Category: UK Holidays

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Swanage & Purbeck

Swanage & Purbeck lies on the south coast of Dorset and offers stunning coastal and country scenery. Visitors can enjoy the Blue Flag sandy beach at the traditional Victorian resort of Swanage or the more rugged beach at Studland; walking along the South West Coast Path gives breath-taking views over the coastline. The area is also the eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast – Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are key features of the World Heritage Site.

Durlston Country Park is a perfect place to appreciate the area’s rich wildlife as is Wareham Forest, where the Sika Cycle Trail offers a safe off-road cycling environment. Purbeck also has a wealth of family attractions including Monkey World and The Tank Museum and was the inspiration for many of Enid Blyton’s novels.

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Visit North Norfolk

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Visit North Norfolk – North Norfolk is known for its ever-changing coastline and dramatic skies. Much of the coastline is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and is internationally known for its wildlife.

From Holkham Bay with its pine-fringed beach in the West to Happisburgh and Sea Palling in the Easty, North Norfolk’s coastline has something to offer everyone.

An area set apart in its location and character, North Norfolk is found at the farthest eastern reaches of England.

A good road network connects it to Britain’s motorways, and there are rail and coach links from most parts of the country. Trains run on the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham, passing through Wroxham, North Walsham and Cromer on the way. Norwich Airport is within easy reach.

CLICK HERE for the North Norfolk app

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Poole Tourism

With a unique mixture of fascinating history, a bustling quay and stunning beaches including Britain’s best beach, Sandbanks, a visit to Poole is a must in 2013. Poole’s stunning natural harbour and striking peninsula is the largest in Europe, providing the perfect location for watersports. The superb environment is rivalled only by its spectacular summer events programme, top attractions and a great dining scene.

Poole Quay provides a great base to just sit back and watch the visiting tall ships, luxury sunseekers and fishing vessels. Enjoy the views across Poole Harbour with one of the many harbour cruises available or set sail for the National Trust’s Brownsea Island. You will find a variety of fine dining restaurants and a selection of top quality pubs and cafes both on and surrounding Poole Quay.

Poole is a town rich in history and has a beautiful Old Town to explore. Use the cockle trail leaflet available from Poole Welcome Centre to find out more about this area. To experience the towns unique and colourful past make sure you visit Poole Museum (free entry) close to the quayside.

2013 plays host to Wave 105.2FM Summertime in the South spectacular events programme, visit Poole Tourism for further information.

Exciting events, a bustling quayside, exhilarating watersports and a stunning beach to rival any abroad, Poole is the perfect location for your holiday!

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Visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth, the great waterfront city, has miles of sea views and centuries of history.

With more than 800 years of naval history, Portsmouth’s world renowned Historic Dockyard is a must-see. Featuring HMS Victory, The Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior 1860, along with the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations, this attraction offers a full day’s visit.

A brand new Mary Rose Museum will open early 2013, reuniting the Mary Rose hull together with her collection of artefacts, placed in context, in a brand new boat shaped Museum.

Enjoy spectacular views from the iconic Spinnaker Tower, soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben!

Visit Gunwharf Quays and shop at over 90 designer outlets then enjoy a meal by the sea at one of 30 cosmopolitan bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Soak up the history with a walk along Portsmouth’s impressive waterfront, join a guided walk or self-guide yourself along the Millennium Promenade, taking in the Camber Dock, Round Tower and Square Tower.

Continue along the seafront to find green spaces, impressive gardens and a range of activities. Attractions include the D-Day Museum – relating the story of the Normandy landings, Southsea Castle – built by Henry VIII, Blue Reef Aquarium and the Royal Marines Museum.

For literary fans, Portsmouth is a surprising destination. The great author Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and his birthplace is preserved as a fascinating museum. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created his famous character Sherlock Holmes whilst residing in Portsmouth and the city is now home to a large collection of Conan Doyle memorabilia, on display as ‘A Study in Sherlock’ exhibition at the City Museum

Portsmouth also has a lively and diverse cultural scene. All year round there are city wide events and live entertainment – find live music, theatre and comedy in Portsmouth Guildhall, Kings Theatre and New Theatre Royal along with smaller independent venues.

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English Holiday Cruises

Here is a holiday in England which is truly different. Cruise through the glorious Cotswolds Severn Vale, visit fascinating destinations, relax in 4-Star comfort on the Edward Elgar Riverboat hotel and get a great value inclusive holiday from ONLY £195.

The cruises take you to a new ‘port’ each day to explore the local sights or join an inclusive guided tour. There are pretty towns such as Frampton, Upton and Stourport; heritage sights such as Gloucester and Worcester Cathedrals, and a wildlife centre at Slimbridge. One cruise also includes an excursion on the Severn Valley Railway.

The Edward Elgar offers comfortable cabin accommodation, delicious traditional English cooking and warm hospitality from the crew. The atmosphere is friendly, there is a well-stocked bar, complimentary tea and coffee and some live entertainment. The restaurant and top deck offer commanding views over the countryside and all inboard areas are climate-controlled. Enjoy England have awarded a 4-star Hotel Boat rating to the Edward Elgar for the past 3 years.

English Holiday Cruises offer some of the best-value holidays in the UK in a package which includes the cruise itself, full-board accommodation, tea and coffee, guided tours, live entertainment, free views…..and great memories!

Why take a river cruise holiday in England?

  • Drive or take the train to the boarding point – no airports, no ferries, no passports, no crowds.
  • Unpack once and take your hotel with you on a tour of the country. No repacking, no car, no fuss.
  • Enjoy close-up views of the surrounding countryside and travel to new places every day.
  • Step off to explore the local sights or join guided tours of pretty towns, heritage, wildlife and more.
  • Get to know your fellow-passengers quickly – we have small complement of only 22 people.
  • Enjoy every moment and relax – our crew will help you with everything.
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Puma Hotels

Book Early with Puma Hotels and save up to 30%!

Puma Hotels’ Collection is the new British hotel group with 21 unique four star hotels across the UK. What makes Puma Hotels different is that they’re all – well, different.

From Stratford-upon-Avon to Stirling, Torquay to Troon near Glasgow, Cardiff to County Durham, Puma Hotels give you an authentic experience of Britain’s unique and diverse landscapes, towns cities and coastline. And whichever you choose, you can be sure of a warm welcome and attentive service from our friendly, professional team.

With the Puma Hotels’ Collection, you can choose the perfect atmosphere and ambience for your break, as well as the ideal location. Many of their hotels date back hundreds of years; a number were built in the Georgian and Victorian eras, while others are products of their own times. Each hotel has its own distinctive identity and architecture. Between them, their 21 4 star hotels have over 2,800 bedrooms and all have free WiFi.

Their restaurants have won many awards, including numerous AA Rosettes, and many are regarded as destinations in their own right. And with 18 health clubs and 17 spas across the Collection, Puma Hotels have everything you need.

They’re proud of the fact that so many of their 21 hotels are genuinely important historic buildings, with their own place in British history. So you can sit in the library where Shakespeare wrote As You Like It at Billesley Manor Hotel, near Stratford-upon-Avon. Dine in the room where Oliver Cromwell planned the Battle of Worcester at The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds or stay in the ancestral home of a family who first came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066 at Walton Hall.

Puma Hotels’ Collection offer a best rate guarantee and you can find the best deals on their website if you book 21 days before arrival where you can save up to 30%.

This December Puma Hotels are giving away some great prizes from hotel breaks, shopping vouchers, Kindles and some Apple gadgets.

Click Here for the Puma Hotels advent calendar competition

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Anglesey Boat Trips

Anglesey Bost Trips provide opportunities to experience Anglesey in a whole new way – departing from Caernarfon, Menai Bridge Pier and Felinheli. They provide Power Boat trips on 6 and 8 person RIBs with a fully qualified very experienced RYA Power Boat Instructor.

With trips ranging from Wildlife tours to Puffin Island, to high speed rides throught the Swellies, Anglesey Boat Trips are great for couples, families and groups alike!

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Visit Derry

Londonderry is a centre of culture and creativity, and is now as famous for its confident modern outlook as it is for the timeless quality of its craic.

Meander through the bustling streets of the only completely Walled City in the British Isles and listen to the echoes of 1450 years of history. Stroll along its 17th century walls, and marvel at the the ever-changing skyline of a city which is constant only in the warmth of its welcome. Here you can expect many a smile of greeting from people who are noted worldwide for their friendly hospitality.

Gateway to Ireland’s Northwest, the city is pulsing with life, resonant with centuries of heritage and passion, yet fresh as an Atlantic breeze.

This is a joyful regional centre filled with celebration and inspiration, as manifested in the number and quality of their festivals and special events throughout the year. Energetic, outward looking and high-spirited, this is truly a city for all seasons.

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Visit Christchurch

Visit Christchurch

Christchurch’s unique location at the confluence of the rivers Stour and Avon and on the shores of its own spectacular natural harbour makes it the perfect destination to relax and unwind in, to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful coast and countryside and to discover the historic treasures within this ancient borough.

With fascinating heritage, interesting shopping and markets, numerous attractions and a wealth of waterbased activities, there is bound to be something to interest you whatever the time of year.

The borough of Christchurch extends from Hurn in the west to Highcliffe in the east and includes: an award winning floral village with a good range of accommodation, shops, pubs and restaurants, unspoilt beaches and the magnificent Highcliffe Castle.

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Polruan Cottages

Polruan Cottages is a select group of individually-owned homes, most of which overlook the beautiful Fowey harbour. They range from the small, one-bedroomed cottage for two people to the spacious property which will accommodate up to nine quite comfortably, each with its own essential character.

Polruan is an ancient nautical village on the south-eastern shore of Fowey Harbour – mid-way along the south Cornish coast between Falmouth and Plymouth. It is often spoken of as a ‘fishing village’, and indeed there are a few professional fisherman left, but an equally important role throughout its long history has been played, as it is still played today, by boatbuilding and other activities connected with the busy and beautiful harbour on which the community lies.

Today, Polruan is unsurpassed as a place for a peaceful self-catering holiday in Cornwall. For those who are after, first and foremost, somewhere to sail or otherwise ‘mess about in boats’, Fowey has become one of the West Country’s major sailing centres, with two active clubs (the Royal Fowey Yacht Club and the Fowey Gallants Sailing Club) and the Harbour Master, himself a keen small-boat sailor, is anxious to welcome yachtsmen and provide the facilities they need, at reasonable cost. There are good facilities too, for sea-fishing and other water-sports.

Whatever your needs, their aim is that you enjoy your holiday, and they will give any information and assistance they can. Many of their visitors return each year from far afield.