancashire With Trials in 2012. This fantastic tale, and its shocking outcome, still continues to enthrall millions.
Since the news of the archaeological find first broke, there have been over 500 views of the dedicated Lancashire Witch page on visitlancashire.com. These hits have come from all over the world as performers, artists, curators and other attractions seek ways to commemorate this historical landmark with a gamut of cultural event. The County is certainly set to rediscover the true and remarkable story of the 1612 Lancashire Witch Trials.
In 1604, just a year after succeeding to the English throne, King James passed his first piece of legislation, the Witchcraft Act. This was a subject close to his heart and the focus of his significant 1590 publication, Daemonologie; with the Witchcraft Act he could now see much harsher penalties imposed on those accused of these dark arts.
In 1612, a simple curse from the young Alizon Device resulted in the paralysis of a passing peddler and proved the catalyst for a Lancashire-wide search to uncover witches, familiars and the devil at work in this wild foreboding landscape; with families divided, neighbours under suspicion, magistrates and judges captivated by the fantastic tales and imaginings of these child witnesses. It was the year that at least twenty Lancashire witches were tried and ten sentenced to be hanged inEngland’s most infamous witch hunt.
In 2012 the county remembers these so-called witches and the historic events that led to their dreadful end, with some of Lancashire’s most stunning and dramatic terrain the exceptional backdrop to this remarkable episode in the county’s history.
The route taken by the largest group of accused, the Pendle Witches, stretches from small picturesque villages in Pendle through theRibbleValleyand the magnificent ancient hunting ground of theForestofBowland, to the great courtrooms and impressive surroundings ofLancasterCastle.
Today, this 45 mile Witches Trail can be explored by car, minibus or bike and offers attractions, historic inns, art and sculpture trails, cosy places to stay and stunning views, including the unmistakeable and unmissable Pendle Hill; which to this day it is the place to connect with and contemplate the witches’ story.
Lancashire will commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials in 2012 with an array of events, new artworks, theatre productions, exhibitions and conferences; running from the start of the original story in Pendle in March, until August when the trials took place and the witches were hanged in Lancaster. For more information www.visitlancashire.com/witches2012
Several new books about the Lancashire Witches have also been published to coincide with the anniversary. These include a reader-friendly version of the complete court reports of Thomas Potts, The Wonderful Discovery of Witches, translated into language we can understand today by witch expert and university lecturer, Robert Poole. Former Director of Lancaster Castle, Christine Goodier, in her book 1612 The Lancashire Witch Trials, takes her specialist knowledge and unique access to information on the subject and gives a very lively summary of the key happenings leading up to and during the trials. Goodier paints a poignantly human picture of all those involved, especially the ‘witches’ themselves.
A third book, The Lure of the Lancashire Witches by Jennie Lee Cobban, fleshes out the characters and events in a way that helps us understand what sort of people were involved and the environment and atmosphere of the time. It also demonstrates how opinions of the Lancashire Witches have changed over the centuries. For more information www.carnegiepublishing.co.uk
To plan your trip toLancashirepre-order your 2012 Lancashire Visitor Guide (out mid January) visitlancashire.com/visitorguide2012
By Alan, on December 22nd, 2011
 The story of Downton Abbey begins in 1912 and in the years previous to this the Victorians were very interested in showing off to their friends that they had mastery of the latest gardening techniques. In the time before 1912 people were obsessed with creating ornate Gardens with the most garish displays of flowers in order to show off their wealth and prosperity. By the time Downton Abbey begins there has been a great change in how people treat their gardens and the wealthy had a focus on creating a country home style of house where garish displays were out and rambling roses were in.
Highclere Castle is the real-world location of Downton Abbey and is where the series is filmed. The home was built in the mid-19th century and was designed by Charles Barry, who was also responsible for the design of the Houses of Parliament. Lady Carnarvon is the present-day occupant of the home and she has been recently changing the garden so that it represents a Victorian style and has all the grandeur associated with that.
The garden is something that is never shown in the television show because the owner of the home has made it off-limits for the cast. However Lady Carnarvon has said, “I’m a very keen gardener and I enjoy designing and doing work outside. I keep promising Jim Carter that I will take him on a tour of the garden but we have never managed to get around to it.” The Lady has been living in the house for over 10 years after her husband, the 8th Earl, took over the property around a decade ago.
Lady Carnarvon continued, “I’ve done some research and am trying to find out what was planted in the garden in the past and I’m going to replicate this in the property today. Unfortunately though the soil conditions are different and some of the plants are struggling to survive.” She has employed three gardeners who are helping her overhaul the garden and create the perfect look that she is after.
Fruit and vegetables were also popular in gardens in Victorian times and the use of the greenhouse meant that fresh vegetables and fruits could be grown all year round. Most grand houses at the time had a greenhouse but few others did because they were very expensive.
Currently at Highclere Castle there are no vegetables being grown but in the greenhouse there is an impressive selection of fruit including nectarines, peaches and pears. For women in the early 20th century flower arranging was a very popular activity and was seen as a very useful occupation for a lady, when the war arrived women found more useful employment.
Food shortages during the war years meant that the castle started producing more food and this was around the time that many artificial fertilisers were first developed. There are records of the house leaving behind natural fertilisers and adopting artificial ones for the first time. Gardeners also used poison to control pests.
By Alan, on December 18th, 2011
 If you are looking for outdoor activities around Derby then Markeaton Park is a great choice. It is a park that is popular with children and can be easily reached from the city. There is plenty of parking available at the park and you can cross a small bridge in order to reach the main area. There are plenty of attractions in the park including bouncy castles, crazy golf and donkey rides.
There are tickets available for the different rides at a kiosk in the centre of the park and it is a good idea to buy several tickets at the same time as the queues can get very long. If you’re visiting out of season then you will probably not have to worry about this but on a hot sunny day you might find yourself queueing for longer than you spend enjoying the activities.
There are some activities in the park which don’t require tickets and one of these is the traditional play area. There are all the normal activities you would expect such as slides, swings and roundabouts. Some picnic benches are located very close to these play facilities so parents will have somewhere to relax while they are also able to keep a close eye on their children.
A very enjoyable activity to do in the park is to have a picnic and visitors can bring this with them and enjoy it either on the grass or on one of the many picnic benches. Travel between the car park and the picnic area is very enjoyable as there is a steam train journey that lasts for around 15 minutes.
This is something that children will greatly enjoy and from the train you will be up to see a great deal of the nature that thrives in the park. It can also be enjoyable to have a picnic by the lake in the park and there are usually many boats floating around on it.
If you haven’t brought your own food then it is possible to enjoy lunch at the Orangery Cafe which is located on the grounds. The cafe serves up a great assortment of snacks including rolls, toasties, pasties and chips. They also serve hot drinks, the highlight of which is their hot chocolate. There are also a good selection of cakes to go with this and in the summer months there is ice cream served and candy floss is also available.
Another great opportunity is to take a boat out onto the lake yourself, as it is possible to rent a boat at the Mundy Centre. Parents should also pack any stale bread as there are plenty of ducks to feed in the park and you can even do this from the boat. There are many places to buy snacks around the park and ice cream is available very easily from many individual kiosks.
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